A Narrative, OR JOURNAL Of the Proceed of their Excellencies, the Right Honourable the Lord HOLLES, AND THE Lord COVENTRY, Appointed by His Majesty of Great Britain to be his Ambassadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries for the Treaty held at BREDA, With the Ambassadors of the French King, the King of Denmark, and the State's General of the United Provinces.  
By a Person of Quality, concerned in this Embassy.  
In the SAVOY, Printed by Tho. Newcomb, and are to be sold by Robert Pawlet at the Bible in Chariety-lane, near Sergeants-inn, 1667.   

A Narrative, or Journal of the Proceed of their Excellencies, the Right Honourable the Lord Holles, and the Lord Coventry, appointed by his Majesty of Great Britain, to be his Ambassadors Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiaries for the Treaty held at Breda, with the Ambassadors of the French King, the King of Denmark, and the State's General of the United Provinces.  
BEing Monday, 
April 29. 1667.  their Excellencies the English Ambassadors weighed Anchor from the Hope. His Excellency the Lord Holles in the Kent Fregat, commanded by Captain Silver; His Excellency the Lord Coventry on board the Amity, commanded by Captain Poyn; both Ships carrying white Flags in the Main top. From the Hope they fell down to the Bnoy in the North, and so to the Gunfleet; from whence they weighed again on Thursday Following, being the second of May, about two in the morning, having a very excellent Passage.  
May 2. About eight in the evening, their Excellencies arrived before Flushing, about five leagues off the Coast, and there made up to them a Dogger-boat, sent out by order of the States to attend their Excellency's approach, and to give notice of the same, which the Dogger-boat did by shooting of several Guns: Upon which signal there presently hafted out six noble Yachts or Pleasure-boats, two belonging unto Holland, two unto Zealand, one to the State's General, and one to the East India Company; which met their Excellencies a league from shore, and at their, first meeting there passed great Acclamations of joy; The Yachts lowered their Topsails, their Trumpets sounded, and the first salute of their Trumpets we observed to be the Tune of The King shall enjoy his own again. Presently after, there came on board their Excellencies two Gentlemen, sent by Monsieur Seneschy, a Colonel, and belonging to Zealand, the chief person appointed by the States, to compliment and conduct their Excellencies to Breda; which two Gentlemen did in the name of the States, and particularly of those of the Province of Zealand, and of the Deputies of Middleburg, congratulate their Excellencies safe arrival, and further acquainted their Excellencies that there were several persons of Quality on board those Yachts who came to wait upon their Excellencies, and were ready to receive them into the Yachts if their Excellencies so pleased. Their Excellencies returned answer, That it was so late, it would be inconvenient for them to remove that night, and therefore they-thought better to defer it until nine or ten of the Clock next morning. In this conference those Gentlemen taking some further occasion to express the particular respects of the States of Zealand to the Person and Interest of his Majesty of Great Britain, His Excellency the Lord Holles replied, That His Majesty also particularly desired to satisfy and assure those of Zealand, that he highly owned their Respects, and would be also ready to express a sensibleness and suitable good will to them when any occasion should present itself: After which those Gentlemen abundantly satisfied, departed with much cheerfulness.  
May 3. Colonel Seneschy, attended by about a dozen Gentlemen, came on board their Excellencies, and did in the name of the States, and the rest, congratulate their safe arrival, and acquainted them, That he was commanded to wait on their Excellencies to Breda: and about two of the Clock in the Afternoon their Excellencies went on board the Yachts, and anchored that night before the Rammekins.  
At their going off in their Yachts from before Flushing, they were very respectfully saluted by the Great Guns from the Town, and from all the Ships of Note in the Road, and also by all the Forts and Blockhouses on the Riverside.  
May 4. Saturday, At night their Excellencies arrived at Terheyd, a small Fort, half a league from Breda.  
Their Excellencies were treated very honourably all the way, etc. Monsieur Seneschy declaring that the States had allowed Eighteen hundred pounds sterling for their Entertainment.  
May 5. Being Sunday, Monsieur Courtin, one of the French Ambassadors, sent a Gentleman to congratulate their Excellencies safe arrival.  
May 6. In the morning, Monsieur Courtin came himself, incognito, to give their Excellencies a visit; After which, his Excellency the Lord Coventry departed incognito to Breda.  
At Breda there were two houses adjoining together, taken up for their Excellencies and their Families, and the walls broke through from one house unto the other for their mutual Intercourse.  
