CONWAY

liETTRE MICIIXI.

Lord Hyde au Prince d Orange. Rappel de Mt Sidney.

St James-street , May the 81.

Tho I know your Highnesse wîll be informed of it from other hands , and those whose place it is more proper for, yet I thinke it my duty too to lett your Highnesse know that on sunday last the King resolved to recall M' Sidney from his employment at the Hague, and at the same lime to désigne M' Skelton to goe in his roome. I am affiraid any change, in the room of M' Sidney, will not be so agréable to your Highnesse , but I hope , since the King thinks fitt to doe the one, that the persone the King désignes may be as acceptable as any other. I know very well, if he should not, it would not be well for the Kings service, and therefore I wish he may proove such as you would wish him. I heare your Highnesse is returned to the Hague, which I hope will contribute to the better carrying on of ail businesse and the takeing such measures as the présent conjuncture is capable off , wherein , if I may receive your Highnesse's commands , I will endeavour, with ail faithfullnesse , to help in the obeyîng them, and ever continue your Highnesse most dutifîill and most obedient servant.

503 — [1681. Juin.

LETTRE NClIXn.

Le Duc (ÏYork au Prince et Orange. Procès de FUzharrxs.

Jane 7.

I had by the last post yours of the 6 from Honslardike , by the which I see you were corne back thether and that yon bave had as great a dronght as we hère, and, as yoa say, there will hardly be any hay and but little corne, so that they feare a derth in England, and, by what I heare, they generally complaine of want of raîne over ail Europe. This place affbrds but little newse; ail things being very quiat hère, but from London you will never want any, so long as there are such villans there as Oats and Fitzharris ; I hope the tryel of the last will be over, and as it should, before this gett to you, and certainly if he beleve himself in danger, he will tell truth, which I am sure hetherto he has not done. I hâve now no more to say to you but to assure you you shall always find me as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE lI€D]OII.

Lord Byde au Prince d^ Orange, Le Roi trh^mécontent des voies de fait du Roi de France; M*' Skellon envoyé à la Haye.

I was gone to Windsor, when your Highnesse's letter of the 6 came hither, and being I was expected backe sooner then I came , it was not sent to me ; the other your Highnesse was pleased to honour me with of the 1 1 came not to my hands till saturday; I am obliged to give your Highnesse this account, for my excuse that I hâve not answered them sooner, which it would not hâve been fit for me to hâve done neither, without knowing his Maj' pleasure upon them, which I went to Windsor, sunday last, to reçoive. As to ail that relates to the publicke^

1681. Juin.] — 504 —

I mean the proceedîng of the French in the manner Ûiej doe par voye de fait^ to putt themselves in possession of ail they prétend to, I doe assure your Highnesse it is a method as ill approved on hère as you can wish it, and, upon the last instances made by the Spanish Ambassador concerning the county of Chinay, his Ma. hath both dîspatched M' Savill with very particular instructions, and spoken himselfe to the French Ambassador hère so fîilly, how insuppoitable such a proceeding niust be, both to himselfe and the rest of the world, that I thinke more could not hâve been done at this time. The memoriall your Highnesse mentions in your first letter to hâve been presented by the Dutch Ambassador, was some time since ordred to be answered, but, by the misfortnne of mylord Conway's being gone înto the country for eight or ten days, it lay undispatched. I suppose it is delivered before this time and I hope it is so satisfactory that your Highnesse and the States will see that the King doth intend to proceed to doe ail that is in his power, in conjunction with the States, to prevent the mischeifs that threaten us ail; but the condition the King is in, to proceed vigourously , is not unknowne to your Highnesse. What would hâve served, or will serve, to mend that throws us backe into difBcult points, which I know not how to meddle with. I shall not now take upon me to answer more particularly any points in your Highnesse's letters. To morrow there will be a comittee of forreigne affaires, where I suppose there may be directions given to satisfye your Highnesse in those particulars. I will onely add that I know no ground for the rumour you are pleased to speake off, that is spread there, that we begin hère to be in better intelligence with the French , unlesse it hath been from some unskillfull expressions I am lately come to the knowledge off that hâve been used to some of your ministers hère by some of ours, who were certainly mistaken in what they said. I know not whether your Highnesse can understand me ; I am not at liberty to explaine

— 505 — [1681. Juin.

them farther then by saying that some accounts given into Holland of what had been said hère, may very well deserve such an interprétation, and yett I thinke in truth there is no ground for it, because I take what was so said to hâve been mistakes.

The new orders mentioned in your Highnesses last letter to be designed to be sent by that post to your Ambassador, are either not corne or not communicated , so that I can not say any thing more to that particular.

As to what you are pleased to say concerning the revocation of M^ Sidney and the sending of M' Skelton, I did not faile to represent it very particularly to the King, and doe confesse your Highnesse hath some reason to take it ill that the promise you speake off that was made you, not to send any new ministers to the Hague, without consulting with your Highnesse, hath not been kept I can onely say that I doe not remember that I was particularly commanded to hâve a reguard to putt the King in mind of it. But of this subject the King intends to write himselfe to your Highnesse, and therefore ît will not be fitt for me to trouble you in it, especially since I find the King inclined to continue in his résolution, which I wish your Highnesse would dispose yourselfe not to be choqued at, since the thing hath gone so farr, [is] that M*" Skelton is a persone particularly knowne to the King and hath served him a long time.

I will endeavour ail I can to promote the dispatch of S' Gabriell Sylvius, but as to sending one to the Emperour, in the room of mylord Middelton, I know not yett what the King will doe, but your Highnesse know very well that, neither by our owne minister, while we had one there, nor by any they hâve had hère, hâve we found any forward inclination in that Court to enter into any measures with us.

I hâve no more to add at présent but my most humble thanks for the honour you are pleased to doe me, in writing to me so freely of ail thèse matters. I will en-

1681. Juin.] — 506 —

deavoor to deserve it by answering them againe as plainelj as I can , and by obeying to the best of my creditt ail your commands.

St. James-street , June 7**» 1681.

^^AM^tAA^««^l^^arf^^^^>^^^^^«^

liETTRE BtCmOIT.

Lord Hyde au Prince Jt Orange, Il Ceahorie à prendre en bonne pari la nçmination de M, Skekon.

St. James-street, Jane the 10.

I received the letter your Highnesse was pleased to honour me with of the 14 and, tho I hâve not been at Windsor since, to know any thing of the Kings mînd fiiiv ther in the matter of M^ Skelton , I am presaming to say something of my owne thoughts upon that subject, and to beg of your Hignesse that y ou would not take this matter as I apprehend by your letter you are disposed to doe, There can nothing happen of worse conséquence to the King and ail the world then that ther^ should not be a through good and entire correspondence between the King and your Highnesse, and, for Gods sake, Sir, tho you should be in the right in this particular, agrée with the King in it ; forgive me for offring my ad vice to your Highnesse, who hâve so much better lights and understanding to judge of every thing, but I am sure I dœ it with a good intention and with ail possible duty and submission to your Highnesse , and therefore pray be pleased to reçoive it well; I am goeing to Windsor and, at my returne, will renew this trouble of writing to your Highnesse.

— 507 — [1681. Juin.

LETTRE BfCDJTF.

Lord Hyde au Prince cC Orange. Le Roi rCest pas en état de se prononcer plus énergiquetnent contre les François; importance cPun bon accord entre le Prince et lui.

St. James-street, June the 21.

