L.ETTRE MCCCXXXV

M. Godolphin au Prince d'Orange. V union du Roi et du Parlement est une question d'intérêt général,

Lonclon, Oct. 12 1680.

I hâve the honour of your Highnesses of the 14 from Epsdorfe, and shall not faile to take care of paying the remainder of your money to the merchants appointée! to receive itt, as soon and as fast as they can possibly find returns for itt. I am very glad to find your Highnesses jorney into Germany is like to hâve soe good an effect amongst those Princes that , in case of an agreeraent between the King and the Parliament, his Ma. may hâve great reason to expect they will accept of his propositions. I am perfectly of your Highnesses mind that the whole dépends upon our union hère in England , and though , considering our circumstances , that must bee a very difficult work, yett I am in hopes it may not prove impossible, and, if wee once can but recover ourselves into a tolerable condition at home, I am persuaded wee shall bee a very great support and security to our Allyes abroad.

The time of the Parliament growes soe neare and is soe criticall that I beleive your Highnesse will bee more inpatient than ordinary for the English letters, and therefore I shall take the liberty of troubling you a little oftner than I hâve done of late , when there happens any thing that I can write of by the ordinary post.

For his Highnesse the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE JICCCXXXV1.

Le Duc d! York au Prince oV Orange. Il est forcé de se rendre en Ecosse.

London, Octob. 15.

I received this day vours by Mous, van Leewen, wlio,

I beleve, finds tliings hère in much greater disorder then he could hâve thought, and I feare very much the ease his Ma. thinks to gett, by his sending me away, will be but very little, and indeed none at ail, and will do him much harme. I see, go I must, but whether, is not yett resolved , by the next I shall know. I hâve done my part not to go , but neither I nor my freinds could prevaile, tho I am sure we hâve the reason of our side, and I pray God I do not prove a true prophet in what I hâve told his Ma., and you will find this Parliament will not do his Ma. affairs any good, and that they will aske such things as he can never grant to them. I hâve not tyme to say more, but that I shall allways be very kind to vou.

LETTRE MCCCXXXVII.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Les concessions du Roi amèneront la ruine de la Monarchie.

London, 19.

At last it is resolved I must go for Scotland; it is his Ma. pleasur; I and my freinds did what we could that I might not be sent away, but could not prevent it, for his Ma. must be obeyd ; I am afraide he will sone repent the measurs he now taks , for I see nothing but ruine to himself and monarky by following them. I am to go to morrow, and that by sea, as the most convenient; in a weeks tyme I shall know what the Parliament will do. I hâve so much businesse that I can say no more but that I shall always be very kind to you. For my Sonne the Prince of Orange.

429 — [1680. Octobre.

LETTRE MCCCXXXVIII.

Sir William Temjjle au Prince d'Orange. Tout dépend de la conduite du Parlement.

Sheea1, Octob. 19 1680.

I dit not thinke to hâve given your Highnesse any trouble in answer to the last I Lad the honor to receave from Cell, till I heard of your returne to the Hague ; but, finding your absence like to bee longer by a visit to the Elector of Brandenburgk , I could not satisfye myself with deferring so long the acknoledgments I owe your Highnesse for the kindeness of that letter, which was the greater for your having so little to tell mee or to command mee.

Our afFairs heere hâve been for some time in great darkeness; whatever light there has been I know your Highnesse has had it from Mr Sydney, but that itselfe or any other can bee little, till wee see the session of Parliament beginn. 'T is now very neere day-breake and in fewe days common ftien will know more then the wisest or most enlightned at this time can prétend to. I am perfectly of your Hignesses opinion that ail dépends upon the good or ill agrément between the King and his Parliament, as to the safety or ruine of afFairs, both at home and abroad. What it will détermine in , God knows and I am of opinion no man can ghess with any good aime, till the Parliament corne within the walls of their house. For my parte, I am not a little perplexe, when I consider how great a weight your Highnesse and ail men put upon five hundred mens being temperate and wise, for without one 't is hard to bee the other, and yet I can hardly thinke neither that so many men , that hâve so great stakes in the good of the nation , should [read] it to ruine either by heats or mistakes. In the mean time, if your Highnesse pleases, at your returne, to write a letter / to mee upon this occasion, of the same style with many 1 Sheene (?)

1680. Octobre] — 430 —

of your others, and particularly that you writt to mee about this time twelvemonth , just before the intended session of Parliament, and expressing your Highnesses mighty concernment in this session and the deepe and fatall conséquences you apprehend from any disunion between his Majestv and the Parliament, I shall, with your Highnesses leave, raake the best use I can of it, and I am sure no ill one, nor any such as shall not agrée with that constant dévotion and truth where with I am your Highnesses most faithfull and most obedient humble servant.

LETTRE nCCCXXXlX.

M. Sidney au Prince d'Orange. L'exclusion du Duc d? York sera demandée par le Parlement.

Oct. the 19 1680.

On my last I gave you an account of as much as I knew of what was done a wenesday att Councell. Since that the King hath reflected upon the advices that were given him , and upon saturday called an extraordinary Councell, which sate till ten a clock att night; what was done there is kept very secret, but one may guesse somthing by the conséquences ; for a sunday in the evening the King told the Duke that it was absolutely necessary for him to retire, and the King leaving it to him whither he would goe , he hath chose to goe into Scotland , and to morrow he begins his voyage; he goes by sea and there are two ships and two yachts in the river ready to attend him, the Dutchesse résolves to goe with him, though she be att this time much indisposed in her health. There are severall members of Parliament already corne to towne, and we heare they will be well inclin'd to an union; there is but one thing that is likely to make a disagreement , and that is, the House of commons insisting upon excluding the Duke, which I beleeve they will doe, and the

— 431 — [1680. Octobre.