May 7. In the morning, a Gentleman came from Monsieur Courtin with his Coach, unto his Excellency the Lord Holles (his Excellencies own Coach being not yet ready) to bring him incognito to Breda; But his Excellency with a return of much respect excused himself from making use of it.  
On the same day his Excellency the Lord Holles, upon the invitation of the Governor of Terheyd, removed on shore to lie in the Fort.  
May 8. His Excellency was Treated by Monsieur Seneschy on board the Yachts; and  
May 9 His Excellency entertained Monsieur Seneschy, and the Gentlemen with him on shore in the Fort.  
May 10. His Excellency's House in Breda being in some measure fitted for his Reception, he removed incognito to Breda.  
After their Excellency's arrival at Breda, there were already arrived Monsieur D' Estrade, and Monsieur Courtin, Ambassadors for France; Monsieur Clinenberg and Monsieur Charisius, Plenipotentiaries for Denmark; and Monsieur Beverningk, Monsieur D' Huybert, and Monsieur Jongestal, Plenipotentiaries for the States.  
May 11. Monsieur D' Estrade gave their Excellencies a private visit; after which, their Excellencies prepared for their public Entry: In order to which,  
May 14. On Tuesday, Their Excellencies, with their retinue, went incognito out of Breda to the Speele-house, a pleasant summer house in the Prince of Orange's Park, some distance from the Town; and there spending some time till Monsieur Valkenhaen Lieutenant Governor of the Town came to wait upon their Excellencies; Sir George Charnock the Knight Martial immediately by their Excellency's Commands, disposed the train into this Order. First road eight Grooms on Horseback, after them eight Pages, all in the Ambassadors rich Livery; then four of his Majesty's Trumpeters, next road their Excellencies two Gentlemen of the Horse, then immediately next before their Excellencies own Coach, road the Knight-Marshal to the Embassy, bearing in his hand a Richly guilded Batton or Staff, the Ensign of his Office; his Horse attended on each side with Footmen in the Ambassadors Liveries, than followed his Excellency the Lord Holles his first Coach which was both in itself, and all the Furniture of the Horses exceeding Rich and Royal. In this Coach road their Excellencies, accompanied with Monsieur the Marquis of Hauterive Governor of Breda, and Monsieur Seneschy, and several others, who are Sons and Brothers to some of the Nobility, also Nicholas Morrice Esq Son to the Right Honourable Sir William Morrice Principal Secretary of State, who was by his Majesty's special appointment Secretary unto the Embassy, a Gentleman of eminent Desert, particularly for the diligent and prudent discharge of his employment in this Affair. The said Coach was attended on each side by the gross of the Footmen, being near Fifty in number, in very costly and rich Liveries.  
Next followed his Excellency the Lord Coventries first Coach, which was also of a suitable Magnificence.  
Next followed the Lord Holles his second Coach, and then the Lord Coventries second Coach, in all which Coaches their Excellencies were also attended by divers other persons of Honour and Quality.  
After that went the Governors of the Town, than the Coaches of the several Nobility and Gentry about the Town.  
There were drawn up in the Park three Troops of Horse to attend their Excellencies: The first of which upon their Excellencies moving by (after having very respectfully saluted them) advanced and led the way at the head of all out of the Park.  
The other two Troops stood still while the whole Train passed by, all of which they with like respect saluting, closed in after and brought up the rear. At the head of these was Monsieur Ouderkirk Captain of one of the Troops, and Gentleman of the Horse to the Prince of Orange, a brave young Cavalier, and Brother to the Right Honourable the Lord arlington's Lady.  
At their Excellency's entrance into the Town, they were received by Monsieur the Marquis d'Hauterive the Governor, with all possible demonstrations of Kindness and Respects, to which their Excellencies having made suitable Returns, invited him into their own Coach, which he accepted accordingly.  
There was all the Soldiery in the Town amounting to about Two thousand Foot besides the rest of the Horse disposed at the ends of all Streets they passed by. And the whole great Market being the principal place for Beauty and Largeness in the Town, was filled with Horse and Foot, leaving only room for the Coaches to pass. At this place appeared the greatest State and Splendour of the Solemnity: during the whole time of which the great Guns from all sides of the Town liberally discharged, what contribution they owed to so joyful an appearance.  
It is not conceivable how the spectators, (who in throngs filled all Windows and Streets) were transported with admiration and content, insomuch that from the unanimous Content of all their expressions; it may be truly affirmed that nothing of this nature hath ever been performed with more advantage to the Honour of the English Nation.  
