The Sueo-Polonian Treaty of Pacification.

HAVING already ſhewed the Alliance Preface to the treaty. and enſuing Controverſie between the jarring Crownes and Kingdomes of Poland and Suethland, and hinted at the miſchiefs following, the ſame (as alſo at the ſixe yeares Truce concluded An. 1629. and expiring in July 1635) for the preventing whereof a ſecond Treaty for a finall Peace, or longer Truce was ſet on foot, the particular paſſages thereof (as formerly promiſed) we now enter upon.

The mediating Princes and States were, the late King of The Mediators. Great Brittaine, the King of France, the Elector of Brandenburg, with the States Generall of the united Provinces, by their reſpective Ambaſſadors. But here, before we enter upon the main difference, it will not be amiſs to mention thoſe things which (to Some) may ſeem of leſſer moment, as the Procuratoriall Letters of the Commiſſioners from the intereſſed Crownes, the reciprocall Inſtruments of ſecurity, Acts uſuall in Treaties of that nature, which nevertheleſſe took not up leſſe of time, but cauſed even more trouble to the Mediators, then the buſineſſe it ſelf, in reconciling the differences about Titles, mutuall ſuſpitions of advantage, or prejudice between the intereſſed parties; afterwards the main buſineſſe in order, according to the ſeverall meetings and conferences, ſhall be faithfully and briefly related.

The firſt of the (more remote) Mediating Miniſters (the Englands Ambaſsador arrives at Dantzig. Electorals being but neer Neighbours comparatively) who arrived at Dantzig, was Sir George Duglas Knight, Ambaſſador from the late King of England, his repaire thither, after a long and tedious Winter Journey from Franckfort on the Main, accompanied wth all the inconveniencies of waies & weather incident to that Seaſon, beſides the almoſt daily paſſing through one or other part of thoſe oppoſite Armies, which then miſerably infeſted Germany, was about the ninth of January, 1634.

His Lordſhip underſtanding that the Commiſſioners for the Crown of Poland, had their reſidence at a little Town called Morung (in Pruſſia) forthwith diſpatched Letters to the Lord Chancellour Zadzicke (chief in the Commiſſion) to certifie his arrivall (as he alſo did to the Commiſſioners for Suethen at Elbing) and to crave their opinion whether it would be more Writes to the Commiſſioners of the Crownes intereſſed. neceſſary firſt to go and ſalute the King of Poland (then) at Warſaw, or to haſten towards the place nominated for the Treaty, being a Town in that Province named Holland.

The Chancellours anſwer was congratulatory, as well in Anſwer of the Polanders. regard of his wiſhed ſafe arrivall, as in conſideration that his Maſter the King of Great Brittaine, out of his ſincere affection to their King and State, had delegated him to this Treaty, (which he wiſhed might prove auſpicious) for the diverſion of the Tempeſt then likely to fall between them and the Crown of Suethland. He likewiſe wiſhed that his Lordſhip had arrived during the King of Polands late being at Dantzig, where he might, without further trouble to his perſon, have acquitted himſelf of what his Maſter had committed unto him, and accordingly have received a Princely anſwer; but that, foraſmuch as the trouble and diſtance of the waies had hindred his ſooner coming into thoſe parts, he believed there was no neceſſity of undergoing the like moleſtation by a new journey to his Majeſty; to whom it would be moſt gratefull if his Lordſhip ſhould firſt repaire to the place appointed for the Treaty, there (by his Maſters authority and his own endeavours) to effect thoſe things that might be conducing to the matter in hand, and to their Princes dignity.

Laſtly, He wiſhed that his Lordſhip having refreſhed himſelf ſome time, might come in ſafety to the place of meeting; concluding with offers of Service and Curteſies in ſuch caſes accuſtomed. By way of Poſtcript, he added, that at the inſtant of ſigning thoſe Letters, he was certified by their Subdelegates, that the adverſe party had altered ſome things formerly agreed upon, complaining that almoſt daily, from the 12th. of that preſent month, whereon they began to handle the The Suethes complained of. Preparatories, the other ſide had done nothing but protracted time by propounding new conditions, which courſe if they ſhould longer perſiſt in, themſelves ſhould be conſtrained (having firſt ſolemnly proteſted before the Mediators) to depart thence, and commit their King and Countries cauſe to the Divine Juſtice.

I have given this Letter at length to ſhew in what ſtate the buſineſſe was, and how far advanced, when his Lordſhip arrived in thoſe parts, but ſhall not (in the courſe of this relation) inſiſt ſo particularly on each of the ſeverall Letters that paſſed between his Lordſhip and the reſpective parties: The Suethes anſwer with reciprocall complaints. My intention being to uſe as much brevity as the neceſſary circumſtances of the Treatie will permit. And here, by the way, is to be noted, that the anſwer from the Commiſſionners of Suethland to his Lordſhips Letters, was not leſſe courteous nor leſſe ſtuffed with complaints then the other:

The treatie had already taken commencement from the Alternal The Treaties commencement, Security, as the Baſis and ground work of the maine affaire, to which end the Commiſſionners of Poland and Suethen had ſent their Subdelegates; thoſe, Chriſtopher Lode and Daniell Nawarousky Secretaries; theſe, John Necodemie of Ahauſen Commiſſarie for Pruſſia, to Holland, a ſmall Town nominated to be the Manſion of the Mediators, and the place of meeting for the parties, to ſettle and draw up a particular inſtrument of the ſecurity aforeſaid: between whom, after much debate and many mutations (on the twelfth of January, 1635.) there being then preſent the Ambaſſadors of the Elector of Brandenburg Elector of Brandenburgs Ambaſſadors. onely, viz. Andreas a Kreytzen Governour of the Province; Joannes Georgius a Saucken, Chancellour; Bernhardus a Konigſeck Counſellour of the Province and Captain of Angerburgen; Georgius a Rauſchke Councellour of the juridicall Court, and Petrus Bergmannus (one of the Electorall Councell) it was concluded that the Lords Commiſſioners on each ſide, attended with a hundreth horſe or dragoones, and ſo many foot, without Collours or military enſignes, their traine in like manner not exceeding the number of one hundreth ſhould repaire thither, and be brought by the Mediators into the Church of the ſaid Towne, by the doors neereſt to their reſpective lodgings: and placed at a trianguler Table without the leaſt of precedencie or advantage to either partie, and the former inſtrument of ſecurity for the ſix yeares truce (ending the of 1/11 July enſuing) retaining its full force, they ſhould conferre together about the Principall affaires. This agreement was ſigned by the ſaid Subdelegates and the Electoriall Ambaſſadors.

By vertue of this inſtrument, upon the day appointed, Commiſſioners of Poland. the Lords Commiſſioners of Poland, who were (to give them their uſed titles) the moſt Reverend Jacobus Zadzick Biſhop of Culmen and Pomeſania, Elect of Gracovia, Lords High Chancellor of the Kingdome of Poland; the moſt Illuſtrious Chriſtopher Radzivill Duke of Bierzie and Dubinskie, Palatine of Vilnen, Lord Generall of all the Forces of the great Duchie of Lithuania, Governour of Biſtrycen and Qiznorcen; Raphael de Leſno Leſzozyuskie Palatine of Belzes, Rubieſovienſis; Magnus Erneſt Danhoff Caſtellan of Pernaw and Derpaten, Captaine of Herbipolen: Remigius de Oſtole Zaleskie, Refendary of the Kingdome: as alſo the Lords Commiſſioners for the Kingdome of Suethland, Viz. the moſt Illuſtrious Peter Brake Earle of Wiſingeborg, Free Baron in Redboholm and Lindholm, Commiſſioners of Suethland. Provinciall Judge of Weſmannia, Montenia, and Dalria: Herman Wrangle Knight, Hereditary in Ahlo and Skogloſter, Marſhall of the Feild and Governour Generall in Pruſſia: Achatius Axell, Hereditary in G • xſholme and Kinkeſta; Adſeſſor Supremi dicasterij, and Provinciall Judge of Nericia (Senators of the Kingdome of Suethland) and John Nicodemus Secretarie and Commiſſarie Ordinary in Pruſſia: Theſe from Elbing; Thoſe from Morung, ſet forth towards Holland, being of equall diſtance, where they entred with their Train in ſuch equipage as might ſet forth their greatneſſe.

They were brought ſoon after, conforme to the forementioned inſtrument, into the Church of that towne, by the Meet at Holland town in Pruſſia. forenamed Electorall Ambaſſadors, (as then onely preſent) and being placed in their Seates, the forenamed Chancellor of Brandenburg, George Sauske (in a long Oration) ſet forth the fervent deſires of his Prince for the ſetling of a perpetuall peace, congratulating alſo the happie arrivall of the Commiſſioners into that Province, deſigned for this ſo important and weighty buſineſſe, and concluded with Precations for the proſperous Succeſſe and iſſue of this ſo much deſired Treatie. Whereunto, of the one ſide the Chancellor of Poland; and of the other, Earle Brake replyed, equally conjoying and conjoyning wiſhes with wiſhes.

Theſe Civill Courtſhips thus performed, the Electorall Ambaſſadors, to loſe no time, and to ſhew their authority and ſincerity, Exhibited their Credentialls to the Commiſſioners of both ſides: preallubly deſiring the like ſight of theirs, which the Poles would have declined, as not neceſſary, alleadging it was not to be imagined that Perſons of their quality would preſent themſelves in ſo publicke a cauſe without ſufficient power and authority from their Principalls.

The Sueths, on the contrary, inſiſted mainely that the Interchangably exhibite their reſpective Plenipotentiaries, and agree upon a ſecond meeting. Procuratorialls might be produced, to which end they ſhewed theirs, affirming that untill the clearing of thoſe, they could proceed no further, which being at laſt agreed unto, the Parties interchangably delivered up their Commiſſions to each other; but, the dayes being then ſhort, they could not, in that inch of time take ſo particular view of them as they deſired, wherefore they conſented that each Party, taking with them the others Plenipotentiary, ſhould within two or three dayes returne the ſame back, and a ſecond meeting was appointed the 26 th. following.

But foraſmuch as many and great difficulties began to appear, even at this firſt entrance into the Treaty: The Ambaſſadors of Great Brittaine (who during the ſpace of ten dayes he had ſtayed to refreſh himſelfe in Dantzig, had delivered the King his Maſters Letters, and his verball injunctions to the Senate of that City) was deſirous to be preſent for the more eaſie compoſure of differences at their very beginning: He, with Mr. Francis Gordon (the Kings Agent there) came to Holland His Lordſhip came to Holland. the one and twentieth of January, where having received and returned viſits to the Electorall Ambaſſadors, and learned of them in what termes the matter ſtood, he expected the time appointed for the meeting, which, together with the Commiſſioned Parties, being come, and the uſuall ceremoniall ſalutes received and rendred; his Lordſhip taking with him the Electorall Miniſters, endeavoured to temper and molifie the gauled minds of the Parties, by conciliating and extenuating the difficulties like to increaſe by debating the Procuratoriall Letters.

The Commiſſioners of Poland appeared not as then ſo ſtiffe nor ſcrupulous in thoſe things of leſſer moment; for when his Lordſhip propounded the ſequeſtring of the Plenipotentiaries into the hands of the Mediators during the Treaty, they forthwith aſſented: Whereas the Suethes vehemently repugned; but becauſe the preſent altercation proceeded from defects, which each party pretended to finde in the others Letters of procuration, it will not be amiſſe to ſay ſomething of them.

Whilſt the Commiſſioners of both ſides ſcrutenize each others Deſects in the Suethiſh Procuratories. Plenipotentiarie, ſundry errours are found in either. In that of Suethland, the Polonians object,

1. That they begin with a new unuſed ſtile; the title of deſigned Queen, and end with that (or the ſubſcription) of the Tutors.

2. That they detract from his Majeſty of Poland the title of Hereditary King of Suethen, and deferre the ſame to the Daughter of King Guſtavus.

3. That they intermix the Provinces belonging to the Crowne of Poland with the titles in their Commiſſion.

4. That albeit the Princeſſe Chriſtina were deſigned Queen, as is alleadged; it may yet be queſtioned whence ſhe derives to her ſelf the power of determining of the Common-wealth, and of alliances, which is not permitted to other deſigned Princes.

5. By what right the Tutors ſtraine to vindicate to themſelves a power (chiefly Regall) over their deſigned Queen, as themſelves call her?

6. Whether the deſigned Queen is bound to ſtand to conditions made by her Tutors, foraſmuch as a Tutor cannot prejudice his Pupill in ought, and chiefly a Subject his Prince, eſpecially in a Kingdome Hereditary.

7. What aſſurance is there, that the Orders of the Crown of Suethen will allow of that which by the ſayd Tutors (or in their name) is tranſacted, ſeeing that in the Procuratorialls no mention is made of thoſe Orders?

8. Foraſmuch as the Chancellour of Suethen Axelius Oxenſtiern, is now the chiefeſt in repute in that Kingdome, and that a Law lately there enacted, remits to him the whole matter of the Treaty with Poland, whether he may not nullifie all the Acts that ſhall be done, in as much as himſelfe hath not ſigned the ſaid Commiſſion? And albeit he may have conſented that ſome other ſigne the ſame for him, yet is this of leſſe force, in regard that one Tutor cannot ſubſtitute another.

On the other ſide (to paſſe by ſmaller ones) the Suethes The like in thoſe of Poland. complained of theſe maine errours in the Poliſh Procuratorials, which they affirme muſt neceſſarily be corrected before any meeting could be granted.

1. That the King of Poland did uſurpe the Title of King of Suethland, not onely in the beginning but in the end alſo of his Procuratory.

2. That the name (ſay they) of their gracious Lady and Queen is wholly omitted, and in lieu thereof the Suethiſh Commiſſioners (which phraſe amongſt the Polanders, by reaſon of their Kings pretenſions is of a double ſenſe) and the like, are intermingled.

3. In either of the Procuratorialls, as well that of the King as of the Common-wealth, the Commiſſioners of her Majeſty are not obſcurely (albeit by way of Amphibologie or doubtfully) called the Commiſſioners of the King of Poland; as in the peculiar Commiſſion of the King it is ſayd, Wee do alſo promiſe that whatſoever by Ours and the Commiſſioners of the Kingdomes, &c. As alſo in the Procuratoriall of the Common-wealth it is expreſſed thus, Promiſing, that whatſoever by the Commiſſioners of both Parties ſhall be concluded, We and the Common-wealth ſhall most willingly approve and ratifie the ſame: Which notwithſtanding they may by the adverſe party be ſmoothed over in a contrary ſenſe, are yet ſo clear as they admit of no palliation.

Whilſt thus, each ſide, inſiſting on their owne reaſons, argue and diſpute theſe errours, and ſhew their zeale in maintaining the rights and titles of their Principalls, they appear ſo ſtrict in the obſervation of their Inſtructions, that at this very beginning a preſent rupture rather then a continuance Rupture appearing; the parties depart. was to be expected; inſomuch as the Suethes, that ſame day, retired to Elbing; and the Polanders being about to depart on the morrow, his Lordſhip after a long conference with them ſeverally, and in company of the Brandenburgers joyntly, concluded that he would go thence to Elbing, and there employ his utmoſt endeavour to perſwade the Suethes to more conformity; as he, with the Electoralls, did the day following, where he was honourably received. The next morning the The Mediators repair to the Suethes at Elbing. Commiſſioners of Suethen, with the Electorall Miniſters, came to his Lordſhip, to finde out (if poſſible) ſome way of reconciling the differences ariſing from the Alternall Procuratories.

It would be overmuch to particularize the arguments uſed to that effect, ſeeing they could not be prevalent, the Commiſſioners proteſting, as they had formerly, that, bound by the ſtrictneſſe of their Inſtructions, they could not admit of thoſe mediate wayes propounded by his Lordſhip; and (at laſt) onely condeſcended to ſend to their Principalls for Inſtructions Condeſcention of the Suethes, conditionall. more complying then thoſe they then had, and thought that, at leaſt, ſix weeks would overpaſſe before they could receive an anſwer, by reaſon of the Winter ſeaſon, croſſe Winds, and the paſſage, in many places, ſtopt with Ice: And this they agreed unto conditionally that the Poliſh Commiſſioners would in the meane time procure other Procuratories from their King, and therein not onely abſtaine, at leaſt during the Treaty, from all title to the Kingdom of Suethland, but alſo (in the ſame) give their Queen her full and due titles, it being otherwiſe in vaine to hope for any further meeting.

Theſe things being by his Lordſhips Letters ſignified to the Poliſh Commiſſioners, they would not liſten to any mutation of their Procuratorials, affirming that they dared not ſo much as once motion the ſame to their King, much leſſe offer to perſwade him thereunto: for which cauſe neceſſity ſo requiring, and rather then a work ſo profitable for the State of Chriſtendome, ſhould remain unperfected for the meer ſcrupuloſity of Titles; his Lordſhip hoping by his Solicitations, in the name and Authority of his Maſter, to diſpoſe the King of Poland to ſome milder ſtrain, offered himſelf to undertake a journey with them to Warſovia, and to that end commended to them his Letters for his Majeſty of Poland, in which (with due reſpect) he acquainted the King with his arrivall and intention for his Court.

His Lordſhip the day following, returned to Dantzig; the Commiſſioners of Poland having remained ſtill at Morung, waiting for milder reſolutions from the adverſe party, or imagining that at length they would accept of thoſe Mediate waies, wch by the Ambaſſadors of great Brittaine and Brandenburg had been propounded unto them, or at leaſt that ſome ſuch thing ſhould, by the Subdelegates, have been propoſed, whereby an inclination to peace might have appeared: But ſeeing that none of theſe things were done, all hopes of peace excluded, they reſolved upon their return, ſo to be preſent at the Parliament to be held at Warſaw, and therein to give the King, the States of Poland, and great Dutchy of Lithuania, an account of Commiſſioners of Poland return to Warſaw. their actings according to their Commiſſion, and of the pains, prudence, and induſtry his Lordſhip had uſed to promove the Treaty, and as before, ſo now againe, they ſolemnly by Letters proteſt their ſincere and reall inclination unto the deſired Peace, and that they were not the cauſers of the Treaties diſſolution, not doubting but that his Lordſhip would ſignifie unto the King his Maſter, the readineſſe of their King and State unto the ſo much wiſhed accord; and on the other ſide the refractorineſſe of the adverſe Party.

The Declaration, often urged by the Subdelegates, for the renuing of the Treaty, they ſuſpend untill their Kings intention be knowne; yet ſo, that they are content to remit the ſame to the authority and intervention of Great Brittains Ambaſſador, conditionally that the contrary Party, leaving aſide differences of ſmaller moment, will returne to the Treaty, obſerve the former Articles of the Truce, and abſtaine from unjuſt Marine exactions: All which, they ſignified unto his Lordſhip, and that they expected an anſwer from their King, and ſo to proceed toward Warſaw.

His Lordſhip was certified, within few dayes, that his Letters were moſt acceptable to the King of Poland, as well in regard of the aſſurance he thereby had of his ſafe arrivall, as of His Lordſhips receives invitation to come to Warſaw. the King his Maſters ſincere affection teſtified in lending his helping hand to this Pacification, which reall friendſhip, as he had ever promiſed to himſelfe ſo, he could not but take his Lordſhips endeavours in good part: Wiſhing withall that they might be ſo effectuall as to breake the contumacious perverſneſſe (as he tearmed it) of the adverſe Party, and to vindicate his injuries now manifeſt to all the World; concluding that, as the notice of his Lordſhips arrivall was moſt welcome, ſo to ſee him at Warſaw would be no leſſe gratefull. To this effect were the Kings Letters, dated the eleventh of February, 1635.

His Lordſhip began his journey, and the twentieth of February was received ſome miles without the City of Warſaw by the moſt illuſtrious Prince Janus of Radzivill, with many of the Nobility, and brought, in the Kings Coach, to his lodging, which was faire and richly furniſhed of all things (Beds excepted) with other entertainment anſwerable. We There was but one (and that) for his Lordſhip. found there ſundry Ambaſſadors, as the Ruſſian, the Turke, and the Tartar, for ratification of the peace concluded with their Princes. His Lordſhip had publick audience, which, according to cuſtome, was at firſt onely ceremoniall: within few dayes he had ſeverall in private, in which he endeavoured to move the King to give unto the deſigned Queen of Suethen, the Title ſo vehemently inſiſted on, and to make a timely compoſure of thoſe controverſies that tooke their riſe from the Procuratoriall Letters.

The King, at length, ſeemed not averſe, yet would give no immediate nor abſolute conſent, but onely hopes thereof, after deliberation to be taken. His Lordſhip, having remained there three weeks, took his leave of the King and of the Commiſſioners, who were to follow with the Regall reſolution, and began his journey toward Dantzig, where hee He contracts ſickneſs. arrived the twenty eighth of March, ſick of a violent burning Feaver which ſeized on him in his returne, and left but ſmall hopes of his recovery to his Friends and Servants for the ſpace of three weeks: Yet upon the intermiſſion of its violence he was, no leſſe then in perfect health, ſolicitous of the buſineſſe committed to his truſt, and accordingly tooke care for ſetling a time and place of meeting, Holland (the former) being incommodious: The Commiſſioners of Suethland thereupon named an Iſland in the River Viſtula, commonly called Sperlings Campe for the place of congreſſion; for the Mediators reſidence a Village named Piſterfeldt, for the Poliſh Commiſsioners, a Towne called Dirſhaw, and for themſelves the Village Luſſon: The day they prefixed to be the firſt of May following.

Here upon his Lordſhip ſent Letters to the Poliſh Commiſſioners (as yet) at Warſaw, and ſoon after received an excuſatory anſwer from the Chancellour, ſhewing that being ready to take journey, he had been ſuddenly ſeiſed by grievous pangs of the Collick and Stone, which had confined him to his bed, and ſo hindred his journey, wherat he grieved, fearing leaſt this delay might prove prejudiciall to the publike affaire: he hoped nevertheleſſe that his Lordſhip and thoſe who wiſhed his appearance, would make the beſt conſtruction of his Stay, ſickneſſe being in it ſelf a lawfull excuſe: promiſing that ſo ſoon as a mitigation of his pains would permit, he would haſten to communicate with his Lordſhip of things neceſſary and pertinent to the matter in hand. That as touching the place of meeting and the Manſions deſigned by the Adverſe party, he had referred them to the King, who diſapproved thereof, as himſelf alſo did, the ſame being too far diſtant from his Majeſty, to whom frequent recourſe would be neceſſary, for obtaining his Declaration in points that would fall out in the courſe of the Treaty.