King does résolve not to consent to it ; ail other matters , I thinke, may be composed without any great difficulty ; people begin to be something sensible of their danger, and will not, I hope , run into any extravagancies. This mornino; the Count de Thuin arrives, and is to hâve his audience of the King this evening. I intend to be going from hence about to morrow sevennight , if the King does not stop me about the Parliament businesse. I hâve made severall firme to your interest, who will give démonstrations of it, upon ail occasions; in this weeke I shall be able to doe yet a good deale more, and then I thinke it will be for the Kings service , and for yours , for me to be att the Hague; there are severall things that are fîtt for you to know, which I must tell you by word of mouth, for they are not to be writt; ail that I will tell you now is that there is not a man in the world that will serve you with more affection and fidelity then I will doe, ail the days of my life.

LETTRE MCCCXL..

M. Sidney au Prince d'Orange. Départ du Duc d'York pour l'Ecosse.

Oct. the 22. 1680.

A wenesday morning , between eight and nine, the Duke left Whitehall; the Dutchesse (though she were in ail ill condition for such a bussinesse) went with him; the King conducted him as farre as Greenwich in his barge ; from thence he went in a yacht as farre as the Hope, where two men of warre attended him. Ail yesterday was spent in placing their goods, and this morning, att one a clock , they set sayle with a faire wind. The Duke does not goe to Edinburg, but to a house of the Chancellours, till he knows how he shall be received; for he thinks it very likely that it may not be so well as it was last yeare. Every body is att présent in very good

]680. Octobre] — 432 —

humour and it is certainly in the Kings power to keep them so; yesterday the Parliament met and the King made a speech to them, which was well liked; afterwards the Commons return'd to their house and chose their speaker, who is one Mr Williams, a lawier; he is an able man and hath a good réputation; to day they presented him to the King and he accepted of him ; to morrow and next day will be imploy'd in taking the oaths, and a monday I beleeve wee shall fall upon businesse. Sir W. Temple, came to towne this evening and desired me to convey the inclosed to you. I am, and ever will be, to the uttermost of my power, intirely devoted to you.

LETTRE MCCCXLI.

Le Bue d'York au Prince d'Orange. Arrivée en Ecosse.

Edenburgh, Oct. 30.

I landed tusday last at a towne called Kirkaldy in Fife, and went that night to Lesley, a house of the lord Chanclers, and stayd there till yesterday, to give tyme to this house to be furnished for me, and came hère last night, where I was as well receved, as I possibly could désire, notwithstanding ail thatt has been do and sayd against me in England. I long to heare which way they will attaque in the house of Commons , which I hâve reason enough to beleve will be to the purpose, since I hâve been so severly used and so unhandsomly left by some of those I most relyd on; which is ail I hâve tyme to say now, but that, in what condition so ever I am, you shall allways find me very kind to you.

For my Sonne the Prince of Orange.

433 [1680. Octobre.

LETTRE UICCCXLII.

Sir William Temple au Prince d'Orange. Mr Sidney seroit un excellent chef de la Brigade angloise.

London, Oct. 31 1680.

I will not trouble your Highnesse with any long letters by Mr Sydney, who will bee able to give you a better account of the posture liée leaves us in heere then any letters can doe, and to him I shall wholly referr your Highnesse , for ail the information you can receave from hence. One pointe I shall onely trouble you in, becaus I know hee will nott doe it , which is the great désire I hâve, since mylord Ossorys death, to see the care of those régiments fall to Mr Sydneys share , who, for my owne parte , I beleeve would give a very good account of them to the States , and I know you doe not doubt hee would give the best account hee could of them to your Highnesse upon ail occasions. Whether this may bee done by giving him the command of them, though without any présent pay, or by giving him the régiment onely that is vacant at this time, upon the pretence that the States will not hâve a generall officer among them in time of peace, will I thinke bee indiffèrent; at least, I am sure it will bee so to mee, who in this matter thinke of your Highnesses interests and not of his. But in this last case the regard I hâve to yours will not bee answerd, unies hee may bee considerd as first colonell, and so hâve the chiefe care of ail the régiments devolved upon him. The reasons I hâve to concerne myself in this matter are such as I am sure your Highnesse would approve of, and as I desired him to give you some touch of last yeare, when hee was like to hâve no concernment in it. — Another thing, which I thinke were for your Highnesses service at this time, were to hâve an order past that no catholique officiers should bee imployd in those régiments, and that this might bee done with some esclat; for your Highnesse can not tell how many discourses hâve been

1680. Octobre.] — 434 —

raysed heer l to your disadvantage upon that occasion. I suppose those officers may bee provided for in other of your troops, if they deserve it, and thereby the three régiments which are called English , may bee kept so intirely , whereas they are heer reported to bee halfe of them Irish , a worde that passes very ill heere at tins time. I am in great impatience to heare of your Highnesses safe and happy returne from so long a journey, wherein none can bee more concerned , nor with more dévotion and truth then I am ever your Highnesses most obedient and most faithfull humble servant.

LETTRE MVCCXÏAn.

M. van Leyden de Leeuwen au Prince d'Orange. Il désire savoir comment agir touchant V exclusion du Duc d' York.

Westminster, ce 1 novemb. 1680.

Monseigneur. Je ne puis m'empescher de tesmoigner à V. A. la peine où me mettent les disputes que je prévois inévitablement pour l'affaire de la succession; car, encore que l'impétuosité avec laquelle le Duc de Monmouth et les siens travaillent pour la séclusion de monseigneur le Duc de Yorck, rende plus manifeste et plus indisputable le droict de ce Prince, au préjudice de ce Duc, qui, s'il estoit légitime (comme dans la ville de Londres plusieurs personnes parlent encore hautement du mariage de la mère de ce Duc avec le Roy), auroit la première prétention sur la couronne, et en ce cas on ne seroit point obligé à entrer dans tous les aigreurs où la dispute de la religion de S. A. R. entraînera apparemment le Roi et son Parlement ; si esse 2 que , comme on ne sçait pas quel événement pourroit avoir cette importante affaire, et si d'aventure le Roy consentiroit à la séclusion de son frère, ou si on met sur le tapis que, 1 hère. 2 est-ce.

