MEMORIALS OF THE ENGLISH AFFAIRS: OR, AN Historical Account OF What passed from the beginning of the Reign of King CHARLES the First, to King CHARLES the Second His Happy RESTAURATION. Containing the Publick TRANSACTIONS, CIVIL and MILITARY. Together with The Private Consultations and Secrets of the CABINET.

—Quaeque ipse miserrima vidi,
Et quorum pars magna fui.
Virg.

LONDON: Printed for Nathaniel Ponder, at the Sign of the Peacok, in the Poultry, near the Church, MDC LXXXII.

THE PUBLISHER TO THE READER.

IT is not every period of Time, not every King, or Caesar's Reign, that furnishes Matter sufficient for an History. Tacitus in one place Professes he cannot meet with any thing, unless he should stuff out a Volume in commending the Foundation, or the huge Timber that Caesar employed at the building his Am­phitheatre. Elsewhere he complains of his being Straitned, and kept Down, the Times affording nothing Notable besides the Corruption of Judges, the Incouragement of Informers, Subornations and Malici­ous Prosecutions, Treachery, and Trepannings, new sorts of Treason devised, and the Laws (made for the Peoples Security) turn'd into Snares and Ginns to catch and destroy the Brave, and the Vertuous, and all such as are like to resent or stemm the Inundation of Villany ready to overflow the Land. Other Writers (says he) ingentia bella, ex­pugnationes Tac. Hist. lib. 4. Urbium, fufos captos (que) Reges, aut si quando ad in­terna praeverterant, discordias Consulum adversus Tribunos, agra­rias frumentarias (que) Leges, plebis & optimatum certamina libero egressu memorabant, which may thus be Englished; They had to write of great Wars, the Storming of Towns, Kings put to the Rout, and taken Captive; or (if they looked Home-ward) with a free hand they described the Clashings of the chief Magistrate with the Peoples Representative, the Great Charter, the fundamental Laws and Li­berty of the Subject, with the warm Debates and Contestation betwixt the Peers and the Commons; these were what Tacitus accounted the Noblest Matter for an Historian.

It has been ordinarily observed that the Sword cuts out Work for the Pen; and times of War are times of History. Ʋpon that Blow gi­ven to the Barbarians in Armenia, a thousand Herodotus's, a thousand Zenophons, and Thucydides's arose; every one bestir'd himself, and Lucian. de Hist. scr. fell to Scrible, and Commenced Historian immediately.

Whether we Reflect on the course of War pursued for so many years throughout these three Nations, and English Dominions; or that [Page] we consider the Fatal strife of the Higher Powers, and Governing parts of the Commonwealth amongst themselves, no Nation or Times ever yielded a Nobler Subject: So far from stinting, that it rather might deter the ablest Pen-man from so vast an Ʋndertaking. And we may sooner despair of an Historian, than want Matter for an History.

Here wanted not the brisk Attaques, the bold Sallyes, the resolute Charges, the obstinate Sieges, nor any of that glorious Violence, Desolation and Outrage, whereof the Warriers make their wretched Ostentation. Yet the labour here was no less to subdue the Ʋnder­standing, than to beat down the bodies of the Enemy; Nor was it less a dispute, who had the better of the Cause in a Declaration, than who got the Victory in the Field.

Peradventure the Arts, and the Ambushes, and the Management was not so fine, nor had so considerable a proportion in the Story, as might be expected from some of our Neighbours. The English stay not for so much ceremony, but fight in haste, not caring for more than that old Roman rule, ‘Parcere subjectis, & debellare superbos,’

To give fair Quarter to those that Yield, and to Knock 'em down that Resist. These are their Arts, these are their Stratagems. These Events, together with the changes and revolutions that usually fol­low the tempest of War, are things obvious, and not to be concealed from the Inquisitive, but seldom it is that the Rise and Springs of great Actions are open to view. [...]raef. ad A ng. Dion Cassius was sensible what dif­ference there was in writing History under a Commonwealth, where the Counsels are all publickly canvassed and debated; and in a Monarchy, where the affairs of State are for the most part managed in Cabinets, and by a few heads, and every thing made a Mystery; So many Disguises, and so much Mist intermingled in the Transactions, that the most dili­gent Historian is many times lost, and forced upon Conjecture; and cannot distinguish what is Real, from what are State-pretences.

Besides the other advantages afore mentioned for an History, the portion of Time (within the compass of these Memorials) of all others, is that in which the State Cabinet was laid open, all the Tricks exposed, all the mysterious Characters decypher'd, all the Deeds and Misdeeds, all the secret Practices and Intreagues unravell'd to the eye and observation of the World. And such a Foundation for certainty in an Historian, as rarely any times have afforded. This is so well [Page] understood, that for want of something accurately Composed in this kind, the World is glad of Collections, and Memorials, and the like Mate­rials, that may serve in some stead, till time can produce some Master Accomplish'd for so great a Performance.

Yet is not this portion of Time altogether of a piece, every day brings not forth a Petition of Right, nor an Edge-hill Battel; there are Intervals, there are Flats where Fortune drives swimmingly without Rattle or Disturbance, as well as Ʋps, and Downs, and Precipices, where She jolts, and tumbles, and overturns every thing in the way.

Hence it is that the course of some years scarce affords matter for a Diary: And again, some day yields Sinews, and Substance, and Bu­siness proportionable to fulfil the measures of a Compleat History.

Which Inequality appears likewise in our Author, who sometimes writes up to the dignity of an Historian, and elsewhere is content bare­ly to set down Occurrences Diary-wise, without melting down or refi­ning the Oar; and improving those Hints and Rudiments to the perfecti­on and true standard of an History.

The truth is, our Author never intended this for a Book in Print, nor meant otherwise by it than as a Book for his Memory, and private use; yet such was his Relation to the Publick, so Eminent his Station, and so much was he upon the Stage during all the time of Action, that the particulars of his Diary go very far towards a Perfect History of those times.

We have seen lately published the Diary of King Edward the the VI. and formerly that of Archbishop Laud; And in France, the Diary of Mazarine, Richeleu, and other the great Ministers; the Italians shew that of Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy, and that of the Famous Marquess Spinola and others. In Suetonius we read of the Ephemeris's or Diaries of several of the first Caesars; Princes, and the great Ministers have borrowed so much time from their weigh­ty Occasions, to Note down the Memorials of daily Passages. But ge­nerally this sort of Commentaries were rather accounted proper to furnish Materials for other men of Leisure and Capacity, than to pass for Hi­story themselves.

Only Julius Caesar writ in this kind with so much care, to discour­age any from writing after him; but he design'd them for the World, and deals not bonâ fide in the Story: He takes no notice of his Scuffle with Metellus about the Sacred treasure; and wheresoever his Pru­dence, or his Justice might be arraign'd, all is slurr'd over in Silence, as they who Confront him with Plutarch, Dion Cassius, Ammianus, Lu­can, &c. may observe. So that he composed his Commentaries with great Elegancy of Style, but not with much Reputation to his Integrity.

[Page] The Author of these Memorials had not the same Temptations to Prevaricate, nor can well be suspected of a Design to represent things otherwise than Faithfully to himself. 'Tis not the Style and Delica­cies of Language that a Wise Reader expects in Writings of this kind; 'tis the Heart he seeks here, and not the Countenance.

Here is no Preface of Insinuation of Indifferency and Impartially Our Author confesses every-where his Engagements, his Party, when he Proceeded, and when he Retreated, without casting any Mist to Lead you aside, or Divert you (where the Ways are Nice and Dif­ficult) from observing what were the Measures, and where the dan­ger of making a false Step. All are Naked here, and the Party more likely to Suffer by the Truth, than the Truth to have any Violence in Favour of a Party.

Hence it is that here we meet with many Secrets that never other­wise could have come to Light, or would not have come without some Preparation and Adjustment. And we find what were the Perplexi­ties, and what the Thoughts of the Principal Actours in the Critical Junctures, and times of extreamest Difficulty; and how they Steer'd in those black tempestuous Seas where no Chart, or Compass could direct them.

We are told every where what the Intelligence, and whence it comes, without Reflecting on Persons; and find always in him that principle of a Gentleman, not to report Dishonourably of an Enemy. And therefore is he the more Excusable in giving a fair Character of his Friends.

Livy every where made honourable Mention of Scipio, Afranius, and even of Brutus and Cassius, often styling them Excellent Persons; yet was he not the less beloved of Augustus Caesar, nor had from him other Reprimand than to be called Pompeianus: Nor did those times ever call them Rogues and Rigicides, terms that afterwards a more Tac. Hist. l. 4. degenerate Ʋn-Roman Generation, under the Ministry of Sejanus, be­stowed upon them.

Lucian makes sport with a certain dealer in History, who gave the Captain of his own Party the Name of Achilles, and always call'd the Enemies General Thersites. There are some sort of Writings devoted to the Passions, and lower Agitations of the Soul, to stir An­ger and whet up a rusting Animosity: But (of all others) it worst be­comes an Historian to be dipt in any Drudgery of that nature. 'Tis an Affront to a Civil Reader who comes with a good Appetite, hungry for the Truth, to grate upon his Teeth with Reproaches and Aggra­vations; or on the other hand, to turn his Stomach with Nauseous Flourishes, and Slavish Adulation. The Reader comes not to En­gage [Page] or List himself on a Party, but expects with an Honest Neu­trality to make Profit and a laudable Spoil from the Quarrels and Mis­carriages of others; and without declaring either for Guelph or Gi­bellin, comes to reap the true Fruit of all the Toyl and Dangers that both have undergone; he is to fill his head with Wisdom, and seeks not the superficial Ornament of fading Laurels; he studies not to be angry, but to find Wit to his anger.

Our Author was too much in the World, and too much a Philoso­pher for any such Malignity to infect his Pen, nor was it in his Tem­per. And certainly no man was ever better Furnisht, or more Capa­ble of Composing an History of these Times Worthy the Majesty of the English Name, had he taken upon him that Province.

Some have an Opinion that it must be some General, or some Am­bassadour, or some Prime Minister only, that can be Sufficient for a Work of this nature. But what can an Ambassadour perform beyond his own Circle and Negotiation? Even Secretaries of State, we know, are not always of the Cabal, nor their Intelligence the most infallible.

Nor is it to be thought that Hannibal, bred in the Camp, for all his discipline, and his skill in Marshalling an Army, could vye with Levy in managing a Pen, in choosing his Words, or disposing them in order; nor could express that vigour of Style, that address of Speech and Elocution: All which are clear another sort of Talent.

Yet our Author not only served the State in several Stations, and Places of the highest Trust and Importance both at Home and in For­reign Countreys, and Acquitted himself with Success and Reputation answerable to each respective great Character; but likewise conversed with Books, and made himself a large Provision from his Studies, and Contemplation, like that Noble Roman Portius Cato, as described by Nepos, he was, Reipublicae peritus, & Jurisconsultus, & mag­nus Corn. Nep. Imperator, & probabilis Orator, & cupidissimus litterarum. A Statesman and learned in the Laws, a Great Commander, an Eminent Speaker (in Parliament) and an Exquisite Scholar. He was all along so much in Business, one would not imagine he ever had lei­sure for Books; yet who considers his Studies, might believe he had been always shut up with his Friend Selden, and the dust of Action never faln on his Gown. His relation to the Publick was such throughout all the Revolutions, that few mysteries of State could be to him any Secret. Nor was the felicity of his Pen less considerable, than his knowledge of Affairs, or did less Service to the Cause he Espoused. So we find the words apt and proper for the Occasion, the Style clear, easie, and without the least Force or Affectation of any kind, as is shewn in his Speeches, his Narratives, his Descriptions, [Page] and in every place where the Subject deserves the least Care or Con­sideration.

In all Occurrences, in all the Messages, Letters, Remonstrances, Petitions, Representations, Addresses, Votes, Conferences, Orders, Informations, Proclamations, Declarations and Proposals, he deli­vers them in their Immediate Words, in their own Cant and Dia­lect, the more lively to express the particular Genius, and that Ayr of Religion which in those Times overspread the face of Affairs.

The daily Passages, and matters of Fact thus Simple and Ʋnadorn'd, without being Pinn'd together, and Lickt over to Advantage for Publick View, may have as good Effect, may be as Profitable, and be as well Received by Men of Judgment, as any Story drest up with Gloss and Artifice, and all the Starch and Formality that ordinarily Recommend them to the World.

In matters of History none amongst the Moderns ever Merited better than Thuanus, yet 'tis observed, without any Diminution to him, that his Posthumous Work contains multa Falsissima & Indigna, Voss. pr. ad lib. de Hist. Lat. many things most False, and unworthy so great a Name. If ought of that Nature happen amongst the infinite Particulars wherewith this Volume is charged, it must be Noted without any Imputation either to the Intelligence, or to the Integrity of our Author, this being a Post­humous Work, and as has been said, never by him intended for the Publick.

MEMORIALS OF THE ENGLISH AFFAIRS, During the REIGN of King Charles the First.

Anno 1625 Car. I KING Charles the First succeeded his Father Mar. 27. King James: Imme­diately after whose death the Privy Coun­cil met, and drew up the Form of a Procla­mation, to proclaim King Charles; which was forthwith publish­ed at Theobalds, where the King dyed, and in London by the Nobility, K. Charles Proclaim­ed. Privy Councellors, Gentry, Lord Mayor and Alder­men, in great Solemnity; and so it was in all pla­ces with great Acclamations, and testimonies of Joy from all sorts of People.

By advice of the Council, a Commission was granted to authorize the Great Seal, Privy Seal, and Signet, till new ones could be prepared; And Com­missions for authorizing of Judges, Justices of Peace, Sheriffs, and all other Officers for Govern­ment, with a Proclamation for that purpose, be­cause their Powers ceased by the King's death; and the like was for Scotland and Ireland.

King James's Body was buried with due Solem­nity at Westminster, his Son King Charles (though not usual) was present at the Funerals.

The Duke of Buckingham was received by the Bucks his Favourite. King into an admired Intimacy and Dearness.

General Musters are in all Counties, and 12000 Soldiers levied, Coat and Conduct Money ordered to be disbursed by the Countrey, and they to be paid again out of the Exchequer; these were for the Palatinat, and a Commission granted for Mar­tial Law, to keep the Soldiers in the better Disci­pline.

These Points of Coat and Conduct Money, and Martial Law, occasion'd frequent and great De­bates amongst the Judges, and other learned men.

The Espousals of our King with the King of France's Sister, were made in Paris by Cardinal Richelieu, and with the highest State, Feasting and Bravery that could be. The Kings Marriage.

Buckingham was sent into France, to conduct the Queen hither. A Navy Royal sent to Bullen to waft her over Sea; she arrives at Dover, where the King met her. And with great expressions of af­fection and rejoicing by himself and all his Sub­jects, she is received, and safely came to London. Some extraordinary Ceremonies and Solemnities were omitted, by reason of the Plague then increa­sing.

All the Judges were sent for by the Lord Keeper Desires to change his Stile. Williams, who told them, That the King desired to change his stile, and to use the stile of King of Great Britain, as well in all Legal Acts and Proceed­ings, as in Acts of State, and other indifferent Acts. And he prayed the Judges to consider of it, and to certifie him how it might be done. They all met, consulted and agreed, that it could not be done, which they certified the Keeper; and that all the Judges of England being ask'd their opinions con­cerning this Point, in the first Parliament of King James, they answered una voce, that it could not be done, and Lords and Commons were likewise of the same judgment.

The Parliament met at Westminster; the King June 18. made a Speech to them touching the War of the Pa­latinat, wherein the last Parliament had engaged his A Parlia­ment. Father, and which was of necessity to be prosecuted and supplied; and he urged his great wants and The Kings Speech. charges: And then the Lord Keeper enlarged up­on the same.

The Commons pressed upon the Grievances not The Com­mons prest for Redress of Grie­vances. redressed, and to have an account of the last Subsi­dies; others were for Execution of the Laws against Papists, and the questioning Mr. Mountague for his Book, Appello Caesarem, contrived to put a Jealousie between the King and his Subjects, and to encourage Popery.

Others praised the King, and said, That no Grie­vances had been yet in his Reign; and they were on­ly for a Petition for Religion, and that Religion and Subsidies might go hand in hand together.

After a Fast, both Houses Petitioned the King concerning Religion, and against Recusants; which was answered hopefully: Mountague was brought to the Bar of the House of Commons for his Book, the Arminian Party take in with him. The House voted his Book contrary to the Articles of Religion, tending to the Dishonour of the King and Disturbance of the Church and State.

The King owned Mountague as his Chaplain.

The Commons not pleased therewith, yet Voted, to give the King two Subsidies, for which the King thanks them by a Message; and yet informs them, that the Necessities of the present Affairs were not [Page 2] therein satisfied, but requires their further counsels, and now he sent a full Answer to the Petition of Religion.

By reason of the Plague increasing, the Parlia­ment was adjourned to Oxford. The Vantguard, and seven other English Ships were lent to the King of France, and employed against Rochel; the Mari­ners refused the Service. Buckingham was acquaint­ed with it, but not the Body of the Council. The Protestants of France sollicit our King against it, but he expresly commands the Vice-Admiral Pen­nington to do it, the which he obeyed.

The Parliament Re-assembled at Oxford, whither this News of the Ships came, and exasperated ma­ny of them, especially against the Duke. They insist upon the Grievances. Mountague is sum­moned, his Cause, by some of the Bishops, is re­commended to the Duke; and they say, That if the Church be once brought down below Herself, even Majesty it self will soon be impeached; and they say, that King James approved Mountague's Opinions: But others differed from them.

The King again speaks to the Two Houses of Parliament touching the War in which they enga­ged his Father for the Palatinat, and the Breach with Spain; then by his command, the Lord Con­way, and Sir John Cooke, declar'd to the Houses more particularly the present state of Affairs in Germa­ny, France, the Low-Countries, Sueden, and other Kingdoms; they computed the charge of the War to 700 000 l. a year, besides the Navy, and Ire­land.

The Treasurer also acquainted them with the King's Debts for Denmark, the Palatinat, his Father's Funeral, his own Marriage, in all 300 000 l.

Yet the Commons were unsatisfied, some said, That thing's were improvidently managed, and by con­trary designs; that it was not usual to give Subsidies upon Subsidies, in one Parliament, and no Grievances redressed; that great Sums of Money were given for places; that the time of the year was too far spent for the Navy to go forth; that it should be enquired whether the Duke brake not the Match with Spain, out of spleen to Olivarez; and whether he made not the Match with France upon harder terms.

To these, and many other things of the like na­ture, the Duke made a handsom and plausible An­swer to both Houses, and gave them account of the Fleet; much variety of opinion was in the House of Commons in debate hereof. The King sends a Message to quicken them. They answer him with a general Declaration. And the King perceiving The Parli­ament Dis­solved. the Commons resolved against Supply without re­dress of Grievances, this Parliament by Commission was dissolved.

The King followed his design of the War; and to put the Fleet to Sea; and made a League with the Ʋnited Provinces against the Emperor, and King of Spain. Then issues a Proclamation to Recall Recusants Children from Beyond Sea, and against Po­pish Proclama­tion a­gainst Pa­pists. Priests, and to command all English in the Ser­vice of the Emperor, King of Spain, and Arch­dutchess, to return to England. The King sends out A Gene­ral Loan. his Letters to the Lord-Lieutenants of Counties, touching a general Loan of Money to him, and Warrants are issued forth to disarm Recusants.

The Fleet being ready with ten Regiments, the Lord Wimbleton was made Commander in chief; great muttering was, that this design was not known to the Council, but to the Duke onely, and that he went not in Person.

The English and Dutch Ships designed to block up Dunkirk, were dispersed by storm, and 22 Dun­kirk Men of War, with Land-Forces, gave an Alarum to England and Ireland.

The Fleet came together again, and neglected, or preposterously attempted a great Booty of Spanish 1 Car. I. Ships in Cadiz Bay, then the Army landed, and took a Fort, but the English finding store of Spanish The Fleets ill Success. Wines, abused themselves, and hazarded the ruine of all.

They were again Shipt, and the General put to Sea to wait for the Plate Fleet; but the ill condi­tion of his men, by a general Contagion, enforced his return home, without any honourable perform­ance, which caused great clamor; but where the fault lay, hath not yet been determined, nor any punisht for it.

The General was accused by some of his Colo­nels and Seamen, and examined before the Council; he laid the blame on some who did not fight the Spanish Ships as he ordered them, they denied that they had Orders to fight. This fending and pro­ving little salved the Honour of the Nation. All Trade with Spain is prohibited, upon Confiscation; all the Trained Bands are Exercised.

The Plague still raged in London, so that in one The Plague ra­ges in Lon­don. week there dyed 5000 persons; it was also spread in many places in the Countrey. In some Families, both Master and Mistriss, Children and Servants, were all swept away. For fear of Infection, many persons who were to pay money, did first put it into a Tub of Water, and then it was taken forth by the Party that was to receive it. When the Plague was somewhat assuaged, and there dyed in London but 2500 in a week, it fell to Judge Whitlock's turn to go to Westminster-Hall, to adjourn Michaelmas Term, from thence to Reading; and accordingly The Term adjourned to Reading he went from his house in Buckinghamshire, to Horton near Colebrooke, and the next morning early to High-Park Corner, where he and his Retinue di­ned on the ground, with such meat and drink as they brought in the Coach with them, and after­wards he drove fast through the Streets, which were empty of People, and overgrown with Grass, to Westminster-Hall: where the Officers were ready, and the Judge and his company went strait to the Kings-Bench, adjourned the Court, returned to his Coach, and drave away presently out of Town.

Sir Edward Coke, and other Gentlemen, who had Coke. appeared the last Parliament against the Duke, were made Sheriffs, and so could not be chosen Parlia­ment-men. Coke excepted against several parts of the Sheriffs Oath, and by advice of all the Judges, one of his Objections was allowed, to wit, the Clause, To destroy Lollards; which, by Order of the King and Council, was left out of the Oath, and so continues.

The carriage of the Bishop of Lincoln towards the Duke at the Parliament at Oxford, was remem­bred; and he was sequestred from the King's Pre­sence, and from the Council, and from the Custody of the Seal, which was given to Sir Thomas Coven­try, and he was sworn a Privy Councellor, and Lord Keeper.

The King, finding the discontents of his Subjects increased, thought fit to call another Parliament; Another Parlia­ment to meet, Feb. 6. and first, Commands are given to the Bishops, to proceed against the Papists, by Excommunication; and a Proclamation confines them.

The King determines to leave Mountague to the Parliament, to the great regret of Bishop Laud.

The Coronation of the King is appointed on The Co­ronation. Christmas-day, and Commissioners made to receive and determine Claims concerning Services to be then done. Knights of the Bath are to be made, and a Proclamation issues for all that had 40 l. per annum, to come in and receive the Order of Knight­hood.

[Page 3] A Day of Thanksgiving was kept for the ceasing of the Plague. In London, and the Out-Parishes, this year dyed 54265 persons, whereof of the Plague 35417.

The King's Coronation was performed with the usual Ceremonies and Solemnities, by Bishop Laud; onely the King's Robe was White Sattin, because (as some say) Purple could not be then had.

The Bishop of Lincoln, having received no Writ of Summons to this Parliament, desired the King that he might make his Proxy, and besought him to mitigate the Duke's causeless anger towards him.

The Parliament being met, the Lord Keeper Speeches to the Par­liament. made a Speech to them, Of the Benefit and Constitu­tion of Parliaments; and the King's love of them, and his striving whether he should be major, or melior, a greater King, or a better man; and that the causes of calling them, were to make good Laws, and to execute Justice.

Then the King approved of the Speaker, who made an Harangue, suitable to the Times; Extol­ling the King, and praising Monarchy, Parliaments, Bishops, Lords, Commons, Laws, Judges, and all that were in place; and inveighing against Popery, and the King of Spain. And concluded with the usual Prayer, That his Majesty would allow the Priviledge of Parliament, Freedom of Debate, and Access to his Royal Person.

The Commons began to fall upon the Publick Grievances; the Miscarriage of the late Voyage to Cadiz; the mis-imployment of the Kings Revenue; Evil Councels; Favouring of Papists; The Loans, Taxes, and many other, which they referred to Committees. They likewise Exhibited Articles against Mountague.

The Privy Councel required the Bishop of Dur­ham to Apprehend such of his Majesties Subjects as should be present at Mass, and to Commit them to Prison: and the Kings Attourney sent Letters to the Judges, to direct their strict proceedings against Recusants in their Circuits.

The Commons questioned the Seising of the Ship The Peter of New Haven, by Sir James Bag; upon which, our Merchants Ships and Goods were seised in France; The Duke said, he would justifie it by the Kings Order. The Council of War for the business of the Pallatinate were called into the House of Commons, but made no clear An­swer.

The King by Message, and the Lords press the Commons for Supplies. They proceed as to the Grievances, by the method of Evils and Remedies, and Resolved,

  • 1. That the Diminution of the Kingdom in strength and honour, is an Evil, which we suffer under.
    Grievances
  • 2. The Increase and countenancing of Papists.
  • 3. The not Guarding of the Narrow Seas.
  • 4. Pluralities of Offices in one hand.
  • 5. Sales of Honours, and places of Judicature.
  • 6. Delivery up of Ships to the French.
  • 7. Mis-imployment of Three Subsidies, and Three Fifteens.

They Ordered, That the Duke, on whom these Misdemeanours chiefly reflected, should have Notice of the Intention of the House of Commons, suddain­ly to resume the Debate of these things.

There served in this Parliament in the House of Commons, many persons of Extraordinary Parts and Abilities, whose Names are in the List of those times.

Mr. Clement Coke in his Speech in the House of Commons concerning Grievances, said, That it were better to dye by an Enemy, than to suffer at home.

The Lords ready to comply with the Kings de­sires, appointed a Committee to consider of the Safety and Defence of the Kingdom, and Safe­guard of the Seas. The Committee advised one Fleet to be presently set out against the King of Spain, and another to Guard our Coasts, and Mer­chants: this was sent to the House of Commons, but not well resented by them.

The King sent a smart Letter to the Speaker, The Kings Letter to the Spea­ker. pressing for present Supplies; and promising Redress of Grievances, presented in a dutiful and mannerly way; and this was further urged by Sir Richard Weston, To Know without further delay of time, What And Spec­ches. Supply they would give unto the King.

To this the Commons returned a general An­swer, promising a Supply, The King Replyed, As to the Clause of presenting Grievances, that they should apply themselves to Redress Grievances, not to In­quire after them. And said, I will not allow any of my Servants to be questioned among you, much less such as are of Eminent Place, and near unto me. I see you especially aim at the Duke; I wonder who hath so altered your Affections towards him.

Then he mentions the Honour that the last Par­liament of his Father Expressed to the Duke; and labours to Excuse him; and concludes, I would you would hasten for my Supply, or else it will be worse for your selves; for if any Evil happen, I think I shall be the last that shall feel it.

This was suspected to be the Advice of the Po­pish Councellors to cause a Breach betwixt the King and his Parliament; who thereupon mentioned the Duke as the chief Cause of all Publick Miscarria­ges: and Dr. Turner a Physitian, propounded his Quaeries to that purpose.

Upon the Opinions of Sir Thomas Wentworth, Common Fame. Noy, Selden, and others; the House Voted, That Common Fame is a good Ground of Proceedings for that House.

The King sent a Message to the Commons, by Sir Richard Weston; That he took Notice of the Se­ditious Speech of Mr. Coke, and of Dr. Turners Articles against the Duke of Bucks; but indeed, against the Honour and Government of the King, and of his Father. That he cannot suffer an inquiry on the meanest of his Servants, much less against one so near him; and wonders at the foolish impudence of any Man, that can think he should be drawn to offer such a Sacrifice, much unworthy the Greatness of a King, and Master of such a Servant. He desireth the Justice of the House against the Delinquents; That he be not constrained to use his Regal Power and Authority to Right himself against these two Persons.

Dr. Turner Explained himself, and said; That to Accuse upon Common Fame, was warranted by the Imperial Laws, and by the Cannons of the Church; That this House, in the time of Henry the Sixth, did upon Common Fame Accuse the Duke of Suffolk: And that Sir Richard Weston himself did present the Common Ʋndertakers upon particular Fame.

The next Day, Dr. Turner wrote a Letter to the Speaker, to excuse his not attending the House, by reason of Sickness, and submitting to their Judgments, but not acknowledging any fault.

Sr. John Elliot made a bold and sharp Speech against the Duke, and present Grievances; yet in the midst of those Agitations, The Commons re­membred the Kings Necessities, and Voted to grant Three Subsidies and Three Fifteens.

Upon a Message from the King, both Houses At­tended him at Whitehall, Where he gave the Lords [Page 4] thanks and showed the Commons their Errors, and referred particulars to the Lord Keeper, who in a plain speech, assured the Commons, That after the great Affairs setled, and satisfaction to the Kings Demands; he would hear and answer their just Grievances. Tells them, That his Majesty excepts to the not punishing of Coke, and Turner; he prais­eth the Duke, and his Merit from King and Parlia­ment, and declares the Kings Pleasure; that they pro­ceed no further in the inquiry touching the Duke: And saith, That the Supply Voted, is not suitable to the Ingagements; requires a further Supply, and their Resolution thereof by a Day, else they are not to Sit longer, nor will the King expect a Supply this way.

Then the King spake again, and mentioned Mr. Coke, and said, It was better for a King to be In­vaded, and almost Destroyed, by a Forreign Power, than to be despised by his own Subjects. And bids them remember, That the Calling, Sitting, and Dissolving of Parliaments was in his Power.

Being informed, That the House of Commons, ordered their Doors to be shut, whilst they Deba­ted hereof, and that they misunderstood some passages in his Speech, and in the Lord Keepers, The King ordered the Duke at a Conference of both Houses to Explain it.

Which being done, the duke gave them an Ac­count of the business in Spain, and indeavours to vindicate himself in that, and all his Negotiations both at home and abroad, since his being at Ox­ford; and that he did nothing in single Councels; excuseth his not going with the Fleet; his Master commanding him into the Low-Countries, to Treat with the King of Sweden, of Denmark, and the States.

Then, the Lord Conway made a large Vindicati­on of the Duke in the Publick Transactions.

The Lords Petitioned the King, against the Pre­cedency chalenged by the Scotch, and Irish No­bles; To which the King Answered, That he would take order therein.

The Lord Conway wrote a Second Letter to the Earl of Bristol, by the Kings Command, to Know, Whether he would choose to sit still, without be­ing questioned for any Errors in his Negotiation in Spain, and injoy the benefit of the late Pardon, or else, would wave the Pardon, and put himself upon a Legal Tryal. Bristol in Answer, would not wave the Pardon, nor justifie himself against the King, and so makes a doubtful Answer.

Then he Petitions the Lords for his right of Pee­rage, Bristols Petition. to have a Writ to attend the House, and that after two years restraint, he may be brought to his Tryal in Parliament.

The Lords Pray the King, That Bristol, and other Lords whose Writs are stopped, may have their Writs; and they had them: and the Duke showed the Lords a Letter, from the King to Bristol, charging him, That when the King came first into Spain, Bristol advised him to change his Religion, and that he prejudiced the Business of the Palatinate.

Bristol by Petition to the Lords, acquaints them, That he had received his Writ to attend the Parlia­ment, but withal, a Letter Missive from the Lord Keeper, signifying his Majesties Pleasure, that he should forbear coming to the Parliament; which how far it might Trench upon the Liberty and Safety of the Peers; was too high a Point for him; but he sub­mits it to the Lords, and Prays, that he may Answer for himself, and sends with his Petition a Copy of the Lord Keepers Letter, and his Answer to it.

Hereupon, the Lord Keeper delivered a Message Message from the King. to the Lords from the King, Accusing Bristol of undutifulness, disrespect, and Scandal to the King; and desires he may be sent for as a Delinquent; to answer his Offences in Spain, and since, and for Scan­dalizing the Duke.

The Martial of Middlesex by Petition showed to the Commons, That he by Warrant searched in the Clink Prison, and was resisted; but found there Four Priests, and their Altars, Crucifixes, Books, Papers, &c. That the Priests giving no­tice hereof to the Archbishop, before they had done; a Warrant came from the Arch-bishop and Mr. Attourney, that they should not search any further, nor remove any thing from thence: The Arch-bishop said, That the searching for those Priests, was a Design of the Jesuits to take the Priests, and send them to Rome to be put to Death, for Writing in Defence of the Oath of Allegiance.

The Commons caused every Member of their House, in his Place, to make a particular Prote­station, Whether they heard Mr. Coke speak the Words charged upon him or not? And every one denyed the hearing of those Words spoken by Mr. Coke.

After which, the Commons presented a Remon­strance to the King, in Answer to his, and the Lord Keepers Speech; denying the Words to be spo­ken by Mr. Coke; and excusing Dr. Turner, and avowing their Proceedings against the Duke, or any other Subject, and Pray the King not to give Ear to Officious Reports of private Persons for their own Ends.

The King Chargeth the Bishops in the Case of the Duke, and Bristol, to follow only Proofs and not Rumours.

The Commons sent to the Duke, That they were passing of Articles against him; to which he might Answer, if he pleased: but he acquainting the Lords therewith; they would not permit it.

Bristol was brought to the Bar, by the Lords Order, and Articles Exhibited against him of High-Treason, and other Crimes; in the Name of the Attorney General.

I. That he Traiterously assured King James, That Articles against Bristol. the Emperour and King of Spain would restore the Palatinate, and that the King of Spain would consent to the Match with our Prince; which they never intended: and that was known to Bristol, who delayed the Treaty.

II. He did not Execute the Commands of the King, nor put the King of Spain to a punctual An­swer, to the detriment of our King and his Al­lies.

III. That he perswaded King James not to break with Spain.

IV. That he said, he cared not what the Success of the Treaty would be, but he would make his For­tune thereby.

V. That he intended to Introduce Popery here, and perswaded King James to grant a Tolleration thereof.

VI. That he occasioned the Princes Journey in­to Spain to his great hazard.

VII. That in Spain he perswaded the Prince to change his Religion.

[Page 5] Anno 1626 VIII. To the same purpose.

IX. That he perswaded, that the Prince Electors eldest Son should be bred up in the Emperours Court.

X. That he would have dispatched the Disponsa­ries, notwithstanding the Princes Commands to the contrary, if Extraordinary diligence had not pre­vented it.

XI. His Contemptuous and Scandalous Petition to the Lords House.

After this, Bristol presented Articles against the Duke, which were received; and Mr. Atturney be­ing asked by the Earl for a Relator, said, That the King had Commanded it. Bristol replyed, That he would not contend with his Soveraign, but that it might be of dangerous Consequence, If the King should be Accuser, Judge, Witnesses, and have the Confiscation. He desires, that the Lord Conway might not meddle, and that he might have the use of certain Papers, which was granted him.

After which, he proceeded to a large Decla­ration of the whole business between the Duke and him, and laid it home upon the Duke, with an implication, that shortly after the probability of his being restored to King James his Favour, the King sickned and Dyed, having suffered much; and to his dying Day, Reputed and said, That Bristol was an honest man.

Then he set forth the business of his Writ, and the Prohibition of him to Sit: and that after he had Ac­cused the Duke, the Articles of High Treason were Exhibited against him; yet the Duke is in Favour and Sits as a Peer, and he is a Prisoner.

The Articles Preferred by Bristol against the Articles by Bristol against the Duke. Duke were;

I. That he Plotted with Gondimer to bring the Prince into Spain, to change his Religion.

II. That Porter was sent into Spain, for this End.

III. That in Spain, The Duke absented from Ser­vice in Bristols House, and frequented the Popish Service, and Adored their Sacrament, and confor­med to their Rites.

IV. That he procured King James to Write a Letter to the Pope for the Dispensation, and to stile him, Sanctissime Pater.

V. That the Pope sent a Bull to the Duke to in­courage him in the perversion of the Prince.

VI. That by his behaviour in Spain, he so in­censed that King, and his Ministers, as they would admit of no dealing with him, and that he brake that Match, out of his particular Ends, and Indig­nation.

VII. That he made use of the Princes Letters to his own Ends, and concealed divers great things from him.

VIII. That as he had abused the King, so he abused both Houses, by a sinister Relation of those Affairs.

Car. 2 IX. The Scandal of his Personal Behaviour in Spain, and procuring favours for unworthy persons there, for hire, of his Lust.

X. That he hath been the great Cause of the Ruine of the Prince Palatine.

XI. That he had wrong'd Bristol in his Relati­ons to the Parliament, in his honour and Liber­ty.

XII. That Bristol revealed these Matters to the late King; who said, he would hear him against the Duke; which the Duke heard, and not long after, the King Sickn'd and Died.

The Earl also Exhibited divers Articles against the Lord Conway, as the Dukes Creature, and un­fit to be one of his Judges; and the particular injuries he did to Bristol.

The Lords did not Commit the Earl, and Or­dered the Articles against him to be First heard: and then his, against the Duke; yet saving his Testimony against the Duke.

The King took in highly with the Duke; and would have removed the Earl from the Lords House, into the Kings Bench, but the Lords would not permit it.

In this Parliament were several Resolutions touching Tryals there, which are faithfully Col­lected by Rushworth, pag. 271, 272. They Orde­red, That no Peer should have above Two Proxies.

Bristol delivered in his Answer to the Charge Bristols Answer to the Charge against him, and made a Speech of Introduction, to clear the Objections of his ill Affection to Re­ligion, and his too much Affection to Spain; and made a short History of his Life and Negotiati­ons.

With his Answer, he produceth several Letters of Thanks for his Care; First, in the business of the Palatinate, and then Answers punctually to eve­ry Article touching the Match with Spain, and pro­duceth the Declaration for Priviledge to the Roman Catholicks, little less than a Toleration.

And he laid much Blame on the Advisers of the Princes journey to Spain, and sets forth his own Care and Industry to hinder the Dukes designs then of perswading the Prince to change his Religion: and that the Duke never perswaded, or advised the Prince to be constant in the Protestant Profession.

He confesseth, that in Discourse he delivered his Opinion for the Match of the Palzgraves Son with the Emperours Daughter; so that the Son (if he were bred in the Emperours Court) might have Protestant Tutors, and freedom of Religion, for him and his Family.

He Justifies the performance of his Instructions, in every point; and declares the advantages of that Match with Spain; He avowes his former Petition not to be Scandalous; That he intends nothing but Honour and Service to the King; and humbly sub­mits all to the judgment of the Lords.

At a Conference with the Lords, The Com­mons Articles of the Com­mons a­gainst the Duke. sent up an Impeachment against the Duke of Bucks, managed by Eight of their Members. Sir Dudley Digges, made an Eloquent Introducti­on, comparing England to the World; The Commons to the Earth and Sea; the King to the Sun; The Lords to the Planets; The Clergy to the Fire; The Judges and Magistrates to the Air; The Duke of Bucks to a Blazing Star.

The Articles were.

I. The Sale of Offices, and multiplicity of great Offices in the Duke.

[Page 6] II. His buying the Office of Admiral from the Earl of Nottingham, and procuring the King to give satisfaction to the Earl for it.

III. The like for the Offices of Warden of the Cinque Ports, and Constable of Dover.

IV. The neglect of the Duty and Trust of his Office of Admiral, whereby Pirates infested our Coasts, and Trade decayed.

These were aggravated by Mr. Herbert.

V. Touching the Ship Peter of New Haven, which being brought in, some of her Goods and Jewels (to the value of Twenty thousand pound) were taken out of her, and delivered to a Servant of the Duke, and after an Order to Release the Ship; yet the Duke kept the Goods, and stayed the Ship still: and there­upon, our Merchants Goods were seised upon in France.

Selden Inlarged upon this Article; and the pre­judice of not Guarding the Seas, and the Kings Right therein.

VI. His Extorting of Ten thousand pound from the East India Merchants by staying of their Ships.

VII. His procuring the Ship Van-guard, and Six Merchants Ships to be put into the hands of the French King, and compelling the Owners to it; which Ships were imployed by the French King.

VIII. That these Ships to his Knowledge were to be used against Rochel.

These Articles were aggravated by Glanvil.

IX. Sale of Honours procured by him, and for his profit, and the Lord Roberts threatned, if he did not give Ten thousand pound to the Duke for his Title; which he did give.

X. He sold the Office of Treasurer to the Lord Manchester for Twenty thousand pound; and the Office of Master of the Wards, to Sir Lionel Cran­field for Six thousand pound.

XI. His procuring Titles of Honour for his Kin­dred, and Allies, and Pensions from the King, to support their Titles.

These were aggravated by Mr. Pym.

XII. His Imbeziling the Kings Money, and pro­curing Grants to himself of Crown Lands of a great value.

Upon this Mr. Sherland Inlarged, and computed the Sums of his Gifts to Two hundred eighty four thousand three hundred ninety five pounds.

XIII. The Plaister and Potions which the Duke caused to be given to King James in his Sickness, a Transcendent Presumption of a Dangerous Conse­quence.

This was aggravated by Mr. Wandsford, and Sir John Elliot made the Epilogue to the Impeach­ment.

Sir Dudley Diggs, and Sir John Elliot were Com­mitted to the Tower; and the King came to the Lords House, and told them of it. And that he could clear Bucks of every one of the Matters where­of he was accused. D. Diggs and Sr. J. Elliot com­mitted to the Tower.

The Commons, by Message to the Lords, desire the Duke may be Committed; and the Duke in the Lords House, desires that his Tryal may be ha­stened.

The Commons upon Commitment of their Members, caused the Door of the House to be shut, and would not proceed in any other Busi­ness, till they were righted in their Liberties.

Whereupon, Sir Dudley Charleton in a Speech told them, That in other Countries, particularly in France, they had formerly Parliaments, as we have, but when their Parliamentary Liberty was turned in­to Tumultuary Licence, and their Kings found how those Councills indeavoured to curb them; They took away, and abolished those Parliaments; and now the Common People wanting good Food, looked more like Ghosts than Men, and went in Canvas Clothes, and Wooden Shoes.

At these Words, the House cryed out, To the Bar, to the Bar; and his Friends, and Explanations had much a do to keep him from being brought upon his Knees to the Bar for his Speech.

But he went on, and told the House, That Sir Dudley Diggs, in his Prologue to the Dukes Im­peachment, speaking of the Plaister applyed to King James, said, That he did forbear to speak fur­ther, in regard of the Kings honour; which his Ma­jesty conceives, to be, to his dishonour; and that Sir John Elliot was so uncivil, and bitter against the Duke, in his Epilogue, That the King thought fit to Commit them both.

Hereupon, every Member of the House, made severally, a Protestation, That he did not give any consent, that Sir Dudley Diggs should speak the words charged upon him. Sir Dudley Digges being released out of Prison, protested, that he never spake those words, and the King was satisfied that he did not; but the Duke moved, That every Lord might produce his Notes at the Conference, and at length Thirty six of the Lords made a vo­luntary Protestation, That they did not hear Sir. Dud­ley Diggs speak those words at the Conference.

Not long after, Sir John Elliot was Released, The Lords Petition for Arun­dels's Re­lease. who excused and Justified the passages of his Speech, objected against him, and by Vote the House Justi­fied him, and Sir Dudley Diggs, and all the rest of the Managers of the Impeachment.

The Lords were Discontented at the Commit­ment of the Earl of Arundel, about his Sons Mar­riage with the Duke of Lenox his Sister; and with breaches of their Priviledges, and upon the Re­lease of Sir Dudley Diggs, and Sir John Elliot; The Lords Petitioned the King for the Earl of Arun­dells Release; The King sent a Message That he was Committed for Personal Misdemeanours against the King, and not for any matters of Parlia­ment.

The Earl of Arundel had five Proxies, which were lost by his Imprisonment, and no President was found of any Peer Committed Sitting the Par­liament, [Page 7] except that of the Bishop of Winchester, in Edward the Thirds time,

The House of Lords Voted (Nemine contradi­cente) That no Lord ought to be Committed sitting the Parliament, but by Judgment of the Parliament, except for Treason, Felony, or breach of the Peace. And in Pursuance thereof, they Voted a Remon­strance to the King, to declare their Right, and to Pray his Majesty to release the Earl of Arundel: which was presented, but no Answer being given to it, the Lords presented another Petition to the King, for an Answer to their former Petition; to which, the King returned his dislike.

The Exception taken by the King was at the Words (to have a present Answer,) whereupon the word (present) was left out in a New Petition; which pleased the King, who sent for the Lords to Whitehall, and Courted them, but thinks they mistrust him; and shews the difference of the Cause of Commitment of the Members of the House of Commons, and the Earl of Arundel; and saith, He hath just cause of detaining the Earl of Arundel in prison, which he will acquaint them with as soon as possibly he can.

The Lords present a new Petition to the King, That he would be pleased to release the Earl, or to declare the cause of detaining him in Prison; That it was contrary to their priviledge. To which the King answered, That he would give them satisfacti­on before the end of this Session. The House Ad­journed till the next day, and after that, for a week, and then at their Meeting the King signified to them, That he would within a Fortnight, either release the Earl, or show the Cause. And at the new meeting of the Lords, the King took off the Restraint of the Earl of Arundel.

The Commons Committed Mr. Moor one of their Members for speaking words reflecting upon the King.

At this time Cambridge chose the Duke of Bucks for their Chancellour, to please the King, and shew their dislike to the Commons. The Earl of Berks Name was in Competition, but he had too much Courtship and too little Spirit to Contest, and so he desisted.

The House of Commons would have Interpo­sed by their Letter against the Dukes choice; but the King forbad it, challenging those Matters to belong to him, and Justified the Duke to the House, and by Letter to Cambridge approved their Choice of the Duke.

The Duke with an Ingenious Speech ushered in his Answer to the Impeachment of the Commons, whom he courted, yet Justified himself; and said, That his accuser, Common Fame, was too subtle a Body for him to Contest with; and he doubted not but in time it would be found, that Common Fame had abused both them and him.

His Answer to the several Thirteen Articles against him, was distinct, and in most of them, carryed a fair colour, and the chief strength of his Answer, was upon the Knowledge of the King, and his Father, and their direction of the particular passa­ges; with his obedience thereunto, and following the Advice of the Councel.

He denys having the Twenty thousand pound of the Earl of Manchester; or Six hundred pound of the Earl of Middlesex, or the Ten thousand pound of the East India Company; but saith, the King had those Sums; and the Earl of Manchester had satisfaction by the Kings lands, for the Twenty thousand pound, and the Six thousand pound was given by the King to Sir Henry Mildmay.

He absolutly denys that he applyed the Plaister, or gave the Drink to King James in his sickness; but the King knowing that the Duke had been cured of an Ague by a Plaister and a Drink, the King would have 2 Car. I. them and took them, some of his Phisitians then being present, and allowing them, and tasting the drink: He concludes, with praying the benefit of the Gene­ral Pardon of King James, and this Kings Corona­tion Pardon to be allowed him.

The King sent to the Commons to quicken them about the Subsidies. They Petitioned the King about Recusants, and named those in Places of Government and Trust, and Pray they may be put out; and by their desire they attend the King, where by their Speaker and in Writing they profess their Affection and Loyalty to the King; but they desire that His Majesty would not permit the Duke to have any more access to him.

They agreed upon a Remonstrance against the Duke, and concerning the taking of Tunnage and Poundage, though not granted to him by Parliament. And this they did, because they heard that the King intended to Dissolve the Parliament, and by Petition they prayed him not to Dissolve it: but the King would not receive the Petition; but said, He was resolved to Dissolve the Parliament, and di­rected a Commission for that purpose; and ac­cordingly the Parliament was Dissolved June the Fifteenth one thousand six hundred twenty six, unhappily.

Thus this great, warm, and Ruffling Parliament had its Period.

The Common, dispersed Copies of their in­tended Remonstrance which is in Rushworths Col­lections) with the Grounds and Causes held forth by the Kings Declaration, for Dissolving this, and the former Parliament; and the King published a Proclamation against the Parliaments Remon­strance, and for the suppressing of it.

Sir Thomas Chamberlain chief Justice of Chester dyed, and Sir John Hobert Baronett, chief Justice of the Common Pleas, who was a Learned Judge, a grave and smooth man.

After the Parliament was dissolved, the King caused an Information to be preferred in the Star-chamber against the Duke of Buckingham for the same Matters contained in the Articles of Im­peachment in the Parliament against him; to which the Duke put in his Answer, and Wit­nesses were examined, but it came not to hearing.

The privy Councel advised the King to take Tunnage and Poundage, and an Instrument to be past under the Great Seal for his taking of it, until it could be past by Parliament.

A Commission Issued to compound with Recu­sants.

The King required a Loan of Money, and sent to London and the Port Towns to furnish Ships for guard of the Seas. Noy a great An­tiquary, and afterwards Attourney General, had much to do in this business of Shipmoney. The Deputy Lieutenants, and Justices of Dorsetshire, excused themselves, and said, The Case was with­out president.

London being rated twenty Ships, desired an abatement to ten, and two Pinnaces; the Councel denyed it; and in Answer to their presidents, said, That the Presidents in former times were Obedience and not Direction.

A Benevolence was likewise required.

Then a General Fast was appointed.

Commissions Issued out for Musters; and power of Martial Law was given, and the Inhabitants of the Sea Coasts required to repair to, and dwell up­on their Estates.

Ships were sent by our King to the Elbe, which discontented the Hamburgers; they were recalled. [Page 8] The King of Denmark declares to assist the Elector Palatine against the Emperour.

Tilly Fights with him, and gives him a Defeat. Our King requires a general Loan, according to the rate of the Subsidy; with promises to repay, and that it shall be no president.

To the imposing of Loans, was added the Bil­letting of Souldiers; Martial Law was executed; and the Soldiers committed great outrages.

Sir Rand [...]l Crew Chief Justice not favouring the Loan was put out of his Place; and Sir Nicholas Hide who drew the Dukes Answer in Parliament was preferred to be the Chief Justice.

The Bishop of Lineoln, for speaking words a­gainst the Government, and for countenancing Non-Conformists, was complained of by Sir John Lamb, and others; and they Informed, That Fasts were kept, and Money Collected by the Puritans for the Palatinat; and that the Bishop would not proceed against them.

The Bishop got a Copy of the Informations against him.

Bishop Laud was Jealous that Lincoln Endea­vour'd to be reconciled to the Duke.

Six thousand English in service with the States, were commanded thence under General Morgan, to join with the King of Denmark.

Some who refused to lend Money to the King, were forced to Serve in the Kings Ships then go­ing forth; and refusers in the Country, were some of them Committed, and the meaner sort pressed to serve as Soldiers.

Dr. Sibthorp published a Sermon, Preached by him to Promote the Kings Affairs; wherein he delivered his Opinion, That the King might make Laws; and do whatsoever pleaseth him. Dr. Main­waring Preached the same Divinity; and highly against the power of Parliaments.

The Papists were forward in the Loan, and the Puritans were Recusants in it.

Abount this time the Earl of Denbigh had one hundred Sayl of Ships under his command in our Seas, but his Excellency having no Commission to Fight, suffer'd divers English Vessels to be taken away by our Enemies, in his view, without Rescue by their Countrymen.

Some Ships, taken for Prize, being brought be­fore him as Admiral, it was wondred at that al­most all of them were by him adjudged to be no Prize, and so released; but one Captain, pursu­ed a released Ship, and took her again, brought her to London, and in the Admiralty she was ad­judged Prize; and he Enjoyed the benefit, what­ever the Earl of Denbigh did before.

Distastes and Jealousies were raised about the Government of the Queens Family; wherein the King held himself traduced by some French Ser­vants; who said that the King bad nothing to do with them, he being an Heretick.

The Queen was brought to Insist upon it, as part of the Articles, that She should name all Her Servants; and some unkindness arose upon it. The King was also distasted, That her Priests made the Queen to walk to Tyburn on Pennance.

Upon these passages, the King dismist, and sent The Queens French Servants sent home. back into France, all the Queens French retinue; acquainting the French King with it, and Excusing it to him; but it was ill resented in France, and by them held contrary to the Articles of Mar­riage.

The Jarring with France brake out to an open War, which was fomented by an Abbot here, in disfavour with Cardinal Richlieu, to put an affront upon the Cardinal; and Mr. Walter Mountague Endeavoured to further it: and the pretence, was to assist those of the Religion in France.

Our King took that ground, and the denial of Count Mansfields Men to land in France, and the influence of the Councils of the House of Austria A War with France. upon those of France, and the Imbargo of our Mer­chants Ships there, sufficient causes for a War.

The Duke of Bucks is appointed Admiral, and General of the Sea and Land Forces, prepared a­gainst France. And hath power to make Knights, &c.

He comes before Rochel with one hundred The Duke of Bucks before Ro­chel. Sayl of Ships, and desires them to joyn with him in behalf of the Protestants in France; but the Rochellers returning thanks to our King, and to the Duke; answered, That they were bound by Ʋnion and Oath, not to do any thing without the consent of the rest of the Religion.

The Duke was advised to land his Men at the Isle of Oleron; which was weak and ill provided, and not at the Isle of Rea, which was strong, and well provided; but he altered his Design and Sail­ed to Rea; and there landed Twelve hundred Men, whom the French encountred; but the English forced their way, and all the Army was landed in the Island.

Yet did they not take their advantage against the French, but suffered the Governor to have five days to recover his loss, and to get in (as he did) new Forces and Provisions; in the mean time the Duke published a Manifesto of the Causes of this War, particularly the King of France his Imploying our Ships against Rochel, contrary to his promise and agreement.

The Gentlemen here, who refused to pay the Refusers to pay the Loan im­prison'd. Loan, were confined into other Counties, and in close Imprisonment, and some of them in common Goals; Sir John Elliot one of them, in a Petition to the King sets forth the Illegality of the Loan, or of any Tax without Parliament: taking this way to Inform the King, what his Councel did not; and he alledgeth his Conscience not to submit to it, and prays his liberty; but could not obtain it.

Sir Peter Haiman, another refuser, was sent upon Arch-bishop Ab­bot suspen­ded. an Errand, as far as the Palatinate. The Arch-Bishop Abbot was suspended, for refusing to licence Dr. Sibthorps Book, a Sermon for Absolute Power. and a Commission was granted to several Bishops to exercise the Archiepiscopal Jurisdiction.

Of all which proceedings touching himself, the Archbishop left a grave and ingenious Narrative, which may be read at large in Rushworths Collecti­ons.

Five of the Imprisoned Gentlemen, by Habeas Habeas Corpus. Corpus were brought to the Kings Bench; and (by their Councel Assigned) took Exceptions to the Return, for that it had not the cause of their Com­mitment, but of their detainer in Prison, per specia­le Mandatum Regis, which is no particular cause, and the Law being most tender of the Subjects Liber­ty. Noy, Selden, Brampston, Calthrope, and others who were of Councel for the Prisoners, prayed they might be Released and Discharged.

Heath the Kings Attourney at another Day ar­gued in Maintenance of the Return. Hide chief Justice declared the Opinion of the Court, That the Return was Positive and Absolute, by the Kings special command, and the signification of it by the Lords of the Council is only to inform the Court. And that the Habeas Corpus is not to return the Cause of the Imprisonment, but of the detention in Prison; that the matter of this Return is sufficient, and the Court is not to examine the truth of the Return, but must take it as it is. So the Prisoners were Re­maunded: The Report of this Case may be found in Rushworths Collections.

[Page 9] Anno 1627 The King resolves to send supplies to the Isle of Rea; and Souldiers and Mariners are press'd for that purpose, but many of them, not liking the business, run away from their Conductors; here­upon it was resolved by all the Judges; That, If one be retained to serve the King beyond Seas, and press money deliver'd to him, and by Indenture he be deliver'd to a Conductor to lead him to the Port where he is to be shipped, and he run away from the Conductor, that this it Felony by the Statutes 7 H. 7. ch. 1. & 3 H. 8. ch. 5.

The Earl of Holland is appointed to carry the supplies to Rea. The Governor of the Island gives notice of his wants to the French King, and hath Releif sent him, the French King blocks up Rochel, to be near to Rea, and supplies the Fort there. The Rotchellers and Rohan declare for the English.

The Governor of Rea gets leave of the Duke to send to the French King, pretending to surrender the Fort, and so gains time; The Duke begins to batter the Cittadel, then purposeth to goe away; then alters his resolution, and storms the Fort, but in vaine; whereupon he raises the siege, and retreats towards his Ships.

The French pursue, and in a narrow cawsey, with salt Pits on each side, the Duke having made no works, or provision for his safe retreat, he is The En­lish beaten at the Isle of Rea. attaqued by the French, and, after a valiant de­fence, especially by the English foot, the French by the advantage of the place, gave a great blow, and slew many of the English, yet the rest got to their Ships.

The Duke is blamed for many neglects, he lays it upon the Council of War, and the Earl of Hol­land's not coming with supplies in time, Holland, and the Council of War excuse themselves; The people generally cry out against the Duke, and are greatly discontented at this unfortunate action; the Marriners are tumultuous, and many mischeifs do arise.

The Rotchellers send to our King for releif; and pray his mediation for the Protestants, in case a Treaty of Peace be between him and their King. They set forth their great streights and distresses, and intreat a general Collection for their relief.

At this time a Resolution is taken to call a Par­liament; and in order thereto, the Imprisoned Gentlemen are released, who are in several places chosen to be Members of this New Parliament, di­rections are given to use moderation in the business of the loan money. The Archbishop, the Bishop of Lincoln, and others in disfavour, have their Writs to sit in Parliament.

Yet a Commission of Excise is granted, and mo­neys are disbursed for the raising of German Horse, the Jesuits hope well of this intended Par­liament.

Which being met, The King spake to them to A Parlia­ment, Mar. 17. The King's Speech. Expedite their business; acquaints them with the com­mon danger, moveth for supplies, and tells them if they do not their duty, he must use such other means, as he may, to prevent ruine, that he will gladly for­get and forgive what is past, and hopes they will not follow former courses of distraction.

Then the Lord Keeper inlargeth in his speech, Lord Reeper's Speech. acquaints them with the general Estate of affairs in Christendom, the enemies and dangers to this King­dom, persuades to supply, and to speed, and assures in the King's name, forgetfulness of any former di­stasts, and all affections of his Majesty unto Parlia­ments.

First the Parliament petition for a publick Fast, then they debate of the Greivances, of billeting of Grievan­ces. Souldiers, Loans, Benevolences, Privy Seals, Im­prisonment of Refusers, not bayling them upon Habeas Corpus, and they incline to give no supply, till these were redressed, and the point was, whe­ther to begin with Grievances or with Supplies.

The Courtiers were moderate High complaints were made of Deputy Lieutenants, compared to Janizaries. The business of the Habeas Corpus was examined; and found that Mr. Attorney had caused a draught of a Judgment to be made, and pressed to have it entred upon the Record; but the Judges would not permit it to be done.

After long debate, it was resolved unanimously by the Commons. Resoluti­ons in Par­liament.

  • 1. That no Freeman ought to be Imprisoned without cause shewed, either by the King or Councill.
  • 2. That a Habeas Corpus in that case ought to be granted.
  • 3. That if no cause of Committment be returned, the Party is to be bayled.

They also Voted, That no Tax ought to be Impo­sed without assent of Parliament.

March 26. 1628.

Car. 3 Then the King's Proposals were taken into con­sideration for Supplies. They had a Conference with the Lords touching Recusants, and their Hie­rarchy here secretly exercised. They agreed upon a Petition to the King. That the Laws against Ro­mish Priests might be executed, That Children may not be transported beyond Sea to be bred Papists, That Re­cusants may be confined according to law, That they may not be permitted to resort to Ambassadors houses to Mass, That they may not be in Offices, That the Judges be commanded to put the laws in Execution against them, and to give an account thereof, And that Recu­sants Children may be brought up in the Protestant Religion. All which the King granted.

The Commons also Voted, That no Freeman Vote. ought to be confined by the King, Privy Council, or o­thers, but by Act of Parliament, or due course of Law.

And they debated the point of foreign Imploy­ment against ones will.

They had a Message from the King to convince some false Reports that had been raised of what had passed at the Council; and that the Duke spake nothing against the Parliament, but was the first mover for it.

Upon a second Message, They unanimously Vote 5 Subsidies, with which the King was much pleased, 5 Subsidies Voted. and the Duke highly extolled it; whereof Secreta­ry Coke informed the House, but exception was taken, That the Duke's name was mixed with the King's.

The Commons at a Conference acquaint the Lords with their resolutions touching the Subjects Liber­ty, The Sub­jects Right. and Right, confirmed by 7 Acts of Parliament, in point; Magna Charta being one, 12 presidents in Terms, and 31 more, and the reason cleered.

The King desires, That the Commons would make no recess at Easter. This is excepted to, Privilege. as against their privilege; who may adjourne when they please. They Resolve that Greivances and Supply shall go hand in hand together.

An unpleasing Message comes to them from the King, which raised debate, and the speaker deli­vered Message. to the King a Petition touching Billetting of Petition. Souldiers, and an excuse touching the King's supply that they did not delay it. They vindicate their own proceedings, and pray, not to be misunderstood.

The matter of Billetting of Souldiers, and the unlawfulness and miseries of it, were fully opened in the Petition: and present remedy prayed of that Insupportable burden.

The Lords and Commons debated the point of Acts of State. Marshal Law, and touching a Petition of Right, [Page 10] Anno 1628 against which the King's Serjeant Ashley argued, that the Proposal of the Commons tended to Anar­chy; and that they must allow the King to govern by Acts of State, for which the Lords committed him; and he recanted.

At a free conference, the Lords and Commons debated of proposals to the King, touching the property and liberty of the Subject, made by the Lords; with which the Commons were unsatis­fied.

The King pressed for Supplies, and declared that he holds Magna Charta, and the other 6 Statutes to be in force, and will govern according to Law. And it was advised to rely upon the King's promise, but all were not satisfied to doe it; and a Bill was or­dered to be drawn concerning the substance of Mag­na Charta, and the other 6 Statutes.

The King sends another Message to the Com­mons Royal Word. to know if they will rest on His Royal Word, which he will perform. They debate upon it, and some say his word is to be taken in a Parliamentary way.

He sends another Message to hasten them; and Message. that he will end this Session within a senight. The Commons attend him, and answer his Messages, give him humble thanks for them; and desire that by a Bill they may satisfy the people of their Rights; and that they do not intend to incroach upon the King's Pre­rogative.

The King is contented that a Bill be past to con­firm Magna Charta, and the other 6 Statutes with­out additions. After this by another Message they were pressed to rely on the King's Word. In the Message. debate hereof, the Door of the House was shut. They resolve upon the Petition of Right, and pre­sent it to the Lords for their concurrence; and Petition of Right. resolve the times of payment of the 5 Subsidies.

The Lords at a Conference acquaint the Com­mons with a Letter from the King to them where­in Letter from the King. he much insists upon some Cases of Committment so transcendent that they may not be discovered; and which are above the capacity of the Judges; but promiseth to observe the Laws; and agrees that Magna Charta and the other 6 Statutes are in force; and desires expedition. The Lords pro­pound Sovereign power. an addition or saving to the Petition of Right, not to infringe Sovereign Power.

The Commons did not like the word Sovereign Power, nor any saving in the Petition of Right, and gave their reasons at a Conference with the Lords, why they could not agree to this saving. The Lords were satisfied, and both Houses concur­red, then the Bill of Subsidies was read and commit­ted.

A charge was brought into the House by Mr. Pym against Dr. Manwaring, That he by his D. Man­waring. Divinity Indeavoured to destroy the King and King­dome.

The Fleet under the Command of the Earl of Denbigh, sailed to Rochel, and finding there some French Ships, would not assault them, though fewer and weaker than themselves by many de­grees; but after shewing themselves onely, they returned and left Rochel unreleived.

The Council here being informed thereof, and some Parliament Men; Letters were sent from the Council to the Duke, to order the Earl of Denbigh to go again and to releive Rochel.

Both Houses presented to the King the Petition of Right, he promiseth a gracious Answer. The Answer to the Petiti­on of Right. Petition is read, and his Answer was, That Right be done according to Law; and the Statutes be put in due execution.

This Answer did not satisfie the Commons; and in debate of it, Sir Jo. Elliot fell upon the pub­lick Greivances, and moved that a Remon­strance of them might be made to the King, but this was by some held unseasonable, yet it was seconded, and a Committee made about it.

The King sends to the House, that he will not Message. alter his Answer, and intends to conclude this Ses­sion within a week. They send to the Lords the charge against Manwaring for his Sermons, That Manwa­ring. the Subjects under pain of Damnation ought to pay the loan, and obey the King's Will in all things. He is sentenced by Fine and Imprisonment, disabled to to have any Ecclesiastical preferment, and to make a submission.

The King sends another Message to the Com­mons Message. not to entertain any long business, for that he will keep his time of concluding this Session; and that they lay no aspersions upon the Government, or Mini­sters of State. Hereupon Sir Jo. Elliot beginning to speak, the Speaker fearing that he intended to fall upon the Duke, rose up and said, there is a Command upon me, that I must command you not to proceed in this matter.

The Commons declare, that no undutiful speech hath been spoken by any Member. Sir Ed. Coke na­med the Duke to be the cause of all their miseries, and moves to goe to the King, and by word to acquaint him; Selden seconds it, and moves for a Declaration against the Duke, that Judgment be demanded against him, upon his Impeachment in the last Parliament.

The King sends to the Commons to Adjourne Message. till the next day, and they did so; but were in much disturbance, yet upon another Message Message. brought by the Speaker, the former Restraint was qualified; and the King sent also a courting Message to the Lords.

Both Houses agree to Petition the King for a Petition. satisfactory answer to the Petition of Right. The Commons proceed about their Declaration. They examine the business about raising 1000 German Horse, under Balfour and Dalbier, and providing Arms for them.

The King gave another Answer to the Petition Another answer to the Petiti­on of Right. June 7th. of Right, soit Droit fait comme il est desire, which satisfied the Commons, and all good men; and is the same in the printed Act, and so that excellent Law passed.

The Commons sent for the Commission of Ex­cise, presented it to the Lords, and prayed that it might be damned. The Duke is again named in the House to be mentioned in their intended Re­monstrance, as the cause of all their Evils. Sir Hum. May, Sir H. Martyn, Sir Ben. Rudyard and others endeavoured to moderate the House; but they Voted the Duke to be named in their Remonstrance.

Dr. Lambe was set upon in the Streets by the Dr. Lambe. Rabble, and called Witch, Devill and the Duke's Conjurer, and beaten that he died, the Council wrote to the Lord Mayor to find out, and punish the chief actors therein, but none were found.

The Commons Voted Bishop Neal and Laud, to Votes a­gainst Bi­shop Neal, and Laud, and the Duke. be named in their Remonstrance, as suspected to be Arminians, and they named the Duke's power, and the abuse of it; and prayed the King to consi­der, whether it were safe that such a person should be so near him.

The Remonstrance was perfected, and in it com­plements Remon­strance. to the King; and the duty of Parliaments to make known to him publick Greivances, which other­wise he could not know, then they mention their fears of some Indeavours to Introduce Popery.

They shew the favourers of Papists, and the fa­vours to them, amounting to a tolleration, or little less. The spreading the faction of Arminians, and the prac­tice [Page 11] of Popery in Ireland, and the religious houses there newly founded; the fear of the change of Government, in the loans, Billetting of Soldiers, German Horse, taking of Tunnage and Poundage without Grant by Parliament. The Voyages to Cadez, Rea, Rochel, want of Powder, yet then the King's Powder sold; the loss of trade, and not guarding the Seas.

The cause of all the evils they conceive to be, the ex­cessive power of the Duke of Bucks, and his abuse of that power; and they submit to the King's Wisedom whether it be safe to continue that power, or the Duke so near the King's person.

They desire access to the King; and order the Speaker (though unwilling) to deliver the Remon­strance, the King sends a Message that he intends to Message. end this Session. The Commons proceed in the Bill for Tunnage and Poundage.

By the King's appointment, an order is made in the Star Chamber, to take off from the file, the Bill there against the Duke and his answer, the King being satisfied of the Duke's Innocency.

The Duke denies the speaking of any words at his Table, against the Commons, as one of their Members reported: and charged one Melvin a Scotchman, for saying that the Duke intended to put the King upon a war against the Commonalty, with the assistance of Scotland and the like, and that Sir. Tho. Overbury had poysoned Prince Henry by his Insti­gation.

The King Cancelled the Commission of Ex­cise.

The Commons order a Remonstrance to be Remon­strance. drawn of the Peoples Rights; and of the undue taking of Tunnage and Poundage, without the grant of it by Parliament, which being ready, the Speaker, who was before sent for to the King, came late, and while the Remonstrance was in Reading, the King sent for the House, and spake to them touching it, and took offence that it men­tioned Tunnage and Poundage taken without Grant by Parliament, as contrary to his Answer to the Petition of Right; which he excused, and said he could not want Tunnage and Poundage.

Then he passed the Bill of Subsidies, and other Bills, and the Lord Keeper declared the King's Parliament Prorogued to Octo. 20. pleasure to Prorogue the parliament; which was so done, by Proclamation.

Manwaring's Books were supprest by another Proclamation, and compositions for Recusants Estates directed by another; and to search for and commit Popish Priests by another.

Dr. Mountagu was made a Bishop, and Dr. Man­waring (though disabled by sentence) was prefer­red to a good living, and both were pardoned.

The chief Baron Walter is put out, and the King said of Judge Whitelocke, that he was a stout, wise, and a learned man, and one who knew what belongs to uphold Magistrates and Magistracy, in their dignity, and there was some speech of making him cheif Baron in the room of Walter; But Whitelocke had no great mind to succeed Walter; because Walter alledged that his Pattent of that office was quam diu se bene gesserit and that he ought not to be removed but by a Scire facias.

Rochel being besieged, the Duke was appointed to goe with the Fleet to relieve it, and being for that end at Portsmouth, with much company, he was suddenly stabbed to the heart, by one Lieute­nant The Duke stabbed by Felton. Felton; and fell down presently, crying the Villain hath slain me, and so dyed. When some that came in suspected Monsieur Sabise to have done it; Felton stepped forth, and said I am he that did it, let no Innocent man suffer for it, and so was ap­prehended, not offering to Escape, and was sent to prison.

The King (notwithstanding) went on with the design to releive Rochel, and the Fleet went thither, but returned without doing any service; being ill provided, and their Victuals stunck. Upon this, the Rochellers were so much distressed, that of 15000 men but 4000 remained alive; the rest perished with hunger. The Souldiers that returned, and were billetted up and down, committed great In­solencies.

Upon the Peace made between England and France, the Protestants there for a time, had a lit­tle more Indulgence.

Morgan was sent with the Lord Vere to Gluck­stadt. The Privy Council wrote to Dalbier, to dispose of the German Horse to the King of Swe­den, or to the King of Denmarke.

After the Duke of Bucks death, Bishop Laud had great favour with the King.

The meeting of the Parliament was Proto­gued. Parliament Prorogued to Jan. 20.

Many in London resort to Felton in prison, he saith he is sorry for his fact, but he was induced to it by the Parliament's Remonstrance. The same he said to the Council; and denyed that the Puritans, or any other set him on, or knew of his purpose.

Bishop Laud told him if he would not confess, that he must go to the Rack, he said he knew not whom he might accuse, perhaps Bishop Laud, or any other in that torture. The Council, by the King's directi­ons, sent to the Judges for their opinions, whether he might be racked by the Law. They all agreed, that by the Law he might not be put to the Rack.

Some Merchants were committed for not paying Merchants imprison­ed for Tun­nage and Poundage. Tunnage and Poundage according to the King's Declaration. Chambers, one of them, brought his Habeas Corpus: and it was returned that he was com­mitted for Insolent words spoken by him at the Council Table, that the Merchants were scrued up in England more than in Turkey, but the words not being in the Return, it was mended; and he was dischar­ged by Bayle, the Council were offended at it, and rebuked the Judges; but they Justified what they had done.

Felton was tryed at the King's Bench, and had Judgment of death, he shewed remorse, and offe­red his hand to be cut off, which the King desired might be done, but the Judges said, it could not be by Law, and he was hanged in Chains. Felton.

Mr. Vassall was brought into the Exchequer for not paying Tunnage and Poundage, he pleaded Tunnage and Poun­dage. Magna Charta, and the Statute de Tallagio non con­cedendo; and that this Imposition was not by assent in Parliament. The Barons refused to hear his Coun­cil; gave Judgment against him; and Imprisoned him.

Chambers having his goods seised, sued a Reple­vin; the Barons stayed it, and all other Replevins in the like case, by an Injunction to the Sheriffs, and ordered the double value of his goods to be seised, and the like was in the case of Mr. Rolls.

At the Council it was resolved before hand to Justifie these proceedings, when the Parliament should meet; and if the Parliament did not pass the Bill for Tunnage and Poundage, then to break it. And those of the Council, that were Members of the House of Commons, were directed what to say, if the House should fall upon any of the King's Ministers.

The Parliament met, and found the Petition of Jan. 20. Right to be Printed with some Additions; and the Copies first Printed without the Additions were suppressed by the King's order. And they were in­formed of the seising of the Merchants goods, per­ticularly of Mr. Rolles, then a Member of Parlia­ment; and that the Customers said, If all the Par­liament [Page 12] were concerned in the Goods, they would seise them. These things were referred to a Committee. The King sent for both Houses; spake to them in justification of his taking Tunnage and Poundage, untill they should grant it to him; wished them to do it, King's Speech Message. and not to be Jealous of the actions of one another, He sends another Message to them to expedite that Bill, they are troubled that it should be imposed on them, which should first move from them.

They consider of the Grievancies since the last Session: Of the increase of Arminians and Papists. Pym moves to take a Covenant to maintain our Religion and Rights, they proceed touching Religion, before Tunnage and Poundage; and touching the late In­troducing of ceremonies by Cosins and others; and the late Pardons.

Another Message comes for Tunnage and Poun­dage Message for Tun­nage and Poundage. to be before Religion. The Gourtiers second it. Some Bishops are mentioned for Introducing the Ceremonies. A Fast is petition'd for. The King answers, That for our Protestant friends abroad, fighting would do more good than fasting; but grants a fast now, so as it be not too frequent.

The Commons make a Declaration to the King, The Com­mons de­claration. why they proceed upon Religion, before Tunnage and Poundage. Shewing the danger Religion is in; and the necessity to secure it, as the cheif matter of all other, and therein they court the King, and pray that their proceedings may be acceptable.

The King answers, that this gives him no satis­faction, The King's Answer. that any Member of their house may bring in any Bill; That he, who calls them, may cause a Bill to be brought in to them; and that he will not stop his ear to the matters of Religion: and presseth their procee­dings for Tunnage and Poundage.

In their debate, some excepted against the King's Declaration, giving countenance to Armi­nians, Grievan­ces. and discountenancing Puritans. It was moved that the Marchants might have their goods restored, which were seised for not paying Tunnage and Poundage; and they sent to the Barons of the Exchequer, to nullify the Injunction by them gran­ted against the Replevin, sued out by the Merchants. The Barons Justifie the Injunction in the King's case: but the House was not satisfied.

They take notice of the pardons granted to Manwaring, Sibthorp and others; and Mr. Oliver Cromwell Informed them of the countenancing of Popery by the Bishop of Winton, and the Booksel­lers petition saith that Books against Popery were sup­pressed, and Books in favour of Popery were frequently licensed. The House takes these matters into Con­sideration. Secretary Coke tells them, the King's zeal against Popery. Mr. Attorney gives an account of proceedings against Priests, and of the College at Clerkenwell; but to some questions of the House, he did not answer, being as he said forbidden by the King.

The Customers questioned for taking the Goods of Parliament men answer, that they conceive no privilege of Parliament is in this case. This dista­sted the House, and being in debate of it, the King sent a Message that what the Customers did, was by Message. his order; and that he would not have his particular Interest severed from that of his Servants, who acted by his Command.

The order of the Council for levying of Tun­nage and Poundage was read in the House. They voted the seising of Mr. Rolles his Goods to be a Votes. breach of privilege; a hot debate is upon it, The Speaker being called upon to put the Question pro­posed, said he durst not, for that the King had com­manded the contrary. The House in some distur­bance adjourne to a day, and then being met again they wish the Speaker to put the former Question, but he refused; and said, he had a command to Ad­journe the House, and endeavouring to go forth of his Chair, some Members held him by force in it; others locked the door of the House, and brought up the Keys to the Table.

Others read a protestation ready drawn, which Protestati­on. they voted, and it was, That whosoever should bring in Innovation of Religion, Popery or Arminianism, and any that should advise the taking of Tunnage and Poundage not granted by Parliament, or that should pay the same, should be accounted Enemies to the King­dome.

The King sent for the Serjeant of the House, but he was detained, the House door being locked, then he sent the Gentleman Usher of the Lords House with a Message, but he was denyed admittance, till Message. the Votes were read, then in confusion the House Adjourned to a day, and before that day, the King by Proclamation dissolved the Parliament, and shewed his reasons for it.

Warrants of the Council Issued for Hollis, Selden, Members commit­ted. Hobert, Elliot, and other Parliament men, to ap­pear before them; Hollis, Curriton, Elliot, and Va­lentine appeared, and refusing to answer out of Par­liament, for what was said and done in Parliament, they were committed close prisoners to the Tow­er; and a Proclamation for apprehending others went out, and some of their studies were sealed up; These warrants were dated 5 March.

On the 10 th. of March, the day to which the Parliament dissolved. Parliament was Adjourned, the King in the Lords House (they being in their Robes, but the Speaker King's Speech. and House of Commons not called) spake to the Lords, courting them, and said it was meerly the seditions carriage of some Vipers, Members of the lower House, that caused the dissolving of this Parlia­ment: but he commended others of the Commons. Then he bid the Lord Keeper to do his office, who said My Lords, and Gentlemen of the House of Com­mons, (though the House of Commons were not called) The King doth dissolve this Parliament.

The people were discontented, Libels were cast abroad, especially against Bishop Laud, and Weston the Treasurer.

The King resolving to proceed in the Star Chamber against the Parliament men who were committed, propounds some questions to the Judges.

Anno 1629.

Car. 4 They Resolved that the Stat. 4 H. 8. ch. 8. was a Resoluti­ons of Judges. particular Act, and extended to Strowde onely, yet that all Members of Parliament ought to have like free­dome of speech. Upon other Questions they a­greed.

1. That a Subject ought to confess any treason where­of he is informed, or else he is punishable, so that it doth not concern himself.

2. That in this case upon examination, to say that he was a Member of Parliament, and spake thereof in the House, is in the nature of a Plea, and not punisha­ble till it be overruled.

3. That a Parliament man committing an offence against the King or Council, not in a Parliamentary way, may after the Parliament ended, be punished, if he be not punished for it in Parliament; but that re­gularly he cannot be compelled out of Parliament to an­swer things done in Parliament in a Parliamentary Course.

4. That if one or more Parliament men shall con­spire to raise false rumors against the Council, or Judges, to make them hated, it is punishable in Star Chamber, after the Parliament ended.

[Page 13] Anno 1629 5. Question was if a Parliament man by way of digression say that the Council and Judges agreed to trample upon the liberty of the Subject, and the priviledges of Parliament, whether he be punish­able; to this the Judges said They might not answer, because it concern'd themselves.

Another Question was propounded by Mr. At­torney to the Judges, upon the proceedings in Star Chamber ore tenus, against the Parliament men; and the Judges held it the juster way not to proceed ore tenus.

Justice Whitelocke did often and highly complain against this way, of sending to the Judges for their opinions before hand; and said that if Bishop Laud went on in his way, he would kindle a flame in the Na­tion.

One Huntley, a Parson in Kent, was required by the Archdeacon of Canterbury, to preach at a Visitation, he did it not; afterwards the Arch-bishop by his Letters required him to do it, and he did it not; for these contempts, being convened before the high Commission Court, he was fined in a great sum, and committed to prison, where he lay a long time, and being upon a Habeas corpus Habeas cor­pus. brought to the Bar, the cause of his committment was returned, default in his canonical obedience. He was first bayled, and afterwards delivered, upon this reason, because breach of canonical obedience is an offence punishable by the ordinary, by Ecclesiastical cen­sures; and not by the Commissioners Ecclesiastical, by Fine and Impriscnment.

Strowde, Hollis, Selden, and Valentine were Habeas cor­pus. brought to the Bar, by several Habeas Corpora, and the cause of their committment returned, one War­rant from the Council, and another Warrant from the King, for Sedition and Contempts, and whether this was a good Return or no was argued.

One Atkinson sued a servant of the King, and the Lord Chamberlain committed him, because he did it without his leave; and upon his Habeas cor­pus, Habeas cor­pus. Atkinson was delivered, which the Earl of Montgomery, Lord Chamberlain taking ill, the same day that Atkinson was delivered, he again commit­ted him, in contempt of the Court, and admirati­on of all wise men.

Jones, Whitelocke, and Croke (Hyde denying it) gave a Warrant for a new Habeas corpus, but be­fore the return of it, the Lord Chamberlain, up­on wiser thoughts, discharged Atkinson from pri­son.

The King's Attorney Heath, a fit Instrument for Informati­on in the-Star Cham­ber against the Mem­bers. those times, preferred an Information in the Star Chamber against Elliot, and the other Parliament men there named, setting forth their misdemea­nours in the late Parliament, and all those pro­ceedings.

He preferred another Information against Cham­bers in the Star Chamber, setting forth the King's Gracious Government, the great privileges of the Merchants, and the small duties they paid; then the words spoken by Chambers at the Council Table, That Merchants have more incouragement, and are less scrued up in Turkey than in England. Chambers confest the words, but said he spake them of the under officers of the Customes, who had much wronged him; and not reflecting upon the King or Council, or the Government; Yet the Court fined him 2000 l. and to make a submission; which he refused; underwriting that he did abhor and detest it as unjust and false.

The Fine was Estreated into the Exchequer, where he pleaded Magna Charta, and other Sta­tutes, against the Fine by the King and his Council in the Star Chamber; it not being by Legal Judg­ment of his Peers, nor saving his Merchandise.

But the Barons would not suffer his Plea to be filed.

Afterwards he brought his Habeas corpus, but the Judges remanded him; and after 12 years Im­prisonment, Habeas cor­pus. and long waiting for satisfaction for his losses, from the long Parliament, he at last dyed in want.

The Judges were somewhat perplexed about the The Jud­ges per­plext. Habeas corpus for the Parliament men, and wrote an humble and stout letter to the King, that by their oaths they were to bayle the Prisoners; but thought fit, before they did it, or published their opinions therein, to inform His Majesty thereof, and humbly to advise him (as had been done by his Noble progenitors, in like case) to send a direction to his Justices of his Bench, to bayle the prisoners.

But the Lord Keeper would not acknowledge to Whitelocke, who was sent to him from the rest of his Brethren, about this business, that he had shew­ed the Judges Letter to the King, but dissembled the matter; and told him, that he and his Brethren must attend the King at Greenwich, at a day appoin­ted by him.

Accordingly, the Judges attended the King, who was not pleased with their determination; but commanded them not to deliver any opinion in this case without consulting with the rest of the Judges; who delayed the business, and would hear arguments in the case, as well as the Judges of the King's Bench had done, and so the business was put off till the end of the Term.

Then the Court of Kings Bench, being ready to deliver their opinions, the Prisoners were re­moved to other prisons, and a Letter came to the Judges from the King that this was done because of their insolent carriage at the Bar. And so they did not appear.

Some Constables, and other mean men, com­mitted by the Council, and bringing their Habeas corpora, were removed from Pursevant to Pursevant, and could have no benefit of the Law.

Some advised the King to have no more Parlia­ments, Members taken off. but to abolish them, as Lewis the 11 th. of France did, and a Pamphlet was divulged to this purpose. The King took another course to gain Eminent Parliament men that were against him, to become of his party and to doe him service. He took Sir Thomas Wentworth into favour, and his Countryman Sir John Savile; and they were made Privy Councellors. Sir Dudley Digges was made Master of the Rolls: Noy was made the King's At­torney, and Littleton his Sollicitor.

The Judges of the King's Bench were sent for by the Lord Keeper, to be in London on Michaelmas day; the chief Justice Hyde, and Whitelocke were sent for to the King at Hampton Court, who advi­sed with them, about the Imprisoned Parliament men, and both these Judges did what good offices they could, to bring on the King to heal these breaches.

The first day of Michaelmas Term, Mr Mason moved for the Prisoners to have the resolution of the Court. All the Judges declared, that they were contented the prisoners should be Bayled; but that they Good be­haviour. must also find suerties for their good behaviour.

Selden prayed that his suerties for his bailment Procee­dings a­gainst Sel­den, &c. might be taken, and the matter of the good beha­viour omitted, as a distinct thing; and all the rest of the prisoners stood to the same, that Selden moved, but the Court remanded them to the Tow­er; because they would not find suerties for their good Behaviour.

It was intimated to them from good hands, that if they would petition the King, they should be discharged, and all the trouble ended, but they [Page 14] refused to do it, and were detained in prison. Sir Miles Hobert and some other prisoners moved the King's Bench for some more freedom in their imprisonment, but then it could not be ob­tained.

In the same Term an Information was exhibited by the King's Attorney against Selden, Hollis, and Valentine, in the King's Bench, setting forth the same Matters in effect as were in the Information in the Star-chamber.

The like was against Sir John Elliot, and for the words spoken by him in Parliament, That the Coun­cil and Judges conspired to trample under their feet the Liberties of the Subject and the Privileges of Par­liament.

This was said to be done by way of Conspiracy by all the Defendants as to their Actions in Parlia­ment, and that it was done falso, malitiose & se­ditiose; to sowe discord between the King and the Great Ones, and People: And he said it to be Vi & armis, that they forced the Speaker to keep in his Chair.

The Defendants pleaded to the Jurisdiction of the Court, because the offences are said to be com­mitted in Parliament, and ought not to be punished in this or any other Court, except in Parliament.

The Kings Attorney moved the Court to over-rule the Plea, though he did not demur to it; but the Court would not, and gave a day to joyn in Demurrer, and to have the point argued.

The Attorney exhibited an information in the Star-Chamber against Mr. Long, for that he contrary Informati­on in the Star-cham­ber. to his Oath when he was made Sheriff, and was by his Oath to keep within his County, yet he did come to Par­liament, and serve as a Member there, and in the time of Parliament resided out of his County. For this the Court sentenced him to pay Two thousand Marks to the King for a Fine, to be imprisoned in the Tower and to make a submission.

In Hillary Term the Information in the King's Bench against Sir John Elliot, and the rest, touch­ing Informati­on in the Kings Bench. the point of the Jurisdiction of the Court, came to be argued. All the Judges severally decla­red their Opinions, That in this case the King's Bench hath jurisdiction of the Cause. And the Defen­dants were ruled to plead further, but they would not put in any other Plea. Whereupon Judgment was given against them upon a Nihil dicit, that they should be imprisoned, and not delivered till they had given Security for their good behaviour, and made a submission and acknowledgment of their Offences: and they were also fined.

Anno 1630.

Anno 1630 Prohibiti­ons.In Easter Term, Sir Henry Martyn Dr. of Laws, and Judge of the Admiralty, made a great Com­plaint to the King against the Judges of the King's Bench, for granting Prohibitions against that Court; and all the Judges were before the King a­bout it, and they mannerly and stoutly justified their proceedings in those Cases to be according to Law, and as their Oaths bound them.

Sir Henry Vane was sent to the Queen of Bohemia Queen of Bohemia. about a Marriage for her Son with the Emperor's Daughter, and the Son to be brought up in the Court of the Emperor; to which the Queen would by no means hearken.

The Venetians were set on to mediate a Peace between England and France, which took effect: and A Peace with France. Sir Thomas Edmonds was sent to take the Ratifica­tion thereof, by the King of France, by his Oath, and signing of it.

Car. 5 A Book of Sir Robert Dudley's making, being of purpose to increase the King's Revenue, and con­taining in it somewhat in prejudice of the proceed­ings as to the Parliament, was dispersed by the Earls of Bedford and Clare, Sir Robert Cotton, Mr. Selden, and Mr. St. John, for which they were com­mitted to prison; but Sir David Fowlis discovered the Author, and so the matter ended, and the pri­soners were released.

William Earl of Pembroke died suddenly, as was predicted to him by an Astrologer. Upon the 29th of May 1630, the Queen was brought to Bed of a Prince Charls born, May 29. Son, Prince Charles, to the exceeding joy of the Subjects; and the same day a bright Star appeared, shining at Noon-day in the East.

About Midsummer this year, Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden. King of Sweden landed in Germany, with about 8000 Men, and as soon as he came on shore, he kneeled down upon the ground, his Officers and Soldiers round about him, and there gave thanks to God for his safe Arrival, and prayed for his blessing upon that Action, he prayed very pa­thetically in the presence of his Army, and incou­raged them by Texts out of holy Scripture, him­self being the Preacher.

The Prince Palatine sent his Plea to the Dyet at Leypsick, and Sir Robert Amstrother was sent thither from our King, to Negotiate the Palsgrave's Restitution, but he received only a general An­swer, That at present the Affairs of the Empire were so pressing, that they could not take into consideration the business of the Palatinate, but that shortly it should be done, and to the satisfaction of the King of Great Britain.

Dr. Leighton a Scotch-man, for his Book Intitu­led, Sions Plea, dedicated to the last Parliament, counselling them to kill all the Bishops, by smiting them under the fifth Rib,, and railing against the Queen, calling her a Canaanite and Idolatress, had the Sentence of the Star-Chamber executed upon Dr. Leigh­ton styg­matized. him; he was stygmatized, his Ears cut off, and his Nose slit, and imprisonment.

Sir Humphrey May Vice-chamberlain of his Ma­jestie's Houshold, and one of his Privy Council, died the 10th of June 1630.

The Peace with Spain was concluded in Novem­ber, Peace with Spain. and the Articles solemnly signed, and sworn to be observed, upon a Latin Bible brought for that purpose by Bishop Laud.

At this time the Face of War was over most parts of Christendom, in Italy, and France it was begun, and in Spain also; France fuller of fears, and Ger­many full of the calamities of War, and infested on all sides with potent Enemies.

Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden, being entred King of Sweden. into Germany, carries on his Designs vigorously and successfully; first, he declares the Cause of his Invasion, For succour and relief, and assistance to the Protestant Princes, and the Cause of Religion so much oppressed by the Emperor and the Popish Party.

The Emperour answers the Declaration, and justifies his Proceedings.

It is certain that the King of Sweden had not the least ambition or thought of beginning a War in Germany, wanting Strength and Treasure to carry on so great a Design, and therefore for a long time would not hearken to any Motions or Pro­posals made to him about that matter, until he was earnestly sollicited and pressed by the Protestant Princes of Germany, to take their Cause and Op­pression, and the Cause of all the Protestants in Germany, into his Compassion; and Intreated for the Cause of God and of his People, to assist them for their deliverance from the miserable and unjust oppres­sions and persecutions under which all the Protestant Party did then groan, by the Emperor's violence and cruelty towards them. And yet it was then after [Page 15] many denials and excuses, and dissatisfaction in himself, as to the lawfulness of his undertaking this action, that at length he was prevailed with, by their Importunities and fair Promises; but more by the sadness of the condition of the poor Protestants in Germany, and the danger to the Protestant Religion there, and in his own, and all other Countries, designed to be rooted out, to pity their Estate, Paries cum proximus ardet, and for defence of the Protestant Religion, to confede­rate with the Protestant Princes of Germany.

He thereupon made a League with them, and rai­sed an Army, though but a small one, and landed happily, as is before mentioned; and some of the Princes of the League joyning with him, they went on prosperously, through the blessing of God going along with them.

The particular proceedings of this great King, Generalissimo of the Protestant Army, are set down in the Histories of that War; therefore I shall not insert them here: But shall only in the general say this, that the relation of those Affairs by our later Chroniclers, is so greatly mistaken (espe­cially in their Censures, not so proper for Histo­rians, nor becoming the Authors, towards so knowing and active Princes Councils, and Com­manders, as they are pleased frequently to judge, and to condemn) that they are not to be relyed on; for they are much different from the truth of the proceedings of those honourable Actors in that War.

The Marquess of Hambleton sent Rea to the King of Sweden, to offer his Assistance, and that he Marquess Hambleton. would bring over Forces to him; but some suspected the Marquess to have a deeper design; under this pretence, to begin to raise Forces to back his in­tended purpose of making himself King of Scot­land.

But (the Marquess being full of subtilty, and in great favour with the King) he wiped off all suspicion of himself goes on with raising of his Army, and conducted it into Germany.

But so little care was taken of provisions and accommodations for his Men, that they were brought into a sick and shatter'd condition; so that they mouldred away in a short time: and the Marquess was forced to return to England, with­out gaining any great Renown by this action, wherein he neither did Service to the King of Swe­den, nor to himself, or to the Protestant Cause in Germany

The Papists in Ireland grew into a great height, Monasteries were there erected, Papists frequen­ted Papists in Ireland. their publick Meetings and Masses, with as much confidence, and as often as the Protestants did their Churches; and some of their Priests being apprehended, by authority of the Gover­nours, were tumultuously rescued by the people of Dublin.

The Earl of Essex made a second adventure Earl of Essex. of Marriage with a Daughter of Sir William Pawlet, who was of great Beauty, but little Fortune; some suspicion was raised touching her, and a Divorce perswaded: but she had at length a Child, and the Earl her Husband own­ed it.

The Feoffees in trust for the buying in of Impro­priations to be bestowed upon preaching Ministers, Impropri­ations. were brought into the Exchequer, for the breach of their trust, and for bestowing Maintenance up­on Nonconformists; their Corporation was dis­solved, and their Money adjudged to the King.

Huntley, before-mentioned, being grievously Huntley. The High Commissi­on Court. censured in the High Commission Court, and by them imprisoned, brought his Action of false Im­prisonment against the Keeper Mr. Barker, and some of the Commissioners by name.

The Attorney General by the command of the King, moved the King's Bench, that the Com­missioners might be spared, and the proceedings to be only against the Gaoler; upon much debate, it was at last ordered, that two of the Commis­sioners only should answer.

The Archbishop of Canterbury who did blow the Coal in this business, and had ingaged the Com­missioners in the Cause, being first set on foot by himself in wrong courses, did press the King by the Bishop of London to stay the Proceedings a­gainst the Commissioners.

The King sent his Advocate, Dr. Rives, to the Message to the Chief Justice. Chief Justice, requiring him, that there should be no further proceeding in the Cause, till he had spoken with him.

The Chief Justice answered, We receive the Mes­sage; but upon Consultation together, the Judges conceived the Message not to stand with their Oaths, commanding an indefinite stay of a Cause between Party and Party, and might stop the course of Ju­stice so long as the King would. And they conceived the Doctor no fit Messenger; all Messages from the King to them, being usually by the Lord Keeper, or the King's Attorney, in Causes touching the course of Justice.

By the Courts desire, the Chief Justice ac­quainted the Lord Keeper herewith, and Bi­shop Laud, and they both said, the Message was mi­staken, and that the King intended to be in Town again within seven or eight days, and then to speak with the Judges about it.

This Interpretation qualified the Message, and the Lord Keeper feemed to agree, that the Com­missioners ought not to be exempted from answer­ing, but that there should be as much slowness in it, as might stand with Justice; otherwise the Commis­sioners would be weary of their places, to be put to such trouble and charges.

Judge Whitelocke insisted on three Points.

1. That it was against Law, to Exempt, or Pri­vilege any man from answering the Action of another that would sue him.

2. If the Court should Exempt any, where should they begin, and where should they end?

3. That it stood with the King's Monarchical Power, that it might be lawful for any Subject to Complain be­fore him of any other Subject, and to be answered in that Complaint.

The High Commissinoners not contented with the Judges Answer herein, caused the King to as­sume the Matter to himself, who sent for the Judges; and in the presence of the Lord Keeper and others, Commanded the Judges not to put the Defen­dants to Answer.

This was at the Importunity of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of London pressed the business violently on the behalf of the Commis­sioners.

At last they parted, charged with the King's The King's express Command. The Jud­ges answer. Express Command, that they should not put the Com­missioners to answer; and the Judges stoutly an­swered, that they could not without breach of their Oaths perform that Command; and so they parted in displeasure.

Afterwards by the King's special Command, this Matter was handled at the Council-table, in presence of the Judges; and after long debate and hearing of the Bishops of London and Winchester, two of the Privy-council, and of the Judges, and King's Attorney; it was agreed, that the Com­missioners should answer. And by the stout carriage and honesty of the Judges, this was a good and quiet end of an angry Cause.

Anno 1631.

Anno 1631 Some of the Imprisoned Parliament-men upon their Petition, were remov'd from the Prisons where­in they then were, to other Prisons, to prevent the danger of the Sickness then increasing. Sir Miles Hobert put in Sureties for his good behaviour, and so was discharged from his Imprisonment.

Sir John Walter died, a grave and learned Judge; Walter dies he fell into the King's displeasure, charged by his Majesty for dealing cautelously, and not plainly with him, in the business concerning the Parliament-men: as if he had given his Opinion to the King privately one way, and thereby brought him on the Stage, and there left him, and then was of another Judg­ment.

His Opinion was contrary to all the rest of the Judges, That a Parliament-man for misdemeanour in His Opini­on. the House, criminally, out of his Office and duty, might be only imprisoned, and not further proceeded against: which seemed very strange to the other Judges, because it could not appear, whether the Party had committed an Offence, unless he might be admitted to his Answer.

The King discharged him of his Service by Mes­sage, yet he kept his place of chief Baron, and His Patent. would not leave it but by legal proceeding; be­cause his Patent of it was, Quam diu se bene ges­serit, and it must be tryed, whether he did bene se gerere, or not: He never sate in Court after the King forbad him, yet held his place till he died.

The Judges were sent for to be consulted with, touching the Tryal of the Lord Audley, who was Lord Aud­ley's Tryal. Indicted for a Rape committed upon his Wife, with his assistance, by one of his own Servants, and for Buggery.

The Tryal was very solemn before the Lord Keeper, made Lord High Steward for that day, and eight Judges Assistants, and twenty seven Peers, the Jury or Judges of the Fact. The Matters were of the most horrid and foul wickedness that ever was heard of, and therefore I have esteemed it not convenient to preserve the memory of the parti­culars of such infamous and beastly Abomina­tions.

By Letters from the Lord Keeper, all the Judges of the King's Bench were required to come up to London, and the business was for their Advice, touching the Conference had in Germany, between certain Scots, about making of the Marquess Ham­bleton Head of a Party against the King, and his Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and what was sit for the King to do thereupon.

The Lord Rea a Scotch Baron, did Impeach Rea and Ramsey. Ramsey and Meldram, for moving him to this Conspiracy. They denied it punctually, and no Witness could be produced; Ramsey a Souldier offered to clear himself by Combate, that he was innocent, and the Appellant Rea accepted of the Challenge. The King was desirous it should be put upon a Duel, and the Judges were consulted with: 1. What the Offence was? 2. Where the Tryal should be.

1. They all with the Lord Keeper were of Opi­nion, Appeal of Treason. That it was an high and horrible Treason, if that in the Examinations were true.

2. That the Tryal might be by an Appeal of Trea­son, upon which Combate might be joyned; but that the King must make a Constable durante bene-placito, for the Marshal could not take the Appeal without him, and that it must be after the manner of the Civil Law, Judges O­pinions. the Judges not to intermeddle.

Car. 6 The Judges were also of Opinion, That this pro­ceeding before the Constable and Marshal, was, as it was before the Stat. 35 H. 8. c. 2. and that that Statute devised a way how to try foreign Treasons in England, but did not take away the other, and that the Stat. 1 Mar. cap. 10. did not take it away, nor intend it; and that a Conviction in this Appeal was no corruption of Blood, nor a forfeiture at the Common Law.

According to the advice of the Judges, there was a Court of the Constable and Marshal appoint­ed, and the Earl of Lindsey made Constable for that purpose, and the proceedings between Rea and Ramsey in that Court, were very solemn, and mul­titudes of people attending that Novelty.

In this Tryal it was delivered for Doctrine, That if the Defendant do send a Challenge to the Ap­pellant, it is a proof of the Defendant's guilt.

That no Testimony is to be neglected in matter of Treason. And the Story in Livy was cited, That it is not base to undergo any Office to save a Nation, but that it was unbecoming a gentle-man to fish for Cir­cumstances, and then to be an Informer.

That in France the holding up of the Hand is ta­king an Oath, and in this Case it was urged, That if Ramsey be guilty of Treason, that Rea is so like­wise; for that both did speak the words in the Accu­sation. The Business was taken up by the King, through the interest of the Marquess Hambleton, whose Servant Ramsey was; and the Lord Rea re­turned to his Command under the King of Sweden in Germany.

Sir Nicholas Hyde chief Justice of the King's Sir Nich. Hyde. Bench, died in August this year; he was promoted to that place by the Duke of Buckingham, and de­meaned himself in it with good Integrity and pru­dence in those difficult times; he was somewhat reserved, and not affable.

In Michaelmas Term certain Questions were pro­pounded Questions to the Judges touch­ing the Clergy. to the Judges, touching the Clergy:

1. Whether Clergy-men were bound to find Watch and Ward, Day or Night. To this the Answer was deferred, till the Judges had informed themselves of the practice in the Countries where they went Circuit.

2. Whether Clergy-men might be compelled to take Apprentices, by the Stat. 43 El. of the Poor. On this all agreed, that no man was out of the Statute, but there was a discretion to be used in the Justices of Peace, to consider where it was fit to put the Child to be kept, and where it was fitter to take money toward the putting of it out. And it was held, that the meaning of the Sta­tute was not for the Education of them in Arts, but for Charity to keep them, and relieve them, from turning to Roguery and Idleness; so a man's House was, as it were, an Hospital in that case, rather than a Shop of Trade; for they might be brought up to Husbandry, Cookery, Dayery, and the like Services, in an house. This Case I have reported, because it sheweth somewhat of the expectation and temper of the Clergy in that time.

The same likewise appeared by proceedings a­gainst Oxford. some of the University of Oxford, for Ser­mons preached by them against Arminianism, and upon other Points of Religion, then in Contro­versie; upon which divers of them were censured, and some expelled the University.

Much difference of Opinion was also preached and published, touching the Observation of the Lord s-day: And in the North they kept their Wakes and Ale-meetings upon the Sabbath-day. Whereof complaint being made at the Assizes, Judge Richardson was so hardy, as to make an Or­der to suppress them. But the Bishops took this as an Intruding upon the Ecclesiastical Power, and Bishop Laud complaining of it to the King, the [Page 17] Judge was checkt, and occasion was taken from hence, to republish the former Book, for allowance of Pasttimes upon the Lord's-day, which was not very pleasing to many, who were no Puritans, as well as to them generally. Book of Sports. Repair of Pauls.

About this time the Repair of Pauls was set on work, chiefly by the Zeal of Bishop Laud; and new Images and Ornaments other than formerly, were set up, to the discontent of many persons.

The King came himself to this Church, and made a kind of Procession to view it, and granted a Commission to some Bishops and others, to have a Contribution, and to see the Work done: Some affirm, that about Eighty thousand pounds was ga­thered for it, and Sir Paul Pindar is remembred to Sir Paul Pindar. have laid out Nineteen thousand pounds of his own Money towards it.

A piece of London Bridge was burnt down.

The King fell sick of the Small-pox, but was well recovered again to the joy of his Subjects.

Anno 1632.

Car. 8 The Chancellor of Poland came Ambassador hi­ther for Assistance against the Turks, and got some Money, and two thousand Men of our King. He was bred up a Lawyer, and at length came to be a principal Civil Officer of Justice, and was also at the same time a great Commander in the Army.

In November our Queen was brought to Bed of The Prin­cess Mary born. Ambassa­dor to Sweden. the Princess Mary.

Our King sent an Ambassador to the King of Sweden, in behalf of the Prince Elector, in whose Country, Gustavus then was become Master of the Field; but his Successes caused him to propound the harder Conditions to the Elector, to hold his own Patrimony, that he refused them; but after­wards the King of Sweden by Mediation came to more moderate terms.

But that Business was cut off by the death of that King, which in its time will be remembred.

This Term the business of the Death of Doctor Lamb was in the King's Bench, wherein it appeared Dr. Lamb. that he was neither Dr. nor any way Lettered, but a man odious to the Vulgar, for some Rumors that went of him, that he was a Conjurer, or Sorcerer, and he was quarrelled with in the Streets in London, and as the people more and more gathered about him, so they pelted him with rotten Eggs, Stones, and other riff raff, justled him, beat him, bruised him, and so conti­nued pursuing him from Street to Street, till they were five hundred people together following of him. This con­tinued three hours together until Night, and no Ma­gistrate or Officer of the Peace once shewed himself to stop this Tumult: so the poor man being above eighty years of age, died of this violence, and no Inquisition was taken of it, nor any of the Malefactors discovered in the City.

For this negligence an Information was put into the King's Bench, by the Attorney Noy, against the Mayor and Citizens, and they submitted to the Grace of the Court, and were in open Court fined City of London fined. fifteen hundred Marks, by the Common Law; not upon the Statute of 28 Edw. 3. nor upon the Sta­tute of 4 H. 8.

This Trinity Term Judge Whitelocke fell ill of a Cold, which so increased upon him, that he was ad­vised to go into the Country, whereupon he took his leave of his Brethren the Judges and Sergeants, and was cheerfull with them, but said to them, God be with you, I shall never see you again, and this without the least disturbance or trouble of his Judge Whitelocke dies. thoughts: And soon after he came into the Coun­try, on 22th day of June he died; and in his death the King lost as good a Subject, his Country as good a Patriot, the Peeple as just a Judge as ever lived; all honest men lamented the loss of him, no man in his age left behind him a more honoured Memory: His Reason was clear and strong, and his Learning deep and general; he had the Latine Tongue so perfect, that sitting Judge of Assize at Oxford, when some Foreigners, Persons of Quality, being there, and coming to the Court to see the manner of our proceedings in matters of Justice, this Judge caused them to sit down, and briefly repeated the Heads of his Charge to the Grand Ju­ry in good and elegant Latin, and thereby informed the Strangers, and the cholars of the ability of our Judges, and the course of our proceedings in mat­ters of Law and Justice: He understood the Greek very well, and the Hebrew, and was versed in the Jewish Histories, and exactly knowing in the Hi­story of his own Country, and in the Pedigrees of most Persons of Honour and Quality in the King­dom, and was much conversant in the Studies of Antiquity and Heraldry: He was not by any ex­celled in the knowledge of his own Profession of the Common Law of England, wherein his know­ledge of the Civil Law (whereof he was a Graduate in Oxford) was a help to him, his learned Argu­ments both at the Bar and Bench, will confirm this truth.

Soon after the death of this Judge, there died Abbot dies. a great Church-man, Abbot Archbishop of Canter­bury, in a good old age, and left behind him the memory of a pious, learned, moderate Prelate; and in his room succeeded Laud, then Bishop of Lon­don, who was in eminent favour with the King, as Laud made Archbi­shop of Canterbury. appears by this Translation of him to the Metro­politan Dignity of the Church of England, to be Archbishop of Canterbury.

Some of our Stories relate, that not long after his Translation to the See of Canterbury, Laud was offered a Cardinals Cap from Rome, but that he refused, being as high already as England could ad­vance him, and he would not be second to any in another Kingdom.

This new Archbishop in the end of Summer, a­bout Michaelmas, came from London to Oxford, there to attend the King, and to entertain him in the University, where Laud was also Chan­cellour.

Collonel Saunderson was sent by our King with two thousand English to the Emperor of Rushia to assist him against the King of Poland: He was there upon a private difference between them, basely murdered by Colonel Lesley, a Scotch-man.

