L.ETTRE MCDXXXV

Lord Halifax au Prince à! Orange. Le Prince doit se garder de désespérer de V 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 Mr 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 from 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 measure give your Highnesse satisfaction. If in every circumstance

— 529 — [1681. Novembre.

the King doth not come up to that which is required of him, I hope the best interprétation will bee put upon it, and, if there shall bee such foundation layed as hère after more may bee built upon it, his Ma. will bee the best incouraged to it, by seeing that the steps hee is now willing to make are well receaved. Your Highnesse is so discerning as to know ail my meaning by this little hint and it is unnecessary for mee to tell you that nothing would contribute more to 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, but leave it to your lîighnesses favourable thoughts to judge of mee and of the part I may hâve in it, which I am sure doth neither disagree with what T 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.

LETTRE MCDXXXVI.

Le Duc d'York au Prince oV Orange. Progrès des François 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 from 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 concerns this country, that things are done before I know any thinge of them. You see what honnest

1 alanned.

1681. Novembre.] 530 —

men the grand-jury at London were that would not find the bill against Rouse, the party hère shew as much disingenaite, for they proposed the adding the swearing to the coiîfesion of faith made in King James tyme, in the test, and now, upon that very account, endeavor to dissuade people from taking it; this is ail the newse this place affords, so that I 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.

LETTRE MCIVV XXVII

Le Duc d'York au Prince oV 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 hâve before this hâve endeaverd to hâve possesed themselvs of Alost and the other places they pretended to; but, if what I heare from London be true, they hâve sent word they will not posses them, but will take an equivalen 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 one who has not taken it. I havé not more to say but that you shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire. For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MC OVWYIII

Lord Halifax au Prince oV Orange. Le Roi très-bien disposé à résister aux envahissements de la France.

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

— 531 — [1681. Novembre

nesse, who hath seemed of late to hâve so little hopes of us , to know that the Memoriall given this day to the embassadours hath given them so much satisfaction that they hâve thought fit to give his Ma. thanks for it, and therefore it cannot bee doubted but your Highnesse will give it your approbation and, if so, I hope the melancholy thoughts you hâve of late been possessed with, will bee dispo'lled and give way to a cheerefuller and more incouraging prospect of the condition of the world. I was willing to prépare your Highnesse for the worst, in what I hâve said to you, since monsieur van Beuninghens coming over, that you might raither ! bee disappointed on the better side than raise your expectations, whilst there was a possibility they might not bee answered. I would beg of your Highnesse that you would immediately write to the King to approove what is done, as being one of the best means to incourage him to continue in the good dispositions hee hath at présent. What your Highnesse sayeth concerning Sr Gabriel Sylvius, maketh ail apologies unnecessary for him to make. I am not a little pleased with the assurances hee bringeth raee of the continuance of your favour, which I will do my utmost endeavour to deserve, being, as I am, so intirely devoted to you. London, Nov. 8 1681.

LETTRE MCDXXXIX.

Lord Hyde au Prince d'Orange. Même sujet.

Whitehall, Nov. the 10 1681.

I hâve the honour of two of your Highnesses letters of the 7 and 11 instant, which I know not how to answer, while the Dutch ministers hère were not answered to their Memoriall, neither should I hâve knowne how to hâve written now or ever hère after, except the ans-

1 rather.

1681. Novembre.] 532

wer that was given last tuesday had been so well received as we are told it was ; for I found your Highnesse 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 your Highnesse 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 doe 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 tins point, then he did in his publicke answer; there was no danger that Sr Gabriell Sylvius should suffer with 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 trouble 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: mcdïl.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Arrestation du Comte dïArgyle. 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 coun-

— 533 — [1681. Novembre.

try, you must needs hâve had much to do, especialy after such a mémorial had been given in by the French Embassador. I ara 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 after the affairs of this country, which, God be thanked, are in a very good condition. By the last post you 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 much scandalised at his proceding in that affaire; for, if he had either frankly taken it, or positivly refused it, nothing would hâve been sayd to him. Ail things continu very quiat hère and few or no feild-conventicles. I hâve now no more to say but that you shall always find me very kind to you.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE JflCDXLl.

Le Duc oV York au Prince oV Orange. Même sujet.

Nov. 22.

I receved this morning yours 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 done 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 corne to his tryal on monday corne 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 upon 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.

1681. Décembre.] — 534 —

LETTRE MCDXL.II.

Lord Halifax au Prince d'Orange. Il faut encourager le Roi dans ses bonnes dispositions.

I should hâve hoped that his Ma. answer to the States Embassadours would hâve given your Highnesse satisfaction in ail the parts of it, since it hath in a good measure 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 Embassadours think it necessary to presse any explanation concerning Luxembourgh, 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 offering any thing to him that looketh like a suspition , for which there is not suffirent ground. You will receave a full account from your Ministers hère, of the resolutions taken in order to the affayres abroad, and I hope they are such as will 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 intend ed to bee made to the King of France, there sh ail 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 Allyes. Your Highnesse shall never bee disappointed in the beleefe you hâve that I will contribute my 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 friends abroad. In the mean time I must not omitt to congratulate with your

— 535 — [1681. Décembre.

