The King of Denmark his declaration concerning the English merchants ships lying in Copenhagen.: Translated out of the Danish speech into English by Edvvard Smith, May 17. 1653.

The English Residents Proposition, delivered to those of the Kingdoms Councel, de∣puted to receive the same. Letter F.

Well Born, High and Noble Lord,

VVHereas for some time past it hath pleased the great, migh∣tiest High-born King of Denmark and Norway, in his Harbors, to detain several Merchant Ships of great Value, belong∣ing to the Subjects of the Republique of England, and also to deny them freedom to follow those Ships of War, which for their Secu∣rity and Convoy without doubt were sent from England, whereby the said Republique, and the Subjects thereof, hitherto no small hurt and damage have sustained: and although the English Re∣publiques Parliament, by reason of such an unexpected Action, especially at the time when his Majesties Embassador was treat∣ing for a nearer Ʋnion, are thereby highly troubled; yet are they nevertheless desirous to use all possible means of friendship, whereby further Inconveniencies may be prevented, which other∣ways in such a weighty Case, that concerns the welfare of both States, might follow; therefore have they of good affection sent me to his Majesty, with Command in their behalf, to press earnestly, that the said Ships, which by his Majesties Command are de∣tained with their several Goods and Loadings, may with all pos∣sible expedition be again set free: Wherefore in the name of the said Parliament I desire your high mighty Kingly Majesty, that all the Ships belonging to the English Republique, which now are to be found in this Haven, or upon these Streams, and by Kingly Order, or any other Officers Command, are detained or

delayed, each Ship with his own loading may presently be set free with full power to proceed upon their Voyage towards those places they were at first designed unto; moreover, that his Majesty will be pleased under your Kingly Hand and Seal to promise and grant to the Parliament of the English Republique by me their Mini∣ster, that all the aforesaid Ships, each with his loading, shall be safe and fully delivered to that Fleet, which shall be sent by the Parliament of England, or their Authority, at such time and in such manner as the Commander thereof shall desire of his Maje∣sty: And whereas there is lately one of the English Republiques Ships, called the Antilop, run ashore within your Kingly Maje∣sties Jurisdiction, near Jutland, and some of the Guns, Ammu∣nition, and other things, converted to the use of the Inhabitants of the Town adjoyning, also in the same Parliaments name I de∣sire his Kingly Majesty, that all such Guns, and other Imple∣ments that belongeth to the said Ship, whether they now are in the Inhabitants hands, or in any others Custody, may be deliver∣ed presently to me, or my Deputy; also, that by his Kingly Ma∣jesties Command all good help and necessary assistance be afforded to save and recover such other Guns and Riging, as by probability may be saved, seeing that the Ship was lost near the shore; to all which I expect his Majesties just Answer in writing, that I may the better return back again to my Masters, the Parliament of the Republique of England.

Richard Bradshaw.