He thought it alſo unfit to commit their Meetings and Difficulties about the place of treaty. Conſultations, in ſo weighty a buſineſſe, to Winds which move that River to impetuoſity, ſeeing they were all alike concerned in the gaining of time, and that the leaſt ſtirring of the Viſtula would be no ſmall hinderance to all parties. Wherfore ſeeing that Marien werder was more commodious for neceſſary Proviſions, and that the adverſe party might, in the neighbouring places, have their aboad, and the generall meetings might be made with more facility; he ſaw no cauſe, why they ſhould reject the ſame, nor doubted but that his Lordſhips Authority, interpoſed therin, would be prevalent; that he would attend the reſolution, perſwading and aſſuring himſelf of ſubmiſſion to his Lordſhips reaſons touching the place fore-mentioned: That in regard of his infirmity, the reſuming of the Treaty might be, by his Lordſhips intervention, deferred untill the tenth of May: He did ſignifie to his Lordſhip, that he hoped to remove the Controverſie depending about the Plenipotentiary, having already procured of his Majeſty to afford the Title of deſigned Queen of Suethen, with this clauſe inſerted, that it might be without prejudice to his right, which being equitable, and no way prejudiciall to the adverſe party, he doubted not but his Lordſhip might eaſily perſwade the Commiſſioners of the contrary ſide to accept of.

Hereof his Lordſhip (forth with) certified the Commiſſioners Mariemburg appointed to be the Mediators reſidence. of Suethland, reſolving with them that Marien werder ſhould be the Poliſh Manſion; Mariemburg the Mediators reſidence: Jonas Dorff their own. This being agreed upon, his Lordſhip departed from Dantzig toward Mariemburg, as more convenient, the ſame being one of the places ſequeſtred at the laſt Truce, of An. 1629. into the hands of the Elector of Brandenburg, whoſe Uncle Prince Sigiſmundus was lately come thither (with the fore-named Electorall Ambaſſadours) to be aſsiſtant at the Treaty.

The parties arrived within few daies after, at their ſeverall Stations before-named, and the Mediators ſo ſoon as they were certified that the Poliſh Commiſsioners were come The Mediators meet and conſult. to their deſigned Quarters, convened in the Caſtle of Mariemburg, to deliberate what was to be firſt propounded, wherupon it was reſolved that the firſt addreſſe ſhould be made towards thoſe of Suethland (then likewiſe at their Rendezvous) to ſee what Reſolution they had received from their Principalls concerning their Procuratories, by reaſon wherof the maine Treaty had been hitherto deferred, that ſo the ſame might be ſignified to thoſe of Poland, who were no leſſe deſirous to know it.

His Lordſhip undertook that Journey with Mr. Gordon the Repaire to the Suethes. Kings Agent, and Georgius à Rauske, one of the Electorall Miniſters, to whoſe propoſitions Count Brahe in the name of his Colleagues (into which number the Lord John Oxenstierne Sonne to the Great Chancellour Axelius Oxenſtierne was lately entred) made anſwer, That hee had received new Procuratoralls, but to the ſame effect and nothing changed, which ought not to bee demanded of them but from the Commiſsioners of Poland, as without which no further meeting could be hoped for: That this was their reſolution, this was a Law and a Command layd upon them, the limits whereof they might not exceed: That they would ſend their Subdelegate to Mariemburg, the day following, with their Procuratoriall Letters, whereof the adverſe Party being advertiſed, theirs might likewiſe be produced. Concerning the other circumſtances about the time and place of meeting, and the renuing of the inſtrument of ſecurity, The concluſion certified to the Polanders. which might be done by changing a few words onely, thoſe might be afterwards agreed upon. This was ſignified to the Commiſſioners of Poland the ſame day.

That enſuing, the Subdelegates of each ſide came to Mariemburg; from the Polanders, Secretary Lode and Nabarowskie The Subdelegates meet. beforenamed; from thoſe of Suethen, Secretary Lording: the laſt, produced the Suethiſh Procuratories, and required that the Polanders might do the like: he retyring, Lode ſucceeded, ſhewing a new Procuratorial, but finding that of Suethen to be the former old one, and taking the ſame as done in ſcorne, withdrawes diſcontented. Lording being againe called in, was ſharply taxed by the Mediators, the blame whereof he declyned from himſelfe as happening through ſome miſtake, offering to return and ſhew the Errour to his Principals. Secretary Lode, is perſwaded to ſtay untill the day following. Lording returns accordingly, and brings with him a new Procuratory from the Commiſſioners of Suethland, with Letters excuſatory for the former miſtake which had proceeded from the Commiſſary Nicodemie, who had over-haſtily given him the one for the other: Shewing withall that his Principalls conceived Conrads-waldt, or Altenmarck (where the laſt ſix years Truce had been concluded) to be a place fit and convenient for the generall meeting. He again with-drawing, the Procuratory he brought, was ſhewed to Secretary Lode, who having peruſed the ſame, finds it to be of like effect as the former, excepting only that the name of King Ʋladiſlaus was expreſſed: As touching that which he had brought, he referred unto the Mediators, whether they would communicate the ſame unto the Adverſe Party, and that if it contained ought which was not ſatisfactory, they were to treat with his Principals thereupon.

That as to Conrads-Waldt or Altenmarck, they were not any way convenient for the generall meeting, as having nothing Difficulties about the place for the generall meeting. but the ruines of a Church, ſcarce any mark of Village or houſe to be ſeen, which was neither correſponding to the Dignity of ſo great Ambaſſadors, nor to the ſecurity of the Parties: But to him the Towne of Stume, being aequi-diſtant from the reſidence of the Parties, ſeemed more convenient. Lording, made acquainted with the arguments uſed by the Poliſh Subdelegate, left the deciſion of any ſcruples to his Principalls; but declined Stume for the ſame reaſon alleadged by the Polanders, that Towne being a Garriſon. The conference ending, hereupon the Mediators, as alſo the Subdelegates deſcended from the Caſtle.

The ſame afternoon, his Lordſhip, with Agent Gordon and The Mediators return to the Suethes: the forenamed Rauske, returned to the Commiſſioners of Suethen (then at Jonas Dorff (to conclude about the place and day of meeting, wherby more time might not be waſted in frivolous delaies. Their Propoſition had two heads.

1. Whether they would accept of the Poliſh Procuratory Their propoſitions. and ſequeſter it into the hands of the Mediators.

2. To ſettle the place and day of meeting about which they were now come thither, to the end that now at length the main Treaty might be entred upon.

To theſe things Count Brahe anſwered briefly, that as then he had not read over the Poliſh Procuratory, and the ſame being of moment, he deſired that daies reſpite to conſider therof, promiſing to ſend Commiſſary Nicodemie with a ſpeedy anſwer to Mariemburg: That to the Sequeſtration of the Procuratories, he had never conſented; in ſtead of Stume, as being incommodious for them, he propounded Gorgendorff or Peterſwaldt, both diſcernable from thence: Theſe things concluded, the day of convention would be ſoon agreed on.

Commiſſary Nicodemie came to Marienburg according to promiſe, and after a recapitulation of the preceding daies Propoſitions, in anſwer therunto, he ſhewed, that neither did his Principals accept of the Plenipotentiary produced by thoſe of Not admitted. Poland, nor could they admit of the propounded Medium of Sequeſtration: That ſundry defects and errours impeded the firſt, the ſame being derogatory from the honour and right of their Queen, as they had formerly affirmed: Neither was that Proteſtation (ſaving our Royall Right) ſatisfactory, ſeeing Objections. that, what the King gave therby with the one hand, he took away with the other. As to the Sequeſtration, in regard that interpoſing Medium did not remove the defects, and that the Procuratories would by that meanes be eſteemed but as private papers, it could not be admitted.

That nevertheleſſe, if the Titles entire were conceded to their Queen, as the foundation wheron the Treaty might be built, and without which it would come to nothing; that then at the meeting, the Sequeſter might be taken into deliberation; which thus moderated, he believed they would not refuſe. For the reſt, that his Principalls would think themſelves much gratified if the time of convention were ſpeedily appointed at either of the places Gorgendorff or Peterſmaldt above named, whereunto (as he ſuppoſed) they were, even then, ready.

Hereupon, his Lordſhip repaired (the day following) to His Lordſhip repaires to the Polanders. Marienwerder and related theſe particulars to the Commiſſioners of Poland; who, after long conſultation, concluded that they could not any way diminiſh the Kings Title and Right, as things appertaining to him onely: That they would make report thereof to his Majeſty, and earneſtly ſolicite for new Procuratorialls, for the obtention whereof they gave ſome hopes upon the two conditions following:

1. That the Sequeſtration of the Procuratories might be Their conditional concluſions. accepted.

2. That in the title, the Principality of Eſthonia, whereto the King could never be induced to conſent, were omitted, and promiſed to ſignifie the Regall anſwer to his Lordſhip the day enſuing, at Mariemburg.

With theſe Reſolves his Lordſhip deputed Agent Gordon Englands Agent ſent to the Suethes. to the Commiſſioners of the other ſide, which having heard, they replyed, that now at laſt they perceived, how that thoſe of Poland did ſhew themſelves in ſome meaſure, enclining towards a Peace, but it was in words only, and that in effect, and in the very matter they were averſe unto it, which the conditions by them added (and that could not poſſibly be accepted) did ſufficiently demonſtrate, foraſmuch as the Province of Eſthonia had been time out of mind, and without all controverſie poſſeſſed by the Kings of Suethland; by reaſon wherof, and until the abſolute and entire Titles and rights belonging to their Queen were granted, they could by no means condeſcend to the ſequeſtring of the Procutatories.

At laſt, after much perſwaſion and many arguments uſed, Their finall reſolution. they thus declare their finall reſolution: That the full Title ſhould be given to their Queen, as it had been in the year, 1629. Viz. Queen of Suethes, Gothes, and Vandalls, Great Princeſſe of Finland, &c. and albeit Eſthonia were omitted, the poſſeſſion wherof was moſt certainly theirs, they would not inſiſt theron ſo ſtifly, provided that now at length the meeting might be appointed, wherin the Sequeſter of the Procuratories might be conſidered: And that if his Lordſhip would engage his word for thoſe of Poland in order to the Premiſes, and that the convention were concluded to be on the Thurſday following, the 14/14 of May at Stumbſ-dorff, they would be ready againſt that time.

His Lordſhip gave ſpeedy notice hereof to the Poliſh Commiſſioners Intimated to the Polanders who promiſe complyance. at Marien werder, deſiring their reſolutions therupon: the next morning he received an anſwer to this effect; That they willingly aſſented to the place and time of meeting, & entreated the Mediators not to admit of the leaſt protraction therof: that as to the Procuratories, there needed no ſcruple to be made, and that they would do therin what was right and needfull. So ſoon as his Lordſhip had received this anſwer, he certified the ſame by Letters to the Suethiſh Commiſſioners, engaging his word that other Procuratorials ſhould be exhibited by thoſe of Poland, either at the firſt meeting or within few daies after.

The Commiſſioners of Suethland returned a thankfull anſwer for his Lordſhips engaged word, upon the truſt wherof they would meet at the time appointed; they only deſired that his Lordſhip would intimate unto the Commiſſioners of Poland the neceſſity of ſigning (a new) the Inſtrument of Inſtrument o • Security renewed. Security formerly drawn at Holland by their Subdelegates, as an inducement to the reſt of the Treaty, which his Lordſhip deferred not, and the next day all parties being agreed, the ſaid former Inſtrument was renewed, with this clauſe added; That it ſhould remain in full force in all points, except the places of aboad and meeting, which by the conſent of all parties were changed: hereunto the Subdelegates, Chriſtopher Lode, and Daniell Nab arowskie on the one ſide, George Lording on the other, ſigning, his Lordſhip and the Marqueſſe Sigiſmund of Brandenburg were Witneſſes:

The ſame night (late) there arrived at Mariemburg the The Ambaſsadors of France and Holland come to Mariemburg, French Ambaſſador, Claudius de Meſne Baron D' Avaux, who came from Stocholme, where (by extreamity of Weather and the Ice) he had been detained ſix months. From the States Generall came likewiſe Rochus van Honart, chief Counſellor in the high Courts of Holland, Zeland, and Weſt Freizeland, Andreas Bicker Burg-Maſter of Amſterdam, and Joackim And rè chief Counſellour in the high Court of Frieze; who were all invited hy the Suethes, as alſo by Berkeman (one of the Electorals) from the Marqueſſe Sigiſmund, unto the next daies generall Convention at Stumbſdorff.

The next morning early, his Lordſhip and the Marqueſſe The Mediators interviſite, and joyntly repaire to Stumbsdorff the place of Treatie. The parties arrive. Sigiſmund, according to the uſuall cuſtome, ſeverally viſited the before named Ambaſſadors, congratulating their ſafe arrivall, and then repaired to Stumbsdorff the place of meeting: The French Ambaſſador (with thoſe from the States) following ſoone after; and whilſt they take up Quarters as the poverty of a devaſted Villiage would permit; the Commiſſioners, Parties, being equally diſtant from the place, meaſure out their way and ſteps with ſuch exact ſlowneſſe, fearing even thereby to give each other the leaſt pre-eminency, that at one and the ſame time they enter their Tents, which were placed at the two entries into the ſayd Villiage.

Their Traine was according to the dignity of the Parties, and as hath been ſet downe at their entry into Holland. The accuſtomed viſits and civilities, performed between the Mediators and the Parties, took up the time untill four in the afternoon. At length, all the Mediators met in the quarter of the Marquis of Brandenburg, as the more ſpacious and the more equall, ſo to make way into the maine buſineſſe, having conſumed already ſo much time in the Preparatories onely: and night haſtning on, leſt the day and this firſt meeting ſhould be without fruit, the Mediators agreed to propound the preſent Sequeſtration of the Procuratories, which had been hetherto delayd, that ſo they might enter upon the things of more moment: And that there might be a timely Meane uſed for avoyding competitions. obviatingof competitions that might ariſe between the Ambaſſadors of great Brittaine and France, as alſo between the Electorall Miniſters and thoſe of the States Generall: it was thought good that his Lordſhip with the Electoralls, and the French Ambaſſador with the others (the Marquis Sigiſmund remaining ſtill in the Mediatoriall Tent, which for the reception and conſultation of the Mediators was placed in the midſt of the Village) ſhould repaire by courſe, as occaſion required to the Parties Commiſſioners of each ſide. Propoſition.

Accordingly, his Lordſhip, with the Brandenburgers, going to the Suethes, the others went to the Polanders, and conforme to agreement, the Sequeſtration was propounded to both. The Polanders made no exception: the Suethes affirmed that in regard the promiſed Procuratories were Not conſented unto. not yet come, they could not conſent therunto: But yet, that time might not be unprofitably trifled, they were contented to lay aſide the point of the Procuratories for that day, and were deſirous to make entrance into the Principall Treatie, whereunto that a way might be opened; it behoved them Demand made by the Suethes. (ſaid they) firſt to know whether or not the King of Poland would abſolutely renounce the right he pretended unto Suethen, which they beleeved to be the cheife and onely mean to perfect the Treatie of Pacification.

This was by the Mediators related to the Commiſſioners Anſwer and demand of the Polanders. of Poland, who without further deliberation replyed, that it was expedient for them alſo to underſtand, whether (a reſignation ſuppoſed, but not granted) the others would reſtore the Kingdome of Suethland, with all other things wherof the King had been deprived; ſeeing that, where the ſame right is, it may be by the ſame reaſons diſputed.

The Mediators perceiving the difficulties, wherin by theſe extreams, the parties did involve themſelves at this firſt beginning, from which they could not be freed, unleſſe ſome mediate waies were found out, and it being their part and office to propound ſuch waies unto the parties diſagreeing, they concluded (the better to ſtop theſe beginnings, which in things of weight and moment are wont to encreaſe) to demand from Reſult of the Mediators. the parties three daies reſpite, within which time they might happily conceive ſome waies and reaſons for bringing the buſineſſe neerer to a compoſition.

This was agreed unto, howbeit unwillingly by the Suethes, Accepted by all. becauſe the Poles hereby deferred the producing of their promiſed Procuratorie; and the Mediators for that firſt daies concluſion, thought meet that as a good Omen to the happy iſſue of the Treaty in agitation, the parties ſhould meet and ſalute each other, wherby their minds as yet alienated, might by degrees and mutuall civilities be prepared to Peace and Amity, and that (to the end the ſame might be without prejudice or preheminence to either ſide) they ſhould iſſue forth of their reſpective Tents at one and the ſame inſtant, and accompanied by the Mediators, meet in the mid-way of the Village, without any mention of the buſineſſe in queſtion, which might ſound harſhly to either ſide. This was gratefull to both parties, they profeſſing themſelves moſt willingly ready That dayes concluſion. to any act of courteſie and humanity: Wherupon they met in moſt friendly manner, and having ſo greeted and congratulated each other, each party returned to their reſidence; thoſe of Poland to Marienwerder, the Mediators to Marienburg, the Suethes to Jonas Dorff.

The next day the Mediators convene in the Caſtle of Marienburg, The Mediators meete. to conſult and to return prepared with ſome mediate means of reconciling the differences touching the reſignation or reſtitution of the Kingdome of Suethen. But that there might ariſe no diſpute competitionary between the Ambaſſadors of Great Brittaine and France, a Table was ſo equally placed as the Seſſion could give no precedency to either. They being ſet, and having diſcourſed ſome time of ſeverall means for compounding the matter in queſtion, his Lordſhip exhibited his mind in writing, which imported,

That he ſaw no better way for reconciling the extreams of His Lordſhips propoſition in Order to the whole matter. reſignation and reſtitution, then by having an equall regard to the Honour and Dignity of his Majeſty of Poland, and to the ſecurity of the State of Suethen.

In reference to the King, it would be neceſſary that the Lawes made in Suethland, wherby King Sigiſmundus and his Poſterity had been deprived of the Inheritance and Succeſſion to that Crown, ſhould be repealed and nullified, and as violent Edicts, to be razed out of the publike Records.

Concerning the State and Kingdome of Suethland, it would be ſufficiently ſecured if his Majeſty of Poland in regard of the neerneſſe of conſanguinity, between him and the Princeſſe Chriſtina, did remit to her during her life the right he had to that Crown, conditionally that the lawfull Heirs of his body might enjoy their right of Succeſſion in the future, or thoſe failing Heirs; And in caſe ſuch Iſſue ſhould faile on both ſides, that then the right of Election ſhould return to the States of the Kingdome. Hereunto it would alſo be requiſite, that in the point of the Queens future Marriage, the King of Polands conſent ſhould be in friendly manner required, and in caſe of doubts or ſcruples ariſing, the approbation of his Electorall Highneſſe of Brandenburg might be deſired: That it would be conducing hereunto, if King Ʋladiſlaus ſhould joyn in marriage with a Family allied to the Kingdome of Suethen by friendſhip or confederacy, the conſent of the States of Suethland concurring: Neither could there be a better way to remove all doubts and jealouſies, then if the young Queen of Suethland were joyned in marriage with Prince Caſimirus, brother to his Majeſty of Poland.

Concerning the reſtitution of the other Lands and Provinces taken in War, which thoſe of Poland demanded, the main queſtion of the Kingdome being decided, that would follow of it ſelf, Quoniam ſublata cauſa tollitur effectus: thoſe pretences having been the cauſe of that War: Neither could the Suethes in lieu of the ſaid reſtitution, demand any re-imburſment of charges, for then the Polanders, and his Electorall Highneſſe of Brandenburg and others, might with far more reaſon require reparation of their loſſes, and reſtitution of the Tolls extorted beyond meaſure, even contrary to the Articles, in the late ſix years Truce: that it was now time to ceaſe and abrogate thoſe unjuſt oppreſſions and exactions upon forraign Trade, and to reduce commerce to its former freedome. That in like manner it was conſentaneous to reaſon, that the Elector of Brandenburg having ſuſtained damages ſo great as not equall compenſation could be hoped for, ſhould now (at leaſt) have a full reſtitution of all his Ports, Fortreſſes, Towns, Lands, and Poſſeſſions.

Laſtly, that regard was to be had alſo of the Duke of Curland, who having, by means of the War, received infinite prejudice, ought in reaſon to ſhare in the benefit of the Peace.

His Lordſhips Propoſition being read in preſen 〈…〉 of the The other Mediators deliver theirs. Mediators; Berkman (heretofore named) in the name of Marqueſſe Sigiſmund and the reſt of the Electoralls exhibited one, ſomewhat more breife, but in effect the ſame. The French, and States Ambaſſadors delivered theirs by word of mouth, theſe (later named) varying little (if any thing) from what the others had delivered in writing.

The French Ambaſſador (a Cavelier of admirable endowments and ſingular Eloquence) at firſt, oppoſed his Lordſhip, repreſenting that it would be of no advantage, and would be inconvenient likewiſe, to bring againe upon the Stage, and to determine that unrelliſhing and odious queſtion of the Kingdome: that it were otherwiſe if this were a caſe which could be eaſily decided, or that might be tryed before a Tribunall. On the other ſide, it was mainely inſiſted on, as notoriouſly injurious and prejudiciall to other like Governments.

At laſt, it was unanimouſly conſented, that the day enſuing, a propoſition ſhould be made to the reſpective Parties, by way of queſtion onely, Whether his Majeſty of Poland would be pleaſed (as alſo the young Queen Christina) to renounce, both for himſelfe and his Relations their right in Suethen, under theſe two Conditions.

I. That the young Queen Chriſtina and her Iſſue fayling, The reſult. King Ʋladiſlaus and his lawfull Heirs might obtaine the right of ſucceſſion unto the Crown of Suethen.

II. That reſtitution be made of all ſuch places and Territories as (during the War) had been taken, either in Leifland or Pruſſia, from the King and Crown of Poland.

Hereupon, the conſultation ending, all the Mediators, the Electoralls excepted, retyred, from the Caſtle, to their ſeverall lodgings in the Town.

The ſeverall mediating Miniſters, and Parties intereſſed, meet the ſecond time at Stumbſdorff, where (as at firſt) they divide themſelves, his Lordſhip with the Brandenburgers repaire to the Suethes, the French and States Ambaſſadors to the Poles, and urge the Sequeſtration of the Procuratories, that ſo they may more confidently proceed in the maine buſineſſe. The Polanders affirmed they had new Procuratories, but refuſed to conſigne them, unleſſe their acceptance were ſecured by atteſtation, as alſo their reſtorement in caſe of Peace or Warr. On the other ſide, the Suethes delivered up theirs with a proteſtation in writing, and the draught of an atteſtation; which his Lordſhip, with the Electorall Miniſters, rejected; not permitting any preſcription of their Acts to be made to them by any but their owne atteſtation to be ſufficient.

