Excerpt from Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated October 29/November 8 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, pages 359 to 360, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The letter excerpt:

Den 29de Octbr. "Som Han i sidste angenemme Skrivelse troer, at det er en stor grace, at Mr. Beuning var tilbuden Plads i Dronningens Carosse paa den Gottenborgske Reise, saa mener jeg det at være en stor disgrace at Mr. Beuning ved slige Complimenter lader sig dupere, og troer Alt, hvad ham foresiges af Dronningen, som imidlertid consulterer med Pimentelli om alle Middel til at skade Hollænderne." .... "Dersom den Arrest paa Hollændernes Gods ikke var skeet, da skeede den nu ikke, for man frygter her allerede for at have giort Galskab; og det er considerabelt, at ikke een Rigsraad vidste derom, uden Cantsleren allene, og endda havde hun kun discursviis talt med ham derom. Enddog han nok approberede hendes Tanke, saa havde han dog tænkt, at Sagen skulde være taget i consideration udi Raadet; men strax han gik fra hende, gav hun Ordre om Executionen, og siden den er skeet, har hun ikke talt et Ord derom i Raadet." — "En svensk Adelsmand, ved Navn Thure Thuresen, som har været Kammerjunker her, reiste i Sommer til England, med Recommendations-Skrivelse til Cromwell, at ville employeres til Søes; han er nu bleven Skibs-Capitain der." .... "Pesten continuerer her saaledes, at Dronningen og Pimentelli retirede sig herfra med Alle den 27de huj. til Upsal, hvor han skal logere paa Slottet. Alle skal følge did inden 14 Dage i det længste."

With modernised spelling:

Den 29. oktober. "Som han i sidste angenemme skrivelse tror, at det er en stor grâce, at Monsieur Beuning var tilbuden plads i dronningens karosse på den gothenborgske rejse, så mener jeg det at være en stor disgrâce at Monsieur Beuning ved slige komplimenter lader sig dupere, og tror alt, hvad ham foresiges af dronningen, som imidlertid konsulterer med Pimentelli om alle middel til at skade hollænderne." .... "Dersom den arrest på hollændernes gods ikke var sket, da skete den nu ikke, for man frygter her allerede for at have gjort galskab; og det er konsiderabelt, at ikke én rigsråd vidste derom, uden kansleren allene, og endda havde hun kun diskursvis talt med ham derom. Enddog han nok approberede hendes tanke, så havde han dog tænkt, at sagen skulle være taget i konsideration udi Rådet; men strax han gik fra hende, gav hun ordre om eksekutionen, og siden den er sket, har hun ikke talt et ord derom i Rådet." — "En svensk adelsmand, ved navn Thure Thuresson, som har været kammerjunker her, rejste i sommer til England, med rekommendationsskrivelse til Cromwell, at ville employeres til søs; han er nu bleven skibskaptajn der." .... "Pesten kontinuerer her således, at dronningen og Pimentelli retirede sig herfra med alle den 27. hujus til Upsal, hvor han skal logere på slottet. Alle skal følge did inden 14 dage i det længste."

English translation (my own):

October 29. "As he thinks in his last pleasant letter that it is a great grace that Monsieur Beuning was offered a place in the Queen's carriage on the Gothenburg journey, I consider it a great disgrace that Monsieur Beuning allows himself to be duped by such compliments and  believes all that is proposed to him by the Queen, who, however, consults with Pimentel about every means to harm the Dutch." .... "If the arrest of the Dutch estates had not happened, then it did not happen now, because people are already afraid here of having committed madness; and it is remarkable that not one councilman knew about it, except the Chancellor alone, and she had only spoken to him discursively about it. Although he probably approved of her idea, he had nevertheless thought that the matter should be taken into consideration outside the Council; but as soon as he left her, she gave orders for the execution, and since it has taken place, she has not spoken a word about it in the Council." — "A Swedish nobleman, named Thure Thuresson, who has been chamberlain here, went this summer to England, with a letter of recommendation for Cromwell, that he wished to be employed at sea; he has now become a ship's captain there." .... "The plague continues here such that the Queen and Pimentel retired from here with everyone on the 27th of this month to Uppsala, where he is to lodge in the castle. Everyone must follow there within 14 days at the latest."

Above: Kristina.

Above: Coenraad van Beuningen.

Above: Antonio Pimentel.

Above: Axel Oxenstierna.

Above: Oliver Cromwell.

Excerpt from Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated October 22/November 1 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, page 359, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The letter excerpt:

Den 22de Octbr. "Jeg maa lade Ham vide, at Kronen Sverrige haver nu nogenlunde løftet Masken op, og ladet see sin Affection mod Hollænderne, i det Dronningen i Gaar lod tage to af de rigeste Kiøbmænd fra Amsterdam, som her ere, fangne og sætte dem i Barnhuset, hvor de som haver forbrudt Ære og Liv bevares, og alle andre af samme Nation lod hun tage deres Varer, Penge og Regnskabsbøger fra, og for en Deel lod hun sætte Vagt for Logementet. Understatholderen, som giorde Executionen, sagde, at saasnart som Grotjohan kom løs, som uden Aarsag sad fangen udi Holland, saa skulde Hollænderne ogsaa her løslades. Mr. Beuning begierte strax Audience hos Dronningen; men hun lod sig undskylde med sin Indisposition, uanseet at hun havde kun Snue, og Pimentelli og Andre vare Dagen igiennem hos hende.... Han var i Aftes hos Cantzleren, og besværede sig over slig uformodenlig procedure. Cantsleren svarede, at Dronningen havde resolveret, at lade to Hollændere tractere paa samme Maneer som Grotjohan skeede; men om de Andres Godses Arrest vidste han intet. Han vilde dog forsikkre Hr. Beuning, at Kronen Sverrige ingen anden Intention end til al Venskab, havde. — Mig er sagt, at Dronningen vil skikke Greven af Dohnau til Generalstaterne. Mine Tanker herom ere, at Dronningen vil true sig contentement til af Generalstaterne, og derforuden fortiene sig, ved slige ubillige procedurer, bedre Conditioner af Parlamentet. — Med Durelli Avocation fra Danmark beroer det; eftersom Dronningen ikke behager den Raalamb, som Cantsler Oxenstierne vilde have did i hans Sted. — Dronningen havde vel forleden blev lovet Grev Magnus at skrive til Paris mod Bourdelot; men som Greven det saa haardt urgerede, saa blev han anderledes derover tilsinds."

