From Dantzick, Sept. 29.
The Swedish ships upon this Rode, exact great Customs of
all Goods exported, and imported here. We did hope that
our Nation should have been freed of it, especially for our
Native Manufactures; but do finde it otherwise (though we
have made no tryal thereof) the Licent-Master having told
one of our Nation, that he hath Commission to take Custom
of all Ships and Goods whatsoever, without exception; yet
he presums there may be an alteration thereof, especially as to
us, and that it will be agitated by their Ambassador now in
England, of whose proceedings we long to hear more, especially
our Merchants, touching what may concern Traffick in
these Seas.
The Elector of Brandenburgs Army, consisting of about
8000 men, foot and horse effective, passed by this City the 24
instant. He entred in person with a small Guard, and having
dined, presently departed towards Konigsberg. We know
not yet, whether he be agreed with the Swedes.
It is written from the Court of Holstein, that the King of
Sweden doth not intend to accept of the Crown of Poland,
but to set the same upon the head of a good friend. As for
our part, we give our voice (though we have no Suffragiain
Comitiis) for the Prince of Transilvania.
It is most certain, that the Emperor is levying, beside his
old Regiments, fifty thousand men for a new Army. All the
passages between Bohemia and Silesia over the Mountains, he
hath caused to be stopped with hugh Trees hewn down crossway:
And its confirmed, that in all his Hereditary Countries
he hath laid most heavy Taxes and Impositions upon the
people; yea, the very servants and Kitchin-Maids are taxed
to give a certain quota out of their services.
The Reformed Professors of this City, are praying incessantly
for the prosperity of my Lord Protector and his Government,
that his heart may be more and more devoted to
God and his Churches Cause. You cannot believe what a
great stop his Authority hath been in our Sarmatical parts to
Papal Tyranny and Persecution.