A firme aliance & agreement made betvveene his Ma[ies]tie the King of Svvethland on the one side: and his grace the Duke of Statin and Pomerland on the other side VVherein is shovvne the cause, vvhich moued the King of Swethland to take vp armes to defend the said distressed Duke, and his countries against the horrible oppression, and violence of the Emperours souldiers. Translated out of Dutch into English Anno 1631. Treaties, etc. Pomerania (Germany). English Sweden. 1631 Approx. 48 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 14 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A02404 STC 12533 ESTC S119066 99854273 99854273 19683 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A02404) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 19683) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1103:05) A firme aliance & agreement made betvveene his Ma[ies]tie the King of Svvethland on the one side: and his grace the Duke of Statin and Pomerland on the other side VVherein is shovvne the cause, vvhich moued the King of Swethland to take vp armes to defend the said distressed Duke, and his countries against the horrible oppression, and violence of the Emperours souldiers. Translated out of Dutch into English Anno 1631. Treaties, etc. Pomerania (Germany). English Sweden. Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor, 1578-1637. Letter of Ferdinand the Roman Emperour to the most illustrious King of Swethen Gustavus Adolphus. aut [26] p. By Andrevv Clouting, Printed at Delph : Anno 1631. Appended, with caption title: A letter of Ferdinand the Roman Emperour to the most illustrious King of Svvethen Gustavus Adolphus, &c. translated out of Latine into English. Signatures: A-C⁴ D² (-D2, blank?). The agreement was made by Gustavus II of Sweden and Boleslaus XIV, Duke of Pomerania. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Pomerania (Germany) -- Treaties, etc. -- Early works to 1800. 2006-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-11 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2008-11 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE FIRME Aliance & Agreement made betvveene his Ma tie the King of Svvethland on the one side , And his grace The Duke of Station and Pomerland on the other side . VVherein is shovvne the Cause , vvhich moued the King of svvethland to take vp Armes to defend the said distressed Duke , and his Countries against the horrible oppression , and violence of the Emperours Souldiers . Translated out of Dutch into English Anno 1631. And printed at Delph by Andrevv Clouting ANNO 1631. ARTICLES Agreed on betweene the Kings Ma tie of Svvethland on the one side , & his grace the Duke of Pommerland on theother side , according to the Lands Resolution , lately accorded and Concluded . Wee Gustaphus Adolphus by the grace of God King of the Svvethans , Goths , and Vandals , Great Prince of Finland , Duke of Esthonia and C●relia , and Lord of Ingria , &c. on the one side , and wee Bogis la●s by the grace of God Duke of Stetin Pomer of the Cassubians and VVendians , Prince of Eugen , Elect Bishop of Camm●● , Earle of Guiso●● , Lord of the Land of Lauwenburch , and 〈◊〉 , &c. on the other side . DEclare and make knovvne for vs , and our Successours , aswell vnto our Kingdoms Duke domes and Principalities , as to euery one whom this may Concerne . That wee Gustavus Adolphus King of Swethland haue out of compassion taken to heart , the vn heard of grevous Oppression and miserable distresse into which the present Duke of Statine and Pomer is faine , and which he hath suffred in body , country & people those three yeeres last past , whereby wee are not only , moved & bound therevnto , in regard of consanguinitie , fidelitie , and amitie , but also by reason of that especiall faithfulnes , which time out of minde hath bin found , betweene the Crowne of Swethen and the Pomerish Countries & inhabitants by a setled Commerce , which hetherto hath bin continually kept and mainteyned betwixt them : as also when wee call to mind the dèepe Obligations , Contracts , Alliances , and Treaties , made by our pious Predecessors , betweene the Crowne of Swethland , and the Duke of Pomer his Lands States & Territories , concluded at Old Statin Anno 1570. Having taken also into our consideration how greatly wee are interressed in the keeping and possession of the Baltike sea , how and in what manner to our great preiudice the pomerish countries ( the cause af all theis troubles ) are not onely possessed : But also all free tradeing expulsed , and dryven out of them to annoy vs and our Kingdoms , vsing our name as a pretext to this horrible oppression . All which being duly wayed , ( thongh not by the instigation of the Duke of Pomer and his Countries ) it concerns vs most neerly not to abandon and forsake theis Dukedomes and lands of Pomer , to th' end , that the love & Neutralitie , which they haue showne to vs may be setled vpon a sute foundation . And that by the help of God , by our power and assistance , wee may cleere his innocency , and deliver them from this vniust violence , and oppression , and out of their manifold adversities and intolerable compulsions , committed against all humaine lawes and rights . And by our means , to vindicate their vnproclamed vndeserved , and vnlooked for hostile attempts and surprisalls . The cause which made vs arrive here in Pomerland which a reasonable Armie , hauing by Gods assistance not oonely taken in the principalitie of Rugen , and have made such a progresse into it , that almost without any blowes or resistance , wee haue turned out those , who gaue themselves out for the defendors of the Land : but also haue possessed the Ilands , Townes Ports , and forts which lay as a Bulwark before the cheefe Cittie of Pomer , and though against the Duke of Pomers will , tooke occasion to beseige the Cittie of Statin , and to make our selves Master thereof . And for our Parte wee Bogis Laus Dukes of Pomer and Statin , call to minde these Agrevances . 