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Meadowe in volume 5 of Thurloe's State papers

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5 14 Meadows, Mr. concludes the treaty with Portugal. 13 May 1656 A paper of Mr. Ph. Meadows to the generals Blake and Montagu.

Vol. xxxviii. p. 351.

I am now to salute your lordships with the good news of the conclusion of the peace; for his majesty of Portugal hath ratified the treaty, togeather with the secret article, as they were concluded by his ambassador and plenipotentiary in England; only in the two articles of religion there is soome litle diference remaiening, which yet standes refer'd unto his highnes, who, I doubt not, but upon the accoumpt and representation of afaires, which I shall give him, will rest satisfyed with what is propounded by his majestie in this behalfe; especially since his majestie hath declared the reality and sincerity of his desires towards an accommodation, not onely by a due performance of all other things agreed, and perticularly the paiement of the 50000 poundes, but allso by granting soome other things in favor of his highnesse, to which by the treaty hee was not simply obliged. And I doubt not but as occasions present, I shall finde him as ready and willing to gratifye you with all freindly offises in reference to the present service you are now upon. Wherefore it remaines, that your lordships satisfie his majestie concearning your amicable intentions towards him and his dominions, according to the tenour of the treaty of peace betwixt both states; for which purpose I desire, that his highnesse letters, which you brought with you out of England directed unto his majestie aforesaid, bee spedily dispatched unto me, that I may deliver them accordingly, togeather with other letters immediately from your lordships, by which I have engaged my faith unto his majestie, that security shall be given him against any hostile attempt to bee made by the fleete under your command, not onely upon his fleet's from Brasile now expected, but upon any other his subjects and dominions; and that you you will demeane your selves both towards him and them as becomes freinds and confederates. This as instantly intreated I earnestly expect from your lordships, in discharge of that faith I, as a publicke minister, and by vertue of my credentialls, have given, who am
Lisbonne, 13th May 1656.

Your lordships most ready in all serrvice
Ph. Meadows.

28 An attempt made to assassinate him. 26 May 1656 King of Portugal to the protector.

In the possession of the right honourable Philip lord Hardwicke, lord high chancellor of Great Britain.

Serenissime protetor reipub. Angliæ, Scotiæ et Hiberniæ, &c. Nos dominus Joannes, dei gratia rex Portugalliæ, et Algarbiorum citra et ultra mare in Africa, dominus Guineæ et acquisitionis, navigationis, et commercii Æthiopiæ, Arabiæ, Persiæ ac Indiæ &c. Serenissimæ celsitudini vestræ salutem et perpetuam selicitatem apprecamur. Die Maii elabentis undecima infeliciter accidit, ut Philippo Meadowe, celsitudinis vestræ apud nos ablegato, noctu domum redeunti ab hominibus sceleratis, seu Anglicæ illis reipub. potius, seu regni nostri, certe utriusque communibus et iniquissimis hostibus, serreâ glande læva manus transverberata est. Qui nos casus, uti par erat, una et dolor acerbissime perculit, qui Philippum ipsum gratum habeamus, tum ob proprias dignas laude dotes, tum vero præcipue, quod a celsitudine vestra ad nos pro publicâ pacis causâ ablegatus sit. Igitur quod mandari a nobis decuit, præsto assuere e nostris peritissimis, qui sedulo vulneri mederentur, et undequaque prospicerent sanitati, quam gratulamur citra periculum esse. Præterea vero quibus maxime viis usquam alias, de patrati sceleris authoribus conquiritur, si constare de iis possit, ut ex merito plectantur. Celsitudinem vestram Deus optimus salvam et incolumem velit. Dabantur Alcantaræ 26 Maii 1656. [N. S.]
Vester bonus amicus
Joannes rex.

Serenissimo protectori reipublicæ Angliæ, Scotiæ, ac Hiberniæ, &c.

44, 57 Desired to come on board the admirals Blake and Montagu, to confer with them. 20 May 1656 Generals Blake and Montagu to Mr. Phil. Meadowe.

Vol. xxxviii. p. 535.

Sir,
According to what we intimated in our letter of the 18th instant, we have sent the Phenix frigott towards you; but for as much as some weighty considerations still sticke with us in the businesse you last writt of, which in our apprehension cannot soe well be explained to you, nor resolved again by letters, she onely brings at present our desires, that if it may stand with your health, you would make use of her as speedily as you can to come on board the Naseby, where we doubt not but a short conference with you will bring us to such an understanding of things, as that we shall suddenly returne you againe with a satisfactory answer to his majesty. In order whereto we shall expect you accordingly, and remaine
Naseby in Cadiz-bay,
this 20th of May, 1656.

Your very loveing friends
Rob. Blake.
E. Mountagu.

Indors'd: 20 May 1656.

Generalls to Mr. Meadowe by lieutenant Morgan in the Phœnix, which morning the fleet did also set sayle for Lisbone, but not delivered, the Phœnix being not able to gett up before the generalls were arrived with the fleet at Cape-Pitcher.

59 Desires them to send a frigate for him. 25 May 1656 Mr. Ph. Meadowe, the English resident at Lisbon, to the Generals Blake and Mountagu.

Vol. xxxviii. p. 651.

