State Papers, 1658: January (4 of 4)

January (4 of 4)

Extraict du registre des resolutions secretes des hauts & puissents seigneurs les estats-generaux des Provinces-Unies des Pais-Bas.

Martis, le 5^me Fevrier 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 208.

A Esté oüï le rapport des sieurs Huygens, & autres deputez de leurs hautes puissances ès affaires de Portugal, suivant leur resolution du 21^me Janvier dernier, ayant visité & examiné la proposition du sieur Downing, resident du seigneur protecteur de la republique d'Angleterre, Escosse, & Irlande, touchant la mediation presentée par ledit seigneur protecteur à l'accommodement des differends entre la couronne de Portugal & cet estat: sur quoy estant deliberé, a esté trouvé bon & entendu, qu'au sujet de ladite proposition response sera rendue par la presente, que leurs hautes puissances auront pour trèsagreables les offices de mediation, qu'il plaira au seigneur protecteur susdit de faire contribuer à l'assoupissement des differents susdits, nez entre la couronne de Portugal & cet estat, afin que ces Provinces-Unies une fois & finalement puissent obtenir du costé de Portugal la longue attendue reparation, & satisfaction des injures & violences manifestes, si perfidemment perpetrées à l'endroit d'iceux, & de leurs subjects: mais quant à ce qui concerne la proposition de cessation d'armes, que sur ce sujet n'esté fait aucune reflexion par leur hautes puissances, ou que touchant ce par iceux ne peut estre tenu aucune deliberation devant qu'au preallable de la part de Portugal sera condescendu à la reparation & satisfaction requise, y adjoustant que leurs hautes puissances sont bien disposez, & aussy en tout temps se tiendront prests pour entendre & recevoir les propositions & ouvertures, lesquels pourront estre faites de la part du roy, ou de la reine regente, & de la couronne de Portugal, avec declaration, qu'en cas que le susdit roy ou la reine regente pourroient trouver bon d'expedier en deça leur ministre ou ministres, qu'iceux par leurs hauts puissances seront oüïs, admis à conferences, & en tout traitez & reçus, selon le droit des gens, & sera extraict de cette resolution mis ès mains dudit sieur Downing par l'agent de Heyde.

S'accorde avec le susdit registre.

Extraict du registre des resolutions des hauts & puissants seigneurs les estats-generaux des Provinces-Unies des Pais-Bas.

Martis, le 5^me Fevrier 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 207.

A Esté oüï le rapport des sieurs Huygens & autres deputez de leurs hautes puissances ès affaires de Portugal, suivant leur resolution du 1^r courant, ayant visité & examiné la lettre du college de l'admirauté d'Amsterdam, en date du 30^me Janvier dernier, comme aussy une annexe traduite du Portugais en la langue Flamande, par laquelle non-seulement apparoit, que ce qui a esté tenté & effectué sur le recif de Fernambuco au prejudice de cet estat, auroit esté fait par ordre speciale du roy de Portugal, mais aussy que le roy susdit y auroit fait remunerer les executeurs; sur quoy estant deliberé, a esté trouvé bon & entendu par la presente, de requerir le sieur Van Hove, administrateur de la compagnie des Indes Occidentales, qu'il veuille au plustost instruire leurs hautes puissances de ce qu'il auroit peu avoir appris de plus particulier sur ce sujet: & sera par l'agent de Heyde copie de de ladite lettre annexée mise ès mains du sieur ambassadeur de Thou, & du sieur resident Downing.

S'accorde avec le susdit registre.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to mr. Methusalah Turner, mr. Robert Hammond, and mr. Manton.

27 January 1657/8.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

As soon as the survey, which we undertook for the finall settlement of the adventurers, was perfected, we did forthwith apply ourselves to give satisfaction unto such adventurers, as fell into deficient baronies; but in the practice thereof did find ourselves obstructed by many difficultys:

As first, that we had no accompt, which of the adventurers were already satisfyed, and which not; nor out of what particular denominations each man took his satisfaction; and consequently we did not know the names of such lands, as remain yet undisposed of: for the clearing whereof we have sent to the sheriffs of each county, to give an accompt of this matter.

Secondly, altho' we can find by our surveys and such accompts as we have already concerning the debt of each barony, how much is wanting or overplus in each; yet we cannot tell, which are the very persons excluded satisfaction by any rule before us, as not having any account from Grocers-hall concerning the order of priority, in which each adventurer is to be satisfyed in his respective barony. I therefore desire you to help us in this point, and to transmitt unto us an accompt hereof with all the speed you can.

The act of parliament doth likewise instruct us to decide such controversies, as have or shall arise between the adventurers. Now altho' the councill are very willing (for maintaining of peace, encouragement of the adventurers, and promoting of plantation) to labour in that work; yet forasmuch as they know not the rules and particular agreements, which have been made amongst them, they find themselves as yet unable to go forward in this duty. I therefore desire you to send us an account (in order to the premisses) of these following particulars; viz.

1. Whether all baronies were to be divided into 4 quarters?

2. Whether the whole scope of land within each respective barony's out-line, consisting as well of unprofitable and unforfeited as other lands, should be divided into 4 quarters? Or whether the lands only, which were disposable to the adventurers, were to fall under that division? I have heard, that some understood this business one way, some another. Wherefore if you can give us any accompt, whether this question was determined by generall rules, or left to the discretion of the particular persons concerned, and in the latter case what course they did actually pitch upon in each barony, will be much light and direction unto us.

3. We desire to know, which of the baronies were divided into 4 quarters by parallel lines, making the quarters, commonly called the north-quarter, north-middle, south-middle, and south-quarters; and which baronies were divided by cross-lines, first dividing the whole barony into halfs by a north and south-line, and then sub-dividing each half again into two quarters by east and west-lines.

4. Whether the said divisionall-lines were to run straight, thereby needlessly cutting many denominations or parcells in the same barony; or whether it was so contrived, as that one parcell only should be cutt for the adjusting of the whole?

5. What rules there were given for the beginning or pitching upon the first parcell in the first quarter; and what rules to determine which parcell should necessarily succeed, and be 2d, 3d, 4th, 5th, &c. or whether the same was left to discretion?

6. We desire to know in what baronies they did sub-quarter the quarters, sub-dividing each quarter in the same manner, that the barony was.

