A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654 Part 32

[SN: His goods embarked in the Amarantha.]

Whitelocke sent the rest of his goods and baggage on board the 'Amarantha,' which weighed yesterday, and he hoped might by this time be within four leagues of the Dollars; but the wind came contrary for her advance any further, and Whitelocke must continue here till he could understand that his ship was gotten to the Dollars, which is fourteen Swedish leagues from this city, but may be gone in six or seven hours by boats in a shorter pa.s.sage. His stay here seemed tedious to Whitelocke.

This day the wind coming about a little towards the east, increased his hopes of getting away, for which they were in daily expectation.

[SN: The trade of Stockholm.]

By some merchants and others of this city, Whitelocke learned what was the commerce of this town, and by his own view he found it to be commodiously seated for trade and to receive all the commodities of the country's growth, which are brought hither by water; and it is the more convenient because the greatest ships may come up to the very houses and there load and unload their merchandises, never wanting water, which there is always deep, and equal in the height of it. But this city is somewhat far distant from the sea by water, so that before the ships can go between the sea and the town, they must fetch a compa.s.s of about one hundred English miles, with the danger of many rocks and islands in the way; and they must have also divers winds which are hindrances to their commerce.

The present Queen hath been curious to invite hither and to entertain many good artists, yet everything here is very dear, except the native commodities; and now Gothenburg, growing up in trade, being situate without the Sound, a more open and easy place for access of strangers,--some believe that by the growth of that, this port may be diminished. It is the better supported by the Court being commonly kept here, and consequently being the residence of the princ.i.p.al n.o.bility and officers. Some courts of justice constantly, and the Ricksdag generally, being held in this city, increase the trade of it; and this being a good road for ships to defend them from injuries of weather or other dangers, makes it the more frequented.

Plenty of provisions are brought to this town for the supply of it; and most of their native commodities, as copper, iron, pitch, tar, deal, masts, and the rest, are brought hither and here shipped and transported into foreign parts; from whence their merchants and strangers do bring to this northern market all manner of merchandise here vendible; and from hence again they are vended to all the northern and eastern parts of this country, whereby their trade and wealth is also increased, so that one of their authors calls it, "Celeberrimum ac n.o.bilissimum Septentrionis emporium." The trade of this place hath brought and settled here as inhabitants,--besides Swedes, Goths, Fins, and Laplanders,--divers of Germans, of Pomerland, Mecklenburg, Westphalia, etc.; also English, Scotch, French, Dutch, and almost of every country of Europe. Some are here now become citizens, and are treated with justice and civility by the natives, to the end that they and others may be the more encouraged to add to the riches, strength, and trade of this place.

_May 27, 1654._

[SN: Detained by contrary winds.]

Whitelocke visited Sir George Fleetwood at his lodging in Stockholm, and finding with him Vice-Admiral Thysen and Peterson, both Hollanders and in service of the Crown, Whitelocke brought them all home with him to dinner, and advised with them about his voyage. The wind came more contrary to Whitelocke this day than yesterday, but he knew no other way but a patient submission to the will and time of G.o.d. Here he bestowed on a German clock sixty-two rix-dollars.

[SN: The government of Stockholm.]

From some of the magistrates and others of this city Whitelocke learned that the government thereof is by four Councils, and a Senate of the citizens, as their Common Council, consisting of twenty-four chosen yearly in this month by suffrage of the inhabitants, and justice is administered to the people by them in like manner as in other cities.

Besides these officers there is a Castellan, or governor of the castle of Stockholm, who, by a peculiar authority over the city, takes care of the walls and buildings thereof, as he doth of the castle and other the King's buildings there. He is to defend the privileges of the town, and is chief in their political administration. He also orders and keeps up the revenue and trade, and suffers not the royalties of the Crown to be diminished, nor any of the public treasure, without the license of the King, to be expended. He is always one of the Ricks-Senators, and hath joined to him a Vice-Castellan, of the equestrian order, who is chief in the judgements of the city within the Senate and Councils, and is intent to the execution of justice.

[SN: The defence of Stockholm.]

The strength of this city is chiefly in the situation of it among the waters, which are no small defence, and in the bodies of their inhabitants, who make a considerable number of the soldiery, many of whom have been in foreign service. The Castellan commandeth them, sees their musters, and that they be provided with arms and in a posture of defence; and under the Castellan is a captain, who hath the military charge next under him. The main body of the town hath somewhat of a wall about it, but the suburbs and other islands are encircled with the waters, with bridges for communication.

The castle is of indifferent strength, and notably provided of arms and ammunition, as is before remembered, which adds to the strength and safety as well as command of the city. They have not a formed garrison in the town; but divers companies of the King's guards, when the Court is there, and sometimes of other regiments of the army, are quartered there, as occasions do require. The castle commands a good part of the town, and may be as a citadel upon any emergent business; and in case of any troubles at sea, the ships of war lie here in readiness forthwith to be manned, are provided with ammunition, provisions, and all things necessary for the defence and safeguard of this port and city from any attempts which may by sea be made against it.

