A DECLARATION OF THE Parliament, of the Commonwealth OF ENGLAND, Relating to the Affairs and Proceed between this Commonwealth and the State's General of the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses, and the present Differences occcasioned on the State's part. And the Answer of the Parliament to Three Papers from the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the State's General, upon occasion of the late Fight between the Fleets. With a Narrative of the late Engagement between the English and Holland Fleet. As also A Collection of the Proceed in the Treaty between the Lord Pauw, Ambassador Extraordinary from the State's General of the United Provinces, and the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England. Friday the Ninth of july, 1652. ORdered by the Parliament, That no person whatsoever, without particular Licence from the Parliament, do presume to Print the Declaration (Entitled, A Declaration of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, Relating to the Affairs and Proceed between this Commonwealth and the State's General, etc.) Nor any the Papers therewith printed, other than the Printer to the Parliament. Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti. London, Printed by john Field, Printer to the Parliament of England, 1652. A Declaration of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, Relating to the Affairs and Proceed between this Commonwealth and the State's General of the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses, and the present Differences occasioned on the State's part. IF the Sufferings of the People of the United Provinces under the heavy yoke of their Oppressions, before their Deliverance from the same by the Mercy of God be remembered, and the Principles and Spirit which than acted in them, and the ready and constant Help which they have had in all times from this Nation, and that with no small Expense of English Blood and Treasure, the Returns which they have made towards this Commonwealth will hardly be believed. It is not intended to be very particular in mentioning the state of the Affairs of this Commonwealth as it stood when oppressed by a Tyrant, they were necessitated to fly to Arms for Defence of their Lives and Estates, because in Parliament they did but assert and desire the Settling of their Just and Native Liberties, wherein by so many Wonders, in so many signal Battels, by such a Series of Providence in England, Ireland and Scotland, the Lord was pleased to bless a poor handful, who approved themselves faithful to that Cause. Neither is that Endeavour to divide them in the memorable year of Forty eight, to be omitted; nor the great Preparations made against this Nation in the year One thousand six hundred and fifty, which necessitated their Proceed in Scotland, being refused Satisfaction for forepast Wrongs; and denied Assurance of Peace from them, who had received the Declared Enemy of this Commonwealth from the United Provinces, where that mischievous Contrivement was hatched against England, and from whence their Enemies had much open and secret Assistance by the Interest of the Prince of Orange and others, even at a time when that Prince and his Adherents were contriving, as was most probable, to erect a Tyranny upon those countries'; and to reduce them to their former Bondage, of which he miss but narrowly, especially in his Attempt upon Amsterdam; which things are better known there than here, and are not the purpose of this Declaration. Neither is it pleasant to remember that cruel and bloody Business of Amboyna towards the English, for which no Satisfaction at all hath been given, though often demanded in that Case, and in others not unlike it. But such was the Affection of this Nation towards the People of the United Provinces, and to the Establishment of Liberty, and the Advantages of Traffic and Strength to both; but above all, to the Advancement of the True Protestant Religion which both profess, and which in human probability would receive the greatest Growth by their Friendship; and observing in some of the Governors and People of those countries' an Affection to this Cause, and particularly expressed by them in their free Contribution for the poor Protestants in Ireland; that so soon as the Affairs here came by the Blessing of God to any consistency, the Parliament did sand a Resident to the State's General, who expressly refused to receive him, as themselves very well know. The Affairs here being yet further prospered by the Almighty, and the Affection and Judgement the same still in respect of their Neighbours, the Parliament sent again, and joined with their Resident there another worthy Person Dr. Dorislaus, who were instructed and enabled to see if by any good means a right Understanding might be had; but one of these Public Ministers, Dr. Doristaus, being come upon this public Employment to the Hague, the place of Residence of the State's General; was there most barbarously and openly Murdered; of whose Assassination the world will judge as of an Action most abhorred, against all Rules of National Intercourse, and even Humanity itself; and how little was done there to Attach the Murderers whilst the business was fresh, or hath been done since, though often called upon from hence, they well know, and must be here remembered. On the other side, the States having formerly sent their Ambassadors, the Lords, Borele, Renzwo and Joakimi into England, in the time of the late Troubles, pretending all good Offices, which proved to be a Correspondence with the Enemy, and a Means of Assisting them against those to whom they were sent; This, with Reproaches by them cast upon the Parliament, was the work of those Ambassadors; for which, how liable soever by the practice of Nations they left themselves, yet not the lest Incivility was offered to them, but their Demeanour made known to their Superiors, and Reparation desired, but none vouchsafed. After these Passages, when it had pleased God to put a full End to the troublesome Affairs in England, not one Garrison upon the firm Land being in the Enemy's hands, nor any Force on foot, but all reduced to Peace and Settlement, the Affairs of Ireland in a good condition, most of the Towns and Cities there in the Parliaments power, and their Affairs in Scotland not unprosperous, when there was much lesle cause to apply to the States, for any need the Parliament had of their Assistance, or if they should have looked upon themselves and their Neighbours, as other States use to do; yet still retaining the former Principles of Affection and Judgement of the great Concernment an Union between the two Commonwealths would be to the upholding of the Protestant Interest, so much designed upon by the Enemies thereof, and unto common good and Liberty. The Parliament did sand a Solemn Embassy to the State's General, the Ambassadors Enabled and Instructed to endeavour to Compose former Differences, and to effect a firm and strict Union, as far as might be consistent with Reason and Justice, and the Honour of this Nation, and be for Mutual good; Nay, they can say, That those Ambassadors from hence were Impowered to make such Tenders unto, and Agreement with the States, as would have demonstrated the Affection of this Commonwealth to the Good of the people of the United Provinces, the same as to themselves. How unheartily and dilatorily they were dealt with in relation to their Errand, whereby the Embassy was rendered of no effect; how unsafe (to say not more) they were in their Persons during their abode in the Netherlands, what Indignities were offered to them and their Followers, and unpunished; and at whose Door the fault hereof doth lie, is too apparent. But these Endeavours for Friendship, by this delay and Averseness on the State's part, becoming fruitless, the Honour of this Commonwealth in the Persons of their Ambassadors wounded, and their desires of Amity thus slighted, the Ambassadors were recalled home. By this appears what hath been done to procure a firm League and Amity with the United Provinces, and what honest and sincere Endeavours have been on the Parliaments part to effect it, who in the mean time proceeding on to conflict with those Difficulties which Providence called them unto in Scotland and Ireland, and the same gracious hand of God which had gone along with them, having brought their Affairs in Ireland to so good a pass, as that little remained there to be done; and prospering the War in Scotland so, as that Country being in a manner quitted to them; and the Scotish Army under the Command of Charles Stuart, Son of the late King, marching into England, was totally defeated at Worcester, and almost all of them killed or taken, except himself and some few others hardly escaping. Than and not before, the State's General thought fit to sand an Embassy to this Commonwealth, which was received with such willingness and Affection, as might testify for them, they stood fixed to their former Principles. As the Treaty went on, having some reason to avoid Dilatoriness and to desire Certainty, when Positive Demands were pressed to the States Ambassadors, they were evaded in things not of the hardest Resolution, with Allegations of want of Power, though their Commission shown no such Restraint: yet to obtain further Power▪ Returns must be made to their Superiors; and before Answers could be had, the Provincial States must be Assembled, which gave small grounds of any real intendment of a firm Peace and Amity. During the time of Treaty also, whilst at the first their Ambassadors Debates seemed to seek no better Props than of Ingenuity and Reason, the Ambassadors of the States acquainted the Parliament, that one hundred and fifty Ships of War were intended to be set out by their Superiors, besides those of their Navy than abroad; and all these pretended for more security of the Sea; and conservation of the Trade and Navigation of the United Provinces, but not to offend England. Whether this were done to Amuse the Parliament or to Denounce against them, is to the States best known, and the Grounds of those extraordinary and great Preparations, when they had no Enemy at all in these Seas. To these things the Parliament made no other Answer, but quietly intended a Provision for their own just Defence, in case any should Invade them. Nevertheless, not altering their Resolutions more or lesle as to the things to be insisted upon or granted, having made Justice and Honour, and a mutual Good, in preservation and saving of each Rights to other, the rule to steer their Actions by, who were most willing to come to a happy Close of this Treaty, and were not, to their knowledges, wanting in any thing which might testify their reality to finish the same. In the mean time the States go on with their Preparations at Sea, appoint their several Rendezvouz of their Fleet tending to a Conjunction of all into one, under the Command of him whom they call Lieutenant Admiral Trump; what his Intentions or Instructions were, his own Deportment and some precedent Actions will demonstrate. Particularly, when amongst others, one of their Ships being met by a man of War under the Command of Captain Young, was in a friendly manner summoned to give the usual Respect to the Ships of War of this Nation, which another of his Company had done before, and which hath been accustomed not only as a civility and respect, but a principal Testimony of the unquestionable Right of this Nation to the Dominion and Superiority of the adjacent Seas, acknowledged generally by all the Neighbor-States and Princes, and particularly by themselves and their Predecessors, besides many most authentic Records and other undeniable Proofs, together with a constant Practice in Confirmation thereof: Yet he refused, affirming that if he did it, he should loose his Head. Not long after this ensued that