THE FIRM Alliance & Agreement made between his Matie the King of Swethland on the one side, And his grace The Duke of Station and Pomerland on the other side.  
Wherein is shown the Cause, which moved the King of swethland to take up Arms to defend the said distressed Duke, and his Countries against the horrible oppression, and violence of the Emperor's Soldiers.  
Translated out of Dutch into English Anno 1631.  
And printed at Delft by Andrew Clouting ANNO 1631.   

ARTICLES Agreed on between the Kings Matie of Swethland on the one side, & his grace the Duke of Pommerland on the other side, according to the Lands Resolution, lately accorded and Concluded.  
We Gustaphus Adolphus by the grace of God King of the Swethans, Goths, and Vandals, Great Prince of Finland, Duke of Esthonia and C●relia, and Lord of Ingria, etc. on the one side, and we Bogis la●s by the grace of God Duke of Stetin Pomer of the Cassubians and Wendians, Prince of Eugen, Elect Bishop of Camm●●, Earl of Guiso●●, Lord of the Land of Lauwenburch, and 〈◊〉, etc. on the other side.  
DEclare and make known for us, and our Successors, aswell unto our Kingdom's Duke domes and Principalities, as to every one whom this may Concern. That we Gustavus Adolphus King of Swethland have out of compassion taken to heart, the un heard of grevous Oppression and miserable distress into which the present Duke of Statine and Pomer is fain, and which he hath suffered in body, country & people those three years last passed, whereby we are not only, moved & bound thereunto, in regard of consanguinity, fidelity, and amity, but also by reason of that especial faithfulness, which time out of mind hath been found, between the Crown of Swethen and the Pomerish Countries & inhabitants by a settled Commerce, which hitherto hath been continually kept and maintained betwixt them: as also when we call to mind the dèepe Obligations, Contracts, Alliances, and Treaties, made by our pious Predecessors, between the Crown 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 we are interressed in the keeping and possession of the Baltike sea, how and in what manner to our great prejudice the pomerish countries (the cause of all these troubles) are not only possessed: But also all free tradeing expulsed, and dryven out of them to annoy us and our Kingdoms, using our name as a pretext to this horrible oppression. All which being duly weighed, (though not by the instigation of the Duke of Pomer and his Countries) it concerns us most nearly not to abandon and forsake these Dukedoms and lands of Pomer, to th'end, that the love & neutrality, which they have shown to us may be settled upon a suit foundation. And that by the help of God, by our power and assistance, we may clear his innocency, and deliver them from this unjust violence, and oppression, and out of their manifold adversities and intolerable compulsions, committed against all humane laws and rights. And by our means, to vindicate their unproclamed undeserved, and unlooked for hostile attempts and surprisals. The cause which made us arrive here in Pomerland which a reasonable Army, having by God's assistance not only taken in the principality of Rugen, and have made such a progress into it, that almost without any blows or resistance, we have turned out those, who gave themselves out for the defendors of the Land: but also have possessed the Lands, Towns Ports, and forts which lay as a Bulwark before the chief City of Pomer, and though against the Duke of Pomers will, took occasion to beseige the City of Statin, and to make ourselves Master thereof.  

And for our Parte wee Bogis Laus Dukes of Pomer and Statin, call to mind these Agrevances.  
1. That we were left desolate, and Comfortless without the help and assistance of any man.  
2. That we were not strong enough to resist the great power, which was brought against us.  
3. That our subjects of the Land, and those which should have holp to defend it, were disarmed.  
4. All ability which was yet remaining, was taken from us, and we drawn so dry, that we scarely had any means for the sustenance of life, much less to make any defencefor us.  
5. After these three years' oppression, in which we were so unchristianlike entreated, our people had a greater desire to deliver themselves, and theirs out of it then to plung themselves deeper into it, with the loss of life and goods.  
6. Especially, seeing they could promise themselves no hope of help and comfort, but found rather that all which was assured them by so manifold Capitulations, and which was signed unto and promised them so holily, little or nothing heitherto was kept and observed.  
7. For the helping whereof his Royal Ma. was forced to betake himself to these Christian means.  
8. Though his Ma. is loath to meddle which his Imperial Majesty, and the Empire.  
9 But only to restrain the insolency of the destroyers of this Land (to our great prejudice against all right and equity) who have fall'n upon it, and possessed these Countries, by declaring themselves as enemies.  
