ing over the papers which I then sent you, I perceived that the date mentioned in the duke's answer did not agree with the date of the copy which I sent you with it; I therefore added a second date, but had no time to learn the cause of the difference. I have since inquired concerning it, and find the cause to have been that which I express in the adjoined paper (A.), separated from this letter, that it may be put into the duke's said letter, and kept with it, that the double date may not amuse others.

My last letter gave you occasion to expect a fuller account from me concerning the Piedmontois by this post; but I am not yet sufficiently informed. The chief magistrates of this city five days ago sent an express to Geneva, praying them to send them a particular account of what the duke lays to the charge of his exiles, and what hath been said in their defence. When they receive a full answer from Geneva, I believe they will not conceal any part of it from me. It is thought the express will return to-morrow. In the meantime, I cannot persuade myself to send you some of the Piedmontese papers which I have by me, because they have relation to some others which I have not yet seen, and without which they cannot be well understood. M. D. hath to-day received a letter from one of the divinity professors of Geneva, with this post script:

1655.]

MASSACRES IN PIEDMONT.

169

"A gentleman of Savoy, who wisheth well to this city, hath newly filled us with a rumour, that the Duke of Savoy hath a design to massacre all our other brethren that remain yet in Piedmont ;* and that to this end he hath prepared French forces to join with some of his own to fall upon them at unawares. We are assured that this rumour is true. Howsoever, we judged it necessary to let those our brethren know what we have heard, and to admonish them to look to themselves. We shall endeavour to give you an account of their state, of which we cannot have any great hopes, because we know that their prince (the Duke of Savoy) takes counsel from those that mind nothing so much as the advancement of the pope's interest, under the pretence of propagating Christian faith."

The same is confirmed by what another writes from Geneva in French, which I have also enclosed herewith, marked (B.) I have also adjoined a long piece in Latin, which was sent to the chief divine here from another of the divinity professors of Geneva, in which you may perceive a beginning of what may be said in the defence of the poor Piedmontois, of whose affairs I shall say no more at this time, but take my leave, and rest,

Sir, your humble servant.

It was in the month of April, this year, that the great massacre of the protestant Piedmontese was executed.

Postscript. M. D. had sealed up his letters, and I was going to seal up mine, when news was brought unto me, that the Canton of Berne had sent an express unto the Lords of Zurich, to signify to them that the Duke of Savoy was certainly fallen with an army upon the rest of the poor protestants in Piedmont; so that it will be a great wonder if they be not utterly destroyed, before anybody can come to help them.

From Heidelberg, March 27.-We are very sorry for the affliction of the churches in Piedmont. If any families of good fashion will come into the palatinate, they shall have land, and freedom from taxes, for some years. Our Prince Elector will do it willingly, and they shall be sure of his protection.

MR. PELL TO SECRETARY THURLOE.

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From Heidelberg, April 14.-Prince Rupert, not being able to sit idle, hath engaged himself to raise three regiments for the Duke of Modena, whom he is to serve with the title of general of the foreign troops.

From Paris, April 10-20.-From London they write that all is quiet again in England. That the French ambassador may go thence when he will, without fear that any will pray him to tarry. Monsieur de Querne hath order to view all the coasts of Normandy and Picardy, that if we come to break with England, he may be fit to give account and advice.

From Constance.-Letters from Cologne tell us, that King Charles returned thither upon the 8th of April; but they cannot yet learn where he hath been.

Yours of the 6th of April is come to the hands of Your humble servant.

1655.] TRIALS OF THE ENGLISH REBELS. 171

SECRETARY THURLOE TO MR. PELL.

27th April, 1655.

SIR, I received yours of the 8th of April, and another from Mr. Dury of the same date. I am glad that my former letters came so seasonably to you, for confuting those reports that were of our disturbances here. Blessed be God, those are not only suppressed, but the authors of them are very near receiving their condign punishment; near forty of them are condemned for high treason, being all proceeded against in the way of juries, according to the course of law; and this next week, they will be executed, or at least such of them as his highness will not reprieve. Very many of them besides are in prison, which his highness would have tried. The peace with France is like now to come to a conclusion: I believe a few days will finish it. I am in haste, and can add no more, but that I am Your assured friend to serve you,

ADRIAN PETERS.

MR. PELL TO SECRETARY THURLOE.

April 30, 1655. SIR,-The principal secretary's substitute came to me to signify, in the name of the council, that they had newly received exceeding sad news out of

Piedmont, of which they prayed me to send you a copy, and to add my recommendations of those poor remainders. When the chief of their minister gave me this other enclosed for a French preacher not unknown to you, he told me the council sends this news, not only to the rest of the cantons, but also to the Prince Elector of Heidelberg, and to the United Provinces of the Low Countries; and that he is to give notice to all the ministers of this canton of the day agreed on to be observed in all the protestant cantons and their allies, even at Geneva, for fasting, and collection of extraordinary alms for their assistance. This I write in great haste that it may be sent by the messengers, who must travel day and night that they may overtake the post before he come to Frankfort, lest a week be lost. Your humble servant.

SECRETARY THURLOE TO MR. PELL.

4th May, 1655.

SIR, I received yours of the 14th, and have little more to write to you. Our affairs here continue in quiet and peaceable condition. The late designs of the royal party having had effect only on themselves, thirty-nine of them have been condemned for traitors. Some of them his highness