1. That wee were left desolate , and Comfortles without the help and assistance of any man. 2. That wee were not strong enough to resist the great power , which was brought against vs. 3. That our subiects of the Land , and those which should haue holpe to defend it , were disarmed . 4. All ability which was yet remaining , was taken from vs , and wee drawne so dry , that wee scarely had any meanes for the sustenāce of life , much lesse to make any defēcefor vs. 5. After these three yeares oppression , in which wee were so vnchristianlike intreated , our people had a greater desire to deliver themselves , and theirs out of it then to plung themselves deeper into it , with the losse of life and goods . 6. Especially , seing they could promise themselves noe hope of helpe and comfort , but found rather that all which was assured them by so manifold Capitulations , and which was signed vnto and promysed them so holily , little or nothing heitherto was kept and observed . 7. For the helping whereof his Royall Ma. was forced to betake himself to these Christian meanes . 8. Though his Ma. is loath to meddle which his Imperiall Maiestie , and the Empire . 9. But onely to restraine the insolencie of the destroyers of this Land ( to our great preiudice against all right and equitie ) who haue falne vpon it , and possessed theis Countries , by declaring themselues as enemies . 10. And therefore it is needfull , that theis Countries shold bee freed from theis oppressions , vyolences , and distresses , by reducing and re establishing them in their auncient state and libertie , and in so doing to secure the safetie of the Kingdome off Sweathland . Moreover his Ma tie hath likewise protested before vs in the behalff of the Cittie of Stralsound , and the recovered principality of Rugen , to shewe , vnto them henceforward aswell , as vnto all other places all love and freindship both in deed and word . And therefore wee had much rather the same shold bee possessed by him , then that hereafter wee shold excuse our selves with the extreame losse and danger of our Countries . It is so therefore , that wee the afore said King of Sweathland , and Duke of Pomerland , for vs our Kingdome , Dukedomes , and Principalities haue on both sides , for the honour of God , the comfort , securitie , and prosperitie of our people Kingdome , Dukedomes , lands and principalities , entred into this Treatie , made this agreement , haue ioyntly consented vnto it , and concluded it in this manner following . 1. That wee on both sides henceforward with our Lands , States , and People , shall live together in a firme , neighbourlike amitie , peace , and affiance one of an other attempting no hostile Act , or enmitie the one against the other , or suffer any to bee plotted , or practised secretly by any others , but doe binde our selves in a strickt league , and alliance in all our rights , dignities , States , and publick liberties , against all wronge , vyolence , oppression , invasion , devastation assaults pressures and contribution whatsoever . In ioyning our selves to geather Muius armis & Auxilijs . That is , by help of Armes mutually to preserve and defend our selves on both sides . It no wise forsaking one an other , much lesse by attempting any hostile act , one against the other . But by all means to seeke the welfare and good of each other . By setling a free Commerce out of the Kingdoms of Sweathland into Pomerland , and out of the Duke dome of Pomerland into Sweathland , with out any hinderance or molestation whatsoever : But to advance and further the same in everie place to the vtter most of our powers . In Conformitie whereof , wee for vs and our Posterities , and States aboue mentioned , doe make this league . Amitie and neighbourlike vnitie and affiance betweene vs our Kingdome , Dukedomes , and Principalities . And all what soever depends on them , which is not onely hereby renewed . But also by vertue hereof renforced and reestablished and shall continew for ever . And this vnion every tenth yeare shal be renewed agayne . 2. This renewed vnion made at this present , aymes onely at a defensiue warr , and the preservation of our selves , against all vniust violence oppressions and attempts , and in noe wise to goe offensively . Vnles these Compacts , and this renewed Conservation force vs therevnto of necessitie . In such a case the one shall help and assist the other , as wee are bound to the vttermost of our abillitie . 3. Moreover this vnion is not made Contra m●iestatem Imperatoris & Imperij . That is , against his Imperiall Maiestye , and the Empire , but rather respectivè pro imperij stat● , for the good of the State of the Empyre , and to keepe and reestablish it in the Auntient forme , libertie , peace , and the preservation of the publick Religion against all the Insolent disturbers of the publick peace . Seeing also hereby is intented the continuation of the frendship , which wee Bogis Laus Dukes off Statin and Pomerland doe owe vnto the Romish imperiall Maiesty , the holy Empire , and the vpper Territory of Sarony may not be abolished , but rather according to our bounden dutie continewe the same ; vpon condition the like be don on their part , and not by suffring any thing to be attempted , which shal be preiudiciall to these contents . And declare further , that wee together with our principalities , Countries and people continewe by the Romish Empire , Imperiall laws and Institutions , nether will suffer our Lands and States to sever and alter from them , neither shall our Lands , principalities , Soveraignities Regalities Rights , and iurisdictions : as likewise the Pomerish Countries Subiects and States , as Prelates , Nobility , Gentry , and Townes , either in their generall or speciall priviledges immunities , rights , publick lawes , and statutes , and legibus fundamentalibus , aswell in their Iuribus singularibus as their common rights , and immunities be once abrogated , disannulled or infringed thereby . 