I acknowledged some time since the receipt of your Hîghnesse's letter of the 17, but could not answer itpartîcalarly, till I had had the opportunity of acquaintîng the King wîth ît and receîving hîs pleasure upon ît, which haveîng sînce done , I am commanded to tell your Hîghnesse that the King knowes not how he could hâve înterested himselfe more in the affaires of the Low-Countrys upon the new complaint made by the Spanish Ambassador concerning the county of Chenay then by hastning away M' Savile with instructions to complaine of those proceedings of the French, jointly with the Dutch Am bassador at Paris, and to use his most earnest endeavours with the most-Christian King to stop what was then doeing and prevent the like for the future, which his Ma. was pleased to second likewise himselfe by speaking to the French Ambassador hère with great concerne upon that occasion. And perhaps, if the King had been in a condition to hâve acted more vigorously himselfe, yett this method had been the most adviseable, considering the want both of inclination and power in most of his neighbours to renew the war ; but I hâve leave to speake a little more plainly to your Highnesse, because the posture of the Kings affaires is so perfectly understood by you that you cannot but reflect how unable his Ma. is at this time to take other measures. This is not a language the King hath ever directed to be held to any of the forreigne ministers, knowing of what importance it is to keep them up in courage and heart, but your Highnesse, who cannot be ignorant of the plaine truth, is desîred to consider seriously of it , and then I hope you will

1681. Join.] — 508 —

be pleased to enter so farr into our sence of what is possible to be done, as to concur in those expédients that may keep things from growing worse, without expecting they should grow better, till we can recover a little strenght and union amongst ourselves ; wbich I hope is not to be despaired off , tho the King hath dissolved two Parliaments; since, by what bis Ma. ofired them, bis good intentions and disposition to reconcile every thing were évident, and, by the effects since, it is plaine he hath gained gronnd generally in the Nation. Your Highnesse's letter of the 24, wbich I received yesterday morning, gives me some hopes that you bave already conceived snch thoughts as thèse, and I humbly beg of your Highnesse to believe that it is the Kings désigne to doe ail that is possible for him, for the préservation of the gênerai peace, with regard to the condition he is now in, and likewise that nothing shall be wanting on bis part to make that better at home, that it may bave a good eflTect abroad. — For the other part of your Highnesses last letter, I know not what to say, but that I am greived at my soûle to see there is so much warmth in your Highnesse for a matter that, in my poor judgment, neither on one side nor the other, ought to bave been the occasion of it. Is it not a sad thing, Sir, with your Highnesse's faveur, that this should grow to a différence between the King and yourselfe that every body should come to talke off , and ail that wish the King ill, should rejoyce att? I doe assure you, npon my Word, in my judgment I would wish that no body should be sent to the Hague against your mind, and, upon the receipt of your letter, I bave sent to Windsor my desires to encline things that way, but, on the other side, may I not beseech your Highnesse to consider that the dispute is not between yourselfe and M' Skelton, and that, as ail we , who are the Kings servants , ought to submitt every thing to your will and pleasure, so that you yourselfe might thinke fitt to submitt your mind to the Eling's? I most humbly beg your pardone for presuming to write

— 509 — [1681. Juin.

în thîs stile to vou; it is with an intention of service and dutj to y ou, and of preserving the kindnesse and good correspondence between you and the King entire; and, as you are pleased to write freely to me, for which I most humbly and heartily thanke your Highnesse, and by which , by the help of the knowledge I hâve the honour to hâve of your Highnesse's mind and temper, I can see a great way how you hâve taken and are engaged in this matter, so I humbly beseech you on the other side to give me leave to write againe freely to your Highnesse, especially in those things that I am so weake as to thinke are of the greatest importance imaginable to yourselfe and to the King and consequently to the prosperity of ail our affaires hère at home, the support of the Crowne, and the generall good of Christendome.

liETTRE MCDJrri.

Le Duc cCYork au Prince dC Orange. Il espère quiil revoqaera la nomination de M. Sidney,

Edenburgh, JuDe 25.

I am by so many severall reasons obliged to be concerned for you and am realy so that I cannot heare of any thing that may give occatîon of complaint from any, conceming you, wîthout telling you of it. By the last letters I had from London^ I am informed that you had given the command of Generall of his Ma. subjects, which Lord Ossory had before, to M"" Sîdeny, which I confesse I could not beleve till now, tho some tyme since it was writen to one hère from the Hage, and that I had seen it in the Brusselles printed gazette; thinking that, if any thing of that kind had been donc by you, I should hâve heard of it from you, and from London that his Ma. had aproved of your choise; but, to my great trouble, I find that not only you had doue it without his Ma. knowledg

1681. Juin.] — 510 —

of it , and aproving of it y but even done it for aU bis Ma. bad, by one of tbe secretarys, lett y ou know he would not coDcent to it. But I bope tbe letter I am told tbe King bas writen to you bimself, will, before tbis corne to you, bave bad tbe efiect it augbt witb you, and that you will not disoblige bis Ma. so mucb as to lett one in wbom be bas no confidens , bave tbe command of so considérable a body of bis subjects; and I confesse it seems very strange to me bow be tbat is but a privât gentilman, tbo of a very ansient family, sbould prétend to bave sucb a command, wben at land be never saw any service, and tbo I know some tyms men of great quality and estats, tbo no souldiers, bad bud sucb commands given tbem , yett I never beard of a privât gentilman so advanced, but for bis long service and expérience in tbe war. I bope wbat bis Ma. bas sayd to you and tbese reasons will prevaile and, as to myself, I must tell yon freely, I sbould be very sorry to see M' Sidney at tbe bead of sucb a body of men of bis Ma. subjects , tbat is so influenced by some of tbe greatest enemys I bave in tbe world. I could say mucb more upon tbis subject to lett you see bow very unfitt a tbing it would be to lett bim bave sucb a command , but bope wbat bas been sayd to you by bis Ma., as well as myself, will bave convinced you of it; tis my concerne for you, as well as tbe considération of bis Ma' service, makes me sav ail Ûm to you; for I would not willingly be sbould bave reason . to complain of you, and you may be sure I sball ever be as kind to you as you can désire.

N/N/W/WVr.'V.'Vrv/N /\/\^

liETTRE H€D]mi.

Le Duc dHYork au Prince i Orange, Les affaires en bon état

Jane 28.

Since I wrot to you by tbe last post, I bave receîved

— 511 — [1681. Juin.

jours of the 24, by the which I see j^on had then h^ard of that yillan Fitzharris being condemned , and before this coms to you, îf the last letters from London say true, he will behanged as he deserv's. You will also hâve heard how favorable a jury Lord Howard of Escrik had, tho wee see, by the dépositions in print against him, that he was as guilty as the other, but tis not to be wondred at, when such a jury was chosen , and no better choise could be expected by such shérifs as Bethel and his collègue. AU things are very quiat hère, and now the élections of Parliament-men will sone be over, and I hâve every day more reason to beleve this Parliament will do their duty as becoms them, which is ail I hâve now to say, exept it be to assure you that I shall still be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my Sonne tbe Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCDXrni.

Le Duc â!YoTk au Prince et Orange. Départ du Prince pour f Angleterre.

Edenbnrgh, Jul^ 28.

I hâve now two of yours to answer, both from Rolland, the last just before your embarking for England, whether I am very glad you are gone, since I am confident you will be better informed of his Ma. affairs then you hâve been of late, and that you will take such measurs for the futur as may be for the good of our femily in generall. I was also very well pleased, before I had your letters, to heare M' Sidney had quited his prétentions for the command of his Ma. subjects in your service, being still of the same mind that, for severall reasons, he was no ways fitt for it The ParUament meett this day, and we road both to and from it through the whole towne, and then I gave them ail a diner, afler ail which you will easily beleve I am some what weary, or els I should

1681. Joillet] 512 —

have sajd more to you^ but this I shall say that you shall ever find me very kînd to you.

UBTTRE iiciixn:.

Léê Duc s York ou Prince d^ Orange. Les c^aireê ne vavd pas aussi mal que le Prince se timagine.