10. And therefore it is needful, that these Countries should be freed from these oppressions, vyolences, and distresses, by reducing and re establishing them in their ancient state and liberty, and in so doing to secure the safety of the Kingdom off Sweathland. Moreover his Matie hath likewise protested before us in the behalf of the City of Stralsound, and the recovered principality of Rugen, to show, unto them henceforward aswell, as unto all other places all love and friendship both in deed and word. And therefore we had much rather the same should be possessed by him, then that hereafter we should excuse ourselves with the extreme loss and danger of our Countries. It is so therefore, that we the afore said King of Sweathland, and Duke of Pomerland, for us our Kingdom, Dukedoms, and Principalities have on both sides, for the honour of God, the comfort, security, and prosperity of our people Kingdom, Dukedoms, lands and principalities, entered into this Treaty, made this agreement, have jointly consented unto it, and concluded it in this manner following.  
1. That we on both sides henceforward with our Lands, States, and People, shall live together in a firm, neighbourlike amity, peace, and affiance one of an other attempting no hostile Act, or enmity the one against the other, or suffer any to be plotted, or practised secretly by any others, but do bind ourselves in a strict league, and alliance in all our rights, dignities, States, and public liberties, against all wrong, violence, oppression, invasion, devastation assaults pressures and contribution whatsoever. In joining ourselves to gather Muius armis & Auxilijs. That is, by help of Arms mutually to preserve and defend our selves on both sides. It no wise forsaking one an other, much less by attempting any hostile act, one against the other. But by all means to seek the welfare and good of each other. By settling a free Commerce out of the Kingdoms of Sweathland into Pomerland, and out of the Duke doom of Pomerland into Sweathland, with out any hindrance or molestation whatsoever: But to advance and further the same in every place to the utter most of our powers.  
In Conformity whereof, we for us and our Posterities, and States above mentioned, do make this league. Amity and neighbourlike unity and affiance between us our Kingdom, Dukedoms, and Principalities. And all what soever depends on them, which is not only hereby renewed. But also by virtue hereof renforced and reestablished and shall continue for ever. And this union every tenth year shallbe renewed again.  
2. This renewed union made at this present, aims only at a defensive war, and the preservation of ourselves, against all unjust violence oppressions and attempts, and in no wise to go offensively. Unless these Compacts, and this renewed Conservation force us thereunto of necessity. In such a case the one shall help and assist the other, as we are bound to the uttermost of our ability.  
3. Moreover this union is not made Contra m●iestatem Imperatoris & Imperij. That is, against his Imperial Majesty, and the Empire, but rather respectiuè pro imperij stat●, for the good of the State of the Empire, and to keep and re-establish it in the Ancient form, liberty, peace, and the preservation of the public Religion against all the Insolent disturbers of the public peace. Seeing also hereby is intented the continuation of the friendship, which we Bogis Laus Dukes off Statin and Pomerland do owe unto the Romish imperial Majesty, the holy Empire, and the upper Territory of Sarony may not be abolished, but rather according to our bounden duty continue the same; upon condition the like be done on their part, and not by suffering any thing to be attempted, which shallbe prejudicial to these contents. And declare further, that we together with our principalities, Countries and people continue by the Romish Empire, Imperial laws and Institutions, neither will suffer our Lands and States to sever and alter from them, neither shall our Lands, principalities, Soveraignities Regalities Rights, and jurisdictions: as likewise the Pomerish Country's Subjects and States, as Prelates, Nobility, Gentry, and Towns, either in their general or special privileges immunities, rights, public laws, and statutes, and legibus fundamentalibus, aswell in their juribus singularibus as their common rights, and immunities be once abrogated, disannulled or infringed thereby.  
4. But seeing this union is chiefly made to this end, that we the Duke of Pomer, considering the unchristianlike usage and oppression, wherewith we have been afflicted these three years, against the wholesome Imperial laws, & institutions wholly impugning them. The public institutions and the many Capitulations, made for the lands peace. Yea against the Imperial syncerationis mandata, and public declarations, that our innocence, & constant fidelity to them might appear, that the Pomerish lands being thus surprised, might be reduced & preserved in their former State, that our Frontiers, passages, sea ports, and Towns may not be damnified, but henceforward, may be secured from all innovation, oppression and peril: It is agreed on on both sides with an unanimie consent, that we bind ourselves faithfully together, that what befalls the one, shall befall the other, for the procuring of the public good, and peace of the Religion in the holy Empire, and to resist and oppugn the contrary, in joining our forces together and to prevent and divert the same to the uttermost of our powers.  