The Muscovites were overthrown by the Polan­ders, no Justice done upon Lesley; but he came to this deserved end, that he was thrown down from a Tower upon the ground, and so died.

The Protestants in Ireland were discontented at the grace and favour shewed to the Papists there: the Lord Wentworth was sent over, as Deputy Wentworth sent into Ireland. in that Kingdom, to settle the Affairs and People there.

The King of Sweden proceeded successfully in King of Sweden slain. Germany, till the Battel of Lutzen, where he was slain; some say by one of his own people, others say, by the Enemy: in the fight he was trampled under foot by the horse, so that his body could hardly be known: Papenheim was slain in the same Battel.

The Swedes contrary to expectation and course of others, at the death of their King were so in­raged, that falling furiously upon the Imperialists, they gained a great Victory.

[Page 18] Anno 1632 A little after this, the Prince Elector, King of Bohemia, dyed (as was supposed) of the Infection of the Plague, which he had taken at Coloign, or at Mentz.

Wallestein was suspected of treachery, to have Wallestein murther­ed. designed a conjunction with the Swedes against the Emperor, and was suddenly murthered by But­ler, a Scotchman.

This year dyed three Kings, Sigismund King of Poland, and Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden, and Fredericke King of Bohemiā, besides many great persons both in England, and in Foreign parts, of every Degree and Sex.

The King sent the Earl of Leicester Ambassador to the King of Denmark, to condole the death of his Mother, and to demand a portion, due to our Queen, and to the Queen of Bohemia, according to the Law of Denmarke. About this time, Mr. Prinne published his Book called Histrio-Mastrix, by Ly­cence Prynne's Histrio­mastix. of Archbishop Abbot's Chaplain, which being against Plays, and a Reference in the Table of the Book, to this effect, Women actors notorious Whores, relating to some Women actors, mentioned in his Book as he affirmeth.

It hapened, that about six weeks after this, the Queen acted a part in a Pastoral, at Somerset house, and then the Archbishop Laud, and other Prelates, whom Prynne had angered, by some Books of his against Arminianism, and against the Jurisdiction of the Bishops, and by some Prohibitions which he had moved, and got to the high Commission Court.

These Prelates, and their Instruments, the next day after the Queen had acted her Pastoral, shewed Prynne's Book against Plays, to the King, and that place of it, Women actors notorious Whores, and they informed the King and Queen, that Prynne had purposely written this Book, against the Queen, and her Pastoral, whereas it was published six weeks before that Pastoral was acted.

Yet the King and Queen, though thus exaspera­ted, did direct nothing against him, till Laud set Doctor Heylin (who bare a great malice to Prynne, for confuting some of his Doctrines) to peruse Prynne's books, and to collect the scandalous points out of them; which Heylin did, though (as Prynne affirms) not at all warranted by the text of his book, but these two Gentlemen were well matched, and alike in other things, though so much different in Divinity, or shew of it.

The Archbishop went with these Notes to Mr. Attorney Noy, on a Sabbaoth day morning; and charged him to prosecute Prynne for this book; which Noy afterwards did, rigorously enough in Prynne sent to the Tower. the Star Chamber, and in the mean time, the Bi­shops, and Lords in the Star Chamber, sent Prynne close prisoner to the Tower.

Anno 1633.

Car. 9 Some in Scotland had given out in speeches that the King thought the Crown of Scotland not worth his The King's progress to Scotland. Journey thither, and some doubts were of secret designs amongst them, to set up there another King.

The King resolves to go thither, and went with a train of Lords, and others, suitable to his dignity. At Edenburgh he was Crowned, with all shew of affection and duty, and in a Parliament then held, the liberties of the Kirk are stood upon, the King gratifyed many of them with new honours: Yet some began then to mutter, and afterwards to mutiny, the King was in some danger passing over Dumfrith; but returned back to London in safety.

The Earl of Traquayre is made Treasurer of Scot­land, and the Parliament there, gave a Tax to the King, which the Scots Nobles begged of him before it was gathered. The Lord Louden began to make opposition to the King; and to shew his intentions in that Parliament.

The Queen was brought to bed of another Son, October 13. the Duke of York born. James; who was created Duke of York, the Title reserved for the second sons of the King.

In Michaelmas Term was some discourse about the Communion Table in St. Gregories Church near Pauls; which by order of the Dean of Pauls, was removed and placed Altarwise, to the distast of several of the Parishoners, who at length ap­pealed, and it came before the King and Council, who approved what the Dean had done.

Order was sent to Scotland that the prayers, and divine service should be celebrated twice a day in the King's Chapel there, after the manner used in England; and that the Communion should be monthly received on their knees, and the Ministers to wear the Surplice, and other Ceremonies to be observed. But the Dean of the Chapel there durst not put these orders in execution, for fear of dis­pleasing the people.

The King revived his Father's declaration for October 18. tollerating lawfull sports (as it calls them) on the Lord's day, which gave great distast to many, both others, as well as those who were usually termed Puritans.

About Allholantide, several of the principal Members of the societies of the four Inns of Court, amongst whom some were Servants to the King, had a design that the Inns of Court should present their service to the King and Queen, and testify their affections to them, by the outward and splendid visible testimony of a Royal Masque of Masque of the Inns of Court. all the four societies joyning together, to be by them brought to the Court, as an expression of their love, and duty to their Majesties.

This was hinted at in the Court and by them Inti­mated to the chief of those Societies, that it would be well taken from them, and some held it the more seasonable, because this action would manifest the difference of their opinion from Mr. Prynne's new learning, and serve to confute his Histrio Mastix against enterludes. This design took well with all the Inns of Court, especially the younger sort of them, and in order to put it in execution, the Ben­chers of each Society met, and agreed to have this solemnity performed in the noblest and most state­ly manner, that could be invented.

The better to effect this, it was resolved in each House to choose two of their Members, whom they should judge fittest, for such a business, to be a Committee, by Joint assistance to carry on that af­fair.

In the middle Temple were chosen of this Com­mittee, Mr. Edward Hyde, and Mr. Whitelocke. For the Inner Temple, Sir Edward Herbert, and Mr. Sel­den. For Lincolns Inne, Mr. Attorney Noy, and Mr. Gerling. And for Grayes Inne, Sir John Finch, and Mr.—

This Committee, being impowred by the Ben­chers of each Society met together, and, out of their own number, made several subcommittees, one subcommittee to take care of the poetical part of the business; another for the several pro­perties of the Masquers, and Antimasquers, and other actors; another was for the Dancing, and to Whitelocke in particular was committed the whole care and charge of all the Musick for this great Masque, which was so performed, that it excelled any Musick that ever before that time had been heard in England.

[Page 19] Anno 1633 The Business being thus distributed, each Sub-committee had their meetings, and carried on their business committed to their care, and had moneys provided by an equal proportion, by the Governors of each Society, who were not sparing, in that most material part of every design and action.

Whitelocke made choice of Mr. Simon Ivy, an ho­nest and able Musician, of excellent skill in his Art, and of Mr. Laws to compose the Airs, Lessons, and Songs for the Masque, and to be Master of all the Musick under him. He also made choice of Four of the most excellent Musicians of the Queens Chappel, Monsieur la Mare, Monsieur du Vall, Monsieur Robert, and Monsieur Mari, and of di­vers others of foreign Nations, who were most eminent in their Art, not in the least neglecting any of his own Country-men, whose knowledge in Musick rendred them usefull in this Action, to bear their parts in the Musick; and for the better preparation and practice of the Musick, they had Meetings together of English, French, Italians, Ger­mans, and other Masters of Musick: Fourty Lutes at one time, besides other Instruments and Voices of the most excellent Musicians in Consort: The rest of the Sub-committees prepared all things in readiness, according to their several Charges; and the Grandees, Master Attorney-general Noy, Sir John Finch, Sir Edward Herbert, Mr. Selden, and all the rest of the Committees took great pains, and neglected no Meetings for the management of this great business of the Masque, which they knew would be acceptable to their Master and Mistress, and to all the Court.

The time for presenting of this Masque at White-Hall, was agreed to be on Candlemas Night to end Christmas: and the several parts of it being brought near to a readiness for action, Hyde and Whitelocke were sent by the Committee to the Lord Chamberlain, the Earl of Pembroke and Montgome­ry, and to Sir Henry Vane the Controller of the King's House, to advise with them, and to take order about the Scenes and other matters relating to the Masque, and about preparing things in the Banquetting-house in order thereunto.

The Gallery behind the State, at the end of the Banquetting-house, was reserved for the Gentle-men of the Inns of Court, who should come thither to see their Masque, that there they might sit toge­ther, and none else to be admitted with them into that place.

The Dancers, Masquers, Anti-Masquers, and Musicians, did before-hand practise in the place where they were to present the Masque, and the Scenes were artificially prepared at the lower end of the Banquetting-house: The grand Masquers were four Gentlemen of each Inns of Court, most suitable for their Persons, Dancing, and Garb for that business: And it was ordered, that they should be drawn in four rich Chariots, four Masquers in each Chariot, by six Horses in a Chariot; but there grew a difference about the order of their going, which of the Inns of Court should have the first Chariot, so of the rest in their order; and how the several grand Masquers should sit in the several Chariots, who in the first or chiefest place, and who in the second, third, and last place. To satisfie this. it was propounded, and assen­ted to by the Committee, that the Chariots should be made after the fashion of the Roman Tri­umphant Chariots, and being of an Oval form, in the Seats there would be no difference of place in them.

For the several Colours, and for the precedence of the Chariots, it was agreed that one of each house of the Committee should throw the Dice, and as that happened the Society to be bound of which he that threw was a number.

On Candlemas-day in the Afternoon, the Mas­quers, Horsemen, Musicians, Dancers, and all that were Actors in this business, according to order met at Ely-house in Holborn, there the grand Com­mittee sace all day to order all Affairs; and when the Evening was come, all things being in full rea­diness, they began to set forth in this order down Chancery-Lane to Whitehall.

The first that marched were twenty Footmen, in Scarlet Liveries with Silver-lace, each one having his Sword by his side, a Baton in his hand, and a Torch lighted in the other hand; these were the Marshal's-men who cleared the Streets, made way, and were all about the Marshal, waiting his Com­mands. After them, and sometimes in the midst of them came the Marshall, then Mr. Darrel, after­wards Knighted by the King: He was of Lincolns-Inn, an extraordinary handsom proper Gentleman; he was mounted upon one of the King's best Hor­ses, and richest Saddles, and his own Habit was exceeding rich and glorious; his Horsemanship very gallant; and besides his Marshals-men, he had two Lacquies, who carried Torches by him, and a Page in Livery that went by him, carrying his Cloak.

After him followed one hundred Gentlemen of the Inns of Court, five and twenty chosen out of each house; of the most proper and handsom young Gentlemen of the Societies, every one of them was gallantly mounted on the best Horses, and with the best Furniture that the King's Stable, and the Sta­bles of all the Noblemen in Town would afford, and they were forward on this occasion to lend them to the Inns of Court.

Every one of these hundred Gentlemen were in very rich Clothes, scarce any thing but Gold and Silver-lace to be seen of them; and each Gentle-man had a Page and two Lacquies waiting on him in his Livery by his Horse-side: The Lacquies car­ried Torches, and the Page his Masters Cloak. The richness of their Apparel and Furniture glittering by the light of a multitude of torches attending on them, with the motion and stirring of their mettled Horses, and the many and various gay Liveries of their Servants; but especially the personal beauty and gallantry of the handsom young Gentlemen, made the most glorious and splendid shew that ever was beheld in England.

After the Horsemen came the Antimasquers, and as the Horsemen had their Musick, about a do­zen of the best Trumpeters proper for them, and in their Livery, sounding before them; so the first Antimasque being of Cripples, and Beggers on horseback, had their Musick of Keys and Tongues, and the like, snapping and yet playing in a Con­sort before them.

These Beggers were also mounted, but on the poorest leanest Jades that could be gotten out of the Dirt-carts, or elsewhere: and the variety and change from such noble Musick, and gallant Hor­ses, as went before them, unto their proper Mu­sick, and pitiful Horses, made both of them the more pleasing.

The Habits and properties of these Cripples and Beggers, were most ingeniously fitted (as of all the rest) by the Commissioners direction, wherein (as in the whole business) Mr. Attorney Noy, Sir John Finch, Sir Edward Herbert, Mr. Selden, those great and eminent Persons, as all the rest of the Committee, had often Meetings, and took extraor­dinary care and pains in the ordering of this bu­siness, and it seemed a pleasure to them.

[Page 20] After the Beggers Antimasque, came men on Horseback, playing upon Pipes, Whistles, and In­struments sounding Notes like those of Birds of all sorts, and in excellent consort, and were followed by the Antimasque of Birds: This was an Owl in an Ivy-bush, with many several sorts of other Birds, in a clustre about the Owl, gazing as it were upon her: these were little Boys put into covers of the shapes of those Birds, rarely fitted, and sit­ting on small Horses, with Footmen going by them, with Torches in their hands; and here were some besides to look unto the Children, and this was very pleasant to the Beholders.

After this Antimasque, came other Musicians on Horseback playing upon Bag-pipes, Horn-pipes, and such kind of Northern Musick, speaking the following Antimasque of Projectors to be of the Scotch and Northern Quarters; and these, as all the rest, had many Footmen with Torches waiting on them.

First in this Antimasque, rode a Fellow upon a little Horse, with a great Bit in his mouth, and upon the man's head was a Bit, with Headstall and Rains fastned, and signified a Projector, who begged a Patent, that none in the Kingdom might ride their Horses, but with such Bits as they should buy of him.

Then came another Fellow with a bunch of Carrots upon his Head, and a Capon upon his Fist, describing a Projector who begg'd a Patent of Mo­nopoly, as the first Inventer of the Art to feed Ca­pons fat with Carrots, and that none but himself might make use of that Invention, and have the Priviledge for fourteen years, according to the Statute.

Several other Projectors were in like manner per­sonated in this Antimasque; and it pleased the Spectators the more, because by it an Information was covertly given to the King, of the unfitness and ridiculousness of these Projects against the Law: and the Attorney Noy, who had most know­ledge of them, had a great hand in this Anti­masque of the Projectors.

After this, and the rest of the Antimasques were past, all which are not here remembred; there came six of the chief Musicians on Horseback upon Foot-clothes, and in the habits of heathen Priests, and Footmen carrying of Torches by them.

After these Musicians, followed a large open Chariot drawn with six brave Horses, with large Plumes of Feathers on their Heads and Buttocks: The Coachman and Postillion in rich antique Li­veries. In the Chariot were about a dozen per­sons, in several habits of the Gods and Goddesses, and by them many Footmen on all sides bearing Torches.

After this Chariot followed six more of the Mu­sicians on horseback, with Footclothes habited, and attended with Torches as the former were.

After them came another large open Chariot like the former, drawn with six gallant Horses with Feathers, Liveries, and Torches, as the other had.

These Chariots were made purposely for this occasion; and in this latter Chariot were about a dozen Musicians in like habit (but all with some variety and distinction) as those in the first Chariot.

These going immediately next before the Grand Masquers Chariots, play'd upon excellent and loud musick all the way as they went.

After this Chariot came six more Musicians on Footcloth, Horses habited and attended as the other.

Then came the first Chariot of the Grand Mas­quers, which was not so large as those that went before, but most curiously framed, carved, and painted with exquisite Art, and purposely for this service and occasion. The form of it was after that of the Roman Triumphant Chariots, as neer as could be gathered by some old Prints and Pictures extant of them: The Seats in it were made of an Oval form in the back end of the Chariot, so that there was no precedence in them, and the faces of all that sate in it might be seen together.

The colours of the first Chariot were Silver and Crimson, given by the Lot to Grays-Inn, as I re­member: the Chariot was all over painted richly with these colours, even the Wheels of it most ar­tificially layd on, and the carved work of it was as curious for that Art, and it made a stately Show. It was drawn with four Horses, all on breast, and they were covered to their heels all over with cloth of Tissue, of the colours of crimson, and sil­ver, huge Plumes of red and white Feathers on their heads and buttocks; the Coachman's Cap and Feather, his long Coat, and his very Whip and Cushion of the same stuff and colour.

In this Chariot sate the four Grand Masquers of Grays-Inn, their habits, Doublets, Trunk-hose, and Caps, of most rich cloth of Tissue, and wrought as thick with silver Spangles as they could be placed, large white silk Stockings up to their Trunk-hose, and rich Sprigs in their Caps; themselves proper and beautiful young Gentlemen.

On each side of the Chariot were four Footmen in Liveries of the colour of the Chariot, carrying huge Flamboies in their hands, which with the Torches gave such a lustre to the paintings, span­gles, and habits, that hardly any thing could be in­vented to appear more Glorious.

After this Chariot came six more Musicians on Footclothes, and in habits like the former; these were followed by the second Chariot as the lot fell for the Middle-Temple; this differ'd not in any thing from the former, but in colours only, which were of this Chariot silver and blue, the Chariot and Horses were covered and deckt with cloth of Tissue, of blue and silver, as the former was, with silver and crimson.

In this second Chariot were the four Grand Masquers of the Middle-Temple, in the same ha­bits as the other Masquers were, and with the like Attendance, Torches and Flamboys, with the for­mer. After these followed the third and fourth Chariots, and six Musicians between each Cha­riot, habited, on Footclothes, and Horses, as be­fore. The Chariots were all of the same make, and alike carved and painted, differing onely in the colours.

In the third Chariot rode the Grand Masquers of the Inner-Temple,: And in the fourth Chariot went those of Lincolns-Inn, according to the Lot of each of them.

The Habits of the sixteen Grand Masquers were all the same, their Persons most handsom and love­ly, the Equipage so full of State and height of Gal­lantry, that it never was out-done by any repre­sentation mentioned in our former Stories.

The Torches and flaming huge Flamboys born by the sides of each Chariot, made it seem lightsom as at Noon-day, but more glittering, and gave a full and clear light to all the streets and windows as they passed by. The march was slow, in regard of their great number, but more interrupted by the multitude of the Spectators in the streets, be­sides the windows, and they all seemed loth to part with so glorious a Spectacle.

In the mean time the Banquetting-house at White-hall was so crouded with fair Ladies, glitter­ing with their rich Cloths and richer Jewels, and with Lords and Gentlemen of great quality, that [Page 21] there was scarce room for the King and Queen to enter in. The King and Queen stood at a Window looking strait-forward into the Street, to see the Masque come by; and being delighted with the noble Bravery of it, they sent to the Marshall to desire that the whole Show might fetch a turn a­bout the Tilt-yard, that their Majesties might have a double view of them; which was done accord­ingly, and then they all alighted at Whitehall-Gate, and were conducted to several Rooms and places prepared for them.

The King and Queen, and all their noble Train being come in, the Masque began, and was incom­parably performed in the Dancing, Speeches, Mu­sick, and Scenes; the Dances, Figures, Properties, the Voices, Instruments, Songs, Airs, Composures, the Words and Actions, were all of them exact, and none failed in their Parts of them, and the Scenes were most curious and costly.

The Queen did the honour to some of the Mas­quers to dance with them her self, and to judge them as good Dancers as ever she saw; and the great Ladies were very free and civil in dancing with all the Masquers, as they were taken out by them.

Thus they continued in their Sports until it was almost Morning, and then the King and Queen re­tiring to their Chamber, the Masquers and Inns of Court Gentlemen were brought to a stately Ban­quet, and after that was dispersed, every one de­parted to their own quarters.

Thus was this earthly Pomp and Glory, if not Vanity, soon past over and gone, as if it had ne­ver been.

The Queen who was much delighted with these Solemnities, was so taken with this Show and Masque, that she desired to see it acted over again: wereupon an Intimation being given to the Lord Mayor of London, he Invited the King and Queen, and the Inns of Court Masquers to the City, and en­tertained them with all state and magnificence, at Merchant-taylors Hall.

Thither marched through the City the same Show, that went before to Whitehall, and the same Masque was again presented to them in the City; the same Horsemen, Lacquies, Liveries, Torches, Habits, Chariots, Musick, and all other parts of the former Solemnity, and in the same state and equipage, as it was before presented.

This also gave great contentment to their Ma­jesties, and no less to the Citizens, especially to those of the younger sort, and of the female sex: and it was to the great honour, and no less charge of the Lord May or Freeman.

The persons imployed in this Masque, were paid justly, and liberally; some of the Musick had one hundred pounds apiece, so that the whole charge of the Musick came to about a thousand pounds: The Clothes of the Horsemen, and the Liveries of their Pages and Lacquies, which were at their own particular charge, were reckon'd one with ano­ther at a hundred pound a Suit at the least, and one hundred of those Suits to amount to ten thousand pounds. The charges of all the rest of the Masque, and matters belonging to it, were reckon'd at as much more, and so the charge of the whole Masque which was born by the Societies, and by the par­ticular Members of it, was accounted to be above one and twenty thousand pounds.

A little while after the Masque was performed, the Committee order'd Sir John Finch, Mr. Gerling, Mr. Hyde, and Whitelocke, to attend the King and Queen, in the name of the four Inns of Court, to return their humble thanks for their Majesties gra­cious acceptance of the tender of their service in the late Masque. They were first brought to the King, who gave to all of them his hand to kiss; then Sir John Finch in the name of the rest spake to the King to this effect: Sir, by the Command of your Majestie's most affectionate and loyall Subjects, the Readers and Gentlemen of the Four Inns of Court, we are here to attend you with their most humble thanks, for your great Favour to them, in your gracious ac­ceptance of the tender of their Service and Affections to your Majesty, in the late Masque presented to you, and for vouchsafing your Royal Presence at it.

The King with great affability and pleasingness, answered him presently to this purpose:

Gentlemen, pray assure those from whom you come, that we are exceeding well pleased with that Testimony which they lately gave us, of their great respect and affection to us, which was very acceptable, and per­formed with that Gallantry, and in so excellent a man­ner, that I cannot but give them thanks for it, and shall be ready upon all occasions, to manifest the good opinion I have of them, and to do them and you in par­ticular any favour.

From the King they were brought to the Queen, and kissed her hand, and Sir John Finch her Attor­ney, having made the like Complement to her Majesty, she answered quick, and well pleased,

That she never saw any Masque more noble, nor be­ter performed than this was, which she took as a parti­cular respect to her self, as well as to the King her Husband, and desired that her thanks might be re­turned to the Gentlemen for it.

This being reported to the Benchers of each So­ciety, they gave thanks to their respective Mem­bers that were of the Committee, for the Honour they had done to the Society, by the well ordering of that business of the Masque.

Thus these Dreams past, and these Pompes va­nished. It will be now time to return to the pub­lick story of the latter part of this year.

The Arch-bishop Laud procured a sharp sen­tence to be passed in the Star Chamber against Prynne that he should be imprisoned during his life, fined 5000 l. expelled Lincolns-Inne, Disbar­red and Disabled to Practice, Degraded of his De­gree in the University, be set on the Pillory and his Ears to be cut off, and his Book to be burnt by the common Hangman, which sentence was as se­verely Executed.

But before the fine was estreated, the Archbishop and other high Commissioners by their Warrant caused Prynne's Books and Papers to be seised upon and brought away from his Lodging, and had them perused and sifted to find matter against him, of which Prynne complaining in the Star Chamber, the Arch-bishop denyed any such Warrant.

During Prynnes Imprisonment, Dr. Bastwick a Dr. Bast­wick. Physician was brought into the High Commission Court, for his Book called Elenchus Papismi, & Flagellum Episcoporum Latialium, in Answer to one Short a Papist, who maintained the Pope's Suprema­cy, the Mass, and Popery: And Bastwick's Epistle to his Book declared, that he intended nothing against our Bishops, but against those of Rome.

Yet this Dr. was sentenced by the high Commis­sioners in a thousand pound Fine, to be Excommu­nicated, debarred his practice of Physick, his Books to be burnt, and he to be Imprisoned, till he made a Recantation, and this was for maintain­ing the King's Prerogative against Papacy, as the Doctor pleaded.

But on the other part, one who was a fierce Pa­pist, named Chowney, wrote a Book in defence of the Popish Religion, and of the Church of Rome, aver­ring it to be a true Church; and the Book was de­dicated to, and Patronized by the Archbishop: so [Page 22] far was Chowney from being punished and questi­oned for that Doctrine.

In the censure of Bastwick, all the Bishops then present, denied openly that they held their Juris­diction, as Bishops from the King, for which per­haps Bishops in­dependent of the King. they might have been censured themselves in H. 2. or E. 3. times.

But they affirmed, That they had their Jurisdic­tion from God only, which denial of the Supremacy of the King under God, H. 8. would have taken ill, and it may be would have confuted them by his Kingly Arguments, and Regiâ manu: but these Bi­shops publickly disavowed their dependance on the King.

And the Archbishop maintained the Book of Chowney, and that the Romish Church was a true Church, and erred not in Fundamentals: and some­what was noted to pass from him and other Bi­shops, in defaming the holy Scriptures; and Cal­vin was very much slighted, and abused by them.

I cannot precisely aver all this, though I heard most of it, as it is here set down; and heard the rest of it, to this purpose, from those, who were present at the debating of these matters, in the high Commission Court.

Anno 1634.

Car. 9 Our Coasts were much infested by Pyrats, even by Turks, and Algiers men, to the great prejudice of trade. The Dutch men became almost Masters of the Sea, in the Northern fishing; Overtures were Mare li­berum. made concerning Herring fishing, and Busses, for our own Coasts: and to prevent Strangers. Some petty quarrels fell out between us and the Hollan­ders, about those matters of fishing; upon which, Grotius did write his Book of Mare liberum, but is clearly answered by that learned treatise of Selden's Mare clau­sum. called Mare clausum.

The King finding the Controversie begun, and that it must be maintained by force, which his want of money could not doe; He by the advice of his Attorney Noy, and of the Lord Keeper Co­ventry, who as far as his learning in those matters did extend (and that was not far) did approve, and assist the project.

And by advice of his Privy Council, and Coun­cil Learned, the King requires Shipmoney. The Writ for it was at first but to Maritime Towns Shipmo­ney. and Counties; but that not sufficing, other Writs were Issued out, to all Counties to levy Ship-money.

Yet great care was taken to favour the Clergy, all the rest of the People, except Courtiers, and Officers, generally murmur at this taxe; although it was politickly layd with all equality, yet the great objection against it was, because it was im­posed without assent of Parliament, and that there­fore it was unlawfull.

The old Chancellor Oxenstierne of Sweden, the great director of their affairs both at home and abroad, particularly in Germany, during the Queen's minority, sent his eldest Son Grave John Ambassa­dor of Sweden slighted. Oxenstierne Ambassadour to our King, with Creden­tials from the Queen of Sweden. But Grave John the Ambassadour, and the Authority from whence he came, were so unworthily slighted in our Court, who were not willing to give any assistance to the Prince Elector against the Emperor, that in great distast, Grave John, who was high enough in his own thoughts, and for the honour of his Mistress the Queen, went away in discontent from England, and neither he nor his Father, nor family, were friends to our King, after this affront put upon them.

The Parliament of Ireland gave some Subsidies to the King, and the 39 Articles of our Church were there by that Parliament Established.

Mr. Attorney Noy having set on foot the tax Noy dies. of Ship money, leaveth it, and the world. He died of the distemper of the Stone.

The Scots began to murmer against their last Parliament; the Lord Balmerino was questioned Balmerino. about a Letter written by King James, to Pope Clement, to complement him. It was suggested, that this Lord's Father being Secretary to the King, did draw the Letter, and shufling it among other papers, did by that means, get it to be signed by the King. Yet was this Lord after­wards not onely pardoned, but honoured and pre­ferred.

The discontented party in Scotland, had Intelli­gence of the discontents in England, and the Car­dinal Richeliew sent his Agents to foment the dis­contents in both Kingdomes, who met with mat­ter, and persons, very apt to be kindled.

The Lord Treasurer Weston dyed; not much la­mented Treasurer Weston dies. of the people; who generally esteemed him to be a covert Papist, and an Agent for Rome, and though himself might be dispenced with, yet most of his family made open profession of the Popish Religion, and continue in the same pro­fession.

Sir Edward Coke dyed this year also; who was Sir Edw. Coke dies. of greater reputation with the people, but of less at Court; whose Illegal actions he earnestly oppo­sed in Parliament, being usually chosen a Member of the House of Commons, after he was put out of his publick offices. He was a man of great Learning, and Industry, and had the value of a just, and Im­partial Magistrate.

The Imperialists, and Swedes fought a bloudy Battaile at Nortington, where the Swedes were overthrown, 12000 of them slain, and 6000 taken prisoners, but hereupon insued a peace between them. The Emperor being wisely the more In­clined to it, after his being victorious in the Warre.

Spotteswood, Archbishop of St. Andrews was Spotswood. made Chancellor of Scotland, and though he was a wise, and learned man, and of good reputation, and life, yet it gave offence to many, that he being a Clergy man, should be Invested with that dignity; which they affirmed, not to have been done before, since the Reformation.

At Abington, complaint was made to the Mayor, and to the Recorder, of divers in the Town, who were Nonconformists to the orders, and ceremo­nies of the Church in divine Service, as that some did not stand up at the Creed, nor bow to the Altar, nor at the name of Jesus, nor receive the Sacrament kneeling at the High Altar, and the like.

For which some that were related to the Eccle­siastical Court complained to them, being Justices of the Peace for the Town, and desir'd they would punish these Offenders, the Recorder answered them, that these offences were more properly punish­able by the Ecclesiastical Judges in their Courts, than by Justices of Peace, and therefore he advised them to inform the Chancellor of the Diocesse, or other Officers of that Jurisdiction concerning those Matters, that proceedings might be had therein according to their Law, but he thought it not fit for him to interpose in those matters, the Complainers seemed much un­satisfied herewith; but the Mayor being somewhat inclin'd to the opinions of the Non-conformists, was not easily to be perswaded to punish them, and [Page 23] Anno 1634 the Recorder himself was much for liberty of Con­science, and favourable in that point, so that all­though the other party urged much to have the Non-conformists punisht, yet they put it off, and would not doe it, for which the Recorder was af­terwards required to attend the Council Table, to Answer some complaints made against him from Abington, That he did comply with and counte­nance the Non-conformists there, and refused to punish those who did not bow at the name of Jesus, and to the Altar, and refused to receive the Sacrament kneeling at the high Altar, and the like offenders, and that he was disaffected to the Church, and the Ceremonies thereof, enjoyn'd by Authority.

But the Recorder alledged in his own vindicati­on, why he did not punish those, against whom the complaints were made, That he knew no Common Law, nor Statute in force for the punishment of them, espe­cially by Justices of the Peace; and that the Complai­ners did not prefer any inditement against them, and that the matters whereof the pretended offenders were accused, were meerly (as the accusers acknowledged) Spiritual Matters, proper for the Spiritual Judges, (as they were called) And that he might have been censured to incroach upon the Jurisdiction and Rights of the Church if he should have taken Cognizance of them, upon which the Council were satisfied, and dismist him from further Attendance.

Anno 1635.

Car. 11 By the help of the tax of Shipmoney, a Navy was prepared of 40 good Ships of War, and set A Fleet set out. out this Summer under the Earl of Lindsey Admi­ral, and the Earl of Essex his Vice Admiral, who had 20 Saile more, for securing of the narrow Seas, and of the trade of England.

The King resolves to prosecute his design, with a Navy Royal, to be set out yearly, and therefore it was at Court concluded to lay the Charge of Shipmoney generally upon all Counties.

The Lord Keeper Coventry was ordered to di­rect the Judges to promote that business, in their Circuits, this Summer, and to perswade the peo­ple to a ready obeying the writs, and payments of Shipmoney for the next year.

In pursuance hereof, his Lordship in his charge Lord Kee­per's Speech. to the Judges in the Star Chamber, at the end of Midsummer Term, after sundry other particulars, concluded as to this great business to this effect.

You my Lords, the Judges, are commanded in your charges at the Assizes, and at all places opportun [...]ly to acquaint the people with His Majestie's care and zeal to preserve his, and the Kingdome's honour, in the dominion of the Sea▪ by a powerfull Fleet.

And you are to let them know how just it is for His Majesty to require Shipmoney for the common defence, and with what alacrity and chearfulness they are bound in duty to contribute.

Some of the Judges put on this business in their charges at the Assises, with great zeal and gravity, to advance the King's pleasure, but they did not convince many of the Legality of that business.

The Hollanders made a League with the French, they were to Invade Flanders by Land, and to in­fest Dunkirke; and the Hollanders to doe it by Sea. They prevailed at Diest, and Tellemont, but the Insolencies of the French and Dutch Souldiers cau­sed the natives to beat both of their Armies out of the Country, and the English Fleet perswaded pow­erfully the Hollanders to remove from before Dunkirke.

The Affairs in Germany were somewhat mitiga­ted by the conclusion of the peace at Prague; and the Protestants were reduced to their profession as it was setled in the year 1627. The peace at Praguë.

Some fiery spirits on both sides, fomented by Cardinal Richelieu, sought to undermine the peace, and to reduce all again to a new Quarrel, but the Emperor pursued the agreement, confirmed the peace, and forced many to an observance of it.

The Swedes were generally discontented with the peace. The Elector of Saxony offered them a 100000 rize Dollars for a Reward, but they re­fused it, and held what they had gotten in Pomer­land, and elsewhere; and what they had about Phelesbergh, the Chancellor Oxenstierne put into the hands of the French.

A Ship loaden with many rich spoils of Germany, and Goods of a very great value, belonging to the Chancellor, was cast away, and the goods sunk in the Sea, within a league of the Coast of Sweden.

In November this year arrived the Prince Elec­tor in England, to sollicite our King, his Uncle, for his assistance to the restauration of his Nephew, to his dignity, and Patrimony, he was received here with all ceremonies, and courtesies, answe­rable to his quality, and near alliance, and soon after him, his third Brother, Prince Rupert, ar­rived here also.

In December, the Queen was brought to bed of a second daughter, named Elizabeth, to congratu­late her Majestie's safe delivery, the Hollanders sent Holland [...]rs present. hither a solemn Ambassy, and a noble present.

A huge peice of Amber Greece, two fair China Basons, almost Transparent, a curious Clock, and four rare peices of Tintinell, and Tytian's painting. Some supposed, that they did it, to Ingratiate the more with our King, in regard his Fleet was so powerful at Sea; and they saw him resolved to maintain his Right, and Dominion there.

In March, the Treasurers staffe was given by the Juxton made Treasurer. King to Dr. William Juxton, Bishop of London, who was commended to His Majesty, by the Arch-bishop Laud, his old freind, and predecessor in the Presidentship of St. John's Colledge in Oxford. He was a Commoner in that Colledge, and studied the Civil Law, and therein took the degree of Batchellor, and afterwards of Doctor of the Laws.

Yet with his Law he studyed likewise divinity, took orders, and was presented to the Parsonage of Somerton in Oxfordshire, where he had a conve­nient livelyhood, and there he sometimes resided, and sometimes at St. John's Colledge. He was much delighted with Hunting, and kept a pack of good Hounds, and had them so well ordered, and hunted, and chiefly by his own skill, and direction, that they exceeded all other Hounds in England, for the pleasure and orderly hunting of them. He was a person of great parts, and temper, and had as much command of himself, as of his hounds, he was full of ingenuity, and meekness, not apt to give offence to any, and willing to doe good to all.

The Privy Council wrote Letters to every High Letters for Shipmony. Sheriff of England, directing them for the taxing, and levying of the Shipmoney; and yet, with great care and equality, much beyond what was observed in following taxes. But the guilding of this illegal Pill, would not cause it to be swallowed down, but many people, especially of the knowing Gentry, expressed great discontent at this new as­sessment, and burthen, as an Imposition against Law, and the rights of the Subject.

The Plague was this year in London, but, by the mercy of God, did not increase so much as was feared.

[Page 24] Anno 1635 The Earl of Berks whose fortune was lower than his mind, betook himself to some new Projects, whereof he became a Countenancer, and Partner; hoping to gain much by them to repair his Estate: and had gotten a Patent from the King, for the sole making of a new kind of Kiln for making of Malt, and laboured to bring the same in use; he was to have money of all those who set up this new Kiln.

This year by a Flood neer Glucstade in Holstein, were drowned six thousand Persons, and about fifty thousand Cattle: And by the Plague there died in Leyden in Holland, twenty thousand persons, be­sides those that died in the rest of the Towns of that Countrey.

The Archbishop Laud made his Visitation, and Laud's Vi­sitation. strictly enjoyned, and expected a conformity to his Orders; one of them which gave most distaste to many, was, That the Communion-table should be re­moved in every Church, from the body of the Church, or Chancel, to the upper East-end of the Chancel, and the side of the Table to be set against the Wall, Altar­wise, with a Rail or Ballaster about it. Which was opposed by divers, and the Bishop of Lincoln wrote a Book called the Holy Table, shewing the Practice of the Primitive times, and Arguments against this Innovation.

Anno 1636.

Car. 12 The King's Navy of sixty Men of War, under the Command of the Earl of Northumberland Ad­miral, Northum­berland Admiral. seized and sunk divers of the Dutch Busses in the Northern Seas, and they fled to our King, craving his leave by his Grant, to Fish, and Trade with the English: which the King was ready to Indulge them.

Ferdinand the second, Emperour aged and infirm, Ferdinand the 2d. summoned a Dyet at Ratisbone, to be held the six­teenth of September, when his Son Ferdinand the 3d. was Elected King of the Romans, and was short­ly after upon the death of his Father made Em­perour.

Mr. John Hampden, a Gentleman of an ancient Hampden refuses Ship-mo­ney. Family in Buckinghamshire, and of a great Estate and Parts, denied the payment of Shipmoney, as an illegal Tax. He often advised in this great Bu­siness with Holborn, Saint John, Whitelocke, and others of his friends and counsel. Several other Gentlemen refused the payment of this Tax of Ship-money: Whereupon the King was advised by the Lord chief Justice Finch, and others, to re­quire the Opinion of his Judges, which he did, sta­ting the case in a Letter to them.

After much sollicitation by the chief Justice Finch, promising Preferment to some, and highly threatning others whom he found doubting, he got from them in Answer to the King's Letter and Case, their Opinions in these words:

We are of Opinion, that when the good and safety of Judges O­pinion a­bout Ship-money. the Kingdom in general, is concerned, and the whole Kingdom in danger, Your Majesty may by Writ under the Great Seal of England, Command all Your Sub­jects of this Your Kingdom, at their Charge, to pro­vide and furnish such number of Ships, with Men, Vi­ctual, and Ammunition, and for such time as Your Majesty shall think fit, for the defence and safeguard of the Kingdom, from such peril and danger. And that by Law Your Majesty may compel the doing thereof in case of refusal, or refractoriness. And we are also of Opinion, that in such case Your Majesty is the sole Judge, both of the dangers, and when, and how the same is to be prevented and avoided.

This Opinion was Signed by Davenport, Den­ham, Hatton, Jones, Croke, Trever, Bramston, Finch, Vernon, Berkley, Crawley, Weston.

This Opinion and Subscription of the Judges, was Inrolled in all the Courts of Westminster, and much distasted many Gentlemen of the Country, and of their own Profession, as a thing Extrajudi­cial, unusual, and of very ill consequence in this great Business, or in any other.

The King upon this Opinion of his Judges, gave order for proceeding against Hampden in the Exchequer, where he pleaded, and the King's Council demurring, the Point in Law came to be argued for the King by his Council, and for Ham­den by his Council; and afterwards the Judges particularly argued this great Point at the Bench, and all of them (except Hutton and Croke) argued, and gave their Judgments for the King.

The Arguments both at the Bar and Bench, were full ofrare and excellent Learning, especially in matter of Record and History; but they are too voluminous to be here inserted.

Judge Croke (of whom I speak knowingly) was resolved to deliver his Opinion for the King, and to that end had prepared his Argument: Yet a few days before he was to argue, upon Discourse with some of his nearest Relations, and most se­rious thoughts of this business, and being heartned by his Lady, who was a very good and pious wo­man, and told her husband upon this occasion, That she hoped he would doe nothing against his Con­science, Croke al­ters his mind. for fear of any danger or prejudice to him, or his Family; and that she would be contented to suf­fer want, or any misery with him, rather than be an occasion for him to doe, or say any thing against his Judgment and Conscience.

Upon these and many the like Incouragements, but chiefly upon his better thoughts, he suddenly altered his Purpose and Arguments; and when it came to his turn, contrary to expectation, he ar­gued and declared his Opinion against the King.

But Hampden, and many others of Quality and Interest in their Countries, were unsatisfied with this Judgment, and continued to the utmost of their power in opposition to it; yet could not at that time give any further stop or hinderance to the prosecution of the business of Ship-money, but it remained Alta mente repostum.

The Earl of Arundel was sent Ambassador to Arundel sent to the Emperor. the new Emperor Ferdinand the Third, where he stayed and treated some Months, about the resti­tution of the King's Nephew, the Prince Elector; but being opposed by the Duke of Bavaria, who had gotten possession of part of the Palsegrave's Territories, and by others after their Interest; and being discontented at the delays they put upon him in the Treaty at the Dyet: the Ambassador without taking any leave, or effecting any thing for which he was sent, returned home in much di­staste and choller.

Anno 1637.

Car. 13 The Sickness began to increase in London, which caused many to post into the Country, and kept others from coming to Town; and it was thought fit to adjourn part of the Term.

Three Delinquents were sentenced in the Star-Chamber, Mr. Burton a Divine, for writing and printing two smart and sharp Tracts against Epis­copacy. Burton.

Doctor Bastwick, a Physician, for writing Books Bastwick. reproachfull against the Prelates, particularly a­gainst [Page 25] Archbishop Laud, and Bishop Juxton. And in his Answer to the Information against him in the Star-chamber, he hath this Passage.

Anno 1637 That the Prelates are Invaders of the King's Pre­rogative Royal, Contemners and Despisers of the holy. Scriptures, Advancers of Popery. Superstition, Idola­try, and Prophaneness: Also they abuse the King's Authority, to the Oppression of his loyalest Subjects, and therein exercise great Cruelty, Tyranny, and Injustice; and in execution of those impious Performances, they shew neither wit, honesty, nor temperance. Nor are they either Servants of God, or of the King, but of the De­vil, being Enemies of God and the King, and of every living thing that is good. All which the said Dr. Bast­wick is ready to maintain, &c.

None of the Doctors friends could prevail with him to expunge this, and other the like Passages out of his Answer.

The third Defendant was Mr. Prynn of Lincolns-Inn, a Barrister at Law, for writing a Book scan­dalous P [...]yn. to the King and Church, who had been there censured before, and was now fined five thousand pounds, to loose the remainder of his Ears on the Pillory, to be stygmatized on both Cheeks with an S. for Schismatick, and to be perpetually impri­soned in Caernarvan Castle.

Burton and Bastwick were fined five thousand pounds apiece, to loose their Ears in the Pillory, and to be imprisoned, the one in Launceston Castle, and the other in Lancaster Castle.

The Prince Elector, and his Brother Prince Rupert, departed into Holland, and having gotten Prince E­lector de­feated. together a small Army, marched into Westphalia, and besieged Limgea; but was fought with by the Emperor's General Halisfeild, his Army discom­fited, two thousand of them slain, and his brother Prince Rupert, and the Lord Craven taken Prisoners, himself hardly escaping by flight.

The Bishop of Lincoln was brought to a Sentence in the Star-chamber, for disloyal words, charged Sentence against Bishop of Lincoln. to be spoken by him against the King, and for sub­orning Witnesses to conceal a Truth, and to stifle a Crime. He was at last fined ten thousand pounds, committed to the Tower, during pleasure, suspen­ded ab Officio & Beneficio, and referred to the High Commission Court, for that which concerned their Jurisdiction.

Mr. Osbaldston was also heavily sentenced in the Star-chamber, upon the Business of the Bishop of Osbaldston. Lincoln; but he got out of the way, leaving a Pa­per in his Study, with this Inscription, That Lam­bert Osbaldston was gone beyond Canterbury.

But Canterbury after this Sentence sends this Warrant to the King's Sollicitor.

Mr. Sollicitor,

It is his Majestie's pleasure, that you prepare a Commission to the Prebendaries of the Laud's Warrant. Collegiate Church of Westminster, authorising them to keep their Audits, and other Capitular Meetings, at their usual times, to treat and compound with the Te­nants for Leases, and to pass the same accordingly, choose Officers, confirm and execute all other lawful Acts, for the good and benefit of the College, and the said Prebendaries: And to take out the Common, or Chap­ter Seal, for sealing such Leases and Grants as shall be agreed upon by the Sub-dean, and the major part of the Prebendaries; and also to pass all the Premises under the style and title of the Dean and Chapter of the Col­legiate Church of S. Peter in Westminster, during the suspension of the Bishop of Lincoln, from the Deanry of Westminster: For the doing whereof, this shall be your Warrant.

Lambeth-house this 22th day of November, An. Dom. 1637.
W. Cant.

This was held by some Lawyers to be a strange Warrant, and these Proceedings in the Star-cham­ber against these persons, raised a deep distaste in the hearts of many people, which some expressed by their murmurings, and gave out Canterbury to be the Author of them; more particularly, against Lincoln, upon the private Grudges, and Emulation between these two Prelates.

The Troubles and Commotions in Scotland be­gan Troubles in Scotland to arise upon this occasion: King James had de­signed to bring the Kirk of Scotland to a Confor­mity with the Church of England; and for that purpose appointed some of his Scotish Bishops to Compile a Form of Liturgy, a Book of Common Prayer to be used there, which was done, and sent to him into England for his Approbation; but no­thing further was effected in that business by King James.

King Charles his Son, in prosecution of his Fa­ther's Design, directed Archbishop Laud, the Bi­shop of Ely, and other Bishops, to review, and alter as they pleased that Service Book, which they did with some material Alterations, from that used in England: and by the Advice of these Bishops, and others, this new Service Book was sent into Scotland, with Command to be there read.

First, In the Chapel of the King's House at Eden­burgh, the Communion to be Administred in that form; and taken on their knees, the Bishop in his Rochet, the Minister in his Surplice. The Scottish Bishops liked the matter of the Book, but not the Imposing of it from our Church upon theirs; nor the different Translation from the Scottish Language of some of the Psalms, Epistles, and Gospels, which to satisfie them was amended; and the Book proclaimed to be read in all Churches.

On Sunday, July 23. The Dean of Edenburgh began to read the Book in the chief Church of the City; upon which the people in a tumultuous man­ner filled the Church with uproar, which caused the Bishop of Edenburgh to step up into the Pulpit to appease them, by minding them of the holiness of the Place.

This inraged the Multitude the more, so that the Women and Men threw Cudgels, Stools, and what was in the way of fury at the Bishop, to the indangering of his life.

The Chancellor seeing this, called down from the Gallery, the Provost, Bailiffs, and Magistrates of the City, then sitting there, who thrust the Rabble out of the Church, and made fast the Doors; so the Dean proceeded in his Common Prayer, only he was disturbed from the outward man, the multitude without rapping at the Doors, pelting the Windows with stones, and making hi­deous noises: Nevertheless the Service was ended, though not the Peoples rage, who assaulted the Bishop returning to his Lodging; and in other Churches, the peoples disorders were answer­able.

The Chancellor and Councel so ordered the bu­siness for the Afternoon, that the Common Prayer was read without disturbance, only the Bishop re­turning to his Lodging, was rudely treated.

The Magistrates of the City seemed to distaste these tumultuous Actions, and to inquire out the Actors, and by desire of the City Ministers, the Magistrates drew up an Obligatory Act for In­demnity of their persons, and settling of their Maintenance.

During Harvest, men were at work, and quiet; that being ended, many resort to Fdenburgh, Peti­tion the Councel, That the Service-book may no fur­ther be prest upon them, till the King's further pleasure were known.

[Page 26] The Councel fearing danger, issue three Pro­clamations:

  • 1, To dissolve their Meeting in relation to Church-matters, and all to repair home.
  • 2. For removing the Session from Edenburgh to
    Proclama­tions.
    Lithgow.
  • 3. For calling in and burning a seditious Book, In­tituled, A Dispute against the English Popish Cere­monies, obtruded upon the Kirk of Scotland.

These Proclamations increased the Flame, and the next day the Bishop of Galloway going to the Councel-house, was followed in the Streets with Railings, and the House beset with Clamours, and Menaces: The Earl of Trequaire going to relieve the Bishop, became in the same condition with him; the Lord Provost and City-councel were called to raise the Siege, but they returned answer, That their condition was the same, surrounded with the multitude who had forced them for fear of their lives, to sign a Paper to adhere to them, in opposing the Service-book, and to restore Ramsey, Rollock, and Henderson, silenced Ministers.

The Lord Treasurer going to the Councel-house, was thrown down by the throng, his Hat, Cloak, and white Staff taken from him.

The Lords in this danger sent for some Noble-men and Gentlemen who were disaffected to the Service-book, to come to their aid, who came, and quietly guarded them to their several Lodg­ings.

Then the Councel issued a Proclamation to re­press the Disorders, but little obedience was given to it: The Citizens sent Commissioners to the Councel, to have their Ministers restored, and what they had promised to be performed.

A Petition was sent to the Councel-board, not of the multitude, but of Noble-men, Barons, Mini­sters, Scot's Pe­tition. Burgesses, and Commons, against the Li­turgy and Canons.

This Petition was sent to the King, who dis­pleased at it, gave Instructions for Adjourning the Term to Sterling, 24 miles from Edenburgh, to prevent confluences of people, and for publish­ing a Proclamation forbidding such tumultuous Resorts, upon the highest Penalties.

Upon the reading of this Proclamation at Eden­burgh, the Earl of Hume, and the Lord Linsey, and others, caused their Protestation against it to be read, and agreeable thereunto, erected four Tables: 1: Of the Nobility. 2. Of the Gentry. 3. Of the Burroughs. 4. Of the Ministers: These were to prepare what was to be propounded at the general Table, consisting of several Commis­sioners chosen from the rest.

The first Act of this General Table, Was a re­newing of the ancient Confession of Faith of that Kirk, and entering into a general Covenant to preserve the Religion there profest, and the King's Person.

The Councel upon this Combination, sent an Express by Sir John Hamilton to the King, to ad­vertise him thereof. The King observed, That in this Covenant, contrary to what was formerly, neither his own, nor his Delegated Authority, was Implored: And whereas preceding Bands annext to Confessions, were formed in defence of himself, his Authority and Person: This new Edition hath a Combination against all persons whatsoever, himself not excepted.

The King, though highly offended at these Af­fronts, yet studying how to compose the Discon­tents, sent Marquess Hamilton his high Commis­sioner Hamilton. into Scotland, for settling of the Peace.

He stayed many days at Dalketh, four miles from Edenburgh, yet none of the Covenanters came to him; but at the sollicitation of the City, and as­surance of their quiet Deportment, he came to E­denburgh, and there fell presently into Communi­cation with the Covenanters.

  • 1. What they expected from the King in satisfaction to their Grievances.
  • 2. What assurance they would give of their return­ing to due obedience, and renunciation of the Cove­nant.

To the first they answered, That nothing but a general Assembly and a Parliament could give them satisfaction.

2. They answered, That they disavowed any Retreat from their Loyalty, and therefore needed no Covenan­ters Answ. Return towards it.

And for the Covenant, That they would sooner renounce their Baptism, than it, and would not en­dure to hear this Proposition a second time.

The Covenanters doubled their Guards upon the Castle and City, and the Marquess for his safe­ty, returned to Dalketh, and sent to the King for new Instructions.

His Majesty ordered him to publish the King's The King's Declara­tion. Declaration, Assuring that Kingdom of his Constancy in the Protestant Religion, that he would not further urge the Practice of the Canons and Service-book, but in a fair and Legal way, and had given order for the discharge of all Acts of Councel concerning them. And that he had taken into consideration, the Indicting of a general Assembly and Parliament, wherein might be agitated what should most concern the peace and wel­fare of the Kirk and Kingdom. Whereupon he expected that those his Subjects, sensible of his gracious Favour, would give Testimonial of their future Loyalty, and no further provoke him to make use of that Power, which God had given him, for the reclaiming of disobe­dient people. As soon as the Proclamation was ended, Covenan­ters Protest the Covenanters were ready with a Protest against it, highly distasted, To have their Actions branded with the Notion of Disobedience; and declared, that they would never abandon their Covenant, upon such suggestions: And that they would not wait the King's Conveniency, for calling of an Assembly, but if he did not approve of their Proceedings, they would call a general Assembly themselves.

The Marquess finding them thus obstinate, told them, That the Stock of his Instructions was spent, and that he must resort to England for a fresh Supply.

Thereupon the Covenanters acquainted him, That they expected his Majestie's Answer, and his Re­turn upon the Fifth of August, next at furthest, and promised in the mean time to continue in a peaceable condition, and not to act any thing till his Return.

The Marquess came to England to the King, making known to him the state of his Affairs in Scotland, and was dispatched away, with new Instructions, so as by the time prefixed, he re­turned to Scotland.

By the Fifth of August the Marquess returned to Scotland, and there found a Rumour, That he ap­proved the Covenant, which occasioned him for his Vindication, to call in the Lords of the Councel, and others of the Nobility, to be his Compurga­tors. Then he falls to confer with the Covenan­ters about Indicting of the Assembly, demanding of what Members it should consist, and of what Mat­ters they should treat.

At which the Covenanters in great passion an­swered, That these Proposals were destructive to their Liberties, and a prelimitation of that Assembly, who ought to be free, and to be judge both of their own Mem­bers, and the Matters of their Cognizance.

This caused the Commissioner to declare his Instructions to Indict an Assembly upon the Concession of Ten Articles. To which the Co­venanters would not Assent, but appealed to [Page 27] the General Assembly; where they said those matters were properly to be decided.

Anno 1638 Upon this refusal, the Commissioner resolved to go again for England, and the Covenanters raysed a rumour, That he had neither power from the King, nor Inclination to give the People satisfaction, which seemed so to Incense him, that he contracted his Hamilton's Proposals. former proposals into Two.

  • 1. That no Laicks, nor any but Ministers of the Presbyterians should have Votes in the chusing of Mi­nisters for the General Assembly.
  • 2. That things Ecclesiastical should be left to be de­termined by the Assembly, and things setled by Acts of Parliament, to the Parliament.

This being graunted, he would presently indict a General Assembly; and promised upon his honour, immediately after to call a Parliament.

The Covenanters were so distasted at these pro­posals, that they presently gave order for a Gene­ral Assembly; but upon second thoughts, they held fit to forbear, till the Commissioner should return from the King, with a more pleasing An­swer, for which they gave him time till the 21. of September next, promising in the Interim not to pro­ceed to Election.

The Commissioner posted to the King, who ad­vising with his Privy Council, and pursuing the ad­vice of his Council in Scotland, Resolved on a way, which he thought would take away all Discontents there, and sent back the Commissioner with ample Instructions for that purpose. Who returning within the time limited, found that the Covenan­ters had ordered an Election to be on the next day the 22 d. of September, yet took no notice thereof, but according to his instructions, assembled the Council, and delivered to them a Letter from the King, acquainting them with what course he meant to pursue for the benefit of the Kirke and State. Then he appointed the King's Declaration to be Declarati­on. read, wherein he nulled the Service Book, the Book of Canons, The high Commission, discharged the pres­sing of the 5 Articles of Perth, ordered that all persons whatsoever, Ecclesiastical or Civil, should be lyable to censure of Parliament, and General Assembly; That no other oath be administred to Ministers at their entry, but what was contained in the Act of Parliament; That the ancient confession of Faith, and Band thereunto annexed, should be subscribed, and renewed, as it was in his Father's time. That a General Assembly be holden at Glasgow Nov. 21. and a Parliament at Eden­burgh the 15 th. of May next, wherein he pardoned all bygonne offences, and Indicted a General Fast.

After this Declaration published, the Confession of Faith was read, and Subscribed by the Marquess, and the Council. Then a Proclamation for the General Assembly, and another for the Parliament. Then an Act of the Council requiring a general Subscription of the Confession of Faith, and a Commission to diverse for taking the Subscrip­tion.

The Covenanters brought up the reare with a Covenan­ters pro­test. Protest, moved the people to consider with whom they had to deal, decryed the new Subscription to the Confession of Faith, and excepted against the Archbishops, and Bishops, as not to have any Votes in the Assembly.

Then they Elect Commissioners for the Assembly; and order at their Table, That every Parish should send to the Presbytery one Layman, whom they stiled a Ruling Elder, to have equal Vote with the Mi­nister.

They moved the Commissioner for his Warrant of citation against the Archbishops, and Bishops, to appear at the Assembly as Delinquents, which he refusing, they fram'd a Bill against them, for many misdemeanours, which was preferred to the Presbytery at Edenburgh against them, and they warned them to Compeer at the General Assembly at Glascow.

Car. 14 The day of the Assembly, the Marquess his Com­mission was read, and the next day a declaration, and protestation was presented to the Commissio­ner, in the name of the Archbishops, and Bishops against the Assembly; and containing a Nullity of it. This was denyed to be read, against which refusal, The Commissioner entred a Protestation, and took Instruments thereupon.

In the debate of Elections, they left no man standing as a Commissioner, who was not fully of their mind; but the admission of Lay Elders past not, without an high contest.

Many places protested against the Legality of their Session, and the King having nominated six Lords of his Privy Council to be Assessors to his Commissioner in that Assembly, they refused to en­tertain them, or allow their suffrage, affirming that If the King himself were present, he should have but one Vote, and that no negative one.

The Commissioner seeing no good likely to be done, by continuing the Assembly, and upon con­sultation, the Council advising to dissolve it, he went thither, and caused a Paper to be read, which was a Declaration, the same in effect with the Proclamation, discharging the Service Book, Book of Canons, &c.

After the Reading of it, the Commissioner sign­ed it, and required it to be entred in the Books of the Assembly; provided that the registring thereof be no approbation of the Lawfulness of the Assembly; and protested that whatsoever should be done, or said in it, should not be obliging or reputed as an Act of a General Assembly.

The Commissioner assembled the Council, to Argile▪ draw up a Proclamation, for dissolving the Assem­bly, which, being agreed on, was subscribed by all, but the Earl of Argile; who now began to shew himself for the Covenanters party.

The publishing of the Proclamation was In­countred with a Protestation of the Covenanters, That is was lawful for them to continue the Assembly, and that they would still adhere to all their former Pro­testations. In pursuance hereof, they presently de­clared six former General Assemblies (which they thought would be against them) to be null; then they deprived all the Bishops, and some they ex­communicated, and soon after they abolished E­piscopacy it self, as inconsistent with the Laws of that Church.

The Commissioner being returned in discontent Covenan­ters pre­pare for War. for England; the Covenanters began to levy Soul­diers, to impose Taxes, to raise Fortifications, to block up some, and seise others of the King's Castles, and to prepare for War.

This was the Fountain from whence our ensuing troubles did spring; and therefore may deserve the larger Relation; and tend the more to the full knowledge and understanding, of our following story.

It was now 100 years, since Calvin first set his Calvin▪ foot into Geneva, from whence the Bishop being ex­pelled, it was necessary to Institute some other Ec­clesiastical Government. Calvin being of great credit, and esteem in that City, the framing of this new Government was committed to his care; he observing the civil state there to be Democratical, he thought it must best suit therewith, and with the liking of the People, to frame the Ecclesiastical Government agreeable thereunto. He therefore formed a Consistory of Elders, a great part where­of were Lay men, and they were to manage all matters Ecclesiastical. This pleased the People [Page 28] of Geneva, and some Entituled it to a Jus Divinum, and it found good reception in the Gallican and Belgick Churches, where it was generally set­led.

The next design was to plant it in Britaine, for which end Beza writes to Queen Elizabeth recom­mending this form to her, as the onely thing to be de­sired in England' s Reformation, the Queen was loth to proscribe Episcopacy, and to entertain this new model of Presbytery, and therefore gave Beza his saying, but not his desires; and shortly after, she, and the Parliament (whereof some Members inclined to this way) were admonished in several treatises written and dedicated to them, to abolish Episcopacy as Antichristian.

But the Queen, and the Parliament stood fixed, and could not be wrought to any unsettlement of the ancient discipline by Episcopacy.

In Scotland the new form prospered better, for there, about the year 1560. The Earl of Murray, Prior of St. Andrews, the Queen's base Brother, with his party Knox, Buchanan, and others gave such a shock to Popery, as made every thing (and by consequence Episcopacy) which stood near it, to Reel.

Yet in 20 years it could not be supplanted, but it was gained upon by degrees, first in an Assem­bly 1580. It was ordered, that all Bishops on pain of Excommunication, should resign up their offices, and about three years after, the Parliament (the King being a minor) annext their temporalties to the Crown of Scotland.

This was supposed to be Instigated from some Whitgift's Articles. of the Nobility, and Ministers from England; Whereupon the then Archbishop Whitgift, by the Queen's command, contrived three Articles in the late Canons, to which all were to subscribe at their taking of holy orders.

1. Acknowledging the Supremacy of the Queen.

2. Professing conformity to the Book of Common Prayer, and approbation of the Book of Ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

3. Assenting to the 39 Articles of the Church of England. In Scotland the Hierarchy began some­what to revive again, by their Parliaments ratify­ing the Clergy, as the third Estate, 1584.

But the other Party 1592. prevailed with that state, to ratify their Discipline. Thus Episcopacy, Episcopa­cy resto­red. and Presbytery took their turns of Government, for about 30 years.

But about the year 1598. King James caused the Prelates in Scotland to be restored to their Votes in Parliament, and in his Book Basilicon Doron, he expressed no great affection to the Consistorian Government.

1603. At his accession to the Crown of England, he was urged by Petition of 1000 Ministers against Episcopacy, but he slighted it; and by several Acts of Parliament in Scotland, he rescinded what had been formerly enacted there, to the prejudice of Episcopacy, and from that time, till these com­motions this year in Scotland, the Presbyters did not appear in opposition.

In October, Mary de Medices the Queen Mother of France came into England, the people were gene­rally The Queen mother in England. discontented at her coming, and at her followers; which some observed to be the Sword, or Pestilence; and that her restless Spirit Imbroy­led all where she came.

That her combining with Monsieur the Duke of Orleans, and the ill success of that Enterprise, made France too hot for her, and drave her to Bruxells, where the Cardinal Infanta carressed her a while; but there she was pursued with such cur­ses, that for fear of violence to her person, she quitted that Country, and betook herself to the protection of the Prince of Orange; where she stay'd not long, but receiving an invitation from the Queen her daughter, she repayred into Eng­land.

The King perceiving that the Scots intended nothing but War, thought not fit to yield them the start, but by advice of the Archbishop Laud, and others, he hastened his levies of men and mo­ney; and because this was the Bishops War, it Preparati­ons for War with the Scots. was held fit that they should contribute large­ly, towards the preservation of their own Hie­rarchy.

Accordingly orders were issued from the Coun­cil to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, requiring them to send forth directions to all the Bishops within their Provinces, to assemble the Clergy of their Diocesses, and to invite them to a liberal aid.

With theirs, and the voluntary contributions of divers of the Nobility and Gentry, the King had gotten together a considerable power, whereof Arundel General. the Earl of Arundel was made General.

The King sets forth a Declaration, to inform his Declarati­on. Subjects, of the seditious practices of some in Scotland, seeking the overthrow of Regal power; under false pretext of Religion. Discovers their traiterous In­tentions by the multitudes of their Pamphlets and Li­bels, against Regal authority; and by their letters to private persons; inciting them against the King; by their Covenanters private meetings in London, and other places of the Kingdome; by their contempts, and protests against his commands; by rejecting his Cove­nant, and taking up a Covenant of their own, of con­spiracy against him, and by their hostile preparations of Arms.

He Remonstrates all the former passages of his Grace, Clemency and Indulgence towards them; and their undutiful Returns, and their Insolences, by erecting a Print, raising Taxes, blocking up, and besieging his Castles, taxing his Subjects, slighting his Councillors, and setting up of Tables. He takes God to Witness he is constrained by these their Treasons, to take arms for the safety of that and this Kingdome.

He resolves to maintain Episcopacy there, and Re­fers to a larger Declaration coming forth.

To this the Covenanters answer by theirs at The Cove­nanters Answer. Edenburgh, That though the secrets of God's way can­not be founded, yet considering his providence, in their personal affairs, the Lord is about some great work on Earth, for the Cup of affliction propined to other refor­med Kirks, is now presented to them, although instead of a gracious return of their humble petitions, from time to time, the return is a late Declaration, libelled against them, though the gates of Hell shall not prevail against their cause, and the Kingdome of Jesus Christ now in Question; which Declaration proceeds from the unchristian Prelates, and their Party, they mention their long suffering of the Prelates insolency, against their Ministry, Purity of Doctrine, their Reforma­tion, fearing Popery to be Introduced.

And for doing any harm to England, cursed be their breasts, if they harbour any such thought; Im­plore the good opinion of their well affected Brethren in England, and to conclude their War defensive, they cite the Law natural, and civil. That it is enough for defence, that the offer of offence, or just fear of offence, go before; as we profess it to be our case at this present; even the defence of God, and his Reli­gion.

Their Remonstrances, Declarations and Pam­phlets, were dispersed, and their Emissaries and Agents Insinuated into the company of all, who were any way discontented, or galled at the pro­ceedings of the State of England.

[Page 29] The Gentlemen who had been Imprisoned for the Loane, or distrain'd for the Shipmoney, or otherwise disobliged, had applications made to them from the Covenanters; and secretly favou­red, and assisted their designs, so did many others, especially those inclined to the Presbyterian Go­vernment; or whom the publick proceedings had anywise distasted.

Anno 1639.

Car. 15 The King's Army being in readiness, the Earl of Arundel their General, the Earl of Essex Lieu­tenant General, the Earl of Holland General of the Horse; the Navy stored with Corn and Ammu­nition, was intrusted under the Command of Mar­quess Hamilton their Admiral.

He sailed to the Frith in Edenburgh, and there Anchored, loitering for the King: He received a Visit from his Mother, a rigid Covenanter, which caused the rest to interpret, That the Son of such a Mother would do them no harm.

The King's Army were to rendevouze at York, and in their March thither in several Companies, many Insolencies, Robberies, and Murthers were committed by the Souldiers, in the Countries where they passed, to the further discontent of a great number of the King's faithfull Subjects.

At York the King with his Council, revokes and The King at York revokes several projects and Mono­polies. makes null a great number of unlawfull Grants and Projects, which he had formerly passed, to the greivance of his people. In most whereof the Mar­quess, and the Scots had a hand and share.

The Earl of Holland General of the Horse, had gallantly furnished himself with Horses, and all other necessaries.

The King's Army as gallant as ever attended any of his Predecessors into Scotland, marched to Berwick, in gaze of the Enemy, and there was onely an Interview of each Army, but no fight­ing.

By the way the King gave leave to the Scots, to apply themselves for mercy, by capitulation of the Earls of Roxborough and Trequayre; and they were to meet him at York; where one of them was committed, for tampering with some English Lords. And Trequayre was confined at Newcastle; but both of them were soon released, and sent home: after they had done some secret business, tending to the betraying of their King to their Compani­ons, and provided for Intelligence.

After this, the courage of the English Lords seemed to be cooler than before, and the Scots ad­vanced, the Earl of Holland, with his Horse Bri­gade, observed onely their motion, and so re­treated; and the English Foot retired more ha­stily.

The English hasten to the overtures, tending to pacification; and persuade the King not to enter Scotland by way of Invasion, which would irritate them the more, but to incamp on English Ground.

The Scots Commissioners sent for the pacifica­tion, fall down at the King's Feet, humbly profess Articles of pacifica­tion. their Loyalty and Obedience, and desiring onely the injoyment of their Religion and Liberties.

After some treaty by Commissioners on both parts, Articles of pacification were concluded to this effect.

  • 1. The Forces of Scotland to be disbanded within 24 hours after the agreement.
  • 2. The King's Castles, Ammunition, &c. to be de­livered up.
  • 3. His Ships to depart, after the delivery of the Castles.
  • 4. All persons, Ships, and Goods detained by the King, to be restored.
  • 5. No meetings, Treaties, or Consultations to be by the Scots, but such as are warranted by Act of Par­liament.
  • 6. All fortifications to desist, and to be remitted to the King's pleasure.
  • 7. To restore to every man their Liberties, Lands, Houses, Goods and Means.

These Articles were signed by the Scots Com­missioners, and a present performance of them, on their part, promised, and expected.

The Scots published a paper, very Seditious and against the Treaty, which was burned by the hand of the Hangman.

The King justly performed the Articles on his part; but the Scots kept part of their forces in Body, and all their Officers in pay.

The King, informed of this, was highly displea­sed; but unwilling to doe any thing to the Inter­ruption of the pacification, and what was agreed upon by his Commissioner, the Marquess Hamilton, which his Majesty had confirmed.

The Covenanters keep up their Fortification, The Cove­nanters perform not. at Leith, and their meetings, and Councils, and inforce Subscription to the late Assembly at Glas­gow, contrary to the King's declaration, they Brand those who had taken Arms for the King, as Incendiaries, and Traytors, and null all the Acts of the College of Justice.

Matters being in this doubtful posture, the King had little mind to see himself affronted; and thought that these distempers might be better born, and sooner quieted at a distance. There­fore towards the latter end of July he returns to England.

This year was the great and strange Eruption of fire, near the Ferrera Islands, with a horrible noise, and carrying a huge quantity of earth with it, whereby became a new Island, and continu­ing in burning.

The King being returned to London, with his pacification, the same was not well relished by ma­ny of his Subjects; who held it dishonourable to him, and to this nation, especially having so brave an Army with him, far exceeding the Cove­nanters forces, both in Horse and Foot; by whom he might have constrained them to reason; but those who inclined to Presbytery, or were dis­contented at some publick actions, were the better pleased with this pacification.

August 6. According to the King's Direction, Assembly at Eden­burgh. the general Assembly [...]ate at Edenburgh; who abo­lished Episcopacy, the 5 Articles of Perth, the high Commission, the Liturgy, and the Book of Canons, all this was assented to by the Earl of Trequayre, the King's new Commissioner. The Marquess Ha­milton having gotten himself out of this trouble­some imployment.

The Assembly being risen, the Parliament sate, Parliament and highly debated about the choice of the Lords of the Articles, in regard the Bishops were abo­lished.

The Ancient course was that the King first na­med Lords of the Arti­cles. eight Bishops, they chose eight Noblemen, who chose so many Barons, and they the like num­ber of Burgesses, these thirty two, with eight offi­cers of the Crown, made up fourty, who were to consider upon such Articles, as were to be brought to Parliament, and this Committee were called Lords of the Articles.

The Commissioner demanded, that the King, in­stead of the eight Bishops, whom he used to name, might now in their place name eight Noblemen, which for this time was consented to; but voted, [Page 30] that for the future every State should chuse their own Commissioner.

Anno 1639 Then they debated about constituting the third Estate, and what to be brought in, in lieu of the Bishops. The Commissioner urged for the King to have 14 Laicks of such as were called Abbots, and Priors, to represent the third Estate; but it was voted, that the third Estate should be compleated by small Barons, who represented the Commonalty.

Then they framed an Act rescissory touching The Par­liament in Scotland prorogu'd. the Exchequer Judicatory, Proxies, and Ward-Lands, to the displeasure of the King; who ap­prehending them to indeavour a new form of Go­vernment, and to eclipse his Regal Power, or­der'd his Commissioner to prorogue them.

Which being signified to the Parliament, they Their De­claration. made a Declaration, that this Prorogation was of no force in Law; being without consent of the Par­liament; that they might justify their continuance of sitting, but in regard to his Majesty, they would only at present make a Remonstrance to him of the rea­sons of their Propositions, and Proceedings; after which, if their Enemies should prevaile by false sug­gestions, that then it should not be to them an impu­tation, that they were constrain'd to take such course as might best secure the Kirk and Kingdom from the extremity of Confusion and Misery.

Their Deputies, the Earl of Dunferlin, and the Lord Loudon came to the King with this Re­monstrance, and there was come the Earl of Tre­quayre, the King's Commissioner; a Committee of the Council heard both Parts, and many passionate Expressions and Recriminations between them. The Deputies justified the Acts of the Assembly and Par­liament, and desired they might be ratified; the which the Committee thought not fit to be done, as lessening the Sovereign Authority, and that there was no way but by force to reduce the Cove­nanters.

The Scots had delivered a Paper to some of the English Lords, intituled, some Conditions of His Ma­jestie's Treaty with His Subjects of Scotland before the English Nobility.

The Privy Council judging this Paper to be false and scandalous to his Majesty and the late Pacification, were suitors to His Majesty that it might be burnt by the hand of the Hangman, and all Copies of it to be brought in, for which a Pro­clamation was issued.

The Spanish Fleet of about 70 Saile, bound for Dunkirke with recruits of Men and Money, met Spanish Fleet bea­ten by the Dutch. with some of the Holland Fleet, and sank two of them, the rest made to Dunkirke, where the Hol­land Admiral lay; who came forth with his Fleet, and joyning together betwixt Dover and Callice, attacked the Spanish Fleet, took two of their Gal­lions, sunk another, and shatter'd the rest, though but 25 Saile, and the Spaniard's 60; and having forced them upon the English Coast near Dover, the Dutch fell off to Sea, not willing to attempt any thing against the Spaniard within the Domi­nions of the King of England.

The Spanish Resident in London importuned the King to keep off the Hollanders for two Tides, the Dutch Ambassador made application to him against the Spaniards; the King in amity with both, re­solved to stand newter, and forbids His Subjects to transport any of the Spaniards to Dunkirke; but their Admiral by night conveyed away 14 Dunkirke Ships, and 4000 men in them. The King sent the Earl of Arundel on Board the Spanish Admiral Don Antonio D' oquendo, to desire him to retreat upon the next fair Wind, because he would not have any Ingagement upon His Seas; but the Wind continued long contrary, and the Dutch had great Supplies, wherewith they encompassed their Enemies within Pistol-shot for some days.

At length, Van Trump, the Dutch Admiral in­gaged them, and by Cannon and Fire-ships forced them to cut their Cables, and of 53 Spanish Ships, 23 ran on shoar and stranded in the Downs; of which three were burnt, two sunk, and two peri­shed on the shoar; the rest were manned by the English to save them from the Dutch.

With the other 30 Ships Don Oquendo put to Sea, where in a Fogg the Dutch again ingaged them, fired the Admiral of Portugal, took 11 of their Ships, three were lost upon the Coast of France, one near Dover, five sunk in the Fight, and onely 10 escaped with their Admiral Oquendo into Dunkirke.

This Armado was believed by many to have been designed for an Invasion of England; and many Discourses pro and con were vented about it.

The Prince Elector came into England by ad­vice of the Prince of Orange, to solicite his Un­cle to procure him the command of the Army of Duke Bernard who was lately dead; the King desired the French Ambassadour to move it to his Master, who willingly undertook it, and that Cardinal Richlieu would be ready to further it.

In the mean time the Prince by ill advice passed through France in disguise to go towards the Swe­dish Army, but the King's Fleet in the Downs saluting him by the way, and his own Ship dis­charging a Vollay at his landing at Bolloigne, and by other means he was discovered; and de­nying himself upon examination, he was secured by a Guard; and the King of France took this Passage ill from him, and he was a great while Prince Ele­ctor made Prisoner in France. kept in the nature of a Prisoner.

The Scots Commissioners returned home to E­denburgh, the same night the 19th of November, that a great part of the Castle Wall fell down, with the Cannons mounted, which some of the Covenanters supposed to be done by way of treachery to them; and opposed the reedifying of it by the King's Command, not permitting Materials to be brought to repair it. Whereat the King was highly offended, and concluded up­on force to bring them to obedience, for which end he chose a select number of His Council in­to the Cabbinet of the Scottish Affairs.

Some gave out that this was done by the Archbishop Laud's advice, and to keep out Pem­broke, Salisbury, Holland, and others, late Com­missioners in the Pacification, whom the Arch-bishop is said to call the hunting Lords, but Ha­milton was kept in; at last their number was brought to three onely, the Archbishop, Strafford Lieutenant of Ireland, and Hamilton.

This Junto met the 5th of December, where the King discoursed of the present Evils, and necessity of suddain preventing the growth of them, before it should be beyond remedy; which he declared in his Judgment ought to be by the assistance and consent of a Parliament in Eng­land.

Strafford acknowledged it the best means, and highly approved and magnified the King's Reso­lution herein: the Archbishop was said to agree therein; and Strafford had the honour of the Peoples good opinion for promoting this Reso­lution.

A Parliament was likewise to be called in A Parlia­ment ap­pointed. Ireland, and Strafford to go thither, and re­turn back again to the Parliament here, which was appointed to meet the 13th of April fol­lowing.

[Page 31] In the mean time, (and it was a strange time for such a Business so near the sitting of a Parlia­ment) the King tells his Lords, That it will be long ere the Parliament meet, and Subsidies granted by them, will be long in levying. In the Interim, his Affairs will suffer, without some speedy course for Sup­plies.

Hereupon the Lords told him, they would en­gage their own Credits: Strafford begins, and sub­scribes for Twenty thousand pounds, Richmond the Subscripti­ons. like; Hamilton excuseth himself for poverty: most of the rest subscribed, and some few refused. The Judges and Officers of Courts of Justice, Ecclesia­stical and Temporal, were assessed by the Councel, according to the Quality and Profit of their Places.

The Queen employed Sir Kenelm Digby, and Mr. Walter Mountague,, to labour the Papists for a liberal Contribution to the King, which they gain­ed; and thereupon some styled the Forces raised, The Popish Army.

The News of a Parliament to be called, raised the Expectations of many for good, and did set divers on labouring to get themselves to be chosen Parliament-men, and the Courtiers to get their Friends chosen.

The beginning of January died the Lord Coven­try, Coventry dies. who had been Keeper of the great Seal above fifteen years: He raised a great Fortune and Ba­rony for his Posterity, was of no transcendent Parts or Fame, but as some gave out, He died in a seasonable time.

The Scot's Covenanters sent new Commissioners to the King; The Earl of Dunferling, the Lord Commissi­oners from Scotland. Loudon, Sir William Douglass, and Mr. Berkeley: the two last not mentioned in the Commission. The Lords only authorized to plead Integrity, and de­monstrate their Fidelity, but not impowred to propose any Particulars, towards a Mediation to the King's satisfaction.

They had great Resort to them, and many se­cret Councels held with them by the discontented English, chiefly by those who favoured Presbytery, and were no friends to Bishops, or had suffer'd in the late Censures in the Star-chamber, Exchequer, High Commission, and other Judicatories.

Those also who inclined to a Republick, had much Correspendence with them; and they court­ed all, fomented every Discontent, and made large and religious Promises of future happy times.

The Earls of Essex, Bedford, Holland, the Lord Say, Hampden, Pym, and divers other Lords and Gentlemen, of great interest and quality, were deep in with them.

The Covenanters in this time imprison divers Lords and others, affected to the King's Service.

They procure from the Hollanders divers Offi­cers, Scots and others, with liberty to keep their Commands there; and great store of Arms and Ammunition upon trust: but those Officers in the Hollanders Pay, who came over to serve the King, were there cashiered; the King would say of them both, That they were lost by favours and won by pu­nishment.

The Covenanters proclaim their Discontents, and implore Aid from the French King, by a Let­ter, under the hands of many of their Principal Actors, which they the less doubted, upon confi­dence of Cardinal Richlieu, and Con the Pope's Nuntio.

The Original Letter hapned to be brought to our King, and it being found to be the character of the Lord Loudon, he was (though a Commis­sioner from the Covenanters) committed to the Loudon sent to the Tower. Tower.

It was said, they were encouraged to take Arms from Cardinal Richlieu, by his Chaplain Chamber­lain, a Scot, whom he sent to them; and by Let­ters which Hepburn a Page to his Eminence, brought to divers here, and in Scotland.

They seized upon Edenburgh, Sterlin, and Dun­barton Castles. They are reported likewise to offer the Isles of Orkney and Shetland to the King of Denmark, and to desire Assistance from him, and from the Swedes, Hollanders, and Poland.

That the Jesuits had their Hands and Wits in promoting these Troubles, is set forth in a long Letter to the Archbishop Laud, from a Noble-man of Bohemia, one Andreas ab Habernfield, which Mr. Pryn hath published in Print, upon trust (as he useth to do) as well as others.

Mr. Bagshaw was Reader of the Middle-Temple Bagshaw's Reading. in the Lent Vacation this year: He was a hard Stu­dent, and much inclin'd to the Nonconformist's way, and to publish some of his Learning in fa­vour of them: He chose for his Statute to read upon 25 Edw. 3. ch. 7. In his speech in the Hall, he said, He had intended to meddle with Prohibitions; but not, with Tacitus, to follow truth too neer the heels, for fear of his teeth, nor too far off lest he lose it: and so, neither to offend, nor be offended.

In his first Case he made one Point, Whether it be a good Act of Parliament which is made without as­sent of the Lords spiritual.

The Reader argued Affirmatively;

1. That they do not sit in Parliament as Bishops, but by reason of the Baronies annexed to their Bishopricks, which was done 5 W. 1. and all of them have Baro­nies, except the Bishop of Man, and he is not called to Parliament.

2. He cited some Parliaments to be held without any Bishops, Kelwayes Reports, 7 Hen. 8. fol. 184. That the presence of Bishops in Parliament is not necessary.

3. That divers Acts have been made when the Bi­shops were present, and did not consent: as the Act of Conformity, 1 Edw. 6. and of Supremacy, 1 Eliz.

4. That in Parliament, though the Bishops dissent in any matter, yet the major part of the Barons agree­ing it, and the House of Commons concurring, It shall pass as an Act; because the Bishops Votes are over-ruled by the major Vote of the Barons.

5. That the Bishops cannot sit in case of Blood in Judicature; but they may sit to enact Laws, yet not to give assent for execution of them, in case of any Mur­der or Blood.

In his second Case, he had this Point:

Whether any beneficed Clerk were capable of Tem­poral Jurisdiction, at the time of making that Law.

To this he argued in the Negative:

1. That the first Clergy-men that ever were made Justices of the Peace, or had power in Temporal Juris­diction, were the Bishops of Durham and York, 34 E. 3. nine years after this Act; so not a Principio, but a Tempore.

2. That before the Statute of Conformity, 1 Edw. 6. the Clergy were not put in Commission for Temporal Power; and the reason of their being then admitted, was to perswade the people to Conformity, not to give Judgment against them.

3. If in Conscience (because of their spiritual Cal­ling) they hold it not fit for them to meddle in temporal Causes, they may refuse.

In his third Case, he had this Point:

Whether a Bishop without calling a Synod, have power as Diocesan to Convict an Heretick?

To this he argued in the Negative:

That although by the bloody Statute of 2 H. 4. some supposed grounds may be raised for maintenance of that Authority, yet it is not full: and besides (which is the main reason) the Commons did not assent to the ma­king [Page 32] of that Law. For he said, He had searched the Records, and found that Act only past by consent of the Lords spiritual and temporal, and the Commons not mentioned therein.

His Arguments being reported at Court, he was commanded not to proceed in his Reading. He re­paired to the Lord Keeper with the Heads of his Arguments, who said, It was good Law, but not sea­sonably delivered: and that as he was prohibited by the King, so he must have his Licence, or else he could not proceed in his Reading, and advised him to move the Archbishop Laud therein.

After the Reader had twice attended at Lambeth, without admittance, the third time he spake with the Archbishop, who told him, That he had fallen upon an unfit Subject, and in an unseasonable time; and that it would stick closer to him than he was a­ware of.

The Reader excused himself, That he had chosen this Statute two years before, and could not alter sud­denly what he had before framed; That the business about Bishops in another Kingdom did not concern this, and that he had no ill Intentions.

The Archbishop answered, That perhaps he had done better to have given it quite over at the first, than to suffer by it, as he was like to do.

The Reader replyed, That what he had delivered was good Law, and he was able to maintain it, and would stand by it, and hoped he need not to fear any man's power, in regard his Cause was lawful, and war­rantable; but he humbly desired his Majestie's leave to finish what he had begun.

The Archbishop said, His Majesty had otherwise resolved of it. So the Reader came away, and shortly after went out of Town accompanied with fourty or fifty Horse, and in good credit with the Gentlemen of that Society.

Anno 1640.

Car. 16 April 13, 1640. The Parliament met, when the Earl of Strafford was led into the Lords House, by A Parlia­ment. two Noblemen, to take his place according to his Degree.

He gave an account to the House what he had done in Ireland; having there obtained a Grant of the Parliament of Four Subsidies, for the maintenance of ten thousand Foot, and fifteen hundred Horse. And it was urged by some, as a good President for the Parliament of England.

The Lord Cottington reported in the Lords House, That by the King's Command, he and Secre­tary Windebank, and the Attorney General, had ex­amined Lord Louden in the Tower, touching the Letter of the Covenanters to the French King; That Louden acknowledged the hand-writing to be his, and that it was framed before the Pacification at Berwick, to be in readiness, but was never sent to that King: And that it was supprest upon the Pacification.

The Lords nevertheless thought fit that Louden should be continued in the Tower, until further E­vidence, either to convict, or to clear him.

Glanvill, who had engaged to be a better Ser­vant to the King than formerly, was now Speaker Glanvil Speaker. of the House of Commons, and very active to pro­mote his Majestie's desires, whereof he gave suffi­cient testimony; and of the change of his former Opinion.

A Message was sent by the King to the Commons, which was for Supplies; representing to them, Message from the King. the intollerable Indignities and Injuries wherewith the Scots had treated him; and he declared, that if the House of Commons would assist him, suitable to the Exigency of his Occasions, he would quit his claim of Ship-money, and give them contentment in all their just Demands.

This Message did take much with the House; the Speaker, Sir John Wray, and others, cried it up: yet they first insisted upon a Security in three Points.

  • 1. For clearing the Subjects Property.
  • 2. For establishing Religion.
  • 3. For the Privilege of Parliament.

Many Conferences were between the Lords and Commons, and warm Debates in both Houses up­on the old Question; Which should precede, the King's Supply, or the Subjects Grievances?

In the debates, Strafford was magnified, for be­ing a chief Instrument to bring on this Parliament; at length, the Lords, after a strong division, Voted for the King, and the House of Commons for the Subjects.

But it was not long ere this difference was un­happily decided; Secretary Vane, who by the King's appointment, was to make known the par­ticulars of his Desires, demanded Twelve Sub­sidies.

At which high and unreasonable Demand (as some called it) many of the House of Commons were greatly distasted, and expressed themselves to that purpose; yet were generally inclined to have given (no usual, or lean Gift) the Gift of Six Subsidies.

Sir Henry Vane escaped not without his Censures, Sir H. Vane censured. That his Commission from the King was but to demand six Subsidies,; and that his mistake in requiring twelve Subsidies, was industrious, and on purpose to raise the House to animosity: Which took effect, but whe­ther intended so, or not, is hard to judge.

The King advising with his Juncto, the averse­ness of the House of Commons to any compliance with him, and their sharp Debates upon the old score of Grievances was rendred to him so despe­rate, that May 5th. he ordered the Dissolution of that Parliament.

The Councel given to Dissolve this Parliament, The Par­liament dissolv'd. was greatly and generally disliked; and the differ­ences between the King and his People (which were of late too much encreased, and were hoped might have been cemented by this Parliament) were by the Dissolution thereof aggravated; and the Scots Troubles which many sober men expected this Parliament would have appeased, were by the breach of it, feared to grow wider; and the chief Blame and Odium of all, was by many laid upon Archbishop Laud. He was more busie in Temporal Laud blam'd. Affairs, and Matters of State, than his Predecessors of later times had been. Judge Whitelocke who was anciently and throughly acquainted with him, and knew his Disposition, would say, He was too full of fire, though a just and good man; and that his want of Experience in State Matters, and his too much Zeal for the Church, and heat, if he proceeded in the way he was then in, would set this Nation on fire.

By his Councel chiefly (as it was father'd upon him) the Parliament being dissolved, yet he per­swaded the King to continue the sitting of the Con­vocation, by a new Commission granted to them for the conclusion of such Matters as were then in treaty amongst them.

Yet by the Opinion of Finch, Maunchester, Lit­tleton, Convoca­tion con­tinues sit­ting. Banks, Heath, and Shelton, signified to the King, the Convocation called by the King's Writ, was not to Dissolve, but by the King's Writ, notwithstand­ing the Dissolution of the Parliament. But it was held best, and to clear all Objections, to continue them by this new Commission.

[Page 33] May 9. A Paper was posted up at the Old Ex­change, exhorting the Prentices to rise, and sack the Anno 1640. Tumult of Prentices. Archbishop's House at Lambeth, the Munday fol­lowing; and on that Night about Five hundred beset his Palace; but the Archbishop having had notice of the Paper, provided for his Defence, that they could make no entrance, only their Tongues ceased not to utter Revilings of all bitterness a­gainst him.

A few days after, some of this Company were taken and tryed for Treason, upon the Statute 25 Edw. 3. for levying War against the King, be­cause they had a Drum which beat up before them. The Judges resolved it to be Treason; and one of their Captains, a Cobler, was hanged, drawn, and quartered for it, and his Limbs set on London Bridge.

In this Case, although there was nothing but the breach of the Peace, and of a few Glass-windows, and setting at liberty some Prisoners, and none slain, or hurt, yet because so great a Number were assembled, and in a War-like manner, with a Drum, with unlawful Intents, it was adjudged Treason, and the Party suffered for it.

As the King had his private Juncto's, so the A­gents of the Covenanters, and their Friends in Lon­don, had their private Meetings and Councels, with those who were discontented at the present mana­ging of Affairs at Court, and who had suffered by the late Proceedings; and from hence no small In­couragement and promise of Assistance was given to the Covenanters.

The King caused a Guard to be set about West­minster Abbey, that the Convocation might sit the more securely; yet were not these Seats very easie, they were in danger of the King's Displeasure, if they rose, and of the Peoples Fury, if they sate; to be beaten up by Tumults whilst they sate at the Work, and to be beaten down by the next Parlia­ment for doing of the Work.

Episcopacy was Dissolved in Scotland, and as much envied by many in England; the Presbyters there were equall'd with Bishops; the same was the Tenent of not a few here: and divers Tracts were written against them, and in defence of Bi­shops, and their Divine Right.

The Assembly in Scotland having formed a Co­venant for destruction of Episcopacy; this Con­vocation for their own support frame an Oath equi­valent to be Imposed on all Ministers.

THat they approve the Doctrine Oath im­posed by the Con­vocation. and Discipline of the Church of England, as containing all Things ne­cessary to Salvation. That they will not endeavour to bring in any Popish Do­ctrine contrary to it. Nor give con­sent to alter the Government of this Church by Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, and Archdeacons, &c. as it now stands E­stablished, and by right ought to stand. Nor to subject it to the Ʋsurpations and Superstitions of Rome: That this they do plainly, and sincerely Acknowledge and Swear, and do it heartily, willing­ly and truly.

This Synod also made a Canon for placing the Communion-Table at the East-end of the Church, sever'd with Rails, to preserve it from Profana­tion; Their Ca­nons. and for permitting the practice of Bowing to the East, or omission of it, as men were per­swaded in their Consciences, of the lawfulness or unlawfulness of it.

They also granted to the King an ample Bene­volence of the Clergy, of Four Shillings in the Pound for six years, towards his intended Expedi­tion against the Scots, and so brake up the twenty ninth of May.

This added more Fuel to the Flames already burning, and was the Subject of great Debate, and Censures which followed.

The King was very active to carry on his Expe­dition Northwards, he calls a Juncto of select Counsellors, whereof Sir Henry Vane was then thought sit to be trusted for one: At one of their Meetings, he took short Notes of the Debate, which coming afterwards to his Son's hands, were made use of against the Earl of Strafford, as will ap­pear in the Story.

And now the Parliament having yielded no Sup­plies to the King's occasions, all the Wheels of Prerogative are set on Motion, to provide Money for the King's Affairs.

Knighthood Money is set on foot; all Knights and Knight­hood Mo­ney. Gentlemen who held Lands in Capite of the King, are summoned to send men, Horses and Arms, a­greeable to their Tenures and Qualities.

The City of London is Invited to a Loan, but Londoners disconten­ted. they stand off, and generally refuse, being dis­contented at the present Proceedings; and par­ticularly displeased, because their Plantation at London Derry in Ireland was taken from them, (as they held) unjustly, by Sentence of the Star-Chamber, adjudged to be forfeited, for their usurp­ing more Liberty than their Patent warranted, and Fines were Imposed on them, and on the Underta­kers: and though they offer'd, by way of Compo­sition, to build for the King a stately Palace in S. James's Park, and to pull down Whitehall, and make a stately way by the Thames-side, streight from Charing-cross to Westminster-hall; yet it would not be accepted.

The main Assistance for this War came from the Officers and Gentry, and a Royal Army was A Royal Army. compleated, whereof the Earl of Northumberland was made General, and the Earl of Strafford Lieu­tenant General; but Northumberland falling sick, the King himself took upon him to be Generalissi­mo, as, being in Person in the Expedition, he ought to be.

July the 20th. The King had another Son born, Duke of Glocester born. Henry Duke of Glocester.

The King's Army was marched before; and about August 20. the King himself went out of Lon­don, towards the North, and two days after by Proclamation, He declares the Scots Rebels: That Scots de­clared Re­bels. he had sought by Clemency to appease their rebellious courses; who upon pretences of Religion, have sought to shake off his Regal Government; and now take up Arms and Invade England. He declares all those who have already entred, or shall enter in warlike-manner in England, their Adherents and Assistants to be Re­bels and Traytors: Yet if they shall acknowledge their former Crimes, and crave pardon, he tenders it to them.

A Prayer was likewise published to be said in all Churches for the King, in his Expedition against the Rebels of Scotland.

But nothing could alter the opinion and humour of divers of the Officers and private Souldiers of his Army, who in their March to their Rendez­vous, [Page 34] spared not to declare their Judgments a­gainst this War; and that they would not fight to maintain the pride and power of the Bishops: And this their Resolution seemed not to be feigned, by the ill success afterwards.

The Lord Conway Commander in chief then up­on Conway the place, to secure some Passes, August 27. drew out Twelve hundred Horse, and two thousand Foot, placing the Foot under a Breast-work, to gall the Scots in their pass over the River Tine, near New-Castle,

General Lesley over-night had planted nine Pie­ces Lesley of Ordnance on his side of the River, and blind­ed them with Bushes. In the Morning, he craves leave of the Lord Conway, to pass with his Petition to the King, he was admitted to pass with a consi­derable Number, but not with his Army.

But Lesley would not divide his Forces, and Foards over three hundred Horse, whom the Eng­lish behind the Breast-work forced to retire, and Lesley to relieve them, plays his Cannon from the Blind upon the English, drove them from their Post, and they cast down their Arms and fled.

Then their Horse advanced upon Wilmot, Com­missary General of the King's Horse; who ac­companied The Eng­lish worst­ed Wilmot. with prime Gentlemen, stood to the Charge of the Scots Horse and Cannon, till galled and over-powred with Number, they retired in disorder, three hundred of them being slain and taken Prisoners.

Conway was fain to Retreat with this Ill News to the King, whom he found at North Allerton.

Sir Jacob Ashley Governour of Newcastle for the King, quitted that Town to the Scots, and they became possest of it, and within two days after, of Durham likewise.

Strafford brought up the Rear of the Army re­treating to York, where the King staid; and the miscarriage of Conway was examin'd, who being ac­cused Conway ac­cused. of Cowardise or Treachery, used his best Art and Flourishes to vindicate himself: yet some­thing stuck upon him.

The English Garrison at Berwick Issued out, and recovered some Peices of Cannon, which Lesley had left at Dunce, as not usefull for his Train.

This gave Alarm to the Earl of Hadington, who with two thousand Horse and Foot pursued and rescued the Cannon, and the next day, he, and twenty more Knights and Gentlemen in an instant were all slain by an accident of Fire, which blew up the Magazine of Powder in a Vault, and they were killed by the Stones which flew from the Vault.

The Scots having got on this side the Breeze, in a warmer and more fruitful Country than their own; with Fires of Newcastle Coal, with Meat, Drink, and Lodging of the best. They now Peti­tion the King, In the Name of the Lords of the last The Scots Petition. Parliament, and others his Majestie's Loyal Subjects of Scotland; Complaining of their Grievances in ge­neral, for relief whereof they are constrained to come, without prejudice to the Peace of England, till they were with Arms opposed their Passage at Newborn; and now present themselves to his Majestie's goodness, for satisfaction of their full Demands, and repair of their Wrongs and Losses, with the Advice of the Par­liament of England to be Convented.

The King answers,

That he expects their particular Demands, having already summoned the Peers of England to meet at The Kings Answer. York, September 24. and commands them to advance no further.

The Scots three days after sent their particular Demands.

1. That the late Acts of Parliament may be publish­ed Demands of the Scots. in his Majestie's Name, with the States of Parlia­ment.

2. That Edenburgh Castle, and other Strengths of Scotland may be fortified, and used for our defence and security.

3. That our Country-men in England and Ireland may not be pressed with Oaths and Subscriptions, con­trary to the National Oath and Covenant.

4. That the common Incendiaries may receive their Censure.

5. That our Ships and Goods, and Damage may be restored.

6. That the Wrongs, Losses, and Charges, which all the time we have sustained, may be repaired.

7. That the Declarations against us, as Traytors, may be recalled.

8. That by Advice of the Parliament of England, Garrisons may be removed from the Borders, and all Impediments of free Trade and Peace settled for our Religion, and Liberties.

9. That the meeting of the Peers the 24th. Septem. will be too long ere the Parliament be convened, the only means of settling Peace, and enabling us to obey his Majestie's Commands.

In this time some of the English Lords well af­fected to a Parliament, and no bitter enemies to the Covenanters, had framed a Petition, which The Lords Petition. they sent by some of their number to the King to York, and it was to this effect:

They set forth their Zeal to the King and Kingdom, moving them to be seech his Majestie's leave, to offer to his Princely Wisdom, the Apprehension they and others of his Loyal Subjects have of the Distempers and Dan­gers to the Church and State, and to his Person, and the means to prevent them.

The Evils they mention are first;

That his Sacred Person is exposed to danger in this Expedition, and by the War his Revenue wasted, his Subjects burdened with Coat and Conduct-money, Bil­letting of Souldiers, and other Military Charges, and divers Rapines and Disorders, by the Souldiers, and the Kingdom full of fears and Discontents.

2. The Innovations in matters of Religion, the Oath and Canons lately Imposed.

3. The great Increase of Popery, and imploying Po­pish Recusants, and others ill affected to Religion in places of Power and Trust.

4. The Mischiefs which may fall, if the Intentions which have been credibly reported of bringing in Irish and foreign Forces, should take effect.

5. The urging of Ship-money, and prosecuting She­riffs for not Levying of it.

6. The heavy Charge upon Merchandize, and the Monopolies.

[Page 35] 7. The great Grief of the Subjects by long Intermis­sion of Parliaments, and the late and former Disso­lutions of them.

For Remedy, they humbly beseech his Majesty to summon a Parliament, whereby the Causes of these Grievances may be taken away, and the Au­thors and Counsellors of them punished. That the present War may be composed without Blood, to the honour and safety of the King, the comfort of his People, and the uniting of both Realms.

Concluded, August 28. 1640.
Subscribed,
  • Bedford,
  • Essex,
  • Mulgrave,
  • Say and Seal,
  • Ed. Howard,
  • E. of Bristoll.
  • Hartford,
  • Warwick,
  • Bullingbrook,
  • Mandevill,
  • Brook,
  • Paget.

The King's Answer to this Petition was, ‘That before the receipt of it, he well foresaw The Kings Answer. the danger that threatens Himself and Crown, and therefore resolved to summon all the Peers to his Presence the twenty fourth of September, and with them to consult what in this Case is fit­test to be done for his Honour, and Safety of the Kingdom, when the Petitioners with the rest might offer any thing conducing to these ends.’

This was followed with a Petition of the Citi­zens Petition of the Citi­zens of London. of London, Setting forth their Grievances, and the Remedy by calling a Parliament. Much to the same effect with the Petition of the Lords.

The Scots at Newcastle seize four great English Ships, laden with Corn, lay a Tax of Three hun­dred and fifty pounds a day on the Bishoprick of Durham, and Three hundred pounds a day on Northumberland, on pain of Plundering; and com­mitted many Injuries and Insolencies on the English where they quartered.

The great Council met at York 24. Septem. ac­cording to summons; and the King spake to them, The Coun­cil at York. that he had called them for their advice, and assistance in this time of exigency, according to the custome of his predecessors. That he, of himself, had resolved to call a Parliament, to meet 3d. Novemb. next; and in the mean time required their advice, in those things which could not stay untill the meeting of the Parlia­ment.

The War, being begun with the Scots, put ma­ny men to think of a posture of defence for them­selves, and to a provision of arms.

The discourses of the Scottish War, were very The Scotish War vari­ously dis­coursed of. various, those who favour'd the Popish and Pre­latical ways, did sufficiently inveigh against the Covenanters; but generally the rest of the people favoured and approved their proceedings, and there was a strange spirit of division in the opini­ons, and wishes of most men in these affairs, too many not onely favouring, but joyning with, and assisting the proceedings of the Scots Cove­nanters.

After several meetings, and debates in the great Message to the Scots. Council at York, a Messenger was sent from the King, and Lords to the Scots Army, to give no­tice to them that on Tuesday next, sixteen of the English Lords should meet with as many Scotch Lords at York, to treat of the differences. But the Scots refuse York to Treat in, as not secure for their Commissioners, so long as the Lieutenant of Ireland commanded there in chief, who had proclaimed them Traitors in Ireland, before the King had done it in England, threatning to destroy their memory; a­gainst whom they had high matters of complaint.

This was the first publick appearance of the Complaint against Strafford. Scots enmity against Strafford; which some affirm was set on from hence; and it was strange that it should not be more regarded.

Another place of Treaty was named at Rippon, Treaty at Rippon. where the Commissioners on both sides met. The English proposed a Cessation of Arms, but the Scots, as they would obey the King's commands not to advance; so they could not return, till they had effected their business.

They presented their Demands, how their Ar­my The Scots demands. should be maintained, till the Treaty ended, and peace secured.

2. For safe Convoys for their Commissioners.

3. Safe Convoys for all Letters to, and from the Parliament.

4. For free trade of both Kingdomes, and New­castle trade not to be hindred.

At length the Commissioners on both parts agree.

To a Cessation of Arms.

To a Contribution of 850. l. per diem for the Scots Army in Northumberland, Westmorland, Durham and Newcastle.

The River Tees to be the bound of both Armies.

Private Insolencies to be no breach of the Treaty, with divers other conditions, and their chief de­mands were referred to a general Treaty to be pro­ceeded in at London.

Many wondred, and some inveighed against this The Trea­ty vari­ously cen­sured. Treaty, wishing the King would have put it rather to the Issue of a Battel; than to have given such Terms to his Subjects in Rebellion, and of this Judgment was Strafford, and the Episcopal party. But the other party cryed up this treaty, as Just, Honou­rable and Pious; to prevent effusion of Bloud, and to settle peace, and the King saw plainly that both, divers officers of his Army, and even the pri­vate Soldiers generally (which was a most remar­kable Inclination) had no mind to fight against the Scots; which cheifly caused the King to con­clude this Treaty.

The Resolution of calling a Parliament, set ma­ny on work to canvase for places. The Court laboured to bring in their friends; but those who were most favour'd at Court, had least respect in the Country and it was not a little strange to see what a spirit of opposition to the Court procee­dings, was in the hearts, and actions of most of the people, so that very few of that Party had the favour to be chosen members of this Parlia­ment.

The Earl of Montross of great alliance in Scot­land Montross. came into England, to serve the King, but by Hamilton's cunning, as was supposed, the King, at his first coming to him, neglected him; which caused his resort to, and joyning with the Cove­nanters: being weary of them, he now writes to the King to York, professing his Loyalty, and Ser­vice to His Majesty.

This Letter, by Hamilton's means, as was re­ported, was stoln out of the King's pocket, co­pyed, and sent to the Convenanters, they made use of it, as shall be mentioned hereafter.

The third day of November, the Parliament was 3. Novem. a day omi­nous. to meet, some perswaded the Archbishop to get it adjourned for two or three days; because that the third of November was an ominous day; the Par­liament called on that day 20 H. 8. beginning with the fall of Cardinal Woolsey, and ending in the [Page 36] dissolution of Abbeys, but the Archbishop took little heed of such things.

The time of the Parliaments meeting drawing near, it was considered at York, whether the Earl of Strafford should repair to the house, or continue in the north with the Army.

The King was earnest for his going up to the Strafford Perswaded to go to the Parlia­ment. Parliament, as one, of whose service he should have great occasion, and placed much confidence in his faithfulness and abilities.

The Earl humbly desired His Majesty to excuse his going to the Parliament, alledging that he should not be able to do His Majesty any service there; but should rather be a means to hinder his affairs; in regard he foresaw that the great envy, and ill will of the Parliament, and of the Scots, would be bent against him.

Whereas, If he kept out of sight, he would not be so much in their mind, as he should be, by shewing him­self in Parliament; and if they should fall upon him, he being at a distance, what soever they should conclude against him, he might the better avoid, and retire from any danger, having the liberty of being out of their hands, and to go over to Ireland, or to some other place, where he might be most serviceable to His Majesty, but if he should put himself into their power, by coming up to the Parliament, it was evident that the house of Com­mons, and the Scots with all their Party, especially be­ing provoked by his coming amongst them, would presently fall upon him, and prosecute his destruc­tion.

The King, notwithstanding these reasons, con­tinued very earnest for Strafford's coming up to the Parliament; for which, he laid his commands up­on him: and told him, that as he was King of Eng­land, he was able to secure him from any danger, and that the Parliament should not touch one hair of his head.

The Earl thank'd His Majesty, but replyed, that if there should fall out a difference between His Maje­sty, and his Parliament, concerning him; that it would be a great disturbance to His Majestie's af­fairs; and that he had rather suffer himself, than that the King's affairs should in any measure suffer, by rea­son of his particular.

The King remained unalterable in his resoluti­on, concerning Strafford's coming up to the Par­liament, saying that he could not want his advice, in the great transactions, which were like to be in this Parliament, and in obedience to his Commands, the Earl came up to London.

The King, in His speech to both Houses, had told them that he was resolved to put himself freely Speech to the Parlia­ment. upon the love, and affections of His English Subjects. He told them, the wants of his own Army, The Cala­mities of the Northern Countries, where both Armies lay, and freely leaves it to them, where to begin, pro­miseth Redress of Greivances; and desires that all suspition of one another may be layd aside.

Some exception being taken that in his Speech he called the Scots, Rebels, He after explains, and Justifies, in his speech to the Lords.

The first week was spent in naming general Committees, and establishing them, and receiving a great many Petitions, both from particular per­sons, Petitions. and some from multitudes, and brought by troups of horsemen from several Counties, craving redress of Grievances, and of Exorbitances, both in Church and State.

Many were inlarged out of Prison to make their complaints, Prynne, Burton, Bastwick and others.

Many smart speeches were made in the House of Commons, touching grievances, which Mr. Pym Pym of Grievan­ces. divided into three heads.

  • 1. Against Privilege of Parliament.
  • 2. Prejudice of Religion.
  • 3. Liberty of the Subject.