The Commiſſioners of Poland, underſtanding that the Suethes had delivered up their procuratoriall Letters, ſent theirs to the French Ambaſſador, then in the Mediatoriall Tent, but committed their proteſtation to the Ambaſſador of great Brittaine, and intimated their expectancie of an atteſtation with the firſt opportunity. Hereupon the Mediators exhibite to each of the Parties the Procuratories received from the other. Thoſe of Poland would not once overlooke that of the Suethes, ſaying that, without ſeeing, they gave credite thereunto, as not being incredulous; and would not ſo much as take notice of their Proteſtation.

But on the other ſide, the Suethes did deliberately Superviſe The new Procuratories interchangably communicated new difficulty about the Title. and ponder the Poliſh Procuratories, and againe complained that their Queenes titles were imperfectly couched, the word Great; (relating to) Princeſs of Finland being omitted, neither would accept thereof, notwithſtanding all the perſwaſions the French Ambaſſador could uſe. He, with the Hollanders, made relation of this unthought of difficultie to the Commiſſioners of Poland, who (hearing it) were ſomewhat troubled, imputing the errour to the ignorance or heedleſneſs of the writer, affirming that they were free therefrom: but to remove that rubb, the Lord Chancellor Zadzick did offer to ſupply the defect with his owne hand, in preſence of the Mediators, there being no other meanes to rectify the ſame, nor any poſſibility of recovering other Procuratories.

This offer of his was excepted againſt by thoſe of Suethland, who alledged that the Chancellor had no power or authority to change or correct ought, after the King had once ſigned the ſame; as alſo that the Procuratory would be therby imperfect and blemiſhed, in regard nothing could be added without interlining. At laſt, through the entreaties of the French and States Ambaſſadors, and the perſwaſions of his Lordſhip, they yeilded thus far, that they would accept of the foreſaid correction of that defect, conditionally that, foraſmuch as new Procuratories from the States of Poland could not be obtained without a Parliament firſt called, others were procured from the King within ten dayes ſpace; that otherwiſe, and ſave onely to gratifie the Mediators, they would not have ſo eaſily accepted the ſame.

This ſharpe anſwer exceedingly irritated the Commiſſioners of Poland, who ſpared not to ſay that they had made peace with ſundry Nations, even Barbarous and Infidels, and had not found ſo much difficultie with them as with the Suethes: affirming withall that they were not leſſe ready for a War (in caſe of rupture) then the adverſe party; with which conſtancy of theirs, or rather by the endeavours of the Mediators, the Suethes, ſomewhat mollified, accepted of the interlyning before offered; the Mediatoriall atteſtations Reconciled. being deferred untill their return to Marienburg.

The diſputes and differences about the Procuratories being thus determined, it will not be amiſſe to ſhew (briefly) in what forme they with the Acts relating to them were couched; the ſcope of the ſayd Letters Procuratoriall being (to either party) That whatſoever they or the greater part of Scope of the Procuratories. them, the abſence of one or more notwithſtanding ſhall each with other agree or conclude upon, either touching perpetuall peace or longer Truce, the ſame ſhould be fully accepted of and ratified with all due and requiſite formes. The full Titles of either of the Princes intereſſed were abreviated with an &c. &c. as no way derogatory.

The Proteſtation of the Poliſh Commiſſioners was to this effect; That the King of Poland, &c. albeit his Hereditary Poliſh Proteſt. right to the Crown of Suethland, for the maintaining whereof there had been ſo long and bloody Wars, was no leſſe cleare then the Sun, and could not be impaired by any arguments to the contrary; had notwithſtanding, at the inſtant requeſts of the mediating Miniſters of ſo many and potent Princes, and to manifeſt his a verſion to the effuſion of Chriſtian blood condeſcended ſo far, as in his Procuratoriall Letters to his Commiſſioners to permit that, to the moſt illuſtrious Chriſtina, the Title of Deſigned Queen of Suethes, Goths, and Vandalls, Great Princeſſe of Finland. &c. &c. ſhould be inſerted, and the ſayd Title, in the adverſe Procuratorialls, to be by his Commiſſioners accepted of, yet without prejudice to his Hereditary right: and therefore they (the ſayd Commiſſioners of Poland) did, in his Majeſties name, make this ſolemn proteſt in the moſt ample and uſuall form in ſuch caſes accuſtomed and required, in preſence of the Ambaſſadors of the Princes mediating, for the indemnity of his ſayd Majeſties Hereditary right of ſucceſſion to the Crown of Suethland; in evidence and teſtimony wherof, as well for the preſent as future they deſired atteſtation from the ſayd mediating Miniſters under their hands and ſeals.

The Proteſt of the Suethiſh Commiſſioners imported; The Suethes Proteſt. That they having obſerved that the King and Re-publike of Poland in their ſeverall Procuratoriall Letters, had omitted certain Titles due to their Queen, as Esthonia, Carelia, and Ingria, which hither to they could not be induced to give, no more then to raze out of their own the Title of Suethland aſcribed to the King of Poland, for the effecting wherof they had long and earneſtly endeavoured, yet now at length, and at the earneſt requeſts and intervention of the mediating Ambaſſadors, to ſhew their propenſity to Peace, as alſo that the adverſe party might be more equitably complying in the future, they had aſſented to the acceptation therof; With this ſolemn Proteſt interpoſed. and conſigned into the hands of the Mediators, and by them fully accepted, as appeared by their atteſtation therupon: That the ſame ſhould not either in preſent or future time, any way prejudice or diminiſh the Right and Dignity of their Queen and of the Kingdome of Suethen: much leſſe that any Title or Right was therby conceded or given to his Majeſty of Poland, either directly or indirectly, expreſſed or implied. And thus ended the ſecond meeting at Stumbſdorff.

The Mediators and the Parties being aſſembled now the third time, in the foreſaid place, the former according to promiſe, delivered their reſpective atteſtations; that of his Lordſhip and the Electorals containing: That foraſmuch as it had pleaſed the parties to commit their Plenipotentiaries into the hands of the Mediators, untill the Negotiation being brought to a happy Peace (if it ſhould ſo pleaſe God) the ſame might be framed to the ſatisfaction of both parties, and accordingly re-delivered: They had received the Plenipotentiary of the Lords Commiſſioners of Suethland, with a Proteſt, and this Caution therin inſerted; That in caſe the Treaty ſhould not have the wiſhed end, the ſaid Plenipotentiary ſhould be reſtored and the Mediators receive back their preſent atteſtation: That they had alſo accepted of the ſaid Proteſt, the ſame to be referred to the publike Acts. The French with the States Ambaſſadors gave the like to the Commiſſioners of Poland.

Thus at laſt theſe difficulties about the Procuratorials were Procuratoriall difficulties removed. (after the conſumption of foure months) by the Mediatoriall endeavours removed, and a proceed unto the Principall and more weighty buſineſſe of the main Treaty intended. To which end, the Mediators, dividing themſelves, remonſtrated to the ſeverall parties what had been three daies before concluded Former reſult communicated to the parties. at Marienburg. The Suethes at the firſt overture, anſwered Negatively to both the Conditions, wherby the Kingof Poland, as had been conceived, might be moved to a reſignation, affirming, that as to the Succeſſion and Hereditary Right pretended by King Ʋladiſlaus and his Heirs unto the Suethes anſwer Negatively. Crown of Suethland, there was a decree of the States of that Kingdome expreſly againſt the ſame, which they might no way contradict; and added withall, that of future contingencies, to which ſenſe the Poſterity to enſue might be referred, there could be no certainty determined: And to the other, Viz. the reſtitution, they would not once treat thereof unleſſe they were firſt aſſured of an abſolute and entire reſignation, that being the ground-work of the whole Affaire, which being obtained, they would declare themſelves in moſt effectuall and friendly manner. This was all that his Lordſhip could obtain by way of anſwer, notwithſtanding many arguments uſed to have gained further, which he with the Electorals referred to the judgment of the Mediators in generall: And from the Poliſh Commiſſioners, by the Ambaſſadors of France and Holland, was delivered an anſwer, in almoſt the ſame termes by way of converſion; to wit, that the meer The like given by the Polanders. motion of a renunciation was no leſſe odious to them, and that they were as far from conſenting therto, unleſſe a reſtitution were firſt conceded.

The Mediators, pondring theſe extreams, feared leaſt the relating of them might further exaſperate the parties, who appeared already more prone to War then Peace, and therfore reſolved to return and deſire of them, that foraſmuch as they had hitherto anſwered far from the matter, they would come neerer and declare themſelves more cleerly. The Suethes did ſtill inſiſt upon an abſolute reſignation, in reference wherunto, they declare for their Cathegoricall reſolution; that the ſame being granted by the Polanders, they, to ſhew their Offer made by the Suethes. good inclination toward Peace, would reſtore the rich Country of Pruſſia, conditionally that they might be re-imburſed of their Charges: which offer of theirs, not being in any ſort ſatisfactory to his Lordſhip and the Brandenburgers, they inſiſted (by way of anticipation) upon the reſtoring of Leifland alſo, but finding the Suethes utterly averſe therunto, they without obtaining further, returned to the Mediatoriall Colledge.

In the mean time the Commiſſioners of Poland, urged by The Poles deſire reſpite. the other Mediators, upon the two foreſaid Conditions, deſired to have them in writing, with time of deliberation untill the day following, wherin they would further declare themſelves touching the ſame. The Mediators (upon conſultation) agreed to ſatisfie the requeſt of the Polanders, conditionally The ſame granted. that there ſhould be no further treating by writ, as being both ſlow and dangerous; this being given as a help to memory only: On the other ſide, the Suethes underſtanding that the adverſe party had required that daies reſpite to conſider of The Suethes therwith offended. the conditions propounded, and the grant therof by the Mediators, they were exceedingly incenſed with that delatory anſwer, in regard that they having ſincerely diſcovered themſelves as far as they could, in a manner; the Polanders had not daigned to make any equall return; for which cauſe they ſaw no reaſon (ſaid they) to condeſcend to another meeting, before they had ſome reſolution in the point of reſignation: His Lordſhip endeavoured to moderate their violence tending to a Rupture, but in vain, inſomuch as he left them diſcontented. He was but newly entred into the Tent of the Poliſh Commiſſioners, but that Secretary Lording followed, to tell him that his Lords the Suethes had conſented to the next daies meeting.

All parties hereupon convening the fourth time; the firſt point was to learn how thoſe of Poland would declare themſelves upon the former conditions; to them the French and The former offer waved by the Poles as inſufficient. States Ambaſſadors repaired, and received this anſwer; That they did not reject the foreſaid conditions, but that they found them not to be ſufficient, wherby the King might be induced to make a reſignation: They therfore requeſted the Mediators to conſider of ſome other more equall termes. Theſe words (when related) ſeemed very ſtrange to the other Mediators, and not fit to be communicated to thoſe of Suethen, except they were accompanied with other circumſtances.

After a ſerious debate amongſt themſelves, they pitch upon five other Articles.

1. That the harſh Lawes enacted againſt King Sigiſmundus Five other mediate means propounded. and his houſe, might be aboliſhed, ſo as the Suethes might freely elect Kings to themſelves out of that Family.

2. That ſatisfaction ſhould be made to the King and his Brethren out of the Territory of Leifland, as the King and the States ſhould agree.

3. That there ſhould be firm friendſhip between the two Kingdomes, and the Queen Chriſtina to be married into a Family, not Enemy to the King and State of Poland: King Ʋladiſlaus alſo to match in like manner.

4. The Children lawfully proceeding from Ʋladiſlaus and his Wife on the one ſide, and Chriſtina and her Husband on the other ſide, to be joyned in marriage.

5. To be mutually aſſiſting againſt the Enemies of each other.

With theſe, his Lordſhip and the Electorall Miniſters went Taken by the Poles into deliberation. to thoſe of Poland: The French and Hollanders at the ſame time acquainting the Suethes with the ſaid Articles: the Polanders required that they might tranſcribe and have time until the Munday enſuing to deliberate; that then they would declare their finall reſolution: But in the mean time, the Suethes abſolutely rejected theſe new Conditions as being worſe then Rejected by the Suethes. the former, and derogatory from the Dignity of their Queen and the Kingdome of Suethen, and again inſiſted upon an entire renunciation, without which no Peace to be hoped for. The anſwer of either party being rehearſed in the Mediatoriall Colledge, it was thought good that the Poles informed of the perſeverance of the Suethes in the point of reſignation, ſhould be preſſed to open their minds more freely, and that the Sueths ſhould be perſwaded to meet upon the Munday following, againſt which time the Polanders were to deliberate upon the five Conditions newly propounded by the Mediators.

Hereupon the French and Hollanders returne to thoſe of Poland, Reply of the Poles in point of reſignation. who no ſooner heard that odious word of Reſignation againe repeated, but they became exceedingly enraged, chiefly Duke Radzivill, who replyed, Let not your Lordſhips ſuffer your ſelves to be thus mocked by the Suethes, neither will we any longer; if they deſire yet any further declaration upon that point, this is our reſolution, we will rather dye then Reſigne.

During this, the Agent, Maſter Gordon had, in his Lordſhips name, endeavoured to move the Suethes to meet againe The Suethes refuſe to meete. the Munday following; to whom, before he could end his ſpeech, they anſwered peremptorily, That they would not meet any more: That they were deluded, the time protracted, and nothing hitherto effected, except the meetings, worthy of the Mediators paines: That at Jonas Dorff they would expect the reſolution of the Polanders touching the point in queſtion.

The Mediators, very ſolicitous how to wade out of thoſe difficulties, at laſt, prevailed ſo far with the Polanders, as to meet whenſoever they ſhould by Letters appoint the ſame.

The day following, his Lordſhip, with Maſter Gordon and His Lordſhip goes to the Suethes. the States Ambaſſadors repaired to Jonas-Dorff to viſite and perſwade the Suethes to a future meeting on the 23. May, / 2. June, as alſo to treat with them particularly, about what they had further in Commiſſion, touching the Tolls, exacted from the Subjects of their Principalls, Trading in thoſe parts. And here in the firſt place, the Suethes conſented without difficulty, to the meeting they had refuſed the day before, excuſing They conſent to meete. the ſame by their miſtake, as having conceived it had been chiefly deſired by the adverſe party, not by the Mediators, and profeſſed they would meet at their inſtance whenſoever it pleaſed them. Certaine greivances complained of by his Lordſhip and the Hollanders to the Suethes.

From this purpoſe, his Lordſhip and the Hollanders converted to that of the Tolls, remonſtrating to the Commiſſioners of Suethen, that ſundry unjuſt and intollerable exactions had been practiſed in their Tolls and Cuſtomes. Yea ſo farr as it was affirmed that, upon due computation, proofe would be made that one Shipp, paſſing and repaſſing, had payd ſixty Rexdollars upon the Laſt, notwithſtanding that in the late Treaty ſix years paſt, a far leſſe ſum, even the third part had been allowed. They affirmed alſo, that over and above the ſame, ſundry other extraordinary exactions, as Anchor-gelt, Maſt-gelt, Paſſeport, Seale-gelt, Clerks Fees, and others of the like kinde had been extorted: all which things, introduced againſt the wonted cuſtome, were now grown common. The Ambaſſadors therefore, by vertue of their Commiſſions and Inſtructions, required, of the ſayd Commiſſioners, that with all conveniency, thoſe exceſſes might be abſtained from; the things being in themſelves unjuſt, and derogating from their Maſters Dignities to be practiſed, they preſent, and not able to relieve the injured Plaintiff:

Count Brahe, in the name of the reſt, made auſwer, that Their anſwer. indeed ſundry complaints had been made unto him about the Tolls; but, ſo far as he knew, none had ever proved that any new exaction or burthen had been introduced contrary to the agreement: that moreover they had no Commiſſion to treat of this matter untill the buſineſſe of the Pacification were ended, which done, they would conforme themſelves ſtrictly unto their Inſtructions in that point: That in the mean time, they would ſend Peter Speiring (their Toll-Maſter) to inform their Lordſhips of all things, and that they would enjoyne him to ceaſe all extraordinary burthens, if any had crept in: Thus ended that conference. The ſame night his Lordſhip certified the Poliſh Commiſſioners of the meeting to be as formerly appointed.

The time being come, their firſt work was to ſee what the The Polanders perſiſt as before. Polanders would declare upon the Mediatoriall conditions laſt propounded, who, to his Lordſhip and the Electoralls, returned the ſame anſwer as to the former: Viz. That they rejected them not, but found them not ſuch as might move their King to renounce a Kingdome, which was no ſmall matter; and therefore deſired the Mediators either to ſupply the defects of thoſe or to propound others.

This anſwer being repeated in the Mediatoriall Colledge, The Parties willed to propound. what before ſeemed ſtrange was now judged wholly impoſſible, none knowing what to propound of new that might be acceptable to both Parties, whom therefore they reſolved not to ſmooth any longer; but that, if themſelves had ought to propound, they might do it. Hereupon they part, his Lordſhip to the Suethes, the French to the Polanders, each accompanied as before; but when the Suethes found themſelves againe fruſtrated of the promiſed reſolve from them of Poland, The Suethes enter into paſſion. they began, not without paſſion, to rehearſe how much they had already granted to the adverſe party: Whereas we (ſayd they) deſire nothing from the King of Poland but an empty Title, we are content to ſurrender the moſt noble and rich Province of Pruſſia; which compared together, was but as a Feather to a Wedge of Gold. That they were ſorry they had declared themſelves ſo farr, and aſſured that ſo ſoon as their Army ſhould arrive from Suethen, they would not onely retract Pruſſia, but likewiſe treat in tearms much more difficult. That as touching Leifland, they would not part with the leaſt • lod thereof, neither was it once ſo much as mentioned in their Inſtructions.

The Commiſſioners of Poland were no leſſe ſtiff toward the French and Hollanders, repeating what they had formerly ſpoken: but being ſomewhat pacified, they yeilded ſo far as to deliver to the Mediators thoſe things under truſt, which as a ſupplement they thought fit to be added to the five fore-mentioned Conditions.

1. That the young Queen dying, King Ʋladiſlaus might be Thoſe of Poland add ten other Articles for a ſupplement to the former. choſen King of Suethland. 2. That the Suethes ſhould conſider how compenſation ſhould be made to the Kings Brothers and Siſters. 3. That it might be free for them to Elect the Poſterity of Ʋladiſlaus. 4. That Prince Caſimir the Kings Brother might Raign in the Regall abſence. 5. That the young Queen Chriſtina might be married with the Kings advice. 6. That Esthonia ſhould be ſurrendred as a part of Leifland. 7. That all the Ordinance taken away in the great Dutchy of Lithuania ſhould be reſtored. 8. That the Ships detained in Wiſmar and elſe where ſhould be ſet free. 9. That they ſhould abſtain from Extortions hitherto practiſed in the Cuſtomes. 10. That reparation ſhould be made for the loſſes ſuſtained by particular perſons in their Poſſeſſions and Priviledges, and Exiles to be reſtored to their former Eſtates.

The Mediators conferring hereupon, and finding the anſwer Things tending to a breach the Mediators deſire reſpite. of both ſides tending to a breach, they conclude to tell the Suethes that thoſe of Poland ſeemed to give ſome hopes of a renunciation, ſeeing they had not hitherto abſolutely denied the ſame: That in order therunto they had added ſome ſupplies to the Conditions laſt propounded, about which the Mediators being willing to conſult ſeriouſly, deſired the next generall meeting might be deferred for foure daies; wherunto the Sueshes (yet not without reluctancy) conſenting, the others did ſo likewiſe.

The ſaid day (being the 29/8 May, / June.) they congregated the ſixth time, and the Mediators pains were the greater, by how much the parties, diſſenting in extreams, ſeemed to breath nothing but preſent War. No new Counſell remained, no mediate means could be more found out; neither was it doubted by the Mediators, but that the ſupplements added by the Polanders (as aforeſaid) would cauſe a certain breach. Yet that they might not be wanting to their Mediatoriall Office, they agreed, ſetting the Poliſh conditions aſide, to demand of each party (as for the laſt time) their finall Declarations, and how far their Commiſſions extended. From the Suethes, whether by their Inſtructions they had not power to treat of Finall declarations demanded by the Mediators from the Parties. an entire reſtitution of all things taken away; that if they had ought in reſerve, they ſhould produce it, if otherwiſe, that they would do well to have recourſe to their Principals the States of Suethland by Letters, wherby they might happily be moved to ſend them inſtructions more complying.

Unto the Commiſſioners of Poland it was remonſtrated, that albeit the Mediators had duely conſidered the Supplements delivered unto them, they could not conceive that any good would be effected by them, and therfore if they had ought remaining touching the reſignation, that they would entruſt them with it, for otherwiſe there would never be an end of going to and from, which being tedious in it ſelf, they alſo began to grow weary therof.

The Suethes to whom the French Ambaſſador had repaired, replyed that ſeeing nothing had been, hitherto, offered unto them from the contrary party, they had already enlarged themſelves too far by a tender of the reſtitution of Pruſſia, wherunto they could add nothing: That they wondred much The Suethes decline to declare further. that theſe and the like things were almoſt daily required of them, wheras they could not heare of ought from the other ſide tending toward a Peace: That they ſufficiently knew the States of Suethen would not be induced to grant any other Commiſſion or Inſtructions then what they had already: That Parliament could not be called in leſſe then foure months, and that ſome time would be waſted in making a journey into Suethen; but that it might ſo happen, as that their Generall Jacobu • de la Garde (whom they ere long expected with a Navy) might bring them ſome further power.

The Commiſſiones of Poland complained, that the Mediators had relinquiſhed the conditions they had tendred; affirming that their King would never be perſwaded to a reſignation for the reſtitution of Pruſſia and Leifland meerly, neither had they ought in their Commiſſion more then what they had already The Polanders likewiſe, and give their reaſons. declared. To confirm this, they inſtanced recent examples drawn from the Turks and Ruſſians. For, ſaid they, albeit their King had in the late Treaty of Peace with the Muſcovite, renounced his right of former Election to that Empire, which nevertheleſſe was much weaker then the Hereditary Right he had to Suethen, yet he did it not but upon very advantageous conditions, they giving him for the ſame three great and large Provinces extending to above five hundred miles. That in his late Wars alſo againſt the Turke, he had ſhewed himſelf ſo reſolute as not to yeild to the leaſt diſadvantage: that when, beſide the Peace, they deſired of him ſome ſmall Gift, not by way of Superiority or Tribute, but in token of Friendſhip onely, he would not condeſcend therto, but choſe rather to wage moſt cruell Battell; Wherin, to his eternall Fame, being twice Victor, he made Peace with them according to his own deſire.

