1654.]

THE NEW GREAT SEAL.

33

tive to the designs of H. H.; and as long as I see that, I can more easily bear with slow march, which is in them incorrigible.

It is reported that the Switzers expect an ambassador out of the Low Countries. I believe not that the Netherlanders will make a journey thither out of mere compliment; but perhaps they conceive that the controversies reserved for the Switzers' arbitration cannot be determined without them.

The weekly sheet of news printed at Genoa, July 1, by Farroni, tells us, that the Lord Protector hath changed the great seal of England; setting upon the new one his own effigies on horseback, with this inscription—" Olivero, il Grand Imperatore d'Inghilterra, di Scotia, Hibernia e Francia, e Protettore de protestanti, e delle chiese riformate." The same paper tells us, that the Lord Protector hath promised all possible help to the lords of Genoa, as deriving his original from Genoa.

The Earl of Lemos, governor of Sardinia, hath been informed, that the French fleet at Toulon is intended for the invading of his island, and therefore he hath made great preparation to repulse them. From Florence they write, that since the Duke heard of the conspiracy at London, he seems not so much afraid of what the English can do to him this summer. Those countrymen that kept Porto Ferrajo he hath sent home to help in harvest, and, in

their places, hath put 500 newly-levied soldiers, all

strangers.

Your humble servant.

SECRETARY THURLOE TO MR. PELL.

28th July, 1654.

SIR,—I have received yours of the 8th instant. I perceive no great matter hath been yet acted at the meeting at Baden, but what concerns the league with France, which it seems the greatest number of cantons incline not to renew, unless their arrears were first paid. You once wrote that it would be well taken if England would interpose in that business with France. I do think it very convenient that you understand the mind and purpose of the cantons about it; and if they or any of them do desire it, that then they would put something in writing by way of advice, and I believe it would be complied with effectually here.

We had this day letters from Scotland that bring us news that Middleton's forces are dispersed; but yet we have not the particulars, and therefore you must expect them until the next.

The treaty with France stands as by my last, and so do all affairs here, so that I can add nothing of public business. I am sorry my letters came not to

1654.]

THE SWISS PROTESTANTS.

35

hand—I fail not to write every week. I have spoke with Mr. Haak about returning money, which he will do, and warrants are signed both for yourself and Mr. Dury. I commend me heartily to you both, and rest,

Your assured friend to serve you, AD. PETERS.

MR. PELL TO SECRETARY THURLOE.

July 29, 1654.

SIR,-This sheet contains copies of all that hath hitherto passed in writing between me and those to whom I was sent. Between the instructions which I brought from England, and the cautions given me or observations made by myself here, it was hard for me to find out what might be safely said. This pleased them beyond all expectation, and you see what answer it hath produced. In the end of their answer, the secretary hath kept a little too near to their Dutch style. He calls H. H. my principal: I should have caused him to change it, if he had let me see it before they had approved and sealed it. With them it signifies no more than my sender. It is here a form (which I have heard also in the Low Countries), in the conclusion of an answer to a message, especially public, to pray the messenger to return that answer to his principals; or if it be not said to him, he will say "I shall report this your

answer to my principals;" that is, to those that sent

me.

But if I had seen it in time, the secretary should have been put to the trouble of changing it, because it is a form of speaking not yet in fashion in England.

SECRETARY THURLOE TO MR. PELL.

London, 4th Aug., 1654. SIR, I received both your letters of the 15th of July, and H. H. very well likes your beginnings, and doubts not of your care and vigilancy in your present employment. I perceive you forbear to write many things you hear, because you suppose they come sooner by other hands, and from other places. But if you please to put yourself to that trouble, I desire to have from you all the news you hear; though I may hear it from other hands, yet yours will come as a confirmation, which is very useful in many cases.

You will, by the enclosed, see the Lord's goodness to us in Scotland. You shall do well to disperse it as much as may be, and in the language of the country. We are yet come to no agreement with France; the point of the protestants remains yet in question, and some other things. I hope my two last are arrived with you safe, wherein you will see more of this subject. The parliament

1654.]

ELECTIONS FOR PARLIAMENT.

37

draws near; the choice is over everywhere. Very great multitudes appeared at the election everywhere; yet all things carried with great quiet, and very good elections are made, for the most part, in all places. I will send you a list of them if I can get it, as soon as it is printed. I suppose you know the peace is concluded with Portugal, and the ambassador upon his return. We spend much time in the reformation of the law, and I hope H. H. will be as happy in that as he has been in the field. I have not further to trouble you, but rest,

Your assured friend, AD. PETERS.

MR. PELL TO SECRETARY THURLOE.

Zurich, August 5, 1654.

SIR,—Our last week's letter had some papers enclosed in it which makes us think the time long till we hear that they are come to hand. In it we also made mention of a discourse which we then hoped to send you by the next. But I have been this week variously hindered from finishing it, so that I cannot send it you till the next week. There is no great haste for it, so far as I can perceive by your last letter, dated 14th July, which, after the old rate of three weeks between you and us, came to our hands yesterday.

M. D. is gone from hence to Bern, to treat with the divines there. From thence he intends to go