A Journal Of The Swedish Embassy In The Years 1663 And 1664 - free ebook by Bulstrode Whitlocke

Read as playlist

A Journal Of The Swedish Embassy In The Years 1663 And 1664

Bulstrode Whitlocke

139 chapters

12 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

139 chapters

JOURNAL OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654.

JOURNAL OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654.

A JOURNAL OF THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN THE YEARS 1653 AND 1654. IMPARTIALLY WRITTEN BY THE AMBASSADOR BULSTRODE WHITELOCKE. FIRST PUBLISHED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT BY DR. CHARLES MORTON, M.D., F.S.A., LIBRARIAN OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. A NEW EDITION , REVISED BY HENRY REEVE, Esq. , F.S.A. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOLUME II. “A wicked messenger falleth into mischief, but a faithful ambassador is health.” Proverbs xiii. 17. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS. 1855. PRINTED BY JOHN EDWARD TAYLOR, L

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 2, 1653.

March 2, 1653.

Senator Schütt explains the delay in the negotiation. Notwithstanding his great words against the Commonwealth and present treaty, yet Monsieur Schütt was pleased to afford a visit to Whitelocke, and they fell (amongst many other things) upon the following discourse :— Schütt. My father was formerly ambassador from this Crown in England, where I was with him, which occasioned my desire to be known to you. Whitelocke. Your father did honour to this country and to ours in that employment, and your

5 minute read

Read Chapter

March 3, 1653.

March 3, 1653.

The son of Oxenstiern formerly sent to England. Grave John Oxenstiern, eldest son of the Chancellor, came to visit Whitelocke; a Ricks-Senator, and had been Ricks-Schatz-master, or High Treasurer, a place next in honour to that of his father. He had been formerly ambassador from this Crown to England; but because he was sent by the Chancellor his father, and the other Directors of the affairs of Sweden in the Queen’s minority, which King Charles and his Council took not to be from a sovereign pr

4 minute read

Read Chapter

March 4, 1653.

March 4, 1653.

The Queen talks of visiting the Protector. Whitelocke waited on the Queen and showed her part of the letters which he received from England, whereupon she again asked him if the Protector were sacré ? Whitelocke said, No, and that his letters mentioned only a solemnity of entertaining the Protector by the City of London. Whitelocke also communicated to her Majesty the Protector’s letter to him, and the expression that Whitelocke should assure her Majesty of the Protector’s constant and real inte

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 5, 1653.

March 5, 1653.

The Lord’s Day. —Whitelocke had two good sermons in his house, at which divers English and Scots, besides those of his family, were present. In the evening the Queen passed through the streets in her coach, with divers other coaches and her servants waiting on her, to take the air, though upon this day; and in the night, many disorderly drunkards were committing debaucheries and insolences in the town, and at Whitelocke’s door....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

March 6, 1653.

March 6, 1653.

Further excuses for delay. Whitelocke visited Senator Schütt, who spake in excuse of the delay of his business. Whitelocke said— Whitelocke. I have already staid long in this place, and nothing is yet done in my business. Schütt. Your stay here hath been of more advantage to England than if they had sent 10,000 men into Holland, who, by your stay here, will be brought on with the greater desire of making peace with you. Wh. They know nothing of my negotiation. Sch. That makes them the more jealo

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 7, 1653.

March 7, 1653.

The Governor of Upsal, Monsieur Bannier, presented to Whitelocke three Latin books :— 1. The Story of Sweden; 2. Of the Laws of Sweden; 3. Of Sea Affairs; which were not ordinarily to be had. Whitelocke takes the air with the Queen. The Queen sent one of her servants to invite Whitelocke to take the air with her in the fields; and being come to the castle, she excused her not being yet ready to confer with him upon his articles, as she had promised, but told him that she had ordered something to

1 minute read

Read Chapter

March 8, 1653.

March 8, 1653.

The Chancellor’s son resumes the negotiation. Grave Eric Oxenstiern visited Whitelocke, and spake much to excuse the delay of his treaty; and said that his father was very sick of an ague, and he believed the Queen would depute some other to confer with him, in case his father’s health would not permit him that liberty. Whitelocke. I am very sorry for the indisposition of your father, and for the delay of my business. I have been here about three months, and nothing is yet concluded. Gr. Eric. T

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 9, 1653.

March 9, 1653.

Whitelocke visited the Ricks-Admiral Oxenstiern, the Chancellor’s brother, who received him with great civility; and they discoursed very much of Whitelocke’s business to the effect as others did. Whitelocke visits the Chancellor’s eldest son. He also visited Grave John Oxenstiern, the Chancellor’s eldest son, whose carriage was elated. Two of his pages were sons of Earls, and had the title of Earls; his servants were some of them set at his outer door to receive Whitelocke; himself vouchsafed t

5 minute read

Read Chapter

March 10, 1653.

March 10, 1653.

Whitelocke’s despatches to England. Upon yesterday’s conference with the Queen, Whitelocke wrote the passages thereof at large to Thurloe, to be communicated to the Council in England, and to pray their direction in some points which are set down thus in his letters :— “I shall desire to know the pleasure of my Lord Protector and Council, whether, in case I shall conclude those articles of amity and commerce, omitting the second, fifth, and seventh articles, if his Highness will be pleased to ap

1 minute read

Read Chapter

March 11, 1653.

March 11, 1653.

Admiral Oxenstiern visits Whitelocke. The Ricks-Admiral visited Whitelocke. He discoursed of the treaty here, and said that the Queen had not yet informed the Council of it in particular. He much inquired of the nobility of England, of the Earls and Barons, and of their privileges, and what rank their children had, and of the several orders of knights, and of their original; in which matters Whitelocke was able to give him some satisfaction. He told Whitelocke that the Duke of Lorraine was impri

1 minute read

Read Chapter

March 12, 1653.

March 12, 1653.

The treaty delayed by reason of the Queen’s abdication. Mr. Bloome—who had been formerly a servant to the old Duke of Buckingham in England, and after that coming to Sweden, was entertained by the Chancellor, and his great creature, and had been employed by him as a public minister—did the honour to Whitelocke to be often with him, and now, after dinner, discoursed much of the revolution which was likely to happen in this country by the Queen’s resignation; upon which subject Whitelocke thought

1 minute read

Read Chapter

March 13, 1653.

March 13, 1653.

Whitelocke confers with Count Eric Oxenstiern on the articles. Grave Eric came to Whitelocke to confer about his treaty, and said to him. Grave Eric. The Queen hath commanded me to come to you and to have some conference with you about your proposals, wherein she is pleased to make use of my service, because at this time my father is very ill of an ague, and is not able himself to meet with you; and his former indisposition of health and extraordinary affairs hath been some occasion of hindrance

7 minute read

Read Chapter

March 14, 1653.

March 14, 1653.

Interview with General Wrangel. Four of the Queen’s servants did Whitelocke the honour to dine with him; and after they were gone, Whitelocke visited the Field-Marshal Wrangel, a gentleman of an ancient noble family in this country, son to General Wrangel, of whom so often and so honourable mention is made in the German wars under Gustavus Adolphus, the Queen’s father. This Field-Marshal was about thirty-five years of age; his person proper and burly, his countenance martial and ingenuous, and h

2 minute read

Read Chapter

March 15, 1653.

March 15, 1653.

Further conference with the Queen. Whitelocke waited on the Queen, and gave her an account of the conference between Grave Eric and him. The Queen said that Grave Eric had told her the same things. Whitelocke replied, that her Majesty should never find other than truth from him. Upon the point of damages she seemed satisfied, though she were informed that those matters were remitted to Whitelocke’s negotiation. To which he answered as he had done before to Eric; and she was contented, and said s

1 minute read

Read Chapter

March 16, 1653.

March 16, 1653.

Despatches from England. Whitelocke received his letters from England, and in those from Thurloe he writes thus :— “The particular account your Excellence gives of your negotiation is very acceptable here, as is also your dexterous management thereof. The paper you were pleased to send to me shall be represented to the Council; and your Excellence may be assured that a due care will be taken of that business, as well for justice’ sake as that your present business be not hindered by things of th

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 17, 1653.

March 17, 1653.

Prince Adolphus visits Whitelocke. Prince Adolphus visited Whitelocke, and they discoursed much of England and of Whitelocke’s business; whom the Prince persuaded to stay in patience for an answer, and he doubted not but that he would receive satisfaction. Whitelocke said that hitherto he had been very patient, and would continue so, and not importune anybody to speed his answer, being it concerned both nations; and he believed that Sweden would be as well disposed to entertain the amity of Engl

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 18, 1653.