5. Likewise the Pomerish Provinces, Towns and places, which are or shallbe taken in by us the King of Sweathland, shallbe faithfully redelivered and restored again to L. D. Duke of Pomer to his Allegiance and obedience, with all Regalties and rights there unto belonging (none excepted) without any denial, or demanding of military charges to take them again into his possession. As also the City of Stralsonnd shallbe restored likewise into the hands of L. D. Duke of Pomerland. And we the said Duke of Pomer do not hereby separate & alienate the same from our other Pomerishlands, especially the principality of Rugen, to be given over into the hands of strangers, provided that they use all diligence, for the accommodating of the King of Sweathlands his Commissaries with all things necessary whatsoevermay further the public defence of the land, in showing them all love, and good affection, and that above all the City of Stralsound, shall hold and keep their own privileges. in holding a special alliance, with the Kings Ma. off Sweathland and in time shallbe cased of their agreevances as is fitting.  
6. Seeing also that the Bishopric of Cammin is not comprehended under 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 Diocese, and State, shallenjoy prorato the benefit eand fruit thereof, and for the taking away of all jealousy and suspicion, it is agreed on for future time, that the said diocese, and their Cathederall Chapter, shall not be troubled or forced to any thing against their ancient privileges, Statutes, and other fundamental laws in electing a Bishops. and his Coadin tours in any manor whatsoever. Therefore the said King of Sweathland, together with the Duke of Pomer. Do hereby promise faithfully not only to prevent and cross any such thing: But also to maintain this Chapter and diocese in their free election, Dignities, State, and rights, against any violence which shallbe intended, or attempted against them.  
7. Without th'other's foreknowledge and consent, neither party shall go out of this alliance, much less we the Duke of Pomer by this present Act, will permit none to enter into this alliance, and agreement without his Majesty's consent, & his Royal Ma. doth like wise promise, that he will not treat or conclude of any good for us, and our Pomerishlands, but will before communicate the same unto us in due manner, that we and our Countries be not excluded thereout.  
8. And if any Christian Potentate will join with us in this union, and come in aequis conditionibus upon equal conditions it shallbe free for them to do so: Provided that thereby no part of the Country shallbe put in duriorem conditionem, that is, into harder terms and conditions.  
9 All things which may concern this particular, and all rights for the conservation of the public peace of Pomerland, no further confederations shall come into considerations, much less be made, which may in anyway be preiudicall or repugnant to this union, & for our part we the Duke of Pomer ho hereby promise to make no league or confederacy with any other whosoever, against the will & consent of his Royal Ma.  
10. If the said Duke of Pomer his Countriesand Subjects should by reason of this alliance, be assaulted, surprised or persecuted by any whosoever it be, we the said King of Sweathland for our part and our Kingdom, do not ononely take into our faithful protection the said Duke and all his Countries of Pomer, But will endeavour to draw all other Confederate Potentates into this league and conjunction with us. And so by media defensionis strengthen ourselves so much the more. And we the Duke of Pomer for us and our lands & subjects; do promise the like, that if the Crown of Sweathland should be invaded and assaulted in regard of his assistance to us, to discharge the same obligation.  
11. Likewise in the union and juncture privilegium indigenatus, even as the inhabitants enjoy them in that which concerneth the subjects of the Crown of Sweathland, and the principality of Pomerland shall be (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 utriusque nationis. That is, in peace and war, yet so as reserving their supreme rights on both sides, not extenuating their privileges, but rather furthering and respecting them  
12. That trading and Commerce shallbe better observed maintained and kept, that the King of Swethlands Coin shall go currant in Pomerland, and the Pomerish in Swethland, according to the Valuation of the place.  
14. If any discord, strife, or misunderstanding should hereafter arise between the Kings Ma. of Sweathland, and the Duke of Pomer, or on both sides between them their Countries and people, the same shall not be decided by war 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 love and friendship.  
