instructions concerning my return, which I hope for by the next
post.

"I give you most hearty thanks for the papers, which are not only a
comfort but very useful to me here. I received formerly from you a
copy of the Dutch articles, and if I did not return you thanks for
them, I confess I forgot myself, and likewise if in one of my
letters I did not acquaint you that the Queen had an intention (as
she told me) of sending a congratulatory letter to my Lord the
Protector; but how the direction of it was I know not, because I
never saw it; but I take it as a particular favour to me, that his
Highness was pleased to receive it, though it were not as it ought
to have been, wherein he hath answered the respect of the Queen, who
excepted against my credentials, but yet received them.

"I am exceeding glad of your good conclusion of the Dutch business,
which, I am persuaded, will be of great advantage to our nation; and
I look upon the issue of my business here being agreed before the
issue of our treaty with the Dutch was known, to be both a
particular respect to the Protector and Government, and less
difficult than it would have been if transacted after our agreement
with the Dutch.

"They are much amused in these parts at our gallant fleet, and so
early at sea; and I permit them all their conjectures, neither have
they gained much allay of them from me by their inquisitiveness.

"I had a compliment sent me the last night from the Dutch Resident,
that he hoped ere long to have an opportunity to come and visit me;
I answered, that I should not be wanting in that civility which