March 18, 1653.

Doctor Whistler made a copy of Latin verses upon the Queen’s abdication, which, for the ingenuity and fancy, were worthy the sight of a Prince; and Whitelocke sent them to the Queen, who was much taken with them. Whitelocke was so pleased with those verses that, having a little leisure, himself turned them into English. 41 Whitelocke having sent to know if the Queen were at leisure that he might wait upon her, she returned an excuse that she was not well: she came away sick from the public schoo

2 minute read

Read Chapter

March 19, 1653.

March 19, 1653.

Intrigues of the Dutch Resident against Whitelocke. Whitelocke sent to inquire of the Queen’s health; and it being the Lord’s Day, she was in her chapel. Divers English and Scots of the town came to Whitelocke’s house to hear sermons there; and among them was Monsieur Ravius, who acquainted Whitelocke that one of the Queen’s chaplains asked Ravius how long Whitelocke intended to stay in Sweden. Ravius said he would shortly return to his own country. The chaplain replied, he did not believe that,

2 minute read

Read Chapter

March 20, 1653.

March 20, 1653.

Peace signed between England and the United Provinces. Whitelocke visited Piementelle, who communicated to him the news of the Duke of Lorraine, and that the United Provinces of the Netherlands had ratified the articles with England. Whitelocke asked if Groningen had consented. He said yes, but with this restriction, that the Prince of Orange should be comprised in the treaty, which might yet cause some obstruction in it. Whitelocke imparted to him some of his news, and imparted such passages of

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 21, 1653.

March 21, 1653.

Senator Schütt’s duplicity. Whitelocke was somewhat surprised by the carriage of Senator Schütt to him yesterday, and with his freedom of discourse, which showed him either to be a courtier and versed in the art of simulation, or the reports made of him to Whitelocke to be untrue. Now he seemed clearly for the league with England; before, he expressed himself against it; now he showed civility and respect to Whitelocke and to his superiors; before, he spake disdainfully of them and their affairs

6 minute read

Read Chapter

March 22, 1653.

March 22, 1653.

Monsieur Lyllicrone informed Whitelocke that Prince Adolphus had taken a solemn leave of the Queen, and was gone into the country. Whitelocke asked if it was upon any discontent; Lyllicrone said he knew not. Whitelocke asked if he would not be at the Ricksdag; Lyllicrone said he believed the Prince did not intend to be at it, but to travel incognito with a few servants into France and Italy. The French advances resumed. The French Resident visited Whitelocke in the afternoon, and seeing his coac

2 minute read

Read Chapter

March 23, 1653.

March 23, 1653.

Whitelocke again negotiates with the Queen. Whitelocke attended the Queen; and after some discourses of pleasantries, they fell upon the treaty, and Whitelocke said to her :— Whitelocke. My business, Madam, is now brought to a conclusion. Queen. Is it to your liking? Wh. Pardon me, Madam, if I say it is not at all to my liking; for in the articles which Grave Eric sent me there were many particulars to which I could not agree, and I much wondered to receive such articles from him, being persuade

7 minute read

Read Chapter

March 24, 1653.

March 24, 1653.

Reports of the negotiation to England. Whitelocke made his despatches for England, and wrote above twenty letters to several of his friends there, finding it grateful to them to receive letters from him at such a distance; and that answers to letters are expected, and ill taken if neglected; that they cost little, and please much. He was hindered by Woolfeldt, who made a long visit to him, though upon the post day; at which he wondered, in regard Woolfeldt had been himself often employed as a pu

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 25, 1654.

March 25, 1654.

New Year’s Day, Old Style. This day, by the Swedish computation as well as that of England, is the first day of the year 1654. Mr. Bloome came to Whitelocke with a compliment from the Chancellor, that he was sorry he could not visit Whitelocke before his going out of town, because he was ill, and retired himself into the country, to be quit from business and to recover his health; and at his return he would come to Whitelocke and confer with him. This gentleman Whitelocke apprehended to be often

1 minute read

Read Chapter

March 26, 1654.

March 26, 1654.

Whitelocke reproves the English for disorder on the Lord’s Day.} The Lord’s Day. —Divers English and Scots came to the public duties of the day in Whitelocke’s house; and amongst other discourse Whitelocke learnt from them that Waters, one of his trumpets, going late in the evening to his lodging, was set upon by some drunkards with their swords, and wounded, whereof he continued very ill. Whitelocke examined and reproved some of his company for disorders committed by them on the Lord’s Day and

42 minute read

Read Chapter

March 27, 1654.

March 27, 1654.

Festivities of Easter Monday. This being Easter Monday, some of Whitelocke’s people went to the castle to hear the Queen’s music in her chapel, which they reported to Whitelocke to be very curious; and that in the afternoon was appointed an ancient solemnity of running at the ring. Some Italians of the Queen’s music dined with Whitelocke, and afterwards sang to him and presented him with a book of their songs, which, according to expectation, was not unrewarded. Whitelocke went not abroad this f

55 minute read

Read Chapter

March 28, 1654.

March 28, 1654.

The Swedes desire to defer the treaty until the new reign. After the master of the ceremonies had dined with Whitelocke, and was in a good humour, he desired Whitelocke to withdraw from the rest of the strangers, and that he might speak privately with him; and going into the bedchamber, the master told him that he had heard from some that Whitelocke had expressed a discontent, and the master desired to know if any had given him offence, or if there were anything wherein the master might do him s

2 minute read

Read Chapter

March 29, 1654.

March 29, 1654.

The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke from the Queen to excuse Whitelocke’s not having had audiences when he desired them; which he said was because her Majesty had been so full of business, which had hindered her, and particularly because of the holidays; but he said, if Whitelocke pleased to have his audience tomorrow, the Queen would be glad to see him. Whitelocke desired the master to return his thanks to her Majesty for her favours, and to let her know that he should be ready to a

3 minute read

Read Chapter

March 30, 1654.

March 30, 1654.

An interview with the Queen. One of the Queen’s lacqueys came to Whitelocke’s house in dinner-time, to desire him, from the Queen, to come to her at two o’clock. Whitelocke was a little sensible of the quality of the messenger, and therefore himself would not speak with him, but sent his answer by one of his servants, and accordingly waited on the Queen. He was met at the guard-chamber by Grave Tott and divers of the Queen’s servants, with more solemnity than ordinary, and presently brought to t

10 minute read

Read Chapter

March 31, 1654.

March 31, 1654.

Reports to England. Whitelocke despatched a great number of letters to his friends in England: in those to Secretary Thurloe he gave a full account of all transactions of his negotiations and passages here since his last letters. This day, though the post-day, Woolfeldt again visited Whitelocke, to his no little interruption in his despatches; yet from him Whitelocke learned many things in relation to Denmark, for the advantage of England, and Woolfeldt testified great affection and respect to t

3 minute read

Read Chapter

April 1, 1654.

April 1, 1654.

A capital execution in Sweden. In the morning, in the market-place, near Whitelocke’s lodging, was an execution of one adjudged to die for a murder. The offender was brought into the midst of the market-place, which was open and spacious, and a great multitude of people spectators. The offender kneeled down upon the ground, a great deal of sand being laid under and about him to soak up his blood, and a linen cloth was bound about his eyes: he seemed not much terrified, but when the company sang

6 minute read

Read Chapter

April 2, 1654.

April 2, 1654.

Although the Lord’s Day, yet the English and Scots who were in the town, and not of Whitelocke’s family, went abroad to take the air, and did not resort, as they used to do, to Whitelocke’s house to the exercises of divine worship, which were duly performed in his private family; and after those sacra peracta , Whitelocke retired himself to his private studies and meditations upon the word of truth. This day likewise the Queen went abroad to take the air, and passed through the town in her coach

33 minute read

Read Chapter

April 3, 1654.

April 3, 1654.

Whitelocke takes the air with the Queen. The Queen sent to Whitelocke to invite him to accompany her to take the air. By the way Whitelocke visited Woolfeldt, who had much discourse with him about the English fleet then at sea. From him Whitelocke went to Court, and attended the Queen in her coach to take the air. They had not much discourse about his business, and he thought not fit to interrupt her Majesty’s pleasures with serious discourses, but sought to delight her with matters of diversion

1 minute read

Read Chapter

April 4, 1654.

April 4, 1654.

