Showing posts with label Jane Ruthven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jane Ruthven. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Excerpts from Bulstrode Whitelocke's diary entry, dated May 19/29 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, volume 2, pages 219, 221, 222, 223, 229, 230 and 231, by Bulstrode Whitelocke, published in 1772


Bulstr. Whitelockes Dag-Bok Öfver Dess Ambassade til Sverige, pages 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 725 and 726, translated by Johan Edman, 1777


Queen of Caprice: A Biography of Kristina of Sweden, page 47, by Paul Lewis, 1962

The Danish ambassador Peder Juel's letter of the same day to Peder Charisius, also talking about Kristina's open quarrel with Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna, is here:


The diary entry excerpts:

... Uppon this occasion Whitelocke tooke account of the presents which he had in this court, besides the severall and many gratuityes and rewards which he had formerly bestowed on many of the queen's inferior servants, as musitians, guards, pages, lacquays, trumpetts, coachmen, wardrobe men, and others; to whom he had bin liberall, to a considerable some, necessary in his judgement to be done for the honor of his nation, and agreeable to what had bin constantly by ambassadors there before him.

Besides these smaller matters, first, he sent to the queen eight blacke english stone horses, very hansome, large, brave, and usefull horses for the coach, and now in good case; four saddle horses he had formerly presented to her, all of them were in this place worth to be solde 1000 l. The looking glasse, which he gave the queen when she was his valentine, was worth 100 l. besides an english bible richly bound, english stuffes, a cabinet of spirits, and other smaller presents. ...

To la Belle Comtesse, the lady Jane Ruthen, and other ladyes, he presented english gloves, ribbons, silke stockins, and the like, which are of great account with them. ...

From the prince Whitelocke made a visit to the queen; Grave Tot conducted him to her bed-chamber, where they discoursed about halfe an hower touching her majesty's affayres.

She againe mentioned her purpose of going to the Spae, and to goe thither by land; she desired Whitelocke not to speake much of it: she said, that perhaps she might yett see him att Stockholme; butt, if she did not, that she would write a letter to the protector, and send it thither to Whitelocke, uppon the subject of which they had formerly spoken.

Whitelocke advised her, as he had done before, and promised to take care of her letter to the protector, and to improve his interest the best he could, for effecting what her majesty desired, in case there should be occasion for it.

She thanked Whitelocke for his advice, wherwith she seemed to be pleased, and resolved to observe it; and expressed very great respect and affection to the protector, and to Whitelocke, whom she desired to assure the protector, in her majesty's name, of the sincere affection and honor which she did beare him, and which she should continue in whatsoever condition she should be: she wished Whitelocke a happy voyage, and with many complements, full of great respect and civility, butt not so chearfull as formerly; she twice gave him her hand to kisse, and so tooke leave of him. ...

The senator Benk Scute came in the evening to visit Whitelocke, and discoursed freely with him touching the queen's resignation and their new king; and did not testify much of respect to the chancellor by informing Whitelocke, that yesterday att the castle, there was a great rubbe (as he called it) given by the queen to the chancellor, before the prince and the rest of the senators: the occasion wherof was about the island of Elsey, which the queen desired as part of her provision, to which the chancellor said, that it was worthy the consideration; the queen replyed, "what is my integrity then questioned?" The chancellor answeared, that he did not question her majesty's integrity, butt spake only for her security, and better satisfaction in what she desired: the queen said, "I understand swedish well enough, and it was not becomming you to question my integrity att all." Scute said, that att this passage the rest of the senators were pleased, and that the prince seemed in this, and all other occasions, to be of the queen's mind, and to graunt her more rather then lesse of what she desired; which was wisdome in him.

Senator Vanderlin visited Whitelocke, and, among other discourses, acquainted him the passages of the proposall for the queen to have marryed the prince; that, for this purpose, the prince was sent for out of Germany, and the queen seemed inclinable to the match: yett, after the prince was come, she used him with a strangeness, which was occasioned by the whisperings of Grave Magnus de la Guarde to the queen; that, when the prince was in Germany, he was too familiar with some ladyes, who used to come into his bed-chamber when he was in bed and to stay there, and that the prince used to take his pleasure with them; att which information (he said) the queen was so enraged, that the prince should goe to other women, that she theruppon resolved not to marry him, butt was otherwise very courteous and full of respect to him.

Whitelocke did not dispute the authenticknes of this relation, butt wondered att it from a senator, touching him who was to be a king, and to use so much freedome on such a subject to a stranger. ...

With modernised spelling:

... Upon this occasion Whitelocke took account of the presents which he had in this court, besides the several and many gratuities and rewards which he had formerly bestowed on many of the Queen's inferior servants as musicians, guards, pages, lackeys, trumpets, coachmen, wardrobe men, and others; to whom he had been liberal to a considerable sum, necessary in his judgement to be done for the honour of his nation, and agreeable to what had been constantly by ambassadors there before him.

Besides these smaller matters, first he sent to the Queen eight black English stone horses, very handsome, large, brave, and useful horses for the coach, and now in good case; four saddle horses he had formerly presented to her, all of them were in this place worth to be sold 1000£. The looking glass which he gave the Queen when she was his Valentine was worth 100£ besides an English Bible richly bound, English stuffs, a cabinet of spirits, and other smaller presents. ...

To la belle comtesse, the lady Jane Ruthven, and other ladies, he presented English gloves, ribbons, silk stockings, and the like, which are of great account with them. ...

From the Prince Whitelocke made a visit to the Queen; Grave Tott conducted him to her bedchamber, where they discoursed about half an hour touching Her Majesty's affairs.

She again mentioned her purpose of going to the Spa and to go thither by land; she desired Whitelocke not to speak much of it. She said that perhaps she might yet see him at Stockholm; but, if she did not, that she would write a letter to the Protector and send it thither to Whitelocke, upon the subject of which they had formerly spoken.

Whitelocke advised her, as he had done before, and promised to take care of her letter to the Protector, and to improve his interest the best he could for effecting what Her Majesty desired, in case there should be occasion for it.

She thanked Whitelocke for his advice, wherewith she seemed to be pleased and resolved to observe it and expressed very great respect and affection to the Protector and to Whitelocke, whom she desired to assure the Protector, in Her Majesty's name, of the sincere affection and honour which she did bear him and which she should continue in whatsoever condition she should be.

She wished Whitelocke a happy voyage, and with many compliments, full of great respect and civility, but not so cheerful as formerly. She twice gave him her hand to kiss, and so took leave of him. ...

The senator Bengt Skytte came in the evening to visit Whitelocke and discoursed freely with him touching the Queen's resignation and their new king and did not testify much of respect to the Chancellor by informing Whitelocke that yesterday at the castle, there was a great rub (as he called it) given by the Queen to the Chancellor, before the Prince and the rest of the senators, the occasion whereof was about the island of Elsey, which the Queen desired as part of her provision, to which the chancellor said that it was worthy the consideration.

The Queen replied: "What, is my integrity then questioned?"