Highnesse , for the discovery of a thing that is not capable of any good interprétation , and , whether you are particularly concerned in it or not, I am sure it concerneth you to hâve a great deal of caution , as well to gratify your friends, that would préserve you, as to disappoint your enemies that would destroy you. My warmest wishes for your prosperity shall ever attend you, being, as I am , so sincerely devoted to your service. London, Dec. 2 1681.

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LETTRE JMCDXLIII.

Lord Hyde au Prince d'Orange. On sent la nécessité d'efforts réunis contre la France.

Whitehall, the 2 1681.

I humbly thanke your Highnesse for the honour of your 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 his Ma. will doe ail that can reasonably be expected from him. There was a conférence on wednesday last in the morning between the Spanish and Dntch 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 hâve 16 thousand of theire troops on the frontiers, to be employed in case of necessity for the releife of Luxembourg; whereof one half'e, 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

J681. Décembre.] — 53ti —

Kings servants it was not thought advisable he should engage himselfe into any expence , without the advice and suport of a Parliament. At last it was concluded , by the consent of every body, that one Memoriall more should be delivered to the King of France by the King's minister and the States jointly, purely upon the point of Luxembourg, after which it seemed to be the opinion of every body présent at the conférence that the King should be desired to call a Parliament, in case the French King's answer were not such as might be wished for, which 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 may 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 summe 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, or to agrée to any thing wherein he thinks his 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 y ou away; I know not what to make of it, till we hear more of the particulars. I hope God will protect and préserve y ou 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.

— 537 — [1681. Décembre

LETTRE MCDXLIV.

Le Duc oVYorh au Prince $ Orange. Affaire de Lord Shaftsbury.

Dec. 3.

By the last post I receved two of yours, the one of the 28 of Nov. and the other of the 2 of this month; by the first of which I see you were well pleased with the answer his Ma. had given to M. van Beunings mémorial, but sure you will hâve been troubled at what has past in Lord Shafsburys affaire; for certainly never any thing was so strange as the behavior and doings of the grandjury, nor so insolent and seditious as what was done after it in 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 rebellious party designs. We are hère in great quiat; I wish things may continu so els where, which is ail I hâve 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 nt » VI V

Le Duc dy York au Prince d' Orange. Nouvelles.

Dec. 17.

I hâve just now receved yours of the 12, but it is so late that I hâve hardly tyme to say any thing, the post being just ready to go. I see by your letter that a french officier of dragoons, that commanded the party which were to hâve 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

1 resent. 2 pardoned.

1681. Décembre.] — 538 —

considérable désigne, butt lett it hâve been what it will, I am glad you were not aimed at by them. The Dutchesse had yesterday a most terrible fall from hir horse, but, God be thanked, she had no other harme then the brusing both hir legs. I hâve not tyme to tell you the particulars, but hâve given my daughter a larg account of it. I must end, which I do with assuring you that you shall always find me to be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

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LETTRE AICDXL VI.

Le Due dYork au Prince d 'Orange. Évasion du Comte oV Argyle.

Dec. 24.

I hâve receved yours of the 23 , by which I see you were corne back to the Hage. As for affairs in England, I shall say little to you of them, since they are so uncertaine and I at such a distance that great altérations may happen , even before I know any thing of them. If Lord Argile be gone to London, as we beleve hère, you may hâve heard, before you hâve this, of his having made his escape out 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 by 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 hâve had for thèse three days last past very cleer frosty weather, which is the best weather we hâve in winter, but it seldom continus long. AU things are very quiat hère, so that I hâve no more to say but that you shall still find me to be as kind to you as you can désire.

— 539 — [1682. Janvier.

lettre: mcdxlvii.

Le Duc oVYork au Prince d'Orange. Nouvelles.

Eclenburgh, Jan. 7.

I receved yesterday yours of the 2 and wish that this yeare may be better to us ail then the last was. This place dos not afford much newse, now ail things being very quiat; as for the E. of Argile, 't is not yett certainly knowne where he is; I am very confident he went into England, but 't is reported very positivly that he is come back into this country, which he may do with great security 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 in France to the memoriall given in there by [Mr] Savile and your minister there, as to Luxembourgh. Ail 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 his offices, which by it fall into the Kings hands. We hâve had very warme tho windy weather ail this winter, and very little frost, and but once snow, and that lay but two days; which is ail I hâve to say but that you shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE 9ICOXLVII1.

Le Duc oVYork au Prince âH Orange. Nouvelles.

Eclenburgh, Jan 24.

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

1682. Janvier.] — 540 —

of the answer Mr Savile has had, and what resolutions will hâve been taken at London upon it; for, by the letters I had this day from thence, I find thev were every day expecting the answer from France. This place affords little newse , nothing having followed what happned at Lanerck, so that I hâve no more to say but that I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCDXIAK.

Le Duc d'York au Prince oV Orange. Tempêtes.