— 435 — [1680. Novembre.

durant la royauté d'un Prince, on establit un protecteur do la religion protestante dans l'Angleterre, ou quelque autre expédiant de cette nature, dans lequel V. A. pourroit avoir grand intérest; je supplie V. A. de me vouloir donner des ordres suivant lesquels je me régleré, ou bien d'envoyer ici quelque personne mieux esclairée que je ne suis, pour avoir le soin nécessaire que rien ne passe icy au préjudice de V. A. Je n'escris pas cecy parceque jusques à présent j'appréhende quelque chose de semblable, ou que j'y voye les humeurs disposées, mais, Monseigneur, les mouvements de cette nation sont souvent extrêmement brusques, et je vois visiblement que la France n'appréhende rien à l'égal de voir V. A. un jour estably sur le thrône de l'Angleterre, et qu'elle fera des efforts extraordinaires pour empescher cela. V. A. aura la bonté de me pardonner si j'entre dans une affaire sur laquelle elle ne m'a rien commandée; c'est par un mouvement de zèle et de respect que je le fais, et pour tesmoigner à V. A. que je suis autant que je dois, Monseigneur,

de V. A. très-humble et très-obéissant

D. V. LEYDEN DE LEEUWEN.

LETTRE MCCCXL.IV.

Lord Sunderland au Prince d'Orange. Situation critique.

Mr Sydney will give your Highnesse so exact an account of ail things heere that I will say nothing of the state of our affaires, but onely that it is such as requires greate helpe, and I know nobody can give any but you yourselfe, either to those at home or abroad. Wee can not make one step farther and every thing is at present so loose, both in the Court and without it, that ail will breake to peices lf if greate care be not taken by some

i pièces.

1680. Novembre.] — 436 —

powerfull remedy, and that very quickly. Mr Sydney knows the opinion of many who wish the publicke good and who are very much your Highnesses servants , arnong whom none is with so much respect and zeale as I am your Highnesses most faithfull and most obedient humble servant

SUNDERLAND

Whitehall, Novemb. the 1 1680.

LETTRE MCCCXLV.

M. Godolphin au Prince d'Orange. Il lui conseille de venir en Angleterre.

Nov. the 1 1680.

I think it will bee to no great purpose to trouble your Highnesse with many particulars by this bearer ; who is soe very well able to informe you of every thing that passes hère, and everv the least circumstance belongina; to itt ; and therefore I will only say that whatsoever he shall say to your Highnesse, concerning your coming over, has been very much considered by severall of us, that hâve mett together about it, and hâve been alwavs of one mind, that nothino; in the world can contribute soe much to a perfect entire settlement of the whole kingdome and establishment of the Kings authority as your Highnesses coming over at this time, while the Parliament is sitting, and, as it is certainly a thing that would bee of very great advantage to the Kings afFayres , soe I am of opinion it is absolutely necessary to the supporting of your owne particular interests hère, which Mr Sidney will bee able to tell you stand att présent upon very nice termes, and, besides ail this, I think you run no kind of hazard as to what you may apprehend from the Duke. Ail thèse considérations putt together, I hope Mr Sidney will bee soe well able to enforce to your Highnesse as that you will not

[1680. Novembre.

delay to come over; for wee are mightily persuaded hère that our ail dépends upon itt.

For his Highnesse the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCCCXLVI.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Il se plaint de l'audace du Parlement.

Edenburgh, Nov. 5.

I receved yesterday a letter from you without any date, by which I see you then intended to be very sone at the Hage, and were impacient to know how the Parliament would begin , which long before this you hâve been informed of , and I beleve will not at ail be pleased witli it; for indeed things go on at a strange rate, by what I heare and look, very ill, and no liklyhood of their mending , whieh every day will lett you see ; for my part , I feare a rébellion or something worse, for every thing, almost, gos after the same manner it did in the yeare 40; only this contry l, God be thanked, is quiet, which it was not then; you see how violently they procède against me in the house of Commons and what vilans are raised up to swere falsly against me. I am not to expect better, and, tho I am the man only named, the désigne of some of their leaders is to ruine our family; you will see that what I say is true, and that very wrong nieasurs hâve been taken ; which is ail I shall now say to you but that you shall always find me very kind to you.

LETTRE ni C C YLVII

'Sir L. Jenkins au Prince d'Orange. Le bill d exclusion a passé dans la Chambre des Communes.

Whitehall, 9 Nov. 1680.

This Bill* for the exclusion of his K. Highnesse passt

1 country. a Un exemplaire est joint à la lettre.

1680. Novembre.] 438 —

the couimittee yesterday, without any opposition to speak of , it being not the part of those [whoj throw out a bill (as much as in them lies) to amuse themselves at the amending of it. His Ma. sent the House of Commons a message this day, desiring them to dispatch the matters that dépend before them, relating to popery and the plott; that they may rest assured ail remédies that they tender to his Ma. conduceing to those ends will be very acceptable to him, provided they be such as can consist with the descent of the Crown in the right Une or to [that] efFect. To this message there was no answer returnd , nor any debate had upon it.

LETTRE MCCCXL.VIII.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Danger de la monarchie.

Edenburgh, Nov. 12.

I hâve receved yours of the 1 2 , by the which I see you were corne back to the Hage and had heard of my coming away and what had then past in the house of Commons, concerning me; that was but a begining, which produced the bill, which by this is, I beleeve, past that house against me; I hâve reason to hope it wiil not hâve the same successe in the house of Lords, and before this time to * you will know what the fate ont a has been. I see you are very much concernd at thèse doings against me , which I did expect from your kindnesse and beside that, you cannot [chose] but see, that if a stop be not speedily put to thèse kind of proceding, the monarky and ourtfamily must fall togather, and I see things are corne to that hight that I do realy feare there will be great disordres, may a downeright rébellion, and that those that prest and advised his Ma. to send me away will not find their account in it, no more then his Ma., andifnow he do not sone make a stand, but lett them trample upon

1 Ce mot paroît superflu. 2 on it.

[1680. Novembre.

himself and authority, it will prove to late, and lie will find himself in as bad a condition as ever the King his father was. I shall now say no more on this subject, but end, and that with assuring you that, in whatsoever condition I am in, I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE MCCCXL.IX.