The Chancellor answered that he did not question Her Majesty's integrity, but spake only for her security and better satisfaction in what she desired.

The Queen said, "I understand Swedish well enough, and it was not becoming you to question my integrity at all."

Skytte said that at this passage the rest of the senators were pleased and that the Prince seemed in this and all other occasions to be of the Queen's mind and to grant her more rather than less of what she desired, which was wisdom in him.

Senator von der Linde visited Whitelocke and, among other discourses, acquainted him the passages of the proposal for the Queen to have married the Prince; that, for this purpose, the Prince was sent for out of Germany, and the Queen seemed inclinable to the match. Yet, after the Prince was come, she used him with a strangeness which was occasioned by the whisperings of Grave Magnus de la Garde to the Queen that, when the Prince was in Germany, he was too familiar with some ladies who used to come into his bedchamber when he was in bed and to stay there, and that the Prince used to take his pleasure with them; at which information (he said) the Queen was so enraged that the prince should go to other women that she thereupon resolved not to marry him, but was otherwise very courteous and full of respect to him.

Whitelocke did not dispute the authenticness of this relation, but wondered at it from a senator touching him who was to be a king, and to use so much freedom on such a subject to a stranger. ...

French translation (my own):

... En cette occasion, Whitelocke fit le compte des présents qu'il avait reçus à la cour, outre les nombreuses gratifications et récompenses qu'il avait autrefois accordées à plusieurs serviteurs subalternes de la reine, comme musiciens, gardes, pages, laquais, trompettes, cochers, garde-robes et autres; à qui il avait été généreux d'une somme considérable, nécessaire à son avis pour l'honneur de sa nation, et conforme à ce qu'avaient constamment fait les ambassadeurs là-bas avant lui. 

Outre ces petites choses, il envoya d'abord à la reine huit stones chevaux noirs anglais, très beaux, grands, courageux et utiles pour la voiture, et maintenant en bon état; quatre chevaux de selle qu'il lui avait autrefois offerts, tous valaient ici la peine d'être vendus pour 1000£. Le miroir qu'il offrit à la reine lorsqu'elle était sa valentine valait 100£, sans compter une Bible anglaise richement reliée, des étoffes anglaises, une armoire à spiritueux et d'autres petits présents. ...

Il offrit à la belle comtesse, à Mademoiselle Jeanne Ruthven et à d'autres dames des gants anglais, des rubans, des bas de soie et autres objets semblables, qui sont d'une grande valeur pour elles. ...

Après le prince, Whitelocke rendit visite à la reine. Le comte Tott le conduisit dans sa chambre à coucher, où ils discutèrent pendant une demi-heure des affaires de Sa Majesté. 

Elle fit de nouveau part de son intention d'aller à Spa et d'y aller par voie de terre; elle pria Whitelocke de ne pas en parler beaucoup. Elle dit qu'elle pourrait peut-être le voir encore à Stockholm; mais, si elle ne le faisait pas, qu'elle écrirait une lettre au protecteur et l'enverrait à Whitelocke, dont ils avaient déjà parlé. 

Whitelocke la conseilla, comme il l'avait déjà fait auparavant, et promit de s'occuper de sa lettre au protecteur et de faire valoir ses intérêts du mieux qu'il pourrait pour réaliser ce que Sa Majesté désirait, au cas où il y aurait lieu de le faire. 

Elle remercia Whitelocke de son avis, et parut heureuse et résolue de le suivre, et exprima un profond respect et une grande affection au protecteur et à Whitelocke, qu'elle désirait assurer au protecteur, au nom de Sa Majesté, de l'affection sincère et de l'honneur qu'elle lui portait et qu'elle lui conserverait quelle que soit sa condition.

Elle souhaita à Whitelocke un bon voyage, et avec beaucoup de compliments, pleins de grand respect et de civilité, mais elle n'était pas aussi gaie qu'elle l'avait été auparavant. Elle lui donna deux fois la main à baiser, et ainsi elle prit congé de lui. ...

Le sénateur Benoît Skytte vint dans la soirée rendre visite à Whitelocke et discuta librement avec lui de la démission de la reine et de leur nouveau roi. Il ne témoigna pas beaucoup de respect au chancelier en informant Whitelocke qu'hier au château, la reine avait fait une grande insulte (comme il l'appelait) au chancelier, devant le prince et le reste des sénateurs, à propos de l'île d'Ösel, que la reine désirait comme partie de ses provisions, ce à quoi le chancelier dit qu'elle méritait d'être prise en considération.

La reine répondit: «Quoi, mon intégrité est-elle alors mise en doute?»

Le chancelier répondit qu'il ne mettait pas en doute l'intégrité de Sa Majesté, mais qu'il parlait seulement pour sa sécurité et pour une meilleure satisfaction dans ce qu'elle désirait.

La reine dit: «Je comprends assez bien le suédois, et il ne vous convenait pas de mettre en doute mon intégrité du tout.»

Skytte dit que sur ce passage les autres sénateurs furent satisfaits et que le prince semblait dans cette occasion et dans toutes les autres être du même avis que la reine et lui accorder plus que moins ce qu'elle désirait, ce qui était de la sagesse en lui.

Le sénateur von der Linde rendit visite à Whitelocke et, entre autres discours, lui fit part des passages de la proposition de la reine d'épouser le prince; que, dans ce but, le prince fut envoyé chercher hors d'Allemagne et que la reine semblait disposée à ce mariage. Pourtant, après l'arrivée du prince, elle le traita avec une étrangeté qui était occasionnée par les murmures du comte Magnus de la Gardie à la reine selon lesquels, lorsque le prince était en Allemagne, il était trop familier avec certaines dames qui avaient l'habitude de venir dans sa chambre à coucher quand il était au lit et d'y rester, et que le prince avait l'habitude de prendre son plaisir avec elles; à cette nouvelle (dit-il) la reine fut si furieuse de voir le prince aller vers d'autres femmes qu'elle résolut de ne pas l'épouser, mais se montra par ailleurs très courtoise et pleine de respect envers lui.

Whitelocke ne contesta pas l'authenticité de cette relation, mais s'étonna qu'un sénateur la traitât de celui qui devait devenir roi, et qu'il use d'autant de liberté sur un tel sujet envers un étranger. ...

Swedish translation (by Edman):

... I anledning häraf tänkte han efter alla de presenter han fått, och dem han här vid Hofvet gifvit, och voro de sednare, utom hvad han til Drottningens Laquajer, Musici, Garde, Pager, Trumpetare, Kuskar m. m. frivilligt gifvit, til at därigenom befordra sin Republiques heder, följande:

Til Drottningen åtta st. svarta Engelske hingstar för dess vagn, samt fyra stycken goda ridhästar, til et värde af 1,000 pund sterling. En spegel, den han gifvit Drottningen såsom sin Valentine 100 pund, utom en rikt bunden Engelsk Bibel, några stycken Engelskt kläde, et flaskfoder med liqueurer, och andra småsaker. ...

