Beuningen to Ruysch on Kristina's intent to abdicate, dated January 9/19 (New Style), 1654

Source:

https://www.british-history.ac.uk/thurloe-papers/vol2/pp11-24#h3-0005

The letter:

My Lord,
By all what I can learn, I do think I may safely assure their H. and M. L. that without some unexpected accidents, there is no harm to be expected from hence; yea, we may hope in all likelihood to find here more favour in moderate and small affairs, than the English; but to engage this crown on our side, and in a war against England, is not probable, nor likely, but altogether almost impossible: and yet, in case a firm league be made with France, and that through a vigorous equipage our affairs may be brought in likelihood of a good issue, it is not altogether desperate and unseasible: for if we act jointly with France here, we may do some good. But you must suppose, that to engage this crown in a war, there will be a want of subsidies. They have ships and provisions; but unless they are supplied with money, they will neither have opportunity nor inclination to employ them for the common interest. It is also not to be expected, that the queen will declare herself any further than she hath done, unless beforehand such conditions be offered her, whereby the war (to which she hath no inclination) may seem advantageous unto her; which ought to be taken into consideration by their H. and M. L. in case they have hope to do any good here; and especially the chiefest foundation to be laid for the effecting of that, which is material here, doth seem to rest upon what shall be concluded between France and their H. and M. L. For it is certain, that they will very much ponder here the resolution of France. But though all this do succeed well, yet the business will be full of difficulty; at least hitherto the rix chancellor faith, this crown doth intend to observe the neutrality, without siding or offending the one or the other party. And because I in my last audience spoke somewhat to a common alliance with Denmark, her majesty said, she had declared her intention as to that; but that the first overture was to be made on the behalf of their H. and M. L.

The ambassador of Denmark told me, that the intention of the king his master would go so far as to a defensive league. The queen doth seem to be very well disposed to what you writ to me to keep secret. She hath communicated to me herself, that shortly she will lay down her crown. The chancellor hath a great mind to the alliance with Denmark, and will be very powerful with the next successor of the queen.

It is true, that the queen did communicate this unto me, adding withal, that she should be glad to leave her kingdom in peace; and that the world would sooner perceive the execution of this her resolution, than men do expect.
Upsal, the 19th Jan. 1654. [N. S.]
Van Beuningen.

Above: Kristina.