Whitelocke visited Piementelle, and they had this discourse :— Piementelle. The Ambassador of Denmark did me the honour to visit me, and we had much discourse together about the English fleet now at sea; he told me that in it were ten thousand foot soldiers embarked for the North, which would occasion great trouble to the King his master, if it should be so, which I acknowledged. Whitelocke. Your Excellence knows that I have not been at the Council of State in England for six months last past, s

1 minute read

Read Chapter

April 5, 1654.

April 5, 1654.

Conference with the Chancellor. In the morning Whitelocke went to the Chancellor’s lodging, and found his son Grave Eric with him. The Chancellor made a long apology to excuse the delay of the treaty, and said :— Chancellor. My indisposition of health hath chiefly occasioned the delay, yet was I so solicitous of your business, that I entreated the Queen to appoint some other person in my stead, who might confer with your Excellence; and her Majesty was pleased to appoint my son for that service.

12 minute read

Read Chapter

April 6, 1654.

April 6, 1654.

Effects of the English fleet in the North. Monsieur Miller, who had been Resident at Hamburg for her Majesty, came to visit Whitelocke, and after dinner discoursed much of the English fleet now at sea, which, he said, did amuse all the northern parts of the world, what the design thereof might be. Whitelocke did not lessen the wonder, especially in relation to Denmark; yet affirmed nothing positively, as indeed he could not. He inquired of Monsieur Miller if the King of Denmark were making any p

2 minute read

Read Chapter

April 7, 1654.

April 7, 1654.

The Queen’s plans after abdication. Whitelocke waited on the Queen, and she was pleased to discourse with him to this effect :— Queen. I am resolved to retire into Pomerland, and this summer to go to the Spa to drink the waters for my health. Whitelocke. Give me leave, Madam, to put you in mind of two things to be specially taken care of: one is the security of your own person, the other is the settling of your revenue. Your Majesty, being of a royal and bountiful spirit, cannot look into such m

16 minute read

Read Chapter

April 8, 1654.

April 8, 1654.

A masque at Court. The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke from the Queen, to desire his company this evening at a masque; and they had this discourse :— Whitelocke. Present my thanks to her Majesty, and tell her I will wait upon her. Precedence claimed by Denmark. Mast. Cer. What would your Excellence expect in matter of precedence, as in case you should meet with any other ambassador at the masque? Wh. I shall expect that which belongs to me as Ambassador from the Commonwealth of Engla

7 minute read

Read Chapter

April 9, 1654.

April 9, 1654.

Monsieur Bloome came to dine with Whitelocke, and to put him in mind of Grave Eric’s request to him to dine with him the next day. He also sent to invite Whitelocke’s two sons and Colonel Potley. The Spanish Envoy departs with rich presents. In the afternoon Piementelle came to take his leave of Whitelocke, and said he intended to begin his journey the next morning. Whitelocke offered himself or his coaches and servants, to attend him out of town; but he said it was not the custom when a public

1 minute read

Read Chapter

April 10, 1654.

April 10, 1654.

Whitelocke dines with Grave Eric Oxenstiern. Between eleven and twelve o’clock, the usual dining-time here, Whitelocke, with his sons and Potley, attended only by two gentlemen, one page, and two lacqueys, went to Grave Eric’s lodging to dinner. His rooms were not stately nor richly furnished, but such as could be had in that place. The outer room for servants was like a little hall; within that was a larger room, narrow and long, where they dined; within that was a smaller room hung with tapest

7 minute read

Read Chapter

April 11, 1654.

April 11, 1654.

The Queen proposes a secret article. The Chancellor had promised to procure Whitelocke his despatch in a few days. He sent Canterstein to communicate to him the articles drawn in form, with the amendments, to see if there were any mistake in them. Whitelocke and the secretary perused them together, and agreed on all except two or three points, in which was some small difference; and Canterstein promised to hasten the engrossing of them. Many strangers dining with Whitelocke made him the later in

4 minute read

Read Chapter

April 12, 1654.

April 12, 1654.

Woolfeldt opposes the secret article. Mr. Woolfeldt having done Whitelocke the favour to dine with him, they retired and discoursed privately to this effect :— Woolfeldt. The Queen was pleased the last night to send for me, and to communicate to me the matter of a secret article which, she said, she had before imparted to you. Whitelocke. What is your opinion of such an article? Woolf. Truly, I dissuaded her from it, as not convenient, in my poor opinion, for either party. Wh. I know your judgem

7 minute read

Read Chapter

April 13, 1654.

April 13, 1654.

Whitelocke confers with the Chancellor, and invites him to dinner. In the morning the Chancellor came to Whitelocke and staid with him near three hours. They had much debate touching Guinea, to the like effect as before with his son; they had also debate about the amendments which Whitelocke had desired might be inserted in the articles, chiefly that touching passports, to which the Chancellor would by no means agree. He likewise said to Whitelocke :— Chancellor. The Queen caused the articles to

2 minute read

Read Chapter

April 14, 1654.

April 14, 1654.

Passport given to a Swedish ship. Grave Eric desired Whitelocke to give a passport to a Swedish ship bound from Stockholm to Portugal. The Chancellor requested the same, and both father and son engaged to Whitelocke that there was nothing aboard the vessel, nor any design in her voyage, against England; that she was freighted for Portugal only, and that they should esteem the favour as done to themselves, because they had a share in the goods on board this ship. Whitelocke, though he were hardly

2 minute read

Read Chapter

April 15, 1654.

April 15, 1654.

Excursion with the French Resident. The Resident of France having desired Whitelocke that when he went abroad to take the air he would give him leave to accompany him, Whitelocke sent to him, this fair day inviting and leisure not hindering it. They went together in Whitelocke’s coach to a wood, about an English mile from Upsal, full of pines, fir-trees, and juniper, and very fair and pleasant walks in it. The beauty of the day and place had also invited thither at this time the Ambassador of De

1 minute read

Read Chapter

April 16, 1654.

April 16, 1654.

Great wealth of the Oxenstiern family. Monsieur Bloome this Lord’s Day dined with Whitelocke, and told him that the Chancellor had left him in town to keep Whitelocke company in the absence of the Chancellor, and to assure him that the Chancellor would return again in a very few days. Whitelocke made much of him, and had good informations from him. He said that Grave John Oxenstiern, the Chancellor’s eldest son, had at that time, whilst his father was alive, above £20,000 sterling of yearly reve

1 minute read

Read Chapter

April 17, 1654.

April 17, 1654.

A serenade to Whitelocke. Upsal being very empty, by the absence of the Queen and all the great Lords, who were retired to their country-houses, but most of them to Stockholm, it was given out that her Majesty would not return to this place, but remain at Stockholm, and that the General Assembly should be held there; which was not believed by Whitelocke, because the Queen had assured him that she would return to Upsal within eight or ten days, and she never brake her word with him. Her absence,

45 minute read

Read Chapter

April 18, 1654.

April 18, 1654.

The Swedish army. Whitelocke returned a visit to the Grave Leonhough, whose lodgings were but mean, such as the town would afford, but his treatment was with great civility. Amongst other discourse he inquired touching the discipline of war and ordering the soldiery in England, who, he said, must be well paid, or else they could not be kept in good order. Whitelocke acknowledged that to be very true, and said that in England special care was taken for the constant and due pay of the armies much

4 minute read

Read Chapter

April 19, 1654.

April 19, 1654.

Preparations for the abdication. Monsieur Bloome and divers others, having dined with Whitelocke, acquainted him that the Chancellor intended to return hither the next day after the Queen. Whitelocke said he hoped the Chancellor would have been here before her Majesty; but this was an argument to confute the report that the Queen would stay at Stockholm and hold the Ricksdag there. Another argument was, the Queen’s officers removing and altering some of the hangings in Whitelocke’s house, being

31 minute read

Read Chapter

April 20, 1654.

April 20, 1654.

Swedish mines. In pursuance of former discourse with Monsieur Bloome, and by the desire of Mr. Bushel in England to Whitelocke to inquire into it, he received a paper in French, from a person here employed about the mines, to inform him by what means this person might be treated with to be brought into England for improving of our mines there. Hawks. Whitelocke also, by desire of a worthy friend in England, furnished himself with a direction how he might procure some hawks out of this country, a

11 minute read

Read Chapter

April 21, 1654.

April 21, 1654.