With modernised spelling:

Den 22. oktober. "Jeg må lade ham vide, at Kronen Sverige haver nu nogenlunde løftet masken op, og ladet se sin affektion mod hollænderne, i det dronningen i går lod tage to af de rigeste købmænd fra Amsterdam, som her ere, fangne og sætte dem i Barnhuset, hvor de som haver forbrudt ære og liv bevares, og alle andre af samme nation lod hun tage deres varer, penge og regnskabsbøger fra, og for en del lod hun sætte vagt for logementet. Understatholderen, som gjorde eksekutionen, sagde, at såsnart som Grote Johan kom løs, som uden årsag sad fangen udi Holland, så skulle Hollænderne også her løslades. Monsieur Beuning begærte strax audience hos dronningen, men hun lod sig undskylde med sin indisposition, uanset at hun havde kun snue, og Pimentelli og andre vare dagen igennem hos hende....

Han var i aftes hos kansleren, og besværede sig over slig uformoden[t]lig procedure. Kansleren svarede, at dronningen havde resolveret, at lade to hollændere traktere på samme manér som Grote Johan skedde; men om de andres godses arrest vidste han intet. Han vilde dog forsikre hr. Beuning, at Kronen Sverige ingen anden Intention end til al venskab, havde. — Mig er sagt, at dronningen vil skikke greven af Dohna til Generalstaterne. Mine tanker herom ere, at dronningen vil true sig contentement til af Generalstaterne, og derforuden fortjene sig, ved slige ubillige procedurer, bedre konditioner af Parlamentet. — Med Durelli avokation fra Danmark beror det, eftersom dronningen ikke behager den Rålamb, som kansler Oxenstierna ville have did i hans sted. — Dronningen havde vel forleden blev lovet grev Magnus at skrive til Paris mod Bourdelot, men som Greven det så hårdt urgerede, så blev han anderledes derover tilsinds."

English translation (my own):

October 22. "I must let him know that the Crown of Sweden has now more or less lifted the mask and shown its affection towards the Dutch, in that yesterday the Queen had two of the richest merchants from Amsterdam, who are here, taken, captured and put in the Children's Home, where those who have violated honour and life are preserved, and all others of the same nation; she had their goods, money and account books taken from them, and for a part she had a guard posted at the lodge. The subgovernor who did the execution said that as soon as Grote Johann was released, who sat imprisoned in Holland for no reason, then the Dutch were to be released here as well. Monsieur Beuning immediately requested an audience with the Queen, but she excused herself with her indisposition, regardless of the fact that she only had a runny nose, and Pimentel and others spent the the day through with her....

He was with the Chancellor last night and troubled himself over such an unexpected procedure. The Chancellor replied that the Queen had resolved to let two Dutchmen treat in the same manner as Grote Johann had done; but of the arrest of the estates of the others, he knew nothing. However, he wanted to assure Mr. Beuning that the Crown of Sweden had no other intention than to be all friendship. — I am told that the Queen will send Count Dohna to the States General. My thoughts on this are that the Queen will threaten herself with contentment from the States General, and therefore deserve, by such unfair procedures, better conditions from Parliament. — With Durell's avocation from Denmark, it is because the Queen does not like Rålamb, whom Chancellor Oxenstierna wanted to be there in his place. — The Queen had the other day promised Count Magnus to write to Paris against Bourdelot, but as the Count urged it so hard, he changed his mind about it."

Above: Kristina.

Above: Coenraad van Beuningen.

Above: Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna.

Above: Christoph Delphicus zu Dohna.

Above: Magnus de la Gardie.

Above: Pierre Bourdelot.

Excerpt from Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated October 15/25 (Old Style), 1653

Sources:

Ny Danske Magazin, indeholdende allehaande Smaa-Stykker og Anmærkninger til Historiens og Sprogets Oplysning: sjette Bind, pages 72 to 73, published by Royal Danish Society for the History and Language of the Fatherland, 1836

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433066608815&view=1up&seq=84&skin=2021

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, pages 358 to 359, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The letter excerpt:

No. 116.
Her Resident
... Mand taler her om en Rigsdag, som Dronningen nu i Vinter till Juell hijd vill lade forschriffve, och mange troer att hun daa vist vill resignere, i dett ringeste er der stoer apparençe dertill... Her Corfitz Wlfeld er nu flittig igien till hoffve, och caresseris flux aff Dronningen; hand haffver i denne uge veritt tvende gange paa Cronens floede, med Feldtmarschallchen Wrangel for att besee dend: Pesten er her nu paa ny begynt igien, och sigis allerede att vere kommen udi fire huus, hvorfore mand begynder atter at tale om Dronningens reyse till Gottenborg heller andensteds...
Her Residentens Tienistvilligste ven och tiener
Peder Juell.
mpp.
Stokholm dend 15 octob: 1653.

With modernised spelling:

No. 116.
Herr resident,
... Man taler her om en Rigsdag, som dronningen nu i vinter till jul hid vil lade forskrive, og mange tror at hun da vist vil resignere, i det ringeste er der stor apparence dertil... Hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt er nu flittig igen til hove, og karesseres fluks af dronningen; han haver i denne uge været tvende gange på Kronens flåde, med feltmarskalken Wrangel for at bese den. Pesten er her nu på ny begyndt igen, och siges allerede at være kommen udi fire hus, hvorfore man begynder atter at tale om dronningens rejse til Gothenborg eller andensteds...
Herr residentens
tjenestvilligste ven och tjenere
Peder Juel, manu propria.
Stockholm, den 15. oktober 1653.

Molbech's transcript of the letter:

Den 15de Octbr. ... "Hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt er nu flittig igien til Hove og caresseres flux af Dronningen; han haver i denne Tid været tvende Gange paa Kronens Flaade med Feltmarskalk Wrangel for at besee den."

With modernised spelling:

Den 15. oktober. ... "Hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt er nu flittig igen til hove og karesseres fluks af dronningen; han haver i denne tid været tvende gange på Kronens flåde med feltmarskalk Wrangel for at bese den."

French translation (my own):

No. 116.
Monsieur le résident,
... On parle ici d'une Diète que la reine aurait prescrit pour cet hiver jusqu'à Noël, et beaucoup pensent qu'elle démissionnera probablement, du moins il y en a une grande apparence... M. Corfitz Ulfeldt est maintenant avec diligence à nouveau à la Cour et est caressé par la reine; cette semaine, il s'est rendu à deux reprises sur la flotte de la Couronne avec le feltmaréchal Wrangel pour la voir. La peste a maintenant repris ici et aurait déjà atteint quatre maisons, c'est pourquoi on recommence à parler du voyage de la reine à Gothembourg ou ailleurs...
de Monsieur le résident
le très servile ami et serviteur
Pierre Juel, manu propria.
Stockholm, le 15 octobre 1653.

English translation (my own):

No. 116.
My Lord Resident,
... There is talk here of a Riksdag, which the Queen will have prescribed for this winter until Christmas, and many believe that she will probably resign, at the very least there is a great appearance of that... Lord Corfitz Ulfeldt is now diligently at court again and is flattered by the Queen; this week he has been twice to the Crown's fleet with Field Marshal Wrangel to see it. The plague has now begun again here and is said to have already reached four houses, which is why one is starting to talk again about the Queen's journey to Gothenburg or elsewhere...
My Lord Resident's
most servile friend and servant
Peder Juel, manu propria.
Stockholm, October 15, 1653.