My lord,
The third of this instant May I dispatched severall letters to your lordships by severall hands, besides private letters by a particular expresse, one Mr. Smith, a Spanish merchant. Since which I have had no returne from your lordships, neither have I heard any thing from the expresse I sent. The 18th instant Mr. Maynard arrived here upon the Saphire, who imediately after sett sayle for the fleet, not so much as sending up to me to know what newes; which seemed strange to me, considering that within four or five howers I could have had letters downe with her, and in the mean tyme the captain might have filled his empty caske with water; but more strange, after I had perused his highness and Mr. secretarye's letters to me, which tell me, that the frigatt, which brings Mr. Maynard, is to observe my orders, which was done, that I might take the benefitt of embarqueing, as need should be. These miscarriages do not a little prejudice business. His highnesse sent me new instructions to insist upon the ratification of the treaty without any other alteration then what I brought over with me; and gives me but five dayes to expect the king's answer, which if not satisfactory, I am peremptorily comanded to take my leave, and embarque. The five days are now lapsed: I have not nor am like to receive any satisfaction from his majesty to the demands, which I have made in his highnesse name, unless it be the very hower that I am goeing aboard; for what extremityes may enforce them to I know not. I must now therefore entreate your lordships to dispatch a frigatt to me with all speede, that soe I might be putt in a capacity to comply with the orders of my superiors: lett the frigott stop at Cascais, and not come within comand. I suppose you have been long e're this informed of the hurt I heere received, of which I still keepe my bed, and in that posture write this present with my lame hand upon a pillow. I confesse, I am but in a bad condition to remove; yet I had better hazard my life by soe doeing, then by staying here after hostilityes are begun, to loose my life by the hand of a murtherer. I humbly therefore beseech your lordships to have that respect for me, as to provide the frigats, that you shall send hither, with an honest and able chirurgeon. I intend not to make directly for England; but first after my comeing from Lisbone to go aboard your lordships, the better to acquaint you with the true state of things; for so I am comanded by Mr. secretarie's letters. The Brazile fleet is expected heere every hower; so that what is done of this nature must be done speedily: the transactions which I mentioned in my last dispatch signify noething now, because his highnes new orders to me (and possibly to your lordships likewise) have altered the then state of things. Give me a hint of your intention, and let me heare from you with all possible speed, who am, my lords,
Lipsiæ, May 25th, old stile, 1656.

Your honours in all service
Ph. Meadowe.

The Cullyn merchant laden with provisions for the fleet was lately taken by an Ostender. five leagues off the rock of Lisbone. Five of these men are aboard the vessell, that bringes these letters, by whom your lordships may be informed of all particulers.

After I had sealed up this dispatch, Mr. Smith arrived here from your lordships late in the evening. He tells me, he had a letter to me from your lordships; but it was taken from him by the governor of Faro, and sent by the Portuguese, which went along with him unto some of the king's ministers heere. Your lordships see, what an ignoble people I am cast upon, who observe neyther rules of honor nor honesty. Mr. Smith tells me, that a frigat wil be heere as this day or to-morrow; but it wil be necessary, that your lordships speed another to me, to acquaint me with your resolutions upon the arrivall of captain Loyd, who was sent from England upon the Saphire as expresse to the fleet.

77 His letter to the English envoy at Lisbon. 30 May 1656 A letter of Mr. P. Meadowe, the English envoy at Lisbon.

Vol. xxxviii. p. 777.

Sir,
Your comeing to an anchor at Cascais; and my demanding audience of his majesty of Portugal, in order to take my leave and come aboard, hath much altered the state of affaires heer. To-morrow morning all things are alike to be agreed, and so a peace setled betweene both the nations. Assoone as ever it is done, I shall acquaint you therewith, that you may forthwith set sayle to the generalls of the fleet, and deliver them my letters, which I shall send downe to you for that purpose. I shall desire the generalls to come either to or neere Cascais, and I intend to come aboard them, haveing severall businesses to communicate. Pray send up your boat to me to-morrow morning, and then you shall heare more from me, who am
Lisbon, May 30th, 1656.

Your assured freind,
Ph. Meadowe.

I could hartily desire there were another frigott at Cascais, that whilest one is out at sea to find the generalls, the other might lye in the road attending my orders.

79 Receives new instructions. 7 Jun 1656 Mr. Philip Meadowe, the English envoy at Lisbon, to the generals at sea.

Vol. xxxviii. p. 783.

My lords,
My last to your lordships was by one captain Wills, bearing date the 26th of this month, by whome I gave you an accompt, that the Cullen merchant laden with provisions for the fleet was taken by an Ostender. I received one from your lordships of the 24th instant by the captain of the Saphire; but of the Phœnix I can heare no tideings. New instructions were lately sent me from England, in conformitie to which I have demanded of his majestie the ratification of the treaty, as it was agreed by his plenipotentiary in England, saving that I had power to admitt of one alteration in the fourteenth article. All things are now done according to his highness demand. This morning I was with the king at the Alcantara, where the instruments of ratification were exchanged on both sides; so that a peace is now fully agreed and ratified. By my foresaid last instructions I am comanded by his highnesse, that in case I receive satisfaction upon the treaty, I forthwith send notice thereof to the generalls of the fleet, which I have hereby done accordingly. I acquainted his majesty, how that my purpose was to goe aboard your lordships, in order to communicate severall businesses with you, this I did to prevent offence. I shall onely desire your lordships to come in as near Cascais as conveniently you can, and immediately upon notice thereof I shall come on board, which I desire may be with all possible speed. You will be treated heer with all civilityes. The Condé de Meira threatens to visit his old acquaintance, as he calls him, generall Blake. Onely come not with above two or three frigatts at first, that there may be no occasion of jealousy. I am the bolder to request your coming in heer, because, should I be put to seeke you at sea, I fear it may be too prejudiciall for me, in respect of my late wounds. I shall leave what remains till our ensueing discourse, which I hope may be within this day or two, and so take leave to remaine
Lisbon, May 31th 56.

