But we were plainly threatned and forced by the Threatnings
of the French Ambassador, who did all at pleasure, telling us he
had order from his Master, and would without immediate subscribing
to his own and the Duke of Savoys invented Conditions, presently
put it in execution, to prohibit our Protestant Brethren and
others under the French Dominion from using any commerce or intercourse
with the brethren of the Valleys, by which: means
they must have bee reduced to all manner of extreamity. Upon
this Account a peace (as they call it) is made, or rather certain Articles
are imposed upon us and our poor brethren, whose Deputies,
together with the Switzers Ambassadors have signed them; but in
the sense of those Articles (which I hope to abbreviate for you by
the next) there are conditions or terms contained, ofso monstrous
and horrid a nature, that it is a wonder how the Switz Ambassadors
could find in their hearts to second the French Threats wich
their Adhortations, in order to such a Conclusion, as justifies all that
hath been done by the Butchers upon the bodies of our poor brethren,
and leaves the guilt and occasion of all upon their heads, and
their Throats, their Estates, Priviledges, Rights, Consciences, and
all, to the mercy of the Duke, or rather of those that will study to
abuse his power, in time to come. But no more a[unr]present.
August 28. Touching Irish Affairs, take this further
From Dublin, August 18.
This day, Lieut. General Ludlows Sir Charls Coots, and some say
Coll. Prettys Regiment of horse, and Col. Ingoldsbies Regiment of
Dragoons, and Col. Axtel, Col. Stubbor, and Col Clarks Regiments
of foot, and some Non-regimented Companies, were disbanded. The
whole number that are like to fall under this Reducement or Disbanding,
will be Nineteen Troops of Horse and Dragoons, and
Fourty one Companies of Foot.
From Edinbugh, August 18.
I received yours, which carryed the Relations of that encounte.
in Hispaniola, which was of much stead, for people here rendered
it much worse, although they had little Ground for it. The Session
for Administration of Justice is matters civil, being ended,
the Judges have resolved to begin their circuit shortly to Administer
Justice in matters Criminal, and they intend to go as far North
as Innerness, as also to sit down at Aberdeen and St. Johnstones, and
Other chief places in the Countrey.
The Council for Scotland hath been very long expected, but we
hear they are now on their Journey some of them.
August 29 Touching Sea affairs, we have as[unr]yet nothing further
from the West-Indies, nor of General Blake, save that he continues
riding still about the Streights.
Licensed and Entred according to the late Act for Printing.
London, Printed by The. Newcomb, 1655.