14. Lastlie we thee said King of Sweathland have expressly conditioned, that if any sudden blow or death should befall us, or that the abovesand Duke of Pomer should happen to depart this world without any lawful male Issue or Inheritor, Before the Prince elector Brandenburch shall eventualiter be invested to the Dukedom he shall ratify and confirm this union, ere the land be cleared and dispossessed by his Ma. And in case the said prince elector should be oppugned, or his title questioned by others touching his sucession. We the King of Swethland and our Successors of the Crown, will keep these lands in sequestratoria clientelari protectione, in our possession so long until punctus successarijs be absolutely decided, and till we by the successors thereof, be fully paid the military charge, of war, yet so, as without laying any burden, charge or taxation upon the the land of Pomer, or the States and countries thereunto belonging, and till this conionction and union be duly ratified confirmed and accomplished. All which is done in the faith, and promise of a christian without all fraud.  
In witness whereof, and for the constant and inviolable observation and keeping hereof: We the King of Swethland for us and our successors, Kingdom, and Lands. And we the Duke of Pomerland for our Dukedoms, principalities, Lands and posterity, have jointly ratifyed and confirmed this alliance, and Aggreement with our Royal and princely seals, & signed it with our own knowledge and hands. Given at old Statin the tenth of this present month of june old style, According to the Nativity of our Redeemer jesus Christ 1630.    

An Appendix, or Memorial of the heads and chief Aggrevances, which was presented by his grace the Duke of Statin and Pomerland, unto the Lord julian the King of Swethlands Commissarie General Anno 1630.  
1. THat in many Quarters, and large Countries, the church of God is so dispersed, that they can perform no religious exercises, not be suffered to administer the Lords holy Sacraments, so that, the poor people run up & down together in flocks, without any Consolation for their souls; yea their children dying without receiving the holy seal of Baptism.  
2. That these Countries by reason of these two last years and a half oppression, and the quartering of soldiers in them, are reduced into the uttermost extremity, yea, and are brought into sucha case, that the sustenance of life will come to late, neither can they get any food, because the summer seed is destroyed, and cannot be brought in, in so much, that whole Countries lies waste, and untilled, as every place can sufficiently witness.  
3. That all provision of money and money-worth, as Tin, Copper, and other Mettle, together with all manner, of malts, and provisions for the kitchen, linen & Bedding are given in Contribution: yea, we conceal how the good Inhabitants of these Countries are forced for helping of themselves, to say their credit & goods to pawn, to take up moneys to pay this Contribution, to the end, that the rigorous execution (not by a few, but by a great number of soldiers, yea of whole companies in committing all manner of insolences, as bursting open of doors, scoffing and jeering the magistrates of Towns, & unfurnishing the inhabitants of necessaries without respect of persons, by forcing and constraining from the people, might once cease and not be committed.  
4. That the people by reason of the soldiers marchings too and fro, and their continual compulsions, being deprived of means, were not only driven to Eat hoggswash, the bark of trees, & other unnatural things; yea dead men's fleesh, & to eat their own parents, for the satisfying their hunger, in such sort, that of late time some fresh tragical spectacles have been seen hereof. For in his grace's jurisdiction of Wolgast, there were divers people found dead with grass in their mouths, And a woman in the village of Dandum, murdered her own child, dressed it, and eat it, and therewith satisfied her hunger of which there are many credible proofs. I conceal how many have made an end of themselves out of desperation, and by poy sonmg themselves, to escape from the threatened tourments of the soldiers, requiring that from them, which they had not, so that the most part died miserably, and perished with hunger.  
5. And though for the taking away of horses, many ordinances have been published, yet they are so little regarded, that there is scarce now a soldier goes afoot, but must ride a cock horse, which causes that the seed is not only sown, but also no horse can be got upon the highways, or for his Imperial majesty's service.  
6. And albeit the officers are furnished with horses, and forage provided for them, yet never thelesse the poor people, when the officers journey a horse back, or have any thing brought unto them, they take their horses from them, or the soldiers rides them dead.  
7. When that the poor people for want of horses cannot furnish them to put into their wagons and karrs, as they require, and at the officers pleasure, that then the magistrates in the Towns, yea likewise his graces own officers and Council if they refuse, against the Lord generals order, where there lie special Safegards, presentby to vex them they are taken from them, and they send them soldiers to lie upon 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 Emperor's armies, and such unanswerable enormities ought to be severely punished.  