Til LA BELLE COMTESSE, FRU RUTHEN och andra Hofdamer Engelske handskar, band, silkestrumpor, m. m. hvarpå af dem sattes högt värde. ...

Härifrån begaf han sig til Drottningens rum, och fördes strax af Grefve TOTT in uti Hennes Maj:ts sängkammare, hvarest de öfver en half tima taltes vid.

Hon omtalte åter sin föresats at gå landvägen til Spa, men bad WHITELOCKE ej ännu nämna därom. Hon trodde så träffa honom vidare i Stockholm; men i annat fall ville hon skrifva et bref til Protector, om det ämne de förut talts vid, och skicka det, då hon recommenderade dess framlemnande och sakens befordrande hos WHITELOCKE.

Han uprepade åter de råd han förut lemnat Hennes Maj:t, lofvade draga försorg om brefvet til Protector, samt, om så behöfdes, så mycket hos sig stod, befordra Hennes Maj:ts tjenst.

Drottningen åter täckade WHITELOCKE för sina upriktiga råd, hvilka hon lofvade ihogkomma, utmärkte mycken aktning och tilgifvenhet, så väl för Protector som WHITELOCKE, och bad hon honom försäkra Protector om den upriktiga tilgifvenhet hon för honom, i hvad omständigheter hon komme, skulle bära. Hon önskade WHITELOCKE därpå en lyckelig resa, med ej mindre nåd och aktning, men ej så mycken munterhet som förut, hvarpå hon tvänne gånger lemnade honom at kyssa sin hand. ...

Efter honom [Grefve JOH. OXENSTJERNA] ankom Riks-Rådet BENGT SKYTTE, som öppenhjertigt talte hvarjehanda om Drottningens afsägelse och den nya Konungen. Han gaf äfven tydeligen tilkänna den kallsinnighet han bar til Riks-Cancelleren, då han omtalte, huru, uti Prinsens och hela Rådets närvaro, Drottningen ganska onådigt aftonen förut tiltalt denne Herre. Anledningen därtil var, att Drottningen ibland annat begärt Elsey (Ösel) til en del af sin lifgeding, hvarpå Riks-Cancelleren svarat, at man borde taga det i betänkande. Drottningen svarade då: »hvad anledning tror J Eder ega at tvifla på min upriktighet, och huru vida det för Riket kunde vara säkert at aflemna samma ö?« Riks-Cancelleren sade sig aldrig hafva satt detta i fråga, utan endast talt för Hennes Maj:ts egen säkerhet, hvarpå Drottningen svarade sig förstå Svenska väl nog, samt at det aldeles icke anstod honom at tala ur en sådan ton. De öfrige Riks-Råden tyckte ej illa härom, och Prinsen lemnade Drottningen hvad hon begärte, snarare mer än mindre, hvilket af honom var ganska slugt.

Efter honom ankom Riks-Rådet VAN DER LINDE, som ibland annat underrättade honom, huru giftermål emellan Drottningen och Prinsen varit föreslaget, för hvilken orsak Prinsen ock blifvit hitkallad ifrån Tyskland, samt at Drottningen ej tyckts ohugad derföre. Men vid dess hitkomst emottog han honom med en kallsinnighet, som förorsakades af det sqvaller Grefve MAGNUS DE LA GARDIE förde för Drottningen, huru Prinsen, under dess vistande i Tyskland, var ganska väl med några Fruntimmer, hvilka, sedan han gått i säng, brukade gå in uti dess sängkammare, och där uppehålla sig någon del af natten, och at Prinsen ofta brukade roa sig därmed; vid hvilken underrättelse Drottningen blef så förargad (som han sade) öfver, det Prinsen delat sina nöjen med andra Fruntimmer, att hon beslöt icke gifta sig med honom; men visade honom dock vid alla tilfällen mycken tilgifvenhet och aktning.

WHITELOCKE kunde icke neka sanningen häraf, men undrade dock, at en Rådsherre så öppenhjertigt skulle omtala detta för en utlänning om sin tilkommande Konung.

With modernised spelling:

... I anledning härav tänkte han efter alla de presenter han fått och dem han här vid hovet givit, och voro de senare, utom vad han till drottningens lackajer, musici, garde, pager, trumpetare, kuskar m. m. frivilligt givit, till att därigenom befordra sin Republiks heder, följande:

Till drottningen åtta stone svarta engelska hingstar för dess vagn, samt fyra stycken goda ridhästar, till et värde av 1,000 pund sterling. En spegel, den han givit drottningen såsom sin valentine 100 pund, utom en rikt bunden engelsk Bibel, några stycken engelskt kläde, ett flaskfoder med likörer, och andra småsaker. ...

Till la belle comtesse, fru Ruthven och andra hovdamer engelska handskar, band, silkstrumpor m. m., varpå av dem sattes högt värde. ...

Härifrån begav han sig till drottningens rum och fördes strax av greve Tott inuti Hennes Majestäts sängkammare, varest de över en halv timme taltes vid.

Hon omtalte åter sin föresats att gå landvägen till Spa, men bad Whitelocke ej ännu nämna därom. Hon trodde så träffa honom vidare i Stockholm, men i annat fall ville hon skriva ett brev till protektor om det ämne de förut talts vid och skicka det då hon rekommenderade dess framlämnande och sakens befordrande hos Whitelocke.

Han upprepade åter de råd han förut lämnat Hennes Majestät, lovade draga försorg om brevet till protektor, samt, om så behövdes, så mycket hos sig stod, befordra Hennes Majestäts tjänst.

Drottningen åter tackade Whitelocke för sina uppriktiga råd, vilka hon lovade ihågkomma, utmärkte mycken aktning och tillgivenhet såväl för protektor som Whitelocke, och bad hon honom försäkra protektor om den uppriktiga tillgivenhet hon för honom, i vad omständigheter hon komme, skulle bära. Hon önskade Whitelocke därpå en lycklig resa, med ej mindre nåd och aktning, men ej så mycken munterhet som förut, varpå hon tvenne gånger lämnade honom att kyssa sin hand. ...

Efter honom [greve Johan Oxenstierna] ankom riksrådet Bengt Skytte, som öppenhjärtigt talte varjehanda om drottningens avsägelse och den nye konungen. Han gav även tydligen tillkänna den kallsinnighet han bar till Rikskanslern då han omtalte huru, uti prinsens och hela Rådets närvaro, drottningen ganska onådigt aftonen förut tilltalt denne herre. Anledningen därtill var att drottningen ibland annat begärt Elsey (Ösel) till en del av sin livgeding, varpå Rikskanslern svarat att man borde taga det i betänkande.

Drottningen svarade då: »Vad anledning tror I Eder äga att tvivla på min uppriktighet och huruvida det för riket kunde vara säkert att avlämna samma ö?«

Rikskancelleren sade sig aldrig hava satt detta i fråga, utan endast talt för Hennes Majestäts egen säkerhet, varpå drottningen svarade sig förstå svenska väl nog, samt att det alldeles icke anstod honom att tala ur en sådan ton. De övriga riksråden tyckte ej illa härom, och prinsen lämnade drottningen vad hon begärte, snarare mer än mindre, vilket av honom var ganska slugt.

