_Gr. Eric._ I have order to acquaint you with these particulars, and to confer with you about them, being esteemed by us just and reasonable.
_Wh._ After my attendance here three or four months without any answer to my proposals, I did not expect to receive new ones from you so different from those which I gave in with equal respect to the good of both nations; and I having offered the friendship of England to you in general, you answer that it will be accepted, but upon particular and hard conditions.
_Gr. Eric._ I confess there hath been too much delay in your business, but it hath been occasioned by the uncertainty of the issue of your treaty with Holland.
_Wh._ The issue of that treaty is not yet known, and the articles given in by me had no relation thereunto, and were proposed three months since.
_Gr. Eric._ At present we take it for granted that the peace is concluded between you and Holland, and that now you are good friends.
_Wh._ I wish we may be so; and if that peace be concluded, there is the less need of your proposals touching prizes, contraband{ 3} goods, etc.
_Gr. Eric._ Though the peace be concluded between you, yet it is prudent to make those provisions, in case of a new war with them or others.
_Wh._ I shall desire a copy of your particulars.
_Gr. Eric._ You shall have them; and I desire you to read this paper, which is an order of the Council of State in England, delivered to Mr. Lagerfeldt when he was there, whereby these particulars are remitted to your negotiation.
_Wh._ This paper bears date after my departure from England, and I never saw it before, nor received any particular instructions on this subject.
_Gr. Eric._ If you are not satisfied touching the point of damages sustained by her Majesty's subjects in the taking of their ships and goods by the English, there may be witnesses examined here for proof thereof.
_Wh._ I cannot erect a Court or Commissioners, or consent to examination of witnesses, in this place and upon this occasion; nor can I take accounts of merchants; I confess my ignorance.
_Gr. Eric._ It may be contained in the treaty that justice shall be done, and satisfaction given to my countrymen for the wrongs done to them.
_Wh._ That cannot be so expressed without accusing our Commonwealth, and at least confessing wrongs done, and implying that justice hath not been done; but I can assure you that the Commonwealth hath done, and will do, justice to their friends and to all persons, and I shall do all that lies in my power for that end.