in my restlessness; hoping to see the beloved person of your
majesty in these kingdoms already your own, and that with the
same anxiety with which, after my long banishment, I desired to
see myself within them, and my subjects, desiring also to behold
me amongst them, having manifested their most ardent wishes for
my return, well known to the world. The presence of your
serenity is only wanting to unite us, under the protection of
God, in the health and content I desire. I have recommended to
the queen, our lady and mother, the business of the Count da
Ponte, who, I must here avow, has served me in what I regard as
the greatest good in this world, which cannot be mine less than
it is that of your majesty; likewise not forgetting the good
Richard Russell, who laboured on his part to the same end.
[Richard Russell was Bishop of Portalegre, in Portugal, and
Almoner to Catherine of Braganza.]

"The very faithful husband of your majesty, whose hand he kisses,
"CHARLES REX."
London, 2nd of July, 1661.

During many succeeding months preparations were made in England
to receive the young Queen. The "Royal Charles," a stately ship
capable of carrying eighty cannon and six hundred men, was
suitably fitted to convey her to England.

The state room and apartments destined for use of the future
bride were furnished and ornamented in most luxuriant manner,
being upholstered in crimson velvet, handsomely carpeted, and
hung with embroideries and taffeties. Lord Sandwich was made
commander of the gallant fleet which in due time accompanied the