Your lordships ready in all service
Ph. Meadowe.
Lipa. 7th June 1656.

97 Ratifies the treaty, ibid. Desires a letter from the generals, to remove the jealousies of the Portugueze. 7 Jun 1656 Mr. Ph. Meadowe, the English envoy at Lisbon, to the Generals Blake and Montagu.

Vol. xxxix. p. 182.

My lords,
Some reports bruited abroad here, by whome or upon what occasion, I know not, that your lordships are not well satisfied with the peace already ratified betweene the two states, have begott exceeding discontents in the cittie, and many jealousies, that albeit the moneys were sent on board, your intentions are still to continue before the barr in the same hostile appearance as at present. As for the moneys, they shall be put aboard the Colchester with all possible expedition. I have about 30000 l. allready in my possession, but it will cost sometime to chainge the Portuguese coine into peeces of eight, besides the boxing of it up. I beleeve before night, I shall have eight or nine thousand pounds more; but to morrowe being a day of intermission, it wil be munday night at the least before all be putt aboard. In the meane tyme if your lordship will declare but to me in writeing, by such a letter as may be communicated, the sinceritie of your intentions, and that the body of the fleet shall remove from the barr upon receipt of the moneys, it will much strengthen the hands of friends, and weaken theirs, who take all advantages to worke mischiefe against those, whoe have been labourers in setling this worke of peace. I submit to your lordships judgments, to take such course as might best begett a confidence betwixt us, and remove distrusts and jealousies. And shall humbly beg your lordships answer with all speed, that I might have but a line or two to give them some satisfaction in this little interim, till the moneys be delivered on board, which shall be as soone as possible, and as fast as hands can worke it of. I am

Your honours most humble servant
Ph. Meadowe.
Lipa. 7th June 1656.

98 Communicates it to the Portugueze. 8-14 Jun 1656 Generals Blake and Mountagu to Mr. P. Meadowe, the English envoy at Lisbon.

Vol. xxxix.p. 160.

Sir,
We are sorry there should be any jealous apprehensions conceived of us, as if we should intend hostility against his majesty of Portugall, although he should perform that, which is presently to be done on his part, according to the articles of the treaty lately concluded. And we hope, that those, whoe weigh things prudently and with candor in themselves, have more honourable thoughts of us; and that to them there needs no declaration of our minds in a thing, that cannot be supposed of us without imputation of unfaithfullnese and dishonor to us. Let it suffice, that the lord protector of England, &c. having concluded a peace with his majesty of Portugall, ourselves commanding the fleete by his highnesse permission, if his majesty of Portugall doe performe on his parte, and cause the money, which is by the treaty forthwith to be paid for his highness use, to be putt into our possession, that it may be conveyed for England, hee may confidently assure himselfe, that we shall never soe far dishonor his highnesse, whose servants we are, nor prostitute our owne reputation, and bring a scandall upon the faith and holyness of the religion we professe, as to violate any of the articles of the treaty, but on the contrary exactly observe the same, and give unto his majesty of Portugall such reall demonstrations of our love and amity, as we shall have opportunity for. Whereof you may assure his majesty in our names. We are
Your very loving friends,
Rob. Blake.
E. Montagu.

Naseby in Cascais road 8 June 1656.

Generals Blake and Mountagu to Mr. P. Meadowe, the English envoy at Lisbon.

Vol. xxxix. p. 192.

Sir,
Apprehending the consequence of the businesse mentioned in your letter by captain Lloyd, we did very betimes this morneing dispatch you up an answer, according to the simplicity of our harts in the thing, and have thought meet now to send up another vessell with this expresse, to lett you know, how much we desire a frequent correspondency with you till this affaire be brought to a final period. As any thing of moment doth occure, the bearer will give your letter conveyance to
Your loving friends R. Blake.
E. Montagu.

Naseby in Cascais road this 8th of June 1656.

Sent by the captain of the Mermaid.

Mr. P. Meadowe to Generals Blake and Mountagu.

Vol. xxxix.p. 204.

My lords,
I have communicated that from your lordships, wherein you have been pleased to give soe free a declaration of your purposes, as surely cannot but give ample satisfaction, unlesse they are resolved to pretend vaine jealouseyes, whereby to palliate other intentions. The moneys will not all be sent abroad so soon as I thought for. I feare there will not be above 150000 crownes upon the Colchester this night, and a good part of that wil be in crusados too, because we have not tyme to change it into peices of eight. I submitt it to your lordships, whither it may not be convenient, that the said frigatt be ordered to goe out with the sum aforesaid, and the remainder be putt aboard the Mermayd. Their armada consisting of about fourteen ships is ready to sayle. They have sent to me concerning the exchange of civilityes, as they passe by your fleet. I tell them, they need not doubt of reciprocall courtesey and respects. I am ready to receive your honours commands, and to communicate whatever occurs in complyance with that obligation, which is due to your lordships from
Your honours most humble servant
Ph. Meadowe

Lisbon, June 9th 1656.