Whitelocke made up his despatches for England, and now dated his second letters from Stockholm, attending for a wind.

_May 28, 1654._

_The Lord's Day._--Whitelocke, according to his custom, had a good sermon in his lodging preached by one of his chaplains in the morning, and another good sermon preached there in the afternoon by Mr. Biger, a Scotch minister, and chaplain to Sir George Fleetwood, then with him. In this city Whitelocke observed the inhabitants very orderly to frequent their parish churches, and not so much profanation of this day in this place as he had seen at Upsal, and other places in the country.

_May 29, 1654._

[SN: Sir G. Fleetwood returns to the King's coronation at Upsal.]

Whitelocke with longing desires attended the coming about of the wind for his voyage; but he must stay G.o.d's time, which is always best. He could not persuade Sir George Fleetwood to stay longer with him. He thought it necessary for him to go to Upsal, to be present at the King's coronation; and at his request Whitelocke sent by him to Wrangel this letter:--

"_A son Excellence le Feld-Marechal Wrangel a Upsale._

"Monsieur,

"Je n'ai pu retenir plus longtemps le General Major Fleetwood avec moi, son desir le portait si fort de se trouver a Upsale, au couronnement, de crainte qu'il ne semblerait negligent, et manquer a son devoir envers son Altesse Royale; mais la raison de ce qu'il a presente ma requete a votre Excellence est qu'il vous plaise moyenner envers son Altesse Royale, afin qu'il retourne a Stockholm; et que je puisse jouir de sa compagnie jusqu'a mon depart, qui en apparence sera differe plus longtemps que je ne le souhaiterais, a raison de la contrariete des vents.

"Je supplie votre Excellence de me faire la faveur de baiser en mon nom les mains de sa Majeste et de son Altesse Royale, et d'accepter, pour tant de faveurs que votre Excellence m'a faites, tant a Upsale qu'en ce lieu, les actions de grace de celui qui est,

"Monsieur, a votre Excellence "Tres-humble serviteur, "B. WHITELOCKE.

"_Stockholm, May 29, 1654._"

Berkman went from hence 17th May at night, and returned this morning hither, and brought to Whitelocke this letter:--

[SN: Lagerfeldt's letter on the Swedish prizes.]

"_Ill.u.s.trissimo Domino Domino Bulstrode Whitelocke, Extraordinario Reipublicae Angliae in Sueciam Legato, officiocissime._

"Ill.u.s.trissime et Excellentissime Domine Legate,

"Quanquam valde dubitem, an Excellentiam vestram hae litterae in Sueciam inveniant, nolui tamen, accepta hac occasione, vel meo officio deesse, vel refragari quorundam Suecorum pet.i.tioni, nam c.u.m naves duae Suecicae, quarum naucleri Bonders et Sibrand follis vocantur, nuper ceptae et in Angliam delatae sint, sperant fore, ut, per hanc meam intercessionem, c.u.m primis autem per benevolam Excellentiae vestrae commendationem, quantocius dimittantur. Nisi igitur mihi satis perspecta esset Excellentiae vestrae integritas, pluribus ab ea contenderem, ut dictarum aliarumque detentarum in Anglia Suecicarum navium liberationem, atque per se aequam ac amicitiae foederique mutuo conformem sibi haberet commendatam; sufficit nunc saltem indica.s.se Excellentiae vestrae, quippe cui nihil jucundius esse scio, quam ut amicae confoederataeque gentes, sancta fidei just.i.tiaeque observantia, inter se strictius colligentur. De caetero Excellentiae vestrae felicem in patriam reditum exopto, ut me nostrumque Barkmannum officiose commendo. Dabam Upsaliae, 27 Maii, anno 1654.

"Excellentiae vestrae "Ad quaevis officia paratissimus, "ISRAEL LAGERFELDT."

In the evening Whitelocke walked abroad to take the air, the time of his stay here being very tedious to him, attending for a good wind, that he might proceed in his longed-for return to his native country and relations; but he submitted to the good pleasure of G.o.d, who orders all times and seasons and all things for the best. At night the wind came about a little towards the east, favouring his voyage.

_May 30, 1654._

[SN: Preparations for departure.]

The wind continued this morning, as it was last night, easterly, but not sufficing for Whitelocke to go on his voyage. The Vice-Admiral Clerke coming to Whitelocke, he advised with him touching his voyage, and asked him if he thought the 'Amarantha' might with this wind be gotten to the Dollars. He answered that there could be no a.s.surance thereof, but that possibly it might be so; whereupon Whitelocke replied, that he had a great desire to go down himself to the Dollars, before the news came of the 'Amarantha's' arrival there, because the wind might come good, and within six hours carry them out to the open sea, which, if neglected, might r.e.t.a.r.d their voyage fifteen days or more. Clerke said that if Whitelocke desired to do so, that he would not advise him to the contrary, but he believed that this might expedite his voyage; only he said that Whitelocke must be content to lie on board the ship till the wind should come fair, because there was no accommodation to be had for him and his company at the Dollars. Whitelocke said he should be well contented to lie on ship-board, and prayed Clerke to cause boats to be provided for his pa.s.sage to the Dollars the next day, and ordered his officers and servants to prepare all things in readiness for his departure accordingly. Wrangel came back this night from Upsal, and several other persons, though very late, having staid the solemnity of the Queen's resignation and the coronation of the new King, which they related to Whitelocke to be done this day, and in this manner and solemnity.