English translation of Molbech's transcript and summary (my own):

October 15. ... "Lord Corfitz Ulfeldt is now diligently at court again and is being flattered by the Queen; he has been twice in this time to the Crown's fleet with Field Marshal Wrangel to see it."

Above: Kristina.

Above: Corfitz Ulfeldt.

Above: Carl Gustaf Wrangel.

Excerpt from Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated October 1/11 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, page 358, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The letter excerpt:

Den 1ste Octbr. "... Dronningen haver nu for, at ville augmentere Rigens Raad til 46, i Steden for de 35, som først vare paa Tale."

With modernised spelling:

Den 1. oktober. "... Dronningen haver nu for, at ville augmentere Rigens Råd til 46, i steden for de 35, som først vare på tale."

English translation (my own):

October 1. "... The Queen now wants to increase the Council of the Realm to 46, instead of the 35 that was first discussed."

Above: Kristina.

Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated September 10/20 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, pages 357 to 358, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Johan Ekeblad writes of the plague here in his letter of September 14/24 to his father Christoffer Ekeblad:

https://kingkristina.blogspot.com/2023/05/excerpt-from-johan-ekeblads-letter-to_0.html

The letter:

Den 10de Septbr. "Dronningen kom hid igien i Forgaars; jeg havde i Gaar Audience hos hende, og graverede mig over Durels procedure i Øresund, med puntzedlerne og andet, som han inquieterer de hollandske Skippere med; hvorpaa jeg fik Tilsagn, at han med denne Post skulde befales, sligt at remediere. — Alle ere her meget scandaliserede over Pimentellis Igienkomst hid med Dronningen. Han siger sig nu at have faaet ordre, at blive her i Vinter. Mig er berettet, at han staaer i Accord med Dronningen om at kiøbe 12 Orlogsskibe. — Dronningen er tilsinds, at om Pesten continuerer, hun da vil flytte herfra til Upsal; og om Faren skulde blive større, hun da vilde til Gothenborg, hvilket vilde blive besværligt for de fremmede ministri, om de skulle følge."

With modernised spelling:

Den 10. september. "Dronningen kom hid igen i forgårs; jeg havde i går audience hos hende, og graverede mig over Durells procedure i Øresund, med puntsedlerne [sic] og andet, som han inkvieterer de hollandske skippere med; hvorpå jeg fik tilsagn, at han med denne post skulle befales, sligt at remediere. — Alle ere her meget skandaliserede over Pimentellis igenkomst hid med dronningen. Han siger sig nu at have fået ordre, at blive her i vinter. Mig er berettet, at han står i akkord med dronningen om at købe 12 orlogsskibe. — Dronningen er tilsinds, at om pesten kontinuerer, hun da vil flytte herfra til Upsal; og om faren skulle blive større, hun da ville til Gothenborg, hvilket ville blive besværligt for de fremmede ministri, om de skulle følge."

English translation (my own):

September 10. "The Queen came here again the day before yesterday; I had an audience with her yesterday, and I complained about Durell's procedure in Öresund, with the toll quittance notes and other things with which he inquisitively the Dutch skippers, whereupon I received a promise that he should be commanded by this post to remedy such. — Everyone here is very scandalised that Pimentel has returned here with the Queen. He now claims to have received orders to stay here this winter. I am told that he is in accord with the Queen to buy 12 warships. — The Queen is determined that if the plague continues, she will move from here to Uppsala; and if the danger were to become greater, she would then go to Gothenburg, which would be difficult for the foreign ministers if they were to follow."

Above: Kristina.

Above: Antonio Pimentel.

Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated September 3/13 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, page 357, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

Johan Ekeblad writes of the plague here in his letter of September 7/17 to his father Christoffer Ekeblad:

https://kingkristina.blogspot.com/2023/05/excerpt-from-johan-ekeblads-letter-to_46.html

The letter:

Den 3die Septbr. "Siden min sidste haver Alle her forundret sig at høre, at Pimentelli er igien kommen til Gothenborg, efterat han nogle Dage havde været udi Søen. Nogle sige, at hans Skib blev læk, og stødte paa en Klippe under Norge; Andre sige, at han frygtede, at Skibet var for meget lastet. Strax han var kommen i Land, tog han Posten, og red til Wadstena, hvor Dronningen var, og hvorfra de siden fulgtes sammen til Norrköping, hvor de forblive, indtil de faaer vis Efterretning om Pesten, som her i Byen siges at være kommen fra Dantzig. I et Huus ere vel To døde; men saa tvivles dog endnu derpaa, om det skal være Pesten. — Grev Magnus er igienkommen fra Øsel, hvor han haver ladet Hr. Ebbe Ulfeldt efter sig som sin Fuldmægtig."

With modernised spelling:

Den 3. september. "Siden min sidste haver alle her forundret sig at høre, at Pimentelli er igen kommen til Gothenborg, efterat han nogle dage havde været udi søen. Nogle sige, at hans skib blev læk, og stødte på en klippe under Norge; andre sige, at han frygtede, at skibet var for meget lastet. Straks han var kommen i land, tog han posten, og red til Vadstena, hvor dronningen var, og hvorfra de siden fulgtes sammen til Norrköping, hvor de forblive, indtil de får vis efterretning om pesten, som her i byen siges at være kommen fra Danzig. I et hus ere vel to døde; men så tvivles dog endnu derpå, om det skal være pesten. — Grev Magnus er igenkommen fra Øsel, hvor han haver ladet hr. Ebbe Ulfeldt efter sig som sin fuldmægtig."

English translation (my own):

September 3. "Since my last letter, everyone here has been surprised to hear that Pimentel has returned to Gothenburg after he had been out at sea for some days. Some say that his ship sprang a leak and came upon a rock under Norway; others say that he feared the ship was too heavily laden. As soon as he landed he took the post and rode to Vadstena, where the Queen was, and from whence they were afterwards accompanied to Norrköping, where they remained until they received some intelligence of the plague, which is said to have come here in town from Danzig. There are probably two dead in one house; but then there is still doubt as to whether it must be the plague. — Count Magnus has returned from Ösel, where he left Lord Ebbe Ulfeldt behind as his plenipotentiary."

Above: Kristina.

Above: Antonio Pimentel.

Above: Magnus de la Gardie.

Notes: Kristina and Pimentel actually stayed in Nyköping, not Norrköping, although it is easy and understandable for non-Swedes to confuse the two cities.

Danzig is the old German name for the city of Gdańsk in what is now Poland, in the historical region of Pomerania.

Ösel is the old German and Swedish name for the Estonian island of Saaremaa.