Edenburgh, Jan. 31.

On sonday last I receved yours of the 27, and by it see you had not then heard what answer had been given in by the King of France to the mémorial given in by Mr Savile and your minister in France, but, 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 sufFred 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.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

N/V/W/Ot. V VX.'V/W *V/V

— 541 — [1682. Février.

METTRE MCDL.

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

Edenburgli, Feb. 11.

I hâve receved yours by Major Levingston , who had a very good passage hither and shall give him ail tlie assistance I can in his levés. I never heard of so many dismal storys, as they tell, and we hâve by letters, of the inundations hâve been in your parts and in Flanders. I am very sorry y ou had so great a share of the lose, and had your part of so generall a calamity. I hope tins frosty weather and esterly winds will do much good, by drying up the waters ; we are not troubled with such accidents hère, but hâve had a very great snow last weeke, which made it very ill travaling1, but now it is almost gone , and gone ofF very gently, by the heat of the son , without raine. This place affords no newse , so that I hâve no more to say but that you shall always find me to be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE HI€ DLL

Le Duc d'York au Prince d! Orange. Recommandations.

Edenburgh, Feb. 11.

For ail I hâve already writen to you in favor of this bearer lieu, colonel Douglas , I could not lett him go to you, without recomending him to you againe , as one who sure will deserve your favor, and the Reg. of Colyar which is now vacant; if I did not thinke him ntt for it, I should not write for him; and, now that I am upon thèse subjects , I must needs mention one to you , whom I know to be a very ingenious man and that has the réputation of a very good foott offieer; it is one cap. 1 travelling.

Maxwel; he has served long, as this bearer can informe you, and I hope, if there shall be a vacancy in any of the Scots Reg. of a company, you will lett him bave one, wbich if you do , I am sure you will thanke me for getting so good an officer for you, and, when you know him , you will find he deservs more. This is ail I shall say now but to assure you that I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE 1VICDLII.

he Duc d'York au Prince oV Orange. Luxembourg menacé.

Edenburgh, Feb. 14 1682.

I hâve receved yours of the 13, and by it see you were impacient to know the Kings mind upon the answer h 3 had had from France as to Luxembourg, which you will hâve knowne long since by Mr Chudly l, who I supose was with you sone after you had writen your last letter to me; for some of the Scots officiers, who are corne to raise their recruts hère, told me they saw a yacht agoing in to the Brile, as they came out. I see the Spaniards hâve called upon you for the eight thousand men , and , tho you should lett them hâve them, and his Ma. send them the same number, I beleve that place, I meane Luxembourg, would be hardly saved by it, and that, as things are, a treaty as proposed is the only way to save ail Flanders, by what I can judg of affairs at this distance I am from ail the world. This place affords no newse, so that I hâve no more to say but that I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

1 Envoyé du Roi d'Angleterre à la Haye.

— 543 — [1682. Février.

lettre: j«cdi,iii.

Le Duc oVYork au Prince d } Orange. Nouvelles.

Edenburgh, Feb. 21.

On saturday night I receved yours of the 13 9 by colonel Douglas, and the next day another from you by leut.-col. Bohan, and you may be sure will assist them ail I can in their recruts, which I hope will be easy for them, those of this nation liking very well to serve in your country. I beleve the murther of Mr Thynn will hâve made much noise where you are, as well as at London; 't was well that they that did it, were so sone found and taken ; for els the factious party in England would hâve made as much noyse about it and accused the innocent, as well as they did of the death of Sr Edmondsbury Godfery, and with more reason, for Thvnn had run a long with the factious and rebellious party, but Godfery had not, and was knowne to be a worthy loyal man. For newse there is none hère, ail things being very quiat, so that I shall end, and that with assuring you that you shall not find any altération in my kindnesse to you. For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCDLIV.

Le Duc (T York au Prince oV Orange. Il seroit dangereux de convoquer un Parlement.

Edenburgh, Feb. 25 1682.

I find by yours of the 24, which I had on thursday last, that the contrary winds had hindred your having the letters from England ; long before this you will hâve had his Ma. answer to what had been represented to him by M. van Beuning, and I confesse I am of those that thinke the offers made by the French better then a war, in the condition things are in. I do not know what condition your country is in, but, as for ours, to engage

1682. Février.] — 544 —

now into a war and to call a Parliament would endanger the Monarky and the absolut ruine of our family; lett people perswade you or flatter you as they please, and I am sure that ail liis Ma. subjects, that are truly loyal to him , are of this mind. I could say much to you upon this subject, but will not, for I beleve this affaire will be resolved on, one way or other, before this getts to you. This place affords no newse, so that I shall end, and that with assuring you I shall still be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCDLV.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. La paix dépend en grande partie du Prince et du Roi.

Edenburgh, March 4.