Action of Trump, the particulars whereof are set down in the Narrative herewith Printed; by which that Hostile and injurious Act appears to have been done against Neighbours in Amity, who have so often and earnestly desired and testified their willingness to firm and continued the same: and this also vailed with, and in the midst of a Treaty of Peace offered by themselves. Accompanied also with such Arrogancy & Injustice, not only to the denying of so unquestionable a Right, but Usurping upon the same; and in prosecution of that Injury without any provocation, seeking out the Ships of this Commonwealth in their own Seas, upon their own Coast, in their own Road, there falling upon them, beginning a War, and thus endeavouring the Destruction of their Men and Ships, even to the beating them out of the Sea, and utter Subversion of the Naval Power and Trade of this Commonwealth, had not God by his goodness turned the shame thereof upon the heads of those who were the wrong Doers. After this long Patience of the Commonwealth of England, and after these high Injuries and Provocations thus forced upon them, the Success at Sea not answering Expectation, it pleased the State's General to sand another Ambassador Extraordinary to the Parliament; who, as the former Ambassadors a little before his coming had done, laboured to excuse their Superiors from having any Intention, or giving any Instruction to Warrant this Dealing; which, notwithstanding the Preparations, the returning from another Course and seeking out the Parliaments Ships in their own Roads, and there falling upon them without the lest Provocation, as before is mentioned, was yet by the Ambassador called an Accident, and a thing done by mere Chance, the Action in the name of his Superiors utterly disclaimed, yet the Employment and the Agent continued by them and reinforced. And when the clear truth of this unworthy Fact, bearing in itself part of the Proof thereof, by the Fleet under the Command of Trump, coming purposely into the Road of England unto their Fleet; and the rest thereof being attested, not only by many eye-witnesses, Englishmen, but also by divers Officers, and others of the Netherlands taken in the Fight, who concur fully in the Testimony; yet a long and intricate way of Examination thereof is propounded, a Cessation of acts of Offence and Hostility in the mean time desired, and a new Proceeding upon the old long Treaty entered into by the former Ambassadors; that time being thus gained, an addition of strength might therewith be provided. The Powers of this Ambassador being desired to be seen, none but his Credential Letters, and some Passes for his Transportation were produced; but no power to Treat and Conclude with the Parliament, for which material Point he resorted to the Powers of the former Ambassadors, who had Commission to Treat and conclude upon the former Negotiation, and owned this also; and although they came upon the general business of the Treaty of Alliance between the two Commonwealths, and the Lord Pauw came upon a particular Action done after that Treaty begun and proceeded in; yet such was the continued desire of the Parliament, if possible, to compose the said late Differences in a Friendly way, that they proceeded to treat with the Lord Pauw, waving the present Dispute upon his want of Powers. And when nothing in Particular was tendered by the Ambassador, but the Generals before recited; and a Proposal, That the Parliament would make their Demands to him; they were contented, not insisting upon the disadvantage thereof, to make their Demands unto the Ambassador for Satisfaction for Wrongs passed, and Security for the future, which are herewith likewise Printed; whereby it was put into the Hands of the Ambassador, to come to an Agreement upon the Demands of Satisfactions to be by both Parties moderated and asserted, as was propounded to him in another Paper; and upon such Agreement for Satisfaction (the Demand for Security being left to after consideration) to have a Cessation of all acts of Hostility and Offence as he desired, and the Parliament was thus willing to assent unto. But instead of drawing towards any such Agreement, or endeavouring to come to Particulars therein as was offered; the Ambassador was not pleased at all to second or pursue his former earnest desire of a Cessation, though it were thus in his own Power to accomplish, but wholly declined the same; and for himself and the other Ambassadors, desired speedy Audience to take their leaves, and to departed into their own Country, being expressly commanded (as they affirmed) so to do; and in that they were not denied any Respect or Accommodation, nor used, during their abode here, as the Public Ministers of this Commonwealth had been in the United Provinces; and by this Departure, they were pleased to put a period both to the one and the other Treaty. At their last Audience in Parliament, much was recited of the same matter contained in their former Papers; and as to that which they than urged concerning acts of Hostility not looked for, neither at any time before declared; and that their Ships (brought into the Ports of England, and there detained of late against their thought, and before any Declaration of Hostility issued out, and whereof the Commanders are unware and guiltless, having not given the lest, nor to no body occasion of Disputes) might be released; the Parliament therein need but refer to the Narrative by them published, and delivered to the Ambassadors of the Lords the State's General, before the arrival of the Lord Pauw, and seen by him at his first coming. And although that first Breach and high injury done by Trump was on the Parliaments part altogether undeserved and unlooked for, yet after the same committed, a Prosecution against the Wrong-doers could not in probability but be looked for from the Parties injured, to whom no Satisfaction hath yet been offered; unless the Parliament should quietly and tamely have laid themselves down at the feet of those who have thus endeavoured the Ruin of them, and have betrayed into those hands the Rights and Safety of the People of this Nation, which few would have esteemed agreeable to the great Trust in them reposed. By these Proceed faithfully represented to the view of the World, it will be more than evident with what Affection and Constancy the Parliament have laboured for the Friendship of the United Provinces: how carefully they avoided all Differences and Occasions of a War between the Nations, though all such Overtures of Amity and nearest Alliance have been rejected. At last, when this Commonwealth was assaulted and invaded, their Ships torn, their Men slain, without the lest colour of any Offence given; upon which Attempts and the Consequences thereof had the same succeeded, not only the Rights, Honour and Traffic, but even the very Being of this Commonwealth had been highly endangered; The Parliament held it their Duty, thus compelled and necessitated into a most unwelcome War begun upon them, to defend themselves; and whilst a just Satisfaction and Security cannot otherwise be had, To endeavour the gaining thereof by such ways and means wherewith the Lord shall enable them. And herein, as the Parliament doth rest abundantly comforted in the Integrity of their own Proceeding, and faithful Discharge of their Duty, so they assure themselves that all indifferent persons will entertain this clear Testimony of the Justness of their Cause; for the issue whereof they depend not upon any Policy or strength of Man, but only upon the Goodness and Assistance of that Righteous God who hath hitherto in so wondered a manner appeared for them, and who never failed those that seek him, and with uprightness and sincerity of Heart attend upon him. Hen: Scobell Cleric. Parliamenti. The Answer of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, to Three Papers presented to them by the Council of State, from the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces, upon occasion of the late Fight between the Fleets. THe Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, calling to mind with what continued Demonstrations of Friendship and sincere Affections, from the very beginning of their intestine Troubles they have proceeded towards their Neighbours of the United Provinces, omitting nothing on their part that might conduce to a good Correspondence with them, and to a growing up into a more near and strict Union than formerly, Do find themselves much surprised with the unsuitable Returns that have been made thereunto, and especially at the Acts of Hostility lately committed in the very Roads of England upon the Fleet of this Commonwealth, the matter of Fact whereof stated in clear Proofs, is hereunto annexed; Upon serious and deliberate consideration of all, and of the several Papers delivered in by Your Excellencies to the Council of State, the Parliament thinks sit to give this Answer to those Papers: The Parliament, as they would be willing to make a charitable Construction of the Expressions used in the said Papers, endeavouring to represent the late Engagement of the Fleets to have happened without the knowledge, and against the mind of Your Superiors; So when they consider how disagreeable to that profession the Resolutions and Actions of Your State and their Ministers at Sea have been, even in the midst of a Treaty offered by themselves, and managed here by Your Excellencies, the extraordinary Preparations of One hundred and Fifty sail of Men of War, without any visible occasion, but what doth now appear (a just ground of Jealousy in Your own judgements, when Your Lordships pretended to excuse it) and the Instructions themselves given by Your said Superiors to their Commanders at Sea, Do find too much cause to believe, That the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces have an Intention, by Force to usurp the known Rights of England in the Seas, to destroy the Fleets that are, under God, their Walls and Bulwarks, and thereby expose this Commonwealth to Invasion at their pleasure, as by this late Action they have attempted to do: Whereupon the Parliament conceive they are obliged to Endeavor, with God's assistance, as they shall have opportunity, To seek Reparation of the Wrongs already suffered, and Security that the like be not attempted for the future. Nevertheless, with this mind and desire, That all Differences betwixt the Nations may (if possibly) be peaceably and friendly composed, as God by his Providence shall open a way thereunto, and Circumstances shall be conducing to tender such Endeavours lesle dilatory, and more effectual than those of this kind heretofore used have been. Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti. A Narrative of the late Engagement between the English Fleet under the Command of General Blake, and the Holland Fleet under the Command of Lieutenant Admiral Trump near Dover. UPon Tuesday the Eighteenth of May 1652. in the morning, General Blake being gone to the Westward as far as Rye Bayliff eight days before with twelve or thirteen Ships, leaving Mayor Bourn in the Downs with eight Ships only, there appeared upon the backside of the Goodwin a Holland Fleet of Men of War consisting of two and forty Ships, one whereof had a Flag on the main-top-Mast head, the rest Jacks and Ancients; and being come unto the Southsands head, two of them bore up towards the English Ships in the Downs, whereupon Mayor Bourn sent out the Greyhound to examine them, and to know the reason of their so near approach; who answering, That they had a Message to the Commander in chief in the Downs, were permitted to come in; and having saluted the Flag, the two Captains named Tyson and Aldred came Aboard the said Major Bourn, and acquainted him that they were sent by Van Trump to let him know that he had been Riding about Dunkirk with his Fleet, where by reason of foul Wether they had lost many of their Cables and Anchors, and the wind being Northerly, were driven further to the Southward than they intended, which Van Trump thought fit to signify to prevent any misapprehensions or Jealousies. And having said this, and received for answer, That the Reality of what they said would best appear by their speedy drawing of from this Coast, they departed to their Fleet; and immediately upon their arrival with them, the whole Fleet stood up to Dover, and came to an Anchor within little more than shot of the Castle the same day in the afternoon. Upon their coming before Dover Castle, and Riding there with Flag in the Maintop, without saluting the Castle, the Castle made three shot at them; notwithstanding which, the Dutch Admiral kept up his Flag, and road there at Anchor until the next day noon, and exercised his Musquetiers, by discharging Volleys of small shot many hours together. Upon Wednesday about twelve a clock the Dutch Fleet weighted Anchor and stood of towards Calais some four Leagues into the Southeast; about the same time the English Fleet under General Blake coming from the West towards the Downs discovered them, and supposed by their course they had been going back; Mayor Bourn likewise was in fight, coming from the Downs to join with General Blake: About an hour or two after, the Holland Fleet altered their course, came back again, made all the Sail they could, and bore directly with General Blake, Van Trump the headmost with his Flag in the Maintop; and being come within shot, the General shot a Gun at his Maintop, and than two single shot more: whereupon Trump shot a single shot through the General's Flag and than immediately gave the first Broadside and took in his Pendants, and hung out his Read Flag under the Holland Colours, which was the signal on their part for the whole Fleet to engage, and so the Fight began, which happened between four and five a clock in the afternoon, and contived until nine of the clock. In the Fight the English took two of the Holland Fleet, one whereof having six foot water in the Hold they left, taking the Captain and Officers aboard, the other being a Ship of thirty Guns. General Blake lay all night where the Fight began, or near thereabouts, and the Holland Fleet was espied about four Leagues distant towards the Coast of France next morning. The truth of this Relation appears in the Letters of General Blake, Mayor Bourn, and others in the Action, by the Examinations of the Dutch Captains, and other Officers taken in the Fight; the Instructions given to the Dutch Captains and Commanders, and other Papers, all which are hereunto annexed. And whereas Van Trump in the account he gives of this Action, makes the occasion of his coming back upon the English Fleet, the guarding of some Merchant men richly laden from the Streights, which had been in fight with some of our Friggots: That action is set down in a Letter written by Captain Young (hereunto also annexed) whereby the occasion, beginning and ending thereof is declared. And besides, those very Ships which he pretends to come to protect or rescue, upon Saturday before had passed by General Blake, and were gone to the Eastward. A Collection of the Proceed in the Treaty between the Lord Pauw, Ambassador Extraordinary from the State's General of the United Provinces, and the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England. The Lord Pauw's Speech at his Audience before the Parliament, the Eleventh of june, 1652. Right Honourable, THe Public Testimonies and manifest Tokens of a sincere Benevolence, pure Love and true Friendship, which the Universal State and Subjects of the United Provinces have always showed to the English People, and principally to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, now prosperously and happily Governing, are so notorious and known to the whole Christian World, that no body can doubt of it; much lesle of a true Faith and long used Observation of Friendship, of the State's General of the United Provinces. But, forasmuch as by reason of the Variety and Inconstancy of Worldly things, sometime hap those things which do dark the Exterior Face with Clouds, and are like to show a Distraction of minds: But when these things are prevented by time, and all Contrarieties taken away, they will serve more to conserve and confirm, than to dissolve the Bonds of mutual Friendship: Therefore it hath pleased the State's General of the United Provinces, my Superiors; notwithstanding they doubt not of the singular Wisdom and Diligence of their Extraordinary Ambassadors here, staying about great and weighty Business, to sand me in an extraordinary Embassage to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, To present clearly and sincerely their Wishes for the Public Safety and happy Government thereof; with proffer of all their good Offices, as I, being so lately come from their Honourable Assembly, can testify out of my certain knowledge, That nothing is more in their Hearts and Wishes, Than that not only a firm and constant Friendship be Religiously kept between both States; but that it may daily grow, and by all means be consolidated, and nothing may hap which may break or any way disturb the Bars of mutual Safety, Profit and Friendship, between so Neighbor Nations: And that therefore they have received with great Astonishment and sorrow of Heart the News, of what, contrary to all expectation, hath lately happened between the Admirals of both Commonwealths. But forasmcch as this unlooked for and unexpected case might not only raise new Troubles, but also give occasion of Suspicion, as if the present Treaty for a mutual Alliance, and a straighter Corroboration of the old Friendship, was not earnestly prosecuted, and therefore we should labour in vain to come to a happy end: My Superiors have not thought amiss, but rather convenient, even necessary, that at this time and upon this unhappy case fallen out, I should above the ordinary use and custom, and therefore superabundantly, (seeing that by reason of my Office I have been in all their Counsels) represent openly and sincerely to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, all the Particulars which have happened, as well before as after that Fact, as they are come to their knowledge, to remove all things out of the way which might breed any grudge or breach of Friendship between both States, or 'cause the lest disturbance or delay to the Treaty. Therefore, by virtue of the Credential Letters of the said General States, and in their name I do Protest and Declare to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, That they have never entertained in their thoughts, never acted, much lesle commanded any thing which might offend the Dignity of this Commonwealth, lessen the common Friendship and good Correspondence which hath endured for so many years, or under any pretence whatsoever sow any seed of Misunderstanding; But rather that the said States have intended with all their hearts, and endeavoured by all their power, That the said Friendship and Alliance might be perfected in the best way, and speedily, and might be solemnly established for ever for the Safety and Advantage of both Commonwealths. It is very true that a great Fleet hath been prepared in the Low Countries, but that the State's General have by the continual Complaints of their Subjects been forced to consent to it, is also a thing most certain and known; as also, that they have Ordered, That notice thereof should be given to the said Parliament; which was done and signified to no other intent, than that the Subjects of the United Provinces which had suffered great Damages at Sea, and lost several ships, should be secured and protected by just and ordinary means; and that not Wrong or Offence should be offered to any, much lesle to undertake any Dispute against the Fleet and Ships of the same Parliament upon the Controversies and Differences of the Sea. All which being done and performed in that manner, and nevertheless being accidentally happened of both sides a great Debate and Controversy between both Fleets, the State's General have thought fit to acquaint the Parliament of England, with the Relation sent to them in writing by their Admiral, and approved and witnessed by their Captains and other faithful persons, That the Admiral Trump, more by necessity than other reasons, is come nigh the Fleet of this Commonwealth, and hath first sent his civil Salutation to the Commander Bourn; and having afterwards met accidentally with the Admiral Blake, put out his Boat to sand some Deputies unto him, and to Declare the Reasons of his coming, and besides that, commanded to take down his Flag; but when he saw, that he against all expectation was unhappily saluted by him with a Broadside, and thereupon he discharged his Guns, not to offend but to defend himself; and that from thence by mere accident, rather than purposely, was arised a Fight amongst those Fleets, which by the Lords Blessing shortly after was ended: Which, forasmuch as it was begun by an unexpected Salutation, and not continued with earnestness by ours, nor done or committed by Alienated minds, or any Reasons known before, but by Chance; Therefore the State's General do friendly desire, That the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England will be pleased to believe and be persuaded, That nothing was done with a consulted purpose or foregoing Command, but merely by a casual Chance, and perhaps by reason of the Fragility and Inconstance of the worldly things; and so much the more direct their Counsels and Commissions thither, That all Obstacles, Offences, and further Wrongs may with all speed be removed out the way and prohibited, as the State's General on their part are prompt and ready to apply convenient Remedies. They judge that it concerneth much the whole Christian world, and principally the States of the Reformed Churches abroad, That those Misunderstandings do not grow greater between these Commonwealths, and that between Neighbours, partakers of the same Faith, should arise any Dissension which should disturb, interrupt the common and necessary Commerce, and give occasion, as well to their known as to their secret Enemies, to lay waits, or to draw into divers parts those Commonwealth's ready to be United in a common Alliance; and by such means removing from themselves the seat of Calamities and War, to bring (which God forbidden) it to their own destruction: To prevent so great a danger, and that the evil may not spread further, I am commanded by times to propound, and do all my best, That by convenient means there may be a speedy Composure made of what is past; and that there may be Order taken, That hereafter such unlucky and unhappy Cases hap no more between the Fleets of both Commonwealths, wherein they Desire, the Dignity and the Honour of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England may be conserved. Whereas than the State's General do herewith openly Declare to the said Parliament, That they desire entirely, That all offices of Friendship and Benevolence may be continued, the contrary may be prevented; and that the Counsels of all sides may be directed to the desired end and conclusion of the mutual Confederacy; therefore, I do earnestly entreat, That it may please the said Parliament to hear and understand me without any delay, by their Deputies or Counsel of State, and proceed without intermission in the just and amicable former Transactions, to bring the principal Business to an end and conclusion, as the Extraordinary Ambassadors of the States have Charge and are ready to do. In the same time I do return my Thanks for the singular Favour done to my Lord Neuwport, in granting him some days ago one of the Parliaments ships for his return into the Low Countries; and the said Lord being a Member