Sir L. Jenkins au Prince d'Orange. Le Bill d'exclusion rejeté par la Chambre des Lords.

Whitehall, 16 Nov. 1680.

I hâve the honor of a gracious letter from your Highnesse to acknowledge of the 22 current n. st. The Commons carried up the Bill of Exclusion yesterday to the Lords, but the Lords threw it out with vigor; they were 70 against 30 that vvould hâve kept it in ; the Bishops were unanimous against it , but the Temporall Lords against the Bill exceeded far those Lords that were for it in number. The Commons did nothing this day; they adjourn'd to to morrow, in order, as is pretended, to take time to deliberate what to doe. The prospect is very dark; not but that his Ma. will be sure to doe his part, and hath no thought to prorogue or dissolve the Parliament. Wicked men do labour to push things to extremities, in hopes to force the King to doe [that whichj is unacceptable to the nation; 't is true, there are agréât many engaged in this Bill, but then there is a world of sober people that cannott be satisfied with the justice of it.

LETTRE WCCCL,.

Sir L. Jenkins au Prince d'Orange. Irritation de la Chambre des Communes.

Whitehall, 19 Nov. 1680.

It is with great regrett that I take leave to write to

1680. Novembre.] — 440 —

your Highnesse and jet hâve nothing to write but what is very unconfortable. The throwing out of the Bill against the Duke on monday in the House of Lords made the Gommons on wednesday very little concern'd for the succour of Tanger, which was the busines appointed for wednesday; this day , among other angry things, they resolv'd to receive articles to morrow against Mr Seymoe * of high crimes and misdemeanors. They [had] again this day enough to shew an aversion against giveing those supplies which might putt the King at ease. The trueth is, the prospect is very melancholick ; but that blessed Providence, which hath hitherto watched over us, will, I hope, continue so to watch over the Royall family , as long as the sun and moon endure. It is a complaint against us in Parliament that we are not more faire and impartiall hearers then we are.

LETTRE MCCCL.I.

Le Duc d'York au Prince cC Orange. Trahison de Lord Sunderland.

Edenburgh, Nov. 23.

I had on sonday last two from you, of the 20 and 22 of this month , and do easily beleve the trouble it is to you to see with what extraordinary malice my enemys proced against and , tho the Lords hâve been so kind to me as to throw out the bill the Commons sent up to them, for my exclusion, yett I hâve reason to feare they, I meane my enemys, will attaque me some other way, as bad for me and as hurtfull to the monarky, but, for ail that, there happned one thing in the rejecting of my bill in the house of Lords which 1 2 may bee of some advantage to me as well as that; which is, that now his Ma. can be no longer deceved by Lord Sunderland , and thinke him my freind, since he voted against me, and has also |enterdj his dissent to the same purpose; he did deceve me

1 Seymour. 2 Un ou deux mots semblent omis.

- — 441 — [1680. Novembre.

long, and to my cost; I thought him to be still m y freind when he was not, but now, tho I can forgive him, he shall never play me such a trick againe; for I will never trust him and I hope the King will not, for he that could [are] me, as he as * done, may do the same and lias already done it to him ; for els how should Lord Hallifax be fallen on by the house of Gommons, and not he nor his friend Lord Essex, when they were ail equaly conserned in the desolution of the last Parliament? — God send this may prove a better, but I do not beleve it will, since I see at what rate they drive on to the uter 2 destruction of the monarky. It is late and I shall say no more but that you shall always find me very kind to you.

LETTRE 9ICCCLI1.

Sir L. Jenkins au Prince d'Orange. Dangers pour la Chrétienté.

Whitehall, 23 Nov. 1680.

The progresse in the house of Commons is very slow and much time is spent in censuring and punishing offenders of severall sorts. The addresse against mylord of Halifax (which the House will bring to morrow to the King) goes hère inclos'd ; and so does a vote levell'd against the judges for the votes of yesterday; I humbly take leave to referr your Highnesse to the prints. I am extremely troubled to consider what judgement the world abroad makes of us, and not onely so, but how perfectly they attribute the calamities like to befall Christendome to our willfull ill-conduct. Your Highnesse will see, by the print enclose'd, how the Duke and Duchesse were receiv'd in Scotland. 1 beseech God to blesse and préserve his Ma. and the whole Royall family.

His Highnesse.

1 has. * utter.

1680. Novembre.] — 442 —

LETTRE MCCCLIII.

Sir L. Jenkins au Prince d'Orange. Nouvelles.

Whitehall, 26 Nov. 1680.

Our heats do not jet abate any thing; two days agoe mylord Chief-justice North was voted to hâve given sufficient ground for impeaching him at the barr of the Lords House , for drawing up (or rather for assisting the atturney-generall to draw up) a proclamation forbidding to gather subscriptions for pétitions in a tumultuous and seditious way; this day and yesterday an impeachment was voted against Mr Seymoe pay-master of thé navy; he made an excellent defence in his place in the House; his charge was of malversations in the finances, but tis l believ'd he will easily and fully clear himself, when he cornes before the Lords ; thus is our time spent. In the mean time Tanger bleeds ; tis 1 true , we gave the Moores a brush lately, but we lost a gallant Governor Sir Palmes Faire borne. I took the boldnesse, about a twelve month agoe, most humbly to move y our Highnesse for monsieur Water, eschevin of Nimweghen, to be advanced to the honor of Burgemaistre there ; I did not présume to doe it but upon very good information , as I take it , that he is and ailwaies hath been very rightly affected to your Highnesse and the Government; being of english parentage, I took more particular knowledge of him, and of his conduct, which was allways, to the best of my observation, worthy of good cittyzen; but this point, as well as myself, I perfectly submitt.

LETTRE MCCCL1V.

Lord Sunderland au Prince aV Orange. Situation de plus en plus périlleuse.

Novemb. the 26, Whitehall 1680.

I am very sorry not to be able to give your H. a 1 it is.