7. What rules they had in turning about, so as to maintain contiguity, when they past out of the south-east quarters into the south-west, forasmuch as in the south-east quarter they proceeded from north to south, and in the south-west quarter from south to north, contrary wise?

8. Altho' we have platts of each barony, whereby the afore-mentioned sub-divisions (were they yet to be made) might be regulated; yet for deciding of controversies about distributions already past and made before our survey, it will be necessary to have those very platts, which the adventurers did actually use in such their sub-divisions, forasmuch as it will be impossible for us to discern, whether any rule hath been broken by them to the injury of each other, unless we have the rules, whether the same were true or false before us.

9. It would be good likewise, that the adventurers would send unto us what particular agreements they have made between themselves, according to which they have fairly and duly deflected from any of the generall rules before mentioned, which possibly they might have pitched upon.

I could wish, that the adventurers could agree together, to authorize some fitt person to joyn with some instruments of ours, in settling this whole affair; whereof as yet there appeareth no accompt, nor remaineth any record before us, so that the state will be as farr to seek in levying their quitt-rents, as the adventurers in receiving their due satisfaction.

My first desire to know the succession of each adventurer in each barony will be necessary to give them satisfaction, who stand yet excluded; which if we had, we think ourselves able to do. As for the other particulars (as you may very well perceive) they relate to the deciding of controversies; which I had rather might not happen at all, then to put you to the trouble of giving us the means to compose them. Wherefore, although I wish (in order to be prepared for all applications, which may happen to be made unto us) that we had some satisfaction as to the 9 last particulars; yet you knowing the end and use we intend to make of them, wee leave it to your discretion, how far to assist us in that particular.

Your loving friend to serve you,
H. Cromwell.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to sir Francis Russell.

The 27 January 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Sir,
I Have perused a copy of sir John's (fn. 1) will, and find, that he in his mention of his lands in Ireland did not only understand Carrick to be reall estate, but all his other lands also; whereas his lands in Carbury, and those bought of collonel Fowkes in the county of Waterford, are certainly but personall estate, and not reall, sir John's interest in them lying rather in the debentures, that purchased them, than in the lands themselves; as you may perceive by the enclosed state of that case: upon which account I conceive his wife hath right to them by virtue of his will, which gives her all his personall estate, although he seems in another place to give his lands in Ireland to his sister's children, all, excepting the manour of Carrick. The many intricacys upon the whole are enough to make many years work for the lawyers; wherefore I advise you to endeavour an end in an amicable way: and although having once proved the will, you may insist upon very great measures, yet for dispatch and quietness sake, I advise you to accept of the following terms, viz.

First, That you be cleared from the portion.

2dly, That my sister have a joynture of 500 l. per ann. secured her.

3dly, That she may have such arrears of pay as are satisfyable out of lands in Ireland confirmed unto her, the which of its self is worth a very small matter, though by the care of her friends it may be made considerable unto her; soe that upon this account Carrick and 16000 acres of land will remain for his other freinds, his debts being paid, and the jointure aforementioned being compleated.

If this way of freindly composure will not do, we must have a more ample accompt of all circumstances and writings relating to this business, before any further advice can be given unto itt; for to do it before, will only puzzle you and the affair. In the mean time it were good, that whilst the memory of sir John Reynolds and his services are fresh, that application were made to his highness, that 1115 l. o s. 11 d. ½, being 2/7 part of 3902 l. 13 s. 1 d. mentioned in the other paper, were advantagiously satisfyed out of lands and houses here in Ireland; for with speciall and extraordinary authority it will not be fitt for me to attempt it; and without that speciall favour, that arrear of 1115 l. is not worth 60 l. wherefore be diligent to obtain his highness favour for this purpose; and withall be private in the carrying of it, least what is indeed nothing be reckoned for something in your treaty. When I hear again from you, I will advise you further about satisfying the English arrear, as also that above-mentioned. In the mean time use the best means you can to prepare his highness to a friendly and favourable disposition to the suit. I remain
Your very affectionate freind, and faithfull humble servant,
H. Cromwell.

A representation of the case of sir John Reynolds his lands and debentures in Ireland, viz.

Sir John Reynolds had 5/7 parts of 3902 l. 13 s. 1 d. in 2 debentures satisfyed by 7272 acres ½ of land in the county of Corke; that is to say, the said number of acres was assigned unto him by certain commissioners appointed for that purpose, by vertue and in pursuance of the act of parliament concerning the satisfaction of adventurers and souldiers, dated the 26th of Sept. 1653, as may appear by the 70th page of the said act.

Now whereas the said act doth appoint, that after the division made between the officers and souldiers (which division was to be made by the commissioners above-mentioned) the said officers and souldiers having a certificate under the hands and seals of the commissioners of parliament, and having registred the same with the publick register for lands, are and shall be adjudged in the actuall seizin and possession of the said lands, &c. But sir John Reynolds never had the last mentioned certificate from the commissioners for division, which is only preparatory to the other, and which might be altered by the commander in chief of the army, according to the power given him in the 70th page of the said act; wherefore in the common opinion of all men here the said sir John Reynolds hath as yet no estate in the said lands, but only in the debentures, which are to be satisfyed by them. But the act of settlement (made in the first session of the parliament begun 17 Sept. 1656) confirmeth what was done either by the cheif authority here, or by any impowered under them. To which may be answered, that the said act confirmeth only what was done according unto and in pursuance of the former act made the 26th of Sept. 1653, which act this latter act of settlement confirmeth likewise.

The lands, which sir John Reynolds bought of collonel Fowkes in the county of Waterford, are in the same condition.

But the manour of Carrick is confirmed by patent.

General Monck to secretary Thurloe.

In the possession of the right honourable Philip lord Hardwicke, lord high-chancellor of Great Britain.

Sir,
I Received your letter of the 20th instant, by which I understand, that the parliament hath appointed a day of thanksgiving to bee kept in all the three nations, for preserving of his highnesse life from the late attempte. I could wish the orders and declarations for the day of thankesgiving were sent hither speedily, that wee may have time to disperse them soone enough for the ministers to observe itt. Yett truly I doubt there are few Scotch ministers, that will observe itt; but I shall write to the regiments to have itt observed; and likewise there shall bee notice given to all English and Scotch ministers, as soone as it comes to my hands. I am very glad to heare, that the Swedes have had soe good successe against the Poles, which truly is a great advantage to the Protestant interest. For newes heere I have none, neither doe I heare of any from beyond seas, or of Charles Stuart's doing any thinge, that is considerable; butt by as much as I heare from beyond seas, there is little probability, that they will give us any trouble this summer any way. I remayne
Dalkeith, 22 Jan. 1657/8.