Despatches to Thurloe. Whitelocke made his despatches for England, and part of his letters to Thurloe was this :— “The Queen and Court being out of town, this is a solitary place. The Danish Ambassador and the Dutch Resident are still here. The Spanish, German, and Muscovite Envoys are gone away. My business remains in a readiness to be signed, which is appointed upon the Queen’s return; and she is looked for every day. If they be not signed within these few days, it cannot be done by her at all

2 minute read

Read Chapter

April 22, 1654.

April 22, 1654.

University Library at Upsal. The French Resident visited Whitelocke, and, seeing him ready to go take the air, offered him his company, which Whitelocke could not refuse. They went together to the Library of this University, where there are many good books, for the most part brought out of Germany; but it is not extraordinary, nor exceeding the public libraries in England and elsewhere. One of Whitelocke’s gentlemen held it not exceeding his lord’s private library at his own house in England, as

5 minute read

Read Chapter

April 23, 1654.

April 23, 1654.

Whitelocke punishes two of his retinue for neglect of the Lord’s Day. This being the Lord’s Day, many gentlemen of the English and Scots nation then in town came to Whitelocke’s house to the morning sermon, and most of them staid the afternoon sermon also. And so many strangers being there attentive in the holy duties, it gave the greater cause of scandal and offence to Whitelocke that divers of his own family were absent, whereas, by his orders, they were all enjoined to a constant attendance,

1 minute read

Read Chapter

April 24, 1654.

April 24, 1654.

Whitelocke pays his court to the Queen. Whitelocke waited on the Queen to give her the welcome home, and found her lodgings changed, leaving the better rooms for the Prince. She excused her long stay out of town, and said she would now have no more delay in his business, but it should be forthwith despatched. Whitelocke told her that the Chancellor and his son were not yet come to town, but he humbly thanked her Majesty for the speed of her return. She assured him that her Chancellor and his son

3 minute read

Read Chapter

April 25, 1654.

April 25, 1654.

Grave Eric sent his secretary to Whitelocke to inform him of his being come to town purposely for the despatch of his business, and for the signing of the articles; and he desired to know what time this afternoon he might have the liberty to come and visit Whitelocke, after he had been with the Queen. Whitelocke told the secretary that he should be glad to see his lord after Whitelocke had likewise been at the Court; and there they met. Whitelocke went in to the Queen and presented her with the

4 minute read

Read Chapter

April 26, 1654.

April 26, 1654.

Whitelocke complains of further delays. Grave Eric came to Whitelocke’s house, and this discourse passed between them :— Whitelocke. It seems to me somewhat strange that after all things agreed between her Majesty’s Commissioners and me, I should yet attend three weeks to obtain one half-hour for the signing of the articles. Grave Eric. The Queen’s going out of town hath occasioned it, and the great business touching her resignation, which hath so taken up all men’s thoughts and counsels, that t

4 minute read

Read Chapter

April 27, 1654.

April 27, 1654.

Signing the articles again deferred till the morrow. Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor to tell him that the Chancellor was come to town purposely for the signing of the articles. Whitelocke said he was much obliged to the Chancellor for so great a favour, and that, after three weeks elapsed since the articles were agreed, he might now hope it would be thought seasonable to confirm that agreement with hand and seal. Lagerfeldt answered that it might be done this day, and therefore

3 minute read

Read Chapter

April 28, 1654.

April 28, 1654.

The signing of the treaty. At the time appointed Whitelocke and his company came to the Chancellor’s lodging, with whom was his son Grave Eric and Secretary Canterstein. Whitelocke’s son James and his secretary Earle were admitted into the room. All the time of their being there Secretary Canterstein was uncovered and did not sit. Whitelocke’s son James was also bare, as became him, but was admitted to sit down at the lower end of the table, on the same side with his father, who sat at the upper

5 minute read

Read Chapter

April 29, 1654.

April 29, 1654.

Whitelocke’s passport through Flanders. Though Whitelocke received no letters this week from England, yet he had some from Hamburg and from Flanders, among which was one from Don Piementelle full of civility and compliment, giving Whitelocke notice of his safe arrival in Flanders, and advising him to take that way in his return; and in it was a letter in Spanish from Piementelle to the Prince of Mamines in Flanders, to be made use of by Whitelocke if he should have occasion there, for the more s

8 minute read

Read Chapter

April 30, 1654.

April 30, 1654.

Whitelocke accepts a present of copper. Berkman and Monsieur Bloome dined with Whitelocke, and took occasion to magnify the respects of the Chancellor and his son, Grave Eric, to the Protector and to Whitelocke, who was not backward to join in those eulogies, and to acknowledge the respects. Berkman said that Canterstein was to bring some writings to Whitelocke, and that Lagerfeldt had spoken to the Queen to present Whitelocke with some copper; that she had given order for two hundred ship-pound

47 minute read

Read Chapter

May 1, 1654.

May 1, 1654.

Preparations for departure. Lagerfeldt, Berkman, and the Syndic of Gothenburg, after dinner with Whitelocke, discoursed and advised him touching his departure. Lagerfeldt said he believed the Queen would give Whitelocke audience on Friday next, before which time her presents would not be ready for Whitelocke and his company; he said also, that he heard the Prince intended to be in this town within a few days, and if it should be so, then it would be better for Whitelocke to stay here, and expect

7 minute read

Read Chapter

May 2, 1654.

May 2, 1654.

The Swedish full powers. Whitelocke sent to the master of the ceremonies to know if he had desired a time for his last audience, who promised to do it. Canterstein brought to Whitelocke the Queen’s letters of full power to her Commissioners, under her hand and the great seal of Sweden, which were of this tenour. 188 Having received this commission, Whitelocke delivered to Canterstein his commission under the Great Seal of England, and the copy of his new instructions from the Protector, except w

1 minute read

Read Chapter

May 3, 1654.

May 3, 1654.

The Guinea question. Whitelocke visited Grave Eric. They fell into discourse, among other things, touching Guinea, to this effect :— Whitelocke. It is requisite that we come to some conclusion about the business of Guinea. Grave Eric. I think it fit; and for your further information, here is the answer in writing of the Swedes who are concerned therein unto the complaints of the English company in that business. Wh. Will you leave the writing with me? Gr. Eric. I shall send you a copy of it. Wh.

2 minute read

Read Chapter

May 4, 1654.

May 4, 1654.

Mr. Boteler, a Scotsman, confidently reported great news to the disparagement of the affairs of England, that the Highlanders of Scotland had given a great defeat to the English and killed five hundred of them, which news was soon confuted by Whitelocke. A literary dinner party. The Senator Vanderlin, and his brother the master of the ceremonies; Dr. Loccenius, a civilian, Keeper of the Library in this University; another gentleman, Professor of Eloquence here; Mr. Ravius, Professor of the Easte

9 minute read

Read Chapter

May 5, 1654.

May 5, 1654.

The Queen’s presents to Whitelocke and his suite. Lagerfeldt acquainted Whitelocke that the Queen intended to gratify him with a gift of as great value as had been bestowed upon any ambassador before; and that she having received from Whitelocke many brave horses and many native goods of England, and Whitelocke having undertaken, at his return to England, to provide for her Majesty several other commodities, she held it reasonable to requite him with some commodities of this country, if Whiteloc

1 minute read

Read Chapter

May 6, 1654.

May 6, 1654.

Lagerfeldt returned answer to Whitelocke, of his motion to insert the words “Serenissimi ac Celsissimi Domini” into the Protector’s title, that he had acquainted the Chancellor with it, who also had communicated it to her Majesty, and she willingly assented thereunto; and it was inserted accordingly. He brought with him Monsieur Carloe, Governor of the Swedish Company for Guinea, with whom Whitelocke had much discourse upon the same points as he had before with Grave Eric; and Carloe denied all

3 minute read

Read Chapter

May 7, 1654.

May 7, 1654.

The Lord’s Day. —Monsieur Bloome, and Mr. De Geeres, the rich merchant of Sweden, after dinner with Whitelocke, discoursed much about matters not so proper for the day. Walker and Stapleton attending Whitelocke and walking in the evening, he again spake to them about their presents as formerly; but found Stapleton stiff in his opinion, and to intend to send back his present to the master of the ceremonies as refusing it; but Whitelocke required him not to do so, lest it should be taken as an aff

32 minute read

Read Chapter

May 8, 1654.

May 8, 1654.

Warrant for the copper. The warrant formerly inserted was sent to the officers of the Treasury, who thereupon made their order to the under-officers for the delivery of the copper accordingly, which order was brought to Whitelocke in the Swedish language. The Guinea case. The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke to inform him that the Queen had appointed Wednesday next, the 10th of this month, for his last audience to take his leave. Whitelocke said he was sorry it could not be sooner. Th

2 minute read

Read Chapter

May 9, 1654.