— 443 [1680. Novembre.

better account of our affaires heere then I must doe , if I tell you the truth , which is that the house of Communes seemes to be so persuaded that nothing can be a securitv against tlieire feares but a totall exclusion of the Duke, that it is not likely they will be contented with lesse. The Lords on the other side hâve throwne out that bill and the King appeares entirely of theire mind. Expédients are now offerd every day, and bils are orderd to be drawne up, which some thinke may serve; but I am affraide they will be generally thought, either ineffectuall, or such as may endanger the monarchy; every almost is sencible of our ill condition, but enow ' to care, as can not agrée on what they thinke will doe. In a little time wee shall be able to judge more positively of this matter. I hope the good genius of the rest of mankind will be strong enough to deale with that of France, which seemes to hâve a greater game then ever. I wish your H. ail of prosperity and that you will be pleased to beleeve that no man in the world is so much as I am , Sir , your Hs most faithfull , most humble and most obedient servant

SUNDERLAND

LETTRE HCCCLT.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Acharnement de ses ennemis.

Edenburgh, Nov. 27.

By the last post I receved yours of the 26, by which I am satisfyd of the trouble you are in, and the sence you hâve of what has past against me in the house of Commons; you will easily belive it was a great satisfaction to me to hâve had the bill throwne out by the Lords, but, for ail that, you see my enemys fînd new ways of persecuting me and falling upon me, and I am to expect they will continu doing it, as long as they hâve power;

1 enough.

1680. Novembre.] — 444 —

for they want not will, and you see, no soner dos a man stand by the King but he is attaqued, as Lord Halifax, and Mr Seamor hâve been. Our last letters say the Queene was to be falen on in the Lords house, on monday last ; you see no way is left unpracticed to ruine our family, and destroy the monarky, which is ail I hâve to say now, but that you may be sure I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE MCCCLiVI.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Même sujet.

Edenburgh Nov. 30.

This morning I receved yours of the 29 and, if the affairs of Europ dépend so much, as I feare they may, upon the issu of this présent Parliament, I feare they will not go well ; for I see no liklyhood of their behaving themselvs as they aught; for every day brings us new and very extraordinary vots and motions, made in both houses, ail tending to the lessning of his Ma. authority and the ruine of the monarky, in which some of his cheef ministers, as well as some of his servants, joyne and, if he letts it run on, Lord hâve mercy on us ail. Things are very quiet hère, and to morrow three of Cargills congrégation are to be executed ; they are the boldest and stubernest ! rogus a I ever heard of, and glory to suffer for such abominable principles. I hâve no other newse worth telling , and so shall end , with assuring you that you shall never find any altération in my kindnesse to you.

LETTRE MCCCIiVII.

Sir L. Jenhins au Prince d'Orange. Procès de Lord Staff ord.

Whitehall, 30 Nov. 80.

Yesterday produced little in the House of Commons more 1 stubbomst. 2 rogues.

— 445 — [1680. Novembre.

then that the House wayted on his Ma. with their représentation (as they call it) of the state of the nation. It is a long discourse and charges the favouring of popery upon the ministers , as the main miscarriage in the Government. This day began the tryall of mylord viscount Stafford; the managers of the impeachment against him divided their charge into two parts. — 1. That there was a horrid popish plott against the life of the King, and against the religion and the Government establishd. — 2ly that the lord Stafford had his share in the plott. The évidence which they produced this day, tende d to prove the first point onely; there were produc'd six wittnesses, that depos'd what they knew of the carrying on of a plott in generall ; they produced also the judiciall records, whereby the severall persons that hâve been executed for the plott were arraigned and found guilty; to morrow the managers will apply themselves to the proving of mylord Stafford to be a partie to this plott. Next day will be taken up in hearing mylord Staffords defence, the judgement will soon folio w. The grand-jury of Middlesex presented his R.'H.! yesterday at the court of Kings-bench for recusancie. It was attempted, while the Duke was hère, but the jury was dismiss'd, before they could gett their presentment ready. Thus one angry thing is done after another, but without the prospect it were to be wis'hd of a composure, which I beseech God to send among us for the preserving of the King and his people.

LETTRE NCCCLVIII.

Sir W. Temple au Prince d'Orange. Conseils.

London, Nov. 30 1680.

Your Highness will easily beleeve I hâve my share in the trouble you are pleased to express upon the sensé of our posture of affairs heere, which must needs influence

1 Royal. a Highne99.

1680. Novembre.] — 446 —

any bodys liumor tliat is concernée! in them and in the f'atall conséquences of them, either at home or abroad; which I take your Highnesse to bee more then any man , considering how deeply you are so in both. For tins reason I will in shorte lay the présent state of them before you , as clearly as I can in a matter so imbroyld , with the circumstances that seem more particularly to touch your Highnesses proper interests, that you may bee able the better to judge of our condition and of your owne conduct.

Tis certain that a long course of unhappy counsels bave reduced the King to wante both the money and authority, which are necessary for the support of the crowne, in such a degree as affaires abroad as well as at home require.

Nothing but a Parliament can helpe the King in this condition and furnish him both with the money and authority necessary to the crowne; becaus, if the first should bee supplyd, either from France or from the papists (as some talke), yett the money hee should receave from either of those ways would lessen his authority more and more, by encreasing the generall fears and discontents of the people.

It seems plaine that this house of Commons will helpe the King neither to money nor authority, without the exclusion of the Duke, designed by their late Bill, sente up to the Lords and throwne out there.

The King is resolvd not to consent to that or any such Bill , nor can it corne into the House of Gommons again this Parliament, without a prorogation of some days, which dépends wholly upon the King.

In this posture of affairs T see no hopes of any measures to bee taken between the King and his Parliament during this session , and finde the leading parte of the House of Commons are willing it should ende, and thinke the sooner the better, to make way for a new one, by which the King may see yett further what the bente and

447 — [1680. Novembre.

humor of the people is. But the court seeme content they should continue longer, in hopes the party now governing in the House may divide, which yett I must needs say I doe not thinke likelv this session. What this can ende in, your Highnesse will bee able to judge at least as well as I, for yett I thinke none prétends to know, though tis most naturall to conclude it must bee in a new Parliament, and to bee calld immediatly upon the dissolution of this ; for otherwise I doe not see how the generall discontents will bee dealt with , if this Parliament endes without allaying them.