4. But seeing this vnion is cheefely made to this end , that wee the Duke of Pomer , considering the vnchristianlike vsage and oppression , wherewith wee have bin afflicted these three yeares , against the wholesome Imperiall lawes , & institutions wholly impugning them . The publick institutions and the many Capitulations , made for the lands peace . Yea against the Imperiall syncerationis mandata , and publick declarations , that our innocencie , & constant fidelitie to them might appeare , that the Pomerish lands being thus surprised , might be reduced & preserved in their former State , that our Frontiers , passages , sea ports , and Townes may not be damnified , but henceforward , may be secured from all innovation , oppression and perill : It is agreed on on both sides with an vnanimie consent , that wee binde our selves faithfully together , that what befalls the one , shall befall the other , for the procuring of the publick good , and peace of the Religion in the holy Empire , and to resist and oppugne the contrarie , in ioyning our forces together and to prevent and divert the same to the vttermost of our powers . 5. Likewise the Pomerish Provinces , Townes and places , which are or shal be taken in by vs the King of Sweathland , shal be faithfully redeliuered and restored againe to L. D. Duke of Pomer to his Allegeance and obedience , with all Regalties and rights there vnto belonging ( none excepted ) without any denyall , or demaunding of militarie charges to take them againe into his possession . As also the Cittie of Stralsonnd shal be restored likewise into the handes of L. D. Duke of Pomerland . And wee the said Duke of Pomer doe not hereby separate & alienate the same from our other Pomerishlands , especially the Principallitie of Rugen , to bee given ouer into the hands of strangers , provided that they vse all diligence , for the accommodating of the King of Sweathlands his Commissaries with all things necessarie whatsoeuermay further the publick defence of the land , in shewing them all loue , and good affection , and that aboue all the Cittie of Stralsound , shall hold and keepe their owne priueleges . in holding a speciall alyance , with the Kings Ma. off Sweathland and in time shall be cased of their agreeuances as is fitting . 6. Seing also that the Bishoprick of Cammin is not comprehended vnder the Pomerish lands and Countries : Notwihstanding that Pomer may dispose of all things in this agreement to their good : it is so that the said Diocesse , and State , shallenioy prorato the benefit eand fruit thereof , and for the taking away of all iealousie and suspition , it is agreed on for future tyme , that the said Dyocesse , and their Cathederall Chapiter , shall not be troubled or forced to any thing against their ancient priviledges , Statutes , and other fundamentall lawes in electing a Bishops . and his Coadin tours in any mannour whatsoeuer . Therefore the said Kinge of Sweathland , togeather with the Duke of Pomer . Doe hereby promise faithfully not onely to prevent and crosse any such thing : But also to mainteyne this Chapiter and diocesse in their free election , Dignities , State , and rights , against any violence which shal be intended , or attempted against them . 7. Without th' others foreknowledge and consent , neither partie shall goe out of this alliance , much lesse wee the Duke of Pomer by this present Act , will permit none to enter into this alliance , and agreement without his Ma consent , & his Royall Ma. doth like wise promise , that hee will not treat or conclude of any good for vs , and our Pomerishlands , but will before communicate the same vnto vs in due manner , that wee and our Countries bee not excluded thereout . 8. And if any Christian Potentate will ioyne with vs in this vnion , and come in aequis conditionibus vpon equall conditions it shal be free for them to doe soe : Provided that thereby no parte of the Countrie shal be put in duriorem conditionem , that is , into harder termes and conditions . 9. All things wich may concerne this particular , and all rights for the conservation of the publick peace of Pomerland , no further confederations shall come into considerations , much lesse be made , which may in anyway be preiudicall or repugnant to this vnion , & for our part we the Duke of Pomer hoe hereby promisse to make no league or confederacie with any other whosoever , against the will & consent of his Royall Ma. 10. If the said Duke of Pomer his Countriesand Subiects should by reason of this aliance , bee assaulted , surprised or persecuted by any whosoever it bee , wee the said Kinge of Sweathland for our parte and our Kingdome , doe not ononely take into our faithfull protection the said Duke and all his Countries of Pomer , But will indevour to drawe all other Confederate Potentates into this league and coniunction with vs. And so by media defensionis strengthen our selves so much the more . And wee the Duke of Pomer for vs and our lands & subiects ; doe promise the like , that if the Crowne of Sweathland shold bee invaded and assaulted in regard of his assistance to vs , to discharge the same obligation . 11. Likewise in the vnion and iuncture privilegium indigenatus , even as the inhabitants enioy them in that which concerneth the subiects of the Crowne of Sweathland , and the principalitie of Pomerland shabe ( mutu● conferet ) mutualy conferred to the Swetish nation , as to the Pomerish , and to the Pomerish , as to the Sweatish in bello ac pace salvo tamen iure superioritatis , salvisque privilegijs & immunitatibus vtriusque nationis . That is , in peace and warre , yet so as reserving their supreame rights on both sids , not extenuating their privileges , but rather furthering and respecting them 12. That trading and Commerce shal be better obserued maintained and kept , that the King of Swethlands Coine shall goe currant in Pomerland , and the Pomerish in Swethland , according to the Valuation of the place . 