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SIR,
ALL affairs went on fairly here, specially that of the match; when Master Endymion Porter brought lately my Lord of B•…•…i∣stoll a dispatch from England of a high nature, wherin the Earl is commanded to represent unto this King how much his Majesty of
great Britain since the beginning of these German wars hath labourd to merit well of this Crown, and of the whole House of Austria, by a long and lingring patience, grounded still upon assurances hence, that care should be had of his honor, his Daughters joyn∣ture, and grand-childrens patrimony; yet how crosly all things had proceeded in the Treaty at Bruxells, manag'd by Sir Richard Weston, as also that in the Palatinat by the Lord Chichester: how in treating time the Town and Castle of Heidelberg were taken, Man∣beim besieg'd, and all acts of Hostility us'd, notwithstanding the fair professions made by this King, the Infanta at Bruxells, and other his Ministers: How meerly out of respect to this King, he had neg∣lected all Martiall means which probably might have preserv'd the Palatinat: those thin Garrisons which he had sent thither being ra∣ther for honors sake to keep a footing untill a generall accommoda∣tion, than that he relyed any way upon their strength: And since that there are no other fruits of all this but reproach and scorn▪ and that those good Offices which he us'd towards the Emperor on the behalf of his Son in law, which he was so much encouraged by Letters from hence should take effect, have not sorted to any other issue, than to a plain affront and a high injuring of both their Ma∣jesties, though in a different degree; The Earl is to tell him that his Majesty of great Britain hopes and desires that out of a true ap∣prehension of these wrongs offerd unto them both, he will as his dear and loving brother faithfully promise and undertake upon his honor, confirming the same under his hand and seal, either that Heidelberg shall be within seventy days rendred into his hands; as also that ther shall be within the said term of seventy days a su∣spension of arms in the Palatinat, and that a Treaty shall recom∣mence upon such terms as he propounded in November last, which this King held then to be reasonable: And in case that this be not yeelded unto by the Emperor, that then this King joyn forces with his Majesty of England, for the recovery of the Palatinat, which upon this trust hath been lost; or in case his forces at this time be o∣therwise employ'd, that they cannot give his Majesty that assistance he desires and deserves, that at least he will permit a free and friendly passage through his Territories, for such Forces as his Me∣jesty of great Britain shall employ into Germany: Of all which, if the Earl of Bristoll hath not from the King of Spain a direct as∣surance under his hand and Seal ten days after his audience, that then he take his leave, and return to England to his Majesties pre∣sence, els to proceed in the negotiation of the match according to former instructions.
This was the main substance of his Majesties late letter, yet there was a postill added, that in case a rupture happen 'twixt the two Crowns, the Earl should not com instantly and abruptly •…•…way, but that he should send advice first to England, and carry the busines so, that the world should not presently know of it.
Notwithstanding all these traverses, we are confident here, that the match will take, otherwise my Cake is Dow. There was a great difference in one of the capitulations 'twixt the two Kings, how long the children which should issue of this marriage were to continue sub regimine Matris, under the tutele of the Mother. This King de∣manded 14 years at first, then twelve, but now he is come to nine, which is newly condescended unto. I receiv'd yours of the first of September in another from Sir Iames Crofts, wherin it was no small comfort to me to hear of your health. I am to go hence shortly for Sardinia, a dangerous voyage, by reason of Algier Pirats. I humbly desire your prayers may accompany
Madrid, 23 Febr. 1622.
Your dutifull Son, J. H.