Your very affectionate humble servant,
George Monck.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to lord Broghill.

28 Jan. 1657/8.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

My dear lord,
I Am not only happy in your lordship's company, but am so even in your very absence in England; for your lordship does not only write me good news, but are the cause of that good matter whereof you write. What you have acted with his highness and mr. secretary in my behalf, assuring them of my affections and endeavours to do things acceptable unto them respectively, I like well; but fear you have too much expressed your own affection towards me in what you said to his highness. But I know, your lordship's merit in other things will give you credit for more unlikely matters. Wherefore, if your lordship hath lent me any thing that was not mine, it follows, that I must labour to pay it, and discharge your lordship's engagements for my good behaviour. What your lordship wrote concerning his highness's concession as to the shares, pleaseth me well; but the impediments of my coming for England, not so; nevertheless I must and will submitt, though I would desire your lordship to have an eye to those reasons; and if neither they nor others prove reall or considerable, let not that design dye. I thank your lordship for your earnestness for money. I cannot tell what to say more about it; but our want, if not timely supplyed, will produce scurvy effects, and at least encrease our disease.

I will return your lordship no answer to what you writt about the house of lords dissatisfaction, &c. I am afraid to rake much into it, being unwilling to seek what I would not find. Here is little worth writing. Sir Mathew Thomlinson intends to sett forward for England the latter end of the next month.

Your's, &c.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to general Fleetwood.

28 Jan. 1657.

In the possession of William Cromwell esq.

Dear brother,
The inclosed papers will shew you, that we are both more than 144000 l. in arrear, and also that the civill revenue is not like to afford us above 10000 l. towards the discharge of what is really due; so that we still must persist in this, that the 180000 l. we demanded is no more than what is necessary for us. If we cannot have it, we must rely upon the omnipotence of God, who is able to help in farr greater streights. I shall not reply much about the 2 houses of parliament, but shall pray the Lord would appear amongst you; without which, all consultations, how prudently soever contrived, will at length prove vain and fruitless.

To his excellency the lord-deputy, and council of Ireland.

Vol. lvii. p. 223.

May it please your lordships,
We have, pursuant to your lordships order of the 23d instant, examined the ensuing accompt, being an accompt of the state of the revenue of Ireland, as the same now stands in charge for the present year, determining the last of April next, according to the several branches thereof (assessments for the army, with custom and excise exempted) what the same this present year may extend unto, having respect to the disposures both of houses and lands since the first of May last, defaultable thereout, together with such supposed insolvencies as may also happen in the several payments to be made thereof; and how the same may continue in probability as to the value of the future, notwithstanding such alterations as may be therein made by the disposures of the counties of Lowth and Kildare, with what the present and charge upon the civil accompts, notwithstanding all the retrenchments is to be supply'd thereout, and what may be supposed needful to answer emergencies on the ensuing year; and whether the revenue before mentioned will exceed or be deficient; if deficient, to be supply'd out of the revenue of the customs and excise, supposed at the 25th of March next, disposed of at the certainty of 70000 l. per ann. and what will remain thereof, if that contract be performed, to be apply'd towards the pay of the army as followeth, viz.

Out of which 32160 l. considering the towns of Galway and Wexford already disposed of by order of the parliament; the lands in the county of Galway disposed upon Athlone decrees, and several other lands in the county of Cork and other places by decrees in the exchequer since May last, together with such insolvencies as may very well be deemed to happen, we have thought fit to make an abatement upon supposition of 4160 l. and that done, leaves us that, which we suppose will prove for this great determining at May next, as a certain revenue, the sum of 28000 l. Now that the aforesaid sum of 28000 l. may probably prove a continued revenue of that branch of the gleab and tythes impropriate be not further incroached upon, as in part is begun with, and in some particular of lands already granted by patents, we offer these reasons, viz. that there appears in charge of houses and lands under lease for seven years, of which one or two are to expire from May next, a rent of 8237 l. 18 s. 9 d. out of which, by reason of a deduction of all contribution charges thereon that is to bemade, and the great abuse offered and put upon the commonwealth hitherto in the charging thereof, nothing, or that which is next to nothing, hath been produced; and on this side the expiration of these leases much may not be expected; therefore do we say by the said houses and lands leases at the aforesaid rent 8237 l. 18 s. 9 d. together with the fines and profits of the four courts, that we suppose may amount to 1000 l. per ann. and what the ale-license may afford, that we estimate also at 1000 l. per ann. all which making 10237 l. 18 s. 9 d. we suppose may repair such diminutions as may hereafter be occasioned by any further decree obtained; and also the disposure of what remains of the annuities of Lowth and Kildare, and render a probability of the continuation of the aforesaid revenue of 28000 l. arising out of the particular branches before expressed. Against which 28000 l. being to accompt the certainty of the charge and disbursements upon the civil accompt, as the same now stands; and finding, according to an abstract thereof lately presented to your lordships by the auditors, the same to amount to 34154 l. 2 s. 10 d. out of which discompting the late retrenchments, arising to 11855 l. 3 s. 4 d. there yet remains the certainty of 22298 l. 19 s 6 d. which discompted out of the aforesaid sum of 28000 l. leaves 5701 l. 0 s. 6 d. and that is all without the excise and customs, and the most that in any probability can be expected towards answering and defraying what other charges are incumbent on you; which though they may be called emergencies, yet are so visible, that there easily may be a demonstration of 15 or 16000 l. at least, that within the compass of one year next to come will be required or that purpose; so that to supply that defect out of the excise and customs, and that reputed of the rumour'd contract hold, and the farmers thereof say and pay accordingly at 70000 l. 0 s. 0 d. adding thereto the aforesaid sum 5701 l. 0 s. 6 d. make up a further revenue of 75701 l. 0 s. 6 d. out of which lay aside for the aforesaid emergencies 15701 l. 0 s. 6 d. and the residue left towards pay of the army will be 60000 l. But if the aforesaid contract fail, and the revenue of custom and excise be looked on according to the present year's accompt thereof, it will produce the aforesaid 60000 l. to a far less sum. All which is humbly submitted to your lordship's consideration.