Excerpt from Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated August 27/September 6 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, page 357, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The letter excerpt:

Den 27de Aug. "... Dronningen er reist den 22de huj. til Wadstena, til Hertug Adolphs Gemahls Begravelse. Hun tog Hr. C. Ulfeldt med sig i sin Carosse, og ventes om 8 Dage hid igien. ..."

With modernised spelling:

Den 27. august. "... Dronningen er rejst den 22. hujus til Vadstena, til hertug Adolfs gemals begravelse. Hun tog hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt med sig i sin karosse, og ventes om 8 dage hid igen. ..."

English translation (my own):

August 27. "... The Queen left on the 22nd this month for Vadstena, for the funeral of Duke Adolf's consort. She took Lord Corfitz Ulfeldt with her in her carriage and is expected here again in 8 days. ..."

Above: Kristina.

Above: Adolf Johan.

Above: His late wife, Elsa Beata Brahe.

Above: Corfitz Ulfeldt.

Excerpt from Peder Juel's letter to the Danish chancellery, dated August 24/September 3 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, pages 355 to 356, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The letter excerpt:

"Grev Erik Oxenstierne og Hof-Cantsleren Niels Tungel vare i Gaar hos mig efter Dronningens Ordre, at conferere med mig over min sidste Besværing mod Durel, det han de hollandske Puntseddeler (sic) til sig tog og beholdt; de ville excusere Dronningens Ordre dermed, at den allene var anseet derhen, at forebygge alt Underslæb, at Andres Gods ikke skulde passere (Sundet) under svensk Navn, og at Residenten var befalet at at [sic] have en skarp Indseende dermed; men som jeg mig ikke dermed vilde contentere, saa lovede de at andrage Sagen hos Dronningen til en behagelig Resolution."

"Pesten hører man intet mere til her; ikke desmindre persisterer Dronningen i sin Mening, at ville til Gothenborg, og haver ansat sin Reise til den 18de Octbr." — "Hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt er nu igien i stor Confidence; han fik i Forgaars 4000 Rdlr. af Rentekammeret til Rentepenge af de Penge, han haver laant Dronningen. Man begynder nu ogsaa igien at tale om Krig med os..."

"Grev Gustav Banér har sagt, at om den Krig gik an, som nu var i Gierde, da vilde han hverve 1000 Mand paa sin Pung, og Hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt vilde laane Dronningen 8 Tønder Guld dertil."

"... De fornemste Favoriter her til Hove troer nu, at Dronningen vist vil resignere, og at hun expresse lader spargerer om Krigen det som her tales, for at tildække hendes dessein. Hendes bedste mobilia, Bibliothek og alt det, som i Tydskland er taget, er afseilet i Gaar og skikkes til Paris, saa man troer, at hun fra Gothenborg skal gaae efter."

With modernised spelling:

"Grev Erik Oxenstierna og hovkansleren Nils Tungel vare i går hos mig efter dronningens ordre, at konferere med mig over min sidste besværing mod Durell, det han de hollandske puntsedler [sic] til sig tog og beholdt; de ville ekskusere dronningens ordre dermed, at den allene var anset derhen, at forebygge alt underslæb, at andres gods ikke skulle passere [Sundet] under svensk navn, og at residenten var befalet at have en skarp indseende dermed; men som jeg mig ikke dermed ville kontentere, så lovede de at andrage sagen hos dronningen til en behagelig resolution."

"Pesten hører man intet mere til her; ikke des mindre persisterer dronningen i sin mening, at ville til Gothenborg, og haver ansat sin rejse til den 18. oktober." — "Hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt er nu igen i stor konfidence; han fik i forgårs 4,000 rigsdaler af Rentekammeret til rentepenge af de penge, han haver lånt dronningen. Man begynder nu også igen at tale om krig med os..."

"Grev Gustaf Banér har sagt, at om den krig gik an, som nu var i gærde, da ville han hverve 1,000 mand på sin pung, og hr. Corfitz Ulfeldt ville låne dronningen 8 tønder guld dertil."

"... De fornemste favoritter her til hove tror nu, at dronningen vist vil resignere, og at hun expresse lader spargere om krigen det som her tales, for at tildække hendes dessein. Hendes bedste mobilia, bibliotek og alt det, som i Tyskland er taget, er afsejlet i går og skikkes til Paris, så man tror, at hun fra Gothenborg skal gå efter."

English translation (my own):

"Count Erik Oxenstierna and Court Chancellor Nils Tungel were with me yesterday, at the Queen's order, to confer with me about my last charge against Durell, the fact that he took the Dutch purse notes and kept them; they wanted to excuse the Queen's order by saying that it was only considered there, to prevent all embezzlement, that other people's goods should not pass [the Sound] under the Swedish name, and that the resident was ordered to have a keen eye for it; but as I would not content myself with that, they promised to petition the matter to the Queen for a pleasant resolution."

"There is nothing more to do with the plague here; nevertheless, the Queen persists in her opinion of wanting to go to Gothenburg, and she has scheduled her journey for the 18th of October." — "Lord Corfitz Ulfeldt is now again in great confidence; the day before yesterday he received 4,000 riksdalers from the Chamber of Accounts as interest money on the money he has lent the Queen. One is now also starting to talk about war with us again..."

"Count Gustaf Banér has said that if the war started, which was now in progress, he would enlist 1,000 men on his purse, and Lord Corfitz Ulfeldt would lend the Queen 8 barrels of gold for that."

"... The most prominent favourites here at court now believe that the Queen will probably resign and that she wants to express what is being said about the war in order to cover up her design. Her best furnitures, library and all that, as in Germany, has been taken, set sail yesterday and is being sent to Paris, so it is thought that she will go after them from Gothenburg."

Above: Kristina.

Above: Erik Oxenstierna.

Above: Corfitz Ulfeldt.

Notes: Durell = Magnus Nilsson Durell.

"Although Kristina's pretended journey to Gothenburg was cancelled because of the plague, and partly a pretext in order to be able to send a part of the collected valuables, furniture, silverware and more from there, she pretended on every occasion that it was her decision. Thus, when Juel and the French resident complained to the introductor that they did not know how to get lodgings in Gothenburg, and he reported this to the Queen, she immediately ordered the court functionary to order good rooms for both envoys on their arrival in Gothenburg."

Summary of Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated August 20/30 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

Bidrag til Dronning Christinas, det svenske Hofs og Corfitz Ulfeldts Historie, i Aarene 1651-1655, af Peder Juul's utrykte Breve til Charisius, article by Christian Molbech in Historisk tidsskrift, volume 5, page 355, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844

https://books.google.com/books?id=hZBvHpda3WkC&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&dq=Historisk+tidsskrift,+V&source=gbs_navlinks_s

The letter excerpt:

Den 20de Aug. [Rygterne om et af Hollænderne vundet Søslag erfarer Juel; at have været overdrevne eller ugrundede. Dronningen lod, som disse Tidender behagede hende meget; men Juel troer ikke saadant. Mr. Beuning derimod var strax villig til at troe, "at Dronningen nu er bedre hollandsk end før; men det er ikke den første Gang, at han er bedraget af hende." — Dronningen reiser til Begravelsen i Wadstena; hun lader sig nu mærke med at ville resignere; men det holdes endnu meget hemmeligt." Juel tvivler ikke derpaa, naar hun allene kan faae sine Indkomster sikkrede.]