Being arrived at their own House, they found a very splendid Entertainment provided for their Excellencies and their Retinue by the State's appointment, where Monsieur the Marquis d'Hanterive, Monsieur Valkenhaen, Monsieur Ouder church and Monsieur Seneschy with the Noble persons that accompanied their Excellencies, and those who attended them in the several Coaches did all Dine in their Excellency's Presence.  
May 15. The French Ambassadors did in the morning give their Excellencies a public visit, and in the afternoon the Danish Plenipotentiaries gave their Excellencies a visit.  
May. 16. The French Ambassadors did again in the morning give their Excellencies a public visit, and in the afternoon their Excellencies gave the French Ambassadors a public visit.  
May. 17. The Swedish Ambassadors (having not yet made their public Entry) gave their Excellencies a visit incognite. And after them the Ministers of the Town gave a visit, and the same morning their Excellencies visited the Danish Plenipotentiaries. In the afternoon the State's Plenipotentiaries visited their Excellencies.  
May 18. The Burgomasters of the Town waited upon the Ambassadors. The same morning their Excellencies visited the State's Plenipotentiaries. In the afternoon their Excellencies visited Monsiour d'Hanterive the Governor.  
May 19 Their Excellencies visited the Swedish Ambassadors, and some of the following days were likewise spent in visits.  
The place appointed for the Treaty was at the Castle.  
In the Castle there was a large Room next unto the great Hall richly hung with Tapestry, and in the middle of the Room was a round Table covered over with green Velvet, over which hung a Canopy of green Velvet, over-shadowing all the Table, about which were placed many Chairs and Cushions suitable; the floor of the Room under the Table and round about the same was covered also with green Velvet.  
To this Room there were three doors, one opening into the great Hall, at the other end of the Room was another door, and the third door was on the side of the Room next to the Gallery.  
However, the Ambassadors not finding it convenient to make use of this Room for their ordinary meeting together, made choice of several distinct apartments; the the Swedish Mediators passing betwixt from one to the other as there was occasion communicated their several Proposals, Objections, and all of that Nature relating to the Negotiation; which manner of proceeding was observed during the whole Treaty.  
May 25. Being Saturday, The respective Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries, according to appointment came to their several apartments in the Castle; and the Treaty was begun in the method aforesaid.  
During their whole residence at Breda, there passed not at any time any disrespect between the persons interessed in the Treaty, nor any of their followers or Retinue, but every thing carried on with all mutual civilities and kindness.  
After the first general meeting on the 25th of May, there was a discontinuance of all Treaty and Transactions until the three and twentieth day of June, and during the said time very few, if any visits were made.  
June 23. In the morning their Excellencies the English Ambassadors, visited the Swedish Ambassadors.  
June 25. The French Ambassadors visited their Excellencies, and were in conference with them above three hours. And in the afternoon of the same day the Swedish Ambassadors visited their Excellencies, and were in conference with them above three hours.  
June 26. Their Excellencies visited the French and Swedish Ambassadors, and were with them all the Afternoon.  
June 27. All the Respective Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries came to their several apartments in the Castle about four of the Clock in the Afternoon, and continued their Treaty till about nine in the evening, in manner as before.  
June 28. The Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries came to their several apartments in the Castle about five a Clock, and continued their Treaty till about nine in the Everning, in manner as before.  
June 29. The Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries came again to their several apartments in the Castle at nine in the morning, and continued on their Treaty till about one of the Clock in manner as before; and they came again in the Afternoon about four, and continued the Treaty till about nine.  
Sunday, June 30. The several Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries came again to their several apartments about five of the Clock in the Afternoon, and continued their Treaty till about nine at night; In which time they concluded upon the generality of the Articles of the Peace: Only some particulars yet remaining, in which it was fit his Majesty's pleasure should be farther known before the absolute completing of them. It was unanimously desired by all the Ambassadors, that his Excellency the Lord Coventry would take the pains upon himself of a journey to England for that purpose, as also to present His Majesty with the account of what was already by all their Consents completed. Upon which earnest desire of theirs, his Excellency the Lord Coventry did accordingly undertake the journey, which he set out upon the second of July, and returned with His Majesty's Resolution and Approbation the 17th of the same Month.  
During this Treaty at the Castle, the French and Danish Ambassadors came some times to the apartment of their Excellencies the English Ambassadors, but the Dutch Ambassadors came not till the said close of the Treaty.  
July 18. All the respective Ambassadors came to visit their Excellencies, after the return of his Excellency the Lord Coventry.  
July 19 All the respective Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries came to their several apartments in the Castle at nine in the morning, and stayed there till twelve at noon.  
July 20. They came likewise to their several apartments in the Castle about five in the Afternoon, and continued there till eight.  