Under the first head were reckoned,

  • 1. Restraining the Members of Parliament from speaking.
  • 2. Forbidding the Speaker to put a question.
  • 3. Imprisoning divers Members for matters done in Parliament.
  • 4. By Proceedings against them therefore, in Infe­riour Courts.
  • 5. Injoyning their good behaviour, and continuance in prison even unto death.
  • 6. Abrupt dissolutions of Parliament.

Under the second head of Religion were men­tioned.

  • 1. The suspension of Laws against them of the popish Religion, Laws, and Oaths will not restrain them; the Pope dispenceth with all.
  • 2. Their places of trust, and honour in the Common wealth.
  • 3. Their free Resort to London, and to the Court, to communicate their Councils and designs.
  • 4. As they have a College in Rome for the Pope's authority in England, so they have a Nuntio here to execute it.

Under Innovations of Religion, were brought in,

  • 1. Maintenance of Popish Tenets, in Books, Sermons and Disputes.
  • 2. Practice of Popish Ceremonies countenanced and enjoyed, as Altars, Images, Crucifixes, Bowings.
  • 3. Discouragement of Protestants, by rigid Prose­cution of the scrupulous, for things indifferent, no vice made so great as Inconformity.
  • 4. Incroachment of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
    • 1. In fining, and imprisoning without Law.
    • 2. Challenging their Jurisdiction to be appropriate to their order, Jure Divino.
    • 3. Contriving, and publishing new Orders of Visita­tion in force, as of Canons, the boldness of Bishops, and all their subordinate Officers and Officiales.

Under the third head, the Grievances.

  • 1. By Tunnage and Poundage unduly taken.
  • 2. Composition for Knighthood.
  • 3. The unparalell'd greivance of Shipmoney.
  • 4. Enlargment of the Forests beyond the due bounds.
  • 5. Selling of Nusances, by compounding for them.
  • 6. The Commission for building.
  • 7. The Commission for Depopulations.
  • 8. Ʋnlawful military charges, by warrant of the King, Letters of the Council, and Orders of the Lieu­tenants of the Counties, and their Deputies.
  • 9. Extrajudicial Declarations of Judges, without hearing Council, or Arguments.
  • 10. Monopolies, countenanced by the Council Table, and Justices of the Peace required to assist them.
  • 11. The Star Chamber Court.
  • 12. The King's Edicts, and Proclamations lately used, for maintaining Monopolies.
  • 13. The ambitions, and corrupt Clergy preaching divine authority, and absolute power in Kings, to doe what they will.
  • 14. The Intermission of Parliaments.

The Lord Digby mentioned the late Benevolence, Lord Digby. and the New canon Oath, which he called a Cove­nant against the King for Bishops, and the Scots Cove­nant is against the King and Bishops.

Many other Speeches were made, by several Members, all of them to the same Effect, touching grievances.

The King made the Lord Cottington Constable of the Tower of London, and placed there a Garri­son of 400 men, to keep the City from Tumults. [Page 37] But the House of Commons and others without, much unsatisfied thereat, the King took off the Gar­rison, and Commission of Constable, and left the command of it to a Lieutenant, as before.

Upon the extraordinary confluence of Popish Recusants to London, the King sent a Message to Proclama­tions a­gainst Pa­pists. the Parliament, that by Proclamation they should be removed to their places of abode, and disarmed.

The House of Commons ordered that all Projec­tors, and unlawful Monopolists, be disabled to sit in the House, and many members thereupon withdrew themselves, and new Elections were made in their Rooms.

Complaint was made to the Lords House of breach of their Privilege, by search of the Poc­kets, Cabinets and Studies of the Earl of War­wick, Earl of Warwick. and the Lord Brooke, upon the dissolving of the last Parliament. Sir William Beecher, one of the Clerks of the Council, who did it upon com­mand of the Secretaries of State, was commit­ted to the Fleet.

The House of Commons sent up a Message to the Lords, by Mr. Pym, The impeachment of the Earl of Impeach­ment a­gainst Strafford. Strafford of high treason, upon which the Earl was committed to the black Rod, and Sir George Rat­cliffe, his confederate, was sent for out of Ireland, by a Serjeant at Armes.

The two Armies lay a heavy burden on the Counties where they quartered, to ease which the Parliament borrowed 100000 l. of the City of London.

Upon suit of the Lords to the King, the Bishop of Lincoln was released out of the Tower.

The Earl of Strafford moved, that he might be bayled, by divers Lords, who offered to be Sureties for him, which was denied; but a Council, and a Sollicitor were assigned to him.

In the house, there fell out a Debate touching the writs of Habeas corpus, upon which Selden, and the rest of his fellow prisoners demanded to be Habeas Corpus. bayled, and the Judges of the King's Bench did not bayle them, as by Law they ought; but required of them Sureties for their good behavi­ours.

This was so far aggravated by some, that they moved the Prisoners might have Reparation out of the Estates of those Judges, who then sate in the King's Bench, when they were remanded to prison, which Judges they named to be, Hyde, Jones, and White­locke, as for Judge Crooke, who was one of that Court, they excused him, as differing in opinion from the rest.

Whitelocke a Member of the House, and Son to the Judge, knew this to be mistaken, as to the fact, and spake in the behalf of his father to this effect, That it was not unknown to divers worthy Members of the House, that Judge Whitelocke had been a faith­full, able and stout assertor of the rights and liberties of the free-born; Subjects of this Kingdome, for which he had been many ways a sufferer. And particularly by a streight and close imprisonment, for what he said and did, as a Member of this honourable House, in a former Parliament. And he appeals to those noble Gentlemen, who cannot but remember those passages, and some, who were then sufferers with him. And for his opinion, and carriage in the case of Habeas corpus, 'tis affirmed to have been the same with that of Judge Crooke, and he appeals for this, to the honou­rable Gentlemen, who were concerned in it; and others, who were present then in Court.

Hampden and divers others seconded this moti­on; who affirmed very much of the matter of fact, and expressed themselves with great respect, and Judges, Crook and Whitelocke cleared. honour to the memory of the deceased Judge, who was thereupon reckoned by the house, in the same Degree with Judge Crooke, as to their cen­sure, and proceedings.

One Mr. Heyward, an active Justice of Peace in Westminster, had drawn up a Catalogue of the Re­cusants there, for the Committee of Religion, which occasioned one James a Papist to stab Hey­ward in Westminster-hall; but not to death, and James was privately punished.

Prynne and Burton were conducted into London Prynne and Burton. from their several Prisons, by many hundreds of horse and foot in great Pompe, and defiance of Ju­stice, and they petitioned the House of Commons for dammages against their Prosecutors.

Sir Francis Windebanke, Secretary of State, and Windebank. a great intimate of Archbishop Laud, having been questioned for repreiving Jesuits, and Preists, and suspected of worse matters, to prevent any further tryall, he escaped into France, where he remained to his death (as is reported) a profes­sed Papist.

The House of Commons Voted,

1. That the charge of Shipmoney was against the Votes. Law, the Subjects Right and Property, and contrary to former Resolutions in Parliament, and to the Peti­tion of Right.

2. That the extrajudicial opinion of the Judges was against the Law, &c. ut prius.

3. That the Shipwrits were against the Law.

4. That the Judgement in Mr. Hampden's Case, about Shipmoney, was against Law, &c.

The House of Lords passed the same Votes, and the next day a Committee was appointed, to draw up a Charge of Treason against such as had been abettors therein, the Lord Keeper Finch, and the rest of the Judges.

The House of Commons, having ingaged to Commit­tee against Strafford. present to the Lords particular Articles of their Charge of high Treason against the Earl of Straf­ford, they now were moved to appoint a select Committee to prepare and draw up those Articles, and to manage the evidence against the Earl at his Tryall, and that this Committee should be under an Ingagement of Secrecy, in regard of the Nature, and greatness of the business.

Of this Committee, were named, Pym, Hamp­den, Hollis, Lord Digby, Stroud, and Sir Walter Earle, Selden, St. John, Maynard, Palmer, Glynne, and Whitelocke.

Whitelocke was chosen Chairman of the Commit­tee, the Papers were all delivered to his custody and trust, and an ingagement of secrecy was made solemnly, in the nature of a Voluntary Oath, by every one of the Committee, and they did sit al­most every day to prepare the Articles of the charge against the Earl of Strafford.

11. Decem. Alderman Pennington, with some hundreds following him, presented the Citizens Alderman Pennington. Petition, subscribed by 15000. against the disci­pline, and Ceremonies of the Church.

The House of Commons 15. Decem. Resolved.

That the Clergy in a Synod or Convocation, hath no Votes. power to make Laws, Canons or Constitutions, to bind either Laity or Clergy, without the Parliament. And that the Canons, made by the late Convocation, are a­gainst the fundamental Laws of this Realm, the King's Prerogative, Propriety of the Subject, the Rights of Parliament, and do tend to faction, and sedition.

They also voted, that a Bill should be brought in, to fine those of the Clergy who sate in the late Con­vocation, and were Actors in making those Ca­nons.

[Page 38] The like proceedings were to be had against the Judges, for their opinions, and Judgment in the Case of Shipmoney.

Mr. Hollis is sent up to the Lords, with an Im­peachment of high Treason, against Archbishop Laud, and the Scots joyned him with the Earl of Laud Im­peacht. Strafford, as Incendiaries in the National diffe­rences.

Upon reading of both charges, the Archbishop was committed to the black Rod.

The Scots Commissioners conclude their accu­sation against him, That if the Pope had been in his place, he could not have been more zealous against the reformed Churches, to reduce them to the Heresies, Doctrines, Supersitions, Idolatries of Rome, &c.

They likewise exhibited a charge against the Earl of Strafford's confident, Sir George Ratcliffe, and having secured the great Statesman Strafford, and the great Churchman Laud; the Commons prepare to impeach the chief Officer of Law, the Lord Kee­per Finch. Lord Keeper Finch, of high Treason.

He having notice thereof, desired leave of the House to be admitted to speak for himself before them, which was granted, and a Chair set for him, near to the Bar, he came into the House, carrying the Purse himself, and when the Speaker told him that his Lordship might sit, he made a low obeysance, and laying down the Seal, and his hat in the Chair, himself leaning on the backside of it, made a very elegant, and ingenious speech, in his own vindication, & Captare Benevolentiam, and delivered with an excellent grace, and gesture as well as words.

His beginning was thus.

Mr. Speaker,

I give you thanks for granting me admittance His Speech to your presence, I come not to preserve my self, and fortunes, but to preserve your good opinion of me; for I profess, I had rather beg my bread from door to door, with date obolum Bellisario, with your favour, than be never so high, and honoured, with your displea­sure.

His Conclusion was, If I may not live to serve you, I desire, I may dye in your good opinion and fa­vour.

Many were exceedingly taken with his Elo­quence, and carriage, and it was a sad sight, to see a Person of his Greatness, parts, and favour, to ap­pear in such a Posture, before such an Assembly, to plead for his life and fortunes.

Upon these following particulars, he was the same day voted a Traytor.

  • 1. For Refusing to read the Remonstrance against the Lord Treasurer Weston, 4 Car. when the Parlia­ment
    Articles against Finch.
    desired it.
  • 2. For Solliciting, perswading, and threatning the Judges to deliver their opinions for the levying of Ship-money.
  • 3. For several illegal Actions in Forest matters.
  • 4. For ill Offices done, in making the King to dis­solve the last Parliament, and causing his declaration thereupon to be put forth.

The next day, he was accused before the Lords, but he got up earlier, gave them the slip, and esca­ped into Holland.

The House of Commons upon debate of the In­conveniences, by the intermission of Parliaments, they appointed a Committee to bring in a Bill for a Triennial Parliament.

This Committee met often, and was much fre­quented by all the Grandees of the House, then in most repute, after diverse, and great debates, and consultations, they agreed upon the frame of a Bill, as the same is extant. The King taking no­tice thereof, and of the many Petitions from seve­ral Counties, subscribed with multitudes of hands, Petitions. and presented by great numbers of people, and all the Petitions mentioning the late exorbitances, and concluding for frequent Parliaments, and against the Hierarchy of the Bishops.

The King being informed thereof, and mistrust­ing King's Speech. the Inclination of the Parliament, speaks to both Houses, Of their slow Proceedings, and the In­conveniences thereby, in maintaining two Armies in the Kingdom at excessive charges, and of the weakness of his Navy and Forts.

He takes notice of the strange Petitions from Coun­ties, against the established Government of the Church: tells them, He makes a difference between Reforma­tion, and Alteration of Government; that he is for the first, but not for the latter.

He will not say but that the Bishops may have over­stretched their power, and incroached upon the Tem­poral: If they will reform the Abuse, he is with them; he will consent to take away some temporal authority, if they have any inconvenient to the State, and not ne­cessary to the support of Episcopacy.

But he cannot consent to the taking away their Voice in Parliament, which they have so anciently enjoyed, even before the Conquest, and since; and which he con­ceives, he is bound to maintain, as one of the fundamen­tal Institutions of this Kingdom.

He wishes them to eschew another Rock, upon the Bill for frequent Parliaments, which he likes well, but to give power to Sheriffs, Constables, and he knows not whom, to doe his Office, that he cannot yield unto.

The King had reprieved one Goodman a Priest, who was condemned at the Old Baily: the Com­mons desire the Lords concurrence; and both Houses Remonstrate to the King the danger there­of in these times, and the increase of Popery, and boldness of Papists, in resorting to Mass in London; the King leaveth him to the Parliament.

The Treaty with the Scots Commissioners pro­ceeded at London, and their Demands were in effect Demands of the Scots yielded to. all yeilded unto. Upon their Seventh Demand, from the Justice and kindness of the Kingdom of Reparation for their Losses and Charges, a long Debate was in the House of Commons, about framing the Words of the Question, and the stating of it.

The Question stated, was to give them Three hun­dred thousand pounds as a brotherly assistance towards their charges and losses.

The House commanded Mr. Speaker to write to the City of London, to advance Sixty thousand pounds upon Security out of the next Subsidies, which was done accordingly, and several other Sums were advanced by them upon Security of the House for supply of the King's Army, and provi­ding for the Northern Counties.

The Dutch Ambassadour here made an Over­ture of a Marriage between William the young Prince of Orange, and the King's eldest Daughter, the Princess Mary: to which the King was well in­clined; but as his Condition then stood, he thought fit to acquaint the Parliament with it, which he did in a Speech to the House of Lords, and That he thought the Alliance with the Prince, and the Ʋnited Provinces would be of much Advantage to this King­dom; and shewed his Reasons for it.

The Proposition was generally affected and im­braced by all the People, and without fears or jea­lousies upon our Liberties or Religion, and was soon concluded.

The House of Commons sent up a Message to the Lords, to acquaint them that the Commons were informed of a great Design of the Papists, an Army [Page 39] of Fifteen thousand in Lancashire, and Eight thou­sand in Ireland, well Armed and in Pay, raised by the Earls of Strafford, and of Worcester; this gave occasion for many other Petitions: but nothing was made out of the Rumour thereof.

February 13, 1640. Sir Robert Berkley one of the Judges of the King's Bench, who gave his Opinion for Ship-money, was Impeached by the Commons of High Treason in the Lords House, and by their Command, Maxwell the Usher of the Black Rod came to the King's Bench when the Judges were sitting, took Judge Berkley from off the Bench, and carried him away to Prison, which struck a great Judge Berkley. terrour in the rest of his Brethren then sitting in Westminster-hall, and in all his Profession.

This Judge was a very learned man in our Laws, and a good Orator and Judge, moderate in his ways; except his desires of the Court-favour: He redeemed himself afterwards by supplying the Par­liaments Occasions with Ten thousand pounds, and ended his days in a private Retirement. Yet not without considerable gains by his Chamber­practice, and left a plentiful Fortune to his Fa­mily.

The Committee for the Bill of the triennial Par­liament, Triennial Parliament had taken a great deal of pains in the fra­ming of it, and it being past both Houses, the King was not without some Difficulty (as it was report­ed) perswaded to give the Royal Assent to it, which he did in his Speech to both Houses, setting sorth His Confidence thereby in them, and in their fu­ture The Kings Speech. Proceedings, and the favour he now did to his Subjects.

The King then also passed the Bill of Subsidies, and both Houses, by the Lord Keeper Littleton, returned their humble thanks to his Majesty, and by their Order were Bonefires, and Bell-ringing, signs of Joy throughout the City.

Mr. Pym was sent from the House of Com­mmons to the Lords, with the charge of High Trea­son, against the Archbishop Laud, who was there­upon committed to the Tower.

Articles of Particulars against Episcopal Go­vernment were presented to the House of Com­mons annexed to some Petitions; and being read in the House, were referred to a Committee.

The Lord▪ Digby spake smartly against them, and for Episcopacy, but not many others were very eager for them.

The Commons the tenth of March Voted.

That no Bishop shall have any Vote in Parliament, Votes. nor any Judicial power in the Star-chamber, nor bear any Authority in Temporal Matters; and that no Clergy-man shall be in Commission of the Peace.

The King of Spain was brought low by the De­fection of Catalonia, Portugal, and part of the In­dies, Foreign Affairs. the loss of Arras, and his ill Successes in Italy, besides the approach of the Swedish War to the back of the Danube, but this year was very for­tunate to the French.

The Spaniards ill Success was attributed to the ill management of Affairs by the Conde de Olivarez his Favourite, hated by the People as is usual. And the good Successes of the French were attribu­ted to the prudence of their Cardinal Richlieu.

He Invites the Duke of Lorrain to Paris, where he was highly caressed, but apprehending their De­signs, he comes to the discontented Princes of France, who had raised an Army at Sedan: And from thence, from the Count of Soissons, the Duke of Guise, and the rest, a Manifesto is published of their taking Arms for the Peace of Europe, and ex­pulsion of him who fomented the publick Wars.

They make Alliance with the Emperour and Cardinal Infanta, and joyning Forces with General Lamboy, they come to Battel, where the Count de Soissons was slain, and their Forces overthrown, and Richlieu gets more advantage thereby against the House of Austria.

The close Committee for managing the business against the Earl of Strafford, sate very constantly, Strafford. and took great pains in framing the Articles a­gainst him, and preparing of Witnesses for proof of them; for some of which Witnesses there were Messengers sent into Ireland, to bring them hi­ther.

All the Papers, Proofs, and Examinations, in this business, were committed to Whitelocke's care and charge, being Chairman to the Committee.

The Committee had often resort to the House of Commons, for their direction upon any Point of Difficulty, and they were appointed by the House to be the Managers of the Evidence against the Earl; and accordingly they divided the work among themselves.

January 30. Mr. Pym presented to the Lords the particular Articles of the Charge against the Earl of Strafford, being 28.

The Earl was immediately sent for to the Lords House, where he heard the Articles read, and they being two hundred sheets of paper, and some of the Treasons being of fourteen years standing, he de­sired three Months time to make his Answer, which must also of necessity be very long, and being unto matters of so high concernment, especially to his own life and fortunes.

This time was opposed by the House of Com­mons, and at length the Lords ordered his Answer to be brought in by the 24th of February next, which was done, though to the great labour of his Lord­ship, and of Sir Richard Lane, and others of his Councel: and on that day it was read, in the Audience of the King, and in the House of Com­mons the next day after.

Some Disputes arose between the two Houses, Disputes touching the tryal. touching the Tryal.

1. Whether Councel should be allowed for the Earl? which the Commons opposed, as not allowable in case of high Treason, which the Lords said, was true as to pleading of Matter of Fact, but not in Mat­ters of Law, which was at length yielded to.

2. Concerning the place of Tryal, the Lords desired it might be in their House: which the Commons op­posed, because they intended to manage their Accusa­tion by Members of their own House, in the presence of the whole House, for which the Lords House would be too little: whereupon Westminster-hall was agreed upon.

3. The Commons intended to come in the Body of their whole House, which the Lords not assenting to, they at last yielded to come, as a Committee of the whole House.

But there was a Proposal (the Subject of much Underta­kers. Discourse) to prevent all this trouble, and to re­store the Earl of Strafford to his former Favour and Honour: If the King would prefer some of the Grandees to Offices at Court, whereby Strafford's enemies should become his friends, and the King's desires be promoted.

It was that should be made Lord Treasurer, the Lord Say Master of the Wards, Mr. Pym Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Hollis Secretary of State, Mr. Hampden Tutor to the Prince, others to have other places.

In order whereunto, the Bishop of London re­signed up his Treasurers Staff, the Lord Cottington his place of Master of the Wards, and the rest were easily to be voided. But whether upon the King's alteration of his mind, or by what other means it came to pass, is uncertain: These things [Page 40] were not effected; and the great Men baffled there­by, became the more incensed, and violent against the Earl, joyning with the Scots Commissionres, who were implacable against him.

The time and place of the Earls Tryal was ap­pointed, Tryal of Strafford. Westminster-hall prepared for it; and ne­ver was there, or any where else seen, a more so­lemn and majestick Tribunal.

In the middle of the Theatre, below, on Forms covered with red cloth, sate the Lords in their Parliament Robes, their faces upwards, at the head of them, with his face towards them, sate in a Chair the Earl of Arundel, for that occasion made Lord High Steward of England; and at that Tryal, the Speaker of the Peers, the Earl of Lindsey, was made Lord high Constable of England for that time, and had the ordering of the place.

Scaffolds were erected on either side of the Hall, and at the lower end, on those Scaffolds, sate the Members of the House of Commons, un­covered, as a Committee of the whole House, and many hundreds more of Gentlemen who could get places with them.

Beyond the Peers, towards the upper end, was placed a Chair and Cloth of State for the King, raised on a Foot-pace, on either side whereof was a close Gallery for the King, Queen, and Prince to be private.

At the lower end of the State, on a Scaffold, did usually sit Ladies of Quality; on the right hand at the lower end, even with the Lords, was a place with partitions, for the Committee of Parliament, and a Door backwards out of it to a place, for a withdrawing Room for them to retire to, and con­sult, as there was offered occasion.

On the other side of the place for the Committee, and adjoyning to it was a place made for the Earl of Strafford, with a Seat and Room for the Lieute­nant of the Tower to be next to him; and places for the Earl's Secretaries, and for his Councel to be near him.

The Bishops were excluded by the Canons of the Church, to be assistant in cases of blood or death; and therefore they absented themselves from this Tryal.

Monday 22. March, 1640. was the first day of the Earl's appearing on this Theatre, the King, Queen, and Prince, and divers foreign Lords, and many Ladies with them attending there; the Lords in their Robes, on their Seats, and the Scaffolds full of the Members of the House of Commons, and many others mixed with them.

The Earl was brought to the Bar by the Lieute­nant of the Tower, his habit black, wearing his George in a Gold Chain, his Countenance manly black, his Person proper, but a little stooping with his Distemper, or habit of his body, his beha­viour exceeding graceful, and his speech full of weight, reason, and pleasingness.

The Lord high Steward declared to him, That he was called thither to answer to the Impeachment of high Treason, preferred against him by the Commons of England and Ireland: Then his Accusation was read, and next his Answer to it, in which most part of that day being spent, the Court arose.

The next day Mr. Pym made an Introduction, very rhetorical and smart, to the Articles; and the first seven of them were managed as to the evi­dence, by Mr Glynne, and the proof was, to his sub­verting the fundamental Laws of England and Ire­land.

Then a sealed Paper was produced, which be­ing opened and read, appeared to be sent from the Parliament of Ireland, declaring, that the Commons there had Voted the Earl guilty of high Treason.

At this the Earl being much transported, said, There was a Conspiracy against him, to take away his life.

The Committee of the House of Commons took hold of those words, and required Justice from the Lords against the Earl, who standing Impeached of high Treason, accused the Parliaments of two King­doms of a Conspiracy against him.

Hereupon the Earl falling upon his knees, hum­bly craved pardon for the Inconsiderateness of the ex­pression, protesting seriously, that he did not thereby intend either Parliament, but some particular persons; and so that Matter was past over.

Then the Committee offered to the Lords three new Articles to be annexed to the Charge, and de­sired that the Earl might presently give his Answer to them: To which the Earl replyed, That the Process being closed, he hoped he should not be ordered to an­swer any adventitious and unexpected Charge, without more convenient time assigned. But the Lords finding the Articles to be of no great Importance, he was urged to a present Answer, which he then made to them.

March the 24th, the Committee proceeded upon the Articles of the Charge, and after Glynne had ended his part, Maynard proceeded upon the fol­lowing Articles, and after him Mr. Palmer mana­ged the ensuing Articles, as to the aggravation of them, and inforcing the Evidence upon them, and his part extended to the seven last Articles, upon the which Whitelocke was appointed to manage the Evidence.

Anno 1641.

Car. 17 These Articles on his part were Matters of very high nature, and some of them, particularly the twenty fourth Article, relating to the design of bringing over the Army in Ireland, into Scotland, and so to England, to reduce this Kingdom.

Whitelocke having spoken with Sir Henry Vane the elder, and with the other Witnesses, to the twenty fourth Article, and finding that their Te­stimony would not make good the Matter of that Article, thought it not honourable for the House of Commons to proceed upon an Article whereof they could not make a clear proof: and thereupon propo­sed it to the Committee, to omit that Article in his proceedings.

The Committee were of the same opinion, but upon Sir Walter Earle's undertaking to manage it, they left that. Article to him; upon which, White­locke, after he had inforced the Evidence upon the twenty third Article, sate down: and Sir Walter Earl, with much gravity and confidence, began to aggravate the Matters in the twenty fourth Article, and the dangerous Consequence and high Crime in it, and called forth the Witnesses to prove the par­ticulars, which he had at large opened.

Some of the Witnesses were not in England, those of them who came in, being sworn, spake little to the purpose, and did not prove the Matter at all of that Article; upon which the Knight was very blank, and out of countenance. But the Earl of Strafford, who lost no advantage of his Defence, rising up from his Seat, made a low obeysance (as he was used to do) to the Lords, and spake to this effect.

My Lords,

I am a poor Gentleman, a Prisoner at the Bar; a­gainst whom several persons learned in the Laws, and of great ability for pleading, and strength of reason, and [Page 41] other noble persons of great parts and eloquence, have enforced the particular Matters of my Charge; and I had well hoped they had been drawing towards an end. But now (my Lords) unexpectedly a new and great Pleader sets upon me tired out before, and this noble Knight hath laid a heavy burden indeed upon my shoulders, he hath opened more hainous Crimes a­gainst me, than all those Gentlemen who have gone before.

The learned Gentleman who urged the Matters of the last Articles against me, when he came to this twen­ty fourth Article, sate down, and seemed to decline it, and yet he left nothing material which was not urged home by him.

But this noble Knight goes beyond all, and indeed be­yond the Article it self, observing things not contain­ed in it, and impossible to be: And could he have proved this, it had been truly a Miracle. But I humbly beg your Lordships pardon, I am not willing to spend any of your time impertinently; I shall only say this, That where nothing is proved against me, I know your Lord­ships great wisdom and justice will expect no defence from me.

After the Earl was sate down, the Lord Digby stood up, and in a very witty rhetorical speech, took off Sir Walter Earle, Desired their Lordships to pass by a mistake, that this Article was not intended for prosecution, as might appear by the Gentleman's decli­ning of it, who managed the former.

He moved, That this twenty fourth Article might be omitted, and their Lordships not to receive any fur­ther trouble in the urging of it, or defence to it: and that they would be pleased to look upon what that noble Knight had said, but as a Superf [...]tation.

After the Lord Digby had spoken, Whitelocke presently rose up; and (after the Lords [...] done smiling) he proceeded with the twenty fifth Ar­ticle. The Queen who was present at the Tryal, inquired who that Knight was, whom the Lord Digby relieved? and being told, his name was Sir Walter Earle, She said, that water Dog did bark, but not bite, but the rest did bite close.

The Earl of Strafford, speaking of the Commit­tee who managed the Evidence against him, and particularly of the Lawyers, said to a private friend, that Glynne and Maynard used him like Ad­vocates, but Palmer and Whitelocke used him like Gentlemen; and yet left out nothing material to be urged against him.

When the Committee had gone through all the Articles, they moved, That if the Earl had any thing to say further in his defence, that he might do it: the Earl obtained with difficulty time till the next Morning.

The next day (both Houses being met) the Lieutenant of the Tower acquainted them, that the Earl had been extream ill the last Night, of a vio­lent Fit of the Stone, and was not able to come abroad this Day, and humbly desired their Lord­ships excuse.

This caused them to adjourn to the next Morn­ing, and in the Afternoon some of the Lords were sent from the House, to see in what condition the Earl was, who found him somewhat recovered, and he hoped so as he might attend them the next Day.

Then the House met again, April the 10th, and the Commons desired liberty to produce an addi­tional piece of Evidence to the twenty third Ar­ticle: The Earl craved the same liberty for him­self, concerning some Testimonies not yet exhibi­ted on his behalf; this the Committee opposed, but the Lords thought it equal, and after a warm Debate upon it, the Commons rose in some dis­content, not so much as appointing a day for their next meeting.

April 12. In the House of Commons, Mr. Pym produced a Paper of some Notes taken by Secre­tary Vane, of some Opinions delivered at the Council-table of Juncto, May 5. 1640. being the Sir Henry Vane. day that the last Parliament was dissolved; the discovery whereof was thus:

Secretary Vane being out of Town, sent a Letter to his Son Sir Henry Vane the younger, then in London, with the Key of his Study, for his Son to look in his Cabinet, for some Papers there to send to his Father.

The Son looking over many Papers, among them lighted upon these Notes, which being of so great concernment to the Publick, and decla­ring so much against the Earl of Strafford, he held himself bound in duty and conscience to discover them.

He shewed them to Mr. Pym, who urged him, and prevailed with him, that they might be made use of in the Evidence against the Earl of Strafford, as being most material and of great consequence, in relation to that business.

Accordingly they were now produced to the House of Commons, and in the Afternoon at a Conference with the Lords, and the next day the Earl being brought to Westminster, and both Hou­ses being met, the Notes were openly read; the Title of them was, No danger of a War with Scot­land, if Offensive, not Defensive.

Then followed the Opinions interlocutory.

K. C. How can we undertake offensive War, if we have no more Money?

L. L. Ir. Borrow of the City 100000 l. go on vigorously to levy Ship-money; your Majesty having tried the affection of your people, you are absolved and loose from all rule of Govern­ment, and to do what power will admit.

Your Majesty having tried all ways, and being refused, shall be acquitted before God and Man. And you have an Army in Ireland, that you may imploy to reduce this Kingdom to obedience: for I am confident the Scots cannot hold out five Months.

L. Arch. You have tried all ways, and have always been denied, it is now lawful to take it by force.

L. Cot. Leagues abroad there may be made for the defence of the Kingdom; the lower House are weary of the King and Church: all ways shall be just to raise Money by, in this inevitable ne­cessity, and are to be used, being lawful.

L. Arch. For an offensive, not any defensive Warr.

L. L. Ir. The Town is full of Lords, put the Commission of Array on foot, and if any of them stir, we will make them smart.

To this the Earl answered,

That it were hard measure, for Opinions and Discourses by Privy Counsellors in a Debate of Council, to be prose­cuted under the Notion of Treason.

As to the words [that the King had an Army in Ireland, to reduce this Kingdom] they are only proved by the single testimony of one man, Secretary Vane, which is not of validity enough in Law, in a matter of Debt, much less in point of Life and Death.

2. That the Secretarie's Deposition was ex­ceeding dubious upon two Examinations, he could not remember any such words, the third time, his Testimony was not positive, but that I spake those words, or the like, and words may be very like in sound, yet differ much in sense.

3. There were present at the Debate but eight [Page 42] Privy Counsellors; two of them [the Arch-bishop, and Secretary Windebank] cannot be produced: Secretary Vane affirms the words, I deny them; Four remain for Evidence, Mar­quess Hamilton, the Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Treasurer, and the Lord Cottington: all these have declared upon their Honours, that they never heard me speak those words, nor any the like.

4. Suppose I spake the words (which I grant not) yet cannot the word (this) rationally im­ply England, as is yielded on all hands; because England was not out of the way of obedience (as the Earl of Clare well observed) and because there never was any the least intention of land­ing the Irish Army in England, as the Lords of the Council are able to attest.

This Paper of so great Consequence, was missing at the Committee, and by the Earl's Answer, sup­posed that he had seen it, and that it was conveyed to him by some of the Committee: Whitelocke being in the Chair, and having the charge and custody of all the Papers, he was suspected more than others, to have acted this piece of Treachery.

Great inquiry and search was made for the Pa­per, but it could not then be found: He told them when it was missing, and that amongst such a mul­titude of Papers as he had in his custody, it was not easie to see that he had them all again, when they were brought forth, or any of them called for.

That he never shewed this Paper to any, but to the Committee, and knew not who had it, or what was become of it; nor did he convey it, or know of any, that had conveyed it away. But this would not serve; the House was acquainted with the missing of the Paper, and they ordered, That every one of the Committee should make a solemn Protestation in the House, that they did not convey it away, nor know what was become of it.

All of them made this Protestation, and the Lord Digby with more earnestness, and deeper Im­precations than any of the rest; yet afterwards at the Battel of Naseby, the King's Cabinet being ta­ken, among the Papers in it, was a Copy of these Notes, under the Lord Digby's hand, whereby Whitelocke was cleared, and the Conveyer of the Paper to the King, and from him to the Earl of Strafford, was fully discovered.

The Earl having delivered his Answer to the additional Proof, the Lord Steward told him, ‘That if he had any thing to say further in his de­fence, he should proceed, because the Court in­tended to prepare Matters for their speedy Judg­ment.’

VVhereupon he made a summary Repetition of the several parts of his former Defence, and con­cluded thus.

It is hard to be questioned upon a Law which cannot be shewn, where hath this fire lain hid so many hundreds of years, without smoak to disco­ver it, till it thus burst forth to consume me and my Children.

That punishment should precede promulgation of a Law, to be punished by a Law subsequent to the Fact, is extream hard: what man can be safe, if this be admitted?

My Lords, it is hard in another respect, that there should be no token set, by which we should know this Offence, no admonition by which we should avoid it. If a man pass the Thames in a Boat, and split himself upon an Anchor, and no Buoy be floating to discover it, he who oweth the Anchor shall make satisfaction: but if a Buoy be set there, every man passeth upon his own pe­ril. Now where is the Mark, where the Token upon this Crime, to declare it to be High Trea­son?

My Lords, Be pleased to give that regard to the Peerage of England, as never to expose your selves to such Moot Points, such constructive In­terpretations of Laws: If there must be a tryal of Wits, let the subject matter be of somewhat else, than the Lives and Honours of Peers.

It will be wisdom for your selves, for your Posterity, and for the whole Kingdom, to cast in­to the fire these bloody and mysterious Volumes of constructive and arbitrary Treason; as the Pri­mitive Christians did their Books of curious Arts, and betake your selves to the plain Letter of the Law and Statute, that telleth us, what is, and what is not Treason, without being more ambitious to be more learned in the Art of Kil­ling, than our Fore-fathers

It is now full two hundred and fourty years, since any man was touched for this alleaged Crime, to this height, before my self: Let us not awaken these sleeping Lions, to our destructions, by taking up a few musty Records, that have lain by the walls so many Ages forgotten, or neg­lected.

May your Lordships please, not to add this to my other Misfortunes; let not a Presi­dent be derived from me so disadvantageous, as this will be in the Consequence to the whole Kingdom. Do not through me wound the Inte­rest of the Common-wealth; and howsoever these Gentlemen say, they speak for the Common-wealth: yet in this particular, I indeed speak for and shew the Inconveniences and mischiefs that will fall upon it.

For as it is said in the Statute, 1 H. 4. No man will know what to do, or say, for fear of such Penalties.

Do not put (my Lords) such Difficulties upon Ministers of State, that men of VVisdom, of Ho­nour, and of Fortune, may not with chearfulness and safety be imployed for the Publick, if you weigh and measure them by Grains and Scruples, the publick Affairs of the Kingdom will lie wast, no man will meddle with them, who hath any thing to lose.

My Lords, I have troubled you longer than I should have done, were it not for the Interest of these dear Pledges a Saint in Heaven hath left me.

At this word, he stopt awhile, letting fall some tears at her Memory, then he went on.

What I forfeit my self, is nothing; but that my Indiscretion should extend to my Posterity, woundeth me to the very Soul.

You will pardon my Infirmity, something I should have added, but am not able, therefore let it pass.

And now (my Lords) for my self, I have been, by the blessing of Almighty God, taught, That the afflictions of this present life, are not to be compared to the eternal weight of glory, which shall be revealed hereafter.

And so (my Lords) even so, with all tran­quility of mind, I freely submit my self to your Judgment, and whether that Judgment be of Life or Death.

Te Deum landamus.

[Page 43] Certainly never any Man acted such a part, on such a Theatre, with more Wisdome, Constancy, and Eloquence, with greater Reason, Judg­ment, and Temper, and with a better Grace in all his Words and Gestures, than this great and ex­cellent Person did; and he moved the hearts of all his Auditors (some few excepted) to remorse and pity.

After he had done, Pym and Glyn endeavoured to aggravate his Offences, and so both Houses rose.

The Commons thought fit to justifie their Charge by Law, to be Treason. To which effect, Mr. St. John, one of the Committee, made an elaborate and learned Argument.

It was insisted upon amongst many other things, That in the Stat. 25 E. 3. the Index of Treason is a Salvo, that because all particular Treasons could not be then defined; therefore what the Parliament should declare to be Treason in time to come, should be punished as Treason.

April 17. The Point in Law was argued for the Earl by Mr. Lane the Princes Attorney; Mr. Loe, Councel for Straf­ford. Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Lightfoot were also present of his Councel.

Mr. Lane argued upon the Statute 25 E. 3. That it was a declarative Law, not to be extended by Equi­ty, Consequence, or Construction, but by the express Letter only; and being a Penal Law, admitted no In­ferences; Penalties being to enforce obedience to known Laws, not to doubtful or conjectural.

As to the Salvo, he said, That 6 H. 8. 4. a Petition was preferred by the Lords, to have all Treasons limi­ted by Statute, and in that Parliament Chap. 20. an Act was made, whereby that Salvo in 25 E. 3. was re­pealed, and nothing to be Treason, but what was lite­rally comprehended in the Statute 25 E. 3.

After this, a Bill was brought into the House of Bill of At­tainder. Commons, to attaint the Earl of high Treason; upon Debate whereof, they voted him guilty of high Treason: And 19. April, upon the Ingrossment of the Bill, it endured a sharp Debate.

The Lord Digby, and divers others, appearing eminently for the Earl against the Bill; but upon division of the House, the Bill was passed: yet there were fifty nine Dissenters. This was 21. A­pril, and the same Afternoon it was sent up to the Lords.

April 24. The Lords were put in mind to ap­point a Day for the reading of the Bill of Attain­der; and 29. April Mr. St. John by command of the House of Commons, in the presence of the Lord Strafford, offered to the Lords, Reasons and Autho­rities to satisfie them, and to justifie the Bill by Law.

The House of Commons in the mean time peti­tioned Commons Petition. the King.

  • 1. For removing Papists from Court.
  • 2. For disarming of them generally.
  • 3. For disbanding the Irish Army.

To which the King gave Answer. The King's Answer.

1. That all knew the legal trust the Crown had in that particular; that he would use it so, as not to give just cause of scandal.

2. He was content it should be done by Law.

3. Ʋpon Consultation, he found many Difficulties therein; and so wished the Disbanding of all Armies: as he did conjure them speedily and heartily to joyn with him, in disbanding those two here, Scots and English.

May 1. The King called both Houses of Parlia­ment together, and did passionately desire of them, not to proceed severely against the Earl, whom he an­swered for, as to most of the main particulars of the Charge against him; tells them, that in Conscience he cannot condemn the Earl of high Treason, and that neither fear, nor any other respect, should make him go against his Conscience.

But for Misdemeanours, he is so clear in them, that he thinks the Earl not fit hereafter to serve him, or the Commonwealth, in any place of trust, no not so much as a Constable.

May 2 d, The Marriage was solemnized at Court, between the young Prince of Orange, and the Prin­cess Mary the King's Daughter.

This day, being Sunday, from some Pulpits it was preached to the People, the necessity of Justice upon some great Delinquents now to be acted. And the next Morning, May 3. a Rabble of about six Tumult. thousand out of the City, came thronging down to Westminster, with Swords, Cudgels, and Staves, crying out for Justice against the Earl of Strafford; pretending decay of Trade, and want of Bread.

They applyed themselves to the Earl of Mont-gomery, who gave them good words, and endea­voured to pacific them; which is the best way in popular Tumults, and yet this Multitude were ve­ry rude with some of the Lords; and they posted up at Westminster, the Names of all those Members of the House of Commons who had Voted for the Earl, and called them Straffordians

This being informed to the House, by some who were named in that List, as a high breach of the Priviledge of Parliament, yet being the act of a Multitude, no redress was endeavoured. These Tumults were accompanied with an Information of some practice in the North, to distract the Eng­lish Practices upon the Army. Army, and to debauch them against the Par­liament.

These Passages occasioned a Debate in the House of Commons, about a National Protestation, Protesta­tion. to maintain the Protestant Religion against Popery, the King's Person, the Power of Parliament, and the Rights and Liberties of the Subject.

May 5. This Protestation was taken by the Commons House, the next day by the Lords; and ordered to be generally taken by all the People of England.

The House of Commons then took in debate the raising of Moneys, to satisfie those great Accounts of the two Armies, with which the Kingdom was so highly burthened; wherein a Lancashire Knight offered to procure his Majesty 650000 l. till the Subsidies should be raised, if he would pass a Bill, Not to Prorogue, Adjourn, or Dissolve this Parlia­ment, Bill for continu­ing the Parlia­ment. without Consent of both Houses, to indure till the Grievances were redressed, and to give the Parliament Credit to take up Monies.

This was well liked by many Parliament-men, who upon the passing of such a Bill, would sit the surer and the longer in their Saddles; and they were so hot upon it, that the same Afternoon they made a Committee, to bring in such a Bill the next Morning, and Whitelocke was named to draw the Bill.

Of forty five Lords, twenty six Voted the Earl Strafford voted guilty. guilty of high Treason, upon the fifteenth Article, For levying Money in Ireland by force, in a warlike manner. And upon the nineteenth Article, For impo­sing an Oath upon the Subjects in Ireland.

The Bill for continuance of the Parliament was brought into the House, the next Morning after it was propounded, and the same day it was perfe­cted, and past the House of Commons.

This Bill, and the Act of Attainder, being both past by the Commons, a Conference was had with the Lords after they had passed them; and a Mes­sage [Page 44] sent by some Lords to the King, to intreat his Answer, who promised to satisfie them within two days.

The King being much perplexed upon the ten­dring of these two Bills to him, between the Cla­mours of a discontented People, and an unsatisfied Conscience; he took advice (as some reported) of several of the Bishops, and of others his intimate Counsellors, what to doe in this intricate Affair: and that the major part of them urged to him the Opinions of the Judges, that this was Treason, and the Bill legal.

They pressed likewise the Votes of the Parlia­ment, That he was but one man, that no other Expe­dient could be found out to appease the inraged People, and that the Consequences of a furious Multitude would be very terrible.

Upon all which they perswaded him to pass the Bills.

But the chief Motive was said to be, a Letter of Letter from Strafford to the King. the Earl of Strafford, then sent unto him, wherein the gallant Earl takes notice of these things, and what is best for his Majesty in these streights, and to set his Conscience at liberty: He doth most hum­bly beseech him for prevention of such mischief as may happen by his refusal, to pass the Bill, to remove him out of the way, towards that blessed Agreement which God (I trust) shall for ever establish betwixt you and your Subjects. Sir, my Consent herein, shall more ac­quit you to God, than all the world can do besides: To a willing man there is no Injury done.

By these Passages, and by some private dealings, the King was perswaded to sign a Commission to three Lords, to pass these two Bills; and that he should ever be brought to it, was admired by most of his Subjects, as well as by Foreigners.

After he had signed these Bills, the King sent Secretary Carleton to the Earl, to acquaint him with what was done, and the Motives of it, especi­ally the Earl's Consent, who seriously asked the Secretary, whether his Majesty had passed the Bill, or not? as not believing without some astonish­ment, that the King would have done it.

And being again assured that it was past, he rose up from his Chair, lift up his Eyes to Heaven, laid his Hand on his Heart, and said, Put not your trust in Princes, nor in the Sons of men, for in them there is no Salvation.

Great Censures (as in all great businesses) were past upon the King's passing of both these Bills, Censures. That the one was against his most faithful Servant, and the other against himself.

Certainly he had great remorse thereupon; and the next day, May 11. he sent a Letter by the Prince to the Lords, written all with his own hand, That they would confer with the House of Com­mons to spare the life of the Earl, and that it would be a high Contentment to him.

Some did not stick to say, that this was promi­sed to him, before he signed the Bill of Attainder, and to bring him to it. But now the Lords House did not think fit to consent to his Majestie's desire therein.

May 12. The Earl was brought to the Scaffold on the Tower-hill; as he passed by, he looked up to the Window where the Archbishop lay, who spake to him with comfort and courage.

He made on the Scaffold a most ingenious, cha­ritable, and pious Speech and Prayers; gave some Directions touching his Children: and died with charity, courage, and general lamentation.

Thus fell this Noble Earl, who for natural Parts and Abilities, and for improvement of know­ledge by experience, in the greatest Affairs, for wisdom, faithfulness, and gallantry of mind, hath left few behind him, that may be ranked equal with him.

The Design for the Earl's escape out of the Tower, was related to be discovered by three wo­men, who peeping and hearkning to the discourse of the Earl, with Captain Billingsley, they at the Key-hole of the Earl's Gallery-door, heard them confer about the falling down of the Ship to take in the Earl: and Billingsley brought a Warrant from the King, with two hundred men to be recei­ved into the Tower, for the safety of it; but Sir William Balfour the Lieutenant refused to admit Balfour. them, suspecting that they came to further the Earl's escape.

Balfour confessed that two thousand pounds were offered him, to consent to the Earl's escape; and the Earl himself did not deny a Design, which he said, was only for his remove to some other Castle: But Balfour was true to the Interest of his Coun­try-men, the Covenanters, and their friends in Parliament.

Divers great Officers of State resigned up their Great Of­ficers re­sign their Places. Places, either accounting themselves insecure, or to satisfie others.

May 17. The Lord Cottington gave up his Place of Master of the Wards, which the Lord Say had conferred on him.

Bishop Juxon resigned his Office of Treasurer, and five Commissioners were appointed to execute it for the time.

The Earl of Leicester was made Lieutenant of Ireland.

Marquess Hertford Governour to the Prince, and the Earl of Essex was made Lord Chamberlain of the King's House.

The Field Officers and Commanders of the Eng­lish Discon­tents in the Army. Army, were at London, and some of them Members of both Houses, the Army was left to the care of Sir Jacob Ashley: And the dislikes be­tween the King and Parliament, with the supply of the Scots Army, and neglect of the English, cau­sed discontent in the English Officers, and private Meetings and Consultations, which were discover­ed: and the Design not brought to a head, was crushed.

June 19. It was Voted that the Scots should re­ceive 100000 l. of the 300000 l. The Scots by a Paper pretended necessity of 25000 l. in present. The Parliament took off 10000 l. of 50000 l. which they had appointed for the English Army, and or­der it for the Scots.

The Lord Piercy, Commissary VVilmot, and Ashburnham (Members of the Parliament) sit­ting together and murmuring at it, Wilmot stept up, and said, That if such Papers of the Scots could pro­cure Moneys, he doubted not but the Officers of the English would soon doe the like. And this caused the English Army to say, that the Parliament had dis­obliged them.

The Officer's put themselves into a Junto of Officers Petition. sworn Secrecy, drew up some Heads by way of Pe­tition to the King and Parliament, For Money for the Army.

Not to Disband before the Scots.

To preserve Bishops Votes and Functions.

To settle the King's Revenue.

The Army tainted from hence, met, and drew up a Letter, or Petition, which was shewed to the King, and approved, and signed by him with C. R. and a Direction to Captain Leg, that none should see it but Sir Jacob Ashley; the main drift was, That the Army might be called up to attend the safety [Page 45] of the King's Person, and Parliaments security, or that both Armies might be disbanded.

Mr. Thomas a Member of the House of Com­mons made a sharp and historical Speech against Bi­shops, and concluded it with his Opinion, for the unlawfulness of their sitting in Parliament any longer. Mr. White did second him, and divers o­thers declared the like Opinion against Bishops.

The Commons had Debate about a new Form Church-Govern­ment. of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; and July 17. agreed, That every Shire should be a several Diocess, a Pres­bytery of twelve Divines in each Shire, and a President as a Bishop over them; and he with assistance of some of the Presbytery, to Ordain, Suspend, Deprive, De­grade and Excommunicate.

To have a Diocessan Synod once a year, and every third year a National Synod, and they to make Canons, but none to be binding, till confirmed by Parliament.

The Primate of Armagh offered an Expedient for Conjunction in point of Discipline, that Epis­copal Armagh. and Presbyterial Government might not be at a far distance, but reducing Episcopacy to the form of Synodical Government in the ancient Church.

June 22 d. The Commons presented to the King an Act for granting of Tonnage and Poundage to Tonnage and Poun­dage gran­ted. him, which he before took as his due; but by pas­sing this Act accepted as a gift from his people.

The House also presented to the King the Act of Poll-money, for the defraying the Charge of the Armies, and with it, an Act for putting down the High Com­mission Court. Star-cham­ber. high Commission Court, and another Act to put down the Star-chamber.

July 2 d. He passed the Poll-money, but demur­red upon the other two Acts; but being informed of the discontent of the House of Commons, be­cause he had not passed the other two Bills, he came again, July 6. and passed the other two Bills likewise.

The Queen Mother went out of England into the Queen Mother dies. Low-countries, and shortly after died.

The King acquainted the Parliament with his purpose to send Sir Thomas Row Ambassadour to the Emperour, to be present at the Diet at Ratisbone, and there to mediate on the behalf of the Prince Elector, and his intent to publish a Manifesto in his own Name about this business, to which the Parliament assented.

July 5 th. The House of Commons had a Report from their Committee of a Charge against Doctor Wren Bishop of Ely, and he was voted unworthy, Dr. Wren. and unfit, to hold or exercise any Office or Dignity in Church or Commonwealth. And a Message sent to the Lords, to desire their Concurrence in a Petition to the King, That he might be removed from his Place and Service: and he was committed to the Tower, and by few pitied.

Another Charge was brought in against five Judges, Brampston, Trevor, Weston, Davenport, and Crawley; who gave their Opinions for Ship-money; and against Judge Berkley for high Treason; but Ship-mo­ney Jud­ges. he came off by Redemption, as is before re­membred.

The House of Commons made an Order, (and Sir Robert Harlow the Executioner of it) to take away all scandalous Pictures, Crosses, and Figures, within Churches and without; and the zealous Knight took down the Cross in Cheapside, Charing-cross, and other the like Monuments impartially.

The King had given Notice of his Purpose to go into Scotland, and had set the Day to begin his Journey, August 10. to which both Houses had agreed: Yet now the Commons desire him to put off his Journey for a Fortnight, the Affairs of State, and his passing of some Bills requiring it: But to please them, the King the same day passed the Bill, for taking away Knighthood-money; and another for making of Gunpowder and Salt-Petre, and signed a Commission to divers great Lords, for passing of Bills in his absence.

He also signed a Bill for making the Earl of Es­sex Essex. General of his Forces on this side Trent, with power to raise Forces in case of necessity: but he refused to make the Earl of Pembroke Lord high Steward.

Judge Croke obtained his Writ of Ease upon his own Petition to the King; but the Profits of his Place were continued to him.

After some Debate in Parliament, whether the Armies disbanded. English or Scottish Army should be first disbanded; it was at last agreed, that both of them should be dis­banded together: which was done accordingly, Aug. 6. and the Scots with Store of English Money and Spoils, and the best Entertainment, left their warm and plentiful Quarters.

August 8. Being the Lord's-day, yet the House of Commons thought fit to sit, for the dispatch of some important Affairs, before the King went out of Town, towards Scotland, which was appointed the Tuesday after; but they Printed an Order of Excuse for their sitting on that Day, and that it should not be drawn in President.

After this the Parliament Adjourned to the Parliament adjourn'd. 20 th of October, and a Committee of fifty of the House of Commons was appointed to sit during the Recess, with ample powers.

Hitherto the Calm was not quite blown over, but now hideous Storms began to arise, and threa­ten the long-enjoyed Mercies of Peace and Happi­ness in this Nation: Discontents at Government, Distractions of Opinion in Matters of Religion; the whole Kingdom seemed to be moulded into a Spirit of Division and Contradiction.

Insolencies and Disorders unpunished or conni­ved at, mightily increased, the Scots Successes ani­mated other Subjects to their illegal Pretences and impious Actions; and in this time of the King's Irish Re­bellion. absence in Scotland, the Irish Flames of Rebellion brake forth, having been thus kindled.

The last year the Parliament at Dublin, sent a Committee hither, with a Remonstrance to the King, of their Grievances and Pressures under the Government of the Earl of Strafford, whom they had accused of high Treason: The King gave them most favourable Answers and Redresses, and parted with much of his own, to give contentment to his Irish Subjects.

Mr. Wainsford Deputy there to the Earl of Straf­ford Lieutenant, being dead, the King by Commis­sion constituted the Lord Ditton, and Sir William Parsons in the Government there, but finding Dit­ton not well liked, he made Sir William Parsons and Sir John Borlace (generally approved) to be the Lords Justices there.

These applyed themselves to give all satisfa­ction to the people, they abated the Subsidies given in Strafford's time, from 40000 l. to 12000 l. Passed an Act of Limitation, much desired, to settle all Estates for sixty years precedent; and another for relinquishing the King's Right, found for him by Inquisition, to four Counties in Connaght, and other Territories.

He declared the Earl of Leicester Lord Lieute­nant Earl of Leicester. of Ireland, and the Papists there were permit­ted a private enjoyment of their Religion, and a general good Agreement was had between the English and Irish.

In this Security, the Irish Army was disbanded; after which, and in the King's absence in Scotland, about October 23. there brake forth so horrid black [Page 46] and flagitious a Rebellion in Ireland, as cannot be parallell'd in the Stories of any other Nation.

This was fomented and contrived by their Po­pish Priests and Lawyers, some of their Maxims in Law were, That any one being slain in Rebellion, Irish Ma­xims. though found by Record, gave the King no Forfeiture. That though many thousands were in Arms, and ex­ercising the violences of War, yet if they professed not to rise against the King it was no Rebellion. That if one were Outlawed for Treason, his Heir might reverse the Outlawry, and be restored.

These and the like Tenets they published in their Parliaments, and endeavoured a Suspension of Poyning's Act, and the Act for annexing that Kingdom to the Crown of England; and assumed a power of Judicature in Criminal and Capital Causes to be in their Parliament.

They took advantage of the Scots Sucesses, of their Favourers in England, and our Distractions here, of the disbanding the Army there, and the Death of the Earl of Strafford: They raise Forces, give out, that the Queen was in the head of them, and the King was coming with an Army to them, and the Scots had made a League with them: that they were authorised by the King's Commission, and asserted his Cause against the Puritans of England.

To their Country-men they scatter Advertise­ments out of England, of a Statute there lately made, That all Irish shall come to the Protestant Wor­ship, on pain of loss of Goods for the first Offence, of Lands for the second, and of Life for the third Of­fence.

They give them hope to recover their Liberties and ancient Customs, to shake off the English Yoke, to have a King of their own Nation, and to possess Goods and Estates of the English.

These Motives they published in Print, That the King and Queen were curbed by the Puritans, and Motives. their Prerogatives abolished, which these (as loyal Sub­jects) take to heart; and that the Catholick Religion is suppressed in England, and the Catholicks there per­secuted with all rigour, even to death, and that the Pu­ritans in Ireland have threatned to doe the same there.

That in Ireland the Catholicks are made uncapable of any Office, to the decay of them in their Estates, Edu­cation, and Learning. That the Government of their Country is in the hand of Strangers, who come thither poor and mean, yet soon rise to wealth and honour by oppressing the Natives.

That there have been threatnings to send Forces to compel the Consciences of the Irish, and to cut their Throats: and that the Catholicks are not allowed to have any Arms or Ammunition, but the Protestants and Puritans may. Ʋpon all which they saw no way, but to attempt to seize upon Arms where they could get them; to save their Lives, maintain the King and Queen, their Religion and Country.

Upon these pretences, and manifest untruths, they ground their taking up of Arms.

The first suspicion whereof was by Sir William Cole, who about Octob. 11. wrote to the Lords Ju­stices, of great resort to Sir Phelim Oneale, and to the Lord Macquierre, and they were exceeding busie about dispatches.

About October 21. He wrote another Letter to them, of what some Irish had revealed to him, of a design to seize the Castle of Dublin, to murther the Lords Justices, and Councel, and all the Pro­testants there, and throughout the Kingdom: But this Letter came not to their hands.

When many of the Conspirators were come to Dublin, and met there at a Tavern; one Owen O Conelly an Irish-man, but a true Protestant, came to Sir William Parsons about Nine a Clock at Night, Owen. O'Conelly. with a broken relation of a great Conspiracy to seize the Castle the next morning, and that Mac Mahon who was one of them, had told him so much.

Parsons seeing Conelly distempered with drink, gave the less credit to his relation, but wished him to return to Mac Mahon, to get out of him what he could further of the Plot, and to return to him again that Night. Yet he did not so slight the In­formation, but that secretly he ordered strong Guards in several places, and assembled the Coun­cel, where they expected the return of Conelly, who coming to them, was seized on by the Guards, who had carried him to Prison, and so prevented the discovery of the Plot, had not a Servant of Sir VVilliam Parsons accidentally come by and rescued Conelly, and brought him somewhat recovered of his drinking unto the Lords Justices and Councel, who confessed that a few days before, upon Letters from Mac Mahon, he went to meet him at Con­naght, but he being gone to Dublin, Conelly follow­ed him thither; and they two went to the lodging of the Lord Macquierre, that by the way Mac Ma­hon told O Conelly, that this Night there would be a great number of Irish Noblemen Papists in Dub­lin, who with himself would take the Castle by Morning, then force the City by the Ordnance, and destroy all the Protestants, and so divers others were ordered in all parts of the Kingdom, to seize and destroy all the English at an Hour designed; viz. to Morrow by Ten a Clock, and that no post­ing nor speed could prevent it.

That Conelly moved Mac Mahon to discover it rather to the State, to prevent the mischief. But he answered, He could not help it, yet that they owned their allegiance to the King, and pay it to him: but what they did was against the tyrannical Government over them, and to imitate Scotland, who got ther Pri­viledge by that course.

And Mac Mahon swore that they would not Mac Ma­hon. part, but go together to the Castle, and if this Matter were discovered, some Body should die for it.

Whereupon, Conelly feigned some necessity of easement to go out of the Chamber, left his Sword in pawn, and Mac Mahon's Man came down with him into the Yard; where in a trice he leaped over a Wall, and two Pales, and so came to the Lord Justice Parsons.

Examined Octob. 22. 1641.

Owen O Conelly.

Presently upon this, the Justices sent, and seised Mac Mahon and his man; and they before the Coun­cell confessed all the Plot, that on that very day, all the Forts and Castles in Ireland would be surprised, that he and Mac Guire and Hugh Bim, Brian O-neale and others 20 out of each County, were to sur­prise Dublin Castle.

That [...] all the Nobility and Gentry Papists, were con­federates herein, and however they used him now in their power, his bloud would be revenged.

Then Mac Guire and others, were suddenly sei­sed on; and the Town filling with strangers, the Councel removed into the Castle, upon the Rumor hereof, Bim and Moore, and others, chief of the Conspiratours escaped, and divers others, who [Page 47] found friends to help them; but about fourty of the meaner sort of them were taken.

The next day the Lords Justices proclamed this discovery, and that all good Subjects should betake themselves to their defence, and to advertise them of all occurrences, and that no levies of men be made for foreign service. The same night the Lord Blancy arrived with the news of the Surprisal of his House, his Wife and Children by the Re­bells.

This execrable Rebellion began in Ʋlster, and every day and hour, ill news came of fearful Mas­sacres upon the English; which increased a fear of the like at Dublin, by the Papists there.

The Council seised upon what money they could, some Artillery, Armes for 10000 men, 1500 bar­rels of powder, and match, and lead, stored by the Earl of Strafford. The old Army was but 2297 foot, and 943 horse, and these dispersed; Yet the Council sent to several Garrisons to march to Dublin.

They dispatched Letters to the King in Scotland, and to the Lord Lieutenant in London, of the Re­bellion, and the state of the Kingdom, and the small number of their forces, they pray supplies, and that Conelly the discoverer, and messenger may be rewarded. All their dispatches were sent by Sea, the Rebells having stopped the Land pas­sages.

The Lords of the English pale repair to the Council, offer their faith and service, and the Rebels in Ʋlster, by the latter end of October, had possest themselves of allmost all that Province. Such English as had gotten into any places of strength able to indure a siege, yet upon good terms rendring themselves, were sure to be mur­dered in cold bloud; men, women and chil­dren.

And for the Scots they professed they would (and did indeed) spare them; that they might the more easily swallow them up afterwards.

Phelim O Neale, a man but of mean parts, or cou­rage, was their General, he was of near alliance O Neale. to the late Earl of Tirone, bred in England a Stu­dent in Lincolns-Inn, and, till of late, a Protestant; lived lazily, till now elected by his Countrymen to be their leader.

He, with a numerous Rabble marched to Lis­nagamy near the Scots, and fell upon them without mercy, with other forces he came up into the Pale, took in Dondalke, then marched to Ardee, seven miles from Tredah.

The news from Dublin was posted to Tredah, and there incountred with news of the Treache­rous surprisal of divers Castles in the North.

The Lord Moore brought some Horse to the Town, whither he came to escape the Rebels.

The Town drew out some old peices, scoured and planted them; and four out of a Merchants Ship with some powder, and Captain Gibson com­manded there, Sir Faithful Fortescue leaving his charge. Some forces sallyed out upon the Rebels, and got from them (who hastily fled away) some plunder, and Cows, and 80 Prisoners, whereof six onely were hanged.

Many treacherous designs of the Town Papists fayled; Sir Henry Tichburne came to be Governor with 100 horse, and 1000 foot, not without some Jealousie of the Protestants.

There was dropped in the streets a Declaration of the Catholicks of Ireland, framed upon presump­tion that the design had been effected, and to the like purpose as is before remembred.

The first Letters of the business from the Lords Justices and Council arrived at London the last of October, and were delivered that even­ing.

Next morning, the Lords House sent them down to the House of Commons by the Lord Keeper, Lord Privy Seal, and 14 other Lords, who had chayrs in the House, and sate while the Letters were read, and then departed.

The House presently resolved into a Committee and ordered.

That 50000 l. be forthwith provided. Votes.

The Lords to be moved that Members of both Hou­ses should move the City of London to lend this mo­ney.

That a Committee of both Houses consider of the af­fairs of Ireland.

O Conelly to have 500 l. presently, and 200 l. per Annum in Land.

All Papists of quality in England to be secured.

None but Merchants to pass without Certificate, to Ireland.

To all which the Lords agreed.

They voted many other particulars in Order to supply for Ireland, and a pardon to be offered.

The Lords Justices, and Council in Ireland, ne­glected no means in their power by fortifying Dub­lin, and other Castles and places, and making pro­visions for defence against the Rebels, they also granted out Commissions to diverse Noblemen and Gentlemen, and some of them Papists (whom they in prudence thought not fit yet to suspect) though they afterwards joyned in the Rebellion with the rest.

They also delivered Armes to many of them, who imployed them to cut the throats of the Eng­lish, such were the Lord Gormanstone and others, and by the midst of November several Counties de­clared for the Rebels in Leimster, and other Pro­vinces; the miserable English men, women and children whom they took were savagely butchered by them, and those who fled from them came to Dublin for Succour; where wanting relief they perished, so that the publick burying places would not contain their dead bodies.

The Lord Ormond and several others, came with some forces to Dublin. The Members of the Irish Parliament were discontented that it had been adjourned for so long a time as next Febru­ary, to please them, they were called together for one day, to make their Protestation against the Re­bellion, there was but a thin meeting of them, and but a saint Protestation against the Rebels, the Popish Members not induring to have it called a Rebellion, but traiterous and rebellious actions of some persons; against which they protested.

They sent Commissioners to treat with the Re­bels in the North, who tore the Order of Parlia­ment, and returned a scornfull answer.

The Lord Ditton, and the Lord Taff coming for London, were committed, and their papers sei­sed, and they afterwards were great with the King.

Upon receipt of the news of the Rebellion in Ireland, the King was much troubled, and being at that distance from his Parliament in England, he sent expresses to them, and referred the whole ma­nagement of the Irish business to his Parliament at London.

November 20. the Lords Justices, and Council in Ireland, sent a more particular account to the Lord Lieutenant here, of the Irish affairs, he re­turned answer ‘That he had acquainted the King at Edenburgh, with all their dispatches; and that His Majesty had referred the Irish business and management of the War there to his Parliament of England.’

[Page 48] Some talked broadly of the Earl of Leicester's retarding so long his Service of Lieutenant of Ire­land, especially in such a time as then.

He was now pleased to Commissionate the Earl of Ormond to be his Deputy, which was afterwards confirmed by the King; but many wondred that the Earl did not go in his own person.

Some Members of the Parliament in Ireland, and most of the Papists, even in the Pale, and gene­rally in all places, took part with the Rebels: The Lord Moore stood faithfull to his King and Re­ligion.

The Rebels to be revenged on him, sent about a thousand men to his house three Miles from Tre­dah, the Forces in the house were but twenty four Foot, and fifteen Horse, besides some few Servants, and they had but six Shots of Powder apiece, yet when the Rebels assaulted them, they killed 140 of them.

All their Powder being spent, and then some of their small number slain, they yielded upon quar­ter; yet the Rebels threw them out at the Win­dows, an old Gentleman they ran through the body, cut the Throat of an old blind man, strip­ped all the women, plundred the house of all the goods, and so left it.

From Dublin they sent six hundred Foot to sup­ply Tredah, two thousand of the Rebels waited for them, to intercept them, and the English in a Fogg came within Musket-shot of them before they were descryed; then the Captain Commanded a Counter-march, in which the English were forced to take a Ditch, which the Enemies thinking to be a flight, they shouted, and that so amazed and confounded the English, that the Rebels charging them, slew most of them near Gillingston-Bridge.

The Lord Ormond's Troop of Fifty Horse made their way through without loss of a man; but by this Defeat the Rebels got store of Arms and Mo­neys, and much encouragement.

The Master of a Chester Bark, laden with Arms and Money for Dublin, betrayed all to the Rebels, who now were set down before Tredah, and all the Popish Lords and Gentlemen within the Pale joyned with them.

About the latter end of November, the King re­turned The King's return from Scotland. from Scotland; he was sumptuously feasted at London by the Citizens, and he banquetted them at Hampton Court, and made divers of the Alder­men Knights.

Decemb. 2. He came to both Houses of Parlia­ment, and told them, He had made as much haste Speech in Parliament from Scotland, as those Affairs permitted, in which he had so good success, that he had left that Nation a most peaceable and contented People. That he doth not find this Nation so settled as he expected, but full of Jealousies and Alarms of Designs and Plots, that Guards have been set to defend both Houses. That he doubts not of his Subjects Affections to him by his re­ception at his return; and mentions his own Affection to his People, and so far from repenting of what he had done for them, that he was willing to pass any thing more that might justly be desired for their Liberties, and for maintenance of Religion: Recommends to them the business of Ireland, the preparations for it going on but slowly.

Then he sets forth a Proclamation, For obedi­ence to the Laws concerning Religion, and that none Proclama­tion. introduce any Rite or Ceremonie, other than those established by Law.

At this time, this was not held by many to be very seasonable, but divers were offended at it. He also published a Proclamation for all the Mem­bers of Parliament, To repair to the Houses by a day. And Decem. 14. He again spake to both Houses, To quicken them in the business of Ireland, expresseth his detestation of all Rebellion, particularly of this; and offers his pains, power and industry, to contribute Speech. to that necessary work of reducing the Irish to obe­dience.

That for the Bill for pressing of Souldiers, lodged with the Lords, if it came to him he promiseth to pass it: And because some had started the Question into a Dispute concerning the bounds of the King's Prero­gative herein, he offers to avoid such Debate, that the Bill shall pass with a Salvo jure, both for King and Peo­ple: And concludes, conjuring them by all that is, or can be dear to them, or him, to hasten with speed the business of Ireland.

Upon this the Parliament Petition the King Parliament Petition. touching the Privilege of Parliament their Birth-right, declaring with all duty, that the King ought not to take notice of any Matter in agitation and de­bate in either House, but by their information; nor ought to propound any Condition, or Provision, or Li­mitation, to any Bill or Act in debate or preparation, or to manifest or declare his Consent or Dissent, Appro­bation or Dislike, before it be presented in course; nor ought to be displeased with any Debate of Parliament, they being Judges of their own Errours and Offences, in debating Matters depending.

That these Privileges have been broken of late in the Speech of his Majesty, Decem. 14. particularly in men­tioning the Bill of Impress; offering also a provisional Clause, by a Salvo jure before it was presented: and withal they take notice of his Majestie's Displeasure against such as moved a question concerning the same.

They desire to know the Names of such Persons as seduced his Majesty to that Item, that they may be punished as his Great Council shall advise his Ma­jesty.

Divers indifferent men wondered both at the King's Speech, which gave the cause of Exception, and was indeed notoriously against the Course and Privilege of Parliament, that his Council should not inform him thereof: And they also apprehen­ded this Petition somewhat too rough in the Ex­pressions of it to their King; but the general Fate of things drove on this way, to increase the Jea­lousies betwixt King and People; and God was pleased so to order it, to bring to pass what he had determined.

The Parliament resolve not to proceed in their Affairs, till they had a satisfactory Answer to their Petition; and some of them were jealous of too much favour to the Irish Rebellion, by some about the King, and divers went yet higher.

The King with some regret withdraws to Ham­pton Court, hoping by his absence to avoid Excepti­ons, but this increaseth discontent in the Parlia­ment, who the next day appoint a Committee to follow him thither; and now they speak plainly, That the whole frame of Government is out of order.

Among other Grievances, Complaint was made Grievan­ces of the Court Marshal. by several persons, of the great prejudice and wrong to the Subject, by the illegal Proceedings of the Court-Marshal, and the supercilious, magiste­rial and illegal exercise of Earl-Marshal, by the Earl of Arundel. Hyde, Palmer, Maynard, White­locke, and others, had Conference about it, and re­solved to put it on in the House of Commons; Hyde spake to it smartly and ingeniously.

He called those Proceedings, A piece of Pageantry, Hyde. shewed the illegallity of them, and the vexation to the Subject by attendance and expence, many times for a ha­sty word, whereof the Law of England takes no notice, nor gives any Action for them: Yet in this Court people are summoned, and wait, and are wrongfully treated. [Page 49] Anno 1641 And he moved the House to declare their sense of these proceedings, he was seconded in this Motion, and the House voted, The Court and their Proceed­ings to be illegal, and a Grievance: And Mr. Hyde gained credit by it.

The Marquesses, Hamilton and Argyle withdrew from the Parliament in Scotland, upon jealousie of some Design against their Persons; but upon exa­mination of that Matter by the Parliament there, it was found to be a misinformation: yet the same took fire in our Parliament, upon the like surmi­ses of some; whereupon the Parliament here ap­pointed Guards for London and Westminster, and some spake not without reflection upon the King himself.

The House of Commons prepared a Remon­strance Remon­strance. of the State of the Kingdom; wherein they mentioned all the mistakes, misfortunes, illegallities, and defaults in Government, since the King's coming to the Crown, the evil Counsels and Counsellors, and a malignant Party, that they have no hopes of settling the Distractions of this Kingdom, for want of a Con­currence with the Lords.

This Remonstrance was somewhat roughly pen­ned, both for the matter and expressions in it, and met with great oppositions in the House; inso­much as the Debate of it lasted from Three a Clock in the Afternoon, till Ten a Clock the next Morn­ing; and the sitting up all Night caused many through weakness or weariness to leave the House, and Sir B. R. to compare it to the Verdict of a star­ved Jury.

When the Vote was carried, though not by ma­ny, to pass the Remonstrance, Mr. Palmer and two Protesta­tion. or three more, made their Protestation against this Remonstrance.

At which, those who were for the Remon­strance, spake sharply against this Protestation, as a thing directly against the Order and Privilege of the House of Commons, and tending to the fru­strating of all their Proceedings: And it was strongly moved, and seconded, and carried upon the question, That Mr. Palmer, and those who had Palmer. made their Protestation against the Vote for the Remon­strance, might be sent to the Tower which was done the next day.

But after a few days, and some Expences extra­ordinary, upon his Petition he was released, and took his place again in the House as formerly.

This Remonstrance was presently Printed and Published by the Parliament, contrary to the King's desire, and before his Answer made to it, which came forth shortly after, to all the Heads of the Remonstrance: and a little after that the King caused to be Printed and Published his Declara­tion, in Answer to the Remonstrance of the Par­liament.

During this time, and taking opportunity from these Differences betwixt the King and Parlia­ment, divers of the City of the meaner sort came in great Numbers and Tumults to Whitehall, where Tumults. with many unseemly and insolent Words and Acti­ons, they incensed the King, and went from thence in like posture to Westminster, behaving themselves with extream rudeness towards some of the Mem­bers of both Houses.

This caused the King to send to the Lord Mayor, to call a Common-Council to receive his Majestie's Pleasure which was sent to them, touching the late riotous Assemblies about his Palaces of White-Hall and Westminster, and to command their care to prevent the like, especially in the ensuing Holy-days, and calls them The unruly people of the Suburbs, but is assured of the Affections of the Citizens, and wishes them to take care not to be disturbed by Fears and Jealousies.

During these Distractions in England, the Af­fairs of Ireland lay miserably bleeding, the Lords of the Pale refused to come into the Council up­on their Summons, but joyning with the other Rebels, form an Army of Twenty thousand, be­sides Brigades in several Provinces.

The Scots propounded to send into Ireland Ten thousand of their Country-men, upon some con­ditions, but nothing was effected in it.

Tredah was besieged by the Rebels by Sea and Land, they style themselves the Catholick Army, Three thousand of them were defeated by a Party sallying out of the Town.

The Prisoners taken by the English were well u­sed and pampered by the Popish-women in the Town: The English whom the Rebels took, were crowded into Dungeons, fed with Garbages and Offals, without Salt or Fire, and almost starved, seldom any of them recovered.

The Rebels sent a Fryar their Ambassadour into Irish Oath. the Town, to demand no less than the absolute surrender of it for his Majestie's use and service, which being with scorn denied by the Governour, the Fryar gave him a Copy of the Oath, which he said the Catholicks had taken, To maintain with their Lives and Fortunes the Exercise of the Roman Catholick Religion; To be faithful to the King, and to bring to punishment all such as should do any thing contrary to this Oath.

The Governour hereupon framed an Oath to be taken by the Souldiers and Towns-men, To de­fend the Town, to discover any Plot, and not to con­sent to deliver up the Town. Which Oath the Mayor and Aldermen of the Town, and others, refused to take.

The Souldiers from the Town made several Sal­lies upon the Rebels, and slew, and took many of them; but their Victual grew scarce, nothing but Herrings and Water, without any Bread; the Cows killed, Firing and Horse-meat all spent; Sick­ness, Famine and Death raged.

Some relief it pleased God to send to the Town by Sea; and then the Rebels, by treachery of the Towns-men, had a Design (which they attempted) to Surprize the Town: but by the Care and Cou­rage of Tichborn the Governour, and those with him, it was prevented.

The Rebels Storming the Town, were repulsed, Irish Cru­elties. they in other places executed horrid Tortures up­on the English, they murthered the Lord Cautfield basely, hanged one Blaney, tortured a Woman to force her to hear Mass, drowned many hundreds, Men, Women, and innocent Children in the Ri­vers, some they sent to Sea in a rotten Vessel without any Sails or Rudder, to be cast away, and great Numbers of the English after they had done all Drudgeries for the Rebels in hopes of mercy, had all their Throats cut by them; and with some of them, the execrable Villains and Monsters would make themselves pastime and sport, before their death, trying who could hack deepest into the English-mens flesh; and so with the highest torture and cruelty mangled them to death.

But their Inhumanities to both Sexes, and all Ages, are more than can be numbred or expressed. Some of the English sallying out upon the Rebels, saw in their way thirty English-men and women murthered in Ditches, which so enraged them, that they fell upon the Rebels with incredible fierceness, slew 300 of them, and brought back good Booties and Prisoners to the Town.

Many such attempts caused the Rebels to raise the Siege of Tredah [...], and in their marching off, they cut the Throats of all the English-men, women and children; they were closely pursued by the [Page 50] Lord Moor, and others, and in divers Incounters with them, when two, three, and four hundred of them were flain, yet no one Englishman was killed.

Upon Letters of all these Passages and Debate in the House of Commons, what was fit to be further done, in order to the suppression of this Rebel­lion, the House thought fit to refer the whole Matter to the Irish Committee, to prepare some Proposals to be made to the House, for the effe­ctuall relief of Ireland: But while these things were in agitation, there fell out another Interrup­tion to the unhappy Affairs of Ireland.

The King being informed that some Members of Parliament had private Meetings, and a Corres­pondence with the Scots, and countenanced the late Tumults from the City, he gave a Warrant to repair to their Lodgings, and to seal up the Trunks, Studies and Chambers of the Lord Kim­bolton, Mr. Pym, Mr. Hampden Mr. Hollis, Sir Ar­thur Hessilri [...]ge, and Mr. Stroud, which was done; but their Persons were not met with. The House of Commons having notice hereof whilst it was in doing, Jan. 3. 1641. they past this Vote.

That if any Person whatsoever shall come to Vote. the Lodgings of any Member of this House, and offer to seal the Trunks, Doors, or Papers of any of them, or seize upon their Persons; such Members shall require the Aid of the Constable, to keep such persons in safe Custody, till this House do give further Order.

And that if any person whatsoever shall offer to Arrest or detain the Person of any Member, without first acquainting this House; That it is lawfull for such Member, or any person to as­sist him, and to stand upon his, or their guard of defence, and to make a resistance, according to the Protestation taken, to defend the Privileges of Parliament.

The King being put to it, causeth Articles of Articles against the five Mem­bers. high Treason and other Misdemeanours to be pre­pared against those Five Members;

For endea­vouring to subvert the fundamental Laws and Government and deprive the King of his Le­gall Power, and to place on Subjects an arbitrary and tyrannical Power, by foul Aspersions on his Majesty, and his Government, to alienate the Affections of his People, and to make him o­dious.

To draw his Army to disobedience, and to side with them in their trayterous Designs.

That they trayterously invited and incoura­ged a foreign Power to Invade England.

That they trayterously endeavoured to sub­vert the very rights and being of Parliament.

Endeavouring to compel the Parliament to joyn with them in their trayterous Designes: And to that end have actually raised and coun­tenanced Tumults against the King and Parlia­ment.

The King understanding that the House of Com­mons had voted against the Arrest, or seisure of the Persons of any of their Members; the next day in the morning he came himself to the House of Commons, guarded with his Pentioners, and fol­lowed by about two hundred of his Courtiers, and Souldiers of Fortune, most of them armed with Swords and Pistols.

Upon his hasty knock the Door was opened, and he commanding his Attendants to stay with­out, The King in the House of Commons. himself entred into the House; at which the Speaker rose out of his Chair, and stood below, and the King stept up, and looked round about the House, to see if the Five Members, or any of them were there; but they having had some inkling of his coming, were gone away before into London.

He views the House round, then sits down in the Speaker's Chair, and spake to them to this effect.

Gentlemen,

I am sorry for this occasion, for coming unto The [...] Speech. you; yesterday I sent a Serjeant at Arms, upon a very important Occasion, to apprehend some that upon my Commandment were accused of high Treason, whereunto I did expect Obedi­ence, and not a Message; and I must declare un­to you here:

That albeit no King that ever was in England, shall be more carefull of your Privileges, to main­tain them to the utmost of his power, than I shall be; yet you must know, that in Cases of Treason, no person hath a Privilege: And therefore I am come to know if any of those Per­sons that I have accused for no slight Crime, but for Treason, are here.

I cannot expect that this House can be in the right way that I do heartily wish it, therefore I am come to tell you, that I must have them wheresoever I find them.

Then the King again looked round the House, and the Speaker standing below by the Chair, the King asked him, ‘Whether any of those Persons were in the House? whether he saw any of them? and where they were?’

The Speaker thus surprized, yet with much pru­dence The Sp [...] ­ker. falling on his knee, answered the King to this purpose.

May it please your Majesty,

I have neither Eyes to see, nor Tongue to speak, in this place, but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose Servant I am here; and humbly beg your Majestie's pardon that I cannot now give any other Answer than this, to what your Majesty is pleased to demand of me.

Then the King again casting his Eye round a­bout the House, he spake to this effect.

Well, since I see all the Birds are flown, I do expect from you, that you do send them to me, as soon as they return hither. But I assure you on the word of a King, I never did intend any force, but shall prosecute against them in a legal and fair way, for I never meant any other.

And now, since I see I cannot doe what I came for, I think this no unfit Occasion to repeat what I have said formerly, that whatsoever I have done in favour, and to the good of my Sub­jects, I do mean to maintain it.

I will trouble you no more, but tell you I do expect, as soon as they come to the House, you will send them to me; otherwise I must take my own course to find them.

Having said this, the King rose and went out of the House again.

This Action of the King filled the discourses of all people, and it was much wondred at by many sober men, and judged extreamly to his prejudice, and to the advantage of those that were disaffected to him.

The notorious breach of the Privilege of the House of Commons by that action, could not but be foreseen by any who had knowledge of Parlia­ment Affairs: and to advise the King to such a sudden and intemperate Act, so justly liable to ex­ception, and without any probability of Service to himself, was held very strange.

[Page 51] The Five Members received a secret notice from a great Court Lady, their Friend, (who over heard some discourse of this intended Action, and there­of gave timely notice to these Gentlemen) where­by they got out of the House just before the King came. Otherwise,

It was believed, that if the King had found them there, and called in his Guards to have seized them, the Members of the House would have endeavour­ed the defence of them, which might have proved a very unhappy and sad business: and so it did, notwithstanding that was prevented. This sudden Action being the first visible and apparent ground of all our following Miseries.

Divers Excuses were made for this Action; some said, it was the womens counsel and irritation of The Acti­on diversly censured. the King (telling him, That if he were King of England, he would not suffer himself to be baffled a­bout these Persons) provoked him to go to the House himself, and fetch them out.

Others said, he was put upon it by those who de­signed his prejudice by it. Others said, it was in passion, unadvisedly undertaken, and rashly execu­ted: None could make a satisfactory Apology for it, and the King himself [...]fterwards acknowledged his too much passion in it.

At his unexpected coming into the House, they were in a very great amazement, but upon his go­ing away, and so, as he might hear them, the House was in a great disorder, crying aloud many of them together, Privilege, Privilege.

Some of them brake out into expressions, That there never was so unparallell'd an Action of any King, to the breach of all Freedom, not only in the Accusation of their Members, ransacking and searching their Studies and Papers, and seeking to apprehend their Persons, but now in a hostile way he threatned the whole Body of the House. They thereupon frame and publish a Declaration, Jan. 5. 1641.

By which they set forth all this matter of the Declara­tion. King's coming to the House in a warlike manner, to the terrour and affrightment of them; and that this is a high breach of the Privileges of Parliament, and in­consistent with the liberty and freedom thereof.

They conceive, they cannot safely sit without a Guard, in whom they may confide; for which they have been Suitors to the King, but could not yet obtainit.

They appoint a Committee to sit at the Guildhall in London, to consider of these things, and of Ire­land, and adjourn the House.

They publish another Vote, That if any Arrest a Vote. Member of Parliament, by Warrant from the King only, it is a breach of Privilege: and that the com­ming of Papists and Souldiers (to the number of five hun­dred armed men) with the King to the House, was a trayterous design against the King and Parliament.

They vindicate the Five Members, and declare, that a Paper issued out for apprehending them, was false and scandalous, and illegal, and that they ought to at­tend the Service of the House; and require the Names of those who advised the King to issue that Paper, and the Articles against the Five Members.

Upon these Passages and Declarations, a great Tumults. number of persons, in a tumultuous manner came from the City to Westminster, where they offered many affronts and violences to divers of the Bi­shops and others.

Jan. 12. The Bishops by Petition and Protesta­tion Bishops Protest. in the Lords House, set forth this, and their own Right to Sit, and Vote in Parliament; which by reason of those Tumults and Insolencies they could not doe: They say, they have no Redress upon their Com­plaints hereof, and cannot attend the Service of the Parliament, without danger of their lives: they there­fore protest against all Acts and Votes in their absence, as null and void. And desire this their Protestation may be entred.

Divers of their Adversaries were much pleased with this unadvised Act of the Bishops, being (as they wished) a way prepared by themselves for them to be set aside, and removed from the House of Lords.

For this, not long after, they were accused by Bishops accused of high Trea­son. the Commons of high Treason; Glyn was the Mes­senger: they were brought on their knees to the Lords Bar, Ten of them committed to the Tower, and the other two, in regard of their age, to the Black Rod.

The House of Commons upon suspicion of some Designs against their Persons, petitioned the King for a Guard, to be commanded by the Earl of Es­sex, which the King denied, but promised to take care for their Security, as for Himself, his Wife and Children.

Many Citizens tumultuously flocked to the King's Coach as he passed through the City of London, Be­seeching him to agree with his Parliament, and not to violate their Privileges.

After this, at a Common-Council, they draw up a Petition to the King, complaining,

That Trade is decayed, to the ruine of the London Petition. Protestant Religion, and the Lives and Liber­ties of the Subjects, by the designs of Papists; more particularly their fomenting the Irish Re­bellion, by changing the Constable of the Tower, and making Preparations there, by fortifying Whitehall, and his Majestie's late invasion of the House of Commons.

They pray, that by the Parliaments advice, the Protestants in Ireland may be relieved, the Tower put in the hands of Persons of trust; a Guard appointed for the safety of the Parlia­ment; and that the Five Members may not be restrained, nor proceeded against, but by the Privileges of Parliament.

To this the King gave answer;

That he could The King's Answer. not express a greater sense of Ireland, than he had done; that meerly to satisfie the City, he had removed a worthy Person from the charge of the Tower; and that the late Tumults had cau­sed him to fortifie Whitehall, for the security of his own Person.

That his going to the House of Commons, was to apprehend those Five Members for Trea­son, to which the Privilege of Parliament could not extend; and that yet he would proceed a­gainst them no otherwise than legally.

During this time, the Five Members had got in­to Friends houses, of the City, where they were highly caressed, and had the company of divers principal Members of the House, to consult toge­ther, and to lay their further Designs, and they wanted nothing.

Soon after this, divers Buckinghamshire-men came Petition up with a Petition to the King, for Mr. Hampden, their Knight of the Shire (whereof probably he was not altogether ignorant beforehand) They pray, that Hampden, and the rest that lie under the burthen of accusation, may enjoy their just Privi­leges.

Great numbers of people gathered together in Tumults. a very tumultuous manner, about Whitehall and Westminster; and it was a dismal thing to all sober men, especially Members of Parliament, to see and hear them.

The King fearing danger from them, or per­haps The King removes to Hampton Court. by the unfortunate Counsel of some about him, thought fit to remove to Hampton Court, and took with him the Queen, Prince, and Duke of York.

[Page 52] This was another, and great wonder to many prudent men, that the King should leave this City, the place of his, and his Predecessors usual resi­dence; where most of his Friends and Servants were about him, the Magazine of all Provisions both for War and Peace, the place for Intelligence and Supplies, and betake himself to the Countrey, where these things were not to be had; and by his leaving the Town, bring great disadvantages upon himself and his Affairs: this was thought not to have been done advisedly.

But the fears of those with him, and his own fears for them, occasioned by the Tumults, and his hopes that by his absence the heat of the House of Commons might in some measure be cooled, were alledged in excuse of this Action.

The next day the five Members were trium­phantly Five Mem­bers return to the House. brought from London to Westminster by Water, by a great number of Citizens, and Sea-men, in Boats and Barges, with Guns and Flaggs, braving as they passed by Whitehall, and making large Protestations at Westminster, of their adhe­rance to the Parliament.

At Hampton-Court the King gave the like answer to the Buckinghamshire Petition, as he had done be­fore to that of London.

The Parliament were informed that the Lord Lord Dig­by. Lunsford. Digby, and Colonel Lunsford were gathering some Troups of Horse at Kingstone, and appeared in Arms there, whereupon they order the Sheriffs, and Justices of Peace in all Counties, to suppress all unlawfull Assemblies, with the Trained Bands; and to secure the Magazines. Colonel Lunsford is apprehended and sent to the Tower, and the Lord Digby escaped beyond Sea.

The Court removing to Royston, the Attorney General Herbert is summoned to appear at the Lords Barr, to answer concerning the Articles against the five Members, but the King, by his Letter to the Lord Keeper Littleton, took all the matter upon himself, and excused his Attorney, and concludes that finding cause to desist wholly from proceeding against the persons accused, he had com­manded his Attorney to proceed no further therein.

Jan. 20. The King by Message to the Parliament, adviseth them to digest into one body, all the grievan­ces Message. of the Kingdome, and to send them to him, promi­sing his favourable assent to those means which should be found most effectual for redress, wherein he would not onely equal, but exceed the most indulgent Prin­ces.

The Scots having a fair plantation in Ireland, offered to transport thither 2500 Souldiers, upon certain Articles, which the Parliament accepted, and at length the King assented to them.

Then the Scots Commissioners mediated for a Reconciliation of the differences between the King and Parliament, for which the House of Commons returned thanks to them.

The House of Commons moved the Lords to joyn with them, in petitioning the King, for the Petition. Militia and the Command of the Tower, but the Lords not consenting, the Commons themselves importune the King, to put those Powers into the hands of the Parliament, as the onely available means to remove their Fears and Jealousies.

The King not willing to part with those Pow­ers, Answer. gave this answer, that he thought the Militia to be lawfully subject to no command but his own, and therefore would not let it out of his hands; that he hath preferred to the Lieutenancy of the Tower, a person of known Fortune, and unquestionable Reputati­on, and that he would prefer none but such to the Com­mand of his Forts, and Castles; yet would not intrust the power of conferring those Places and Dignities from himself; being derived to him from his Ance­stours by the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom.

The Commons petitioned again for these Powers, and were again denied them by the King.

Divers Petitions accompanied with great num­bers Petitions. of People, and more Subscriptions from Suf­folk, London, and one from the City Dames were presented to the Parliament, against the Votes of Popish Lords, and of Bishops: to which, answers Answer. were given by the Commons, that they had endea­voured, and still would endeavour with the Lords, that redress might be had therein.

Soon after this, the Lords passed the Bill for Bill for dis­abling Bi­shops. disabling persons in holy Orders to have any Place, or Vote in Parliament, or to have any Temporal Jurisdic­tion.

The Commons again petition the King for the Militia, and to clear the five Members, but they perceived by his answer, that he was resolved not to part with the Militia out of himself, nor other­wise to clear the five Members, but inclusively, within a general Pardon.

The King sent for all his Houshold Servants to attend him, particularly for the Earls of Essex and Essex. Holland, but they excused themselves with the ne­cessity Holland. of performing their Duties in Parliament: up­on which, Essex was put out of his Place of Cham­berlain, and the other of the King's Bed-Chamber, and became the more provoked.

The Lord Digby sent Letters from Middlebo­rough Letters in­tercepted. to the Queen, and to Secretary Nicholas, to advise the King to betake himself to some place of Secu­rity, where he, and others might safely resort to him, and he doubted not but that he should do him acceptable Service: but these Letters being intercepted,

The Parliament sent to the King that he would de­sire the Queen not to correspond with Digby, nor any others, whom his great Council had proclaimed Tray­tors.

The Parliament took notice of a Rumour that they intended to accuse the Queen of High Treason, which they deny, and call a publick Scandal upon them, to which the Queen gave a mild answer: yet, carefull to prevent any danger, she obtains leave of the King, who also acquaints the Parliament, that his Daughter was to go into Holland to her betrothed Husband, the young Prince of Orange, and that her Mother the Queen desired to goe with her Daugh­ter.

Accordingly the Queen went with her Daugh­ter The Queen to Holland. into Holland, and carried with her all her own and the King's Jewels, not leaving behind, the Jewels of the Crown; that with them, and the as­sistance of the Prince of Orange, a sufficient Party might be raised for the King.

At a Conference with the Lords Pym affirmed Pym. that many of the chief Commanders, now in the Head of the Rebels, and great Papists had been li­censed to pass thither, by the King, after the Lord Lieutenant had put a stop at the Ports against their coming thither.

The King much distasted at this, as intimating his conniving at the Rebellion, required the Decla­ration of the House of Commons for his Vindica­tion, but could not obtain it.

The Parliament were busie in Debates touching Militia. the ordering of the Militia, for the several Coun­ties: in which some declared their Opinions, that the Power of the Militia was solely in the King, and ought to be left to him, and that the Parliament never did, nor ought to meddle with the same.

Others were of Opinion, that the King had not this power in him, but that it was solely in the Parlia­ment, and that if the King refused to order the same [Page 53] according to the advice of the Parliament, that then they by the Law might doe it without him: and this was moved to be now done by the Parliament, the King having denyed their former Petitions for set­tling of the Militia as they desired.

Upon this Debate one spake to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

I have often heard it said in former Debates, in other matters, in this House, that such and such a thing, was of as great concernment as ever came within these Walls. I am sure it may be said so of the matter of your present Debate; it is truly of the greatest concernment that ever came within these Walls.

It highly concerns us all, and our Posterity after us, where the Power of this Militia shall be placed. This great Power, which indeed commands all men, and all things, cannot be too warily lodged, nor too seriously considered: and I do heartily wish that this great Word, this new Word, the Militia, this hard Word might never have come within these Walls: But that this House may be as the Temple of Janus, ever shut against it, I take the meaning of those Gen­tlemen who introduced this Word to be, the Power of the Sword, Potest as Gladii, which is a great and necessary Power, and properly belong­ing to the Magistrate, Potest as Gladii in Facinero­sos, without which our Peace and Property can­not be maintained.

But Potest as Gladii in Manibus Facinerosorum, in the hands of Souldiers, is that whereof you now Debate, and it is best out of their hands, I hope it will never come there. Some worthy Gentlemen have declared their Opinions that this Power of the Militia, is by Right and Law in the King onely, others affirm it to be in the Parlia­ment onely; I crave pardon to differ from both these Opinons. I humbly apprehend that this Power of the Militia, is neither in the King one­ly, nor in the Parliament; and if the Law hath placed it any where, it is both in the King and Parliament, when they joyn together.

And it is a wise Institution of our Law, not to settle this Power any where, but rather to leave it in dubio, or in nubibus, that the People might be kept in ignorance thereof as a thing not fit to be known, not to be pried into. It is the great Arcanum Imperii, and the less it is meddled with, the less acquaintance we have with it, the better it will be for all sorts of per­sons, both for King and People.

That this Power of the Militia, is not in the King onely, appears in this, that the Power of Money is not in the King, but it will be granted here, that the power of Money is solely in this House; and without the Power of Money to pay the Souldiers, the Power of the Militia will be of little force.

But if the Power of the Militia should be in the King, yet the Power of Money being in the Parliament, they must both agree, or else keep the Sword in the Scabberd, which is the best place for it.

It is true, that the King by his tenures may require the service in War, of those that hold of him; but if they stay above 40 days with him, unless he give them pay they will stay no lon­ger.

And it is also true (as hath been observed) that our Law looks upon the King, as the Jewish Law did upon theirs, that by his Kingly Office, he is to go in and out before the people, and to lead them in Battel against their enemies, but by the Laws of the Jews, their King could not under­take a War abroad without the consent of the great Sanhedrim.

And by our Law, as is declared by the Statute 1 E. 3. and by divers subsequent Statutes the King can compell no man to go out of his Countrey, but upon the sudden coming of strange Enemies into the Realm: and how many of our Parlia­ment Rolls do record that the King advised with his Parliament about his Foreign Wars; and could not undertake them without the Advice and Supplies of the Parliament.

All Power of the Militia is exercised either in Offence or Defence, Defence is either against the Invasion of Enemies from Abroad, or against In­surrections at Home.

Against Insurrections at Home, the Sheriff of every County hath the Power of the Militia in him, and if he be negligent to suppress them with the posse comitatus, he is finable for it.

Against Invasions from Abroad, every man will be forward to give his assistance; there will be little need to raise Forces, when every man will be ready to defend himself, and to fight pro aris & focis.

As to Offensive War against a Foreign Enemy, if the King will make it of himself, he must of himself pay his Army; which his own Revenue will hardly afford, nor can he compell any of his Subjects to serve him in those Wars; none can by Law be pressed to serve in the War but by Act of Parliament.

But not to waste more of your time, Sir, I shall conclude that in my humble Opinion, the Power of the Militia is neither in the King alone, nor in the Parliament: but if any where in the eye of our Law, it is in the King and Parliament both consenting together.

And I think it best that it should be there still, I cannot joyn in that advice to you, to settle the Militia of your selves without the King, but ra­ther with those worthy Gentlemen who have moved, that we yet again should petition his Ma­jesty, that the Militia may be settled in such hands as both he and you shall agree upon whom you may trust; and who I hope will be more carefull to keep it sheathed than to draw it.

After a long Debate in the House upon this Matter, they resolve to move the King that Sir John Biron may be put out from being Lieutenant of the Tower, and Sir John Conyers to succeed him; which was granted.

Then they proceed to nominate fit persons for trust of the Militia in the several Counties, and pass an Act To disable all Clergy-men from exercising any Temporal Jurisdiction.

The King sends a Message to them, That to satis­fy Message. and compose all Differences, he will by Proclamati­on require all Statutes concerning Popish Recusants to be put in execution.

That the seven condemned Priests shall be banished, and all Romish Priests within twenty days to depart the Kingdom.

He refers the consideration of the Government, and Liturgy of the Church, wholly to the two Houses.

And offers himself in Person to the Irish War.

The Lords and Commons petition the King, Petition. That though he find cause to desert the prosecution of their Members yet the Charge against them reflects upon the whole Parliament; they desire to know the In­formers, and their Suggestions, to be proceeded against as by the Statutes 37, & 38 E. 3.

[Page 54] Then they ordain the Power of the Militia, for defence of the Parliament, Tower, and City of London; under the Command of Skippon, a faith­full and able Souldier. And petition the King, for settling the Militia of the several Counties, on such Skippon. Petition. Militia. as they had nominated; to which the King respited his Answer, till his Return from Dover, whither he accompanied the Queen, and their Daughter, go­ing for Hollaud.

Febr. 15. That pious and worthy Judge, Sir George Crooke, having attained near the Age of 80 years, dyed at his House at Waterstoke in Ox­fordshire, lamented by his Neighbours and Rela­tions.

The King, being returned from Dover to Green­wich, Answer. sent his Answer to the Parliaments Petition concerning the Militia, of the inconvenience and breach of his Right to have it settled as they desired: And he sent for his two Sons, to come from Hamp­ton-Court to him to Greenwich.

Feb. 26. The House of Commons passed the Bill Bill for Ireland. for the Adventures for Ireland, That every one that would bring in and adventure money for the reducing of Ireland should have so many Acres of the Irish Rebels Lands, proportionable to the money which they brought in, and very good Bargains; whereupon very great sums of money were brought in for that service.

The Parliament again, and most earnestly, press Militia. and importune the King to settle the Militia accord­ing to an Ordinance passed by them for that pur­pose: the King excepts against it, and shews his reasons why it was not fit for him to confirm it; and then he goes to Theobalds.

Thither the Petition of the Parliament followed him yet more earnestly pressing him to confirm Petition. their settlement of the Militia, in which Petition they plainly tell the King that the business of the set­tling of the Militia will endure no more delay; and that if his Majesty shall still refuse to agree with his two Houses of Parliament in that business, and shall not be pleased upon their humble advice, to doe what they desire therein, that then for the safety of his Majesty, and of themselves, and of the whole Kingdom, and to preserve the peace thereof, and to prevent future fears and jealousies, they shall be constrained of themselves, without his Majesty, to settle that necessary business of the Militia.

The King, much surprized at this home Petiti­on, Vote. yet sends his Answer, and Reasons why he could not assent unto it: but the Parliament Voted his Anfwers to the business of the Militia to be unsa­tisfactory, and that the Kingdom be forthwith put into a posture of Defence.

They appoint a Committee to draw a Declara­tion upon the causes of their Fears and Jealousies, and to consider what was fit further to be done; and this was March 2. the next day after the King's last Answer given to their Petition concerning the Militia.

Then Advertisements are given out of dangers from Neighbour Princes; upon which the Earl of Northumberland Lord Admiral, is commanded to fit all the Navy Royal for the Sea, and private Owners of Ships are perswaded to doe the like. Beacons are new made, Sea-marks set up, and great posting up and down with Pacquets; all symptoms of the ensuing War.

The King being removed to Royston, March 9. 1641. thither the Earls of Pembroke, and Holland, who had been before very intimate with the King, and obliged to him, were sent with the Parliaments Declaration, mentioning the King's Misgovern­ments, Declarati­on. and his Actions.

By attempting to incense the late Northern Army against the Parliament.

Jermin's Treasons, and transportation by the King's Warrant.

The Petition delivered to Captain Legg with the King's own hand, and signed C. R.

The business of the Lord Kimbolton and the five Members.

The suspicious designing of a Guard about the King's Person.

The Ʋnderhand promoting of the Irish Rebellion.

The ordering of Sir John Penington to land the Lord Digby, from thence to alienate the King from his Parliament, and to procure foreign assistance to the King, appearing more credible by his removal with the Prince, and the many Advertisements from Rome, Venice, Paris, and other parts, of aid to be given to the King in reference to some design against Religion, and the Parliament.

They desire the King to put away his wicked Counsel­lors, and to put his trust in the Parliament; which if he would doe, they would Sacrifice their Lives, For­tunes and utmost Endeavours to the supportation of his Sovereignty.

The Lords would have moved the King to have Militia. come nearer to the Parliament, and to have gran­ted the Militia for a time, but it was refused.

Then he told them in short, that their Fears and Answer. Doubts and Jealousies were such, as he would take time to satisfy the whole world of, but that his own were not trivial; occasioned by so many Scandalous Pamphlets, Seditious Sermons, sundry Publick Tumults, hitherto uninquired into, and unpunished.

Sometime after he published a Declaration for further Answer to this effect.

That he had no evil Counsellors about him, but leaves such to their Censure, where they should find them.

That he desired the Judgment of Heaven might be manifested upon those, who had any design against the Protestant Profession, that the Scottish Troubles were silenced by the Act of Oblivion.

That the charging him with any inclining to the Irish Rebellion, was a high and causless Injury.

That he never intended to exasperate the late Army, or to use them against the Parliament.

That he signed Captain Leg's Petition to satisfy the Army, and Sir Jacob Ashley of his Opinion.

That Digby and Jermin never were at Whiteh all, nor had any warrant from him after the restraint.

That he had given sufficient Answer about Kimbol­ton and the five Members.

That the care of his own Safety caused him to raise a Guard at Whitehall, and to receive the tender of the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court of their Service; and that he looked upon their foreign Advertisements as wild and irrational.

The King removes Northward; in the mean Vote. time the Parliament voted the Ordinance for the De­fence of the Kingdom no whit prejudicial to the Oath of Allegeance, but to be obeyed as the Fundamental Laws, and the King's Commands for Lieutenancy over the respective Counties to be illegal and void.

In these Votes they received great incourage­ment, and confirmation from the opinions of seve­ral of the Members of the House of Commons, as Pym, Hampden, Hollis, Stapleton; and of Lawyers, St. John, Corbet, L'Isle, and divers others; and chiefly, from the confident opinion of the Lord Keeper Littleton, concurring with them. Others who went along with them, were not yet clear of this Opinion.

From Huntington the King sends them a Message, Message. Mar. 15. That he means to make his residence at York, and desires them to hasten their Succours for Ireland, and not upon any pretence of an Ordinance, to which his assent is not given (as by Law it ought) to doe against Law, which he was to keep, and his Subjects to obey.

[Page 55] Upon this Message from the King the Parliament were the more exasperated by a report from the Anno. 1642. Lords Re­port. Lords who were sent to him unto Royston, that at the reading of that part of their Message concer­ning Mr. Jermin, the King said that it is false, and when they read that of Captain Legg, the King said that's a lye.

In answer to the King's Message from Hunting­ton, Answer. the Parliament note that the King's absence so far from his Parliament was obstructive to the re­lief of Ireland, and therefore all those Counsellors that advised him to it, are to be suspected as favourers of that bloudy Rebellion as likewise those who perswaded His Majesty to question, or contradict their Votes: which was a high breach of privilege of Parliament.

Mar. 16. At Stamford the King proclayms the putting in execution the Laws against Papists, and so goes on to York, and there Mar. 24. repeats his Grant for passing the Bill of Tonnage and Poun­dage, and commands the payment of it for the fu­ture, according to the Act. 1 Ja.

The Earl of Northumberland, Lord Admiral, being indisposed, the King appoints Sir John Pen­nington Vice Admiral to take the charge of the Fleet, but the Parliament by a Paper inclosed in a Letter to the Lord Keeper Littleton Mar. 28. re­commended the Earl of Warwick to the King, for that service; the first recommendation of theirs for the cheif Sea Commander, but he was re­fused.

Anno 1642.

Car. 18 April 5. The Assizes being at York, the Gentry, Ministers and Freeholders of that County by an Address at York. humble and hearty address, testify their loyalty to the King, and sorrow for the distractions, and pray His Majesty to be pleased to declare some expedients, which may take away all misunderstandings betwixt him and his great Council.

The King gives them a gracious answer, and wishes them to apply to the Parliament for the good of all.

The King sends a Message to the Parliament, of­fering Message. his own person to reduce Ireland, and his intent to raise his Guards for that purpose, de­sires them to quicken their levies, and saith he hath prepared a Bill by his Attorney, concerning the Mili­tia, for the good of all if received, if refused, he calls God and the world to judge between them.

To this they returned no answer.

Divers Members of Parliament subscribed seve­ral sums of money upon the Act of Parliament for reducing of Ireland.

The County of Bucks advanced 6000 l. towards this service, and their money was repaid upon the Bill of 400000 l. to be raised for that service.

The Parliament apprehending the King's pur­pose to seise upon the great Magazine at Hull, they Hull. desire it might be transported from thence to the Tower of London; to supply the want of ammu­nition there, from whence Ireland was supplyed, and here it would be easier transported to Ire­land.

To which the King returns a quick answer, de­nying their Petition, they shortly after send their reasons to the King against his going in person to Reasons. Ireland, and tell him they cannot consent to any levies, but such as they shall advise, and others they shall in­terpret to the terror of the people, and suppress it, and refuse to submit to any Commissioners in the King's absence, but to govern by consent of Parliament.

This was looked upon by many as very strange, and high, and the King, in answer to it says, He looks upon them as his great Council with regard; but yet upon himself as not deprived of his understanding; nor divested of any Right he had, before the Parliament Answer. did meet.

That he called them by his Writ and Authority to give him Counsel, but did not resign his Interest and Freedome, nor will subject himself to their determinati­ons, and holds himself free to dissent from them.

That the Menace, rather than Advice in their Peti­tion, doth not stagger him.

The Lords Justices and Council of Ireland, hea­ring of the King's Intention to come thither in person, writ a Letter of thanks and incourage­ment to him, to proceed in that his gracious in­tention, but the Parliament being averse there­unto, the King declined it.