Generals Blake and Mountagu to Mr. P. Meadowe, the English envoy at Lisbon.

Vol. xxxix. p. 286.

Sir,
We have received your letter of the 12th instant, wherein there are some things, that doe not concerne us to intermedle in; our businesse here not being only to speed away some friggotts with the money for England, wherein we feare there hath been too much delay; and had we thought it would have been so long, we should have dispatched away an advise for England before this tyme; and our stay heer, besides the deteininge us from other service, hath also been (as you have signifyed unto us) an occasion of encreaseing jealousyes in this country, which we would willingly avoide; and therefore desire all possible diligence may be used in dispatching what remaines of the money on board the Saphire, and she therewith be returned to us by Munday morning next at furthest, according to the orders we have sent the captain, for we cannot approve of any longer delay in this matter. Notwithstanding if any part of the money should be unprovided at that time, there will be other friggotts there, who may take it in afterwards. We are
Your loving freinds,
Rob. Blake,
E. Mountagu.

Naseby in Cascais road,
13th of June, 1656.

Mr. P. Meadowe to generals Blake and Mountagu.

Vol. xxxix. p. 288.

My lords,
I received your honours of the 13th instant. The Saphire sayles this day, and hopes to be with the fleet, if not to night, yett early to-morrow morning, haveing aboard her the remainder of the 50,000 l. Yesterday haveing conference with the commissioners, after a warme debate, I obteyned satisfaction for the exchange I formerly mentioned, but they looke upon it no better then a peece of tyrany. The Saphire hath aboard her 30,000 crownes in gold, which in England will be at least thirty five pounds loss per cent. and therefore must of necessity be changed into silver. If your lordshipps will please to take any of the gold, and put peices of eight instead thereof, it wil be no loss to you in any thing you shall have occasion for in Portugall. However I hope by Munday night to send you silver instead thereof, and to have the gold returned me againe; for to send it into England, as it is, would be intollerable damage. Yesternight the conde de Meira delivered me a paper in Portuguese, the translate whereof is the enclosed. If your honours will please to send me a prescript form of ceremonies to be interchanged betweene the armada's, they will readilly comply therewith. I clamour'd with them by way of retort for their discourtesyes, a frigatt of ours saluting them with nine guns, and they returning but one. The king this morning sent to me to excuse it. The Dutch consul was with me this afternoone, and delivered me the inclosed. I am almost ready with my dispatches for England, with which I send Mr. Maynard. I have some thoughts Munday or Tuesday to come downe privately, and waite upon your honours; and shall alwayes be ready to approve myselfe
Your honours in all service,
Ph. Meadowe.

Lisbon, June the 14th, 1656

113 Difference between him and the ministry. 12 Jun 1656 Mr. Ph. Meadowe, the English envoy at Lisbon, to the generals Blake and Mountagu.

Vol. xxxix. p. 272.

My lords,
The Colchester friggott sett sayle this morning with fourty four chests aboard, containing 60131 m. 450 reis, which makes about twenty nine thousand pounds sterling. The bills of Alfandega are now paid off, together with the bonds of merchants, which I formerly mentioned, all but 24000 crownes, which wil be counted this afternoone; and so the whole remainder of the debt will, I hope, be upon the Saphire to-morrow morning. There is still one thing in difference: my lord chamberlaine, their ambassadour when in England, gave bills upon their treasury heer in Lisbone for the payment of 20,000 l. sterling at the allowance of 32 per cent. which exchange was then accepted, and the moneys assigned to be paid to Mr. Bird. But then the bills bear date the 28th of December 1652, and the moneys were to be paid the first of March next immediately following. They therefore not haveing performed in point of tyme according to the agreement, I demand a new exchange higher then 32, according as it goes at this present. They insist upon the former exchange according to the agreement in England, albeit they have forfeited the benefitt of it by laps of time; and alsoe make the agreement for the exchange of the 20,000 l. be a rule and proportion for the 30,000 l. sterling, according to the article. This they are angry at, and tell me, I deale with them discourteously, which I shall finde, when I have occasion to request any thing of favour at their hands. But I am resolved not to foregoe my demand, and as chuseing rather to displease them then my superiors. I have onely these two wayes to helpe myselfe; the one by recourse and remonstrance to your honours; the other by denying to give his majestie an acquittance, till I shall receive the whole. The newes of your takeing the Flushing, as also the sending in of the frigotts to clean, have now made us good freinds againe. And as to point of courtesie and civilitie, I clamour now at them, that whereas a friggott of ours comeing in saluted them with nine guns, they returned but one. I am now prepareing my dispatch for England. It wil be requisite, that the captains of the friggots, that carry the moneys for England, give me and Mr. Bird their receipts. I have no more at present, but that I am
Your honours to be commanded,
Ph. Meadowe.

Lisbon, June 12th 1656.

123 Desires an exchange of civilities between the fleet. 16-26 Jun 1656 Mr. P. Meadowe, the English encoy at Lisbon, to generals Blake and Mountagu.

Vol. xxxix. p. 354.

My lords,
I am in expectation of an answer to mine of the 14th instant. They still press me heer, that your lordships would write what courteseyes or civilityes shal be interchanged betweene the fleetes, their armado staying onely, as they say, till your lordships declare your sence concerning it. I have sent down Mr. Bird to take further order concerning the exchange of the gold aboard the Saphire for silver. I desire to know from your honours, when the frigotts shall be dispatched for England, that Mr. Maynard may be in a readinesse there with my letters. I am
Lisbon, 16/26 June, 1656.

