s Queen and a few of her party, men of no
honour nor wisdom nor experience in public affairs, but proud and
haughty, according to the way of these parts of the world.

_Wh._ I shall not fail to make known to the Protector your great
affections to him.

_April 6, 1654._

[SN: Effects of the English fleet in the North.]

Monsieur Miller, who had been Resident at Hamburg for her Majesty, came
to visit Whitelocke, and after dinner discoursed much of the English
fleet now at sea, which, he said, did amuse all the northern parts of the
world, what the design thereof might be. Whitelocke did not lessen the
wonder, especially in relation to Denmark; yet affirmed nothing
positively, as indeed he could not. He inquired of Monsieur Miller if the
King of Denmark were making any preparations at sea, or of land forces,
or had any design towards Hamburg. Miller said he knew of none, and in
his discourse gave Whitelocke good information of the government,
strength, and trade of that Hanse Town.

The Secretary Canterstein came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor, and
brought to him the articles upon which they had last treated, now
altered according to Whitelocke's desire, except that which concerned the
forbidding of our enemies to buy arms in the countries of our
confederates. He also delivered to Whitelocke the draft of a preamble for
the articles, and another article for the ratifying of all the rest;
whereunto Whitelocke consented, and thanked God that his business was
brought so near to a good conclusion. Whitelocke received his packet from
England, and Thurloe wrote that the Protector was sensible of the Queen's
delaying of Whitelocke, but approved his proceedings. He sent this
enclosed order:--

"AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, WHITEHALL:
"_Friday, 17 Martii, 1653._

[SN: Order in Council in the matter of a Swedish prize.]

"On consideration of a letter, this day read in Council, sent from
the Lord Ambassador Extraordinary with her Majesty of Sweden,
mentioning, among other things, the taking of the ship 'Charity,'
Paul Paulsen, master, by a private man-of-war, and the carrying of
her into Dover, and the hard usage of the master and mariners, which
ship is claimed by some citizens of Gothenburg, subjects of the said
Queen:

"_Ordered_, That it be referred to the Commissioners of the
Admiralty speedily to put this matter in a way of examination; and,
for their information in