April 13, 1654.
Whitelocke confers with the Chancellor, and invites him to dinner. In the morning the Chancellor came to Whitelocke and staid with him near three hours. They had much debate touching Guinea, to the like effect as before with his son; they had also debate about the amendments which Whitelocke had desired might be inserted in the articles, chiefly that touching passports, to which the Chancellor would by no means agree. He likewise said to Whitelocke:—
Chancellor. The Queen caused the articles to be copied out, to the end (as I believe) to communicate them to the Prince, which will be for the greater validity of the treaty and alliance.
Whitelocke. I am glad her Majesty is pleased to take the advice of the Prince in this business, and am willing to promise myself that nothing is contained in the articles which he will not approve.
Chan. I believe the same.
Wh. This might be the occasion that my business was not finished before her Majesty’s going out of town.
Chan. I myself am also going into the country, and come now to take my leave of you.
Wh. I hope you will return before her Majesty.
Chan. I purpose to stay abroad but four or five days; and I find that frequent exercise and change of air tendeth very much to the improving of my health.
Wh. I do heartily wish your health, and hope that the Queen and you will shortly be in town again, and that then my business will be finished.
Chan. There is no doubt but that your business will be despatched within a very few days after the Queen’s return.
They had much other discourse touching the affairs of England, in which the Chancellor testified much respect to England and to the Protector.
Whitelocke invited the Chancellor to dinner to his house, but he excused himself, alleging that his age and infirmities would not permit him to take a meal out of his own house, or at the houses of some of his children, where he might enjoy the same liberty as at his own house. Whitelocke told him that he should have the same liberty at his house, who was one of his sons, as he could take at the houses of any other of his children; but the Chancellor earnestly desired to be excused, and Whitelocke thought not fit further to importune him, but desired him to hasten his return hither, which he promised to do.
Whitelocke received his letters from England, and in that from Thurloe he writes:—
Letters from Thurloe. “There hath been consideration taken of your return home, but the issue of the treaty with the Dutch not being yet known, his Highness’s resolutions as to your return are deferred until the next; the difficulty of that business lies in the article relating to the Danes, etc. All things else remain as they did by my last, so that your Excellence will be saved this week the labour of reading my long letter. This day we have a fast for the great drought.
“My Lady was here with me to hasten your return, wherein I should be glad to be instrumental. I pray God preserve your Excellence, and bless the affairs under your hand. I am,
“Your Excellence’s humble servant,
“Jo. Thurloe.
“March 24th, 1653.
“I saw a letter to his Highness from Upsal, wherein some expressions were used as if your Excellence were like to be removed from the Seal. His Highness commanded me to assure you that there are no such intentions, but much the contrary, whereof your Excellence will have real demonstrations upon all occasions.”