With modernised spelling:

Den 20. august. [Rygterne om et af hollænderne vundet søslag erfarer Juel, at have været overdrevne eller ugrundede. Dronningen lod, som disse tidender behagede hende meget, men Juel tror ikke sådant. Monsieur Beuning derimod var straks villig til at tro, "at dronningen nu er bedre hollandsk end før; men det er ikke den første gang, at han er bedraget af hende." — Dronningen rejser til begravelsen i Vadstena; hun lader sig nu mærke med at ville resignere, men det holdes endnu meget hemmeligt." Juel tvivler ikke derpå, når hun alene kan få sine indkomster sikrede.]

English translation (my own):

August 20. [The rumours of a naval battle won by the Dutch, Juel learns, have been exaggerated or unfounded. The Queen pretended that this news pleased her very much, but Juel does not think so. Monsieur Beuning, on the other hand, was immediately willing to believe "that the Queen is now better Dutch than before; but it is not the first time that he has been deceived by her." — The Queen is traveling to the funeral in Vadstena; she now shows that she wants to resign, but it is still kept very secret." Juel does not doubt of it once she can only secure her income.]

Above: Kristina.

Above: Coenraad van Beuningen.

Note: Elsa Beata Brahe, the daughter of Per Brahe and the wife of Kristina's youngest Pfalz cousin Adolf Johan (and thereby Kristina's cousin-in-law), was buried at Vadstena on August 28/September 7 (Old Style), 1653. She had died there on April 7/17 (Old Style), at the age of 23 or 24.

Bulstrode Whitelocke's diary entry, dated May 5/15 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, volume 2, pages 137 to 139, by Bulstrode Whitelocke, published in 1772

https://books.google.com/books?id=wxAJAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=A+journal+of+the+Swedish+embassy&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjqge3X79jpAhWOtJ4KHc0NCyAQuwUwAXoECAEQBg#v=onepage&q=A%20journal%20of%20the%20Swedish%20embassy&f=false

The diary entry:

Lagerfeldt acquainted Whitelocke, that the queen intended to gratify him with a guift of as great value as had bin bestowed uppon any ambassador before; and that she having received from Whitelocke many brave horses and many native goods of England; and Whitelocke having undertaken, att his returne to England, to provide for her majesty severall other commodities, she held it reasonable to requite him with some commodities of this countrey, if Whitelocke thought fitt to accept of them.

Whitelocke answeared, that it did not become him to præscribe bounds to her majesty's favour, butt wholly to referre himselfe to the queen's judgement heerin. Lagerfeldt replyed, that the queen intended to bestow her guift uppon him in copper, and gave order that it should be putt aboard a ship, to be consigned by him to some of his friends att London, or as he pleased to dispose it.

Whitelocke desired of Lagerfeldt, that although the articles were signed, that yett he in the instrument might præfixe to the title these words, "serenissimi ac celsissimi domini", which words Whitelocke did observe to be in the protector's title to the dutch articles, which was not known to Whitelocke before the articles were signed heer. Lagerfeldt promised to acquaint the chancellor heerwith, and to bring his answear.

Whitelocke waited uppon the queen, and acquainted her with his newes from England, and of the consummation of the treaty of peace between England and the Dutch, wherof she said she was very glad, and thanked Whitelocke for his newes.

He then intreated her majesty to appoint a day for his audience to take his leave of her majesty, which she told him should be shortly done; then she desired his company with her in her coach to take the aier: he waited on her, and besides, there was in the coach, Grave Tot, Grave Vandone, and the countesse Christina Oxenstierne.

The queen was not very pleasant, butt intertained some little discourses, not much of buisnes; and, after a short tour, returning to the castle, retired into her chamber, and Whitelocke to his lodging.

With modernised spelling:

Lagerfeldt acquainted Whitelocke that the Queen intended to gratify him with a gift of as great value as had been bestowed upon any ambassador before, and that she having received from Whitelocke many brave horses and many native goods of England, and Whitelocke having undertaken, at his return to England, to provide for Her Majesty several other commodities, she held it reasonable to requite him with some commodities of this country, if Whitelocke thought fit to accept of them.

Whitelocke answered that it did not become him to prescribe bounds to Her Majesty's favour, but wholly to refer himself to the Queen's judgement herein. Lagerfeldt replied that the Queen intended to bestow her gift upon him in copper and gave order that it should be put aboard a ship to be consigned by him to some of his friends at London, or as he pleased to dispose it.

Whitelocke desired of Lagerfeldt that although the articles were signed, that yet he in the instrument might prefix to the title these words: "Serenissimi ac Celsissimi Domini", which words Whitelocke did observe to be in the Protector's title to the Dutch articles, which was not known to Whitelocke before the articles were signed here. Lagerfeldt promised to acquaint the Chancellor herewith and to bring his answer.

Whitelocke waited upon the Queen and acquainted her with his news from England and of the consummation of the treaty of peace between England and the Dutch, whereof she said she was very glad and thanked Whitelocke for his news.

He then entreated Her Majesty to appoint a day for his audience to take his leave of Her Majesty, which she told him should be shortly done. Then she desired his company with her in her coach to take the air. He waited on her, and besides, there was in the coach Grave Tott, Grave von Dohna, and the countess Christina Oxenstierna.

The queen was not very pleasant, but entertained some little discourses, not much of business; and, after a short tour, returning to the castle, retired into her chamber, and Whitelocke to his lodging.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Note: Christina Oxenstierna = born 1613, died unmarried 1685, daughter of Grand Treasurer Gabriel Gustafsson Oxenstierna.

Excerpt from Bulstrode Whitelocke's diary entry, dated May 4/14 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, volume 2, pages 131 to 132, by Bulstrode Whitelocke, published in 1772

https://books.google.com/books?id=wxAJAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=A+journal+of+the+Swedish+embassy&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjqge3X79jpAhWOtJ4KHc0NCyAQuwUwAXoECAEQBg#v=onepage&q=A%20journal%20of%20the%20Swedish%20embassy&f=false

The diary entry excerpt:

... Whitelocke went to the accustomed place, the great wood, to take the aier; and as he was walking in the broade way there, he perceived the coach of the dutch resident comming towards him; and perceiving the english ambassador to be walking there, the resident alighted out of his coach, and came on foot towards Whitelocke: whither he came after Whitelocke in a hansome designe or contrivance for their first salutation, or that it was by accident, Whitelocke did not examine, butt thought fitt to answear the civility of the resident, by walking back towards him to meet him.