The King demands Justice from the House of Lords against several Authors and preachers of Seditious doctrine, that the King denying what the Parliament desired, they might doe it without him, and that humane Laws do not bind the Conscience, with much of the like new opinions, but nothing was done in it.

The Parliament had committed the charge of the Town and Magazine of Hull to Sir John Ho­tham, Hotham. one of their Members, who was sent down thither, the Parliament purposing to remove the Magazine to London, the County of York had pe­titioned that it might still remain at Hull, for se­curing the Northern parts, especially the King re­siding there.

The King thought it the best way himself to seise upon the Magazine and taking a Guard of his Servants, and some Neighbouring Gentry, April 23. He went to Hull, but, contrary to his expec­tation, Hull. he found the Gates shut, and the Bridges drawn.

And from the Walls appeared Sir John Hotham denying entrance to the King; which he said, he could not admit without breach of his trust to the Par­liament.

The King required him to shew his Order for this, from the Parliament.

He then said that the King had too great a Train, and would not admit him entrance though with but 20 horse, which so moved the King, that he caused Hotham to be there proclaymed Traitor, and so re­turned to York.

Thence he sends to the Parliament to demand Justice against Hotham, and sends to the Magistrates of Hull, to admonish them not to adhere to Hotham, but to testify their allegiance to their King, by delivering the Magazine into his hands.

Again the King sends to the Parliament for ex­emplary Justice against Hotham, and that immediate­ly Messages. the Magazine be delivered up to him, and till this be done, he will intend no other business, for to be in worse condition than the meanest Subject, not to injoy his own, it is time to examine how he lost them, and to try all possible ways by help of God, the Law, and his good Subjects, to recover them. God so deal with us as we continue these resolutions.

To these Messages having no return, Scouts are Vote. laid to intercept Letters between the House and Hull, which they voted a high breach of their Privi­le e, and to defend it with their lives and fortunes; they justify Hotham, and order, that the Shcriffs, and Justices of Peace, suppresse all forces that shall be raised, or gathered together against Hull, or to disturbe the peace.

The King's Bill of the Militia was declined by Militia. the Parliament, and a new one from themselves presented to the King; which he refused and gave his reasons for it. They put the power in the per­sons [Page 56] nominated by them, excluding the King, in ordering any thing together with them.

The King offered that in his absence, in Ireland it should be so, and that for a year; but it was not liked. Then they pass a Declaration touching Hotham, and avow his action, and set forth designs against Hull April 28. and send a Committee thither for the better securing of the Town.

Hotham is authorised, by his Warrants to raise the trained Bands in Yorkshire, to march with their armes into Hull, where he disarmed them, and tur­ned them home again.

The King signifies to the Sheriff, that this cannot be done legally, and forbids any muster without his com­mand, and to suppress those that disobey with the posse Comitatus.

May 5. The Parliament require all persons in au­thority, to put the Ordinance of the Militia in execu­tion, which the King declares to be no legal power in the Houses; and commands that none do obey it, and summons the Gentry of the County to York, to whom he relates these illegal proceedings of the Par­liament, and tells them his purpose to have a guard onely to secure his person, in which he desires their assistance.

And the rather; because the Members that came with the last Message to the King, returned to York, and before them all these proceedings were had.

Sir Thomas Gardiner Recorder of London was im­peached for advising the Lord Mayor to pay Ship-money, Gardiner. and other illegal things; and against Scot­land, and opposing the Parliament, but he got to the King.

The County of York being Summoned, the Com­mittee prevailed with some of them to oppose the raysing of a guard for the King, and the Parlia­ment declared against it, and that such as do are dis­turbers of the Peace.

The Ordinance of the Militia being now past, and Lieutenants named for the several Counties; they nominated their Deputy Lieutenants to the Parliament for their approbation.

The Lord Paget being named in the Ordinance, and approved to be Lieutenant of Bucks; he na­med Hampden, Goodwyn, Grenville, Tyrrell, Winwood and Whitelocke to be his deputy Lieutenants who were approved by the Parliament.

The Lord Paget, not long after this, began to boggle, and was unfixed in his resolutions; and, upon the King's publishing of his Commission of Array, and Declaration against the Ordinance of Parliament for the Militia (his Lordships heart failing him, and being unsatisfied in his Judg­ment) he revolted from the Parliament, and went to the King.

Whereupon the Lord Wharton was nominated and approved by both Houses of Parliament to be in his roome, Lieutenant for the County of Bucks.

Mr. Palmer, Mr. Hyde and Mr. Bridgeman, and Different Opinions. divers other eminent Lawyers and Gentlemen, had given their opinions positively against it, and left the House upon the passing of it.

On the other part, the Lord Littleton was most confident for the legality of it, and divers other Lawyers, and Gentlemen of the short robe were cleerly for it, and

that the Lords and Commons, in case of the King's minority, sickness or ab­sence, had done the same in other times.

As when H. 3. dyed, and his Son E. 1. was in the holy Land, and came not home in almost two years after his Father's death, yet in the mean time, the Lords and Commons appointed Lieu­tenants in the several Counties; and made several Ordinances, which are of force at this day.

So are the Ordinances made by them in the minority of H. 6. and upon the difference be­tween him and the Duke of York, and the Or­dinances in the minority of E. 6. and in other times.

That the King was now absent, and having called his Parliament at Westminster, was him­self gone as far from them as York, and had, before he came thither, and since, appeared with Warlike forces about him, to the terror of the Parliament.

That the business of Ireland and other threat­ning dangers gave too much cause of Fears and Jealousies to the Parliament, and to stand upon their guard, and for defence of themselves and the Kingdome.

Without which the King would so grow upon them, and his evil Counsellors so prevaile, that they would undoubtedly bring their designs to pass of a speedy introducing of Popery and Tyranny; whereas, if they saw the Parliament in a good posture of defence, and that the people generally would adhere to them, as no doubt but they would, that then the King would be brought to a good accommodation and agreement with his Parliament, without a blow to be struck be­tween them.

Whereby they should preserve the just Rights and Liberties of the Subject, the privilege of Parliament, and themselves and their friends, and the Protestant Religion from Ruine, which, without this appearance onely of arms, or power to arme if there should be occasion, would una­voidably be brought to pass.

These arguments, together with the solemn pro­testations of the most powerful and active Mem­bers, ‘That they had not the least purpose or in­tention of any War with the King, but to arme themselves for their necessary defence, prevai­led’ with most men to keep their station, and at pre­sent, to accept those Commissions of Deputy Lieu­tenancy.

Maynard, Glyn, Grimstone, St. John, Selden and divers other Gentlemen of great parts and inte­rest, accepted of the like Commissions, and con­tinued in their service in the Parliament.

The King resolves that Easter Term be adjour­ned from London to York, the Parliament Vote it to be illegal, and Order that the Lord Keeper Lit­tleton issue no Writs, or Proclamation for that pur­pose.

They publish a large Declaration, much to the Declara­tion. same effect as the former were, mentioning that the Rebellion in Ireland was countenanced by evil Coun­cil about the King, the proclaiming them Traitors de­ferred from October to January after, and then but 40 Copies ordered to be Printed, nor any of them to be published without the King's Order, whereas the pro­ceedings against the Scots, and proclaiming them Trai­tors, was very sharp and speedy.

To this the King gives an answer, in effect the same with what he had said before to these particu­lars, after which, he writes to his Council in Scot­land, to acquaint them with the State of his affairs in England; to which he receives a dutiful and affectionate answer, with a Petition from divers of the Nobility and people there, full of zeal and loyalty to his service.

The Parliament hearing of this, took course to Scots in­terpose. turn the Ballance, and within eight days after, the Scots Council declare their earnest desires both to King and Parliament, to joyn in a perfect union; and humbly desire the King, to hearken to his greatest, his best and most unparallel'd Council.

[Page 57] They disswade the King from a personal Journey in­to Ireland, and pray that a Mediation may be at home, ere the breach be wider. And in fine, they come to a large manifestation of their true and hearty affection to the Parliament of England, protesting to do nothing contrary to them in their Privileges.

A multitude of people at Edenburgh hearing of the King's Letter to his Council there, and of the Answer to it, and Petition before mentioned; they petition the Council there, not to meddle by any ver­ball or reall engagement for the King against the Par­liament of England.

These Passages in Scotland gave much advantage to the Parliaments Affairs in England, who protest their Fidelity to the King, and court the Scots with very kind expressions.

The Earl of Bristol moved for an accommoda­tion, and a select Committee to be appointed to consider of some way to effect the same.

But the Parliament voted that which was done Vote. at York for a Guard for the King, to be a prepara­tion for War against the Parliament, a breach of the trust reposed in him, by his People, contrary to his Oath, and tending to the dissolution of his Government, and all such as serve him there, to be Traytors to the Laws of the Kingdom, 11 R. 2. and 1 H. 4.

After this they publish another Remonstrance of the King's Misactions and their own Privileges. He answers it, and they reply; and May 28. they order, That all Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, &c. Order. within one hundred and fifty miles of York, make stay of all Arms and Ammunition carrying to York, and apprehend the Conveyers; and that all Sheriffs do suppress all Forces coming together by the King's Com­mission, and all persons to aid them; and this to be pub­lished in all Market Towns and Churches.

The King forbids all Obedience to any Orders, or Ordinance of Parliament for the Militia, accor­ding to the Statute 7 E. 1. and requires all the peo­ple of Yorkshire to meet at a day and place; which the Parliament declare to be against Law, and for­bid. Obedience to it.

This was an unhappy condition for the poor people, none knowing what to doe, or whom to obey; nor what would be the consequence of these thwartings between the great Powers and Autho­rities of King and Parliament.

Divers Members of both Houses withdrew to the King, which caused an Order for all to attend at a day, upon forfeiting of an hundred pounds to the Irish War.

They order, that whosoever shall lend or bring Money into this Kingdom upon the King's Jewels, shall be an Enemy to the State.

Ju. 2. The Parliament sent to the King Nine­teen Propositions for Peace, which are in Print; Nineteen Proposi­tions. the King rejected them, as inconsistent with the Re­gall Rights; he caresseth the people of Yorkshire.

Ju. 4. The Parliament order all Deputy Lieute­nants to be present at all Musters, and the Lieute­nants of Counties to dispatch their Warrants.

Ju. 10. They make an Order for bringing in Money or Plate, to maintain Horsemen and Arms, for defence of the King and Parliament, and for the publick Peace.

The King sends forth his Commissions of Array, begins in Leicestershire; these Commissions were de­clared Commis­sion of Array. by the Parliament, to be against Law; and the Actors in them to be Betrayers of the Subjects Liberty.

The Lord Keeper Littleton, after his great adhe­rence Lord Kee­per Little­ton. to the Parliament, delivered the great Seal to Mr. Elliot, whom the King sent to him for it; and shortly after, Littleton followed the Seal to the King, but was not much respected by him, or his Courtiers; yet was he a man of Courage, and of excellent Parts and Learning.

Many other of the Lords being with the King at York, he declared to them; That he would not ex­ercise Protesta­tion at York. any illegal Authority, but defend them and all others against the Votes of Parliament, and not engage them in any War against the Parliament: And they all in a solemn Protestation engaged to his Majesty to stand by him.

The King wrote to the Lord Mayor and Alder­men of London, Not to raise any Forces for the Par­liament; and sets forth his large Declaration, and Declara­tion. invites men to bring in to him Money, Horse, and Arms, on security of his Forests and Parks, for the Principal, and Eight per cent. Interest.

He forbids Levies without his Consent, upon the Statutes 7 E. 1. 2 E. 3. 11 R. 2. and the Earl of Shrewsbury's Case in H. 8. time; and minds them of their Oath of Allegiance, to be faithful to the King's Person, as well as to his Authority, and justifies his Commissions of Array.

To which the Parliament reply, and he to them again: All which rather exasperated the Diffe­rences. And now came up the Names of Parties, Royallists, and Parliamentarians; Cavaliers, and Roundheads.

The King goes to Nottingham, and summoneth and caresseth the Freeholders of the County, and promiseth to act according to the Protestation at York, the like he did at Lincoln. And July 11. sends a Message to the Parliament, Of his inten­tions Message. to reduce Hull, if it be not rendred to him; which if they do, he will admit of their further Propo­sitions.

He complains of Hotham's actions, for which he will punish him; and of the Earl of Warwick's ta­king Earl of Warwick. upon him the Command of the Fleet: who had got in the Sea-men to him, and put by Sir John Pennington, and took a Ship of Ammunition coming to the King from Holland.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham being Lieute­nant Lord Wil­loughby. of Lincolnshire, was there putting the Militia into a posture; which being informed to the King, he wrote to the Lord Willoughby to desist from that action; and the Lord Willoughby returned an hum­ble, ingenious and weighty Answer to his Majesty, to excuse his not performing at present what the King required of him; which he said was not in his power to doe, without breach of that trust which he had undertaken to the Parliament, and to which he was encouraged by the opinion of some of his Majestie's great Officers, eminent in the knowledge of the Laws, wherein he was not learned.

After this, he proceeded in executing the Ordi­nance for the Militia, and the King was not so se­vere against him, as against others.

The Parliament now thought it high time to provide for their own Defence, and to raise an Ar­my for that purpose.

Upon the Debate whereof, one of the Members declared his Opinion to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

The Question which was last propounded a­bout raising of Forces, naming a General, and Officers of an Army, hath been very rare before this time, in this Assembly, and it seems to me to set us at the Pits-brink, ready to plunge our selves into an Ocean of troubles and miseries, and if it could be, into more than a Civil War brings with it.

Give me leave, Sir, to consider this unhappy Subject in the beginning, progress, and issue of it.

[Page 58] Caesar tells us (and he knew as much of Civil War as any man before him) that it cannot be begun Sine malis artibus.

Surely, Sir, our Enemies of the Popish Church have left no evil Arts unessayed, to bring us to our present posture, and will yet leave none un­attempted to make our Breaches wider, well knowing that nothing will more advance their Empire, than our Divisions.

Our Misery whom they account Hereticks, is their Joy, and our Distractions will be their glory, and all evil Arts and ways to bring Ca­lamities upon us, they will esteem meritorious.

But, Sir, I look upon another beginning of our Civil War, God blessed us with a long and flou­rishing Peace, and we turned his Grace into wan­tonness, and Peace would not satisfie us without Luxury, nor our plenty without Debauchery: Instead of sobriety and thankfulness for our Mercies, we provoked the Giver of them by our sins and wickedness, to punish us (as we may fear) by a Civil War, to make us Executioners of Divine Vengeance upon our selves.

It is strange to note, how we have insensibly slid into this beginning of a Civil War, by one unexpected Accident after another, as Waves of the Sea, which have brought us thus far: And we scarce know how, but from Paper Combates, by Declarations, Remonstrances, Protestations, Votes, Messages, Answers and Replies: We are now come to the question of raising Forces, and naming a General, and Officers of an Army.

But what, Sir, may be the progress hereof, the Poet tells you,

Jusque datum sceleri Canimus, populumque poten­tem
In sua victrici Conversum viscera dextra.

We must surrender up our Laws, Liberties, Properties and Lives into the hands of insolent Mercenaries, whose rage and violence will com­mand us, and all we have, and Reason, Honour and Justice will leave our Land; the Ignoble will rule the Noble, and Baseness will be preferred before Vertue, Profaneness before Piety.

Of a potent people we shall make our selves weak, and be the Instruments of our own ruine, perditio tua exte, will be said to us; we shall burn our own houses, lay waste our own fields, pillage our own goods, open our own veins, and eat out our own bowels.

You will hear other sounds, besides those of Drums and Trumpets, the clattering of Armour, the roaring of Guns, the groans of wounded and dying men, the shrieks of deflowred Women, the Cries of Widows and Orphans, and all on your account, which makes it the more to be la­mented,

Pardon, Sir, the warmth of my expression on this Argument, it is to prevent a flame, which I see kindled in the midst of us, that may consume us to ashes. The sum of the progress of Civil War is the rage of Fire and Sword, and (which is worse) of bruitish men.

What the Issue of it will be, no man alive can tell, probably few of us now here may live to see the end of it. It hath said, He that draws his Sword against his Prince, must throw away the Scab­bard: Those Differences are scarce to be recon­ciled,; these Commotions are like the deep Seas, being once stirred, are not soon appeased.

I wish the Observation of the Duke de Rohan in his Interest of Christendom, may prove a Cauti­on, not a Prophecy. He saith of England, That it is a great Creature, which cannot be destroyed, but by its own hand. And there is not a more likely hand than that of Civil War to doe it.

The Issue of all War is like a Cast at Dice, none can tell upon what square the Alea belli will light. The best Issue that can be expected of a Civil War, is, Ʋbi victor flet, & victus perit; which of these will be our portion is uncertain, and the choice would be avoided.

Yet, Sir, when I have said this, I am not for a tame resignation of our Religion, Lives and Li­berties, into the hands of our Adversaries, who seek to devour us. Nor do I think it inconsistent with your great Wisdom, to prepare for a just and necessary Defence of them.

It was truly observed by a Noble Gentleman, That if our Enemies find us provided to resist their At­tempts upon us, it will be the likeliest way to bring them to an Accord with us. And upon this ground I am for the Question.

But I humbly move you to consider, whether it be not yet too soon to come to it. We have tried by Proposals of Peace to his Majesty, and they have been rejected: Let us try yet again, and appoint a Committee who may review our for­mer Propositions.

And where they find the matter of them (as our Affairs now are) fit to be altered, that they present the Alterations to the House, and their Opinions; and that, as far as may stand with the Security of Us and our Cause, we may yield our Endeavours to prevent the Miseries which look black upon us, and to settle a good Accommoda­tion; so that there may be no strife between us and those of the other Party, for we are Brethren.

After great Debate it was voted, That an Army Votes for an Army. should be raised for the Defence of King and Parlia­ment: That the Earl of Essex should be Captain Ge­neral of this Army, and the Earl of Bedford to be General of the Horse.

A Committee was appointed of both Houses to confer with the General, and to nominate Colo­nels Field Officers and Captains of this Army.

The Earl of Holland, Sir John Holland and Sir Philip Stapleton, were sent with a Petition to the Petition. King to Beverly, To Disband his Forces, recal his Commissions of Array, dismiss his Guards, and to return to his Parliament: All which he re­fused.

The Parliament were furnished with Money by Money rais'd. Loans upon the Publick Faith, and by the endea­vours of sundry Ministers, and others: a great quantity of Money, Plate and Ammunition was brought in, even by some poor Women, to their Wedding Rings and Bodkins.

The King was furnished with Moneys from the Queen, upon the pawned Jewels, and by Contri­butions from the Cavalier Lords and Gentlemen, and a Loan from Oxford University.

The King removed from Beverley to Leicester, where he courted the Inhabitants: But the Earl of Stamford was there proclaimed Traytor, for he removed the County Magazine to his house, and set Guards about it; but the Parliament vindica­ted him by a Declaration.

The King raiseth and arms a Regiment in York-shire Several proclaim'd Traytors. for the Prince. The Parliament declare all the Commissioners of Array to be Traytors, and order them to be apprehended. And the King pro­claims Essex, and all the Colonels and Officers of his Army, who should not instantly lay down Arms, to be Rebels and Traytors: And orders Marquess Hertford his Lieutenant General, to march against General Essex.

[Page 59] August 12. The King published his Proclama­tion, and Declaration very large, in setting forth what he had done, in favour of the People, and satisfa­ction of the Desires of the Parliament; then the evil Actions of the Parliament against him; and in all justi­fies Declara­tion. his own, and condemns the Parliaments Proceed­ings. And is to be seen in Print.

The Parliament took 100000 l. of the 400000 l. voted to be raised for Ireland, which the King re­members, and they justifie and recriminate the King's hindrance of the Irish business, and say, That some of his Counsellors fomented that Rebellion, and they promise satisfaction out of Delinquents E­states to those who shall receive damage from the King's Party.

August 22. The King at Nottingham Erects his Standard at Nottingham Standard, to which not so many resorted as was expected. Three days after, he sends Propositions to the Parliament by the Earl of Southampton, Sir Message. John Culpepper and Sir William Ʋdall, Members of Parliament, but they were not admitted to sit in the House.

The Parliament gave Answer to this Message, That till the King recall his Proclamations of Treason Answer. against Essex and the rest; and take down his Stan­dard, they can give no other Answer.

The King replies, That he never intended to de­clare Reply. the Parliament Traytors, nor set up his Standard against them: But if Proclamations of Traytors be re­called by them, he will recall his, and take down his Standard.

They desire him to put away his evil Counsellors, and to return to his Parliament: And vote, That the Vote. Arms of the Parliament for Religion, Laws and Li­berties of the Kingdom, shall not be laid down, till De­linquents be left to Justice; that their Estates may dis­charge the Debts of the Commonwealth.

The Souldiers commit Outrages, which the King and Parliament labour to rectifie. Sir Thomas Barrington, and Mr. Grimstone in Essex, seize upon Sir John Lucas, and his Lady, and commit them to Prisons; and Lucas is proclaimed Traytor.

The Parliament for repayment of Loans upon Publick Faith, order Satisfaction out of the E­states of Delinquents.

The Lord Strange is impeached of high Trea­son, for raising Lancashire-men, by whom one Per­civall was killed.

The King adjourned Michaelmas Term, and proclaims Nichols, Macworth, and Hunt of Shrop-shire, to be Traytors.

The Lord Fairfax and Mr. Bellasis conclude a Neutrality for Yorkshire, but the Parliament de­clare the Lord Fairfax not bound to observe the Articles, but to assist the Parliament.

The Earl of Essex's Colours was a deep Yellow, others setting up another Colour, were held Ma­lignants, Colours. and ill-affected to the Parliaments Cause. So small a thing is taken notice of in the Jealousies of War.

Intelligence being given to the House of Com­mons, that the Earl of Berkshire, and divers Gen­tlemen of principal quality in Oxfordshire, inten­ded shortly to put in execution the King's Commis­sion of Array at Wattleton.

They commanded Whitelocke to use his utmost Endeavours to prevent the execution of that Com­mission in Oxfordshire, and to apprehend such of the Commissioners as should meet for that pur­pose: and the better to enable him hereunto, they ordered some of the Regiment of Horse of Colo­nel Goodwyn, and of the Regiment of Foot of Co­lonel Hampden, to attend his Commands.

The Commissioners of Array having appointed their Meeting at Wattleton at a day, and the Coun­try summoned to come in to them; Whitelocke sent for the Forces appointed to meet him; and in the Afternoon came to him a Troop of Horse, and a Company of Foot, and Hampden himself with them; and when they were met, they had Infor­mation that the Commissioners having notice of the Parliaments Forces being in the Field, thought not fit to continue at Wattleton, but brake off their business, and not taking leave, or dismissing the Country, the Commissioners with their Company hasted to Sir Robert Dormer's house, and thither they were pursued; and when the Parliaments Company beleagured the house, they fired some Musquets and Pistols at them; but finding them­selves too weak for the Parliament Party, and that they went about to storm the house, they presently yielded upon quarter.

Most of the Commissioners of Array were got away, only the Earl of Berkshire, and two or three more were taken, and conveyed to London.

The House of Lords committed the Earl, and the rest to Prison, where he lay for a long time after.

The King's General was first, the Marquess of Hertford, and shortly after the Earl of Lindsey; divers of his Forces quartered near Hull, seemed as if they had some design of beleaguring it.

Sir John Hotham, and Sir John Meldram his As­sistant, Hull. sallied out upon them, surprized them, killed some, and took others Prisoners: and short­ly after having a supply of five hundred men from London, they sallied out again, and discomfited some of their Forces, and burnt a Barn, with some Ammunition of the King's in it; and this was the first place where blood was drawn in this Contest.

The King marched from Nottingham to Stafford, and Leicester, and so to Wales; and at Shrewsbury his Army encreased to a considerable body.

The Parliament Forces rendezvous'd at S. Al­bans, and from thence marched Northward to meet the King with a Petition from both Houses, and Directions to the Ge­neral. these Directions to their General.

1. To restrain all profaneness in the Army.

2. To march and fight the King's Army, and by Battel, or otherwise, to rescue his Person, and the Prince, and Duke of York, from those about him.

3. To present the Petition to his Majesty, and if he shall please to withdraw himself from his Army, and resort to his Parliament, then to cause those Forces to disband and to guard the King in his Return.

4. To declare pardon to those that will withdraw fom the King, except Richmond, Cumberland, New­castle, Rivers, Caernarvan, Newark, Falkland, Nicholas, Porter and Hyde.

5. To receive, and certifie Contributions to be re­paid.

6. To protect the good people, and to restore their losses.

7. To apprehend Traytors and Delinquents.

8. To observe further Directions.

He had a Committee with him, who with the General were to take Subscriptions of Loans, and order Matters concerning Malignants, and to con­sider of the good of the Army.

The Parliament finding Supplies, and Officers sent by the Queen from Holland to the King; they sent over to the States, Mr. Strickland, to be their [Page 60] Resident in the Low Countries, and with him a Declaration from the Lords and Commons.

The effect of it was, To acquaint them with the affairs and proceedings of the Parliament, and that it was not expected, that they who had formerly received Declarati­on. the assistance of the English, to recover their Liberty, should now assist those whose design was to deprive the English Nation of their Rights and Liberties.

Goring held Portsmouth for the King, and hearing the County Trained Bands designed to surprize it, he met and skirmished with them and retired to the Town, but Sir John Meyrick's Regiment, and a Troup of Horse being sent by the Parliament to joyn with the Countrey, they so streightned Goring that, though Marquess Hertford hastened to his Re­lief, yet he surrendred the Town, and took Ship for Holland.

The Marquess giving a Brush to the Earl of Bed­ford by the way, seised upon Sherburne Castle, and from thence marched to the King to Shrewsbury.

Sir John Biron with some Troups for the King was unexpectedly set upon at Brackley by the Towns-men, and some Troups of the Parliament, in his March to Oxford, by whom he received some loss, yet came on to Oxford.

The Lord Say, Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, being then in the Countrey, upon this Alarm, sent to Whitelocke and the rest of his Deputy-Lieutenants, to bring what Forces they could to meet him near Oxford to remove the Lord Biron.

Whitelocke had a gallant Company of Horse of his Neighbours under his command. When he came near Oxford his Scouts brought him intelligence that the Lord Say with a Regiment of Dragoons, and the Lord St. John with him, and several Companies of his Regiment of Foot were upon their march to­wards the place appointed for their Rendezvouse; but that Sir John Biron, hearing of their approach, had quitted the Town.

Whitelocke went on till he met the Lord Say, and with him were the Lord St. John, the Lord Ween­man, and most of his Deputy-Lieutenants; and their Forces were in all above 3000 Horse, and Dra­goons, and Foot, with whom they entred the City Oxford. without any resistance, and were welcomed by the Towns-men, more than by the Scholars.

Yet besides the Mayor and Aldermen, the Vice-Chancellor and Heads of Houses, and Proctors, gave my Lord Say a visit; and protested, all of them, their duty to the Parliament, their desires of Peace, and ingaged themselves not to act any thing against the Parliament.

The Officers of the Forces in Council with the Lord Lieutenant, debated the consequence of this place, the strength of its situation, the plenty of the Countrey, the nearness to London, and the dis­affection of the University to the Parliaments Cause.

That the King by his coming to Shrewsbury, and looking this way, and because of the conveniency of the place might probably make this a principal Quarter for his Forces, and fortify the City, which would prove a great prejudice to the Parlia­ment.

To prevent which, it was propounded to the Lord Lieutenant to take a course that the Scholars might not supply His Majesty if he came thither, or rather to fortifie the City, and place a good Garrison here under a Governour whom his Lord­ship might trust with so important a place as this was. And Whitelocke was named to be a fit person to be the Governour, and one whom both the Ci­ty, and the University, and the Countrey there­abouts did well know, and would be pleased with; and the Scholars the more, because they knew him to be a Scholar, and a Member of this Univer­sity. But the Lord Say shewed no forwardness to fortify and make this City a Garrison.

This being spoken of abroad, divers of the Neighbours offered to bring in 1000 men at any time within a days warning, to be under White­locke's command in the Garrison; and the Towns-men were very forward to ingage, so Whitelocke might be Governour: but the Lord Say declined it, pretending favour to the University and Coun­trey, and the improbability in his opinion that the King would settle there, though that which follows in this Story will shew what a great errour was committed in not fortifying this place for the Par­liament, as it might easily have been done at this time: and surely the Lord Lieutenant though a person of great parts, wisedom and integrity, yet did much fail in this particular.

Some of the Company moved his Lordship to seise upon, or to secure the Plate in the several Colleges, that it might not be made use of by the King, if he should come thither, but he did not think fit to doe it; onely, he and his Deputy Lieutenants went to the several Colleges, and took an Ingagement, and Promise from the respective Heads, That their Plate should be forth coming, and should not be made use of by the King against the Par­liament.

Many with his Lordship, were unsatisfied with this his favour to the University, and foretold the ill consequences of it, which afterwards happened to the prejudice of the Parliament.

But his Lordship had the sole power in himself, and thus carried all this business, for which he had no thanks from either party.

Sir John Biron marched away from Oxford with 500 Horse to Worcester, and took in the Town for the King.

About the beginning of November, the two Princes Palatine, Rupert and Maurice, arrived in England; and were put into Command, in the Army of the King their Uncle, who had now got­ten together a potent Army, to whom he made a Speech, declaring his intentions to preserve the Prote­stant King's Speech. Religion, Laws, and Liberties of his Subjects, and Priviledges of Parliament.

Sept. 9. 1642. The Earl of Essex in much state, accompanied by many of both Houses of Parlia­ment, sets out from London to St. Albans, from thence to Northampton, where his Forces met him, and they were together above 15000 men.

The Parliaments Petition which he carried with him, was refused to be received by the King, who now had furnished himself with store of money, by melting, in his new Mint in Wales, the Plate which was brought in to him, in great quantities, and from thence he marcheth towards London.

The Parliament having notice thereof, order the Trained Bands to be in readiness, and fortify the passages about the City, with Posts, Chains, and Courts of Guard; and it was wonderfull to see how the Women, and Children, and vast numbers of people would come to work, about digging, and carrying of earth, to make their new fortifica­tions.

The Parliament vote those that will not contribute Vote. to their Charges, to be secured and disarmed. Mr. Fountaine the Lawyer was for his refusal committed; but afterwards, as will appear in the progress of this Story, he, and many others refused, and again assisted on both sides, as they saw the Wind to blow.

The Parliament appoint a Committee for the Sequestration of the Lands of Bishops, and of Deans and Chapters, and of the King's Revenues, [Page 61] to be employed for defence of the Common-wealth.

Colonel Nathaniel Fines, with some Forces rai­sed by the Lord Say, and Colonel Sandys, marched to Worcester, to remove Sir John Biron from thence, and expected General Essex to second them; but in stead of him, came Prince Rupert, and slew and routed all the Parliament Party. Sandys was taken Prisoner, and shortly after died of his Wounds.

Essex coming on with his Army, after he had Garrison'd Northampton, Coventry, and Warwick; Rupert and Biron thought fit to quit Worcester to him; and Essex sent from thence the Earl of Stam­ford with a Party to Hereford, to hinder the For­ces of South Wales from joyning with the King.

Stamford marches from Hereford to Gloucester, and called away from thence, leaves Massey Gover­nour there. Colonel Tho. Essex is sent to Garrison Bristol, and left Governour of Worcester. Some Forces are sent to Kiddermister, and Beaudley, to joyn with the Lord Wharton's Regiment, and Sir Henry Chomley's; and at Coventry, and Warwick lay the Lord Peterburgh, Sir William Constable, and Co­lonel Brown, with their Regiments, to oppose the King's march to London: and at Yarmouth they sei­sed a Ship with 140 Cavaliers, and 300 Barrels of Powder, sent from Holland to the King.

In Yorkshire the King's Party grew strong, under the Earl of Cumberland, Sir Francis Worsley, Sir Yorkshire. Marmaduke Langdale, Sir Thomas Glemham, Mr. Nevill, and others, who forced Hotham to retreat to Hull.

In Cornwal under Sir Ralph Hopton their General, Sir Nich. Slamning, Sir Bevill Greenville, and o­thers, Cornwal. they possessed Launceston for the King, and with a considerable Body opposed the Parliamenta­rians. In Wales the Earl of Worcester raised a great number of Welch, and marched to the King.

The King having gained a days March of Essex toward London, Essex finding his errour of so long a stay at Worcester, hastens after the King.

The Parliament, and their Party, were not a little troubled at the King's March towards the City, and the suspicion of a great Party hereabouts that would joyn with him, and had invited him this way, they used all means to stop his March, and to hasten General Essex after him.

They sent down their Members Deputy Lieute­nants into several Counties towards the Army, to gather together such Forces as were raised, and to send them to their General, and to raise such fur­ther as they could.

Oct. 24. Intelligence was brought from Ʋxbridge Road that divers of the Officers, and Soldiers of the Parliaments Army, particularly Sir James Ram­sey, a Scot, who commanded a Regiment of Horse under Essex, rode hastily this morning through Ʋxbridge, and upon that rode towards London, and reported, That the Parliaments Army was bro­ken, Edghill Fight. and wholly discomfited, and many of the Officers slain, and taken Prisoners.

Other Scouts brought other Intelligence quite different from the former, and much more welcom. They had it from divers upon the Road who were galloping to London with the News, That the Earl of Essex had totally routed the King's Army, killed, and taken many of them, and gained a full Victory. But the Parliament had a great Deliverance, and a small Victory, the particular passages were thus: The King disdaining to be pursued by Essex, turns back to meet him, and Oct. 23. being Sunday, both the Armies drew into the Field, between Kine­ton and Edge-hill, in Warwickshire. The King had the top of the Hill, from whence he viewed the Parliaments Army; who saluted him with three pieces of Cannon, which was answered with two shot of the Kings.

The Fight began about two a Clock in the After­noon, the Generals of both Armies performed their parts with great Courage and Gallantry, leading on their Forces with Pikes in their hands, but were ad­vised to change that posture, as fitter for a private Soldier, than for a General.

The greatest Body of the King's Horse was in his Right Wing, commanded by Prince Rupert, who furiously charged the Left Wing of the Parli­ament, commanded by Commissary General Ram­sey; whom he routed, and pursued to Kineton down with great slaughter.

But the Left Wing of the King's Horse had not the same success, but was broken, and routed by the Right Wing of the Parliaments Horse, com­manded by Sir William Balfour, Sir Philip Stapleton, the Lord Fielding and Colonel Hurrey.

General Lindsey being far ingaged, was taken Prisoner, and died presently after of his Wounds; with him was taken the Lord Willoughby of Ersby his Son, Sir Edmund Verney the Standard-bearer was slain, and the Standard taken, and rescued a­gain by Mr. John Smith, who was Knighted for it, and made Standard-bearer.

Both Armies, Horse and Foot performed their parts with great Valour and Bravery, night parted the Fight, and both Armies retreat each counting themselves Victors. On both sides were lost be­tween 5000 and 6000 Men.

On the King's side the General Lindsey, and Sir Edmund Verney; on the Parliaments part Colo­nel Thomas Essex, and Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey, and the Lord S. John, taken Prisoner, soon after died.

The King marched toward Aino, Essex kept up­on the place where the Battel was fought, and the next day marched towards Coventry.

Some of his Friends were very much against his marching thither, but rather advised him to pursue the King, and to make a fresh attacque upon him: there being come in to Essex after the Battel, three fresh Regiments, The Lord Willoughby of Parham his Regiment of Horse, and the two Regiments of Foot of Hollis, and Hampden, gallant, stout and fresh Regiments.

But Essex was disswaded from it by Colonel Dal­bier, and some others; but the three fresh Colo­nels, Stapleton, and several others advised it; and probably had he with these fresh Forces made a new assault upon the King's disordered and tyred Army, it might have gone far to have put an issue to the business.

Upon the News of this Battel all Countreys were alarmed and frighted being a strange thing in Eng­land.

From Aino, Oct. 27. The King sends a Proclama­tion of Pardon to the Cities of London and West­minster, excepting onely Fulke and Manwaring.

Banbury Town and Castle surrendred without Blows to the King, two Foot Regiments, and a Troup of Horse there of the Parliaments took up Arms for the King; who now brought his whole Army to Oxford, and thereby the Error of the The King at Oxford. Lord Say, in not fortifying this place before when it was in his power, for the Parliament, was the more evident.

Prince Rupert takes in the Lord Say's House at Broughton, and made excursions near London, which caused the Parliament to order Essex to Essex. bring his Army near London for their safeguard: which he did, and was honourably received at Westminster, Novemb. the 7 th, and presented with a gratuity of 5000 l. and a Declaration of his valiant [Page 62] and acceptable Service in the bloody Battel of Edg-hill.

The Papists of Lancashire were allowed to bear Arms, which in many Protestants wrought a Cen­sure on the King, for too much favouring, and en­tertaining them in his Army.

The Parliament order, That all Apprentices who will list themselves in their Army, shall have their time of that Service for their Freedom: which brought many of them into their Army; they also invite the Scots to come in to their assistance, which the King seeks to prevent, but in vain.

Prince Rupert ranged abroad with great Parties, who committed strange insolencies, and violences, upon the Countrey: at Ailsbury he failed of his de­sign, by the care and stoutness of Colonel Bulstrode Governour there.

The King takes a resolution, and not without grounds of reason, to advance to London, and all his Army marcheth to Reading, Henley, and those parts; Prince Rupert's Brigade quartered at Hen­ley, and of them a Regiment of Horse at Fawley Court.

The King marched forward with his great Ar­my An Ad­dress for Peace. towards London, and the Parliament having voted an Address to him for Peace, desired a safe con­duct for the Earls of Northumberland, and Pem­broke, and for Mr. Pierpoint, the Lord Weenman, Sir John Evelyn, and Sir John Hippsley, to present their Petition to his Majesty.

But he excepted against Sir John Evelyn, because he had proclaimed him Traytor, which so irritated the Houses, that they voted it a refusal of a Treaty, and acquainted the City therewith.

But afterwards the Petition was sent to the King Petition. at Colnebrook, by the other Commissioners without Sir John Evelyn, and was to desire him to appoint his residence in some place near London, where the Com­missioners of Parliament might attend him with proposi­tions of a Peace, and the King appointed his Castle of Windsor for that purpose, and desired that the Treaty might be speeded,

The Commissioners of Parliament being newly departed from the King, he was informed That Essex had drawn forth his Cannon, and Forces out of London, and was advised to take in Brainford; whither he advanced the same Night.

There, were quartered part of the Regiment of Colonel Hollis, who were very stout men, as ap­peared by the resistance which they made to the King's Forces, and though many of them were slain, and divers driven into the River, and drown­ed, being mightily overpowred with Numbers; yet they defended themselves, till the Lord Brook's, and Hampden's Regiment came in to their relief: and when Night came on, they quitted the Town, and the King possessed it.

This being known to the Parliament Nov. 13. they sent a Committee to the City to move them to send forth their Trained Bands the next day to joyn with Essex for defence of the City and Parlia­ment, against the King's Forces at Brainford.

The City were in much trouble, and different Opinions, but the Lord Mayor Pennington, and Of­ficers of the Militia, named by the Parliament were so forward, that what was desired was resolved by the City.

General Essex was advised to order some of his Horse and Foot to the number of about 3000 who then were quartered at Kingston, that they should march to Hunsloe, and be on that side of the King's Army, and Essex with his Party, and the City Forces to advance on the other side of them from London, and so the Army of the King would be en­compassed between these two strong Parties of the Parliament Forces, which doubtless would have been a very great advantage to the Parliament Forces.

But Dalbier chiefly, and Sir John Meyricke, and others gave contrary advice, which was followed, and the Forces at Kingston commanded to march round about by London-bridge into London, and from thence to joyn with the Parliament Army; whereby they came late and tyred when they were to have done Service.

The City Bands marched forth very chearfully under the Command of Major General Skippon, who made short, and encouraging Speeches to his Soul­diers, which were to this purpose.

Come my Boys, my brave Boys, let us pray heartily Skippon his Speeches. and fight heartily, I will run the same fortunes and hazards with you, remember the Cause is for God; and for the defence of your selves, your wives, and children: Come my honest brave Boys, pray heartily and fight heartily, and God will bless us.

Thus he went all along with the Souldiers, talk­ing to them, sometimes to one Company, and sometimes to another; and the Souldiers seemed to be more taken with it, then with a sett, formal Oration.

Beyond Hammer smith in a Lane were placed the Turnham-green. great Guns ready to be drawn up as there should be occasion, & a little beyond that were the Carriages, in a Field close to the High-way, placed with great Guards about them for their defence. The whole Army was drawn up in Battalia in a Common called Turnham-green, about a mile from Brainford. Essex had there a strong Party of Horse, stout men, well horsed and armed; Sir Philip Stapleton's Regiment, and Colonel Goodwin's Regiments of Horse, had the Van.

The other Regiments of Horse were placed on both Wings, the Foot of the Army were in good plight, and well Armed; and were placed in the Body one Regiment of them, and another of the City Band, one by another, and some were left for reserves.

The order and marshalling of them was chiefly by the Earl of Holland, who took great pains, and shewed good skill in Martial affairs: with him were the Earl of Northumberland, and most of the Lords who continued with the Parliament, & divers Mem­bers of the House of Commons, and all were armed.

The General Essex likewise took great pains in the Field, and accompanied with the Lords and Commons with him, rode from Regiment to Re­giment encouraging of them; and when he had spo­ken to them, the Souldiers would throw up their Caps, and shout, crying, Hey for old Robin.

The whole Army of Horse and Foot, consisted of above 24000 Men; stout, gallant, proper Men, as well habited and armed, as were ever seen in any Army, and seemed to be in as good courage to fight the Enemy.

The General Essex, and the Lords, and others with him upon consultation together in the Field, thought fit to command a Party of two Regiments of Horse, and four of Foot to march about from the Green by Acton, and so to get beyond the King's Army, and upon a Sign when they fell upon the King's Army on that side, Essex and his Forces were to fall upon them on this side, and so to have them between both Parties of their Army.

Accordingly orders were given, and Hampden's Regiment being one of that party which were to go about, they had the Van next to the Horse, and after they had marched about a mile on their way, and the Enemy began to gaze on them, Sir John Meyricke Major General to Essex rode gal­loping after them.

[Page 63] When he had overtaken them, he told them, that the General had changed his resolution of di­viding his Forces, and had sent him expresly to command them to retreat back again to the rest of the Army: at which they were exceedingly trou­bled.

They all retreated according to command to Turnham-green, where the whole Army stood ma­ny hours in Battalia, as the King's Army had done, facing one another.

Whensoever either of them advanced towards the other, or that the Souldiers shouted, then two or 300 Horsemen, who came from London to be Spectators, would gallop away towards London as fast as they could ride, to the discouragement of the Parliaments Army; and divers of the Souldiers would steal from their Colours towards their home, the City.

It was then consulted whether the Parliament Army should advance, and fall upon the King's Forces, which was the opinion of most of the Par­liament men, and Gentlemen, who were Officers; but the Souldiers of fortune were altogether against it; and while they were consulting the King had drawn off his Carriages, and Ordnance, and when every one spake his opinion, the General gave his Orders as he thought best.

The City Good-wives, and others, mindfull of their Husbands and Friends, sent many Cart loads of Provisions, and Wines, and good things to Turnbam-green, with which the Souldiers were re­freshed, and made merry; and the more, when they understood that the King, and all his Army The King's Forces re­treat. were retreated.

Upon this was another Consultation whether the Parliament Army should pursue them, which all advised, but the old Souldiers of fortune: on whose judgment the General most relied; and their reasons were That it was too hazardous to follow the Enemy, and honour and safety enough to the Parliament that the King was retreated.

But some of the King's Party did afterwards confess that if they had fallen on them at this time, they had not Bullet enough to have maintained fight for a quarter of an hour, but that, in proba­bility, they had wholly broken them, and that this was the Cause of their retreat. And God had a further Controversie yet against them.

The King being marched away, the General gave Orders for the Citizens to go home, which they gladly obeyed; to return to their Wives and Families that night.

The King marched back to Colnebrooke, from thence to Reading, and so to Oxford, his most con­venient quarter.

This Action of the King, in the time of a Trea­ty, was so ill resented by many men, that they spake very hardly of it; and the Parliament voted Vote. that they would have no accommodation. Yet upon a Message from him, that he intended to march at such a distance from London, as might take away all Message. misapprehension, and not hinder the preparing of their Propositions.

They again send a Petition to him to desert his Army, and to return to his Parliament. In the mean Petition. time Letters from Holland to the King are inter­cepted, whereby Notice is given him of store of Am­munition Letters in­tercepted. and Money, sent to him from thence, and of an Embassadour coming from Denmark to the King, and Colonel Cockeram with him.

The Earl of New Castle, in the North hath great Forces for the King, and overpowred the Lord Fairfax.

Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Hertford, Cambridge and Ely, associate under the Lord Grey of Warke, for the Parliament. Winchester and Chester are gained by the Parliaments Forces.

Goring lands with the Queen's Standard, and store of Officers and Ammunition from Holland, and joyns with New Castle.

The City of London petition the King professing Petition. their grief for his distrust of them, and their loyalty to him, he answers, that he hath a good opinion of many Answer. of them, and could willingly pardon all, except Pen­nington, Ven, Fowke, and Manwaring; and he threatens such as shall continue to assist his Ad­versaries.

The City were put in heart again by the Speeches City. of Mr. Rym, and the Committee of Parliament to their Common Council, of the Houses love to the City, and resolution to live and die in their de­fence.

In the North the Parliaments Forces prevail a­gain; Sir Hugh Cholmley defeats some of the Ene­mies Sir Hugh Cholmley. at Malton, and Jan. 16. he and Sir Matthew Bointon at Gisborough rout a party of 600, killed many, took 15 Prisoners, whereof their Comman­der Slingsby was one, and 200 Arms.

Sir Thomas Fairfax carries Leeds, and took there four Colours, 500 Prisoners, with much Arms and Ammunition; then Wakefield, and Doncaster yield themselves to the Parliament.

The Earl of New Castle draws down his Forces towards York, to prepare for the Queen's enter­tainment, and proclaims the Lord Fairfax, and Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son, Traytors, and the Par­liament did the like for the Earl.

The Parliament resolved to send some Propositi­ons Propositi­ons for Peace. to the King, and named their Commissioners two of the House of Lords, and four of the House of Commons, to present their Propositions to His Majesty.

The Lords were, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Say, the King refused to grant a safe conduct for the Lord Say, because he had been proclaimed by him to be a Traitor; so another was put in, and four Lords and eight Commoners na­med to carry the Propositions to the King: and January 28. the King granted his safe Conduct for them to come to him, which was in this form.

CHARLES REX,

Our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby streightly charge, and command all the Officers and Souldiers of Safe Con­duct. our present Army, and all our Ministers and Subjects whatsoever, to permit and suffer our Right Trusty, and Right well beloved Cosins and Counsellors, Alger­noon Earl of Northumberland, Philip Earl of Pem­broke and Montgomery, William Earl of Salisbury, and Henry Earl of Holland: Our right trusty and right well beloved Thomas Viscount Weenman, and Richard Viscount Dungarnon, and our trusty and well beloved Sir John Holland, and Sir William Litton, Knights; William Pierpoint, Bulstrode White­locke, Edmund Waller, and Richard Winwood, Esquires; together with their Servants, to pass and repass to and from us, they being sent to tender us Propo­sitions from our two Houses of Parliament. This our safe Conduct under our Sign Manual and Privy Signet, we charge and command them, and every of them, punctually to observe and obey as they will answer the contrary at their utmost perils.

Given at our Court at Oxford the 28. day of January 1642.

After this safe Conduct sent from the King, the Parliament Commissioners took their Journey to Oxford, the Commissioners were admitted by the Lords, two with each Lord in their Coaches, which were with six gallant Horses in every Coach, and [Page 64] a great number of their Servants on Horse back to attend them.

In this Equipage they came to Oxford, where the Governour assigned them their quarters.

They had their first access to the King in the Treaty at Oxford. Garden of Christ Church, where he was walking with the Prince, and divers of the Lords attending him. All of them kissed his hand, not as they were ranked in the safe Conduct, but according to their several degrees. Mr. Pierpoint before the Knights, he being an Earls Son, and Mr. Winwood before Mr. Whitelocke, he being the eldest Knights Son; and Mr. Waller was the last. The King said to him though you are the last, yet you are not the worst, nor the least in my favour.

The discovery of a Plot then in hand in London, to betray the Parliament, wherein Mr. Waller was ingaged with Challoner, Tomkins, and others, which was then in agitation, did manifest the King's Courtship to Mr. Waller to be for that Service.

After they had all kissed the King's Hand, the Prince gave them his Hand to kiss.

The Earl of Northumberland read the Propositi­ons to the King with a sober, and stout carriage, and being interrupted by the King, he said smartly, Your Majesty will give me leave to proceed? the King answered, I, I, and so the Earl read them all through.

The Heads of the Parliaments Propositions to Propositi­ons. the King, were To disband his Army, and return to his Parliament, leave Delinquents to Trial, and Pa­pists to be disarmed.

To pass a Bill for abolishing Bishops, &c. and such other Bills as should be presented for Reformation, Re­cusants to abjure Papacy, to remove malignant Coun­sellors, to settle the Militia, as the Parliament desired, to prefer to Offices such as the Parliament should name, to take in all that were put out of Commissions of the Peace.

A Bill to vindicate the Lord Kimbolton, and five Members, to enter into Alliance for the Palatinate, to grant a general Pardon, excepting New Castle, Dig­by, and others.

To restore Parliament Members to their Offices, and to restore their losses.

On the other side the King proposed, The King's Propositi­ons.

That his Revenue, Magazins, Towns, Ships and Forts be restored.

That what hath been done contrary to Law, and the King's Right may be recalled.

That all illegal power claimed, or acted by Orders of Parliament, be disclaimed. As the King will consent to the execution of all Laws, concerning Popery or Re­formation; so he desires a Bill for preserving the Book of Common Prayer against Sectaries, that all persons excepted against in the Treaty, may be tried per pa­res, with a cessation of Arms, and for a free Trade.

Thus way was made for a Treaty, but nothing further done in it, till 4. Martii after.

The Queen landed with Officers, Money and Ammunition in the North, and is conveyed to York, where she forms an Army.

Massey attempting to storm Sudely Castle, was beaten off, he possesseth the Garden, fires much Massey. Hay and Straw, and under the smoak thereof plan­ted his Ordnance so advantageously against it, that the besieged rendred it upon quarter, leaving their Arms behind.

A few days after, Prince Rupert with 4000 Horse and Foot, marcheth by it to Cirencester; where the Magazine of the County lay, this he took, put­ting the Earl of Stamford's Regiment, and many others to the sword: took 1100 Prisoners, and 3000 Arms.

These Prisoners were led in much triumph to Oxford, where the King, and Lords looked on them, and too many smiled at their misery, being tied together with cords almost naked, beaten, and driven along like Dogs.

Among them was a proper handsome man of a very white Skin, where it could be seen for the blood of his wounds, he not being able to goe, was set naked upon the bare back of an Horse, his wounds gaping, and his Body smeared with blood; yet he sate upright upon the Horse, with an un­daunted countenance, and when near the King a brawling woman cried out to him, Ah you traiterly Rogue, you are well enough served, he, with a scorn­full look towards her answered, you base Whore: and instantly dropped off, dead from his Horse.

And the beginning of such cruelty by English men towards their Countreymen, was afterwards too too much followed.

Prince Rupert summons Gloucester, which Massey resolves to hold out; and the better to strengthen himself, deserts Sudeley, and other Out-Garri­sons.

The Welsh Army under the Earl of Worcester, and the Lord Herbert his Son, having beaten Colo­nel Burroughs his Regiment, sit down before Glou­cester, which they summoned, but Massey returned a scornfull Answer: Colonel Fines came to him with 200 Horse, and Dragoons; and not long af­ter, Sir William Waller with his Forces. The Welsh were routed, and the Earl after sive weeks siege, without any memorable Action departed.

The Scots pass over the Tyne with a compleat Scots come in. Army into England, to assist the Parliament. Their General was Lesley, who had been an old Com­mander Lesley. in the service of the Swedes, where he had great and deserved Reputation. He was a person of great worth and honour, not so good a Clerk as a Souldier.

The Pope sent into Ireland to encourage the Ireland. Rebels there, bestows upon them his fatherly Be­nediction, and plenary Absolution.

The Germans received several defeats from the Swedes in Germany, and from the French; and this year died the famous Polititian Cardinal Richlieu, Richlieu dies. Lewys the XIII. dies. and not long after him, his Master Lewys the XIII. King of France died in the midst of his Catalonian Conquests, leaving his Son Lewys the XIV under the tuition and government of his Mother the Queen Dowager, and of Cardinal Mazarin, Rich­lieu's Successour.

Anno 1643.

Car. 19 The Nineteenth year of King Charles, 1643. be­gins with a Treaty of Peace between Him and the Parliament, who had named for their Commissio­ners two Lords, the Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Say, and four Commons, Mr. Pierpoint, Sir William Ermyn, Sir John Holland and Mr. White­locke.

The King excepted against the Lord Say, as be­fore is mentioned, therefore he did not goe, but the other 5 Commissioners. The Earl of Northum­berland carried with him, his own Plate, and Hou­sholdstuff, Commissi­oners at Oxford. and Accommodations even to Wine, and Provisions, which were brought from London to them to Oxford, where they lived in as much Height and Nobleness as the Earl of Northumber­land [Page 65] used to doe, and that is scarce exceeded by any Subject.

Anno 1643 The King used them with great favour and civi­lity: and his General, Ruthen, and divers of his Lords, and Officers, came frequently to their Ta­ble; and they had very friendly discourses, and treatments together. The King himself did them the honour sometimes to accept of part of their Wine, and Provisions, which the Earl sent to him, when they had any thing extraordinary.

The Commissioners finding Whitelocke's Pen use­full in the service, did put him upon drawing of all their Papers to the King, which were transcribed afterwards by their Secretaries.

Their Instructions were very strict, and tied them up to treat with none but the King himself, whom they often attended at his Lodgings in Christ-Church, and had access at all times when they desi­red it; and were allowed by His Majesty a very free debate with him.

He had commonly waiting on him when he treat­ed with them, Prince Rupert, and the Lord Keeper Littleton, the Earl of Southampton, the Lord Chief Justice Banks, and several Lords of his Council, who never debated any Matters with them, but gave their Opinions to the King in those things which he demanded of them, and sometimes would put the King in mind of some particular things, but otherwise they did not speak at all.

In this Treaty the King manifested his great Parts and Abilities, strength of Reason, and quick­ness of Apprehension, with much patience in hear­ing what was objected against him; wherein he al­lowed all freedom, and would himself sum up the Arguments, and give a most clear Judgment upon them.

His unhappiness was, that he had a better Opi­nion of others Judgments than of his own, though they were weaker than his own; and of this, the Parliament Commissioners had experience to their great trouble.

They were often waiting on the King, and debating some points of the Treaty with him, un­till Midnight, before they could come to a con­clusion. Upon one of the most material points they pressed His Majesty with their Reasons and best Arguments they could use to grant what they desired.

The King said, he was fully satisfied, and promi­sed to give them his Answer in writing, according to their desire, but, because it was then past Midnight, and too late to put it into writing, he would have it drawn up the next Morning (when he comman­ded them to wait on him again) and then he would give them his Answer in writing, as it was now agreed upon.

They went to their lodgings full of Joyfull hopes to receive this Answer the next morning, and which being given, would have much conduced to a happy issue, and success of this Treaty, and they had the King's word for it, and they wai­ted on him the next morning at the hour appoin­ted.

But instead of that Answear, which they ex­pected, and were promised, the King gave them a Paper quite contrary to what was concluded the Night before, and very much tending to the breach of the Treaty. They did humbly expostulate this with His Majesty, and pressed him upon his Royal word, and the ill Consequences which they feared would follow upon this his new Paper.

But the King told them he had altered his mind, and that this Paper which he now gave them, was his Answer, which he was now resolved to make upon their last Debate. And they could obtain no other from him, which occasioned much sadness and trouble to them.

Some of his own Friends, of whom the Commis­sioners enquired touching this passage, informed them, that after they were gone from the King, and that his Council were also gone away, some of his Bed Chamber (and they went higher) hearing from him, what Answer he had promised, and doubting that it would tend to such an Issue of the Treaty as they did not wish; they being rather for the continuance of the War,

They never left pressing, and perswading of the King, till they prevailed with him to change his former Resolutions, and to give order for his An­swer to be drawn, as it was now delivered.

The Treaty upon the King's Propositions, as well as upon the Commissioners going slowly on, and their Instructions being strict, and such as they could not shew to the King when he desired it, he thought fit, Apr. 12. to send a Message to the Par­liament during the Treaty, to this effect.

That as soon as he was satisfied, in his first Proposi­tion, Message. and as soon as the Members of both Houses should be restored, and that his Majesty and both Houses may be secured from tumultuous Assemblies, (which he con­ceived could not otherwise be done, but by adjourning the Parliament to some place twenty miles from Lon­don, such as the Houses should agree upon) His Ma­jesty would consent to the Disbanding of the Armies, and would return speedily to his Parliament.

This being intimated to the Commissioners, they disswaded the sending of it, as that which they fear­ed might break off the Treaty, and the improbabi­lity that the Houses would adjourn and leave the City of London, their best Friends, and Strength, and put a discontent upon them.

Yet the King was prevailed with to send it, and upon the Receipt of it by the Houses, they present­ly resolved to call away their Commissioners, and sent their Orders to them to return to the Parlia­ment, which they obeyed; and so this Treaty ha­ving Treaty breaks off▪ continued from the 4. of March to the 15. of April, was now dissolved, and all their labours and hazards become fruitless, and of no effect; and all good English men, lovers of the Peace of their Countrey, were troubled, and disappoin­ted.

The Earl of Northumberland demeaned himself with much courage, and wisedom, and was full of civility to the other Commissioners, and the port they lived in at Oxford, by the Earl's direction, and managed by his Officers, was full of State and Nobleness.

Mr. Pierpoint acted his part with deep foresight and prudence, and was exceeding courteous to his fellow Commissioners.

Sir William Ermyn was a Gentleman of good un­derstanding and conversation, and would give his opinion upon good reason.

Sir John Holland, a Gentleman of excellent parts, as well as person, shewed a very good Judgment, and testimony of his Abilities.

Mr. Whitelocke was put upon very much labour, and had both from the Earl, and the rest of the Commissioners, a great share of favour and re­spect.

When they were come to the Parliament they gave them a particular Account of all their Nego­tiation, wherewith they were so well satisfied, that they ordered the thanks of the House to be given them, and by vote approved of all their proceed­ings. Lord Brook

The Lord Brooke having seised the King's Ammu­nition at Northampton, marched from thence to Warwick, and so to Stratford upon Avon, where [Page 66] he beat out of the Town the Forces of Colonel Crocker, and Wagstaffe, and coming to Lichfield, the Earl of Chesterfield, and his Forces, left the Town, and betook themselves to the Close. But in the fight, one of his men shooting at the Win­dow of the Lord Brook's Chamber where his Lord­ship was, the Bullet pierced his Eye, and my Lord instantly died.

At which Brook's Souldiers inraged, recollected themselvers, renewed the fight, and took the Close, with the Earl, and all his Souldiers and Ord­nance.

Shortly after the Earl of Northampton with part E. North­ampton. of the King's Army, enters Lichfield, and drives the Parliaments Forces into the Close; and Sir John Gell, and Sir William Brereton, coming with 3000 Horse and Foot to relieve them, were fought with and defeated; but the Earl was slain in the head of his Forces.

Afterwards Prince Rupert fell upon the Parlia­ment Forces there under Colonel Russell, who ren­dred the place upon honourable conditions.

April 17. General Essex sate down before Rea­ding, where he made two attempts, and was beaten off.

The King marched from Oxford to Wallingford, to relieve Reading, and Essex his Forces encreasing, they worsted and killed many of the King's party at Cavesham, and they furiously playing upon the Town, Fielding the Lieutenant Governour (Sir Arthur Aston being hurt with the fall of a Brick) surrendred the Town to Essex.

Fielding for this was sentenced by a Council of War to lose his Head, but was afterwards par­doned.

May 3. Cheapside Cross, and other Crosses were voted down. The Queen was voted a Traytor for raising Arms against the Parliament. She met the King at Edg-hill with 3000 Foot, 30 Compa­nies of Horse and Dragoons, 6 pieces of Ca­non, &c.

Monsieur Harcout came Embassadour from France, to mediate an Accommodation, but effected no­thing. The King drew to his assistance the Irish, and the Parliament brought in the Scots, to whom they swore the Solemn League and Covenant. Covenant.

This was long debated in the House of Com­mons whether the Members of Parliament should take it or not, and carried in the Affirmative; and those looked upon as ill affected, who were back­ward to take it: And after that, upon a new and great Debate, it was ordered to be taken by all persons, in the City and Countrey; and those who were known to refuse it, were branded with the mark of Malignancy.

Sir Ralph Hopton at Launceston drove back Chidley and his forces, but by a pannick fear, in a tempe­stuous Night, they fled back to Launceston. Yet shortly after they defeated the Parliament forces. Chidley revolts to the King, and defeated the Cor­nish.

May. 27. The Parliament forces gained a Victo­ry at Wakefield against the King's forces.

Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes discovered a Plot of Yeoman's, and others, to betray Bristol to the King, for which they were sentenced by a Council of War to be hanged, and though the King wrote to the Magistrates, and General Ruthen to Colonel Fiennes the Governour, to spare their lives, yet they were executed.

In the end of this Month of May died Mr. John Pym dies. Pym, that eminent active Member of the House of Commons, and it was believed that the Multi­tude of his business and cares did so break his Spi­rits and Health, that it brought his Death.

June began with the Arraignment of Waller (a Member of the House of Commons) Tomkins, Chal­loner, and others, for conspiring to surprize the City Militia, and some Members of Parliament, and to let in the King's forces, to surprize the City, and dissolve the Parliament.

Waller, a very ingenious man, was the principal Actor and contriver of this Plot, which was in de­sign when he and the other Commissioners were at Oxford with the Parliaments Propositions. And that, being then known to the King, occasioned him to speak the words to Waller when he kissed his hand, (though you are the last yet you are not the worst, nor the least in our favour) as is before remem­bred.

When he was examined touching this Plot, he was asked whether Selden, Pierpoint, Whitelocke, and others by name, were acquainted with it: he answered, that they were not, but that he did come one Evening to Selden's Study, where Pierpoint, and Whitelocke then were with Selden, on purpose to impart it to them all, and speaking of such a thing in general terms, those Gentlemen did so in­veigh against any such thing, as treachery and base­ness, and that which might be the occasion of shedding much blood.

That (he said) he durst not for the awe and re­spect which he had for Selden, and the rest, communi­cate any of the particulars to them; but was almost dis­heartned himself to proceed in it.

They were all upon their Trial condemned, Waller. Tomkins and Challoner onely were hanged, Waller had a Reprieve from General Essex, and after a years imprisonment, he paid a fine of ten thou­sand pound was pardoned, and travailed into France.

The General Essex being about Thame, ordered the Buckinghamshire Forces to Alarm the Cavaliers, some Skirmishes past between them, Rupert inga­geth their Body in Chalgrave Field, Routs them, and takes Captain Sheffeild, and many other Pri­soners, Major Gunter was shot dead in the place, and Hampden wounded, whereof he died a week Hampden. after.

Some had advised him not to go forth upon this Party he not being ordered to doe it, but his Mettle did put him forward, and his death in­sued.

He was a Gentleman of the ancientest Extraction in Buckinghamshire, Hampden of Hampden, his for­tune large, his natural Abilities great, and his af­fection to publick Liberty, and Applause in his Countrey, exposed him to many difficulties, and troubles, as in the business of the Ship-money, of the Loan, and now in Parliament,

Where he was a most Active and Leading Mem­ber; he spake rationally and subtilly, and often proposed Doubts more than he resolved; he was well beloved in his Countrey, where he had a great Interest, as also in the House of Commons, he died lamented, about the 24. of June, 1643.

In the West the Parliament Forces took in Taun­ton, and Bridgwater. The Synod of Divines sate, but concluded upon nothing.

In Germany the Protestant Forces under the Germany. Duke of Brunswick endeavoured to reduce Woolfen Bottel. Picolomini for the Emperour, enters the Town, and sets upon Brunswick, but was beaten, and lost 2000 men.

Lamboy for the Emperour about Bohemia, had his Regiment defeated for want of good Guards, and himself taken Prisoner, and sent to France by Count Guebiran, who for this service and taking of John de Wert, received the Marshals Staff.

The Swedes with 7000 fresh men, under Tortoi­son, Swedes. [Page 67] enter Germany, and did gallant Service a­gainst the Arch-Duke Leopold. Picolomini march­eth against, and brake through their left Wing at Leipsick, and fell to plunder. The Swedes rally and turn upon the Enemy, and they fly, six thou­sand of them seized never shot off.

The Swedes take Leipsick and besiege Friburgh, which is relieved by Picolomini, who upon this suc­cess took leave of the Arch-Duke, and the Empe­rour's service, and was entertained by the Spa­niard.

The French prospered in Catalonia.

June 16. The Queen was brought to Bed of a Daughter at Excester, named Henrietta Maria. Henrietta Maria.

The Parliament finding the great failure of Ju­stice for want of a great Seal, voted, That if the Lord Keeper Littleton did not return with the Great Seal within fourteen days, he should lose his Place, Great Seal. and whatsoever should be sealed with that Great Seal afterwards, should be void.

By their Order a new Great Seal was made, en­graven on the one side, the Picture of the House of Commons, the Members sitting; on the other side, the Arms of England and Ireland.

Waller with his whole Army was fought with by Greenvile and Slanning, at Lands Down in the West, Sir W. Wal­ler defea­ted. Greenvile did gallant Service, and was slain there; so was Leake, the Lord Deincourt's Son, with the Enemies Colours about his Arm, and many others of quality.

On Waller's part, the Foot were dispersed and cut off, many Officers and Arms lost. Waller fol­lows the King's Forces to whom Wilmot was sent with fifteen hundred Horse; they both met at Rowndway Down, near the Devises in Wiltshire, where Waller's Horse upon a pannick fear, fled and left their Foot to the mercy of the Enemy, who flew a great number of them, and took many Pri­soners, four brass Guns, Ammunition and Bag­gage.

This caused a diminution of the former Fame of Waller, which was raised up near to a competi­tion or emulation with Essex himself, and caused some slackning of mutual Succors and Assistance, to the prejudice of their common Cause: But after this Defeat, Waller posted up to London, where his person, being a man known to be of much honour and courage, silenced Invectives against him, and made the better way for Recruits for him.

During these Actions of Waller, their General Essex writes to the Parliament, to incline them to a Peace with the King; at which some were dis­pleased, and intimated the promoting of Waller in his place: But this was before they received the News from Rowndway Down of this Defeat.

In the North some difference had been between the Lord Fairfax and Sir John Hotham, who refu­sed Hotham. to submit to Fairfax, though General for the Parliament in those parts; but Hotham was as high and morose, as the other was meek and cour­teous. The Parliament hearing of this Contest, intended to displace Hotham, which he discover­ing by Letters that he intercepted, began to have new Designs.

His Son Captain Hotham being suspected by the Parliament, was imprisoned at Nottingham, from whence escaping, he under-hand treated with the Earl of Newcastle, and coming to Hull, he and his Father stood upon their Guard.

The Parliament doubting the Consequence here­of, sent Sir Matthew Bointon with a Commission to seize them both, and to be Governour there; who not suspected by Hotham, being his Brother-in-law, had the more opportunity to tamper with the Gar­rison, and gain an Interest with the Souldiers, so that he gained them and the Magazine.

Then Sir John, too late seeing the Design against him, fled to Beverley, where his own Souldiers set upon him, and forced him back again to Hull, where he was taken by his Brother Sir Matthew Bointon,; and with his Lady, his Son, and all his Children, sent up Prisoners to the Parliament, and Bointon remained Governour of Hull in his place.

His rough carriage, especially to his Inferiours, his very narrow living, and the betraying of the Trust committed to him, rendred him so distast­full to all sorts of people,

That his Masters (for whom he had done so great Service in resisting the King at his first com­ing to Hull,) they now cast him off; his Souldiers (who had fought for him) now chase him away from them, and his Brother in Law supplants him, and sends him with his Wife and Children, Pri­soners to the Parliament. The Exit of his Scene in this Tragick Age, follows in its order of time.

Prince Rupert hovered long about Bristoll, till Bristol ta­ken by P. Rupert. finding by his Correspondents (whereof he had many in the City) when it was worst provided for resistance, he fell upon it, and Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes the Governour, after three days siege, was forced to surrender it.

For which the Governour was afterwards sen­tenced by a Council of War, to lose his life, but by General Essex he was pardoned, and gave off his Military Service.

The new Great Seal was at the first committed Great Seal. to the Custody of the two Speakers, to be made use of by the Warrant of the Houses, afterwards it was committed to the Custody of two Lords, and four Commoners, as Commissioners, who had the Authority of Keeper of the Great Seal.

The Lords were the Earls of Manchester and Bullingbrook, the Commoners were Mr. Brown, Mr. S. John, Mr. Wilde, and Mr. Prideaux.

The Courts of Justice were not-yet open, no practice for Lawyers.

August 12. The Earl of Lindsey being released from his Imprisonment by the Parliament, came to the King at Oxford, and was highly welcomed there; but the Earls of Holland and Bedford found it otherwise to them.

For they about August 25. upon some distaste at the Parliament, left them and got to Wallingford, where the Governour Blagge received them with great shews of Honour, and brought them from thence to the King at Oxford.

To him these Lords professed their Duty and Allegiance, acknowledging their former Errours, and promising wholly to desert the Parliament; and to adhere to his Majestie's Interest. But not long after, finding less favour and respect to them from the King and his Party, than they expected; upon this new Discontent, they found means a­gain to quit Oxford, and to return to the Parlia­ment.

About the same time the Earl of Clare left the Parliament, and went to the King to Oxford; but finding such Entertainment as Holland and Bedford had done, both from the King and those about him, he stoutly told the King, That he intended to return to his own house in Nottinghamshire, and prayed his Majestie's leave for it. The King wished him not to go, but finding him resolute upon his Journey, sent to have him stopped; but in the mean while the Earl found means to pass the Guards, and got home to Houghton, and from thence to the Parliament.

It was said in Drollery, that these three Earls had much confirmed others to continue with the [Page 68] Parliament; for they having tried both Parties, found it by Experience that this was the best to be in, and to adhere unto.

A Book set out by Saltmarsh a Minister, gave di­staste to sober men, by these, among other his Counsells:

  • 1. That all means should be used to keep the King and his People from a sudden union.
  • 2. To cherish the War under the notion of Popery, as the surest means to engage the people.
  • 3. If the King would not grant their Demands, then to root him out, and the Royal Line, and to Collate the Crown upon some body else.

Some excepting against this in the house of Com­mons, Mr. Henry Martyn said, He saw no reason H. Martyn. to condemn Mr. Saltmarsh, and that it were better one Family should be destroyed, than many.

Sir Nevill Poole moved that Mr. Martyn might explain what one Family he meant. Who boldly an­swered, The King and his Children. Upon this some of the Members urged against his lewdness of life, and the height and danger of these words: And divers speaking sharply against Mr. Martyn, he was committed to the Tower, but shortly after re­leased, and re-admitted to his place in Parlia­ment.

Sir Edward Coniers is removed fom his place of Lieutenant of the Tower, and the Charge thereof given to the Lord Mayor Pennington. The Parlia­ments Commissioners in Scotland send word of a fair Correspondence with the State there, and their readiness to comply with the Parliament; in order to which, they had sent from them the Form of a Covenant to be taken by both Nations.

This the Parliament refers to the Assembly of Divines then sitting, for their Advice in it. Sir John Evelyn of Wilts, had writ a Letter from the Earl of Northumberland's house at Petworth, to Sir John Evelyn of Surrey, which being intercepted, and suspicious; both of them being Members of the house of Commons were Imprisoned.

Both Houses passed an Ordinance, August 28, for demolishing and removing all Monuments of Idolatry and Superstition out of all Churches and Chapels in England and Wales.

Divers Members of both Houses were Members of the Assembly of Divines, and had the same liber­ty with the Divines to sit, and debate, and give their Votes in any Matter which was in considera­tion amongst them: In which Debates Mr. Selden Selden. spake admirably, and confuted divers of them in their own learning.

And sometimes when they had cited a Text of Scripture to prove their Assertion, he would tell them, Perhaps in your little Pocket Bibles with gilt Leaves (which they would often pull out and read) the Translation may be thus, but the Greek or the He­brew, signifies thus and thus; and so would totally silence them.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham had done great Service for the Parliament in Lincolnshire. He had taken in Gainsborough, and divers Prisoners there, a­mong whom was the Earl of Kingston, who with Earl of Kingston. the rest being sent by Water in a close Boat to­wards Hull,

A party of Cavaliers, as they passed by, called to the Boat to stay, and because they did not, the Cavaliers shot at them, and the Earl with his man, and no other in the Boat, were slain by their own Friends.

The Lord Willoughby kept the Town afterwards against the Earl of Newcastle's Forces, till over-powred with Numbers, he was forced to surrender it upon honourable conditions.

Colonel Cromwell gave assistance to the Lord Willoughby, and performed very gallant Service a­gainst Cromwell. the Earl of Newcastle's Forces. This was the beginning of his great Fortunes, and now he began to appear to the world.

He had a brave Regiment of Horse of his Coun­try-men, most of them Freeholders, and Freehol­ders Sons, and who upon matter of Conscience, en­gaged in this Quarrel, and under Cromwell.

And thus being well armed within, by the satis­faction of their own Consciences, and without, by good Iron Arms, they would as one man, stand firmly, and charge desperately.

The Parliament ordered Recruits for the Lord Willoughby, and for Cromwell; and both of them be­came in the Parliaments favour.

Gloucester was the general subject of discourse; Gloucester. the King was set down before it with his whole Army, the Governour Massey, not only refuseth Massey. upon his Majestie's Summons, to render the City to him, but sallies forth upon some of their Quar­ters, and did cut off 300 of their men.

A Conspiracy of the Mace-bearer, and others, to kill the Governour, and chief Military Officers, was discovered, and the betraying of the Town prevented; some of the Conspirators being exe­cuted.

Gen. Essex. advanced with his whole Body from Ailesbury towards Gloucester, Aug. 29. The Enemy made a breach in the Outworks, and some Assaults, but was gallantly repulsed. The King drew his Forces from Exeter and the West, to the siege of Gloucester; yet the Besiegers were very doubtful whether to continue, or raise the siege.

Warwick Castle held out against the King's For­ces, and Colonel Bridges the Governour acquitted himself with much honour. The Earl of Denbigh was made Major General of Coventry, and some part adjacent.

The Lord Gray and Colonel Harvey with their Parties, and many Voluntiers joyned with General Essex, in his advance for the relief of Gloucester. At Plymouth Mr. Alexander Carew a Member of Parliament, and Governour of the Island there, had a design to betray the Town and Island to the King.

But his own Souldiers discovering it, seized upon their Governour, to send him up to the Parlia­ment; and the Women were so enraged against him for his perfidiousness, that it was difficult to rescue him from their execution.

The House by Vote disabled him from being a Members disabled. Member; and the like they did for Sir John Har­rison, Sir Henry Anderson, and Mr. Constantine, of whom they were informed, that he designed to be­tray Poole into the King's hands.

And these, and divers other Members of the House being disabled, and the new Great Seal fi­nished, they ordered that new Writs should be is­sued forth to the several places for which they served, to choose new Members in their room.

Sir Edward Bainton another Member, who de­serted the Parliament, and went to the Isle of Wight, where he spake opprobrious words against them, was put in Prison.

The Town of Lyn in Norfolk, declaring for the King, the Earl of Manchester with three thousand Horse, and fifteen hundred Foot, draws to them, and blocks up the Passages to them by Land: The Earl of Warwick did the like by Sea.

General Essex made the slower marches towards Gloucester, being forced to keep his Army together in a continual posture of Defence, for he was daily [Page 69] skirmished with by the Lord Wilmot, who attended all his Removes with a Body of two thousand and five hundred Horse.

His Majesty understanding that Essex advanced apace towards the relief of Gloucester, sent to him a Trumpet, with some Propositions to be trea­ted on.

But Essex too much acquainted with such small designs to hinder his march, returned a speedy Gen. Essex. Answer, That he had no Commission to treat, but to relieve Gloucester, which he was resolved to do, or to lose his life there. And his Souldiers hearing of a Trumpeter, come with Propositions to treat, they cried out for a long time together with loud acclamations, No Propositions, no Propositions: And so the Trumpeter was dismissed.

The Ordinances for the Covenant, and for the Excise, were at a Conference delivered to the Covenant. Lords; as having past the House of Commons; the Covenant was read to the Lords, with the Ex­planation upon it, and the Fifth Article touching the Pacification omitted, and Ireland added.

The Ordinance for the Excise with some A­mendments of the former was read to the Lords, and their Concurrence to both desired, which was given by them the next Morning.

Sir John Hotham and his Son were examined in the House touching their Treasons, and commit­ted to the Tower.

Sir William Brereton took Eccleshall Castle, and defeated a Party of the Lord Capel's Forces, under Colonel Hastings. Two of the City Regiments were ordered to march out, and joyn with Sir Wil­liam Waller: The Major General of his Army, was Colonel Potley, an old Souldier under the King of Sweden, Gustavus Adolphus. Col. Potley.

He was of such repute with that Crown, that when he took his leave of them to come for Eng­land, the Chancellor Oxenstierne, by command of the Senators when they all sate in Council, sent for this Colonel to come in to them, and told him,

That he having been an ancient Servant to that Crown, and who had done gallant Service for them, they held him in the Rank of their Children, and therefore by command of the Senate, he put a­bout the Colonel's Neck a rich Gold Chain, with a Medal of the late King his Master, to wear in Memory of him.

He told him that the Senate had ordered Two thousand Dollars to defray his Expences, and Four thousand Dollars to bear his Charges to his own Country, and to keep him still a Servant to that Crown, and that he might eat of their Bread as long as he lived, they had given him a Pension of Two thousand Dollars per annum during his Life.

Essex proceeded in his march to Gloucester, and when the Enemy fell upon any of his Companies, Gloucester relieved. (as they often did) Essex relieved them, fought with his Enemies, and made his way through them. The King understanding his near approach to Gloucester, and finding his own Souldiers not for­ward to fight Essex, as the King intended,

He upon Sunday and Monday, the third and fourth of September, drew off his Carriages, and removed the Siege: and on Tuesday morning, Sep­temb. 5. 1643. went over Severn with all his Ar­my, the way to Bristoll. Essex came to Gloucester, Septemb. 6. and sent four Regiments, who entred the Town, and himself the next day finding the Siege totally raised, he sent Three thousand horse to attend the King's march, and keep his Forces in a body, that they might not plunder the Country, er else to fight them.

Upon the coming of the Earl of Newcastle to­wards Beverly, the Lord Fairfax finding the Town not tenable, and the Inhabitants ill affected to the Parliament, he drew off all the Carriages and Souldiers from thence to Hull; and Newcastle en­tred, and possessed Beverly.

The Mayors of Barnstable and of Bidiford in the West, betrayed these Towns to the Lord Digby's Forces.

The Lords sentenced Judge Berkley to pay Twen­ty Judge Berkley sentenced. thousand pounds Fine, and to be disabled from bearing any Office in the Commonwealth, for his Judgment in the business of Ship-money.

The Lord Maitsland, Mr. Henderson, and ano­ther Scots Commissioner, with Mr. Hatcher, and Mr. Nye, arrived in London; and their Letters of Credence from the States of Scotland, were read to the Lords and Commons, with the readiness of the Scots to assist the Parliament.

This Business was referred to a Committee of both Houses, to Treat with the Scots Commissi­oners, upon their Propositions, and at two Meet­ings all was agreed.

The Lords assented to the Covenant with the Alterations made by the Commons, and the Scots Commissioners assented to them likewise.

The King sent his Proclamation to Scotland, forbidding them to Treat any further with the Parliament of England, or to give them any As­sistance.

Newcastle's Forces from Beverly quartered about three miles distance round on the Lands-side of Hull, upon whom Sir Thomas Fairfax made a sally out of Hull, killed many, and took fifty Pri­soners.

The Town of Portsmouth petitioned, that Sir William Waller might be their Governour, and it was left to the General Essex to give him a Com­mission accordingly.

The Speaker acquainted the House with Letters he received from France, That an Army of Twenty thousand was ready at S. Malloes to be shipped for Bri­stoll, to assist the King.

The News of the King's raising the Siege of Glo­cester, occasioned various Discourses of that Acti­on; all men both Friends and Enemies agreed, that Essex herein performed a very gallant Souldier­like Action: And most men were of opinion, that when the King went to Gloucester, if he had marched up to London, he had done his work.

For at that time the Parliament had no consider­able body of an Army, and their party in some di­visions: but by the time of the King's march, and stay at Gloucester, they had recruited their Army, provided Money, and pieced up their Discontents among themselves.

The City of Excester having held out three Months Siege for the Parliament, their Powder and Provisions failing them, surrendred to the King's Forces, upon Conditions which were broken by the Enemy, as those at Bristoll were.

Both Houses ordered Supplies for Gloucester; Essex followed the King, and sends for Sir William Waller to hasten to him.

At Cirencester, Essex beat up the King's Quar­ters, drove Sir Nicholas Crispe and Colonel Spencer out of the Town, with their two Regiments of Horse, and took thirty Cart-loads of Victuals, and about 400 horse.

Captain Brooke being discovered by his Mari­ners to have a design to betray the Ship which he commanded, to the King; the Sea-men clapt their Captain under Deck, and discovered his Plot to the Earl of Warwick their Admiral.

Lyn in Norfolk was surrendred to the Earl of Manchester.

[Page 70] There was a Skirmish between the King's, and Essex his horse near Hungerford in Berkshire, about 80 on both sides slain; of the King's part, the Mar­quess Delavive; Essex surprized a troup of the King's horse, and that night quartered at Hunger­ford, Newbery fight. the Marquess his Corps was brought into Hungerford, and afterwards ransomed by the King's party for 500 pieces.

Sept. 19. Essex marched toward Newbery, his Army in great want of Victuals, both for men and horse; to whom the Country thereabouts was ill affected, and would bring in nothing to them without Compulsion.

The whole body of the King's Army had posses­sed themselves of the Town of Newbery, on their right hand they had the advantage of the River, and a hill half a mile from the Town where they had planted their Ordnance, so that there was no passage to them, but with great disadvantage, and by a narrow Lane.

Yet Essex finding his Souldiers full of mettle, and resolved to force their way, he in person led them on, first charged the Enemy with his own Regi­ment, and the Lord Roberts his Brigade of horse, and began the fight about six a clock in the mor­ning Sept. 20. which continued with very hot ser­vice till ten or eleven a clock at night.

The Parliament forces beat the Enemy from all their advantages, got the Hill from them, pursu­ed them to Newbury; and out of the Town again, but the night, coming on, they no further could pursue them, and though the King's forces, (espe­cially the horse which consisted most of Gentlemen) made gallant resistance, yet this place not being proper for their fight, their foot were thus bea­ten, and in the night they drew off their Ordnance, and marched away leaving Essex Master of the Feild, who kept it that night, and part of the next day.

When night drew on, the Enemy, both horse and foot, stood in good order on the further side of the green, where they fought, and the Parlia­ment's forces expected they would have ingaged them the next day, but the King's forces drew off by night.

The Parliament Souldiers had the Pillage of the dead bodies, both parties performed their service with great manhood and animosity, especially the King's horse, who yet were worsted, and the Earls of Caernarvan and Sunderland, who commanded part of them, were slain in the fight.

The Lord Falkland Secretary of State, in the morning of the fight, called for a clean shirt, and Lord Falkland. being asked the reason of it, answered, that if he were slain in the Battle, they should not find his body in foul Linnen.

Being diswaded by his friends to goe into the fight, as having no call to it, and being no Milita­ry Officer, he said he was weary of the times, and fore saw much misery to his own Countrey, and did be­leive he should be out of it ere night, and could not be perswaded to the contrary, but would enter into the battle, and was there slain.

His death was much lamented by all that knew him, or heard of him; being a Gentleman of great parts, ingenuity and honour, courteous and just to all, and a passionate promoter of all endeavours of peace betwixt the King and Parliament. From the time of Essex his remove from his quarters, at a Village called Chilton near Hungerford to the end of this Newbery fight there were of the King's part slain above 2000, besides the three Lords, and di­vers other Officers of Note.

On the Parliaments part were slain about 500, Colonel Tucker, and the Lieutenant Colonel of Essex his Regiment, and one Captain more of Horse, in this Service the London Regiments did their parts with much Courage and Gallantry.

Essex advanced from Newbery towards Reading, to refresh his men, and no enemy appeared till they came to Theale, a Village four miles from Rea­ding, where a party of the King's horse fired upon the rear of Essex's Army as they marched up a Lane near to Theale; and they had a hot skirmish for the time, about 60 of the King's horse were slain, and about eight of the Parliaments, the rest of the King's party retreated, and the Parliament forces took up their quarters at Reading.

The Lords and Commons sent a Committee to their General at Reading to complement him, and congratulate his great successes, and to inform themselves what supplies were wanting for the Army, that they might be speedily provided.

They sent another Committee to acquaint the City with the happy Success of the Army under General Essex, and to treat with them about sup­plies of money, ammunition and other necessaries to be forthwith sent down to the Army.

They also took order to stop the passes between London and Oxford, to prevent the King's Intelli­gence, and supplies of money and ammunition, whereof they understood he was in great want.

Sept. 25. Both Houses, with the Assembly of Divines, and Scots Commissioners met in St. Mar­garets Church Westminster, where Mr. White, one of the Assembly prayed an hour to prepare them for taking the Covenant, then Mr. Nye in the Pul­pit Covenant. made some observations touching the Covenant, shewing the Warrant of it from Scripture, the ex­amples of it since the Creation, and the benefit to the Church.

Mr. Henderson one of the Scots Commissioners concluded in a Declaration of what the Scots had done, and the good they had received, by such Co­venants, and then he shewed the prevalency of ill Counsels about the King, the Resolutions of the States of Scotland to assist the Parliament of Eng­land.

Then Mr. Nye in the Pulpit read the Covenant, and all present held up their hands, in testimony of their assent to it; and afterwards in the several houses subscribed their Names in a Parchment Roll, where the Covenant was written: the Di­vines of the Assembly, and the Scots Commissioners likewise subscribed the Covenant, and then Do­ctor Gouge in the Pulpit prayed for a Blessing up­on it.

The House ordered the Covenant to be taken the next Lords-day, by all persons in their re­spective Parishes, and the Ministers to exhort them to it.

The General with the Lord Gray, Sir Philip Stapleton and others came to London, and the Ar­my removed to Windsor, and thereabouts. Sir Wil­liam Waller's Forces quartering at Colnebrook, Stanes, and thereabouts.

The House of Commons with their Speaker went General Essex. to Essex-house, to congratulate the General his safe Return to them, and his happy Success and Valour in the late Business at Newbury: And caused their acknowledgment thereof, and of their Protection by him under God, to be entred in the Journal Book of the Parliament.

The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London waited in their Scarlet Gowns upon the General, and highly complemented him, as the Protector and Defender of their lives and Fortunes, and of their Wives and Children, and the Trained Bands sent out, as he passed by, loud acclamations of his praise.

[Page 71] In humane probability, the King's Army was the more likely to have prevailed, their Horse more and better than the Parliaments, and their Foot were as good, their advantages greater and their courages higher, and their confidence too much.

God was pleased to raise the Courage of the Parliaments forces, and to give them the success, and indeed all success in war, as well as in other matters, is the free gift of the Lord of Hosts.

Essex and his Souldiers acknowledged much gal­lantry, and courage in those of the King's party, and the King's party acknowledged the like of Es­sex and his Souldiers, all were Englishmen, and pitty it was that such courage should be spent in the bloud of each other.

A passage or two I shall here remember of extra­ordinary mettle and boldness of Spirit. One is of Sir Philip Stapleton (though he would not acknow­ledg Sir Philip Stapleton. it) that he being with other Parliament Com­manders in the head of a body of horse, facing ano­ther body of the King's horse, before whom stood their Commanders, and the cheif of them was Prince Rupert.

This Parliament Officer desiring to cope singly with the Prince, he rode from before his Compa­ny up to the body of horse, before whom the Prince with divers other Commanders were, and had his pistol in his hand ready cockt and fit­ted.

Coming up to them alone, he looked one, and another of them in the face, and when he came to Prince Rupert, whom he knew, he fired his Pistol in the Prince's face, but his armour defended him from any hurt, and having done this, he turned his horse about, and came gently off again without any hurt, though many Pistols were fired at him.

Another passage was of Sir Philip Stapleton's Groom, a Yorkshire man, and stout, if not two rash, by this story, he was attending on his Master in a charge, where the Groom's mare was killed under him, but he came off on foot, back again to his own Company. To some of whom he com­plained that he had forgotten to take off his Saddle and Bridle from his Mare, and to bring them away with him; and said that they were a new Saddle and Bridle, and that the Cavaliers should not get so much by him, but he would go again and fetch them: His Master and Friends perswaded him not to adventure in so rash an Act, the Mare lying dead close to the Enemy, who would mall him, if he came so near them, and his Master promised to give him another new Saddle and Bridle.

But all this would not perswade the Groom to leave his Saddle and Bridle to the Cavaliers, but he went again to fetch them, and stayed to pull off the Saddle and Bridle, whilst hundreds of bullets flew about his ears, and brought them back with him, and had no hurt at all.

The Lord Grey of Groby, Sir Philip Stapleton and divers other Members of the House, and divers Officers of the Army, received the thanks of the House, for their good service done in the late Gloucester journey, and fight at Newbery, and this to be entred in the Parliament journals, for an honour to them, and their posterity.

Amongst the Colours taken at Newbery, one Cornet, was the figure of the Parliament House, with two Traitors heads standing on the top of it, and by them this word ut extra, sic in­fra, but the Parliament nevertheless exposed them to publick view and censure.

The Commons ordered a Declaration upon a Bull from the Pope intercepted, which was to encourage the Roman Catholicks in Ireland to the rigorous prosecution of the War.

Some discontents had been between the Earl of Essex, and Sir William Waller, which upon a Con­ference with a Committee of both Houses, and a Letter from Waller to Essex, were made up again, and the General, of a good nature, declared him­self to be fully satisfied.

The Commons borrowed 30000 l. of the Mer­chant Adventurers to supply the Navy, and took up other large sums for supply of the Armies.

They past a Declaration against the Cessation of Arms then in treaty between the King and the Irish Rebels, but the same was brought to a conclusion, and many of the Irish came in to the King's ser­vice here.

This gave occasion for many Invectives, and Pasquils. Pasquils, That the Queen's Army of French and Wal­loon Papists, and the King's Army of English Papists, together with the Irish Rebels, were to settle the Prote­stant Religion, and the Liberties of England.

The Charge against Arch-bishop Laud was re­ferred Laud. to a Committee, to be drawn up, and pre­sented to the Commons and the Committee to manage the Evidence at the tryal against the Arch-bishop.

The Earl of Ormond concluded the Cessation of Ormond. Arms with the Irish Rebels, and divers of them un­der Colonel Ernely came over hither to serve the King.

The Earl of Craford for the King, sought to gain the Town of Poole by treachery, and dealt Poole. with Captain Sydenham one of the Garrison, who promised to doe his work, and received of him 40 l. and a promise of a great reward and pre­ferment.

At an hour appointed, Craford comes to the Town with 500 horse, and some foot, Sydenham and the Governor, whom he acquainted with it, let in Craford, and half his men into the Town, and then letting fall a chain shut out the rest, few escaped of those who entred the town, but were killed or taken prisoners.

A Letter from Dr. Featly to Oxford was inter­cepted, wherein he held correspondence with Dr. Featly. them, and fished for preferment from them, and the Dr. being a Member of the Assembly of the Divines, was for his Infidelity discharged of his attendance on the Assembly, and of his two Parso­nages.

Sir Nicholas Crispe upon a quarrel, and affront Sir Nic. Crispe. offered to him in his own quarters by Sir James Ennyon, who challenged him also to fight, he kil­led Ennyon, but was acquitted for it by the King's Council of War.

Mr. Walter Mountagu was apprehended at Ro­chester, coming up towards London in a disguise, and Letters of Consequence taken about him. They ordered Copes and Surplices to be taken away out of all Churches.

Monsieur de Cressey came over Embassadour from the French King to the Parliament, and was recei­ved French Embassa­dour. with all due respect by a Committee of Lords and Commons at Gravesend, and conducted to the Parliament.

The Commons provided money for the advance of the Scots Army, from the City of London.

The French Embassadour demanded the inlarge­ment of Mr. Walter Mountagu, as one imployed hither by the King of France, but it was de­nyed.

The Cavaliers plundered and burnt part of Wo­kingham, and quarter near Reading, upon design to fortify it, and summon the Country for that end.

[Page 72] The Parliament made some Orders for several Regiments to march out, and for money, which was wanting for Essex his Army, and for Sir Wil­liam Waller's forces, who also desired more power, than his present Commission from Essex allowed him.

The Earl of Manchester having setled Lyn, Manchester marched with his Army into Lincolnshire, where he joyned with the Lord Willoughby of Paerham, Sir Thomas Faeirfax, and Colonel Cromwel's forces, and all together made up a very considerable Army.

Upon his desire the Parliament gave him power to levy monies out of the Sequestred Estates in the associated Counties towards payment of his Army. They also sequestred the Estates of such Members of both Houses, as had deserted the Parliament, or were in actual war against them.

By Letters intercepted it appeared, that by au­thority from the Pope, a new Popish Hierarchy by Bishops, &c. was to be set up in all Counties in England, with Letters sent to Rome about the same matter.

A Minister was voted out of his living, for that Ministers. he constantly pray'd for the Irish Rebels by the name of His Majestie's Catholick Subjects. Another for Preaching that the King was above the Law, and all those to be Rebels and Traitors that obey not his ver­bal commands in all things though never so opposite to Law and Justice, and many others ejusdem fairnae, for scandal in their lives and doctrine.

Upon Letters from Colonel Massey of a designe of the enemy to take up their Winter quarters near Gloucester, the more to distress it, they order sup­plyes to be sent him.

Dr. Ʋsher Primate of Armagh, now at Oxford was voted out of the Assembly.

The Earl of Manchester, with the Lord Willough­by, and Cromwel's forces, gave a defeat to the Lord of Newcastle's forces at Hornecastle in Lincolnshire, killed 500 of them, took 1500 horse, and 800 Pri­soners, and 35 Colours.

The King's forces took Daertmouth, which occa­sioned the Parliament to send forces to the Isle of Wight.

The French Embassador complained that his French Embassa­dor. person was stopped, and his Coach searched as he went out of Town towards Oxford, the Captain of the Guard being examined, justified it, upon notice he had, of letters conveyed by the Embassador to the Enemy; and it was passed over with a fair ex­cuse to the Embassador.

Massey defeated a party of the King's forces coming to fortify Tewkesbury for their winter quar­ters, killed about 300, took many prisoners with 500 Armes.

Colonel Bridges Governour of Warwick, with a party from thence defeated a Regiment of Horse under the Lord Mollineux for the King, killed di­vers, took 100 horse, and many prisoners.

The Commons passed sundry Ordinances for raising monies out of delinquent's Estates, and Newcastle coals, to satisfie those who had lent mo­neys for advance of the Scots Army into England. And for apprehending all for spies, who shall come from Oxford, or any of the King's forces to any of the Parliament quarters, without licence from ei­ther House, or from the General.

A Proclamation was published in London for all Officers and Soldiers forthwith to repair to their Colours.

Colonel Ʋrrey who revolted from the Parlia­ment, and Sir Lewis Dives with a great party of horse entred Bedford, took Sir John Norris, and others prisoners there, and routed 300 of their horse, and sufficiently plunder'd the Town, and other parts of that County.

The Lord Fairfax beat from about Hull part of the King's forces, took from them 9 pieces of Can­non, of which one was a Demyculverin, one of those which they called the Queen's Gods, and 100 Arms. Baron Trevor was sentenced in the house of Lords, for his extrajudicial opinion in the case of Shipmoney, to pay 6000 l. fine, and be impri­soned during pleasure.

Colonel Cromwel routed 7 troops of the King's horse in Lincolnshire under Colonel Hastings.

The King sets forth a Proclamation for prohibi­ting the monthly fast to be kept, the Parliament declare against that Proclamation, and against ano­ther Proclama­tions. for adjourning part of Michaelmas Term to Oxford, and held it at Westminster. The Estates of Scotland declare against the Cessation of Armes made with the Irish Rebels, and the Adventurers Petition against it.

Letters of Marque are granted by the Parliament against all such as have taken Armes against the Parliament, or assisted the Irish Rebels.

A Collection was ordered for the maimed and sick Souldiers. The Earl of Manchester took in Lincoln upon Surrender, and therein 2500 Armes, 30 Colours, 3 peices of Cannon.

The Parliaments Commissioners being returned from Scotland, Sir Henry Vane Jun. one of them, made report of all that affair to the House.

General Essex marched forth to his Army to Windsor, and from thence to St. Albans, whither a gallant Regiment of the City under the Com­mand of Colonel Rowland Wilson came to him, and a commanded party was sent out of that, and other Regiments to Newport Pannel, to dispossess the King's forces there.

This Gentleman Colonel Wilson was the only Son of his wealthy Father, heir to a large estate of 2000 l. per an. in Land, and Partner with his Father in a great personal Estate employed in Merchandize; yet in conscience he held himself obliged to under­take this Journey, as perswaded that the honour, and service of God, and the flourishing of the Gospel of Christ, and the true Protestant Religion, might in some measure be promoted by this service, and that his example in the City, of undergoing it, might be a means the more to perswade others not to decline it.

Upon these grounds the chearfully marched forth with a gallant Regiment of the City, which, as I remember, was called the Orange Regiment, and went from the Army with the commanded party sent for the reducing of Newport Pannell.

This was the condition of this Gentleman, and of many other persons of like quality and fortune in those times, who had such affection for their Re­ligion, and the Rights and Liberties of their Coun­trey, that pro aris & focis, they were willing to un­dergo any hardships or dangers, and thought no service too much, or too great for their Countrey, but what requital (if they had done it for a requi­tal) their Countrey gave them, you will find af­terwards in the Story.

When the Parliament Forces came before Grafton House, and Newport Pannell, after the loss of a few men, and no long attendance, the King's Forces thought it most wisedom for them to retire, which they did, and quitted the House and Town, hasting away to Oxford [...] and Essex thought fit to fortifie the Town for a Winter quarter.

Twyford and Okingham were plundered by the King's Forces, and then the poor inhabitants could not prevail with the insolent Souldiers but that they burned many of their Houses, affirming they had or­ders for it from the King's chief Commanders.

[Page 73] At Aulton Sir William Waller surprized 100 of the King's Forces under Colonel Bennet.

Some of the Irish landed at Bristol, to serve the King under the command of Sir Charles Vava­sour.

Colonel Henry Bulstrode being above sixty years of age yet underwent the hardships and hazards of war in this cause, and was a discreet and stout Go­vernour of Aylesbury in his own Countrey.

After him succeeded Colonel Alderidge, whom the Lord Byron sought by promises of reward and preferment, to corrupt to betray the Town to the King's Forces; but Alderidge preserved his fidelity, and prevented the design.

The Commissioners to goe into Scotland were na­med, Commissi­oners for Scotland. the Earl of Rutland, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Mr. Hatcher, Sir William Armyn, and Mr. Dar­ley.

The Prisoners having great liberty, and many private consultations by the favour of the Gaolers, the House made an order against it, upon pein of an Escape in the Gaoler that should permit it.

They also took care for the relief of sick and maimed Souldiers, and of the Widows and Orphans of those who were slain in the Parliaments ser­vice.

Mr. Chute and Mr. Hern were assigned to be of Counsell with the Archbishop in his Trial, to be shortly had in the Lords House.

The Earl of Warwick was made Governour in chief of all the English Plantations in America, and a Committee to assist him.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham took in Bulling-brooke Castle in Lincolnshire.

The King's Forces at Reading sent a Party to beat up the Parliaments Quarters at Henly, who thought themselves too secure, and their Guards were not placed; about Midnight the King's forces came up a narrow Lane in the Town towards the Cross, where four or five Pieces of Ordance were plant­ed, but none there with them, save one half drun­ken Gunner.

He seeing the King's forces advancing towards him, cried out Tom and Jack, and other names, as if there had been many about him, and when he discerned the King's Souldiers to come near him, he made a shift to fire a Gun that stood just against them, which in that narrow Lane did so great exe­cution both upon Men and Horse, that in a great terrour they faced about, brought off their dead, carrying their bodies back to Reading, but left ma­ny Horses, and much blood in the Lane, and in the way to Reading.

The House appointed a Committee of some Members, and others to look into the Accounts of the Kingdom for publick satisfaction therein.

Some bickerings were between the forces under Major General Skippon, and Colonel Harvey, and the King's forces in Northamptonshire, wherein (as is usual) fortune was variable.

Many inveighed sharply against a Warrant of Prince Rupert's commanding provisions and labou­rers to be sent to him, Ʋpon your utmost perils, as the total plundering and burning of your Houses, with what other mischief the licenced, and hungry Souldiers can inflict upon you.

An Ordinance passed for associating Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey and Kent, and Sir William Waller to be their Major General.

Mr. Pierpoint asked leave of the House of Com­mons to go beyond Seas, but they were so desirous of his assistance, being a Gentleman of great wise­dom and integrity, that they gave him a friendly denial.

The Speaker Lenthall was made Master of the Rolls, Nov. 8. and Mr. Selden Keeper of the Re­cords in the Tower.

Sir William Waller sate down before Basing-house.

The Commissioners for the Great Seal were a­greed Great Seal. upon, the Earls of Rutland and Bullingbrooke for the Lords House, and Mr. St. John, Sergeant Wilde, Mr. Browne, and Mr. Prideaux for the Com­mons, and the same authority given to them as the Lord Keeper had, and all Acts passed under the Great Seal at Oxford made void.

The Irish forces which came over with Vavasour refused to fight against their fellow Protestants, the Parliament, but joyned with General Essex his Army.

The Archbishop was brought to his Trial in the Lords House, Nov. the 13. where he made a short Laud his Tryal. Speech, and desired that his Counsel might be heard; who were Mr. Chute, and Mr. Herne, and Mr. Hale, who having spoken to the points in Law, the Lords adjourned.

Upon the news of the Cessation of Arms in Ire­land, many of the Earl of Newcastle's Army laid down their Arms, and offered composition to the Parliament.

The Houses agreed that Committees should one­ly sit three times in the Week, and the Houses to sit onely the other three Days.

Several of the English Regiments were sent for out of Ireland to assist the King here, and since the Cessation, the Irish Rebels committed many cruel murthers there.

The Earl of Holland returned from Oxford, and, Earl of Holland. examined here, said that after he heard of the Cessati­on in Ireland, his Conscience would not give him leave to stay any longer with them at Oxford.

The young Earl of Caernarvon came from Oxford into the Parliament, and was by them committed to the care of his Grandfather, the Earl of Pem­broke.

A Paper was communicated to both Houses which was sent from the Prince Harecourt to the Earl of Northumberland, by way of general Propo­sals for an accommodation between the King and Parliament, and that in the name of the French King whose Embassadour he was.

Buisie Mr. Pryn prosecuted Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes for the surrender of Bristol, but it was refer­red to the Council of War.

The King's Forces besieging Plymouth took one of their Out-works.

Sir William Waller drew off his Forces from Ba­sing-house, not willing to put them upon a Winter siege.

Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Middleton took in Holt Castle, and other places in Shropshire for the Parliament.

Colonel Rigby with the Lancashire Forces routed a party of the King's, beyond them in number near Col. Rigby. Thurland Castle; killed many, and took 400 Pri­soners and Arms, and their Commander in chief; which was the more discoursed of because Rigby was a Lawyer.

The Garrison of Poole made several attempts upon the King's forces in Dorsetshire, killed and took divers of them, and 1500 of their Horse, and lost not one of the Garrison.

Divers of the Militia of London made Propositi­ons to the House of Commons, touching the Re­cruits of the Armies, &c. the Houses ordered them to search for any Officers of the Armies, who had deserted their Colours, and lay skulking in London, to apprehend them, and send them to the General, to be punished by Martial Law.

Some small bickerings past between Sir William Willer's forces, and the King's near Farnham.

[Page 74] The King sent to his subjects in Scotland, to forbid their taking of the Covenant, or joyning with the Parliament of England, but the States of Scotland returned in answer to the King the Reasons of their undertaking those lawfull actions, and humbly ad­vise Covenant. the King to take the Covenant himself.

The Scots generally took it, except Hamilton, and some three other Lords, and the Estates orde­red it to be taken by all men on pein of confiscati­on; whereof they gave notice by their Letters to the Parliament of England,

The Houses in answer to the Prince de Harecourt, Answer to Fr. Embas­sadour. declared their good acceptance of the affection of the King and Queen regent of France, in their offer of a mediation of a Peace, and that as soon as the Prince should make it appear, that the Propositions were by au­thority from the King and Queen regent of France, the Parliament will give such an answer, as may stand with the interest of both Kingdoms, and with the Solemn League and Covenant.

A Party from the Garrison of Poole under, Cap­tain Laye, went by Water to Warham, seven miles from them, whereof the enemy having an alarm, laid Ambuscadoes in the Hedges, in the way from the landing place to the Town, but Laye com­manded his men, it being in the Night, to keep their Matches close, so that the enemy could not see where to shoot at them.

But the Party of Poole entred Warham in two places, and came into the midst of the Town, where their Garrison was drawn up together, who after one good volley of shot, threw down their Arms, and fled away.

Those of Poole took about 200 Prisoners, much arms, cloth, and provisions, and so returned.

The King's Officers having caused divers of the Parliament to be hanged for Spies, as one poor man by Prince Rupert's order upon the great Elm near the Bell in Henly, and many others.

Now the Council of War at Essex-house condem­ned two for Spies, who brought a Proclamation, and Letters from Oxford to London, which were taken about them, and they were both hang'd.

The Judges and Officers, were commanded by the Parliament not to adjourn the Term by colour of any Writs, or Proclamations from Oxford, with­out order of the Parliament.

The Commons pressed the Lords for dispatch of the business of the Great Seal, and the Earl of Rutland named for one of the Commissioners desi­red to be excused, as not understanding the Law, nor the Oath to be taken by them.

The Castle of Flint was besieged by Sir William Brereton, and Sir Thomas Middleton, the Gover­nour of it for the King, held it out till all provisi­ons, even to Horses, failing him, he then rendred it upon honourable terms.

Then the Parliament forces took in Mostyn­house, belonging to Colonel Mostyn the Governour of Flint, and in Mostyn they took 4 pieces of Ord­nance, and some Arms.

This Colonel Mostyn was a Gentleman of good C. Mostyn. parts, and mettle; of a very ancient family, large possessions, and great interest in that Countrey; so that in twelve hours he raised 1500 men for the King, and was well beloved there, living very nobly.

Ships were sent to relieve Plymouth, and secure Milford Haven, and to watch the coming over of any of the Irish Rebels.

