A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II.
John Locke · en
The wind continued this morning, as it was last night, easterly, but not
sufficing for Whitelocke to go on his voyage. The Vice-Admiral Clerke
coming to Whitelocke, he advised with him touching his voyage, and asked
him if he thought the 'Amarantha' might with this wind be gotten to the
Dollars. He answered that there could be no assurance thereof, but that
possibly it might be so; whereupon Whitelocke replied, that he had a
great desire to go down himself to the Dollars, before the news came of
the 'Amarantha's' arrival there, because the wind might come good, and
within six hours carry them out to the open sea, which, if neglected,
might retard their voyage fifteen days or more. Clerke said that if
Whitelocke desired to do so, that he would not advise him to the
contrary, but he believed that this might expedite his voyage; only he
said that Whitelocke must be content to lie on board the ship till the
wind should come fair, because there was no accommodation to be had for
him and his company at the Dollars. Whitelocke said he should be well
contented to lie on ship-board, and prayed Clerke to cause boats to be
provided for his passage to the Dollars the next day, and ordered his
officers and servants to prepare all things in readiness for his
departure accordingly. Wrangel came back this night from Upsal, and
several other persons, though very late, having staid the solemnity of
the Queen's resignation and the coronation of the new King, which they
related to Whitelocke to be done this day, and in this manner and
solemnity.
[SN: Relation of the ceremony of the Queen's resignation.]
About nine o'clock this morning the Queen, being attired in her royal
apparel and robes of purple velvet, with her crown upon her head, and
attended by all her officers and servants, came into the room prepared
for that occasion, where was set a table with a rich carpet, and five
great cushions laid upon it. Most of the grandees and officers were
present.
Upon one of the cushions was laid the sword of state; upon the second
cushion was laid the sceptre; upon the third cushion was laid the ball;
and upon the fourth cushion were laid the keys.
The Queen being come into the room, after a little pause made a short
speech to the company, to this effect:--
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
"You have before this time been acquainted with my resolution to
resign the crown and government of this kingdom into the hands of my
most dear cousin the Prince, here present with me, upon my earnest
request to the Ricksdag, now convened. After long debates and much
solicitation to dissuade me from it, yet at length, though
unwillingly, they have assented to this my resolution; and I am now
come to put the same in execution before all these honourable
witnesses here present; and to you, my most dear cousin, I do
heartily wish all happiness and good success in the management of
the public affairs of this kingdom."