of the States of Holland and West-Friezland, I am charged to desire him to stay here, to communicate Counsels and return with me, which I hope will not be displeasing to the Parliament, to whose Benevolence I with all Respect recommend me and all my Offices. A Translation of the Letters Credential to the Lord Pauw. The State's General of the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses; WHereas We have found convenient, even very necessary, in the present Condition of the Affairs in Europe, to sand to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, the Lord Adrian Pauw Knight, Lord of Heemstede, Hogersmilde, Rietwijck and Nieuwerkerk, Counsellor Pensionary of Holland and West-Friezland, and Ordinary Deputy in Our Assembly, from the said Province, as Our Extraordinary Ambassador; having made election of his Person, as of one, of which, for his rare Qualities and long Experience, We make a high esteem, and have a great Confidence; being well acquainted with our good and sincere Intentions, which have no other Aim, than the Maintaining, Increasing, Confirming and Strengthening more and more the good Amity, Correspondence and Alliance between both Nations and States, grounded upon common Interests of Religion, of State and Commerce; having such Confidence of his Ability, Prudence, Fidelity and Diligence, that we do refer Ourselves to him to express them viva voce, to the said Parliament of the Commonwealth of England; and chief, the Zeal that We do continued to have for all what may concern the common Good and Security of both Nations: Wherhfore We entreat with earnestness and with all Our Affection, the said Parliament of the Commonwealth of England by these Presents, That they be pleased to give a Audience to the said Our Extraordinary Ambassador, and to give him absolute Credence as to Ourselves, in all that he shall say and propound of Our part in this present condition of the Affairs of both Commonwealths. Done at the Hague in Holland, the Fourteenth of June, One thousand six hundred fifty two. To the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England. Friday the 11th of June, 1652. Mr. Speaker by way of Report, acquaints the Parliament with what was delivered by the Lord Pauw Ambassador Extraordinary from the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces, at his Audience in the House this day, and presented the Paper delivered in by the said Lord Ambassador Extraordinary, and the Translate thereof in English, which was this day read. Ordered by the Parliament, That these Papers be referred to the Council of State; And that it be likewise referred to the said Council, to hear what the said Lord Ambassador Extraordinary hath further to say, and to Treat with him; they holding close to the former Answers and Declarations the Parliament hath made, and report it to the Parliament with all speed. Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti. The Lord Pauw's Speech at his Audience in the Council of State. Right Honourable, WHereas it hath pleased my Lords the State's General of the United Provinces to sand me, besides their Extraordinary Ambassadors, in the same quality, to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England; and having yesterday had the Honour to Declare in their full Assembly the true subject of my coming, and the sincere Intentions of my Superiors: Therefore, I think it to be my duty to appear likewise before this Honourable Council to present my Credential Letters, and wish your Honours all felicity and good success in the direction and managing of so great Affairs as are to them committed by this great Commonwealth. And as I have Declared unto the said Parliament, so do I likewise Declare again with truth and certain knowledge, That my Lords the State's General have always had, and have at this present more than at any time before, a very great desire to maintain, increase, and keep faithful the good Friendship, strait Alliance, and perfect Correspondence which hath so long endured between both Nations and States, whereof there hath been heretofore many notorious and manifest testimonies: It is most constant, That my Superiors have nothing more in their hearts, than to see a finishing and conclusion of the Treaty of Alliance between both Commonwealths; to the end, That thereby a straighter Union and brotherly Concord may be established, to subvert and destroy all Plots and Divisions which would trouble and much endanger the one and the other, as also make them lesle considerable to the Christian world. This is (my Lords) the very aim of the Enemies of the Reformed and Orthodox Religion, making a certain account, That they will be able by such a Disagreement and Division, not only to weaken both States, but to bring them also to the utmost extremities. But both People being blessed by the Lord with that precious gift of the true Religion, and wonderfully provided, besides the Spiritual, with Temporal Benedictions, by the benefit of Navigation and Commerce in all parts of the World: and my Lords the State's General, judging that the first aught necessarily to be conserved, and the other be looked to, the Religion maintained, and the State secured, did believe, That all those Inconveniences can be not better prevented, than by joining the Souls and Goods of both Commonwealths, and by this means make them able, with God's assistance, to eat all Michinations to the contrary. Therefore, the unexpected news of the meeting of the two Fleets, and the Offences given of both sides hath brought no small Trouble amongst the General States, who have thereupon judged most necessary to dispatch extraordinarily and speedily to inform the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, and this Honourable Council, and to perform such Endeavours, made choice of me that have been admitted in both Assemblies of the State's General and of those of Holland and West-Friezland, and acquainted with their most important and most secret Counsels and Deliberations, to witness here with most certain knowledge of the matter, and no lesle truth and faithfulness, That no Deliberation was made, no Resolution taken, no Commission directly or indirectly given to displease in any ways the Commonwealth of England to offend them, and much lesle to set upon their Fleet or Ships; but that on the contrary, there was Command given to deal with them in all places as with the best Friends, and to show them all kind of Favor and Courtesy. And as in the said unhappy meeting things have been on both sides otherwise, and very unwarily acted, whereof I made yesterday a large Relation, which I do not intent to mention again at this present, nor to revive that which aught to be buried and entirely forgotten. Notwithstanding, having understood out of the last. Answer delivered to our Ambassadors, that there is a Satisfaction demanded for what is past, and Security for the future; And my Lords the States conceive it to be necessary, That all Misunderstanding and Misconstruction of what is lately passed in the said Encounter may be taken away, and both States secured from the like Inconvenients hereafter; As also, that it be proceeded without delay in the continuating and perfecting the Treaty of Alliance so far advanced already: And moreover, That it be considered of the most convenient and reasonable Means which may remove the shadows of all Suspicion and Mistrust; and that such Orders be made which the Fleets shall be bound to follow hereafter; to which purpose I have sufficient Instructions from my Superiors. I desire therefore that it may please Your Honours to commit some of the Members of this Honourable Counsel, with whom I may, as soon as is possible, begin, continued and finish that which may serve to the Satisfaction of both States, and removing of all Differences: To which I must add here, That my Superiors did never pretend nor shall pretend to dispute the Honour and Dignity of this Commonwealth, which they repute the First and most considerable in Europe; and wish that by an Union of these two formidable States, they might secure them both, preserve them from the Conspirations of their Enemies, and settle by a perfect Intelligence and Confidence their common Peace and Safety. In the mean time I pray yours Honours, That it may please you by your wise direction, to order as speedily as is possible, that the evil may not by reason of this unhappy accident proceed any further, by committing new Offences, Pursuits, or taking of Ships, but that all Attempts and such Actions may be interdicted and stopped, and not by making the wound wider, even uncurable, to expose ourselves to the will and pleasure of our Enemies; being confident, that we shall be able to find convenient Remedies to remove friendly and happily the present Differences, to the Confusion of those who wish and expect it otherwise. I shall be exceedingly beholden to this Honourable Council, if your Honours grant me a speedy Answer upon these, that I may without intermission begin so Worthy, Profitable and Necessary work; commending myself in the mean time with all Respects to your Honour's Favour. Pronounced in the Council of State of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, the 22/12 of June, 1652. Monday the 14th of June, 1652. At the Council of State at White-Hall. IN pursuance of an Order of Parliament of the 11th of June, 1652. The Council hath appointed the Lord Commissioner Whitlock, Lord Commissioner Lisle, Lord Viscount Lisle, Lord Chief Justice St. John, Mr. Bond, Mr. Scot, Colonel Purefoy, Sir Henry Vane, Sir William Masham, Colonel Martin and Colonel Morley, or any three or more of them to be Commissioners, to meet with the Lord Pauw, Extrordinary Ambassador to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, from the State's General of the United Provinces, to receive from his Excellency such Overtures as he shall please to make in writing, and to Confer and Treat with him thereupon, and make Report thereof to the Council; and that they do meet with the said Lord Ambassador Extraordinary, at Four of the Clock this Afternoon, in the usual place for the purpose aforesaid, and so from time to time as there shall be occasion: And that Sir Oliver Fleming Knight, Master of the Ceremonies, do signify the same unto his Lordship, and attend him to the place appointed. Ex: Jo: Thurloe, Clerk of the Council. Monday 14. June, 1652. At the Council of State at White-Hall. Ordered, THat the Commissioners appointed to Treat with the Lord Pauw, Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces, Do demand of the said Lord Ambassador, a sight of the Powers & Authorities given to him by his Superiors to treat and conclude upon such matters and things as he hath to offer; and acquaint him, That the Parliament Desires, That all speed and expedition may be used on his Excellency's part in this present Treaty desired by himself; assuring his Lordship, That nothing shall be wanting on the part of the Council of State which may be any way conducing to bring the same to a speedy issue. Ex: Jo: Thurloe, Clerk of the Council. A Summary of what the Lord Adrian Pauw, Extraordinary Ambassador of the State's General of the United Provinces of the Low Countries, hath propounded to the Deputies of the Honourable Council of State of the Parliament of England, the 24/14 of June, 1652. THe said Lord Ambassador having heretofore abundantly Declared, That the State's General (as it will be found and always appear) have no ways deliberated, neither in public nor in private, much lesle given any Charge, Order or Commission for committing the lest Offence against the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, their Fleets, Ships, Officers or Subjects, but rather they should be met with the usual Civilities and Kindnesses, and with the ordinary Expressions of Friendship; therefore none can any wise