Your honours most humble servant,
Ph. Meadowe.

Mr. P. Meadowe to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xxxix. p. 318.

Sir,
Being aboard the generals, I found general Blake satisfied with the peace, but general Mountague somewhat scrupulous, nay, which was more, he told me, that I should have had more thank at Whitehal, if I had not concluded it. This, methought, was cold entertainment for al my travel and care in this busines; and yet he pretended these two grounds, first, that it was not done within the limit of the five daies: secondly, his highnes was dishonoured by the murtherous attempt upon me. To the first I confess the treaty, as I remember, was ratified the third day after the expiration of the five, but would have been sooner, if there had been a frigat, as your honour supposed, ready to take me aboard. Besides my instruction no where nulled my power after the laps of the term prefixed. It saies onely, you are immediately to take your leave (this I did) and return home: But I could not doe it without a ship; and in case you have satisfaction upon the treaties; it does not say, in case you have satisfaction within the time limited; so that I have acted in a way of conformitie to the intention of his highnes; why els was I sent hither ? and consistently with the letter of my instruction; neither could I have answered the contrary, in case I had refused his majestie's ratification. To the second, I confes his highnes is dishonoured, but what order had I to defer the peace upon such an occasion ? Is not his highnes still free to demand satisfaction ? which if desired, can a particular treaty privilege the king of Portugal against the violation of the law of nations ? But then consider, if the Brasil fleet had got home, and the treaty not ratified, in what condition had his highnes affairs been in ? and it may well be considered, for 'tis three to one, as general Blake himselfe affirms, that our fleet meet not the Brasil fleet, though they made it their sole worke.

But in case we had met them in a hostile way, they would have run for it twenty waies; and had we taken 30 or 40 of their ships, how little of the spoile would have been cleared to his highnes chequer, the last attempt of the same nature witnesses: besides the king of Portugall would at the same time have seized to the value of at least 6 or 700000 l. of English men's estates within his dominions. But no more of this, which yet is extorted from me for my own defence; and if any displeasure be reflected upon me by this meanes, I doubt not, but your honor will screen me. 'Tis sure the generals would willingly be upon action, but there's no opportunitie. I thought at their first coming, they would have presently attempted at lest to fire the ships in Cadiz; but when it came to it, they could not find one in the fleet, that durst undertake to steer a ship to the Carraccas. I propounded to general Blake, as that which had been whispered to me from others, the plundering Majorca; but be approves not of it; or els the attempting Bayona, because the Portugueses may possibly be willing to share in such an enterprize, having garrisons very neare it. As for the Spaniards, sure enough they entend nothing less than to come out and fight. If this Spanish warr continues, it may possibly be worthy of consideration, how to drive a secret trade with Spain by the way of Portugal from Pharo, paying the king some little custome. Surely nothing wil more discontent the people in England then the not sending of them manufactures. I have returned the monies as much I could in pieces of eight, and the rest in Portuguese coin. I have wrot to Mr. Noel, and taken some order with Mr. Mainard, for the changing it into sterling money; wherein if any benefitt can be made, which I am sure can be but smal, I suppose his highnes will not take notice of such a trifle. I wish all were so good thrists for his highnes, as I have been; but I heare the commissioners of the navy have contracted with a merchant for the supply of the fleet with 300 tun of beverage wine from the Maderas at 18 l. per tun, and I'le undertake to supply them from hence with as good for 10 l. a tun, which is good odds, besides the trouble and charge of sending for it so far. But I may justly feare, I am as troublesome to your honor with my impertinent teadiousness, as my lord chamberlain was to me with his speculations, as you cal him in your letter, when he insisted, that no less than 7 or 8 material alterations be made in the 11th article concerning the Brasil trade. Pardon this boldnes to
Lisbon, 16/26 June, 56.

Your most assured servant,
Ph. Meadowe.

The letter to my lord Lambert was sent to me open with a flying seale, which after I had perused, I closed up. But Petrus Fernandez Mountero, who is chief judge in all criminal causes, coming to me a day or two since, he entreated me, that he might see it; he wondred not a little at some passages. I entreate your honor to excuse me to my lord Lambert for breaking it open upon this occasion, with the tender of my most humble service to his lordship.

Generals Blake and Mountagu to Mr. P. Meadowe.

Vol. xxxix. p. 363.

Sir,
We have received your letter of the 16th instant, and in answer of that part of civilities to be interchanged with the Portugall armada, we thought we should not have needed to be perticular therein, having declared ourselves ready to manifest all civilityes to them, and are very sorry there should be any stay upon that accompt for satisfaction; wherein (seeing they desire it) you may lett them know, that at their coming forth, we shall strike our standard, and salute them first, exspecting the like returne from them, and shall on all other occasions give them reall demonstrations of our respect and friendship. We have returned Mr. Bird to finish what remaines in the exchange of the moneys, which being done, we shall (God willing) dispatch the frigotts for England, whereof we desire Mr. Maynard may have notice. We are
Your very loving friends,
Rob. Blake.
E. Mountagu.

Naseby in Cascais-road 17th of June, 1656.