14. If any discord , strife , or mis vnderstanding should hereafter arise betweene the Kings Ma. of Sweathland , and the Duke of Pomer , or on both sides betweene them their Countries and people , the same shall not be decided by warr and the dint of the sword , but according to the Agreement made at Statin Anno 1570. shall be appeased and ended by selected Commissioners , and deputies in all loue and frendship . 14. Lastlie wee the said King of Sweathland haue expreslie conditioned , that if any sudden blowe or death should befall vs , or that the abouesand Duke of Pomer shold happen to depart this world without any lawfull male Issue or Inheritour , Before the Prince Electour Brandenburch shall eventualiter be invested to the Dukedome hee shall ratify and confirme this vnion , ere the land be cleared and dispossessed by his Ma. And in case the said prince Electour shold be oppugned , or his title questioned by others touching his sucession . Wee the King of Swethland and our Successours of the Crowne , will keepe these lands in sequestratoria clientelari protectione , in our possession so long vntill punctus successarijs be absolutelie decided , and till wee by the successours thereof , be fully payd the military charge , of warr , yet so , as without laying any burden , charge or taxation vpō the the land of Pomer , or the States and countries therevnto belonging , and till this conionction and vnion be duely ratyfyed confirmed and accomplished . All which is done in the faith , and promisse of a christian without all fraude . In witnesse whereof , and for the constant and inviolable observation and keeping hereof : We the King of Swethland for vs and our successours , Kingdome , and Lands . And wee the Duke of Pomerland for our Dukedomes , principalities , Lands and posterity , haue ioyntly ratifyed and confirmed this alliance , and Aggreement with our Royall and princely seales , & signed it with our owne knowledge and hands . Giuen at old Statin the tenth of this present month of Iune old stile , According to the Natiuity of our Redeemer Iesus Christ 1630. An Appendix , or Memoriall of the heads and chiefe Aggrevances , vvhich vvas presented by his grace the Duke of Statin and Pomerland , vnto the Lord Iulian the King of Swethlands Commissarie Generall Anno 1630. 1. THat in manie Quarters , and large Countries , the church of God is so disperced , that they can performe noe religious excersices , not be suffred to administer the Lords holy Sacraments , so that , the poore people run vp & downe together in flocks , without any Consolation for their soules ; yea their children dying without receiuing the holy seale of Baptisme . 2. That these Countries by reason of these two last yeeres and a halfe oppression , and the quartering of souldiers in them , are reduced into the vttermost extremitie , yea , and are brought into sucha case , that the sustenance of life will come to late , neither can they get any foode , because the sommer seede is distroyed , and cannot be brought in , in so much , that whole Countries lies wast , and vntilled , as euery place can sufficiently witnesse . 3. That all provision of money and money-worth , as Tynne , Copper , and other Mettle , together with all manner , of malts , and provisions for the kitchin , linnen & Bedding are giuen in Contribution : yea , wee conceale howe the good Inhabitants of these Countries are forced for helping of themselues , to laye their credit & goods to pawne , to take vp moneys to paye this Contribution , to the end , that the rigourous execution ( not by a fewe , but by a great number of souldiers , yea of whole companies in committing all manner of insolences , as bursting open of doores , scoffing and geering the magistrates of Townes , & vnfurnishing the inhabitants of necessaries without respect of persons , by forcing and constrayning from the people , might once cease and not be committed . 4. That the people by reason of the souldiers marchings too and fro , and their continuall compulsions , being depriued of means , were not onely driuen to Eate hoggswash , the barke of trees , & other vnnaturall things ; yea dead mens fleesh , & to eate their owne parents , for the satisfying their hunger , in such sort , that of late time some fresh tragicall spectacles haue bin seene hereof . For in his graces Iurisdiction of Wolgast , there were diuerse people found dead with grasse in their mouthes , And a woman in the village of Dandum , murthered her owne child , drest it , and eate it , and therewith satisfied her hunger of which there are many credible proofs . I conceale how many haue made an end of themselves out of desperation , and by poy sonmg them selues , to escape from the threatned tourments of the souldiers , requiring that from them , which they had not , so that the most part dyed miserably , and perished with hunger . 5. And though for the taking away of horses , many ordinances haue bin published , yet they are so litle regarded , that there is scarce now a souldier goes afoote , but must ride a cock horse , which causes that the seede is not onely sowne , but also noe horse can be gott vpon the high-waies , or for his Imperiall maiesties seruice . 6. And albeit the officers are furnished with horses , and forrage provided for them , yet never thelesse the poore people , when the officers iourney a hors back , or haue any thing brought vnto them , they take their horses from them , or the souldiers rides them dead . 