That they might eaſily therfore conclude, the King of Poland would never be induced to renounce his Hereditary right to the Crown and Kingdome of Suethland, for Pruſſia and Leifland only, by the reſtitution wherof no Emolument or compenſation was derived to the King and his Family, but only ſome ſatisfaction to the Common-wealth of Poland. At laſt, overcome with the earneſt perſwaſions of his Lordſhip and the Miniſters of the States Generall, they did promiſe to write once more to the King about the reſignation; ſaying, that they expected him to be ſuddenly at Thorne, from whence they might (within three daies) obtain a Cathegorick anſwer.

All theſe things, with the reſolution of the other party being throughly ſcanned by the Mediators, concluſion was taken, that the Commiſſioners of Suethland, ſhould be perſwaded to meet on the Wedneſday next following, againſt which time the Polanders expected a finall anſwer from the King in point of reſignation, no other means appearing to hinder a preſent diſſolution of the Treaty, and yet it was feared the event would not anſwer their deſires. Nevertheleſſe, his Lordſhip and the Hollanders undertake the Work, relating to the Suethes the anſwer The Suethes againe incenſed. of the contrary party as ſparingly and mincingly as they could: As they had preſaged ſo it fell out, for ſo ſoon as theſe underſtood that they were again delayed, they interpreted all to be but meer deluſions; calling God to witneſſe with what candour and ſincerity they had hitherto treated. Whereas quite contrary, the adverſe party (ſaid they) had uſed nothing but Subterfuges, not once daigning them an anſwer which might be ſo termed.

They complained of perverſneſſe and arrogancy in their Adverſaries, which they affirmed, ſhould not paſſe unrevenged: ſaying, that of a certain, they ſhould never obtain that Province of Pruſſia which they had over officiouſly offered; and concluded that they could not be (in reaſon) required or deſired to meet any more at theſe Conferences, before the King had declared concerning the point in queſtion: To this their tartneſſe, his Lordſhip and the Ambaſſadors of Holland At end the finall reſolution at their quarters. replyed as became Mediators, by whoſe dexterous arguments and perſwaſions the Suethes became ſo tractable, as that they promiſed (without diſſolving the Treaty) to attend the finall reſolution, touching the reſignation, at Jonas Dorff their place of reſidence.

The Commiſſioners of Poland, underſtanding the impatiency of the Suethes, were moved with indignation, rememorating their humanity and moderation uſed towards them, by waiting a far longer time for their Procuratorials, and entreated the Mediators to afford them a meeting and conference on the 6/16 of that month, at a Village called Newendorff. Hereunto A meeting with the Mediators deſired by the Poles. the Mediators conſented, as having ever ſhewed themſelves ready to contribute their utmoſt endeavours to advance the publike Intereſt, which by the ſix generall meetings paſt may evidently appear.

The Mediators (almoſt tired with daily journeys) enjoyed now ſome daies of reſt, in which time his Lordſhip and the Hollanders, ſpent part therof in giving ſeverall audiences to Speiring (fore-named) about the Tolls, much alteration and diſpute being had about the ſame, albeit to ſmall effect.

The day prefixed being come, all the Mediators (the Fench excepted) went to Newenaorff, each being deſirous of the Treaties happy progreſſe wherby the ſo much deſired Pacification might be attained. Being met, they began their conference at the point of the renunciation, that ſo they might have wherof to certifie the Suethes Commiſſioners, who impatiently expected the ſame: therto they added, that the preſent Truce being neer expired, and but little of the Treaty as yet concluded, Prolongation of the Truce deſired. they thought good to advice a prolongation therof untill the enſuing firſt of Auguſt, September, November, and for the more aſſurance, a new Inſtrument to be made; all hoſtility to be (during the ſame) forborne on both ſides, whereby the Treaty might have a longer courſe, and (if God ſo pleaſed) be brought to a wiſhed Period.

The Lords of Poland made anſwer that they had (at length) prevailed ſo far with their King, in the point of reſignation, as he would be content to do it upon certain honourable conditions; Reſult of the Polanders conditionall. whereof the firſt and chief was, that the Suethes ſhould entirely reſtore all things formerly taken away: that the others might be more eaſily agreed upon, and that they would refer them to the arbitration of the Mediators: concerning the prorogation of the Truce they left it to them alſo: this declaration was ſo much the more gratefull as it gave hopes of a ſucceſſefull renovation of the Treatie.

The French Ambaſſador with the Hollanders repaired to Jonas dorff the day following, acquainting the Suethes Commiſſioners with the declaration made by the Polanders, and remonſtrated the neceſſity, of prorogating the Truce; yet albeit nothing could have come more welcome unto them they would not give any anſwer as then, but promiſed to ſend their Subdelegate unto Marienburg the next day. And (though not materiall to the preſent purpoſe) I ſhall heare inſert, that Mr. Gordon the Agent forenamed, took leave of his Lorſhip and repaired for England upon great and weighty occaſions.

Secretarie Lording, Subdelegate to the Suethes, being ſent to the Mediators, according to promiſe, told them in the name of his Principalls, that they having heard what the Polanders had declared, in reference to the point in queſtion, to the end the Treatie, the greater part whereof was yet unperfect might not be ſcanted by time, the Truce being neere expired, had conſented to the prorogation thereof untill the time motioned, provided that the Commiſſioners of Poland Prorogation of the Truce aſſented unto. would treate more really in the future. Herewith the Hollanders charged themſelves to acquaint thoſe of Poland, and in the name of all the Mediators to require their conſent: Their anſwer imported, that notwithſtanding the prorogation deſired would be to their prejudice, yet to ſhew their deſire of a happie end of the matter in agitation and to gratify the Mediators, whoſe care for the publike appeared in this as in all other paſſages, they would not refuſe the ſame, but there expect him that ſhould be ſent to perfect the inſtrument therof.

Hereupon two Copies were accordingly, to the Mediators, drawn up, in Subſtance as followeth. That whereas the late truce for ſix yeares; between, the high and mighty Princes and States, the Kings and Kingdomes of Poland and Suethen (or Viceverſa) was now almoſt expired; and that the Treatie of Pacification, happily begun, could not in that ſcantneſs of time, attaine a wiſhed iſſue; the Ambaſſadors of the Mediating Princes and States had thought good to propound to each of the Parties a Prorogation of the ſaid Truce: Whereupon, the foreſaid Truce for ſix yeares remaining in full Purport of the Prorogation. force and vertue, in all the circumſtances and clauſes thereof, the Commiſſioners of either Party had conſented, as they doe by theſe preſents conſent and agree, unto a prorogation of the ſaid Truce untill the firſt day of Auguſt, September, November next enſuing, that in the meane time, by the intervention and induſtrie of the Mediators, the preſent Treatie for an entire and perfect Peace might by Gods aſſiſtance be happily finiſhed. And it was alſo hereby enacted that, during the ſaid Prorogation, no acts of hoſtility ſhould by either of the Parties be uſed, or permitted to be uſed, toward the other: for the greater aſſurance and better obſervation whereof, the Commiſſioners deputed from either of the Parties, together with the Mediating Ambaſſadors, had ſigned and ſealed the ſame the eighteenth day of June, 1635. The Ambaſſadors, of the States Generall undertooke the care of ſending this inſtrument to the Suethes (by their Secritary) for Signature; they being ſtill at Jonas dorff, who promiſed to returne it the next day by their Subdelegate in perfect mannner.

Here (by the way) we may touch, that the end of the Sequeſtrations approaching, certain places of Pruſſia, as Marienburg, Stume, Lochſtadt, &c. which had been (during the ſix yeares Truce) entruſted by way of Sequeſtration into the hands of the Elector of Brandenburg, were to be reſtored unto the Suethes the 12/23 June as alſo the Memeln and Brunsberge, by them, to his Electorall Highneſſe, within three dayes after: the Marqueſſe Sigiſmund with the other Electorall Miniſters, as alſo the reſt of the Mediators began to conſider of ſome new reſidence. Riſenberg a little Towne in Pruſſia (the Ducall) was pitch't upon; whereupon the Marqueſſe Sigiſmund, taking leave, went thether the ſame day. Yet here may not be omitted that the Commiſſioners of Poland Continuation of Sequeſtrations inſiſted on by the Poles; but refuſed by the Suethes. inſiſted earneſtly againſt the exchange of Sequeſtrations, affirming the ſame to be (Ipſo facto) a breach of the Treaty, and (as it were) a Summons to the War, if made before the Treaty were finiſhed; and in their favour the Mediators, chiefly his Lordſhip endeavoured what they could, yet could not perſwade the Suethes to hearken therunto. But let us return to that from whence we have digreſſed.

Whileſt the Mediators expect the Subdelegate from the Suethes, they ſend the other Copy of the Inſtrument of Prorogation by the foreſaid Secretary unto the Commiſſiones of Poland, to be by them ſigned and ſealed, which was done without delay: In the Interim, Secretary Lording came to Marienburg with a new form of Prorogation, which not being (conform to the other Copy) drawn in manner of a Patent; nor the full time of the Prorogation unto the firſt of Auguſt inſerſerted; as alſo that the Subſcription of Count Brahe alone did not correſpond to the plurall number of Commiſſioners mentioned in the beginning and middle of the ſaid Inſtrument; it was rejected, and the foreſaid Secretary of the Hollanders, returning with full ſatisfaction from thoſe of Poland, who were to begin their journey toward their King (then at Thorne) the next day early, he was ſent to Elbing, to acquaint the Suethes The Prorogation ſigned. therewith, and to move them to ſubſcribe the Inſtrument drawn by the Mediators, which at laſt they did.

This Remora removed, the Mediators alſo repaired towards Thoronia, a faire City belonging to the French, and the States Ambaſſadors not having as yet ſaluted his Majeſty. They with the Electorals were honourably and magnificently received, each ſeverally, according to their Dignities, his Lordſhip alſo, The Mediators vepair to the King. by young Prince Radzivill, great Chamberlain of Lithuania, and Baron Gildenſtierne, was received in the Kings Coach; many others attending with a great Troop of the Poliſh Nobility on Horſ-back, and ſo conveyed to his lodging not far from that where the King then lay.

The Mediators in their particular audiances declared the true State of the Treaty, and that without abſolute reſignation, Their overtures uneffectuall. all hopes of Peace were deſperate, neither was any argument left unuſed, wherby ſomething might be gathered from the Kings own mouth, or be moved to afford his Commiſſioners more ample Inſtructions: But to a Courageous and a Victorious Prince, ſuch Solicitations being diſrelliſhing, they were alſo ineffectuall Wherfore the uſuall Viſites and Complements being added, the main concluſion was, that the meetings, at the fore-ſpecified place and time, ſhould be again reſumed.

His Lordſhip having taken leave of the King by a private Audiance, ſet forwards with the Hollanders towards Riſenberg. The French Ambaſſador doing the like, as alſo the Brandenburgers about two daies after. The Mediators being now altogether, and underſtanding that the Commiſſioners of Poland were likewiſe returned to Marienwerder, the Marquiſs Sigiſmund, as neereſt concerned, undertook to invite (by Letters) the Suethes to meet again, on Munday the 29. June, 9. July, at a Villagenamed Honigsfeldt, equi-diſtant from Mar 〈…〉 nburg, Riſenberg, and Jonas Dorff: but ſundry of thoſe Commiſſioners being gone to the Pillaw to receive the Generall Jacobus de la Garde, who was newly arrived from Suethland with a Navy and an Army, the meeting was therby retarded: The French Ambaſſador ſignified the ſame to thoſe of Poland, who to gain time, Duke Radzivill The Poles deſire a meeting with the Mediators. now haſtning his journey towards Littaw, to make proviſion for the War in caſe it ſhould ſo fall out, deſired a conference at a Village named Leutznaw, where a Poliſh Gentleman had a houſe fit to receive them. Being met, the Polanders were urged (by the Mediators joyntly) by all fair perſwaſions, Declaration ur 〈…〉 . to declare in a word their Kings ſinall reſolution, touching the reſignation, it being to be feared that if the laſt former condition, which mentioned the reſtitution entire of Pruſſia and Leifland, for the ſaid reſignation, were ſtill inſiſted on, the firſt meeting would be the laſt.

The Commiſſioners of Poland having retyred themſelves about an hour, returned and ſayd, they wondered much to Ultimate reſult of the Polanders. heare the Mediators deſire of them a more full Declaration: that themſelves ſtood firme to the former, and that Pruſſia and Liefland ſhould not onely be abſolutely reſtored, but that the Laws alſo made in Suethen againſt King Sigiſmund and his Heirs ſhould be utterly aboliſhed, and ſatisfaction made to the King out of the Provinces of Suethland, all which things they urged, as Sine quibus non: The other conditions, as reſtoring of Ships, Ordnance, and exiled perſons, would be Treaty for finall Peace in termes deſperate. more eaſily reconciled: Whereunto the French Ambaſſador made anſwer, in the name of his Colleagues, that apparently (upon theſe termes) Peace was rather to be deſpaired of, then hoped for, and to uſe his own words, Se de pace perpetua tantum deſperare, quantum hodie Caelum cum terra coiturum videatur; That things being ſo, they ſhould do well to convert their thoughts to the ſole remaining refuge, to wit, a longer Truce.

This reply was but little to the Commiſſioners of Poland, who affirmed they had no Commiſſion to treate of longer Truce, which was not to be mentioned untill hopes of Peace were utterly extinct, and that albeit ſuch a Treatie ſhould follow, yet could not they condeſcend to any other conditions. Yet (ſaid they) it will not be amiſs to ſound the Suethes once more before things were quite deſpaired of: which was concluded on by all parties.

After the generall conference ended, the Chancellor Zadzick Complaints of the Poles. complained, that the former ſix yeares Truce had been ſundry times broken by the Suethes, but that, unwilling to trouble the Mediators with repetition of particulars, they would onely inſiſt upon one, which being of late might prove their allegation; and that was, the taking of a Shipp but the day before (wherin was a publike Miniſter, named Forbas, ſent by their King to the King of Denmarke) by the Shipps of Suethen, guarding the Tools, which had ſeazed the ſame coming out of the Port of Dantzig; and had not onely examined, but contrary to the Law of Nations (that allowes to ſuch free egreſſe and regreſſe) had alſo detained the ſame, which was not onely injurious to them, but likewiſe a diſreſpect to the authority due to the Mediators and their Principalls, in whoſe favour the prorogation had been granted. That he therefore earneſtly deſired them to put the adverſe partie in mind of their articles and promiſed faith, and that they would forbeare ſuch hoſtilities, unleſſe they would conſtraine them to a requitall and repulſion of injury with injury, as conſonant to the rules and law of Nature. Herein, the Mediators D. Radzivils departure for Littaw. promiſed their utmoſt favour and aſſiſtance, and ſo, taking leave of them all, but particularly of Duke Radzivill, who was to begin his journey (for Littaw) the day following, they returned to Riſenberg.

About two dayes after, his Lorſhip being informed of the returne of the Suethes to Marienburg, went thither, and during three hours ſtay, uſed all the arguments he could for concluding the Peace: but at the naming of Leiſtand the Commiſſioners of Suethen became more fierce than at any time formerly, and the Treatie appeared plainely to be in Terminis Deſperatis. Neither could the other Ambaſſadors prevaile any further with them; ſo as nothing now remained ſave the hopes the Mediators had of effecting a longer Truce: to which end the Ambaſſador of great Brittain ſent unto them the day following ſhewing that no other refuge being left, he deſired A longer Truce inſiſted on. they would freely communicate with him about a longer Truce, that he might accordingly deale with the Polanders, whom he intended to viſite about the ſame, at Marien Werder that afternoon: that, unleſſe they had rather make choice of warre, this was the beſt advice he could now give them, whereunto (if they ſo pleaſed) he would contribute his beſt endeavours: but if otherwiſe, and that they did not approve therof, he ſhould be forced (by taking leave) to put a period to the Treaty.

They after long deliberation, ſent Lording their Secretary The Suethes Declaration in point of longer Truce. to his Lordſhip with their reſolution, which imported, That the King of Polands Titles pretended to the Crown of Suethen, as alſo to Leiſland, remaining in the ſame ſtate they were at preſent, they would admit of a Truce ſo it might be for a long time, to wit, an hundred years, and that they would therupon reſtore Pruſſia entirely; with which Declaration his Lordſhip repaired to Marien werder, informing the Chancellour therof the ſame night, as the next day he did the other Polanders, who albeit they ſhewed by many reaſons that a Truce was much The Poles re 〈…〉 to the King. prejudiciall unto them, ſaid nevertheleſſe that they would write to their King touching the ſame.

It is not to be here omitted that amongſt other arguments uſed by his Lordſhip, ſhewing the difficulty of regaining Pruſſia by War; One was, that ſo long as the Suethes were ſtrongeſt by Sea, they would be hardly beaten out of it, and that they ſuſpected nor feared none but the King his Maſter: but what (ſaid he) if he ſhould be otherwiſe engaged, all his Neighbour Princes being then in Armes: or if that were not, and that they might aſſure themſelves of any aſſiſtance they ſhould deſire, he then demanded, where they would aſſign a Argument ••• d by his Lordſhip. Port capable of receiving our Ships, in caſe the Adverſe Party (as was ſuſpected) would not reſtore Memeln, for (ſaid he) to ſend a Fleet without aſſurance of convenient harbour, which thoſe parts ſcarcely afforded for Ships of the burthen of ours, would endanger both Ships and men, and yet not availe thoſe in whoſe aſſiſtance they were ſent: and certaine of their Cavaliers making great vaunts, his Lordſhip inſtanced the example of the Low Countries, and how difficult a matter it was to overcome and expell an enemy who kept himſelfe only upon the defenſive.

I have ſet downe this diſcourſe, becauſe theſe arguments uſed by his Lordſhip to mollifie the minds of the Parties, proved the ſeed-plot of thoſe future diſcontents which happened between his Lordſhip and them of Poland; for ſome, there preſent, did relate thoſe arguments to his Majeſty of Poland, but in farr other ſenſe (as appeared afterward by a Letter from a great Perſonage amongſt them who taxed his Miſconſtrued. Lordſhip) as if he had deprived them of hope of any aſſiſtance from England, albeit need ſhould require; and had affirmed that the King his Maſter had particular occaſion for his Ships and Forces; and that he had alſo detracted from their Armes, which ſo moved the King as he ſent one of truſt about his Perſon to the Commiſſioners, for certaine information: what ſatisfaction be received is uncertaine, but his Lordſhip (having notice thereof) endeavoured, not long after, in a conference with the King, to clear himſelfe of thoſe imputations, where with his Majeſty ſeemed ſatisfied; howbeit more coldneſſe was afterwards ſeen in the countenance of his Commiſſioners; which, as he knew no cauſe for, ſo, he could not but reſent, as he did in his anſwer to the foreſpecified Letter, wherein he touched that the ſincerity of his proceedings had not found deſerved acceptance, and that the adverſe Party, albeit more often and vehemently contradicted (yea menaced with the diſpleaſure of the King his Maſter if they ſhould not condeſeend to equall conditions, the argument of aſſiſtance with his Fleet having been a more powerfull one to them then all the conſideration of the Poliſh Forces) yet they were ſo generouſly reſpective toward the truth as 〈◊◊〉 that what he ſo urged, proceeded onely from his earneſt deſire of effecting that whereunto he was there employed, for the advancement whereof, he ſpared not to uſe to to either ſide, the moſt forcible arguments that his judgment could ſuggeſt unto him. But I returne to that from which I have digreſſed.

The p 〈…〉 d delatory anſwer had ſo moved the Sueths The Suethes again in heat. as they talked of nothing ſave a preſent departure, and a moſt juſt War whereby to requite the contempts and deluſions (as they called them) of the Polanders, committing their cauſe to the Divine Juſtice; his Lordſhip who had imparted the ſame, having loſt his labour, certified thoſe of Poland thereof by an expreſſe, who in their anſwer proteſted their own ſincerity, and accuſed the obſtinacy and arrogancy of their Adverſaries, alledging that in duty it behoved them to acquaint their King with this new propoſition of a Truce, whoſe mind therin they expected by Saturday following, the 11/21 July, which having received, they would immediatly communicate unto the Mediators, and that done, they would alſo be ready to depart. They likewiſe recommended again to his Lordſhip their Ship detained (as aforeſaid) in the Rode of Dantzig. Theſe things being ſhewed to the Suethes they (changing their minds) were contented to expect the Kings anſwer, untill the Sunday Yet ca 〈…〉 ed and contented to meet. next, ſaying withall, that if any of them ſhould go to Elbing in the interim, they would return by the day prefixed.

The 12/12 July, the electoral Miniſters, whom the Marquis Sigiſmund had imployed to Marien werder came to Marienburg (whither the Mediators were now returned) bringing the Kings Declaration concerning the Truce propounded, which was to this effect,

That albeit he rather inclined to a perpetuall Peace, yet to The Kings conde ſcention to a Treaty for Truce. ſhew his deſire to Concord he would condeſcend to a Truce, ſo it were for ten, at moſt for fifteen years, reſerving unto himſelf a part of Leifland by the River Dyna. Hereunto the Suethes would not conſent, nor to any Truce, but with theſe three inſeparble Conditions.

1: The time to be for fifty years. Conditions of Truce propounded by the Suethes.

2. The King of Poland to forbear (during the ſame) the Title of King of Suethland.

3. A ſumm of money to be given unto them for the tranſporting of their Army. Theſe Conditions ſeeming intollerable, the Mediators vehemently contradicted them, but finding the Suethes unmovable, they judged this Treaty for a longer Truce to be likewiſe in deſperate tearms, and the rather becauſe the Suethes, taking leave at the ſame inſtant, retired to Elbing.

About three daies after, his Lordſhip with the States Ambaſſadors repaired to Elbing to ſalute the (newly arrived) Generall, Jacobus de la Garde, as alſo to confer about the Treaty and about the Tolls: They met with the French Ambaſſador returning thence, who ſhewed them what new, and not ſmall difficulty he fore-ſaw about the Title of Suethen, which was wholly to be omitted of the Poliſh ſide, or that otherwiſe there New difficulty. could be no Treaty, and that he was then meditating upon a journey to the King about the ſame.