8. That the officers are not contented with their usual billet-monies and fyring, but hew down the growing woods, cut down whole groves, and will not be contented unless they have variety of dishes.  
9 It is therefore needful to take such order therein, that this land in all places (in stead of their subjection, and dutiful devotion) be not brought into a vast wilderness and that the one be not constrained to pay for the other.  
10. That the people be not prost to send many wagons, show vels, spades, pickaxes for the ordinance, and such like materials: and yet not with standing by sharp exactions are forced to send great sums of money, yea sometimes a thousand Rix-dallers upon a waggon, beside the daily furnishing them with victuals, & munitious. Therefore the necessity requires that not only such, but also such other like innovations, and committed exactions, which are against the lands welfare should be severely prohibited.  
11. That his grace's customs and Tolls against the Lord General's ordinance notwith standing they be in the midst of the land are nevertheless taken from him.  
12. That besides the manifold hunt (yea which are so common by the under officers) in shooting of Dear and game and spoiling of chaces continue still.  
13. That the many out-flyings of the soldiers, and out rydings of horsemen into villages, which gives an evil example to others, and emboldens them the more are not forbidden.  
14. When the poor people complain of these insolences, they cannot be heard, but are sent away with jeering and threatenings, or whensoener his grace or his grace's Officers intercedes for them, they disdain to give them an answer.  
15. That they will not abate the charge of contribution, but the officers and soldiers though not withstanding they be maintained by the quartiers will press the exaction of what is required to a penny, therefore they entreat, that what they have had to much may be deducted from them.  
16. That the Cattle and Mettails (seeing there are but a little left,) may be received upon a due price, and the usual worth, and though a certain price is set thereupon. yet the fame in their exactions are not kept and observed.  
17. That for divers Churches, which are broken down and allthings plundered out of them, as was committed lately by the Gotrish horsemen in Rughen, it is exceeding need full they should be punished there fore, and an example be made thereof.  
18. Robing in the highways is so frequent and common in divers places, that the poor people cannot bring up their grevous taxation, and after it is taken from them must pay it once again.  
19 Besides, whatsoever is conditioned and promised them, nothing is performed, but first one end then an other is threatened 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 less remedy is for them.  
To conclude then, according as the prince himself must acknowledge, and the testimony of all the provinces, the Emperor's soldiers do not perform & keep any thing of that which they have promised, and therefore all their treaties and Contracts, which we take upon trust, and the steadfastness which one ought to rely upon them, is rather to be avoided, then to be entered into with them.  
FINIS.   

A Letter of Ferdinand the Roman Emperor to the most Illustrious King of Swethen Gustavus Adolphus, etc. translated out of Latin into English.  
Together with his Majesty's an swear concerning the present German War.  

Caesar's Letter.  
We Ferdinand the second, by the grace of God, Emperor of the Romans, etc. Declare to the most Illustrious King of the Swethens Goths, and Vandals, our friendship love, and much health.  
Most Illustrious Prince, most dear friend, it is related to us from places deserving credit, that your Majesty hath this year gathered a strong Army of horse and foot, & against expectation set forth a part thereof, first upon the Isles of the Sacred Roman Empire, and next upon the rest of the Territories thereof, that you have also not only de facto seized upon some places, Forts, and Cities of great moment in the Duchy of Pomer, and usurped to yourself in them the right of impost, which as regal doth properly belong to us: but also you have determined moreover, to in vade us, and the Empire with further hostility.  