May 9, 1654.

Whitelocke compliments the Danish minister on the peace. The King of Denmark being included in the treaty between England and the Dutch, and so become a friend, Whitelocke was advised to send first a compliment to the Danish Ambassador now residing in this Court; which, when Whitelocke doubted lest thereby he might diminish the honour of England by sending to the Dane before the Dane had first sent to him, the master of the ceremonies and others instructed him that it was the constant custom for

5 minute read

Read Chapter

May 10, 1654.

May 10, 1654.

Whitelocke attends a wedding at Court. Lagerfeldt came to Whitelocke and acquainted him that there was a special article to be agreed upon touching the business of Guinea, which the Queen and the Chancellor were willing might proceed for the despatch of Whitelocke, and that Grave Eric would have come to him about it, but that he was ill and had taken physic. He told Whitelocke that the Queen said he might have his last audience that day if he pleased; but if he would be present at the solemnity

10 minute read

Read Chapter

May 11, 1654.

May 11, 1654.

The abdication of Queen Christina. Early in the morning the master of the ceremonies came to accompany Whitelocke to the castle, to see the manner of the assembly of the Ricksdag, and brought him and his company to the castle to an upper room or gallery, where he sat privately, not taken notice of by any, yet had the full view of the great hall where the Ricksdag met, and heard what was said. The Danish Ambassador did forbear to come thither, as was supposed, because of Whitelocke being there. T

25 minute read

Read Chapter

May 12, 1654.

May 12, 1654.

Despatches from England. About one o’clock the last night, Whitelocke, coming from the solemnities of the Court, received two packets of letters from England. He had the more cause to remember the time, because then, although midnight, he could perfectly read his letters without any candle or other light than that of the heavens, which in this season of the year scarce leaves any night at all, but so as one may well read all the night long with the help of twilight. The letters from Thurloe of t

15 minute read

Read Chapter

May 13, 1654.

May 13, 1654.

Whitelocke takes leave of his friends. Whitelocke began his visits and compliments to take his leave of his friends in this Court; and herein he was to be very exact, and not to omit any one who had given him the honour of former visits. He, to be the less subject to mistakes, set down in writing the names of those whom he was to visit, which made a long catalogue; but he must get through it, as part of the business of an ambassador. And this day he began by visiting the French and Holland Resid

1 minute read

Read Chapter

May 14, 1654.

May 14, 1654.

This Lord’s Day Sir George Fleetwood did Whitelocke the favour to bear him company at his house, and told him that the Queen and her Lords were pleased with his deportment at his last audience, and with his speech then made, which they commended, but is here omitted. He and others also acquainted Whitelocke that the Queen took great pleasure at his carriage at the solemnity of the nuptials at Court, and that he would dance with them; and both the Queen and her courtiers said that the English Amb

36 minute read

Read Chapter

May 15, 1654.

May 15, 1654.

A private audience of the Queen. Whitelocke visited Marshal Wrangel and General Wittenberg, and went from thence to the castle to visit Grave Tott, who told him that the Queen had altered her purpose of sending him into England, and would do him the honour to retain him with her, but that yet he hoped in a short time to see England. Whitelocke said he should be glad to meet him, and to do him service there. They discoursed of the Queen’s residence in Pomerland, or some other place near this coun

9 minute read

Read Chapter

May 16, 1654.

May 16, 1654.

Whitelocke entertains a party of ladies. Whitelocke visited General Douglas, who had been to visit him before, and now showed great respect unto him, and gave him many thanks for the English horse which Whitelocke had bestowed on him. After this, Whitelocke visited the Ricks-Admiral and the Senators Rosenhau and Bundt. In the afternoon he visited Woolfeldt, who brought Whitelocke into the room where his lady and other ladies of great quality were with her. Whitelocke imagined some design to be h

7 minute read

Read Chapter

May 17, 1654.

May 17, 1654.

The Resident of Holland came to visit Whitelocke near dinner-time, which gave him occasion to invite his stay; and he and Sir G. Fleetwood, Mr. Bloome, Colonel Hambleton, Monsieur Lyllicrone, and two Dutch gentlemen, did Whitelocke the favour to be at his table. Whitelocke gave the Resident the respect of the upper end of the table, as he had formerly done to the French and Spanish Residents; and the Dutch gentleman was well pleased with it, and with the English entertainment. Whitelocke’s audie

6 minute read

Read Chapter

May 18, 1654.

May 18, 1654.

The Ladies’ message to Whitelocke. The ladies who were at Whitelocke’s house to see the entry of the Prince, sent thanks to Whitelocke for his noble treatment of them, which was done by Woolfeldt and the master of the ceremonies, whom Whitelocke desired to make his excuse to the ladies, and to intercede with them to pardon the affront which Whitelocke had put upon them by entertaining such noble ladies with so mean a collation. The master said he durst not deliver any such message to them, who w

12 minute read

Read Chapter

May 19, 1654.

May 19, 1654.

The Sound Dues. Woolfeldt visited Whitelocke in the morning, and brought with him a paper concerning the Sound, written in French with his own hand, wherein he showed much affection to the Protector and to England, and as much distaste to his own country. The paper Whitelocke laid up, and transcribed in a larger treatise. Effect of the Prince’s visit. Woolfeldt acquainted Whitelocke that the public ministers in this Court discoursed much of the extraordinary respect showed by the Prince to the E

20 minute read

Read Chapter

May 20, 1654.

May 20, 1654.

Whitelocke commences his journey back to England. Whitelocke began his longed-for journey of return to England. He had taken his leave of the Queen, Prince, Senators, and all his friends in Upsal. His business, through the goodness of God, was successfully despatched; himself and all his people in good health, and exceeding joyful to be on their journey homewards. He left not a penny of debt to any in this country, nor any unrewarded who had done him service; for his hospitality, wherein no amba

3 minute read

Read Chapter

May 21, 1654.

May 21, 1654.

Stockholm. Being the Lord’s Day, divers Scotch merchants, inhabitants of this city, and some English, came to Whitelocke’s lodging to hear the sermon in the morning, and many of them did him the honour to dine with him; he had conference with them, and good advice from them, about his voyage to England and other matters. Lagerfeldt came also to salute Whitelocke, and to know what service he had for him, before his going from hence this evening. Whitelocke desired him to speak to the master of th

3 minute read

Read Chapter

May 22, 1654.

May 22, 1654.

The harbour of Stockholm and Swedish fleet. In the morning Berkman conducted Whitelocke to the haven, where lay many boats and vessels great and small, and much iron upon the quay, which is convenient, but not much stored. They passed by many fair houses belonging to the great Lords. In the afternoon Wrangel came to Whitelocke, and conducted him to see the Queen’s ships, which lie round about an island called by them the Holm, into which island none are permitted to enter without special license

6 minute read

Read Chapter

May 23, 1654.

May 23, 1654.

The Magistrates of Stockholm address Whitelocke. Berkman brought to Whitelocke’s lodging this morning two of the magistrates of this city, deputed by their body, and in their name, to salute Whitelocke and bid him welcome to this place. One of them made a speech to Whitelocke, which was interpreted out of the Swedish by Berkman into French, to this effect :— “My Lord Ambassador, “The Senate of this city have deputed us in their name to salute your Excellence, and to bid you welcome to this place

3 minute read

Read Chapter

May 24, 1654.

May 24, 1654.

Monuments and public buildings of Stockholm. Whitelocke walked abroad, to see the great church where the late King Gustavus Adolphus lies interred; but as yet there is no monument erected to his memory, nor are there others of magnificence or much antiquity in this or in the other great church, but store of images and crucifixes in all their churches; their building is of brick, and all their churches are covered with copper. Whitelocke went to Wrangel’s lodging to requite his visits, but found

4 minute read

Read Chapter

May 25, 1654.

May 25, 1654.

The launch of the ‘Falcon.’ Wrangel came to Whitelocke, and invited him to see the launching of one of their ships newly built for a man-of-war; and Whitelocke was the more curious to see the manner of it, and how they could do it, in regard they have no docks, nor ebbing and flowing of the water, which here is constantly even, and affords no advantage by flowing tides for the launching of their ships. When Whitelocke came to the holm where the ship was to be launched, he found her with the keel

2 minute read

Read Chapter

May 26, 1654.

May 26, 1654.

