A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II.
John Locke · en
About one o'clock the last night, Whitelocke, coming from the solemnities
of the Court, received two packets of letters from England. He had the
more cause to remember the time, because then, although midnight, he
could perfectly read his letters without any candle or other light than
that of the heavens, which in this season of the year scarce leaves any
night at all, but so as one may well read all the night long with the
help of twilight.
The letters from Thurloe of the first date acquainted Whitelocke that now
he had sent duplicates of the last instructions by a ship going to
Sweden. In Thurloe's second letters, dated 13th of April, he mentions the
instructions sent formerly to Whitelocke, and acquaints him again with
the effect of them, and the Protector's order, by which he leaves it to
Whitelocke to return home when he shall judge it fit; and that if he
should stay the ceremonies of the coronation of the new King, it would
occasion great delay. And he writes further:--
"But in truth we cannot believe, notwithstanding all that is said,
that her Majesty will quit her crown, being so well qualified in
all respects to govern as she is, and seems to be very well accepted
of her people."
Then he again mentions the signing of the peace with the Dutch, and that
the Protector had appointed Commissioners to treat with the French,
Spanish, and Portugal Ambassadors, but had not yet declared himself to
any of his neighbours.
"That the business in Scotland was well; that the Protector had
taken away Colonel Rich's commission, whereof the officers of his
regiment were glad; that many congratulatory petitions to his
Highness came from divers counties, one from Bucks; that the
Protector proceeded to reformation of the law and ministry, and I
hope he will merit as well in that as in the military affairs. I
return your Excellence my humble thanks for your acceptance of my
endeavours to serve you; I can say they come from an honest heart,
which very really embraceth every opportunity wherein I may manifest
myself
"Your Excellence's faithful humble servant,
"JO. THURLOE.
"_Whitehall, 13th April, 1654._"
Whitelocke received several letters in these packets from Mr. Cokaine;
one, dated the 2nd of April, saith thus:--