But forasmuch as we do nowaies remember, that in all the time, that the weighty burden of the Empire hath been sustained by us, any adverse or sinistrous accident hath happened, either betwixt us, or betwixt the Empire, and your Ma. or that we, or the Empire (for aught we know) have given any occasion of any troubles, or dissensions, much less of such open hostility: it seemeth very wonderful to us, that for controversies arisen, concerning the town of Stralesound, of which your Ma. needed not have feared any hurt, your Ma. hath now the facto begun a war, hurtful perhaps to both sides against us, and the Empire: seeing therefore all these things are done, within our and the Empire's bounds, and concerns the laws and privileges of the Empire, in the which your Ma. may limit us no further, than your Majesty would not disdain in such kind of controversies to be limited by others, within the Kingdom of Swethen: especially, seeing that in our opinion the said controversies might without all doubt upon just conditions have altogether been composed, and set at rest, without these hostilities, and untimely profusion of blood, by the mediation of the King of Denmark (which being by excellent advice propounded unto him, he did with no less readiness embrace) if your Ma. had with the like zeal with us inclined to the said composition, and sent your officers at the time appointed with sufficient instruction to the said Treaties, but certainly howsoever the matter were, it had been expedient by the laws of all nations, if your Ma. had not thought, that breaking of amity with us, you had sufficient reason to invade us by war, that your Majesty should first have lawfully denounceed that war against us, and not against all law and equity invaded the Empire: Surely we certify and assure your Majesty, that these our preparations of war upon the Baltic sea, as also the rest, did never tend to the offence of your Ma. nor do they as yet, tend thereunto; but that we were always ready and prompt to continue that mutual friendship, & neighbourhood, which is between us, your Ma. and the Kingdom of Swethen, and that this is yet still our mind if your Ma. give us no further cause to change our resolution, but will break off this unnecessary war. Wherefore we friendly exhort your Ma. not to meddle no further with the state of the Empire, & the rest of the members thereof, forasmuch as we have given your Ma. Noah cause at all, but that leaving the places, which your Ma. hath seized upon, your Ma. do without delay withdraw your army from the Isles & lands of the Empire, that with your Ships, ye do not hinder navigation, trading, and commerce, and that neither by Sea, nor by land ye be not offensive to us, or to the Empire in the rights thereof. But if the contrary hereof shall appear, your Ma. may assure yourself, that in contemning, and despising this out imperial declaration, and that your Ma. with a confident security shall attempt and go on in this your begun hostility, and will not yield to restore these places (which ye have de facto, either by warlike force, or by slight possessed yourself off) we will according to our might by the unanimous aid of the Electours of the Empire, prepare ourselves speedily to recover the same, and will also chiefly take to heart our own, and the Empire's reputation, the preservation, and tuition of our obedient states, as also how any further calamity may be diverted. But we hope your Ma. will not suffer the matter to come into these extremities, and according as this our Imperial letter takes effect with your Ma. we shall be ready to do you all friendship and whatsoever else may be acceptable to your Ma▪ Given at our & the sacred Empire's city of Ratis bona the 18. of August Anno 1630.  
To the most illustrious prince, Lord Gustavus Adolphus King of the Sw●…, Goths and Vandals our most dear friend and Cousin. Your Ma. Cousin ready to all duty.   

The King of Swethen his answer.  
MOst Illustrious and most Mighty Emperor, most dear friend, and Cousin: we have, not without admiration, understood by your Imperial Mas. letter, sent to us the 18. of August last passed, & delivered to us in our Camp at Ribnits the 6, of this month, that your Imp. Ma. doth much wonder, that we have this last summer passed over with an army into Germany; and would so turn over the Fault, both of making this war, as also of the neglect of denouncing it upon us. certainly, we did not think your Imp. Ma. to have been so unmindful of matters past, that you should doubt, which of us did first offend the other by arms; and we have all ways promised ourselves 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 year, without any proclamation of war, bring (in greatness) a reasonable army, together with the hostile Imperial ensigns against us into Prussia (that we may pass by the long and grievous train of other hostilities and injuries heaped the one upon the other) it is as well known to all men, as it is certain, that we have now sufficiently proved the hostile mind and invasion of those Imperial forces, which neither our innocence, not the most, equitable requests of our Counsel by their message was able to stay or revoke. Wherefore all reasons being well and diligently discussed, we can scarcely see, by what title or right, the cause of this war can be attributed to us, or by what colour or pretext of equity your Imp. Ma. doth require of us (not making, but repelling war) a denounciation of war, neglected by yourselff, and doth inthat behalff accuse us of violating the law of Nations; for as much, as it is manifest, that it is no less agreeable to the law of Nations, that those wars, which are undertaken for the