Then Thurloe relates all the passages of the Dutch Ambassadors, and that,
in effect, they had agreed to the articles; of the endeavours of the
French to have a league with the Protector, and no less of the Spaniard.
And he writes at large the news of the Archduke, as also that of Scotland
and Ireland, and confutes the rumour of a discontent in the army of the
Protector.

In another letter from Thurloe of a later date, received by the same
post, he saith thus:--

"His Highness understands by your Excellence's last letters, that
the treaty with the Queen of Sweden will much depend upon the treaty
with the Dutch here, and until the issue of that be known no great
matter is to be expected from your negotiation: concerning which, it
being very probable that before the next ordinary it will be seen
what issue the Dutch treaty will be brought unto, his Highness will
refer his further directions to you till then; leaving it to your
Excellence to proceed upon the former instructions as you shall find
it convenient, and for his service according as affairs now stand."

The clause in this letter, of referring further directions till after the
issue of the Dutch treaty, was some trouble to Whitelocke's thoughts,
fearing it might delay his return home; but he laid hold upon the latter
part of this letter, whereby it is left to Whitelocke to proceed upon the
former instructions as he should find it convenient and for his
Highness's service; which, as it reposed a great trust in Whitelocke, so
it gave him warrant to conclude his treaty, and obliged him to the more
care to perform that trust which they had so fully put in him.

[SN: Claim on behalf of the Swedish ships in England.]