7. When that the poore people for want of horses cannot furnish them to put into their waggons and karrs , as they require , and at the officers pleasure , that then the magistrates in the Townes , yea likewise his graces owne officers and Councill if they refuse , against the Lord Generalles order , where there lie speciall Safe-gards , presentby to vexe them they are taken from them , and they send them souldiers to lye vpon them , and thus are plagued and terrified with them . Therefore it is good reason , that they ought to be protected & defended against these insolences of the Emperours armies , and such vnanswerable enormities ought to be seuerely punished . 8. That the officers are not contented with their vsuall billet-moneys and fyring , but hewe downe the growing woods , cutt downe whole groves , and will not be contented vnlesse they haue variety of dishes . 9. It is therefore needfull to take such order therein , that this land in all places ( in stead of their subiection , and dutifull devotion ) be not brought into a vast wildernesse and that the one be not constrayned to paye for the other . 10. That the people be not prost to send many waggons , show vels , spades , pickaxes for the ordinance , and such like materials : and yet not with standing by sharpe exactions are forced to send great sommes of money , yea sometimes a thowsand Rix-dallers vpon a waggon , beside the daylie furnishing thē with victualls , & munitious . Therfore the necessitie requires that not onely such , but also such other like innovations , and committed exactions , which are against the lands welfare should be severely prohibited . 11. That his graces customes and Toles against the Lord Generals ordinance notwith standing they be in the midst of the land are neuerthelesse taken from him . 12. That besides the manifold huntings ( yea which are so common by the vnder officiers ) in shooting of Deere and game and spoiling of chases continew still . 13. That the manie out-flyings of the souldiers , and out rydings of horsemen into villages , which giues an euill exsample to others , and emboldens them the more are not forbidden . 14. When the poore people complaine of these insolences , they cannot be heard , but are sent awaye with geering and threatnings , or whensoener his grace or his graces Officers interceeds for them , they disdayne to giue them an answere . 15. That they will not abate the charge of contribution , but the officers and souldiers though not withstanding they be maintained by the quartiers will presse the exaction of what is required to a penny , therefore they entreate , that what they haue had to much maye be deducted from them . 16. That the Cattle and Mettails ( seing there are but a litle left , ) maye be receiued vpon a due price , and the vsuall worth , and though a certaine price is set therevpon . yet the fame in their exactions are not kept and obserued . 17. That for diverse Churches , which are broken downe and althings plundred out of them , as was committed lately by the Gotrish horsemen in Rughen , it is exceeding need full they shold be punished there fore , and an exsample be made thereof . 18. Robing in the high-waies is so frequent and common in diverse places , that the poore people cannot bring vp their grevous taxation , and after it is taken from them must pay it once againe . 19. Besides , whatsoeuer is conditioned and promissed them , nothing is performed , but first one end then an other is threatned with execution . 20. That others comprehended in the last dispatched ordinances , not a point thereof is kept , nor the violaters there of once punished , but the more the complaints are , the lesse remedie is for them . To conclude then , according as the prince himselfe must acknowledge , and the testimonie of all the provinces , the Emperours souldiers doe not performe & keepe any thing of that which they haue promissed , and therefore all thir treaties and Contracts , which wee take vpon trust , and the steadfastnesse which one ought to relie vpon them , is rather to be avoyded , then to be entred into with them . FINIS . A Letter of Ferdinand the Roman Emperour to the most Illustrious King of Svvethen Gustavus Adolphus , &c. translated out of Latine into English . Together vvith his Maiesties an svvere concerning the present Germaine Warre . Caesars Letter . WEe Ferdinand the second , by the grace of God , Emperour of the Romans , &c. Declare to the most Illustrious King of the Swethens Gothes , and Vandales , our frendship love , and much health . Most Illustrious Prince , most deare frend , it is related to vs from places deserving credit , that your Maiestie hath this yeere gathered a strong Armie of horse and foote , & against expectation sett forth a part thereof , first vpon the Iles of the Sacred Roman Empire , and next vpon the rest of the Territories thereof , that you haue also not onely de facto seized vpon some places , Forts , and Cities of great moment in the Duchie of Pomer , and vsurped to yourself in them the right of impost , which as regall doth properlie belong to vs : but also yow haue determined moreover , to in vade vs , and the Empire with further hostilitie . But forasmuch as wee doe nowaies remember , that in all the time , that the weightie burthen of the Empire hath bin sustained by vs , any adverse or sinistrous accident hath hapned , eyther betwixt vs , or betwixt the Empire , and your Ma. or that we , or the Empire ( for ought we knowe ) haue giuen any occasion of any troubles , or dissentions , much lesse of such open hostilitie : it seemeth verie wonderfull to vs , that for controversies arisen , concerning the towne of Stralesound , of which your Ma. needed not haue feared any hurt , your Ma. hath nowe de facto begun a warre , hurtfull perhaps to both sides against vs , and the Empire : seing therefore all these things are done , within our and the Empires bounds , and concernes the lawes and priviledges of the Empire , in the which your Ma. maye limit vs noe