They saluted each other, and their company, with great respect. The resident began the complement to Whitelocke in french, telling him, that he was very glad of the opportunity to have the happines to salute Whitelocke, which he would not neglect to doe, perceiving him in this place; and that he would take the first occasion to doe himselfe the honor to visit Whitelocke att his house.

Whitelocke answeared, that the resident should be very wellcome when he pleased to doe that honor to Whitelocke, as to bestow a visit on him; and that he was also very glad of the opportunity which had now presented itselfe, wherby he had the contentment of being acquainted with the resident.

They fell into generall discourses, and, among the rest, of the conclusion and ratification of the treaty between the two common-wealths, and of the advantage which therby would arise to both of them, and to the protestant party.

As they were walking togither the queen passed by them, being in that wood also to take the aier: when she came neer, she saluted them with great respect, and spake to them alowde, "Je suis ravie de vous voir ensemble, Je voi que la paix est faite"; "I am ravished to see you two togither, I see the peace is made." And so the queen went on her way, and Whitelocke tooke leave of the resident. ...

With modernised spelling:

... Whitelocke went to the accustomed place, the great wood, to take the air; and as he was walking in the broad way there, he perceived the coach of the Dutch resident coming towards him; and, perceiving the English ambassador to be walking there, the resident alighted out of his coach and came on foot towards Whitelocke. Whether he came after Whitelocke in a handsome design or contrivance for their first salutation, or that it was by accident, Whitelocke did not examine, but thought fit to answer the civility of the resident by walking back towards him to meet him.

They saluted each other and their company with great respect. The resident began the compliment to Whitelocke in French, telling him that he was very glad of the opportunity to have the happiness to salute Whitelocke, which he would not neglect to do, perceiving him in this place, and that he would take the first occasion to do himself the honour to visit Whitelocke at his house.

Whitelocke answered that the resident should be very welcome when he pleased to do that honour to Whitelocke as to bestow a visit on him, and that he was also very glad of the opportunity which had now presented itself, whereby he had the contentment of being acquainted with the resident.

They fell into general discourses, and, among the rest, of the conclusion and ratification of the treaty between the two Commonwealths, and of the advantage which thereby would arise to both of them and to the Protestant party.

As they were walking together the Queen passed by them, being in that wood also to take the air. When she came near, she saluted them with great respect and spake to them aloud: "Je suis ravie de vous voir ensemble, je vois que la paix est faite!" — "I am ravished to see you two together, I see the peace is made!"

And so the Queen went on her way, and Whitelocke took leave of the resident. ...

Above: Kristina.

Above: Coenraad van Beuningen, the Dutch resident.

Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Excerpt from Bulstrode Whitelocke's diary entry, dated May 3/13 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, volume 2, pages 129 to 130, by Bulstrode Whitelocke, published in 1772

https://books.google.com/books?id=wxAJAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=A+journal+of+the+Swedish+embassy&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjqge3X79jpAhWOtJ4KHc0NCyAQuwUwAXoECAEQBg#v=onepage&q=A%20journal%20of%20the%20Swedish%20embassy&f=false

The diary entry excerpt:

... Mons. Woolfeldt, being visited by Whitelocke, told him, that the queen was extreamly pleased with his treatment of her: Whitelocke excused the meaness of it for her majesty; Woolfeldt replyed, that both the queen and all the company esteemed it as the hansomest and noblest that they ever saw; and the queen, after that, would drinke no other wine butt Whitelocke's, and kindly accepted the neats tongues, potted venison, and other cakes, which, uppon her commendation of them, Whitelocke sent unto her majesty. ...

A great quantity of snow fell, and covered the houses and fields, and was hard frozen; a matter att this time strange to the english, butt ordinary heer.

With modernised spelling:

... Monsieur Ulfeldt, being visited by Whitelocke, told him that the Queen was extremely pleased with his treatment of her. Whitelocke excused the meanness of it for Her Majesty. Ulfeldt replied that both the Queen and all the company esteemed it as the handsomest and noblest that they ever saw, and the Queen, after that, would drink no other wine but Whitelocke's and kindly accepted the neats' tongues, potted venison and other cakes, which, upon her commendation of them, Whitelocke sent unto Her Majesty. ...

A great quantity of snow fell and covered the houses and fields and was hard frozen, a matter at this time strange to the English, but ordinary here.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Corfitz Ulfeldt.

Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Notes: meanness = lowliness, meagerness.

neats' tongues = beef or ox tongues (neat is an archaic English word for bull or cow).

Bulstrode Whitelocke's diary entry, dated May 2/12 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, volume 2, pages 127 to 128, by Bulstrode Whitelocke, published in 1772

https://books.google.com/books?id=wxAJAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=A+journal+of+the+Swedish+embassy&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjqge3X79jpAhWOtJ4KHc0NCyAQuwUwAXoECAEQBg#v=onepage&q=A%20journal%20of%20the%20Swedish%20embassy&f=false

Kristina's letter of March 14/24 (Old Style) for the commissioners (Axel Oxenstierna and his son Erik Oxenstierna) is here:

https://kingkristina.blogspot.com/2020/06/kristinas-commission-of-full-power.html

The diary entry:

Whitelocke sent to the master of the ceremonies to know if he had desired a time for his last audience, who promised to doe it.

Canterstein brought to Whitelocke the queen's letters of full power to her commissioners, under her hand, and the great seale of Sweden...

Having received this commission, Whitelocke delivered to Canterstein his commission under the great seale of England, and the copy of his new instructions from the protector, except what was secret in them.

Canterstien, the master of the ceremonies, and Mons. Bloome, were frollick att dinner with Whitelocke, and made many caresses to him, and extolled the chancellor's care and high respect to Whitelocke, in bringing his treaty to so good an issue; and after dinner Bloome told Whitelocke, that the chancellor had advised the queen to make a noble present to Whitelocke, which was not yett ready, and that had retarded his last audience.

The master of the ceremonies, from the queen, desired Whitelocke to have a little patience for a few dayes; that she expected the arrivall of the prince within six or seven dayes in this towne, by which meanes Whitelocke would have a fayre opportunity to salute him heer, without further trouble; and that the queen would give him audience within two dayes before the arrivall of the prince, and so he should receive no disturbance in his voyage. Whitelocke saw no other remedy for this butt patience.

With modernised spelling:

Whitelocke sent to the master of the ceremonies to know if he had desired a time for his last audience, who promised to do it.

Canthersten brought to Whitelocke the Queen's letters of full power to her commissioners, under her hand, and the Great Seal of Sweden...

Having received this commission, Whitelocke delivered to Canthersten his commission under the Great Seal of England, and the copy of his new instructions from the Protector, except what was secret in them.

Canthersten, the master of the ceremonies, and Monsieur Bloome were frolic at dinner with Whitelocke, and made many caresses to him, and extolled the Chancellor's care and high respect to Whitelocke in bringing his treaty to so good an issue; and after dinner Bloome told Whitelocke that the Chancellor had advised the Queen to make a noble present to Whitelocke, which was not yet ready, and that had retarded his last audience.