I am very glad to find , by yours of the 3 , that your losses by the late inondation has not been so great as was at first beleved. I find by it also that you are in great impacience to know whether you shall hâve peace or war. I cannot help thinking but that that dépends much upon what the King and you hâve a mind to; for I cannot thinke the Spaniard will hâve a war, if both of you hâve a mind to hâve peace, which I am sure his Ma. dos, and I hope you will be of that mind also, and, as things are now, I thinke they hâve no other party to take but that of accepting the offers made by the French, concerning the raceing 1 of Luxembourg. The last letters I had from London sayd very confidently I should be sent for to wayte on his Ma. at Newmarket, which made me expect by this to hâve heard more, since his Ma. is to go thether at this day; if I be to go, you will hâve heard of it before this can gett to you, which is ail I shall say now but that you shall find no altération in my kindnesse to you.

1 raziog.

— 545 — [1682. Mars

Since the writing of this, I hâve had notice that Will. Legge will be hère to morrow morning with leave for me to go up.

LETTRE MCDL.TI.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d? Orange. Les François se sont retirés de devant Luxembourg.

Newmarkett, March 20.

I hâve now severall of yours to answer, ail which I

receeved since the last letters went for Holland, and I

need say the lesse upon them, things being so changed

since you wrot them, by the French having withdrawne

their troups from before Luxembourg, that it will alter

ail the measurs already taken and make new ons l be re-

solved on , and now I hope we shall hâve peace and make

the right use of what the French hâve offerd. I had this

day yours by Mr Sidney, and am perswaded you beleve

what you say concerning him, but it is necessary, besids

what he says to you, he should justify himself by his

actions hère, which is easy for him to do, and then it

will be in nobodys power to do him ill offices, and so

I will tell him, when I speake to him, which I hâve not

had yett tyme to do , nor indeed hâve I tyme to say any

more now, it being very late and I to go a fox-hunting

to morrow morning early, so that I must end with as-

suring you of my being still as kind to you as you can

désire.

LETTRE JHCDLVII.

Le Duc d'York au Prince o? Orange. Nouvelles.

Newmarkett, April 2.

I had yesterday yours of the 6 from Dieren, and by it see you were to be there some tyme to divert your-

1 unes.

1682. Avril.] — 546 —

self by hunting; I hâve been as offten at that sport hère as I could , tho the weather has not been at ail favorable for it, we having had nothing but cold N. and N. E. winds, and many showers of snow and haile and raine, almost every day since I came hither, it has been faire thèse two days , but continus still very cold for this tyme of the yeare. We shall now be sone at London, his Ma. intending to go thither on saturday, where he intends to stay but a fortnight and then to Windsor. I beleve I shall wayte on him to both those places, and as sone as he is at the last of those two places, am to go back for Scotland to settle some affairs and bring back the Dutchesse with me, some tyme in May; and, now that the affair of Luxembourg is over, I hope ail Christendome will enjoy peace and quiatnesse. I hâve no more to say but that you shall always fînd me as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE MCDL.VIII.

Le Bue cV York au Prince â? Orange. Raffermissement de V autorité du Roi.

Newmarkett, April 4.

I would nott lett this bearer Sir Gabriel Silvius go back to you into Holland, without writing to you by him; he is so fully informed of ail things hère that I need say little to you by him; for he can give you an account of the true condition of things in this country, which are, God be thanked, much mended within this twelve month, and his Ma. is now master, if he pleases, and hee need not feare nor endeavour to manage Lord Shaftsbury and his partv ; which is ail I shall say to you now, and assure you I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

— 547 — [1682. Avril.

LETTRE ]?ICIH,IX.

Lord Halifax au Prince d'Orange. Le Roi, par son attitude envers la France, mérite les éloges de ses Alliés.

I had not given your Highnesse so much respite, but that the things which hâve happened , since I writ * last , might appear so ill and give you such an impression of us hère that I did not know but, whilst that dissatisfaction remained in your mind, I might bee involved in it, and therefore nothing could bee more welcome than the assurance your Highnesse is pleased to give mee that I am stil in possession of the same place in your favorable thoughts you hâve ever afforded mee. I am the same man in relation to the publique , and am yet lesse to bee altered in my respects to your Highnesse in particular, and, as one of the greatest obligations I could possibly receave , was the opennesse and freedome you were pleased to use towards mee at Windsor. So I lament my ill memory, in not being able to recall to my mind that particular of which you give mee a hint in your letter, so that it would bee a welcome favour to give mee some further light in it , especially if it is of such a nature that it may either bee of use, to your Highnesse or to myselfe, that I should remember it. In the mean time it is unnecessary for mee to lay before you that the posture of things is extreamly changed , since what hath passed at Luxembourgh ; which, as it is a great step towards the establishment of the publique peace, so I hope it will bee improved, as much as may bee, in order to that end, and since the King hath had such a part in bringing this about, hee deserveth ail imaginable incouragements from his Allyes, who are the more obliged to do him right in this, by their having been so hard upon him in their censures, before hee gave this évidence of his zèle for the préservation of Flanders. Your Highnesse will , I am sure , not bee wanting in this , because it is

1 wrote.