Ëdenbargh, Augnst %,

I was very glad to find by yours from Windsor that you were safly arrîved there and had discoursed with hîs Ma. of his affairs, bat I cannot thinke they are in so ill a condition as you seeme to beleve them to be. Tis true he is not so absolut roaster as I could wish and as he aught to be, but still he is in much a better postur then he was some tyme since, and when the Parliament was sitting, and I thinke his affairs will mend every day, if he continu but stedy to himself and his old freinds, and not lett himself be deceved by those you say you were to go to speake with at London; for, tho they should now alter their minds and become loyal subjects againe, tis not in their powers to serve hîs Ma. effectualy, for they have raised a [divel] they cannot lay, and, the lesse you have to do with such kind of people, is no doubt the better, and I am very confident that, before this, you are of my mind. I long to heare what they have sayd to you, which I hope to know by the next post. Things hère go on very well, and yesterday the Parliament retumed a very dutifuU answer to his Ma' letter to them. There are some turbulent spirits in this country, as well as in England, but I do not feare them. I could say more, but it is so late that I have not Qrme to do it, nor to say any thîng els but that I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

— 513 — [1681. Août.

LETTRE nCDXX.

Le Duc cTYork au Prince (f Orange. Les affaires intérieurea £ améliorent journellement

Àug. 14.

I receved yesterday yours by Churchill, by whîch I see that those that came to speake with you at London can- Dot be brought to reason, at which I do not ail wonder, seing how barefaced and impudently they hâve gone about in severall Parliaments to destroy the monarky and overturne the govemement; but, God be thanked, they bave not been able to compas their wicked designs, and tho tis time that, as to affairs abroad, his Ma. yett can do but little, yett, as to his affidrs at home, you see they mend every day, and I hope in a short tyme he will be as much master, as he was presently after his restoration; as for affairs hère, they go on very well, for ail the endeavors to the contrary of the party hère, as they call them. Yesterday we past two act, the first for the confirming of ail the acts already made for the maintenance of the Protestant religion , as now by Law established , and the other for the declaring and asserting of the prérogative of the Crowne and right of succession, whîch will not at ail please some of those who came to speake with you at London. As to what you say of my having had ill impressions given me of you, I assure you nobody ever durst say any thinge to me to your préjudice; only I hâve been sorry to see you hâve been so ill informed of affairs in Ëngland, and by such misinformation to hâve countenanced some people that will never be true frinds to you nor none of our family , nor loyal subjects to his Ma., and I inake no doubt that , when you bave very well reflected upon what bas been sayd to you, by his Ma. himself and those he trusts, you will be of my mynd; but, whether it dos or no , you may be assured I shall ever be as kind to you as you can désire.

1681 Août.] — 514 —

I4ETTRE MCDXXI.

Le Duc cCYork au Prince d^ Orange. Il espère congédier sous peu le Parlement dH Ecosse,

Atig. 28.

I receved on saturday night last yours of the 19, but 80 late that I coald not then lett jou know I had gott it, by the which I was very glad to find you were safly arrîved there. I see you were to go the next day to Dieren, to dîvert yourself there. I hâve not now tyme for any thing of that kînd , tho the weather be very favorable, because the Parliament hère draws now to an end; for, tho it dos not sîtt till saturday, by reason of the late chanselors funeral, yett the Articles meet on thursday, and I hâve businesse enongh upon my hands to prépare things in the meane tyme ; for, tho things go very well , one is willing to hâve a Parliament over as sone as conveniently one can. I hâve not tyme to say more, but to assure you you shall always find me as kind to you as you can désire.

liETTRE MCDXXII.

Le Duc dtYork au Prince dC Orange. Nouvelles.

Aug. 30.

I receved last night yours of the 28 from Dieren, by which I see my daughter is agoing to Aix. I hope she will find the benefit she expects by using such remedys. Ail things go on very well hère and yesterday an act was past for the further security of the Protestant religion, as now established by Law; it was very much oposed by some who are phanaticaly inclîned, because of a test at the end of it , which will keepe out of places of publike trust those of that persuation as well as the papists. Lord Belhaven was sent to the Castel, for proposing limitatioi^ upon the Crowne, which is a thing not suiFred hère, tho

[1631. Août.

it hâve been to much talked on in England. I bave not tyme to say more but that you shall always find me very kind to you.

7or my sonne tbe Prince of Orange.

USTTRE MCOJCmi.

M. ^an Beuningen au Prince (F Orange. Projet de Ligue défensive contre Louis XIV,

Dese 11 september 1681, in den Hage.

Doorlughtîgste Hooghgeboren Purst ende Heere!

Mijn Heere! Met de jongste post uyt Madrid sijn mij toegekomen de twee nevensgaende geschriften, eeneyan den Hertogh Médina de la Terres ende 't ander van den Ambassadeur Heemskercke, om aen Uwe Hoogh^ geaddresseert te worden. Wat in de handelinge over de bewuste alliantie met H. H. passeert, sal Uwe Hoogh' uvt scbrijven van mijn heer de Raetpensîonaris vernomen hebben; Got geve dat die saeke metten eere tôt een goede conclusie magh werden gebraght. De Heer Grave van Avaux heeft daeromtrent eenighe kondschap, dogh geen voikomen, ende schijnt tôt nuye toe te ignoreren met wie deselve alliantie aengegaen soude worden. Mons' de S' Didico is daermee tôt tweemalen tôt Amsterdam geweest, maer heeft van daer geen meerder light ende weenigh satisfactie aen sijn meester gebraght , maer 't scheynt niet dat de Fransen daeromme sullen naelaeten te woelen, ende Uwe Hoogh* sal, uyt het weder copielijk hiernevens gaende, ende onder de onde onbekende hant, aen den heer burgemeester Hudde toegecomen kunnen sien, hoe scherpe dreygementen sij employeren om dit goede ende heylsame werck te doen achterblijven. Ick hoope dat die nieuwers meerder impressie sullen doen als tôt Amsterdam, maer laet aen U. H. hooghwijs bedencken of men niet sal dienen verdaght te sijn om swacke gemoederen in de pro vin tien ,

1681. Septembre.] — 51 6 —

daer nogh geen resolutie genomen is, daertegens te pre-

venîeren, ende te doen begrijpen dat dese oppositie van

Vranckrijck in soo exhorbitante terme , (in een saeke soo

billekmatigh , dat men se niet opentlijck derft doen) het

wantrouwen ... * is dat de Vransen de alliantie huer in huer

gevaerlijcke desseynen tegens , ende aen dese Staet des te

meer dienstigh en noodigh is. Mijn gedaghten sijn dat,

soo haest het tractaet gesloten is, de Kejser, Spangne,

England, Denemarcken, Brandenburgh, ende andere onse

geallieerden ende medegeinteresseerden , behoirden onder

de hant aengemoedigt te worden ora voir de ratificatie in

dese Ligue te treden, ende dat men stilswijgende behoirt

uyt te stellen tôt nae de ratificatie de délibération om

iemant solemneelijck daertoe te nodighen, soo om andere

redenen, aïs om dat dit een middel schijnt om de be-

denckelijckheden omtrent het nodîgen van Vranckrijck,

soo lang 't werck sijn voile beslagh niet heeft, behende-

lyck te eviteren. De Envoyé van Denemarcken hedl mij

deese naemiddagh gesproken ende goede opinie gegeven

van dat de Coning, sijn meester, sigh sal inlaeten inde

selve conseil die England ende Sweden nevens huer

Ho. Mog. sullen volgen tôt conservatie van de rust in

Europa. Ik weet niet of Uwe Hoogh' niet met eenigh

narigt aen de Coningh van England soude kunnen ken-

nisse geven van de insolente bedreyginge waermede de

Fransen hier aile mesures tôt conservatie van de vrede

tragten te turberen. Ick sal hiermede eyndigen ende mij

met diep respect in Uwe Hoogh'" gunste bevelende, met

oneyndige danckbarheyt voir aile de onverdiende genade

ende toegenegenheyt die Uwe Hoogh' mij betuyght, altijt

verblijven, Doorlughtigste Hooghgeboren Purst ende Heere,

Uwe Hoogh*" onderdanigste , gehoirsaemste ende verplichste Dienaer,

VAN BEDKIKGKN.

i Quelçues viott inUtibles,

■V ■VN/WrWWWAA.-V

— 517 — [1681. Septembre.

