Lars Niléhn 64 whose enemies increased in number; Russia was a threat; and the Netherlands did apply pressure. All these doubts on Brandenburg’s part led to a third treaty, in which the elector was declared the full sovereign of Prussia and thus no longer had ties of fealty. Nevertheless, the elector still felt distrust and conducted secret negotiations with Poland about mediation.^^ Thus it was important to let Swedish troops stay in Prussia for reasons of strength and in order not to disquiet the elector.^® As Sweden was about to enter into war with Denmark, the situation changed for Brandenburg. On the one hand, Sweden now had enemies in two directions and, on the other, Charles Gustavus wanted Brandenburg to join in his effort. Pufendorf states that Frederick Williamwas in despair and that he was the object of diplomatic overtures from Austria and Netherlands. He warned Charles Gustavus, but acted cautiously in the summer of 1657 in order to gain time. The king tried to make the treaty hold, while the elector complained about the situation.®^ Gharles Gustavus proposed a joint war against Denmark. Then Sweden would hardly demand anything in Germany, but would, of course, make demands on Denmark. The elector was unsure. Without the knowledge of Charles Gustavus he made a declaration of neutrality and was finally offered such a treaty by Sweden also. Poland and Austria tried to get the elector to join them. The latter also thought the war against Denmark would be too costly. To him sovereignty over Prussia was the crucial question. Furthermore, he stated that the Swedish army had been rather ruthless when it marched through Brandenburg. In July, 1657, he made a treaty with Poland and, as a natural consequence, with Hungary and Denmark as well.®® Still there existed some kind of a friendship between the two princes. Charles Gustavus wanted a neutral Brandenburg. They corresponded and each explained his actions to the other. Not until December did the tone become harsher, with Frederick William being accused of a breach of treaty.®® The year after, the relationship between the two states grew worse. The elector was particularly anxious to protect himself and acted for his own safety, while Charles Gustavus wanted friendship.®® An analysis of how Pufendorf treated the actions of Brandenburg and Frederick Williamshows him to be fairly impartial. He does write about sensitive questions, such as negotiations of which the Swedish king was ignorant and which were against the king’s interests. But these are always justified by the fact that the elector cared for his country and also by the ibid. IV §§ 28—30. 58 ibid. IV §§ 30—32. 5» ibid. IV§ 32. ibid. V §§ 63—65.
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