to it; nor could he apprehend any reason why they should not consent to
refer the agreement of a form unto his return to England; and the rather,
because in the meantime the subjects of the Queen might enjoy the benefit
of an edict made by the Protector in great favour of them, which
declaration Whitelocke had caused to be delivered to the Chancellor.

To the thirteenth article, as to satisfaction of damages, their debate
was to the like effect as formerly.

Upon the sixteenth article they had also debate. Whitelocke desired that
the words "de usu littorum in piscatione" might be altered to these
words, "de piscatione et usu littorum." They alleged that this would seem
to deny their fishing upon their own coasts. Whitelocke said, the other
would seem as if England had given up their right as to the fishing, and
left all at liberty to those that pleased to take it.

This was the sum of the debate of near three hours. The conclusion was
that they would certify the Queen of all these matters, and in short
acquaint Whitelocke with her answer; which he desired might be as speedy
and positive as they pleased, because if they should reduce him to that
necessity, that before he could agree he must send to the Protector to
know his pleasure, he could not receive an answer of his letters in less
than two months' space, within which time the Queen purposed to resign
her government, and then his commission would be at an end. The
Chancellor said he desired Whitelocke should be speedily in England, not
only for the sake of his wife and children, but likewise because then
they could promise themselves that they had a good friend in England.

[SN: Alarm excited by the English fleet.]