USTTRE MCDXXIT.

M. van Beuningen au Prince et Orange. Menées du Comte dtAvauXy afin de prévenir une Ligue défensive contre la France.

Dese 17 septemb. 1681, in den Haghe.

Doorlughtigste Hooghgebooren Furst ende Heere!

Mijnheere. Sedert 't afgaen van mîjne jongste van de 11 deses, heeft de béer Grave van Avaux seer gewoelt om te hinderen de voortganck van de bewuste Alliantie, ende heeft tôt dien eynde [begeerdt] de heer Stadthouder van Vriesland, verscheyde gedeputeerden ter Generalîteyt, ende op hujden de heeren gedeputeerden van Amsterdam. Sijn discours met de laestgenoemde heeft in sabstantie vervat, dat een sterck gerughte hier verspreyt sijiide van een handelinge ende een ligue , onder een spécieux pretext van de conservatie van de vrede, ende dat daertoe aile Christen-Potentaten soude werden genodîght, sonder dat aen hem eenige kennisse wegens de staet dienaengaende was gegeven, schoon aen sijn Ëxc. niet onbewust was dat andere ministers communicatie daervan hadden, hij) uit sught tôt conservatie van een goet verstant tasschen de Coning sijn meester ende dese stadt, gehouden was te remonstreren dat soodanighe ligue soude werden aengesien als aengegaen tegens sijne allerchristelijckste Ma)., dat dese procédure te surprenanter was, omdat deselve S. Maj. soo [diepe] genegenheyt had getoont om in gemeenschap van interessen te blijven ende verder ende verder in te treden met Haer Ho. Mo., sijn alliantie aen deselve had aengeboden met offre van carte blanche^ omtrent conditien de versekeringe van de barrière ende 't welweesen van haer commercie rakende; dat die bij haer Ho. Mo. gedeclineert sijnde, onder voergeven van met niemandt in nader engagement te willen treden, Sijne Maj. te vreemder mogt vinden dat men, sonder hem sooveel als aan te spreecken , met aile potentaten van de christenheyt,

1681. Septembre]

waer het dienelijk, trachte een ligue te maken; dat het wel geschîede onder de spécieuse naein van de vredestractaten te garanderen, ende dat er voergegeven wîert dat het aen den Coningh, sijn meester, vrij soude staen daerinne te treden, maer dat raen wîst hoe deselve sîch omtrent de garantie met England had geexpliceert, ende dat de méthode die men in dese volgde ende de motiven die haer Ho. Mo. deselve dede volgen, geen inclinatie bij Syn Maj. souden verwecken om in dese handel in te treden, nogh beter opinîe daervan te hebben als geseyt is; dat hij heer Ambassadeur niet onweetende was dat er voorgewent wîert de Staet was in vrijheyt om te handelen met degeene ende op soodanighe wijse aïs 't haer gevalt, ende niet geconstringeert konde werden om over de ao securatie van de vrede liever met Sijn Maj. van Vrancrîjck, als met anderen in concert ende engagement te treden ) maer dat, als men op dese manière den Coningh wilde voor 't hart stoten, het aen deselve vrij stont daertegens soodanighe mesures te neemen die reciproce aen Haer Ho. Mo. ongevalligen soude sijn ; dat hoogstgedaghte Sijn Maj. soo weinigh verwaghte dat Haer Ho. Mo. hem dese offensie soude willen geven, dat deselve op de ad» vysen van de voirgem. onderhandelinge had gerescribeert dat se bij hem geen geloof konde vinden, insonderhejt naedat hij de Staet soo veel preuven heeft gegeven van 800 groote consideratie als hij voer deselve heeft, ende voile versekeringe van de barrière die Haer Ho. Mo. gedesireert hebben tôt haer securiteyt, niet te sullen violeren, ende dat, soo Haer Ho. Mo. dienaengaende jets meerders desireren, 't selve gepresteert sal werden. Gedagbte heer Ambassadeur allegeerde verders 't geen hij konde, om te justificeren de occupatien van verscheyde landen ende steden, soo aen de Duytsche kant als in de Nederlanden, sedert de vrede, op pretensien van ouder date als de vredestractaten gedaen, ende wilde sustineren men konde geen ongerustheyt hebben daeromtrent, dewijle de Coningh, sijn meester, had geresolveert inné 't aenstelleo

— 519 — [1681. Septembre.

van de bijeenkomste van commissarissen tôt Vranckfort, geen nieuwe pretensîen to sullen moveren aen de Duytsche kant, nogh in de Nederlanden anders als tôt Cortrijck om den anderen in der minne daerover te verstaen , te vrede sijnde 't équivalent van *t geen hem bevonden sal werden in de Nederlanden toe te behoiren, elders te ontfiangen, tôt Haer Ho. Mo. meer volkomen gerustheyt; maer, indien dit ailes niet mogt gelden om de Staet te disponeren om dese handelinge nae te laeten, dat hij reden had om te vermoeden dat die bij Sijn Maj. voir een declaratie van oirlogh soude mogen werden opgenomen. Ick sal Uwe Maj. niet vervelen met te verhalen, /^ar /^ mé?ftu, *t geen bij de heeren Gedeputeerden van Amsterdam hierop geantwoort is, maer alleen seggen dat sij, sonder de handelinge te advoueren, hebben âengeweesen dat de Coningh met geen reght, nogh schijn van reght die konde opneemen voir een offensie ende veel min tôt een subject van oirlogh, ende dat de saeken in Europa door grote veranderingh daerinne voorghevallen, ende specialijck door de commitien [over de vier] bij Sijn allerchristelijkste Maj. gehouden in 't vastsetten van oude pretensien, in die terme waren geweckt dat degeene die haer aen de conservatie van de gemeene rust laten gelegen sijn , niet kunnen geseyt werden sonder ooirsaeck daerover met den anderen in concert te treden, dat de Coningh nltro [toeghestaenj hebbende dat aile potentaten van [christenheytj soude mogen garanderen de vrede van Aken, ontwijfelick niet soude vinden yets hetgeen dat Haer Ho. Mo. tôt enkele verseekeringe van de tegenwoordige vrede soude mogen doen, dat Sijne Maj. soude tôt offensie willen uytduyden. Ende, soc veel ick merken kan, hebben dese tentamina van Vranckrijck op nyemant van de présente leden, onder dewelcke was de heer Bnrgemeester Hudde, de minste impressie gemaeckt Men is nuw besigh om het daer heenen te dirigeren dat, voir *t uytwisselen van de ratificatien, de Keyser, Spaingne, England, Denemarcken ende andere oude geallieerden mogen gereet sijn om in

1681. Septembre] — 520 —

de ligue in te treden, aïs Uwe Hoogh^ omstandiger nyt schrijven van mynheer de Raedtpensionaris sal vememeo. Got beware Uwe Hoogheit lange ende voorspoedighe jaren tôt het beste van de Staet ende van de gemeene christenheyt, dat van herte» enz. Doorlugtighste Hoogstgeboren Fnrst ende Heere,

Uwe Hoogheit onderdanigste, getronwste ende verplighste dienaer,

VAN BEUNIKGKN.

liETTRE MCOXXT.

Ijé Duc (TYork au Prince éH Orange, Le Gouvernement

raffermi en Ecosse.