After Whitelocke had walked a tour in the Norden Mallum,—that is, the north suburbs of this city,—Sir George Fleetwood came to him, with whom he had much conversation in the latter time of his being in Sweden, both at Upsal and in this town, who showed much kindness and respect to Whitelocke. He informed Whitelocke that by letters from Upsal he understood that the Ricksdag had given leave to the Queen to go to Colmar, which signified that she could not go without their leave, and that she would

4 minute read

Read Chapter

May 27, 1654.

May 27, 1654.

Detained by contrary winds. Whitelocke visited Sir George Fleetwood at his lodging in Stockholm, and finding with him Vice-Admiral Thysen and Peterson, both Hollanders and in service of the Crown, Whitelocke brought them all home with him to dinner, and advised with them about his voyage. The wind came more contrary to Whitelocke this day than yesterday, but he knew no other way but a patient submission to the will and time of God. Here he bestowed on a German clock sixty-two rix-dollars. The go

2 minute read

Read Chapter

May 28, 1654.

May 28, 1654.

The Lord’s Day. —Whitelocke, according to his custom, had a good sermon in his lodging preached by one of his chaplains in the morning, and another good sermon preached there in the afternoon by Mr. Biger, a Scotch minister, and chaplain to Sir George Fleetwood, then with him. In this city Whitelocke observed the inhabitants very orderly to frequent their parish churches, and not so much profanation of this day in this place as he had seen at Upsal, and other places in the country....

24 minute read

Read Chapter

May 29, 1654.

May 29, 1654.

Sir G. Fleetwood returns to the King’s coronation at Upsal. Whitelocke with longing desires attended the coming about of the wind for his voyage; but he must stay God’s time, which is always best. He could not persuade Sir George Fleetwood to stay longer with him. He thought it necessary for him to go to Upsal, to be present at the King’s coronation; and at his request Whitelocke sent by him to Wrangel this letter :— “ A son Excellence le Feld-Maréchal Wrangel à Upsale. “Monsieur, “Je n’ai pu re

2 minute read

Read Chapter

May 30, 1654.

May 30, 1654.

Preparations for departure. The wind continued this morning, as it was last night, easterly, but not sufficing for Whitelocke to go on his voyage. The Vice-Admiral Clerke coming to Whitelocke, he advised with him touching his voyage, and asked him if he thought the ‘Amarantha’ might with this wind be gotten to the Dollars. He answered that there could be no assurance thereof, but that possibly it might be so; whereupon Whitelocke replied, that he had a great desire to go down himself to the Doll

6 minute read

Read Chapter

May 31, 1654.

May 31, 1654.

Whitelocke takes boat and leaves the shore; The ‘Swart Hundt’ set sail this morning with Whitelocke’s goods and copper, Taylor commanding her, and Swedes mariners in her; the wind was come about indifferent good, for his and for his master’s voyage. Wrangel and Clerke affording Whitelocke their company at dinner, he advised with them what time of the day would be best for him to go from hence. Clerke said that the boats would be ready after dinner to transport him from hence to the Dollars, whit

18 minute read

Read Chapter

June 1, 1654.

June 1, 1654.

Whitelocke embarks in the Amarantha, and sails. Having been part of yesterday and all the last night upon the water, this morning, about seven o’clock, Whitelocke and all his company came to the Dollars, and, without setting foot on shore, they went on board the ship ’Amarantha,’ lying there to expect them. And although this was not usual, but passengers generally stay some time at this place till their ships be ready, and to make provisions for their voyage, and spend some money at the cabaret

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 2, 1654.

June 2, 1654.

The voyage. About eleven o’clock the last night the wind came about more to the south, yet Whitelocke advanced in his course and gained some way, but not much, the wind being almost against him; and so it continued in this morning, when there appeared a chain of rocks advancing themselves more than a Swedish mile into the sea, and not far from the isle of Œland, to which rocks it is not good to approach too near. They could not maintain their course but to very small advantage, and by veering up

1 minute read

Read Chapter

June 3, 1654.

June 3, 1654.

The island of Gothland. About midnight the wind came about somewhat fairer than before, and Whitelocke gained a little in his course. At sunrising he discovered the isle of Gothland, eight leagues distant to the east from the isle of Œland; afterwards the wind returned to the same quarter wherein it was yesterday. The isle of Œland is near the continent, extending itself in length by the shore eighteen Swedish miles, but hath not in breadth in any place above two Swedish miles. This is the place

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 4, 1654.

June 4, 1654.

The voyage.—Bornholm. The Lord’s Day. —Still Whitelocke was toiling on the Baltic Sea. After three o’clock in the morning he advanced a good way in his course; but about ten o’clock they discovered land, which was the isle of Bornholm, distant from the point of south of Œland eighteen German leagues. It seemeth a plain and flat ground, about eight Swedish miles in length, and about five in breadth; this isle is fruitful and well peopled, abounding in pastures, so that it yields a good revenue in

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 5, 1654.

June 5, 1654.

Meet an English ship. In the morning Whitelocke was out of sight of Bornholm, and pursued his course, the wind blowing a little in a good quarter. About nine o’clock they descried some ships, of which one seemed to be a great one; and coming nearer, they perceived an English ship to be with them. The ’Amarantha’ fired a gun to warn them to strike sail, she carrying the flag in her maintop, and being a man-of-war of Sweden. The English captain did not obey, and Clerke commanded to shoot again at

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 6, 1654.

June 6, 1654.

The coast of Pomerania. In the morning; the wind continued fair, and they made good way till towards eight o’clock, when it grew calm till about seven o’clock in the evening. All this day they were upon the coast of Pomerland. One of the mariners, from the top-gallant, espying land and a town, informed them that it was Wismar; but coming nearer to the shore, they found it to be Rostock, eight leagues further from Lübeck than Wismar is. Both these towns are subject to the Crown of Sweden, port to

1 minute read

Read Chapter

June 7, 1654.

June 7, 1654.

Arrive at Lübeck. The tempest began to cease about five o’clock in the morning, and it grew fair weather, the wind coming good for them to continue and finish their voyage. Thus God preserved them from the danger of the last night as of many times before, the which Whitelocke held himself obliged more largely to describe as so many monuments, to him and his company, of the goodness of God towards them, and to preserve the memory thereof as arguments to him and his, wholly to depend upon that God

10 minute read

Read Chapter

June 8, 1654.

June 8, 1654.

Whitelocke receives the Senate of Lübeck. In the morning the Lords of Lübeck sent again to Whitelocke, to know what time they might come to visit him. He answered, at their own time, and that they should be welcome to him within an hour. There came to him Martin Bokel, Doctor of the Laws, Syndic of the city, of good reputation for his learning and abilities, Jerome Bilderbeck, and Matthew Rodde, Senators and Lords of the city. The Syndic spake in French to Whitelocke to this effect :— “That, by

13 minute read

Read Chapter

June 9, 1654.

June 9, 1654.

The Lutheran Church at Lübeck. Several gentlemen of the English company at Hamburg, and among them his nephew, Sir Humphry Bennett’s son, came hither to visit and accompany Whitelocke to Hamburg. The Senators and Syndic and Obrist-Lieutenant, who had been before with Whitelocke, came to take their leaves of him. From them and others Whitelocke learnt, that the religion professed in this city is after the doctrine of Luther and the Augsburg confession; yet some Calvinists are permitted, though no

7 minute read

Read Chapter

June 10, 1654.

June 10, 1654.

Journey through Holstein. In his coach, through God’s goodness, Whitelocke slept well, and all his people on the ground on fresh straw, yet not so soundly as to hinder their early rising this morning, when they were quickly ready, none having been put to the trouble of undressing themselves the last night. His carriages, twelve great waggons, went away about four o’clock this morning, some of the gentlemen’s servants in the van, one upon each waggon; his porter, butlers, and others, in a waggon

8 minute read

Read Chapter

June 11, 1654.

June 11, 1654.

Divine service at Hamburg. The Lord’s Day. —The English company and the Resident Bradshaw desired Whitelocke that one of his chaplains might preach in the chapel belonging to the English in their house, which they said was a respect to the Ambassador of England; and accordingly Mr. Ingelo preached in the morning, and a very pertinent and good sermon. The doctor, minister to the company here, preached in the afternoon, who far exceeded Mr. Ingelo in the strength of his voice and lungs, the which

32 minute read

Read Chapter

June 12, 1654.

June 12, 1654.