The Earl of Rutland was excused from being one of the Commissioners of the Great Seal, and the Earl of Kent named in his place.

Some of Sir Ralph Hopton's forces drove a party of Sir William Waller's Horse into Farnham, but Waller drew his party into the Castle, they being inferiour in number to Sir Ralph Hopton's party.

The Great Seal was carried up by the Speaker of the House of Commons, the whole House attend­ing Great Seal. him, and delivered to the Speaker of the Lords House, who in the presence of both Houses, deli­vered it to the Commissioners, and they all took their Oaths, and then carried it to Mr. Brown's House, the Clerk of the Parliament, where it was put into a Chest, with three different Locks, not to be opened but when three of the Commissioners were present.

The Earl of Warwick was voted Lord High Ad­miral of England, and an Ordinance passed that all who would set forth Private Men of War, should have all Ships and Goods they could take, which were employed against the Parliament, or for sup­ply of the Irish Rebels.

Sir Peter Osborn Governour of Jersey delivered it up to Sir John Pennington for the King.

A Regiment of the Irish Forces landed about Mostyn in Flintshire for the King's service.

Colonel Hastings marching to relieve Fulbury Castle held for the King, was by the way set upon by the Moore-landers, who routed his Troups, kil­led 100 of them, took about 150 Horse, 100 Arms, and many Prisoners.

The Commons thought not fit to treat further with Monsieur de Harecourt, untill he shewed that he was Embassadour extraordinary from France, Fr. Embas­sadour. and that he would direct his Papers to one of the Speakers.

The Estates of Scotland by Letters informed the Scotland. Parliament of England of a French Agent, who had been with them, to propound their desisting from giving any assistance to the Parliament of England, but the Scots justified to him their proceedings.

The Scots declared the Lords, Hamilton, Mor­ton, Roxborough, and Lonmerick to be publick ene­mies, and seised their Estates, because they came not in to take the Covenant.

The King's Forces took Arundel Castle, and for­tified there.

Divers Forces from Ireland landed in Wales, and the Lord Byron went to joyn with them.

Sir Walter Earle was made Lieutenant of the Ord­nance in the place of Mr. Pym deceased.

The Garrison at Plymouth gave a brush to the King's forces besieging them.

Sir William Waller set upon the Lord Craford's Waller. forces in Aulton, routed them, and took about a thousand Prisoners, Arms and rich Booties.

Colonel Morley beat back the Lord Hopton's for­ces advancing to take Lewys in Sussex.

Mr. Walter Long was by the House appointed Register of the Chancery. Dr. Burges by motion from the Militia of London is made Lecturer at Pauls, with 400 l. per annum salary, out of Deans and Chapters lands.

A Letter of thanks was sent to Sir William Wal­ler, from the House, for his good service at Aulton.

Mr. Lenthall Speaker was sworn Master of the Rolls before the Lords, and he, and the Commissi­oners of the Great Seal took the Oaths of Supre­macy Great Seal. and Allegeance, in the Lords house, they also took the Oath for observation of the Act for the Triennial Parliament.

The Rebels in Ireland proposed to the Council Irish Pro­posals. there,

  • 1. To have confirmed to them the free exercise of their Religion.
  • 2. That all Laws there against Papists may be re­pealed.
  • [Page 75] 3. That all Lands there belonging to Religion Hou­ses may be restored.
  • 4. That their Popish Bishops and Hierarchy may be confirmed.
  • 5. That the English Protestants may pay tithes to the Popish Priests.

These things were after the cessation of Arms in Ireland.

Colonel Norton in Hampshire routed four Troups of Colonel Bennet's Horse, and took about 200 of them.

The Earls of Northumberland, Pembroke, Salis­bury, and divers Members of the House of Com­mons Indict­ment of H. Treason. were indicted of High Treason at Salisbury, for assisting the Parliament, before Judge Heath, Banks, Forster and Glanvile; but they could not perswade the Jury to find the Bill.

The Commons ordered a Committee to draw up an Impeachment of Treason, against the four Judges, and to consider of a way to vindicate the Lords, and Members of the Commons so indicted.

Several more forces, about 1500 landed from Ireland in Wales, and Sir William Brereton wrote to the Parliament, that some of them were of the Rebels, and the Lord Byron is joined with them.

The like power was given to Sir William Brere­ton, and Sir Thomas Middleton, for sequestrations, and levying of moneys in Wales, as was given to the Earl of Manchester in the associate Counties.

Five hundred of the Prisoners taken by Sir Wil­liam Waller at Alton took the Covenant, and served under him.

The Parliament wrote to General Essex to ad­vance G. Essex. with his Army to joyn with Waller. Essex answered that he held it not convenient for their Ser­vice; and a little discontent began to kindle be­twixt him and the House of Commons, and the Committee of Safety.

The Commons ordered that none should elect or be elected Common Council men, or Officers in London, but such as had taken the Covenant.

The Commissioners of the Great Seal sate in the Gr. Seal. Queens Court Decemb. 22. and sealed above 500 Writs, so desirous were people to have the course of Justice to proceed.

Colonel Brown is made Major General of the Ci­ty Forces, appointed to go to Sir William Waller.

Essex sent 600 Horse to Waller, and removed his Army from St. Albans to Windsor, to be the more in readiness to assist Waller, and divers Kentish For­ces came in to him, and he sate down before Arun­del Castle.

Duke Hamilton proscribed in Scotland, gets to Oxford, and there is committed close Prisoner, an D. Hamil­ton. unhappy, or unsteady man, and by this you see the uncertainty of Greatness, and of Princes fa­vours.

Sir John Meldrum, and Sir William Savile took in the Fort at Barton, and after that, Gainsborough for the Parliament: about 600 Prisoners, some of them Officers of Quality, store of Arms and Ammu­nition.

The Parliament sate on Christmas day 1643. The Earls of Bedford, and of Clare, came from Oxford back again to the Parliament.

A Letter was intercepted from Oxford to Sir Pe­ter Killegrew, which brought him into suspicion.

Colonel Hutchinson Governour of Nottingham Castle, acquainted the Parliament with an offer of the Earl of New Castle to pay him 10000 l. and to make him a Lord, and Governour of that Castle to him and his heirs, if he would deliver it to him, for the King, which Hutchinson refused. C. Hutchin­son.

The Scots Army of about 12000, advanced near to Berwick, and publish a Declaration as they march, of the justness of their undertakings, in assistance of the Parliament. Scots Ar­my.

Major General Skippon took Grafton House, and in it Sir John Digby, with 20 Officers of note, and Horse, and 200 Foot, Arms and Money.

Some differences fell out at Coventry between the Earl of Denbigh and Colonel Purefoy, a Member of the House of Commons, they were both sent for to London, and reconciled.

Many of the Protestants in Ireland refuse to sub­mit to the cessation, and joyn with the Scots For­ces.

The King of Denmark providing to send assistance to the King of England, and sending for men to the King of Poland to infest the Swedes, the Letters being intercepted, the Swedes enter Denmark, and take sundry places there.

Colonel Fiennes was sentenced by the Council of War to be beheaded for the surrender of Bristol.

The King issued a Proclamation for adjourning Parliament at Oxford. the Parliament to Oxford, and all the Members who had deserted the Parliament, or been disabled, met at Oxford.

General Essex came to London from St. Albans, and was not well pleased with some Members, and proceedings of the House of Commons.

Jan. 1643. The Earl of Bedford lately come from Oxford to the General to St. Albans, was sent to London, and committed to the Black Rod.

Prince Maurice his Forces before Plimouth recei­ved a blow from the Garrison, and the Princes men falling sick of the Camp Disease, whereof ma­ny died, he raised the siege.

Colonel Boswell with 800 Horse from Coventry took by storm Sir Thomas Holt's House, 80 Priso­ners, store of Goods, Money and Plate.

General Essex sent a new Commission with fur­ther powers to Sir William Waller, which pleased the House of Commons.

A Plot was confest of setting on work a Petition from the City to the King for peace, and to invite his Majesty to London, and the Plotters were com­mitted to Prison.

Mr. Riley a Clerk belonging to the Records in the Tower, was committed, for intelligence with Oxford.

The King sent Proclamations to the several She­riffs Proclama­tions. to adjourn the Parliament to Oxford, and to summon the Members of that County to appear at Oxford 22. of this month, whereupon the Commons order their House to be called the same day.

Another Proclamation from the King was to ad­journ the next Term, and all the Courts of Justice from London (which the Proclamation calls the Rebellious City) to Oxford, but the Parliament for­bad it.

Arundel Castle was surrendred to Sir William Wal­ler to mercy: there were taken in it, Sir William Ford, High Sheriff, Sir Edward Bishop, Colonel Banfield, and divers Gentlemen of Sussex, 50 Re­formades, 1200 Prisoners, with their Arms, Mo­ney, and with Pillage.

The Parliament imparted to the City at a Com­mon Hall, the late discovered Plot to make a diffe­rence Plot. between the Parliament and City, to divert the Scots advancing hither, and to raise a general Com­bustion under the pretence of Peace. Sir Bazil Brooke, and Mr. Riley were chief agents in this Plot.

The Lord Byron took in Beeston Castle in Cheshire for the King.

The Parliament ordered the Commissioners of the Great Seal, to issue forth a Proclamation for holding the next Term at Westminster, and all [Page 76] Judges and Officers to attend here, under pein of sequestration, and forfeiture of their Offices.

The Lords sent to the Commons to hasten the impeachment against the Queen.

A new Ordinance of Excise passed.

The Lord Goring's Letter to the Queen was in­tercepted, Letter in­tercepted. by which he gives her an account of Sup­plies of Money and Arms coming from France to our King, that Monsieur Harecourt was to treat with the Parliament as the King should direct him, and that all but two or three Jewels of the Crown were now pawned for money.

Upon this Letter, and other Informations, the Goring. Commons impeached the Lord Goring of High Treason, and ordered the Letters of the French Ministers of State to be brought to the Committee of Safety.

A Party of Horse under Colonel Ashton in Lan­cashire, marching to joyn with Sir William Brereton, were by the way surprized, and routed by the Lord Byron: Brereton upon this alarm fell upon the Rear of the Lord Byron's Forces, and killed, and took many of them.

Major Brookban was shot to death, for deserting his Colours, and revolting to the King.

The Parliament wrote to Monsieur de Harecourt at Oxford to acquaint him with their grounds of stopping the Pacquet from France, and with the Lord Goring's Letter from thence.

One Lord and Sir H. Mildmay, and Sir William Strickland were sent to Gravesend, to entertain and Dutch Ambassa­dour. conduct the Dutch Embassadour to the Parlia­ment.

The City invited both Houses of Parliament The City invites the Parliament to Dinner in Merchant Taylor's Hall, on such a day as the Parliament would appoint, and the ra­ther at this time, the General Essex, and the Earl of Manchester being in Town, that the City might express their thankfulness to the Parliament for their unwearied labours, and care for the defence and peace of the City, and whole Kingdom.

The Houses returned thanks to the City, and ingaged to live and die with them in this Cause; and this was the rather contrived now that the Plot to raise differences between the Parliament and City, and to bring in the King, might appear to be the more frivolous.

The Parliament ordered publick thanks to be gi­ven at this Meeting, at a Sermon, and the Sunday after, in all Parishes, for the discovery, and pre­vention of the Plot of Sir Bazil Brook.

A Ship laden with Arms and Ammunition sent from Bristol to relieve the King's Forces at Chester, was, by the Mariners compelling their Master, brought in to Leverpool to the Parliament.

The Archbishop Laud was brought to the House Laud. of Peers, and the impeachment against him read, and he required to answer, who said he was an old man and weak, and could not answer without Counsel, and desired a further time to answer, which was granted.

Both Houses dined with the City at Merchant-Taylor's City Feast. Hall, in the morning they met at Sermon in Christ Church; from thence they went on foot to the Hall, the Trained Bands making a Lane in the Streets as they passed by.

First went the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in their Scarlet Gowns, and the Common Council; then the Lord General, Lord Admiral, Earl of Man­chester, and other Lords, attended with divers Co­lonels, and military Officers.

After the Lords came the Members of the House of Commons, and the Commissioners of Scotland, then the Assembly of Divines; and as they went through Cheapside, on a Scaffold, many Popish Pictures, Crucifixes, and Superstitious Relicks were burnt before them.

The Lord Howard of Escrick petitioned for repa­ration of his losses by the Cavaliers out of Delin­quents Crommell. Estates.

The 22. of January being the day appointed for the Anti-Parliament to meet at Oxford, the Parli­ament at Westminster called the House, and there appeared 280 of their Members besides 100 more Members expell'd. in the service of the Parliament in the several Counties; and now they expelled by vote 40 Mem­bers who had deserted the Parliament.

The Anti-Parliament met at Oxford, but have not taken upon them the name, and power of Par­liament.

The first day of Hillary Term, the Commissio­ners of the Seal, and the Judges sate in the several Courts at Westminster Hall. The Ordinance pas­sed, Ordinance. That if any should deliver Proclamation, or other thing to any persons, from Oxford, or sealed with any other Great Seal,. than that attending the Parliament, that they should be proceeded against as Spies, according to Marshal Law.

Monsieur de Harecourt sent a Letter to both the Fr. Ambas­sadour. Speakers, but not intituling them Speakers of the Parliament, but only Messieurs Grey de Werke, and Lenthall, upon which the Parliament refused to ac­cept the Letters.

Colonel Mitton routed a Party of the King's Mitton. Horse, convoying Arms and Ammunition to the Besiegers of Nantwich; Mitton fell upon them unexpectedly, killed many, took Sir Nicholas By­ron Governour of Chester, Sir Richard Willis, one hundred inferiour Officers and Troopers, one hundred and fifty Horse and Arms, and all the Ammunition and Powder which they brought from Shrewsbury.

The Lord Lovelace wrote to Sir Henry Vane Ju­nior, to perswade a Treaty of Peace, and to raise di­visions among the Parliaments party. The House authorised Sir Henry, Mr. St. John, and Mr. Brown, to keep a Correspondence with the Lord Lovelace, to sift what they could out of him, and his Lord­ship was too weak for these Gentlemen.

Three hundred Native Irish Rebels landed at Weymouth, under the Lord Inchiquin to serve his Majesty.

Divers Papists Servants about the King's Chil­dren, were removed.

Ogle for the King, wrote to Mr. Thomas Good­wyn, and Mr. Nye, of the Independent Judgment, to make great promises to them, if they would oppose the Presbyterian Government, intended by the Scots to be imposed on England; and much to that purpose.

These two, being persons of great Judgment and Parts, acquainted their Friends herewith, and were authorised to continue a Correspondence with Ogle, who gained no ground upon them.

No more could Ogle upon the Governour of Ailesbury, nor upon Mr. Davenish; the one was sollicited to betray Ailesbury, and the other Wind­sor, with mountainous promises from Ogle on the King's part, but all were refused.

The Scots Army now entred England, were eigh­teen Scots. hundred foot, and thirty five hundred of horse and Dragoons.

The Recorder and Citizens of London, presen­ted a Petition to the Commons, for dispatch of the Petition. business of the Accounts of the Kingdom, and for re­cruiting and reforming the Armies.

This gave a stroke of jealousie and discontent to Essex, and his friends, and the more, because the House so well entertained it.

The Commons ordered Worcester-house to be furnished for the Scots Commissioners, who desired [Page 77] some Members of both Houses might be appointed as a joynt Councel with them.

A Trumpet came from Oxford with Letters to the General, and a Parchment-Roll, signed by the Prince, the Duke of York, Duke of Cumberland, Letters from Ox­ford. Prince Rupert, about fourty Lords, and one hun­dred Knights and Gentlemen, sometime Members of the House of Commons, and now met by the King's Proclamation at the Assembly at Oxford, to debate of the State and Peace of the Kingdom, and to prevent effusion of more blood: And therefore they desire the General to treat with his Friends, and those by whom he is imployed, (not naming the Parliament) to appoint a time and place to treat of Propositions of Peace.

The General acquainted the Parliament here­with, who would not own nor receive the Letters, having no Directions to them, but left it to the General to return an Answer.

An Ordinance past to recruit the Lord General's Army to 7500 Foot, and 3000 Horse and Dragoons, and they to have constant pay, only eleven Offi­cers to have but half pay.

The Forces of Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir Willi­am Nantwich Fight. Brereton joyning together, marched to relieve Nantwich: The King's Forces before the Town drew out to fight them, and gallant Actions were performed on both sides; the event of the Battel was long doubtful, till unexpectedly the King's Forces gave ground, and were pursued by the Par­liaments, till they were totally routed and dis­persed.

There were taken Prisoners Major General Gib­son, Earnley, Sir Richard Fleetwood, Sir Francis Boteler an Irish Rebel, Colonel Monk, (who after­wards Monk. served the Parliament, and this was his first turn:) Colonel Gibs, Harmon, Sir Ralph Downes, fourteen Captains, twenty Lieutenants, twenty six Ensigns, two Cornets, two Quarter-masters, for­ty Drums, forty one Serjeants, sixty three Corpo­rals, and fifteen hundred common Souldiers, six Pieces of Ordnance, four Canoniers, twenty seven Waggons loaded.

There were slain in the Fight two Lieutenant Colonels, four Captains, and five hundred men, an hundred and twenty Irish women with long Knives: and they report, that on the Parliaments side were slain not above twenty men, and of them not one Officer.

From Gloucester, Colonel Massey set upon Sir Massey. Henry Talbot's Quarters, and surprized him, three Captains, three Lieutenants, three Irish Reforma­does, a Serjeant-Major, sixty common Souldiers, and much Arms, Ammunition and Provision going for Worcester.

The Commons ordered publick thanks to be given in all Churches for these Victories, and for the Assistance of the Scots come into the Parlia­ment.

Sir Edward Deering came from Oxford into the Parliament; and upon his Examination said, That Sir Edw. Deering. since the Cessation in Ireland, and seeing so many Papists and Irish Rebels in the King's Army, and the Anti-Parliament set up at Oxford, and the King's Counsels wholly governed by the Popish party, his Con­science would not permit him to stay longer with them, but he came to throw himself upon the mercy of the Par­liament, and according to their Declaration, to compound for his Delinquency. To which he was ad­mitted, and order given for all others that would come in after him, who was the first.

Massey retook Malmesbury, and the Lieutenant Governour, and took three hundred Ossicers and Souldiers, and their Arms in that Town.

The Commissioners of the Seal gave the Cove­nant to the Lawyers and Officers, and so many came to take it, that they were fain to appoint another day for it.

The Dutch Ambassadour went from London to Oxford, first to Treat with his Majesty.

Mr. Rowse a Member of the House of Commons, was by them made Provost of Eaton College.

The Commons expelled several other of their Members who had deserted the Parliament.

General Essex advised with his Friends about an G. Essex's Answer. Answer to the Letters which came from the Anti-Parliament at Oxford, and his Answer was in a Letter to the Earl of Forth, the King's General, to this effect.

That he received the Letter and Parchment from his Lordship, but it having no address to, nor acknow­ledgment of the Parliament, he could not communicate it to them. That in maintenance of the Parliament and Privileges thereof, they all resolve to spend their blood, as the foundation of our Laws and Liberties: and he sends to Forth the National Covenant.

The Parliament appointed seven Lords, and fourteen Commons, to be a joynt Council with the Scots Commissioners, but the fewness of the number distasted many who were left out.

The Commons took order for ransoming of the English Captives at Algiers.

Some differences, or rather unkindness, was ap­prehended between the Lord Willoughby of Parham, and the Earl of Manchester, who carrying Mat­ters as a General, the Lord Willoughby could the less brook it, knowing himself not to be puisne to him, but all was well reconciled.

The Lord Fairfax took In Birlington Bay, and about a hundred Horses and Arms.

Sir Thomas Fairfax pulled up the Bridges lead­ing to Chester, and regained three or four Garri­sons from the Enemy, and took about five hundred men, Arms, and Provisions.

The Estates of the Earl of Clare, and of divers others, were ordered to be sequestred.

An Exhortation of the Assembly of Divines, touching the taking of the Covenant, was ap­proved.

The Commons allowed five pounds a Week to Sir John Hotham, and as much to Sir Alexander Carew, and three pounds a Week to Mr. Hotham, for their Maintenance in Prison.

Prince Rupert by strickt Warrants, under pain of Fire and Sword, forbids any Provisions to be car­ried to Gloucester, by which means the City was streightned.

Massey's Brother with a Party of the Gloucester Horse, going to beat up the Enemies quarters, was engaged with the main body of their Horse, and forced to hasten his Retreat with the loss of se­venteen of his men.

The Scots took Coquet Island, and about two Scots. hundred men with their Arms, seven Pieces of Ordnance, and Provisions, and rescued and resto­red to the Owners a great Herd of Cattel taken away by the King's Forces.

Colonel Grey, the Lord Grey's Brother, came in to them with a Regiment of Horse, and took the Covenant; and the Inhabitants of Northumberland and Westmerland came in great numbers to them, they sent a Summons to Newcastle.

Sir Thomas Fairfax took in Crew-house, and Da­rison house, and the Lord Brereton he took Pri­soner, with many others.

The Swedes had great successes in Germany.

Another Letter of the Lord Goring's was inter­cepted, and He ordered to be Impeached of High Treason.

[Page 78] The Timber upon the Lands of the Lord Tennet, and of other Delinquents, was ordered to be cut down for the use of the Navy.

The Commons ordered to sit every day in the Forenoon in the House, in the Afternoon in Com­mittees; Orders of the House. and every Member that came not before Prayers ended in the Morning, to pay one Shil­ling to the Poor, and for every Motion made after Twelve a Clock, to pay five Shillings.

The Earl of Westmerland, and divers other De­linquents came in to the Parliament desiring the benefit of the Declaration of both Kingdoms for Composition.

The Council at Oxford prohibited any to have this Declaration in his Custody, upon pain of Fe­lony; and that if any went from Oxford without leave of the Governour, they should be proceeded against by Martial Law, as Traytors.

Sir William Brereton reported to the House of Commons, that the Irish and other Forces under the Lord Byron, commit great Spoils and Cruel­ties where they come; what they cannot devour, they set on fire, commit horrid Rapes and Inso­lencies, that more of the Irish Rebels are expected to land in those parts, and Prince Rupert to come Irish. and joyn with them.

That he sends forth his Warrants, to bring in Provisions on pain of death, and that fifteen hun­dred more of the Rebels are to be landed in Scot­land, to interrupt the Scots advance into England.

The Marquess of Ormond, the new Lieutenant of Ormond. Ireland, forbids the taking of the Covenant: upon this, and his being the chief Promoter of the Ces­sation there, and of sending Forces from thence to the King, the Commons vote, To impeach him as a Traytor against the three Kingdoms, and disable him of his Lieutenancy, and of all Command in Ire­land.

Twenty thousand English and Scots in the North of Ireland, have vowed, to live and die together in opposition to the Cessation.

A Trumpet came from Oxford to the Lord Ge­neral, with Letters from the Earl of Forth by the Letters from Ox­ford. King's Command, for a new Overture of Peace, desiring a safe Conduct for Mr. Fanshaw, and Mr. Offeley, to come to Westminster with Propositions from the King.

The General acquainted the Parliament with these Letters, but because they did not acknow­ledge the Parliament, they would not read them, but referred them to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

Sir William Constable in Yorkshire routed three Regiments of Newcastle's Horse, took three hun­dred of them, Colonel Washingham, a Serjeant Ma­jor, three Captains, and divers Officers; divers other small skirmishes were in several Countries between both Parties.

The Scots besieged Newcastle, and took a main Outwork, and beat back the Enemy sallying out upon them.

The Marquess of Newcastle being in the Town, burnt a hundred houses in the Suburbs, the Inha­bitants clamour against him: Seven of the Par­liaments Frigots, lay in the Mouth of the Haven, to stop their passage by Sea. The Marquess or­dered the firing of the Cole-mines, but that was prevented by General Lesley's surprizing of all the Boats and Vessels.

Some Irish Rebels landing at Beaumarice for the Mitton. King, Prince Rupert sent a Regiment to convoy them to Worcester, but Colonel Mitton fell upon them by the way, routed them, and took many Prisoners and Arms from them.

The King's Forces took in some small Garrisons near Gloucester.

A Party of Horse from Northampton, routed Sir William Dormer's Troop near Banbury, and took about fourty of them.

The Commons in favour to the Scots Commissi­oners, agreed to an exchange of Colonel Goring, for the Lord Lowthian.

They appointed a Committee to take the Ac­counts of Billets, and free quarter, taken by the Lord General's Forces in Herefordshire, and to make allowance for it.

The two Sir John Evelyns were readmitted to the House upon their Petition, for the benefit of the Declaration of both Kingdoms, and took the Covenant.

There was some disagreement between the two Differen­ces. Houses about settling the Committee of Safety, or Council of State, and the Oath of Secrecy to be ta­ken by them.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford were busie in drawing up some Propositions of Peace to be ten­dred to both Houses here.

About twenty men in disguised habits, like wo­men, with long Knives, were to have entred Not­tingham, and surprised the Guards, and let in the King's Forces, but they were discovered, and some of them taken.

A Party of the Garrison of Poole, hearing of three thousand pounds sent by Prince Rupert to Weymouth, fell upon the Convoy, took the Money, a hundred Horses, many Prisoners, and their Arms.

More Irish Rebels landed near Chester, under the Command of the Earl of Corke, and the Lord In­chiquin; some of them plundred the Lady Drake's house in Dorsetshire, stripped the Lady, and then burned her house to the ground.

Sir John Gell routed a party of the King's horse, under Colonel Hastings, took a hundred and twenty horse, many Prisoners and their Arms.

March 1643. The Commons sent to the Lords to hasten the Tryal of the Archbishop of Can­terbury.

A Trumpet brought a Letter from the Earl of Letters from Ox­ford. Forth, to the Lord General Essex, and in that was a Letter from the King directed in these words.

To the Lords and Commons of Parliament assembled at Westminster.

Upon this was a great Debate, whether this Letter should be received, because it did not ac­knowledge the Parliament here otherwise, than those at Oxford, and was not according to the usual Directions, To the Speaker of one, or both of his houses of Parliament, or to the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament. In conclusion this Letter was referred to a Committee to open it, and to make report thereof to the House.

Colonel Cromwell was sent by Manchester to Cromwell. guard Ammunition from Warwick to Gloucester; he by the way took in Hilsden-house, and in it Sir Alexander Denton the owner, Colonel Smith, ma­ny inferiour Officers, about a hundred horse, thir­teen Barrels of Powder, store of Pillage, and a hundred seventy three common Souldiers, besides fourty slain, being Walloons, and other Foreigners: then he gave an Alarm to Oxford, and so went on to Gloucester.

Another Party from Warwick fell upon the Prin­ce's Troop near Banbury, in their quarters, and took sixty of them.

The Lord Willoughby of Parham, and Sir John Meldrum, with about five thousand Horse and Foot, sate down before Newark; the Garrison sallying Newark. forth, forced Sir John Meldrum's Regiment to re­treat, [Page 79] but the Lord Willoughby came up gallantly with his Regiment, beat them back into the Town, and took a piece of Ordnance, and divers Prisoners, and rescued those whom they had taken of Sir John Meldrum's men.

Divers of the Irish, about fifteen hundred, were cast away at Sea, coming to serve his Majesty.

Poole Garrison beat up the Lord Inchiquin's Re­giment of Irish Rebels, took divers Prisoners, two pieces of Ordnance, killed many, and fired their Magazine.

It was observed the Irish coming over hither, Irish. never did any Service considerable, but were cut off, some in one place, some in another, in all places the Vengeance of God follows blood-thirsty men.

Directions were sent to Mr. Strickland, the Par­liaments Agent at the Hague, to tender the Co­venant to all the English in those Countries, and to Covenant. certifie the Names of such as refused it.

The Prince Elector in a Letter to both Houses, Prince E­lector. declares the content and satisfaction he takes in the Covenant, and wishes success to their proceed­ings in pursuance of that loyal and pious Covenant.

The Parliament gave Authority to Sir William Brereton, as to other Commanders, to levy Mo­neys by Sequestrations, &c. in the Counties where they command, and the like power was given to Commissioners to reside in the Scots Army, and to make supplies and provision for them.

The King's Letter referred to a Committee, was reported to a Committee of both Houses, the effect The King's Letter. whereof was, That in regard of the sad Condition of the Kingdom, that some of the Members of Parliament at Westminster, may meet with some of the Members of Parliament at Oxford, to agree upon a place where both those at Westminster and those at Oxford, may meet in a full Convention of Parliament to settle Reli­gion, with liberty to tender Consciences, the true Rights of the King, Parliament, and Kingdom.

The Lords upon this Letter sent their Observa­tions to the Commons, That the King expresseth his Observati­ons. opinion, that those at Oxford, who have deserted and fought against the Parliament, are yet equal Members with those at Westminster, whom the King hath often acknowledged the true Parliament, and confirmed their Acts.

They propound that a Letter may be sent from both Houses to his Majesty, to represent this to be a Proposals. free Parliament, and to intreat his Majesty to return to it, according to his Oath, to maintain the Laws, Liberties, and Privileges of Parliament; and that if he return not by a day, then they will take care to ma­nage Affairs, as shall seem most meet.

They also propounded, That a Declaration be published upon these Points, and to undeceive the King­dom: To all which the Commons unanimously consented.

The General sent in a List of the Officers of his Army, and a Committee was named to consider with his Excellency, which should continue in Command, and the rest to be provided for, if they will serve as Reformadoes. They took care for the continuance of the Excise and Customs, to pro­vide Moneys for their Armies.

Five worthy Ministers were appointed to attend upon, and to preach to the King's Children.

The Commons voted to Impeach Mr. Webster, and Mr. Sands, and two other English Merchants in Holland, for being chief Actors in pawning the Crown-Jewels, and sending over Arms and Am­munition against the Parliament.

The Clergy and others being summoned to Lei­cester to take the Covenant, and very many of them coming in, Colonel Hastings with four hundred of the King's Horse, roamed about the Country, and took about a hundred Prisoners of those that were going to take the Covenant, and drove the rest home again.

Upon this, about two hundred Horse were sent from Leicester, who unexpectedly fell into the Quarters of Hastings, rescued all the Prisoners, dispersed his Troops, took fifty of them Prisoners, and a hundred and forty Horse and Arms.

Fifteen thousand of the Scots past the River Tyne, and blockt up Newcastle on the South-side, as the other part of their Army did on the North-side.

The Lord Willoughby before Newark, beat the King's Forces from their Outworks, and gained their Bridges, and came within Pistol-shot of the Town.

Colonel Wayte beat up the King's Quarters near Burley-house.

Colonel Norton did the like to some of the Lord Hopton's Forces, and killed and took about eighty of them.

The Scots possest themselves of Sunderland and Durham.

Sir William Constable took Stamford-Bridge, and three pieces of Ordnance, Powder, Shot, Arms for several Troops of Horse, and Provisions.

Colonel Lambert at Leeds surprised eleven Co­lours of the King's, and Sir William Constable be­sieged Scarborough; Sir Hugh Cholmley revolted to the King, burnt many houses in Whitbee.

March. 12. The Archbishop came to his Tryal in the Lord's house; the Evidence against him was managed by Serjeant Wild, and Mr. Maynard: The Archbishop in his Defence alledged for his con­stancy Laud. in Religion, that he had converted two and twen­ty from Popery to be Protestants.

Divers Western Gentlemen came into Plymouth, and submitted themselves to the Parliament.

The Divines of the Netherlands in Answer to a Nether­land Di­vines. Letter from the Assembly of Divines here; express their content in the proceedings of the Parliament and Assembly, touching the Covenant, and desire to joyn with the two Kingdoms therein.

The Dutch Ambassadour sent a Message to the House of Commons, directed in the usual manner,

To the Speaker of the House of Commons:

And in the Afternoon, they had a private Con­ference with the Speaker, and some Members.

The Earl of Carlisle deserted the King's Party, Earl of. Carlisle. and came in to the Parliament.

Colonel Thomas Pyne took the Lord Arundel's House by assault, fifty Prisoners, and two pieces of Ordnance.

Mar. 15. The Commons referred to the Coun­cil of both Kingdoms, to consider of, and propound to both Houses the most probable, speedy, and effectual means for procuring, and establishing a firm peace: wherein the Lords concurred.

Sir Richard Greenvile was proclaimed Traytor by the General, and the Proclamation nailed on the Gallows.

The Parliament Ships chased the Earl of Marle­borough; but he (though two to one) did not think fit to fight with them.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford passed sundry Parl. of Oxford. Votes, That the Parliament Members at Westmin­ster were guilty of Treason. Which Votes the Par­liament caused to be published, with a Declaration upon them.

A List was agreed of seven Colonels of Foot-Regiments, under the Lord General in his Army. Dutch Em­bassadours.

The Propositions from the Ambassadours of the [Page 80] States, Were to mediate a Peace between the King and Parliament: For which end they had been with the King, and now they made application to the Parliament, who thought they did not fully acknowledge them as the Parliament, and there­upon the business past over, with Complements on both parts.

Colonel Purefoy beat up the Quarters of two Troups of the Earl of Northampton's Regiment, took divers Officers and others Prisoners, and 80 Horse,

The Rents of the Universitie of Oxford were secured by the Parliament.

Consideration was had of Regulating Sir William Waller's Army.

The Scots possest Sunderland, by which means Coals were had for London, which before was in great want of them.

Newark Garrison sallied out and surprised 200 of the Besiegers.

The Ordinance past for Regulating the Lord General's Army, and reducing them to seven thou­sand and five hundred Foot, and three thousand Gen. Essex disconten­ted. Horse; and thereby his Officers were discontented, and himself not well pleased.

Letters were intercepted from the Catholick Council of the Rebels in Ireland, to Cardinal Ma­zarini, Letters in­tercepted. To put the Queen Regent of France in mind of her promise to assist the Irish with seven thousand men.

An Order past for Trade to Sunderland and Blith in the North.

A difference of Opinion was between the two Houses; the Lords would have a new Committee named, to consider of Propositions of Peace: the Commons would have that Business referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

In the debate of this matter, some of the House of Commons seemed averse to any Propositions at all for Peace: Amongst others, one spake to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

It would be no wonder to see an unanimous Concur­rence of the whole House, in furthering Propositions for a good Peace.

The Calamities of our Distractions have brought us to it, and who is there amongst us, that hath not in some measure felt the stroaks of them; I am sure, Sir, I have smarted by them.

We may say here, but, I hope, never with the like Application, what Tacitus said of the Romans, Om­nia discordiis civilibus fessa.

The Land is weary of our Discords, being thereby polluted with our blood.

God hath given you great Successes in many places against our Enemies, and sometimes he is pleased to give our Enemies Successes against us; in all of them, whether of the one or the other Party, the poor English are still Sufferers.

Whose Goods (I pray Sir) are plundered? whose Houses are burnt? whose Limbs are cut, or shot off? whose persons are thrown into loathsom Dungeons? whose Blood stains the Walls of our Towns, and defiles our Land?

Is it not all English? and is it not then time for us who are all English-men, to be weary of these Dis­cords, and to use our utmost Endeavours to put an end to them.

I know, Sir, you are all here of the same Opinion with me in this Point; and that it was an unhappy mi­stake of those who told us in the beginning of our War­fare, ‘That it would be onely to shew our selves in the Field with a few Forces, and then all would be pre­sently ded.’

We have found it otherwise; let us now again seek to recover these Blessings of Peace, whereof we are told, that Nihil tam populare quam pax, That nothing is than Peace more gracious to be heard of, more plea­sing to be desired, and more profitable to be enioyed.

I am sorry we have so much, and so sad Experi­ence, as well as other Arguments, to convince us of this truth.

You think best to refer it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, and you cannot find more able and faith­full men to trust in this Business: the Lords think fit that another Committee be named, to whom this may be referred.

VVhilst we differ upon the Committee, we lose the Business, and do not pursue Peace. I am perswaded, Sir, you can hardly name any Committee, either with­in, or without these Walls, but would be ready to take pains to effect this good work.

Unless it were those who have said, ‘That if this War be well managed, it may last twenty years.’ But those were not English-men: and although we have Irish, French, Dutch, and Walloons, as well as other Papists, ingaged for the settlement of the Pro­testant Religion, and Laws of England:

Yet I am perswaded, that his Majesty and you mu­tually indeavouring (as it is both your Interests) none can hinder it.

It is true, that these Foreigners help to open the Veins wider but a Peace will rid us of them, and stop the Issue of Blood; but if it bleed on still, we must faint, and perhaps become a prey to Foreigners.

Sir, I humbly move that we may endeavour without more loss of time, to satisfie the Lords with reasons, that it is fittest to have this matter referred to the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms.

Yet, if their Lordships shall not be satisfied herein, let us consent to name another Committee, rather than to suffer so desirable a business to be protracted. Let us consent to any thing that is just, reasonable, and ho­nourable, rather than in the least, to neglect to seck Peace, and to ensue it.

The Commons appointed a Committee to draw up Reasons to satisfie the Lords, that it was fittest to refer this Matter to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

The Lord Howard of Escricke had an allowance out of Sequestrations, in satisfaction of his Losses, and the first Precedent herein was of a Lord.

Captain Weere going with a Party from Lyme, was surprised by the King's Forces, and most of his men taken Prisoners, and carried to Collington, and divers killed.

Captain Thomas Pyne having Intelligence there­of, went out the same Night with a Party of the Garrison of Lyme to Collington, where he found them in Jollity for their Success; and falling upon them he took the Colonel, several inferiour Of­ficers, about sixty Souldiers, and many Horse and Arms, and rescued all their Prisoners.

Prince Rupert, with a great body of Horse, came unexpectedly upon the Parliaments Forces before Newark, so that they had no time to prepare to Newark. receive him; yet Colonel Rossiter, Major Lilburn, Captain Bethell, and Hunt, gallantly charged, and routed the Right Wing led by the Prince.

Other of the Parliaments Forces did not play their parts so well, but five hundred of them de­serted the great Fort, before they were assaulted, secured their Arms, and went away to Lincoln: By which means the Prince became Master of that Fort, and of the Island, and there intrenched him­self, and cut of Provisions from the Besiegers, which made them render upon Articles, which were not observed: The Parliament lost there three [Page 81] thousand Arms, and nine pieces of Ordnance, and the Enemy rejoyced much in this action.

The occasion of this defeat, was the want of a good Agreement amongst the Officers before the Town, who took upon them more power than be­longed to them; several of them striving to be chief in command, and all thereby were the more careless, and unprepared to resist the Enemy.

The Ordinance passed for compleating and Army Mo­del'd. maintaining the Lord General's Army to consist of seven Regiments of Foot, each of 1000 Souldiers, divided into eight Companies, and the General's Regiment to be of 1500 Souldiers, and divided into twelve Companies, and to have six Regiments of Horse, each to consist of 550 Troupers, and divided into six Troups.

Instead of nine great Ships not so usefull in the Navy, it was ordered to fit up twelve Merchant Ships.

The Commons ordered the Lord Mayor and Mi­litia of London to provide a Store of Corn for the City.

An Ordinance passed for contribution of one Meal a Week for the Auxiliary Forces.

Colonel Harvey was sent forth with his Regi­ment of Horse to Sir William Waller:

Captain Swanley took a Bristol Ship laden with Arms and Ammunition for the King.

The Scots took a great Fort over against Tin­mouth, which commands all Ships coming in, or going out of New Castle, and five pieces of Ord­nance, Arms, Powder, and some Prisoners, and lost but nine men.

Colonel Cromwell, Governour of the Isle of Ely, had the like power for levying money there for his Forces, as the Earl of Manchester had in the asso­ciated Counties.

General Forth, and Sir Ralph Hopton having drawn together the strength of the King's Forces in those parts, marched towards Sir William Waller, who with Sir William Belfore, Sir Arthur Haslerig, and others, had got together about 10000 Men.

Both Armies lay within a mile of each other, Winchester Fight. about four miles from Winchester, and two or three days faced each other, and had some light Skir­mishes between the Horse, and William Waller's Men, took about thirty of the enemy, and slew one Captain, and an Irish Rebel.

March 29. Both Armies fell on upon each other, the King's Forces having the advantage in the num­ber, both Parties fought very gallantly, and stout­ly, the London Forces, and Kentish Men with Wal­ler, and Sir Arthur Haslerig, and Belfore, did very brave service, and after a sharp Fight, the Parlia­ment Forces totally routed, and dispersed the King's Army.

The first of the King's that are said to run away, were two Regiments of Irish, the other Foot Re­giments fought stoutly on both sides, and came up to push of Pike; the London Regiments drave the Enemy from the Hedges, which they had lined with Musquetiers, and gained the passage to a Wood, which stood the Parliament Forces in great stead, and shortly after put the Enemy to a Rout, which was so total, that scarce ten of them were left together. Their General Forth and Sir Ralph Hopton fled to Bafing House, their Ordnance, Arms, Bag and Baggage left to the Parliament, about 500 of them slain, besides those in the pursuit, closely followed by Sir Arthur Haslerig.

The Lord John, Brother to the Duke of Lenox, was slain, and many Officers of the King's Party. of the Parliaments Party about 100 Men slain, Co­lonel Dalbier wounded, and Colonel Thompson's leg shot off.

The News hereof as it was joyfull to the Parlia­ment, so it took off much of their rejoycing at Ox­ford for the relieving of Newark, and raising of the siege there.

Anno 1644.

Anno 1644 Car. 20

April 1644. The Parliament ordered a day of publick thanksgiving for the good success which it pleased God to give to their Forces hear Winchester.

Ships were ordered to lie to hinder the landing of the Irish.

Captain Swanley secured Milford Haven, Haver­ford West, and all Pembrokeshire for the Parlia­ment.

The Irish Rebels enter'd into a Catholick Cove­nant, Irish. and sent their Agents to the King to have a free Catholick Parliament, and they had counte­nance at Oxford.

The Commons took course for making of Gun­powder.

The Scots, and New-Castle's Army often faced each other, and had some small Rencounters.

A Party of Sir John Gell's men near Derby fell upon a quarter of the Enemy, killed twenty two, routed the rest, drove divers Men and Horse into the River Dove, where they were drowned, took 140 Horse, and 80 Prisoners.

Colonel Bellasis attempted the Quarters of Colo­nel Lambert, who beat back Colonel Bellasis, and pursued him six miles, took 150 Horse, 60 Foot, Colonel Bagshaw, and 80 Captains, and Offi­cers.

Sir Edward Hartop, and Major Bingley, were questioned for letting the Enemy pass to the Re­lief of Newark, when they had a considerable force to oppose him; and it was referred to a Council of War.

It was agreed to send 66000 l. to the Brittish Forces in Ulster.

The Prince Elector wrote to the Parliament of Prince E­lector. the great want he and his Mother were in, for want of the stipend they formerly had, bemoans the courses which his brother took in fighting against the Parlia­ment and rejoyceth to hear of the Covenant.

The King's Forces at Reading levelled the works, and marched to Marlborough.

An Ordinance passed for observation of the Lord's day.

The Isle of Wight sent store of provisions, and 300 men to Waller.

Upon advice from the Committee of both King­doms the Parliament resolv'd to draw together all their Forces at a general Rendezvous, and to put the Enemy to it, by a day, and took order for Vi­ctuals, and Necessaries for their Armies, and that this their resolution should be published on the day of Thanksgiving.

Newcastle imposed an Oath of Adherence upon the inhabitants of York, to oppose the Scots, but many resused to take it.

The Lord Fairfax his Regiment took 160 Horse, and 80 Foot at Axholm.

The Commons and Lords answered the Dutch Dutch Am­bassadours. Ambassadour, That when they should make it appear, that they hadCommission to address themselves to the Parliament, they should receive a fit Answer.

At a Common Council the Earl of Warwick, Sir Henry Vane Junior, and the Earl of Pembroke, spake to the Citizens, acquainted them with the Resolu­tion of the Parliament, to put the business of the war to a speedy issue, and to a day, and to desire their assistance. Sir William Waller spake to them to the [Page 82] same effect: Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Glyn to the same purpose, and the Citizens were very forward in the business.

A Party of Sir William Waller's Forces took Christ Church, and Sir John Willis the Governour, with divers Commissioners of Array, 120 Horse, 200 Foot, and about 400 Arms.

The London Brigade with Colonel Whitehead took in by composition Walton House belonging to the Bishop of Winchester.

Colonel Langhern, and Captain Swanley, with the help of a squadron of ships sent to them, took in the fort of Prickspil, divers Officers, 18 great Ordnance, 6 Carriages, 300 Souldiers, with their Arms, and two Bristol ships with Arms and Powder.

This so terrified Haverford West, that their Centuries the next night seeing a herd of Cattel, cried out that the Round-heads Black-coats were come, and Sir Henry Vaughan, and his company hasted away, leaving behind them Powder, ten pieces of Ordnance, and store of Provisions.

Then they took Tinby a strong Fort with the Governour, 300 Souldiers, and Arms, 8 pieces of Cannon, and store of plunder, and secured all Pem­brokeshire, and most part of South Wales for the Parliament.

Prince Griffith (so called) made a proposition for 15000 l. to reduce all NorthWales to the Parliament.

Col. King took in Crowland for the Parliament, 80 Horse and Arms.

The Lords agreed to refer the drawing up of propositions for Peace to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to doe it by a day.

An Oxford Spie was executed.

The Lord Conwey, and the Earl of Kingston came into the Parliament.

The King again sets up his Standard at Marlbo­rough, The King's Standard. but seeing few come in to it, he declared at the Standard that the two Houses were preparing Pro­positions for Peace, and he would reward those that came in to him, as there should be further occasion to use them: and so the Standard was taken down.

The King's Forces surprized Wareham, as was suspected by the treachery of the Captain of the Watch, who let them in, for which they, being Masters of the place, killed the Captain, and many others, and committed divers rapes and cruelties.

The Archbishop coming again to trial the Arti­cle Laud. was urged against him, and several witnesses produced, That he assumed the title of the Pope, that in Letters from the Ʋniversity of Oxford, he was styled Optimus, Maximus, & Sanctitas Vestra, Your Sa­cred Holiness, Aeternum Reverendissime Cancella­rie, & Maximus Pontifex.

It was referred to the Committee of both King­doms to send Agents to the Swedes, and to Zea­land, to declare the Parliaments affection to them, who had expressed their good liking of the procee­dings of the Parliament.

The Lord Fairfax, and Sir Thomas Fairfax his Fairfax. Son joyning together, drew up their Forces to Selby, where a Garrison of the King's was, and in Selby. it Colonel Bellasis the Governour of York, that night they beat in a party of the Enemies Horse, and took divers Prisoners.

Early the next morning they beset the Town in three Divisions, and after a hot fight, wherein both parties performed brave service; Fairfax routed them, and entred the Town, where they took 4 Colonels, 4 Majors, 20 Captains, 130 in­feriour Officers, 1600 common Souldiers, 4 brass Pieces of Ordnance, Powder, Match, 2000 Arms, 500 Horse, besides Colours, and a Pinnace, and Ships in the River, and 500 more Prisoners at Hemcough near Selby.

For this the Parliament ordered a day of publick Thanksgiving.

The Candlesticks, Crucifixes, and Plate in Pauls Church was ordered to be sold, and a motion debated for borrowing 100000 l. of the States of the Netherlands.

The Lord Mayor, and Aldermen of London pro­posed, London. that they would raise 20000 men, and how they might be paid; but the Commons doubting it might retard their present designs, it was for that time laid aside.

A party of Sir William Waller's Horse beat up the Enemies Quarters at Sunning near Reading, took 2 Lieutenant Colonels, 3 Captains, divers other Officers, 21 Souldiers with Arms, and 40 Horse.

A Proclamation was published from Oxford, Proclama­tion. commanding the Inhabitants of Oxfordshire, Bucks, and Berks, &c. to bring in all their provision for Men and Horse to Oxford within 5 days, that they may not assist the Enemies now marching, on pain of fire and sword. The Commons appointed a Declaration to be drawn, and published there­upon.

These three Counties, Oxon, Bucks, and Berks, Associati­on. entred into an association, and a Committee was appointed of Members of the Mouse, and other Gentlemen of those Counties then in London, to manage the affairs of those Counties, to compound with Delinquents, and to raise supplies for the Forces there.

The Earl of Newcastle, troubled at the news of Selby, and his Army wasting upon the approach of the Scots towards them, they left Durham to the Scots, and General Lesley pursued them.

The Commons did right to Mr. Cambell, upon a complaint of Horses taken from him, and to the inhabitants of Surrey, for satisfaction of their charges for supply of Sir William Waller.

A thousand Countrey men came in to Colonel Massey, who represented the condition of his Gar­rison to the Parliament, who ordered supplies for him, and the Earl of Manchester was ordered with 4000 Horse, and 5000 Foot to attend the motion of Prince Rupert.

The Lord Fairfax his Forces joyned with the Scots, and care was taken to supply the Earl of Manchester.

Sir William Waller sent out a party which fell upon a Convoy of the Enemies for supply of Basing House, and took of them divers Officers, 40 Soul­diers, 1000 Sheep, and fat cattle and money.

Sir John Gell routed 2 Troups of Colonel Go­ring's Regiment of Horse, and dispersed the rest.

The Earl of Warwick took 8 ships bound for Bristol.

York was close besieged by the Scots, and the Lord Fairfax his Forces.

The Dutch Embassadour and the Parliament courted each other, but nothing came to effect be­tween them.

The King's Forces (whereof many were Irish) burnt Bemister, Cerne, and Shaftsbury in Dorsetshire.

The Commons ordered that no private business should be heard in the House, before the Armies were upon their march.

The Propositions for Peace were brought into the House, and Read, and Debated, and the De­bate adjourned.

The Marquess Huntley in Scotland made some commotion on behalf of the King, but the Earl of Argile quieted him.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford had written Let­ters Letters from Ox­ford. to the Estates of Scotland, dehorting them from giving any assistance to those at Westminster, who were in arms against the King, and these Let­ters [Page 83] set forth the unlawfulness and injustice of such undertakings, and actions.

The Estates of Scotland sent up this Letter to the Parliament with a Copy of their answer to it, which was to this effect, That their expedition into Scots An­swer. England was not intended till all other means were first assayed and disappointed, they deny not the Parliaments invitation of them, and they declare that their pitty to see England bleed, and their sense of the danger of their own Religion and Laws, were the chief cause of their taking up Armes. That they held not the invita­tion of the Parliament any ways invalid, because they at Oxford are wanting, or others are gone beyond the Seas, having either wilfully deserted the Parliament, or been expelled for Delinquency, or why those that stay in Parliament are not a sufficient number without those at Oxford, they do not apprehend, with much of the like matter, which was well accepted by the Par­liament.

May, 1644. An Ordinance for the supply of the Earl of Manchester's forces stuck with the Lords.

An Ordinance was published to prevent the ad­journment of the Term, or any the Courts of Justice from Westminster, and all Judges and Officers were commanded to attend their places here.

Some 30 firelocks of the Garrison of Northamp­ton being surprized by the Enemy, and carried Prisoners to Banbury, the Northampton forces mar­ched forth, entered Banbury, fetched off all their Prisoners, and took about 30 of them. Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Major General Lesley closely pursued the Earl of Newcastle's horse Southward.

The Archbishop of Canterbury came again to his tryal, the evidence against him was mannaged by Laud. Mr. Nicholas.

Captain Swanley took in the town of Caernarvon with 400 Prisoners, Arms, Ammunition and much Pillage.

Plymouth sallyed out upon the besiegers, took 40 Prisoners, Horse, Arms, Ammunition.

The Speaker, and some Members of the House were sent to the Dutch Ambassadours to comple­ment and take leave of them.

The Commons sent to acquaint the City, that City. they were preparing Propositions for Peace, and desired to know from them what concerned their particular, for which the City returned their hum­ble thanks.

Particular Letters were ordered to be written from the Houses to the Scots General, and to the Lord Fairfax and his son, in acknowledgment of their good services.

The Lord General wrote to the Houses to ap­point a Committee to reside with the Army, and to supply the Army.

Mr. Rolles, a Member of the House, had satis­faction voted to be given him for his losses in op­posing the King's taking of Tunnage and Poun­dage, when it was not granted by Parliament.

At the taking of Caermarthen by Captain Swanly many Irish Rebels were thrown into the Sea.

The Earl of Manchester took the City of Lincoln Earl of Manchester. by storm, and in it Sir Francis Fane the Governor, three Colonels, many inferiour Officers, 800 Common Souldiers, 1000 Armes, 8 pieces of Ord­nance, all their Armes, Ammunition, and pillage given to the Souldiers, and 80 of them were slain.

A new Ordinance passed for abolishing all Popish Reliques fixed to Tombes, or other places, and all Organs, Images, &c.

The Earl of Holland desired licence to accompa­ny the Lord General in the present expedition, which the Lords granted, but the Commons deny­ed, which (upon my knowledge) distasted the Ge­neral: Sir Philip Stapleton and Hollis were two of the most secret Counsellors and Friends the Gene­ral had, they often advised with him about his affairs, for his good, and the advantage of the Parliament, but he was not well fixed.

Newcastle's horse coming to relieve Lincolne, were beaten back by Manchester's.

The siege of York was continued, and the Scots and the Lord Fairfax's forces drawn very near to the wals.

The Lord Say, Mr. of the Wards, and the Offi­cers of that Court sate, Mr. Charles Fleetwood was made Receiver General, and Mr. Miles Corbet Clerk of the Wards.

Captain Fox with one Troop of Horse, went to Bewdely the enemies Garrison, and in the night under pretence of being one of the Princes Troops, passed the Guards to the main Guard, where he killed the Sentinels, seized the Guard, and took Sir Thomas Littleton, and divers persons of Quali­ty prisoners.

The Londoners presented a Petition to the Lords, Petition. desiring their free and mutual concurrence with the Commons in the great affairs now in agitation, which was not well taken by the Lords.

A party of the King's horse came to Henly, re­quiring the inhabitants to carry in all their Pro­visions for men and horse to Oxford, else the Town should be burnt, and faln upon by the Souldiers, but Captain Buller being quartered not far from thence, and hearing of it, came unexpectedly and fell upon the enemy, and rescued the Town.

Colonel Massey with his own forces, and some Massey. of the Regiments of the Lord Stamford, Colonel Devereux, and Colonel Purefoy, took Westbury by assault, divers Officers, and 60 Souldiers, the same night he marched to little Deane, and meet­ing with a party of the Enemy under Captain Con­grave, and Wigmore, he slew them, and 7 or 8 more, and took divers prisoners.

Then he stormed Newnam, a strong fort, who shot at his Trumpet sent to summon them, and that so inraged Massey's men, that they entered the Town, and slew about 40, took divers Offi­cers, and 130 common Souldiers, and store of Arms.

A new Ordinance for settling the Committee of both Kingdomes was sent up to the Lords, who denyed to pass the former, and the reason there­of was, because divers of that Committee, especially of the Commons, were apprehended not to be so much the General's friends, as others who were desired to be brought in, and this caused some peekes among them.

They also moved the Lords to pass the Ordi­nance for excluding the Members of both Houses, who had deserted the Parliament which had long attended their Lordship's resolution.

Order was given to the Lord Mayor, and Mili­tia of London to remove all suspicious persons, Pa­pists and Delinquents out of the Cities of London and Westminster, and the Suburbs, and the like di­rections were sent to the Commitees of the several Counties.

The horse of Sir Tho. Fairfax, and of the Earl of Manchester joyned with the Scots horse, and were in all about 8000.

Supplies arrived at Lyme, and the besieged beat back the enemy at three assaults, and forced them to leave behind them their scaling ladders, and about 125 of their men Prisoners, Colonel [Page 84] Bluet Colonel Strangways, and one Pawlet, and di­vers others slain; and three great Guns, and Prince Maurice his own Colours taken.

In these assaults, they relate that the women of the Town would come into the thickest of the dan­ger, to bring Powder, Bullet and provisions to the men, incouraging them upon the Works.

In a Petition to the Commons from London, London Pe­tition. they give them thanks for their indefatigable pains and care, and being sensible of some delays in the great affairs, by reason the Committee of both Kingdomes did not sit, they desire a speedy course may be taken therein.

This Petition was suspected by the General's Jealousies. friends, to be set on foot by those who were not his friends, and jealousies now began among the Grandees of the Parliament.

The Lord Roberts Field-Marshal to Essex his Ar­my, had given him the allowance of 6 l. per diem.

Some of the Garrison of York Sallied out upon the Scots, but were beaten back by them, and about 60 killed and taken, and a Church in the Su­burbs.

The Lord General was at Greenland house to view it, and his forces quartered at Henly.

The King's forces carryed away all they could get at Reading, and deserted it.

The French Merchants of London in a Petition to the House, shew'd that some of their Ships were stayed in Normandy by the King's Commission granted to some Irish Rebels, under pretence of satisfying them their losses since the Rebellion.

Mr. St. John was by the Commons assigned to be Attorney General. Pembroke, Caermarthen and Car­digan Associa­tion. were associated under Colonel Laugherne, with like Powers, as in other associations.

A Committee of Western Gentlemen residing in London was named, to take care for supply of Ply­mouth, and the Western parts.

The late Commotions in Scotland were some­what appeased.

The Earles of Montrosse and Craford fled to Newcastle, pursued by the Earl of Calender, and Marquess Huntley fled to the Hills.

The Archbishop was again brought to his Try­all, Laud. and proofs produced against him, touching his endeavours to set up Popery, his removing the Com­munion Tables, and setting up Altars in their places; His causing superstitious Pictures, Images and Cruci­fixes to be set up in many Churches, and in the King's Chapel causing a Popish Crucifix to be hung up over the Altar, upon every Good Fryday, which had not been there before, since the Reign of Queen Mary.

Other pictures were shewed to the Lords, which were found in the Archbishop's Study and Cham­bers, as the inspiring of divers Popes and Cardinals by the Holy Ghost; resembled in the form of a Dove. Another was of our Saviour bleeding upon the Cross, and Pilate crying out Ecce homo, and his Consecra­ting of Churches, Tapers, Candlesticks, Organs, and particular Prayers for those purposes, were urged a­gainst him.

The Commons ordered the taking away of all such Pictures, Images and Crucifixes in the King's Chapel at Whitehall.

Some agreement for the present was between both Houses for the sitting of the Committee of both Kingdomes.

By Letters from the General dated at Henly, he Gen. Essex. certifies the Parliament that he is upon a further advance towards the enemy, and that he may have no hindrance, but to take his whole Army with him, he desires a party may be sent out of the City to block up Greenland-house, a place very prejudicial to the Country thereabouts, that he sent a party to view the works, but thought it unsafe to adven­ture the taking of it by onset. Major General Skippon riding about the Works, had his horse shot under him.

Another Letter came the next day from the Ge­neral, That he was now marching from Reading to seek out the Enemy, who were said to be about Wantage, where he resolved to quarter that night, and to give them no rest, till they fight or fly. He further puts the House in mind, that they would send out a party to reduce Greenland-house.

So many came into the General, that he writes for 4000 Arms to arm the Voluntiers.

Goring with 4000 horse marched through Lei­ceistershire, and was skirmished with by the Lord Gray.

Colonel Cromwel joyned with the Scots.

The Committee of the Revenue gave a full ac­count to the House of all their Receipts, and dis­bursements. The Earl of Nottingham had his Pen­sion consirmed to him, and part of it was assigned to the Countess.

It was proposed that all the forces that could, should be drawn together out of Oxfordshire, Berks and Bucks, to joyn with a Brigade to be sent out of London, under Major General Brown, and that Whitelocke should command the whole party. But Whitelocke knew the height of the Major General, and that he thought it susficient for him to obey the orders of the Lord General himself, and that this might cause a difference betwixt them, and therefore Whitelocke waved it.

A Letter of Complement was sent from the Par­liament of England, to the Parliament of Scotland now sitting.

The Archbishop came again to his Tryal, where Laud. was produced against him his own Diary, wherein it appeared that he had alter'd part of the King's Oath taken at his Coronation, and that in a most mate­rial point, for his passing such Laws as the People should choose, which he left out, and added a saving of the King's Prerogative in the Oath.

The Lord Roberts, and Sir Philip Stapleton with 3000 horse entred Abington, which the King's party quitted to them.

The Lord General by two Proclamations prohi­bited all plunderings, and outrages on pain of death.

The Committee of both Kingdomes were orde­red to prepare a narrative to be sent from the Parliament to the States of Holland, touching the negotiation of their Ambassadors here, and to com­plement them.

The Lord Fairfax took in Cawood Castle, and the Scots by assault took one of the Enemies works before York, and finding it maintained by Foreig­ners and Papists, gave them no quarter.

Whilst they lay before York, the King's forces in Westmoreland, and Cumberland made great incur­sions into Durham.

A Committee of Citizens was appointed to con­sider of borrowing 200000 l. here, or beyond Seas.

Lyme was brought to some streights by the Ene­mies Countermining of them.

Captain Temple beat up the Enemies quarters at Islip, slew 15, took divers Officers, Sir James For­tescue and others, and 37 prisoners, and 18 bayles of Serge.

The Garrison at Plymouth sallyed out two miles, and took from the Enemy 9 peices of Ordnance, 150 Prisoners, 100 Cows, and 500 Sheep.

General Essex advanced to Bullington-green, with­in a mile of Oxford, and faced it.

[Page 85] Mr. Walter Long was by Ordinance made Regi­ster of the Chancery, and a Committee was ap­pointed to consider of fit persons to be made Judges.

Colonel Massey took Beverston Castle, in Glouce­stershire, and in it sixty persons, with all their Ord­nance, Massey. and Ammunition.

From thence at Malmesbury he took the Garri­son, being three hundred men, and among them two of the Earl of Berkshire's Sons, four hundred Arms, seven pieces of Ordnance, Powder, and Ammunition.

From thence he went to Chippenham, which the Enemy quitted to him, with much Provision and Arms.

An Ordinance was agreed to bestow on him a thousand pounds per annum out of Sir John Winter's Estate.

By advice of the Assembly of Divines, an erro­nious Print of the English Bible at Amsterdam, and sent over hither, was suppressed by order of Par­liament.

The Earl of Denbigh took in Russell house in Staffordshire, and in it Colonel Lane, and divers Officers, with two hundred Prisoners, and their Arms, and 10000 l. worth of Goods, and so open­ed the passage betwixt Coventry and London; the stout Morelanders joyned with him. The Earl of Manchester's Horse joyned with the Scots Horse, and those of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and advanced to interpose between Prince Rupert and York, or Lancaster

Mr. Hix a Minister, appointed to Preach be­fore the Parliament, and complaining that he wanted Books, being plundered, the Commons gave him 30 l. to buy more.

A Gentleman who came from Ireland to Oxford, and so to London, informed the Parliament, That the Propositions of the Protestants there were cast off, but those of the Rebels countenanced.

June 1644. Sir William Brereton was made Ma­jor General of Cheshire, and the adjacent parts, with like power as in other Associations.

The Enemy assaulting Lyme, Major Rutsford with a party of the Garrison sallied out, and beat them back, took about three hundred Prisoners, one brass piece of Ordnance, and great store of Arms.

Prince Rupert took Bolton in Lancashire by storm, after three Repulses; which so irritated the Prince his Forces, that they put to the Sword many, after they had laid down their Arms; and among them were named four Ministers, Heycocke, Tilsbury, Harper, and Fogge, this was highly discoursed of by the Parliament party, That a foreign Prince should be allowed to exercise so much severity upon the lives of the English in their own Country.

The Lord Chandois left Oxford, and came in to the Parliament.

The Earl of Calender possest himself of Mor­peth for the Parliament.

By Combination between the Mayor of New­castle, and the Governour of the South-shields for the Parliament, they were betrayed to the King's Forces.

The Seamen discovering a Plot to betray Sun­derland, put themselves in Arms, planted two pie­ces of Ordnance, and secured the Town: For which Service the Parliament gave them 200 l. and ordered the Captain that betrayed the South-shields, to be tryed for it, by a Council of War.

Letters of Credence were received by the Parlia­ment from the King of Denmark.

Colonel Jones Governour of Farnham Castle, was assaulted in his Quarters by some of the Garrison of Basing-house; but three Troups of Colonel Norton's coming to his assistance, they took divers Officers, and about seventy five Souldiers, and drove the rest to Basing. Sir Edward Baynton upon a submissive Petition was restored to the House.

Captain Swanley was called into the House of Commons, and had thanks given him for his good Service, and a Chain of Gold of two hundred pounds value, and Captain Smith his Vice-Ad­miral had another Chain of one hundred pounds value.

The Lord General Essex had a skirmish with the Gen. Essex. King's Forces at Anslow-Bridge near Islip, where they had made Breast-works on both sides, but Essex forced them to retreat, and took thirty of them Prisoners, Waller on the other side took sixty Prisoners, and about forty were slain of the Par­liaments party.

Coningham one of Essex's Colonels, having his Colonel Coningham. Arm shot off by a great Shot, was so far from be­ing daunted at it; that he held up his other Arm, and said, I have yet another Arm left to fight for the Parliament: but he died not long after.

Major Mathews was likewise wounded, and the report was, that the King lost that day near two thousand men that were killed, and wounded, and ran away.

Colonel Hutchinson Governour of Nottingham, met with a party of the Newarkers, slew Captain Thimbleby, and took fifty of them: The same party from Nottingham the next day took more of the Newarkers, twenty Gentlemen and Officers, and sixty of their Horse and Furniture.

The Lords sent to the Commons; that a Regi­ment of Foot, or more, might be sent to joyn with the Forces then before Greenland-house; and that they might batter it from the other side of the Thames.

The Dutch Ambassadour came from the King to the Lord General, to know if he were inclined to Peace, and would treat with them; he answer­ed, That he had much desired Peace, but was not im­powred to treat about it, that being reserved to the Parliament. And so the Ambassadors returned to Dutch Am­bassadour. London.

The Marquess of Argile quieted the Commo­tions in Scotland.

Mr. Nichols, one of the Committee sent to the Army, informed the Parliament, that the King and Prince, with the three thousand Horse, and a party of Musquettiers, were marched from Oxford towards Bristoll, as was conceived.

That the King sent a Party before to Burford, whither he followed; and that the Duke of York with some Forces was in Oxford, and that the Town was in some streights, and want of Provi­sions: there are fifteen hundred of the King's Army, besides the Scholars, and eight hundred Towns-men.

At Burford the King was fain in person to drive his Souldiers out of the Town.

The Archbishop was again brought to his Try­all, Laud. and urged against him, That he so furnished the King's Chapel, that Seminary Priests would come thi­ther for their Devotion and Adoration: and some of them were instanced, who said, they knew no dif­ference between their Churches, and this Chapel, and some other of our Churches, as they were new ordered.

The King went from Burford with five thousand horse and foot, twenty Carriages, and some small Drakes, Sir William Waller closely pursued him; they are supposed to intend for Worcester, and so to Shrewsbury, that they may the more convenient­ly joyn, as there shall be occasion with Prince Ru­pert.

[Page 86] General Essex pursued them another way by Chipping Norton.

The Commons sent a Committee to London, to treat about the sending of more Forces speedily for the reducing of Oxford and Greenland-house, and City. the better securing those Counties for the Parlia­ment.

The City freely agreed hereunto, and resolved to send out another Brigade of horse and foot, un­der Major General Brown, to joyn with the Forces of these three Counties.

The Earl of Warwick relieved Lyme with Pro­visions Lyme. and Ammunition, which they greatly wan­ted; and with some of his Seamen helped to keep the Line. Prince Maurice stormed the Town, but Captain Ceely the Governour, and his Garrison with the Seamen, made such a Defence, that sixty of the Prince's men were slain, two Captains, and many of his Souldiers taken prisoners, and but eight men lost of the Garrison in this storm.

The chief Commanders before Lyme were Prince Maurice, the Lord Pawlet, and Sir John Borlace, with about 2500 horse and foot in all.

The next day but one, they began again to storm the Town, and came on with as much bravery and resolution, as could be performed by English men against English-men; and they were as gallantly re­ceived by the Garrison, and 400 of the Prince's men were slain on the place, and not above seven of the Garrison.

All this was certified to the Parliament by Let­ters Earl of Warwick. from the Earl of Warwick, to whom a Letter of thanks was sent from both Houses, for his great Service in relieving this Town; and they ordered 1000 l. per an. to the Town, out of the Lord Paw­let's Estate, and full satisfaction to the Inhabitants for their losses, and the Lord General was desired to send a party to relieve them.

It was much wondred at, that this Town could so long hold out, being of little strength, more than by the courage of their men, and situate low under a Hill, which was of great advantage to the Besiegers, and they were sometimes brought unto such streights, that their Water was noisom with the bloud of those slain, and they much wan­ted provision of Victuals, and Ammunition which the Earl of Warwick supplyed.

He also certified the Parliament, that he had ta­ken two Pinnaces at Sea, one bound for Bristoll, va­lued at 18000 l.

A Troup of the Earl of Dallensie's Regiment marched to the Walls of York, killed thirty, and took thirty four Prisoners, sxity Horse, and forty Oxen and Cows from the Garrison.

General Lesley and the Earl of Manchester in­trenched on each side of York, very near to the York. City, and the Scots took and fortified a Windmill near the Town, though the Garrison made 200 great shot at them.

The Parliament ordered the Lord General to pursue the King, and Sir William Waller to march into the West, which was contrary to the Gene­ral's liking, and it was thought strange that the Committee of both Kingdoms would at that di­stance take upon them to give particular Orders, for the Services and course of their Armies March, and not rather to leave it to the chief Commanders that were upon the place, and who upon every mo­tion of the Enemy, might see cause to alter their Counsels.

This increased the jealousies and peeks between the General and Waller, both gallant men; but the Peeks. General thought himself undervalued, and Waller was high enough: Nor did there want Pick-thanks to blow these coals of jealousie; and this proved unhappy to the Parliament Affairs, as will appear afterwards.

Mr. Hungerford a Member of the House of Com­mons, was committed for going to the Anti-Par­liament at Oxford. Colonel Massey took in Tewks­bury, and in it Lieutenant Colonel Mynne, and many Prisoners, Powder, and Ammunition, and slew several inferiour Officers.

A Battery was made at the Windmill-hill at York. York, five pieces of Ordnance planted, which shot into the Town, and did much hurt; the Lord Eglinton with four thousand Scots entred some of the Gates, and made a passage into the Mannor­house.

A strong party sallying out of the City, were beaten back with loss; General Leuen with his Regiment took a Fort from the Enemy, and in it 120 prisoners, the Garrison burnt up much of the Suburbs.

The Archbishop came again to his Tryal, and Laud. the Matters against him were, Touching his Cere­monial, and Popish Consecrating of Churches, and con­cerning the Book of allowing Recreation on Sundays.

The Earl of Manchester having made a Mine, for­ced the great Fort at York, where all the Defen­ders were slain and taken, and but ten or twelve Scots lost.

The Earl of Newcastle sent to General Leuen, to York. know the Cause of his drawing thither: Leuen an­swers, That he wondred Newcastle should be ignorant thereof; that his intent was to bring that City to the obedience of the King and Parliament, and therefore for avoiding further effusion of blood, he summoned him once more to render the Town.

The Earl of Newcastle, Sir Thomas Widderington, and other chief Commanders, with a strong party sallyed out of the Town, endeavouring to escape, but were driven back into the City, from whence they, shooting at a Tent where Leuen was, took off part of the Tent, but did no other hurt.

Sudley Castle in Glocestershire was yielded to Sir William Waller at mercy, and taken in it nine Cap­tains, Sudley Ca­stle. twenty two inferiour Officers, and all the common Souldiers, of whom a hundred and fifty took the Covenant, and listed themselves for the Parliament: they took here likewise 4000 l. worth of Cloth.

The same day Colonel Purefoy with the War­wick Forces took Compton-house, and in it 5500 l. in Compton-house. money, and five or six Pots of money more found in a Pond, all their Arms, four hundred Sheep, about a hundred head of Cattel, and great store of Plunder.

The King's Forces as they hasted to Worcester, broke down the Bridges after them, to hinder the pursuit of them, and many of them crouding to get over Pursow Bridge, the Planks left for their passage brake, and about sixty of them were drowned.

The Commons again desired the Lords Concur­rence to the Ordinance, for secluding the Mem­bers Secluding Members. who had deserted the Parliament, and assisted their Enemies; but the Lords were not yet satis­fied therein.

A Party continued before Greenland-house.

An Ordinance passed for the relief of the maim­ed and sick Souldiers, and for the Wives and Chil­dren of those who were slain in the Service of the Parliament.

The King sent from Bewdely a party of three thousand Horse to relieve Dudley Castle, besieged by the Earl of Denbeigh, who coming suddenly up­on the Earl, he sent out a Forlorn, commanded by Colonel Mitton, who charged the Enemy so home, and was so far engaged, that the Earl's [Page 87] friends advised him to draw off as fast as he could to save himself and the rest of his Company, the Forlorn being given over for lost, and the King's Forces far in number exceeding the Forces of the Earl. Earl of Denbigh.

But the Earl would not so leave his Friends in­gaged, but in person led on his Party, and charged the Enemy so hotly that they retreated in disor­der, and the Earl rescued and brought off his For­lorn, and the Enemy lost about a hundred of their men, besides many Officers and common Souldi­ers taken Prisoners by the Earl, and lost but seven­teen of his own men.

Lyme being relieved, and the Siege raised, the Lyme. Earl of Warwick went on shore, and much wondred that the Works of the Town being so slight, and the Enemy so strong, that yet the Town should hold out so long, and against so many fierce As­saults, and yet in the whole Siege, the Town lost not above a hundred and twenty men, but the Ene­my lost two thousand.

Letters of Thanks were ordered to be written from the Parliament to the Town, and two thou­sand pounds gratuity to be given them, and Cloths for the Souldiers.

General Essex sent a Party to have relieved Lyme, but Prince Maurice was gone with all his re­maining Forces, and the Siege raised before they came.

The Party sent by the Lord General to relieve Lyme, marched from thence to Weymouth, which was rendred to them upon terms, and all their Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition left behind them.

Prince Rupert took in Leverpoole, a Garrison of the Parliaments in Lancashire, but they first ship­ped all their Arms, Ammunition, and portable Goods, and most of the Officers and Souldiers went on Ship-board, whilst a few made good the Fort, which they rendred to the Prince upon quar­ter, yet were all put to the Sword.

The Lord General came to Dorchester, where divers Western Gentlemen came in to him, and among them, the Lord Becham, Son to the Marquess of Hertford.

The Queen was brought to Bed of a Daughter Queen brought to Bed. at Exeter.

The Parliament now ordered that the General should continue in the Western Service, and Sir William Waller to attend the motions of the King's Army, and that the Earl of Denbigh, Sir William Brereton, Colonel Massey, Colonel Mitton, and Co­lonel Rigby and their Forces should joyn with Sir William Waller.

The Earl of Newcastle desired a Treaty, which was admitted, and he demanded to march away with Bag and Baggage, and Arms, and Drums beat­ing, and Colour [...]s flying, and that all within the Town York. should have liberty of Conscience, the Prebends to en­joy their Places, to have Common Prayer, Organs, Copes, Surplices, Hoods, Crosses, &c.

These things were denied by the Parliaments Ge­nerals but they offered the Earl of Newcastle, that he and all the Commanders should go forth on horseback with their Swords, and the common Souldiers to march out with Staves in their hands, and a Months Pay, and all else to be left behind them.

The Enemy desired four or five days time to consider hereof, which was granted.

Taunton Dean was rendred to the Lord General, and some other Places in the West where he was.

The Archbishop was again brought to his Tryal, and the Matters insisted on against him, were, His Laud. introducing of Popery and Arminianism.

The Lords sent to the Commons, that they could not consent to the Ordinance for secluding the Mem­bers of both Houses, who had deserted the Parliament; because they had already voted the Readmission of Secluding Members. the Earl of Holland: And the Commons referred it to a Committee to consider of some Expedient, as to the Case of the Earl of Holland.

A Committee of Lawyers was appointed for sequestring and selling the Chambers in the Inns of Court, belonging to malignant Lawyers.

The General by his Letters from Dorchester, in­forms the Parliament, that the Country there­abouts generally declared themselves for the Par­liament, and had furnished his Army with plenty of provisions.

The Lord Canoule a Scot, Master of the Horse to the King, came in and submitted himself to the Lord General.

The King left his Foot at Worcester, and from thence went with two thousand Horse to Evesham, where he took the Mayor, and divers Aldermen of the Town, and carried them with him prisoners to Oxford, and brake down the Bridges after them as they passed, to hinder Sir William Waller's pur­suit of them; they likewise burnt down many houses in the Suburbs of Worcester, the better to secure the City, and the like they did at Oxford, and also at Abington.

The Siege continued before Basing-house, but those that were before Greenland-house, thought not fit, upon the King's coming back to Oxford, to con­tinue any Siege to Greenland-house, till they might have the Forces of Major General Brown to joyn with them.

An Ordinance passed to impower the Commit­tee of Oxon, Berks, and Bucks, to raise Forces and Money to pay them, and they to be under Brown's Command.

Troubles were in the Virginia Plantation.

The Archbishop was again brought to his Try­all, and the same points of Popery and Arminia­nism Laud. urged against him, and as a proof thereof, the Remonstrance of the House of Commons in Par­liament, in the year 1628.

Sir Richard Onsley's Regiment came to assist Co­lonel Norton lying before Basing-house, to whom, and to Colonel Morley, the Commons sent a Letter of thanks.

At Weymouth the Lord General took a hundred pieces of Ordnance, two thousand Musquets, a thousand Swords, Arms, Pistols, Powder, and a­bout sixty of great and small Vessels.

The General sent parties to Dartmouth, VVare­ham, and other places.

The Lord Viscount L'Isle had allowed him 1000 l. upon account of the Irish Service.

Plymouth Garrison sent out parties, who beat up the Enemies quarters, and at one time, took forty, and at another time a hundred and fifty horse and prisoners.

A Ship with Letters to the Parliament from Scotland, and two other Ships loaden with Coals for London, put in at Harwich, and there cast An­chor, and the Mariners went on shore, leaving none aboard the Ships to guard them.

In the mean time came into the harbour a Pin­nace of the King's, carrying the Parliament Co­lours, and finding these Ships without any Guard, boarded them, and carried them clear away Westward.

The King marched from Oxford towards Bed­ford, and several parties of his Army did very much spoil as they marched in Bucks, Bedford, and Hert­fordshires; they plundred Leighton: and at Dun­stable when the people were at Church, they shot [Page 88] at the Minister in the Pulpit, and committed many outrages there, and in many other places.

Major General Brown marched out with his Forces to Barnet, and from thence to St. Albans, where the Forces of the Associated Counties are to meet him, and the Commons took care for the supply of all of them.

Sir Thomas Fairfax and Major General Lesley, were sent from the Leaguer before York, with six thousand Horse and Dragoons, and five thousand Foot, to relieve Lancashire, and to attend the mo­tions of Prince Rupert.

Colonel Charles Fairfax sent to assist the Scots party at Sunderland, beat back the Earl of Mon­tross, Musgrave, and the rest into Newcastle: and the Earl of Calender with a reserve of ten thousand Earl of Calender. Scots entred England to assist the Parliament.

The Commons took order touching the Prero­gative Court, and appointed Sir Nathaniel Brent to be the Judge of that Court.

Letters of thanks were sent to the Lord General for his good Service: and upon a Petition of the Western Gentlemen, that he might continue in the Service there, it was so ordered, and an Or­dinance appointed for the impowering a Commit­tee of the West, as in other Associations.

The Earl of VVarwick with his Fleet sailed along the Coast as the Lord General marched, and car­ried his Ammunition, and sent Ships to keep in the Enemy, and some to assist the Parliament Forces who besieged Gernesey Castle.

The Earls of Leicester and of Newport, left the King, and came in to the Parliament.

Upon the General's advance towards Exeter, the Queen sent a Trumpeter to desire him to for­bear Queen any Acts of hostility against the Town, for that she was weak and ill, being lately brought to Bed there.

The Covenant was ordered to be tendred to all Physicians, Surgeons, and Apothecaries in London, and to be sent in to the several Counties.

Mr. Peters gave a large Relation to the Com­mons of all the Business of Lyme, where he was with the Earl of Warwick, and that after the Siege rai­sed, the Enemy set fire on divers gallant houses a­bout Studcome, Frampton, and other places.

The Earl of Denbigh took in Oswestry in Shrop-shire, but would not suffer his Souldiers to plunder it, the Town giving Five hundred pounds to the Souldiers.

In the Town and Castle were taken, one Lieute­nant Colonel, four Captains, divers inferiour Offi­cers, three hundred and five common Souldiers and Arms.

Sir William Waller sent for Major General Brown to joyn with him.

Letters of thanks were sent from the Houses to the Earl of Denbigh.

Greenland-house was besieged by Major General Brown, their Batteries planted on the further side of the River Thames, yet neer the house, against which they made many shot, and much battered it, they sent to London for some Petards, and two more pieces of Battery.

At a Conference with the Lords, Mr. Prideaux For seclu­ding Mem­bers. offered to them the Reasons, why the Commons insisted upon the Ordinance as they had past it, For secluding the Members of both Houses, who have deserted the Parliament: and the Lords shortly af­ter concurred therein with the Commons.

Mr. Bagshaw a Member of the House of Com­mons, who had deserted them, and was one of the Anti-Parliament at Oxford, was taken in Oxford-shire, and brought to London to the House of Com­mons, who committed him prisoner to the King's Bench in Scouthwark, where he had been with so much glory chosen to be their Burgess for this Par­liament.

An Ordinance passed for the cutting and drying of Turf, upon the Lands near London, for Fuel for the City.

July 1644. The Parliament gave way for 4000 quarters of Grain to be transported beyond Sea, and to have in return from thence, Arms and Am­munition, and twelve Iron pieces of Ordnance.

The Houses adjourned every Tuesday and Thurs­day, several Ordinances past for associations in the West, and other Counties.

The King's forces finding an advantage, fell Edgehill. upon a party of Sir William Waller's Horse, near Edge-hill, and forced them to a disorderly retreat, with the loss of 100 of their men, and divers of the King's party were slain, the Armies lay upon the Hill all the night, and the next day fought.

Sir Henry Vane, Jun. from the North, informed York. the Commons of the state of the Siege of York, closely begirt by the Parliaments forces, that a Mine being sprung by the Earl of Manchester's Men, without giving notice thereof to the Scots, it did not succeed, but 300 of the Earl's Men were lost, about 40 of them slain, and the rest taken Priso­ners.

That provisions in the City are scarce, and pro­bably it had been rendered before this time, but that they expect Prince Rupert's coming to relieve them, who with 8000 Horse, besides Foot, is re­ported to be come out of Lancashire, but Major Shuttleworth fell upon a party of his forces, and took Sir Simon Fanshaw, and other prisoners.

The Garrison of Plymouth sallied out of the Town, and fell upon the Enemies quarters, took from them about 50 Horse, slew Captain Arundel, and divers inferiour Officers, and many Soul­diers.

Young Captain Chudley, with his Major Drake, revolted to the King's party in Cornwal.

The Queen sent to General Essex for a safe con­duct, Queen. to go to the Bath for her health, he answered that if she pleased, he would give her Majesty a safe conduct to London, where she might have the best means for her health, but the other way, he said, he knew not.

Sir William Waller by Letters informed the Par­liament, that the King marched towards Copredy-bridge, Copredy Bridge Fight. and some other passes, that Colonel Mid­dleton with four or five Troops of Horse charged them, and Waller with his Horse passed over a lit­tle below that place, and seeing the Enemy had placed a strong Body on the top of the Hill, he staid for his other Regiments to come up to him.

That Middleton routed the Enemy, and pursued them near a mile, which being perceived by some of Waller's forces, they left a passage, which they were to have maintained, and deserted their great Guns, to adventure on the Enemy, and thereby dispossessed themselves of the Guns and Passage together.

That a strong party of the Enemy wheeling a­bout, forced Middleton to retreat with some loss, and in the skirmish he was dismounted among the King's Forces, who taking him to be one of their Commanders, mounted him again, wishing him to make hast to kill a Roundhead, by which means he escaped.

On Waller's part Colonel Baker, Colonel Vanes, and a Dutch Captain were taken prisoners, and a­bout a hundred Common Souldiers, Lieutenant Colonel Bains slain, or taken, and they lost five Drakes, a Minion, and two Leather Guns, and a­bout 140 of his men slain, and taken prisoners.

[Page 89] The King lost Colonel Clark, and Colonel But­ler, and another Colonel, and divers inferiour Of­ficers, and about 160 of his Souldiers killed and taken prisoners, and he lost two pieces of Ord­nance.

Waller drew all his horse and foot to the top of the Hill, and faced the Enemy, and they skirmished all that day, both parties in this fight demeaned themselves with great courage, Middleton had a particular incounter with the Lord Wilmot whom he took prisoner, but he was reseued by the Sol­diers, who had him in custody, being wounded.

The King's Forces thought they had much the better of this day, but Waller kept the ground, and the Enemy drew off.

About Chard in Somersetshire 400 Country-men came and offered their service to the Parlia­ment.

The Queen sent again for a safe Conduct, but General Essex did not think fit to grant it.

Waller by his Letters informed the Parliament, that after the fight at Cropedy Bridge, the King sent a Trumpeter to him with a gracious Message, Message to Waller. to which he returned answer, that he had no. Com­mission to entertain any Message from His Majesty without permission from the Parliament, to whom ap­plication was to be made in these matters.

The Dutch Ambassadour sent to the Parliament about some ships seised on, which was referred to the Committee of both Kingdomes.

The tenth of all prizes were ordered to be for the Earl of Warwick, towards satisfaction of his great disbursements in the Parliaments service.

The Forces of York sallyed out several time York upon the besiegers, but were beaten back with loss, they were in great want of Salt in the City, but the besiegers drew off to a greater distance from the City, the better to resist their Sallies, and to receive Prince Rupert who was come to Craven.

The Portugeses had a great Victory against the Spaniards.

The Lords consented to the Ordinance for seclu­ding the Members of both Houses, who had deser­ted the Parliament.

The Portugal Ambassadour desired to be heard, before some Ships appointed for that purpose, did go to the River Amazons, within his Masters do­minions, which was referred to a Committee.

The Archbishop came again to his Tryal.

Prince Maurice sent a party to burn Barnstable, but the Town rose against them, shut them out, and killed about 20 of them, hereof they gave no­tice to the Lord General, who sent the Lord Roberts with a strong party to secure them.

The Lord Grey routed a party of the Enemy near Stamford killed 6 of them, took 40 horse, and as many Gentlemen, and divers inferiour Officers, and pursued Colonel Hastings and his forces.

The besiegers of Greenland-house had almost bea­ten the house about the Ears of the Garrison.

A Committee was appointed to consider of the Ambassa­dors. manner of reception of the Dutch Ambassadour, and of other Ambassadours.

Upon Prince Rupert's coming towards York, the besiegers drew off from the City, to be the better prepared to receive the Prince.

Divers Letters were intercepted going from Ox­ford Letters in­tercepted. to the Queen, wherein the King acquaints her with the Parliaments purpose to present him Propositi­ons for Peace, which if She likes, he thinks will be the best way for settlement, as things now stand.

In those and other Letters, there are relations of the late fight at Cropedy-bridg, and of other in­counters, much different from the relations thereof made by the Commanders upon the place.

Colonel Warren taken prisoner by the Parlia­ments Forces in the North, and now prisoner in Hull, was sent for up to the Parliament, in whose service he had formerly been, and they committed him to the Tower.

Colonel Monke is said to have done good ser­vice Monke. for the Parliament, against the Irish Rebels, till he received a Command from the King, upon which he deserted his Regiment in Ireland, and served in person against the Parliament, whose forces took him prisoner with Colonel Warren, and he was now likewise committed to the Tower.

Prince Rupert having relieved the Countess of Derby, who had couragiously defended Lathom-house, besieged 18 weeks by Colonel Ashton, Moore, and Rigby, and they being all drawn off,

The Prince marched towards York, with 20000 Marston-Moor fight. horse and foot, upon notice whereof, the three Generals for the Parliament, Leven, Manchester and Fairfax, raised their Siege from before York, and drew into a large plain, about 8 miles from the City, called Marston Moore.

The Prince fetching a compass about with his Army got into York, and there the Earl of New­castle with 6 or 7000 men joyning with him, they both marched unto Marston Moore, and possessed themselves of the best places of Advantage for ground and wind.

The Right Wing of the Parliament was com­manded by Sir Thomas Fairfax, and consisted of all his horse, and three Regiments of the Scots horse, the Left Wing was commanded by the Earl of Man­chester, and Colonel Cromwel.

One body of their foot was commanded by the Lord Fairfax, and consisted of his foot, and two brigades of the Scots foot for a reserve, and the main body of the rest of the foot was commanded by General Leven.

The Right Wing of the Prince's Army, was commanded by the Earl of Newcastle, the left Wing by the Prince himself, and the main body com­manded by General Goring, Sir Charles Lucas, and Major General Porter, thus were both sides drawn up into Batalia.

July the 3d. In this posture both Armies faced each other, and about seven a Clock in the morn­ing the fight began between them.

The Prince with his Left Wing, fell on the Par­liament's Right Wing, routed them, and pursued them a great way, the like did General Goring, Lucas and Porter upon the Parliaments main body.

The three Generals giving all for lost, hasted out of the Field, and many of their Soldiers fled, and threw down their Arms the King's Forces, especially Prince Rupert, too eagerly following the chace, the victory, now almost atchieved by them, was again snatched out of their hands.

For Colonel Cromwel with the brave Regiment of his Countrymen, and Sir Thomas Fairfax having rallyed some of his horse, fell upon the Prince's Right Wing, where the Earl of Newcastle was, and routed them, and the rest of their Companions rallying, they fell altogether upon the divided bodies of Rupert and Goring, and totally disper­sed them, and obtained a compleat Victory after three hours sight.

From this Battel and the pursuit, some reckon were buryed 7000 Englishmen, all agree, that above 3000 of the Prince's men were slain in the Battel, besides those in the chace, and 3000 priso­ners taken, many of their chief Officers, 25 pieces of Ordnance, 47 Colours 10000 Arms, two Wag­gons of Carabins and Pistols, 130 barrels of Pow­der, and all their bag and baggage.

[Page 90] For this great Victory, the Parliament ordered a day to be kept of publick thanksgiving, and a Letter of thanks to be written to the three Gene­rals, who with their Armies kept a day of thanks­giving for the great success that God had given them, Colonel Cromwel was much cryed up for his service in this Battel, and received a slight hurt with a Pistol shot in the neck, which some imagi­ned to be by accident, and want of care by some of his own men.

Sir Thomas Fairfax likewise performed very gal­lant service in this Action, and both the Comman­ders and the Souldiers on both parts acquitted themselves like couragious Englishmen, it pleased God upon this appeal to decide it for the Parlia­ment.

Prince Rupert escaped narrowly, by the good­ness of his horse, and got into York, the Papers of the Earl of Newcastle were taken, and among them, the Commission of the Earl of Newcastle to be General, and to make Knights, and they were presented to the Parliament.

The Parliament ordered 30000 l. for Ireland.

A party from Oxford and Wallingford came to relieve Greenland-house, whereupon the Parliament Forces then but a few before it, drew off to Hen­ly, and the King's Forces brought their fellows little relief, onely carryed away 29 women, and some plunder, and so returned, and then the besie­gers sate down again before it.

Oswestry being besieged by the King's forces un­der Colonel Marrowe, Sir Tho. Middleton relieved it, and took 200 Common Souldiers, 7 Carriages, 100 Horse, the Lord Newport's eldest Son, and di­vers Officers and Arms, and the Lord Newport's Estate was ordered to be sold.

An Ordinance passed for the new Excise.

Sir William Waller mounted his foot, the better to pursue the King's Forces, and the adjacent Coun­ties furnished him with horses.

Sir Ralph Hopton with about 500 men attempted Marleborough on the Fair day, but the High She­riff of Wilts, Colonel Ludlow, getting some horse, drove them out of the Town.

A recruit coming to Hopton, Ludlow retreated, and lost about 20 of his men, then a relief coming from Colonel Norton to Ludlow, he again set upon the Enemy, and forced them to fly, and took about 20 of them prisoners.

Upon information from Mr. Strickland, the Par­liaments Agent in the low Countries, they voted some English Merchants there, who had assisted the King in his affairs against the Parliament, (that is, Webster, Bainham, Manning, Ford and Yard) to be Incendiaries, and Enemies to the State.

The Dutch Ambassadours were solemnly recei­ved in the Lords House, and afterwards in the Ambassa­dours. House of Commons, where Chairs were set for them.

They first were carried into the Inner Court of Wardes Chamber, prepared for them as a with­drawing room, from whence they were conducted by the Serjeant at Arms with his Mace, and two Members of the House sent to accompany the Am­bassadours into the House.

When they came in, the Speaker and all the Members stood up in their places uncovered, and the Ambassadours saluted them as they passed by, then they sate down in their Chairs, and the Mem­bers sate down likewise, and when the Ambassa­dours were covered, the Speaker, and House were covered also.

They made a short speech of the affection of their Masters to these Kingdomes, and their desire to mediate an accord, between the King and his Parliament, and after their Speech ended, they re­turned with the same ceremonies, as at the coming thither.

During the time of their being in the House, there lay upon the table in their view 48 Colours taken from the King's Forces in the Battel of Mar­ston-Moore.

Major General Brown with his whole Brigade, came and joyned with the Forces before Greenland-house, Greenland-house. and continued the batteries, upon which Colonel Hawkins the Governour of Greenland sent out for a treaty, and rendred the Fort to Major General Brown, upon these Articles.

1. The House and Fort of Greenland-house, with Articles. all the Ammunition, Ordnance and Provision therein, be delivered up to Major General Brown in the same condition it's now in.

2. That all Officers shall quietly march forth of the said house with their horses and swords, the Com­mon Souldiers and Canoniers with their Arms and Co­lours, viz. swords, pikes and musquets.

3. That the said Major General do afford them a Convoy of horse to Nettlebed, to return again within six hours, without any molestation of the forces so con­voyed.

4. That the said Major General shall cause to be pro­vided for the said Officers and Souldiers, two teems and carts to carry away their baggage, and such pro­visions as is necessary for their journey to Wallingford, which carts and horses are to be returned so soon as they come thither.

5. That all prisoners taken on either side be forth­with discharged.

They left in the house 5 pieces of Ordnance, 30 barrels of Powder, great store of Bullet and Match, a good quantity of Cheese, Bisket, Fish, Malt, Flower, Bear, Oats, Pease, and great plenty of housholdstuff.

Prince Rupert after his defeat at Marston-moore, joyned with the bordering forces of the King in Cumberland and Westmorland, and the Parliaments three Generals sent out a party of 3000 horse and foot, of their several Armies to follow him.

With the rest of their forces they sate down a­gain before York.

The Parliament thought fit to set a rate upon Coals, for the relief of the poor of London.

The Lord of Rochborough was impeached of high Treason, upon a Letter under the King's hand, taken in the battel, among the Earl of New-castle's papers.

The Parliament, in a kind temper, upon their good success, ordered the Sequestrations of the E­states of the Earles of Bedford, Holland and Clare to be taken off.

The Town of Blandford had by the Lord Ge­neral Blandford. been used kindly, yet when he was gone, they apprehended a Messenger of his, and sent him to the King's Garrison at Wareham, and contriv'd to betray a party of 100 horse sent thither by Waller, of whom they sent notice to Wareham.

Upon this, Major Sydenham and other Parlia­ment Commanders came to the Town, seized up­on the cheif Commanders, and permitted their Souldiers to plunder this perfidious Town.

Prince Maurice his Major came in to the Lord General at Tiverton, and Collonel Blake took in the strong Town of Taunton-Deane for the Parlia­ment, to whom the Townsmen were well affected.

[Page 91] The Earl of Denbigh took in Cholmeley-house, and store of Arms and Ammunition in it.

By Ordinances, divers high Sheriffs were appoin­ted, and the Lord Roberts was made Lieutenant of Exon and Devonshire, and the Earl of Pembroke of Somersetshire.

Sir Richard Norton a Commissioner of Array in Hampshire, was ordered to be sent for by the Com­mittee.

Plymouth were well pleased with their new Go­vernor Colonel Carre.

Mr. Dutton, Mr. Lowe and Mr. Constantine, for­mer Members of the Parliament, who had deserted them, and were of the Antiparliament at Oxford, were Committed to several Prisons.

Letters were produced under Sir John Hotham's hand, among the Papers of the Earl of Newcastle taken at Marston-moore, by which Hotham expres­seth Hotham. his affection to the Earl, and thereupon the Commons called for the Ordinance for Martial Law, and it being agreed upon, was sent up to the Lords.

Papers, sent to the Houses from the Spanish Am­bassador touching Graveling, were referred to the Committee of both Kingdomes.

The General by Letters informed the Parlia­ment, that Barnstable, Taunton and Tiverton, with all the East part of Devonshire, were in his power, and that 4000 of the Countrey proffered their ser­vice to the Parliament at Chard, 3000 more at Collampton, and 2000 more brought in since by Colonel Ware, and that Barnstable freely entertai­ned his forces.

That a few of the Malignants are come in to him, that the Queen was come back to Exon, that Hop­ton was recruited with 500 men, but most of them ran away again.

The three Parliament Generals before York, York. prepared to storm the City, and thereupon Sir Thomas Glenham the Governor sent out a Trum­pet for a parley, which was admitted.

The Lord Inchequin drew out of Wareham 240 horse and dragoons, and marched towards Dorche­ster to plunder and burn it, but making some pause before the Town, gave opportunity to Major Sy­denhain to come to their relief, who beat back In­chequin, took 160 of his men prisoners, with 60 horse, and good store of their gotten plun­der.

Sir Robert Pye, and Colonel Blake at the taking of Taunton Castle had of the Enemies 11 peices of Ordnance, and store of Arms and Ammunition, with much provision and housholdstuff.

And intercepted Letters boast that Bonesiers were made at Oxford, for the defeat that Prince Rupert gave the three Generals of the Parliament at Marston-moore; and that Hopton had basted Colonel Popham.

The Archbishop was again brought to his Try­all, and urged against him, That he denyed the Pope Laud. to be Antichrist, and did chide Dr. Hall for giving the Holy Father those Epithetes of Antichristian, &c. That he held the Pope to be the Metropolitan Bishop of the World, and that there could be no true Church without Bishops.

The Speaker offered to the house a petition, which he received from the hands of the French Ambassadour, touching the French and English Merchants in matters of Trade, which the House Parliament referred to the Committee of the Navy, and di­rected, that when addresses should be made to them as a Parliament, they would doe right.

Colonel Popham was ordered to go down to Taunton, to take into his charge a Regiment rai­sed by the Country for him.

The Lord Inchequin's party taken at Dorchester, that were Irish Rebels, were there hang'd.

The Lord Admiral upon the General's advance to Exeter, sent the James a Ship of 1200 Tun to lye before it at Torbay, that 100 are come out of the Town to him, and that he, hearing of eleven Ships waiting for the Queen to carry her beyond Sea, sent three lusty Ships to wait on them.

The King marched with 7000 horse and foot to Bath, and from thence towards Bristol, where Hop­ton joyned with him.

Bostal-house in Bucks was re-fortified by the King's party.

York was rendered upon Articles to the three York ren­dred. Parliament Generals, who entred the Town, and went to the Minster, where they had a Sermon, and thanks returned to God for the recovery of it.

An Order was made touching compounding for Wardships.

Colonel Massey wrote that the King with about 400 horse, and 3000 foot was marched Westward, whereof he had given notice to the General, and to Sir Will. Waller, and that he with three Troops of horse followed the King's Rear, to keep them from plunder.

By Letters from the General, he desires a pass for an Irish Gentlewoman, Governess to the young Princess, and sends a Letter which he received out of Exeter from Sir John Berkley the Governour.

The Irish (as was informed, by the King's al­lowance) Irish. made a Declaration and Vow, to assist the King against the Puritan Parliament, and to de­fend Episcopacy, and the Papists of England, and pro­test against the Covenant, and that they will proceed against all that take it.

The Lord Grey of Groby, and Sir John Gell joyn­ing together to reduce a Garrison of the King's at Wilney-ferry, who did many outrages to the Coun­trey, and much infested them, they used this Stra­tagem Stratagem. to get the Fort.

They took about 60 Cart-loads of Hay, and o­ther combustible Matter, and carried them with their Forces up to the very Fort, under the shelter of which their men were secure from any hurt from the Enemy, and putting fire to the combusti­ble Matter, with the advantage of the wind, did so annoy the Enemy, that they were driven out of the Works, and their Trenches filled with the Hay and other stuff.

Captain Robinson the Governour offered to ren­der upon terms, to march away with Bag and Bag­gage, but that being denied, he prepared for a re­solute defence; but when the Parliament forces be­gan the storm, Robinson's men threw down their Arms, and craved quarter, which was given them, and but one man killed, there was taken three Cap­tains, divers inferiour Officers, two Drakes, and seventy common Souldiers: after this they took in Wink field Manor, and Shelford Manor. The Parli­ament ordered a Letter of thanks to them.

The House being informed that Sir John Berkeley Governour of Exeter hanged up Captain Turpine in cold blood, ordered that the Judges who condemn'd Judges. him, Heath, Banks, Forster and Glanvile, might be impeached of High Treason, which was orde­red against Glanvile onely, being in their power.

Two Priests who were in the Earl of Newcastle's Army, were sent up to the Parliament, and orde­red to be tried according to Law.

The Commons ordered a Letter of thanks to the Lord General for his good service in the West.

The Lord General sent word to the Parliament That he was advancing to relieve Plymouth, and to fight with Prince Maurice.

[Page 92] Indeed there was a great Debate at the Council of War, whether they should march on Westward, or face about and meet the King, who was march­ing towards them, and rather fight with him than with Prince Maurice. Debate.

Most of the Council were of opinion to face a­bout, and to meet the King, but the Lord Roberts was very earnest for them to advance into Cornwal, and by the way to relieve Plymouth, and from thence to march into Cornwal to fight Prince Maurice, af­firming that when they came into Cornwal, which was his Lordship's Countrey, they should find great assistance, and many to come in to them, by his interest among them.

The General followed his advice, and wrote to the Parliament as before, That the King was in So­mersetshire, and that the Queen with Bristol and Jermin, were landed at Brest in France.

The House ordered that Mr. Hollis, one of their Hollis. Members, shall have out of the King's Revenue, the Fine which was imposed on him by the Star-chamber, 3 Car. for his fidelity to the Common-wealth.

A Ship loaden with Arms and Ammunition for the King, was taken, and brought into Sunderland, with 22 pieces of Ordnance in her.

A Committee of seven Lords and fourteen Com­mons was appointed to hear any complaints sent in by the Dutch Ambassadours concerning taking of Ships, that right may be done.

A Committee, most of Lawyers, was appointed to consider what Ordinances were fit to be made into Laws, when the King and Parliament should be agreed.

The Archbishop was again brought to his Trial Laud. and proofs produced against him, that he should say the Pope was not Antichrist, but the Head of the Church, and that the Protestant and Romish Religion was all one; and if the one was false, so was the other, and that he concealed a Plot revealed to him, that 7000 men were in pay, attending an opportunity to kill the King, and to massacre the Protestants.

The Lord General sent up to the Parliament a Letter which he received from the Earl of Forth, now made Earl of Brainford, General of the King's Army, acquainting that a Letter was sent by His Majesty from Eversham, by the French Agent, to be by him presented to the Parliament, for Peace.

It was intituled, A gracious Message, directed, to the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled at Message from the King. Westminster.

It propounded a Treaty of Peace, and that Com­missioners might be appointed on both sides to meet and treat thereof, and it was signed by the Lord Digby Secretary.

A Letter came from the three Generals, That now if it pleased the Parliament, they believed the the King would be more inclineable to Peace than for­merly. This was excepted against by some who were no friends to Peace, but those who longed for Peace, carried it against them, to have a day set to consider of this business.

Major General Brown was ordered to march to Abington, to secure the Magazine and Artillery there.

The Earl of Manchester wrote to the Parliament for their advice, which way the Scots Army and his should march, and that the L. Fairfax was in York.

Upon the defeat at Marston divers persons of York. Quality in discontent at that action, and at passa­ges of Prince Rupert distastfull to them, quitted Marston. their charges under the King, and went beyond Sea; there landed of them at Hamborough, the Earl of Newcastle, and his two Sons, General King, the Lord Falconbridge, the Lord Widdering­ton, the Earl of Carnwarth, the Bishop of London-derry, Sir Ed. Widderington, Colonel Carnaby, Colonel Basset, Colonel Mazen, Sir William Vava­sour, Sir Francis Mackworth, and Sir Charles Caven­dish, and about 80 other.

A party from Northampton came to Banbury, beat the Enemy into the Castle, and took some Priso­ners.

A party of the Irish Rebels took in Woodhouse in Devonshire near Warmestre, where after the Parlia­ment Forces had yielded up the House upon Quar­ter, yet the Irish inhumanely abused both the Men, Women and Children, and afterwards hanged 14 honest wealthy men Clothiers, who were fled thi­ther for shelter.

Eighteen of the King's best Ships, and ten Mer­chantmen, with some Frigots, were ordered to be fitted for the Winter guard at Sea.

Mr. Constantine was sent up Prisoner from Poole, and committed to the King's Bench.

The Widow of Captain Turpine who was execu­ted in cold blood at Exeter, petition'd for satisfac­tion from Sergeant Glanvill, who gave judgment against him, and from Meredeth and Seymour Justi­ces of the Peace, which was voted by the Parlia­ment, and a Letter Written to the General, that if any of their Estates came within his power, he should cause this to be done accordingly.

Captain Hammond, sent out by Colonel Massey with a party of Horse, to relieve the Countrey, whom the Garrison of Berkley Castle had miserably plundered, went to the Castle, beat in the Enemy, drove the Park, rescued and restored to the Coun­treymen all their Cattel, and killed and took divers Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison Prisoners.

By Letters from the Lord General the House was informed, that he with his whole Army march­ed from Tiverton Eastward, whereof Prince Mau­rice having notice, marched after him with 4000 Horse and Foot, that part of the Lord Paulet's Regiment took up their Quarters at Cheriton, where part of the Lord General's Horse fell in upon them, took 60 of their Horse, routed the whole Regiment, killed divers of their Officers and Soul­diers, took store of Arms, Bag and Baggage.

In his Letter was inclosed a Petition from the Town of Barnstable, newly made a Garrison by the General, that their Major might be their Go­vernour, and Colonel, with power to levy money, all which was granted.

That he intended to goe for the relief of Ply­mouth.

The King was at Evil in Somersetshire with about 5000 Horse and Foot.

After the business of Cherington the Lord Paulet L. Paulet. went to Exeter, where the Souldiers at his entring into the Town, asking money of him, he Caned some of them, whereupon they pulled him off from his Horse, and beat him, and his life had been in danger if not rescued.

Waller sent a party of Horse and Dragoons into the West, under Lieutenant General Middleton.

The Commons took great care to provide mo­ney, and other necessaries for supply of their Ar­mies in the North, and of the English and Scots Forces in Ireland.

The Ordinance passed for the Court Martial in London, for the trial of the Irish Rebels, and others of greatest distast with the Parliament.

The Lords put the Commons in mind of the pro­positions for Peace, and desired that the Scots Commissioners might be conferred with about them, and the business hastened, and the Commons appointed a day for it.

The Dutch Ambassadours desired respit of the [Page 93] sale of some ships taken for prize, which was gran­ted.

