will direct me for the best, whether they agree with my judgement or
not.

"If I can conclude with them, I shall presently be upon my return,
and hope within a week or two to receive his Highness's order to
give me leave to come home. What I cannot consent to or obtain at
present, I presume they will be contented to have referred to a
future agreement, wherein there can be no prejudice (in my humble
opinion) to your affairs.

"I ask your pardon for my tedious informations, wherein I take no
pleasure; but supposing the business to require it, I presume you
will excuse

"Your very affectionate friend to serve you,
"B. WHITELOCKE.
"_Upsal, 24th March, 1653._"

Most of the night was spent by Whitelocke in making his despatches for
England; neither did he neglect any one friend from whom he had received
the favour and kindness of their letters to him here; by which civility
he obtained the more advice and intelligence from England, and made good
use of it in this Court. His constant letters from his wife and other
private friends he also found of much comfort and advantage to him.

_March 25, 1654._

[SN: New Year's Day, Old Style.]

This day, by the Swedish computation as well as that of England, is the
first day of the year 1654.

Mr. Bloome came to Whitelocke with a compliment from the Chancellor, that
he was sorry he could not visit Whitelocke before his going out of town,
because he was ill, and retired himself into the country, to be quit from
business and to recover his health; and at his return he would come to
Whitelocke and confer with him.

This gentleman Whitelocke apprehended to be often sent to him as a spy,
to inquire of his intentions, and therefore he thought good to make use
of him by telling such things to him as Whitelocke thought and wished
might be again reported by Bloome unto the Chancellor. Therefore, among
other discourses, Whitelocke told Bloome that France, Spain, Portugal,
Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Denmark, and other princes and states, had
sent their public ministers to the Protector, desiring friendship with
him; but his Highness having sent his Ambassador into this kingdom, they
had testified so little respect to him, that in three or four months'
time they had not vouchsafed to give him an answer to his proposals.

Mr. Symonds, an Englishman, excellent in his art o