further , then your Maiestie would not disdaine in such kinde of controversies to be limited by others , within the Kingdome of Swethen : especiallie , seing that in our opinion the said controversies might without all doubt vpon iust conditions have altogether bin composed , and set at rest , without these hostilities , and vntimely profusion of bloode , by the mediation of the King of Denmarke ( which being by excellent advice propounded vnto him , he did with noe lesse readinesse embrace ) if your Ma. had with the like zeale with vs inclined to the said composition , and sent your officers at the time appointed with sufficient instruction to the said Treaties , but certainlie howsoeuer the matter were , it had bin expedient by the lawes of all nations , if your Ma. had not thought , that breaking of amitie with vs , you had sufficient reason to invade vs by warre , that your Maiestie should first haue lawfully denounceed that warre against vs , and not against all law and equitie invaded the Empire : Surely we certifie and assure your Maiestie , that these our preparations of warre vpon the Balticke sea , as also the rest , did never tend to the offence of your Ma. nor doe they as yet , tende therevnto ; but that we were alwaies readie and prompt to continew that mutuall frendship , & neighbourhood , which is betweene vs , your Ma. and the Kingdome of Swethen , and that this is yet still our minde if your Ma. giue vs noe further cause to change our resolution , but will breake off this vnnecessarie warre . Wherefore we frendlie exhort your Ma. not to meddle noe further with the state of the Empire , & the rest of the members thereof , forasmuch as we haue given your Ma. noe cause at all , but that leaving the places , which your Ma. hath seized vpon , your Ma. doe without delaye withdrawe your armie from the Iles & lands of the Empire , that with your Shipps , yee doe not hinder navigation , trading , and commerce , and that neither by Sea , nor by land ye be not offensive to vs , or to the Empire in the rights thereof . But if the contrarie hereof shall appeare , your Ma. maye assure your self , that in contemning , and despising this out imperiall declaration , and that your Ma. with a confident securitie shall attempt and goe on in this your begun hostilitie , and will not yeeld to restore these places ( which yee haue de facto , eyther by warlike force , or by slight possessed your selfe off ) we will according to our might by the vnanimous ayde of the Electours of the Empire , prepare our selues speedelie to recover the same , and will also chiefely take to heart our owne , and the Empires reputation , the preservation , and tuition of our obedient states , as also howe any further calamitie maye be diverted . But we hope your Ma. will not suffer the matter to come into these extremities , and according as this our Imperiall letter takes effect with your Ma. we shall be readie to doe you all frendship and whatsoever else maye be acceptable to your Ma ▪ Giuen at our & the sacred Empires citie of Ratis bona the 18. of August Anno 1630. To the most illustrious prince , Lord Gustavus Adolphus King of the Sw●… , Goths and Vandales our most deare frend and Cousin . Your Ma. Cousine readie to all duetie . The King of Svvethen his ansvvere . MOst Illustrious and most Mightie Emperour , most deare friend , and Cousin : wee have , not without admiration , vnderstood by your Imperiall Mas. letter , sent to vs the 18. of August last past , & delivered to vs in our Campe at Ribnits the 6 , of this month , that your Imp. Ma. doth much wonder , that we have this last sommer passed over with an army into Germany ; and would so turne over the Fault , both of making this warre , as also of the neglect of denouncing it vpon vs. certainly , we did not thinke your Imp. Ma. to have ben so vnmyndfull of matters past , that yow should doubt , which of vs did first offend the other by armes ; and we have all wayes promised our selves more of your Imp. Mas. equanimity , then that he would have that imputed to the one , which is committed by the other . That the Mareshall of your Imp. Mas. army , did the last yeare , without any proclamation of warr , bring ( in greatnes ) a reasonable army , together with the hostile Imperiall enseignes against vs into Prussia ( that we may passe by the long and greevous traine of other hostilities and injuries heaped the one vpon the other ) it is as well knowne to all men , as it is certaine , that we have now sufficiently proved the hostile mynde and invasion of those Imperiall forces , which neither our innocencie , not the most , equitable requests of our Counsell by their message was able to stay or revoke . Wherfore all reasons being well and diligently discussed , we can scarcely see , by what title or right , the cause of this warr can be attributed to vs , or by what colour or pretext of equitie your Imp. Ma. doth require of vs ( not making , but repelling warr ) a denounciation of warr , neglected by yourselff , and doth inthat behalff accuse vs of violating the lawe of Nations ; for as much , as it is manifest , that it is no lesse agreable to the lawe of Nations , that those warrs , which are vndertaken for the repelling of force , are not proclaymed by a Heralde , but by nature it selff : Neither have we nothwithstanding altogether omitted all denunciation ( howbeit in this case noewayes-necessarie on our part ) but we have ben very carefull , and warie , that no man , might by any right complaine , that being deceived by hope of Peace , he suffered hostilitie vnawars ; by two letters , we sent to the Electors of the Roman Empire , as also by signifying to the Generall of your Imp. Ma. army , by the Legate of our Counsell , that vnles the errours alreadie committed by the other side , were in time amended , a necessity should be laid vpon vs , by the iniquity of the neglecters of