To recover his lost time, Whitelocke (as he often used when business pressed him) wrote one letter himself and dictated two others to his secretaries at the same time, and so, in effect, wrote three letters at once.  The letter which he now wrote to Secretary Thurloe contained his whole transactions since his last letters to him; and the conclusion of the letter, showing the state of his negotiation, was this:—­

“This afternoon Grave Eric came to me from the Queen, who desired that my audience, appointed this day, might be put off till the holidays were past, and said that by reason of the sacrament upon Easter Day, this day and tomorrow were to be spent in preparation thereunto; but he told me that she commanded him to receive my objections to his articles in writing, the which I gave him according to that large paper which you will receive herewith.  We had very much debate upon the particulars, much of it according to what I have mentioned before.

“I have thought fit to send you this large paper that you might see the whole business before you at one view, and it hath cost me some pains.  I shall continue my best endeavours to bring your business to a good effect.  I am put to struggle with more difficulties than I could expect, and their policy here is great.  One may soon be overtaken with long, intricate, and new proposals; but I hope God will direct me, whom I do seek, and shall not wilfully transgress my instructions.

“When I speak with the Queen, she seems to be satisfied; and then some of the grandees seek to persuade her to a contrary opinion, and to keep me from her, and lay objections in the way to cross it (for we want no enemies here).  I then endeavour again to satisfy the Queen, and break through their designs as well as I can; to do which, and to get a good despatch against all opposition, and yet so as not to supplicate anything from them, nor in the least to prostitute the honour of my Lord Protector and of the Commonwealth, or to prejudice them, is a task hard enough for a great favourite, much more hard for a stranger, and whose differing principles may render him the less acceptable.  However, I shall hope that the Lord will direct me for the best, whether they agree with my judgement or not.

“If I can conclude with them, I shall presently be upon my return, and hope within a week or two to receive his Highness’s order to give me leave to come home.  What I cannot consent to or obtain at present, I presume they will be contented to have referred to a future agreement, wherein there can be no prejudice (in my humble opinion) to your affairs.

“I ask your pardon for my tedious informations, wherein I take no
pleasure; but supposing the business to require it, I presume you
will excuse

                  “Your very affectionate friend to serve you,
                                                  “B.  WHITELOCKE.
    “Upsal, 24th March, 1653.”