Sep 12.

Two days since I receved y ours of the 7, by which I see you were pleased with the good successe bis Ma. afiairs had had hère, and before this you will bave heard that ail the publike acts are past which bis Ma. cornmanded to be brought in, and troly I thinke that what bas been done hère will not only secure the governemeot bere, but hâve good effects in bis Ma. other Kingdoms. There now remains but little to be done by the Par* liament, so that I hope by the end of this weeke to be able to put an end to this sessions; you will bave before this bave heard of Lord Hyds journay hether; \ke went back for England yesterday, after having given me an account how things were there. I should bave sayd more to you upon this subject, but it is so late that I bave not leasur to say more but that you shall always find me as kind to you as you can désire.

— 521 — [1C81. Septembre.

USTTRE MCDJOm.

Lord Hyde au Prince d* Orange. Mémoire présenté par Lord Hahfax et F Ambassadeur des États^Généraux a Paris y au Roi de France.

Whitehall, sept, the 23 1681.

I hâve been so long without writing to jour Highnesse that it is hard for me to hope for your pardon, for omitting that duty to you so long, especially too sînce your Highnesse was pleased to honoar me with one of your letters since your goeîng from hence, which I receîved jost as I was goeing for Scotland, and had then time onely to gîve it to mylord Hallifax and recommend to him the sending away Sir Gabriel Sylvius , which was the subject of your Highnesses commands at that time, and I find, since my returne, that the manner Sir Gabriel hath been sent in, onely to take leave, is not so as your Highnesse intended ij;, which I thinke was not understood hère, for, if I mistake not , Sir GabrielPs maine reasons for goeing were onely to take leave , that having corne away on the suddaine, as for his owne affaires hère, it was not honesie to breake off so abruptiy, without returning to kisse the hands of those Princes. I know not what the King will résolve, but mylord Hallifax hath sent the effect of your Highnesses letter to him last night to Newmarkett, to be communicated to his Ma. and to reçoive his pleasure upon it. Since I was absent , there was a memoriall agreed upon, as I suppose your Highnesse knows, to be presented to the French King by M"" Savill and the States Ambassador, of which we expect now every day an account, but I must observe to your Highnesse that M' Saville (who may be believed in such a point) , in his last letter hither, wishes he had not now at this time been directed to give any memoriall, or at least not in this new method, because he says, if there were ever any time since his being at Paris that there was no occasion of complaint,

1681. Septembre.] — 522 —

it was jost then, and the tmth is, if there be any good effect to be hoped from this new method of the King and States joyning together in a memorially it ooght not to be foiled at first, by being employed upon an occasion where there is not a more then ordînary need of it.

I say nothing to your Highnesse of my journey into Scotland, becaase there was nothing in it worth the communicating to you, neither hâve I any thing more to add at this time but that, being returned from that tedions journey, I shall be hère constantly, to receive any commands your Highnesse may bave for me, and shall endeavour to give you the best account I can of them and of any thing that happons hère that may be worth your knowledge.

v wrw>/W>^i/WS^

liETTRE ncDxxwn.

Le Duc (TYork au Prince (it Orange, Recommandation.

Edenburgh, sep. 14.

I could not refuse the recomending to you the concems of the Lady Anne Arskine, I having been desired by severall of hir relations hère to do it; this enclosed paper is the state of hir case, which I promist' to send to you, and hope you will shew hir what favor you can, as far as justice will permit. I wrot to you yesterday by the post, so that I shall say no more but that you shall always find me to be as kind as ever to you.

NA/VVS^/W^A^W%^>/V%A^/V'

Le Duc (F York au Prince d* Orange. Le Parlement dÉcoue tient de se séparer.

Edenburgh, Sept 24.

I find , by yours of the 20 , that you were still in the hunting country , where , if you hâve had as good weather

1 promised.

— 523 — [1681. Septembre.

as we hâve had hère, you must needs bave past your tyme very well; for I hâve not see a finer season then we hâve now and hâve had for some tyme. By the letters of this day sennîght, you will hâve heard of the Parliaments having been that day ajourned , and how well ît ended. The Councell bas been very busi * ail thîs weeke in settling ail things, in persaance * of what had been done în Parliament; this towne will now be very empty, most of the people of quality being to go next weeke into theîr severall conntrys. I bave not tyme to say more to yen now but the assurance of my being as kind as ever to you.

For my soune the Prince of Orange.

I4ETTRE MCDXJOK.

Le Duc S York cm Prince cC Orange. Edinbourg tranquille.

Sept. 27.

Siuce I wrot to you by the last post, I bave had yours of the 21 , by which I see you had had much raine; we had the same weather about that tyme, but since bave had very good weather. I bave not seen better at this tyme of yeare. This place, now that the Parliament is over, bas but little newse [sturing] in it; ail things being very quiat and most of the people of quality being gone or going out of towne to their country-houses, to look after their privât concems, most of them being to be back in November, at which tyme the Courts of justice sîtt I hâve now no more worth writing to you, so that I shall end, and that with assuring you of my being as kind to you as you can désire. 1 ba$y. * pursoance.

1681. Septembre.] — 524 —

LETTRE MCDXXJC.

Lord Halifax au Prince dt Orange. Progris menaçanU de la France.

I hâve not jet been at Newmarket, but I sent your Highnesses letter thither, the same day I receaved it, and , by the acconnt I hâve from thence , I find Sir Grabriel Sylvius will bee immediately recalled; for as it was npon your Highnesses opinion principaUy that hee was sent over, since you conceaved it a respect due to the Princes where hee had been imployed, to go take his leave of them^ so now that, upon second thoughts and by the occasion of their absence from home , you apprehend it to bee more adviseable hee should not proceed in his joumey, his Ma. is easily persuaded to comply with you in it, and therefore I suppose letters of revocation are sent by t)^is post to him and , if your Highnesse hath any commands for mee , his coming over so soon will bee a good opportunity of sending them. I need say nothing of the memoriall lately delivered in France, the States embassadour being now with you, from whom you will receave a fuU account of it; [at] the mean time the besieging Strasbourgh and the purchase of Cazal at the same time giveth such an alarum as must awaken those that are the most a sieep, and for what concemeth as neerer, as a more immédiate danger to this part of the world. The Spanish embassadour informeth us that the proceedings of the French commissaryes at Courtray are of such a nature that there must bee something done very suddenly, or else the conférences will bave no kind of effect for the préservation of what remaines to the Ejng of Spayne in the Low-C5ountries. Your Highnesse knoweth my thoughts perfectly upon this matter, and I bave had them so long that I shall not easily bee brought to vaiy from them, no more than from my resolutions of being ever

your Highnesses most obedient servant,

London, Sept. 27 1681. Halifax.

— 525 — fl681. Octobre.

I4ETTRE ncDxxxi.

Af. Conway au Prince et Orange. Le Roi vient de nommer un Envoyé à la Haye, sous F agrément du Prince.

His Majesty hath commanded me to aoquaint your Highnesse that, out of his particular respect and kindnesse to yoa , he hath layd aside the thoughts of employiDg M*" Skelton into Holland, and hath made choice of another to be his envoy to the States, if he be acceptable to your Highnesse. It is M"^ Haies, one of the Lord corn" of the Admiralty, to whom his Ma. will not offer it, nordoth any man heere know any thing of it, till your Highnesse shall be pleased to let his Ma. know your approbation of him.

The Spanish and Dutch Ambassadors hâve been very urgent and pressing with his Ma. to send one over in this station, and complain of it very much as a neglect, that it hath been so long vacant; but your Highnesse knows it hath not been the Kings fait ' , who provided one for it , before he recald * the other, though it rancountred with accidents, which made the same unacceptable to your Highnesse and could not afterwards be so easily removed. I am very sorry to heare of the successe the French hâve had upon Strasbourg and Casall, and their threatning of Flandei*s. I am sure his Ma. takes it as much to hart ' as your Highnesse can désire , and it will probably produce altérations among us, wherein I shall always shew the great ambition I hâve to be esteemed

your Highnesses most obedient and most devoted servant, New-Markett, 7 Octob. 1681. conway.