The Resident sent to the Governor to inform him that Whitelocke had a desire to see the fortifications of the town. He answered that he would send one of his lieutenants to wait on Whitelocke for that purpose; but Whitelocke and the Resident took this for no great compliment that himself came not to Whitelocke. Much company did Whitelocke the honour to dine with him; Interview with the Swedish Envoy to the Emperor. and after dinner Monsieur Bernelow, who was Ambassador from the Queen of Sweden t

9 minute read

Read Chapter

June 13, 1654.

June 13, 1654.

The Diet of Germany. This morning Whitelocke returned a visit to the Swedes’ Ambassador, Bernelow, at his lodging, where he learnt of him the manner of the sitting of the General Diet of Germany, at which he was present :— That they have three colleges or chambers: the first is the College of the Electors, where they only assemble; the second is the College of the Princes, where the Archbishops, Bishops, Dukes, Graves, and Barons meet, to the number of about one hundred and forty; the third is t

6 minute read

Read Chapter

June 14, 1654.

June 14, 1654.

Whitelocke’s indisposition. The fierce torment continued on Whitelocke above thirteen hours together without intermission. About four o’clock this morning his secretary Earle was called to him, who waited on him with care and sadness to see his torment; nature helped, by vomits and otherwise, to give some ease, but the sharpness of his pain continued. About five o’clock this morning Dr. Whistler was called to him, who gave him several sorts of physic, and amongst the rest a drink with a powder a

4 minute read

Read Chapter

June 15, 1654.

June 15, 1654.

The ecclesiastical state of Hamburg. The Lords sent a gentleman to inquire of Whitelocke’s health, with compliments as before. He took some physic, yet admitted visits and discourse, from which, and those he formerly had with Senators and others, he learned that as to matter of religion they are here very strict to maintain a unity thereof, being of Plutarch’s opinion, that “varietas religionis, dissolutio religionis;” and they permit no other religion to be publicly exercised by their own citiz

3 minute read

Read Chapter

June 16, 1654.

June 16, 1654.

The judicial institutions of Hamburg. Whitelocke, being, through the goodness of God, well recovered of his distemper, went abroad this day, and was shown the Town-house, which is a fair and handsome building, of the like fashion, but more large and beautiful, than that at Lübeck, and much better furnished. Here are many chambers for public councils and tribunals; some of them have their pillars covered with copper, and pavements of Italian marble; they have also rich hangings, and chairs of vel

4 minute read

Read Chapter

June 17, 1654.

June 17, 1654.

Whitelocke takes leave of the Senate. The baggage and inferior servants of Whitelocke being gone down before unto the frigates, and the wind being indifferent good, Whitelocke resolved this day to set forwards in his voyage, and to endeavour, if he could, before night to reach the frigates, which did attend his coming in the Elbe about Glückstadt. The Resident had provided boats for Whitelocke and his company to go down unto the frigates, and had given notice to some of the Senators of Whitelock

8 minute read

Read Chapter

June 18, 1654.

June 18, 1654.

Embarks in the President. Whitelocke resolved to remove from the cruise early this morning, and the rather because he was informed that Koningsmark intended to come hither this morning to visit him, which Whitelocke did not desire, in regard of the late accident at Bremen, where Koningsmark was governor, and that his conferring with him, upon his immediate return from Sweden, might give some jealousy to those of Bremen, or to the Hanse Towns, or some of the German Princes thereabouts. Whitelocke

4 minute read

Read Chapter

June 19, 1654.

June 19, 1654.

The wind continued very tempestuous and contrary to Whitelocke’s course, so that he could not budge, but lay still at anchor. The mariners, in their usual way of sporting, endeavoured to make him some pastime, to divert the tediousness of his stay and of the bad weather. He learned that at Glückstadt the Hamburgers pay a toll to the King of Denmark, who submit thereunto as other ships do, rather than enter into a contest or war with that King. Whitelocke writes to the Queen of Sweden. Whitelocke

1 minute read

Read Chapter

June 20, 1654.

June 20, 1654.

Whitelocke detained by contrary winds. The wind continued in the same quarter as before, very high and contrary to Whitelocke’s course, both the last night and this morning, which gave him and his company much trouble; but they must submit to the time and good pleasure of God. About five o’clock this morning (an unusual hour for visits) Mr. Schestedt came on board Whitelocke’s ship from Glückstadt, whither he came the day before by land. They had much discourse together, wherein this gentleman i

3 minute read

Read Chapter

June 21, 1654.

June 21, 1654.

Still detained by the wind. The wind continued in the same quarter as before, very high, and contrary to Whitelocke’s course. The English cloth-ships came down to him, desiring to be in his squadron homewards. Whitelocke knew no reason why his ships might not as well have fallen down lower in the river as these; about which he consulted with the officers and pilot of his ship, who agreed that this morning, the wind being come a little more moderate, the ships might have fallen down with the tide

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 22, 1654.

June 22, 1654.

A visit from Count Ranzau. The wind continued contrary and extraordinary violent all the last night and this morning; and Whitelocke had cause to acknowledge the favour of God to him, that during these rough storms he was in a good harbour and had not put out into the open sea. Early in the morning a gentleman came from Glückstadt on board to Whitelocke, and told him that Grave Ranzau, the Governor of the Province of Holstein, had sent him to salute Whitelocke on his part, and to know when he mi

8 minute read

Read Chapter

June 23, 1654.

June 23, 1654.

This was the seventh day that Whitelocke had lain on the Elbe, which was tedious to him; and now, fresh provisions failing, he sent Captain Crispe to Glückstadt to buy more, whose diligence and discretion carried him through his employments to the contentment of his master. He brought good provisions at cheap rates. Whitelocke agrees to convoy four English cloth ships. The four captains of the English cloth-ships came on board Whitelocke to visit him; they were sober, experienced sea commanders;

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 24, 1654.

June 24, 1654.

The convoy sails to Rose Beacon. The wind being come to west-south-west, a little fallen, about three o’clock in the morning they began to weigh anchor. By Whitelocke’s command, all the ships were to observe this order in their sailing. Every morning each ship was to come up and fall by Whitelocke, and salute him, that he might inquire how they all did; then they were to fall astern again, Whitelocke to be in the van, and the ‘Elizabeth’ in the rear, and the other ships in the middle between the

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 25, 1654.

June 25, 1654.

The Lord’s Day. —Mr. Ingelo, Whitelocke’s chaplain, preached in his ship in the morning. Mr. De la Marche, his other chaplain, was sick of a dysentery, which he fell into by drinking too much milk on shore. Mr. Knowles, a confident young man, the ship’s minister, preached in the afternoon. The cloth ships return to Glückstadt. The wind blew very strong and contrary all the last night and this morning, which made it troublesome riding in this place; insomuch that the four cloth-ships, doubting th

4 minute read

Read Chapter

June 26, 1654.

June 26, 1654.

Whitelocke weighs anchor. The wind not being so high the last night nor this morning as formerly, but the weather promising fair, and Whitelocke longing to advance in his voyage, he weighed anchor about break of day, the ‘Elizabeth’ did the like, and they were under sail about four o’clock this morning. As they came out from Rose Beacon, they told above thirty fisher-boats at sea, testifying the industriousness of this people. About two leagues from Rose Beacon they passed in sight of another be

2 minute read

Read Chapter

June 27, 1654.

June 27, 1654.

At sea. The last night, the wind, having chopped about, had much hindered Whitelocke’s course, and made him uncertain where they were, yet he went on labouring in the main; but the seamen guessed, by the ship’s making way and holding it (though sometimes forward and sometimes backward), that this morning by eight o’clock they had gained thirty leagues from Heligoland, from which to Orfordness they reckon eighty leagues, and the “Fly” to be midway. The ship, which they saw last night, coming near

1 minute read

Read Chapter

June 28, 1654.

June 28, 1654.

Whitelocke’s great deliverance. This Wednesday was the day of Whitelocke’s greatest deliverance. After midnight, till three o’clock in the afternoon, was a great calm, and though the ‘President’ were taken with it, yet the ‘Elizabeth’ had a good wind; and notwithstanding that the day before she was left behind a great distance, yet this morning she came up near to him, and got before him; so great is the difference sometimes, and at so small a distance, at sea, that here one ship shall have no w

17 minute read

Read Chapter

June 29, 1654.

June 29, 1654.

They make the coast of Norfolk. As soon as day appeared, the mariners claimed many rewards and bottles of sack, sundry of them pretending to have first discovered land; and Whitelocke endeavoured to give them all content in this day of rejoicing, God having been pleased to turn their sorrow into joy, by preserving them in their great danger, and presently after by showing them their longed-for native country; making them, when they were in their highest expectation of joy to arrive in their belo

6 minute read

Read Chapter

June 30, 1654.