Herein his Lordſhip gave a ſhort but very ſound advice, ſaying, that the King of Polands Title in things relating to Obviated. Suethland might be concealed under an &c. &c. wherby the ſame was neither totally excluded nor included. This counſell was pleaſing both to the French and Hollanders, wherwith they parted.

Being entred the Town, his Lordſhip viſited the Generall, Conſerence with the Generall de la Garde. and ceremonials being ended, they had a long conference about the fore-paſſed Negotiation of perpetuall Peace, and of the longer Truce in preſent agitation, as alſo about the diſorders and exactions uſed in the Tolls. The States Ambaſſadors then (alſo) entring, they unanimouſly require a longer prorogation of the Truce currant: Afterwards his Lordſhip propounded the Mean of abbreviation about the Title by an &c. &c. as aboveſaid, and as the main of all, he deſired that the number of years might be reduced to thirty, which yet he thought that thoſe of Poland would not, or hardly conſent unto; neither within the memory of man, could the example of any Truce be produced, exceeding thirty years.

With exceeding humanity and courteſie did the Generall De la Garde reply to the Mediators, aſſuring them that ſo far as His reply. his authority or power could extend, he would endeavour and employ the ſame for Peace and the publike good, and ſaid, that to the ſame end he would confer with the Commiſſioners that very day, and certifie the Mediators of their reſolution, early the next morning by the Commiſſary Nicodemie. Whileſt there, his Lordſhip received Letters by an expreſſe from the Commiſſioners of Poland, containing that moved with the arrogancy of the Adverſe Party, who (as they underſtood) were retired to Elbing, they were now ready to depart likewiſe, The Poles retire diſcontented. committing their cauſe to the Supream Judge who abaſeth the proud, not doubting withall but that his Majeſty of Poland, who deſired but could not obtain an equall Peace, being forced to take up juſt Armes, ſhould proſper victoriouſly: Withall they rendred thanks to the Mediators for their unwearied pains, wherby they had obliged the King, the Common-wealth, and themſelves in particular; and (by way of Poſtcript) deſired that their Procuratorials might be reſtored unto them.

The French Ambaſſador received the like Letters at Marienburg, wherwith he (being troubled) acquainted De la Garde by an expreſſe, that ſo the Suethes informed of the reſolution The Suethes more complying. of the Polanders might obviate the ſame in time. The communication therof ſerved (probably) to bring the Suethes to milder termes, for the next day, they declared to his Lordſhip and the Hollanders, that they were contented to make Truce for forty years, and abſolutely to reſtore Pruſſia: Leifland they Their conditions for treaty of Truce. would wholly retain, as having wonne it by the Sword; withall, that the King of Poland muſt forbear the Title of Suethen, that in order therunto they would prolong the ceſſation of Ceſſation of Armes prolonged. Armes untill the fifth of Auguſt, in which time the Mediators might, if they thought good, repair to, and return from Thorne.

Herewith his Lordſhip and the Hollanders returning to Marienburg, ſet forth the day enſuing for Thoronia, whither the French Ambaſſador was gone before; the day of their arrival all the Mediators had ſucceſſive audience, and joyntly preſſing and obtaining the Suſpention accorded by the Snethes, they certifie them therof by Letters, referring the reſt to relation. Conſent • h unto by the 〈◊〉 ders. The Mediators conſult with the King and • enators of Poland upon fifteen heads.

The next day all the Mediators, together with the Commiſſioners and certain of the principall Senators of Poland, aſſembled before the King, to receive the laſt reſolve, which after long diſpute the Parties and Mediators concurring, was dilated unto theſe heads.

1. That the Truce ſhould continue for twenty years.

2. That entire reſtitution ſhould be made to the King and Kingdome of Poland, as alſo to the Elector of Brandenburg, Duke in Pruſſia, of all places that had been taken in Pruſſia by the Suethes, in the ſame State they now are, with the Ordnance, and all other things belonging to the Crown of Poland, as Church Ornaments, Bells, &c.

3. That neither at nor before departure ought ſhould be exacted or taken away from the Inhabitants, nor they to be burthened publikely, or privately.

4. That during the Truce the Suethes ſhould poſſeſſe all the places they now hold in Leifland; yet ſo, that the River Eveſt ſhould ſeparate what belonged to Poland and to Suethen, and ſhould include one Caſtle (now not inhabited) named Marien haus.

5. That all Rights and Priviledges appertaining to Cities, Colledges, or private perſons, ſhould remain entire.

6. That the Titles of either party ſhould be couched in all Inſtruments, Ʋladiſlaus 4. Rex Polinae, Magnus Dux Lith. &c. &c. and Chriſtina Regina Sueciae, Magna Princeps Finlandiae, &c.

7. The Cuſtomes and commerce in Pruſſia ſhould return to the ſame ſtate they were in before the War.

8. A generall Ameſtia.

9. The Ship lately detained in the road of Dantzig ſhould be reſtored.

10. Exerciſe of Religion to remain in the ſtate it was before.

11. That during the Truce, and within two or three years at the furtheſt, a perpetual Peace ſhould in the Parliament of either ſide be treated of, the Truce remaining ſtill unviolate.

12. That a time and manner ſhould be ſettled for deduction of the Armies.

13. That the Tolls in Leifland ſhould be moderated and reduced to what they formerly had been.

14. That the adminiſtration of Juſtice in the Confines of Lithuania and Leifland, and of thoſe parts of Leifland belonging to Poland, to be as before.

15. That Security ſhould be given as well by the King as by the States of Poland and great Dutchy of Lithuania, as alſo by the Elector of Brandenburg, with the Cities of Dantzig and Conigsberg, that during the Truce they ſhould not permit any Ships to iſſue out of thoſe Ports to prejudice or endamage the Kingdome of Suethen, neither ſhould they either by themſelves or others attempt ought in prejudice of the preſent Treaty.

Almoſt to this effect were the Conditions propounded by Addition made by the Hollanders. the Halianders, with addition, that for the better ſettling of firm friendſhip and confidence between the two Kingdomes, and for a ſure ground-work to a perpetuall Peace, an equall and honourable Marriage ſhould be thought of ſor the King of Poland, which in their opinion could not be in a more Illuſtrious and Royall Family, then if contracted with the eldeſt Daughter of the late Prince Frederick King of Bohemia, Elector Palatine of Rhyne; that Family being ſo Illuſtrated by Antiquity, Dignity, Nobility, and Princelyalliances within and without the Romane Empire, as none other could be preferred before it: From which and the Marriage of Queen Chriſtina with ſome Prince of the ſame Family, Children might proceed, by whoſe future Conjunctions the two Kingdomes might be joyned in aſſured friendſhip as before, and the ſaid Marriage might likewiſe produce other great advantages by reaſon of the affinity and alliance with other Kings and Princes, by whom the differences and difficulties occurring from either or both the Kingdomes internally or externally might be in time remedied.

With the conditions, aforeſaid, which were admitted by the King of Poland, the Mediators made their repaire to Marienburg; his Lordſhip reparing withall to Elbing, whence after ſeverall conferences upon the ſayd heads with Generall De la Garde and the Commiſſioners, they all determined to returne to Marienburg, where the Mediators and the ſayd Commiſſioners being aſſembled, the fifteen conditions forementioned (whereby the King of Poland might probably be perſwaded to a truce) were produced, whereupon they being many, the Suethes deſired reſpite for conſultation untill the day following, which was granted: the houre being come, and all parties convened, the Suethes exceptions to thoſe Articles were.

1. That touching the terme of Truce they could not accept The reſult of the Suethes upon the former heads. thereof for leſſe then thirty five years, and that by their Inſtructions they were preciſely tyed to forty, that nevertheleſſe they retracted five by the approbation and permiſſion of the Generall, whoſe authority, chiefly in Military affaires, was of great conſideration in the Kingdome of Suethland.

2. That the title of the Queen of Suethen ſhould be expreſſed in manner following, Suecorum, Gothorum, Vandalorumque Regina & Princeps haereditaria, Magna Princeps Finlandiae, foraſmuch as they could by no means give way, that the Hereditary right of their Queen, moſt juſtly acquired, ſhould be obſcured or overſlipt, much leſſe be taken away.

3. That a conſiderable ſum of money was to be given for the deduction of their Forces: That theſe three points being conſented unto, the others might be treated on, and happily concluded; withall that if the prorogation of the Truce, which the Mediators deſired, were to be continued for eight Ceſſation conditionall. dayes longer, theſe three Articles by them expreſſed, were firſt to be agreed unto by the Polanders.

The Mediators upon this anſwer take journey for Crowdentz (a Towne of Pruſſia) where the King with his Army had (as then) pitched his Tents. The next morning early, at the Chancellours lodging, the Commiſſioners being preſent, with ſeverall Palatines and Senators, conſultation was held concerning the particulars propounded from the Suethes: in the afternoon, all the Mediators had audience together in the Caſtle of Crowdentz, the chiefe of the Nobility being preſent, The Kings reſult. the diſpute continued from three untill ten at night. The terme of years, after long controverting, was ſpecified to be twenty five; but the Title of Hereditary Princeſſe, and the money demanded for deduction of the Army were abſolutely denyed; the firſt, as prejudiciall to the King; the other, as diſhonourable to them.

Theſe things being afterwards delivered to the Commiſſioners of Suethen, they crave liberty of deliberation untill the next day, and promiſe a timely anſwer, which to haſten the more, the Mediators repaire to them into Marienburg Caſtle, where they declare that they could not admit of leſſe then The Suethes reply, more mild then expected. thirty years, and that they would not abate a day, that in due regard to the advice of the Mediators, they were contented that the title of Hereditary Princeſs ſhould be included under an &c. That concerning the Money demanded, they ſought it not directly from the King, but to them it was alike whether it came from the Tolls or otherwiſe.

With this reſolution, indeed more mild then was expected, The Mediators return to the King: Audience appointed in the Camp. the Mediators returned toward Croudentz; where the King being buſied about wighty affaires, their Audience was deferred untill the next day, and appointed to be in the Camp, the King having reſolved to take a generall view of his Army, and was not unwilling that the Mediators ſhould have a ſight therof.

The Army (Horſe and Foot) being drawn into order, the A view of the Poliſh Army. firſt that preſented was the Infantry, the greater part wherof was Natives, commonly called Heyduckes, a people inured to hardſhip, ſtrong and able bodies, but not much accuſtomed to Diſcipline, ſome companies of ſtrangers, various but not many. The Horſe conſiſted for the moſt part of Lanciers, Its conſtitution. known there by the appellation of Huſſars; braver men for perſonage, better Horſed, nor more ſuperbly Armed, can hardly be ſeen elſewhere: conſiſting wholly of their Gentry, yet their Vaſſals not more to them then they to their Captains obedient, Diſcipline. howbeit elſewhere they account themſelves their equals: Their Armour rich and gliſtering with Gold and Silver, the Habiliments. better ſort wearing over it looſe Mantles of Sables, black Foxes, Banthers, and Leopards Skins; the Furniture of their Horſes anſwerable and garniſhed with rich Stones, which by the Horſes motion make a pleaſant terrour. They are a Courageous people, moſt violent in a charge, but once broken not eaſily rallying, yet againſt the Turk and Tartarian, the Bulwark of Christendome on that ſide, over whom (as formerly alledged by the Chancellour) King Ʋladiſlaus had lately gained two famous Battels, and had it not been for the difference ready to break out between them and the Suethes (as their Generall himſelf at a Conference delivered to his Lordſhip) they might have driven the Turke back to the very Gates of Conſtantinople.

A ſadneſſe it is, and ſorely to be lamented, that the diſcords between Chriſtian Princes, who profeſſe one God one Chriſt, ſhould make them more intenſive againſt each other then againſt the profeſſed Enemy of that bleſſed name, wherunto they all profeſſe their Baptization.

They were eſteemed to be fifteen thouſand Horſe Effective, Number. but by themſelves reputed more, their Foot in all not exceeding ſix thouſand. After this (and indeed delectable) ſhew ended, the King gave audience to all the Mediators joyntly: concerning the years, he would not add a day to the terme he had formerly prefixed: Nor did the other particulars propounded The King inclining to War. give him any ſatisfaction, ſo as he ſeemed enclining rather to War then Peace.

The day following his Lordſhip remained behind, the other Mediators returned to Marienburg, and related the Kings reſolution to the Suethes, who replied, that for ſo ſmall a matter as five years of time, they did not conceive that either their principals, or the Adverſaries, who ſtuck mainly therat, did intend to broach a bloody War; for the prevention whereof The Suethes not verſe to Peace. they would by ſeverall waies diſpatch two expreſſes into Suethen, and that they might expect an anſwer within three weeks, during which time the Truce might be continued, and in the interim, the other Articles might be diſcuſſed: but if this were not approved, they (having no power to exceed their Inſtructions) could not proceed, unleſſe that being by the Mediators ſecured of the conceſſion of the other Articles by the Polanders. and the Truce continued for eight daies longer, they might therby take the point into further conſideration.

Theſe being related to the King in his Camp were not unpleaſing; Ceſsation prorogued eigh 〈…〉 s and beſides the eight daies of Prorogation, a meeting was granted at Stumes Dorff the 4. 14. Auguſt, provided the Garriſon of Suethes (then at Stume) were removed.

The Mediators, except the French who remained in the Leagure, returning back to Marienburg, acquainted the Suethes, (who by a viſite prevented his Lordſhip) with what they had concluded: they willingly aſſented to the Prorogation and to A meeting conſented unto. the pre-appointed meeting which was to be the day inſuing, as alſo they reſtrained the Garriſon at S • ume, by ſhutting up the Gates without any tumult or diſorder.

Thus, by the unwearied endeavours, and not without the Competition between the Hollanders and thoſe of Brandenburg. exceeding toile of the Mediators by frequent journey's between the Parties, the long intermitted meetings were reſumed the 4/14 Auguſt at Stumbsdorff forenamed; where, at the firſt, a new difference aroſe, between the States Ambaſſadors and thoſe of Brandenburg, the former (not willing to give the others the leaſt precedencie) refuſing to come into the tent of the Marqueſſe Sigiſmund, which in all former meetings had been the place of the Mediators joynt reſort and conſultation.

The other Mediators, unwilling to make this competitionarie controverſie theirs; than which, nothing could be more impeding to the preſent affaire, and deſirous to make the beſt uſe of time, proceeded unto the matter before them, concluding that the fore-ſpecified conditions ſhould be indifferently propounded to either of the Parties, whereby each might the better explaine themſelves by adding or diminiſhing what they ſhould think meete: his Lordſhip went to the Sueths; the French and Brandenburgers to the Commiſſioners Articles of the whole treatie exhibited by the Suethes. of Poland: the former conſented to moſt of the propoſitions tendred unto them, but thought them to be over-breife and ſuccinctly drawen; and therefore, for the more plaine underſtanding, they delivered to his Lordſhip the whole matter of the Treatie comprehended in ſundry Articles, wherewith he preſently repaired to the Polanders; and which, the French Ambaſſador and the Electoralls being preſent, were inſtantly quoted with Marginall notes of ſuch things as they either rejected or added, or ſubſtituted in the place of others: and having done, they referred the whole Referred to the King by the Poles. to the Kings pleaſure, conſenting to meete againe upon the ſecond day enſuing. and the Marginall Annotations being communicated to the Sueths, and over-long to be then examined, were alſo by them deferred to the ſaid meeting. One particular was, by the laſt named, recommended to the Mediators in eſpeciall manner, to be inſinuated unto the other Partie; to wit, that a Parliamentarie ractification of what ſhould be finally concluded, might be procured from Neceſſarie caution. the Republike of Poland, as without which the Treatie would be invalid. Hereupon the Mediators and the Parties returned to their ſeverall quarters.

Upon the day of intervall his Lordſhip viſited the Sueths, and conſulted with them how to compound the competition between the Electorall and States Ambaſſadors, that the publike Treatie might thereby receive no let nor hinderance; at laſt it was concluded that beſides the Prince his Tent, an Former competition removed. other ſhould be pitch't, the choice whereof ſhould be given to the Hollanders, whereunto, his Lordſhip and the Commiſſioners of Suethland, by an expreſſe viſite that afternoon, perſwaded them to condeſcend.

The Mediators and the Parties aſſembled now the ſecond Parliaments ratification inſiſted upon by the Suethes. time, and the moſt urgent point of the Treatie conſiſting in the deſired ratification, the Mediators conceived it meete to cleer that rub, the rather, in that the Sueths mainely inſiſted, that without the ſame all the Treatie and labour employed therein would be of no availe, becauſe a meanes of retracting there from would be remayning to the Polanders; Theſe, on the other ſide demonſtrated the impoſſibilitie therof, in as much as a Parliament could not be called and held in leſſe than four moneths; affirming withall, that the Kings Poliſhreply. ratification, with theirs and that of the Senators placed by Parliament about the King, in the name of the Republike, would be ſufficient, they having from the ſame a full and abſolute power of treating and concluding. That in the mean time Pruſſia ſhould be reſtored; and then a Parliament, for obtaining the ratification from the States of the Kingdome, might be held in convenient time: But the Suethes being herwith not ſatisfyed, and it being unpoſſible for the Polanders to give any other preſent ſecurity, the Mediators endeavoured by all meanes to remove this obſtacle alſo, and propounded, that firſt, the forces of each ſide ſhould be diſmiſſed; and next, that ſuch places as the parties of either ſide ſhould agree Sequeſtration of places propounded by the Mediators. upon might be, by way of Sequeſtration, conſigned into the Mediators hands untill the ratification were procured; as alſo, that Pledges might be given, and the like: Which propoſitions, Sequeſtration of places propounded by the Mediators. albeit they ſounded harſh to either party, yet no other Medium being found for the preſent, the Polanders, at their generall deſire, condeſcended to referr all unto the King and to meet there againe upon the third day following, wherunto the Suethes did in like manner give their conſent.

The day following, the French Ambaſſador, ſolicitous of his Maſters particular affaires, and how to divert a greater Warr from themſelves, viſited the Suethes with whom he laboured from noon untill night by arguments, exhortations, and entreaties, to yeild either to a Sequeſtration of places, or to the giving and accepting of Pledges, but in vaine, and in ſtead of a ſimple deniall received an anſwer of a harſher ſtrain, Viz. That they retaining Elbing and the Pillaw, with the Fort on the The Suethes perſiſt. River Viſtula, untill the ratification ſhould be gotten, would reſtore Marienburg and Stume to the Polander, conditionally that ſomething equivalent alluding to the Memeln, were delivered unto them.

The appointed day for the third Congreſſe being come, and all parties being met, at Stumbſ-dorff, his Lordſhip went with the Hollanders towards the Suethes, the French Ambaſſador, and Brandenburgers doing the like to them of Poland. The Suethes Their reaſons. conſtantly urged and maintained the neceſſity of the Parliamentary ratification; for (ſaid they) if ſo be that one onely City, Town, or Caſtle, is not wont to be delivered over by a Commander without ſufficient preceding Proviſion for his Honour and the Garriſons ſafety, much more was the Honour and Dignity of their Queen to be regarded in the reſtoration of an entire Province: and if ſo be the Polanders before the ſaid ratification, would have ought, as Marienburg and Stume delivered unto them, ſomething equi-polent therunto, as the Memeln they alſo expected.

On the other ſide, the Poliſh Commiſſioners ſwarve not one Impoſſibility alledged by the Poles. jot from their former allegation, to wit, impoſſibility, wherunto (ſaid they) none can be bound: neither would they conſent to the diviſion of places made by the Suethes, much leſſe leave the Pillaw in their hands, which as a moſt commodious Port, would be no leſſe prejudiciall to them then advantageous to the other ſide, as from whence a departure might be faigned, and a return made at pleaſure to their detriment and diſhonour; and that it ſtood with reaſon and equity, that ſeeing the Suethes would neither truſt them nor their King, themſelves alſo were not to be truſted.

The Mediators hereupon deliberated amongſt themſelves of the means of preventing a Rupture by this diſſonance of the parties, but could not find any on the ſudden, and the Polanders were ſaid to be preparing to be gone, when his Lordſhip, very opportunely propounded that the parties ſhould be moved Seaſonable propoſition. to refer unto the arbitration of the Mediators, the two main points in queſtion; to wit, the Parliamentary ratification, and the number of years, and concerning thoſe to ſtand to their deciſſion: this was generally approved, and the French Ambaſſador with the Electoralls repaired therewith to the Suethes, his Lordſhip and the Hollanders doing the like to them of Poland, who were upon the point of taking horſe: The Commiſſioners of Poland, the Chancellor chiefly made no difficulty of aſſenting to the Medium of Arbitration, but for one ſcruple, which was, that their King having limited the number of years, they had no further power of conceſſion therof, and that it muſt be referred to himſelf, of whoſe conſent they were not diffident, and ſo they onely agreed to a prorogation of the Truce for two daies longer: The French Ambaſſador and the Brandenburgers returning from the Suethes, related that Aſſented unto by the Suethes their conſent unto the arbitration was (in a manner) obtained, and urged them to aſſent therto likewiſe, they having ofttimes formerly proffered the ſame in things of greater moment: but more then hath been already ſaid could not be gained from them; they onely intreated that the Mediators Waved by the Poles. would be pleaſed to repair to the King the day following (he being then in his Camp at Rottenhoff neer the Wiſtle) and uſe their joynt perſwaſions. This, the Mediators agreed unto.

They being come thither had audience altogether in the Regall Tent, but found themſelves far ſhort of their conceived hopes, of gaining the prementioned differences, about the ratification and terme of years to be referred to the Mediatoriall arbitration, wherto the Suethes had already accorded: for the King of Poland would not (by any reaſons alledged) be induced thereunto, and but with difficulty conſented to the The King of Poland averſe to the propoſition. continuance of the ceſſation agreed upon, ſo ſtiffe did he then ſhew himſelfe: His Lordſhip argued the matter ſo farr as his Legatoriall Office would permit, and ſeemed to wonder that his Majeſty of Poland ſhould now reject the Medium of Arbitration, when the Suethes, who before had alwayes refuſed the ſame, were brought thereunto, it having been frequently offered by his Commiſſioners; but the King would give no eare, neither to theſe nor any other perſwaſions, uſed either by his Lordſhip or the Hollanders to that effect; ſo as in the ſpace of foure houres of the conference, nothing was obtained ſave that the King would put the whole Treaty to be compounded by juſt and equitable meanes, at the meeting (to be) the day following; wherevnto the French Ambaſſador invited the Suethes by Letter, his Lordſhip having refuſed that Office, as foreſeeing they would not come.