our most just complaints , by other meanes to provide for our securitie and dignity . Moreover , your Imp. Ma. doth affirme that while he hath governed the raines of the Empire , nothing hath ben done by him , either injuriously , or maliciously against vs , nor that his preparations of watt both by sea and land did tend to any such thing , wherby we and our states needed to feare any daunger . and finally , that all matters controverted betwixt your Imp. Ma. and vs , might be easily set at rest , by other means , and that they were not of such importance , that therfore presently armes were to be taken against the Roman Empire . But , we doe not , on the contrarie , search and inquire so diligently , whether these protestations be not contrary to the deede it selff , all which we confidently leave to be judged of by the world ? Whether your Imp. Ma. had any intention in any kinde to offend vs , we doe not know , as being vnable to dive into the most inward and hidden secrets of your mynd : but , that vnder the shadow and authoritie of the high imperiall name ( and that either by your Imp. Ma. command , or at least , connivence ) many and divers indignities , hostilities , and injuries were done vnto vs , is so cleare , that to attempt to deduce it more at large , were all one , as to pres to adde light to the sunne , neither doe we feare to appeale to your Imp. Mas. owne conscience , either as witnes , or judge in this matter . What we ought likewyse to have promised our selves of your Imp. Mas. preparations of warr , we will not so much declare , as his officers and ministers actions , endeavours , and devyces , not only ambiguous and suspected , but manifest , doe sufficiently vtter and signifie : all which , if they be silent , let Pomer speake , which together with the adjacent Provinces , hath these years bygone bene miserably vexed , exhausted and brought to nought by your Imp. Mas. forces , in malice against vs , and vnder no other colour , then vnder the pretext of warr against Swethen . More over , we doe not deny but the controversies , which were arisen , might have bene decided more commodiously by other means , then by armes , and it were to be wished , that your Imp. Ma. had esteemed as equitably of that supply wherwith we ( with no damage to the Roman Empire , but rather to the benefite therof ) did most justly succour the Citie of Stralsound ; as we did constantly , with a mynd resolutely bent to patience , for the good and tranquillity of common Christianity pardon that hostility , which ( together with many more injuries ) the Duke of Holsatia did exercise against vs , most vnjustly , vnder the very Colours and Enseignes : of your Imp. Ma. for we should hardly doubt , but that then , whatsoever diffidence and discord had arisen betwixt your Imp. Ma. and vs , might easily have bene composed by a friendly transaction , neither should perhaps a necessity have bene laid vpon vs ; to have leavied an army , at so great a charge , and to place our colours vpon the confines of the Roman Empire , to the end we might maturely prevent the imminent evill , least it should spread itself further . But since it hath otherwise semed good to your Imp. Ma. and that your commissioners have , contrary to the statutes of all Nations , refused to admit our ambassage , sent to Lub●c cheefly , to decide the cause and controversie of the Sound , seing also your Imp , Ma. armyes have declared themselves so open enimies to vs , and have exercised all hostilitie against vs , offending vs with all manner of hostile attemps : every lover of equitie , and indifferent arbitratour in this cause , will say , that not we , but rather your Imp. Ma. vilipending other equitable and lawfull means , hath at the first attempted extremities : how beit therfore , that ( being so many wayes vnworthily provoked , and almost dejected from all hope of any frendly composition ) we might , without all note or suspition of any vnjust attempt , rather have bene sollicited for other means thencefoorth , then for proffers of any farther peace : yet nothwithstanding , that we might testifie to all the Christian world our fervent desire , and endeavour for common tranquillity , we would no wise cast of our resolution of peace , but did , by our earnest and frequent calling bring the most Gracious King of Denmarck this last winter so farre , that interposing himselff for peace , we prepared the way for appointing a frendly treatie betwixt our and your Imp. Ma. commissaries at Dantfike then did we also furnish and provide our Chancelour , with the rest adjoyned to him , with full commission to enter into that treatie : and finally , lest the motions of warr should any wise disturbe the deliberations of peace , we suffered our militarie expedition ( not without losse both of time and means ) to be differred for a long time . of this our care and sollicitude for the common quietnes , and tranquillitie of Christian contreyes , this was the trust we gained , that our best deliberations , being shifted of by divers slights and subtilities , did not only evanish without taking any effect ; but that now also your Imp. Ma. doth make no scruple to ascribe the cause to vs , why that busines had no prosperous successe : wheras it had bene more agreable to equitie , rather to have examined the doings of your Imp. Ma. Commissarie , who did with earnest endevour hinder the mediators from visiting our Ambassadors , residing at Dantsike , and from laying the foundation of the future treatie , according to the due and accustomed manner and it had bene altogether more expedient , that your Imp. Ma. should have pondered with your selff , whether this often aforesaid treatie ought so strictly to have bene tyed to the towne of Dantsike that ( that place being , by reason of what happened afterwards , in respect of some seed of variance , which was then sowne betwixt