[SN: Relation of the ceremony of the Queen's resignation.]

About nine o'clock this morning the Queen, being attired in her royal apparel and robes of purple velvet, with her crown upon her head, and attended by all her officers and servants, came into the room prepared for that occasion, where was set a table with a rich carpet, and five great cushions laid upon it. Most of the grandees and officers were present.

Upon one of the cushions was laid the sword of state; upon the second cushion was laid the sceptre; upon the third cushion was laid the ball; and upon the fourth cushion were laid the keys.

The Queen being come into the room, after a little pause made a short speech to the company, to this effect:--

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"You have before this time been acquainted with my resolution to resign the crown and government of this kingdom into the hands of my most dear cousin the Prince, here present with me, upon my earnest request to the Ricksdag, now convened. After long debates and much solicitation to dissuade me from it, yet at length, though unwillingly, they have a.s.sented to this my resolution; and I am now come to put the same in execution before all these honourable witnesses here present; and to you, my most dear cousin, I do heartily wish all happiness and good success in the management of the public affairs of this kingdom."

Having thus spoken, the Queen desired that some of them would take the crown from off her head, but none would do it; she then called to Grave Tott and the Baron Steinberg, expressly commanding them to do it, but they refused, till again earnestly commanded by her; they then took the crown from off her Majesty's head, and laid it down upon the fifth cushion on the table. After that was done, some others, by her command, took off the royal robes with which she was clothed and laid them down upon the table. Then the Queen, having thus divested herself of these ensigns of royalty and resigned her crown, being now in her private habit, made courtesy to the Prince and to the rest of the company, and retired into her own chamber,--an act of a strange constancy and fixedness of resolution, going through with this great work of her own abdication without the least outward show of reluctancy for what she had done, but with the same behaviour and confidence as at all other times in her particular and private affairs.[314]

For this act of the Queen's resignation they had no precedent; for the solemnity of the King's coronation they had many; and the same is at large, with all the circ.u.mstances and ceremonies thereof, set down by one of their authors, Wexionius (Epit. Descriptionis Sueciae, lib. v. c. 6), from which the ceremonies of this Coronation were not much different, and thus shortly related unto Whitelocke.

[SN: Ceremony of the King's coronation.]

After the Queen was withdrawn to her private chamber, the Ricks-officers and senators humbly desired the Prince that he would be pleased to walk to the Cathedral Church, where the Archbishop and other prelates were ready to attend his Royal Highness, and to perform the solemnities of his coronation. The whole company went thither in this order. The officers and servants of the Court went first in a very great number, together with many officers of the army and other gentlemen. After them came the n.o.bility, the gentlemen, barons, and earls, members of the Ricksdag; then followed the Ricks-Senators, two and two, in rank. After them came the five Ricks-officers: first, the Ricks-Schatzmaster, or High Treasurer, who carried the keys; next to him, the Ricks-Chancellor, who carried the globe; after him came the Ricks-Admiral, who carried the sceptre; then one in the place of the Feldherr, or General, who carried the sword; and lastly the Ricks-Droitset, or Chief Justice, who carried the crown. After the Chief Justice came the King himself, in his ordinary habit, with a huge troop following him, and the windows and streets crowded with mult.i.tudes of people. The guards and soldiers stood in their arms as the company pa.s.sed by.

Being thus come to the Cathedral, at the door stood the Archbishop with a horn of oil in his hand, accompanied with other bishops, superintendents, and many clergymen. He received the Prince at the church door, and conducted him up to the high altar, where they had prayers, and then the Archbishop anointed the Prince with the oil. They put upon him the royal apparel, put the crown upon his head, the sceptre in his right hand, and the ball into his left hand, and so he was invested into the royal dignity, and declared, with all his t.i.tles, King of Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, etc.; drums, trumpets, and loud acclamations of the people adding to the proclaiming of their new King. Not many days past they laboured to hinder the doing of it; now they shout for joy that it is done. Thus are the minds and practice of the mult.i.tude, whom nothing pleaseth long,--nothing more than novelty.

The ceremonies being performed at the Cathedral, the new King, with all his new subjects and servants, returned from thence into the castle in the same order as he came hither. By the way he was saluted with the loud acclamations of the people, "G.o.d save the King!" Thus coming to his Court as he entered it, the abdicated Queen looks out of her window, and with a cheerful countenance and voice heard by the company she wished her cousin joy of his crown and government. The King retires for a while to his private chamber, then is called forth to a sumptuous feast, where most of the n.o.bility and senators did attend upon him and rejoice with him, and afterwards did swear fealty, homage, and allegiance to him.