Efter honom ankom riksrådet von der Linde, som ibland annat underrättade honom huru giftermål emellan drottningen och prinsen varit föreslaget, för vilken orsak prinsen ock blivit hitkallad ifrån Tyskland, samt att drottningen ej tyckts ohågad därföre. Men vid dess hitkomst emottog han honom med en kallsinnighet som förorsakades av det skvaller greve Magnus de la Gardie förde för drottningen, huru prinsen under dess vistande i Tyskland var ganska väl med några fruntimmer, vilka, sedan han gått i säng, brukade gå in uti dess sängkammare och där uppehålla sig någon del av natten, och att prinsen ofta brukade roa sig därmed; vid vilken underrättelse drottningen blev så förargad (som han sade) över det prinsen delat sina nöjen med andra fruntimmer att hon beslöt icke gifta sig med honom, men visade honom dock vid alla tillfällen mycken tillgivenhet och aktning.

Whitelocke kunde icke neka sanningen härav, men undrade dock att en rådsherre så öppenhjärtigt skulle omtala detta för en utlänning om sin tillkommande konung.

Contemporary Swedish translation (my own):

... Vid detta tillfälle tog Whitelocke hänsyn till de presenter som han hade i detta hov, förutom de många och många tacksamheter och belöningar som han tidigare hade skänkt många av drottningens underlägsna tjänare som musiker, vakter, pager, lakejer, trumpeter, kuskar, garderobsmän och andra; för vilken han hade varit liberal till en ansenlig summa, nödvändig för hans bedömning att göras för hans nations ära och behaglig med vad som ständigt hade varit av ambassadörer där före honom.

Utom dessa mindre saker sände han först till drottningen åtta stone svarta engelska hästar, mycket vackra, stora, tappra och nyttiga hästar till kusken, och nu i gott fall; fyra sadelhästar som han förut hade presenterat för henne, alla var på denna plats värda att säljas för 1000£. Spegeln som han gav drottningen när hon var hans valentine var värt 100£ förutom en engelsk Bibel rikt bunden, engelska prylar, ett skåp med sprit och andra mindre presenter. ...

Till la belle comtesse, fröken Jane Ruthven och andra damer framlade han engelska handskar, band, sidenstrumpor och liknande, som är av stor betydelse för dem. ...

Efter prinsen gjorde Whitelocke ett besök hos drottningen; greve Tott förde honom till hennes sängkammare, där de diskuterade omkring en halvtimme om Hennes Majestäts angelägenheter.

Hon nämnde återigen sitt syfte att gå till Spa och resa dit landvägen; hon önskade att Whitelocke inte skulle tala så mycket om det. Hon sade att hon kanske ännu kunde se honom i Stockholm; men om hon inte gjorde det, skulle hon skriva ett brev till protektorn och skicka det dit till Whitelocke, om vilket ämne de tidigare hade talat om.

Whitelocke rådde henne, som han gjort förut, och lovade att ta hand om hennes brev till protektorn och att förbättra hans intresse så gott han kunde för att genomföra vad Hennes Majestät önskade, ifall det skulle bli tillfälle därtill.

Hon tackade Whitelocke för hans råd, varmed hon verkade vara nöjd och beslutsam att iaktta det och uttryckte mycket stor respekt och tillgivenhet till protektorn och till Whitelocke, som hon ville försäkra protektorn, i Hennes Majestäts namn, om den uppriktiga tillgivenheten och den ära som hon bar honom och som hon borde fortsätta i vilket skick hon än skulle vara.

Hon önskade Whitelocke en lycklig resa, och med många komplimanger, full av stor respekt och artighet, men hon var inte så glad som hon hade varit tidigare. Hon gav honom två gånger sin hand för att kyssa, och så tog hon avsked med honom. ...

Riksråden Bengt Skytte kom på kvällen för att besöka Whitelocke och talade fritt med honom om att beröra drottningens avsägelse och deras nye konung och vittnade inte mycket om respekt för kanslern genom att informera Whitelocke att det igår på slottet var en stor förolämpning (som han kallade det) givit av drottningen till kanslern, före prinsen och de öfriga senatorerna, vars tillfälle handlade om ön Ösel, som drottningen önskade som en del av sin försörjning, till vilken kanslern sade att det var värt övervägandet.

Drottningen svarade: »Vad, ifrågasätts då min integritet?«

Kanslern svarade att han inte ifrågasatte Hennes Majestäts integritet, utan bara talade för hennes säkerhet och bättre tillfredsställelse i vad hon önskade.

Drottningen sade: »Jag förstår svenska tillräckligt bra, och det passade inte Er att ifrågasätta min integritet alls.«

Skytte sade att vid denna passage var resten av riksherrarna nöjda och att prinsen vid detta och alla andra tillfällen tycktes vara av drottningens sinne och ge henne mer än mindre av vad hon önskade, vilket var visdom i honom.

Riksråden von der Linde besökte Whitelocke och bland annat bekantade han honom med avsnitten i förslaget om att drottningen skulle ha gift sig med prinsen; att för detta ändamål prinsen sändes utur Tyskland, och drottningen verkade benägen till matchen. Men sedan prinsen hade kommit, använde hon honom med en egendomlighet som föranleddes av greve Magnus de la Gardies viskningar till drottningen att han, när prinsen var i Tyskland, var alltför bekant med några damer som brukade komma in i hans sängkammare när han låg i sängen och att stanna där, och att prinsen brukade ta sitt nöje med dem; över vilken information (sade han) drottningen blev så rasande att prinsen skulle gå till andra kvinnor att hon därpå beslutade att inte gifta sig med honom, men var annars mycket artig och full av respekt mot honom.

Whitelocke bestred inte äktheten av detta förhållande, utan förundrade sig över det från en riksråd som rörde vid honom som skulle bli konung och att använda så mycket frihet i ett sådant ämne för en främling. ...


Above: Kristina.


Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Note: Elsey = Ösel, the old German and Swedish name for the Estonian island of Saaremaa.

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Peder Juel's letter to Peder Charisius, dated March 31/April 10 (Old Style), 1654

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 372 to 373, published by Den Danske Historiske Forening, 1844
The letter:

Den 31. Marts. [Juel har været sengeliggende næsten 7 Uger, og er nu først kommen op. Dronningens Resignation medfører daglige Forandringer. De fleste Hoffolk aftakkes, og alle Dronningens Hofdamer "licentieres" paa 3 nær, som hun har beholdt: "General Grev Rytwyns Datter af England, en hollandsk Jomfru, Lovise van der Noot, og Feltmarskal Wrangels Søster." Skiøndt Rigsraadernes Antal er større, end det nogen Tid i Sverrige har været, vil Dronningen endnu giøre to: Axel Sparre, Landshøvding paa Gotland, fordi hun tager hans Bestilling fra ham, og Claus Bielkenstierne, som er Hs. Kongl. Høiheds Favorit; paa det hun derved vil betage Hs. Kongl. Høihed al Middel til at beneficere Nogen." Endnu gaaer det stille til med det Gods, som Dronningen tager til sig i Pommern, fra Generaler og Andre; fordi Cantsleren har faaet sin Søn til godvilligen at afstaae det, han der havde; og de Andre maa vel følge hans Exempel. De Godser, Dronningen allerede har taget til sig (til hendes aarlige Underholdning) beløber sig til 160,000 Rdlr. om Aaret. Grev Magnus mister allene 50,000 Rdlr. om Aaret. — "Han skriver paa en Apologie, som han efter Resignationen vil overlevere Stænderne paa Rigsdagen; og begierer, enten at restitueres udi sin forrige dignitet og charge, eller at hans Sag maa komme til Proces."

