A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. — John Locke — John Shaqi
A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II.
John Locke · en
5. She said that this and the second article would require further
consideration; because if she should consent thereunto, it would declare
her breach of the neutrality which she had hitherto kept. Whitelocke told
her, if the peace were concluded with the Dutch, that neutrality would be
gone; and if the war continued, he presumed she would not stick to
declare otherwise then that neutrality. She said that was true, but she
desired that this and the second article might be let alone until the
issue of the Dutch treaty.
6. The sixth article, she said, was reasonable.
7. She took exception to the words "bona a suis cujusque inimicis
direpta," which, she said, was a breach of her neutrality. To that
Whitelocke answered as before upon the fifth article; and she desired it
might be passed over as the second and fifth articles, till the issue of
the Dutch treaty were known. She said she would desire the liberty of
fishing for herrings. Whitelocke told her that upon equal conditions he
presumed his Highness would consent to that which should be fit. She
asked what conditions he would demand. Whitelocke said, those matters of
commerce would be better agreed upon with the advice of merchants.
8. The eighth article she said was equal.
9. There was no difference upon it.
10. She judged fit to be agreed upon.
11. She made some short observations, which by explanation Whitelocke
cleared, and she agreed.
12. The like as upon the eleventh article.
13. To this article she read in Latin an objection to the proviso, and
said it was reasonable that, if they did break bulk, they should pay
custom for so much only as they sold. Whitelocke told her that objection
showed that there were great men merchants in Sweden, and that the
objection was more in favour of the merchants than of herself. She said
the merchants were crafty indeed; and she did not much insist upon it.
14. The last article which Whitelocke had given in. To this she said it
was fit that the men-of-war that should come into the other ports should
be to a number ascertained, to avoid suspicion. Whitelocke said he would
agree thereunto, with a caution, as in the first article, to be added: if
they should be driven by tempest, force, or necessity, then to be
dispensed with.
Whitelocke desired her Majesty to give him a copy of her objections. She
told him, they were only a few things which she had written with her own
hand, upon her apprehension of the articles, and that he should have them
in writing; but she desired him not to acquaint any person here with this
conference.
_March 10, 1653._
[SN: Whitelocke's despatches to England.]
Upon yesterday's conference with the Queen, Whitelocke wrote the passages
thereof at large to Thurloe, to be communicated to the Council in
England, and to pray their direction in some points which are set down
thus in his letters:--