It had already been printed in Morland's book (pp.

564-565).] (LIX.) TO THE MOST EMINENT LORD, CARDINAL MAZARIN, _May_ 25, 1625:[1]--Not content with writing to Louis XIV., Cromwell addressed also the great French Minister.

After mentioning the dreadful occasion, the letter proceeds--"There is clearly nothing which has obtained for the French nation greater esteem with all their neighbours professing the Reformed Religion than the liberty and privileges permitted and granted to Protestants by edicts and public acts.

It is for this reason chiefly, though for others as well, that this Commonwealth has sought for the friendship and alliance of the French to a greater degree than before.

For the settlement of this there have now for a good while been dealings here with the King's Ambassador, and his Treaty is now almost brought to a conclusion.