Sunday, July 21. They came again to their several apartments in the Castle at five, and continued till past nine, and then signed and sealed in their several apartments the Articles of Peace; and presently after came together into one room, and mutually interchanged the same. Immediately hereupon, some signal being given, all the Cannon of the Castle were discharged, and so from Fort to Fort round the Town; After which, the Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries adjourned any further meeting until such time as the Ratifications from the several Princes might in all probability be returned.  
At their going out of the Castle, this night there were several Troops of Horse, and several Foot Companies placed in the High-street; through which the Ambassadors Coaches returning, there were great expressions of joy, the Drums beating, Colours flying, Trumpets sounding, and Discharging their Pistols and Muskets.  
July 23. The Honourable Sir John Coventry, Knight of the Bath, Nephew to his Excellency the Lord Coventry, had all along attended the Embassy, and omitted no expense to add to the Grandeur and honour of the Embassy, being very noble in Equipage, suitable to his quality; He was after dispatched for England by their Excellencies, unto his Majesty for his Majesty's Ratification of the Peace.  
July 24. Their Excellencies the English Ambassadors dined with the Danish Plenipotentiaries.  
July 25. The Danish Plenipotentiaries and the Governor of Breda dined with their Excellencies.  
During this Recess, the Swedes and Danish Ambassadors went unto the Hague, and so did Monsieur Beverningk, and Monsieur. Huybert, two of the Dutch Ambassadors, Monsieur Jongestal remaining at Breda.  
Aug. 2. The Honourable Sir John Coventry arrived at Breda; being returned from England with great dispatch.  
After the return of Sir John Coventrie to Breda, the French, Swedish and Davish Ambassadors, and Plenipotentiaries returned also to Breda; and there also returned Monsieut Beverningk and Monsieur d'Huybert, two of the Dutch Plenipotentiaries, and with them came two other deputed for the Signing with more Solemnity, so that there were five of the Dutch Plenipotentiaries to attend and receive the exchange of the Ratifications of the Peace.  
Aug. 11. The French Ambassadors gave their Excellencies a visit.  
Aug. 13. All the respective Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries went to their several Apartments in the Castle about five of the clock in the afternoon, and remained there until seven, and advised one the other respectively with the Returns of the Ratifications from the respective Princes, and upon the deliberation of the whole matter, appointed a meeting the next day for the Exchange of the Ratifications.  
Aug. 14. All the respective Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries went at Eleven of the clock to the Castle, where they all met in one great Room, and after many Congratulations of Joy and Respect, they Exchanged the Ratifications, and thereupon all the Guns of the Castle were shot off, and so from Fort to Fort round the Town; all the Forces of the Garrison being in Arms in the Streets, the Drums beating, Trumpets founding, Colours flying, Guns shooting, and all Declarations of Joy through the whole Town; there being a great confluence of People from all parts of the Dutch Netherlands. And it was agreed by the Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries before they came out of the Castle, that at four of the clock that afternoon the Peace should be proclaimed before the Palaces of the respective Ambassadors and Plempotentiaries.  
This day their Excellencies dined with Monfieur d'Estrade one of the French Ambassadors.  
At four of the clock in the afternoon, all the Gentlemen attending the Embassy, and all the Servants of their Excellencies were Marshaled by Sir George Charnock Marshal to the Embassy, and drawn out of the Gates of their Excellency's Palace, with his Majesty's Trumpets sounding before them, and walked the whole length of the ground before the Palace, and being brought into a round and close Order before the middle windows of the Palace, their Excellencies were seated at the Window in Chairs of State, with velvet Cushions before them, and Tapestry hang adorning the outside of the windows, and multitudes of the Dutch Nation attending to see the Solemnity: The Peace was proclaimed with France, Denmark and Holland, Doctor William Howel Doctor of the Laws, who went over with their Excellencies, a Person in much Honour and Esteem with them for his Learning and great Services in the Embassy, reading the Proclamations, and Mr. Laurence Lo aloud pronouncing the same after him, and at the end of every Proclamation the Trumpets sounding, several Flourishes and great rejoicings amongst all the People.  
After the said Proclamations, all the Gentlemen returned into the Ambassador's Palace where several hogsheads of Wine being let run at waste, the People with a great Joy and Gladness received the same.  
The French Ambassadors and Danes made the like Proclamations before their Palaces respectively, and the Dutch Plenipotentiaries before the Stadthouse.  