All the Mediators, with the Commiſſioners of Poland, were convened at the accuſtomed place, and waited for the Suethes untill two in the afternoon, about which houre, Baron D' Avacourt (the French Reſident in thoſe parts) who by that The Suethes excuſe their not appearing. Ambaſſador had been ſent to haſten them, came with their Letters excuſatory, that the ſhortneſſe of the time and abſence of ſome of their Colleagues permitted them not to be preſent at that meeting, but that they would not faile to be there the day following, if it would ſo pleaſe the Mediators and the adverſe Party. The Commiſſioners of Poland being Complain of the Polanders. advertiſed hereof would not (after long conſultation) conſent unto the meeting, unleſs they were ſecured that two large Boats taken from them, contrary to the ceſſation of armes currant, by the adverſe Party who kept the Fort in the Wiſtle, ſhould be reſtored unto them; and the other Mediators ſtaying ſtill at Stumbſdorff, his Lordſhip and the Hollanders, taking that buſineſſe upon them, returned to Marienburg, where they urged the matter, and as relative thereunto, moved in behalfe of thoſe that were ſick in the Ship detained in the Road of Dantzig, and laſt, propounded the next dayes meeting: to The Suethes reply, and theſe particulars, the Suethes made anſwer, That touching the Boats then mentioned, they had purpoſely intercepted them, to hinder the laying of a Bridge before their eyes to their exceeding prejudice; Naturall reaſon allowing to repay acts of hoſtility with the like: that nevertheleſſe to gratifie the Mediators they would return them as alſo recommend to the Officers in their Navy, the free egreſſe of them that were ſick in the ſaid Ship, that ſo the Treaty, for things of ſo ſmall moment, might not by them be hindred; and that Compliance. albeit they had not received hitherto from the Commiſſioners of Poland any certain reſolution, and therfore could not expect much good by the next daies meeting, they would nevertheleſſe be preſent therat. This his Lordſhip ſignified in writing to the Commiſſioners of Poland, and requeſted from the Palatine of Belzes, a larger Tent, wherin the parties and the Mediators might aſſemble together.

His Lordſhip with the Hollanders prepared for the fourth meeting, ſo much the more early, to take order for placing the Mediatoriall Tent in equall diſtance from thoſe of the ſeverall parties, and for the bringing of theirs neerer to eaſe the Mediators of part of their trouble. Theſe things ſet in order, the Mediators concluded that to either party ſhould be reiterated the Arbitration of the aforeſaid differences by the Mediators. Thoſe of Poland, to whom his Lordſhip and the Hollanders had Both parties ſtiff. applied themſelves, abſolutely refuſed the ſame, and the Suethes appeared to the French, and the Electorals leſſe inclining therto then before, and thus the Treaty ſeemed to hang by a ſmall twiſt: which cauſed the Mediators to labour ſo much the more earneſtly with the ſeverall parties. The Polanders profeſſed themſelves willing to hearken to equall conditions if they were propounded; neither was there any means left for compounding the difference of the Parliamentary ratification, ſave onely an equall diviſion of the places that were to be reſtored or kept: and at laſt not without the unceſſant trouble of the Mediators in goings between, they condeſcended unto theſe Conditions.

1. That the Truce ſhould be for twenty ſix years; the Suethes requiring that one year ſhould be added by way of compenſation for their conſent to the reſtoring of one halfe of Pruſſia, without the ſtrickt neceſſary form of Parliamentary ratification, whereof the Polanders gave no poſitive aſſurance, but promiſed their endeavours for its procurement, the French Ambaſſador offering alſo to repaire to the King about the ſame.

2. That upon the Regall and Senatoriall Commiſſioners ratification Mutuall conceſſions. onely (untill that of the Republike might be had) the Suethes ſhould forth with reſtore Marienburg, Stume, Braunſberge and Tolkemyth, with the greater Iſland and the Territories to each of them belonging; and that Elbing, the Pillaw, with the leſſer Iſland and their Territories ſhould ſtill be retained by them.

3. That the Fort made in the Wiſtle by the Suethes, and the Fortifications made on the bord therof by thoſe of Dantzig Ceſſation for foure daies. ſhould be demoliſhed; hereupon the ceſſation was prolonged for four daies.

Thus at laſt the averſneſſe of the parties admitted of ſhews of reconcilement, and by how much the Treaty had ſeemed neer to vaniſh into nothing, by ſo much the hopes of its happy iſſue began to beam forth more bright; wherunto the Mediators thought it might be conducible that the parties accompanied by them as at the firſt, ſhould re-ſalute each other in the midſt of the Village; that ſo by a publike conteſt for Peace and Concord by mutuall interviews, the wiſhed end might be the more eaſily attained: neither was the motion unpleaſing to either of the parties, who now ſeemed equally deſirous of Peace: This Ceremony being performed, the Mediators Second interview of the Parties. and the parties take leave of each other; and the vulgar not containing their contentment, publiſhed the Peace as if already concluded.

In the mean time, the French Ambaſſador obtained of the King the grant of the year demanded, whileſt his Lordſhip and the Hollanders at Marienburg employ themſelves with the Sueths about thoſe things which might further the Pacification: Exhibition of Articles by the Suethes. Theſe promiſing to exhibite (at the next meeting) certaine Articles of the whole Treaty wheron the agreement might be perfected.

The time appointed for the fifth meeting, and all the parties being come, the Mediators thought good that the Conditions (then exhibited by the Suethes as fore-promiſed) ſhould be communicated to the Commiſſioners of Poland: touching the Subſtance, they were all one with the former, ſome only altered and ſome added for their own availe, all the Mediators being preſent, they were accurately diſcuſſed by the Polanders, not a word or title which might be wreſted to their prejudice left unexamined or corrected? The French Ambaſſador quoting (in the Mergent) the ſeverall exceptions made by them. Therwith they alſo tendred to the Mediators ſuch things as they would have to be inſerted: importing, that foraſmuch as the preſent Truce was chiefly ordained and concluded, to Additions by the Polanders. the end that during the ſame a perpetuall Peace might be the more commodiouſly treated and effected, therefore, within the ſpace of two years next inſuing the date of the ſaid Truce, Commiſſioners ſhould be appointed of both ſides with full power and inſtructions, to meet, treat and conclude the ſayd generall and aſſured Peace, by the intervention of thoſe Kings and Princes whom the Parties ſhould make choice of. And if the ſayd Peace ſhould not be then effected, the ſame to be reſumed within the next two years; and if not then, the like within the two years enſuing, and ſo conſequently, the Truce ſtill continuing firme, untill the expiration of the twenty ſix years. Alſo that no Taxes or Cuſtomes ſhould be exacted upon The Truce to be for 26. years. the River Dyna from the Inhabitants of the great Dutchy of Lithuania, or the Dukedome of Curland. That likewiſe, the Rights and Poſſeſſions of the Duke of Curland ſhould remaine in the ſame ſtate they were before the Warr. That in like manner it ſhould be lawfull for thoſe that had been exiled out of Suethland or Leifland to return into their Countrey, and to recover their goods and Inheritance; and that; if they ſhould not like to abide there, it ſhould be free for them to ſell or otherway diſpoſe of their ſayd Goods. That Ambaſſadors, or Meſſengers, of either ſide, ſhould have free egreſſe and regreſſe. That the Fugitives of the great Dutchy of Lithuania, the Dukedome of Curland, and the Pilten Territory, or ſo many of them as ſhould be found in Leifland, ſhould be reſtored, and ſo reciprocally. That foure Ships appertaining to his Electorall Highneſſe of Brandenburg ſhould be reſtored. That there ſhould be alſo freedome of Navigation from the Dutchy of Curland.

Theſe Conditions were ſhewed to the Commiſſioners of Suethland by the French Ambaſſador, and the Brandenburgers followed (ſoon after) by his Lordſhip and the Hollanders; the Poliſh Emendations and additions (night now approaching) are curſorily by them run over; and thoſe appearing to be things but of ſmall moment, are referred untill the next day, ſo as all things ſeemed to go forward according to the general Hopes of amicable concluſion. deſire. One thing only bred ſome heſitation; the French Ambaſſador reaſoning (by way of diſcourſe) about the reſtitution of the Romane Religion in Pruſſia, urged by conſequence, as from the Commiſſioners of Poland, the free exerciſe A rub caſt in. thereof in behalfe of thoſe of that Religion remaining in Leifland: but that alſo was remitted to be handled the day following; neither was it then conceived that ſo much trouble would have enſued as that particular did afterwards produce. The Mediators and the Commiſſioners of Poland remained that night in Stumbſdorff, the Suethes retyred to Stume, the ſame being neer adjoyning, that ſo they might begin the more early the next morning.

To this ſixth meeting (if not rather a continuance of the French Ambaſſador ſtickling for the Romiſh Religion in Leifland. fifth) all Parties aſſembled, and the French Ambaſſador, the ſole of all the Mediators addicted to the Romiſh profeſſion, took upon him the patronizing thereof in Leifland, and growing zealous therein, earneſtly pleaded that cauſe with the Commiſsioners of Suethland; who, obſerving with what fervency he preſſed it, anſwered poſitively in the Negative, and gave theſe reaſons: Firſt, that in their Inſtructions they had not one word touching the ſame, neither, as they conceived, had their Principalls ſo much as once thought of it. Next, that they knew not that there were any of the Romiſh Creed Poſitively refuſed by the Suethes. and why. in that Province, and therfore it was but a needleſſe trouble to faigne things that were not in being.

And laſtly, that albeit ſome of that profeſſion might be found there, yet they could not for their conſideration grant a free exerciſe of that Religion, the Statutes and fundamentall Lawes of their Kingdome being expreſly againſt it.

Theſe paſſages were by the French Ambaſſador related to the Commiſſioners of Poland, all of whom (but chiefly the Chancellor) took the matter hainouſly, affirming, that The Poles inſiſt unleſſe proviſion were made for the free exerciſe of Religion to thoſe poor Soules, whoſe Salvation (ſaid they) they tendred more then the loſſe of all Leifland, all the Treaty and the labour that had been employed therin would turn to nothing. His Lordſhip and the other Mediators would not (at firſt) intermeddle in that buſineſſe, as not appertaining unto them; but finding the ſame to grow ſo difficult as not to be eaſily compoſed, but rather likely to overthrow whatſoever had been done before, they alſo thought good to interpoſe their Authority, and the whole day being almoſt ſpent in arguments and hot diſpute about the ſame, they propounded unto the Polanders a draught for the reconcilement therof; if ſo be The other Mediators propounded a Medium. that accepted by them, the Suethes could be drawn to give conſent therunto.

But here, becauſe in the whole Treaty no one point was conteſted with more ſharpneſſe on both ſides, as alſo that none was more likely to have cauſed an abſolute diſſolution therof, and that the greateſt difference in the ſeverall means propounded for reconcilement, conſiſted for the moſt part in the diſtinction of words and phraſes.

I have thought good to couch the ſeverall formes, placing in the Mergent the Latine wherin they were word for word then conceived, wherby the Reader may with more ſatisfaction to himſelf ſettle his judgment therupon.

The firſt therfore adminiſtred by the Mediators was in theſe words.

The Suethes ſhall permit unto the (Roman) Sueci, hominibus Catholicis in Livonia toto induciarum tempore, cultum & ritum in privato permiſſuri, nullamque in eos inquiſitionem ut hactenus facturi, neminique qui Religionem Catholicam profeſſus fuerit, id ipſi noxae futurum. Catholike in Leifland their Worſhip and Ceremony in private during the whole time of the Truce, and no enquiry ſhall be made upon them as formerly, had been, neither ſhall the profeſſing of (that) Catholike Religion be a Crime or prejudice to any perſon there for the future.

This form written in a Scroll, was by the Mediators delivered to the Commiſſioners of Suethland, each of them adding perſwaſions thereunto, yet all proved in vain, for the Draught was rejected, and night drawing on, an end was made for that time.

The next day being the ſeventh, all parties aſſembling, the Arguments uſed by the French Ambaſſador. former diſpute about the point of Religion in Leifland was continued, wherin the French Ambaſſador employed his whole endeavours, ſharply checking the Suethes for this their cruell, and (as he termed it) unheard of way of proceeding; ſetting before them how that the King his Maſter, at their late Kings conſideration, had granted to the Lutherans, even in Paris, the free exerciſe of their Religion; which if they ſhould obſtinately perſevere, and that the matter ſo required, he doubted not but he might (by Letters) eaſily diſturb: but the Suethes, nothing moved with theſe threats, yea, rather the Rejected by the Suethes. more exaſperated, replied that they were not bound to conform themſelves unto, or to be judged by the examples or reaſons of others, but by their own fundamentall Lawes and Statutes, which (without indangering their heads) they might not ſwarve from, as they ſhould do mainly by condeſcending to the form propounded, which included not only private but publike exerciſe alſo, by thoſe captious words, Worſhip and Ceremonie; yet they profeſſed that they would not be Cultus & Ritus. Exemption from enquiry granted by the Suethes. ſo ſevere as to make inquiſition upon, or trouble the Catholikes; but as heretofore would permit them to enjoy their private liberty of Conſcience.

The Commiſſioners of Poland were no way contented with this Declaration, as well in regard (ſaid they) that Religion without Worſhip, Rights, and Ceremonies, due at Divine Service, was but (in a manner) a dead Image; as alſo, that the liberty of Conſcience enjoyed untill then, by the Catholikes there, was indeed none at all, but a meer bondage, feare and trembling; during which, neither could thoſe who were forced to conceal themſelves, celebrate, or partake of the Maſſe, nor would their Children who ſhould be afterwards borne, become initiated into their Church by Baptiſme. That Referred by the Poles to their King. yet, not to break off the Treaty, they thought good to refer this ſomething, which they eſteemed as nothing unto their King, in a ſmuch as untill this point were ſettled, they could not proceed unto the other Articles; onely at the inſtance of the Mediators, by mutuall conſent of parties, the ceſſation was prorogued for three daies.

During the time of reſpite, the French Ambaſſador endeavoured French Amb. Solicitations Uneffectuall. to bring the Commiſſioners of Suethen to more complying termes, ſhewing the juſt cauſe their Adverſaries had, relating to the point in queſtion; that from thence only a moſt cruell War was like to ariſe, and that they would therby procure the hatred and the enmity of others: but all in vain, for in the ſpace of four houres he gained nothing.

The day prefixed for the eighth meeting being come, the Parties and the Mediators aſſembled at the wonted Village, where the Commiſſioners of Poland, authorized by their King, The former forme inſiſted on by the Poles. inſiſt more mainely then before, upon the foreſayd forme of Covenant, in the point of the Romiſh Religion; and for the more aſſurance, deſired that the ſame might be ratified under the Hands and Seales of the Mediators, and affirmed that unleſſe it were granted, there remained nothing but Warr, which (they ſayd) they eſteemed to be ſo much the more juſt, by how much it was more glorious to conteſt to the laſt gaſpe, yea even to imbrace an honourable death, for the liberty of conſcience and Religion.

Theſe things, with other like, being by them delivered; the French Ambaſſador, earneſtly pleaded their cauſe with the Commiſſioners of Suethland, and as he was endowed with ſingular Eloquence, ſo he endeavoured to move them, by the ſtrongeſt and moſt dexterous arguments he could, to admit of the foreſaid form of Stipulation: Yet the Suethes (inflexible in Again by the Suethes rejected. their reſolve) reject the ſame as captious and including under a ſpecious forme of words, a free exerciſe of the Romiſh Religion which they might not aſſent unto; and added, that they alſo ſhould have thereby a moſt juſt cauſe of Warr in maintaining by force and armes the liberty of Religion, which by the Divine goodneſſe they had obtained, and in conſerving the Lawes of their Kingdome without violation, which it would be more diſhonourable for them to forego then if they had never had the ſame.

With this repulſe the French Ambaſſador at firſt aſtoniſhed, afterward chafed, began to expoſtulate and to blame their hard heartedneſſe, as he tearmed it, but being unable to obtaine any further, he (though ſeeming thereto unwilling) takes a hopeleſſe farewell, departing from them to the Polanders, whom his Lordſhip and the Hollanders had, in the interim, aſſayed to perſwade: Whilſt he related the laſt and abſolutely negative reply of the Suethes, ſome of them, being moved with indignation, ſpoke aloud the words of (War Bellum Bellum. War) which albeit uttered within the Tent, were heard without, and (in a moment) ſpread among their attendants, and it ſo hapning, this being about the time of departure, that the Suethes Trumpeters then ſounded to Horſe, the Poliſh Lanciers (commonly called Huſſars, of whom the Commiſſioners had for their ordinary Guard two Troops, as the Suethes the like Number of Finlanders) waxing ſuddenly and over-raſhly enraged, Sudden tumult. did ſet upon ſome of the meaner unarmed Suethes, who (happily to gaze upon their ſtrange Equipage) had advanced into the Village, and purſuing, hurt and wounded ſome of them with their Shables; nor therwith contented, began to gather into a body, preparing, as it were, for a more forcible on-ſet upon the Suethiſh Foot, of whom two Companies guarded their Lords Tents.

The tumult being heard, Generall Wrangle, who had untill then contained himſelf, ſeeing the diſorder like to encreaſe, from whence danger might enſue, came forth of their Tent with a Partizan in his hand, and began to act his part of a reſolute Commander, as well as of a Politick Commiſſioner, and having placed the Horſ-men in order, but with a charge not to advance, yet if preſſed, to repay blood with blood, he went immediately to draw up the foot, ſo to be ready if the contrary party ſhould aſſail them. This unexpected tumult, as it was ſtrange, ſo it might have proved equally dangerous Threatning danger. to the Mediators, engaged between the parties; as to the parties themſelves, both ſides ſuſpecting Treachery: Wherfore the Huſſars being ready to make an irruption with their Lances; the Suethiſh foot (on the other ſide) preſenting their Muſquets, their Matches ready cockt, and the two Finland Troops (clad in hard Iron) with their Piſtols in like manner expecting the charge, his Lordſhip and the Hollanders haſtned to the Suethes, the French and Brandenburgers doing the like to the Polanders, exhorting each ſide to deſiſt from further outrage, and to retire to their ſeverall reſidences.

The Suethes were obedient not only to the words but to the becks of their Commanders; the Poles neither regarding commands nor entreaties, and hardly enduced to forbeare by the perſwaſions of the grave Chancellor who called upon themby Appeared. the name of Brethren, albeit at other times he was of great repute, as being next in authority to the King: yet at laſt this tumult was appeaſed; the Suethes departing, environned with The Suethes exaſperated. their Guards, wroth, and reſolving to abandon the Treaty complained of, reviled, yea, curſed the injuriouſneſſe and perfidious proceeding (as they termed it) of the Polanders.

The Commiſſioners of Poland having cauſed their Troops The Poles purge themſelves. to withdraw, made their addreſſe to the Mediators to purge themſelves from the preceding accident, proteſting their innocency, and ignorance by whoſe raſhneſſe the ſame had fallen out, whom they would nevertheleſſe endeavour to diſcover and puniſh. They profeſſed themſelves exceedingly grieved for the trouble, perill, and apprehenſion they had undergone, and intreated them to clear their innocency towards the adverſe party, who (they conjectured) might harbour a prejudice againſt them by ſiniſterous Suſpitions.

Laſtly, they deſired, that a meeting might be granted the next day.

The Mediators willingly condeſcended, but for preventing the like evils in the future, they deſired that the T 〈…〉 ps might be reſtrained, and a ſevere puniſhment denounced againſt ſuch as ſhould exceed their bounds. Taking leave, the Mediators returned toward Marienburg, and his Lordſhip firſt overtaking the Suethes, met the Generall De la Garde, who upon notice of the tumult, had iſſued with ſome forces to aſſiſt the Commiſſioners if need ſhould have required.

His Lordſhip perſwaded them to a meeting the day following and ſlighted the diſorder that had hapned, as being a caſualty not worthy of mention, but as this was a way-faring diſcourſe it received no reſolution, they ſeeming rather to decline any preſent meeting, leaſt that the bitterneſſe being ſtill freſh in memory, the minds of each ſide might be exaſperated, and thought it would be better to try by Miſſives what would be the concluſion about the point of Religion in Leifland. Hereupon his Lordſhip and the Hollanders agree to appoint A conference between his Lordſhip and the Poles. a conference with the P 〈…〉 ſh Commiſſioners at the place where they had met once before called Newendorff, which his Lord did ſignifie unto them by writing.

In the mean time, as formerly the rumour of a Peace had been divulged, ſo the laſt diſorder had ſpread the noiſe of War, wherupon from ſeverall parts) the Canon began to play very thick on both ſides: but the Mediators fearing leaſt ſuch fiery Hoſtility began. flaſhes might prove the incendiaries to an unextinguiſhable flame, his Lordſhip meeting the Commiſſioners of Poland at the place appointed, deſired them to abſtain from ſuch praeludiums, which the Suethes interpreted as a commencement of hoſtility, leaſt by the breach of Truce, the Mediators (travelling about the publike) might incur danger.

The Chancellour replied with a long Oration, reſuming The former tumult excuſed. the excuſes of the former daies tumult; from thence he deſcended to the matter in queſtion, and produced Letters from the Colonell Articentkie, which affirmed that he had been provoked by the Suethes. Whileſt they thus argue, the French Ambaſſador came alſo from Marienburg, who being deſirous to finiſh the diſpute about the fore-mentioned point of Religion, firſt endeavoured to refute the rumour that was ſpread, as if he had hindred the Peace when it was in a manner at the Apology by the French Ambaſſador. point of concluding; next he profeſſed, that according to the zeal wherwith God had endowed him towards his Religion, he had ever maintained the ſame, his meer conſcience not permitting him to abandon ſo juſt a cauſe; and laſtly, he enquired what the Commiſſioners had determined touching that particular.