The Commons had debate about the sale of the Estates of some Papists in Arms, and notorious Delinquents, and of Bishops, Deans and Chap­ters.

The Archibishop came again to his Trial, and the Laud. Evidence being over, he desired a day for his Coun­sel to plead to the matter in Law, which was granted, and that afterwards he himself might give his general Answer to the whole Charge.

The Earl of Manchester took in Tickhill Castle near Doncaster upon terms, that the Officers, Sol­diers, and Gentry there might go quietly to their own homes; all the Arms, Ammunition and Pro­visions were left to the Earl, and were conside­rable.

A party of the King's Horse fell upon some Troops of the Earl of Denbigh at Evesham, but the Earl's men took 120 of the Enemies Horse pri­soners, slew many in the place, and lost but two or three men.

A party of the King's Garrison at Donnington Castle came from thence to Newbury, on the Lord's day, with design to seize upon some of the chief men of the Town, but a party of Sir William Wal­ler's men rescued them, and beat the Enemy back to the Castle, and took about 20 of them priso­ners.

Aug. 1644. The Lord Henry Piercy's Regiment marching with the King Westward, quartered at Collyton, and a party of them came in the Evening, and faced Lyme, which Garrison to requite their visit, sent out a party of about 120 Horse that night, under Captain Pyne, Herle, and Bragge, who beat up their Quarters, took about 120 of their Horse, 55 Prisoners, divers Officers, 100 Arms, and good pillage.

After which a like party marched from Lyme to Chard, the King being newly gone with his main Body out of the Town; there they took eleven brave Horses, with rich Saddles, supposed to be the king's own Saddle horses, and divers Priso­ners.

General Essex marched into Cornwal, the Enemy removing before him, most of the Garrisons near Plymouth, and on the borders of Devon and Corn­wal were quitted by the Enemy. Mount Stamford with four pieces of Ordnance was regained, Plimp­ton with eight pieces of Ordnance, Salt Ash, and a great Fort with some great Guns, and many Arms, Launceston, and other small Garrisons yielded to the General.

At Newbridge was a hot encounter betwixt a party of the General's, and Sir Richard Greenvile, disputing the passe into Cornwal, but the General took the Bridge with the losse of about 40 of his men slain, and of the Enemy about 200 killed and taken.

The General from thence went to Greenvile's House, where the Garrison desired a parley, but the General's Souldiers had not patience to treat, but stormed it, all within had quarter, except the Irish Rebels.

There was taken in the house two pieces of Ca­non, 150 Prisoners, many Arms, great pillage for the Souldiers, Money and Plate to the value of 3000 l. and great quantities of provisions.

At Launceston the Shire-town, the Countrey came in, many of them to the General, and he had 2500 of the Plymouth Forces that joyned with him.

The King came to Exeter, and there joyned with some Forces of P. Maurice and of Hopton. Debate of Propositi­ons.

The Propositions for Peace were taken into De­bate by the House, and divers of them voted, the proceedings in them were the more slow, because of the Scots concurrence to be required in every one of them.

Sir Philip Stapleton, and Mr. Herbert came from the General to the Parliament, and made report to the Commons of the General's progress in the West, as before mentioned, and that the General came to Bedman in Cornwal; they desire the House to take care for supplies for the General's Army, and that Forces might be sent to be in the Rear of the King's Army.

Sir Peter Osborn, and Sir Thomas Fanshaw for de­serting the Parliament, whereof they were Mem­bers, were discharged of their Offices, which were conferred upon others.

A party of the Lord Robert's Brigade was sent to pursue Greenvile and his Army, which was about 3000 strong, and fell upon him at Lestithiel in Cornwal, killed divers of Greenvile's men, and took many Prisoners.

The General took in Foy, a Haven, and place of importance with several ships there, and in all 17 pieces of Ordnance, and summoned the Coun­trey to come in to his assistance.

By Letters from the Lord Inchequin, Lord Bro­hale, and Burchet, from Ireland, they certify the Parliament, That they had thrust the Rebels out of most part of the Port-towns in Munster, that many considerable places there have declared for the Parlia­ment, and that those Lords have 12000 men in Arms for the Parliaments service: they desire some sup­plies, and send over a Declaration of the Prote­stants there against the cessation.

The City of London petitioned that obstructions in London Pe­tition. Justice might be removed, that Delinquents might be proceeded against speedily, and that the City debts might be paid out of Delinquents Estates.

General Hastings for the King sent out a party to relieve Wink field Manor, besieged by the Earl of Denbigh, and Sir John Gell; who marched out with 500 Horse, sent them lately by Sir William Waller, fell upon the Enemy, killed many of them, and took 150 Prisoners.

The Earl of Calender with some of the Scots forces, took in Hartlepoole, in the Bishoprick of Durham, and Stockton, places of importance for the Parliament, and another party of the Scots un­der Sir John Meldrum, besieged Leverpoole in Lan­cashire.

The French Ambassadour sent a Letter to the Fr. Ambas­sadour. Speaker, wherein he acknowledged that the Parli­ament at Westminster was the Parliament of Eng­land, and informed, that he had a Message to them from the King his Master: this was referred to the Committee concerning the Dutch Ambassadours.

The Commons gave 150 l. gratuity to the Go­vernour of Lyme, and some provision of money, formerly ordered for Glocester, was transferred to Plymouth, which was ill taken by Colonel Massey.

Several Ordinances past for giving power to Committees in several Counties, and the Irish Re­monstrance was permitted to be printed.

Commissary Copley was inlarged upon bail.

A Committee of the Lawyers of the House were ordered to consider of the plea of the Archbishop upon the Act of Oblivion, and to report their opi­nions to the House.

Captain Moulton did some service for the Parlia­ment in Pembrokeshire.

The Earl of Antrim landed in the North of Scotland with 2500 Irish, and the Marquess of Ar­gile went to resist them with a considerable Army.

General Leven advanced toward Newcastle, to joyn with the Earl of Calender in besieging that City.

[Page 94] Colonel Massey having drawn out his Forces a­gainst Berkley Castle, Colonel Myn with about 700 of the King's Forces entred Glocestershire, and be­gan to spoil the Countrey, and to streighten Glo­cester. Massey.

Massey wheeled about, and fought with them, slew Colonel Myn, and about 100 of his men, and Lieutenant Colonel Mercy; and took one Colonel, four Majors, divers inferiour Officers, and about 300 common Souldiers. Of his part Colonel Hartley was shot in the Arm, some others woun­ded, but not above three men slain.

Orders were made concerning relief to be sent to Ireland, and for supplies of the Earl of Man­chester's Army, and the Forces of Sir William Wal­ler.

Colonel Middleton sent up to the Parliament from Sarum many Copes, Surplices, Tippets, Hoods, Plate, and the Picture of the Virgin Ma­ry, taken in the Minster there, other Relicks being divided amongst the Souldiers.

Colonel Doddington with a party of the King's Forces came to Dorchester, and was repulsed by Major Sydenham.

The Commons ordered 250 l. out of the Lord Capel's Woods to the Window of Colonel Meldrum, slain in their service, and 50 l. to another like Widow.

They gave power to Waller for exchange of Pri­soners, except such as had been Parliament men, and some others.

A party of about 1600 from Oxford came to sur­prize Sir William Waller's Forces at Abington, but were repulsed, and Sir Richard Grimes, and some others of them slain, and about 40 taken Priso­ners.

The three Generals, and the Committeeresiding with them had a meeting, and consultation how to dispose of their forces for the service of the Parlia­ment, and agreed upon several considerable things, and concluded, That if any of the three Armies should be in any distress, upon notice thereof, all the others should come in to their assistance.

The Parliament in Scotland voted the Earl of Montross, and other Lords taking part against Montross. them, to be traitours, and confiscated their E­states.

The King being joyned with the Lord Hopton, and Prince Maurice, followed General Essex into Cornwal, and drove away all the Cattel, and took away all the Provisions to streighten the Parlia­ments Army.

The Parliament ordered Lieutenant General Middleton with the 3000 Horse now with him, to march with all speed to the assistance of the Lord General, and 4000 Horse more to be sent speedi­ly after him, but it was too late.

Upon the motion of the Assembly of Divines, a day was appointed for publick humiliation, to im­plore the assistance of God, for the prosperous un­dertaking of the Lord General.

Divers of the County of Lincoln were desirous that Colonel King might be restored to his Com­mands in that Countrey.

Colonel Hastings coming to plunder some Car­riers at Belgrave, was beaten back with losse by a party from Leicester.

The Earl of Calender took Gate-side, and blockt up Newcastle on that side, beating back a party of Newcastle. the Garrison that sallied out upon him, and Gene­ral Leven marched towards him.

Sir Thomas Middleton and Sir William Brereton took about 320 Horse of Prince Rupert's Regiment, 60 Prisoners, many Arms, and much Pillage.

Colonel Ashton took 200 of the Earl of Derby's Horse near Preston.

Letters came from the Lord General from Lesti­thiel in Cornwal, and in them a Letter inclosed from the King to the Lord General dated Aug. 6. with another Letter from Prince Maurice, and the Letters to Essex. Earl of Brainford the King's General dated Aug. 9. and another Letter from the Lord Hopton, and most of the King's chief Officers, to the Lord General.

The King's Letter was with more than ordinary mildness, inviting the General to join with him in that which is both their aims, to make the Kingdom happy, and to ingage the King to him in the highest degree, and if any shall oppose them, to make them happy against their wills, and promiseth great re­wards to him and his Army.

The Letters from the others were to perswade the General to embrace His Majestie's offer, and that if he would come and treat with them, he should be as safe as in his own Tent, and that a Committee of both parties might be nominated to treat of those matters.

The General's answer was, that he was trusted by Answer. the Parliament to fight, and not to treat, and that he would not break the trust reposed in him, to treat with­out their consent.

The Parliament ordered thanks to be returned to the Lord General for his care and fidelity, and supplies to be made for his Army.

The Assembly of Divines communicated to the Kirk. Parliament a Letter sent to them from the Kirk of Scotland, lamenting that Church government was not yet settled.

Colonel Middleton joyning with the forces under Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, Colonel Jepthson, and others marched to Wareham in Dorsetshire, and su­riously assaulting one of the Out-works, beat the Enemy into the Town, and they rendered it upon terms, and 300 of the Garrison undertook to serve the Parliament against the Rebels in Ireland.

A party of the Enemy being quartered about Bisseter in Oxfordshire, Captain Ennis met with them, and both parties fought desperately. Cap­tain Ennis killed one that charged him furiously, and divers others of the King's party were killed and taken Prisoners: after this they went to Bostal House, where the Garrison sallying out upon them were beaten back with loss.

Letters from the General certified, that he had sent a party under Colonel Beere and Colonel Shef­field against Greenvile, who was 1600 strong in Foot, and 300 Horse, and 5 Drakes; that they had routed a party of his forces, and taken divers Officers, and 80 Men, and many Horse.

Welbeck House was surrendred to the Earl of Manchester.

Mr. Darley a Member of the House, was released from his imprisonment in Scarborough Castle.

A Letter from the Lord Inchequin to the King was read in the House, wherein he declares his reso­lution to oppose the Irish Rebels, and to defend Munster from them, and beseecheth His Majesty to call in his Proclamation, wherein he terms them his Subjects, and to proclaim them (as indeed they are) blood-thirsty and cruel Rebels.

The Assembly had leave to debate the whole matter of the Ordinance, for Ordination of Mini­sters, and for settling the government of the Church. One who attended that Debate, the Question being there propounded to be put that the government by Presbytery is Jure Divino, spake to that Question in the Assembly, to this effect. Jure Divi­no.

Mr. Prolocutor,

I might blush to speak in this reverend Assembly upon the question now in debate before you, had I not, by the honour of being one of your Members, seen your can­dour [Page 95] to others, and observed you to be most able to give satisfaction to any scruples here, and to enable such as I am to satisfy objections abroad, whereof I have met with some, your Question (it seems) not being under secrecy.

It is said, Sir, That this Question is very large and comprehensive, and they instance upon the terms of it, Government, Church, Presbyteries, and Jure Di­vino; all which, they say, are of various significati­ons, and your meaning by them not easie to be under­stood.

The word Government you well know, Sir, is proper for the guidance of a Ship, so Cicero useth it, Et si in ipsa gubernatione, negligentia Navis est eversa. And so in Plutarch [...], is the act of steering a Ship. And the Greek word [...], from whence some fetch our English word Government, hath the same sense.

All take it for the prudent and well ordering and managing of persons and affairs, that men may live well and happily, and this I also take to be your sense in the word Government.

The word Church I confess admits more variety of interpretations, and I must not wast so much of your time, nor is it needfull, to persons of your great learn­ing to reckon them.

As sometimes it is taken in the large sense of all Believers, and sometimes in the sense of every particular Congregation of God's people, and of Be­lievers in a Nation, and you know the Greek Poet takes [...] for Meetings of Mirth or Jollity.

But, to take the word in the sense wherein it was first introduced by the Popish Clergy, I am sure, will not be admitted by you.

They used indeed many Canting Expressions, as Ecclesiastical and Lay, Spiritual and Temporal, Church and State, and the like; and all were to make a distinction between themselves, and other men, that they might be accounted more holy, and as a distinct Nation in the Midst of the Nation; to bring more reverence and privilege, and money to them, than otherwise they could obtain.

Some would say of the Puritans, that they used a kind of Canting language, to bring them into the more scorn. I am sure, the imputation is more just upon the Popish Clergy; who by this canting would ex­clude all others but themselves to be of the Church of Christ, and exalt themselves above their Brethren.

Whereas doubtless, every one though never so much (as they term him) a Lay-man, is as much a Member of the Church (if he be a Believer) as they that wear Cooles, or Hoods, or Canonical Coats, or Tippets.

But I suppose you mean by Government of the Church, the ordering and ruling of Matters and Per­sons having relation to the worship of God in the meet­ings of his people in the Church, or in things belonging thereunto, which by some are called Spiritual Mat­ters.

Thereupon it is objected by some that Government being a Civil thing, cannot be exercised about things that are Spiritual; Government is onely external, and Spiritual things are onely internal, not capable of be­ing ordered by any but the [...], the great Knower of Hearts, and are become the power of Government of Men.

But this Notion may go too far perhaps, I hope to be informed by your learned Debates, to a clearer under­standing of it, and shall pass to the next Term of the Question, Presbytery.

This word, they say, was unknown till of late in the sense many do now use it; that among the Jews it was the highest honour and dignity given to the Members of their Great Sanhedrim; and therefore is not now so properly to be attributed to the Rulers of every small Congregation: I am none of those, Mr. Prolocutor, who except against the Presbyterian Government, I think it hath a good Foundation, and hath done much good in the Church of Christ.

But, Sir, whether this Form of Government be Jure Divino or not, may possibly admit of some dispute, and whether it be now requisite for you to declare that it is so.

If the meaning be that it is Jure Divino Ecclesia­stico, then the question will be raised of the Magistrate's imposing Forms, and upon Mens Consciences, for then this will be the Magistrate's Imposition Jure Divino Ecclesiastico.

But if the meaning be Jure Divino Absolute, this is more than an imposing by the Magistrate; it is the precept of God, and they are in a sad condition, both Magistrates and People, who are not under this Go­vernment.

But it is objected that no form of Government it Jure Divino in this or that particular, but in the gene­ral onely, Let all things be done decently and in or­der. A Government is Jure Divino, but whether this or that Government, whether Presbytery, Epis­copacy, Independency, or any other Form of Govern­ment be Jure Divino or not, whether there be a Pre­script, Rule, or express Command of the Holy Scrip­ture, for any of these particulars will not be admitted by many men, as a clear thing.

It may be therefore not unworthy your Consideration, whether to give occasion for these Disputes or not, if you shall think fit at this time to forbear to declare your Judgments in this Point, the truth nevertheless will continue the same, and not wronged thereby.

If this Government be not Jure Divino, no opinion of any Council can make it to be what it is not; and if it be Jure Divino, it continues so still, although you do not declare it to be so.

I therefore humbly submit it, Sir, to your grave Judgments, whether it be not better at this time, when Disputes upon such Subjects as these, are too apt to be raised, to avoid giving occasion for them, which will but retard that Settlement of Government that is desi­red; and high time it were done.

And that you may be pleased to present your Judg­ments to the Parliament, that the Government of the Church by Presbyteries is most agreeable to the word of God, and most fit to be settled in this Kingdom, or in what other expressions, you may much better know than I, it is fit to Cloath your Questions; and I hope you may soon have a desired Issue.

The Ordinance passed for a Council of War to be held for punishment of Delinquents, and Arti­cles annexed to it; and it was ordered to be pro­claimed in London, and in all Counties.

Goring, Langdale, and Mackworth, appeared on the borders of Scotland, with 4000 Horse, and 4000 Foot, which caused the Parliament there to send 5000 Men to the borders, and to take care of their defence.

Divers of the propositions for a Peace were pas­sed, City. and the House sent to the City, that if they de­sired to have any thing inserted in the Propositions, they would be willing to receive it: which was kindly taken by the City.

Macquere, and Mac Mahon, with a Steel-saw cut asunder the door of their Chamber, swam over the Tower-ditch, and escaped away; the Parliament ordered 100 l. to any that should bring either of them alive or dead.

They ordered Waller to march into the West, and past a new Ordinance for the Excise.

General Leven came also before Newcastle; he, and Calender got possession of the Bridge, and most of the inhabitants of the lower Town fled to the high Town for shelter; Leven summoned 3000 [Page 96] Countreymen to come in with Spades, Mat­tocks, &c.

The Earl of Warwick wrote that he had sent pro­visions by Sea for the Lord General's Army.

The Lord Mayor and Aldermen presented their desires to the Parliament, to be inserted in the propositions for Peace.

The Besiegers made a breach in Basing-house, and took some Prisoners of the Garrison.

The Earl of Manchester had Bozer-house surren­dred to him upon Articles.

An association was past for Wilts, Dorset, So­merset, Associati­on. Devon and Cornwal, and the Earls of Nor­thumberland; Pembroke and Salisbury, Lord Roberts, Lord Bruce, and the Knights and Burgesses serving for those Counties, had power, any eight of them, to appoint Colonels and other Officers, and to raise moneys, &c.

The Commons ordered some prizes unduly ta­ken to be restored to the owners.

A party of Prince Rupert's forces were fallen upon by some of the Lancaster forces, and of the Earl-of Manchester, who slew 30, and took 100 of the Prince's men prisoners.

Middleton encountred a party of the King's for­ces in Somersetshire, took about 200 Horse, one Colonel, divers inferiour Officers, and 38 com­mon Souldiers, he wrote also that the King's Army was in such want of provisions that a peny loaf was there sold for six pence.

The General's Army and the King's often faced one another; the General's men took a Captain and some inferiour Officers, and 48 common Soul­diers of Sir Richard Greenvile's own Troop.

It was certified by Letters, that Sir Francis Dod­dington meeting an honest Minister upon the way near Taunton, asked him who art thou for, Priest? who answered, for God and his Gospel: whereupon Doddington shot the Minister to death.

The Parliament ordered Commissions of Oyer and Terminer to be executed, and appointed Mr. Hoyle, one of their Members, to be Lord Mayor of York, till the next day of election.

The Committee of Sussex complained against Colonel Apsley one of them.

The Lord Ogle, and Colonel Huddleston fell up­on Colonel Doddington near Lathom-house, and worsted him, till Colonel Shuttleworth came in to Doddington's assistance, with some of the Parlia­ments forces, and took 50 Horse, 40 Prisoners, and routed the rest; among the Prisoners was the Lord Ogle, Colonel Huddleston, and other Officers.

Brereton and Middleton faced Chester, out of which Garrison Colonel Marrow issued, and fell upon them, but was slain in the fight, and divers of his men killed and taken.

The next morning Prince Rupert drew forth two of his best Regiments of Horse, and a party of Foot, fell upon Brereton and Middleton, but they were beaten back to Chester, many of his men kil­led and taken; and in both these fights they certi­fie that 400 of the Enemy were killed and taken.

Middleton took thirty horse of one of the King's Convoys near Bristol.

The Commons took order touching the trade of Fishing at Yarmouth, and a payment to be made by Fishers.

Six Troups of the Protestants in Ireland routed Ireland. fifteen Troups of the Rebels, and had many mira­culous successes against them, the Parliament took care for supply of them.

The Rebels in Ʋlster with an Army of 22000, intended to have massacred all the English and Scots there, but the Lord Monroe with 14000 Protestants fought with them, wholly dispersed, and killed, and took many thousands of them, and Cattel, and other Provision for a month, which the Re­bels left behind them, and whereof the Protestants then were in great want.

The Commissioners of the Court-martial met, and had a List of all the Prisoners, which they trans­mitted to the House for their direction.

Colonel Sands besieged Pomfret Castle, and took of the Garrison forty Horse and many Cattel.

Letters from the General certifie, that Aug. 21. General Essex. the King's Army drew up near to the General in Battalia, who sent out a forlorn hope, and a party of horse and foot to second them, the forlorn fired, and retreated to the reserve, and they also charged the Enemy, killed many, and forced the rest to retreat; and the Lord General kept the Field that night.

That the next morning the Enemy appeared a­gain, and was beaten back by the Parliaments for­ces, who behaved themselves with very great cou­rage, doing great execution, but the certain num­ber of the slain on either side was not known, that he hoped Middleton was on his way towards him.

The House ordered a Letter of thanks to be written to his Excellence, and to assure him that he should not want their utmost assistance.

The Commissioners of the Great Seal ordered to grant Commissions of Sewers.

Middleton fell on a party of the King's forces in Lancashire, upon the first charge of them by Colo­nel Booth, they fled, and were totally routed; the Lord Byron, and the Lord Mollineux escaped by the darkness of the night, divers of them were killed, and many inferior Officers and others taken.

By Ordinance the Wardship of the Lord Brook was settled upon his Mother.

Divers Gentlemen and Officers who were of the Earl of Newcastle's Army, came into the Parli­ament, desiring to make their compositions.

The Commons being informed that the Prince Prince E. lector. Elector was landed at Graves-end, appointed a Committee to attend him with salutations from the House, and to consider of his reception at White-hall prepared for him.

An Ordinance for liberty for Foreigners to trade here, provided that they bring no Ordnance, Arms nor Ammunition, which shall be employed against the Parliament.

Divers of Worcestershire, offered to raise forces for the Parliament, and an Ordinance passed for that purpose.

Middleton took a Troup of the King's horse near Exeter.

The Prince Elector was brought to White-hall with great respect by a Committee of Parliament.

September 1644. Letters from the General to the Parliament, inform, that they had the best in ma­ny Skirmishes, and acknowledge God's goodness in delivering them and the whole Army from a Conspiracy of the Enemy, to blow up two of his Waggons with 60 Barrels of Powder in them.

That when they thought to have effected this de­sign, they drew up their whole Body towards that part of the Parliaments Army, expecting the blow­ing up of his Magazine; upon which they intended to fall upon his forces, and not to have given quar­ter Plot. to any of them.

This Plot was so closely carried, and so near ef­fecting, that in each of the Waggons, an Engine was placed to doe the work, the ends of them fast­ned to lighted Matches, which were burnt within an inch of the Wild-fire when it was discovered, and the other Match was burnt to the very neck of the Engine, where it was to give fire, and there the Coal of it self went out.

[Page 97] The Engine was sent up, and shewed to the Par­liament, by which the strangeness of it, and the miraculous deliverance from that Plot, appeared.

The Letters conclude,

Letter from Es­sex.

If succour ome not speedily, we shall be put to great extremity: if we were in a Countrey where we could force the Enemy to fight, it would be some comfort, but this Countrey consists so much upon passes, that he who can subsist longest, must have the better of it; which is a great grief to me, who have the command of so many gallant men. My Lords, I am sorry I have no discourse more pleasing, resting

Your Faithfull Servant, ESSEX.

Upon this Letter the House ordered, that the Earl of Manchester should send a party of Horse and Foot for the assistance of the General, but nei­ther any from him, who was indeed furthest off, nor of Waller's Forces (who some thought did not make much hast in this business) nor Middleton, nor any other of the Parliaments Forces, but his own Army, came up to give him any the least assist­ance.

Liberty was given to Delinquents, who were gone beyond Sea, to return hither to make their compositions with the Parliament.

A Messge of Complement was sent to the Prince Elector, and likewise to acquaint his High­ness, Pr. Elector. that the Parliament conceived that his Residence at this time in Foreign parts might be of greater ad­vantage to the Publick.

Indeed the Parliament were jealous, considering his near relation to the King, and the engage­ments of his Brothers in the King's Service, that the Prince Elector would do no good offices for the Parliament here.

The Archbishop was again brought to the Bar of the Lords House, where he made his last general Defence to the Charge against him, and a day was appointed for the Commons to make their reply. Laud.

In the Archbishop's Diary under his own hand are passages of his being offered to be made a Car­dinal, which he said that he could not suffer, till Rome were other than it is.

The Prince Elector sent a Message to the Parlia­ment, That he held himself much obliged to them for Pr. Elector. their former favours; that his coming was to express that in Person which he had often done by Letters, of his affection to them, and the Cause which they main­tain; and to take off such Jealousies as the Actions of his nearcst Kindred, or ill Offices of the Enemy might by his absence cast upon him.

That his wishes are constant for their good success, for a thorough Reformation, and his desires are to be ruled and advised by their grave Counsels, and would be ready to serve them.

Sir William Brereton's Letters informed, that he sent Colonel Jones with a party, who fell upon 2000 Horse of Prince Rupert's about Malpasse took 140 Horse, two Majors, and divers inferiour Of­sicers Col. Jones. and Souldiers; slew Colonel Baines, and Co-Ionel Connyers in the place, with three Majors, and 100 Common Souldiers, routed the whole Brigade, and forced them to flie back to Chester, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale was wounded in the fight.

This Colonel Jones was a Barrister at Law, a Gentleman tam Marte, quam Mercurio, and shews that the undertaking of a Civil Profession doth not disable, but rather further a man in Martial Af­fairs when there is occasion of trial.

Major Dowet marching with a party of the Parli­aments forces in Somer setshire, was set upon by Captain Poulton, whom he took Prisoner, with his Lieutenant, thirty Horse, and twenty Souldiers, and routed all the party.

Colonel Sands for the Parliament besieged Pom­fret Castle, and Sir Thomas Fairfax was before Hem­sley Castle, where he was shot into his Shoulder, and well again.

The Commons took order to reconcile some pri­vate differences between some Majors General, and the Associations under them.

Colonel Purefoy, and Colonel Boswell came up with Forces, and some Ordance to assist the Be­siegers of Banbury.

Sir William Waller lay still at Farnham near Ba­sing-house.

The Commissioners for the Court-marshal kept a particular Fast-day, to pray to God for his direc­tions to them in that business.

A Committee was appointed to meet with the Common Council of London, and to advise with them touching the business of Farthings.

Letters from Sir William Waller desire the sup­plies Wallers allotted to him, may be speedily sent, and the forces that are to joyn with him, he expresseth his forwardness to assist the Lord General, and calls the God of Heaven to witness, it is not his fault, and wisheth the blood and infamy may rest on the Heads of them that lay obstructions in his way, averring that if money cannot be had, he will march without it.

That he received a Letter from Lieutenant Ge­neral Middleton, who is advanced as far as he can to relieve the Lord General, but he hears there is Middletons a very great party of the King's Army drawn out to meet him, and yet keep the Lord General at a Bay. That he desires nothing more under God, than to be able to march, and no fault shall be found in him.

By Letters from Plymouth the House were certi­fied touching the making of Provisions for the Lord General's Army, and that many Prisoners had ta­ken the Covenant, and freely undertook to serve the Parliament against the Irish Rebels.

That at Lestithiel the duty hath been so constant and various, the Enemy so near and vigilant, that we cannot Muster; we have sick men sent hither, who if not timely sent, do die soon after they come here, fresh Diet being their onely cure.

The Chirurgeons of the Army are ill stored with Provisions, some not having to the value of 10s.

The Enemy increaseth daily upon our quarters, the loss of Foy-harbour, is to our infinite disadvan­tage, no ships being able to ride out of the command of their Guns. The Lord Admiral made a gallant at­tempt to have regained the Harbour, but extremity of weather would not suffer him to land one man.

Major Skippon's Glove and Sleeve was shot through, and his Buff in two places, and he had no harm.

Additional Forces being come to Sir William Waller. he advanced with them Westward, to joyn with Middleton and Massey, to make up a Body to relieve the Lord General, and 4000 Foot, and 3000 Horse from the Earl of Manchester, were up­on their march to assist the General, but all of them had lost too much time.

Letters from the General informed, that the King with all his power drew out upon him, that he sent out several parties that Skirmished with them, at length a great party of the Horse being ingaged, they slew many of the Enemy, and forced Gen. Essex defeated. their passage through the King's Army and through the numerousness of the Enemy could hardly re­treat, so that the Foot being left to stand upon their own guard in a place of advantage, there was a Parley enter'd into, by which it was agreed, that [Page 98] Major Skippon, who fought like a Lion, with the Foot, should march away, with the loss of some Ordnance and Ammunition, and have a safe con­duct for 6000 Foot to Dorchester.

By this and several other Letters we may observe how the Parliament Officers sought to lessen this defeat received by them, and to conceal the full truth thereof from the Parliament, which is usual with some to lessen their defeats, and to inlarge their Victories.

On the King's part it was said that General Es­sex with most of his chief Commanders deserted their whole Army, and saved themselves by flight by Sea.

That their Horse, pretending to Skirmish, got beyond the King's Army, and so escaped by this way, and left the Foot to shift for themselves.

That the Foot were totally dispersed, and dis­armed, and submitted to the King's mercy, who gave them their lives, and took all their Ord­nance, Arms, and Ammunition; and thus gave a total defeat to the Parliament's main Army.

By this we may see the great difference in rela­tions Different relations. of Martial performances, always according to the particular interest of the Relatours; and it is certain, that in a Fight, the next man can hard­ly make a certain relation of the Actions of him that was next in place to him.

For in such a hurry and smoak as is in a Fight, and when a man scarce takes notice of any thing but what relates to his own immediate safety, it is hard to give any clear account of particular passa­ges, but the general will make way for it self by the consequence and issue.

Therefore for better satisfaction, I shall give an The true account. impartial Relation of that Action in Cornwal, nei­ther favouring nor censuring the one side or the other, as it ought to be the temper of all faithfull Historians.

The King marched after Essex who was gone Westward, and, by the overruling counsel of the Lord Roberts, was perswaded into the narrow noose of Cornwal.

The King came to Liskerd, eight miles from Lestithiel where Essex was, and was there encom­passed by the King and Prince Maurice at Bocon­nock, Sir Richard Greenvile at Bodmyn, and Sir Jacob Ashley at Hule.

The King's party were desirous to fight, but up­on consultation, it was held more advisable to strave the Parliament forces, to which end Goring with a party of Horse, and Sir Tho. Basset with 1500 Foot, were sent Westward to stop all Provi­sions that way, and to streighten Essex, by keeping his Horse and Foot close together.

Essex drew his Cannon and Baggage towards Foy, but in those bad ways his Carriages stuck, and they were much hindered by it.

Sir Will. Belfore with 2300 horse brake through the King's Quarters, and got to Saltash, and from thence to Plymouth.

The King pursues his advantage against Essex his foot with great wisedom and gallantry, and they made a stout resistance, but being overpow­red by the King's forces, which lay round about them, and then the Country rising in great num­bers upon them, and killing divers of their men in their Quarters.

Essex quits his own Forces, and with divers of his chief Officers makes by Sea for Plymouth, lea­ving Skippon with the Foot, and a few horse behind him.

Some came by designe to the Parliament forces, intimating that the King was willing to admit of a Treaty with them, and it was great wisdome, and gallantry in the King, rather to defeat them with their own Consents, than to hazard the doubtful tryal of a Battle for it.

Skippon calls together his field Officers to a Coun­cil of War, and being more a Soldier, than an O­ratour, Skippon. spake plainly to them to this purpose.

Gentlemen,

You see our General, and many of our chief Officers, have thought fit to leave us, and our horse are got away, we are left alone upon our defence; that which I pro­pound to you, is this, that we having the same courage as our horse had, and the same God to assist us, may make the same tryal of our fortunes, and endeavour to make our way through our enemies, as they have done; and account it better to dye with honour, and faithfulness, than to live dishonourable.

Few of the Council of War did concur with him, but were generally for a treaty with the King, al­ledging the advantages the horse had, to break through the enemy, which the foot had not, and that the General was then with them, and added courage to his men.

Whereas the foot were now more dismayed by his going away, and having few or no horse to as­sist them; and other arguments were alledged to accept of a treaty, and accordingly Commissioners on both parts were appointed.

For the King were Prince Maurice, General Ru­then, and the Lord Digby; for the Parliament were Colonel Berkley, Colonel Wichcotes, and Colonel Butler, who agreed upon Articles, Sept. 2. to this effect.

To deliver up to the King all their Artillery, with Articles. all their bag and baggage, no person under a Corporal to wear any kind of weapon, all Officers above, to wear onely sword and pistols, there were delivered up 40 pieces of brass Ordnance, 200 barrels of Powder, Match and Bullet proportionable, 9000 Arms for horse and foot.

Some of the private Soldiers listed themselves in the King's service, and some of the rest as they marched forth, being pillaged by the King's Soldi­ers, Skippon rode up to the King, who stood to see them pass by, and told him, it was against his honour and justice, that his articles should not be performed, that his Soldiers did pillage some of the Parliaments Soldiers, contrary to the Articles, and desired his Ma­jesty to give order to restraine them. The King there­upon gave a more strict command for the punctu­al observation of the Articles, and Skippon with his men marched to Poole.

We may take notice by this chiefly, and by seve­ral other passages, of the uncertain issues of War, and of the overruling hand of providence in Mar­tial affairs, as much, if not more than in other matters.

It was but a few weeks before, that Essex and Waller with two great Armies, were in pursuit of the King, who could scarce find a way to avoid them, and the Parliaments power and expectation was far above that of the King.

Now the dye of War is turned another way, the Parliaments Army is defeated, disarmed and dispersed, and the King becomes Victorious.

This did much affright some of the Parlia­ment party, and caused several discourses among them.

Divers who were no friends to Essex inveighed Essex bla­med. against him, as one that had quitted his Command, and deserted his Army in the greatest danger, others excused and commended him for this action, by which means onely he could reserve himself, his Officers and Souldiers to doe the Parliament fur­ther service.

[Page 99] Others condemned Waller, Manchester and Middleton, for not hastning more to the assistance of the General, every one vented his own fancy and censure, but doubtless, he was a person of as much integrity, courage and honour, as any in his age; he was brought into this noose, by the wil­fulness of others, and though his enemies took advantage against him upon it, yet many thought others to be more in fault than the General.

Letters from Scotland informed the Parliament that the Marquess of Argyle had taken 500 of the Rebels which came over with the Earl of Antrim to disturb the peace of that Kingdome.

The General having thoughts to come up to the Parliament, to give them a particular account of this unhappy action, and to excuse himself to the Parliament, they wrote to him, that they continue Excused by the Par­liament. fully satisfied that he was not wanting to use his utmost endeavours in that service, and were well assured of his fidelity, desiring him, to entertain no thoughts of dis­content, or discouragement, but to go on in the mana­ging of the VVar, Sir Will. Waller and other forces being ready to joyn with him.

The Commons took order for supplies of Cloaths and Arms for his Souldiers, and for the Earl of Manchester's marching towards him, and appoin­ted a day of publick Humiliation.

The Sickness being at St. James's, the Parlia­ment ordered the removal of the King's Children from thence to Whitehall.

Colonel William Strowde wrote to the House, that 300 men of the adjacent parts were come to him to serve the Parliament, and that he had sent from Wareham 1000 Arms to the Lord General.

A Committee of both Houses were sent to give entertainment to the Chancellour of Scotland, who was newly come to Town.

The Lord Roberts was made Governour of Ply­mouth.

By Letters from Sir Thomas Middleton the House was informed, that Lieutenant Colonel Tyll, being sent by him, took Sir Thomas Gardiner the Recor­der's Son, with his Officers, and forty of his Trou­pers Prisoners, and the rest fled; that he also took two Colours, and four wayneload of Powder and Ammunition.

Lieutenant General Lesley fell upon the Forces Lesley. of Sir Philip Musgrave, and Colonel Fletcher in Westmorland, killed divers on the place, took above 100 Prisoners, two foot Colours, a Standard, and scattered the rest.

The King marched out of Cornwal, and sent a summons to Plymouth to be rendered to him, but they returned a positive answer in the negative.

Prince Rupter marched towards the King, but with a small force.

About 1500 of the King's foot out of several Garrisons mounted for Dragoons, by night mar­ched towards Basing-house, Colonel Norton and Co­lonel Morley took the Alarm, Norton charged them, and brake through them, but they with great cou­rage wheeled about, and charged Norton's whole bo­dy, who retreated unto Colonel Morley's Quarters.

In the mean time they got some supplies of Am­munition and Provisions into the House; Norton and Morley faced them, but they would not fight, but retreated back again, and were pursued, and 150 of them killed and taken, one Major, with other in­feriour Officers. Norton had a slight hurt in the hand, and lost but one man, but the house was relieved.

This party of the King's gave an Alarm to Brown at Abington, who shortly after gave an Alarm to them at Oxford, and brought away 40 of their fat Cattel, Salt, and other provisions.

Sir Rich. Greenvile attempted thrice by Storm to enter Plymouth, but was repulsed.

Middleton routed Prince Rupert in his passage towards the King, with seven hundred horse, took divers of his Officers, and about ninety common Souldiers prisoners.

Brereton routed the Earl of Derby, coming to relieve Leverpoole and killed and took five hundred of them, and put the rest to flight.

An Ordinance passed the Commons, for Ordi­nation of Ministers, and was sent to the Assembly for them to add Ministers Names who should give Ordination.

A difference was between the Lord Grey, and the Association of Leicestershire.

The King sent a Summons to Plymouth, That God Summons to Ply­mouth. having given him Victory over the Rebels, he desired to reduce his people by Acts of Grace: and promised especial favour to Plymouth, if they would render the Town to him, and that they should have no Garrison.

A Letter was likewise sent at the same time from the Lord Digby to the Lord Roberts, Inviting him upon high Ingagements of Preferment, and Honour from the King, to surrender the Town up to him. But they prevailed neither with the Governour, nor with the Townsmen, but they all prepared for de­fence; and the Enemy endeavouring the same day to storm the West-end of the Town, were repulsed with great loss; in which action the Seamen did gallant service.

The King's whole Army besieged the Town, but they having four thousand foot, and eight hun­dred horse, did not much fear their Besiegers; but the Lord Roberts wrote for some supplies, which were ordered for them.

A Letter from the King was brought to the Par­liament, Letter from the King. declaring his Affections for Peace; and concluding, that God had given him a late Victory, and therefore he desires them to consider of his long rejected Message from Evesham; which was for peace, but not till this time brought to the Parliament.

The Parliament appointed a day to take this into consideration, and ordered all Officers and Souldiers to repair to their Colours, on pain to be proceeded against by the Commissioners for Mar­tial Law.

Mr. Hoyle was put into Sir Peter Osborn's Office, and Mr. Salway into Sir Thomas Fanshaw's place in the Exchequer, and several Judges went into the Counties which were quiet, to keep Assizes, and to execute the Commissions of Oyer and Terminer.

Colonel Cromwell was sent with two thousand horse to meet Prince Rupert, coming to relieve Bandury, but Colonel Massey had before prevented the Prince's coming.

The Irish Rebels that landed in Scotland, were beaten into the Mountains by the Earl of Argyle, and L. Gourdon.

Upon debate of the King's Letter it was held not to be a sufficient acknowledgment of the Parliament, and therefore laid by: Yet the House went on to compleat the Propositions for Peace; and a day was appointed for the bringing in the Names of such Delinquents as should be excepted from par­don.

Divers Ministers of London presented a Petition Minister Petition. to the Parliament, for dispatch of the Directory of Worship, and settling of pure Discipline and Govern­ment according to the word of God; and complain­ed of the Schisms in the Church.

The Petitioners had thanks from the House, and the Committee of Lords and Commons appointed to confer with the Assembly, to endeavour to re­concile some Differences among them, and to find out a way, how tender Consciences may be born with­all, so far as may stand with the peace of the Kingdom, and the word of God.

[Page 100] The Assembly named 23 Ministers to give Or­dination, who were passed.

The Commons considered of the Propositions for peace, the L. Macquire and Macmahon, who escaped out of the Tower, were again apprehended by the Lieutenant of the Tower, and Sir John Clotworthy; and upon a Report from a Committee of Lawyers, it was ordered, That they should be tried by a Commis­sion of Oyer and Terminer, and not by Martial Law.

The French Agent lay at the same house where Fr. Agent. Macquire and Macmahon were taken, and had a chief hand in their escape, and opposed the Offi­cers searching in that house for papers, &c. because he lodged there.

But a Committee of both Houses were appointed to search there, and did so, notwithstanding the Agent's pretences.

A Committee of Lawyers was appointed to meet daily about the Tryal of the Archbishop, till the same should be dispatcht.

The Parliament ordered all the Forces of the Earl of Manchester, and of Sir William Waller, to joyn together, and advance into the West.

The Ordinance passed for the Militia in Wor­cestershire.

About eighty of the Leicester horse in convoy of some Carriers, were set upon by 120 of Colonel Hastings his men, but the 80 routed and dispersed the 120, killed 8, and took 60 of them prisoners, and store of Arms.

By Letters from Sir Thomas Middleton, it was certified, That he having taken Mountgomery Ca­stle, was forced to retreat upon the coming of the Montgome­ry Castle. King's Forces thither, who again besieged the Ca­stle with five thousand men; and Middleton being joyned with Brereton, Sir John Meldrum, and Sir William Fairfax, in all about three thousand, they marched to relieve the Castle, and were fought with by the Enemy, who came up gallantly a good while to push of Pike, and worsted the Parliament Horse:

Which so encouraged the King's Forces, that they shouted, and cryed, The Day is ours, the Day is ours; at which the Parliament Forces were so enraged, that they came on again with a fresh Charge, and wholly routed and put them to flight, took prisoners Major General Broughton, Colonel Sir Thomas Tilsley, Lieutenant Colonel Bludwell, Ma­jor Williams, nine Captains, many inferiour Offi­cers, and fifteen hundred common Souldiers.

Of the King's part were slain about three hun­dred, and about five hundred wounded: Of the Parliament part were slain, Sir William Fairfax with eleven wounds, and Major Fitz Symons, and about forty common Souldiers, and about sixty wounded; the Lord Byron who commanded the King's Forces hardly escaped by the goodness of his horse.

Upon Letters from my Lord Roberts, both Hou­ses took care for Supplies for Plymouth, and their other Western Garrisons.

The King came to Exeter, and gave order to re­move all superfluous persons forth of the Town, and for the Country to bring in thither all their provisions.

About forty prisoners of quality were brought from Plymouth to London, and committed to Lam­beth-house. After the Siege was raised before Ply­mouth, and the King gone to Exeter, yet the Cor­nish-men continued near the Town, to stop provi­sions coming to them by Land, but were driven away again.

Many of the prisoners taken at Mountgomery, being willing to take the Covenant, and to serve against the Rebels in Ireland; the Parliament to avoid the inconvenience of many prisoners, con­sented thereunto, and gave order for their trans­portation.

The Commons came near to a conclusion of their Debate, touching the Propositions for peace.

Orders were sent to the Earl of Manchester, and Sir William Waller, to advance together with all expedition, to prevent the King's return back to Oxford, and took care for Supplies for them, and for the Lord General.

The Parliament sent thanks to Sir Thomas Mid­dleton, Sir William Brereton, and Sir John Meldrum, for their good service at Mountgomery; and which was more acceptable, took order for Supplies for them; the Lord Cherbury, and Sir John Price, came in to the Parliament.

Massey fell upon a party of the King's, between Bristoll and Monmouth, took their Commander in chief, and ten others, and a hundred and sixty com­mon Souldiers, two hundred Arms, and two pieces of Ordnance.

The King's Forces besieged Barnstable, which rendred to them upon conditions, which they af­terwards broke, pillaged the Parliament's Soul­diers, plundred the Town, executed the Major, and imprisoned many of the Inhabitants.

Colonel Ludlow took eighty of the King's Com­missioners of Array in Somersetshire, and Captain Savile took twenty of Prince Rupert's men pri­soners.

Sir Thomas Fairfax recovered of his Wound, and Sir H. Cholmly offered to surrender Scarborough Scarbo­rough. Castle to the Parliament, but now upon the news of the King's Victory in the West, he revictuals it again, and is again wholly for the King; where­upon the Lord Fairfax sent Sir William Constable with a strong party to besiege the Castle.

Colonel Ware revolted from the Lord General in the West, to the King, and another Colonel quit­ted his Post, and the Matters of that nature were referred to a Committee to be examined.

A Day was set apart by the Commons for recei­ving private Petitions.

At Basing-house the Besiegers took an Outwork, a Captain, and twenty eight Souldiers, who de­fended it.

At Banbury they made a Breach, and some of the Parliaments Souldiers endeavouring to enter, were beaten back by the Garrison.

Colonel Smith of Bucks escaped out of prison, and was retaken.

Letters from the Lord General informed, That the King was drawn from Exeter near Shaftsbury, where Sir William Waller was. That they would en­deavour to prevent his coming to Bristoll, or back again to Oxford, and they desire that the Earl of Manchester may hasten to joyn with them.

The King took up a great number of horses in the Country as he passed, to the high distaste and prejudice of the Inhabitants; and his Majesty by this means mounted all his Foot, and made them Dragoons.

Many Gentlemen of Wales came in to the Parlia­ment, and rendred themselves to Sir Thomas Mid­dleton.

Sir William Brereton took more of the King's Forces near Chester.

Captain Swanley's Forces encreased in South-Wales, many of the Country coming in to him.

Colonel Leigh presented a Petition to the Com­mons, Petition. subscribed by four thousand Staffordshire men, praying, That the Differences between the Earl of Denbigh their General, and some of the Country might be reconciled, and the Earl sent down again a­mongst [Page 101] them. Upon delivery whereof, the Colonel made a long Harangue to the Commons, and all was referred to a Committee.

Colonel Butler suspected of miscarriage in the West, was sent up by the General to be examined.

The Order passed the Commons House there­upon, for a select Committee to go along with the Commit­tee with the Army. Army, and to advise with the Council of War upon all Occurrences.

Colonel Kerle who revolted from the Parlia­ment upon the loss of Bristoll, went out with a party near to Monmouth, to fetch provisions, and being full of Jollity and security, Colonel Massey fell upon them in the midst of their mirth, and sur­prised them.

Kerle doubting that he should not have quarter, because he had revolted from the Parliament, to make some recompence, he undertook to bring Massey into Monmouth, and himself to march in the Monmouth suprised. front, which was concluded accordingly.

When they came to the Guards, they thinking them to be their own men, let down the Draw-bridge, and received them into the Town, who de­manded it for the Parliament; at which the Gar­rison was so amazed, that many of them fled away, and left their Arms, the rest called for quarter, and so the Town and Castle being of great conse­quence, was reduced to the Parliament, with the loss of not above six men on both parties.

The new Sheriffs of London were presented at the Exchequer, by a Speech of Mr. Glyn the Recorder.

October, 1644. The Commons entred upon con­sideration of electing new Members in the room of those who were dead, or expelled by Vote.

The Library belonging to the See of Canterbury, was given to Sion College.

The Ordinance for Ordination of Ministers passed both Houses.

The Popish party in Scotland submitted them­selves, and the Lord Argyle pursued the Irish Re­bels into the Highlands, whereupon the Earl of Calender returned again to the Leagure before Newcastle.

The Garrison there made many Sallies upon the Besiegers, and were beaten back with loss.

The Conmissioners of Array in Cumberland and Westmorland met to feast, and consult about rai­sing more forces for the King, and the Country-people rose up against them, took forty of them prisoners, and sent them to General Lesley.

One Greenvile, a kinsman of Sir Richard Green­vile, was perswaded into a Plot to betray Ply­mouth to Sir Richard, but the Plot was discovered, and Mr. Greenvile executed: But the King ho­noured Sir Richard with Title of Baron of Lesti­thiel.

Waller sent out a party of two hundred horse to Evill, under Major Clutterbocke, who met a party of the King's forces, and took divers of them pri­soners, and presently after, meeting another par­ty, of about three hundred of the King's horse drawn up into a body, whose Commander came out from the head of his Troops singly; this cau­sed Major Clutterbocke to do the like, and they two skirmished before their parties.

The King's forces seeing their Commander like­ly to have the worst, came in hastily to his rescue, and slew Clutterbocke before his men came in, and they upon the loss of their Major were so discoura­ged, that they wheeled about, and retreated from their Enemy.

The Commons set apart a day for redress of private Grievances, and gave much satisfaction to divers thereof.

Colonel Rosseter gave a blow to the King's for­ces, about Newark.

Mr. Prynne, Mr. Bradshaw, and Mr. Newdigate, were appointed to be of Council for the State, a­gainst Macquire, and Macmahon the Irish Rebels, at their Tryal appointed to be before Commis­sioners of Oyer and Terminer.

The Commons voted in the Case of the Arch-bishop, Laud. that his Council should be heard in point of Law, whether in the Charge against him, there be con­tained any Treason? But that they ought not to speak to any exceptions therein, for matter or form.

Colonel Bliere laid down his Commission, and had leave to go beyond Sea, and part of his Ar­rears paid.

The Militia of London desired the passing of an Ordinance, for the sending forth five Regiments of the City for a reserve of the Armies, and for supplies for them, which passed both Houses the same day.

A Declaration was agreed upon to be sent to the King of France, to excuse the business of the France. search for Macquire, and Macmahon, in the house where the French Agent lay.

Essex, Manchester, and Waller, all took the field, to encounter the King's forces in their march to Oxford; and all Officers and Souldiers in London, were commanded forthwith to repair to their Colours.

Colonel Jepson's Garrison at Portsmouth was compleated to one thousand foot, and an hundred horse.

Chester was blocked up by Brereton.

A party of Colonel Hastings his men came to Loughborough on the Lord's-day, rode into the Church in Sermon-time, and would have taken away the Preacher out of the Pulpit, but the wo­men rescued him, and proved then more valiant than their husbands, or Hastings his men.

An Ordinance was appointed to be brought in, for augmentation of the Means of Ministers, where their Maintenance was very small, and that to be out of Deans and Chapters Lands.

A party of the King's forces surprized and took in Crowland.

Colonel Hurrey who revolted from the Parlia­ment, when Colonel Hampden was slain, and served the King, had now obtained his Majestie's Pass to go beyond Sea, and came to Sir William Waller to desire the like Pass from him, who refused to do it, but sent him up to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

The Counties of Norfolk and of Cambridge pe­titioned for their security in the Earl of Manche­ster's absence, and some assistance for the pay of his Army.

The Commons ordred that no Carter coming to London, should be pressed for a Souldier.

The Commons appointed to take in considera­tion the Propositions for Peace, every day till they should perfect them.

Mr. Hoyle a Member of the House of Commons, was by general approbation chosen Lord Mayor of York, and took his place there.

A party of the King's from Skipton, fell upon Colonel Maleverer's quarters at Rippon, and took about twenty of his horse.

The Court Marshal condemned three men, one Court-Marshal. Captain Syppins, for endeavouring to betray Gern­sey; one Francis Pits, who was imployed by Sir Ri­chard Leveson, to betray Russell-hall in Staffordshire, and William James a Foot-souldier, for running a­way from his Colours.

[Page 102] The Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon, was al­tered, and ordered to be in the King's Bench, and Mr. Rolles with the others before named, appointed to be Council against them.

Sir Edward Hungerford and Sir Nevill Poole were sent down into Wiltshire for the service of that County.

Sir Henry Mildmay got an Order for his Salary, as Master of the Jewel-house to the King.

Colonel Hammond who killed Major Grey at Glou­cester, for giving him the Lye, was referred to be tryed by the Council of War in the Lord General's Army.

Some of the King's Plate was ordered to be sold or pawned for 3000 l. for Abington and Reading forces, and that the Plate amongst the Regalia, which had Crucifixes or superstitious Pictures, should be disposed of for the Publick Service.

A Letter of Thanks ordred to Colonel Ceely Go­vernour of Lyme.

All Governours of Forts and Garrisons were prohibited coming to London, unless sent by the General, or sent for by the Parliament, or Com­mittee of both Kingdoms.

Sir Thomas Middleton took in Redcastle, in Wales, with the Lord Powys, three Captains, divers infe­riour Officers, forty horse, two hundred Arms, and store of pillage.

Upon the Case of Colonel Warren, it was or­dered, That no Officer who formerly received Pay from the State, and was afterwards taken by the Par­liaments Forces in Arms against them, should be ex­changed for other Prisoners.

Prince Rupert removed Sir Francis Hawley from being Governour of Bristoll, and turned out the Governour of Berkley Castle, and put an Irish Rebel in his place.

The Commons were very busie in providing Monies and other Supplies, for their Forces in Eng­land and Ireland.

The Archbishop was brought to the Lord's Laud. house, and his Council heard to the matter of Law.

The Swedish General Tortoison beat Gallas the Emperour's General, took all his Cannon and Bag­gage, killed many of his Foot, and routed all the rest, and pursued his Horse to Willingborough.

A great fire in Oxford burnt up near a fourth part of the City, from one end of it to the other.

The City Brigade marched forth under the com­mand of Sir James Harrington.

The Lord Herbert, Son to the Earl of Worcester, with fifteen hundred men, came against a Garri­son of the Parliaments between Gloucester and Monmouth, and Colonel Massey coming to relieve them, routed the Lord Herbert's forces, killed fif­ty, and took sixty prisoners, and good prize.

A Letter of Thanks was written to Massey, for all his good-Services.

Upon Major General Skippon's desire, the Cap­tain was reprieved, who endeavoured to have be­trayed Gernsey.

Doctor Bastwick's Wife had an Allowance or­dered for her and her Husband's maintenance.

Colonel Harley, Sir Robert Harley's Son, was made Governour of Monmouth.

Relief was ordered to the well-affected Inhabi­tants of Jersey.

An Ordinance passed for the preservation of Hyde-Park, and the Timber and Pales from spoil.

A party from Plymouth took in Saltashe.

Those before Basing-house sent for more supplies of men.

The Lords at a Conference gave their Reasons, why they thought not fit to agree to the Ordinance for selling the King's Plate; but the Commons adhered to their former Vote; and ordered 3000 l. out of the Earl of Thanet's Fine, for supply of the Forces of Berks and Oxon.

The Commons agreed upon all the Propositions for Peace, to be sent to the King, and took the City Propositions in debate, to be sent with the other.

The Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax and Colonel Ros­seter, blocked up Crowland.

Colonel Birch had an allowance for his repara­tion of losses from the Parliament.

Sir Alexander Denton was ordered to be exchan­ged for Sir John Norcot a Member of Parliament, and Judge Mallet was exchanged.

Many Orders were made touching foreign Ships staid here, and to do right in those cases.

The Commons debated the sending forth of new Writs, to choose new Members in the places of those who were dead, or expelled the House.

Duncannon a considerable Fort in Ireland yielded to the Parliament, and most of the Officers and Souldiers there took the Covenant.

Many Orders for Money, and Supplies for the Forces, and for all the Forces of the Parliament to joyn together, to hinder the King's march to Ox­ford.

An Order for encouragement of the Officers and Workmen in the Mint.

Sir William Waller and the Earl of Manchester joyned together, and both of them wrote, That the King marched as if he intended to fight; and they desired some Supplies, which were sent to them.

The Parliament appointed a Day of Humilia­tion and Prayer to God, for a blessing upon their For­ces, now likely to engage in battel.

A price was set upon Coals, and a Woodmonger ordered to be Indicted for ingrossing of Coals, and the Admiral ordered to compel some Coal-ships at Harwich to come into the River Thames.

Sir John Holland had leave to stay in Holland for six Months.

Three thousand of the King's Forces besieged Taunton. Taunton, and the Governour Colonel Blake sent out a party who fell upon the Besiegers, killed and took many of them, whereof some Commanders.

Sir Hugh Cholmley set out some Vessels, which took some Coal-ships coming for London, and the Parliament ordered some Ships of War to lie on that Coast.

Some ships coming in, the Parliament gave order for the present payment of the Mariners.

The propositions for peace were agreed upon by the Commons.

A party of the King's coming to Beachly upon Severn, to fortifie there, Colonel Massey fell upon them, slew seventy of them on the place, took about a hundred and seventy prisoners, two pie­ces of Cannon, and two hundred Arms, with the loss of but ten men.

Colonel Charles Fleetwood took two Troups of the King's horse near Belvoir Castle.

Doctor Bastwick was exchanged for Colonel Huddleston.

Jeffreys the Queens Dwarf, in a Duel on horse-back in France killed Mr. Crofts.

Colonel Temple was sent into Sussex to raise Forces for the Parliament, in case the King should bend that way.

The King's Army marched to Andover, where some skirmishes were betwixt them and Sir Willi­am Waller's Forces, and about twenty killed on both sides.

Colonel Kerne had the thanks of the House for his good Service, and was sent down to his Charge in the Isle of Wight.

[Page 103] By Letters from the Lord Wareston and Mr. Crew, Commissioners in the Parliaments Army, was cer­tified, That all the three Armies were joyned near to Basing, and that the King's Forces were at Whit-church within five miles of them. That the General The three Armies joyned. had sent to Reading, and other places to pull up their Bridges, to prevent the King's march to Oxford. And that the Council of War had resolved to give battel to the Enemy.

The Parliament took care for provisions to be sent to their Forces.

The Governour of Poole set upon the Queens Regiment of horse, marching that way near Bland­ford, slew sixteen of them, took about forty pri­soners, a hundred brave horse, two Colours, and much Popish trumpery, and lost but one man, and a few hurt.

Colonel Lambert fell upon a party of the King's horse near Plumpton in Yorkshire, took about a hun­dred and forty Horse, the Commander in chief, an Irish Rebel, three Captains, and many prisoners.

The King faced the Parliaments Armies with his horse, and in the mean time drew away his Foot towards Newbury, whither he followed with Newbury. the horse, Captain Fincher waiting on their march, surprised sixty of their horse.

Orders were sent to the several Counties to be in a posture of defence, and the Chirurgeons were sent down with Medicaments to the Army, and Mr. Bell, to provide them.

An Ordinance passed that no quarter should be given to any of the Irish Rebels, taken either at Sea or Land.

By a Letter from Pembroke was certified, that some of Prince Rupert's Forces, particularly of the Irish Rebels, drove away their Cattel, risled their Houses, eat and destroyed all their Provisions, burnt their Villages and standing Corn, destroyed all Sexes and Degrees.

Aged and unarmed persons were stripped naked by them; [...]and some they inhumanely murthered in cold blood, others they half hanged, and after­wards stigmatized and burnt their flesh off from their bodies to the bare bones, and yet suffered them to live in great torture.

The Commons ordered, that all the Judges and King's Council should meet, to consider of the Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon.

An Ordinance passed, to free the Heir of Sir William Fairfax, who was slain in the Parliaments Service, from Wardship.

An Order past to admit the Prince Elector to come when he pleased to the Assembly of Divines, P [...]. Elector. to hear their Debates, according to his High­nesse's desire.

Newcastle Town not agreeing to Propositions of Newcastle. a Treaty, the Scots stormed and entred part of the Town, and became Masters of it; that Sir John Merlay and others for the King, fled to the Castle, and offered to render it upon quarter; which was denied, but that they should render at mercy.

Some of the Scots Officers were slain, as Major Hepburne, and others, but more of the Enemy.

Publick thanks to God were ordered to be gi­ven for the mercy in gaining Newcastle.

Sergeant Whitfield had the thanks of the House for his pains in preparing the Evidence for the Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon, and the former Lord chief Justice Bramston was ordered to be ad­vised with in that Business.

An Ordinance passed for the sale of some Delin­quents Lands in Essex.

By Letters from the Commissioners in the Army, it was certified, that the Armies were near engage­ment, that the King's horse faced the Parliaments Forces within a mile, their Foot and Artillery marched up, and were drawn into Bartalia at Buc­klebury, and nothing more done that day, but they resolved the next day to charge the King's Forces, if they would stand to it, and they desired provi­sions might be sent to the Army.

Two Barges loaded with Bisket and Cheese were sent to Reading, to be conveyed to the Army.

The Houses being informed, that the Lord Ge­neral Gen. Essex. was not well, and stayed behind the Army, they sent a Committee of Lords and Commons to visit him, and to express the affections of both Houses to him.

This was not (as was given out) a piece of Courtship; but, I think, real, and there was cause enough that it should be so, the General having so highly deserved from them: Yet there were some had Designs against him, and were desirous to re­move him from his Command, because they were jealous, that he was too much inclined to peace, and favouring of the King and his party.

I think, I knew as much of his mind as others did, and always observed him to wish for peace, yet not upon any dishonourable or unjust terms; he was a Lover of Monarchy and Nobility, which he suspected some designed to destroy, together with Gentry, Ministry, and Magistracy; which humour began then to boyl up, but he resolved to support them, and wanted not advice to that end.

But the Jealousies upon him (who was a most Jealousies. faithful and gallant man, and servant to the pub­lick) gave him great trouble in his thoughts, and they did work so high with his Enemies, that some gave out he was by private intimation to forbear engaging in this Service; and for certain he was not in it.

A party of the King's coming to relieve Ban­bury, were repulsed by Captain Fiennes, their Bag and Baggage taken, divers of them killed, and some of them taken prisoners.

The City Propositions to be sent with the ge­neral Propositions for peace, were voted, and ap­proved.

Divers Citizens petitioned, That Justice might Petition. be done against Delinquents, especially the two grand Incendiaries, the Bishop of Canterbury and Wren, and that the Commons House might be recruited with new Members.

Sir John Hotham petitioned, That he might not be Hotham. tryed by the Commissioners for the Court-Marshal, and demanded the Judgment of the House thereupon, and offered his Reasons: but they would not hear them.

The Commons being informed, that in proba­bility the Armies were now engaged; they sent to the Assembly of Divines to spend some time in Prayer, for the good success of the Parliaments Forces, which was done accordingly.

In the Evening the same day, news came to the Parliament, of a considerable Victory obtained by Newbury fight. their Forces against the King's Army near New­bury; That the Fight began on Sunday, October 27th. about Three a Clock in the Afternoon; That before Seven, they had nine pieces of Ord­nance from the Enemy, took the Earl of Cleveland, and three hundred prisoners, killed Charles Goring, Son to the Lord Goring, Sir Humphrey Mildmay [...]s eldest Son, and divers others of quality; and that the King about Twelve at Night, marched with a party towards Wallingford.

Another party of the Kings, under the Earl of Northampton, came to relieve Banbury, and taking the Besiegers at unawares, made their way into the Castle, and relieved it, and made good their Retreat.

[Page 104] Scout-master General Bedford came to the house with Letters from the Commissioners in the Ar­my, of the particulars of the Battel at Newbury, to this effect.

That after a Weeks tedious, but speedy march of the Lord General's Infantry, and one nights refreshment at Reading; in two days further progress, they drew up before Newbury, as near the Town as the Enemies Cannon would suffer; this was upon Friday Oct. 25.

The King kept within the Town, guarded by his Artillery, but his Body of Horse and Foot drew out into Speen-field, the midway between the Town and Castle, both to make his Army seem more nu­merous, and to imbattel them in a place of extra­ordinary advantage: that day afforded nothing but an Interview, the interposing River hindred the desire to fight.

On the King's part appeared rather a declining to be engag'd, either that their numbers were not equal, or from an expectation of Prince Rupert's advance with 3000 horse and Dragoons, and the return of the Earl of Northampton from Banbury with 1000.

The King's strength is reported to have been 8000 foot and 500 horse, which, albeit a gallant Army, yet upon the Parliaments Forces drawing into Battalia, they durst not take the Field; but to counterpoise the Parliaments numbers, the King fell to Stratagems to fortifie the Town, espe­cially the Avenues, and having raised his Batte­ries, and lined the hedges, stood upon his guard, and with some great pieces, where he saw the big­gest bodies, and most advantage, liberally sent them some Bullets which killed 2 or 3 horse, but hurt not their Riders.

For many hours, some parties of horse skirmisht 'twixt both the Armies, in which play the Parlia­ment had the best; of whose part but one man fell, of theirs four or five, of which one was knighted.

It being impossible to engage the King's Forces without much hazard, that night the greatest part of the Parliaments Forces marched unto Chevely; the horse commanded by Waller and Balfour, the foot by Skippon, whilst the other encamped before the Eastside of the Town, and ordered by Manche­ster, at one same time, having agreed to storm the Garrison on both sides.

That night and the next, the Parliamentarians quartered in the open fields, but neither the cold­ness of the weather, nor want of usual provision, any whit disanimated the Souldiers, the expecta­tion of fight swallowing up all other extremities, howbeit most of them had three days provision prepared by command in their Snapsacks.

By Daybreak upon Sunday, the horse and foot commanded by Waller and Skippon, were upon their march, in four hours surrounded Dunnington Ca­stle, and made their approach towards the West of Newbury.

By the way they intercepted two or three Carts of Provision, and took about 100 horse and foot of the King's as they straggled, and the King's For­ces from the Castle fell upon the Parliaments Rear, and took 10 or 12 prisoners.

Upon this march they received the Report, that Newcastle was taken by storm, and the Ulster Rebels defeated, which much incouraged the Parlaiments Forces.

It was One a Clock ere the Train and Rear came up, and near Three ere they could be put into Bat­talia: with extraordinary shouts, and other symp­toms of courage and joy, the Western body advan­ced, and by the Forlorn-hope of horse, quickly began the fight, which, with as much eagerness, was seconded by the foot, who cryed, They would now be revenged for the business of Cornwall.

For three hours the fight was maintained with as much resolution and bravery on both parts, as hath been since these Wars; the Cannon and small shot on both sides firing with as quick a motion as was possible.

Among the foot, the General's Regiment, espe­cially, did eminently well; and among all of the whole Army, there was not one man, or party, horse or foot, seen either to desert their duty, or to dishearten their fellows. After a long and hot dispute, the Parliamentarians beat the King's For­ces, first from their Work, and then from their Ordnance, nine in number, in which atchieve­ment they lost a few men, and among them Cap­tain Gawler.

The Day was of so much discontent to his Ma­jesty, that an hour after midnight, he marched out of the Town with an attendant Troop only towards Winchester, and sent up his Cannon, Car­riages, and Baggage to the Castle, where at day-break the Parliamentarians saw them placed, and Colonel Cromwell followed the body of the Ene­my two hours before day.

The E. of Cleveland was taken prisoner by a Lieu­tenant of Colonel Barkley's, General Goring hardly escaped, his Brother was shot dead as he charged, most of his Troop were cut off; Major Trevillian and divers others of quality, and 200 common Souldiers of the King's part slain, and 300 taken prisoners.

Letters came of the taking of the Town and Ca­stle Newcastle. of Newcastle, surrendred to General Leven, Oct. 29. the Governour and the rest submitting for their lives. In that little compass of the Castle were 500 men, besides women and children. Three Scots Lords taken there, Craford, Rea, and Max­well, were sent into Scotland to be there tryed.

The Town though taken by Onslaght was not much ransackt, most of them redeeming their goods from plunder, upon reasonable satisfaction in moneys.

A Day of publick Thanksgiving was appointed for these successes at Newbury, and at Newcastle.

Some differences among the Committee of Sus­sex were referred to a Committee of the House, and another Committee appointed to consider of settling the Garrison of Windsor, and reducing it to a less number, and half pay.

Alderman Atkins was sworn Lord Mayor of Lon­don in the Exchequer, according to custom.

Letters from Sir William Waller, and Sir Arthur Newbury Haslerigge, further confirmed the Parliaments suc­cess at Newbury, and that they had taken 1000 Arms there: that if they had had but one hour more of day-light, in probability they had totally routed and dispersed the King's whole Army;

Which was in so great distraction after the fight, that they retreated three several ways at once in great confusion: That the King (as they were informed) with a small party wheeled about by Marlborough, and so to Oxford.

Since the fight they took many prisoners strag­glers, and the King's own Coach, and General Forth's Coach with his Lady, many Sumpter-hor­ses, and other good Prizes.

An Ordinance was committed for the Attainder of the Archbishop, and they that managed the Evi­dence Laud. against him at his Tryal, were appointed to bring in the state of all the Evidence to the House.

Letters from Captain Hacker informed, that a party of the King's coming to relieve Crow­land, were set upon by the Parliaments Forces 600 horse, and 400 hundred prisoners taken of Newark [Page 105] and Belvoir Forces, and the Town much discoura­ged thereby.

A hundred horse of the Queen's Regiment were taken by the Garrison of Weymouth, wherein the Country people assisted the Parliaments Forces.

Sir Authony Ashley Cooper with 1500 horse and Sir Anth. Ashl. Coop. foot from several Garrisons, took the field, to en­counter Sir Lewis Dives.

Sir William Ʋvedale was readmitted to sit as a Member of the House.

Novemb. 1644. The Lord Paget petitioned ex­pressing much sorrow for his deserting the Parliament, and adhering to the Enemy, whose Counsel and De­signs he now seeth to tend to the destruction of the King­dom, humbly submitting himself to the Favour of the Parliament.

Letters from Newcastle, desire the Parliament to consider of the new framing and settling the Go­vernment of that Town, and that fit and able men may be chosen for that purpose, which was refer­red to a Committee of both Houses.

General Leven sent 5000 horse and foot of the Scots Army to the Lord Fairfax in Yorkshire, to suppress the stragling Enemy there.

An Ordinance was sent down to Newcastle for the Tryal of Sir John Marley, the late Mayor there, by a Council of War.

A Commander in Surrey, sent to some Members of Parliament there, to provide Contribution for him; for this, he and his Troop were sent for up to the Parliament.

Four Chirurgeons of the Army were referred to be tryed by a Council of War, for being ab­sent at the late fight.

The Archbishop was ordered to attend the House Laud. of Commons, to hear the Evidence against him repeated, and to answer to it, the Commons re­solving to proceed against him by Bill of Attainder, because they perceived the Lords not forward to give Judgment for Treason against him.

A hundred pound was given to Colonel Berkley newly come to Lond. sore wounded in the late fight.

The Archbishop was brought to the Bar of the Laud. House of Commons, where Mr. Samuel Brown, one that managed the Evidence before against him, did now repeat it, and took up three hours time, the Archbishop had a weeks time given him to answer there.

Letters from Colonel Charles Fleetwood, inform­ed more particularly of the late defeat given to the Newark Forces near Belvoir.

By desire from the Scots Commissioners, both Assembly of Divines. Houses sent to the Assembly of Divines, to bring in the Particulars of what they had finished for the Government of the Church; that it may be ap­proved and confirmed by the Parliament, and to hasten the dispatch of what further they have in de­termination concerning the same.

Letters from Sir William Brereton and Sir John Meldrum, certified, That fifty of the English Soul­diers Leverpool. of the Garrison of Leverpoole, came out of the Town, and submitted to Sir John Meldrum, after which, the Irish Souldiers in the Garrison, knowing that if the Town were taken, they should have no quarter; they conspired together, seized upon all their Commanders, and rendred the Town to Sir John Meldrum, submitting to his mercy for their lives.

Sir John gave them all their lives, and sent them over into Ireland; there were taken in the Town two Colonels, two Lieutenant-Colonels, three Majors, fourteen Captains, besides inferiour Offi­cers and common Souldiers, Ordnance, Arms and Ammunition, in great quantity. Many of the Townsmen had shipped their best Goods to be conveyed away, but Sir John Meldrum by Long­boats seized on them.

Letters from Newcastle, certified, That Tin­mouth Castle was surrendred upon conditions; and Tinmouth Castle. in it 38 pieces of Ordnance, and store of Arms and Ammunition and Provisions: the Souldiers were to march with their particular Baggage, and to be quiet in their own Dwellings, submitting to all Ordinances of Parliament.

The King and Prince Rupert with about 2000 horse and foot marched to Cirencester, the Lord Gerrard was expected to come to him with 1500 Lord Ger­rard. out of Wales, the rest of his Forces were about Woodstock, the Parliaments Army marched after them to Abington.

Upon the day of publick Thanksgiving, as the Lord Mayor came home from St. Pauls in Cheapside, divers Popish Books, Pictures, Beads and Cruci­fixes, were burnt where the Cross stood.

Letters of Direction were sent from the Parlia­ment to their Armies, for their motion after the Enemy.

A Petition of Lincolnshire complained of Grie­vances, and another from Leicestershire desired that the Lord Grey might be sent down to them, being their Commander in chief.

Letters from Captain Hacker inform, That at Newark. the Defeat of the Newark Forces, the number of horse taken were about 800. That Sir John Gir­lington was drowned, and divers others of quality with him, besides common Souldiers, in their con­fused flight over a Mill-dam. That forty Com­manders and Officers and near 400 common Soul­diers were taken prisoners, and but one man slain of the Parliaments.

They blocked up Belvoir Castle, put a Garrison into Grantham, and continued close Siege to Crow­land and Newark.

A party from Leicester faced Ashby, and drove away many of their Cattel, and two days after 10 or 12 horse from Ashby came to a Gentleman's house, where some of the Lord Grey's Comman­ders were making merry, and took them away pri­soners.

Colonel Ludlowe with a party of horse joyned with the Besiegers of Basing.

The Members for each County were ordered to name three in every County, and the Parlia­ment would choose one of the three, to be high Sheriff.

Both Houses agreed in all matters touching the Propositi­ons for Peace. Propositions for peace, and referred it to the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms to consider of the man­ner of sending them to the King.

An Ordinance passed for the better securing of the Isle of Wight.

The King and Prince Rupert were at Oxford, and King at Oxford. had a Rendezvous in Cuddington Moor, of about 11000 horse and foot; care was taken to prevent their breaking into the associated Counties of Nor­folk, &c.

Four Members of the House of Commons; viz. Mr. Pierpoint, Mr. Hollis, Mr. Whitelocke, and the Commissi­oners for the Propo­sitions. L. Wenman, were named as a Committee, to joyn with two of the House of Lords, and a Commit­tee of the Scots Commissioners, to carry the Propo­sitions for Peace to his Majesty, and the Commit­tee of both Kingdoms were ordered to send to the King for a safe Conduct for them.

The King's Souldiers begging, as if they had been wounded in the Parliaments Service, were prohibited, and order taken for allowance to all the wounded Souldiers of the Parliament.

The Defaults in the duty of the Officers and [Page 106] Souldiers of Colonel Fiennes his Regiment, and o­ther Officers before Banbury, referred to be exa­mined by a Committee.

The Assembly of Divines as soon as the House of Commons were sate, and before they were full, Assembly of Divines. came to the House, and presented them with the Assemblie's Advice and Opinion, for the Presbyte­rian Government to be settled, and an expression was in their Advice, That the Presbyterian Government was jure divino.

Glyn and Whitelocke were then in the House, and Jure divi­no. few others, but those who concurred in judgment with the Assembly, and had notice to be there ear­ly, thinking to pass this business before the House should be full.

Glyn stood up and spake an hour to the point of jus divinum, and the Presbyterian Government, in which time the House filled apace, and then White­locke spake to the same Points, inlarging his dis­course to a much longer time than ordinary; and purposely that the House might be full, as it was before he had made an end.

And then upon the question it was carried, to lay aside the point of jus divinum; and herein Glyn and Whitelocke had thanks from divers, for preventing the surprisal of the House upon this great question.

An Ordinance passed for the due payment of Tithes.

The Propositions for Peace being fully agreed unto, a Letter was ordered forthwith to be sent Propositi­ons for Peace. to the General of the King's Army, for a safe con­duct for the Lords and Commons and Scots Com­missioners that are to go with them to the King.

The Commons took order concerning the Trade of Coals from Newcastle, and the Government of that Town.

Colonel Ʋrrey, because of his former incon­stancy was denied to be again received into the Parliaments Service, but permitted to go be­yond-sea.

The City of London petitioned, That care might be taken of the Garrison of Windsor, being Petition. a place of so great importance to the City, and concerning the Committees of Sussex, and the For­tifications about the City.

The Commons gave them this answer, That they resolved to doe their utmost for the advancement and Answer. security of the City, which had deserved so well of the Parliament and Kingdom.

The Court-Marshal had power given them to proceed against Souldiers that ran away from their Colours.

A Petition subscribed by many thousands in Norfolk; was, For the settlement of the Govern­ment of the Church; and for punishing such as had not taken the Covenant: For which the Commons an­swered, That Instructions had been formerly given.

The Archbishop at the Bar of the House of Commons made his Defence, which took up many hours; he concluded, That he would take it upon Laud. his death, that he never intended to subvert the fun­damental Laws, nor to introduce Popery, and that what he did, was either by the King's Command, or of the High Commission Court, and wherein he had but one Vote.

The Grand Jury found the Bill against Mac­quire and Macmahon.

The Parliament wrote to the several Counties in their power, for levying the Arrears of the 400000 l. Subsidy.

A Party of the King's relieved Dunnington Ca­stle, and brought away some Artillery from thence. The Commons ordered that whole Business to be inquired into, and the Defaults of any of their Officers or Souldiers in that Action.

Upon the desire of some of the Assembly, who dissented from the Form of Church-government pre­sented Divines. by the rest, a Day was appointed to hear their Arguments against it.

Mr. Samuel Brown a Member of the House of Commons, replyed to the Defence made by the Archbishop, and the House passed the Ordinance, for the Attainder of the Archbishop of High Laud. Treason.

Macmahon pleaded Not guilty to the Indict­ment against him,

But the Lord Macquire pleaded, That he was a Peer of Ireland, and ought to be tryed there, and prayed to be allowed Council in the point of Peerage; which was admitted: and the Lawyers of the House were ordered to meet, and advise with the Judges concerning the Tryal.

The Lord Fairfax with some of the Scots For­ces, advancing against Knasborough, fell on the Enemy, beat them out of the Town into the Ca­stle, slew about twenty of them, and took some prisoners.

A party of Skipton Cavaliers going to relieve Hemsley Castle, the Lord Fairfax sent a party un­der Hemsley Castle. Major Sanders, to make good the Siege, but before they came, the Besiegers had routed the King's party, killed and wounded divers, took eighty horse, and a great quantity of provisions, and took about fifty Officers and Gentlemen, be­sides common Souldiers prisoners.

By permission of the Earl of Rutland, the Town of Belvoir was burnt, the better to come at the Castle.

A Petition from Kent acknowledged the un­wearied pains of the Parliament; and proposeth, Kent Peti­tion. that the Commanders in the Armies may be allowed but little pay in present, with assurance to be satisfied their Arrears out of Delinquents Estates, when the War is ended.

That Neuters may be discovered, and contribute in a larger manner than others.

That out of Bishops Lands, &c. small Livings of Ministers may have Augmentations. With other Propositions tending to bring the Warre to a speedy conclusion, for which the Petitioners had thanks.

The Names were presented to the Commons of those who were agreed on to carry the Proposi­tions to the King; viz. The Earl of Denbigh, and the Lord Maynard of the Peers, Mr. Pier­point, Names of Commissi­oners. Mr. Hollis, Mr. Whitelocke, and the Lord Wenman of the House of Commons, and the Lord Maitland, Sir Charles Erskins, and Mr. Bartlay for Scotland.

An Ordinance past for a free Trade to New­castle.

The Council assigned for Macquire and Mac-mahon, desired to be excused, they being notori­ous Irish Rebells, but their excuse was not al­lowed.

Some Sailers petitioned for their shares of Pri­zes taken, which was referred to the Earl of Warwick.

Some of the City Souldiers were sent for as De­linquents, for a breach of Privilege, in entring into a house of a Member of Parliament, to search for concealed Goods.

With the Artillery brought from Dunnington Ca­stle, the King fortified the Lord Seymour's house at Marleborough.

Order was taken for the Relief of Taunton Castle.

[Page 107] Mr. Brown carryed up to the Lords the Ordi­nance for the Attainder of the Archbishop.

Hospitals about London were exempt from tax­es, because they relieved the wounded Soldi­ers.

An Ordinance past for supply of Windsor, where the Soldiers were in disorder for want of pay.

The Trumpeter returned with a safe conduct Safe con­duct. from Prince Rupert, under the King's Hand and Seal, for the Lords and Gentlemen appointed to carry the Propositions of Peace to the King, and though the safe Conduct takes no notice of them as Members of Parliament, but as private persons, yet the Parliament received it.

Mac Mahon was found guilty, and had judge­ment against him of High Treason.

The Parliament's Forces were drawn out of Newbury towards Basing, to prevent the relieving of it.

The Assembly had liberty to answer in writing, the reasons of their dissenting Brethren concerning Assembly of Divines. Church Government; and both their Arguments to be presented to the House.

The Commons Voted the advance of the Scots Scots Ar­my. Army Southward.

Two houses near Ashby were garrison'd by the Parliaments Forces.

Sir Alexander Carew some time a Member of the Sir Alex. Carew. House of Commons, and Governour of St Nicho­las Island near Plymouth, had sentence of death pronounced against him by the Court Marshall for endeavouring to betray the Fort to the E­nemy.

Much notice was taken of three Suns in the Fir­mament on the King's birth-day, and a Rainbow with the bend towards the Earth.

The Lords and Commons, and Scots Commis­sioners Commissi­oners for propositi­ons. appointed to carry the Propositions for peace to the King, went out of Town Nov. 20. They are to bring back the King's Answer, which if they have not in time convenient, it is left to their discretion, how long to stay for it.

They went first to Reading to inquire where the King was, supposing the King had been at Marlborough, to which place, Reading is the way, but there were informed that the King was gon to Wallingford, and though very late, and in bad ways and weather, they hasted away in the Evening cross the Country, from thence to Nettlebed, and were benighted, and in much danger in that ill journey.

At Nettlebed which is but a little Countrey Town, they had very bad quarter for so many great persons, but contented themselves, and were merry together, with their ill lodging and en­tertainment.

The next morning they went on their journey to Wallingford, and stayed at Cromash near a mile from the Town, whilst they sent a Letter to Co­lonel Blake the Governour, to acquaint him, that they desired entrance into the Town by virtue of their safe Conduct from the King, whom they were to wait upon with Propositions from the Parlia­ment.

Blake sent to them for their safe Conduct, which they denyed to send to him, alledging that it was their security for their passage, and that they were not to part with it, but they shewed it to his Messen­ger, and gave him a Copy of it, with which he re­turned to the Governour, and after some two hours attendance, he sent a Troop of Horse to convoy them into the Town.

They went directly to the Governour's quarters, who received them not rudely, but with hight enough; and called for wine for them, he told them that he believed, the King was returned to Ox­ford, and that it was more probable they might find him there, than in any other place.

Amongst other discourses, he, and the Earl of Denbigh fell into relations of some passages of War, wherein both the Earl and Colonel Blake had been Actors, and both of them being high Spirits, could not brook any diminution to the honour of each other, or of their parties.

They differed upon some matters of fact, and grew unto very high words, insomuch as the Lord Maitland looked very pale, and he, and others thought that they should have their throats cut, by the garrison; and Blake looked very big upon them and his words were answerable.

All the Company held it fit to remove from this Garrison, seeing the Carriage of Blake so full of insolence and incivility, and with much dif­ficulty, they at last got into their Coaches, and and took leave of the proud Governour.

The next morning they took their journey to­wards Oxford, and upon the Hill half a mile be­fore they came to the Town, they stayed in the field, till they sent a Messenger to the Governour of Oxford Sir Jacob Ashley, to acquaint him with their being there, to wait upon the King accor­ding to their safe Conduct, (whereof they sent him a Copy) and desired entrance and accommodation in the City.

The Messenger returned, that Sir Jacob Ashley would acquaint his Majesty with their being there, and know his pleasure about it, and then he would send to them accordingly, and after three or four hours stay in the wet and cold open field, then came an Officer and a Troup of horse to Convoy them into the City.

As they past along the streets, the rude multi­tude, the people part of that body for whom they underwent so many hazards of their lives and for­tunes, to preserve them in their Rights and Liber­ties, and from Slavery and Popery, which some about the King (as was believed) endeavoured to bring upon them.

Part of this People of England, as they past along the Streets, reviled them with the names of Trai­tors, Rogues and Rebels, and the like, and threw stones and dirt into their Coaches, a great incou­ragement and reward for their service for them.

They went on their way taking no notice of these affronts, and abuses, and were brought to their quarters to a mean Inn, the sign of the Katherine Wheele next St. John's College, which house was little above the degree of an Alehouse.

The Officer made a slight excuse to them, for making them stay so long, before they were admit­ted into the Garrison; the which (he said) could not be, till the Governour had spoken with the King, which took up some time, and that the pro­viding of quarters for them was very difficult, in regard the Town was so full of the King's Forces.

After they were setled in their quarters, divers of the King's great Officers, and Lords came to vi­sit them, and some had their particular friends, who came thither to them, among whom was Sir Edward Hyde who came to Visit some of them, and in discourse in general about the Propositions for peace, profess'd his earnest desire and endea­vour that they might take effect.

The Earl of Lindsey, who then lay sick of wounds he had received, sent a Gentleman in his name to visit Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke, and to tell them that if he had been able to come abroad he would himself have visited them.

[Page 108] The Commissioners Servants informed them of a great bussle in the Hall of the Inne. That some Officers of the King's Army came in thither to them, and fell to quarrel with them, called them, and their Masters, and the Parliament, Rogues, and Rebels, and Traytors, and would not suffer them to come near the fire, upon which they quarrell'd.

Mr. Hollis went presently to one of the King's Officers, who was there, a tall big black man, and taking him by the Collar, shook him, and told him, it was basely and unworthily done of them to abuse their Servants in their own quarters, and contrary to the King's safe conduct, and presently took away his Sword from him.

Whitelocke did the like to another great mastiff Fellow, an Officer also of the King's Army, and took away his Sword from him.

Upon this, fearing some Design upon them, and that more of the King's Officers and Souldiers would come in to affront them; they caused the door of the Inne to be shut up, and sent to acquaint the Governour with this abuse and affront offered to them.

He presently sent a Captain, who took away those two Officers who had been disarmed, and carried them to prison; he excused a little the matter to the Commissioners, and brought a Guard of Foot-souldiers to attend at the door of their quarters.

This business was much talked on among the King's Officers and Souldiers, and most of them said, that Hollis and Whitelocke had done well, and like Gentlemen in disarming those two that offered the affront, whom they much condemned, and they were after this quiet.

The next day they had access to his Majesty, who used them civilly, and gave to every one of them his hand to kiss, but he seemed to shew more dis­dain to the Scots Commissioners, than to any others of their Company.

The Earl of Denbigh read the Propositions to his Majesty, who heard them with much patience, and when they were all read, told them that he would consider of an Answer to be given to them.

Hollis and Whitelocke thought themselves obliged in civility and courtship, to return a Visit to the Earl of Lindsey: But (all the Commissioners ha­ving agreed that none of them should singly give any Visit to any of the King's Officers or great Lords, nor in company without acquainting their Fellow-commissioners therewith)

They thought fit to tell them their Intentions (with their leave) to return a Visit to the Earl of Lindsey, who had so courteously first sent to visit them, and all their Fellow commissioners appro­ved thereof, and wished them to doe as they in­tended.

The same Evening about Eight or Nine of the Clock, Hollis and Whitelocke went to the Court, to the Earl of Lindsey's Lodgings, whom they found ill, and in his Bed, and divers Lords with him; a­mong the rest the Lord Savile, then newly made Earl of Sussex.

The Earl of Lindsey expressed much content­ment, and that he took it extream kindly that they would come to visit him, and treated them with extraordinary respect and courtesie; and no man with him was so forward to complement them as was the Lord Savile.

When they had been there about a quarter of an hour, the King and Prince Rupert, and divers great Lords came into the Chamber where they were. Whether sent to, after they came, or by accident, they knew not; The King saluted them very ci­villy, and began to discourse with them, part whereof was to this effect.

King.

I am sorry Gentlemen that you could bring to me no better Propositions for Peace, nor more reasona­ble than these are.

Hollis.

They are such, Sir, as the Parliament thought fit to agree upon, and I hope a good issue may be had out of them.

Whitelocke.

We are but their Servants to present them to your Majesty, and very willing to be messengers of Peace.

King.

I know you could bring no other than what they would send. But I confess I do not a little wonder at some of them, and particularly at the Qualifica­tions.

H.

Your Majesty will be pleased to consider of them as a foundation for Peace.

King.

Surely you your selves cannot think them to be reasonable or honourable for me to grant.

H.

Truly, Sir, I could have wished that some of them had been otherwise than they are, but your Majesty knows that those things are all carried by the major Vote.

K.

I know they are, and am confident that you who are here and your Friends (I must not say your Party) in the House endeavoured to have had them otherwise, for I know you are well-willers to Peace.

Wh.

I have had the honour to attend your Majesty often heretofore upon this Errand, and am sorry it was not to better effect.

K.

I wish Mr. Whitelocke that others had been of your judgment, and of Mr. Hollis's judgment, and then I believe we had had an happy end of our differen­ces before now.

H.

We are bound to your Majesty for your gratious and true opinion of us, and wish we had been, or may be capable to doe your Majesty better Service.

K.

Your Service Mr. Hollis and the rest of those Gentlemen, whose desire hath been for Peace, hath been very acceptable to me, who do earnestly desire it my self, and in order to it, and out of the confidence I have of you two that are here with me, I ask your opinion and advice what answer will be best for me to give at this time to your Propositions, which may probably further such a Peace as all good men desire.

H.

Your Majesty will pardon us if we are not capa­ble in our present condition to advise your Majesty.

Wh.

We now by accident have the honour to be in your Majestie's presence, but our present employment disables us from advising your Majesty if we were other­wise worthy to doe it in this particular.

K.

For your abilities I am able to judge, and I now look not on you in your imployments from the Parliament, but as Friends and my private Subjects I require your advice.

H.

Sir, To speak in a private capacity, your Maje­sty sees that we have been very free, and touching your Answer, I shall say further, that I think the best An­swer would be your own coming amongst us.

Wh.

Truely, Sir, I do believe that your Majestie's Personal presence at your Parliament, would sooner put an end to our unhappy distractions than any Treaty.

K.

How can I come thither with safety:

H.

I am confident there would be no danger to your Person to come away directly to your Parliament.

K.

That may be a question, but I suppose your Prin­cipals who sent you hither, will expect a present Answer to your Message.

Wh.

The best present, and most satisfactory An­swer, I humbly believe, would be your Majestie's Pre­sence with your Parliament, and which I hope might be without any danger to you.

H.

We should be far from advising any thing which might be of the least danger to your Majestie's person; and I believe your coming to your Parliament would be none; but we must humbly submit that to your Maje­stie's own pleasure and great wisedom.

K.
[Page 109]

Let us pass by that, and let me desire you two, Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke to go into the next Room, and a little to confer together, and to set down somewhat in writing, which you apprehend may be fit for me to return in answer to your Message; and that in your judgments may facilitate and promote this good work of Peace.

H.

We shall obey your Majestie's command and withdraw.

Hollis and Whitelocke went together into another Room, where they were private, and upon dis­course together they apprehended that it would be no breach of trust in them to observe the King's de­sire herein: but that it might be a means to facili­tate the work about which they came, the most desirable business of Peace.

Therefore by Mr. Hollis his intreaty, and as they both agreed, Whitelocke wrote down what was their sense in this matter, and what might be fit for the substance of the King's Answer to their Message: but he wrote it not in his usual hand, nor with any name to it, nor was any person present but they two when it was written, nor did the King admit of any others to hear the discourse which passed be­twixt him and them.

The Paper which was thus written they left up­on the Table in the withdrawing Room; and the King went in, and took it, and then with much fa­vour and civility bid them farewell, and went away himself; after which, and a few Complements passed between the Earl of Lindsey and them, they took leave of him and the rest of the Company, and returned to their own Lodgings.

This being the truth of those secret and private passages for which Hollis and Whitelocke were after­wards accused in Parliament by the Lord Savile: No indifferent person can justly censure them for any unfaithfulness, or the least breach of their trust to the Parliament, whose Servants they then were. And this may be answer'd for them, that what they did herein was in compassion to their bleeding distressed Countrey, and for the effecting of that which was universally longed for; the set­tlement of a just and happy Peace.

But this was not imparted by them to their fel­low Commissioners, nor could all the Examinati­ons at Committees and in the House of Commons get it out of them.

The Parliaments forces leaving Newbury, the King possest himself thereof, and the Parliament forces lay in the Field, expecting to fight them, but the time of the year was very hard for such Quarters.

The L. Macquire moved the King's Bench for some monies detained from him, and that he might have paper, pen and ink allowed him, and some Statute-books, the better to make his Defence, all which was granted to him.

The Assembly of Divines sent to the Commons the whole Directory for Worship, Prayer, Preach­ing, Directory. Baptism, and the Lord's Supper agreed on by them.

The siege before Basing-house was raised, and the Parliaments forces retreated to Farnham and Reading for their Winter-quarters.

The Regiments of Colonel Fleetwood and Colo­nel Rosseter beat up the Enemies Quarters near Newark, took 160 Horse, 80 Prisoners, Major Heron, and other Commanders.

The Commons appointed an examination touch­ing any neglects of their Armies, and the spinning out of the War, and of the late miscarriages after Newbury Fight, when they had so much advantage against the Enemy.

By Letters from Colonel Norton he informs the House, that he had received a warrant from a chief Commander in their Army, to raise the siege from before Basing-house, and to betake themselves to Winter quarters, which was a thing unexpected to him, but according to that Warrant they had with­drawn.

This raised new jealousies and discontents in the Jealousies. minds of many of the Parliament, and of their Friends.

Mac Mahon was executed at Tyburn, and Mr. Peters urg'd him to make confession, but he would not unless he might have a Romish Priest.

The plea of Peerage of the Lord Macquire was allowed.

Upon Letters from Colonel Jones Governour of Farnham, the King's Army being come near him, the Parliament ordered some forces to be quartered there for his assistance.

Sir Alexander Carew being sentenced by the Sir Alex. Carew. Court Marshal to have his Head cut off, his Lady petitioned that her Husband was distracted and unfit to die, and prayed a Reprieve for him, which was granted.

An Ordinance passed for a voluntary contributi­on to raise the second payment to the Scots.

The late carriage of the Armies in suffering Miscarria­ges. Donnington Castle to be relieved, and quitting Newbury which was plundered, and not fighting when the Parliaments forces were two for one, was referred to a Committee to be examined.

The Parliaments forces quartered at Reading, Abington and Henley, where the rude Souldiers did great mischief to Friends as well as Enemies in their Houses and more in their Woods; but such insolencies and mischiefs must be expected from this brood of Men or rather bruitish Souldiers, who know no difference between Friends and Foes, but all is Plunder that they can fasten their hands upon.

Kent raised 3000 men to oppose the King's march into Sussex and Surrey, which was feared.

The power of the Court Marshal was continued for four months longer than their former time.

A Party of about 300 of the King's forces coming to Axminster near Lyme, to fortifie it, and to streighten Lyme, the Governour fell upon them, and at the second charge routed them, killed Ma­jor Walker, two Captains, two Lieutenants, and divers common Souldiers, took four pieces of Ordnance, many Arms and Prisoners, and relea­sed fifty Gentlemen who had been by them taken Prisoners from their houses.

The Commons passed the Directory of Worship.

Letters from the Commissioners at Oxford infor­med, Commissi­oners at Oxford. That on the Lord's day they presented the Propo­sitions for Peace to the King, which were read by the Earl of Denbigh. That the King ask'd the Committee if they had power to treat? they answered, no; but their Commission was to receive His Majestie's Answer in writing; then the King said they should receive his Answer accordingly.

At the reading of the excepted persons names, which the Earl of Denbigh read with great courage and tem­per: P. Rupert and P. Maurice, being present when their names were read as excepted persons, they fell into a laughter, at which the King seemed displeased, and bid them be quiet.

When the Committee answered the King that they had no Commission to treat, but to receive His Maje­stie's Answer in writing, the King replied, then a Letter-carrier might have done as much as you; to which the Earl of Denbigh said, I suppose your Ma­jesty looks upon us as persons of another condition than Letter-carriers.

[Page 110] The King said again, I know your condition; but I say that your Commission gives you power to doe no more than a Letter-carrier might have done, and so they came away from the King with a little kind of dissatis­faction, but some of his Lords afterwards excused to them those hasty words.

Surrey petitioned for relief against free quarter, which was ordered, and that all forces of the Par­liament near London should be removed nearer to the Enemy, and to inlarge their own quarters.

Order was given for the relief of Taunton Castle, and for supplies of Abington.

Persons in Norwich who were imprisoned for not coming to hear Common Prayer, were by Vote discharged.

An Ordinance passed for the inhabitants of New England to have free Trade hither without paying of Customs.

Two Papists being stayed at the Court of Guards, affirmed that they were Parliament Soul­diers under Captain Buller, and the House being informed of it, referred it to a Committee to be examined, and order if it were so, and the Cap­tain knew it, that he should be cashiered; and the like for any Officer of the Parliament that should doe as he did.

A new Seal was made of the Dutchy of Lancaster, and Whitelocke was made by the Parliament Attor­ney of the Dutchy.

The Commons referred it to the Committee of the Navy to take special notice of the gallant ser­vice done by Captain Ashley, and to give him all due encouragement.

Sir John Boles with forces from Newark, plun­dered divers houses in Lincolnshire of the Parlia­ments Friends, and took away Mr. Anderson, and Mr. Emmerson a Committee-man, Prisoners.

The City by a Petition remember their forward­ness City Peti­tion. in their persons and purses to serve the Parliament, and desire a reimbursement of their monies lent to­wards reducing of Newcastle, and that they might have Coals at a reasonable price, which was held fit by the Commons, and put in a way to be done.

A party of Monmouth Garrison being drawn out Monmouth Castle. upon a design against the King's forces thereabouts, the Lord Herbert of Ragland having notice thereof, sent seven or eight of his Souldiers in the habit of Countreymen, who discoursed with the Sentinels of Monmouth Castle, feigning themselves Friends, which made the Sentinels secure and careless, upon which two Troups of Horse, watching their op­portunity broke through the Sentinels, and possest themselves of the Castle.

A Ship of Exeter loaden with rich goods, and cast by weather into Lyme, was ordered to be sold; and one moity of the goods for the Town, the other for the service of the West.

Upon the Petition of divers Western Gentlemen driven from their habitations by the King's forces, the Commons ordered a Committee to take care to provide houses and accommodations for them; and this brought in divers others who were not in the like necessity, but rather for their gain to ob­tain the like favour.

Sir Thomas Littleton was remanded to streighter custody in the Tower.

The Committee who carried the Propositions of Commissi­oners at Oxford. Peace to Oxford, had the King's Answer sealed up and sent to them.

They upon advice together thought it not fit for them to receive an Answer in that manner, not being acquainted what it was, nor a Copy of it (as was usual in the like cases) sent with it unto them, and upon this they desired to be excused from re­ceiving that Answer so sealed, and made an Ad­dress to His Majesty, that they might know what his Answer was, and have a Copy of it; to which His Majesty replied, What is that to you, who are but to carry what I send, and if I will send the Song of Robin Hood and Little John you must carry it? to which the Commissioners onely said that the business about which they came and were to return with His Ma­jestie's Answer was of somewhat more consequence than that Song. And other passages there were which shewed the King to be then in no good humour, and were wondred at in a business especially of this Im­portance, and where the disobliging the Commis­sioners could be of no advantage to the King; but all was endeavoured to be made up again by some of the King's Lords before the Commissioners came away, and a Copy of the Answer was sent them.

Another exception they took to the Paper of the Answer, that it was not directed to any body, nor the Parliament so much as acknowledged, or na­med in it, to which the King answered, that it was delivered to the Parliaments Commissioner's which was sufficient; and some of his Lords told them, that they could not get it otherwise, chiefly, because they were there as Commissioners of both King­doms; and earnestly intreated the Commissioners for peace sake, to receive it as it them was sent to them.

Upon Debate thereof among the Commissioners, and it being considered that they must take it up­on themselves to break off the Treaty for Peace in case they refused this Paper; and that it was more proper for them to leave it to the Judgment of their Masters, they did receive the Answer as it was sent to them.

Nov. 29. They returned to the Parliament, and The King's answer. the next day at a Conference of both Houses His Majestie's Answer was read, in the preamble where­of were high expressions of his desires of Peace, and he demanded a Safe Conduct for the Duke of Lenox and the Earl of Southampton to come with his Answer to the Propositions.

The Exceptions to this Paper of the King's were much debated, but at length out of the earnest de­sire of Peace, it was carried to lay aside those ob­jections.

And the House ordered, that upon consideration of the faithfull service done by the Committee that went to His Majesty, and their discreet carriage of the bu­siness, the thanks of the House should be returned to them for the same: and every one of them several­ly in their order stood up in their places, and the Speaker solemnly pronounced the Thanks of the House to them.

December, 1644. The Commons agreed upon several Gentlemen to be High Sheriffs, and those who refused, or to act as Justices of Peace should be sent for as Delinquents.

The Earl of Manchester made a long Report touching the business of Donnington Castle, and in excuse of the Parliaments forces in that Action.

Abuses were examined of the Gentleman whom some called Prince Grissith.

Sir J. Hotham was Tried by the Court Marshal.

1. For betraying his Trust, and adhering to the E­nemy; Hotham. proved by his Words, Letters and Actions, his compliance with the Lord Digby, the Marquess of Newcastle, and others of that party.

2. His refusal to supply the Lord Fairfax with Am­munition, to the great prejudice of the Parliament.

3. His Scandalous Words against the Parliament.

4. His endeavour to betray Hull to the Enemy.

5. His Correspondence with the Queen, and his seeking to escape.

Thirty Witnesses were examined against him, and divers for him in his Defence.

[Page 111] The Parliament directed a Letter to be sent from the Lord General to Prince Rupert to this effect.

That if His Majesty shall send to the Parliament of England assembled at Westminster, and to the Com­missioners Letter to P. Rupert. of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scot­land, they would with all readiness grant a Safe Con­duct for the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of South-hampton to come from the King with an Answer to the Propositions for Peace, and treat with them according to His Majestie's desire.

Several Ordinances passed for raising of Mo­neys.

Abington being in some distress, Major General Craford with a party of the Parliaments forces, relieved the Garrison plentifully and brought thi­ther 1000 Sheep, which he drove away from under the Walls of Wallingford, and none of the Enemy appeared against him.

Sir Lewis Dives being at Dorchester with about 300 Horse and Dragoons, sent a party to face Lyme, and at their return Major Sydenham of Pool with about 60 Horse fell upon them in Dorchester, charged them through and through, wounded Dives, slew many and took divers Prisoners.

As Sydenham faced about he saw Major Williams (who had formerly killed the Mother of Sydenham) Sydenham. in the Head of the King's Troups coming to charge him, whereupon Sydenham bid his men stand close to him, for he would avenge his Mother's blood on Williams, or die on the place; and then so violently made his way that he came up to Williams and slew him, put all his men to flight, and drove them through the Town, and so returned to Poole.

Carlisle Garrison was reported to be in such want that they eat their Horses, they were so closely be­sieged by the Parliaments forces.

Captain Hains escaped from imprisonment by the Enemy.

Colonel Cromwell being made Lieutenant Gene­ral Cromwel. of the Earl of Manchester's Army, gave great satisfaction to the Commons touching the business of Donnington Castle, and seemed (but cautiously enough) to lay more blame on the Officers of the Lord General's Army, than upon any other. And the point of privilege was debated touching the Lords transmitting of a Charge from them before it was brought up to them.

This reflected upon Lieutenant General Cromwel, of whom the Lord General now began to have some jealousies, and was advised to put to his Jealousies. strength to rid Cromwel out of the way, and the means to be used to effect this was supposed to be by the Scots Commissioners, who were not well pleased with Cromwel upon some words which he had spoken (as they apprehended) derogatory to the honour of their Nation.

One Evening very late Maynard and Whitelocke were sent for by the Lord General to Essex House, and there was no excuse to be admitted, nor did they know beforehand the occasion of their being sent for: when they came to Essex House, they were Confe­rence a­gainst Cromwel. brought to the Lord General, and with him were the Scots Commissioners, Mr. Hollis, Sir Philip Sta­pleton, Sir Jo. Meyrick, and divers others of his special Friends.

After Complements, and that all were set down in Council, the Lord General spake to them to this effect.

L. Gen.

Mr. Maynard and Mr. Whitelocke, I sent for you upon a special occasion, to have your Advice and Counsel, and that in a matter of very great impor­tance concerning both Kingdoms, in which, my Lords, the Commissioners of Scotland are concerned for their State, and we for ours; and they as well as we knowing your abilities and integrity, are very desirous of your counsel in this great business.

Maynard.

We are come to obey your Excellencie's Commands, and shall be ready to give our faithfull ad­vice in what shall be required of us.

Wh.

Your Excellence I am assured is fully satisfied of our affections and duty to your Self, and to that cause in which we are all engaged, and my Lords, the Com­missioners of Scotland will likewise, I hope, entertain no ill thoughts of us.

L. Gen.

My Lord Chancellour of Scotland, and the rest of the Commissioners of that Kingdom, desired that you two by name might be consulted with upon this occasion, and I shall desire my Lord Chancellour who is a much better Oratour than I am to acquaint you what the business is.

L. Chancellour.

Mr. Maynard and Mr. White­locke, I can assure you of the great opinion both my brethren and my self have of your worth and abilities, else we should not have desired this meeting with you, and since it is his Excellencie's pleasure that I should ac­quaint you with the matter upon whilke your counsel is desired, I shall obey his commands, and briefly recite the business to you.

You ken vary weele that General Lieutenant Crom­wel is no friend of ours, and since the advance of our Army into England, he hath used all underhand and cunning means to take off from our honour and merit of this Kingdom; an evil requital of all our hazards and services: but so it is, and we are nevertheless fully sa­tisfied of the affections and gratitude of the gude people of this Nation in the general.

It is thought requisite for us, and for the carrying on of the cause of the tway Kingdoms, that this obsta­cle or remora may be removed out of the way, whom we foresee will otherwise be no small impediment to us, and the gude design we have undertaken.

He not onely is no friend to us, and to the Govern­ment of our Church, but he is also no well willer to his Excellence, whom you and we all have cause to love and honour; and if he be permitted to go on in his ways, it may, I fear, indanger the whole business; therefore we are to advise of some course to be taken for preventi­on of that mischief.

You ken vary weele the accord 'twixt the twa King­doms, and the union by the Solemn League and Cove­nant, and if any be an Incendiary between the twa Na­tions, how is he to be proceeded against: now the mat­ter is, wherein we desire your opinions, what you tak the meaning of this word Incendiary to be, and whe­ther Lieutenant General Cromwel be not sike an In­cendiary, as is meant thereby, and whilke way wud be best to tak to proceed against him, if he be proved to be sike an Incendiary, and that will clepe his wings from soaring to the prejudice of our Cause.

Now you may ken that by our Law in Scotland we clepe him an Incendiary whay kindleth coals of conten­tion, and raiseth differences in the State to the publick dammage, and he is tanquam publicus hostis patriae; whether your Law be the same or not, you ken best who are mickle learned therein, and therefore with the fa­vour of his Excellence we desire your judgments in these points.

L. Gen.

My Lord Chancellour hath opened the busi­ness fully to you, and we all desire your opinions therein.

Wh.