125 Vindication of his conduct, ibid. Proposes methods for annoying Spain, ibid. Persons suspected of the attempt to assassinate him. 17 Jun 1656 General Mountagu to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. ii. p. 154.

Sir,
I have written soe much in cipher, that I am a wearye of it, and I doubt it will cause you too much trouble, to but a little purpose, as the case now stands; wherefore I shall proceede by words at length. Wee have had the wind full in our teeths ever since wee sett saile from Cales, and very boysterous, whereby wee have spent a greate many topp-masts, and sayles; yet in the voyage (as I have written before) wee had the good fortune to meete captain Loyd, the 3d of May; and as soone as we had received him on board, wee thought fitt to dispatch the Saphyre away (which is a fregate that sailes beyond any of us by a wind) for Lisbone, to desire the agent, that by all meanes he would come off, and lett us have some conference together. (Wee had also sent the Phœnix fregate, before wee came out from Cales, away before us, upon the same errand) Thus wee makinge all the way wee could possiblye in such crosse weather towards Lisbone river, wee gott up betweene the cape St. Vincent, and cape Pitcher, May 27; and in the morninge that same day, a merchant shipp came in to us from Lisbone, bound for Tituan, and brought us a letter from Mr. Meddowes, signifeinge that the 5 dayes were expired, and noe satisfaction given him, nor like to be; whereupon wee concludinge wee should be putt to make a businesse of it, sent forthwith a catch to Cales to call of the reare admirall, and 9 ships more with him, to ply up to us with all possible speed, leavinge 6 fregates equall sailers to ply at sea too and againe before Cales, to prevent (as well as they could) furniture for shippinge to pass into Cales, and to guard our merchants, who hearinge of the fleett's being before Cales, might perhapps passe thereby with more confidence, and in case wee had drawn all off, might be surprized by the Spaniard.

June 1st wee then plyenge neere cape Pitcher, the Saphyre (who had recovered Cascales in due tyme, and sent his errand to Mr. Meddowes a day or 2 before the treatye was concluded) came in to us, and Mr. Maynard in her, who informed us of the kinge's agreeinge to the peace, and the deliverye of the ratifications, and that the agent desired wee would not come into Cascales with above 2 or 3 shipps for givinge an occasion of jealousye; but we continued our course, and June 3d at 7 in the evening we came to an anchor in Cascales rode, and before the river at Lisbone, with all our shipps in companye, and now of the expected fleets at Lisbone come in before us not one shipp. June 4th Mr. Meddows, and most of our Lisbon merchants, came on board us, and also a Portugese gentleman of the order, with a letter to us from the kinge, only of complement, and expressinge great confidence of our friendship and amitye, and gladnesse of the peace. This day was very stormye, and soe they staied all night on board us; and June 5th they are gone off againe.

The generall Blake and myselfe have been in great straights in this businesse; on the one hand, consideringe the vile falsnesse of the Portugalls, and aversion to make good what he had agreed to by his plenipotentiaryes, the delayes he aimed att, and endeavoured to make us tye our own hands (contrary to our dutye) his slippinge the opportunity of the last 5 dayes (which wee understood to conclude the matter, and that the agent's power to accept his ratification was then determined) the horrible indignitye done to our nation in the endeavouringe to assassinate Mr. Meddowes, for which no justice hath been done (only a little flourish of regret therat) allthough (as I heare) it is almost in the mouth of every Portugese in Lisbone, that it was Don Pantaleon himselfe, and his brother, the conde de Torre, that acted that base part; and also consideringe the possibilitye, that this peace, which is made with soe ill a will, after all wayes of diversion attempted, and not agreed to, until our fleete was discovered to turne up towards Lisbone, at the cape St. Vincent; I say considering it's possible, that this peace may be delusive, and not hold longe, when he has reaped the benefit of his fleete coming safe home (which are the richest that ever he had) and can repaire himself, when he will, of our merchants for a greater summ then wee are like to have. Add to all this, that wee could not but eye a remarkable providence leadinge us from Cales (even besides our instructions) directly in order to those new ones wee received by captain Loyd, and conductinge us hither soe opportunely for service, and the probabilitye of relieving England with a far more considerable supply then what was agreed of by the treatye, and the likelyhood of bringinge them to a better peace afterwards, upon the most steadye ground of necessitye; besides the assertinge the honour of our nation, which seemed to need it, havinge before beene stained by such base assassinations in other nations, and not yet vindicated; and the faire opportunitie our present posture with Spaine gave us for the endeavoringe this.

One the other hand, consideringe that the peace was concluded, and the ratifications mutually exchanged, wherby the faith of nations were engaged; that our last instruction had a clause, wherby it became void, whensoever (before any act of hostilitye begun) Mr. Meddowes should signify to us, that he had received satisfaction (the which he hath done both in writinge and also in person) and the puttinge our advantage to the hazard of event, which now (how little soever) was a certaintye; it being possible that the weather, or the endeavors of the Portugals by advise to theire fleete of their danger, and directions thereupon to them to stay at the Westerne islands, or some other accident might frustrate our expectations of dealinge with them to purpose; and then would certainly render us very culpable, and be a disadvantage to our nation (though I must needes say all probability was on the other hand, and if ever such an attempt was to be made, consideringe all things, this seemed to be such an opportunitye, as, then which, a better could not be hoped for; and I believe is never to be expected) yett on these considerations our judgments are swayed to make the best of what is done, and keepe to our instructions; in order whereunto wee have desired Mr. Meddowes to endeavour to putt the money on board of us, without which we cannot see any security at all in what is done; and when that is performed, our hands are tyed; wee shall dispatch some frigates away to you with it, and supply the fleete with liquor here, and repaire to our old station, expecting what God shall lead us to in pursuance of our primary instructions. Wee shall consider also, whether wee cannot doe some service upon the Spaniard in the parts of Galicia, where wee understand many Dunkirkers harbour themselves, and a few of our shipps may be enough to attempt them, and not hinder the returne of the body of our fleete where wee were.