28th January, 1657.

E. R. Ja. St.

Mr. Tho. Stacy to mr. Tho. White.

Dover, 28 Jan. 1657/8.

Vol. lvii. p. 173.

Honoured Father White,
Thease are to sartefie, that I arrived att Ostend the 26th of this instante, att 3 in the morning, and itt being lowe water, I hoisted outt our boote, carred the malle ashore, and thay did make mee and my menne for to stay in the corte-yard, and wolld not lett us soe much as wallke one the key. Sir, the resone was, beecase we shoud not see any thing that they did act; butt of saturday night last at 12 a clocke att night, thear came a great frigott out of Duncarke, thatt will cary betwixt 50 and 60 pease of ordinance: shee had ondly 16 mounted, and a hundred shoguers and 60 sea-men in har; and shee came into Ostend of sunday; and the great shipe, thatt was to cum outt of Ostend the last sumer, hath bin on the banke, and they have putt mast in to two of the great frigotts, and they will fitt with all expedison; soe I understand, that they wolld not have mee cum heare till they have dunn thear busenes. The Lord bee with you. I remaine
Your dutifull sonne
Thomas Stace.

From mr. Kingston.

In the possession of Joseph Ratcliffe of the Inner Temple esq.

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Sir,
After acknowledging the receipt of yours of the first of this instant, give me leave to aske you, whether Tom Talbot be gon into Germany? The reason why I put this question is, because I saw a letter written by an Irish a rch bi shop here, wherein he says, that R e l y, the la te ma de p r i ma te sent to him, to let him know, that they were designing of great things for the good of the Catholiques of Ireland, which were to be proposed to the next diet; and that T. Talbot was to be imploy'd in it. Although this message found no countenance with the party to whom it was sent, yet I do not thinke T. Talbot would suffer the designe to fall to the ground, wherein himself was to be employ'd as an agent; and I should not so much as troble you with the question, if I might be assured, there is no more in it, then the getting him into breeches and dublet, and some handsome contrivance to purchase a viaticum for the progress: but he hath a working braine, and both he and ld Talbot are di s con te n te d. Moreover, I now understand, that T. Talbot was verybitter against sir E. Hide and ld. Ormonu, at a meeting of the Irish in Ma c l in before Rely a good while since; and he who is scarse beleaved a good Christian, would make his ardent zeale for the Catholike religion appear after that manner. T. Talbot may not have gonn for ought I know; yet it being certaine, that such a resolution was taken there, it will not be amiss, that you endeavour to informe yourself, what was the scope of it, and that ld. Ormond do likewise receave notice from you of such an intention in some busy-headed men.

You wil be pleased to remember, that I gave you a note, to put you in mind of Constantinus a Pavia, who is said to be a person, that speaks feelingly of our king's sufferings, and would be in a capacity to further his interests, if he were promoted to the place of generall of the order of St. Francis, which his freinds pretend to have for him. Father George Dillon thinks it wil be now seasonable to direct sir Henry Bennet to doe all good offices towards it, and to appear in wishing well to his promotion.

Dr. Kelly gives you many thanks for the care you have exprest in your letter to Bruxels, concerning those p r i e s t s.

After I had received the inclosed to ld. Aubeny, he tould me, that his frends thinke there is no dealing with the pope, before himself shewes a willingness, that application should be made to him; and if that should appear to be his reall intention, there would not want those, that would be willing to drive the business home.

Now to shote my bolte, and give you my jugement upon the whole matter, I thinke ld. Aubeny hath very sincear desires to serve k. of England; yet those take him not up so fully, as not to doe somewhat in order to himself. I thinke also, that he endeavours by all wayes possible to go e to Rome, where all those ends of being usefull to others, and doing himself good, may be best compast. I know he is wisht for there, and that whatsoever is to be acted there in the king's behalf, would be advanced in one day more by his presenc, the reputation of his birth, and the interests he hath alreddy in some there, then in a month by men, who can pretend to no more countenanc, then their habite and zeale can give them. The impediment is that, which is usually the remora to great designes. He is now againe out of all hope to s e l l his la n ds. His freinds, I believe, on whom perhaps he intends the charge should light, fear the weight of it, and the uncertainty of any good succes more. And so, sir, you have my conception of a business, which seems now to be at a stand. By the next you shall know what I can learn from R o c h. There are some here would be glad to know where, and in what state of health, collonel Muskry and captaine Aylmer are.

My lord of Insiquin beleaves he wil be dismis'd from serving this crowne, being he is resolved not to part with his sonn. They speake of a journey you are to make. I am
Your faithfull humble servant,
Kingston.

Paris, this 8th of Feb. 1658. [N. S.]

A monsiur, monsieur Lawrence.

From mr. Kingston.

In the possession of Joseph Ratcliffe of the Inner Temple esq.

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Sir,
I Am directed by ld. Aubeny to let you know, that there have been severall conferences of late concerning Mountagu's affaires; and that his freinds are of the same mind with him, in wishing good succes to them, being confident, that Catholiques will find benefit and advantage by his increase in power. And although they were hetherto in dispaire, that any good could be donn at Rome for the k. of England, that court being wholy guided by Mazarine himself, and those upon whom he hath an influence; yet now having understood, that after the birth of the prince of Spaine, and notice receaved at Rome, that the king of Hungary is to be emperor, the pope begins to shrinke his shoulders, and looke about him. It is beleaved the times may become more proper, and that ld. Ormond may receave some exspressions from the pope's nu n ci o at F r an c fo r t, whereon an application may be fitly grounded.

Ld. Aubeny likewise wished me to tell you, that it is knowen here, and passes for a certaine truth, that the k. of Spaine hath at this time an a g e n t at London, soliciting an accord, and offering to give up Du n k i r k, untill with their j o i n t fo r ce s Ca l l a y s ma y be ta k en for Cromwell, and that 390 doubts not this to be really true. I am,
Paris, this 8th Feb. 1658. [N. S.]

Sir, your faithfull humble servant, Kingston.

A letter of intelligence from the Hague.

Vol. xlvii. p. 215.