1682. Avril.] — 548 —

not onely a justice and a respect, in neither of which you can ever fayle, but that it is really of a publique conséquence that his Ma. and your Highnesse should in ail circumstances bee intirely satisfyed with one another. I am the more earnest in this, from the knowledge I hâve how much dependeth upon it, and therefore, since it proceedeth from so good a meaning, I am sure you will forgive mee, if I moove your Highnesse, when you write next to the King, to take some paines to rectify ail mistakes and to excuse any thing that might bear an unkind interprétation ; there is as much zèle in this as in a greater service, and so I hope it will bee accepted from one that is so much devoted to you.

London, April 4 1682.

LETTRE MCDL..V

Le Duc d'York au Prince (£ Orange. Nouvelles.

St. James, April 17 1682.

I had yesterday yours of the 17, by which I find you were to go to Dieren for some days, where, if you hâve as seasonable weather as we hère , you will find the country very pleasent. For newse there is but little sturing ' hère, but we are in great expectation to heare which way the préparation the Turks are making bend ; whether towards Poland or Hungary. Their Maj. are to go on saturday for Windsor; I am to way te on them thether, and then , so sone as some frigatts can be gett ready , am to go with them to Scotland, to settle some affairs there and then bring back the Dutchesse by sea with me to settle in this country, having had travaling 2 enough for thèse three years last past. I bave now no more to say but that you shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire.

1 stirring. * travelling.

— 549 — [1682. Avril.

LETTRE MCDLYI.

Le Duc â York au Prince oV Orange. Il va se rendre en Ecosse.

Windsor, April 24 1682.

I had yesterday yours of the 26, by the vvhich I see you are before this at the Hage, to see the kermis \ I hope you wrll hâve had faire weather for itt, for otherwise there will be very [durty] doings; we hâve had faire weather novv thèse two days , but with an E. wind which maks it not so pleasent hère as it would be otherwise, however 't is very green and a little warme weather will make it very fine; it looks as if it would raine this night, which may bring the wind in to the warme corner againe. I hâve yett sett no day for my going for Scotland, nor can I, till the fregats are ready; but I beleve they will be ready to saile by the end of next weeke , with a in two or three days I shall know it, and then take my measurs acconlingly. I intend to embarke in the Downs, and hope to be back hère with the Dutchesse by the end of May. There is at présent but little company hère and as little newse; only I heare from London that the factious and phanatike party are much cast downe, by his Ma. having

forbid their feast. I hâve now no more to sav but that

you shall still fiud me very kind to you.

LETTRE OTCDLXII.

Le Duc aV York au Prince d? Orange. Recommandation.

Windsor, April 30 1682.

I would not refuse this bearer, the Earle of Forfar, to write to you by him and to recomend him in générait to your favor; he is a man of quality and I hope he will deserve your countenance. I hope now to be going for Scotland bij wensday or thursday, for by that tyme I beleve the frigatts will be ready , and désigne to stay

1 mut hollandais la kermesse. a which.

1682. Avril.] 550 —

but little there, so that, if the winds favor me, thinke I shall be back hère with the Dutchesse by the end of May. The weather continus very bad, much raine, so that ail the meadows hère about are quite under water; this day vve hâve had much raine, so that I feare the waters will not so sone abate. I hâve no other newse to tell you, and so shall end my letter, which 1 do with assuring you that you shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE MCDL.XIII.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Arrivée en Ecosse; naufrage.

Edenbnrgh, May 9 1682.

I had not yours of the 8 of this month , till I was agoing downe in the barge , to embarke for this place , so that till now I had not tyme nor conveniancy to write to you, but before this getts to you, you will go neare to hâve heard of my being safly arrived hère, tho the frigat in which I was in, was cast away upon a sand called the Lemmen, which lys some 8 leages from the cost of Norfolk. It was on saturday morning the ship was lost, and by sonday night I landed at Leith, and so was hère by nine a clock that night. We lost a great many men, and, considering the little tyme the ship was above water after she struck fîrst , 't was well so many were saved; of Lords, there were drownd Lord Roxborow and Lord Obrian, of gentilmen lieutenant Hyde, who was lieutenant of the ship, and capiteyn Stuard, a reformade, both English, of Scots Hopton, Sir Joseph Douglas and one Levingston a phesitian , severall of my underservants were drownd, and of 250 seamen , which was the ships complyment , 110 were lost; 't was the to ' great presumtion of the pilot and his mistaking both his course and distance that was the cause of the lose of the ship; 1 too.

[1682. Mai.

he was esteemed one of the ablest pilots we had for thèse northern seas ; he was saved amongst the rest, by one of the jachts-boats, which had I them knowne, I had caused him to hâve been hanged up irnmediatly, according to the coustume of the sea, but now he must receve his doome by a court martial , so sone as I shall arrive in England, which I hope will be some tyme the next week, for I intend to embarke with the Dutchesse and my daughter about monday next, on board the Happy Returne, a forth-rate frigat; 't was the Glocester, a third rate, was lost. I shall now say no more but to assure you you shall still find me to be as kind to you as ever.

LETTRE MCDL.XIV.

Le Duc d'York au Prince £ Orange. Indisposition du Roi.

