Whitelocke’s new instructions from the Protector: 

“O.  P.

“Additional Instructions to my Lord Whitelocke, our Ambassador
Extraordinary to her Majesty the Queen of Sweden.

“Having considered the particular account you have given by your letters weekly of your negotiation in Sweden, and the delay which hath been on the part of that Court in the treaty you are upon, we might well have given you positive orders for your speedy return.

“But observing that the letters and despatches between this and Sweden are a month in their way, and not knowing how affairs may alter in that time with you, and the pretence of their delay—­to wit, the uncertainty of the issue of the treaty between us and the United Provinces—­being removed, as you will see by these letters, which will assure you of the full conclusion thereof, we have thought it more convenient to leave you a latitude in that particular, and to give you liberty (as we do hereby) to return home at such time as you shall find it for the service of the Commonwealth.

“2.  Whereas, by your letter of the 10th of March, 1654, you have represented the particular debates which you have had upon all the articles of the treaty, and the exceptions taken by the Queen upon the second, fifth, and seventh articles, you are hereby authorized to omit the second and fifth articles out of the treaty, as also the words ‘bona a suis cujusque inimicis direpta’ out of the seventh article, if the Queen shall still insist thereupon; and as for the comprehending the Dutch in this treaty with the Queen of Sweden, notice shall be given from hence, if it shall be found necessary.

“3.  You have hereby power to agree with the Queen of Sweden that she and her subjects may fish freely for herrings in the seas of this Commonwealth, paying the recognition of the tenth herring, or for a lesser recognition, so as it be not less than the twentieth herring, or the value thereof in money.

    “Whitehall, 7th April, 1654.”

The Order of the Council touching the Great Seal sent by Thurloe was this.  The title of the order was thus:—­

[SN:  Whitelocke, Widdrington, and Lisle reappointed of the Great Seal.]

    “Order of the Council approving of the Commissioners of the Great
    Seal.

“Tuesday, 4th April, 1654.

    “AT THE COUNCIL AT WHITEHALL: 

    “Resolved, That the Council doth approve of the Lord Ambassador
    Whitelocke to be one of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.

    “Resolved, That the Council doth approve of Sir Thomas
    Widdrington, Knight, Serjeant-at-Law, to be one of the Lords
    Commissioners of the Great Seal.

    “Resolved, That the Council doth approve of John Lisle, Esquire,
    to be one of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.