Such a missive proves that Richard and his Council kept to Oliver's rule of interference whenever there was persecution of Protestants, and also that they did not doubt their influence with Louis and Mazarin.
(CXLI.) To CARDINAL MAZARIN, _Feb._ 19, 1658-9:[1]--The Duchess-Dowager of Richmond, with her son, the young duke, is going into France, and means to reside there for some time.

His Eminence is requested to show all possible attention to the illustrious lady and her son.
[Footnote 1: So dated in the Skinner Transcript, but "29 Feb." in Printed Collection and Phillips.] (CXLII.) To CARDINAL MAZARIN, _Feb._ 22, 1658-9:[1]--About eight months ago the case of Peter Pett, "a man of singular probity, and of the highest utility to us and the Commonwealth by his remarkable skill in naval affairs," was brought before his Eminence by a letter of the late Lord Protector (not among Milton's letters).

It was to request that his Eminence would see to the execution of a decree of his French Majesty's Council, as far back as Nov.

4, 1647, that compensation should be made to Pett for the seizure and sale of a ship of his, called the _Edward_, by one Bascon, in the preceding year.

His Eminence has doubtless attended to the request; but there is still some impediment.