Now for what concernes your Highnesses more particular interest in ail thees affaires , it seems plaine , by the Bill of exclusion and the whole course of that matter in the house of Commons, that your interest and the succession of the crown were intended to bee safe , and ail to passe as if the Duke had been dead, and I doe not beleeve any thing of another nature will passe in another house of Commons , if such a Bill should againe bee revived. But in case this or another Parliament should corne to bee broken , without any agreement between the King and them, I doe not see any thing to prevent our falling into violent and popular tumults, and tis concluded the Duke of Monmouth cannot fayle of beeing at the head of them, and that not onely the Citty will fall in with him , but ail those likewise of the Lords and Commons who, having in the matter of the late Bill declared against the Duke, can hâve no returne into any measures with him , and will for this reasone joyne with that party which they esteem most desperate against him , and this not upon any regards of the Duke of Monmouth, but of their owne safety. In this case your Highnesse will hâve a very hard game , for, by taking party with the Courte, you putt yourself into the same circumstances with the people that the Duke stands in at this time, and, if you take no party at ail , the Duke of M. may grows to head the Nation, upon pretences of defending the protestant

1680. Novembre.] — 448

religion and keeping out the Duke and , if hee should so farr prevayle that the King should not bee able to resist the stream , but bee forced to fall into it, your Highnesse mav ghess what that might ende in.

Upon the whole matter, there are but three parts at présent that you can take. The first is to corne over, as both mylord Sunderland and Mr v. Lewen say many of your friends desired at the beginning of this Parliament, and use ail your endeavors to prevayle with the King to consent to the Dukes Bill, and by that ineanes to settle the world , upon hopes that in that case the house of Commons would putt the King in a condition not onely of supporting the Government at home , but his Allyes abroad too upon occasion. And thereby engage ail those persons and partys to you , who hâve been so desperately bente upon exclusion of the Duke, and sett up for the defence of the protestant religion at home and abroad.

The second is, to continue just as you hâve done for this last year past, without concerning yourself in the counsels of either Courte or popular partys, and contenting yourself with doing nothing that can bee thought either unjust or ungracefull, to leave the évente to God Almighty.

The third, to see an issue of this session of Parliament, but, in case of dissolution of this and meeting of a new one, to corne immediatly over, and déclare to ail men, both King and subject, the infinité concernment you hâve for some union between his Majesty and his Parliament; that, besides ail our interests at home, those of Christendome are lost without it, and can expect it no longer then this spring , which will détermine them. That, besides your affection and concerne for His Majesty, you hâve an interest of your owne abroad, that presses you more then any man, becaus you are the first Prince in Christendome that are like to suffer, by the States running into France, when they finde they can hâve no supporte from England. That you cannot propose the

[1680. Novembre.

ways of the King and Parliament agreeing, being a stranger to our affaires , but that you can onely showe the necessity of it. That any way, you are sure, is better then none, though some may thinke themselves lost and others unsafe by the severall ways of it, yet without it, ail is not onely unsafe, but absolutely lost. That, for the business of the Duke , it is a domestique thing and neither you nor the States can meddle in it, but that you will both contribute ail your endeavors to thees two great endes, of procuring a happy union betvveen the King and his Parliament, and of preserving the protestant religion , both heere and in the rest of Christendome, since in ail other parts it must hâve its support from hence. Upon thees severall parts ail I shall say is that some of your friends heere hâve judged the first would hâve been the parte of a great man, the second the parte of a good man, and, for the last, which indeed seemes now onely to bee left, I doe not know whether a wise man can avoide it, and in such a conjuncture bee content to bee forgotten, neglected and even defamed upon some points, which I finde your enemys are industrious in on ail sides, though so ill grounded as your friends harclly know how to take notice of them and thinke it better to [ventuerj their falling of themselves.

If I hâve given your Highnesse soo long a trouble , it is not usuall with mee, and I beleeve you will pardon mee for this time and upon this occasion ; there can happen none wherein I shall not expresse that constant dévotion and truth, wherewith I am your Highnesses most faithfull and most obedient humble servant.

LETTRE MCCCLIX.

Sir L. Jenkins au Prince cV Orange.. Procès de Lord Sta for d.

Whiteliall, 3 Decemb. 80.

This is the fourtli day of Staffords trvall. On tursday V. 29

1G80. Décembre.] — 450 —

I told your Highnesse how the managers for the House of Commons had produced severall wittnesses, to prove in generall that there was a horrid popish plott; on wednesday, they produced three wittnesses, to prove that mylord of Stafford was in that plott; yesterday mylord StafFord produced very many wittnesses, to endeavor the discrediting of those three wittnesses and the invalidating their testimony against his lordship ; this day he produced three or foure, to the same intent, and the managers produced severall wittnesses, both to support the creditt of their three wittnesses and to corroborate their testimony by collaterall évidence. Both sides hâve done with their proofes by wittnesses; to morrow the points in law (if any do arise from the matter, as it will be stated) will be debated by Councell. No other busines hath gone on in either of the houses of Parliament , since this tryall began. There is no conjecture to be made of the issue, till the Lords hâve heard ail.

LETTRE MCCCLiX.

Sir L. Jenkins au Prince d'Orange. Le Roi disposé à toutes les concessions compatibles avec les droits de la couronne.

May it please your Highnesse. His Ma. having seen the letter that your Highnesse did me the honor to write to me of the 10 current new style, hath commanded me to lett you know (in answer to it), as from himself, that there can be no trouble or chagrin equall to that his Ma. hath to see such jealousies and heats rays'd among his people, that render both him and them uneasie at home, and not regarded (as otherwise they would be) abroad. That he hath upon ail occasions declar'd that he is most ready to passe any law and to doe any other thing that may give his people full satisfaction and remove ail occasions of jealousies and fears in matters of religion , and of their civill rights. That he hath never refus'd any

— 451 — [1680. Décembre.