You have at this time the Portugall upon his knees, and if wee had authoritye to make further demands, wee might aske what we would (almost) and he durst not but performe it, or his country would be all in rebellion. But this is to noe purpose, the season beinge past.

I have beene too tedious, I feare, especially since all this might have been communicated to you by captain Lloyd by word of mouth; but excuse it this once. I am not like in hast to expatiate soe much againe. Many other thinges have passed here, which I leave to the relation of captain Lloyd, who knowes our whole businesse exactly well.

Thus desiringe your favor to present my humble service to my lords of the councel, I remaine
Your very humble servant,
E. Mountagu.

June 17th, 1656, abord the Naseby in Cascalis-roade.

144 Particular account of that affair. London, 20 June 1656.

Vol. xxxix. p. 394.

This day Mr. George Clerke received a letter of the 13th of May from Lisbon, which came by the ship Diligence from Port, wherein he hath advice, that the king of Portugall had that day signed the articles of peace with this commonwealth; and that on the 11th of the same month of May, about nine of the clock in the evening, our agent coming from the conde de Mira, cheife commissioner of this last treaty, was mett going to his house by two horsemen, which came on both sides his litter, and discharged each a pistole, and then severally fled; but it pleased God, only one shott him in the left hand, which is hoped is not dangerous; presently dilligent search were made throughout the citty, and twenty thousand crownes promised to the discoverer. These are the words of his letter, which I thought good to a?quaint you with, suposeing you may have no advice thereof as yet. The ship I understand is in this river, which brought the aforesayd letter.

316 His reflections upon the conduct of Spain in the war. [TFPL: I cannot find the referenced document within the actual text!]
384 Discoveries made relating to the attempt to assassinate him. 16 Sep 1656 Mr. W. Metham to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xlii. p. 183.

Right honorable,
Since my three last after yours, I am com to Genoa, as soone as I could, and sooner then is convenient for my further passage, finding all Italie in a suspected if not reall infection, so that all commerce is prohibited, till it be seen, wither the approaching colds will lessen this contagion. In the mean, if there occurre here any thing worthy your reading, my pen and hart shall serve you according to my engagement.

When I lest Portugall, one thing was in dispute, of which to my power I advised Mr. Meadowe (though otherwise sufficiently experienced in the Portughes humours) concerning the 3 per cent. for which he had the king's hand, although the commissioners, since they heard of the arriveing fleet, desire to omitt the publicque seale to it, to avoid scandal, as they say, of other nations, as if it could be allowed without that all the world know it: besides after the said halfe yeare, the time pretended for delay, the same difficulty of scandall will still remaine; whereas if it be now granted, all will thinke it a particular reason of state, which required this priviledge for English, which no other nation could pretend. Pardon this indiscretion in discourseing such things, which you better understand; yet because one of my great condes telling how they wished their 260 thousand crownes in their king's pockett again, and asking how they might deale with Mr. Meadowe, I made bold to speake my opinion, which I then gave him. Nevertheles, if at any time my phrase be indiscreet, ascribe it to my reallity and love to the honour of countrie, according to circumstances where I am. What I writ, I confirme, and espeacially concerning my conde Camerero, of whom though I have no certainetie, yet I have many undeniable truths concerning Mr. Medow's wound, in whose discoverie I should scarce be safe abroad, and withall annull such expectation of interest, which I deferred, if not waved to begin thence handsomely this my resolution to these parts. I must confess, if for me to be in Lisbon had equally complied with your service, I had alreadie purchased there that interest, which proportionably must cost much elsewhere. Notwithstanding at Rome when I arrive or elsewhere, you shall heare from me, as from one faithfull, if not efficacious. Now, my lord, if this infection should continue thus in these parts all winter, so that I could not get to Rome, in Flanders, the place of my first education, peradventure I might advantage you somthing to accompt, especially by giveing my selfe out, as I doe now, for an earnest cavalier. There is a certaine man now resideing in Ligorne, called Joseph Kent, who hath now and then diverse letters from the titular king of Scots or his attendants, of whom, if I can reach Ligorne, I will endeavour to learne what I can, in order to a letter, which one here by its suprascription before seen assured to com from that court. In Portugall there be halfe a dozen little English boys kept by condes as runegados from our fleet. One is kept in the English colledge at the charges of the marquis of Caschais, another by the conde de Torre, of whom I writt you; others by diverse gentlemen. Also before I left Lisbon I understood, how one Francis White, an Irish Jesuite, hath constant intelligence from England by everie ship, to whom the Portughese agent with you oftentimes directs his letters by meanes of Mr. Page and Mrs. Marie, of whom I writ you. There is now in England one Mr. Richard Barton or Bradshaw (being his right name) provinciall governor of all the Jesuits in England, a man that hath lived long in Paris, but a great Spaniard, as all his coate are, who may do harme; but I can learne no more of him, unles I were in Rome or Flanders. Here notwithstanding I humbly beg of you, in order to him or any else, that you never proceed 'gainst life, unles otherwise you find them traitors, besides preisthood, if you seaze on them by my information. Here they have a fleet abroad, consisting of eight galleys and seven ships, pretending to take Turks; yet this state, and espeacially som particular families, are so much devoted to Spaine, that I suspect them particularly, because they are still arming more ships as convoyes to the Portughese traid, and more galleys as for their owne service; six of their galleys are now sent for Sicilie, as I, though new arriv'd, heare. The Spainiards feare some attempt upon their islands, and that five of our frigats serve the French in Catalonia. In your next this way, I beseech you send me a caracter to be used upon occasion; as also wither or noe you esteem me worthy of a present support, as well till, as when I reach Rome, being indeed of my own fortunes as a younger brother unprovided for so long travells, and withall to keep myself in that garbe, as best may advantage my undertakeings, espeacially being I waved some preferment and promises in Portugall to pass the better and unsuspected under the naked colour of a knight of Christ (as your agent see) the reward of my conde for the moneys he ows me, but pretends he cannot as yet pay me. The said conde Camerero privately imbarked himselfe in the Portughese armado, to gaine the love of the people, which he much lost in his legacie in England. Some think him out of favour, but I beleive it all to be king's consent, if not invention, which I could not learne by reason of my suddain departure. I was invited into Spaine by my brother, then a Jesuite, and had gone that way for a passage, unles, as I writt you, the ship had been sequestred by king John. In the meane I am by name now here
Your humble and devoted servant,
Andrew Briant.