"Pimentelli tog i Forgaars Afsked her til Hove, som causerede her en stor Latter; eftersom han logerer paa Slottet, og Vognene havde ikke været at kiøre med ham, end tværtover Kiøbenhavns Slotsplads. Hans Folk sad i hans egen Vogn, som holdt frem for Dronningens, i hvilken han selv sad, saa Hestene havde ikke 6 Trin at gaae fra der, som Folkene satte sig i, indtil Trappen, som de stod af igien. — Der er i Frankrig en lærd Mand, som hedder Scuderi, og skriver en Roman over alle de actioner, som skeer i Europa. Dronningen vil selv skrive ham en Memorial om hendes Levnet, og have den indført i hans Bog; og derudi nævne adskilligt, som en Anden gierne skulde have tiet om sig selv."

With modernised spelling:

Den 31. marts. [Juel har været sengeliggende næsten 7 uger, og er nu først kommen op. Dronningens resignation medfører daglige forandringer. De fleste hoffolk aftakkes, og alle dronningens hofdamer "licentieres" på 3 nær, som hun har beholdt: "general grev Ruthvens datter af England, en hollandsk jomfru, Louise van der Nooth, og feltmarskal Wrangels søster."

Skønt rigsrådernes antal er større, end det nogen tid i Sverige har været, vil dronningen endnu gøre to: Axel Sparre, landshøvding paa Gotland, fordi hun tager hans bestilling fra ham, og Claes Bielkenstierna, som er Hans Kongelige Højheds favorit, på det hun derved vil betage Hans Kongelige Højhed al middel til at beneficere nogen."

Endnu går det stille til med det gods, som dronningen tager til sig i Pommern, fra generaler og andre; fordi kansleren har fået sin søn til godvilligen at afstå det, han der havde; og de andre må vel følge hans eksempel. De godser, dronningen allerede har taget til sig (til hendes årlige underholdning) beløber sig til 160,000 rigsdaler om året.

Grev Magnus mister allene 50,000 rigsdaler om året. — "Han skriver på en apologie, som han efter resignationen vil overlevere Stænderne på Rigsdagen, og begærer, enten at restitueres udi sin forrige dignitet og charge, eller at hans sag må komme til proces."

"Pimentelli tog i forgårs afsked her til hove, som kauserede her en stor latter, eftersom han logerer på slottet, og vognene havde ikke været at køre med ham, end tværtover Københavns slotsplads. Hans folk sad i hans egen vogn, som holdt frem for dronningens, i hvilken han selv sad, så hestene havde ikke 6 trin at gå fra der, som folkene satte sig i, indtil trappen, som de stod af igen. —

Der er i Frankrig en lærd mand, som hedder Scudéry, og skriver en roman over alle de aktioner, som sker i Europa. Dronningen vil selv skrive ham en memorial om hendes levned, og have den indført i hans bog, og derudi nævne adskilligt, som en anden gerne skulle have tiet om sig selv."

English translation (my own):

March 31. [Juel has been bedridden for almost 7 weeks and has only just gotten up. The Queen's resignation brings about daily changes. Most of the courtiers are dismissed, and all the Queen's ladies-in-waiting are "licensed" except for 3, which she has kept: "General Count Ruthven's daughter, of England, a Dutch maiden, Louise van der Nooth, and Field Marshal Wrangel's sister."

Although the number of councilmen is greater than it has been in Sweden for some time, the Queen will still make two: Axel Sparre, governor of Gotland, because she is taking his orders from him, and Claes Bielkenstierna, who is His Royal Highness's favourite, so that she thereby will take from His Royal Highness every means of benefiting anyone."

Things are still going on quietly with the property which the Queen takes for herself in Pomerania, from generals and others; because the Chancellor has beneficently made his son give up what he had there; and the others must follow his example. The estates already taken by the Queen (for her annual entertainment) amount to 160,000 riksdalers per annum.

Count Magnus loses only 50,000 riksdalers a year. — "He writes an apology which, after his resignation, he will hand over to the Estates at the Riksdag, and he requests either to be restored to his previous dignity and charge, or that his case may come to trial."

"The day before yesterday, Pimentel took leave the court, which caused a great deal of laughter here, as he is staying at the castle, and the carriages had not been driven with him, except across Copenhagen's castle square. His people sat in his own carriage, which stood before  the Queen's, in which he himself sat, so that the horses did not have 6 steps to go from where the people sat down to the stairs where they got off again." —

There is a learned man in France called Scudéry, who is writing a novel about all the actions that are happening in Europe. The Queen herself will write him a memorandum about her life and have it put in his book, and in it she will mention several things that someone else would have liked her to keep quiet about herself."


Above: Kristina.


Above: Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie.


Above: Antonio Pimentel.


Above: Georges de Scudéry.

Note: Field Marshal Wrangel's sister = Maria Wrangel.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Excerpt from Johan Ekeblad's letter to his father Christoffer Ekeblad, dated March 22/April 1 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

Johan Ekeblads bref 1: Från Kristinas och Cromwells hof, page 317, published by Nils Sjöberg, 1911
The letter excerpt:

Upsala den 22 martii 1654.
... Det nya jag vet min käre farkär att communicera denna gången är, att hennes majestät har idag låtit cassera allt sitt fruentimmer, undantagandes 3, som äro den engelska fröken, jungfru Louise en hållänsk och lilla Maria Wrangel, hvilka hon behålla vill. Äro också hennes kammartjänare afdankade på 2 när och några hofjunkrar. Hon vill allena behålla 4 kammarherrar och några andra, hvilka kan man intet så egentligen veta än. Monsieur Tått och monsieur Stenbärg, som skall bli grefve, följa visst. Och så snart församlingen kommit hit, vill hennes majestät strax i förstone leverera kronan åt tillkommande kungen och genast bege sig åt Öland och strax draga åt Tyskland och genom Hålland åt Spad i Flandren och sedan åt Bryssel till att bli öfver vintern.

Hertig Adolf reste hädan idag och åt Stokholm och sedan åt Wastena till att förbli. Han har varit mycket malcontent allt medan han har varit här och precipiterat sin resa härifrån, efterty hennes majestät honom inte så godt ansikte gjort har som vanligt, ehuruväl emellan Totten och honom allt stilladt är.