Bill that his two houses of Parliament hâve thought fîtt to présent to him , as tending to the security of our religion. He therefore hopes that the two Houses now sitting will hâve that confidence allwaies in him , as not to intend or désire the diminution of the regall authority, in any of those things that are necessary and fundamentall to it. However, His Ma. desires your Highnesse to be assured that nothing shall be more his care then that the rights of the crown be preserv'd, as much as is possible, en tire; and that the monarchy be not chang'd from hereditary to élective ; for so His Ma. conceives it may in processe of time corne to passe, if the next in bloud and the right heir of the crown be once disabled and excluded by act of Parliament. Thus much I hâve in command from his Ma. This is the seaventh day that the viscount StafFord appear'd at the Lords barr, where he receiv'd the sentence of death; foure and fifty found him guilty and but two and thirty of the Lords haveing pronounced him not-guilty of the treason where of he was impeach'd; what the House will apply themselves to next, is not yet déclarée!. I am, with ail the respect and dévotion imaginable, inay it please your Highnesse,

your Highnesses most humble and most obedient servant,

l. jenkins.

Whitehall, 7 Decemb. 80.

LETTRE MCCCLXI.

M. de Leiden de Leeuwen au Prince d'Orange. Entretien avec le Roi.

Westminster, ce 7/17 décembre 1680.

Monseigneur. Suivant les ordres que V. A. a eu la

bonté de m'envoyer par sa lettre du 10 de ce mois, j'ay

esté trouver le Roy, à qui j'ay dit que je ne doutois point

que M1 Jenkins n'auroit déjà témoigné à S. M. la peine

1680. Décembre.] — 452 —

dans laquelle V. A. estoit pour les précautions qu'on proposeront à la Maison Basse, en cas que la couronne tomba sur la teste d'un Prince papiste, et que V. A., qui ne s'estoit jusques asteur meslé d'aucunes affaires domestiques de l'Angleterre , ayant l'honneur d'estre sorty du sang royal, ne pouvoit, sans luy faire des remonstrances , voir que Ton mettoit en compromis les plus essentielles praerogatives de la couronne; qu'elle prioit S. M. de considérer que c'estoit à son très-grand regret que monseigneur le Duc de York monstroit tant de zèle dans une religion perverse, et que, si Ton prenoit des expédients qui sacrifiassent quelques unes des prérogatives , qu'on puniroit V. A. et tous les autres Princes et Princesses protestantes de la Famille Royale, d'une faute à laquelle ils n'auroient point de part; que V. A. ne pouvoit s'imaginer que S. M. voudroit faire une si grande injustice; car, si l'on mettoit une fois une partie de l'authorité royale entre les mains du Parlement, ou d'un conseil que le Parlement formeroit, que toutes les praecautions et limitations du monde ne pouvoient estre assés seures pour la retirer après, quand la couronne eschoueroit à un Prince Protestant. Le Roy m'a répondu , avec quelque émotion , que Y. A. estoit mal informé, et se laissoit praeoccuper par des personnes qui avoient des visées particulières, et qui le vouloient obliger par force de passer par une porte par laquelle il ne vouloit point passer; que personne n'aura plus de soin des prérogatives de la couronne que luy, que le droit de succession en estoit une et bien essentielle, et qu'on luy vouloit persuader d'anéantir cela ; que , s'il pouvoit disposer de la couronne, il la donneroit à quelqu'un de ses propres fils , mais qu'il sçavoit trop bien que cà l n'estoit point en sa disposition , et qu'il la falloit laisser à ceux à qui elle appartenoit; qu'on n'avoit pas encore résolu quelles praecautions on proposeroit à la Maison Basse, en cas que S. A. R. vint à le survivre; que ce ne sera pas luy, mais la Maison Haute, qui les proposera;

1 cela.

— 453 — [1680. Décembre.

que cette proposition ne l'obligeoit à rien et qu'il pouvoit les rejecter ou les accepter, quand il les auroit vu et considéré , selon qu'il le trouveroit expédient ; et que j'asseurasse V. A. quil auroit soin des praerogatives de la couronne, mais que ces gens qui donnoient ces appréhensions à V. A., vouloient mettre S. M. en tutèle, et avoient bien osé proposer dans un commité de la Maison qu'il falloit prier S. M. de changer les gouverneurs de Portsmouth, Plymouth, Hull et de la Tour de Londres, et d'y mettre des personnes agréables à son Parlement et dans lesquels le peuple peut prandre confiance; qu'on luy vouloit oster tous ces amis et les personnes dans lesquelles il se pouvoit confier, soub prétexte qu'ils estoient affectionnés à S. A. R. ; que les gouverneurs des susdites places estoient le duc d'Albermarle , le comte de Bath, le comte de Mulgrave et le comte d'Alesbury; que c'estoient ses propres créatures et qui avoient toujours courus sa fortune et aucunement attachés à Mgr le Duc; qu'on avoit des estranges desseins que Y. A. n'avoit pas encor pénétré, mais qu'il estoit seur d'y mettre bon ordre. Je répondis que c'estoit moy-mesme, et aucun autre que je sçavois, qui avoit causé l'appréhension dans laquelle Y. A. se trouvoit pour la perte d'une bonne partie des praerogatives de la couronne , sur ce que S. M. m'avoit bien voulu dire de ses intentions sur les praecautions qu'on pourroit admettre, en cas que le droit de la couronne vint à S. A. R. , et que, comme je croyois que S. M. avoit raison de ne vouloir pas mettre les principales forteresses du royaume entre des autres mains que celles qui luy seroient confidentes, que Y. A. ne demandoit autre chose, sinon que les Roys ses successeurs ne pouvoient pas estre obligés à des telles ou semblables choses. Il me répliqua qu'il sçavoit bien qu'ils y estoient encore d'autres qui avoient informé V. A. , et que ce qu'il m'avoit dit en confidence avoit esté pour monstrer combien de zèle il avoit pour la seureté de la religion protestante , mais que rien n'estoit fait , et que je pouvois asseurer Y. A. qu'il auroit soin des praerogatives. Après