. N--^ "W W '*-'>- Sr ^

i^ettre: mcdxxjcii.

Le Duc (TYork au Prince <t Orange. Le Roi de France maître de Strasbourg et de Cazal.

Edenburgh, Oct. 8.

At my retume from Glasgow on wensday last, I rece-

1 fiialL • recalled. s heart.

1681. Octobre.]

ved jours of the 6 , by which I see yoa had then heard of the affaire of Strasbourgh and Cassai. 1 had heard of it before I went thether, and now shall be impacient to know what the Germans and Italians will saj to it; for this affaire cannot end so, and mast hâve very considérable conséquences, but one who livs in so remote a place as this, can say but little of them. AH things are very quiat hère and like to continu so, and so good a man as there is chosen for Lord-Mayor of Lfondon will contribut very much to the good of his Ma. service there. The ill weather begins to corne in, so that there will be little pleasur out of doors, and now the towne is growne very empty , but it will fill againe next month , when the Courts of justice sitt I bave not tyme to say more now but that you shall never find any altération in my kindnesse to you.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

^^^^^AAA^AA^^^^^^VWV^

liETTRE MCDXXJOa.

Lord Halifax au Prince cT Orange. Le Prince se laisse trop aller au désespoir.

Your Highnesses ôrst letter found mee hère and, upon the receipt of it, I made hast to Newmarket, to shew it to the King, who, upon considération of what your Highnesse had written, gave mee order to send this answer from him that hee continueth in the same dispositions hee was in, when your Highnesse was hère, in relation to theaffayres ahroad; that, in the condition hee is in, hee hath no reason to bee forward to provoke or draw upon himselve the necessity of a warre; quite contrary, it is his interest to avoid it, as farre as it may bee donc by fayre and honourable means; yet, in case of any such further progresse of the King of France as shall appear to bee a plaine violation of the peace in relation to the Spanish Netherlands, for the préservation of which his Majesty and the States are most immediately concemed, hee will

— 527 — [1681. Octobre.

bee ready to joyne with the States in taking such measures as shall bee judged most proper upon such an occasion, and will call a Parliament, and do ail other things that maj inable ^ him the more effectually to help his AUyes. I would not déferre the giving your Hîghnesse this account, though I présume you may dépend more upon that which you expect from M"^ van Beuninghen, after hee hath spoken with the King, who cometh to morrow hither from Newmarket. In the mean time hee hath represented the condition of Christendome to us to bee, as it is too apparent, melancholy enough, and yet your Highnesse seemeth to bee yet more despayring, which I am very sorry for, yet cannot but hope that God AImighty intendeth better things for you than are in your présent prospect Your Highnesse knoweth my thoughts upon this whole matter, and therefore cannot doubt of my endeavouring, as farre as lyeth in mee, to promote any thing that may tend to our common security, and, whereever I shall bee so happy as to agrée in opinion with your Highnesse concerning it, no man shall outdo mee in my zele nor in any thing else that may shew how ambitions I am to serve you.

London, cet. 11 1681.

liETTRE MCDXXXrr.

Lord Hyde au Prince d^ Orange, Le danger de la Chrétienté est grand.

Whitehnll, Oct. the 11 1681.

I received from M"^ van Beuningen the honour of your Highnesses of the 15, and thinke it my duty to acknowledge it, tho for the présent I can not make any answer to the businesse he is come about. Mylord Hallifax hath been the latest with the King and is by his Ma^-^' command appointed to acquaint your Highnesse with his présent opi-

I enable.

IMl. Octobre,] — 528 —

nioD. What it may be , npon the altérations that eveiy daj prodacesy your Highnesse will now very speedily come to knowy for his Ma. will be in towne to morrow, and what is to be done, is certainly to be resolved withont delay. No man can doabt but the danger is great I wish it were as easy to find a remedy, as it is to agrée on the other point Yonr Highnesse doth me a great deal of justice, in being persuaded that I will contribate ail I can to the assistance of this worke; for, npon my Word and hononr, to the best of my small nnderstanding I will ever doe it , and particularly apply ail my thonghts to it at this time In a very short time I shall be able to Write more at large to yonr Highnesse and at the présent will not trouble you more.

LETTRE mcmxjonr.

Lord Halifax au Prince et Orange. Le Prince doit se goT' der de désespérer de P Angleterre.

I had not so long deferred my thanks to your Highnesse for your first letter, but that I was desirous to see the progresse of M^ van Beuninghens negotiation , that I might bee the better able to offer my thoughts and conjectures to your Highnesse upon the whole matter. In the mean time I am sorry to find you are under greater discouragements, in relation to what is expected îrom England, than I hope there is ground for. Your Highnesse hath so much expérience in things of this kind, and are so well acquainted with the necessary délayes that belong to them, that I am sure you will not make any hasty inferences, because a proposition is not immediately accepted. There hâve been conférences which are reported to the Councell, and I hope the resolution that is taken upon it, will bee such as may in some measore give your Highnesse satisfaction. If in every circumstanoe

— 529 — [1681. Novembre.

the Eang doth not corne up to that which is reqaired of him, I hope the best interprétation will bee pat apon it, and, if there shall bee such foundation lajed as hère after more may bee built upon it, his Ma. will bee the best incoaraged to it, bj seeing that the steps hee is now willing to make are well recoaved. Your Highnesse is so discerning as to know ail my meaning by this little bint and it is unnecessary for mee to tell you that notbing would contribute more io the losse of every thing abroad, than the seeming to despayre of England, which in that respect can never bee justifyed, whilst there remaineth any reasonable ground of hoping better things of us. I will not say any thing of myselfe in this matter, bat leave it to your ilighnesses favoarable thoaghts to jadge of mee and of the part I may hâve in it, which I am sure doth neither disagree with what I hâve said in relation to the publique affayres, nor with the professions I hâve made of being ever your Highnesses most humbly devoted servant.

London, Nov. 4 1681.

LBTTRE MCBXXXn.

Le Duc et York au Prince et Orange. Progrh des Françoie en Flandre.

Oct. 27.

I see by yours of the 20 that you are very much allarumd ^ at what the French may do in Flanders, and not without reason, for I do not see how any thing can be done now to hinder them irom overruning that country, if they please; what resolutions will be taken at London, now M. van Buning is there, you will know soner then I, that am so out of the way of ail businesse but what concems this country, that things are done before I know any thinge of them. You see what honnest

* alarmed.

1681. Novembre.] — 530 —

men tbe grand-jary at London were that woald not ûnà the bill against Rouse, the party hère shew as mach disingenoite, for thej proposed the adding the swearing to the confesion of faith made in King James tyme , in the test, and now, apon that very account, endeavor to dissuade people from taking it; this is ail the newse this place affords, so that [ hâve no more to say but that you shall always find me to be as kind to you as ever. For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

«WW^%^^N»»^M»*»^»^»»»^i»N^<M>

LETTKE HCBXXXTH.

Le Duc éCYork au Prince et Orange. Même sujet

Edenburgh , Nov. 5.

By the last post I had yours of the 3 , and by it saw you expected to heare that the French would bave before this bave endeaverd to bave possesed themseivs of Alost and the other places they pretended to; but, if what I heare from London be true, they bave sent word they will not posses them, but will take an eqnivalen els where, which is suposed will be the towne of Luxembourg; a little tyme will lett us see what they intend. As for affairs hère, ail continus very quiat, and very few now scruple the test, since they see it will be suported and, tho D. Hamilton and L. Argile be great men , their not taking it will not hinder many from doing it, and, of ail the eminent advocats and lawyers, there is but on« who bas not taken it I bave not more to say but that you shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire.