The master of the ceremonies, from the Queen, desired Whitelocke to have a little patience for a few days, that she expected the arrival of the Prince within six or seven days in this town, by which means Whitelocke would have a fair opportunity to salute him here without further trouble, and that the Queen would give him audience within two days before the arrival of the Prince, and so he should receive no disturbance in his voyage. Whitelocke saw no other remedy for this but patience.

Note: caresses = flatteries.

Bulstrode Whitelocke's diary entry, dated May 1/11 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, volume 2, pages 122 to 127, by Bulstrode Whitelocke, published in 1772

https://books.google.com/books?id=wxAJAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=A+journal+of+the+Swedish+embassy&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjqge3X79jpAhWOtJ4KHc0NCyAQuwUwAXoECAEQBg#v=onepage&q=A%20journal%20of%20the%20Swedish%20embassy&f=false

The diary entry:

Lagerfeldt, Berkman, and the syndick of Gothenbergh, after dinner with Whitelocke, discoursed and advised him touching his departure.

Lagerfeldt said, he believed the queen would give Whitelocke audience on Friday next; before which time her presents would not be ready for Whitelocke and his company: he said also, that he heard the prince intended to be in this town within a few dayes, and if it should be so, then it would be better for Whitelocke to stay heer, and expect his comming hither to salute him heer, then to goe out of his way so farre as to the prince's court; in which matter, Whitelocke said, he would intreat the queen's advice.

Lagerfeldt said further, that the queen had commaunded some copper to be brought to Stockholme, and to be putt aboard the shop where Whitelocke was to be imbarqued, or in some other ship as he should appoint; it being a present intended for him by the queen. ...

Mons. Woolfeldt visited Whitelocke, and, among other discourses, related to him the story of himselfe and his lady, which was to this effect, by his and other's relation.

This gentleman was of a noble family and extraction in Denmarke, grew into great favour with the last king, whose daughter, by a second wife, he marryed; and the present king, her brother, made him vice-roy of Norway, governor of the isle of Zeland, and of the Sundt, and a senator of the kingdome, and great master of Denmarke; and he had bin imployed thirteen times as an ambassador.

His lady, the daughter and sister of a king, was of excellent comelines of person and behaviour, humbly knowing her distance; of a sweet disposition, and of rare parts both of mind and body; especially deserving prayse for her high and entire affection to her husband, who, notwithstanding his great parts and abilities, and the many perils he had undergone in the service of his king and countrey, yett, after all, by the whisperings and false suggestions of back-biters, his ennemies, was traduced to the king, for being too much a friend to the peoples liberty, and an opposer of the king's absolute power: butt, beyond all (as some gave it out), that he was too familiar with one of the king's mistrisses; so it was, that the king tooke high displeasure against him. Parasites tooke the occasion to please the king, by invectives against one under a clowde; his parts attracted envy, and his merits were too great for any other recompence butt his owne ruine.

To avoyd the king's wrath and his ennemies malice, and to preserve his life, which was aymed to be taken away with his fortune, he was compelled to flye from his countrey, and seeke his security in forein parts.

His lady, though a tender modest woman, though the sister of the king regnant, high in his favour, and the interest of her alliance; though pressingly inticed to cast off her affection to her husband; though unacquainted with any hardships; yett so intire was her conjugall love and piety, that, rather then part with her husband, she would leave all her relations and pleasures of a court, and her deare countrey, and putt herselfe (though with child) into the disguise of a page, to attend him in his flight as his servant.

It may be imagined, that such a servant was not unkindly used; butt the greatest trouble was, that, being on ship-board to crosse the Baltick sea, the poore page whispered the master, that she had a longing desire to some cherryes, which she saw in the towne as they came to the ship: heer was the difficulty, if her lord did not goe on shore and procure some cherryes for the page, it might cost her life; if he did goe on shoare, and, in the meane time, the ship should goe off, he and his page would be parted, and his own life indaungered. It was reason and honor that perswaded him, rather to hazard his own then such a page's life; therfore, having effectually dealt with the master of the ship for a little stay, he soon found out a pretence to goe on shore, and neglected not to hasten back againe with his provision of cherryes, and to find out a way of distributing a large share of them to her that longed for them. After which, they happily sett sayle and arrived in Sweden, where, by articles between the two crownes, those in his condition have sanctuary and protection.

In the afternoon Whitelocke went to court, where he mett with Canterstein, who excused himselfe, that he had not yett brought to Whitelocke the queen's letters of full power to her commissioners, which, he said, the queen had signed two dayes before, and that he had bin sicke, otherwise he had delivered them before this time. Whitelocke asked him, if his re-credentialls were prepared? he said, they were ready for the queen to signe when she pleased, and that nothing in his charge concerning Whitelocke should receive any delay by his occasion. Whitelocke gave him thanks for his care, and promised his remuneration.

This being May-day, Whitelocke, according to the invitation he had made to the queen, putt her in mind of it, that, as she was his mistris, and this May-day, he was, by the custome of England, to waite uppon her to take the aier, and to treate her with some little collation, as her servant.

The queen said, the weather was very cold, yett she was very willing to beare him company after the english mode.

With the queen were Woolfeldt, Tott, and five of her ladyes. Whitelocke brought them to his collation, which he had commanded his servants to prepare in the best manner they could, and altogether after the english fashion.

Att the table with the queen sate La Belle Comtesse, the countesse Gabriel Oxenstierne, Woolfeldt, Tott, and Whitelocke; the other ladyes sate in another roome. Their meate was such fowle as could be gotten, dressed after the english fashion, and with english sawces, creames, puddings, custards, tarts, tansies, english apples, bon chrêtien peares, cheese, butter, neats tongues, potted venison, and sweet meats, brought out of England, as his sacke and claret also was; his beere was also brewed, and his bread made by his own servants in his house, after the english manner; and the queen and her company seemed highly pleased with this treatment: some of her company said, she did eate and drinke more att it then she used to doe in three or four dayes att her own table.

The intertainment was as full and noble as the place would afford, and as Whitelocke could make it, and so well ordered and contrived, that the queen said, she had never seen any like it: she was pleased so farre as to play the good huswife, as to inquire, how the butter could be so fresh and sweet and yett brought out of England? Whitelocke, from his cookes, satisfyed her majesty's inquiry; that they putt the salt butter into milke, where it lay all night, and the next day it would eate fresh and sweet as this did, and any butter new made; and commended her majesty's good huswifry; who, to expresse her contentment in this collation, was full of pleasantnes and gaity of spirit, both in supper-time and afterwards: among other frollickes, she commaunded Whitelocke to teach her ladyes the english salutation; which, after some pretty defences, their lips obeyed, and Whitelocke most readily.

