1656.]

AFFAIRS OF SWITZERLAND.

453

MR. PELL TO SECRETARY THURLOE.

Zurich, July 31st, old style.

SIR, The chiefs here seemed very well pleased with all that I read to them out of yours of 10th July, concerning their treaty with France, and ours with Sweden and the United Netherlands.

At Baden, three days ago, they gave in papers, which they hoped should be the last in that business, saying, that there was no need that either they or their adversaries should say or write any more, but only expect the award or sentence of the arbitrators, whom the French ambassador hath exhorted to lay aside all unnecessary delays; but they, being now called upon to speak out, seem full of anxiety, despairing to bring Switz and their adherents to condescend in any amiable way; and fearing that their definitive sentence will not be sufficient to prevent a new breach; and therefore it is thought they will defer it as long as they can.

As for the French league, all the protestant cantons and their allies, save Zurich, are agreed in one form of articles. The Zurich draught hath passed the votes of their upper senate, and of their common council, as also of their assembly of divines. To-day, it is to be scanned by their tribes or twelve companies of citizens at their several halls. If it pass there, they say they will write out copies for

the English resident, and for the several cantons,
in hope to persuade them to quit their former, and
to present this Zurich draught to the French am-
bassador to see how he will like it. In the mean-
time, I remain, Sir, your faithful servant.

J. PELL.

END OF VOL. I.

T. C. Savill, Printer, 107, St. Martin s Lane, Charing Cross.

td ER