I see none of this honourable Company, is plea­sed to discourse further on these points, perhaps expec­ting something to be said by us, and therefore not to de­tain [Page 112] you longer, I shall, with submission to your Excel­lence, and to these honourable Commissioners of Scot­land, declare humbly and freely my opinion upon those particulars, which have been so clearly proposed and opened by my Lord Chancellour.

The sense of the word Incendiary is the same with us as his Lordship hath expressed to be by the Law of Scot­land, one that raiseth the fire of contention in a State, that kindles the burning hot flames of con­tention; and so it is taken in the accord of the two Kingdoms.

Whether Lieutenant General Cromwel be such an Incendiary between these two Kingdoms, as is meant by this word, cannot be known but by proofs of his par­ticular words or actions, tending to the kindling of this fire of contention betwixt the two Nations, and raising of differences between us.

If it do not appear by proofs that he hath done this, then he is not an Incendiary; but if it can be made out by proofs that he hath done this, then he is an In­cendiary, and to be proceeded against for it by the Parliament upon his being there accused for those things.

This I take for a ground, that my Lord General, and my Lords the Commissioners of Scotland, being persons of so great honour and authority as you are, must not appear in any business, especially of an Accusation, but such as you shall see before-band will be clearly made out, and be brought to the effect intended.

Otherwise for such persons as you are to begin a busi­ness of this weight, and not to have it so prepared be­fore-hand as to be certain to carry it, but to put it to a doubtfull trial, in case it should not succeed as you ex­pect, but that you should be foiled in it, it would reflect upon your great honour and wisedom.

Next as to the person of him who is to be accused as an Incendiary, it will be fit in my humble opinion, to consider his present condition, and parts, and interest, wherein Mr. Maynard and my self by our constant at­tendance in the House of Commons, are the more capa­ble to give an account to your Lordships, and for his interest in the Army, some honourable persons here present his Excellencie's Officers, are best able to inform your Lordships.

I take Lieutenant General Cromwel to be a Gentle-man of quick and subtle parts, and one who hath (espe­cially of late) gained no small interest in the House of Commons, nor is he wanting of Friends in the House of Peers, nor of Abilities in himself to manage his own part or defence to the best advantage.

If this be so (my Lords) it will be the more requi­site to be well prepared against him before he be brought upon the Stage, lest the issue of the business be not an­swerable to your expectations.

I have not yet heard any particulars mentioned by his Excellence, nor by my Lord Chancellour, or any other; nor do I know any in my private observations, which will amount to a clear proof of such matters as will satisfy the House of Commons, in the case of Lieu­tenant General Cromwel, (and according to our Law, and the course of proceedings in our Parliament) that he is an Incendiary, and to be punished accor­dingly.

However, I apprehend it to be doubtfull, and there­fore cannot advise that at this time he should be accused for an Incendiary, but rather that direction may be given to collect such particular passages relating to him, by which your Lordships may judge whether they will a­mount to prove him an Incendiary or not.

And this being done, that we may again wait on your Excellence if you please, and upon view of those proofs we shall be the better able to advise, and your Lordships to judge what will be fit to be done in this matter.

Maynard.

Your Excellence and my Lord Chancel­lour are pleased to require our advice in this great busi­ness, and we shall deal cleerly and freely with your Lordships, which I think will be most acceptable to you, and will in conclusion be best for your service.

Mr. Whitelocke hath begun thus, and in speaking his own sense hath spoken much of mine, and left me the less to say, and I shall follow him in the same plainness and method as he hath begun, which I presume will be most pleasing to your Lordships.

The word Incendiary is not much conversant in our Law, nor often met with in our Books, but more a term of the Civil Law or of State, and so to be consi­dered in this case, and to be taken according to the ex­pression wherein it is used in the Accord of the two Kingdoms, and in the sense of the Parliaments of both Nations.

That sense of it which my Lord Chancellour hath been pleased to mention, it doth bear ex vi termini, and surely he that kindles the coals of contention between our brethren of Scotland and us, is an Incendiary, and to be punished as it is agreed on by both Kingdoms.

But, my Lords, as you have been told, there must be proof made of such particulars of words or actions, upon which there may be sufficient ground for a Parlia­ment to declare their judgment, that he who used such words or actions indeavoured thereby to raise differen­ces, and to kindle the fire of contention among us, and so that he is an Incendiary.

Lieutenant General Cromwel is a person of great favour and interest with the House of Commons, and with some of the House of Peers likewise, and there­fore there must be proofs, and the more clear and evi­dent against him to prevail with the Parliament to ad­judge him to be an Incendiary.

I confess, my Lords, I do not in my private know­ledge assure my self of any such particulars, nor have we heard of any here, and I believe it will be more dif­ficult than perhaps some of us may imagine to fasten this upon him.

And if it be difficult and doubtfull, it is not fit for such persons as my Lord General, and the Commissio­ners of the Kingdom of Scotland, as yet to appear in it, but rather first to see what proofs may be had of particu­lar passages, which will amount to a clear proof, upon which judgment may be grounded that he is an Incen­diary.

And when such proofs shall be ready to be produced, we may again wait upon your Excellence, and the busi­ness will then be the more ripe for your Lordships resolu­tion, in the mean time my humble opinion is that it may be deferred.

Mr. Hollis, and Sir Philip Stapleton, and some o­thers, spake smartly to the business, and mentioned some particular passages, and words of Cromwel tending to prove him to be an Incendiary, and they did not apprehend his interest in the House of Commons to be so much as was supposed; and they would willingly have been upon the accusa­tion of him.

But the Scots Commissioners were not so forward to adventure upon it, for the reasons (they said did satisfie them) which were given by Maynard and Whitelocke, until a further inquiry were made of particulars for proof to make him an Incendiary, the which at length was generally consented to, and about two a clock in the Morning with thanks and Complements Maynard and Whitelocke were dismissed, they had some cause to believe, that at this debate, some who were present, were false brethren, and informed Cromwel of all that past among them, and after that, Cromwel, though he took no notice of any particular passages at that time, yet he seemed more kind to Whitelocke and Maynard than he had been formerly, and carried [Page 113] on his design more actively of making way for his own advancement, as will appear in progress of this insuing story.

The Lord sent to the Commons that a speedy answer might be given to the Papers of the States Ambassadors, and for audience to be given to the French Agent, and a Committee was named, to consider of the manner of his reception.

A Report was made to the House by their Com­mand, of the particular passages betwixt His Ma­jesty, and the Committee that carried the Proposi­tions to him, which they had forborn before to mention, but the House having an intimation there­of, ordered the particular passages thereof to be Reported to-them, which was done, as I have mentioned them before.

The Commons ordered 6000 l. for providing store of Arms and Ammunition.

A party of the Newark horse being quartered near the Town, Colonel Thorney fell upon them, took 80 Horse, one Major, several inferiour Of­ficers, 2 Colonels, 24 Troupers and Arms.

The Commons took order for setling Magi­strates in Newcastle, though different from the Course of their Charter, and disfranchised some of their Aldermen.

The Parliaments Committee at Newcastle, sent up a great quantity of Coals for relief of the poor of London, whereof the Commons gave notice to the Lord Mayor, and orders for the distributing of them.

The Clause for Marriage in the Directory was agreed unto. An Ordinance past for relief of Soldi­ers widdows.

Letters were ordered to several Counties for le­vying Arrears due to the Army, and for the De­puty Lieutenants and Committees to assist the Commissioners of Excise.

The Commons agreed to the reception of the States Ambassadors as formerly.

Sir William Massey was made one of the Assembly of Divines.

The Court Marshal adjudged Sir John Hotham to have his head cut off. Hotham.

Higgins, the Lord General's Trumpeter returned from Oxford, where he said he was more courte­ously used than before; and that the King comman­ded he should be kindly used, and rewarded; and that he was not, as formerly hoodwink'd, when they brought him in.

Prince Rupert by the King's direction sent a Let­ter to the General for a safe Conduct for the Duke Safe Con­duct. of Richmond, and the Earl of Southampton, to bring unto the Parliament of England Assembled at West­minster, and the Commissioners of the Parliament of the Kingdome of Scotland an answer of the Pro­positions, lately presented to his Majesty, for a safe and well grounded peace.

The Commons voted that no Member of either Vote. House of Parliament, shall during this war, injoy or execute any office or Command Military or Civil, and that an Ordinance be brought in accordingly. Self-deny­ing Ordi­nance.

This was moved by Mr. Zouch Tate who brought it in with a similitude of a boyle upon his thumb, and was set on by that party who contrived the outing of the Lord General; and to bring on their own designes, and they could find no other way, than by passing a Self-denying Ordinance (as they called it) which would serve their turn, both as a speci­ous pretence of their own integrity, and waving all self ends, and so plausible to the people, and would also comprehend the Lord General with the rest, and without naming of him, which for shame and ingratitude, they could not think fit to be done.

Some of them confest, that this was their design, and it was apparent in it self, and the reason of their doing this was to make way for others, and because they were jealous that the Lord General was too much a favourer of peace (a good fault in a General of an Army) and that he would be too strong a supporter of Monarchy, and of Nobility, and other old Constitutions, which they had a mind to alter; such is the ingratitude of people, and the incertainty of their Favour, no confidence can be placed therein for this gallant mans sake, who was a most faithful Servant to the publick, and performed so many brave services for them, to the utmost hazards of his own life, honour and fortune, and for all this had no other recompence, but an unhandsome affront by a side Wind, and cunning contrivance of his Enemies to remove him from his Commands, so gallantly and succesfully execu­ted by him.

A safe Conduct was assented to, for the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton, and the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms ordered to get the Con­currence of the Scots Commissioners, and to send it with expedition to the King.

Major Duett with a party of Colonel Ludlow's Regiment fell upon a party of the King's horse near Salisbury, took Colonel Cooke, Lieutenant Colonel Hooker, divers inferiour Officers, 40 Souldiers, 160 Horse and Arms, and killed about 20 of them.

Sir John Hotham's Son Captain Hotham was try­ed before the Court Marshal, for betraying a Regi­ment of Horse of the Parliaments to the Enemy, and for treachery, and betraying his trust in divers particulars proved against him by his own words, letters and actions, and many witnesses produced to make good the Charge.

The States Ambassadors were received with great Dutch Ambassa­dors. State and Honour by both Houses; who thanked them for their offer of a Mediation of peace, and desired the Continuance of Amity and Friendship, with the High and Mighty Lords the States, but in regard, propositions for peace were now on foot between His Majesty and His Parliament, and the Scots Com­missioners, nothing otherwise, could be now done therein.

The Ambassadors replyed in French, that they would return what they had received, to their Lords, and they desired a further answer to their propositions touching Free Trade.

When they were gon out of the House, the Spea­ker desired that some of the Members who under­stood the French Tongue better than he, might in­terpret to the House the essect of the Ambassadors Speech in French, which usually was done by Mr. Hollis, and he being now absent, Whitelocke was called up to doe it; and thereupon the House named a Committee to consider of their Propositi­ons for a Free Trade to the Ports of the Enemy.

An Ordinance past for satisfaction to Waggo­ners, who lost their Carriages in the late Fights.

The Earl of Northampton with 3000 horse much infested part of Bucks and Oxfordshire, order was taken for money to pay the forces of those Coun­ties to resist him.

Somerset-house was ordered to be prepared for the King's Commissioners, and voted that no Mem­ber of either house should visit or speak with, or send or receive any Message to or from those that should come from Oxford, unless they had leave for it.

Liberty was given to any Members that would, to go visit Sir John Hotham before his death.

The Self-denying Ordinance was read, and a day of publick Fast Ordered.

Crowland was surrendred to the Parliaments Forces on Conditions, the Officers to march away with Swords and Pistols, the foot to leave [Page 114] behind them their Arms, Ordnance and Ammuni­tion.

The Petition of divers Londoners was read, commending the Vote for the Self-denying Ordi­nance, and they again had the thanks of the House.

Colonel Massey fell upon a party of the King's at Sodbury near Bristol, took 120 Horse, 100 Arms, 50 Prisoners, and 12 Officers.

Captain Hotham made his defence before the Hotham. Court Marshal, and justified Treaties with the E­nemy, as a Commander for the service of the Par­liament, other charges he denyed, and excepted against some Witnesses.

The Commons Ordered that none but Members of the House should come to the Church, where they kept the Fast.

The Lords reprieved Sir John Hotham for a Fast. few days, till he had better setled his Estate. Both Houses kept the Fast in Lincolns-Inn Chapel, and none were to be present there but the Members onely, and some said that the Preachers desired it might be so, that they might speak the more free­ly to them, especially upon the point of the Self-denying Ordinance.

Both Houses agreed to receive the Lords that Lords from Ox­ford. were come from the King in the Painted Chamber, by a Committee of 14 Lords, and 28 Commo­ners, and they desired from the Lords, a list of their retinue, to the end no affront might be offered to them.

Here of they had not cause to complain, as the Parliaments Commissioners had at Oxford, for these Lords, and all their attendance were civily treated by all sort of persons, and this Order for the list was the rather made, to discover such as came to Town with the Lords, under pretence of being of their retinue, when they were not, but came to do ill offices to the Parliament.

Sir Symonds D'ewes had an order to present a Minister to a Living in his gift.

Order was taken for raising of monies, for the English and Scots Armies in the North for certain Months.

Mr. Roger L'Estrange was apprehended, for a designe to betray Lynne in Norfolke to the King, L'Estrange. and for that end had a Treaty with Captain Lem­mon Lieutenant Governour there, who shewed a Complyance with L'Estrange, but acquainted Co­lonel Walton the Governour with all the passages, whereupon L'Estrange was seized upon; and with him was found a Commission from the King, Au­thorizing him for this service, and engaging,

That if the Town were gained, That L'Estrange Several places to be betray­ed. should be Governour of it, and have great preferment, and what Rewards he should promise for effecting it, not exceeding 80001. should be paid, and divers other fair promises made, and this was noted to be, when the Treaty for peace was on foot.

The like design was for betraying St. Nicholas Island by Plymouth, but prevented by the Lord Roberts the Governour, the like was for the betray­ing Stafford, prevented by Sir William Brereton, the like design was for betraying of Reading, disco­vered by the apprehending of a Spy; who having lighted Matches put to his fingers, confessed all, and Alderman Harryson, and his Complotters were seized upon.

The Self-denying Ordinance passed the House of Commons, without excepting any Member.

The Committee of Lords and Commons recei­ved the King's Answer to the Propositions for Answer to the Propo­sitions for Peace. peace, wherein the Parliament and the Commis­sioners of Scotland were acknowledged, and the King desired, That in regard of the great Alteration in Government both of Church and State, imported in the Propositions: That the same, and Reasons for any Alteration, or Explanation of them, may be debated and weighed.

He therefore proposeth, that the Parliament would appoint such number of persons as they should think fit, to treat with the like number of persons to be appointed by his Majesty upon the said Propositions; and such other things as shall be proposed by his Majesty for pre­servation and defence of the Protestant Religion, with due regard to tender Consciences, the Rights of the Crown, the Liberty and Propriety of the Subject, and the Privilege of Parliament; and upon the whole mat­ter to conclude an happy and blessed Peace.

Taunton Castle was relieved by Colonel Hep­burne, and Major Van Russe, and divers of the Be­siegers taken prisoners.

The Protestant Forces and Subjects in Munster pe­titioned the King's Commissioners against a fur­ther Cessation of Arms there, which was to be treated on by those Commissioners with the Re­bels.

The two Houses and the Scots Commissioners a­greed Answer to the King's Message. upon an Answer to the King's Message, sent by the Duke of Lenox, and the Earl of Southampton, That they did consent to a Treaty as was proposed; but in regard there were many things which will take up some time for preparation thereunto, both for the time and manner how to treat, they have sent back his Majestie's Messengers, and will return a speedy an­swer by Messengers of their own.

They held this way the fitter to be taken, be­cause those two Lords and their Company, were labouring and plotting whilst they were here, a­gainst the Interest of the Parliament; which was intimated to them by a Petition from the Common Council of the City.

An Agent of the Queen of Swedland, addressed Agent from Swedland. himself to the Houses by Letters from the Queen, acquainting them that he had Matters of great Importance to communicate to them from the Queen his Mistres, and acknowledged the Parlia­ment, and desired Audience.

The Self-denying Ordinance was again brought to the House to be preferred, and a Clause offered to be added, That it should not extend to any L. Lieu­tenants, Self-deny­ing Ordi­nance. Deputy Lieutenants, Justices of Peace, or Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, who were Mem­bers of either of the Houses of Parliaments.

Upon this Debate many spake against the Or­dinance, and among the rest, one to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

I am one of that number of your Servants, who have no Office or Imployment, but such as you are now about to except out of this Ordinance, nor have ambition for any; and therefore may the more freely and indiffe­rently, yet with all submission, humbly offer my rea­sons against it; as that which I apprehend may prove prejudicial to your Service.

It hath been objected, that your House, and the House of Lords is thin and empty, and you the less esteemed, having so few Members here; many of them being imployed in Offices, that they cannot attend the Houses: but that by this Ordinance they will be at lei­sure and liberty to attend the Service of the Parlia­ment here, and the Houses be much fuller than now they are.

I confess, Sir, this is fit to be remedied; but I ap­prehend you have a fitter way, than by this Ordinance to doe it; 'that is, by issuing out new Writs for electing new Members in the places of those who are dead, or expelled, and this will satisfie the Objection, and en­gage [Page 115] divers of interest and quality the more immedi­ately in your Service: Whereas this Ordinance will discontent many, and the Houses will be but little the fuller by the passing of it.

Another Objection is, that if this Ordinance do not pass, the Treaty for Peace will not so well proceed, but the particular Interests of Members of Parliament, may retard the same; but will be all taken away by this Ordinance.

I am to seek how this can be materially objected, when I suppose whether this Ordinance pass or not, yet you intend Members of Parliament only to be your Commissioners for that Treaty; and in case some of then be Officers, they will the better understand your businesses, on which the Treaty will be grounded.

Another Objection is, that unless this Ordinance pass, the great work intended of new modelling your Armies, will not so well be carried on, for that by put­ting all out, there will remain no exception.

I should rather have argued, that by putting out all Members out of their Imployment, the exception and discontent would be the more general; and by leaving them still in their Imployments, there would be the less competition and sollicitation for new Officers in their rooms.

Another Objection or Argument is, that the Mem­bers of Parliament, who are Officers, being of equal power in Parliament, will not be so obedient to your Commands, as others who have smaller interests, and would not so much dispute one with another.

Surely, Sir, those whose interest is the same with yours, have the more reason to obey your Commands than others, and have more to hazard by disobedience, than others can have; and in your Commands all your Members are involved, and it were strange if they should be backward to obey their own Orders.

Nor will the Contests be so frequent and high, be­tween them and other Officers, as it will be between those who will be of a more equal condition.

But, Mr. Speaker, as you consider the inconveni­ences, if this Ordinance do not pass, so you will be pleased to consider the Inconveniences if it do pass.

You will lay aside, as brave men, and who have ser­ved you with as much courage, wisdom, faithfulness, and success, as ever men served their Country.

Our noble General, the Earls of Denbigh, War­wick, Manchester; the Lords, Roberts, Willough­by, and other Lords in your Armies, besides those in civil Offices not excepted; and of your own Members the Lord Grey, Lord Fairfax, Sir William Waller, Lieutenant General Cromwel, Mr. Hollis, Sir Phi­lip Stapleton, Sir William Brereton, Sir John Meyrick, and many others must be laid aside, if you pass this Ordinance.

And I am to seek, and I doubt so will they be, to whom you shall refer the new modelling of your Ar­mies; where to find Officers that shall excel, if equal these.

If your Judgments are, that for the Publick Ser­vice it will be expedient to remove any of them from their Commands, let the same (if you please) be plainly made known to them from you.

Let them have what they deserve, your thanks for their former good Services, and they will not be of­fended, that you having no more work for them, do lay them aside with honour.

But to do a business of this nature (às hath been well said) by a side Wind, is in my humble opinion, not so becoming your Honour and Wisdom, as Plain­ness and Gravity, which are Ornaments to your Actions.

I shall conclude with the Example of the Grecians and Romans, amongst whom, Sir, you know, that the greatest Offices both of War and Peace, were conferred upon their Senatours; and their Reasons were, be­cause they having greater Interests than others, were the more capable to doe them the greatest service.

And having the same interest with the Senate, and present at their Debates they understood their business the better, and were less apt to break that trust, which so nearly concerned their private interests, which was involved with the Publick; and the better they under­stood their business, the better service might be expected from them.

Sir, I humbly submit the Application to your Judg­ment, your Ancestors did the same; they thought the Members of Parliament fittest to be imployed in the greatest Offices: I hope you will be of the same judg­ment, and not at this time to pass this Ordinance, and thereby to discourage your faithful Servants.

The Debate held till it was late at Night, and then upon the Question (as some called it) Envy and self-ends prevailing, the Ordinance passed the House of Commons, and was voted to be sent up to the Lords for their concurrence.

An Ordinance past for observation of the Fast-day, especially on the next Wednesday, being Christ-mas-day.

The Petition of the Lord Carbury was referred to a Committee for his Relief.

The Parliaments Answer to the King's Message Lords from the King. being delivered to the Duke of Richmond, and Earl of Southampton, they said, They had some fur­ther matters from the King to impart to the two Hou­ses; and desired to be heard of them: but the Committee answered, That they had not power to receive any new Message.

Then the Duke of Lenox demanded whether they might not deliver it to the Speakers of both Houses; the Committee said, That they could not give advice therein. But this being reported to the Houses, they ordered the Committee to receive from those Lords what they had to offer further from the King.

Mr. Pierpoint carried up to the Lords the Self-denying Ordinance.

The two Lords from the King delivered in a Paper to the Committee, declaring, The willing­ness of his Majesty that no time should be lost in bring­ing on the Treaty, and to desire that Commissioners might be then nominated: to which was returned, That they had already the answer of both Houses, and of the Scots Commissioners, which the Parliament desired might be presented to his Majesty at Ox­ford.

The Lord Digby treated about ten weeks toge­ther, by Messengers and Letters, with Major Ge­neral Brown to betray Abington, making offers to him of great Preferment and Reward. The Major General wrote to a Friend about it, and desired his advice in it, who counselled him to entertain the Treaty, to shew a compliance with Digby, and to give fair hopes of effecting what he desired, and in the mean time to get the Works about the Town finished.

This was agreeable to the opinion of the Major Gener. and he had begun the Treaty with the Lord Digby, and carried it along with great hopes to the Lord, to have the Town surrendred, and that his Wit and Eloquence had prevailed with the Woodmonger, as he styled him.

Brown gave an account of all the Letters and Passages from time to time between them; and he was encouraged to carry on the Design, even to the appointment of a day for payment of money to him; and for his rendition of the Town to Digby, and even to the permission of part of the King's Forces to enter the Town, and then to fall upon them.

[Page 116] But Brown thought it not good to proceed so far; but after so much time spent in Treaty and expectation, Digby required the Town to be ren­dred by a positive day, but Brown having well fi­nished his Works, gave his Lordship a positive denial, which much enraged him.

The Reasons of the dissenting Brethren to the Dissenters. Directory of the Church-government by Presbyters, with the Answers to those Reasons, were pre­sented to the House, and a day appointed for the debate of them.

An Ordinance past for Sir Thomas Allen's compo­sition for Delinquency.

Knasborough was surrendred to the Parliament upon conditions, and there was taken four pieces of Ordnance, store of Arms, Money, and 1500 l. worth of Plate.

Letters from the Committee of Kent informed, That the King had lately sent three Commissions into Kent, one for the betraying of Dover-Castle, another for Chattam, and some Ships, and the third to Array men in the West of Kent. All which were discover­ed, and the execution of them prevented; one of the Commissions was dated when the Committee were at Oxford, with Propositions for Peace.

Captain Redman with a Party from Northampton, set upon a party of the King's Forces going to Ban­bury, took Prisoners the L. St. Paul a French-man, Sir John Fenwicke, two of the Stricklands, fifteen others, thirty Horse and Arms, and a Sumpter with rich Clothes.

Colonel Thorney with a party from Nottingham, took in a Garrison of the King's near Newarke, and in it the Master of the house Sir Roger Cooper and his Brother, and fifty others prisoners with their Arms.

Decemb. 23. Sir Alexander Carew by Sentence of the Court-Marshal was beheaded. Sir A. Ca­rew.

The Commons voted to refer the consideration of the manner of the Treaty upon the Propositions for Peace, to the Committee of both Kingdoms, but the Lords were for a new Committee for it.

The Court-Marshal pronounced Sentence of death against Captain Hotham.

The Lords having voted the Archbishop Guilty Laud. of the Matters charged against him for matter of Fact, desired satisfaction from the Commons in point of Law, that those Matters were Treason.

The Commons ordered the removal of their Forces from the Counties near London, near to the Enemy to streighten them, and to be in readiness to attend their motions.

Letters from Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, inform­ed of the Relief of Taunton Town and Castle, held Taunton. out to admiration, by Colonel Blake, notwith­standing his great want of Ammunition and Pro­visions, and that the Works there were inconsi­derable.

Colonel Edward Windham sent a threatning Sum­mons to Blake to render the Town and Castle, up­on pain of fire and sword, and perswaded the doing of it, because of the indefencibleness of the place, and to prevent the effusion of more Christian blood.

Blake returned this Answer; ‘These are to let you know, that as we neither fear your menaces, nor accept your proffers, so we wish you for time to come to desist from all Over­tures of the like nature unto us, who are resol­ved to the last drop of our blood to maintain the quarrel we have undertaken; and doubt not but the same God who hath hither to protected us, will ere long bless us with an Issue answerable to the justness of our Cause; howsoever to him a­lone shall we stand or fall.’

Not long after this a strong party of the Parlia­ments Forces brake through the Besiegers, and sup­plyed the Town with store of Provisions, and what they wanted.

The Commons made an Order for the better payment of the 10000 l. per annum formerly gran­ted to the Lord General, out of Delinquents E­states, Gen. Essex. in consideration of his great losses by the Enemy, and his ever to be remembred good Services: This was put on now by some to sweeten him, upon the transmitting of the Self-denying Ordinance.

The Commons voted to hear no private busi­ness for ten days.

Mr. Roger Lestrange was tryed for a Spy before the Court-Marshal, coming from the King's quar­ters, without Drum, Trumpet, or Pass, to betray Lynne Garrison.

Sir Thomas Middleton, and Colonel Mitton took in a Garrison of the King's near Mountgomery, and in it Colonel Ballard the Governour, Llayd the high Sheriff, divers Officers, two Foot Colours, sixty common Souldiers, with store of Arms and Pillage.

The Assembly of Divines presented to the House some further Additions to the Directory for Wor­ship.

Much time was spent to settle the payment of the Northern Armies, and to enable the Scots to march Southwards.

The Commons concluded their Debate upon the Directory for Worship.

A Letter was agreed to be written to the Par­liament of Scotland from both Houses here, to ex­press the great ingagement of this Kingdom to them for their brotherly assistance.

The Lords upon the Petition of Sir John Ho­tham, Hotham. and his Son, thought fit to pardon the Fa­ther, and desired the Concurrence of the Commons therein; but upon the Question, it was carried in the Negative, not to be taken by them into con­sideration.

The Court-Marshal gave judgment upon Mr. Lestrange.

The Commons passed an Ordinance for continu­ing the Court-Marshal for three Months longer, and another for disfranchizing some Aldermen of York.

The Commons ordered the Commissioners of the Great Seal, to issue out the Sheriffs Patents to the Messengers of the Seal.

The Lords debated the Self-denying Ordinance.

They concurred with the Commons to refer the business of the Treaty upon the Propositions for Peace to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

Major General Brown marched out with a Party towards Oxford, and was near taking the Fort Roy­all there; but his Design was discovered and pre­vented, yet he brought away forty men and horse with him.

Several Orders were made for Money for the Scots, and other Armies, and for supply of the For­ces in Ireland.

Divers of Bucks petitioned against the Outra­ges of the Parliaments Forces in that County.

Colonel Bulstrode was made Governour of Hen­ley, and Phillis Court, but he was shortly after called away to his Regiment, and Colonel Charles Doyley made Governour there. But he and the Souldiers falling out, they had like to have killed him, and he would stay there no longer; and Colonel Piuter Temple succeeded him.

Sir John Hotham, was going to his Execution, and Hotham. much company expecting it on Tower-hill, when a Messenger came with a Reprieve from the Lords: But the Commons sent to the Lieutenant of the Tower, to know the reason of deferring the Execu­tion, when they did not consent to any Reprieve for him.

[Page 117] The Lord Fairfax his forces took in Pomfret Town, and close blocked up the Castle, and other Castles thereabouts.

Colonel Bright fell upon a party of the King's under Sir William Cobbes, took divers Officers and Souldiers, and good Horses from them.

A party of the Newark forces in the night time surprized some of the Parliaments forces, and took near two Troups of them.

The Leicester forces drove the forces of Hastings out of Ashby-Town into the Tower, and took divers Prisoners and Arms.

Prince Maurice laid down his Commission for the West, and the Lord Hopton was made General there, and laboured to get a new Army.

January 1644. The Directory for Worship was finished by the Commons, and sent up to the Lords by Mr. Rouse.

Upon the Debate touching the Reprieve of Sir Jo. Hotham by the Lords, the Commons voted, Vote. that no Officer made by Ordinance of both Houses, should stay the execution of Justice by any order of either House, without the concurrence of both Houses.

They likewise ordered that the Lieutenant of the Tower do proceed to the Execution of Sir John Hotham, according to the Sentence of the Court Marshal.

Captain Hotham, his Son, sent a Petition to the Hotham. Lords, and another to the Commons, praying his Pardon, but it was denied, and the same day his Head was cut off.

Mr. L'Estrange petitioned the Lords, that his Case might be heard before the Parliament, which was consented to by both Houses.

Letters were ordered to be written by the Speaker to Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, for raising of Dragoons formerly undertaken.

One hundred and fifty horse from Oxford posses­sed themselves of Beselsley, Mr. Speaker's House near Abington, intending to fortifie it, but Major General Brown sent out a party under Colonel Bos­wel, to whom upon his summons they rendered the House on conditions to march away, onely one who had formerly broke Prison at Abington, was denied that favour.

Sergeant Wilde, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Nicholas, offered Reasons and Arguments to the Lords, that the Matters proved against the Archbishop were Trea­son.

An Answer was ordered to be given to the Pa­pers of the Scots Commissioners, to be sent by them to the Parliament of Scotland.

A Committee of both Houses was named to re­ceive from the Sweedish Agent some matters which (he said) he had further to impart to them from the Queen.

Sir John Hotham in the Morning before his Exe­cution, procured a motion in the House of Com­mons Hotham. for his Pardon, which took up a Debate; and Sir John being brought to the Scaffold on Tower-hill, expected the good news of his Pardon, and the time was protracted till two a Clock in the Af­ternoon, but the Commons would not grant his desire.

He spake shortly to the people, and Mr. Peters H. Peters. prayed with him, and spake to the people in his Name, and told them that Sir John' s Father said to him, when he was going forth to be a Souldier, Son, when the Crown of England lies at stake, you will have fighting enough. He was somewhat fearfull of death, and his head was cut off.

The Committee of both Kingdoms reported their opinion to the Lords, That the place for the Treaty. Treaty of Peace should be Uxbridge, and the Commissi­oners to be four Lords, and eight Commoners, and four Scots Commissioners, to which the Lords agreed, and sent to the Commons for their concurrence.

Both Houses agreed to send Commissioners to the Parliament and Assembly in Scotland.

The Queen of Sweden's Letter to the Parliament Queen of Sweedland. was read, and contained a Narrative of the King of Denmark's hard usage of the Crown of Sweden, and the great affection that Queen bears to Eng­land.

The Directory of Worship was fully agreed up­on by both Houses, and ordered to be printed, and two of the Assembly to take care thereof, and that a course shall be taken for publishing and set­tling of it to be generally used.

The Commons ordered that the Assembly of Di­vines should write a Congratulatory Letter to the Assembly in Scotland; and to acquaint them what they had done, and that the Parliament here had agreed in those Matters.

The Lords agreed to the Ordinance for Attain­der of the Archbishop of High Treason, and to be Laud. hanged, drawn and quarter'd for it.

The Commons agreed that the place for the Treaty at Ʋxbridge. Treaty should be Ʋxbridge, the Commissioners for the Parliament to be sixteen, and as many for the King.

The Propositions touching Religion, the Mili­tia, and Ireland, to be first treated on, and twenty Days allotted for them, that his Majestie's Propo­sitions be received by the Parliaments Commissio­ners at Ʋxbridge, and transmitted to the Parlia­ment.

The Commons proceeded to the Directory for the Government of the Church, and voted upon a long Debate, That to have a Presbytery in the Church is according to the word of God.

The Commons sent to the Lords for their con­currence to a Warrant, for the Execution of the Archbishop according to the Ordinance for his At­tainder, Laud. to which the Lords agreed; and a War­rant issued to the Lieutenant of the Tower, to de­liver the Prisoner to the Sheriffs of London, to see Execution done accordingly.

The Parliaments forces that relieved Taunton, in their Retreat fell upon the Enemies Quarters, and took many horse, and divers prisoners.

Colonel Ludlow's Regiment thinking themselves secure in their Quarters at Salisbury, about 200 of them were surprised; the Colonel and the rest brake through, and got to Southampton, and took Colonel Fielding and some others Prisoners.

The Scots forces got the Town of Carlisle, and the King's forces in the Castle sent to Treat.

The Lord Fairfax possessed Pomfret Town, and close blocked up the Castle, and Scarborough, Skip­ton and Sandal Castles were blocked up by the Par­liaments forces.

Ordinances passed for payment of 6000 l. lent by the Commissioners of Excise, and 10000 l. lent by Mr. Estwick.

The Lords at a Conference gave Reasons to the Commons against passing the Self-denying Ordi­nance, wherein they affirmed the honour of Peerage to be so much concerned; and the Commons ordered a Committee to draw up Reasons in Answer to those delivered by the Lords.

The Lords acquainted the Commons with a Pe­tition from the Archbishop, and a Pardon granted Laud his pardon. to him by the King, under the Great Seal, two years since. but it was denied by both Houses, be­ing granted before conviction, and if it had been after, yet in this case of Treason against the Kingdom, they said it could not be available.

His Petition was, That in case he must die, that he might be Beheaded, not Hanged, and that three of Laud's Pe­tition. [Page 118] his Chaplains, Dr. Heyward, Dr. Martin, and Dr. Stern, might be with him before, and at his death, for his Souls Comfort.

The Commons denied both, onely allowed Dr. Stern with Mr. Marshal and Mr. Palmer to be with him.

The Sheriffs of London attended in person to know the manner of the execution of the Archbi­shop, for which they were referred to the warrant of both Houses that he should be hanged, drawn and quartered.

Divers of the Lord General's Officers of Foot Army Pe­tition. petitioned the Commons, and very modestly, for the better discipline of the Army, for which the House gave them thanks: but this was looked up­on by some as an ill precedent, for Officers of the Army to petition the Parliament, and it proved so afterwards.

The Commons being informed that a party of about 5000 horse and foot of the King's were near Peterfield, and had taken Christ-church, and were drawing towards Surrey, to disturb that association, they sent some of their Members to the Lord Gene­ral, and to the Earl of Manchester, to give an ac­count why their forces lay quartered on their Friends near London, and did not remove nearer to the Enemy, according to former directions.

At this time the Earl of Manchester was under a Discon­tents. kind of accusation, and the Lord General in dis­content, Sir William Waller not much otherwise, the forces not carefully ordered, and the Parlia­ments business but in an unsettled condition; so that it was high time for some other course to be taken by them.

The Commons appointed an Ordinance to be brought in for the ease of free quarter.

The Lords sent another Petition from the Arch-bishop Laud. to the Commons, that he might not be hanged but beheaded, and the Lords gave their reasons why they had assented to it; and after some debate the Commons agreed to it also.

Order was made for provision for some of the Assembly of Divines who had lost their means by the Enemy.

Colonel Holborn with the forces under him that relieved Taunton, took about 200 of the King's horse near Bridgewater.

Provisions were ordered to be sent by Mr. Davies for Ireland.

The Commons agreed with the Lords in an Or­dinance for the Lady Wilmot, who professed much affection to the Parliament, and agreed for pardon of some condemned Prisoners in Newgate.

The Commons offered their reasons to the Breach of Privilege. Lords for passing the Self-denying Ordinance, and shewing the breach of privilege in sending to the Commons their Lordships reasons without the Or­dinance.

The Commons gave order to the Commissioners of the Great Seal, to issue out the Patents for new Sheriffs.

The Commons debated the model of the new Militia, and it was propounded that the Army should be 21000 horse and foot.

Jan. 10. The Archbishop was brought to the Laud Scaffold on Tower Hill, and made a Speech to the people (as he called it) his last Sermon, in which he endeavoured to excuse the Matters charged a­gainst him, and professed himself of the Religion of the Church of England, as it stands established by Law, then he prayed to God to bless the Parliament, & to direct them that they may not fall under any misgovernment.

He concluded thus. I forgive all the world, all and every one, bitter enemies, or others, whatsoever they have been, which have any ways prosecuted me in this case, and I humble desire to be forgiven, first of God, then of man; whether I have offended them, or they think I have, Lord forgive them, and now I desire you to joyn with me in Prayer.

Then he made a short Prayer audibly, kneeling at the Rail, after that, putting off his Cloaths, Coat and Doublet, he kneeled to the Block, and upon a sign given, the Executioner took off his Head at one blow. Beheaded.

The Lord General and Earl of Manchester retur­ned answer to the Parliament concerning the remo­val of the Army nearer to the Enemy.

The Commons desired the Lords to use expedi­tion in passing the Self-denying Ordinance, for that the Kingdom suffered much for want of passing it.

They permitted a Certificate to be made of the Judgment in the King's Bench against the Duke D'Espernon.

They debated about the new Model of the Army.

The Lords delivered to the Commons further Reasons against the passing of the Self-denying Or­dinance, but the Commons ordered, that their whole House should go up with a Message to the House of Peers for the speedy passing of it; and they acquainted the Lords with their Order to ex­clude all private business for eight days longer.

Captain Swanley took a Ship, and in her the Commissioners sent from Ireland to treat with the King about a further Cessation, with the King's Commission under the Great Seal, and instructions about concluding a Peace with the Rebels of Ire­land.

The whole House of Commons went up to the Lords, with a Message to importune them to pass the Self-denying Ordinance, the Lords returned an­swer, that they would speedily take the same into consi­deration, which they did, but rejected the Ordi­nance; Differen­ces be­twixt Lords and Commons. and here first began to increase the great difference between the two Houses of Parliament, which swelled to so great a height as you will see afterwards.

The Commons proceeded about the Model of Model of the Army. the Army, and resolved that it should be 21000 Horse and Foot, 6000 Horse, 1000 Dragoons, and 14000 Foot: the 6000 Horse to be divided into ten Regiments, the Dragoons into single Compa­nies, and every Regiment of Foot to consist of 1200 Men, and ten Companies in a Regiment; the whole charge of this Army to be 44955 l. by the Month, to be raised by a proportionable Assesse­ment.

The Lords sent to the Commons the names of their Commissioners, the Earls of Northumber­land, Pembroke, Salisbury, and Denbigh; and that a Letter be sent to the King for a Safe Conduct for all the Commissioners for the Treaty of Peace; but the Commons did not now name their Com­missioners because of the rejecting of the Self-deny­ing Ordinance.

They also sent to the Commons to come to some resolution concerning the business of Dunnington Castle.

The King's forces under General Goring went off from near Portsmouth, and upon their remove Colonel Jephson the Governour visited their quar­ters, and took some Prisoners.

Colonel Mitton from Oswestree fell upon three Troups of Sir Jo. Byron, took two Captains, other Officers, nineteen Troupers and Arms.

The Commons named their Commissioners for the Treaty, Mr. Pierpoint, Mr. Hollis, L. Wenman, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Mr. St. John, Mr. White­locke, Commissi­oners for the Treaty. Mr. Crew, Mr. Prideaux; and they agreed that the number of the Attendants of the Parlia­ments Commissioners should be eighty.

[Page 119] The Commons voted a Commission for the Lord Inchequin to be President of Munster, and sent it to the Lords for their Concurrence, and a warrant to the Commissioners of the Great Seal to pass the said Commission.

The Commons passed another Vote, That many Congregations may be under one Presbyterian Govern­ment, in order to the Directory for government of the Church.

The Lords agreed to the Ordinance for regula­tion of Free Quarter, with a Clause added, to ex­empt themselves and their Attendants, and the Members of the House of Commons, from billeting Souldiers; which the Commons would not agree unto, they desiring to be in no other condition than their Fellow Subjects were.

Letters from Major General Brown certified that three days before P. Rupert, P. Maurice, Colonel Sir Henry Gage, Governour of Oxford, and others, with a party of about 1000 Horse, and 800 Foot, came against Abington, on Cullam side, intending to storm the Town; and gained the Bridge before notice was given, and were about to pull the same down.

To prevent which, the Cawsey to the Bridge being very long and narrow, Brown was compelled Brown. to send some of his men into the Meadow where was much water, notwithstanding with much chear­fulness they marched through the water.

And after a hot dispute which lasted near four hours, they beat the Enemy from the Bridge, who betaking themselves to the Hedges, Brown's men with wondrous courage beat them from the Hedges, and afterwards quite out of the Field.

A party of his horse at the same time, when a party of the King's fell on them in their Quarters, slew, wounded and took almost all of them, in which service Major Bradbury was slain upon the Bridge, and about eight of Brown's Souldiers, and some wounded.

Of the King's party were [...]lain Sir Henry Gage, and the Major of the Prince's Regiment, with ma­ny others of note, and they carried away a Cart-load of dead men, besides those carried away on Horseback.

The Commons ordered thanks to be sent to Ma­jor General Brown for his good service, and 2000 l. to pay his Souldiers.

Letters from Captain Swanley informed, that Major General Laughern took the Town of Cardi­gan in Wales upon surrender, but the Castle hold­ing out obstinately, he made a breach with his great Ordnance, and in three days took it by storm, and in it 200 Officers and Souldiers, with their Arms, and much Plunder.

The States Ambassadours desired to take their leaves, and a Pass to goe to the King to take leave of him; they prayed likewise an Answer to their Propositions, touching Shipping and Free Trade, which was referred to the Committee of both Hou­ses for this business.

The Lords concurred in the Letter and Money for Abington.

The Lords sent down the names of the Atten­dants of the four Lords Commissioners for the Treaty, desiring the Commons to doe the like for their Members, and they ordered them to bring in a List the next day.

The Commons proceeded in the Directory for Church Government, and voted Pastors, Doctors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons, to be the Officers of the Church.

Sir Richard Greenvile made a gallant assault up­on Plymouth, and possessed two or three of the Out-works, and turned the Ordnance against the Town, but the Garrison with great resolution, beat them out again, and slew many of them.

The Commons ordered Sir William Waller for the present to command in chief in the West, with a party of 6000 Horse.

A Ship of Scarborough driven by storm into Hartlepoole, was there seized on by the Parliaments forces, and in her two Brass and four Iron Pieces of Ordnance, with store of Arms.

Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Forbes standing together near Pomfret Castle, a Cannon Bullet from thence came betwixt them, and the wind of it beat them both to the ground, and put out one of Co­lonel Forbes his Eyes, and spoiled that side of his Face, and yet no other hurt to Sir Thomas Fairfax.

The Commons considered the business of the Navy at Sea for the next Spring, and the estimate of the yearly charge both for Summer and Winter Guard was proposed to be 100000 l. per annum.

Letters from the Lord Roberts informed the par­ticulars Plymouth. of the business at Plymouth, that Greenvile alarmed the works about the Town, in four several places, and after a very hot dispute, became Ma­ster of one great work, but was beaten off from the other three works, with great loss, leaving 75 of his men dead upon the place, and at least four times as many more slain in the service, and many hun­dreds wounded.

As soon as they were beaten off the three works, the Plymouth men (who behaved themselves with extraordinary gallantry) environed the fourth work, and the Enemy presently surrendred it upon quarter; there were many Prisoners taken, and much Arms.

The House took care for supply of that Garrison.

One Dobson was ordered to be tried for contri­ving and printing a scandalous Book against the Parliament, and the Lord General, and they gave order for suppressing all scandalous Pamphlets.

Some who arrested a Servant of Sir Edward Hun­gerford's were sent for as Delinquents.

The Letter to the King about the Treaty was finished, and Mr. Marshal and Mr. Vines appointed for the two Ministers to attend the Commoners.

Sir Peter Killegrew was sent with the Letters to the King, and was to bring back a List of the King's Commissioners for the Treaty, and of their At­tendants.

An Ordinance read and referred to a Committee of the whole House, for laying the Assessment for the Armies upon the several Counties.

They appointed a day to consider of the business of Dunnington Castle, and the Earl of Manchester.

The Lord Savile Earl of Sussex, the Lord Piercy, and the Lord Andover, were consined at Oxford.

The business of Dunnington Castle, and of the Earl of Manchester, was taken into consideration, and a weeks time given for the Earl to be heard therein if he please.

An affront done to the Commissioners of Excise in Lancashire, was referred to examination, and the House resolved to be severe in upholding the power of the Commissioners.

The Sergeant at Arms was sent to apprehend one as a Delinquent, for serving of a Sub poena upon a Member of the House of Commons.

Goring with his forces coming before Christ-church, were beaten back by Major Lower, and many of them killed.

The Commons proceeded in the business of the new Model of the Army, and nominated Sir Tho. Fairfax to command in chief, and Colonel Mid­dleton, Holborn, Fortescue and Barkley tobe four of the Colonels.

Then they appointed a Committee to consider [Page 120] what honour should be conferred on the Earl of Essex, for his fidelity and good services to the pub­lick; the like for Sir William Belfour, and to settle the payment of their Arrears to such as should not be employed in the new establishment.

The Commons proceeded upon the Ordinance for the new Assesment.

Colonel Lambert was ordered to speed down into the North, to take care of the forces there (he being Commissary General of the Lord Fairfax his Army) when Sir Thomas Fairfax should come up.

Colonel Holborn took in the King's Garrison at Sydenham-house, and therein about 100 Prisoners, and the High Sheriff of Somersetshire, and ten Com­missioners of Array; and after that he fell upon the Lord Hopton's forces going to joyn with Green­vile, took some hundreds of them, and drove the rest to Bristol.

The King made Prince Maurice General of Worcester, Hereford and Shropshire, and some of his forces began to fortifie Cambden-house.

Letters from Secretary Nicholas intercepted, gave no hopes of Peace upon the intended Treaty.

Sir Peter Killegrew returned from Oxford with the King's Answer concerning the Treaty, and the names of the King's Commissioners, with a Safe Conduct, and Propositions from the King to be treated on.

The Safe Conduct was inclosed in a Letter from P. Rupert to the Earl of Essex, and was to this effect.

CHARLES REX.

Charles by the Grace of God King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Safe Con­duct. Faith, &c. To our Generals, Lieutenants General, Commanders in Chief, Generals of Towns, Colonels, Lieutenants Colonels, Captains, Officers and Souldiers, belonging to any of our Armies or Garrisons, and to all other our Ministers and loving Subjects, to whom these presents shall come, Greeting. Our Pleasure and Command is, that every of you permit and suffer that Algernon Earl of Northumberland, Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, William Earl of Salisbury, Bazil Earl of Denbigh, Thomas Lord Viscount Wenman, Denzil Hollis, William Pier­point, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Oliver St. John, Bulstrode Whitelocke, John Crew, Edmond Pri­deaux, for the Lords and Commons assembled in Par­liament of England at Westminster, and John Earl of Loudoun, Lord Chancellour of Scotland, Archi­bald Marquess of Argile, John Lord Maitland, John Lord Balmerino, Sir Archibald Johnston, Sir Charles Erskin, George Dundas, Sir Jo. Smith, Mr. Hugh Kenedy, and Mr. Robert Berkley, for the Estates of the Parliament of Scotland, together with Mr. Alexander Henderson, and their Retinue mentioned in a List, annexed together with the Retinue of the Scottish Commissioners, not exceeding in all the number of 108 persons, together with their Horses, Coaches, and all other Accommodations for their Jour­ney, may repair to Uxbridge from London, stay there, and return at their pleasure; and that they, and any of them be permitted freely, and as often as they shall please to go themselves, or send any of their Retinue to and from Uxbridge and London, without any let, hinderance, interruption, or molestation what­soever; and to these our Commands we require your due obedience, as you tender our service, and will an­swer the contrary at your utmost perils. Given under our Signet at our Court at Oxford the 21. day of Ja­nuary, 1644.

By His Majestie's Command, Edw. Nicholas.

The King's Propositions were Signed likewise, Edw. Nicholas.

The Names of the King's Commissioners ap­pointed for the Treaty, for whom Prince Rupert desired a Safe Conduct from the Parliament, were these. The Duke of Richmond, Marquess Hert­ford, Earl of Southampton, Earl of Kingston, Earl of Chichester, Lord Seymour, Lord Hatton, Lord Capel, Lord Culpepper, Sir Orlando Bridgman, Sir Edward Nicholas, Secretary, Sir Edward Hyde, Sir Richard Lane, Sir Thomas Gardiner, Mr. John Ashburnham, Mr. Geoffrey Palmer, with Dr. Stewart, Dr. Laney, Dr. Shelden, and their Attendants; in all to the number of 108.

They were to meet with the Parliaments Com­missioners on Wednesday the 29. of January, at Ʋx­bridge upon the Treaty for Peace.

The States Ambassadours were satisfied with the Answer of the Parliament to their Papers, and said they would acquaint the States therewith, ex­pressing their good affections to the Parliament.

The Commons in a grand Committee further Army. debated the Ordinance for new Modelling the Ar­my, and inserted therein the names of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and of Major General Skippon.

They proceeded upon the Directory for Church Church. Government, and voted, that several Congrega­tions be under one Classis; and that the Church be governed by Congregational, Classical, Synodical Assemblies, and that there shall be one at least in every particular Congregation, to labour in the word and doctrine.

Both Houses referred the Papers of the Treaty to the Committee of both Kingdoms to consider what is fit to be done, and ordered that the Mini­sters in their several Congregations on the next Wednesday, the day of the publick Fast, and of the beginning of the Treaty, should pray to God for his blessing upon it.

Both Houses ordered that the Lord Macquire should come to his Trial in the King's Bench.

A difference was between the two Houses touch­ing Houses differ. the Safe Conduct for the King's Commissioners, the Committee of both Kingdoms having altered some of their Titles given them by the King, since the Great Seal was carried away from the Parlia­ment, as the Earl of Chichester they called Lord Dunsmore; Lord Culpepper, Sir John Culpepper; Lord Hatton, Sir Christopher Hatton; and the new made Knights they called Mr. Hyde, Mr. Lane, and Mr. Bridgeman.

The Lords gave their Reasons why the new Ti­tles should be given in the Safe Conduct, the Com­mons gave Reasons against it, as contrary to one of their Propositions, and at length, the Titles were agreed to be altered.

A Petition from Bedfordshire complained of the unruliness of the Souldiers there, taking Horses in Markets from the Countrey people, and then making them to redeem them again for mo­ney, and particularly against one Captain Craw­ford.

The like from Sussex and Bucks, and complain­ing of the ravishing of Women, and murthering of Men, to redress which evils a Committee was ap­pointed to consider.

These were the Fruits of Civil War, Robberies, Ravishings, and innumerable Wicked actions, committed by the barbarous Souldiers, to the un­speakable Misery of the poor Countrey.

The Commons further Debated upon the Ordi­nance for the new Model of the Army, and for the Assessment for their pay, and ordered the [Page 121] Members of each County to bring in names of Commissioners for the Assessement in every County.

About 1100 of the King's horse and foot issued out of Chester, and fell upon Sir William Brereton's quarters, and to relieve Beeston Castle, closely be­sieged Brereton. by Brereton; who hearing of the Enemies coming, drew out a party to encounter them: they placed their Ambuscadoes, which the Parlia­ments brake through, and routed the Enemy.

They took of them prisoners, Colonel Worden, Colonel Ware, divers other Officers, 200 common Souldiers, as many horse and arms, and killed and wounded a great number of them: this party of the Parliament was commanded, the horse by Lieute­nant Col. Jones, and the foot by Major Louthian.

News was brought that a Merchants ship from London, bound for the East Indies, revolted to the King, and went to Bristol, having in her 28 pieces of Ordnance, and above 30000 l. in Goods.

A party of the King's forces from Newark, came forth to gather Contribution, and took prisoners some Countrymen that were in arrear: the Com­mittee of Nottingham having notice thereof, sent forth a party, who pursuing those of Newark, they left their prisoners, and five or six of their men be­hind, and hasted to their quarters.

Nottingham men followed them close, and so far that another party of the Newark forces came forth upon them, routed them, recovered their priso­ners, and took of the Parliaments party Major Meldrum, Lieutenant Smith, and about 28 Souldi­ers, with their arms and horses.

The Commons resumed the Debate about the new Titles of the King's Commissioners, in the Titles. Safe Conduct for them, and at last it was agreed, That the new made Knights should have that Title gi­ven them, because it was not a Title under the Great Seal.

And for the new made Earl, and the two new Lords, their new Titles were not given them in the Safe Conduct because they were granted by the King, after the Great Seal was carried away from the Parliament, and so Sir Peter Killegrew was sent away towards Oxford, with the Safe Conduct thus corrected.

The Commons were moved for the Exchange of the Lord Brereton for Sir John Northcot; but they denied it till his Lordship should declare the busi­ness of the killing of divers of the Parliaments friends in cold blood at Nantwich.

The City petitioned the supply of Plymouth, which had been two years besieged, and concern­ing matters of Trade, and had thanks for their care.

The Commons finished the Ordinance for the new model of the Armies, and past several Votes concerning Church Government.

Sir Peter Killegrew who went to Oxford on Sa­turday, returned on Monday with the King's An­swer, That he waved the matters of honour, and was content that his Commissioners should treat under those Titles that were admitted by the Parlia­ment.

A complaint was made against Colonel Harvey by several Petitions, particularly by Mr. Squire concerning 3000 l. taken from him by the Colonel, or some of his Officers, which was referred to a Committee to be examined.

Divers Compositions of Delinquents were al­lowed.

The Ordinance for raising and maintaining forces under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, was sent up to the Lords.

An Ordinance was read for enabling the Scots to march Southwards.

Sir Charles Sherley and Mr. Devereux were sent for as Delinquents, for sending a Challenge to a Member of the House of Commons, who was also sent for.

Both Houses agreed that the three first days of Treaty. the Treaty should be for Religion, the three next for the Militia, and another three days for Ireland, and so alternis vicibus, and sent these Votes to the Committee of both Kingdoms for the concurrence of the Scots Commissioners, who desired some alte­rations; upon which the Commons debated till ten at night, and then adjourned the Debate till the next morning though it were the Fast Day.

Colonel Craford going from Aylesbury with C. Craford. about 80 horse to seek quarters, met with about 120 of the King's men under Colonel Blake, Go­vernour of Wallingford; and after a hot Dispute between them, he routed Blake, whom Cra­ford wounded in a single charge between them two.

Blake escaped by the goodness of his horse, all his men except 14 were killed and taken, and some few desperately wounded, and Craford lost but three men, and some wounded.

News came from the West, that Greenvile, in discontent, had pistolled Colonel Champernoun and his Brother.

The Commons sate all the Fast Day about the Treaty. business of the Treaty, the Lords sate in the after-noon, and at length all was agreed with the Scots Commissioners, that the Treaty is to be upon the three Propositions in order, three days upon each, and to begin with Religion.

And now some began to observe the difficulty, if Difficulties not inconvenience, of carrying on their affairs with a concurrence of Commissioners of another Kingdom, whereupon grew delays and difference of opinions, and not overmuch inclination to sub­mit to reason, more than to will.

Letters from Colonel Jephson informed, that Goring's forces had much endeavoured, and offered great rewards for the betraying of Portsea-bridge; and some who complied with him were apprehen­ded: that Goring was in Normandy beating up Drums for Souldiers to come for England.

A party of Goring's forces fell upon the quarters of some of the Parliaments forces near Farnham, took forty Prisoners, two Colours, killed five or six of their Foot, burnt a Barn full of Corn, four Houses, and set fire on several parts of the Town.

The Commons ordered Sir William Waller into the West to prevent these mischiefs.

The Covenant was ordered to be read in the Churches every Fast-day.

The Commons ordered a Letter for the speedy Scots. bringing up of the Scottish Army, but many were not satisfied therewith.

A party of the King's from Dunnington and Ba­zing, going to joyn with the Lord Hopton, by the way plundered the Countrey, and surprized the West-countrey Carriers. Colonel Devereux with a party from Marlborough fell upon them, took Prisoners Sir Anthony Saint Leger their Comman­der in chief, Major Hyde, divers other Officers, 30 Troupers, 50 Horse and Arms, and rescued the plunder.

Colonel Lucas was put out by the King from be­ing Governour of Belvoir Castle, and Sir Guy Palms put in his place: and Sir John Byron was removed from being Governour of Newark upon jealousie, that he held correspondence with some of the Par­liaments party.

The King's Garrison in Latham-house (as was informed) contrary to an agreement and cessa­tion [Page 122] of Arms, [...]allied out, and did much mischief to the Parliaments friends.

Jan. 29. The Commissioners for the Treaty on both parts met at Ʋxbridge, and had their several quarters; those for the Parliament and all their Ʋxbridge. Retinue on the North side of the Town, and those for the King on the South side, and no intermix­ture of the one party of their Attendants with the other: the best Inn of the one side was the Rendez­vous of the Parliaments Commissioners, and the best Inn of the other side of the Street was for the King's Commissioners.

The Evening that they came to Town several Visits passed between particular Commissioners of either party; as Sir Edward Hyde came to visit Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke, the Lord Culpepper visited Sir Henry Vane, and others of the King's Commissioners visited several of the Parliaments Commissioners, and had long Discourses about the Treaty, and to perswade one another to a com­pliance.

Mr. Whitelocke visited Sir Edward Hyde, and Mr. Palmer, and Sir Richard Lane, and others, and se­veral of the Parliaments Commissioners visited di­vers of the King's Commissioners, and had dis­courses with them tending to the furtherance of the business of the Treaty.

The Town was so exceeding full of company, that it was hard to get any quarter except for the Commissioners and their Retinue; and some of the Commissioners were forced to lie two of them in a Chamber together in Field Beds, onely upon a Quilt, in that cold weather not coming into a Bed during all the Treaty.

This place being within the Parliaments quar­ters, their Commissioners were the more civil, and desirous to afford accommodations to the King's Commissioners, and they thought it fit to appoint Sir John Bennet's House at the further end of the Town to be fitted for the place of meeting for the Treaty.

The foreway into the House was appointed for the King's Commissioners to come in at, and the backway for the Parliaments Commissioners; in the middle of the house was a fair great Chamber, where they caused a large Table to be made, like that heretofore in the Star-chamber, almost square, without any upper or lower end of it.

The King's Commissioners had one end, and one side of the Table for them; the other end and side was for the Parliaments Commissioners, and the end appointed for the Scots Commissioners to sit by themselves. Behind the Chairs of the Commissio­ners on both sides sate the Divines and Secretaries, and such of the Commissioners as had not room to sit next to the Table.

At each end of the great Chamber was a fair withdrawing Room, and Inner-chamber, one for the King's, the other for the Parliaments Commis­sioners, to retire unto, and consult when they pleased.

The first night of their being together, a little Prece­dence. before Supper, an intimation was given that the Chancellour of Scotland expected both at the Table and Meetings to have precedence of all the English Lords, and that Mr. Barkley and Mr. Kennedagh ex­pected to have precedence of the English Commis­sioners, who were but Esquires, except Mr. St. John, to whom they were pleased to allow precedence, because he was the King's Sollicitour.

Upon Discourse, the Arguments they insisted upon for the Chancellour, were, That he was the prime Officer of Scotland, and had precedence of all Dukes there, unless they were of the Blood Royal; and both the Kingdoms being now united, he was to have the same precedence in England as he had in Scotland.

To which was answered, That he was not Chancel­lour in England, nor had any precedence here, but in courtesie, as Earl of Loudoun; that formerly when the great Officers of England attended the King into Scotland, as soon as they came thither, they ceased to execute their Offices, and had no precedence there; and that it ought to be alike with the Chancellour of Scot­land when he was here.

For the precedence of Mr. Kennedah and Mr. Berkley before the Commissioners who were Es­quires, they were informed, that Mr. Whitlocke and Mr. Crew were eldest Sons of Knights, and that by the Law of England those were to have pre­cedence next to Knights, and consequently before the Scottish Gentlemen, with which they were sa­tisfied, but still they insisted upon the point of the Chancellour's precedence.

The Earl of Northumberland smiled at this con­test, and seemed to contemn it, of whose great Honour and Family, and the Antiquity of it the Scots Commissioners could not be ignorant, nor of the difference between that, and the Family of the Earl of Loudoun.

Yet Northumberland moved for satisfaction of the Scots, that the Chancellour and one other of the Scots Commissioners might sit at the upper end of the Table (which was not taken for the chief, but for the Womans place) and the rest of the Commissioners to sit in their ranks, on either side, and so that matter was for the present settled.

Officers had been sent down from the Parlia­ment to prepare all things fit for the Commissio­ners, and for their Diet and Entertainment, at which the Scots Commissioners were contented to have their share; and things were ordered very nobly and handsomely.

Mr. Thurloe and Mr. Earle were Secretaries for the English, and Mr. Cheesely for the Scots Commis­sioners: none sate at the Table with the Commis­sioners but the Ministers when there was room; and sometimes strangers, or persons of Quality, that came into them, and a very full Table was there kept for them; and alwaies before every Meal, one of the Ministers. Mr. Marshal or Mr. Vines, and now and then Mr. Henderson prayed, and suitable to the occasion.

On the first day of their meeting, Jan. 30. in the Evening, before they entred upon the Treaty; each side desired to know the others power for the Treaty, and to have Copies thereof.

A Petition from Kent presented by their Com­mittee, Petition. express their good affection to the Parlia­ment, and encourage the Commons to pursue the Self-denying Ordinance, and the thanks of the House was returned them.

The King's forces advancing towards Newport Paganel, Sir Samuel Luke the Governour, was sent down thither.

Divers Orders were made for Supplies for the several forces.

The Members of the House attended the Burial Mr. White. of Mr. John White of the Middle Temple, a Member of the House of Commons, a Puritan from his youth to his death, an Honest, Learned and Faithfull Ser­vant to the publick, but somewhat severe at the Committee for plundered Ministers.

The Lords read the Bill or Ordinance for raising Forces under Sir Thomas Fairfax; and the Com­mons ordered a Letter to be sent to him, for his speedy coming up to the Parliament: and whilst the Treaty for Peace went on, they did not slacken their pains to prepare for War, in case the Treaty should take no effect.

[Page 123] For the motion of the Scots Army Southwards, Letters were past by the Commons, and sent up to the Lords.

Jan, 31. The Commissioners for the Treaty ha­ving viewed; and considered each others powers, Treaty. and instructions, exceptions were taken on both sides to the meaning of some clauses in their In­structions.

Both Houses explained their meaning in those clauses excepted against, and the King's Commissi­oners sent to Oxford for satisfaction, to that which was excepted against by the Commissioners of both Kingdomes.

They agreed to give in to each other papers in in writing of their particular Proposals, and then as there should be occasion, to have verbal debates upon any of those particulars, and accordingly the Parliaments Commissioners delivered in Pa­pers to the King's Commissioners of four parti­culars concerning Religion, first to be treated on.

  • The Directory for Worship.
  • The taking away the Book of Common Prayer.
  • The Confirming of the Assembly of Divines.
  • And for the King to take the Covenant of both King­domes.

Feb. 1644.

1. Before the Commissioners on either part for the Treaty insisted on any debate, upon parti­culars; several resolutions were made by consent of both sides to this effect.

That all overtures of the Treaty should be set down in writing.

That whatsoever should be agreed to on both sides, upon any one or more of the Propositions, should be null, and of no force, in case the Treaty break off upon any of the Propositions.

The Parliaments Commissioners delivered to the King's Commissioners, in writing the Propositions and Votes of both Houses concerning the setling of Religion in a Presbyterial way, which were ap­pointed for the debate of the three first days of the Treaty.

Unto these the King's Commissioners did make some Quaeries, as,

  • 1. What was meant by the Presbyterial Govern­ment
    Quaeries.
    propounded to be Established.
  • 2. What was meant by Classes.
  • 3. What was meant by Provincial, and Synodical Assemblies.
  • 4. What by the bounds of Parishes, with other que­stions depending upon these.

Upon the entrance into the debate of the points, Doctor Steward spake very learnedly (though Dr. Ste­ward. seeming frowardly) against Presbyterial Govern­ment in the Church of England; which had so long been under Episcopacy, which he thought most suitable to our Church, and to be jure divino.

Mr. Henderson and Mr. Marshall answered the Doctor, commending the Presbyterian way of Government, and that Episcopacy was not so sui­table to the word of God, as Presbytery, which they argued to be jure Divino. Jure divi­n [...].

To which the Marquess Hartford spake to this effect.

My Lords: Here is much said concerning Church Marquess Hartford's Speech. Government in the General, the Reverend Doctors on the King's part, affirm that Episcopacy is Jure Divi­no; the Reverend Ministers of the other part do af­firm that Presbytery is Jure Divino, for my part, I think that neither the one nor the other, nor any Go­vernment whatsoever is Jure Divino, and I desire we may leave this Argument, and proceed to debate upon the particular Proposals.

The Earl of Pembroke was of the same judgment, and many of the Commissioners besides these two Lords, were willing to pass over this point, and to come to the particulars.

Dr. Steward thought the disputes to be too vari­ous, and general, and desired that they might di­spute Syllogistically, as became Schollars, and was the best way to find out the Truth.

Mr. Henderson told them, that he, in his younger days had been a pedagogue, and had also read Lo­gick, and Rhetorick to his Schollars, and had who­ly of late declined that kind of Learning; but ho­ped, he had not forgot all of it, and therefore a­greed to dispute Syllogistically.

In that way they proceeded upon the points ur­ged by the King's Doctors, which were very clear­ly and learnedly opened by Mr. Vines, Mr. Mar­shal, and Mr. Henderson, and very learnedly reply­ed unto by all the King's Doctors, who did seve­rally declare their judgments upon those points, but the Arguments on both parts were too large to admit a place in this story for them.

The King's Commissioners complained of a Ser­mon preached by Mr. Love at Ʋxbridge, the morn­ing Love's Ser­mon. before they entred upon the Treaty; wherein they said were many expressions in derogation of His Majesty, and the present Treaty; the Parlia­ment having notice thereof from their Commissio­ners, sent for Love, and referred the business to an examination.

The Commons passed an Ordinance for Tun­nage and Poundage.

2. Mr. Marshall preached this Sunday to the Par­liaments Commissioners.

3. The Commons denyed an exchange for Colo­nel Smith, once a Member of theirs, because he being a Prisoner of War, escaped, and was reta­ken; and because they were informed, that he said, the onely way to make the King's Forces successful, was to kill all the Ploughmen they met with, that the people might be deterred from ploughing their grounds, and so to starve the Roundheads.

Letters from Major Purefoy Governour of Comp­ton-house, informed, that about 1200 of the King's Puresoy. Forces, about two a Clock at night, fell upon him, and stormed his outworks, and cut down the great drawbridge, possest themselves of all Purefoy's Trouphorses, and took about 30 of his foot Soul­diers in their beds, they, taking the alarm, made good a new Sconce, and beat the Enemy out of the Court, where, about 200 of them were entred, and ready to storm the Sconce.

They were forced to retreat, and by a party of the Garrison of about 40, and fought at push of Pike, and Swords point, till Sir William and Sir Charles Compton gave ground; which Purefoy's Souldiers perceiving, leaped out at the Win­dows, and recovered the outworks, and the draw-bridge, and drew it up again, and so got them in a pound.

[Page 124] The Comptons Valiantly sought to storm again the outworks three times, and were as Valiantly beaten back, after three hours fight, they set on fire the hay, straw, and combustible stuff, which much annoyed Purefoy's men, and they threw a­bove 100 hand Granadoes, which set fire on the House in several places.

Then the Comptons sent a Trumpet to parley, but Purefoy forbad him speaking to the Souldiers, and sent him away.

The fight continued, and the fire increased, Purefoy drew all his men together, and fell upon the Enemy, and killed, and took many of them, upon which the Comptons drew off their foot, and faced the house with their horse, and sent another Trumpet to parley, who was answered onely with the shot of a Musket.

Of Compton's men, about 20 Officers were killed, and taken, 6 Cart loads of wounded men carried off, and about 40 Common Souldiers left dead be­hind, and many more taken Prisoners, and great store of Arms, and Purefoy writes that he had but two men wounded.

Northampton horse the next night fell upon the same party of the King's near Banbury, and took 60 horse and 30 prisoners.

The King's Commissioners having received an­swers Treaty. to all their Quaeries touching Presbyterian Government, it was desired by the Parliaments Commissioners, that they would declare their resolu­tions therein, Positively, or Negatively, but answer was returned, that they could not, untill they had made a further progress in the other Propositions.

Thereupon the Parliaments Commissioners deli­vered in to them, several Papers, to treat on the business of the Militia, which was appointed to be debated, the next day in the morning.

4. The Commissioners being met, Sir Edward Militia. Hyde in the first place would have had it for gran­ted that the whole power of the Militia by the Law of England is in the King onely.

This by Mr. Whitelocke was deny'd to be so very clear: and he undertook to make it out that our Law doth not positively affirm where that great Power is lodged, and doubted not but to satisfy the Commissi­oners fully in that point. Whereupon it was moved that a day might be appointed to hear their Argu­ments; when the Earl of Southampton Interposed saying.

My Lords, We have already spent much time in debates touching the matters of Religion; and although I should be very glad to hear both these worthy Gentle-men speak to this point, by whom we may receive much satisfaction therein; yet I think that it will more conduce to the setling of our business, to decline any debate upon this matter, and to see how far we can meet one a­nother in the composure of the business upon this Propo­sition.

Hollis, My Lords, I think it is very well moved by that Noble Lord, for saving of our time; and more for endeavouring to compose any difference, that may be upon this Proposition, by coming as near as we can to satisfy one another, and therefore, though I should ac­count the time very well spent to hear these worthy Gentlemen, who I believe, would very much inlighten our judgments in this matter; yet I doubt it may not tend so much to a composure of it, as may be by de­clining the Debate.

Several others of the Commissioners spake to the same effect with the Earl of Southampton, and Mr. Hollis; and thereupon it was thought fit to lay aside the debate between Sir Edward Hyde, and Mr. Whitelocke: and the Commissioners proceeded in the Treaty upon the Particulars of the Propo­sitions of the Militia.

The Commissioners of both Kingdomes, at their return to their Quarters, gave Whitelocke thanks for encountring Sir Edward Hyde upon the point of Right of the Militia, wherein he was so confi­dent, and said the Honour of the Parliament was concerned therein, and vindicated by him.

The Assembly sent to the Commons a further Assembly. part of the Directory for Government of the Church in a Presbyterial way, as to the point of Excommunication, and that some of them dissented in that point.

The Lords agreed to the Ordinance for the new Model of the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax, with some Alterations and Additions, that the Officers Army. should be named by both Houses; That all the Officers and Souldiers shall take the Covenant, and submit to the Church Government agreed on by the Houses; and that every Lord Lieutenant be of the Committee of that County for this Ordinance.

Many Orders about the Scots Army moving Southwards, and for supplies for them, and for an establishment for the Garrison of Ports­mouth.

Captain Hacker going to fortify Sir Erasmus de Malton. la Fountains house near Malton, a party of the King's came upon them, but were repulsed; and during the fight, some of Hacker's men running into the house for powder, set two Barrels on fire, which blew up part of the house, but withall discovered plate and jewels to the value of 600 l. that were hid there by the Enemy.

Colonel Hastings for the King sent out War­rants, for Carriages to fetch Hay to Ashby; the Parliaments Forces sent out their Warrants to bring the Hay to Coleorton; but Hastings was too quick, and had compelled the Country to load the Hay, and with a strong guard was bringing of it to his Garrison.

Captain Temple the High Sheriff of the County, having notice thereof, with his Troop got between them and Ashby in the van, and three Troops of Derby following in the reer, after a little engage­ment, Hastings his men fled, and were routed and pursued, 40 of them taken Prisoners, 60 horse Arms, and all their Hay.

5. Debate about the Ordinance for the new Mo­del, and Orders concerning Musters, and pay of the Army and about the Navy, and for guards of the fishermen.

A Committee of both Houses to consider of sun­dry Letters, and Papers concerning the County of Leicester.

Letters from Captain Cranley from Portsmouth informed, that the Lord Brabson, Sir Henry Tich­burne, Sir James Hare, and the rest of the King's Commissioners for the Irish business, lately taken at Sea, had Letters and Papers taken about them, of great consequence, which with the Prisoners were sent up to the Parliament, who referred the business to the Committee of both Kingdomes to be examined.

The point of Peerage in the Tryal of the Lord Peerage. Macquire was argued in the King's Bench, and the opinion of the Court was, that he should be tryed there by an Ordinary Jury.

The King's Commissioiners at Ʋxbridge kept a solemn Fast, and the like was in all the King's Quarters for the good success of the Treaty, and in the evening they delivered a Paper to the Par­liaments Commissioners, that the next day they would give their answer touching the Militia.

6. The debate touching excommunication put off.

Report of the Bill for taking away of Bishops, and those of Ireland added to be abolished, and [Page 125] several Votes concerning Church Government, sent up to the Lords.

Some new Sheriffs appointed.

Orders for supplies of Abbington.

Colonel Gerrard besieged Cardigan Castle kept by Lieutenant Colonel Poole, and by stratagem got Cardigan Castle. into the Town, and cut down the bridg to pre­vent Relief coming to the Castle, where they wan­ted Provisions.

Gerrard sent a summons to the Castle, that if they did not surrender by a day, they should have no quarter. Poole and his men returned Answer, that they had divers raw hides, which when they wanted provisions, they would first eat, and when they were spent, then they would come out and fight for their lives, but would not surrender the Castle.

In the mean time Poole sent to Major Laughorne for relief, who came with a strong party, and finding the bridge broken down, he by faggots and pieces of wood, got his men over the River, and sent an arrow into the Castle with a Letter to give them notice of his coming, and that they should Salley out upon the Enemy, the same time that he fell on.

All which was performed so successfully, that Gerrard's Forces were all routed, 200 of them slain upon the place, 4 brass pieces of Ordnance, 600 Arms, and 150 Prisoners taken, whereof Ma­jor Slaughter, divers inferiour Officers, and Dr. Taylor.

The King's Commissioners gave in their An­swer Militia. about the Militia, wherein they agree to set­tle the Militia for three years, and in the hands of twenty persons, ten of them to be chosen by the King, and the other ten by the Parliament: And that it shall be High Treason for any to continue such power in the Militia, after three years. And for the Militia to be settled in Scotland, they gave no Answer at all; though the Papers delivered into them, were to settle the Militia of both Kingdoms.

This Answer of the King's Commissioners to the great Point of the Militia, gave much dissatis­faction to the Parliaments Commissioners. And the Earl of Northumberland, Mr. Pierpoint, Mr. Hol­lis, and Mr. Whitelocke, with others of them, advi­sing in private about it, endeavoured by particular applications to their friends of the King's Com­missioners, to get a better Answer, and more com­plying with the Parliament from them.

But it could not be obtained, and they hinted to them, that they were bound up by their Instructi­ons from the King, that they could go no further. Yet they promised to send to Oxford, to see if they could prevail there, for a further concession from his Maje­sty in this particular. But nothing came of it.

They sent the Papers on both parts in every dis­patch to the Parliament, and when these of the Militia were read, the House of Commons, seemed much troubled at them: some were pleased, who were no great Wishers of Peace; and others doubt­ed thereupon of any good success in the present Treaty.

7. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London sent a Letter to the Speaker, intimating the scarcity of London. Flesh-meats, by the destruction of Cattel in the time of these Wars, and the good by encouraging the Fish­ing; and submitted the whole, not as to the keeping of Lent, but to prevent Dearth, to the judgment of the houses: Who ordered an Ordinance to be brought in for this business.

After a Debate from Morning till the Evening, upon the alterations made by the Lords in the Or­dinance of the new Model; the Commons voted, That Sir Thomas Fairfax should nominate all the Commanders in his Army, to be taken out of any the Army. other Armies, and to receive the approbation of both Houses.

The Scots Commissioners at Ʋxbridge were much unsatisfied, that no Answer was given touching the Ʋxbridge. settlement of the Militia in Scotland, and took it as an high neglect of that Kingdom.

They and the Parliaments Commissioners gave in some Papers to the King's Commissioners, touch­ing the Propositions for Ireland.

A Letter was past to be sent to the Parliament of Scotland, concerning the Scots present advance Southwards.

8. The Commons state from Eight a Clock in the Army. Morning, till Eight a Clock at Night, upon the Alterations made by the Lords in the Ordinance, for the new Model. And agreed to most of them, and ordered Reasons to be drawn up to satisfie the Lords in those wherein they differed.

They voted, that all Officers in the new Army that shall be approved by both houses, shall take the Cove­nant within twenty days, and the Souldiers, in a time to be set for it.

The rest of the Papers upon the Propositions for Ireland, were delivered in to the King's Com­missioners for the Treaty,

9. The Lords-day one of the Ministers with the Commissioners preached very seasonably for the Occasion in the Morning, and another in the Af­ternoon.

Some Visits past between some of the Commis­sioners on both parts, and indeavours to perswade one another to nearer terms of agreement, but to little effect.

10. Some Debate touching the Point of Excom­munication.

The Lords concurred with the Commons in a Letter to the Parliament of Scotland, for the Scots. March of their Army Southwards: and the place of their Rendezvous was referred to the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms, for the more secrecy thereof.

They also agreed in Approbation of the Opi­nion of Judge Bacon, in over-ruling the Plea of Macquire, Peerage. Macquire, in the point of Peerage, who was this day at his Tryal in the King's Bench, and excepted against twenty three of the twenty four, returned of the Jury.

The Commons past the Bill for taking away Episcopacy in Ireland as in England, and sent it up to the Lords for their Concurrence.

They nominated several High Sheriffs.

11. Orders for Money and Supplies for the Navy.

The Reasons of the Commons for their differ­ing from some Alterations made by the Lords, in the Ordinance of the new Model, where delivered to the Lords.

A Petition of Merchants trading into France, (whose Goods were seized there, and Letters of Marque granted against all that adhered to the Par­liament) was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, and to draw up a Letter to be sent to the King of France, for redress therein.

Propositions touching Navigation sent from the Lords.

The Commons had information of a great De­sign in Bucks, to dissolve the Treaty at Ʋxbridge, to be effected by a Petition framed for them; and Petition. great endeavours to get hands to it in Bucks.

The Petition was directed to the Commissioners of both sides at Ʋxbridge, and 5000 Inhabitants were designed to come with it.

The Commons had a Copy of the Petition, the Effect whereof was, That Religion might be esta­blished as in the purest times of Queen Elizabeth, &c.

[Page 126] Sir John Lawrence was informed to be the active Promoter of this Petition, and was therefore sent for in Custody to the Parliament.

The Directory for Worship was much approved by the Assembly in Scotland.

General Leven went towards Carlisle, to assist in the Siege there.

Macquire upon his Tryal in the King's Bench, was Macquire. found Guilty, and had Judgment of High Trea­son pronounced against him, to be hanged, drawn, and quartered: He desired to be beheaded, and to have his Execution respited, till he might speak with Sir Bazill Brooke, and Mr. Walter Mountague. The Judge said, he would acquaint the Parliament therewith, and observe their directions.

The King's Commissioners at Ʋxbridge gave in Ʋxbridge. their Answer to the Proposition concerning Ire­land, Ireland. and therein justified the King, in making a ces­sation with the Rebels there; and that he is in honour bound to maintain it. And they would by no means yield to that part of the Proposition, To prosecute the War against the Irish Rebels.

The Commissioners entred upon a second De­bate, concerning Religion; the King's Doctors Religion. highly insisted for Episcopacy.

12. Orders for new Sheriffs, and for Monies for the Army; and the Lords were desired to ex­pedite the Ordinance for the Model.

News came that Goring's Horse, and a party of Foot from Portland, by a sudden assault took the Works at Weymouth, and the Town was in great danger to be lost, if not suddenly relieved.

Orders were thereupon sent to Sir William Wal­ler, to march immediately for relief of Weymouth.

The House was in a Grand Committee to con­sider of the business of the Navy, and of the Cu­stoms.

An Ordinance past for raising of Monies for the Scots Army to march Southwards.

13. Letters from Sir William Waller intimated Disobedience in some of the Souldiers to march into the West, and desired further power. The House re­ferred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to give such power accordingly.

Such was the inconstancy of the Souldiers, and the incertainty of the Affairs of the Parliament, and of War.

Those who had been so well paid by the Parlia­ment, now dispute their Commands, occasioned Souldiers unruly. by the unsettledness of the Parliaments business, and the Discontents among the Souldiery, because their General Essex was laid aside. And here be­gan their first unruliness.

Treasurers of Counties ordered to pay no Mo­nies to Commanders who lay down their Com­missions, without further order.

Letters from Major Bridges Governour of War­wick, informed, that he sent two of the three Companies of his Garrison by small parties into the Country, as to gather Contribution, but com­manded the Officers not to return without further Orders from him.

To these he got an addition of eighty foot, and seventy horse, with these he marched all Night, and the next Morning by Day-break began to storm Stoke-house, which the King's Forces were then fortifying, and stood between two other of their Garrisons, the House was strong, and stoutly defended for an hour and an half, and then Bridges M. Bridges. entred it by force, without the loss of one man, though, they were without shelter, and the bullets and stones flew thick about them.

The King's Garrison at Campden and Evesham drew out to relieve their friends; but Bridges had done his work, took away his Prisoners, and fired the house being a Fort onely of Pa­pists.

The Prisoners were 5 Papist Captains, and about 30 more Officers and Gentlement all Papists, be­sides the Common Souldiers.

The Commons delivered their reasons [...] the Lords, why they could not agree; that those Com­manders Covenant. who refused the Covenant, should be made un­capable of ever serving the Parliament; because that scruple of Conscience might in time be removed, and they be persuaded to take the Covenant, to the rest they agreed.

At the same conference they offered Letters that Mutinous Souldiers. came from the Army, from persons of credit, of the great complaints against some Commanders of Horse, and of the mutinous, and disobedient car­riage of the Souldiers, refusing to march, to relieve Weymouth being in great distress, and that at the Muster, no men appeared so full, and well armed, and civil as Colonel Cromwel's horse. Cromwel.

The Lords then shewed other Letters of the mutinous carriage of the Soldiers, all which were referred to the Committee of both Kingdomes, to be examined.

Letters from Sir Will, Waller informed, that he Waller. was resolved to march to relieve. Weymouth with those that will follow him, the rest to be looked upon according to their demerit.

The Committee reported several murthers, Souldiers insolent. rapes, and other cruelties, committed by some of the Parliaments Souldiers, particularly some ser­vants, slain or wounded desperately, of Mr. Ho­byes, a Member of the House, and he called by them a Parliament dog.

Some of the Officers grew unsufferably dissolute, and insolent; and their Souldiers followed the ex­ample of their Commanders, so that it was found high time to make a reformation among them.

The Ordinance was debated for restraining the killing of flesh.

The French Letters were stayed, because of sen­ding the Parliaments Letters to the King of France, to take off the seisure there, of some of the English Merchants goods.

Goods of some Tradesmen of London sold to the Enemy, were restored, because they were not for hostility, and the same men Traded to Ales­bury.

Captain Stone, under Sir Will. Brereton, marched with a small party against Pattshall house, a Popish Capai Stone. Garrison, strongly fortified and moated; and ta­king the opportunity of the drawbridg being let down, he suddenly forced his passage, surprized the Centries, and fell in among the Garrison, fought with them in the house, killed many, and took with divers Gentlemen of Quality, two Jesuits, and about 60 Souldiers prisoners, and possessed the House, Arms, Ammunition, and good prize.

The first three days of the Treaty were spent Ʋxbridge. upon the Popositions touching Religion, the three next days about the Militia, the third three days about Ireland; then they began again with other three days about Religion, whereof this was the last.

In this time of the Treaty, the King's Commis­sioners would not agree to the taking away of Bi­shops, only they offered some limitation of their power.

The Directory for Worship settled by Parlia­ment, they would not agree unto, and the National Covenant, they in express and positive terms de­nied.

Doctor Steward, and Dr. Shelden again argued very positively, That the Government by Bishops was [Page 127] Jure divino. Mr. Hinderson, and Mr. Vines argued as positively, but more modestly to the contrary, and that the Government of the Church by Presbyte­ries, was Jure divino.

15. The Lords assented to the leaving out the Jure di­vino. Clause in the Ordinance for the new Model to make them uncapable who refused the Covenant, Covenant. but that they should be displaced from their Com­mands, till they did take it, to which the Com­mons to avoid more delay, agreed, and so the Or­dinance passed.

Sir William Brereton sent out a party, and beat the Enemy from Holt-bridge, and placed a Garri­son there.

He continues the Siege at Beeston Castle, and Chester, and himself took the Field, with the ad­ditional Forces of Warwickshire and other Coun­ties, to attend the motions of Prince Maurice.

16. The Lords-day the Parliaments Commis­sioners had two good Sermons in their own Lodg­ings.

17. The French Resident wrote a Letter to the House of Commons, as by direction from his Ma­ster the French King, advising the Parliament to pro­rogue the Treaty at Uxbridge for some longer time, as Ʋxbridge. that, which in his opinion would conduce much to the good of the Kingdom, and was of great concernment; and that it was the custom of other Princes to prorogue Treaties, and so it was then at the Treaty of Munster. There was nothing done upon this Letter.

The Commissioners at Ʋxbridge were entred up­on the Propositions concerning the Militia, secunda Militia. vice, and upon consultation of the Commissioners of both Kingdoms, they held it requisite to send one of their own number up to the Parliament, to give them a full account of all their proceedings hitherto, and to desire some further Instructions from them, and particularly touching the Mi­litia.

Whitelocke was sent by them upon this Service, and accordingly he gave an account to them, where-with they declared themselves to be well satisfied, and approved the proceedings of the Commissi­oners.

They likewise voted, That the Commissioners at Uxbridge should treat three days more than the twenty daies first allotted, in lieu of the three Lords-days that happened in that time, so that the Treaty is to continue till the two and twentieth of Febr. and that they shall have power to treat on any of the three Propositions ap­pointed to be treated on.

The Marquess of Argyle sent into the Army of the Earl of Montross some Scouts and Spies, who at first dealt faithfully with him, but afterwards betrayed him, and sent him Intelligence, that the Argyle routed. Army of Montross with the Irish Rebels come over into Scotland, were remote from him, whereas they were near to his Forces.

Argyle (though late) having discovered this and the Enemies coming upon him, and finding his Of­ficers and Souldiers full of mettle, resolved to fight them, but in the Battel some of his men, those of Rentire revolted from him, and turned their Musquets against their fellows.

This so discouraged Argyle's men, that they gave back and retreated, which Montross percei­ving, fell on with great resolution upon them, routed the whole body of Argyle's men, killed di­vers, and took many of them Prisioners.

A party of about 150 of the King's from Skipton, beat up Colonel Brandling's quarters at Heightley, Colonel Brandling. surprized the Guards, came into the Town, and took near a hundred prisoners, 60 horse, and o­ther booty.

As they returned, Colonel Lambert's men fell upon them, rescued their friends and the booty, took Captain Hugh's who commanded the King's party, killed his Lieutenant, and about 15 of his men, and took about 20 of them prisoners, pursu­ing the rest to Skipton. Samon one of Lambert's Captains, and about eight of his Souldiers were killed.

Sir John Meldrum got the Power of the Harbour at Scarborough, and appointed to storm the Town.

18. Orders about the Navy, and new Commissi­oners of the Customs.

A Letter from Prince Rupert to the Lord Ge­neral, for release of some persons imprisoned con­trary to Articles, was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to have right done.

Sir Thomas Fairfax came privately to Town, and a Committee was appointed to consider of raising Moneys and Recruits for his speedy taking of the Field.

About 700 of the mutinous Troops being come near London, care was taken to prevent Surrey, Mutinous Troops. Kent, and the adjacent Counties, from any incon­veniences by them.

Tobias Basely formerly a Porter, condemned by the Council of War for a Spy, and betraying Carriers, was hanged in Smithfield.

Prince Griffith petitioned, that since he was in custody, he was poysoned, and had but a few days to live. Whereupon two Doctors were approved by the House to visit him.

19. Four Members of the Commons House were sent by them for Sir Thomas Fairfax, to bring him Sir Thomas Fairfax. to the House, where a Chair was set for him, but he modestly refused to sit down.

The Speaker told him somewhat of Agamemnon and of the old Romans; which I have forgotten; then he informed him of the trust the Kingdom reposed in him, in the Command of the Army, and the good opinion they had of him for his valour and fidelity, gi­ving him thanks in the name of the House, for the many and great services he had done for the publick, and in the defence of Religion, Laws, and Liberty, and in­couraged him to go on as he had begun.

The Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage sent up to the Lords, and another touching the Excise.

Weymouth held out, and received some relief by Sea from Poole.

Sir William Waller was upon his march to them.

The House received Letters from their Com­missioners at Ʋxbridge, with several Papers con­cerning the Militia, and the Reply made by the Ʋxbridge Militia. King's Commissioners, who took advantage the last point of time to deliver in their Reply, when it might be conceived, no Answer could be made to it by the Parliaments Commissioners.

But they being impowred by their additional Instructions to reassume the business of the Militia when they pleased; the Parliament voted, that their Commissioners shall have power to treat with the King's Commissioners about passing a Bill for settling the Militia in the power of the Parliament, until such time as the three Kingdoms shall be reduced to peace, and so declared by Parliament, and three years after; or else for seven years from the time of the granting the Militia, and after that, his Majesty to take the ad­vice of both Houses of Parliament for the settling thereof. And the Commissioners of both Kingdoms delivered in a Paper accordingly.

The Earl of Southampton, and some others of the King's Commissioners went from Ʋxbridge to Oxford, to the King about the business of the Treaty, to receive some further directions from his Majesty therein.

The Doctors reported Griffith to be in no dan­ger.

[Page 128] 20. The Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage, with the Clause for Currants, passed both Houses.

Orders for setting forth the Fleet.

Letters from Holland to the Parliament advise, that Brown Bushel was at Sea with a small Fleet, in­tended for Piracy.

Information of a Design to cause the Souldiers to mutiny, was referred to be examined.

An Ordinance passed for raising of 21000 l. for Scots Army the Scots Army, to be repaid out of Sequestra­tions.

The Committee at Goldsmiths-hall had 30000 l. ready to be sent to the Scots Army upon their ad­vance Southwards.

The King's Forces intending to keep a Guard near Harrington, Brown sent out a party of Horse from Abington, who suddenly fell upon them, sur­prized the whole Guard, being about nineteen, and brought them prisoners to Abington.

After that he sent out another party, who in­tercepted and brought away 27 horse-loads of Corn, Cheese, and other Provisions, going to­wards Oxford.

Major Purefoy fell upon the Enemy near Oxford, too [...] a Lieutenant and other Officers, 12 Troupers, and Arms.

The Lord Macquire was executed at Tyburn, he Macquire. refused to make any Confession, but died despe­rately.

21. The Parliament sent an Express to their Commissioners at Ʋxbridge, with their Vote to pro­pound Ʋxbridge. Militia. a Limitation of the Militia for three years, af­ter the three Kingdoms are declared by the King and Parliament to be settled in peace, or to have it settled in the Parliament for seven years, after the time the King is willing to settle it.

To this effect they delivered in a Paper to the King's Commissioners, and endeavoured to per­swade their Compliance, and were full of hopes that they would have consented to it.

Several Ordinances passed for 20000 l. supplied by the Commissioners of Excise, and an Ordinance for all Souldiers to repair to their Colours within 48 hours, and an Ordinance was sent up to the Lords for the new Commissioners of the Customs.

Orders for the Commissioners of the Navy, and for the Prince Elector.

22. The Commissioners at Ʋxbridge sent a Letter Ʋxbridge. to the Parliament, with all the Papers, containing the three Treaties of the three last days about Ire­land, Ireland. wherein the Kings Commissioners did not think fit to yield to any of the Propositions, but again justified the Cessation with his Majestie's Ca­tholick Subjects there.

The Parliaments Commissioners in their Reply, laid home the innocent blood shed by the Irish Rebels.

Letters from Sir John Meldrum informed, that Feb. 18. about ten a Clock the Town of Scarborough Scarbo­rough. was stormed in four places by the English and Sco­tish Souldiers, who gained the Town and Church with the loss of eleven men; in the Church they took 80 Souldiers, and the Governour of Hemsley Castle.

Cholmley perceiving the Town like to be lost, Sir Hugh Cholmley. fled into the Castle, and was pursued, and one of the Works taken, but the White Tower in the Castle commanding it, they beat out Meldrum's men with stones.

Cholmley laboured to escape by Sea in a little Pin­nace he had there, which he called his Running Horse, but Meldrum got Boats between him and Meldrum. the Pinnace, and forced him back again into the Ca [...]tie.

Sir Hugh Cholmley had five Dunkirk Vessels lying in the Road, who interrupted Meldrum's men in the Storm, but his Canoniers sunk two of them, and the other three fled away.

Meldrum took in the Town and Church 32 pie­ces of Ordnance, with store of Arms, and other prize, and in the Haven 120 Ships.

The Commons ordered 1000 l. to be bestowed on Sir John Meldrum, and 20 l. to him that brought the news.

Weymouth still held out, and a party from Mel­combe Regis, sallied out upon the King's Forces, who besieged these Towns joyning together, and took of them 60 horse, and many prisoners.

The King's Commissioners, the Lord Capel, and Ashburnham, returned from Oxford to Ʋxbridge, Ʋxbridge. Treaty brake off. after which the King's Commissioners delivered in no further Paper, but only insisted upon longer time for the Treaty.

The Parliaments Commissioners answered, that if the King had consented to any one of the Propositions, it might have been some encouragement to move the Parliament for longer time, but as things were it could not be expected.

Both Houses sate till nine a clock at night, in ex­pectation of some good news from Ʋxbridge, this being the last day of the Treaty; and about eight at night at a Conference, the Lords communicated to the Commons a Paper from the King's Com­missioners at Ʋxbridge, For the King to come to Westminster upon a safe Conduct, so that the Treaty might be continued for a longer time.

Which being debated, and a Letter coming the same time from the Parliaments Commissioners from Ʋxbridge, That all this day till seven at night, there appeared no Compliance in the King's Commis­sioners to grant any of the Propositions, and that they pressed only for a longer time.

Upon this the House of Commons did rise, with­out doing any thing in the business, and this night till twelve a clock the Commissioners may treat, and not longer; and the Parliaments Commissioners have declared, That to morrow being the Lords-day, is not intended for one of the two days within the safe Conduct for them to return.

This caused much trouble in the minds of many honest men, Lovers of their Countries peace; and divers of the Kings Commissioners, as well as the other, seemed sorry that all their endeavours to so good an end, should prove so fruitless.

The King's Commissioners thought the advantage much on their part, that longer time to treat was denied by the Parliament, and gave it out, That if that had been granted, there would have been a hap­py issue of the Treaty.

Those of the other side affirmed, That there could be no expectation of a good issue of the Treaty, or Inducement for the Parliament to grant longer time for the Treaty, when not one of the Parliaments Pro­positions was granted by the King, during the whole time of the Treaty.

Various Judgments were passed by all persons, according to their own fancies or interests, most sober men lamented the sudden breach of the Treaty.

Colonel Fiennes sent out a party of his Regiment, who fell upon a party of the King's near Newbury, took forty good Horse and all their Arms, about 100 l. in Contribution-money, which the Enemy had gathered in the Country, took prisoners Ma­jor Maxwell, Captain Paddon his Lieutenant, and 16 Souldiers.

23. The Lords-day the Commissioners had Ser­mons in their Lodgings.

24. The States Ambassadors came to the Speaker Dutch Ambassa­dors. in the morning, before he went to the House, and desired Audience in the House this morning, To im­part [Page 129] to them something of Consequence. The Speaker excused it, That the House could not give a Reception answerable to their quality, on such short warning. They desired not to insist on that, and to come only with their own Attendants.

The Speaker acquainted the House herewith, and they gave way to the Ambassadors coming, who went first to the Lords, and after to the Com­mons, and delivered their Message to this effect.

Shewing, the great desires and endeavours of their Masters continued, for an accommodation between the King and Parliament, which concerns all Protestants, and particularly their Lords and Masters. That his Majesty while they were at Oxford, honoured them by communicating to them what passed at the Treaty at Uxbridge.

And declared to them, that if the Parliament be not satisfied with what he offered concerning Church-government, his Majesty is contented that a National Synod be called of Divines from all the Protestant Churches in Europe, for their advice herein.

After this their Message delivered, the Ambas­sadors returned, and this morning the Commis­sioners of Parliament returned from Ʋxbridge to the two Houses, but made no report till the next day.

Letters from Captain Batten informed, that he had relieved Melcombe Regis by Sea, with Provi­sions, and 100 Seamen: that 60 men in Weymouth were privy to a Plot, for betraying Weymouth to the Enemy.

That the Parliaments Forces in Melcombe, by the benefit of a fair wind, fired divers of the Ene­mies Ships in the Haven, and a part of Weymouth. That Colonel Sydenham and his men maintain Melcombe with great gallantry.

Captain Swanley by Sea relieved Plymouth, and landed some Foot-souldiers there, who with a par­ty of the Garrison sailled out upon the Besiegers that had gained a Hill, and Mount Stamford work, formerly slighted; but now the King's Forces were busie in raising a very strong Work there.

The Garrison and Seamen fell upon them unex­pectedly, beat them from their new work, and at length out of the field, and pursued them two miles, took 104 Officers and common Souldiers, whereof a Lieutenant Colonel, a Major, 4 Captains, and other inferiour Officers, and 300 Arms, and lost but one man slain, and another wounded.

A party of Sir William Brereton's under Sir John Brereton. Price, a Member of Parliament, took Apseley House in Shropshire, and in it, Sir William and Sir Thomas Whitmore, Sir Francis Oatley, Mr. Owen, and other Commissioners of Array there sitting, and about 60 common Souldiers. Prince Maurice declined fight­ing with Brereton. Colonel Craford at Rusham in Oxfordshire, took 40 Horse with men and Arms of the King's.

25. The Parliaments Commissioners reported all the passages the last day of the Treaty. The Com­mons approved of what was done by the Commissi­oners; Treaty. and that they had discharged their duties with singular judgment and fidelity: and returned them thanks for their pains.

Letters from the Committee at Wem, and from Sir William Brereton, informed, that the Committee ha­ving several times attempted the taking of Shrews­bury, but failed therein: On the last Lords-day a­bout Shrewsbu­ry taken. 1200 horse and foot under Colonel Mitton, marched to Shrewsbury, and unexpectedly entred and surprized the Town and Castle.

They took there 8 Knights and Baronets, 40 Co­lonels, Majors, Captains, and others of quality, and 2000 thers prisoners, one Captain, and 5 Souldi­ers slain, 15 pieces of Ordnance taken, store of Arms and Ammunition, Prince Maurice his Magazine, divers Carriages, Bag and Baggage of the Princes.

An Allowance was given to the Lord Herbert of Cherbury, for his livelihood, having been spoiled by the King's Forces.

Upon the Cities Petition, an Ordinance for ra­ting those who have Stocks in Trade, and absent themselves; and Orders for seizing suspicious per­sons and Arms; and an Ordinance for raising Soul­diers, Gunners, and Chirurgeons for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army.

With an Exception to press none in the Univer­sities, Inns of Court, and Chancery, trained Bands, &c. or Esquires, or their Sons or Officers, Sea-men, &c.

26. The publick Monthly fast solemnly kept.

27. A Messenger from Melcombe Regis, informed, that the Town held out still, and expected Sir Wil­liam Waller's approach to them, that a party of 80 of their Horse sallied out, and routed near 300 of the Enemy, and took 60 horse, and another time 30.

The House ordered Colonel Cromwel to march with all speed into the West, to joyn with Waller.

The Government of Shrewsbury was referred to the Committee of that County, and 4000 l. to be provided for them to raise Forces, and 20 l. given to their Messenger.

A party under Sir Maronaduke Langdale, march­ing Northwards, fell upon a party of the Parlia­ments in Northamptonshire whom they routed, kil­led Langdale. some, and took divers of them prisoners, and the rest shifted for their lives, and by flight saved themselves.

The same party of the King's fell upon some Dra­goons of the Parliaments in Leicestershire, and rou­ted them.

28. Several Officers of the new Army approved by the Commons.

A party of Col. Massey's men under his Brother, fell upon Sir John Winter in the Forest of Dean, rou­ted him, and made him swim the River of Wye, in which 60 of Winter's men were drowned, 70 slain, besides Col. Gamme, and Lieutenant Colonel Win­ter, 120 taken prisoners, 140 Horse taken, several Officers, and 300 Arms.

The Commons ordered a Letter of thanks to Massey, and Supplies.

March, 1644.

1. The Commons proceeded in the List of the Officers of the Army.

They sent to the City to call a Common Hall the Common Hall. 4th of March, That the Commissioners for the Treaty at Uxbridge, might then acquaint the City with the proceedings at that Treaty, and the aversness of the King's party to the peace. They have already set forth a Declaration at Oxford, for the vindication of themselves in that business.

An Ordinance for Provisions for the Parliaments Forces before Pomfret, another for the Essex Forces.

Letters from Colonel Sydenham, and Captain Batten, informed, that Goring had spent much time with 5000 horse and foot, before Melcombe, but had made no honourable attempt, only the night be­fore endeavoured to cast up a Work before Mel­combe, betwixt it and the Seas; but Sydenham sent out a party, who beat them from their Work, kil­led two, and took divers prisoners, and all their Tools, without any loss.

3. The Commons past the List of Officers for the new Army.

Mr. Pryn was ordered to Print the Proceedings of the Archbishop's Tryal.

Orders for a Committee to hasten the Declara­tion of the Proceedings of the Treaty at Ʋxbridge, [Page 130] in which much labour was put upon Mr. Pierpoint and Whitelocke.

Mr. Sherrington, Talbot, and Mr. Dowdeswell, Commissioners of Array in Wigorn, were taken, and sent up.

The Chapel Fort at Weymouth was taken by the Parliaments Forces from the King's.

Letters from Sir William Brereton, informed, that four Regiments of Irish Rebels were lately landed in Wales for the King's Service.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale's party were met with by Colonel Rosseter near Melton, where they had a sharp Encounter, and loss on both sides. Of Lang­dal's party were slain Colonel Tuke, Major Kert­lington, Captain Markham, and about 100 others; of Rosseter's about 50, but no Officer; he lost one Colours, and took two.

Langdale got Provisions into Newark, and was recruited to 3000, and Rosseter followed him with 2000.

4. The French Agent sent a Letter to the Parlia­ment, of the desires of his Master and the Queen Regent, That the Parliament would continue the Treaty with the King. The House ordered a Com­mittee to draw up a fair and respective Answer to the Letter, but not to consent to any thing of re­newing the Treaty.

The Speaker was authorized to give Passes to Delinquents to come into the Parliament, and to compound at Goldsmiths-hall for their Delin­quency.

The Parliaments Forces in Melcombe, Febr. 25. having regained Chapel Fort, of great prejudice Melcombe. to the King's Forces, they resolved by a Council of War, to fall again upon the Fort, and upon the Town of Melcombe at once in several places.

The same Evening that they resolved to do it, one of Melcombe Souldiers who had been taken pri­soner, escaped, and gave notice to the Governour of this Design, who got his men in readiness.

The King's men that night assaulted the Line about Melcombe in five or six places, and the Cha­pel, with great resolution; but were in every place repulsed, and lost about 150 of their men. In which Service, Captain Batten and his Seamen did very bravely: the Enemy retreated back to Weymouth, the Melcombe Souldiers stood still upon their guards, expecting the return of the Enemy, but they came not again.

But the next morning they all drew out of Wey­mouth in hast, as in a Pannick fear, and marched away both horse and foot to Dorchester, leaving behind the Ordnance they had before taken from the Parliament in Weymouth, and two pieces more, with some Arms; and took nothing with them but some Plunder, and the Parliament Forces posles­sed all the Forts, and lost but ten men.

At the same time a Ship of the Kings of 12 Guns came into Captain Batten.

Great numbers of Clubmen in Worcestershire and Clubmen. Dorsetshire, got into a posture of defence, and re­fused to serve the King according to his Procla­mation.

The Parliaments Commissioners for the Treaty at Ʋxbridge, came to the Common-hall in London, and acquainted the City with the proceedings of that City. Treaty, and of the aversness on the King's side to come to a closure of peace; so that now it was of necessity for their own defence to furnish out the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax; for which end they desired from the City the Loan of 80000 l. to be repaid with Interest.

Upon Information, that the mutinous horse in­clined Mutinous Souldiers. to obedience, the Parliament past an Order, that if they submitted by a day, they should be par­doned, and continued in Service, otherwise to be proceeded against as Traytors.

5. Orders touching Money from the Customs and Excise.

The House approved of the Train of Artillery, and their Officers, under General Fairfax, and passed all the Colonels, except two: And an Or­dinance for 2000 l. for the Officers, Souldiers and Seamen of Weymouth, and Melcombe, for their gal­lant Service.

Order for a Day of Thanksgiving for the Suc­cesses which God gave the Parliament, since the breach of the Treaty; ordered to be kept in Christ church London, and the Lord Mayor and his Brethren de­sired to be there also.

Sir William Waller with Colonel Cromwel's Horse, and Colonel Fiennes Regiment, about 5000 Horse and Dragoons, marched into the West.

Provisions grew scarce in Oxford, Brown sur­prized a herd of Cattel going thither, and brought them to Abington.

Craford went from Aylesbury towards Cambridge, to secure that Association.

6. The Assembly sent to the Parliament a Mes­sage, Assembly. touching the Title to the Directory for Wor­ship, and the Ordinance for taking away the Com­mon Prayer-book, and for settling an able Mini­stry; and that no prophane or ignorant persons might be admitted to the Sacrament.

Orders touching Delinquents Lands, and for sale of Lands of such as did not compound, or re­fused to pay the Fines set on them.

The Commons desired the Lords to hasten the passing of the List of Officers of the Army.

The King had now Goring with a considerable party in the West, Prince Maurice in Cheshire, The King's Forces. Langdale in Yorkshire, Prince Rupert and Sir Jacob Ashley gone towards Shropshire, and the Parliament yet no formed Army.

The Commons adjourned for three days, to treat in the mean time about raising Moneys.

Letters from Sir William Brereton, informed, that Prince Maurice sent about 13 Foot-companies o­ver the River Dee, to force the passage at Holt-bridge, which was maintained by two Companies of Fire-locks, under Lieutenant Colonel Jones for Jones. the Parliament: Who beat back the Prince's men over the River, where many of them were drowned, and slew of them Sir Owen a Colonel, 100 Officers and Souldiers, took divers Prisoners, and five Arms and Colours, and lost only 6 men, and Ma­jor Jackson.

