The Secretary Canterstein came to Whitelocke from the Chancellor, and brought to him the articles upon which they had last treated, now altered according to Whitelocke’s desire, except that which concerned the forbidding of our enemies to buy arms in the countries of our confederates.  He also delivered to Whitelocke the draft of a preamble for the articles, and another article for the ratifying of all the rest; whereunto Whitelocke consented, and thanked God that his business was brought so near to a good conclusion.  Whitelocke received his packet from England, and Thurloe wrote that the Protector was sensible of the Queen’s delaying of Whitelocke, but approved his proceedings.  He sent this enclosed order:—­

    “AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, WHITEHALL: 
    “Friday, 17 Martii, 1653.

    [SN:  Order in Council in the matter of a Swedish prize.]

“On consideration of a letter, this day read in Council, sent from the Lord Ambassador Extraordinary with her Majesty of Sweden, mentioning, among other things, the taking of the ship ‘Charity,’ Paul Paulsen, master, by a private man-of-war, and the carrying of her into Dover, and the hard usage of the master and mariners, which ship is claimed by some citizens of Gothenburg, subjects of the said Queen: 

“Ordered, That it be referred to the Commissioners of the Admiralty speedily to put this matter in a way of examination; and, for their information in the premises, to send for the commander of the said man-of-war, and to receive a particular account and satisfaction concerning the disposal of the ship and goods, and the usage of the master and mariners, and thereupon to state the whole case and report it to the Council, to the intent speedy justice may be done therein; and the said Commissioners are likewise to take order that all further proceedings touching the said ship, or her lading or disposal of any part thereof, be stayed and forborne till their report made and further order thereupon shall be given by the Council.

“W.  JESSOP, Clerk of the Council.”

Thurloe wrote that in case the information given to Whitelocke were found to be true, that the parties offending would be severely punished and right done to those who were injured; and that the Council were very sensible hereof, as a hindrance to Whitelocke’s proceedings and a dishonour to the Protector.  He also wrote unto Whitelocke that there was little scruple now of an agreement upon the Dutch treaty, which was as good as concluded; and he sent the news of France and of Scotland and Ireland, as well as that of England, as he constantly used to do.  Whitelocke caused this order to be translated into Latin, and made use of it for the advantage of his business.

A description was given to Whitelocke, in writing, of the manner of making gunpowder in these parts, and of their mills and vessels for it, not unlike in many things to their way in England.