[SN:  Further conference with Grave Eric Oxenstiern.]

In the afternoon Grave Eric came to Whitelocke, and they had this discourse together:—­

Gr.  Eric. Here is a paper, which I shall read unto you, containing some matters wherein I desire your consideration, being they relate to the treaty, as touching contraband goods; that there may be such a liberty, that trade be not impeached, that prizes may not be brought into the ports of friends, nor enemies admitted into the havens of the friends and allies of either nations; that the fishing for herrings and the trade in America may be free for the Swedes, and that they may have satisfaction for the wrongs done to them by the English at sea.

Whitelocke. Here is very much in these particulars to which I have formerly given my answer, and can give no other.  England hath had no reason to give a liberty of contraband goods when their enemies deny it, and it were hard to forbid friends to bring prizes into the ports of friends, being no prejudice to the owner of the port, but a discourtesy to the friend; neither is it reason to deny a friend to enter into my harbour because he is an enemy to another that is my friend also, whose quarrel I am not bound to wed.  For the liberty of herring-fishing, it may be had from our Commonwealth upon reasonable conditions; and for the trade in America, I am not instructed to assent to anything therein, but I supposed it had been intended to send from hence to the Protector about it.  And for satisfaction of wrongs, I know none done by the English to the Queen’s subjects, and imagined that her Majesty had been satisfied in these points.

Gr.  Eric. I have order to acquaint you with these particulars, and to confer with you about them, being esteemed by us just and reasonable.

Wh. After my attendance here three or four months without any answer to my proposals, I did not expect to receive new ones from you so different from those which I gave in with equal respect to the good of both nations; and I having offered the friendship of England to you in general, you answer that it will be accepted, but upon particular and hard conditions.

Gr.  Eric. I confess there hath been too much delay in your business, but it hath been occasioned by the uncertainty of the issue of your treaty with Holland.

Wh. The issue of that treaty is not yet known, and the articles given in by me had no relation thereunto, and were proposed three months since.

Gr.  Eric. At present we take it for granted that the peace is concluded between you and Holland, and that now you are good friends.

Wh. I wish we may be so; and if that peace be concluded, there is the less need of your proposals touching prizes, contraband{3} goods, etc.

Gr.  Eric. Though the peace be concluded between you, yet it is prudent to make those provisions, in case of a new war with them or others.