Den spanske ambassadeuren reser innan kort tid hädan och den ängelske finner sig helt illa belåten med det han inga svar får på sina värf. Och det sker därföre, att hennes majestät har låtit säga honom, att han inga besked bekomma kan, förr än en hel hop af våra skepp restituerade blifva, som de ha i deras händer och nu nyligen ännu antastat.

Ifrån Ståkhålm ha vi vissa tidender, att numer af ingen sjukdom höres, så att prästerna beklaga sig därsammastädes, att icke en människa dör nu, så att uti 6 veckors tid är icke mer än en person död blefven i hela staden. ...

Ekhålmsund är kommet till sin förra husbonde igen, och besitter Tåtten det redan. Ösel och gref Magni gods i Bremen och Tyskland har dronningen tagit för sig. So gekommen, so genommen! Jakobsdal får han likväl igen, men det är olika bytt. ...

Ingen af riksrådet blir uti hennes majestäts tjänst mer än Härman Fleming, 
som skall bli hennes gouverneur öfver hennes inkomster. ...

With more modernised spelling:

Uppsala, den 22 martii 1654.
... Det nya jag vet min käre farkär att kommunicera denna gången är att Hennes Majestät har idag låtit kassera allt sitt fruntimmer undantagandes 3, som äro den engelska fröken, jungfru Louise en holländsk, och lilla Maria Wrangel, vilka hon behålla vill. Äro också hennes kammartjänare avdankade på 2 när och några hofjunkrar. Hon vill allena behålla 4 kammarherrar och några andra, vilka kan man intet så egentligen veta än. Monsieur Tott och monsieur Steinberg, som skall bli greve, följa visst. Och så snart församlingen kommit hit, vill Hennes Majestät strax i förstone leverera kronan åt tillkommande kungen och genast bege sig åt Öland och strax draga åt Tyskland och genom Holland åt Spa i Flandern och sedan åt Bryssel till att bli över vintern.

Hertig Adolf reste hädan idag och åt Stockholm och sedan åt Vadstena till att förbli. Han har varit mycket malkontent allt medan han har varit här och precipiterat sin resa härifrån, efterty Hennes Majestät honom inte så gott ansikte gjort har som vanligt, ehuruväl emellan Totten och honom allt stillat är.

Den spanske ambassadören reser innan kort tid hädan och den engelske finner sig helt illa belåten med det han inga svar får på sina värv. Och det sker därföre, att Hennes Majestät har låtit säga honom att han inga besked bekomma kan förrän en hel hop av våra skepp restituerade bliva, som de ha i deras händer och nu nyligen ännu antastat.

Ifrån Stockholm ha vi vissa tidender att numer av ingen sjukdom höres så att prästerna beklaga sig därsammastädes att icke en människa dör nu, så att uti 6 veckors tid är icke mer än en person död bleven i hela staden. ...

Ekholmsund är kommet till sin förra husbonde igen, och besitter Totten det redan. Ösel och greve Magni gods i Bremen och Tyskland har drottningen tagit för sig. So gekommen, so genommen! Jakobsdal får han likväl igen, men det är olika bytt. ...

Ingen av Riksrådet blir uti Hennes Majestäts tjänst mer än Herman Fleming, som skall bli hennes gouvernör över hennes inkomster. ...

French translation (my own):

Upsal, le 22 mars 1654.
... La nouvelle chose que je sais à dire à mon cher père à propos de cette époque, c'est que Sa Majesté a aujourd'hui congédié toutes ses dames d'honneur à l'exception de 3, qui sont l'Anglaise, mademoiselle Louise, une Hollandaise, et la petite Marie Wrangel, qu'elle veut garder. Aussi environ 2 de ses chambellans ont résigné et quelques junkers de la cour. Elle ne veut garder que 4 chambellans et quelques autres, qu'on ne sait pas encore vraiment. M. Tott et M. Steinberg, qui doit devenir comte, suivront certainement. Et dès que l'assemblée est arrivée ici, Sa Majesté veut immédiatement remettre la couronne au futur roi et partir immédiatement pour Öland et aller en Allemagne, et à travers la Hollande jusqu'à Spa en Flandre, puis à Bruxelles pour passer l'hiver.

Le duc Adolphe s'est rendu ici aujourd'hui et à Stockholm puis à Vadstena pour y rester. Il a été très mécontent tout le temps qu'il a été ici et a accéléré son voyage d'ici, parce que Sa Majesté ne lui a pas fait aussi bonne figure que d'habitude, bien qu'entre Tott et lui tout soit calme.

L'ambassadeur d'Espagne s'en va d'ici peu, et l'Anglais se trouve complètement mécontent du fait qu'il n'obtienne aucune réponse à ses demandes. Et cela arrive parce que Sa Majesté lui a dit qu'il ne pouvait pas avoir de nouvelles jusqu'à ce qu'un grand nombre de nos navires soient restitués, qu'ils ont entre les mains et qu'ils ont récemment touchés.

De Stockholm, nous avons certaines nouvelles que maintenant aucune maladie n'est entendue, de sorte que les prêtres s'y plaignent qu'aucune personne ne meurt maintenant, de sorte qu'en 6 semaines, pas plus d'une personne n'est morte dans toute la ville. ...

Ekholmsund est retourné à son ancien maître, et Tott le possède déjà. Les domaines d'Ösel et du comte Magnus à Brême et en Allemagne ont été repris par la reine. So gekommen, so genommen! Il récupérera toujours Jacobsdal, mais c'est un échange différent. ...

Personne du Conseil ne sera plus au service de Sa Majesté qu'Armand Fleming, qui sera son gouverneur sur ses revenus. ...

English translation (my own):

Uppsala, March 22, 1654.
... The new thing that I know of to tell my dear Father about this time is that Her Majesty has today dismissed of all her ladies-in-waiting with the exception of 3, who are the English lady, lady Louise, a Dutch one, and little Maria Wrangel, whom she wants to keep. Also about 2 of her chamberlains have resigned and some court junkers. She only wants to keep 4 chamberlains and a few others, which one can't really know yet. Mr. Tott and Mr. Steinberg, who is to become a count, will certainly follow. And as soon as the assembly has arrived here, Her Majesty wants to immediately deliver the crown to the future king and immediately set off for Öland and go to Germany, and through Holland to Spa in Flanders, and then to Brussels to stay over the winter.

Duke Adolf traveled here today and to Stockholm and then to Vadstena to stay there. He has been very discontent all while he has been here and hastened his journey from here, because Her Majesty has not made him as good a face as usual, although between Tott and him everything is quiet.

The Spanish ambassador is leaving before a short while, and the Englishman finds himself completely dissatisfied with the fact that he is not getting any answers to his requests. And it happens because Her Majesty has told him that he cannot get any news until a great many of our ships are restituted, which they have in their hands and have recently touched.

From Stockholm we have certain news that now no illness is heard of, so that the priests complain there that not one person dies now, so that in 6 weeks time, not more than one person has died in the whole city. ...

