these nations since the time that the noble B. Whitelocke,
Constable, etc. went from hence, qualified and commissioned as
Ambassador Extraordinary from the Parliament of the Commonwealth of
England unto your Majesty, to communicate with you in things tending
to the mutual good and utility of both the nations, we have thought
it necessary upon this occasion to assure your Majesty that the
present change of affairs here hath made no alteration of the good
intentions on this side towards your Majesty and your dominions; but
that as we hold ourself obliged, in the exercise of that power which
God and the people have entrusted us with, to endeavour by all just
and honourable means to hold a good correspondence with our
neighbours, so more particularly with the Crown of Sweden, between
whom and these nations there hath always been a firm amity and
strict alliance; and therefore we have given instructions to the
said Lord Whitelocke, answerable to such good desires, earnestly
requesting your Majesty to give unto him favourable audience as
often as he shall desire it, and full belief in what he shall
propound on the behalf of these dominions. And so we heartily
commend your Majesty and your affairs to the Divine protection.
Given at Whitehall this 23rd of December, Old Style, 1653.

"Your good friend,
"OLIVER P."

The following instructions were under the hand and private seal of the
Protector:--

_"An Instruction for B. Whitelocke, Constable, etc., Ambassador
Extraordinary from the Commonwealth of England to the Queen of
Sweden._