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Monsieur,
Les estats d'Hollande font encore grand bruit de vouloir donner à Dennemare non-seulement argent, mais aussy navires de guerre & infanterie, & si Cromwell & France par dexterité ne le detournent (comme aisement leurs ambassadeur & resident pourront faire en parlant rondement) ils le feront; bien que ceux de Dennemarc sont mine de craindre, que ce ne seront que des menaces pour intimider les protecteur & France, aussy-bien que le Swede. En effect je croy aussy, que ce sont des menaces, mais telles menaces, qui auront des suites facheuses, si l'on n'y prend garde. Mais je vois, que le ambassadeur de France va le bon pied, & a representé à Amsterdam, que les estats d'Hollande a tort, & que le meilleur pour Dennemare, mesme voire pour Poland aussy, est, qu'on appaise & sauve le Dennemarc, incontinent aussy appaiser le Poland, qui autrement ne sauroit sans l'empereur. Mais les estats d'Hollande semblent avoir intention & dessein, ou de supprimer tout-à-fait le Swede, ou le forcer de faire comme fait Brandenburg, qui se tourne à tout vent. Et certe à Sweden il sera aussy plus facile de s'accommoder, & se joindre à l'empereur, comme facile il a esté à Brandenburg de la faire. Et les estats d'Hollande ont toutes les peines du monde pour cacher leur vray dessein, qui est de contrecarrer le protecteur en Flandres. Les estats d'Hollande font grand parade, que le protecteur auroit approuvé la procedure de estats d'Hollande touchant Sweden, à cause que le resident aura parlé moderamment de cela; au moins pas improbatoirement, si cela est le sentiment je m'en rapporte. Tant y a que le meilleur moyen d'appaiser le Nort sera, si preliminairement icy le protecteur, France, & les estats generaux s'entre-accordent dans la mode; autrement si les mediateurs ne s'accordent point, comment s'accordent les belligerants? Je reste,
Ce 8 Fevrier [1658. N. S.]

Monsieur, Vostre très-humble serviteur.

Extraict du registre des resolutions secretes des hauts & puissants seigneurs les estats generaux des Provinces-Unies du Païs-Bas.

Veneris, le 8^me Fevrier 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 212.

A Esté derechef produite en assemblée la proposition du sieur de Thou, ambassadeur du roy de France, faite premierement de bouche le 2^me Janvier dernier, & en suite delivrée par escrit, contenant entre autre exhortation & requisition au nom & de la part de sa majesté susdite, qu'il plairoit à leurs hautes puissances de continuer ces bonnes intentions, lesquelles ils témoignent avoir à l'accommodement & assoupissement de la guerre allumée entre les trois couronnes du Nord: Sur quoy estant deliberé, a esté trouvé bon & entendu, que la susdite proposition, pour autant ce qui concerne ledit sujet, afin de continuer ès bonnes intentions, lesquelles leurs hautes puissances témoignent d'avoir à l'accommodement & assoupissement de ladite guerre allumée entre les trois couronnes du Nord, sera represenaudit sieur ambassadeur de Thou par les sieurs de Gent & autres deputez de leurs hautes puissances ès affaires de France; que leurs hautes puissances jusqu'a present d'autant qu'en eux est, ont labouré, & ne manqueront encore par continuation à labourer à ce qu'un bon accommodement entre lesdites trois couronnes, & par consequent une paix & tranquillité generale puisse estre establie ès dits quartiers, y adjoustant, que leurs hautes puissances estiment la plus prompte & la plus apparente fin de cette guerre pouvoit estre esperé & attendue; à ce que les rois susdits puissent mieux estre disposez à une election de lieu & prefixion de temps pour assemblée, pour persuader fortement de la part du roy de France susdit & de cet estat, ensemble des autres alliez & voisins, le trouvant bon premierement, quant à ce qui concerne les rois de Suede & de Dennemarc, que le tout par provision puisse estre restablie & laissé en tel estat, qu'ill a esté devant le commencement de ladite guerre; & en suite, que toutes les païs, villes, fortresses, & places prises ou conquises, les uns fur les autres, durant ladite guerre, soient reciproquement evacués & restituées, avec firme pro mise de part & d'autre de vouloir entretenir & observer les traités faites à Bromsebro, & qu'en suite sur ce par provision les armes estant mis bas; qu'en outre les griess particuliers, que l'un ou l'autre ou tous deux pourroient avoir à inferer, soit sur l'in-observance ou contravention ausdits traités ou autrement, puissent estre adjustés à l'amiable, & aux interventions des alliés de part & d'autre. Et quant à ce qui touche les differends entre les rois de Pologne & de Suede, lesdits seigneurs deputez de leurs hautes puissances sont requis, touchant l'assoupissement d'iceux, de communiquer audit sieur ambassadeur les propositions & projects formez par cy-devant à ce sujet, & particulierement exprimez en certain memoire arresté par leurs hautes puissances, le 18^me Novembre 1656, avec assurance, que leur hautes puissances n'y ont aucune autre visée, aussy avec requisition à sa majesté susdite, de cooperer fortement à la mesme fin sur lesdits fondements avec leurs hautes puissances, & avec declaration, que rien ne pourra estre plus agréable à leurs hautes puissances, que sur ce soit observé & entretenue en toutes occurrences une bonne & estroite correspondence entre sa susdite majesté & cet estat, ensemble entre les ministres de part & d'autre.

Extraict du registre des resolution secretes des hauts & puissants seigneurs les estats-generaux des Provinces-Unies du Païs-Bas.

Veneris, le 8^me Fevrier 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 214.