Ekholmsund has returned to its former master, and Tott already owns it. Ösel and Count Magnus' estates in Bremen and Germany have been taken over by the Queen. So gekommen, so genommen! He will still get Jakobsdal again, but that is a different exchange. ...

No one of the Council will be in Her Majesty's service more than Herman Fleming, who will be her governor over her income. ...


Above: Kristina.


Above: Adolf Johan.


Above: Antonio Pimentel, the Spanish ambassador.


Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke, the English ambassador.


Above: Johan Ekeblad.


Above: Christoffer Ekeblad.

Note: Jakobsdal is the old name of Ulriksdal Castle.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

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

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, in the years M.DCC.LIII. and M.DCC.LIV., volume 1, page 293, by Bulstrode Whitelocke, 1772


The diary entry excerpt:

... Whitelocke visited the lady Jane Ruthen, concerning whom the queen had spoken to him; and in that or any other buisnes, Whitelocke professed all readyness to doe her service; which visit she tooke as a great respect, and told the queen of it: and Whitelocke found, that, among other visits, those to ladyes are not unnecessary for an ambassador, especially in the court of a queen, whose eare they have more than her counsellors; and, in all states, their influence in the highest affayres is not to be despised.

Whitelocke received civilities and respect from divers of the queen's ladyes, with whom he had sometimes opportunity to discourse when he waited on the queen; and most of them had the french language: and therfore Whitelocke tooke occasion sometimes to visit them, and to discourse with them in drollery, yett of such matters as he was willing should come to the queen's eare, and he knew the ladyes would not fayle to relate to her majesty; and this he found they did, and not to the disadvantage of him or his buisnes, through the good opinion which his civility had gained with them. ...

With modernised spelling:

... Whitelocke visited the lady Jane Ruthven, concerning whom the Queen had spoken to him; and in that or any other business, Whitelocke professed all readiness to do her service, which visit she took as a great respect and told the Queen of it. And Whitelocke found that, among other visits, those to ladies are not unnecessary for an ambassador, especially in the court of a queen, whose ear they have more than her counsellors; and, in all states, their influence in the highest affairs is not to be despised.

Whitelocke received civilities and respect from diverse of the Queen's ladies, with whom he had sometimes opportunity to discourse when he waited on the Queen; and most of them had the French language, and therefore Whitelocke took occasion sometimes to visit them and to discourse with them in drollery, yet of such matters as he was willing should come to the Queen's ear and he knew the ladies would not fail to relate to Her Majesty. And this he found they did, and not to the disadvantage of him or his business, through the good opinion which his civility had gained with them. ...


Above: Kristina.


Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Jane Ruthven's letter to James Pringle, dated September 8, 1655

Source:

Ruthven correspondence. Letters and papers of Patrick Ruthven, Earl of Forth and Brentford, and of his family, A.D. 1615 - A.D. 1662, page 133, compiled, edited and published by the Roxburgh Club and William Dunn Macray, 1868


The letter:

WORTHY SIR,
I have ever found your generousitty so greatt to mee, that I perswad my selff, though my present misfortun makes mee uncapabell of itt, yett the ty of consangguinitty and freandsheep was betwixt my laet father and you will not permit you alltogether to abandon his doughtter in hir great extreamitty, boutt give your assistans and advis that my Lady may give hir consent to seall a littell land that is in Sweden for my reliff and subsistanc; also to give your asistanc in what may be a lyvilihood to me, how is leffit amost to my selff. I conffess my Lady hes deallit just with mee in giveing in giveing [sic] mee all the plactt and jewells belongt to my shar, on which I hav lived, and does still. I besich you, Sir, let not my misfourtun turn your goodness from mee, but to asist the afflictted, which will bee a verrie exceaptabell servis to God, and show a genrousity beyond the expecttation of thes tims, and oblidg,
Sir,
Your unfortunat cossing and servant,
JAEN RUTHVEN.
The 8 of September, 1655.

Sir, you know I had a pretention tow 14 thowsand marks, but sinc I cannot satisffiy my Lady conserning hir joyntter, I most beag that she may reseve no wrong; I will rander my selff to hir discretion, what hir Ladiship will alow me. But I besich you deall well with my Lady; you may by that means perswad hir the more to assiste mee in my nesisity.

For my very much honoured cousing, the Laird of Whittbanck, in Scottland.

Jane Ruthven's letter to James Pringle, dated September 17, 1653

Source:

Ruthven correspondence. Letters and papers of Patrick Ruthven, Earl of Forth and Brentford, and of his family, A.D. 1615 - A.D. 1662, page 131, compiled, edited and published by the Roxburgh Club and William Dunn Macray, 1868


The letter:

SIR,
I hav reseved yours dated the 20 of June, wher in I ffind my Lady's generousity very much extended to mee, and hav, according to your commands, aknoulidged it to hir in asuering hir that, iff I may wons bee agaien so hapy as to bee restord to any of my lost ffortune, that she shall ffreely shar in it and disspos on it as she pleases. I conffess it a greatt bountty in her to hav resingd that mony over to mee; I dowt not butt God will recompenc her just dealling towards mee. With this letter I hop my Lady will send you the comission and the other paper you desird that I should sing withe wittnesses. Sir, I hop I shall not now need to importune you agaien; I know your generousity to bee so greatt, and I am perswaded that the doughter of him whom you so highly hav esteemd and infinetly obliged during his liff, cannot exscepect les then the continewation of your goodness still towards hir in dissposing off my affairs as you think it ffitting. As concerning the mony which my Lady hes now lefftt over to mee, I shal not yeett desir that it may bee lifftted up, butt humbly desir off you that it may bee in saff hands, and that you will dispone of it as you think it may bee most proffitabllest for my us. Iff ther wer a posibility to let it out upon inttreast, I shoulld very gladly see itt; yeatt, Sir, I beag your pardone in presuming to give you a councell. I am sur and wholly rely upon your just dealling in my affairs, beeing my poor deseased ffatther hes thought you the ffittest persone; and, ffinding your genenerous dealling towards him during his liff, I dowtt not butt my unworthy selff shall still ffind the effects of your justic, and griv and nothing so much as that I hav not the powr to act any thing wherby I might giv you evident testimony how much I dow desir to bee esteemed,
Sir,
Your ever constant reall ffreiand and cousen,
JANE RUTHVEN.
Stokhollam, the 17 off Septtember, 1653.

For my much honoured coussine the Lard off Whyttbanke.