UBTTRE MCBXXXmi.

Lard BaUfax au Prince d! Orange. Le Roi trèe-bien dUposé à résister aux envahissements de la France.

It will not, I présume, bee unwelcome to your Hîgh-

— 531 — [1681. Novembre

nesse, who bath seemed of late to hâve so little hopes of as , to know that the Memoriall given this day to the embassadours batb given them so much satisfaction tbat tbey hâve tbought fit to give bis Ma. tbanks for it, and therefore it cannot bee doubted bat yoar Higbnesse will give it yoar approbation and, if so, I bope the melancholy thoaghts yoa bave of late been possessed with, will bee dispulled and give way to a cbeerefaller and more incoaraging prospect of the condition of the world. I "was willing to prépare yoar Higbnesse for the worst, in what I bave said to yoa, since monsieur van Beaninghens coming over, that yoa might raither ^ bee disappointed on the better side than raise yoar expectations, whilst there was a possibility tbey might not bee answered. I woald beg of yoar Higbnesse that yoa woald immediately write to the King to approove what is done, as being one of the best means to incoarage him to continae in the good dispositions bee batb at présent. What yoar Higbnesse sayeth concerning S' Gabriel Sylvias, maketh ail apologies nnnecessary for him to make. I am not a little pleased with the assurances bee bringeth mee of the continaance of your favoar, which I will do my atmost endeavoar to deserve, being, as I am, so intirely devoted to yoa. London, Nov. 8 1681.

LETTRE MCDXXXIX.

Lord Hyde au Prince d! Orange. Même sujet.

WhitehaU, Nov. the 10 1681.

I bave the honoar of two of yoar Highnesses letters of the 7 and 11 instant, which I know not how to answer, while the Datch ministers hère were not answered to their Memoriall, neither shoald I bave knowne how to bave written now or ever hère after, except the ans-

* raiher.

1681. Novembre.] — 532 —

wer that was given last taesday had been so well received as we are told it was; for I found yoar Higlinesse so melancholy and in despaire upon that account that, unlesse satisfaction could hâve been given upon that point, I must for ever hâve been silent; but, if yoiir Hîghnesse will receive the Kings answer in as good part as Mons. van Beuningen hath done, I will hope that you will be now in better expectation of us, and that ail will dœ better then your Highnesse then apprehended. We shall see in a short time now what the French will doe, and whether they will hâve any regard to the interposition the King hath promised to make, in case they proceed farther par voye de fait in the Spanish Low-Countrys , and I promise your Highnesse the King hath spoken more warmely in particular to the French Ambassador upon this point, then he did in his publicke ansfver; there was no danger that S' Gabriell Sylvius should suffer wîth the King, for not comeing sooner home, when it was by your Highnesses commands that he was detained there. I suppose he will send your Highnesses word on the contrary that he hath not been ill received hère. I shall not troubte your Highnesse any more at présent, but that you will see that, as long as I hâve any share in any thing, I will doe my endeavour to doe the part of an honest man; but your Highnesse knows it is good for the satisfaction of some people hère that I hâve nothing to doe.

LETTRE MCDXIi.

Le Duc dHYork au Prince <f Orange. Arrestation du Comte dtArgyU. Même sujet.

Edenburgh, Nov. 12.

I do not at ail wonder to find, by y ours of the 11,

that you had so much businesse upon your hands at

your first coming to the Hage, that you could not then

Write to me; for, after having been so long in the coud-

— 533 — [1681. Novembre.

tiy» you must needs hâve had mnch to do, especialy after such a mémorial had been gîven in by the French Embassador. I am impacient to know what will be resolved on, both in England and where you are; at this distance that I am from the rest of the world , I can say little and only looke afler the afiairs of this country, which, God be thanked, are in a very good condition. By the last post yoa will hâve heard of the Earle of Argils being sent to the Castel, for a paper he gave in to the councell , as an explanation of the test. I confesse I was mnch scandalised at his proceding in that affaire; for, if he had either frankly taken it, or positivly refased it, nothing v^ould hâve been sayd to him. AU things continu very quiat hère and few or no feild-conventicles. I hâve now Bo more to say but that you shall always find me very kind to you.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCBXLI.

Le Duc dHYork coà Prince dH Orange. Même sujet

Nov. 22.

I receved this moming y ours of the 21 , and by it see you had not then had the answer to M. van Beunings mémorial, which, when you had, it was, I supose, to your satisfaction. What will be sayd or donc upon it by others, tyme must shew us. This place affords but little newse at présent. Lord Argile has had his inditment ^ given to him and will come to his tryal on monday come fortnight; before you receve this, I beleve you will know what will become of Lord Shaftsbury; at least, if one may judg by what the Grand-jury will do, which they say is to sitt apon him on thursday next. I am now agoing to councell , so that I hâve not tyme to say any more but that you shall always find me the same to you.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

1 indictmeDt.

^^^^^^^^N.'^rfMSi^^i^i^»^»**»^^^*

1681. Décembre] — 534 —

liETTRE HCBIOLII.

Lord Halifax au Prince d Orangé. Il faut encouirager le Roi dans ses bonnes dispositions.

I should hâve hoped that bis Ma. answer to the States Embassadonrs woald hâve given your Highnesse satisfisurtion in ail the parts of it, since it hath in a good measare silenced the objections of those hère who seldome fayle to strike at the weak part of any thing that is done by the Government. I do not find the Embassadonrs think it necessary to presse any explan ation conceming Lnxembourgh, it being so plainely comprehended in the words of the answer, that the mooving any thing further in it would look like an unreasonable distrust, which would bee of very ill conséquence , whilst the King is in a disposition that your Highnesse hath reason to approove, and therefore hee ought to bee incouraged and cherished in it , and not thrown back , by ofibring any thing to him that looketh like a suspition, for which there is not sufficient ground. You will receave a fiill account firom your Ministers hère, of the resolutions taken in order to the affayres abroad, and I hope they are such as wiU incline your Highnesse not to despayre altogether so much of us, as you may hâve done for the time past I cannot prétend that my opinion should hâve much weight, but I do truly believe that, if upon the représentation intended to bee made to the King of France, there shall not bee some reasonable satisfaction given in the matter of Luxembourgh, his Ma. will call a Parliament, without which hee is in no condition of making good the least of his ingagements to his AUyes. Your Highnesse shall never bee disappointed in the beleefe you hâve that I will contribute ray endeavours, in my small capacity, to ail the publique ends that may put us in such a condition at home as may inable us to help our iriends abroad. In the mean time I must not omitt to congratulate with your

— 535 — [1681. Décembre.

Highnesse , for the discoveiy of a thiDg that is not capable of any good interprétation , and y whether you are particalarlj concemed in it or not, I am sure it concemeth jou to bave a great deal of caution , as well to gratify yoor iriendsy that wonld préserve y ou, as to disappoint jour enemies that would destroy you. My warmest wishes for your prosperity shall ever attend you, being, as I am, 80 sincerely devoted to your service. London, Dec. 2 1681.

■vy-krww>A/W>A/x/V

Lord Hyde au Prince et Orange. On sent la néceesité d^ef' forts réunis contre la fiance.

Whitehall, the 2 1681.