She highly commended Whitelocke's musicke of the trumpets, which sounded all supper time, and her discourse was all of mirth and drollery, wherin Whitelocke indeavoured to answear her; and the rest of the company did their parts.

It was late before she returned to the castle, whither Whitelocke waited on her; and she discoursed a little with him about his buisnes, and the time of his audience, and gave him many thankes for his noble treatment of her and her company.

With modernised spelling:

Lagerfeldt, Berkman, and the syndic of Gothenburg, after dinner with Whitelocke, discoursed and advised him touching his departure.

Lagerfeldt said he believed the Queen would give Whitelocke audience on Friday next, before which time her presents would not be ready for Whitelocke and his company. He said also that he heard the Prince intended to be in this town within a few days, and if it should be so, then it would be better for Whitelocke to stay here, and expect his coming hither to salute him here than to go out of his way so far as to the Prince's court, in which matter Whitelocke said he would entreat the Queen's advice.

Lagerfeldt said further that the Queen had commanded some copper to be brought to Stockholm and to be put aboard the shop where Whitelocke was to be embarked, or in some other ship as he should appoint, it being a present intended for him by the Queen. ...

Monsieur Ulfeldt visited Whitelocke and, among other discourses, related to him the story of himself and his lady, which was to this effect, by his and other's relation.

This gentleman was of a noble family and extraction in Denmark, grew into great favour with the last king, whose daughter, by a second wife, he married; and the present King, her brother, made him viceroy of Norway, governor of the isle of Zealand and of the Sund, and a senator of the kingdom, and Great Master of Denmark; and he had been employed thirteen times as an ambassador.

His lady, the daughter and sister of a king, was of excellent comeliness of person and behaviour, humbly knowing her distance, of a sweet disposition, and of rare parts both of mind and body, especially deserving praise for her high and entire affection to her husband, who, notwithstanding his great parts and abilities, and the many perils he had undergone in the service of his king and country, yet, after all, by the whisperings and false suggestions of backbiters, his enemies, was traduced to the King for being too much a friend to the people's liberty and an opposer of the King's absolute power.

But, beyond all (as some gave it out), that he was too familiar with one of the King's mistresses, so it was that the King took high displeasure against him. Parasites took the occasion to please the King by invectives against one under a cloud. His parts attracted envy, and his merits were too great for any other recompense but his own ruin.

To avoid the King's wrath and his enemies' malice, and to preserve his life, which was aimed to be taken away with his fortune, he was compelled to fly from his country and seek his security in foreign parts.

His lady, though a tender modest woman, though the sister of the King regnant, high in his favour, and the interest of her alliance, though pressingly enticed to cast off her affection to her husband, though unacquainted with any hardships, yet so entire was her conjugal love and piety that, rather than part with her husband, she would leave all her relations and pleasures of a court and her dear country, and put herself (though with child) into the disguise of a page to attend him in his flight as his servant.

It may be imagined that such a servant was not unkindly used, but the greatest trouble was that, being on shipboard to cross the Baltic Sea, the poor page whispered the master that she had a longing desire to some cherries which she saw in the town as they came to the ship. Here was the difficulty: if her lord did not go onshore and procure some cherries for the page, it might cost her life. If he did go onshore and, in the meantime, the ship should go off, he and his page would be parted, and his own life endangered. It was reason and honour that persuaded him rather to hazard his own than such a page's life; therefore, having effectually dealt with the master of the ship for a little stay, he soon found out a pretense to go onshore and neglected not to hasten back again with his provision of cherries, and to find out a way of distributing a large share of them to her that longed for them. After which they happily set sail and arrived in Sweden, where, by articles between the two Crowns, those in his condition have sanctuary and protection.

In the afternoon Whitelocke went to court, where he met with Canthersten, who excused himself that he had not yet brought to Whitelocke the Queen's letters of full power to her commissioners, which, he said, the Queen had signed two days before, and that he had been sick, otherwise he had delivered them before this time.

Whitelocke asked him if his recredentials were prepared. He said they were ready for the Queen to sign when she pleased and that nothing in his charge concerning Whitelocke should receive any delay by his occasion. Whitelocke gave him thanks for his care and promised his remuneration.

This being May Day, Whitelocke, according to the invitation he had made to the Queen, put her in mind of it that, as she was his mistress, and this May Day, he was, by the custom of England, to wait upon her to take the air and to treat her with some little collation, as her servant.

The Queen said the weather was very cold, yet she was very willing to bear him company after the English mode.

With the Queen were Ulfeldt, Tott, and five of her ladies. Whitelocke brought them to his collation, which he had commanded his servants to prepare in the best manner they could, and altogether after the English fashion.

At the table with the Queen sat la belle comtesse, the countess Gabriel Oxenstierna, Ulfeldt, Tott, and Whitelocke; the other ladies sat in another room. Their meat was such fowl as could be gotten, dressed after the English fashion, and with English sauces, creams, puddings, custards, tarts, tansies, English apples, bon chrétien pears, cheese, butter, neats' tongues, potted venison, and sweetmeats brought out of England, as his sack and claret also was. His beer was also brewed, and his bread made by his own servants in his house, after the English manner, and the Queen and her company seemed highly pleased with this treatment. Some of her company said she did eat and drink more at it than she used to do in three or four days at her own table.

The entertainment was as full and noble as the place would afford and as Whitelocke could make it, and so well-ordered and contrived that the Queen said she had never seen any like it. She was pleased so far as to play the good housewife, as to enquire how the butter could be so fresh and sweet and yet brought out of England. Whitelocke, from his cooks, satisfied Her Majesty's enquiry: that they put the salt butter into milk, where it lay all night, and the next day it would eat fresh and sweet as this did, and any butter new-made, and commended Her Majesty's good housewifery, who, to express her contentment in this collation, was full of pleasantness and gaiety of spirit, both in suppertime and afterwards.

Among other frolics, she commanded Whitelocke to teach her ladies the English salutation, which, after some pretty defenses, their lips obeyed, and Whitelocke most readily.

She highly commended Whitelocke's music of the trumpets, which sounded all suppertime, and her discourse was all of mirth and drollery, wherein Whitelocke endeavoured to answer her; and the rest of the company did their parts.

It was late before she returned to the castle, whither Whitelocke waited on her; and she discoursed a little with him about his business and the time of his audience and gave him many thanks for his noble treatment of her and her company.

Above: Kristina.

Above: Corfitz Ulfeldt and his wife Leonora Christina Ulfeldt.

Above: Ebba Sparre, la belle comtesse.

Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Notes: Countess Gabriel Oxenstierna = Brita Kurck, the wife of Gabriel Gabrielsson Oxenstierna.

neats' tongues = beef or ox tongues (neat is an archaic English word for bull or cow).

sack = a variety of light-coloured dry wine from Spain or the Canary Islands; or any strong white wine from southern Europe; sherry.