Windsor, May 30 1682.

On saturday last in the afternone I arrived at London, after a long tho a calme passage. The next day I had two of yours, of the 26 and 29 from Honslardike, by both which I see you had heard of the accident had befalen me in my voyage to Scotland. I came to this place on sonday evening, where I found his Ma. indisposed, having a feaverish distemper; on monday morning he was lett blood, which did hem much good, and the same day his feavor left hem, and this day, God be thanked, he is quite well, so that this evening I intend to go back to London to fetch the Dutchesse hether l , and thinke to be back hère on thursday next. I write this to you from hence before I go, because it will be late before I come to St. James, and then I should not hâve tyme to write to you. Ail things go very well hère; his Ma. is master, Lord Shaftsbury and that party grow weaker every day, and you may be sure I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire.

i hither.

1682. Juin.] 552

LETTRE OTCDL.XV.

Lord Halifax au Prince oV Orange. Nécessité d'une bonne entente entre le Prince et le Roi.

Your Highriesse will hâve h ad an account from M1' van Beuninghen how the King receaved your letter, which I was very glad to see; though perhaps hee did not consent to every particular expression in it, upon the whole it must hâve a good effect, by shewing his Majesty that you take paines to satisfy him , and are desirous to remoove the occasions of misunderstanding which may hâve arisen in the late transactions between you. I am sure nothing under heaven is so necessary for the préservation of Christendome as that there may bee an intire union of interests and such a perfect confidence as shall bee above the danger of being lessened or undermined by those who would prevent the good effects of it. In order to this, I do, out of the fulnesse of my heart, beg leave to offer this caution to you that you must take away the possibility of the Kings being persuaded that any who are known to bee contrary to his interests hère, can hâve any crédit or influence with your Highnesse ; for such an appréhension, once admitted into his mind so as to take root in it, would destroy the inclinations hee otherwise must hâve to meet and cherish your friendship ; you must forgive mee, if I own my fears that your Highnesses generosity in being slow and unwilling to beleeve ill of men, may hâve rendred you more lyable to bee misled and misinformed in our affayres hère, by some that are too much swayed by their particular interests to represent things truly to you, and this appeareth so much cleerer to the world every day that I am persuaded, if your Highnesse saw it as wee do, you would bee convinced that even the best things they prétend are promoted and pressed by them for ill ends, and from reasons that are not justifyable. I do not say this out of any particular sharpnesse of my own towards men that may hâve used

553 — [1682. Juin.

mee unkindly, but as it is a great truth, which I affirme with the same indifïerency as if I never had any occasion to complayne of them. Mens expectations are for the présent suspended, till the answer cometh from Spayne concerning the arbitration, which being accepted by the King for good ends, will I hope bee so interpreted by his Allyes. The Kings recovery from a small distemper putteth every body hère in good humour, and will, I am sure, bee welcome newes to your Highnesse, to whose favorable thoughts I most humbly recommend myselfe. Windsor, June 2 1682.

1 L-ETTRE MCDLXVI.

Lord Halifax au Prince d'Orange. Le Roi est très-disposé à lui rendre service.

I do not know a stronger motive to make mee wish I had crédit at Court than that I might serve your Highnesse with it; not that I think upon the présent occasion there is any need of it, the King being of himselfe so well disposed to do you ail the good offices in his power, though I dare not answer for the successe of them, and your Highnesse will bee pleased not to impute it to want of vigour in the instances that will bee made in your behalfe , if they should not prevayle. Mr van Beuninghen will give you an account what the french Embassadour sayeth upon this occasion , but his présent thoughts are not concluding, and till an answer cometh from France, I would no more give my opinion on the despayring side than I can incourage you to hope too much, because of the possibility there is you may receave a disappointment. I hâve intermitted my duty to your Highnesse for a longer time than I well know how to justify, but the truth is I did not know what to say in the présent posture of things abroad, which hâve seemed to bee a good while at a stand, in expectation of what would bee donc

1 Sans date.

in Hungary, upon which very much dependeth; the last account from thence giveth cause to beleeve there will bee warre with the Turks , which will probably dispose the French to insist the more stiffely upon having their prétentions allowed them. I shall say nothing of oui* affayres at home ; onely that , if your Highnesse could bee hère to see the advances made by our publique spirited men to get into the Court, you would bee convinced of the truth of what I hâve told you concerning their sincerity and good meaning, as fully as I hope you are of my zèle to your service.

1 LETTRE IHCDL.XVII.

Lord Halifax au Prince oV Orange. Recommandation; on est bien disposé en Angleterre à résister à la France.

