[Sidenote:  CHAP.  XI. 1634-1645.]

The first object of Oxenstiern was to renew the treaty with France:  a skilful negociator on the part of Sweden was necessary.  Oxenstiern fixed his eye upon Grotius:  the penetrating minister had several conversations with him.  The embassy to France was certainly the most important commission, with which a minister from Sweden could be charged:  Oxenstiern’s appointment of Grotius to it, demonstrated the minister’s high opinion of him.  Some time in July 1634, he declared Grotius councillor to the Queen of Sweden, and her ambassador to the court of France.  Grotius made his public entry into Paris on Friday the 2d of March 1635.  Nothing of the customary ceremonial or compliment was omitted in his regard, by the court of France.

Unfortunately for the success of the embassy of Grotius, two envoys from some of the Protestant states in Germany had previously signed a treaty with France, which was generally considered by the confederates to be injurious to their interests.

[Sidenote:  Embassy of Grotius to the Court of France.]

The first interview of Grotius with the Cardinal took place on the 28th March.  During their conference, a dispatch arrived from Oxenstiern to Grotius:  it was immediately put into his bands, by the Cardinal’s desire.  It announced a resolution, taken by the Chancellor, to repair to Paris, and that he was actually on his journey thither.  Richelieu was displeased:  but he determined to give the chancellor the most honourable and flattering reception.  On the 21st of April, Grotius met Oxenstiern at Soissons:  they proceeded together to Paris.  Conferences between the Cardinal and the Chancellor immediately took place.  The matter in discussion between the courts were soon arranged:  France undertook to declare war against the emperor, to subsidize Sweden, and to send an army to co-operate with her forces in Germany.  It has always been considered highly creditable to the firmness and talents of Oxenstiern, that, in the reduced condition of the Swedes, he could obtain for them such advantageous terms.  Immediately after the treaty was signed, the Chancellor quitted France.  During his stay, he shewed a marked attention to Grotius, and expressed unqualified approbation of his conduct and views.

The arms of Sweden again triumphed.  In Pomerania, General Bannier obtained important advantages over the imperialists; in Alsace, the arms of the Duke of Saxe-Weimar were equally successful.  In the following year, the two victorious generals carried their arms into the heart of the Austrian territories, and, were almost uniformly successful.

[Sidenote:  CHAP.  XI. 1634-1645.]