repelling of force, are not proclaimed by a Herald, but by nature itself: Neither have we notwithstanding altogether omitted all denunciation (howbeit in this case noewayes-necessarie on our part) but we have been very careful, and wary, that no man, might by any right complain, that being deceived by hope of Peace, he suffered hostility unawars; by two letters, we sent to the Electors of the Roman Empire, as also by signifying to the General of your Imp. Ma. army, by the Legate of our Counsel, that unless the errors already committed by the other side, were in time amended, a necessity should be laid upon us, by the iniquity of the neglecters of our most just complaints, by other means to provide for our security and dignity. Moreover, your Imp. Ma. doth affirm that while he hath governed the reins of the Empire, nothing hath been done by him, either injuriously, or maliciously against us, nor that his preparations of watt both by sea and land did tend to any such thing, whereby we and our states needed to fear any danger. and finally, that all matters controverted betwixt your Imp. Ma. and us, might be easily set at rest, by other means, and that they were not of such importance, that therefore presently arms were to be taken against the Roman Empire. But, we do not, on the contrary, search and inquire so diligently, whether these protestations be not contrary to the deed itself, all which we confidently leave to be judged of by the world? Whether your Imp. Ma. had any intention in any kind to offend us, we do not know, as being unable to dive into the most inward and hidden secrets of your mind: but, that under the shadow and authority of the high imperial name (and that either by your Imp. Ma. command, or at least, connivance) many and diverse indignities, hostilities, and injuries were done unto us, is so clear, that to attempt to deduce it more at large, were all one, as to pres to add light to the sun, neither do we fear to appeal to your Imp. Mas. own conscience, either as witness, or judge in this matter. What we ought likewise to have promised ourselves of your Imp. Mas. preparations of war, we will not so much declare, as his officers and ministers actions, endeavours, and devyces, not only ambiguous and suspected, but manifest, do sufficiently utter and signify: all which, if they be silent, let Pomer speak, which together with the adjacent Provinces, hath these years bygone been miserably vexed, exhausted and brought to nought by your Imp. Mas. forces, in malice against us, and under no other colour, then under the pretext of war against Swethen. More over, we do not deny but the controversies, which were arisen, might have been decided more commodiously by other means, then by arms, and it were to be wished, that your Imp. Ma. had esteemed as equitably of that supply wherewith we (with no damage to the Roman Empire, but rather to the benefit thereof) did most justly succour the City of Stralsound; as we did constantly, with a mind resolutely bend 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 us, most unjustly, under 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 us, might easily have been composed by a friendly transaction, neither should perhaps a necessity have been laid upon us; to have levied an army, at so great a charge, and to place our colours upon the confines of the Roman Empire, to the end we might maturely prevent the imminent evil, lest it should spread itself further. But since it hath otherwise seemed 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 chiefly, to decide the cause and controversy of the Sound, seeing also your Imp, Ma. armies have declared themselves so open enemies to us, and have exercised all hostility against us, offending us with all manner of hostile attempts: every lover of equity, and indifferent arbitrator in this cause, will say, that not we, but rather your Imp. Ma. vilipending other equitable and lawful means, hath at the first attempted extremities: how beit therefore, that (being so many ways unworthily provoked, and almost dejected from all hope of any friendly composition) we might, without all note or suspicion of any unjust attempt, rather have been solicited for other means thencefoorth, then for proffers of any farther peace: yet notwithstanding, that we might testify 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 far, that interposing himself for peace, we prepared the way for appointing a friendly treaty betwixt our and your Imp. Ma. commissaries at Dantfike than did we also furnish and provide our Chancellor, with the rest adjoined to him, with full commission to enter into that treaty: and finally, lest the motions of war should any wise disturb the deliberations of peace, we suffered our military expedition (not without loss both of time and means) to be differred for a long time. of this our care and solicitude for the common quietness, and tranquillity of Christian countries, this was the trust we gained, that our best deliberations, being shifted of by diverse slights and subtleties, did not only vanish without taking any effect; but that now also your Imp. Ma. doth make no scruple to ascribe the cause to us, why that business had no prosperous success: whereas it had been more agreeable to equity, rather to have examined the doings of your Imp. Ma. Commissarie, who did with earnest endeavour hinder the mediators from visiting our Ambassadors, residing at Dantsike, and from laying the foundation of the future treaty, according to the due and accustomed manner and it had been altogether more expedient, that your Imp. Ma. should have pondered with yourself, whether this often aforesaid treaty ought so