"When I speak with the Queen, she seems to be satisfied; and then some of the grandees seek to persuade her to a contrary opinion, and to keep me from her, and lay objections in the way to cross it (for we want no enemies here). I then endeavour again to satisfy the Queen, and break through their designs as well as I can; to do which, and to get a good despatch against all opposition, and yet so as not to supplicate anything from them, nor in the least to prostitute the honour of my Lord Protector and of the Commonwealth, or to prejudice them, is a task hard enough for a great favourite, much more hard for a stranger, and whose differing principles may render him the less acceptable. However, I shall hope that the Lord will direct me for the best, whether they agree with my judgement or not. "If I can conclude with them, I shall presently be upon my return, and hope within a week or two to receive his Highness's order to give me leave to come home. What I cannot consent to or obtain at present, I presume they will be contented to have referred to a future agreement, wherein there can be no prejudice (in my humble opinion) to your affairs. "I ask your pardon for my tedious informations, wherein I take no pleasure; but supposing the business to require it, I presume you will excuse "Your very affectionate friend to serve you, "B. WHITELOCKE. "_Upsal, 24th March, 1653._" Most of the night was spent by Whitelocke in making his despatches for England; neither did he neglect any one friend from whom he had received the favour and kindness of their letters to him here; by which civility he obtained the more advice and intelligence from England, and made good use of it in this Court. His constant letters from his wife and other private friends he also found of much comfort and advantage to him. _March 25, 1654._ [SN: New Year's Day, Old Style.] This day, by the Swedish computation as well as that of England, is the first day of the year 1654. Mr. Bloome came to Whitelocke with a compliment from the Chancellor, that he was sorry he could not visit Whitelocke before his going out of town, because he was ill, and retired himself into the country, to be quit from business and to recover his health; and at his return he would come to Whitelocke and confer with him.