Neither was this Apology wholly unneceſſary, or the vulgar Digreſſion. opinion altogether improbable, for by reaſon of the ſtrickt confederacy between the King his Maſter and the Crown of Suethen, 〈…〉 way of mutuall aſſiſtance againſt the Auſtrian Family, it was conceived that he would from the beginning be obnoxious to the deſigns of the Polanders, for which cauſe he was the leſſe deſired by them, as one who to coroborate the friendſhip of that fore-named Crown the more firmly to his Maſter, would undoubtedly advance the intereſt therof, which indeed he did ſo far as he might, without evident blemiſh to the Impartiality of a Mediatoriall Dignity: But now the Treaty being in a fair way of concluſion, and howbeit not for an abſolute Peace, yet for a Truce of ſo long continuance as would ſee many changes over-paſſe before it expired, and the Crown of Suethen being freed therby of all apprehenſion of hoſtility from that ſide, might proſecute the War in Germany the more intenſively, and ſo be the more concurring with the deſigns of the King his Maſter, and afford him the greater aſſiſtance by a more powerfull diverſion, it was neither contrary to reaſon or policy, that he ſhould endeavour at the laſt caſt to ingratiate himſelf into the favour of the Polanders, and to remove the jealouſies, they might have conceived, of his averſneſſe towards their affairs; and the rather becauſe ſundry advantages might be therby derived, to the advancement of the King his Maſters Service, by the entertaining of Officers and Souldiers, eſpecially the ſtrangers in the Poliſh Army, into his Maſters Pay, which he afterwards aſſayed to have done, but with ſmall ſucceſſe, the Emperours Miniſters, who alſo gaped after the diſbanding of that Army preventing him therin, by drawing Colonell Butler (by them made Generall Major) with ſeverall Commanders, as well Engliſh and Scots, as Iriſh and others, with moſt of the Infantry, into the Imperiall Service, ſo to recruit the old, or frame a new Army in Sileſia.

For theſe and other conſiderations it may be (and was) conceived, that he might not unwillingly caſt in that Bone, the rather for that the buſineſſe being almoſt ended, and the Parties by how much neerer to peace in their hopes, by ſo much the more affected unto it, ſo as they would not break off upon ſlight occaſions, not doubting, but that either by the Parties, or the Mediators, a meane would be found out to make all even againe: and if he were not the firſt mover of that point, then which he could never have pickt out one more ſpecious, or that could carry more luſtre, nor render him more gracious with the Polanders, eſpecially with their Clergy who bear a great ſway in that Kingdome, yet it may be ſuppoſed that by his forwardneſſe therein, he animated the Polanders to a greater pertinacy, and obſtinate perſeverance in that conteſt, which was longer and more hotly continued then any other, neither was any one more likely to have cauſed a finall rupture. As to his pretended conſcientious zeale, albeit there can be nothing better then to retain a good conſcience in all things, yet the conſcience of one man cannot be obligatory to that of another, much leſſe to a generality, and eſpecially to their prejudice; the ſame conſiſting of a mans inward diſpoſition towards God and Man wrought in him by that ſpirit wherewith he is acted; and therefore a mans private conſcience ought not to be inſtanced as an inducement to a State, in matters of Religion, and eſpecially of a different Creed.

But notwithſtanding all theſe deſignes, there wanted but little that the King having gotten ſuch an advantage, had not, made uſe thereof to thwart all their hopes of a reconcilement and to advance his owne ends; for the Warlike Prince, fortunate in all his former undertakings againſt his Enemies, and breathing new Conqueſts; had (as was conceived) no inclination to the Truce, but rather deſired to have vindicated his pretenſions to the Crowne and Kingdome of Suethland, by the Sword, ſeeing very well that he ſhould not obtaine the ſame by Treaty. And as the Commiſſioners for the Republike of Poland, obſerving they could not get a reſtitution of Leiſland, whereupon they inſiſted at the firſt as well as for Pruſſia, would make no generall Peace; chooſing rather a Truce, after the expiration whereof their pretences to Leifland were ſtill the ſame, even ſo, King Ʋladiſlaus perceiving that, as well by the one as the other, there was little appearance of his regaining the Crown of Suethen, did equally diſtaſt the Peace and Truce, and was induced to a condeſcention meerly by the Potency rather then the perſwaſions of the Poliſh Senators; who bending wholly to what was for the preſent behoof of the Republike, had little regard to the particular intereſt of their Prince, a thing uſuall in Elective Kingdomes; whereas the King was deſirous to have recovered his (pretended) right by force of Armes, ſeeing it could not be otherwiſe gained, wherby he might have aſſured his Poſterity of a hereditary Kingdome, in caſe they ſhould come to be preter-mitted in the Elective, as himſelf had almoſt been, and wher the eldeſt would not (alone) be aſſured of a Crown, but the younger likewiſe would be ſecured of Principalities and Dukedomes, anſwerarable to the Dignity of their birth, which in Poland they were not by any Right or Title: for theſe reaſons it may be conjectured that the King was not un willing to embrace any occaſion of a rupture, and even of late, by ſtanding ſtiff upon ſundry points of ſmaller conſequence, he had not obſcurely diſcovered his mind; neither could he have a more glorious pretence (as to them) then that of Religion; wherby alſo he might reap another (and no ſmall) advantage: to wit, the razing out of his Subjects minds, eſpecially thoſe of the Clergy, an opinion they had conceived, that he favoured the reformed Religion, more then they deſired he ſhould, albeit that ſurmiſe of theirs had no other ground then that they knew, thoſe of the Reformation had deſerved better of him, at the time of the Election, then themſelves had done; yet this might be a motive to the King to make a cleer demonſtration of his zeal to the contrary, by ſticking ſo faſt to this particular wheron (indeed) he inſiſted moſt earneſtly, and ſo far that the Chancellour who at his firſt preſſing therof, did not think that ever it would have come to that height, was more puzled therwith then with any other point which (before or after the ſame) came to be diſcuſſed in the whole Treaty, as well how to ſatisfie the King, as to ſalve their own honour and prevent a breach the ſame being feared by many, and was not undeſired by ſome; but I will now leave this and return to the matter from which I have digreſſed further then I intended.

The French Ambaſſador having ended his Apologie (the inducement to the former digreſſion) and ſucceſſively gained a good opinion with the Polanders, howbeit not without irritating his old Friends the Suethes, and being therfore the more deſirous to ſee an end of that controverſie which himſelf had firſt broached, did earneſtly require from the Commiſſioners of Poland their finall reſolution upon the point in queſtion; after two or three houres ſpent in debate, the Poliſh Lords agreed that another form ſhould be conceived in writing, wherby in place of the words Ritus and Cultus, liberty of conſcience, and exerciſe of profeſſion ſhould be inſerted, as followeth.

The (Roman) Catholickes in Leifland ſhall enjoy liberty of their conſciences all the time of the Truce, neither ſhall any enquiry or animadverſion be made into them, and if any one ſhall exerciſe that Catholicke Religion in private, it ſhall be no Crime unto him.

Homines Catholices in Livonia toto induciarum tempore libertate conſcientiarum gaviſuros nullamque in eos inquiſitionem & animadverſionem factum iri, & ſi quis Religionem Catholicam in privato exercuerit, id ipſi noxa non futurum.

Hereupon the Mediators urged a prorogation of the Truce, which the Commiſſioners affirmed they had no power to grant, but that within an houre at fartheſt, by ſix ſwift Horſes which ſtood in a readineſs between them and the Camp, then two Dutch miles diſtant, they might acquaint the King with this laſt draught and the ceſſation required, and therupon receive his pleaſure; that in the interim, the other conditions of the Truce (which had been intermitted almoſt a week) might be brought again upon the Carpet: they were taken into examination, and the Ceſsation of Armes for a day onely. tenth was in handling, ſome being added, ſome expunged, others corrected, when the Courier returned with the Kings Letters, containing a ceſſation for the next day only; during which, the King on the one ſide, the Suethes on the other, might conſider of the form laſt expreſſed: With this anſwer his Lordſhip and the Hollanders returned to Marienburg, the French Ambaſſador went to Sumbſdorff neer at hand, there to expect what the Suethes would declare.

Early the next morning the other Mediators viſited the Suethes, exhibiting that new forme of draught, beyond which (they affirmed) nothing was to be obtained from the Poles: The ſecond form rejected by the Suethes. but they, having obſerved the word Exerciſe, which they conceived to be more prejudiciall and of a larger extent then the former, did utterly reject it, calling the treating of the Polanders a meer mockery, whereunto not onely themſelves, but the Mediators alſo were expoſed, and that they were not onely provoked but inforced unto a War: This firſt heat being ſomewhat allayed, they were contented at his Lordſhips inſtance to draw up three other formes of grant, each gradually milder then the other; the firſt was thus.

Homines Catholicos in Livonia toto induciarum tempore, eadem libertate conſcientiarum & religionis qua hactenus ſub imperio & juriſdictione S. R. Majeſtatis Regnique Suecia gaviſ: ſunt, gaviſuros, nullamque in eos inquiſitionem & animadverſionem factum iri, ſiſeſe ita geſſerint uti hactenus geſſerunt, neque ſi quis Catholicam religionem in privato profeſſus fuerit, idipſi noxae futurum.

The (Roman) Catholicks in Leiſland ſhall enjoy during the whole time of the Truce, the ſame liberty of their Conſciences and Relegion that hitherto they have done under the Soveraignty and Juriſdiction of the Queen and Kingdome of Suethland; neither ſhall any enquiry or animadverſion be made into them if they ſhall ſo demean themſelves as they have done hitherunto, nor ſhall any one incur blame or prejudice for profeſſing that Catholick Religion in private.

The ſecond was more brief as followeth.

Homines Catholici in Livonia gaudeant eadem libertate conſcientiarum & Religionis qua hactenus ſunt gaviſi nullaque in eos inquiſitio & animadverſio inſtituatur quatenus ſub imperio & juriſdictionis S. R. Majeſtatis ac Regni Sueciae factum eſt ſi ſeſe ita geſſerint uti hactenus geſſerunt.

The (Roman) Catholicks in Leiſland ſhall enjoy the ſame liberty of Conſcience and Religion they have hitherto done, neither ſhall any enquiry or animadverſion be made into them as hath been under the Raigne and Juriſdiction of her Majeſty and the Kingdome of Suethen, provided they ſhall ſo behave themſelves as they have hitherto done.

The third was yet more favourable in theſe words.

Homines Catholicos qui jam ſunt in Livonia toto induciarum tempore libertate conſcientiarum & Religionis gaviſuros, nullamque in eos inquiſitionem & animadverſionem factum iri, neque ſi quis Catholicam Religionem in privato profeſſus fuerit, id ipſi noxae futurum.

The (Roman) Catholicks that now are in Leiſland ſhall enjoy liberty of their Conſciences and Religion during the whole time of the Truce, without any animadverſion or enquiry to be made into them, neither if any one ſhall profeſſe that Catholick Religion in private, ſhall it be prejudiciall unto him.

Theſe ſeverall formes were by his Lordſhip ſent by an expreſs to the French Ambaſſador, who therwith ſpeedily repaired from Stumſdorff to the King (then in his Camp) towards whom he imployed himſelf with all the efficacy he Rejected by the King. could; notwithſtanding which, the three Draughts aforeſaid being rejected, he obtained a continuation of the ceſſation for two daies only, wherof he certified his Lordſhip by writing, promiſing a ſpeedy return to Marienburg, which he performed the next evening, and (together with the other Mediators) repairing to the Suethes, he expreſſed his endeavours and the repulſes he had ſuſtained in a long and elegant Oration; and at length their minds and eares attentively liſtning, he recreates them with this laſt reſolution of the Polanders; to wit, that they had conſented to the forme laſt mentioned, the word Devotion only inſerted, inſtead wherof thoſe of exerciſe and indemnity were omitted, as by the form enſuing appeareth.

The (Romane) Catholicks in Leiſland ſhall enjoy liberty of their Conſciences, Religion and Devotion during all the time of the Truce, neither ſhall any enquiry or animadverſion in that regard be made into them.

Homines Catholicos in Livonia toto induciarum tempore libertate conſcientiarum & Religionis Devotioniſque gaviſuros, nullamque in eos inquiſitionem & anim adverſionem eo nomine factum iri.

At firſt the Suethes ſeemed rather to refuſe then to admit of The laſt forme propounded by the Poles: the ſame, becauſe they thought that in the word Devotion, there was ſome other thing included which might be to them prejudiciall and advantageous to their Adverſaries; yet they were contented to take the ſame into conſideration untill the day following, with promiſe that they would then declare therupon:

The Mediators, taking leave, imagined their conſent as good as granted, but it appeared otherwiſe, for the Commiſſioners of Suethen did early the next Morning, by Lording their Secretarie, ſignify unto them, that upon due conſultation, and a review of the Extent of their Commiſſion, they could not condeſcend unto the forme laſt propounded which (covertly) implyed nothing but a free exerciſe. The Mediators Diſreliſhed by the Suethes. took this change in evill part, and complayned that they were put to an endleſſe work, in that whatſoever they concluded was annulled and illuded by one exception or other, wherfore they joyntly affirmed that they would take their leave and abandon the Treaty, whereof they advertiſed them by the ſaid Secretarie.

Neither (probably) would they have been wanting to their reſolution, if the Commiſſioners of Suethland, ſeeing the Mediators about to depart diſcontented, and the French Ambaſſador affirming that the word (Devotion) was to be underſtood At length admitted. of private exerciſe onely, had not declined from their obſtinacie and accepted of the forme laſt ſpecified: only they requeſted his Lordſhip and the Ambaſſadors of Holland Atteſtation deſired. to afford them an atteſtation under their hands and ſeales, that they had conſented but to a private liberty of conſcience without inquiſition to be made thereupon and not to the free exerciſe of Religion, which the ſaid Mediators conſenting unto, this difficultie alſo was reconciled at laſt, and hereof the French Ambaſſador certified the Commiſſioners of Poland, deſiring their appearance the next day at the accuſtomed place, which the Suethes had likewiſe agreed unto.

Stumbs-dorff (after a long intermiſſion) ſaw now the ninth congregating of the Mediators and Parties, who having concluded ſatisfactorily about the point of Religion, thought Particulars inſiſted on. good to continue the examination of the Articles begun at Newendorff with thoſe of Poland. Certain ſlight ſcruples were moved, but the cheife diſpute was about the burthens and exactions which the late warr had Introduced, as the fortifications at Mountispitz. the abrogation of the Dantzig ſtample upon cloath: the returne of the Engliſh ſociety to Elbing, the reſtoring to that Citie of the Pruſſian Land-ſeal, with their prerogative of Seſſion. The razing of Mountispitz was referred to the deciſion of the queſtion depending. The abrogation of the Dantzig ſtample and the freedome of the Engliſh Society, was earneſtly diſputed and preſſed by his Lordſhip, whoſe part it was, as alſo a part of his Commiſſion, who cleerly ſhewed that the ſaid Stample, being no other than a Monopoly, had been fraudulently procured by thoſe of Dantzig to the diſturbance of free trade, and to the great prejudice and hinderance of the Merchants of great-Brittaine, Subjects to the King his Maſter, the fourth part of cloath not being then tranſported which formerly had been to the no ſmall loſſe even of the Poliſh Nobility and Gentrie, who had been accuſtomed to buy ſuch commodities at eaſie rates, and now ſuffered exceedingly thereby as themſelves affirmed, but to the immenſe gaine of the Dantzigers, contrary to the freedome of commerce, and to common reaſon which forbids that one man ſhould be enriched by the detriment of another.

The Brandenburgers and the Hollanders preſſed (each) their intereſt. The French Ambaſſador pleaded, in ſome meaſure, the cauſe of the Elbingers, touching the Pruſſian Land-Seale.

The Poland Commiſſioners anſwered his Lordſhips propoſition, by an acknowledgment that the Dantzig ſtample upon cloath, granted by King Sigiſmundus, was unjuſt, and ſeverall wayes prejudiciall; and promiſed to employ their endeavours at the next Parliament for the abrogation therof, Plauſible anſwer. conforme to their Kings promiſe to his Lordſhip: but they affirmed, that for the preſent, they neither had power neither that any out of Parliament, could be given them againſt an Act therof, ſuch as the grant of the ſtample was: that as all Nations were bounded by their proper lawes, ſo it likewiſe behoved them to govern themſelves by their Statutes; his Lordſhip was not contented with this plauſible anſwer, and indeed it was no more, but replied that the like words had been given to Sir Tho. Roe formerly Ambaſſador there from the King his Maſter, and to ſundry other Miniſters, who had preſſed the ſame freedome he now urged, for the Engliſh Merchants, from that oppreſſion, and therefore againe inſtanced even the Truce it ſelfe, now in a manner concluded, as a maine argument for that liberation; in regard that the countrey being thereby freed from the inconveniencies, and miſeries attending War, it was not reaſonable that ſtrangers, dwelling peaceably amongſt them, and by whoſe trafficke they reaped profit ſhould ſtill grone under the burthen of a yoake which themſelves acknowledge to be unjuſt, and that the ſame having been introduced as a calamity incident, to the prejudice of the publike, ought to vaniſh and end with it's originall, and therefore he earneſtly moved that not onely a bare endeavour might be promiſed, but that a reall abrogation might be obtained, and that the ſame might be inſerted in the Acts and Articles of the preſent Treatie: yet all this was fruitleſſe, for the Commiſſioners of Poland betook themſelves Ʋneffectuall. to their former refuge, (impoſſibility) againſt which all reaſons were invaled. They onely aſſented to continue Ceſſation for three dayes. the ceſſation for three dayes longer and to a meeting the ſecond following.

Theſe Paſſages were communicated to the Suethes, and the Marginall notes were by them curſorily run over; whereupon thoſe Commiſſioners, thinking it would be much to their diſhonour to abandon the Elbingers and their intereſt, earneſtly commended to the Mediators the care of the points above mentioned concerning the Towne of Elbing, viz. The abrogation of the Dantzig ſtample cheifely, and the reſtoration of the Pruſſian Seale from which they aſſured them they would not ſhrink: but night drawing on they reſerved the Poliſh corrections and exceptions to be ſcanned at Marienburg, and ſo conſented as well to the meeting as to the prorogation: and the next day, the Commiſſioners of Suethland, being demanded their reſolution concerning the Articles, deferred the ſame to be produced at the meeting.

The tenth congreſſe being come, the Suethes exhibited their Articles in preſence of the Mediators, which were examined, and ſcanned for almoſt ſix houres; ſome things being added, others taken away: but all other difficulties were ſhadowes in compariſon of that about the forementioned Stample, for the cancelling wherof his Lordſhip againe endeavoured with all his might, evincing the Juſtice and neceſſity thereof by moſt forcible reaſons and arguments, yet unſuccesfully; His Lordſhip: inſiſts as bef •• e. for after a long and harſh expoſtulation, the Senate of Dantzig, ſome of which body were alwayes preſent, and not leſſe vigilant in things that concerned their Weale-common, hindred the ſame by ſuch wayes and meanes as were facile and eaſie to that Opulent Citie.

And notwithſtanding that his Lordſhip (but whether then or formerly is not remembred) had urged, that in regard the diffierence in queſtion meerly concerned the Merchants, Subjects of the King his Maſter, and the Citie of Dantzig under the juriſdiction of the King of Poland, the Parties intereſſed might be free to right themſelves upon each other in vindication of their Priviledges and freedome of commerce, without offence to be taken by either of their Princes; to which ours would ſubſcribe: anſwer was made by the Commiſſioners of Poland that their King could not abandon his Subjects; ſo that in concluſion he obtained nothing but a reiteration of their former promiſe to contribute their endeavours for it's abolition at the next Parliament: which his Lordſhip ſeeming to doubt of by reaſon of the liberty of oppoſing by each one who hath Seſſion and vote in thoſe generall aſſemblies, which rendred the iſſue uncertaine, albeit he made himſelfe confident of the reall performance of their promiſed endeavours, the ſaid Commiſſioners for his further ſatisfaction were willing The Poles promiſe future ſatisfaction. to aſſure him that their votes and fuffrages preceding as guides, the reſt would follow: his Lordſhip ſeeing that more could not be then obtained, was forced to deſiſt from preſſing the ſame any further: he only inſiſted earneſtly that the ſaid point of abrogating the ſtample might be inſerted in the Regall Mandates for the calling of the next Parliament, to be (with the other heads) conſidered of in their preparatoriall conventions, or Land-dayes (as t 〈…〉 y call them) for choice of deputies that ſo the reſult might not be longer evaded by a Plea of ignorance or want of inſtruction touching the matter in queſtion, a thing uſual amongſt them: and this alſo was largely promiſed.

The point which came to be diſcuſſed in the next place, was the reſtitution of the Pruſſian Land-Seale to the Citie of Elbing: after which, the deduction of the army of the Suethes was handled, Neither did it cauſe ſmall contention, for the Suethes required that their forces might have free paſſage into Pomerania through the Poliſh territorie, they promiſing a ſtrict obſervation of Military diſcipline: the Commiſſioners of Poland would have them (will they, will they) to depart Tranſport of Forces. as they came, by Sea: all arguments being uſed, and no meane of compounding found, it was (by them) referred to their Kings determination, from whom they might expect an anſwere of their letters the next day. The Mediators remained in the village that night to eaſe themſelves, their ſervants and horſes of the daily travell.

The next day being the eleventh Congreſſe, the Regall reſolution was expected untill ten of the forenoon; and not to And other points diſcuſſed. loſe time, the foreſaid difficulties being ſet apart, the other Conditions were taken into diſcuſſion by either of the parties, by reaſon that the King being gone to Dantzig, it was conceived his reſolution would hardly be brought in three daies: The Articles for the free return of the exiled Suethes living in Poland, into their native Country, as alſo the reſtitution of their Goods movable and immovable were that day tranſacted, concerning which the Curious are referred to the Articles of the Treaty.

Upon the day following which made the twelfth meeting, the Mediators proceeded with the parties to the examination of the Conditions remaining, which cauſed a new ſcruple with the Suethes, by reaſon of an uncertain rumour that Duke Radzivill, great Generall of Lithuania, had lately upon the expiration New Scruple of the Suethes. of the firſt Truce made entrance into Leifland, and taken certain places and Townes: The Suethes, who had concluded the Article about the retaining of Leifland according to the form of the former Treaty; That each party ſhould poſſeſſe the ſame during the Truce in the ſame manner he then poſſeſſed it, deſired of the Mediators that in regard the form aforeſaid was in generall and obſcure termes, wherby they Demand thereon. might ſuſtain prejudice, a clauſe might be added, that if any places in Leiſland had been taken of either ſide during the preſent Treaty, they ſhould be reſtored.