our officers , and the towne of Dantsike made incommodious and suspected to those of our side ) it might not have bene celebrated elswhere , but was to the hurt of the common tranquillitie , for that cause only , to be altogether broken off , because our Deputies ( though for reasons vrgent and pregnant enough ) could not precisely appeare in the said place . All and each of these , being weighed in a just ballance , let any man , who doth sincerely esteeme of matters , judge which of vs hath juster cause to complaine of the other , yea we commit this to be examined and discussed by your Imp. Ma. his owne secret thoughts , in the which we doe fully perswade ourselves , that we arte clearly purged . Now your I. M , does indeed affirme , that yee will maintaine inviolable frendship with vs , and our Kingdome of Swethen , if so be , that we restraine , yea altogether lay downe our armes . but for as much , as the matter is not now any more entire and the daunger hanging over the heads of our States , cannot be said to be imaginarie , but hath often really and effectually showne it selff , and since that we have bene wronged and offended both by sea and land , not in word , but by armes , and other hostile enterprises ; we desire your I. M. to pardon vs , that we can not admit of such caution and provision for our securitie , and that , being beyond words offended , we cannot in this manner be satisfyed , but have determined to maintaine these armes , which we necessarily and justly have put on , vntill such time , as that we have either this way sufficiently provided for our security and dignitie ; or then , the just feare , and reall imminent daunger as also the offences , and injuries really inferred vpon vs , be redrest by sufficient provision , and real satisfaction : and commending the whole matter to the goodnes of God , and to the equitie of the cause , we doe not refuse to abide whatsoever may befall vs , in this our most equitable , and constant resolution , but if in the meane time your I. M. thinke that the ship of the Christian worlde , which hath now this long time bene vehemently tossed by the huge and violent waues of warr , is rather to be brought into the desired and calme haven of peace , then any longer to be committed to the stormy sea of contention and armes , and for this cause , does incline to any farther treatie , your Imp. Ma. shal see , that we shall nowayes be avers from so safe and pious a resolution , and so soone as your Imp. Ma. shall suffer yourselff to be induced so farr , that we may see the Princes and Common wealths of Germany , our respectiue allies , Kinsmen , frends , and most deere neighbours so restored to that former estate , wherin they were , before this German warr did beginne to wax or increase , that our States may thencefoorth be duely secured , and mutuall trust and frendship may againe be renewed betwixt our Kingdome and these people , as also , that by experience we may try and perceave these vnusuall preparations of navies and armes vpon these coasts , partly justly to be suspected of vs , and partly nowayes to be tollerated , in respect of the defence of the Balthik sea , which doth belong to vs , to have ceased , and a due consideration to be had of the injuries inferred vpon vs , as also of the noe smal charges which we have bene forced to bestow for this our defence : verily , no sooner shall any man see these things accomplished on your Imp. Ma. his part , but he shall really and ipso facto find it made manifest by vs , that our greatest desire doth most tend , to keep inviolated frendship with your Imp. Ma. no les , then with the rest of our neighbours , and mutuall trust and confidence being renewed , and all other contention being laid a side ) only to contend with your Imp. Ma. in good will , and all other kind of dueties whatsoever . Mattors standing in this condition , we should also scarcely give occasion to any man justly to complaine , that we did to curiously prye into other mens affairs : for , as we are not accustomed to intermix our selves with other mens matters except other mens affairs be so mingled with ours , that the one doth involve the other ; and as in all this time , that Germany hath bene burning in the flame of warr , we , being contented with the care of our owne Kingdome , did not involve our selves , in the affairs of Germany , vntill such time , as the iniquitie of other men did bring the matter to that pas , that other mens affairs did also concerne vs , so should we also be found to be of the same mynd then , neither should we in any kinde trouble your Imp. Ma. by making the affairs of Germany to be ours . But howsoever the matter fall out , and whether it appoint vs peace or warr , we doe religiously protest that we doe foster no hostilitie in our mynd against the Roman Empire ( wherto your Imp. Ma. would seem to draw and wrest the poynct of the bussines ) and that we are so farr from desyring any thing to be attempted to the prejudice therof , that we have rather determined to keep inviolated and sound frindship with the same , so long as it doth abstain from all manner of hostilitie against vs , and doth not wrest out of vs , though vnwilling , a just retaliation , either by favouring our enimies , or by associating it selff vnto them . Having by all these ingenuously declared our mynd concerning the matter in hand , we frendly recommend your Imp. Ma. to the protection of God. Given at Stralsound the last of October , 1630. Your Imp. Mas. most ready Consin GVSTAVVS ADOLPHVS . To the Most Illustrious , and Most Potent Prince , Lord FERDINAND the second of that name , elected Emperour of the Romans , King of Germany , Hungarie , Bohemia , Dalmatia , Croatia and Slavonia , Archduke of Austria , Duke of Burgundie , Stirid , Carinthia , Carniola and VVurtemberg , Earle of Habsburg and Tirol , our Most deer frend and Cousin .