Whitelocke gave an account in his letters this day to Thurloe of all passages of moment since his last, and wrote further:—­

[SN:  Letters to Thurloe.]

    “My letters, I confess, have been tedious heretofore, but I ask your
    pardon, and do hope that my business is now at such a period that I
    shall not have occasion to trouble you with the like.

“There is little to do here at this time; almost all the great lords and courtiers are gone out of town, so that here is a lamentable silent place.  I shall be heartily glad to receive my Lord’s order to authorize my return; but my business being now ended, I presume I may expect his pleasure at any other place.  I purpose to visit the Queen-mother and the Prince of Sweden, because other ambassadors have done it, and I have been particularly invited to it.  I think it will be a respect from my Lord Protector which they will take very kindly, and may be some strength to the alliance, and is not the less requisite for me, because our enemies report that none but mechanics are of our party; but since our being here the Swedes acknowledge the contrary.

“I hope within two or three weeks to be at sea, and that my God, who
hath hitherto been so good to me, will give me a safe return to my
Lord and to my native country, to whom I wish all prosperity.

“Your affectionate friend to serve you,
“B.  W.
“Upsal, 14th April, 1654.

“I hope you will pardon the importunity of my wife’s solicitation, being for my return.  I have been informed this week that some Holland ships are loading here with ordnance and other provisions of war.  I hope his Highness hath been pleased to give order for two or three ships to be at Hamburg for my transportation into England, and therein I entreat your favour.

“B.  W.”

In this letter Whitelocke also gave advice, what he had been informed touching the treaty between King James and the last King of Denmark concerning the Orcades, with his humble opinion what was fit to be done in that business, upon the comprehension of the Dane in the Dutch treaty, yet nothing was done therein; however, Whitelocke was satisfied in the acquittal of himself to have done his duty.

Upon the earnest request of some Scots and English gentlemen on the behalf of Colonel Halsall, now in this town, Whitelocke gave him this pass.[131]

April 15, 1654.

[SN:  Excursion with the French Resident.]

The Resident of France having desired Whitelocke that when he went abroad to take the air he would give him leave to accompany him, Whitelocke sent to him, this fair day inviting and leisure not hindering it.  They went together in Whitelocke’s coach to a wood, about an English mile from Upsal, full of pines, fir-trees, and juniper, and very fair and pleasant walks in it.  The beauty of the day and place had also invited thither at this time the Ambassador of