call into question their sincere Intentions for the maintaining and increasing the ancient and common Amity. For the same reason, That cannot be imputed to the said States General which happened lately between both Fleets, nor should thence arise any Discontent or Offence, nor any cause of attempting against their Subjects, being a thing directly contrary to the ancient Friendship and Correspondence between both Nations: And the said Encounter having happened by mere Chance and without any design, the said Lord Ambassador hath propounded, Whether it were not better to lay aside that which is passed, in so much that it should be taken of both sides as a thing not done, and so all be left as before; and that there might a speedy order be taken for the redress of what hath been done since, in such sort, as no External nor Internal mark may remain of the same. Nevertheless, if the pleasure of this Honourable Council is otherwise, although the said Ambassador hath plainly and sincerely related all which is come to the knowledge of his Superiors concerning what is passed, having received (as also the other Ambassadors) besides the former Informations, before his departing, several remarkable and considerable Attestations in probanti forma, and hath heard that there are here quite other and contrary Informations, whence it doth appear, That the parties are disagreeing in their Evidences, and so it is a hard matter to judge clearly of the Fact. The said Ambassador therefore hath thought fit to propound, That the things passed should be more exactly examined, and necessary Informations made by either of the parties, or conjunctim by both; that after certain knowledge gotten, the truth may be discovered by Commissioners specially deputed of both sides upon this matter, to know which of the two hath made the first attempt, and given cause to the following Disorders. The said Ambassador doth Declare, That if it may appear that the Admiral of the State's General hath made the first Assault, he shall not only be disowned in the like case, and his Fact disapproved of by the said States General, as having transgressed against their Orders and Commission, but they shall also 'cause him to be punished for the same, according to the importance of his Attempt, for having disobeyed their Commands, and chief for having given just cause of Offence to their good Friends and Neighbours: desiring also of this Honourable Council, that if on the contrary it be found true by the Informations, That the Admiral of the Commonwealth of England hath given occasion to the said Encounter, and hath the first Assaulted, it be likewise Declared, That the Parliament will in that case disown the said Admiral, and command the same punishment to be put upon him. It is to be believed, That the sincere Intentions of the State's General will not only appear, and all suspicions be taken away, but that the means of a just Reparation and necessary satisfaction will be easily found, other States and Commonwealths having taken the same course and followed the same method with good success, whereof the Lord Ambassador hath produced divers examples. And to the end that the like Inconveniences may not more hap hereafter, the Lord Ambassador hath Declared, That the State's General have never had the lest intention, nor have yet any at this time, to lessen in no ways the Honour and Dignity of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England; but that they have given command heretofore, as also since the late unhappy Accident, new Order, That upon meetings and salutings of the Fleets or Ships of War, concerning the striking down of the Flag, and what belong to it, there should be the same Honour done to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England as was formerly done during the other Government, hoping by this means to give and receive content reciprocally. And as it is most necessary to confirm the mutual Friendship between both Nations, That the negotiation of the Treaty between both Commonwealths be advanced and brought to an end as soon as can be, the said Lord Ambassador hath represented and earnestly desired, That since the Lords Extraordinary Ambassadors have after divers Conferences, by their last Remonstrance, manifested their Superiors Intention concerning the said Treaty, it should also please the Honourable Council to express and signify theirs clearly, that it may appear what Differences are yet to be reconciled, that all Difficulties may be removed, to come the sooner to a good, firm and lasting Conclusion, by which the minds may be on both sides pacified, and an everlasting and undissoluble good Intelligence established. Moreover, the said Ambassador hath instantly desired; That all ways of Fact and Offences be inhibited and stopped by Order of the Honourable Council, and chief, That the Persons, Ships and Goods of the Subjects of the United Provinces, as well Military as others, be indifferently freed and released from their Restraint and Detention, and all that have been or are by Force detained, be set at Liberty; and that the Innocents' may receive not more hurt or trouble, as we are ready and resolved to do the same of our part. The said Lord Ambassador hath also desired it may please the said Honourable Council to make known to him, without loss of time, their good Intentions and Resolution upon what is abovesaid; and chief upon the Continuation of the Treaty begun, the Cessation of all ways of Fact upon the relaxation of the Ships detained and arrested persons and goods of the Subjects of the United Provinces, seeing he hath lost no time to Declare sincerely from his Superiors, and assure the said Honourable Council of the continuation of their good Affection and perfect Friendship. 14th of June, 1652. At the Council of State at White-Hall. THat the Commissioners appointed to Treat with the Lord Pauw, Extraordinary Ambassador from the United Provinces, do insist upon a sight of his Authorities before they proceed to this Treaty. A Paper from the Lord Pauw the 15th of June, 1652. To the Right Honourable, The Council of State of the Commonwealth of England. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the State's General of the United Provinces having had the Honour to come twice in Conference with your Honour's Commissioners, and there to propound several things concerning the quality he cometh in, and the re-establishing the good Friendship and perfect Intelligence of both Nations, entreated this Honourable Council, That it may please your Honours to consider what the said Commissioners shall Report, that he may receive a speedy and Answer, as also be excused for making so much instance, seeing that he is forced to it by the conjuncture of such pressing Affairs, and for timely preventing of the inconvenients which might follow. Whereupon a Conference being had, the Lord Pauw, to manifest his Powers to Treat and Conclude, insisted on his Credentials and three Passes granted to him, the Copies whereof were by him delivered in, and are as followeth: The State's General of the United Netherlands, To all those that shall hear these Presents read, or see, Greeting; KNow ye, That we do expedite several Affairs of Importance, found good to dispatch into England the Lord Adrian Pauw Knight, Lord of Heemsted, Hogersmilde, Ritwick, Newkerk, Counsellor Pensioner of Holland and West-Friesland, Deputy Ordinary of the said Provinces to our Assembly, and for this present our Extraordinary Ambassador; Therefore we do herewith Command and Require all Lieutenants, Admirals, Vice Admirals, Commanders and Captains of the Ships of War of these countries' hereunto Ordained, or by his Excellency to be Ordained and Commanded, That they shall in their respective Ships Receive and Transport the Baggage of the said Lord of Heemsted into England, and to do therein all what our said Extraordinary Ambassador of them shall require, Accommodating him during his said Passage in their said Ships, and Respecting him according to their duty: And having landed our said Lord Extraordinary Ambassador with his Train and Goods in England, to do and perform further what they already may be commanded, or may yet be willed, as shall be required at the hands of those that it concerns; Of all which the said Lieutenants, Admirals, Vice-admirals', Commanders and Captains shall not fail, under pain to incur our highest Indignation. Done in the Hague under Our Seal Paraphure, and the Signiture of our Clerk, this 14th June 1652. Signed, BOUCHORST. By the Order of the High Lords, the State's General, Signed, B. RVYSCH. The State's General of the United Low-countrieses, To all those that shall see or hear the reading of these, Greeting; KNow ye, That having found good, for the dispatch of Affairs of Importance, to dispatch into England the Lord Adrian Pauw Knight, Lord of Heemsted, Hogersmilde, Ritwick, Newkerk, and Counsellor Pensioner of Holland and West-Friesland, Deputy Ordinary of the said Provinces in our Assembly, going in an Extraordinary Embassy, We therefore Will and Command thereupon all Lieutenants, Admirals, Vice-admirals', Commanders and Captains of the Ships of War of these Countries, That they take in and Transport the Baggage and Goods of the said Lord our Ambassador Extraordinary, in their respective Ships, and Transport the same over into England, in manner as the said Lord Extraordinary Ambassador shall desire to Transport, and as his Lordship shall command and desire; Accommodating also his Lordship on shipboard, and using all Respect to the said Extraordinary Ambassador, his Train and Baggage; and having landed them in England, to do further as they shall be commanded, or already are commanded, or may yet be commanded, as appertaineth to all that it concerneth of all the said Lieutenants, Vice-admirals', Commanders and Captains which shall not perform their Duty, shall be punished according to our highest Indignation. Given in the Hague under our Catchet or Seal Paraphure and sign of our Clerk on the Fourteenth day of June, 1652. Signed, BOUCHORST. By the Order of the said High and Mighty Lords States General, Signed, B. RVYSCH. The General States of the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses, To all that shall see these Presents, Greeting; WHereas, for the common good of Christendom, and for the advancement of Affairs of great Consideration, Importance and Consequence, we have found good to sand towards the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England the Lord Adrian Pauw Knight, Lord of Hemsted, Hogersmild, Rietwick, Niewerkirk, etc. Counsellor Pensioner of Holland and Westfreizland, Deputy in Ordinary from this Province in our Assembly, in quality of our Extraordinary Ambassador, requiring all Lieutenants, Governors, Chiefs, Colonels, Captains, and Men of War, Guards of Bridges, Ports and Passages, all places; and besides, all other Justices, Officers and Subjects of the said Commonwealth of England, to suffer him with his Train, Servants, Follower's, Goods and Baggage, to go, pass and repass freely, and without trouble both by water and land, without doing him, or giving him, and suffering to be given him, made or done, any trouble, hindrance or disturbance: But rather, all aid, help, favour and assistance necessary and requisite, and that we would acknowledge the same most willingly in time and place. Given at the Hague in our Assembly under our Seal Paraphure and signing of our Clerk, the Fourteenth of June, 1652. Was Marked A. BOUCHORST. And lower it was Written, By Order of the said States General was Signed, B. RUYSCH. With the Signet of the said General States in read Wax. Tuesday the 15th of June, 1652. At the Council of State at White-Hall. Ordered, THat Report be made to the Parliament of what the Counsel have Ordered and Directed touching the Conference with the Lord Pauw, Extraordinary