Ayant esté derechef produit en l'assemblée le rapport & advis des seigneurs deputez de leurs hautes puissances ès affaires de Suede & Dennemarc, après meure deliberation a esté trouvé bon & entendu, que de la part de cet estat tous offices & devoirs possibles & efficacieux seront contribuez & employez à l'assoupissement de la guerre souslevée depuis peu entre les rois de Suede & de Dennemarc susdits, de telle sorte, que suivant les resolutions de leurs hautes puissances, du 15^me d'Octobre, & 13^me Decembre dernier, par succés d'iceluy, aussy par consequent la tranquillité & paix long-temps souhaitée en Pologne & Prusse estant attainte & restablie, & ainsy, s'il est possible, on parvienne à une paix generale de ces quartiers susdits: & specialement, que lesdits ambassadeurs ou autres ministres de cet estat, lesquels sont employés à l'execution & avancement de ce, que dessus, pour la plus particuliere ouverture de l'intention de leurs hautes puissances en l'affaire de ladite mediation, seront notisiez par lettres speciales; que leur hautes puissances estiment, que la plus prompte & la plus apparente fin de cesdites guerres pouvoit estre esperée & attendue, à ce que les rois susdits puissent au plustot estre disposez à une election de lieu, & prefixion de temps pour l'assemblée, pour les persuader fortement de la part de cet estat, ensemble des autres alliez & voisins le trouvant bon, lesdits rois de Suede & de Dennemarc, pour par provision le tout restablir & laisser en tel estat, qu'il a esté auparavant le commencement de la guerre susdit, & ainsy d'avancer & restituer reciproquement les païs, villes, fortresses, & places prises ou conquises l'un sur l'autre, durant ladite guerre, avec une firme promesse de vouloir entretenir & observer de part & d'autre les traités faits à Bromsebro, en l'année 1645, desquels aussy leurs hautes puissances en ont en partie au mesme-temps promis la maintenue & guarantie, & en suite sur ce les armes estant mis bas, ils laissant adjuster à l'amiable, & par intervention des alliez de part & d'autre, les griefs particuliers, que l'un ou l'autre ou tous deux pourroient avoir à inferer, soit sur l'inobservance & contravention desdits traités, ou autrement. Et quant à ce qui concerne les disferends entre les rois de Suede & de Pologne, qu'iceux peuvent estre terminez & assoupis fur le mesme pied, & suivant la maniere plus amplement exprimée en la 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6^me article d'un certain memoire arresté par leurs hautes puissances, le 18^me de Novemb. 1656, & pour lors envoyé ausdits sieurs ambassadeurs de cet estat; & de surplus sera ladite bonne intention de leurs hautes puissances communiquée au roy de France, & au seigneur protecteur de la republique d'Angleterre, Escosse, & Irlande, par les ministres de cet estat resident en leurs cours respectives; aussy ensemble icy par les sieurs de Gent & autres deputez de leurs hautes puissances ès affaires de France, au sieur de Thou, ambassadeur dudit roy de France, & aussy au sieur Downing, resident dudit seigneur protecteur, par les sieurs Huygens, Nieuport, & autres deputez de leurs hautes puissances, n'y ont aucune autre visée, mais y contribueront tout ce qui est en eux à ce qu'entre lesdites parties guerroiantes un bon accommodement & paix raisonable soit formée; aussy avec requisition, qu'il plaise au susdit roy de France, & au susdit seigneur protecteur d'Angleterre, de cooperer sur lesdits fondements, & à mesme sin conjointement avec leurs hautes puissances.

De Thou, the French embassador in Holland, to Bordeaux, the French embassador in England.

Hague, 8 Febr. 1657/8. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 219.

My lord,
In my last I sent you the two propositions of monsieur Downing, whereby you will see a part of his credentials; for the rest, he is yet secret. This morning I returned him his visit; I could not do it sooner, for I have been five days at Amsterdam about some publick and private affairs. Here inclosed I send you the answer upon monsieur Downing's propositions, whereby you will perceive how requisite it is, that Portugal should send some body hither, to treat about their affairs.

H. Cromwell, lord-deputy of Ireland, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 221.

Sir,
I Am glad, that by my lord Broghill's favour I may some times heare of you, although it pleases God I cannot heare from you. I hope the Lord will shortly enable you to restore mee the comfort of your correspondence. Our necessities have putt mee upon such tart and rude expressions for releif, and upon such unhandsome murmurings at my condition, that I sometimes thought the offence, which you might take at it, had lengthened your silence; but I hope you will pardon this jealousie, since it proceeds from nothing but my love towards you, and the feare of loseing your's towards mee. Things are well enough here; if wee had money, wee could be quiett. I am as afraid to trouble you about it, as I am of the consequence of wanting it much longer. Wee begin now and then to receive some words of comfort, and hope that deeds will follow; which I wish even for the being's sake of this poore nation. Reducement is at a stand, neither can the witt of man putt it forward without money. Besides, I thinke wee should have orders from the councell to make it here, because wee had a letter from them to doe it by other rules; whereas I have had hitherto butt private instructions. If the Spaniard hath any thing to say to us here in field, I thinke the proposition of reconcileing and diminution of the charge with keeping up neer the same effective force deserves to bee hearkened unto. If any such thing as an invasion bee likely, pray let mee have timely notice of it. My brother Fleetwood reckons the debt at 144,000 l. which is 36,000 short of what I represented it; and reckons that wee may spare 100,000 l. out of the revenue towards the paying of the army, where it is well if it prove 10,000; but I have rectified that mistake as well as I can. His highness wrote formerly about provideing for collonel Humsreys. Employments are very scarce here; yet if it must bee, wee will make a major of foot's place for him. I did not forgett this buisiness, but wrote an account of it in a letter I intended to his highness by collonel Sankey, whose not proceeding on his journey was the cause of this delay; wherefore I desire you to acquaint his highness with it. I will say nothing about the parliament, &c. but should be glad to heare what they doe, and are likely to doe, if any man were soe wise, or rather soe luckie as to guess right at it. I remane

Dublin, Jan. 29th 1657.

Your very affectionate freind, and most humble and faithfull servant,
H. Cromwell.

A letter of intelligence.

De Brusselles, du 9 Fevrier 1658. [N. S.]

Vol. lvii. p. 232.

Le sieur de Sassebourgh, resident de messieurs les estats generaux des Provinces-Unies, ayant esté icy plus d'un an sans qu'il ait esté receu en la qualité par monsr. l'archiduc & le comte de Fuensaldigne, qui partirent quelque temps après; & lors que S. A. S. le prince don Juan d'Austriche & le marquis de Carazene sont icy venus d'Espagne, il se seroit aussy addressé à ceux pour estre receu, mais parceque d'Estevan de Gamarra avoit mandé, que le resident estoit bien envoyé, mais à condition qu'il ne seroit pas reçeu qu'avant que messieurs les estats d'Hollande auroient envoyé des ambassadeurs à la cour d'Espaigne; lequel a derechef fait des instances auprès S. A. S. pour en avoir audience, & estre receu en qualité de resident: & l'affaire ayant esté considerée par S. A. don Juan, il a esté resolu de luy accorder audience, & luy a fait dire, qu'il luy feroit sçavoir le jour, qu'il seroit receu en la qualité de resident d'un estat, qui est amy de sa majesté Catholique. On ne sçait pas, quelle consideration on a icy de faire cela; s'il estoit question de negotier quelque chose avec luy touchant la deffense de Flanders, ou autrement. Maintenant que la guerre avec les ennemis est finie par la rigeur de la saison, & qu'on ne songe qu'à empescher les desseins de deux grands ennemis, qui sont la France & l'Angleterre, qu'ils projectent sur la Flandre par la fortification de Cassel, & secourir la ville de Graveline & Dunquerque.

