Leda’s Mission and the Vaudois Massacre

Abstract

Having discussed the Western Design, it is time to return to the course of relations in Europe and consider the crisis that threatened Cromwell’s rapprochement with France when his attack on Spanish territory was already under way. Despite Spain’s public fury at Cromwell’s ‘unexpected treachery’, their government was clearly aware of the Design’s target since the summer of 1654, although the actual course of the attack was not known until August 1655. Throughout this period Cardenas continued to negotiate and in May 1655 Spain sent the Marquis of Leda to assist him. It was apparent that Cromwell was unlikely to mitigate his harsh demands, the King’s ‘two eyes’, and as Leda did not offer any new terms his mission was not intended to prevent a breach by surrendering to Cromwell’s demands. However, France feared for his success despite current events in America. Spain did not retaliate until it was known that Cromwell’s expedition had been rebuffed and that his military power was not as great as was feared in 1654.