This reſtriction ſeemed ſtrange unto the Poles, yet affected them rather with laughter then anger, they ſolemnly affirming Anſwered by the Poles. that they were ignorant of what was done in Leifland, and that they did not beleive the Duke to hav emade a progreſſe ſo advantageous as was vulgarly reported: but alledged withall, that the Conventions ware wholly repugnant to that clauſe, and that what had once been concluded by agreement ought not to be altered; that for them, in caſe they had been ſo fortunate to reſtore thoſe things they had obtained by a favourable chance of War, would expoſe them to the ſcorne of all men. The Mediators (that they might make a timely remove of this rub) remonſtrated, that foraſmuch as the firſt prorogation of the Truce had beeen continued from the month of July to that preſent of Auguſt from time to time, by the conſent of parties, it was no leſſe to be underſtood for a ceſſation of hoſtility in Leifland then in Pruſſia; and that they had ever beleived, according as it had been reported unto them, that Couriers had been from time to time diſpatched into Leifland to that effect. That if nothing but the truth were affirmed, the requeſt of the Suethes ſeemed unto them wholly conſentaneous to reaſon and to the publike faith given, ſo oftentimes Judgement of the Mediators. reiterated; and that they therfore earneſtly intreated them not to go upon captious advantages, ſhewing that they had been already enough and over-much troubled about the precedent differences.

The Commiſſioners of Poland being moved with theſe remonſtrances, yet having no power of themſelves to diſpoſe of Referred to the King. the matter, they referred it alſo to the King, whoſe pleaſure therin they deſired to receive: The other Articles were afterwards from noon to night, throughly diſcuſſed; and therein amongſt other things, the Poliſh Lords earneſtly urged, that the firſt condition of their ſide concerning a Treaty for perpetuall Peace, during the preſent Truce, to be appointed at a certain time and place (as hath been before expreſſed) might be included in the Acts of this Treaty, with ſundry other things formerly by them exhibited. Laſtly a Prorogation of the ceſſation was agreed unto for foure daies.

The meeting was reſumed the day following, being the 13th. and therein the Commiſſioners of Suethland vigorouſly oppoſed the inſerting of the foreſaid Article into thoſe of the preſent Treaty for Truce; chiefly for this reaſon, that the Treaty for a perpetuall Peace having been already deſerted, and in lieu therof this Negotiation of Truce undertaken, they could not as then ſay ought therto; and therfore ſeeing that their Commiſſion of treating about the ſame was expired, they could not admit of any particular mention therof in the Articles of the preſent Treaty, nor prefix any place or time; but added that foraſmuch as they certainly knew their Queen would never be averſe to ſuch a Treaty, they conſented to a generall mention therof, ſuch as had been in the former Truce for the ſix years now expired.

This diſtinction being intimated to the Polanders, they were Other difficulties compoſed. ſomewhat chafed, but his Lordſhip propounding that either the Duke of Courland, or of Pomerania might be entreated to take the matter on them as Sollicitors or Intermediators; their intervention was not unacceptable to thoſe of Poland, nor the addition made by the Suethes, that in caſe the Treaty of perpetuall Peace ſhould not ſucceed according to the generall wiſhes, either at the firſt, or ſo often as it ſhould be undertaken, the preſent Truce ſhould (notwithſtanding) remain firme and unviolable untill the end of the terme prefixed by theſe Articles.

The Kings anſwer concerning the three foreſpecified points; to wit, the Pruſſian Land-ſeal, the way of Deduction for the Army of Suethes, and the reſtitution of places (if any) taken in Leifland during the preſent Treaty, was not yet come, ſo as the Mediators being inforced to patience, betook themſelves to their ſeverall Retreats.

The fourteenth meeting was now come, but not the Kings anſwer, in the meane time the Mediators endeavoured to agree that point of the deduction of the Army, but could not. The Polanders refuſed the ſame for theſe two reaſons cheifly; Firſt, that by granting it they ſhould ſeeme willing to give way to the prejudice of thoſe whoſe Lands they ſhould paſſe through, perhaps even to their ruine, through the inſolencie of Souldiers in their March, notwithſtanding any Order or command to the contrary: the promiſe of ſtrickt obſervation of Military diſcipline by Commisſioners deputed thereunto, they conceived to be a fair colour but not a ſafeguard ſufficient to prevent loſſe or injury; much leſſe any aſſurance thereby of competent ſatisfaction: Secondly, that by this meanes they might offend other Princes, but moſtly the Emperour, to whoſe prejudice it would turne. The Suethes on the other ſide, ſhewed, that they had not halfe the Shipps that would be needfull to tranſport by Sea ſo great an Army as theirs, which they computed to conſiſt of (with their Garriſons) two and twenty thouſand Effectivè: but that if they were ſupplyed of Shipping, either by the Dantzigers or others, they would willingly take that way.

After this diſpute, whereby nothing was gained of either ſide; the Polanders, at the Mediators requeſt, ſent other Meſſengers to haſten the Kings declaration, which yet they could not expect that day, and therefore the ceſſation now Ceſſation continued one day onely. neere expiring, it was thought good to continue the ſame one day longer onely; ſo ſparing of time were thoſe of Poland, by reaſon of the great charge they ſuſtained in retaining the Army, whereupon each Party retired, and the meeting was deferred untill the ſecond day following.

The fifteenth Congreſſe was now come, and with it the The Kings reſolution. Kings reſolution, which was delivered to the Mediators by the Commiſſioners of Poland in this manner. Touching the Pruſſian Land-ſeale, there ſhould be inſerted in the ſeventh Article which made mention of conſerving the rights, priviledges, and Cuſtomes of Elbing, that he would maintaine the ſame as in former times it had been, both as to the Seale and Seſſion (but with this clauſe) after they had tendred the due Oath of Fidelity to his Majeſty.

Concerning the reſtitution of places in Leifland, if any had been taken during the preſent Treatie, That one Article ſhould be drawn up for each Partie to poſſeſſe Leifland as they had done during the laſt Truce. For the removing of the Concerning remove of the Army. Army, it was conſented that the forces of each ſide, except thoſe Gariſons to be retained untill the Parliamentary ratification were procured, ſhould be deducted out of the Province by ſuch a time as between the Generals ſhould be agreed, and that the Suethes were to returne by Sea, unleſſe that in the time to be ſet for their departure, ſufficient Shipping could not be found, eſpecially for the Horſe, in which caſe a free (but ſpeedy) undiſturbed paſſage by land into the Territories ſubject unto them, without damage of the Inhabitants (mediatly or immediatly) Subjects of the Kingdome of Poland, ſhould be permitted: the like to be obſerved if any of the Suethiſh foot ſhould be disbanded, conditionally that preſent juſtice ſhould be adminiſtred by the Officers for loſſe or injury any way ſuſtained; which was nothing elſe but a conniving at that Armies paſſage, wherin the Polonians carried themſelves circumſpectly, not to ſuffer the ſame to march with Colours flying, but rolled up: Not by whole Regiments but by Troops or Companies, ſo to remove ſuſpition or envy from themſelves.

To this, the Suethes, yet with ſome reluctancy conſented, as Accepted by the Suethes. alſo to certain other Articles touching the Poliſh intereſt, as the tranſport of Merchandizes down the River Dyna without moleſtation, the ancient cuſtomes and payments obſerved; as alſo the reſtoring (when required) the Subjects of the great Dutchy of Littaw, and of the Dukedome of Courland, with thoſe of Poland that ſhould be found in Leifland: and thus at laſt (not without the indefatigable labour of the Mediators) the things of greateſt concernment were agreed upon between the parties: there only remained that in the next daies meeting the Articles ſhould be reviewed, compared, and ſigned.

Upon the ſixteenth reſort all the morning was imployed in reviewing and tranſcribing the Articles, which being done, the Commiſſioners on both ſides being accompanied by the Mediating Miniſters, were brought into the Mediatoriall Generall meeting of Mediators and parties in the Mediators Tent. Tent, and there (with the Mediators) took their Stations without prer • gative of place, on each ſide of a Table that had been purpoſely prepared; where the Articles and Conditions of the Treaty were read over from the beginning to the end. Thoſe of Poland urged the inſerting of that ceremonial Article, that the Emperor, the Duke of Bavaria, &c. might be included in the Treaty, as had been done in the laſt ſix years Truce, the Suethes affirmed the ſame to be altogether needleſſe, yet (at laſt) conſented to inſert, That if any Chriſtian Potentate, or Prince, of either part, ſhould deſire to be comprehended within the preſent Treaty, they might have admittance, provided that they did declare themſelves within five months, accounting from the ſigning of thoſe preſents.

His Lordſhip objected againſt the 14. Article, concerning the Objection made by his Lordſhip. reſtoring of the ancient commerce, as being over particular, and regarding the free commerce and traffick between thoſe two Crownes and Kingdomes only, without any conſideration of the publike concernment of other Nations, which nevertheleſſe had no ſmall intereſt therein, and inſiſted that (in the Latine) the ſame might be corrected by interpoſing the conjunction (Et) which alſo had been promiſed by the Sueths, but his Lordſhip finding their Copy likewiſe defective in that particular, did not ſpare, even in that publike convention, to tel one of their Commiſſioners, that he had deceived his expectation and truſt. To his Lordſhips inſtance, the Commiſſioners Waved by the Poles. of Poland replied, that the preſent Treaty was between them and the Suethes only, and not with other Nations, who (if they had ought to negotiate) might elſewhere diſcuſſe the ſame, and that it was not to be confuſedly intermixt with thoſe Treaties. His Lordſhip made return, that the point in queſtion was not a confuſed intermixion in the Treaty, but a main dependent therupon, in regard that the diſturbance of Traffick with other Nations had proceeded from the diſſention between thoſe two Crownes, and ought therfore (of right) to be reſtored to its ancient freedome by this League of Peace: yet this or what elſe he could alledge availed not; For the Parties were now bent to agree, and the Conditions in a manner concluded; neither would they by inſiſting upon things, extraneous to themſelves, run into the hazard of a breach: and the rather, becauſe the Dantzigers, who were Potent on the Deſerted by the Suethes. Poliſh ſide, and ſaw how much this concerned their Stample, did mainly oppoſe it. On the other ſide the Suethes deſerted the ſame, albeit that (formerly) in their care of the Towne of Elbing, they had recommended it to be inſiſted on by the Mediators, as an Article (Sine qua, Non:) Neither had the French Ambaſſador any intereſt in this Article, or the Brandenburgers likewiſe, nor the Hollanders not much in compariſon of us: So that his Lordſhip, not able to carry it alone, was conſtrained to deſiſt.

It is here obſervable, that his Lordſhip diſcourſing with Precedency of nomination challenged by his Lordſhip. the Polanders in their own Tent, concerning the precedencie of nomination to be inſerted in the preface of the Articles, which, according to right of intervening he challenged as due to the King his Maſter, by whom his firſt repaire had been directed toward their King; they declined the ſame on pretence Declined by the Poles. of its being contrary to the cuſtome of their Cancellarie, which (ſaid they) alwayes gave the precedence to the King of France, where from it was not lawfull for them to ſwarve. His Lordſhip taking this ſome what harſhly, told them (and breifly) that as to the couching of the preface he muſt leave the care of it to them, yet he deſired they would be cautious of diſcontenting a Prince their freind, who had given proof thereof in ſundry occaſions, and particularly in that before them.

Hereupon the parties according in all things, aſſembled in a confident and friendly manner in the Mediatoriall Tent, to confer (even without them) of ſome things more particularly: after which there remained nothing but that the two Generals Conigſpolskie, and Jacobus de la Garde, ſhould meet and treat touching the time of the reſtitution of places, as Marienburg, Stume, and Braunsburg, as alſo about the deduction of the Army; wherupon the Treaty, when ſigned, would at laſt be finally concluded: both which points were deferred unto the day following, and concerning the attendants of the fore-named Generalls, it was agreed of either ſide, that each ſhould not exceed the number of fifty followers.

The ſeventeenth meeting enſued, or rather a continuation Conteſt for precedency of ſubſcription. of the former, in which ſome conteſt hapned between the Ambaſſadors of Great Brittaine and France, about the Subſcription, and the like campetition alſo between the Electorals and the Hollanders, each party being willing to vindicate the precedency in the right of his Prince or Principals, ſo as the former Mediators did now ſeem to ſtand in need of the like. The diſpute Meeting of the Generals of each ſide. about the ſame was not ſmal, but whilſt it was in hotteſt agitation, the Generals of each ſide attended with the foreſpecified number, in great Magnificence arrived at the place of treaty, and each accompanied with the Mediators, did (ſoon after) ſalute each other in the open Village neer unto the Mediatoriall Tent; wherinto they entred with the Commiſſioners of the ſeverall Crowns, by ſeverall waies, and therin conſulted about the reſtitution of places, and the deduction of the Army.

Between them it was agreed, that the Suethes, receiving the And accord. Regall ratification of the Treaty forthwith, as alſo ſecurity from the Commiſſioners of Poland authorized by Parliament, the ſame ſhould be ratified by the States at their next convention, ſhould reſtore Marienburg with the greater Iſland, Stume, Braunsberge, and Tolkemyth, with the Territories belonging to them, into the hands of the Commiſſioners of the King and Kingdome of Poland, the Garriſons being firſt removed: and that the Heught and Junkertreill ſhould be razed in the preſence of certaine Deputies of each ſide, leaving the ground and goods to whom they belonged. That the Armies of either ſide ſhould be ſent away within fourteen daies, or therabouts: But that Elbing with its ancient bounds; the leſſer Iſland with the Fortifications raiſed therin, as alſo the Pillaw and that part of the Nering therto appertaining, ſhould remain in the poſſeſſion of the Queen and Crowne of Suethen, untill they ſhould receive the ratification of the States of Poland, and therupon to render up the foreſaid places within fourteen daies after the receit therof; and that the Garriſons ſhould be removed without any damage to the Inhabitants; with this condition alſo, that all the Fortifications made at Elbing ſhould remain in the ſame ſtate they then were, and in the ſame cuſtody as before the War.

The Commiſſioners of Poland having deſired an atteſtation from the Mediators, touching the form of conceſſion, by the Sueths for the private permiſſion of the Roman Religion in Leifland, and the French Ambaſſador being unwilling to ſigne the ſame in reference to the competition between him and the Ambaſſador of Great Brittaine, the Poliſh Lords were contented to accept of a teſtification from his Lordſhip and the Hollanders onely, which they granted, the ſame importing; That they Atteſtation granted to the Polanders by his Lordſhip and the Hollanders. did therby teſtifie and make known to all whom it might any way concern, that the Lords Commiſſioners for the Queene and Kingdome of Suethland had really covenanted and permitted that the Romane Catholicks in Leifland, ſhould, during the whole time of the Truce, enjoy liberty of Conſcience, the Roman Catholick Religion, and Devotion in private, nor any inquiſition to be made, or puniſhment to be therfore inflicted: and that the preſent atteſtation was given with the knowledge and expreſſe conſent of the fore-mentioned Commiſſioners, in confirmation wherof they had therunto affixed their hands and ſeales But in the interim, no Medium being found wherby to compound the competitions of the Mediators, that matter was referred untill the day following.

The eighteenth meeting for the finall concluſion being now come, the Lords Ambaſſadors of Great Brittaine and France renewed their diſpute about precedency; which encreaſing in difficulty and intricacy ſeemed to hinder the parties (who Competitions renewed between the Mediators. were now reconciled and friends) from concluding and eſtabliſhing the Treaty; for the avoiding wherof his Lordſhip was pleaſed to declare himſelf in two waies to the Commiſſioners of either ſide; firſt, that the difference might be ballanced by two Copies of the Conditions of the Treaty to each party, reciprocally ſigned by the Mediators. Or ſecondly, that there ſhould be no Subſcription or Signature by any of the Mediators, as had been done in the former Treaty now ſix years paſt. That as to the Preface he committed the ſame to them, but in diſcharge of his Legatoriall duty, he again admoniſhed them to beware of giving any offence unto the King his Maſter. By Mediatoriall ſubſcription concluded unneceſsary. the Commiſſioners of either ſide it was concluded that the Mediatoriall Subſcription was not neceſſary, and that the Signature of the parties would be ſufficient in this as well as in the former Treaty, but that the Mediators might if they would ſo be pleaſed, give an Inſtrument in writing apart, for the more ample verification therof.

As to the preface, the Suethes declared in favour of the French, that it had ever been the Cuſtome of their Crowne to give the precedency in nomination to the Regall Ambaſſador who firſt addreſſed himſelfe to them. With this anſwere his Lordſhip: oppoſed the ſtile (pretended) of the Poliſh Cancellarie; but was by their Commiſſioners, anſwered rather with ſilence than by arguments.

The French Ambaſſador did mainely inſiſt that he might The French inſiſts on ſubſcription. ſubſcribe the Articles alone; but, that he might not (by conteſt) ſeeme to be the ſole obſtacle of the Treaties confirmation, he repaired to his Lordſhips quarter, with whom, when no perſwaſions to that end would prevaile, after a long diſcourſe of the dignity and precedencie of Kings, he conſented to the waving of all Mediatoriall ſubſcription. Afterwards declines it.

His Lordſhip nevertheleſſe, to be ſecured of all ſides, reviſited each of the Parties, and in friendly manner deſired them that as themſelves had declared, and as he had newly concluded with the French Ambaſſador, no Subſcription of No ſubſcription of Mediators promiſed. the Mediators unleſſe in the way by him propounded, might be admitted, whereunto they all accorded and gave their word.

This difference about the ſubſcription being removed, The parties meet to conlude. the Commiſſioners of each ſide convened in the Mediatoriall Tent to the performance of the laſt act viz. the Signing of the Articles; whom the Mediators followed to be preſent at the reviewing of the ſame; leaſt ought might be tranſacted wherein their Principalls might be concerned.

In the reading, the preface was ommitted whereby no The Articles ſigned. offence might be taken, and that worke being ended, the Mediators were in moſt reſpective manner deſired to retire and leave them to ſigne alone: which they did; and upon their comming forth were by the Mediators congratulated, for that happy concluſion.

Thus, at length, by the bleſſing of God upon the infatigable toile and induſtrie of the Mediators, this great and difficult worke, after ſo many deſperate-ſeeming ruptures, was Publike rejoycements. brought to a happy iſſue in twenty and foure ſeverall meetings (accounting ab initio) and couched in ſo many ſeverall Articles, which having been for the moſt part already touched, are forborne to be here inſerted, and the curious referred to the printed Acts.

The whole was read, allowed, ſigned, and confirmed by the reſpective Commisſioners of the intereſſed Parties the 2/12 of September, An. 1635. and the joy thereof was conceived to be ſo great that publike acclamations were every where heard. At Marienburg the whole Ordnance (about the Town and Caſtle) was diſcharged upon the returne of the Mediators with the Commisſioners of Suethland. Onely the French Ambaſſador remained in Stumbſdorff to (refreſh himſelfe as pretended, but indeed to) ſend an account by expreſſe unto the King his Maſter.

The remainder of that day was by his Lordſhip and the Hollanders, employed in giving to the Commiſſioners of Suethen His Lordſhip and the Hollanders give to the Suethes an atteſtation concerning Catholicks in Leifland. the atteſtation deſired by them concerning thoſe of the Roman Profeſſion in Leifland, which had formerly been ſo hotly diſputed, and was by them given to this effect.

That wheras there had been long and great diſpvte concerning the Roman Catholicks in Leifland, at length, the Queen and Crown of Suethland, at the inſtant urgencies of the Commiſſioners of Poland had condeſcended ſo far as to permit to the Roman Catholicks in Leifland, liberty of Conſcience, Religion, and Devotion in private; but leaſt that from thoſe words ought might be inferred, contrary to their intention in that point, over and above the meer liberty of conſcience by them granted, or leaſt that there might be pretended any Prieſtly exerciſe either publike or private, they the ſaid Commiſſioners had many times in their preſence excepted (by proteſtation) againſt all the formes including any word of exerciſe, either tacitely or expreſſed, and that the Lord Ambaſſadour of France, (who had moſt earneſtly laboured therin) had propounded the ſame, and the Commiſſioners of Poland had aſſented therunto; in which Forme (or Draught) no mention of exerciſe was made, that ſo they might by ſome faire way explicate and free themſelves from that contention: This, they the ſaid Mediators did witneſſe and confirme to all whom it might concern, under their hands and Seals.

Upon the day following the Generall of the Suethiſh Forces, His Lordſhip invited by the Suethes. Jacobus de la Garde, with the Commiſſioners of that Crown, did viſite his Lordſhip in a way of thankfull acknowledgment for his great paines and endeavours employed in the Treaty, and afterwards did the like to the Hollanders, concluding with a courteous invitation of them into the Caſtle that evening, where their entertainment was anſwerable to their Dignities.

The next day, his Lordſhip went to the Poliſh Leager, and He takes leave of the King of Poland in his Camp. was ſoon after followed by the Hollanders to take leave of that King, of whom he had publike audience in his Tent, the great Chancellour and the other fore-named Commiſſioners being preſent. That Ceremoniall Complementive farewell laſted not half an houre, wherin it was obſerved, that the King did not ſhew the ſame cheerfull countenance to his Lordſhip that Coldneſſe diſcovered. he had formerly done, both at his firſt repair, and during the Treaty; and the Commiſſioners likewiſe expreſſed leſſe courteous reſpects then at former times, which his Lordſhip took notice of, but knowing himſelf to be free from any deſert therof was the leſſe troubled therat.

His Lordſhip (whileſt in the Camp) was viſited by the Wayvod (or Palatine) of Belskie, whom, according to the Kings words at parting, he believed to have been ſent with ſomething in Commiſſion, but found it to be only a private Complementall farewell.

In the interim, the States Ambaſſadours, as alſo the French French and Hollanders take leave. Ambaſſadour who had repaired thither from Stumbſdorff, took likewiſe ſeverally their leave, but had each a longer audience according to information, and returned the next day to ſee the Army, which then was to be reviewed and drawn up into Battalia. His Lordſhip ſtayed that night in the Tent of Col. The Armyreviewed. (afterwards Generall Major) Butler, aſwell to ſee the Army; as alſo, that he might there be ready to receive any further expreſſions, which according to the delivery at parting, he expected from the King.

In the manner fore-mentioned, was tranſacted and concluded the Treaty for Truce for twenty ſix years (commencing in September 1635) between the two Crownes of Suethland and Poland. What paſſages did afterwards befall, by reaſon of Reference to what followes. the French Ambaſſadours ſigning the Polanders Counterpane or Copy of thoſe Articles, at that Kings inſtance, by whom, contrary to former Preſident, fore-mentioned agreement. and ſtipulation, they were to that end tendred unto the ſaid Ambaſſadour, as himſelf afterward acknowledged, as alſo great Brittaines Ambaſſadours expoſtulation, with ſome of the Poliſh Miniſters in reference therunto, and the difference anſwering therupon between that King and his Lordſhip, are couched in the few ſubſequent Pages, wherin his Lordſhips life and death are commemorated, which now follow for a concluſion to the whole matter.