XXXII. To the QUEEN.
Oxford, Sunday, 30. March.
DEAR Heart, Since My last (which was but 3. days ago) there are no alterations happened of moment, preparations rather than actions being yet our chiefest busi∣ness; in which we hope that we proceed faster than the Rebels, whose Levies both of men and money (for certain) go on very slowly; and I believe they are much weaker than is thought even here at Oxford. For instance; A very honest Servant of Mine, and no fool, shewed Me a Proposition from one of the most considerable London Rebels, who will not let his name be known until he have hope that his Proposition will take effect: It is this, That since the Treaty is so broken off, that neither the Rebels nor I can resume it without at least a seeming total yielding to the other, the Treaty should be renewed upon Thy mo∣tion, with a pre-assurance that the Rebels will submit to reason. The answer that I per∣mitted My Servant to give was, That Thou art much the fittest person to be the means of so happy and glorious a work as is the Peace of this Kingdom: but that upon no terms Thy name was to be prophaned, therefore he was to be satisfied of the Rebels willingness to yield to reason, before he would consent that any such intimation should be made to Thee; and particularly concerning Religion and the Militia, that nothing must be insisted upon, but according to My former offers. This I believe will come to nothing, yet I can∣not but advertise Thee of any thing that comes to My knowledge of this consequence.
I must again tell Thee, that most assuredly France will be the best way for transporta∣tion of the D. of Lorrain's Army, there being divers fit and safe places of landing for them upon the Western coasts, besides the Ports under My Obedience, as Shelsey near Chichester, and others, of which I will advertise Thee when the time comes.
By My next I think to tell Thee when I shall march into the Field, for which Money is now His greatest want (I need say no more) who is eternally Thine.