1680. Décembre.] — 454 —

le Roy tomba sur l'escrit que Mr de Sidney avoit envoyé, dont je diray les particularités dans la lettre de M.r le Pensionnaire, pour n'ennuyer pas trop longtemps V. A. J'ay entretenu aussy le comte d'Halifax, et, après quelque compliment de la part de V. A. , je luy ay dit que V. A., ayant infiniment intérest dans la praeservation des praerogatives de la couronne d'Angleterre, ne se pou voit empêcher de faire remonstrer au Roy combien de tort l'on feroit à la Famille Royale, si l'on donnoit lieu à des praecautions et à des modifications, en cas que le droit de la couronne vienne à Msgr. le D. de York, et, si l'on s'estoit une fois départy d'une partie de l'authorité royale entre les mains du Parlement ou de quelque conseil par eux estably, après un Prince protestant, à qui la couronne viendroit, auroit bien de la peine à remettre l'autorité royale autrement que l'épée à la main. Je luy ay remonstré l'injustice qu'il y avoit que toute la Famille Royale soufFriroit, pour un malheur auquel elle n' auroit rien contribué, duquel elle estoit bien marye; qu'ils souhaittoient tous que S. A. K. n'auroit jamais embrassé la religion papiste, et je luy ay dit ensuite tous les bons arguments que Mr le pensionaire m'avoit suspédités, et des autres dont je me suis avisé, desquels je ne feray point de redites. Il m'a répondu que depuis longtemps il estoit un serviteur très-acquis à V. A., qu'il espéroit que V. A. en estoit persuadé, qu'il vous avoit toujours considéré comme le seul Prince sur lequel le party protestant pouvoit faire fondement, que dans cette considération il avoit esté toute sa vie dans une vénération très-particulière pour Y. A., et qu'il me vouloit parler si franchement que je verrois par là qu'il me faisoit des protestations véritables, qu'il sçavoit bien luy que M"r le Duc de York ne pouvoit pas régner en Angleterre , qu'il n'y régneroit pas , que luy seroit le premier à s'y opposer, mais que V. A. se voulut donner bien garde des personnes qui la tromperoient, qui avoient des visées particulières, et qu'ils ne vouloient présentement faire passer l'acte de l'exclusion

du Duc de York que pour mettre hors de dispute qu'il estoit dans le pouvoir du Parlement de faire une séclusicn ; que, si une fois, cela passé, cette brigue, dans un autre Parlement tirant cet exemple, dans deux ou trois ans d'icy, en conséquence, travaillera à faire d'autres sédusions et à y establir le Duc de Monmouth, à quoy toute cette machine tend; qu'il disoit cela en bon serviteur de V. A., que les praecautions ne pouvoient nuire ny à V. A., ny à aucun autre de la Maison Royale, qu'ils estoient nommément et seulement contre James, Duc de York. Je luy redis encore une partie des raisons que j'avois déjà dits, et ensuite que je ne voyois point d'inconvénient si on ressolvoit à la séclusion de tous ceux qui estoient de la religion papiste, luy représentant qu'il n'y avoit aucune injustice là dedans , puisqu'on avoit éloigné les mylords papistes, qui avoient droit de séance par leur naissance dans la Maison Haute, à cause de leur religion, et je luy monstra plusieurs exemples de chès nous et de chès des autres, où cela estoit déterminé. Il me respondit que c'estoit la mesme chose, que par là le Parlement monstreroit qu'il peut disposer de la succession, et que, si j'estois amy et dans les intérests de V. A., je devois surtout tâcher d'empêcher cela, qu'après, soub prétexte que V. A. estoit estranger ou semblable chose, on luy feroit tort dans ses droits et, encor que je ne convenois nullement de la solidité de son raisonnement, je n'ay pu le mettre d'autre opinion; seulement il me dit qu'il estoit asseuré que les choses s'accorderoient et qu'on trouveroit des expédients convenables.

J'ay parlé à Mr de Sunderland et de Godolphin; ils sont dans le sentiment de V. A., et beaucoup porté, comme V. A. sçait, pour l'acte de séclusion; mais Mr Godolphin me témoignoit qu'il commençoit estre en peine du D. de Monmouth, lequel il me dit qu'il gagnoit toujours païs, et que , là où il n'y avoit au commencement de la session du Parlement peut-estre pas dix personnes de la Maison Basse qui songeoient à luy, que présentement il y en avoit

plus, et que de jour à aultre leur nombre s'augmenteroit, si l'on différoit a terminer cette affaire, parcequ'ils le considéroient comme une personne de laquelle ils pourroient avoir besoin; que pourtant, jusques icy, la plus grande partie de beaucoup de la Maison-Basse estoient dans des sentiments raisonnables, mais qu'il seroit fort à souhaiter qu'ils vissent et connussent V. A., et qu'elle fust à présent icy. Je luy dis que je ne pouvois pas voir que, dans la présente constitution des affaires, V. A. pourroit faire une bonne figure icy, ne pouvant, par les mouvements de sa propre conscience, ny par l'intérest qu'elle prend dans la cause protestante et dans le repos de la chrestienté , appuyer le sentiment du Roy, ny les prétentions de monseigneur le Duc de York et que, d'autre costé, elle ne pourroit rompre visière ny à S. M., ny au Duc de York, son plus proche parent et son beau-père. Il me répondit qu'il estoit vray qu'il sembloit que V. A. ne pouvoit pas faire une bonne figure présentement icy, mais qu'il valoit mieux faire pour quelque temps une méchante figure que nulle; que V. A. n'estoit point connue de tous ces messieurs qui venoient de la campagne; que V. A. se devoit faire donner le tiltre de Duc de Glocester et en cette qualité se monstrer au Parlement.

Je prens la liberté, Monsigneur, de vous écrire les choses comme elles se sont passées (encor que j'ay bien peur que la longueur de cette lettre ennuyera Y. A.), afin que V. A pourroit mieux prendre ses mesures, si je luy disois les particularités des choses, et que Y. A. seroit plus en estât de me faire sçavoir sa volonté, à laquelle je tâcheray toujours de satisfaire, avec le plus de zèle et d'exactitude qu'il me sera possible. Je suis, Monseigneur ,

de Y. A. très-humble et très-obeissant serviteur,