Nous avons une nouvelle guerre au-dedans, pour les logements à la campagne; les soldats & païsants ont eu entr'eux des desmelez, qui n'ont pas esté sans effusion du sang. On dit, que deux ou trois cents des gens de monsr. le prince de Condé y ont esté tuez, & monsr. Bouteville blessé legerement à la cuisse; mais don Antonio de la Cueva, qui a esté major domo de la reine de Suede, & le margraff d'Anvers sont allés pour les accommoder.

On craint une émotion dans le païs de Julliers, puisque les estats du païs ont resolu de ne plus permettre des troupes de monsr. le prince de Condé en quartier d'hyver, puisqu'ils sont desja assez foulez; neantmoins quelques trouppes sont marchées par-de-lá. Il est venu icy un nouveau viador de la cour d'Espagne, avec madame sa femme, qui sont personnes de condition & de moyens, de la maison de Leganez, qui commence à exercer sa charge. On publie tousjours, que sa majesté catholique envoyera des lettres de change à don Juan, de 2 millions de livres, pour employer aux payements des gens de guerre. On dit à la cour, que le prince d'Espaigne est malade.

Monsr. de Grimming, receveur-general des finances, est ensin suspendu de sa charge, & des autres qu'il avoit à Furne, & Berghe, & St. Winox; c'est parcequ'il refuse de rendre compte des deniers, qu'il a autrefois receus en Flandres, desquels il dit avoir une discharge du comte de Fuensaldaigne, qu'on dit n'estre pas valuable; de maniere, qu'on luy a donné 15 jours pour rendre ses comptes, après lequel terme expiré on l'escoutera en ses biens, s'il n'y satisfait.

Monsr. le prince de Condé ne sort guéres, & depuis 5 ou 6 jours se trouve un peu indisposé, ce qui l'a obligé de se faire saigner avant hier; neantmeins on ne laisse pas de tenir conseil de guerre tous les jours.

Avant hier le roy de la Grande-Bretagne arriva icy, & eust hier une longue conference avec le prince don Juan, à la petite maison au Parc, pour eviter les formalitez. On ne sçait pas encore ce qui s'est passé là entre ces deux grandes princes: ses gens disent, qu'on espere un changement en Angleterre, à cause de l'assemblée en parlement. Il partira, comme l'on dit, mercredy prochain, 13^e de ce mois, pour Anvers, pour y rencontrer les deux ducs ses freres, & madame la princesse royale sa sœur, qui doivent aussy partir de Breda à cette mesme fin.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lvii. p. 234.

May it please your lordship,
I Hav detaind mr. Compton a whol weeke, in expectation of sending by him a returne to those commands mr. Marvale putt me in hops I should have receivd from your lordship ere this: but finding, that last post, which arryvd heare yesternight late, broght me none from your lordship, I have dispatch'd him this morning, having little to say by him, save that count Brienne was sent to me from the cardinale on fryday last, with two desyers. The first was, that the resolutions for the next campagne may no longer be under the uncertainty they were in, the necessity of affairs requyring their being broght to some speedy conclusion. The second was, that his highnes and his majestie might by their publick ministers in Holland treatt joyntly les affaires de marine, or their interests at sea with that nation. Monsr. de Bourdeaux hath orders to prepound this last, and theirfor I have but touch'd it, and shall not repeatt any thing I have said formerly concerning the first.

My lord, I am exceedingly sorry to heare, that your lordship hath not yet recover'd your strenth: I shall now pray for it with more zeale then ever, finding by my last, that your lordship's presence in parliament was never more needfull. Your enimies hope to foment divisions their so strongly, as all our expectations of settlement shall be disappointed; but man can only propose, it is God that disposeth, who, I am confident, will not leave his own work in its last stepp: he, that hath broght it to the birth, will give strenth to bring foorth, and turne the councells of his opposers to their own shame. If your lordship's commands for me be not parted before mr. Compton's returne, I begg they may be (so soone as is possible) sent to,
Paris, Feb. 10th 1657/8, [N. S.]

May it please your lordship,
Your most humble, faithfull, and obedient servant,
Will. Lockhart.

Lockhart, embassador in France, to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. lxiii. p. 135.

My lord,
The cardinal having given liberty to my lord Douglas, to raise five hundred men for the recruites of his regiment, and furnish'd him with money for the doeing thereof, ingaged mee to desire your favour for him, that you would be pleas'd to grant him licence, to make his leveys in Scottland. It being late in the year, it imports very much to the young gentleman's fortune, that he hath the benefit of a happy dispatch. I dare answer for his particular, that he hath noe inclinations at all for the adverse partie; but that he will make use of the advantage your lordship shall give him upon my request for the service of the king of France. Upon this assurance I doe the more confidently recommend him to your lordship, entreating, that he may have the honour to be oblig'd unto you for the speedy effectuating his business; which if I had thought him any ways unworthy of, your lordship should not have had the trouble, which at present is given you by,

Paris, Feb. 10. 1658. [N. S.]

My lord,

Your most faithfull, most humble, and most obedient servant,
Will. Lockhart.

Col. Ed. Cooke to Lockhart, embassador in France.

In the possession of Joseph Radcliffe, of the Inner-Temple esq.

I Should reward your good with evill, should I as often trouble your excellence with my acknowledgement, as you are pleased to provoke mee to it by your favours. Thus when I consider you and your ease, I forbeare; and when I consider myselfe, and my duty, I write; under which capacity I am at present, having since my last understood by coll. Tompson, that e're that request reached your excellencie, your prescient generosity had effectually answered it soe, that the best excuse for this present trouble is, to begg your pardon for that unnecessary one I gave you then; and humbly to beseech, that notwithstanding that and all ill predecessors, you will please soe far to undervallue yourselfe, as to owne mee for
London, Jan. 28./Feb. 10 1657/8.

Your's.

Col. Ed. Cooke to col. Tompson.