Night coming on, all the windows of the Palace of their Excellencies fronting towards the street, were set with several rows of Candles lighted, in a very great number,  
About seven of the clock that evening, their Excellencies went to the Stadthouse whither they were invited to a Banquet, and there met all the Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries: Also were present the Magistrates and chief Persons of the Town, with many other Persons of Quality and their Ladies: In the Room was placed a large round Table, where after a handsome Treat of all Fowl the season afforded, they were entertained with a noble Banquet.  
In the street before the said Stadthouse was erected a large Scaffold, on which were several Figures serving to artificial Fireworks; all performed by an excellent Engineer.  
At each end of the Scaffold were erected four Structures in equal distances from the Scaffold, about sixteen foot high, each Structure full of Arms with burning Flambeaux.  
The Fireworks continued, and the Flambeaux were burning; the streets full of Horse and Foot, Trumpets sounding, Drums beating, and Colours flying, for the most part of the night; all the windows of the Houses full of People; great acclamations and demonstrations of Joy through the whole Town.  
Aug. 15. During the time of the Treaty, the Ambassadors had received very good Testimony of the Pious endeavours used by Mr. Ernest, Mr. Halsins and Mr. Planet; three Ministers in Breda, both in their Frayers in public and otherwise for God's blessing upon the Treaty for a Peace and happy Union betwixt the two Nations. The said Mr. Ernest and Mr. Plance being also Professors in the Schools at Breda; and themupon their Excellencies were pleased to signify to the Lord Chancellor of the University of Oxford their respective Merits, and obtained of his Lordship three Diploma's from that University, whereby they received as Rewards of their good affection the Degrees of Doctors in Divinity. And on this day the Ambassadors being in a great Room of their Palace, and seated in two Chairs at the upper end of a Table in the said Room; the Gentlemen of the Embassy attending about them in the Room; the said three Ministers were introduced into the Room by Doctor Mew Doctor in Divinity, and Fresident of St. John's College in Oxford; a person who hath morated much by the several good offices of Prudence, Industry and Piety, which he hath eminently discharged in the service of Chaplain to their Excellencies; and after a concise and eloquent Latin Speech by him made for that occasion, the Condition of the persons receiving that Honour, the Renown of the University his Mother, and the Dignity of their Excellencies, and the said Ministers return of thanks for the Honour; Doctor Mew delivered the said Diploma's unto them respectively.  
Aug. 27. Their Excellencies dispached Sir George Charnock, with expresses unto his Majesty of the Exchange of the Ratifications, and of Proclaiming of the Peace, and several publications of the same. And the said Sir George coming to Middleburgh, was very civility treated by the Precedent of the Admiralty, and had a Warrant to one of the States Men of War, then at Tervere, who lay ready to transport him for England, the Ship being by the State's Order well furnished with Provisions for his entertainment in his passage; and Sir George embarquing, took into her also many English Prisoners, and came to the North-foreland where were riding the Vice-Admiral of North-Holland, with about four Dutchmen of War.; to whom Sir George gave notice of the Proclamations of the Peace: At which the Vice-Admiral expressed much joy, and so did all the Seamen with very great Shouts and Acclamations, and then shot off many Guns; and immediately after hung up their blue Flag, weighed Anchor, and went away.  
Sir George landed at Margett, and there took Post-horse immediately for London.  
Aug. 23. Very early in the morning he came to Whitehall, and in discharge of his Duty delivered his Expresses.  
Aug. 24. By His Majesty's special Command, the Peace with the French, Dane and Dutch was Proclaimed by three several Proclamations, at the Court Gate, and at the usual places in the City of London, by the Heralds, Sergeants at Arms, with the Trumpets, and other Officers attending. The Right Honourable the Lord Major and Aldermen of the City of London, waiting also upon the publication of the same from Temple-Bar through the City unto Bishopsgate-street, to Gresham-house the present Exchange, where the last Publications and Proclamations were made.  
During the time after the dispatch of the formentioned Publications, there passed divers Invitations and Entertainments betwixt the several Ambassadors, while they remained, till His Majesty's Frigates, the Portland and the Reserve, arriving at Flushing for their Excellency's reconveyance into England, they took their journey from Breda thither accordingly, being by the way very earnestly importuned to receive a Treat from the States at Middleburgh; which in regard of the haste they desired to make in returning to his Majesty's farther service, they excused themselves from staying to accept of, coming after on board their Frigates. They set sail from before Flushing on Monday morning September the 9th, and quitting the Frigates before Gravesend, they entered there into Barges sent down express by His Majesty, and arrived at Whitehall on Friday the 13th in the Afternoon, where they were most graciously received by His Majesty.  
FINIS.