I cannot lose the opportunity of presenting my humble duty to your Highnesse by Mr Skelton, who is ambitious to bee restored to your better opinion, and assureth mee, as hee will your Highnesse in a more effectuall manner, that hee will upon ail occasions endeavour to deserve it. It may conduce much to the ends you ayme at, in uniting the Allyes against their common danger, that your Highnesse will give him your instructions now, and continue them from time to time, as you judge them necessary, especially to the Princes of Lunenbourgh, who, as they are very considérable in themselves, so it happeneth well that your Highnesse hath a great influence upon them. I can adde nothing to what your Highnesse knoweth already concerning the Memoriall, which is sent over to bee approoved by the States, as it is hère by his Ma., and when I tell you that M1' van Beuninghen is not dissatisfyed with our présent dispositions hère , I will présume your Highnesse will not bee so neither from the account hee giveth of us ; for myselfe , nothing shall ever make mee vary from my professions of service to you.

1 Sans date.

LETTRE MCDL.XVIII.

Le Duc d? York au Prince d'Orange. Les affaires marchent bien.

Windsor, June 9 1682.

I receved this morning y ours of the 12, and by it find you had heard I was gott into the river and, as you guessed, 't was the calmes were the cause of the long passage I had , and now , since I hâve been on shore , we hâve had very sesonable weather, and are like to hâve a very plentifull yeare ont; there is now very little newse sturing hère; ail things being very quiat, and his Ma. affairs going very well and like to continu so. I hâve not yett been a hunting, but am a getting ready to begin stag-hunting the next weeke, and to continu it whilst I shall be hère. I hâve now no more to say but that you shall always find me as kind to you as you can désire. For niy sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE IfIC BH.1IY

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Election des Shérifs à Londres.

St, James, June 23 1682.

After the last post was gone, I received at Windsor yours of the 23, by which I found you were then agoing to see your frontier-towns in Flanders, and that your stay there will be but for a few days; our voyage will not be long, for we came hither this morning and are to go on monday for Chatham by water, to see a new ship lanched ' there, and so back to Windsor, without calling in hère, where we are like to stay the most of the sommer. To morrow will be a great day in the Citty, the shérifs being to be chosen ; the factious party will do what they can to gett some of their owne tribe chosen,

1 launched.

1682. Juin] — 556 —

but it is yett uricertaine who will carry it. I hâve not tyme to say more to you now, and shall alway be as kind to you as you can désire.

lettre: mcdlxx.

Le Duc âHYork au Prince et Orange. Nouvelles.

St. James, June 26 1682.

I could not refuse this bearer, that has married the heires to old col. Kilpatrik , to recomend his concerns to you; he will tell you them himself, and has also a letter from the King to the Stats in his favor, and I the willinger recomend his affaire to you, he being a very honest gentilman and of a good family. I am very glad to heare you escaped so well from an accident which happned to you upon the water, as you came from Flanders, which might hâve been a bad one. As for newse, what happned on saturday at the élection of the shérifs in the Citty, has hindred his Ma. journay to Chatham to see the now ship lanched, and, for some misdemenors comitted there by the two shérifs, they were both sent by the Councell this day to the Tower and tho , by reason of the habeas corpus-b'ûl, they will not remaine long there, yett they will be prosecuted by the Atturnay-generall at Law; for what they did, you will hâve so full an account of this from others that I need say no more of it. His Ma. has not yett sayd when he will go back to Windsor; I hâve not tyme to say more but that I shall alway s be as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE MCDLXXÏ.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Election des Shérifs.

Windsor, July IL 1682.

I receved last night , when I came from hunting , yours

— 557 — [1682. Juillet.

of the 10 from the Hage, and by it see y ou were agoing that day Soesdike, and from thence to Dieren , where you intend to stay most of the sommer. On thursday, we go againe to London , because the next day will be a meetting againe in the Citty about the affaire of the shérifs, and when that is over, we shall corne back hether, and then I beleve shall hardly stur ï from h en ce the rest of this sommer. This place affords so little newse that I hâve no more to say but to assure you that I shall always be as kind to you as you can désire. For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE UICDLXXII.

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

Windsor, July 17 1682.

On saturday in the evening, as I was just a taken coach at St. James to corne hether, I receved yours of the 20 from Dieren , and by it see you hâve had much the same weather as we hère and, if last weeke it was the same, vou will hâve had as violent hott weather as ever you felt, espesialy the three last day of it; and friday and saturday they had warme worke of it in the Citty about the chusing of their new shérifs; on saturday it was ended and Lord-Major declared, North and Box duly elected , both very loyal men and the two old shérifs declared Papillion and Dubois rightly chosen, both ill men, so that this is like to be debated in Westminster-hall before the judges; if the two last will stand fort, tho those declared by the Lord Major , as I ara told , will be sworen 2 of course; but, of ail this, you will hâve fuller account from others; the Dutchesse bas not been very well this morning, but is now better, so that I hope it will prove nothinge. I write to you now , tho to morrow be the postday, because I intend to hunt to morrow, 1 stir. 8 sworn.

1682. Juillet.] — 5!)S —

and so know not whether I should be back tyme enough to do it then , and so shall say no more but that I shall still be as kind to you as I ever hâve been.

LETTRE JtSiKLVVIÏI

Le Duc et York au Prince oV Orange. Nouvelles.

Windsor, Julij 21 1682.