In the possession of Joseph Radcliffe, of the Inner Temple esq.

I Should have been glad the money for the whole could have been obteyned at the same time; but however, the concerne shall bee equally considered with ours, and the care noe lesse acknowledged. I cannot as often as I would answere your kinde letters, nor order our affayres by my writing, being very much prest by many other occasions; but you shall from time to time receive directions in all things from sir Herbert Lunsford, from whose pen you may as considently receive them as my owne; and the conforming them accordingly shall bee owned by
London, Jan. 28/Feb. 10 1657/8.

Your affectionate servant.

Colonel Jephson to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xlvi. p. 299.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Sir,
I Am very sory to find by mr. Marvell's letter of the 15th of January, that your indisposition had not then left you. I heartily wish you (and by his letter find some reason to hope) that this may find you in perfect health. I gave you in my last an account of the state of your affayres here, which was but conjecturall upon such observations as I was able to make, by theyr carrige to m e here, But the inclosed letter, which I receyved yester night, will plainly shew you their intentions; only give mee leave to tell you, 'tis as to their inclination to a peace with h. Austria, my opinion is still the same it was, and doe believe it to bee insinuated in this let ter, purposelye, as beeing by them esteemed the most powerful argument to p e r s w a d e you to give them your solemnel avec toutes ses resolutions; pouvoir, confirmation, la signature, & le sceau demeure nul & de nul effect; si bien, qu'il n'y a point de sujet de s'estonner, si Dieu permet, que les affaires de Dennemark se reculent ou empirent de plus en plus. Mais il est estrange, que le ministre de Dennemark s'efforce de porter leurs hautes puissances à l'assistance d'une cause, qu'on voit notoirement, que Dieu tout-puissant ne veut point benir; en decision du quel il se fonde sur des traitez, qui ne parlent que de secourir celuy qui sera attaqué, comme l'est en effect sa majesté de Suede, qui pour cette raison devroit estre aussy assisté, ainsy que ledit resident la demande cy-devant, & que continue encore tres effectueusement, assurant leur hautes puissances, que leur mediation (comme de plus anciens hautes puissances estoient prestes de donner un grand subsidie au roy de Dennemark, il fit à Lubeck sa paix avec l'empereur, & en signe de rejoüissance on tira le canon, p r e s e n t a y d in money. I confesse, I could wish the money had eyther never beene p r o m i s e d, or payd at the t i m e appointed: for I did formerly ghuesse, and doe now plainly see, that whatsoever the king shall act in this conjuncture of affaires, which may seeme c o n t r a r y to the desyres or i n t e r e s t of the protect or, it will bee e x c u s e d on that account. Besides, I have but to much reason to believe, that this is the only cause, why they proceed not w i t h me in the treat y. Sir, this businesse is of too greate weyght for mee to take upon mee to give you my advice therein; but shall expect your farther instructions how to behave my selfe in it; and in the meane time will indeavour to the best of my discretion to prevent any thing, which may tend to your prejudice. The king is now very intent upon his designe of marching over the yce into Funing-island. His intention, I heare, is not, as was generally believed, to goe over at Frederick's-Ode, where by reason of the swiftnesse of the streame the sea is seldom frozen over, but to passe from another part of the land, from whence, though it bee two Dutch miles over, they say they have frequently passed in winter with wagons and carriages of greate burthen. A fewe dayes will probably shew the successe of this undertaking, before which time I doe not expect, that the king will much thinke of any other businesse. As to the affayres in Poland, I have here intelligence from very good hands, that they are very much divided amongst themselves in relation to the house of Austria; that there is only the king and the familye of Lesensque, with the clergye, who are for them, who only have ingadged in their last treaty to the Austrians for their succession to the crowne; but the queene (whose power is thought to bee as greate at least as the king's, his understanding and industry beeing much greater) and the rest of the nobilitye and gentry doe much oppose them; for it hath beene for many ages an agreement strictly observed amongst them, to exclude the house of Austria in the election of their kings. Sir, I suppose you will now bee fully satisfyed, that it will neither bee for the honour nor the interest of the protector to have any my n i s t e r of his at the Prussian treaty as a m e d i a t or, to re c o n c i l e soe many po p i s h interests: I therefore beseech you, that I may with all convenient speed receyve your positive instructions, how to bring your businesse here to an issue one way or other; for really, sir, I am very heartily weary of beeing soe long in a strange country at your great charge, 204 433 8 100 544 27 6 90 95 85 94 70. I receyved upon thursday last a letter from mr. Bradshaw, from a place called Memmel in Courland, whither I formerly told you he intended to retire, untill he receyved notice from mee of the king of Sweden's consent to his returne, which I have sent him 3 weekes since. Hee intimates to mee in his letter, that there is a report at Dantzick, as if the duke of Musco should bee assassinated by his father-in-law; whereupon hee resolves to stay at Memmel, untill hee knowes the truth thereof; in order whereunto, he hath sent his secretary that way. Hee sent me likewise there with an extract of a letter from a Swedish colonel, which seemes to be manifest the contrary of the duke's death, and an inclination to a peace with the king of Swede, as you will see by the inclosed. I shall by this post impart to mr. Meadow what concerns the businesse of Denmark in these letters, and will add noe more to your present trouble, but the tender of the most hearty and reall respect of
Wismar, 10 Feb. 1657.

Sir, your most affectionate, and faythfull humble servant,
W. Jephson.

Inclosed in the preceding. Extract of a letter written by a Swedish colonel to the governor of Riga.

Pernaw, the 18th of December 1657.

Yesterday came a boore thorough the enemies camp, being sent from Clewell by his excellency grave Magnus with letters hither, in which the said grave informed us, that a gentleman of the Swedish ambassador Bielesten in Muscow, was come thence to Revell, who affirms, that we are in great likelihood of peace with the great duke of Muscaw; and that he was sent by the said ambassador with letters from the said grand duke to the king of Sweden, for the confirmation and ratification of the concluded treaty. As also, that the great duke hath commanded up the third man throughout his realm, with a resolution to re-commence, and prosecute his warr with Poland to the utmost of his power. Our Finish troops (and 4000 foot) are upon the march hither, and (as grave Magnus writes) already on this side the Narve; and so soon as they can come up to join his excellencies forces in these parts, hee resolves to come to our succour, and, by God's assistance, to expell the Lithuanians out of this country.