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Jane Ruthven's letter to James Pringle, dated October 11, 1651

Source:

Ruthven correspondence. Letters and papers of Patrick Ruthven, Earl of Forth and Brentford, and of his family, A.D. 1615-A.D. 1662, page 127, compiled, edited and published by the Roxburgh Club and William Dunn Macray, 1868


The letter:

MUCH HONOURED FREAND,
I dout not butt you know what a charge my father hes lefftt to you, and the greatt confidenc I hav you will still continow my freand and pattron as you hav been my Lord's, makes mee now presum to beag your assistanc in my affairs in that conttry. As concerning the greatt loss wee hav had ther, having now lost the hops of regaining on itt by the King's powr, I humbley entreatt you to think of a way to gett som of itt, that is, I mean, the littll part of itt that my father was plleasd to mak my portion, thoug I dow beliv ther wer no injustic to ask for itt all; and thoug thy hav all ready goon beyound the limmitts off tirrany in taking that from ous which I beliv thy will never give us again, yeett I preswad my self thy will consider how greatt an act of charity is to asist a poor orphan whos condition, I am sur, you very well know is very sad, iff thy dow not remediett it with bestowing off that upon mee thy know in justic thy cannot keep from mee. Therfor I earnestly eanttreatt you, Sir, to speak to my Lord of Argill aboutt itt, iff you can with conveniency dow itt. The reson whey I dow not com ther myself is that the Queen of Sweden is gratiously pleasd to lett ous hav subsistanc from her untill the conttry ther bee wons settled. Sir I hav no greatter motiv to mov you to this, but the reward He abov bestows on all thes that asist the widow and fatherless, and allwis the prayers of her who is resolved to liv etternally,
Sir,
Your very reall freand and humble servantt,
JEAN RUTHVEN.

From Stockhollm the 11 of October, 1651.
My Lady hes hear sentt you the coppi of the testamentt, wher in you will find yoursellf concerned. Your partner my Lord of Eythen I beliv wolld hav written to you, butt that hee is nott now in town; his is upon his hows in the conttry, som thriscore mills from henc.

(Addressed)
For my very much honoured freand Whittbank, thes present.

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Kristina and Whitelocke at a party, January 5/15 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, in the years M.DCC.LIII. and M.DCC.LIV., volume 1, pages 303 to 305, Bulstrode Whitelocke, 1772


The anecdote:

... Seeing the high esteem and pleasure which her majesty had of balles, dauncing, and musicke, which recreations being modestly and moderately used, [Whitelocke] held indifferent things, and not unlawfull in themselves; and that it was fitt for him, being invited by the queen, to be present att them, att fitt times, lest he should be judged too severe and morose, and too much to censure those who used and delighted in them, desired his company att them: and he having bin before invited to a ball, and refusing to come, bicause it was on the Lord's day, being now agayne solemnly invited from the queen herselfe, to a ball this night att court, he thought, if he should agayne refuse to come to it, the queen might be distasted, and thinke her favour slighted; he therefore resolved to go to the ball this night; and after nine a'clocke, the master of the ceremonies (in a speciall complement) brought two of the queen's coaches to attend [Whitelocke] to the castle. When he came into the roome where the queen was, she bid him wellcome, with more then ordinary respect, and ledd him into a large roome, where she usually heares sermons, and, att other times, it is for musick and dauncing.

There was present a great number of ladyes and gallants; her chayre of state was uppon a foot carpett: a little distance from it, on the right hand, were five or six stooles, where Whitelocke sate next to the queen, and after him, prince Adolphe, and other grandees; on the left hand sate about twenty ladyes, very gallant, after the french mode. The queen's musick was in a place behind the chayre of state, seven or eight violins, with base violes, flutes, and citterns, perfecte masters.

The queen, with her ladyes and courtiers, first daunced the brawles, then french daunces, in which the lady Jane Ruthen tooke forth captain Whitelocke; and he and severall others of Whitelocke's gentlemen were taken forth by the swedish ladyes, to daunce english countrey daunces; wherin the english gentlemen were expert, and taught them some new ones.

The queen took delight in those english daunces, and herselfe daunced with more life and spirit then the rest of the ladyes, or then any he had seen: she was pleased severall times to doe Whitelocke the honor to come to him, and discourse with him, whilst the rest were dauncing. She asked him, how he liked their sports? he told her, he liked them very well, and thought himselfe in England: she asked, why so? he answeared, bicause he saw the sports and daunces of his own countrey so lively acted heer. After he had fully commended the dauncing, musick, and company, and her majesty, who was above all, about twelve a'clocke att night the meeting brake up, and Whitelocke was brought home agayne with the queen's coaches.


Above: Kristina.


Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.

Monday, August 3, 2020

Whitelocke's private audience with Kristina, January 10/20 (Old Style), 1654

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, in the years M.DCC.LIII. and M.DCC.LIV., volume 1, pages 282 to 284, Bulstrode Whitelocke, 1772


The meeting:

... [Whitelocke] caused an abstract of his newes to be written in french out of his letters, and carryed it late that night to the queen, who thanked him for it. The frost was so hard and slipperye, that he was faine to walke on foote, and to be supported by two of his servants.

The queen, among other things, fell into discourse with him concerning king James, who, she had heard, was poysoned, and his son prince Henry also; butt Whitelocke declined this discourse, and to speake reproachfully of the dead.

Then the queen discoursed of the great duke of Bucks (as she called him) and of his extraction and favour, wherof Whitelocke gave her a perticular account; and she demanding, how he came to be so fully instructed of the duke, his son, and family; he told her, there was a neere alliance between the duke and Whitelocke's children; wherof she was very inquisitive.

She also inquired concerning the old earle of Arundell, the countess of Kent, and divers of our nobility; and of Mr. Selden, Patrick Young, some of the bishops, and divers others of our learned men, of whom Whitelocke was able to give her an account, and did no injury to any of them; in so much that the queen said, she marvayled to heare one give so full an account of so many, and not to speake reproachfully of any of them, not of an ennemy, butt to give every one his due.

Whitelocke told her, that he held it disingenious to reproach princes, or any others, behind their backes, and more honourable to speake plainly to themselves, then to back-bite any one: the queen sayd, that was honorable, and very becomming a gentleman.

She then commended the library att St. James's, and the rare MSS. there, of some wherof she desired to gett coppyes: Whitelocke told her, he was the more capable to serve her therin, bicause he was keeper of that library; and promised, att his returne to England, to indeavour to doe her majesty that service which she desired.

One would have imagined that England had bin her native countrey, so well was she furnished with the characters of most persons of consideration there, and with the story of the nation, and full of inquiryes touching those matters; wherin Whitelocke found his having bin acquainted with persons and affayres to be a great advantage to him.

The queen spake much for king of Spayne's being taken into the alliance with England and Sweden; and Whitelocke prayed her to putt it into her memoire of proposalls, and he would transmitt it to his superiors.

She told Whitelocke, she wondered that he had no letters from his general, and sayd, she used to write to her forein publique ministers; butt Whitelocke said, his general seldome did so, butt those letters were from the councell of state.

She desired Whitelocke's assistance in a buisnes in England concerning one of her servants, the lady Jane Ruthen, daughter to general Ruthen; wherin Whitelocke promised his service.

He heard there would be a balle to-morrow att the court, and that he should be invited to it; butt, by intimation to Grave Tott, and senator Vanderlin, to excuse him if he were thought on, that neither he nor any of his company could be there, bicause it was the Lord's day, he prevented the invitation, and his denyall of it.


Above: Kristina.


Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.