From Genoa, 16 Sept. or 6 with you, 1656.

This day, being 16 of Sept. here, the 6th with you, Valenza hath capitulated, that if no succorse enter all this day, that to morrow being 17 detto, or 7 with you, the French are to enter it. I heare much of a peace generall, but my fresh arrivall as yet can neither informe my knowledge, nor instruct my judgment.

422 A person under sentence of death, poison'd by a Jesuit, for offering to discover the author
of it.
16 Sep 1656 General Mountagu to secretary Thurloe.

Vol. xlii.p. 474.

[Paragraph contains cyphered content — see page image]

Sir,
I Have written to you a letter of the 11th of this moenth, which I hope will come to your hands, and therefore, as also for the trouble of writinge in caracter (which I doe, because I reckon not the passage of these letters soe safe as I could wish) I shall not repeate much of that here. To this present houre we have not gotten any newes from you concerninge our businesse, although a shipp from Bristow arrived here yesterday, who was but 8 dayes in her passage. The tyme of the yeare and our affaire with divers urgent reasons have caused us this morninge to consult together. The question before us was, whither wee shall 11 s e n d h o m e 10 61 the great ships. Wee have resolved it in the neg at i v e: O u r r e a s o n s are.

Wee have noe o r d e r from Engl. for it. We have this harbour to f r e i n d for s h e l t e r and p r o v i s i o n s. Wee now heare, that Spayn hath o r d e r e d to fitt galloons and other shipps, which wee judge will b e e o u t neare the la t t e r end of J a n u a r y 10 99 and if ever there b e e 10 h o p e s to fight Spayne, that is like to b e e the tyme.

In execution here of wee p r e p a r e what wee are able in this place, and if wee have noe . . . . k. from Engl. this w e e k e, the next wee meane to s e n d the H a m p s h i r e 10 104 w i t h 10 a n e x p r e s s e t o this p u r p o s.

This last weeke or before, there came a merchant shipp, called the Love, into this port, and another called the Luke and the Falcon, and b r o u g h t 10 the some s of let t e r s 10 99 for the fleet, and in m o s t if not in a l l of them a paper, one of which is here e n c l o s e d. They were put in to the let t e r s after they were s e a l e d, and c l o s e d up w i t h w a x.

The let t e r s b e i n g 10 m o s t deliver'd before wee had knowledge thereof 10 32 wee thought best to let them passe in s i l e n c e, only m a d e 32 10 them b e e 10 32 taken o u t 10 104 of those let t e r s that were not deliver'd.

For other newes here is little: wee are in this baye wateringe our shipps. The kinge of Portugall hath used us with much respect, and sent a person of qualitye with complements and sweete meates to us yesterday, and other fresh provisions. Ther is a report, that a malefactor was condemned to die latelye in Lisbone, who before his execution proferred to discover those, that attempted to assassinate Mr. Meddowes; whereupon he was not suffered to live to execution, but was poisoned in the goale by a Jesuite; whereat they say the kinge is angry, and hath ordered noe Jesuites shall confesse the condemned prisoners any more, as they were wont alwaies to doe. There is an English shipp come in here from Newfoundland. The master hath beene on board of us. There is not, they say, one person in the shipp, officer or marriner, but are all Quakers. I feare they will meete with affronts from these people, and I heare they have beene in danger alreadye for not puttinge off their hatts to the Portugeses, when they have saluted them in the streetes. Excuse my brevitye in greater matters, and enlargements in smaller. By the next I hope to have opportunitie with more freedome to corresponde with you. Thus I remaine
Your very humble servant,
E. Mountagu.

Sept. 16, 1656. Aboard the Nasebye, in the bay of Wyers, in the river of Lisbone.

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