XXII. To the QUEEN.
OXFORD, Jan. 22. MDCXLIV. V.
Dear Heart,
SInce My last by Choquen I have had no means of writing, and as little new matter. That which is now, is the progress of the Treaty, of which these enclosed Papers will give Thee a full accompt; but if Thou have them sooner from London than Me, Thou hast no reason to wonder, considering the length and uncertainty of the way I am forced to send by, in respect of the other. For the business it self, I believe Thou wilt approve of My choice of Treaters, and for My Propositions, they differ nothing in substance (very little in words) from those which were last; wherefore I need to say nothing of them: and for My Instructions, they are not yet made, but by the next I hope to send them.
Now upon the whole matter, I desire Thee to shew the Queen and Ministers there the improbability that this present Treaty should produce a Peace, considering the great strange difference (if not contrariety) of grounds that are betwixt the Rebels Propositions and Mine, and that I cannot alter Mine, nor will they ever theirs, until they be out of hope to prevail by force, which a little assistance by Thy means will soon make them be; for I am confi∣dent, if ever I could put them to a defensive (which a reasonable sum of money would do) they would be easily brought to reason.
Concerning our interferings here at Oxford, I desire Thee to suspend Thy Judgement, (for I believe few but partial relations will come to Thee) until I shall send some whom I