June 30, 1654.

Reach the Nore and Gravesend. Friday, the last of this month, was the fifth and last day of Whitelocke’s voyage by sea from the mouth of the Elbe to the mouth of the Thames. About twelve o’clock the last night the wind began to blow very strong in the south-west, and by daybreak they had weighed anchor; and though the wind was extreme high and a great tempest, yet such was their desire of getting into the harbour, that, taking the benefit of the tide and by often tacking about, they yet advanced

2 minute read

Read Chapter

July 1, 1654.

July 1, 1654.

Whitelocke lands, and proceeds to his house at Chelsea. About three o’clock this morning good store of boats came from Gravesend to Whitelocke’s ships, to transport him, his company, and goods to London. By the help of the mariners, without much delay the baggage was put on board the boats; and Whitelocke’s people, after a perilous and tedious voyage, were not backward to leave their ships and to set forward to London. Earle was sent before to Greenwich, to acquaint Whitelocke’s wife with his co

4 minute read

Read Chapter

July 2, 1654.

July 2, 1654.

The Protector compliments Whitelocke on his return. The Lord’s Day. —Whitelocke began to enjoy some more privacy and retirement than he had been lately accustomed unto, and was at the public church with his wife and family, and courteously saluted and bid welcome home by many. In the evening the Protector sent another compliment to Whitelocke by Mr. Strickland, one of his Council, who came to Whitelocke’s house, and told him that he was sent by the Protector to salute him, and to inquire of his

53 minute read

Read Chapter

July 3, 1654.

July 3, 1654.

His audience of the Protector. Whitelocke came to Whitehall about nine o’clock this morning, where he visited Mr. Secretary Thurloe, who brought him to the Protector, and he received Whitelocke with great demonstration of affection, and carried him into his cabinet, where they were together about an hour, and had this among other discourses :— Protector. How have you enjoyed your health in your long journey, both by sea and land? and how could you endure those hardships you were put unto in that

7 minute read

Read Chapter

July 4, 1654.

July 4, 1654.

Whitelocke’s friends celebrate his return. This day was spent in visits, very much company resorting to Whitelocke’s house to bid him welcome into England, so that, by the multitude of company, he had not any opportunity of recollecting himself and his thoughts, touching the matters which he was to communicate to the Council the next day; but it could not be avoided, and he must take such time as would be afforded him....

21 minute read

Read Chapter

July 5, 1654.

July 5, 1654.

A solemn thanksgiving for his safe return. By Whitelocke’s appointment, all his company who were with him in Sweden, came this day to his house at Chelsea, where divers others of his good friends met them, to the intent they might all join together in returning humble and hearty thanks to God for his great mercy and goodness to them, in their preservation and wonderful deliverances in their voyage, in blessing them with health and with success in their business, and bringing all of them in safet

15 minute read

Read Chapter

July 6, 1654.

July 6, 1654.

Whitelocke give an account of his Embassy to the Council. Whitelocke went in the morning early to Whitehall. At Secretary Thurloe’s lodging he found most of his company, the gentlemen in their habits, the others in their liveries; and in a short time they were all come together, to attend their Ambassador to his last audience, who was put to the patience of staying an hour and a half at Master Secretary’s lodging before he was called in to his Highness; then, being sent for, he went, attended in

17 minute read

Read Chapter

July 7, 1654.

July 7, 1654.

Whitelocke renders a minute account of the negotiation to a Committee of Council. According to the appointment of the Protector and Council, signified to him by a letter from Mr. Jessop, Clerk of the Council, Whitelocke repaired to Whitehall, to the Lord Viscount Lisle and Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes, the Committee of the Council, appointed to peruse and examine his proceedings: to them he produced his commission, orders, credentials, and instructions; and all was sifted into, by virtue whereof he

48 minute read

Read Chapter

July 8, 1654.

July 8, 1654.

The Committee of Council audits his accounts. Whitelocke again solicited the Committee of the Council that his accounts might be examined and stated, and order given for the payment of what remained due to him, which he had expended out of his own purse in their service, and was reasonable for him to expect a reimbursement of it. The Committee were pleased to take great pains in pursuing and examining his papers, books, and accounts, not omitting (with strictness enough) any particular of his ac

1 minute read

Read Chapter

July 9, 1654.

July 9, 1654.

A familiar letter. I received this letter from my brother Willoughby :— “ For my Lord Whitelocke, at Chelsea, humbly these. “My Lord, “I being this day commanded by the two within-named persons in your letter to consummate their nuptials, and in that to bear the part of a father, am so confident of my power, as (were it not my Lord Whitelocke’s request, whose interest with them exceeds a mock father) he might be assured of not failing of his commands; but that done which this morning I am going

1 minute read

Read Chapter

July 10, 1654.

July 10, 1654.

I had been several times to visit my Lord Lambert since my coming home, he being a person in great favour with the army, and not without some close emulation from Cromwell; but his occasions were so great, that I could not meet with him. I therefore desired the Earl of Clare, who was very intimate with Lambert, to contrive a conveniency for my meeting with my Lord Lambert, whereupon he sent me this letter, directed “ For the Lord Whitelocke, at Chelsea. “My Lord, “Hearing your Lordship had been

1 minute read

Read Chapter

July 11, 1654.

July 11, 1654.

I received this letter from my Lady Pratt :— “ For my ever-honoured friend the Lord Whitelocke, these humbly. “My Lord, “Hearing that it is absolutely in your power to dispose of the time of the Assizes, and an unexpected accident being fallen out, which, will make them extremely prejudicial to us if they begin so soon, my humble suit to your Lordship is to defer them till, etc. This favour, as it will be an extraordinary great one, so it will lay a suitable obligation upon, “My Lord, your most

44 minute read

Read Chapter

July 12, 1654.

July 12, 1654.

A more formal letter. I received this letter from the Lord Chief Baron Wylde :— “ For the Right Honourable the Lord Ambassador Whitelocke, these, at Chelsea. “Right Honourable and my very good Lord, “It is not my happiness to be in place or condition to wait upon your Lordship, as I would, to present my humble service to you, and the gratulations due for your safe and happy return, for your long and hazardous, but I hope successful journey, wishing the honour and happiness which belongs to your

4 minute read

Read Chapter

July 13, 1654.

July 13, 1654.

Whitelocke summoned to resume the Commissionership of the Great Seal. This Order of the Council was brought unto me :— “ Thursday, the 13th of July, 1654. “ At the Council at Whitehall : Ordered , by his Highness the Lord Protector and the Council, that the Lord Commissioner Whitelocke do attend the Council tomorrow morning, to take his oath as one of the Lords Commissioners for the Great Seal, and that the rest of the Lords Commissioners do then also attend with the Seal. “Henry Scobell, “Clerk

56 minute read

Read Chapter

July 14, 1654.

July 14, 1654.

Receives the Seal. According to the Council’s Order, the Lords Commissioners Lisle and Widdrington attended with the Seal at Whitehall, and I was there also. We were all called into the Council, where the Protector himself was sitting at the upper end of the table with his hat on, and the Council all uncovered. He made a short and grave speech, how much I had deserved from the Commonwealth by the great and faithful services I had performed for them, particularly in the treaty with Sweden. That i

1 minute read

Read Chapter

July 15, 1654.

July 15, 1654.

Entry of certain goods. I employed my brother Wilson to the Commissioners of the Customs, to get the copper which I had brought from Sweden, and some deal boards, to be discharged of paying custom, they being my particular goods, concerning which my brother Wilson gave me this account by his letter; and also, touching the arrears of my salary as Commissioner of the Great Seal during my absence out of England, and for one term since my coming home. “ For the Right Honourable the Lord Commissioner

2 minute read

Read Chapter

July 16, 1654.

July 16, 1654.

I had some conference with Major G. Disborough, one of the Commissioners for the Ordnance, about his buying for the State the copper which the Queen of Sweden gave me, and I brought over from thence, being two hundred and fifty ship-pound. I desired that some merchants might look upon it, who had experience in that commodity; and what they should agree to be a reasonable price for it, I should be content to take it; and so we concluded....

23 minute read

Read Chapter

July 17, 1654.

July 17, 1654.

Sale of copper. My brother Wilson gave me this account touching my moneys and copper :—...

6 minute read

Read Chapter