I bumbly tbanke your Highnesse for the honour of yonr letter of the 2 and am very glad to find the Kings answer had given so much satisfaction to the people there, and I am confident your Highnesse will find bis Ma. will doe ail tJiat can reasonably be expected irom him. There was a conférence on wednesday last in the morning between the Spanish and Dutch Ambassadors , and some of the Kings Privy Councell, of which I am sure Mons. van Beuningen will give your Highnesse a very particular account, and I hope he will not forgett to lett you know that the manner of conferring was not as of the businesse of severall Princes and States, but as one common interest; there were severall things proposed and the first was that the States might be desired to bave 16 thousand of theire troops on the frontiers, to be employed in case of necessity for the releife of Luxembourg; whereof one halfe, if they did corne to action, should be payd by the King; but our weaknesse and incapacity of paying troops without the assistance of the Parliament is so well knowne that it need not be disguised, so that by the

1681. Décembre.] — 536 —

KiDgs servants it was not thought advisable he shoald engage himselfe into any expence , without the advice and suport of a Parliament At last it was concladed, by the consent of every body, that one Mémorial! more sbonid be delivered to the King of France by the King's minuter and the States jointly, purely apon the point of Luxembourg, after which it seemed to be the opinion of every body présent at the conférence that the Eang shoald be desired to call a Parliament , in case the French King's answer were not such as might be wished for, whicb I confesse I doe not expect it will , and therefore doe reckon upon a Parliament to be summoned in a short time, and doe onely wish that they and every body on ail sides niay meet in a temper to answer the expectation the world hath of them. I am sure, if they doe not, it will be worse for us ail then if they had not mett Your Highnesse knows my mind upon the sûmme of this affaire, that there are some things that must not be complyed with, and, for my owne poor vote, it shall ever goe of that mind, that no streights nor conjuncture ought to prevaile with the King to part with any of the essentiall prérogatives of the Crowne, orto agrée to any thing wherein he thinks bis honour and conscience is engaged to the contrary.

We were ail extremely surprized yesterday with the news from the Hague of a désigne of seizing on your Highnesse and carrying you away; I know not what to make of it, till we hear more of the particulars. I hope God will protect and préserve you from ail your enemys, both private and publicke, and continue you an instrument of glorious and great actions, and I hope too that you shall never need the service of so inconsiderable a créature as I am, but I am sure no man liveing shall ever pay you more duty nor with greater zeale and passion for your prosperity.

^KN»**i^»^N^^*fc^VN^rf»*^^**'M'i*

— 537 — [1681. Décemhn

liETTRE MCBXLIir.

Le Duc (fYork au Prince (T Orange. Affaire de Lord ShafUbury,

Dec. 8.

By the last post I receved two of yours, the one of the 28 of Nov. and the other of the 2 of thîs month ; by the first of which I see you were well pleased wîth the answer his Ma. had given to M. van Beunings mémorial, but sure you will bave been troubled at what bas past in Liord Shafsburys affaire ; for certainly never any thing was so strange as the behavior and doings of the grandjury, nor so insolent and séditions as what was done after it în the Citty by the rabble; but I hope to heare his Ma. will récent ' it as becoms him , and now ail the world may see what that rebellions party designs. We are hère in great quiat; I wish things may continu so els where, which is ail I bave now to say but that you shall ever find me as kind to you as you can désire. For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCBXliir.

Le Duc d^York au Prince <f Orange. Nouvelles.

Dec. 17.

I bave just now receved yours of the 12, but it is so late that I bave hardly tyme to say any thing, the post being just ready to go. I see by your letter that a fi'ench officier of drageons, that commanded the party which were to bave carried away the French man from Amsterdam, was condemned to be beheaded, but that you had pardend * him. I do not find by your letter that you thought they had any other désigne then that for which they say they came, tho 't was reported hère they had some more

^ resent. > perdoned.

1681. DAsembre.] — 538 —

considérable désigne, butt lett it haye been what it wiD, I am glad yoa were not aimed at by them. The Dutchesse had yesterday à most terrible fall from hir boise, bat, God be thanked, she had no other harme then the bmsing both hir legs. I hâve not tyme to tell jon the particalars, bnt hâve given my daaghter a larg acconnt of it. I mast end, which I do with assoring yoa that yoa shall always find me to be as kind to yoa as yen can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

N/WX/WWXX'WVW»

LETTRE MCBXLTI.

Le DtÂC et York au Prince d! Orange. Évasion du ComU ctArgyle.

Dec. 24.

I bave recered yoars of the 23, by which I see yen were come back to the Hage. As for affairs in England, I shall say little to y ou of them, since they are so uncertaine and I at such a distance that great altérations may happen , eveu before I know any thing of theoi. If Lord Argile be gone to London, as we beleve hère, yoa may bave heard, before you bave this, of his having made his escape ont of the Castel, on sunday night last; it was easi enough for him to do it, since he was not keept close prisoner; I thinke it had been better for him he had not gone away; for, tho he was found guilty bj the jury, his life was in no danger, which he and his freinds knew very will , and they and ail the world blâme him, for having made his escape. Sentence was yesterday, and not till then, pronounced against him. We bave had for thèse three days last past very cleer frosty weather, which is the best weather we bave in winter, but it seldom continus long. AU things are very quiat hère, so that I bave no more to say but that you shall still find me to be as kind to you as you can désire.

■ ■ ■ O ^^ ■ » ^^..^-^J.^^.yJyJ.^J,^J..^J,yJ.^J^

— 539 — [1683. Janfier.

Le Duc cCYork M Prince (T Orange. Nouvelles.

Edenburgh, Jan. 7.

I receved yesterday yours of tbe 2 and wish that this

jreare may be better to os ail then tbe last was. This

place dos not afford mucb newse, now ail things being

very qniat; as for the E. of Argile, 't is not yett certainly

knowne where he is; I am very confident he went into

Sngland, but 't is reported very positivly that he is come

back into this coantry, which he may do with great se-

curity to himself, this being a country where 't is very

easy to keep one self so as not to be found. We are

very impacient hère to know what answer will be given

în France to the memoriall given in there by [M'] Savile

and your minister there, as to Lnxembourgh. AU thing

are very quiat hère and like to continu so, the day for

taking of the test is now over, and there are very few

considérable men that hâve refused it, of which number

Duke Hamilton one, and, as others of them, will lose

liis offices, which by it fall into the Kings hands. We

hâve had very warme tho windy weather ail this wînter,

and very little irost, and but once snow, and that lay

but two days; which is ail I bave to say but that you

shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE nemxLiwuh

Le Duc et York au Prince et Orange. NouveUee.

Edenburgh, Jan 24.

I bave receved yours of the 20 and by it see you had not then heard what bis Ma. had resolved upon the refusai made by the French to receve a joynt mémorial firom the English and Dutch ministers in that court. Before this getts to you, you will hâve been informed

1682. Jin¥ier.] — 540 —

of the answer M' Savile has had, and what résolutions wUl hâve been taken at London upon it; for, hy the letters I had this day from thence, I find thej were cFerr daj expecting the answer from France. This pkce affords little newse , nothing having followed what happned at Lanerck, so that I hâve no more to say bat that I shall always be as kind to you as yoa can désire.

Por my sonne tbe Prince of Orange.

LETTRE nCmXLJK.

Le Due et York au Prince (ï Orange. Tempêteê,

Ëdenburgh, Jaa. SI.

On sonday last I receved yours of the 27, and by it see you had not then heard what answer had beeo given in by the King of Franoe to the mémorial giveo in by M' Savile and your minister in France, bot, before this, you will hâve knowne it; for I hâve been informed of it hère , but not what his Ma. has done upon it; so that I shall say nothing upon that subject. I find by your letter that the great storms you hâve had hâve done much harme where you are, and great préjudice to the marchants, by keeping their ships so long in port; we in England hâve suffired by that last, as well as you, tho not so much in the other. Ail things are quiat hère and like to continu so; we hâve had an esterly wind for thèse three or fouer days last past, which I beleve will hâve emptyd your ports, as well as the Downs. I hâve no more to say but that you shall allways find me as kind to you as you can désire.

Por my sonne the Prince of Orange.