I could not refuse this bearer, Mr Gordon a Scots gentillman of a good family, to write to you by him , tho I hâve but little to say, having writen so latly to you. It seems he gos over to enquire after the death of a brother of his, who was an officer in your troups and killd some tyme since there ; but now I must tell you of a marriage which I should hâve told you of in my last, which I beleve you will be glad to heare; it is bettwene Lord Ossory and Mrs Hyde, Lord Hyds daughter; it was sone concluded, and I am told this morning they were married yesterday, which I beleve, for they told me, when they went from hence, it would be one day this weeke; but you will know it certainly by your letters of this day from London. The weather is now very much altred from what it was, being windy, cold and some raine, which if continus will make a bad harvest; which is ail I shall say now but to assure you you shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire.

LETTRE MCDLXXIV.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Lord Sunderland rentré dans les bonnes grâces dit Roi.

Windsor, Julij 30 1682.

On fryday, after I came from hunting, I receved yours of the 30, but to late to answer it by that post, which

— 559 — [1682. Juillet.

I would not faile doing by this bearer, cap. Maxwell, who is agoing back into Holland. I see you were to hâve a randévous of some of your troups; 't is good to see tliem sometymes, they are the better for it. As for newse, Lord Sunderland is corne to Court againe, the Ds l of Portsmouth having made his peace, he having done his part by asking pardon for his past faults, and giving asseurances of his good behavior for the tyme to corne, vvhich I make no doubt but he will performe. I shall now say no more but that you shall always find me to be as kind to you as you can désire.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCDLrXXV.

Lord Sunderland au Prince d' Orange. Il se loue de la bienveillance du Roi et du Bue d! York.

London, August the 1.

Your Highnesse has been so favourable to me on ail occasions that I hâve reason to beleive you will be glad of any good that happens to me , which makes me take the liberty of acquainting you now that the King has been pleased to allow me to kisse his hands , and has receaved me very graciously and so has the Duke, much beyond what I ought to hâve expected from his R. H., whose proceeding has been such to me in this whole matter that I must for ever acknowledge to owe more to him then I can hope to deserve, though I will alwayes endeavour it. Mylord Hyde has likewise behaved himselfe to me as well as I could hâve expected, when wee lived best together, and I can not but owne the being extreamely obligée! to him, and that I am very glad it is to him that I am so. If I hâve troubled your Highnesse too long with this account, you must accuse yourselfe, for having given me ground to beleive you would not

1 dutchess.

1682. Août] — 560 —

dislike it. If any condition I can be in, may enable me to be serviceable to your Highnesse , there is no man alive that will more zealously embrace the occasions of it then I shall, who am most truly

Your Highnesses most faithfull, most humble and most obedient servant

SUNDERLAND

LETTRE} MCDL.XXVI.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Nouvelles.

Windsor, Ang. 8 1682.

I receaved this day yours of the 10, and am sorry you were so disappointed as to hâve a rainey day, when you saw your troups, since 'twas a great disapointment, both to you and them. As to what you wrot to me about the affaire of Orange, M. van Beuning has informed me of it. I hâve spoken to the French Embassador about it, and so has the King, of which you will hâve an account from van Beuning; so that I need not repeat it to you. To morrow I am to go to London , where I thinke to stay till sonday and then returne hether. There is so little nevvse sturing amongst us hère that I hâve no more to say but that you shall still find me as kind to you as you can expect.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCOL.XXVII.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d! Orange. La Duchesse vient d'accoucher d'une fille.

St. James, Aug. 15 1682.

The Dutchesse was this morning delivred of a girle; God be thanked , both she and the child are very well , she had a quick and a good labour and, tho she came

— 561 — [1G82. Août.

a fortnight soner then she reconed, yett the child is a very [lust] and strong one, which maks me beleve she was mistaken rather then that it came before its tyme. I was at Windsor, when I had the newse ont, and came hether , as fast as I could. I hâve not tyme to say more to you now but to assure you that you shall ever find me very kind to you.

For my sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE IKOLWVHÏ

Le Duc d'York au Prince aV Orange. Affaire de la Principauté d'Orange.

Windsor, Ang. 25.

I had not tyme by the last post to lett you know I had receved yours of the 24, nor hâve I seen M. de Barillion since; when I do, I shall speake with him , and this dav desird Mr van Beuning to informe me of some matters of fact and of the article of the last treaty that concerns Orange, that I may be the better prepared to answer any objections may be made. We hâve now very ill weather againe, it having rained most part of yesterday, and this day. There is little newse sturing at présent, so that I shall say no more but to assure you that you shall still find me very kind to you. For rav sonne the Prince of Orange.

LETTRE MCDLXXIX.

Le Duc d'York au Prince d'Orange. Recommandation.

London , Aug.

Tho I shall write to you by the post, I would not lett

this bearer col. Douglas go back to his command without

writing to you by him; you know him better then I, lie

having served under you, so that I am sure you will be

1682. Août] — 562 —

kind to hira, when any occation offers itself. I shall say no more now, because tlie letter I write by the post will be much soner with you then this, and do assure you you shall still find me as kind to you as you can désire. For my sonne the Prince of Orange.