Ambassador from the Lords the State's General, and of the Papers by him delivered to the Commissioners of the Counsel, That by these Papers it not appearing to the Council that the said Ambassador hath any power to Treat or Conclude; The Counsel have thought fit humbly to present and submit the whole to the Consideration of the Parliament for their Judgement thereupon. Translation of the Letter of the Lord Pauw to the Lord Precedent of the Council of State. My Lords, HAving communicated to my Lords the Ambassadors Extraordinary of the United Provinces to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, what passed in my Audience and Conference with the Commissioners of the Council of State, and having showed unto them the Instructions and Orders of my Superiors, they have thought fit to address the enclosed Paper to my Lords of the said Counsel of State: But for as much as Sir Oliver Flemimg Master of the Ceremonies hath signified unto me, That their Excellencies had thought fit to make a Report of the whole Business to the Parliament this morning, I judged it convenient to entreat your Excellency, That the said Paper may be put into the hands of the Reporter, to be communicated (as well as the other Propositions and Papers) to my Lords of the Parliament: Praying God (my Lord) to bless these Affairs for his Glory and the Prosperity of both Nations, I will remain ever The 16/26 June. 1652. Your Excellencies most humble Servant, Adrian Pauw. For my Lord the Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, Precedent of the Council of State of the Commonwealth of England. The Paper of the Three Extraordinary Ambassadors, mentioned in the former Letter. My Lords, THe Lord Adrian Pauw, Lord of Heemsted, Ambassador Extraordinary of the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses, having communicated to us what passed at the Conferences with the Commissioners; And having showed unto us his Instructions, and all the Orders of the Lords States General of the said United Provinces, We would not omit to assure your Excellencies, that we have found the whole in as good Form and as Valid as can be desired; And we are very well content, by virtue of the Powers which have been given us and exhibited and approved, to oblige ourselves and subscribe whatsoever the said Lord of Heemsted hath Transacted and Negotiated in Prosecution of the said Orders; As also whatsoever he may Transact or Negotiate as above, either by himself or jointly with us, as shall be thought most conducing to the better perfecting of the Treaty of Alliance between the Commonwealth of England and the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses. Given the 26th of June, 1652. Thursday the 17th of June, 1652. Resolved upon the Question by the Parliament, THat upon Consideration of the Report made from the Council of State, the Parliament doth think fit and order, That the Council of State do proceed with the Lord Pauw, Ambassador Extraordinary from the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces, according to former Directions. Hen: Scobell, Cleric. Parliamenti. A Paper received from the Lord Pauw, 17 june, 1652. To the Right Honourable, The Council of State. THe Ambassador Extraordinary of the State's General of the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses, find himself necessitated to Demand most instantly another Audience of the Lords Commissioners of the Honourable Council, and that as soon as possible may be, as well to receive from them the most desired Answer upon those things that he hath already propounded in the last Conferences, as also to make to their Honours, according to the express Charge he hath from his Superiors, others Overtures upon things of so high Concernment, that they can suffer no Delay; Therefore he desireth earnestly, That this just Demand be as soon as can be granted unto him. A Translation of the Paper of the Lord Ambassador Pauw, 17 June, 1652. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces hath represented to the Lords Commissioners of the Honourable Council of State, in the third Conference held this day, as followeth: That the States of the United Provinces have showed themselves, and are yet resolved to remain fast to the Amity and intimate Correspondence with this Commonwealth, as they have yet of late made it appear, by granting, during these falling out, to the Company of English Merchants Adventurers settled in Holland, all the Security and Protection that they have desired, even with this annexed Promise, To continued in the same good will towards them, though the Distemper should proceed further. That which happened about Dover or the Downs should not breed a general Quarrel between the two States, but that the same Mischance should be taken for a personal action, for which those are to answer who shall be found to have exceeded their Commission. And to the end that this Business might be composed according to the Fact, and the necessary satisfaction done, That it were most fit and expedient to have it examined by Commissioners deputed of both sides, to have that person punished which shall be found guilty according to the use and Maxims of all States and Commonwealths, by which means, their quiet and tranquillity, as well within as without with their Neighbours, is conserved. Moreover, That the Ships of War meeting at Sea, and behaving themselves as before and during the time of the former Government, there shall be there upon no more dispute hereafter. And that when the Confederation now to be done shall be concluded, according to the earnest desire of the State's General, the Friendship between both States and their Subjects shall be more perfect, permanent, confident and inviolable; and the truly Orthodox Religion, which they by God's special favour do profess, shall have a most potent and sure protection. The said Ambassador having again propounded the aforesaid means, and having added to them several Reasons and Arguments of great Strength, hath desired to be informed thereupon of the intent of the Honourable Council of State, offering to answer and give satisfaction upon the remaining Difficulties. Or otherwise, That it might please the Lords Commissioners to confer with him upon that matter, or to propound on their part what they may find to be reasonable and just to compose speedily that unhappy Accident, promising to contribute of his side all that shall any ways be in his power, with his most earnest Entreaties, That the Honourable Council might be without delay acquainted withal, and that the time and present Affairs might be so well husbanded, that the Business might be compounded by convenient ways, and without interruption of the public Peace and further exacerbation of the Minds and Spirits of both Nations. All which the said Ambassador hath recommended and offered with much Affection to prevent all Provocations and Inconvenients. The Answer of the Council of State to the Summary of the Lord Adrian Pauw, Extraordinary Ambassador of the State's General of the United Provinces, presented to the Council the 24/14 of this instant June. WHat the thoughts and judgement of the Parliament have been concerning the late Intentions of the Lords your Superiors, and the late Actings of your Fleet within the very Roads of England; your Excellency hath understood by the Parliaments Answer given unto the three Papers of the Extraordinary Ambassadors of your State before your Excellency's arrival here; which Answer, together with the state of the Fact, and the Examinations thereupon had, and than given in, your Lordship takes notice of in your Papers now before the Council; neither doth any cause appear to vary from that Judgement upon any thing since offered by your Excellency. And since the Attempt made by the Fleet of the United Provinces, with the Preparations thereunto (all projected and acted by way of surprise and in a time of Treaty) had the same prevailed, would have highly hazarded the safety of England. It cannot stand with reason, That this Commonwealth after such a Warning and great Preservation (which they own only to God) should leave itself naked and exposed to the like danger for the future, or suffer itself in a case so evident and notorious, under pretence of more solemn Examinations, or from examples of other States which suit not with this case, to be diverted from applying Remedies agreeable to the nature of this evil. And therefore the Council cannot admit of what is propounded by your Excellency, either as to the passing by what is done, or attending the way of Examinations mentioned in your Papers, which to them seem needless, dilatory, and impracticable. Touching the overture of readmitting the late Treaty begun by the other Lords Ambassadors Extraordinary of your Nation, after so high a breach thereof, we conceive it cannot be seasonable until the Wound now under Cure be thoroughly closed and healed. And whereas your Excellency hath thought fit frequently to assert the amicable Mind and Intentions of the Lords your Superiors towards this Commonwealth, and hath given instances of some late Orders and Acts tending to the expression of the same; specially concerning the Honour and Respect to be paid unto this Commonwealth at Sea (being the ancient and undoubted Right of this Nation) and granting of the Protection desired by the English Merchants now at Rotterdam: The Parliament hath not been wanting on their part from time to time to manifest their desires of Amity with the United Provinces of the Low Countries, nor to afford unto the people thereof residing here all necessary Protection though undesired; Nevertheless, in the present posture of Affairs it cannot reasonably be expected, That this State should forbear the prosecution mentioned in the Parliaments said Answer for the ends therein expressed. White-Hall, 19 June, 1652. A Translate of a Paper of the Lord Ambassador Pauw of the 1/22 July June, desiring a Conference with the Commissioners of the Council of State. To the Right Honourable Council of State. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces, having 29th/19th of this instant about the Evening, received by the hands of Sir Oliver Fleming the Answer which the Honourable Council of State hath been pleased to give him, upon the Summary of those things by him propounded the 24th/14th, He findeth himself bound to Demand most instantly another Conference with the Lords Commissioners of the Council, that he may explain unto them more particularly and more fully his Superiors Intentions, and the better perform the Duty of his Office. Another Paper of the Lord Pauw of the 21th of june, 1652. To the Honourable Council of State. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces having the 29th/19th of June in the Evening something late, received by the hands of Sir Oliver Fleming, the Answer which the Honourable Counsel hath been pleased to give him upon the Summary of the things propounded the 24th/14th of the same Month. He hath thought himself bound for the better performance of the Duty of his Employment, to assert again here ingeniously as he hath done before, according to the Notice and Knowledge he hath of the most intimate Deliberations and Consultations of the State's General his Superiors, That they having no ways propounded, deliberated nor resolved to give any Suspicion, or the lest occasion of Offence against the Fleet or Ships of this Commonwealth: He did believe, That it would have been sufficient to take away all conceits of the contrary; He hath also truly represented the Accident happened between the two Fleets by Dover or the Downs, as it came to the knowledge of his Superiors by sincere Attestations of trusty and blameless Persons: And hath, to avoid all further Contestations, in stead of insisting upon those Proofs, opened a way by which the true and infallible Knowledge of the same might have been found out, and by that means the satisfaction done that could be lawfully pretended. Therefore that mischance cannot be any ways imputed to his Superiors, who never had the lest thought, nor in any sort contributed towards the Infraction of the Friendship, which hath always been most dear to them, and lesle towards the Interruption of the Treaty of Confederation; for the perfecting of which they have had, and have still here their Extraordinary Ambassadors. That may sufficiently appear by the firm and constant Resolution of his Superiors, that have never been wlling to grant any Letters of Mart or Reprisal upon the continual Complaints and reiterated Petitions, even the Importunities of the Persons interessed in the ships taken, arrested and confiscated here, for fear of giving any occasion of Discontent to this Commonwealth. The same is clearly seen by the Protection granted to the English Company settled at Rotterdam (though ex superabundanti, and they had no need of the same) to express more specially their good Intentions, the which may be also justified by all their actions; none of this State having yet to this present received the lest Damage, Offence or Injury for all the said Proceed; even our ships of War having rather suffered themselves to be brought into the Ports of England, and there to be detained, than endeavoured to defend themselves against those whom they have always made account to be their good Friends, as having never heard of any publication to the contrary. And to make that Testimony of Friendship the more Authentical to this Commonwealth, His Superiors have sent a second extraordinary Embassage, to disabuse all those that might be preoccupated or misinformed, and to help the furthering and perfecting of the said Treaty. But in case all those Overtures and means of Reconciliation be rejected, and it be resolved here to make use of those ways, which in stead of asswaging shall increase the evil, and which being against all Maxims of all States and Commonwealths (who never give their Judgement upon Signs, Presumptions and Suspicions, but upon Infallible and Unrepreachable proofs, and as clear as the Sun is at noon, and who during a Treaty do always command most strictly a cessation of all ways of Fact) shall the more surprise my Superiors, and 'cause strange Alarms to their People's, by making those suffer which are guiltless and come from far, who never had the lest suspicion or heard the lest rumour of a falling out between both States. Whereupon, the said Ambassadors must needs be very much surprised and sorry, desiring, That the said Lords Commissioners be pleased (that no way for a happy Agreement may be neglected) to propound for on their part some other expedients (seeing they have expressed in their last Answer given to the other Extraordinary Ambassadors, That the most sweet ways will be always the most pleasing to them) which may be fit, satisfactory and convenient to compose as soon as can be that unhappy Business, and restore all things in their first temper. And that in the mean time they be also pleased to inhibit all ways of Fact, and to give Order, That the Ships detained may be speedily set at liberty, praying very earnestly the Honourable Council to explain their mind thereupon, as also to give an Answer upon the last Articles of the Paper exhibited the 27/17 of June, to make him the more able to contribute his best Offices for the good and strengthening of the two Commonwealths. This 21 June/ 1 July 1652. Another Paper of the Lord Pauw 23 June, 1652. To the Honourable Council of State. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces considering the importance of the Affairs now in hands, and the eminent dangers that threaten both States, is forced to be importunate with your Honours, in recommending most earnestly the care of your Answer upon his last Conference, and entreating you with all his Affections, That the same may be a convenient and lawful means to assway the Differences and restore the Union and perfect Intelligence between both Commonwealths and their reciprocal Subjects. This 23 June/ 3 July 1562. The Answer of the Parliament to that part of the Paper given in by the Lord Pauw, whereby he desires the Commissioners of the Council to propound what they shall think reasonable and just to compose speedily the present Differences between this Commonwealth and the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces. Friday the 25th of June, 1652. THat the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces do pay and satisfy unto this Commonwealth the Charges and Damages this State hath sustained and been put unto, by the Preparations of the said States General, and their Attempts this summer; the Particulars whereof shall be in due time produced. II. That upon the Payment of the Sum to be agreed up on as aforesaid, for Charges and Damages, or securing the same to the satisfaction of the Parliament, there shall follow immediately thereupon a Cessation of all Acts of Hostilility, and the Ships and Goods taken since the late Differences shall be released. III. The two former Propositions being assented unto, and put in Execution, the security for the time to come, which the Parliament does expect, is by both States contracting a firm Alliance, and Consistency of Interest for the good of both; which the Parliament of England is willing on their part by all just Ways and Means to endeavour. Friday 25ᵒ Junii, 1652. At the Council of State at White-Hall. Ordered, THat the Commissioners appointed formerly to meet and Treat with the Lord Pauw, Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces, Do deliver unto the said Lord Ambassador the Answer of the Parliament of the 25th of June instant, to that part of the Paper presented unto them by the Council, from the said Lord Pauw, whereby his Lordship doth desire the Commissioners of the Council to propound what they should think reasonable and just, to compose speedily the present Differences between this Commonwealth and the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces. Ex: Jo: Thurloe, Clerk of the Council. A Paper of the Lord Pauw, 26 june, 2652. To the Right Honourable Council of State. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces, having yesterday had a Conference with the Lords Commissioners of the Counsel, and received from them two Papers upon the same Subject; He desireth earnestly they will be pleased to give again order without loss of time, for a new Conference with the said Lords Commissioners, that some things may be better explained and cleared of both sides, and a speedy Composure made of the Business. This 26 June/ 6 July 1652. Another Paper of the Lord Pauw, the same day. To the Honourable Council of State. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces hath propounded at a Conference held the 26 of June/ 6 of July 1652 with the Lords Commissioners of the Council of State the following Articles. That the State's General having been forced for the Reasons already alleged, to make extraordinary Preparations at Sea, have been put to exceeding great Charges, which do continued yet at this present. That their Subjects, beside the extreme great Losses they have had heretofore at Sea, have received very great ones by the Letters of Mart granted as well against the French as against the said Subjects of the United Provinces, and upon some other pretences. That the State and their subjects have suffered much, and received great Damages of late by the taking and spoiling of several Ships of War, and by the Arresting of all the Merchant's ships. And that if it should be thought of a Reimbursing of the charges & damages, they should be weighed of both sides one against the other, and that it should be considered, whether they have not been greater on the United Provinces side. However there must a reasonable Estimation be made, and the Business not referred to aproduction of Accounts, which requireth a long Examination. And if the said Commissioners be pleased to 'cause that Estimation to be made in moderate Terms on their part, it will appear from thenee whether there is at this side any willingness or intent to Compound the things passed according to reason and friendly, or whether there is a Design to propound things impossible and unfeasible. As concerning the Confederacy between both Commonwealths, and the mutual Help assisting one another against those that shall offend or assault them, the other Extraordinary Ambassadors have made the true Intentions of their Superiors known thereupon, and are ready to go on in the same Negotiation, and to bring it to an end without loss of time. If the said Lords Commissioners do think fit that the said Confederacy should be more ample and more strict, that will not only be more pleasing to the said Ambassador, but he also entreateth very earnestly, that he may be clearly informed thereupon. Putting at the same time into consideration, whether it will not be most convenient, even most necessary to give order, That the Fleets do not come near nor engage any more one with the other; the said Ambassador fearing much it should soon be commanded otherways at the other side, chief if the abovesaid Order be not speedily given here. And desiring moreover, That the Ships which are arrested may be speedily released, and that no Prize may be longer detained, to the end that the Minds being something pacified, they may be rather invited by mutual Friendship and Love, and of their own accord, than brought by constraint to unite again by an undissoluble Confederacy. As also, That the said Ambassador may receive upon these so speedy and so a Declaration, that he may with more hope of success use his Endeavours with his Superiors, and effect what in this conjuncture of time and Affairs, is most expedient and necessary, and that he may do it without delay, according to the Express Order he hath from his said Superiors, which he is bound to follow exactly. The Council of State having considered of the Paper this evening delivered in by their Commissioners from the Lord Pauw Extraordinary Ambassador of the Lords the State's General of the United Provinces, and finding therein no clear or direct Answer to the last Paper of Demands tendered unto his Excellency in the name of the Parliament, They do desire a speedy and positive Answer thereunto, at lest unto the first Article thereof, especially, because that being assented unto, the Council might speedily apply themselves to a reasonable and moderate ascertaining the sum; to the end, That immediately upon performance of the second Article, all acts of Hostility might be forborn, and restitution made of the Ships and Goods detained. The third Article in the nature thereof not requiring so present a Transaction. White-Hall, 26. June, 1652. Ex: Jo: Thurloe Clerk of the Council. A Paper from the Lord Pauw the 17th of June, 1652. To the thrice Illustrious Council of State; THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces having considered the Answer delivered unto him yesterday at evening by Sir Oliver Fleming upon the Considerations heretofore by him propounded, doth most instantly crave, That it may please this thrice Illustrious Council of State to grant him one other Conference this afternoon, that he may more particularly deduct the Intentions of his Superiors, and withal likewise satisfy both their Excellencies and his own duties. Signed, Adrian Pauw. This 27 June/ 7 July 1652. Another Paper of the Lord Pauw, 27th June, 1652. To the Right Honourable, The Council of State. WHile the Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces was busied about the writing of the Answer upon the Paper delivered to him yesterday very late by Sir Oliver Fleming from this Honourable Council, he was to his great grief informed, That this Commonwealths Fleet was gone to Sea to execute some design. The said Ambassador hath also by several Letters received Order from his Superiors, That in case he could not obtain, by all possible endeavours, the Cessation of acts of Hostility, he should with all speed return back again into the Low-countrieses to acquaint them with his Negotiation. And as the said Ambassador can advance not further in the said Negotiation of which he was charged to give an Account to his said Superiors with all speed, he therefore desireth to be admitted to morrow to take his leave of this Honourable Council, to go over as soon as can be in the ship of War whereof John Verhaef is Captain, who was commanded to bring him hither and back again; and that he may have a Letter or a Pass of the Honourable Counsel, to be transported over without any hindrance or trouble, and without being molested or arrested by the Parliaments Ships. The other Extraordinary Ambassadors having in the mean time informed and shown him that they had received the like Order and Command, have entreated him to demand in their name, That they may also at the same time to morrow have Audience to take their leave of this Honourable Council; as also be provided of such Ships as they shall have need of for the Transport of their Persons, Train and Baggage; as also with such Passes as shall be necessary for the security of their Passage. The said Ambassador desireth, That he may receive a speedy Answer upon these, being a thing of very great Importance. 