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
"You will understand by Mr. Secretary Thurloe in what condition the
treaty with the United Provinces is, in case it shall please God
that a peace be made with them, which a little time will show; yet I
see no reason to be diverted thereby from the former intentions of
entering into an alliance with Sweden, nor that there will be
anything in the league intended with the Low Countries repugnant
thereunto, especially in things wherein you are already instructed
fully. And for the matter of your third and fourth private
instructions, if the Queen hath any mind thereto, upon your
transmitting particulars hither such consideration will be had
thereof as the then constitution of affairs will lead unto. In the
meantime you may assure the Queen of the constancy and reality of my
intentions to settle a firm alliance with her. I commend you to the
goodness of God.
"Your loving friend,
"OLIVER P.
"_Whitehall, 3rd February, 1653._"
_March 3, 1653._
[SN: The son of Oxenstiern formerly sent to England.]
Grave John Oxenstiern, eldest son of the Chancellor, came to visit
Whitelocke; a Ricks-Senator, and had been Ricks-Schatz-master, or High
Treasurer, a place next in honour to that of his father. He had been
formerly ambassador from this Crown to England; but because he was sent
by the Chancellor his father, and the other Directors of the affairs of
Sweden in the Queen's minority, which King Charles and his Council took
not to be from a sovereign prince; and because his business touching the
Prince Elect's settlement, and the affairs of Germany relating to Sweden,
did not please our King; therefore this gentleman was not treated here
with that respect and solemnity as he challenged to be due to him as an
ambassador; which bred a distaste in him and his father against the King
and Council here, as neglecting the father and the good offices which he
tendered to King Charles and this nation, by slighting the son and his
quality.
The discourse between this Grave and Whitelocke was not long, though upon
several matters; and he seemed to be sent to excuse the delay of the
treaty with Whitelocke, for which he mentioned former reasons, as his
father's want of health, multiplicity of business, the expected issue of
the Dutch treaty, and the like; and the same excuses were again repeated
by Lagerfeldt, who came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor for the same
purpose.
Whitelocke had occasion to look into his new credentials and instructions
from the Protector, which were thus.
[SN: Whitelocke's new credentials and instructions.]
"_Oliver, Lord Protector, etc., to the Most Serene and Potent
Prince Christina, etc., health and prosperity._
"Most Serene and Potent Queen,