strictly to have been tied to the town of Dantsike that (that place being, by reason of what happened afterwards, in respect of some seed of variance, which was then sown betwixt our officers, and the town of Dantsike made incommodious and suspected to those of our side) it might not have been celebrated elsewhere, but was to the hurt of the common tranquillity, for that cause only, to be altogether broken off, because our Deputies (though for reasons urgent and pregnant enough) could not precisely appear in the said place. All and each of these, being weighed in a just balance, let any man, who doth sincerely esteem of matters, judge which of us hath juster cause to complain of the other, yea we commit this to be examined and discussed by your Imp. Ma. his own secret thoughts, in the which we do fully persuade ourselves, that we art clearly purged. Now your I. M, does indeed affirm, that ye will maintain inviolable friendship with us, and our Kingdom of Swethen, if so be, that we restrain, yea altogether lay down our arms. but for as much, as the matter is not now any more entire and the danger hanging over the heads of our States, cannot be said to be imaginary, but hath often really and effectually shown itself, and since that we have been wronged and offended both by sea and land, not in word, but by arms, and other hostile enterprises; we desire your I. M. to pardon us, that we can not admit of such caution and provision for our security, and that, being beyond words offended, we cannot in this manner be satisfied, but have determined to maintain these arms, which we necessarily and justly have put on, until such time, as that we have either this way sufficiently provided for our security and dignity; or then, the just fear, and real imminent danger as also the offences, and injuries really inferred upon us, be redressed by sufficient provision, and real satisfaction: and commending the whole matter to the goodness of God, and to the equity of the cause, we do not refuse to abide whatsoever may befall us, in this our most equitable, and constant resolution, but if in the mean time your I. M. think that the ship of the Christian world, which hath now this long time been vehemently tossed by the huge and violent waves of war, is rather to be brought into the desired and calm haven of peace, than any longer to be committed to the stormy sea of contention and arms, and for this cause, does incline to any farther treaty, your Imp. Ma. shall see, that we shall nowayes be avers from so safe and pious a resolution, and so soon as your Imp. Ma. shall suffer yourselff to be induced so far, that we may see the Princes and Common wealths of Germany, our respective allies, Kinsmen, friends, and most dear neighbours so restored to that former estate, wherein they were, before this Germane war did begin to wax or increase, that our States may thencefoorth be duly secured, and mutual trust and friendship may again be renewed betwixt our Kingdom and these people, as also, that by experience we may try and perceive these unusual preparations of navies and arms upon these coasts, partly justly to be suspected of us, and partly nowayes to be tolerated, in respect of the defence of the Balthik sea, which doth belong to us, to have ceased, and a due consideration to be had of the injuries inferred upon us, as also of the no small charges which we have been 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 us, that our greatest desire doth most tend, to keep inviolated friendship with your Imp. Ma. no les, then with the rest of our neighbours, and mutual 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 duties whatsoever. Mattors standing in this condition, we should also scarcely give occasion to any man justly to complain, that we did to curiously pry into other men's affairs: for, as we are not accustomed to intermix ourselves with other men's matters except other men's affairs be so mingled with ours, that the one doth involve the other; and as in all this time, that Germany hath been burning in the flame of war, we, being contented with the care of our own Kingdom, did not involve our selves, in the affairs of Germany, until such time, as the iniquity of other men did bring the matter to that pas, that other men's affairs did also concern us, so should we also be found to be of the same mind then, neither should we in any kind trouble your Imp. Ma. by making the affairs of Germany to be ours. But howsoever the matter fall out, and whether it appoint us peace or war, we do religiously protest that we do foster no hostility in our mind against the Roman Empire (whereto your Imp. Ma. would seem to draw and wrest the point of the bussines) and that we are so far from desiring any thing to be attempted to the prejudice thereof, that we have rather determined to keep inviolated and sound friendship with the same, so long as it doth abstain from all manner of hostility against us, and doth not wrest out of us, though unwilling, a just retaliation, either by favouring our enemies, or by associating itself unto them. Having by all these ingenuously declared our mind concerning the matter in hand, we friendly recommend your Imp. Ma. to the protection of God. Given at Stralsound the last of October, 1630.  
Your Imp. Mas. most ready Cousin 
 gustavus ADOLPHUS. To the Most Illustrious, and Most Potent Prince, Lord FERDINAND the second of that name, elected Emperor of the Romans, King of Germany, Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia and Slavonia, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, Stirid, Carinthia, Carniola and Wurtemberg, Earl of Habsburg and Tirol, our Most dear friend and Cousin.