27th June, 1652. At the Council of State at White Hall. UPon Consideration of the Report made of the Paper delivered in to the Commissioners this evening by the Lord Pauw, Extraordinary Ambassador from the United Provinces, The Council hold themselves obliged to represent the same to the Parliament, which they shall do upon Tuesday morning at their first sitting, and in the mean time can give no other Answer to the said Lord ambassador upon this subject. Ex: Jo: Thurloe Clerk of the Council. A Paper of the Lord Pauw of the 28th june, 1652. To the Right Honourable Council of State. THe Extraordinary Ambassador of the United Provinces having seen the Answer of the Honourable Council given upon his Proposition made yesterday, hath thought fit to Declare again, That his Intention is to do his best when he shall be arrived in his Country, That upon the Overtures made to him, or can be yet made, there may be such convenient means and fit expedients found, chief to make all misapprehensions and alienations of minds, as well as all Acts of Hostility cease; That a fair Agreement upon the Business passed, and consequently a firm Union and Confederacy between both States, as also a good settlement between both Nations may ensue, from which their own Prosperity and Happiness may flow, and all Inconveniences be prevented for the future. And as his Resolution is godly, Honest; and if it succeedeth, most conducing to the common safety; as also, that it must be speedily, and before things proceed further, put in execution. The said Ambassador desireth, That it may please to the Honourable Council to weigh all these, and to Order, That all may be done that may be for that purpose, towards the promoting of the same. And as the time is most precious, it will be very necessary, That he may speedily be admitted to his Audiences; as also, he may soon have the fit Expeditions concerning the Ship that brought him, and stayeth for his return at Gravesend, to bring him back again into the Low-countrieses, with the Pass he hath demanded for his security, and to avoid all misfortunes that might meet him at Sea. The said Ambassador doth wholly persuade himself, that the Honourable Council will be pleased to give Order, That in consideration of his Quality, he be used in the same manner at his departure and taking of his leave, as he hath been at his coming and reception, for which favour he thanketh the Honourable Council most kindly. Another Paper of the same Date. To the Right Honourable Council of State. THe Extrordinary Ambassador hath thought fit to propound here, whether this Honourable Council could not approve, That after his Report made to the Lords the State's General his Secretary, or some other faithful person, should be sent to maintain and foment the mutual Correspondence, and deliver as well as receive from both States, what may serve to the compounding of things passed, and to the re-establishing of the Union and Confederacy. And whether to this end the Honourable Council would be pleased to command such Passes to be granted, by virtue of which, he might freely and safely come back and stay here, as long as the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, or the Lords States General may find it convenient. Or otherwise, That it may please to the Honourable Council to name or denote here, some body that be agreeable to them, and fit to receive the Letters that might be written upon that subject, and to solicit the Answers thereunto. A Paper of the three Ambassadors, dated 28 june, 1652. To the Council of State of the Commonwealth of England. WHereas we the Ambassadors of the Lords States of the United Provinces of the Low Countries, by their last Letters have received Order, without any delay, to make haste again to our Country, and there to give an account of what we have here done; We therefore do earnestly pray this Senate to suffer us, that we take, as it befits us, leave of this most Illustrious Assembly, and may have ships that may conveniently serve for our own Transportation, and for that of our Train and Goods; and besides, That such safe Conducts or Passes be granted us that may make our Journey safe. Here are some of our ships ready, viz. Captain Jaep den Boer, with three smaller Vessels of the City of Dort. Signed, I: Cats. G: Schaep. Vandeperre. The Lord Pauw's Speech in Parliament, at his taking leave, 30. June, 1652. Right Honourable, THe State's General of the United Provinces of the Low-countrieses, have first sent their Extraordinary Ambassadors to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, to do their earnest endeavours for the strengthening and confirming of the ancient Amity and Friendship between both Nations, and for the Establishing of an everlasting Alliance between both States, and to bring those things to a happy conclusion for the common Utility and Security; and afterwards the Lord William Newport, a Member of the States of Holland and West Friezland, to take away some Doubts, and to witness more fully of the good Intentions of our Superiors concerning the Treaty of Confederacy. At last it hath pleased the said Lords States to prepare, some few days ago, a new Extraordinary Embassage to the said Parliament, and to give me that Employment, with an express Command to bear again over and above, witness of their faithful dealing, and of their most sincere intention towards this Commonwealth; and to dissolve and remove all the strange and unthought of accidents, and all the stops and hindrances thereby caused and opposed to their good intent; by which means, I might by all my endeavours promote to a happy Conclusion, the Treaty of Alliance already begun. To what end it hath been propounded amongst other things, That there should be an Enquiry and Examination made by fit persons of both Commonwealths, of all what lately passed as was done between the two Fleets without any Design, but by mere chance, and a just and lawful Satisfaction stated: For we do witness and protest before God and all the Christian world, as well as in the presence of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, That the States have not had the lest mind of Offending or Troubling this Commonwealth, much lesle of committing any Hostility against them; but rather that they have had nothing more in their hearts than to Entertain and Maintain with this State all true Friendship and firm Peace; even to come to a stricter Union and Confederacy with them. But as it hath unhappily happened, That after extraordinary Pains taken, and all the best Endeavours done of all sides to conserve the common Quiet, and remove all hindrances, both Embassages have not only miss their Ends, but that to the contrary, not only great Troubles have been given, extraordinary Losses have been caused, but huge Dangers; as also Acts of Hostility not looked for, neither at any time before declared, are threatened from the English Fleet to the States of the United Provinces. Both Embassage hath thought fit to prevent the ensuing Evils, and upon a Business so unusual, to return into their own Country to give an Account of their Negotiation to their Superiors, and to be acquainted with their further Commands. To that end we do present ourselves together to the Supreme Authority of this Commonwealth, declare, That we have a Command to return back, and that we are ready to rake our Journey. We have given notice to the Honourable Council of State of this Commonwealth, of those things that are necessary to us for our Transport, according to our Quality and the season, and do look and wait for an Answerthereupon, hoping that the necessary Expecitions shall be done. In the mean time we cannot be wanting to our Duty; but are forced again to desire most earnestly; That all our ships that have been brought into the Ports of England, & there detained of late against our thoughts, and before any Declaration of Hostility issued our, and whereof the Commanders are unawares and guiltless, having not given the lest, nor to no body occasion of Dispute; may be relcased and suffered to go freely, with their officers, mariners, merchandizes, packs and loads, and the whole company, and to perform their Journcy without any Wrong or Injury; which we do pretend to be due to our old Friendship, to the Right of Nations, and have been observed between Christian Peoples, as well as we hope to have it granted by the Justice and Equity of this Great and most Honourable Assembly. Furthermore, We do entreat with all our hearts the great God of Heavens, who is the Author and Promoter of Peace and Concordance, That he will be pleased to afford such thought and counsel to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, as may tend to the mutual Peace of both States, to the conservation of the Christian Reform and Orthodox Religion, which hath no better Foundations than upon Peace, and can never better thrive and flourish than by Peace, and will without any doubt be afflicted and destroyed by our Troubles and falling out; As also that be will in his Mercy prevent the Destructions and Miseries of Wars, and bestow abundantly his Heavenly Blessings upon both Commonwealths; We shall end upon these Wishes. And being commanded to Repair in haste into our country, we shall with all thankful Acknowledgement for all Favours done to us, as well as with all due Respects, take our leave of this most Honourable and Supreme Assembly of the Commonwealth of England, with confidence that they will not deny us those things which we have already expressed, and are granted every where to the Ambassadors for their quality and security. Pronounced and delivered to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, the 30. June/ 20. July 1652 by the Extraordinary Ambassadors of the State's General of the United Provinces. We do besides deliver a Petition put into our hands by the Dutch Merchants, Desiring they may enjoy the same Security and Protection which hath been lately granted in the best Form to the English Merchants in our Provinces. We desire also at last, That besides the two Dutch Men of War, there should be another of those that are in the Downs granted to us for our Passage, seeing we are a very great Company, wherein are some Women of Quality, with much Carriage, which will put us to great Inconveniences, besides the heat of this season, except we be fitted with the said shin. FINIS.