Captain Aber Cromwey, and Captain Ennis, with a party of the Parliaments from Aylesbury, sur­prized 50 of the King's horse near Oxford, quar­tered there for want of Provisions in the Town.

Letters from Major General Langherne, and Captain Thomas informed of their good success in Wales, and the House ordered 500 l. for Langherne, as a token for his faithful Service.

7. The House sate not, but their Committees sate about providing of Moneys.

Letters from Massey confirmed his late success Massey. against Sir John Winter; that of the Enemies were slain, Sir John's Brother, Colonel Gamme, Colonel Van Garres, and another Colonel, 70 more slain, 60 drowned, 2 Lieutenant Colonels, and 120 o­thers taken prisoners.

Colonel Ogle Governour of Winchester for the King, sent out a party to beat up Sir William Wal­ler's Waller. quarters, who was prepared to receive them, and slew Colonel Philips who commanded the par­ty, and took Lieutenant Colonel Gardiner, and di­vers others prisoners.

8. Sir Marmaduke Langdale being on his march towards Pomfret, Colonel Forbes drew from the Siege to meet him; the Lord Fairfax ordered [Page 131] them not to engage, but upon great advantage, till his additional forces came up to them.

But they did engage, and Langdale's Horse were beaten back to the last reserve; in which Encoun­ter, Colonel Lambert and other Commanders re­ceived some slight hurts, the Parliaments Foot there, being deserted by others who did not their parts, and galled by the Garrison Souldiers, who sallied out of Pomfret, were forced to retreat, with the loss of many Arms, an Iron piece of Ordnance, two Carriages, and some of their fellows.

The rest of their Carriages they drew off, over Ferrey-bridge, almost a mile from the fight; which pass was made good by Colonel Morgan and his Morgan. Dragoons, against Langdale's men.

The same night when this fight was, a party of the Yorkshire Forces fell upon a party of the King's at Houghton, and took 100 Horse and divers pri­soners.

The Lord Fairfax with the Yorkshire Horse drew out their Forces, but the fight was over before they came, and the rallied Forces joyned with them.

10. Some Ministers of London petitioned both Houses for an Appendix to the Directory of Wor­ship, to give power to Ministers to deny the Sa­crament Ministers. to ignorant and scandalous persons; and that there might be Elders in every Parish, to joyn with the Ministers therein: And the Lords past an Ordinance for that purpose, and sent it to the Commons.

The Lords past the List of Officers of the Army, and sent it to the Commons, who appointed a Com­mittee to consider how to imploy those who were not in the List, in some other Service, or to allow them maintenance.

Alderman Chambers his Petition, for recom­pence for his former sufferings, for opposing the Prerogative, was taken into consideration, and di­vers Orders past for money.

Langdale retreated to Newark, Colonel Rosseter and other of the Parliaments Forces fell on his Rear near Doncaster, and took divers prisoners.

Fourteen Troops, and 2000 of the Scots foot ad­vanced Southwards.

The King's Forces in Shropshire quitted Routhsea Castle, and Medley House, and burnt Tongue Castle, and other places.

The Committee put out of Shrewsbury 50 Fami­lies of Malignants.

A Ship of 26 Guns with Arms and Ammunition from France, came into Weymouth, supposing it to be the King's Garrison.

News came of a Mutiny in Oxford among the Souldiers and Scholars; and that Prince Charles, the Bishop of Armagh, Hopton, and 300 Horse were gone towards Bristoll, and the King was to follow them.

11. Ordinances for Money, for Brereton, Shrews­bury, and Langherne.

Ordinance to make up the breaches in the Fenns in Lincolnshire.

Another for Sir Thomas Fairfax to choose Offi­cers out of the other Armies.

Another for Money for the Scots.

Letters from Sir William Waller and Colonel Cromwel, certified the taking of the Lord Piercy, and 30 with him at Andover.

Divers Clubmen were up in several Counties, Clubmen. and 4000 of them armed in Dorsetshire, threatned to plunder all who did not joyn with them to ex­tirpate the Cavaliers; the Governour of Wareham for the Parliament sent some Horse to joyn with them.

In Worcestershire, about 2000 of them were got together, and put out a Declaration of their In­tentions against the Popish party, and to preserve the King's Rights and Privilege of Parliament.

12. Both Houses of Parliament, and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen kept this as a day of Thanks­giving, for the good success of the Parliament.

13. The Lords sent to the Commons to hasten the passing of the List for the new Model.

A Petition of Seamen for relief, and satisfaction for Prizegoods, taken care of.

Langdale marched towards Shropshire, and was followed by Rosseter and Yorkshire Horse.

The mutinous Horse returned to their duty, and Colonel Graves was sent to take the command of them, and to joyn with Craford to assist Brereton.

The Earl of Northampton's Regiment of Horse from Banbury surprized about 80 Horse loaden with cloath, with a Convoy of about 80 men, of whom they killed some, took about 20 prisoners, and the rest fled away.

The Worcestershire Clubmen increased, Prince Clubmen. Rupert sought to pacifie them, but in vain; the Constables refused to bring in a List of their Names that assembled.

14. Orders for Horses, Saddles, &c. for Sir Tho. Fairfax his Horse, and for recruiting his Foot out Fairfax. of the Lord General Essex his Regiment, and other­wise, and the Recruits to have a Fortnights pay and clothes.

This brought in almost all Essex his Foot to Fairfax, they being such Creatures as will be car­ried any where for money.

Order for Sir Thomas Fairfax to give Commis­sions to his Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, Ma­jors, Captains, and other Officers.

Letters to the Committee in the Army, to keep the Army together, and to assist for Sir Tho. Fair­fax his Recruits.

Orders for providing the Train Waggons, Ar­tillery, Arms, Powder, and a Magazine for Sir Tho Fairfax, and for Draught-horses and Carri­ages out of several Counties for him.

A thousand pounds ordered for General Brown.

The mutinous Horse returned to duty, were allowed a Fortnights pay, but none for the time they were in mutiny, and were now sent upon Service.

Several Committee-men added in divers Coun­ties, and Orders for money and clothes for the Scots Army in Ireland.

15. Ordinances past for 1. per Cent. for supply of Plymouth; and for money upon the Custom of Currans for Gloucester, and for recruiting the Kentish Regiment at Plymouth.

The Lords at a Conference gave Reasons, why they left some Officers out of the List of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army; but they waved the nomina­ting Army. of others; they sent to the Commons an Or­dinance for Marshall Law, differing from the for­mer, and to continue two Months.

Waller and Cromwell beat up Goring's quarters, who sled to Exeter.

17. Captain Smith, of Colonel Martins Regi­ment, for a slight offence, murdred an honest Buckinghamshire man, the Commons sent to inform the Lord General thereof, and ordered Smith to be sent for, and punished.

Letters from the Committee of Nantwich infor­med that Prince Rupert, Maurice and Langdale were all joyned in one great body; and that with­out a speedy relief, Sir Will. Brereton's Forces would be in great danger.

The House Ordered a Letter to be forthwith sent by the Committee of both Kingdomes, for a party of the Scots horse and Dragoons to advance [Page 132] towards Sir Will. Brereton, and ordered Supplies for his Forces.

And they referred it to the Members serving for Yorkshire and Lancashire, to consider of some means for the supply of the Forces in those Coun­ties.

At a free Conference, the Commons offered their reasons to the Lords, why they could not consent to the leaving out of the list, those Offi­cers whom the Lords had left out, because they were such as Sir Tho. Fairfax nominated, and the Commons Army. approved, and a delay in passing this list, would be dan­gerous to Sir Will. Brereton' s Forces, to the associati­on, and to the whole Kingdome.

The Lords acquainted the Commons with a Pa­per from the French Resident, desiring the trans­portation French Agent. of Gunpowder from Holland to France without interruption of the Parliaments Navy.

The Commons Ordered for Answer, that there Answer. being Amity between the Crown of England and the Crown of France, there needed no particular Licence for the same.

Colonel Sir James Long High Sheriff of Wilts for Sir James Long. the King, returning from the Convoy of Prince Charles to Bristol, was set upon by a party of Sir William Waller's at the Devizes, and 40 of his men killed, the Colonel, 8 Captains, 7 Cornets and most of the other Officers, with 300 Souldiers taken Prisoners, about 340 Horse, and store of Arms taken, and but 30 of the whole Regiment escaped.

Oxford was much streightned for Provisions, Oxford. Browne did them no small prejudice from Abing­ton; some of the Souldiers and Townsmen grew very mutinous, and the Antiparliament there were about to question the Lord Digby for an Incendiary, but they were dissolved.

18. 1000 l. Ordered for Abington.

Colonel Stephenson, a Member of the House, was taken Prisoner at Royden-house in Wilts, Ordered that Sir James Long taken at the Devizes be exchan­ged for him.

An Order for supply of the Town of Henly upon Thames, with Match, 1000 Bandeliers, &c. and Whitelocke was appointed Governour of that Town, and of the Fort of Phillis Court, which he rather accepted, being his own house; and he had there in Garrison about 300 foot and a Troup of horse.

The works of the Fort were strong and regular, and the Thames brought round the Fort, in a large Graft; all the horse and foot were quartered with­in the works, the great Guns about it were good, and the Souldiers stout men, and well armed, and good Officers.

The Officers and Souldiers of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army, had a fortnights pay allowed them.

The Lords concurred with the Commons in pass­ing the list of the Officers of Sir T. Fairfax's Army Message to the Lords. without any alteration, which was so well taken by the Commons, that they appointed a Committee to prepare a Message to be sent to the Lords from them, to assure their Lordships of the real affection, and endeavours of the House of Commons, to support their Lordships in their honour and privileges.

The List of the Officers was this. List of the Officers.

Sir Thomas Fairfax Commander in chief.

Major General Skippon.

Colonels of Horse

Middleton, Sidney, Graves, Sheffield, Vermuden, Whaley, Sir M. Livesey, Fleetwood, Rosseter, Sir Robert Pye.

Colonels of Foot

Craford, Berkley, Aldridge, Holborne, Fortes­cue, Inglesby, Mountague, Pickering, Welden, and Rainsborough.

A Petition of the East India Company for trans­porting some things agreed unto.

The Governour of Hurst Castle took two of the King's Ships bound for France, forced by weather into the Isle of Wight, in them they had 300 bar­rels of Herrings, 11 pieces of Cloath, 10 pieces of Ordnance, 40 Prisoners, and a pack of hounds.

News came that the Swedes in Germany gave a Swedes. great defeat to the Emperours Forces, 8000 of them slain, the two Generals, the whole Army routed, many Prisoners taken, all their Colours, Ordnance, Carriage and Ammunition.

Letters from Holland mentioned some difference rising there between the Prince of Orange, and the States.

19. The care of the education of the King's Children, was committed to the Earl of Northum­berland, and his Countess, and they took into Consideration, the great losses of this noble Earl, for his affection to the publick.

Care was also taken for an allowance for the Earl of Mulgrave, and the Lord Sheffield, in lieu of their losses.

Mr. Ford was voted to be one of the Assembly in the room of Mr. Bolles deceased.

Orders for expediting Sir Thomas Fairfax into the field, and for money for the Lord Generals old Foot Souldiers, and for monies for Sir Willi­am Brereton's Forces, and for supplies for Ire­land.

The Lord Savile left the Oxford party, and came Lord Sa­vile. to London, he was staid by the Guards, and this day examined by a Committee of the Lords of the grounds of his coming in, and was committed to the custody of the black Rod.

Colonel Holborne routed a party of Goring's horse near Crookehorne, and took about 500 of them,

About 400 of Banbury horse faced Northampton, and endeavoured to take a Parliament Captain out of his house near Northampton; but he with his Servants, and about 16 firelocks, kept the house, and repelled the enemy, and a party of horse draw­ing forth of Northampton, the Banbury Horse fled away with some loss.

Letters from Colonel Cromwel informed, that Cromwel. since his coming to his Regiment, their Carriage had been obedient, respective, and valiant, a good testimony whereof they gave in the late defeat of Long's Regiment, that they were sorry for their former mutinous carriage, and desired him to send their most humble Petition to both houses.

That they might again be received into their favour, Petition. and their former offence fully pardoned; and promised a valiant testimony of their future service: which was well accepted by the Parliament.

A great debate about the trade of Coals; and to take off the imposition upon it.

An Ordinance for the Officers in Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army, constantly and personally to attend their charge; and not to be absent without leave.

Letters from Major General Brown informed, Brown. that he had stopped the passage by water between Newbridg and Oxford, and sunk some great boats carrying Provisions to Oxford, and taken divers [Page 133] parties of the King's Forces near Oxford, and kept them in continual motion.

That a party from Oxford scouting abroad had intercepted divers Country people going to Abing­ton Market, of which Brown having intelligence sent a party of horse against them, who slew the Commander in chief an Irish man, and 8 more, took about 40 prisoners, and 30 horse, and returned home without any loss.

That among the prisoners taken was an Irish man, whom the Major General caused presently to be hanged, according to an Ordinance of Parlia­ment.

A list of the Officers there.

20. The Captains of Ships, under the Earl of Warwick, were in a list presented to the House of Commons, and consented to.

The Captains for the Merchants Ships were re­ferred to be named by the Merchants.

21. The Commons in a grand Committee con­sidered about the persons that should be debarred Assembly from receiving the Sacrament; and referred it to the Assembly.

Resolutions touching the Scots Army in Ireland, and in the North, upon an account of them, from the Committee of both Kingdomes.

Orders for expediting Sir Tho. Fairfax, and for the Assembly to nominate some Ministers to go with the Army.

Waller and Cromwell with a strong party follow­ed Goring, who endeavoured to joyn with Green­vile and Berkeley Governour of Exeter.

22. Order for a fortnights pay for Sir Thomas Hoogans Regiment, and divers fines for Composi­tions confirmed; 1000 l. thereof paid to Waggo­ners, who lost their Teams, and 500 l. to Souldiers Widows.

The Parliament pardoned Tho. Seppens, condem­ned by the Council of War to dye. Provision made for Windsor Garrison, and the Committee of Oxon, Berks and Bucks, to treat with the Mili­tia of London, about the constant maintenance of it.

The Arrears of Major General Skippon, order­ed to be audited, and 500 l. imprested to him.

Letters from Sir Will. Brereton informed, that he kept the field, and that the Enemy had attemp­ted nothing upon him, but plundred the Country, and committed many hundred rapes, and cruelties, that the Scots horse were advanced as far as Man­chester towards him.

24. Order for 4000 l. for Langherne.

Captain Batten came to the house, and had their thanks for his good service, and a gratuity given him.

An Ordinance giving Commission to Sir Tho­mas Fairfax, to execute Marshal jurisdiction, to fight Fairfax his Commissi­on. with, and slay all such as shall oppose him, and to suppress all Forces not raised by Authority of both Houses of Parliament, was read the first and second time; and Ordered that some Members of the House should presently withdraw, and make some alterations.

This was done, and reported back to the House before they rose, and then the Ordinance read the third time the same morning, and consented unto, and sent to the Lords. Acourse not formerly used, and of too much hast for a Parliamentary way; but excused by their then exigencies, and the un­usual matters for Parliaments then before them.

At a Conference Sir John Evelyn Jun. declared the great sense the Commons had of their Lordships Confe­rence. Concurrence with them in the great affairs now in Par­liament; on which the Security of the whole Kingdome did depend; and acknowledged their Lordships Renown­ed actions, and unwearied endeavours with them for the publick good.

Then a Declaration of the House of Commons was read, that whereas some disaffected persons sought to foment jealousies, by raising a report, that the House of Commons had an intention to subvert the privileges Declarati­on. Jealousies. of the Peers, they declare they do so far detest any such designe, that they will use all kind of means, to find out the Authours of such report, and to bring them to punishment.

Some imprudent speeches had been given out by some Members of the House of Commons, and o­thers, upon the Lords rejecting the Ordinance of Self-denying, and not concurring in other matters with the Commons; and as the Earl of Essex his party was strongest in the Lords House, so the par­ty of his Enemies was most prevalent in the House of Commons.

Some of them them were not discreet, in their extravagant speeches and discourses touching the House of Lords, which was like to have kindled a sharp contention between the two Houses, but by this Message, and Declaration, it was for some time appeased.

Waller, Holborne and Cromwel, were joyned in the West; and Prince Charles, Goring, Hopton and Berkley, were got together, and Greenvile expected to be with them.

Sir John Meldrum going up a rock to view a Meldrum. place, to plant his Cannon against Scarborough, was blown down by a violent wind, and bruised.

The Newarkers came to assault Grantham, but were repulsed, and about 20 of them slain, and di­vers prisoners taken.

25. The Commons in a grand Committee deba­ted the Question of admitting, and keeping from the Sacrament, ignorant and scandalous persons, and past some Votes in it.

Order for 1500 l. for Sir. Tho. Fairfax.

Sir John Hinderson was taken by the Aylesbury Sir John Henderson. Forces, and brought to the Parliament, with Let­ters taken about him, from our King to the King of Denmark in recommendation of Hinderson.

The Parliament committed him to the Tower, and ordered Letters to be written to the King of Denmarkt, setting forth the condition of Hinder­son, and how much he was an enemy to the Parlia­ment.

The Clubmen in Worcestershire, being near Clubmen. 14000, and some of them well armed, sent to Co­lonel Massey for assistance to besiege Hereford, he sent back to them, that if they would fully declare for the Parliament, that he would joyn with them, for which they took two or three days respit.

Captain Tomlinson from Abington defeated a small party from Wallingford.

Anno 1645.

Car. 21 26. The day of the Monthly fast solemnly kept.

27. The Assembly came with a further ad­vice Assembly. to the House of Commons, touching the not admitting ignorant persons to the Sacra­ment.

The Scots Forces, being joyned with Sir Willi­am Breneton; the Prince's Forces retreated, and would not ingage. Prince Rupert marched towards Worcester, Prince Maurice to Ludlow, and Langdale Northwards.

Order for a strong party of Dragoons, and supplies to Abington, the Enemy being expected at Oxford, and for monies for Reading Garrison.

Divers Voluntiers coming into Sir Tho. Fairfax, 7000 l. was ordered to such as he should give war­rant for it, for advance money for Voluntiers.

[Page 134] Anno 1645 Waller with 2500 Horse and Dragoons faced Bristol and Bath, but returned without doing any Cromwel. thing.

Cromwel marched to Cerne in Dorsetshire, where Colonel Holborn and Colonel Popham joyned with him; the Enemy came within three miles of them undiscovered, Cromwel drew into the Champion there, intending to fight them, though a greater number than he was, but they drew off, and Colo­nel Norton's and Colonel Cook's Regiments and o­thers came in to joyn with Cromwel.

28. A months pay ordered for Colonel Picke­ring's and Colonel Ayloffe's Regiments.

The Queen of Sweedlands Agent had desire to impart somewhat to the Parliament in secret; who Sweedish Agent. thereupon referred it to be imparted to the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms; who heard the Agent; who offered a strict Alliance between Sweedland and England; and against the Dutch; and to assist the Parliament.

The Committee prepared a respectfull answer Answer. to the Queens Agent, and his Proposals, to which the Parliament assented, but it was general.

A day appointed for the Committee to bring the Declaration touching the proceedings in the Trea­ty at Ʋxbridge; and the Commissioners for the Treaty were of this Committee.

A Difference between Colonel Jones the Gover­nour of Farnham, and the Committee of Surry, re­ferred to the Members of the House of that Coun­ty, and to treat with Jones about giving up his Command.

A Clerk of the Checke ordered for the moneys of the Army.

Sir Humphrey Forster to pay 1000 l. fine for his Delinquency.

29. Another Order for the money at Abington.

An Ordinance passed for re-imbursing the 80000 l lent by the City.

Debate about Admission to the Sacrament.

Sir Thomas Fairfax presented to the House the Officers. Names of 20 General Officers, as Muster-Master General, Scout-Master General, and others, and they were all approved.

Colonel Mitton was brought to the House, and had thanks for his good services.

An intercepted Letter of Prince Rupert's Secre­tary, expressed much joy for the Execution of ten Englishment by sentence of Prince Rupert; because they had formerly served the King in Ireland, and afterwards revolted to the Parliament: a Decla­ration was ordered to be drawn concerning this business.

Waller came undiscovered to the Devizes, till he Waller. faced the Town, who sent out a party of Horse and Dragoons to Skirmish with him; whom Wal­ler's men beat back, and pursued into the Town, took of them 190 Horse, 60 Foot, and 400 Arms.

31. Upon the Certificate of the Commissioners for the Treaty at Ʋxbridge, 300 l. was ordered for Sir Peter Killegrew.

Reference to the Committee of Excise touching the imposition upon the Mercers and broad Wea­vers.

An Exchange ordered for Colonel Stephens and Jones, for the Earl of Cleveland.

About 300 of the Lord General's Foot lately Mutiny. quartered at Farnham, mutinied for a fortnights pay; and with some of their inferiour Officers came to Twyford, and so to Colebrooke, and so to­wards London; plundering in all places as they past. It was referred to the Committee of both King­doms to send out a strength to reduce them.

Ordinance for money for the defence of Essex, and that for calling in the Members of both Houses from all Military and Civil Offices, past the House of Commons.

Both Houses sate till nine a clock at night, in de­bate of the Ordinance for Sir Thomas Fairfax, but agreed it not.

The Lord Savile, in regard he hath not given Lord Sa­vile. any satisfaction to the Parliament, for his co­ming from Oxford hither, but rather many grounds of suspicion, that he came to doe ill offices, was ordered speedily to depart the City, and all other the Parliaments Quarters and Garrisons; and to betake himself to the King, or whither he pleaseth within one week; after which time, if he stay within the line of Communication, or the Parlia­ments Quarters, he is to be taken and proceeded against, as one adhering to the Enemy.

Some of Gerrard's Forces fired the House of one who refused to pay a Tax assessed on him by Ger­rard; the House being on fire, the Master of it, and his two Sons, leaped through a window from the rage of the fire; but Gerrard's men took them and murthered them; and the man's wife, and his other Children were burnt in the fire. These were by Letters informed to be the Actions of Gerrard's men; and by this may be seen the nature of many other of the like great miseries, under which our poor Country laboured at this time; and what in­humanities were committed by the insolent Soul­diers, especially upon the unarmed Countrey peo­ple.

April 1645.

1. Letters from Major General Brown for sup­plies of Cannon, and other accommodations, were especially referred to the Committee of both the Kingdoms.

After a free conference, the Lords consented to the Ordinance for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Commis­sion.

Ordered, that those Officers, who are not now employed under Sir Tho. Fairfax, upon a Certifi­cate from Major General Skippon of their good car­riage, shall have their arrears audited and al­lowed.

Debate about not admitting some persons to Assembly. the Sacrament; and ordered, that the Assembly set down in particular what measure of understanding, per­sons ought to have of the Trinity, and other points de­bated, before they be admitted to the Sacrament.

Letters from Scotland informed, that Major Ge­neral Scotland. Ʋrrey fell upon the Lord Montross his Forces at Aberdeen, took 80 Horse, and killed about 50, the Lord of Arlies, and two other Lords slain, and Montross's Son afterwards died.

Ʋrrey having intelligence of their meeting to bury Montross's Son, intended then to fall upon them; but being discovered, Montross left the bu­rial, but Ʋrrey fell upon his quarters, killed 30 of his men, and beat him into the Town, and brought away divers Prisoners.

That the Lord Leymouth, the Chancellor's Bro­ther, fell upon the Rear of Montross's quarters, took the Carriages, Bag and Baggage, slew 50, and took 50 Prisoners, Highlanders, that guarded the Carriages, whom he brought to Andernesse, and there hanged all of them: that 1500 whom Montross pressed, were run away from him.

2. The Earl of Essex and the Earls of Manchester G. Essex, &c. lay down their Commissi­ons. and Denbigh, in the House of Peers offered to lay down their Commissions, and at a conference a pa­per presented by the Earl of Essex to the Lords, was read, to this effect.

That he having been employed for almost three years past, as General of all the Parliaments Forces, which [Page 135] charge he had endeavoured to perform with all fidelity, and sedulity; yet considering, by the Ordinance lately brought up to the House of Peers, that it would be ad­vantageous to the publick,

He desired to lay down his Commission, and freely to render it into the hands of those from whom he received it; and desired that such of his Officers who had done faithfull service, and were now left out, might have their Arrears, and some others received into fa­vour.

This giving up of their Commissions at this time, was declared by both Houses to be an accepta­ble service, and a testimony of the fidelity and care these three Lords had of the publick: and the Com­mons appointed a Committee to consider of grati­fying the Lord General, and the Earls of Man­chester and Denbigh, for their faithfull Services, and hazarding their lives and fortunes for the publick.

Some of Essex his Friends were against his laying down of his Commission, but others told him that mischiefs and contests might arise if he kept it, where­of himself was sensible; and as he had great stout­ness of spirit, so he had great goodness of nature, and love to the publick, which perswaded him to lay down his Commission.

And here ended the first scene of our Tragick Civil Wars, in the Exit of this brave person Essex, who being set aside, and many gallant men, his Officers, with him, the King's party looked upon the new Army, and new Officers, with much con­tempt, and the new Model was by them in scorn called the New Noddle. New Mo­del.

An Ordinance ordered to be drawn to discharge from Wardships such Heirs whose Ancestours died in the Parliaments Service.

Ordered, that the former Officers of the Army, who are not now employed, shall have their Ar­rears audited and signed, and moneys allowed for their present maintenance.

The wants of Members of the House referred to be considered.

A Letter from Captain Legge, that the Mayor, York. Aldermen and others of York, may have the bene­fit of the Propositions upon the surrender of York, to which the Lord General was desired to write an Answer.

The Custome of the Parish of Tuitnam, (being, that on Easter day two great Cakes should be bro­ken Tuitnam. in the Church, and given to the young people) was ordered to be forborn, and instead thereof Bread to be given to the poor.

3000 l. for Major General Langhern again orde­red to be paid.

Debate again about the persons to be admitted to the Sacrament.

500 l. ordered for the Assembly, of whom many had their Livings sequestred by the King.

The Governour of Hereford promised the Club-men Clubmen. redress of their grievances, and they went home shortly after, the Governour having additi­onal Forces, sent out and plundered, and killed divers of those Countreymen.

3. Upon a Petition of the Mayor and Common Council of York, an Ordinance was brought in for York. augmentation of the Ministers means in Yorkshire, and the Northern Counties, out of the Bishopricks of York, Durham, and the Deans and Chapters lands there.

A Declaration reciting P. Rupert's putting to death many Prisoners taken from the Parliaments Forces, because they had served before in Ireland, That if the like were done hereafter, so many of his men taken Prisoners by the Parliament, should answer the lives of the other.

The Committee of Accounts presented some ac­counts to the House, and informed that their Sub-Committees in Rutlandshire, and other Counties were discouraged by the County Committees which was referred to be examined, and the Committee of Accounts had thanks given them.

An Ordinance passed for 1000 l. for Sir John Meldrum, and for other monies.

Sir Thomas Fairfax went to Windsor, where he Fairfax. appointed the general Rendezvous of his Army, and caused Proclamation to be made in London, that all his Officers and Souldiers should repair thi­ther.

The Ordinance past both Houses for discharge of their Members from all Offices, Military and Civil.

Waller's party was 8000, and Goring fell upon his quarters, who forced him to retreat, and pur­sued him.

4. Mr. Gerrard readmitted into the House of Commons.

Huntingtonshire petitioned for a new Election of a Knight of the Shire in the place of Sir Sidney Mountague; and a day was appointed for this, and all other of the like nature.

Order about buying Horses for the Army, whereby the State was couzened.

2000 l. for the mutinous Horse that returned to obedience.

The Scots Commissioners desired to write into Scotland, for the speedy advance of the Scots Army Southwards.

Orders for Money, Mortarpieces and Fireworks for Abington, and for Money for the Lancashire Forces.

5. A Pass from both Houses for two Sons of the Lord Grey of Warke, to travel beyond Seas.

The pay of 12 d. per diem more than ordinary allowed to 100 Troupers under Captain Knight, who offered to find themselves Horses and Arms, and to serve under Sir Tho. Fairfax.

Order for Captain Cannon to deliver the States Arms in his custody; and if he refuse the Commit­tee may imprison him.

Ordinance to put Hampshire into a posture of de­fence.

A party under Major Smithson fell on the King's Forces at Ridmore in Yorkshire, killed four, and took Captain Bainbrigge, and forty seven Priso­ners.

7. Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax gave an ac­count Fairfax. of his Army drawn together at Windsor; and desires that Colonel Fleetwood's Regiment in Lincolnshire may be ordered to come to him, and care taken of those parts: this was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, a Letter of thanks, and encouragement was returned to Sir Tho. Fairfax.

At Reading five Regiments of the Earl of Essex his Army, and five Companies of the Lord Roberts, were drawn out into the Field, and Major General Skippon in the head of each Regiment told them, Skippon. That it was the pleasure of the Parliament for the good of the Kingdom, to have all their Armies reduced into one, and that all ought to submit thereunto.

That such Officers who were left out should have a fortnights pay in hand, and security for all their Ar­rears, and the Parliament acknowledged their good service done, and would be ready to shew them favour hereafter, but at present had no occasion to employ them as formerly.

That such as were now taken on the service under that gallant person Sir Thomas Fairfax should be taken care of, for all accommodations, and that he (as he had done) would still adventure his life with them, to the last drop of his blood.

[Page 136] All gave general Acclamations That they would live and die with Fairfax and Skippon, and serve the Parliament.; and they were listed into several Re­giments.

Many expected a great Mutiny upon this regula­ting of the old Army, but it came off better than was expected; and much therein was attributed to the prudence and gallantry of the Major General, to whom the Commons sent a Letter of Thanks for this and his other good services.

Order for exchange of Sir John Harcourt, a Member of the House, for the Lord Brereton a Pri­soner ofwar.

2000 l. Ordinance for the discontented Horse­souldiers passed.

Another for associating the four Northern Coun­ties with Yorkshire.

Debate touching some Officers of the Chancery, and of the King's Revenue.

Captain Blundel with a party from Abington sei­sed six Butts of good Canary carrying to Oxford, and brought them to Abington. Abington.

After that, within half a mile from Oxford, he took several Horse-loads of Linnen-cloth, and a Cart loaden with Sugar, and Spicery-ware going to Oxford, and brought them all to Abington.

A great affection was between the Horse and Foot of that Garrison, that they would run out to assist one another.

The prizes of victuals grew dear at Oxford, that the King intended to goe from thence.

Colonel Washburn with a party from Abington, beat up the quarters of the King's Forces at Thrup near Farrington, killed one Neast a Lieutenant of Horse, who formerly kept a Dicing-house, and three or four more, and brought away 19 good Horse.

Major Sheffield fell upon the Enemies quarters on the edge of Northamptonshire, took Sir Tho. Read, Lieutenant Denton, and divers Horse and Prisoners, and intercepted with Read two Letters of impor­tance.

8. Orders concerning the Army, and drawing together Forces for Sir Tho. Fairfax, and for sup­plies, and some High Sheriffs named.

A Committee of both Houses, named to consi­der of selecting Officers, to supply the Commands of Members of both Houses.

Morton Bishop of Durham, a Reverend man, Bishop of Durham. was brought before the Commons, for Christening of a Child in the old way, and signing it with the sign of the Cross, contrary to the Directory: and because he refused to deliver up the Seal of the County Palatine of Durham, he was committed to the Tower.

Serjeant Major Hudderston under Greenevile, came to London with 30 Horse, and submitted to the Parliament, offering to take the Covenant.

Three of Waller's Troups were surprised in their quarters by Goring's Forces, and about 50 of them taken, the rest escaped.

Letters from Scotland informed, that Lieutenant General Bayly, and Major General Ʋrrey took 800 horse-load of provisions going to Montross, the men, horse, bag and baggage, and dividing them­selves, pursued Montross into the High-lands.

9. Colonel Rainsborough's Regiment appointed for Colonel Grey.

Referred to the Committee to consider of the profits of Places lately enjoyed by Members of Par­liament, and what of them may be spared for ease of the publick charge.

Letters from Massey informed, that the discon­tented Herefordshire men, having laid down their Arms upon Articles with the Princes; afterwards, and contrary to those Articles, the Princes caused three worthy Gentlemen to be executed, who were conceived chief in that Rising.

That there the Princes levy men and money by violence; and he saith, that if 1000 horse may be sent to him, he doubts not but most of the discon­tented party will come in to him, many being al­ready come: this was in a special manner referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

The Master of the Ceremonies ordered to ac­quaint Dutch Am­bassadour. the States Ambassadours, that to morrow, if they pleased, they might have audience of both Houses, and Coaches were to be provided for their Reception.

The Earl of Warwick laid down his Commission E. Warwick lays down his Com­mission. of Lord Admiral, in compliance with the Ordi­nance, for discharging the Members of both houses from all employments Military and Civil; but with a protestation of continuing his faithfulness, and endeavours to serve the publick as long as he lived: and some believed that the Precedents of the Earls of Essex, Manchester and Denbigh, were inducements to him to doe the like. He did gallant service in the time of his Command for the Parliament, and deserves an honourable mention.

10. Care taken for employment of old Officers left out of the new Army, and of the condition of the West, and of settling the Excise; and for the Forces of Poole and Dorsetshire.

11. Orders for the Army for the Regiment of Kent under Colonel Welden, to go to Sir Thomas Fairfax; and for Officers to repair to their Char­ges by a day, or to be cashiered, and Sir Tho. Fair­fax to choose new ones: this proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet.

The States Ambassadours had Audience in both Du. bassado [...] Houses, with solemnity, and they spake of the af­fection of their Masters to this Kingdom; and their deslres to have mediated peace, and composed the distra­ctions thereof, but that it took no effect; and the di­stractions were now wider than when they came first hither.

Therefore there being nothing more for them to doe, their Masters had sent for them home, and they had taken their leave of the king, and were now come to do the same of the Parliament.

Sir William Brereton began to Mine at Hawarden Castle, and took in Goozanna House, and in it a Captain and 27 prisoners, and some Officers; and from thence blocked up Chester on the Welch side, gained Manley House, killed divers, and took a Captain, and many prisoners.

12. Care taken touching the Customs, and for the Officers Oaths, and for the Affairs of the Ad­miralty.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax, gave an account of the state of his Army, and the chearfulness of his Souldiers, and his want of pay for them.

This was very early for them to want pay, and the House were very sensible of the inconveniences which might thereupon ensue, and therefore spe­cially referred it to the Committee of the Army to take order therein.

Pay ordered for the British Forces in Ireland, and an Ordinance to be brought in for satisfaction of their Arrears out of the Rebels-Estates, next after satisfaction to the Adventures.

Care for pay for Brereton's Forces, by borrowing upon the Excise.

14. Ordinance committed for associating the Northern Counties.

Ordinances past for reimbursing the Moneys raised for Brown and for Langherine; another con­sidered for pay of the Lincolnshire forces.

Order, that the Scots Brigade lately come from [Page 137] Sir William Brereton, be sent to by the Scots Com­missioners, to return to his assistance again, the Ene­my drawing towards him, and the Committee of both Kingdoms to take care thereof; and for pro­visions and money for him, the House took or­der.

Langdale relieved Sir Jo. Winter's House besie­ged by Massey, and was hurt in the Arm; Massey brought off his men with little loss.

Care for Imployment of the Officers of the Earl of Manchester, and of Sir William Waller not imployed in the new Army.

Order for Goods concealed from the Excise to be forfeited.

About 300 discontented persons got together in­to a body in Kent, and took Sir Percival Hart's House; but Colonel Blunt being sent against them with 500 foot, and two Troups of horse, dispersed them, and took divers of the chief of them, and regained the House.

15. Debate touching persons not to be admitted to the Sacrament.

Both Houses agreed upon a Committee of six Lords; viz. Essex, Warwick, Northumberland, Commissi­oners of the Admi­ralty. Pembroke, Say, North, and 12 Commoners; viz. Sir William Earle, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Jo. Eve­lyn jun. Sir Christop. Wray, Mr. Rolle, Greene, Hollis, Selden, Rouse, Eden, Lisle, and Whitelocke, to ma­nage the Admiralty business.

An Insurrection in Westmerland, and a design to have surprized a Magazine of the Parliaments there, was suppressed.

The Plague increased in Newcastle, and the In­habitants were discontented at the Imposition upon Coals.

Some of Pomfret Garrison sallied out, but were beaten back with the loss of Colonel Tindall, Lieu­tenant Pomfret. Colonel Middleton, and other Officers, and many Souldiers.

Carlisle was upon Treaty to render: A Dunkirk Ship loaden with Arms and Ammunition for the King, taken by the Besiegers of Scarborough.

A party from Abington under Captain Blundell, met with some of Dennington forces, took a Colo­nel and a Major, and divers others, and slew a Cap­tain and others of them.

Brown himself between Shottover and Oxford, Brown. took divers Carriages, and about 60 Horse, gave them an Alarm at Oxford, and killed a Centinel at the Gate.

Letters from Scotland informed, that Montross coming before Dundee, the Townsmen valiantly Scotland. defended the same, till Major General Ʋrrey came up to their relief who fell upon the Rear of Mon­tross, retreating, and did great execution upon them.

That the Highlanders cast away their Plaids and Arms, so did the Irish being about 700, and left all their Baggage, Ammunition, and Field pieces be­hind them: That there were killed of them at the Town and in their flight about 500, and the Town lost but 18 men.

Many of them were taken prisoners, divers kil­led by the country-people, and of another party of them, Major General Ʋrrey slew 80, and put the rest to flight. Some of the Irish that were slain, were much lamented by their fellows, and a great cry at their falling.

The Lords and Commons ordered a Day of pub­lick Thanksgiving, for this Victory of the Scots a­gainst Thanksgi­ving. Montross, wherewith their Commissioners here were pleased.

16. An Ordinance past, and sent to the Lords, for preaching Ministers to be settled in some dark places in the North.

The Lords agreed to the Ordinances for Abing­ton, and Langherne, and for Marshall Law.

The House of Sir Nicholas Crispe in Breadstreet, ordered to be sold, and the money paid to Officers not imployed in the new Model.

Upon Letters from the Lord Fairfax, both Hou­ses made his Son Sir T. F. Governor of Hull.

An Ordinance past, and sent up to the Lords, giving power to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to give Commissions to Governours of Forts and Towns, and to Captains and other Officers, which should be approved by both Houses; but those not to supercede other Commissions.

17. A fortnights Pay ordered to the Troups of Norfolk and Suffolk, come into the Army, and the differences between the Governour, and the Com­mittee of Nottingham, referred to a Committee.

A Petition agreed to, for a Lord to have 1200 l. per annum for his Subsistence: this (as I remem­ber) was the Lord Howard of Escrigge.

Debate about the Doctrine of the Church.

The Earls of Leicester, Bedford, and Clare, and the Lords Paget, Rich and Conwey, who deserted Ox­ford, and came into the Parliament, took the Co­venant Covenant. before the Commissioners of the Great Seal.

18. The Committee of Accounts informed the House of their proceedings, and of the refractori­ness of some persons in refusing to take an Oath tendered by them; for which they fined one Gen­tleman 100 l. and prayed it might be levied; the House referred it to a Committee to hear them, and the refractory persons, and report to the House.

An Ordinance committed for reimbursing Mr. Pennoyer and Mr. Hill, Merchants, for Provisions sent by them for the Protestants in Ireland.

A Petition from the Governour and Garrison of Crowland, for their Arrears.

Three thousand pounds per annum ordered to the Earl of Northumberland, for the allowance for King's Children. the King's Children, and referred to a Committee to consider what Servants are fit to attend them, and who to be removed.

A party of Colonel Norton's Regiment being C. Norton. upon fortifying of Rumsey, the Colonel sent Ma­jor, Stewart to face Winchester, and keep the Enemy in play whilst they were fortifying; which he did, and skirmisht with them, and retreated with the loss of four or five men on both parts; but being pursued by those of Winchester, he was seconded by another party from Rumsey, and they killed Lieutenant Coward, and about 7 more, took Cap­tain Heath, 5 other Officers, and 30 prisoners.

19. Alderman Pennington (as all other Mem­bers of both Houses) being by the late Ordinance to leave his Imployment of Lieutenant of the Tower, the House ordered, that the LordMayor and Common Council of London, should choose a fit person to be lieutenant of the Tower, and pre­sent him to the House.

Order for Sir Thomas Fairfax to send up Cap­tain Bushell to answer a Complaint against him.

The List of Sir Thomas Fairfax his whole Army, the Numbers and payments ascertained, reported, and approved by the House; and ordered, that Reports of the Committee of the Army should pre­cede any other Motion.

An Ordinance past and sent up to the Lords, to give power to some Gentlemen of Kent, to act as a Council of War, for tryal and punishment of the late Rebels there.

Ordinance committed for punishing Souldiers that come from their Colours.

[Page 138] A Committee made to examine the Blasphemies of James Strettam.

Notice from Flanders of a Ship of Arms to be carried by Captain Allen to the Earl of Antrim.

Greenvile besieged Colonel Popham's House at Blasphe­mies. Creenvile. Wellington, near Taunton, and giving directions to his Cannoniers to mount some Pieces to make a Battery, by a Volly of Shot from the House, one of the Cannoniers was killed, and Greenvile shot.

21. Debate touching non-admission to the Sa­crament.

Upon a Petition, and Propositions of the Life-guard of the Earl of Essex not now imployed; the House referred it to the Committee of the Army, and they to estimate the charge, and how monies may be raised, and those Officers imployed to their satisfaction.

A Fortnights pay ordered for the forces of Crom­wel, Haslerigge and Fleetwood.

Lieutenant General Bayly, and Major General Ʋrrey pursued Montross, whose men deserted him. Eight hundred Scots joyned in the blocking up of Pomfret.

A party of Sir William Waller's fell upon a party of Gorings, killed two Captains, and others, and took some prisoners.

Colonel Hutchinson Governour of Notting­ham, a Member of the House, informed them, that a party of Horse from Newark, had storm­ed a Fort upon Trent-bridge, near his Garrison and became Masters of it, and put about 40 to the Sword.

It was referred to the Committee of both King­doms, to compose the differences between the Go­vernour and the Committee, and to take care for the safety of the place.

22. Care taken for the forces of Derby, for mo­ney for them.

The Lords concurred to the List and establish­ment of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army; and to the Ordinance for the Kentish Gentlemen to execute Marshal Law.

A Fortnights pay ordered for Colonel Rosseter's Regiment.

Care for sending Ministers to the Northern Countries.

The Earls of Holland, Thanet, Monmouth, West­rnerland, and the Lord Savile took the Oath ap­pointed by the Parliament, for such as come in to them, before the Commissioners of the Great Seal.

Leiutenant General Cromwel went with a party of horse to Caversham Bridge, and thence to Wheat­ly Bridge, to prevent the King's march from Ox­ford, or to engage his forces.

Warwick Horse, and some from Newport, in all about 160, fell upon a party of about 300 of Wor­cester Horse who had much plundred the Country, and routed them, and killed about 10, wounded many, and took 60 prisoners, 120 horse and Arms, one Colours, and rescued all the plunder.

Sir William Brereton made a Bridge over the Ri­ver Dee, to supply his forces on both sides of Che­ster.

23. Reference to the former Committee, that those Scots Officers who had formerly served the Parliament, and now were left out of the new Mo­del, should be equally provided for as the English Officers.

Order for Coat and Conduct money for those that were pressed for Souldiers.

Debate of non-admission to the Sacrament.

Letters from Gen. Leven certified, that he had sent part of his Army to assist Sir William Brereton, and would be ready to march Southwatds.

A Letter from Prince Rupert to the Earl of Es­sex, in answer to his Letter, touching the hanging up of the Parliaments prisoners, full of haughti­ness, and that he would follow his own judgment, with­out the Earl of Essex his advice. Upon which the Commons ordered a Declaration to be drawn.

24. Debate in a Grand Committee touching non-admission to the Sacrament.

An Ordinance past for pressing of Souldiers, and that all repair to their Colours, and none to de­part from their Colours without licence and search for them that depart, and to be punisht.

Letters from Abington certifie, that Cromwel and others coming within a mile of Oxford, hindred the King's remove towards Worcester.

Colonel West nominated by the Common-council to be Lieutenant of the Tower.

25. Letters from Skippon informed, that the dis­contented Horse came in, and were reduced, and promised faithful Service.

Ordinance committed for supply of the wants of Members of Parliament, whose Estates were in the power of the Enemy.

Ordered, that those late of the Lifeguard of the Earl of Essex, shall have 3 s. a day above the allow­ance of a common Trouper, and have Horse and Arms from the State; and Sir Tho. Fairfax to ap­point their Rendezvous: This is to be one of the six Troups to attend the body of Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Ordinance for reimbursing monies raised for Sir William Brereton, sent to the Lords, and for other monies for Lancashire forces.

Ordinance past both Houses, That none be admit­ted to preach, but such as are ordained by this or some other reformed Church, except persons permitted.

Colonel John Fiennes sent out a party near New­bury, who took of the Enemy 17 Prisoners and Arms, and all their Horse; then they summoned Brocas House, which the Enemy quitted and fled, and Major Temple pursued, and did executiou on them.

26. The Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-council, London. came into the House, thanked them for the favour in admitting them to make choice of a Lieutenant of the Tower, and presented Colonel West for that Service; and desired care might be had of Glouce­ster, and for bringing in the Arrears of London.

Colonel West was admitted Lieutenant of the Tower, till further order of the Houses. And an Or­dinance to be brought in for raising a consider­able force in Gloucestershire, and for money to pay them.

Ordinance past for reimbursing monies for the Lifeguard.

Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell in­formed, Cromwell. that he had fallen upon a party of the King's Horse, under the Earl of Northampton, and part of the Queens Regiment near Oxford, and took of them 400 horse, 200 prisoners, whereof many Officers and Gentlemen of quality, and the Queens own Colours: the rest fled to Bletchington, where Colonel Windebank kept a Garrison for the King.

L. G. Cromwell pursued them thither, and after some Treaty took the House also upon Articles, and therein store of Arms and Ammunition, and 72 horse more.

28. After long debate, the Commons resolved, that the business of the Admiralty should be mana­ged Admiralty. by Commissioners of both Houses, consisting of three, and those were the Earl of Warwick, Mr. Bense, and Mr. Pelham of the Commons House.

A thousand men of the King's lost before Taun­ton, and Col. Popham's House at Wellington being Taunton. taken, and the Siege of Taunton continuing very [Page 139] close; it was ordered, that Sir Thomas Fairfax and Skippon should advance into the West with the for­ces, for relief of Taunton, 8000 horse and foot, and care taken for money and provisions for them.

Order for the Train of Artillery to be sent down to him.

A quarrel in Westminster-hall between Sir William Andrews and Col. Tyrrell, informed to the House, and that Tyrrell behaved himself discreetly in it: he was called into the House, and had their thanks for his carriage therein. Sir William Andrews or­dered to be taken into safe custody; and when the House were not sitting, Mr. Speaker was authori­zed to send his Warrants to prevent quarrels.

Letters from the North informed, that the Scots were upon their march Southwards, with 9000 foot and 3 Regiments of horse.

29. Debate touching providing of Arms and Ammunition, and 12000 l. allowed for it.

Sir Theodore Mayhernes Order to be discharged of Taxes was vacated.

The power of Marshal Law ordered to be given to persons in every County, for suppressing and punishing of Insurrections.

Debauchery of some Officers of the Army, oc­casioned an Order to Sir Tho. Fairfax, That the Dis­cipline of War be duly executed.

Lambeth Parsonage conferred on Mr. White, one of the Assembly.

Two thousand pounds ordered for Taunton.

Proclamation for all Officers and Souldiers to repair to their Colours, upon pain of cashiering for the Officers, and death for the common Soul­diers.

M. G. Brown with a party from Abington, fell up­on a party of the King's near Farington, took a Brown. Captain, and other Officers and Souldiers. Then upon Intelligence met with another party, and took Col. Conquest, M. Bamfield, 3 Captains, 3 Lieu­tenants, and other prisoners.

Colonel Fiennes fell upon a party of the King's near Witney, and took from them 120 horse, 3 Co­lours, 40 prisoners, and 50 Arms.

L. G. Cromwell at Bampton Bush fell upon ano­ther party of the King's, surprized them all, and Cromwell. took Col. Sir H. Vaughan, 2 Lieutenant Colonels, M. Lee, 5 Captains, 8 Lieutenants, 8 Ensigns, Dr. Dunse, 20 Sergeants, 230 Prisoners and Arms.

May, 1645.

1. Letters from Col. Massey certified, that Prince Massey. Rupert with a party of about 6000 horse and foot, intercepting his Scouts, charged upon Massey into Ledbury, who received him, and beat his men back to a Retreat; his horse made several charges, till his foot got off, 40 of the Prince's men were slain, many of them Officers, and the L. Hastings one.

That Massey lost about 7 men; and some of the horse from the Countries not standing well to it, the Enemy got in among the Foot, and took divers prisoners: whereof they sent a List to Massey of 110, but 80 of them were none of his men, but country-people.

M. Bacchus was wounded and taken prisoner, Major Harley wounded, Captain Bayly and Captain Forster taken prisoners by the Prince's forces: That Lydney House was fired, and Sir John Winter left there 8 pieces of Ordnance.

An Ordnance ordered to be brought in, for set­ling 1000 l. per annum upon Col. Massey, for his gallant services, for his life, and 200 l. in present, and a Letter of Thanks was sent to him.

The Resident of the States had a day appointed for his audience.

Debate touching non-admission to the Sacrament.

2. The States Ambassadour had audience in the usual solemn way, and he made demands for resti­tution of some ships taken from the Hollanders, by Dutch Am­bassadour. the Parliaments ships of War, & c. which was re­ferred to the Committee for foreign affairs.

Order about constituting of a Conful in Flanders for the affairs of this Kingdom.

Sheriffs sent for, who had not undertaken cheif Offices.

1000 l. allowed to Sir T. F. for intelligence, and Fairsax; 500 l. extraordinary for his Artillery, and allow­ahces for Waggoners, and for the Commissio­ners in his Army.

Order for auditing the arrears of some Scots Of­ficers left out of the new Model, and some present supply for their subsistence.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the Commis­sioners of the Navy.

3. Debate of the business of the Church.

The Commons would not concur with the Lords in releasing Sir John Hinderson out of prison, but ordered a Letter to be written to the King of Den­mark to acquaint him with the cause of his detenti­on in prison.

Order for leave for a Member to goe into the Countrey.

Ordinance sent to the Lords for the pay of the Derbyshire forces.

Order for money for Mr. Frost, Secretary to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

Ordinance sent to the Lords to prohibit importa­tion of any Whale Oyl, but what is fished for in Greenland by English men.

Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced from Reading to Salisbury; and left with L. G. Cromwel 4000 Horse and Foot to streighten Oxford.

5. Debate about admission to the Sacrament.

Care for money for Waggoners, and for Souldi­ers Widows.

Information being given that P. Rupert and Go­ring with 7000 Horse and Foot were come to Bur­ford, and P. Maurice with 200 more to joyn with them, to get the King and his Artillery out of Oxford, where Provisions grew scarce; and that divers of the King's Forces were withdrawn from Taunton.

The Parliament ordered, that Sir Thomas Fairfax should send Col. Graves, or some other, with 3000 foot, and 1500 horse, to relieve Taunton, and him­self, and Skippon to return with the rest of his for­ces, to joyn with Cromwell and Brown, to attend the motions of the King.

Care taken of Cambridgeshire, and the Eastern as­sociation, in case the King's forces should break in there.

Sir John Meldrum's men attempted to storm Scarborough, but were repulsed with the loss of 20 men.

The Lords concurred to the Ordinance concern­ing Whale-oyl.

Some of the Leicester and Nottingham forces marching to regain Trent Bridge, the King's forces in it fled away at night, carrying with them what they could, and set fire on the rest.

6. The Commons ordered an Allowance of 8000 l. per an. for the Prince Elector, 2000 l. per an. of it out Pr. Elector. of the King's Revenue, and the rest out of the E­states of the L. Cottington, and of Sir Nicholas Crispe.

A Preamble to the Proceedings in the Church Affairs, to be sent into Scotland, was presented by the Assembly to the Commons, and assented unto; Assembly. and ordered, that all the Proceedings of the Parlia­ment, and Assembly in the business of the Church, should be drawn up, and sent into Scotland.

[Page 140] The Earl of Carlisle took the Oath appointed for those that come out of the King's Quarters.

7. One of the King's Captains came to the Com­mittee of Cambridgeshire, and took an Oath, and protested to live and die with them: Then he con­spired to betray the Isle of Ely to the King, but it was discovered and prevented. The House took care for security of that place, and for forces to be sent thither, in case the King's forces should break into that Association.

A Declaration of the Transactions with the States Ambassadours voted.

Commissary Copley being under confinement, up­on an Accusation against him, when he was an Officer to the Earl of Essex, was upon his Petition bailed.

The House ordered the Declaration touching the Treaty at Ʋxbridge to be expedited.

They desired the Assembly of Divines to expedite the rest of the business of the Church.

8. The Declaration of the Transactions with the States Ambassadour past, and sent to the Lords.

Order that the Company of Merchants Adventu­rers, Covenant. do send the Covenant to all of their Company at home and abroad, and return the Names of such as shall refuse to take it.

The Lord Mayor and Aldermen desired to call London. a Common-council, That the Necessities of the Army for want of the Assessment, may be communicated to them, and to desire the Monies may be imbursed spee­dily.

At a Conference, the Lords gave their Reasons a­gainst passing the Ordinance for the Admiralty.

Propositions from the Scots now upon their march Southwards, were referred to a Committee, and were for securing the Northern parts in their absence, and for Money and Provisions.

Power given to Sir Thomas Fairfax to receive all Trumpeters and other Messengers from the Ene­my, for exchange of Prisoners, or other Matters touching his Army, and to discharge them upon all Addresses, and to acquaint the Houses with all their Messages.

9. An Ordinance against such who are called Spirits, and use to steal away, and take up chil­dren, Spirits. and bereave their Parents of them, and con­vey them away. And they ordered another Ordi­nance to be brought in to make this Offence Fe­lony.

The Town of Newport Paganell, desired that Co­lonel Cockeram, in the place of Sir Samuel Luke, might be their Governour; but upon the question it passed in the Negative.

The Town of Plymouth petitioned, that the Plymouth. Lord Roberts might be continued Governour there. It was laid aside as contrary to the Self-denying Or­dinance: and ordered that a Committee of sive principal Townsmen, and Gentlemen their Neigh­bours, should have the Government there, and Co­lonel Kerre to have command of the Forces of the Town.

Care was taken to answer the Scots Propositions, according to their desires.

Order for Col. Rosseter to have the command of all the Forces in Lincolnshire; Lieutenant Colonel Brown of Boston, and Captain Culmore to have Col. Purefoy's Regiment.

Letters from Abington informed, that the King with Prince Rupert and Maurice, with one part of their Forces marched out of Oxford towards Camb­den; The King leaves Ox­ford. his Infantry went with Goring, and about four and thirty Field-pieces and Carriages towards Worcester, that Cromwell and Brown followed them.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for punishing Souldiers that run from their Colours.

10. Order for the Lord Fairfax and Committee in the North, to order the War in that Associa­tion, and the Committee to do it for 40 days after the Commission of the Lord Fairfax expires.

Orders for the pay of Troups.

Letters from Cromwell and Brown inform of the King's going from Oxford. Orders thereupon to the Committee of the Army for sending Money and Ammunition to them.

Both Houses ordered that L. G. Cromwell should be dispensed with for his personal attendance in the Cromwell. House, and continue his Service and Command in the Army, for 40 days longer, notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance.

This was much spoken against by Essex his party, as a breach of that Ordinance, and a discovery of the Intentions to continue who they pleased, and to remove the others from Commands, notwith­standing their former self-denying pretences; but the Houses judged this fit to be now done.

Sir Thomas Fairfax upon the Parliaments Order returned back to attend the Motions of the King, and sent 6000 horse and foot to relieve Taunton.

12. Order for Money for Plymouth.

An Ordinance committed for cutting down Ma­lignants Woods in Hampshire, to raise Money for Portsmouth Garrison.

Four hundred pounds ordered for the Lifeguard of Sir Wil. Waller now discharged.

A Regiment of 500 horse ordered for Grantham.

Orders that Sir Wil. Brereton, Sir Tho. Middle­ton, Self-deny­ing Ordi­nance. and Sir John Price, Members of the House of Commons, should continue their Command where they are, for 40 days longer, notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance; and after that time, Col. Mitton to be Major General of North-Wales, and M. Bridges to be Governour of Warwick in the place of Col. Purefoy.

The Speaker was continued Master of the Rolls till after Trinity Term.

13. The business of the Church.

The ill usage of Col. Tilliere a Prisoner of War, referred to be examined.

Five hundred pounds paid to the Prince Elector, and Order for the Committee of the King's Reve­nue, to take care for the payment of the 8000 l. per an. to him.

A thousand pounds ordered for Col. John Fiennes his Regiment.

Col. Campion Governour of Borstall House for the King, fell upon a party of Cromwel's foot near Tame, and took divers Prisoners of them.

Captain Ireton, of Sir Robert Pye's Regiment, pursued Campion, routed his party, slew 8, took 20 Horse, and about 40 Arms, and rescued the Pri­soners.

Major Purefoy sent a party from Compton House, who fell upon the Rear of the King's Army near Stow, and took some Prisoners, Arms and Money; they charged another party of the King's at Camb­den, killed 14. and took some horse.

They quitted Cambden House, setting it on fire, and went to their Fellows in the King's Army.

14. Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Welden, certified, That the party sent by Sir Tho­mas Fairfax under Col. Welden and Col. Graves, to relieve Taunton, came before the Town on the Lords-day, May 11. That 10 of their men fell upon Taunton re­lieved. a 100 of the King's, and killed and took some of them.

That the Besiegers believed them to have been Goring's Forces, till they came within 4 miles of the Town, and then about 4 a clock in the afternoon, [Page 141] they confusedly ran away, blocking up the way with Trees, and other matter, that the Parliament Forces could not pursue.

That they came when all the Ammunition in the Town was spent, much of the Town burnt after divers times being stormed, and entred by the Ene­my, who was beaten out again, that the Country thereabouts was much unpeopled by the Besiegers.

The Commons ordered a Day of publick thanks gi ving for the Relief of Taunton, and Letters of thanks to Sir Thomas Fairfax for his care in sending speedy relief thither; and recommended to him Colonel Welden for his good service; and a Letter of the thanks of the House to the Governour and Souldiers there; and 2000 l. to the Garrison for their valiant and faithful defence of it, and 500 l. to Col. Blake the Governour.

They ordered the Committee of the Army to send down Shoes to Sir Tho. Fairfax Foot that were in that Journey.

An Ordinance past for 100 l. to the Lady Drake, and 100 l. to Sir Francis Drake, and 100 l. to the Lady Strode, for their maintenance, who had lost their Estates for their affection to the Parlia­ment.

The Lords by Message desired, that Colonel Dalbiere, Col. Butler, and Commissary Copley, un­der accusation and restraint, might be tryed or discharged.

At a Conference, the Earl of Warwick related the state of the Navy, That divers Dunkirk Ships had Commissions from the King, and took the Merchants ships, and threw over-board the Mari­ners of a Scots ship; and that it was requisite to have an addition to the Navy.

15. New Propositions from the Scots Commissi­oners, touching money for the Army, and shipping, and for the Scots Officers left out of the new Model, were satisfactorily answered.

Order for 3000 l. for the Scots Forces in Ireland, and for Captain Batten to be Vice-admiral for the Summers Fleet.

A day appointed to consider how to raise mo­ney for the constant pay of the Armies, and to have a Stock for that purpose.

Order for the Prisoners taken by Cromwell and Brown, to be sent up to London.

16. A Letter agreed to be sent to Sir Tho. Fairfax, expressing the danger to an Army by their Officers ab­sence, and desiring him to proceed against such Officers according to Marshal Law; and that no Officer may be absent at any time without his leave.

An Ordinance committed to make M. G. Massey, M. G. of the West, subordinate to Sir Thomas Fair­fax. Massey.

A Petition from Gloucester, That Colonel Massey may continue there, carried in the Negative, not to be debated; the like upon a Petition and Articles concerning him.

The Committee of Oxon, Berks, and Bucks, or­dered to go to the Militiae of London, about raisirig monies for the Forces of those Counties, and about sending a party out of the City to besiege Ox­ford.

Cromwell and Brown pursued the King's Forces towards Birmicham, and sent to the associated Counties to be upon their Guard, if the King's Army should break in there, and promised them assistance.

Sir T. F. came to Newbury, and from thence re­solved to advance to Cromwell, to joyn with him in pursuit of the Enemy.

Gerrard's Forces gave a Defeat to Major Gen. Langherne, and took Haverford West in Pembroke-shire.

17. An Ordinance for Sequestration commit­ted.

The Lords sent an Order for the Earl of Nor­thumberland, and his Countess, to take the care of King's Children. the King's Children, and for the Funeral of the Countess of Dorset: To which the Commons con­curred, Countess of Dorset. and ordered money for her Funeral, and for Arrears to the servants of the children.

Debate concerning reducing of Oxford, and an Ordinance appointed for selling Delinquents E­states, to raise money for that purpose.

A Declaration touching the Transactions with the States Ambassadours passed, and referred to the Dutch Am­bassadours. Committee of both Kingdoms, to cause it to be translated into other Languages, and to publish it.

Sir T. F. faced Dunnington Castle, and took about 10 Officers, and other prisoners.

19. Rules for regulating the Army approved, and 200 l. ordered to be paid to the Commissioners in the Army, for buying horses for recruits.

An Order for augmentation of Means to Mr. Griffith a Minister.

The Sheriff of Warwickshire dispenced with to reside in Coventry.

Letters from Scarborough informed, that some Scarbo­rough. of the Garrison sallied out, and at first put the Be­siegers to a stand, but they recovered, and beat back the Enemy. Sir John Meldrum wounded, and Lieutenant Cockeram and other Officers slain, and some of the Garrison slain; Lieutenant Colonel Stanley was taken Prisoner, and carrled into the Castle, and there slain by them in cold blood.

In the siege of Taunton were slain of the Besie­gers Taunton. 1000, and 12 Cart-loads of maimed men car­ried off, and in the Town about 100 only slain, and many wounded. When the Besiegers went away, they left behind them 1000 Arms.

A hundred and fifty a Week died of the Plague in Bristol.

20. the business of the Church.

Order for payment of the Arrears of the Earl of Essex; and an Ordinance past for settling 10000 l. per an. on him, in consideration of his great Ser­vices, and losses.

Order for 3000 l. a Month for the Forces under Col. Welden and Col. Graves, who relieved Taun­ton. Welden. And a Letter of Thanks ordered to Sir John Meldrum and 500 l. more to be bestowed on him, Meldrum. and for Pay for his Forces; and the constant pay­ment of 200 l. per an. to Owen O Conelli that dis­covered O Conelli. the Rebellion in Ireland.

The business of Trade, and the Admiralty re­ferred to the Committee of the Navy.

A Consultation by a Committee with the Common Council of London, about the reducing of Oxford.

Sir Tho. Fairfax advanced from Newbury to Blew­bury, and thence to Witney, thence to Newnham 3 miles from Oxford, Cromwell and Brown called back to joyn with him.

He took three Carts loaden with Canary Wines, 40 Horse and their Riders, of the Oxford Forces, and pursued those that escaped, to the walls of Oxford.

The King went towards Shropshire.

Sir William Brereton drew off from Chester, to pre­vent the King's surprizing of his Forces.

The King's Party took Hawkesley House in Staf­fordshire, and carried the Garrison, being 80 Pri­soners, to Worcester.

21. A Petition from Lynne, upon which an Or­der for repairing the Works there, and care taken for money for Provision for Cambridge, and for the Works there, and 100 l per Mens. for the Committee of the Eastern Association for their Clerks, and extraordinary charges.

[Page 142] Order for raising the Arrears of the Scots money from those Counties.

The exchange of Colonel Fielding approved.

A Petition against the Monopoly of Merchant Adventurers referred to a Committee.

22. Order for a Committee of the House to joyn with a Committee of the City, to consult about the designe of reducing Oxford, and for mo­ney for it.

Order for money for Windsor Garrison.

Ordinance for the Government of Newcastle sent up to the Lords.

Sir William Brereton raised his siege of Chester, and drew into Lancashire to joyn with the Scots Forces, and the King's Forces relieved Chester.

Captain Stone fell upon the rere of the King's Army at Woolverhampton, killed 16, and took 26 Captain Stone. horse and their Riders.

Next day Captain Stone fell upon their quarters at Newport, took 60 horse, and killed a Captain, and 20 others, next day he killed 3, took 4 Priso­ners, and some horses.

Sir Thomas Fairfax blocked up Oxford, and at se­veral times took of them about 100 Prisoners and Oxford. Arms.

23. An impeachment for breach of privilege, uncivil'y and violently using a Member of the House, was ordered to be brought in.

Money provided for charges of the siege of Ox­ford.

A fortnights pay ordered for M. Ʋrrey and his Officers.

Order for auditing the Accounts of the Officers under Sir William Waller now left out of the Esta­blishment.

The Lords adjourned two days in the Week, and sent to the Commons that they intended to doe so, and it was moved in the House of Commons that they might doe the like, but carryed in the Nega­tive not to adjourne two days in the Week, and the like for one day.

24. Upon a Petition of the maimed Soldiers, and Widdows of those slain, who were very impetu­ous for more maintenance, the House added 501. a Week to the 2001. a Week formerly given to them.

The House sent earnest Letters to the Scots Ar­my, Scots Ar­my. and Messages to the Scots Commissioners, to hasten the advance of the Scots Southwards, to joyn with other Forces to pursue the King's Ar­my.

A Messenger discovered to have counterfeited a Letter from the Lord Inchequin of a great Victory in Counter­feit. Ireland, and that it rain'd bloud at Dublin, upon Examination he confest he did it in hopes to get a gratuity from the Parliament, and was committed for it.

A Collection for the Town of Taunton, where so many of their houses were burnt, and so much of their goods spoiled.

26. Ordinances for raising monies sent to the Lords.

Collonel Barker Governour of Coventry desired, that by reason of his sickness and old age he might surrender that charge, and the Committee of Co­ventry Petitioned, that Captain Willoughby might succeed him, which the Commons agreed, and sent to the Lords for their consent.

Charges for Convoyes of monies ordered to be paid, and pay for the Forces in Derbyshire.

Sir John Morley and divers Aldermen of New­castle disfranchised, and new Majestrates there ap­pointed.

Letters from the Forces before Oxford informed that Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Marston about a Oxford. mile from Oxford, where Cromwel and Browne met him; that their foot were quartered near, their horse guards and perdues within twice Musket shot of the Works.

That the King's Forces drowned the Meadows as much as they could, and fired the Suburbs, burnt a Corn Mill, and a Garrison at Woolvercot, and in­tended to have burnt the Towns round about, but that Sir Thomas Fairfax's Forces possessed them, that as he was viewing the Works, a Cannon bul­let from the Garrison came very near him, but did no hurt, and then he came within twice pistol shot of the Works, but they were sparing of their Pow­der, that the Soldiers were intrenching of their head quarters, and making a bridge over the water.

That they intercepted some Letters, and took Philpot the Herold, and some Doctours that were fearful of a siege, that the Lord Cottington, Earl of Dorset, and all the Lords and Gallants in Oxford bear Arms, that they quenched the fire, and took the Deputy Governour, and all the Arms and Am­munition at Woolvercot.

Captain Flemming, going beyond his Commissi­on, and by the unruliness of his horse, who carried him among the Enemy, was mortally wounded by a shot in the belly.

The Sickness continued very hot in Bristol.

27. Order for Lord General Cromwel to goe with a party to the Isle of Ely, and to endeavour to pre­vent the King's coming into that association.

Ordinances for money for Ely, and for the siege of Oxford.

Order for Colonel Paine to have two Regiments, and pay for them in the North.

An Ordinance past to inable the Committee of Oxon, Berks and Bucks, to take voluntary Contri­butions for the additional Forces for reducing of Oxford.

An Ordinance past for raising monies out of Delinquents Estates.

The Scots Army retreated again Northwards, suspecting the advance of the King's Forces that way.

Letters from Edenborough informed that M. G. Ʋrrey. Ʋrrey routed Montrosse's Forces, who retreated to Aberdeen, and that 2000 were slain on both parts.

28. The Monthly Fast.

In the Evening the House sate, and had Letters from Mr. Dormer, That Colonel Massey with a­bout 800 horse, and 600 foot, took Evesham after an hours storming, with the loss but of five Soul­diers, and two Officers, and about 30 wounded in all.

That they slew about 10 of the Enemy, and took Prisoners Colonel Robert Legge, about 50 other Officers, and about 500 Common Souldiers, with store of Arms and Ammunition.

The Declaration of the Transactions with the States Ambassadours was published, wherein the Duch Am­bassadors. Parliament set forth the abusive and ill carriage of the States Ambassadours Borelli and Rainsborough, both made Knights and Barons by the King, and that they shewed themselves rather parties for the King, than Mediatours between him and his Parliament.

They demand justice against those Ambassadors; and declare their own condition not to be yet so low, but that they can resent, if not return both Courtesies and In­juries. They acknowledge the Christian and neigh­bourly Zeal of the States to the peace of this Nation; and desire to know wherein they may be useful to them, their honoure. Neighbours and Predecessours in the like Sufferings.

29. Order to Audite the Accounts of the Of­ficers [Page 143] of the train of Artilery of Sir William Waller.

Cromwel drew off to the Isle of Ely, Sir Tho. Fair­fax blocked up Bostal-house, and made a bridge with two Forts near Kidlington, they came towards Leicester.

A party of Colonel Norton's Forces went towards C. Norton. Langford-house, and placed an Ambuscado undis­covered by the Enemy, who came forth to fall up­on them, they retreated to their Ambuscado, the Enemy followed them, and were all surprised.

There were taken Colonel Griffith the Gover­nour, divers Officers, 63 Prisoners and their Arms, and 10 killed.

30. A Letter from the Committee of Gloucester, of the danger of that place and County, by the removal of Colonel Massey, answer'd by the Com­mons that they would take care of that City, and of the County.

Prisoners from Guernesey referred to a Commit­tee, and to examine that business.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords, to enable the Committee of Plymouth to execute Martial Law there.

The Kentish Regiment continued, and pay for them there.

Major General Browne came to London to hasten the Provisions for the siege before Oxford.

31. The business of the Church debated, and Ordinances touching the Excise, and for money for the Forces in the West.

Letters written to the Sub-commissioners of Ex­cise, and to the Officers in the several Counties, to give incouragement and assistance for the levying the Excise money.

Order of both Houses for their Committee touching Forts, and Castles to be reduced in the Quorum to 2 Lords and 4 Commoners.

Letters Informed that the King was set down be­fore Leicester. Leicester.

June, 1645.

2. On consideration of the King's being at Lei­cester, and the danger to the associated Counties thereby, the House Ordered that the Committee of both Kingdomes should consider of such dispo­sal of the Armies under Sir Thomas Fairfax as may be most advantageous for the publick; and that the blocking up of Oxford be left to Major General Browne.

Browne being at the door of the House at that time was sent for in, and had the thanks of the Brown. House for his good service, and was desired to con­tinue his care and constancy therein, and to return to his charge.

Ordinances past for moneys for the West, and other Forces.

Colonel Rainsborough with his Regiment of foot, and three Troups of Colonel Sheffield's horse, took in Gaunt-house, 10 miles from Oxford, and there­in the Governour, with all his Soldiers Arms, Ammunition and Provisions.

The King's Forces having made their batteries stormed Leicester; those within made stout resi­stance, Eeicester storm'd. but some of them betrayed one of the Gates, the women of the Town labour'd in making up the breaches, and in great danger.

The King's Forces having entred the Town, had a hot incounter in the Market place; and many of them were slain by shot out of the Windows. That they gave no quarter, but hanged some of the Com­mittee, and cut others in pieces. Some Letters said that the kennels ran down with bloud.

That Colonel Gray the Governour, and Captain Hacker were wounded, and taken Prisoners, and very many of the Garrison put to the Sword, and the Town miserably plunder'd.

The King entred the Town on Sunday June Ist. and sent part of his forces into Derbyshire.

3. Order for Colonel Massey to advance into the West, and the City and County of Gloucester to be governed by a Committee as the Parliament shall direct.

Ordinance for money for the siege of Oxford, and two Regiments to go out of London to Major General Brown to that siege.

An Ordinance for money for the Isle of Ely.

The Papists and others in Northumberland plot­ted to surprize Sir John Fenwick the High Shiriff, and the Militia there; but were discovered and suppressed.

Sir John Meldrum dyed of his wounds, received Meldrum. in the siege of Scarborough Castle.

Both parties in the West had often Skir­mishes.

A party sallyed out of Oxford, and took and killed about 80 of the Parliament's Forces, the next day a party of the Parliaments took 12 of the Garrison, and brought away 50 Cows from under their Walls.

Letters intercepted by Colonel Massey, menti­on the King's concluding a peace with the Irish-Rebels.

4. Order of both Houses for 200 l. for L. G. Mid­dleton; and a pass for him to goe to his charge in the Scots Army.

2000 l. of the Arrears due to the Earl of Essex charged on the Excise.

An Ordinance past for reimbursing money lent by the Commissioners of Excise, for reducing Ox­ford.

Lieutenant General Cromwel got together 3000 horse in the associated Counties.

The City of London petitioned that recruits may London Pe­tition. be had for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army, and a Com­mittee sent thither, that the Army or part of it may be ordered to march towards the Enemy in the field, and to regaine Leicester, and to prevent the surprisal of other places; and the Scots pressed to advance South­wards, that Cromwel may command the association; and care taken of the Navy, and that the proceedings of the late Treaty may be published.

The House called in the Petitioners, and gave them thanks for their care and good affections.

At a Conference the Lords acquainted the Com­mons with an Information concerning the taking of Leicester, which was referred to a Committee to be examined.

5. Orders for recruits of the Kentish Regiment, and Colonel Fleetwood's Regiment.

An Ordinance considered for the sale of Delin­quents Estates.

Another sent to the Lords to give power of Mar­tial Martial Law. Law to the Committee of Kent.

The King continued at Leicester, and began to fortify there, and then marched forth to meet Sir T. F. who was drawn off from Oxford to advance towards the King.

6. Massey wrote for recruits, and some Mem­bers Massey. of the House were appointed to answer his Letters, that they were sent to him; and that he should never want the incouragement of Parliament, and prayed him to go on in the business of the West with his wonted valour and prudence.

Upon the danger of Newport Paganel, the King drawing that way; and upon the Petition of the Town, Sir Sam. Luke was continued Governour there for 40 days, notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance.

[Page 144] 7. The King's Forces under Goring, Hopton, Berk­ley and Greenvile, and about 10000 in all, joyned together, the Forces at Taunton, fought with them, but being over powred with numbers, and having lost many of their men, they retreated into the Taunton. Town, where the King's Forces again besieged them.

Intelligence came that the Parliaments Forces at Pembroke, beat off Gerrard's Forces that besieged them, and routed his party.

Ordinance sent to the Lords, for associating the Northern Counties.

Letters from Leicester informed, that the Com­mittee men, and Scots there, were not killed in Leicester. cold bloud, as was before reported; but that the King's Forces killed divers who prayed Quarter; and put divers women to the Sword, and other women and children they turned naked into the streets, and many they ravisht.

That they hanged Mr. Reynor and Mr. Sawer in cold bloud, and at Wighton they murthred Mrs. Bar­lowes, a Ministers wife and her children, that in the storming of Leicester about 300 were slain on both sides, and not more.

Order for exchange of Sir Rob. Pye for Colonel Tillier, and others.

Sir T. Fairfax came to Newport Paganell, Crom­wel was by order coming up to him.

9. Order for 500 l. to be raised by Coals for re­lief of the poor of Newcastle.

An Ordinance for Sir Tho. Peyton's fine to take off his sequestration.

Order for Captain Willoughby to Command Co­lonel Barker's Regiment.

Another to put Surrey into a posture of defence, and for more Forces there, and payment of the Garrison of Farnham, sent up to the Lords.

An Ordinance passed for Sequestrations in Hampshire, the money raised thereby, to be im­ployed by the Committee for defence of that County.

Holland Ships taken by the Parliaments Navy, and Order for a Declaration to the States about it.

Colonel Massey marched Westward.

The Common Council, and others of London, met and agreed voluntary Supplies; and 4000 l. gather­ed London. for raising 1000 horse, to joyn with Massey to relieve Taunton, besides what the Parliament did send.

Sir Thomas Fairfax quartered at Brickhill, thi­ther Colonel Vermuden came to him with 2500 Armies draw near each other. horse and Dragoons. The Army was then 12500, besides Cromwel's Forces of 3000 foot and 1000 horse more, drawing towards him.

The King was at Homeby-house four miles from Northampton, and his Army marched towards Ox­ford, Sir T. F. marched after him.

Upon the news of the two Armies being near one another, Mr. William Lilly told one of his friends in London, that If they did not engage before the 11. day of this month, the Parliament would have the great­est Victory that they ever yet had, and it proved ac­cordingly, as you will see by what follows.

The Scots Army were on their march South­wards, as far as Borough-brigge, but made no great haste till they saw what success the new Modelled Army would have.

10. Letters from the chief Officers of Horse un­der Sir T. F. to the Parliament, desiring that Co­lonel Cromwel. Cromwel might be Lieutenant General of the Horse under Sir Tho. Fairfax; and after some de­bate, the House ordered, that Sir T. F. should ap­point Cromwel to command the Horse under him, as Lieutenant General if he thought fit.

Cromwel began to encrease in the favour of the people, and of the Army, and to grow great even to the envy of many.

Letters from the Committee of Kent, of a Troup of horse, and a Company of Dragoons raised by them to be under Massey for the relief of Taunton, and had thanks for it.

The Ordinance for the Committee of Hampshire agreed unto.

An Ordinance past to impower Sir T. F. to press men for a month, excepting Clergy-men, Scho­lars, and some others.

100 l. ordered for Sir Robert Pye as a gratuity from the Parliament, and in recompence of his losses at Leicester.

Sir T. F. and the King's forces were within six miles of each other.

Langdale's Regiment were in discontent near Langdale. Leicester because they might not advance North-wards; but the King quietted them with a promise that they should march thither within 15 days.

11. Letters from Sir T. F. informing of his ad­vance towards the Enemy and his resolution to engage them if they would stand: the King's forces were a­bout Daintree, and they were there fortifying the Hills called Danes-hills.

The Commissioners in the Army sent for money and a months pay was ordered to be forthwith sent to the Army by the Committee of the Army.

Divers Officers left out of the new Army offered to list themselves as Reformadoes for relief of Taunton: and the House ordered that such as should so list themselves, should have a fifth part of their arrears paid them within a month after their ad­vance; and those that did not perform should for­feit all their arrears.

Informations against some Members of both Houses, and Mr. Cranford a Minister committed for some words spoken by him in that business; re­ference to a Committee to examine it.

Ordinance for 21000 l. for the Scots Army past, and for 400 l. for Widows of Souldiers.

Letters from the West certified that Colonel Ingolesby. Ingolesby fell upon the Enemies quarters near Taun­ton, and slew divers considerable men.

Fasts in 12 Parishes to crave a blessing upon the Armies.

12. Letters from Taunton, That if Relief came not Taunton. speedily to them, they should be put unto great straits for Provisions and Ammunition, they assured the House they never accepted of a parley from the Enemy, but scorned it; and they had left some Ammunition, and resolved to feed upon their Horses: they desired the House to take consideration of their condition; and left all to God, who they doubted not but would relieve them.

Orders for Letters to them, That Relief should speedily come to them; and what money they took up the House would pay; and desired them to goe on in their vigilancy and valour and they should never want the en­couragement of the Parliament.

Sir T. F. advanced near Tocester.

Three thousand Cattel driven by the King's for­ces towards Oxford, which they had taken from the Countrey.

Letters from the North certified, that the Scots were Southwards as far as Doncaster.

Letters written to Northampton, Bedford and Bucks, to bring in Provisions to Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army.

Ordinance for bringing in of money sent to the Lords.

Debate touching non admission to the Sacrament.

13. Ordinance sent to the Lords to raise a Regi­ment of Dragoons for Taunton.

[Page 145] A Committee sent to the City to consider of rai­sing a Months pay for the Scots Army.

Orders for exchange of Prisoners.

The Parliament forces sleighted the Garrisons of Cole-orton and Kirby, and marched away.

14. A Petition from the Scots Officers, who had served the Parliament, setting sorth their conditi­on and want, and praying to have money for their present necessity, the House referred the auditing of their accounts to a Committee, and to consider of some present Relief for them.

This was the day of the famous Battel at Naseby. The King had drawn off from Borough-hill to Har­borough, Naseby Battel. purposing to march to Pomfret, and think­ing if he were followed, he should fight with more advantage Northward.

Fairfax sent out Ireton with a flying party of Horse, who fell upon a party of the King's Rere quartered in Naseby Town, took many Prisoners, some of the Prince's Life-guard, and Langdale's Brigade.

This gave such an alarm to the whole Army, that the King at Midnight leaves his own quarters, and for security hastens to Harborough, where the Van of his Army was quartered, raiseth P. Rupert, and calls a Council of War.

There it was resolved (and chiefly by P. Rupert's eagerness, old Commanders being much against it) to give Battel: and because Fairfax had been so forward, they would no longer stay for him, but seek him out. Fairfax was come from Gilborough to Gilling, and from thence to Naseby, where both Armies drawn up in Battalia, faced each other.

The King commanded the main Body of his Ar­my, Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice the Right Wing, Sir Marmaduke Langdale the Left, the Earl of Lindsey and the Lord Ashley the right hand Re­serve, the Lord Bard and Sir George L'Isle the left Reserve.

Of the Parliaments Army Fairfax and Skippon commanded the Main Body, Cromwel the Right Wing, with whom was Rosseter, and they both came in but a little before the Fight: Ireton com­manded the Left Wing, the Reserves were brought up by Rainsborough, Hammond and Pride.

P. Rupert began and charged the Parliaments Left Wing with great resolution; Ireton made gal­lant resistance, but at last was forced to give ground, he himself being run through the Thigh with a Pike, and into the Face with a Halbert, and his Horse shot under him, and himself taken Priso­ner.

Prince Rupert follows the chase almost to Naseby Town, and in his return, summoned the Train, who made no other answer but by their Fire-locks, he also visited the Carriages where was good plun­der, but his long stay so far from the Main Body was no small prejudice to the King's Army.

In the mean time Cromwel charged furiously on the King's Left Wing, and got the better, for­cing them from the Body, and prosecuting the advantage, quite broke them, and their Re­serve.

During which, the Main Bodies had charged one another with incredible fierceness, often retreat­ing and rallying, falling in together with the But-ends of their Muskets, and coming to hand blows with their Swords.

Langdale's men having been in some discontent before, did not in this Fight behave themselves as they used to doe in others, as their own party gave it out of them; yet they did their parts, and the rest of the King's Army both Horse and Foot per­formed their duties with great courage and resolu­tion, both Commanders and Souldiers.

Some of the Parliament horse having lingred awhile about pillage, and being in some disadvan­tage, Skippon perceiving it, brought up his foot sea­sonably to their assustance, and in this charge (as himself related it to me) was shot in the side.

Cromwel coming in with his victorious Right Wing, they all charged together upon the King, who unable to endure any longer, got out of the Field towards Leicester.

P. Rupert, who now too late returned from his improvident eager pursuit, seeing the day lost, accompanied them in their flight, leaving a com­pleat Victory to the Parliamentarians, who had the chase of them for 14 Miles, within two Miles of Leicester; and the King finding the pursuit so hot, left that Town, and hasts to Litchfield.

This Battel was wone and lost as that of Marston Moor, but proved more destructive to the King and his party; and it was exceeding bloody, both Armies being very courageous and numerous, and not 500 odds on either side.

It was fought in a large fallow Field, on the North west side of Naseby, about a Mile broad, which space of ground was wholly taken up.

On the Parliaments side were wounded and slain Skippon. above 1000 Officers and private Souldiers. M. G. Skippon (an old experienced Souldier) was orde­red to draw up the form of the Battel, he fought stoutly that day, and although he was sorely woun­ded in the beginning of the Fight, and the General desired him to go off the Field, he answered, he would not stir so long as a man would stand, and ac­cordingly staid till the Battel was ended.

Ireton was dangerously hurt, and taken Prisoner for a while, after he had done his part, but, in the confusion of the Fight got loose again, and saw the Victory atchieved by his party.

The General had his Helmet beat off, and ri­ding Fairfax. in the field bare headed up and down from one part of his Army to another, to see how they stood, and what advantage might be gained, and coming up to his owne Life Guard commanded by Colonel Charles D'Oyley, he was told by him that he exposed himself to too much danger, and the whole Army thereby, riding bare headed in the fields, and so many Bullets flying about him, and D'Oyley offered his General his Helmet, but he re­fused it, saying it is well enough Charles: and see­ing a Body of the King's foot stand, and not at all broken, he asked D'Oyley if he had charged that Bo­dy, who answered, that he had twice charged them, but could not break them.

With that Fairfax bid him to charge them once again in the front, and that he would take a com­manded party, and charge them in the Rere at the same time, and they might meet together in the middle, and bad him, when Fairfax gave the sign to begin the charge.

D'Oyley pursued his General's Orders, and both together charging that Body put them into a con­fusion, and broke them, and Fairfax and D'Oyley met indeed in the middle of them, where Fairfax killed the Ensign, and one of D'Oyley's Troupers took the Colours, bragging of the service he had done in killing the Ensign and taking the chief Co­lours.

D'Oyley chid the Trouper for his boasting and ly­ing, telling him how many witnesses there were who saw the General doe it with his own hand, but the General himself had D'Oyley to let the Trouper a­lone, and said to him, I have honour enough, let him take that honour to himself.

Both the General and the Lieutenant General performed their work with admirable resolution, and by their particular examples infused valour in­to [Page 146] their followers, so likewise did the other Offi­cers, of whom divers were wounded.

On the other side the King shewed himself this day a courageous General, keeping close with his Horse, and himself in person rallying them to hot The King. encounters.

The Earl of Lindsey, Lord Ashley, Col. Russel and others wounded, performed their parts with great gallantry, 20 Colonels, Knights, and Of­ficers of note, and 600 private Souldiers were slain on the King's part; but much more was the dam­mage he susteined by those taken.

That is 6 Colonels, 8 Lieutenant Colonels, 18 Majors, 70 Captains, 8 Lieutenants, 200 En­signs, and other inferiour Officers, 4500 common Souldiers, besides 100 Irish women, and many o­ther women who followed the Camp, 13 of the King's Houshold-servants, 4 of his footmen, 12 pieces of Ordnance, 8000 Arms, 40 Barrels of Powder, 200 Carriages, all their Bag and Bag­gage, with store of rich pillage, 3000 Horse, the King's Standard, and divers Colours of horse and foot, one of the King's Coaches, and his Cabinets of Letters and Papers.

Sir Marmaduke Langdale fled to Newark.

15. The Lord's day, divers Preachers took no­tice of this great Victory, in their Prayers and Ser­mons, and returned Prayers to God for it.

16. Several Gentlemen, Colonel Jo. Ficnnes, and others, came from the Army, with the Prisoners and Colours, and some with Letters from the Ge­neral, of this great success at Naseby, they were called into the House, and made a particular Nar­ration of the fight.

The House gave 100 l. to one of them, 40 l. to another, and gratified all the Messengers of this good News.

Then according to the desire of Sir T. F. in his Letters, they ordered a Day of Thanksgiving to God for it, the Parliament to keep it at Christ-church, and the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and the Common Council to be desired to meet the Parlia­ment there; and another Day of publick Thanks­giving for this Victory was appointed to be kept in all Counties within the power of the Parlia­ment.

Letters of thanks ordered to Sir T. F. and his Field-Officers, and 500 l. to be bestowed upon a Jewel for Sir T. F.

Order that Lieutenant General Cromwel shall Cromwell. continue Lieutenant General of the Horse under Sir T. F. during the pleasure of the Houses, not­withstanding the Self-denying Ordinance; and shall receive the pay of Lieutenant General for the time of the establishment of this Army.

The same Night after the Battel of Naseby, Sir T. F. blocked up Leicester with his Horse, and next day his Foot came up to him.

Houghton Garrison being taken by a party from Newark, was the same Day regained by Col. Rosse­ter, C. Rosseter. who released the Prisoners taken there, and took of them Prisoners M. Broughton, and divers o­ther Officers, 55 Gentlemen Voluntiers, and Souldiers, and 60 Horse.

A party of Sir William Brereton under Lieutenant Colonel Venables, fell upon a party of the Chester forces, took 180 of them Prisoners, and 30 Horse, and forced the rest back into Chester.

Several parties of the King's joyning to besiege Sir W. Whitmore's House a Garrison of the Parlia­ment; a party from Shrewsbury encountred with them, slew and took Prisoners about 400, and dis­persed the rest, and Sir William Croft's was slain in the Fight.

Captain Stone and Captain Tuthall fell upon a party of the King's near Litchfield, took Major Henningham, other Gentlemen and Officers, of the name of Devexeux, 25 common Souldiers, 40 Horse and Arms, i a Coach and Horses, divers Port-mantles, and good Pillage.

17. Debate in a grand Committee of the busi­ness of the Church.

An Ordinance committed for the sale of Delin­quents Estates.

The Town of Taunton understanding from Lyme Taunton. of the Parliaments sending relief to them, and ha­ving a small supply of Powder from Lyme, a party of the Garrison issued out upon the besiegers, took and slew above 400 of them with the loss of 100 of the Garrison; and by this means, the Enemy drawing back, they have inlarged their quarters five or six miles compass.

18. The Sheriffs of London came to both Houses, London. and in the name of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council, invited them to Dinner the next Day being the Day appointed by them for publick Thanksgiving, and both Houses accepted of the invitation.

Order for a Collection at the day of Thanksgi­ving for those of Leicester now in Town.

The Lords agreed to the Ordinance for Lord Cromwell. General Cromwel to be L. General of the Horse, but altered it in point of time to be but for 3 months, to which the Commons upon Debate consented.

Colonel Fiennes sent up to London with the 4500 Prisoners taken at Naseby Battel, was ordered to stay at St. Albans till the House should take order for the disposal of them.

19. Both Houses and the City kept the Day of Thanksgiving together, and news was brought to them of the regaining Leicester.

Letters informed, that upon routing the King's Sir J. G [...]l. Army Sir Jo. Gell gathered together all the forces of Derbyshire, and the adjacent parts, and June 16. they met with some of the King's Horse, and took 200, and another party fell upon the Newarkers, and routed them, took 60 horse, 42 Prisoners, and 80 Arms.

The same Day Sir T. F. came before Leicester Leicester. and summoned the Town to surrender to him, and not to force him to take it by storm, the Gover­nour answered, that he would not surrender it. Sir T. F. called a Council of War about the storming of it, which was concluded.

The next Day they fell to raising Batteries, and made all provision Night and Day for it.

June 17. Sir T. F. battered the Town, and stor­med it, and the Governour sent for a parley, to which Sir T. F. agreed, and sent Colonel Pickering and Colonel Rainsborough his Commissioners into the Town, to treat about the surrender of it.

In the mean time Sir T. F. lost no time to make provision for the storm, and had intelligence that the King was advancing with about 4000 horse to­wards them.

But the Commissioners agreed with the Lord Loughborough Governour of Leicester for the rendi­tion of the Town to Sir T. F. upon Articles: and there he had 14 pieces of Ordnance, 30 Colours, 200 Arms, 500 Horse, 50 Barrels of Powder, and all their Arms, Ammunition, Provisions, Bag and Baggage.

Both Houses were magnificently feasted by the Both Hou­ses feasted. City at Grocer's-hall, and after Dinner they sang the 46. Psalm, and so parted.

20. The Commons sent a Letter of Thanks to Major General Skippon, and Dr. Clarke a Physician to visit him; and desired Sir Tho. Fairfax to take care that the Chirurgeons of the Army might use their best endeavours for his recovery.

[Page 147] The Scots Army being at Nottingham, and Sir T. F. at Leicester, it was referred to the Commit­tee of both Kingdoms to mannage the Armies to the best improvement of the publick service.

An Ordinance past for Rutlandshire.

A Petition from the Adventurers for Ireland.

An Ordinance past for the Northern associa­tion.

Sir T. F. his Army notwithstanding their hard service, marched from Leicester, and sate down before Ashby de la Zouche.

3000 fresh horse of Sir John Gell, Colonel Rosse­ter, Colonel Lambert and others pursued the King's Army.

21. Order for the Prisoners taken at Naseby to Naseby Pri­soners. be put into the Military grounds, till they should be otherwise disposed of.

Care was taken of the wounded Souldiers, and for prosecuting the war, and advancing of the Ar­mies in pursuit of the King's forces.

The 4500 Prisoners taken at Naseby fight, were conducted through London to Westminster, and 55 of their Colours then taken carried before them.

22. The Lord's Day great expressions in the Pulpit touching the Victory at Naseby.

23. Carlisle was willing for a Treaty of surrend­ring Carlisle. the Town, if they might be assured of an Eng­lish Governour and Garrison, the which was voted by the Commons, and Letters sent to the Officers of the English and Scottish Armies to assure the same to those of Carlisle, who had held out very long and courageously for the King.

Another order for the E. of Northumberland to King's Children. have the care of the King's Children, and 3000 l. per annum allowed him for them.

The Letters taken in the King's Cabinet at Letters ta­ken at Naseby. Naseby read in the House, and some of them refer­red to a Committee to be decyphered.

Mr. Brown a Gun-founder and his Son committed upon matters in some of the Letters.

24. The Letters taken in the King's Cabinet, were more of them read in the House, and in some of them was mention of His Majestie's intention to make a Peace with the Irish Rebels, and to have 40000 of them over into England to prosecute the War here.

In other Letters to the Queen the King com­plains, That he could not prevail with his Mungrel Parliament at Oxford, to vote that the Parliament at Westminster were not a lawfull Parliament; that he will not make a Peace with the Rebels (the Parlia­ment) without her approbation, nor goe one jot from the Paper she sent him.

That upon the Treaty at Uxbridge, he did not po­sitively own the Parliament, it being otherwise to be construed, though they were so simple as not to find it out; and that it was recorded in the notes of the King's Council, that he did not acknowledge them a Parlia­ment.

Ordinance sent to the Lords for putting the County of Surrey into a posture of Defence, and for pay for the forces there.

100 l. given to the Messenger that brought up the Colours from Naseby fight.

Ordinance sent to the Lords for money for Portsmouth Garrison.

Order for the business of the Church to be taken into Debate every Wednesday and Friday.

An Ordinance past for re-imbursing money for Pembrokeshire.

Sir T. F. prosecuted the King's forces towards Hereford, and left Colonel Needham Governour of Leicester.

Colonel Morgan blocked up Sandal Castle, and M. G. Poynes went to Pomfret to order the battery there.

Colonel Rosseter came back from pursuing the King's forces, charged and routed a party of the Newarkers, rescued 20 Constables and Tithing­men taken by them, and took 50 horse, and many C. Rosseter. prisoners of them.

25. The Monthly Fast kept: divers Officers Prisoners committed to London-house.

26. An Ordinance sent to the Lords about ta­king the Accounts of the Kingdom, and orders for disposal of the Prisoners; some to serve the Parliament in Ireland, and others as the Parliament shall direct.

Letters written to Sir T. F. to prosecute his in­tentions against the Enemy, and the Ordinance continued to impower him to press Souldiers for three months longer, and another for Recruits for his Army.

Another Ordinance past impowering the Com­mittees in the several Counties where any Souldi­ers were pressed, and afterwards did desert the ser­vice, to proceed against them according to Marshal Marshal Law. Law.

Another for money for the late Officers of the Earl of Essex, and of Sir William Waller.

Massey advanced to Lyme in order to relieve Taunton, the King was at Hereford, and Sir T. F. at Gloucester.

The Scots Army ordered to march from Not­tingham to Worcester.

Colonel Hunt went from Shrewsbury before Cause Castle, which surrendred to him. The King's Garri­son there, marching away with their Colours and Swords, and left in the Castle 500 Arms, and store of Ammunition.

M. G. Brown took a Troup of Colonel Royden's horse, and a foot Company of Oxford.

The Commons ordered all the Ensigns and Cor­nets Ensigns ta­ken at Naseby. taken at Naseby, or formerly, and which hereafter be taken from the Enemy, should be brought into the Herald's Office, and be there Re­gistred, and Mr. Riley to be intrusted therewith.

27. The Grand Committee sate for the Church business, and after that, in the House an Ordi­nance read to consirm and establish the Directory for worship.

An Ordinance past for a Collection to provide money and necessaries for those Prisoners who were willing to serve against the Rebels in Ireland, to transport them thither.

Letters from Plymouth informed, that Greenvile was raising more forces in Cornwal; and that di­vers Souldiers come away from the King's Garri­sons to the Parliaments.

That three Dunkirk Ships came to Dartmouth with the King's Commission to inhabit there, and were received, but not well used; and two of the Dunkirk Ships were taken by the Parliaments.

28. Sir T. F. by order of Parliament advanced toward the relief of Taunton, and sent to Massey, that by a Day he would joyn with him.

Letters from General Leuen desired pay for the Scots Ar­my. Scots Army, the Houses thereupon sent a Commit­tee to acquaint the Lord Mayor, and Common Council of the City therewith, and to desire the speedy raising of 30000 l. for this service, and wrote answer to General Leuen that they would take care forthwith for their satisfaction.

The Commons ordered the Prisoners to be re­moved from the Military Ground, where there wanted shelter for them; and 300 l. for their sup­plies.

30. Letters from M. G. Skippon informed of his Skippon. being in a hopefull way of recovery, and thereup­on the Commons ordered 200 l. to be sent to him, as a testimony of their favour, and 200 l. more for [Page 148] payment of his Doctours, Chirurgeons, Apotheca­ries, and other expences.

Order for 1000 l. for those Gentlemen (some of whom were now Members of Parliament), who suffered in 1, & 2 Car. for their affections to the publick, and the Committee for them, and for the necessities of the present Members, was revived, and satisfaction of damage voted to be out of the Estates of Delinquents.

The Letters taken at Naseby referred to a Com­mittee to be perused, and observations to be made upon them, and to communicate some of them to the Common Council of London.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords touching Gun­powder, and the Office of the Ordnance.

Letters to the association for Recruits, and Ar­rears to be sent to Sir T. Fairfax's Army.

Ordinance past for 1500 l. for the Regiment of Colonel John Fiennes.

M. G. Poynes took the Church at Pomfret.

Sir T. F. took about 100 Arms from Lieutenant Colonel Not at Highworth who was there slain, and divers Officers.

Colonel Hutchinson took 60 Horse, and 48 Pri­soners, Officers and Arms.

Major Saddler took from M. Duet near the Devi­zes, 16 Prisoners.

Colonel Venables took Sir Th. Powel High Sheriff of Chester, 40 Prisoners, and 100 Horse.

July 1645.

1. An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for 400 l. to be paid to Sir William Waller's Life-guard.

Tuesdays and Thursdays set a part for considering how to raise Monies for Sir T. F. his Army, and several Orders passed for that purpose.

Order of both Houses for the Departure of the Duke of Lorrain's Agent, and of the King of Por­tugal's Foreign Agents. Agent, and for a Letter to be sent to the King of Portugal of the miscarriage of his Agent here.

Order that the Committee of both Kingdoms should give directions from time to time for the Recruits to be sent to Sir T. F.

The Ordinance past for putting Surrey into a posture of Defence, and for pay for Farnham Gar­rison, and another for 20000 l. towards reducing Oxford.

The Antiparliament sate again at Oxford, and Oxford Par­liament. were about a Declaration to encourage their party, and taking care for Money and Recruits for the King.

Colonel Baxter Governour of Reading went out with a party and faced Wallingford near their Works.

2 Debate about Church affairs.

One Lusher had been apprehended for a Romish Priest; the Spanish Ambassadour owned Lusher as his Servant, and in favour of the Ambassadour both Houses discharged Lusher, and ordered him to de­part the Kingdom in ten daies.

Both Houses ordered the continuance of the Commissioners of the Great Seal, and of the Master of the Rolls for six Months longer, notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance.

Mr. Gourden a Member of the House of Commons L. Savile. presented to them a Letter from the Lord Savile, with a Paper inclosed in it, and desired that they might be read, and after some Debate they were read: The Letter was expressing his affections to the Parliament, to whom he had come from the King and submitted himself, and taken the Oath enjoyned; in observance whereof, and of his duty to the Parlia­ment, under whose protection he was, he held himself obliged to discover to them what he knew concerning two of their Members, who had done contrary to their trust, and to the prejudice of the Parliament in the mat­ters contained in the inclosed Paper.

That Paper set forth, That Mr. Hollis and Hollis and Whitelocke accused. Mr. Whitelocke being persons well affected to the King, and to his Cause, were nevertheless two of the Parliaments Commissioners lately sent to Oxford to His Majesty with Propositions from the Parliament for Peace.

That they being at Oxford did contrary to their trust, and to the prejudice of the Parliament, treat and advise with the King, and some great Lords about him, namely, the Earl of Lindsey, the Earl of Southampton, and others, about the King's Answer to those Propositions, and did give a Paper in writing, what they advised the King's answer should be.

That their advice in the said Paper was followed by the King, and some of the very words thereof were made use of in the King's Answer, and that both before and after that time, they held intelligence and correspon­dence with the King and his party at Oxford.

Much other Matter was in the Paper to the like effect, and upon the reading of it, divers of the House were very high, and moved that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might make a present Answer to this Paper, or Charge, as some called it.

Mr. Hollis presently in his place made his Answer to the matter of the Paper, and therein unadvised­ly and suddenly confessed more than he needed to have done, but denied any intelligence or corre­spondence by him with any of the King's party.

Mr. Whitelocke was not in Town this Morning, and knew nothing of this business; but after Mr. Hollis had spoken, Mr. John L'Isle stood up and acquainted the House, that Mr. Whitelocke being then absent, if they pleased he would undertake to give him notice to attend the House the next Day, which was ordered.

But some were not satisfied therewith, and they fiercely moved, That this being a charge of High Treason against two of their Members, in whom the of­fence was greater than in others, that they would pro­ceed with equal justice; and that both Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might be committed to the Tower, Mr. Hollis who was present to be sent thither, and a Warrant to apprehend Mr. Whitelocke and to carry him thither also.

Upon this Sir William Lewys stood up, and with as much vigour on the other side, said, He could not but wonder at the justice of those who would commit a man to the Tower before he was heard, and the other after he had fully answered that which they called a Charge.

That he could not admit it to be a Charge, but a Scandalous and Libellous Paper against two worthy Members of the House, who, they all knew, had ser­ved the Parliament faithfully, and to the utmost hazard of their Lives and Fortunes.

And because they had done so, and were so capable of doing further and more service to the Parliament, therefore one of their enemies was come hither to cast a bone among them, and to raise differences amongst the Members of Parliament; a likely way when their other designs failed them, to doe mischief to the Parlia­ment.

He desired them to consider the person of him whom they called the Accuser, who was indeed an Accuser of the Brethren, that it was the Lord Savile, now cloathed with a new Title from the King of Earl of Sussex, and perhaps this present service was to be part of that by which he was yet to merit his new Title.

That still he was the same man who was first of the Parliament party, then revolted from them to the King, [Page 149] and now was revolted from the King to the Parliament again, and that a Paper brought in from this person should be looked upon as a Charge against two worthy Members of their House, or be in the least a ground to commit them to the Tower, he could not sufficiently wonder at the reason or justice of such a motion as that was.

He rather thought it more reasonable and just, and accordingly moved, that this Libel, this Paper might be thrown out of the House, and the contriver of it, the Lord Savile, be under more streight custody, and examined who set him on to promote this business; and that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might not be put to the trouble of any further attendance about it.

This smart motion of Sir William Lewys, so con­trary to the former, being spoken by him with great ingenuity and mettle, and seconded by Sir Philip Stapleton and others of that party, so wrought upon the House, that the motion for commitment to the Tower was laid aside, and Mr. L'Isle ordered to give notice to Mr. Whitelocke that the House re­quired his attendance there the next day.

Carlisle was surrendred to the Parliament, and Sir Thomas Glenham the Governour and the Garri­son Carlisle. Souldiers had a Convoy by the Articles of sur­render to Newark.

3. At a Conference the Letters of the surrender of Carlisle were imparted to the Lords, and agreed to send a Committee to the Common Council of London to acquaint them with some of the King's Letters taken at Naseby.

A Committee appointed to consider of the Nor­thern Garrisons upon the borders of Scotland.

The King was at Ragland Castle to gather Re­cruits, Sir T. F. was at Marlborough: the Garrison of Taunton had often Skirmishes with Goring's For­ces; and at one time took 120 of their horse: the besiegers drew off most of their horse to their Out­guards.

Between 4000 and 5000 Clubmen being up in Dorsetshire and Wilts carried themselves very tu­multuously, Club-men. and forced the Parliaments quarters at Sturmister; divers slain and wounded on both sides, and they took sixty Dragoon Horses and Arms from the Parliaments Forces, for restitution where­of Colonel Massey sent a Trumpeter to them, and they promised to make restitution the next day.

Letters sent from both Houses to Sir T. F. and Colonel Massey to inform the Clubmen of the Par­liaments intentions to relieve Taunton, and to re­quire them to depart peaceably to their habitati­ons; and that they should not be questioned for their rising, otherwise to be taken as contemners of the Parliaments authority, and to be fallen upon as Enemies.

The King's Letters taken at Naseby were read Naseby Let­ters. at the Common Council, and observations upon them, and they were appointed to be kept in a place, where any might peruse the Originals for their satisfaction.

The Kingdom of Scotland sensible of the Cala­mities of the three Kingdoms in this Civil War, drew up a Remonstrance by way of Summons to His Majesty to come and joyn with them in the Solemn Scotland Remon­stance. League and Covenant; and this being by consent of the general Assembly of that Kingdom, was sent to His Majesty.

Whitelocke attended the House all this Morning, and nothing was said to him in publick by reason of the other business, about 12 a Clock he acquainted the House that he received a Letter from a worthy Member of the House, signifying their pleasure that he should attend them, which he now did ac­cordingly, and humbly desired to know what the business was.

Then it was moved by some that the Letter and Paper of the Lord Savile might be read to him, o­thers were for a time to be appointed two or three days after for this business.

Whitelocke desired it might be the next day.

Upon his suit, it was appointed for the next day, and that the Paper and Letters of the Lord Sa­vile should be then ready, and he to be heard to say what he thought fit to this business.

4. The Justices of Peace not being informed of Priests. the order for Lusher the Priest to be sent out of the Kingdom, proceeded in his Trial, and he was convicted, but the Commons ordered his Reprieve, so was one White another Romish Priest.

Intercepted Letters of the Portugal Ambassadour were ordered to be broken open by the Committee of Examinations, and notice thereof to be given to the Agent, that he if he pleased might be pre­sent.

The Lord Fairfax had the Thanks of the House Fairfax. for his good service, and the same ordered to be entred into the Journal of the House.

Sir T. F. was on his march to Taunton, as far as Blandford, where he joyned with Massey. Goring had drawn off his Horse, but left his Foot in the passages to block up Taunton.

The Scots Army were at Birmicham marching to­wards Worcester, and in their way took about 80 of the Dudley Horse.

About ten a Clock some Friends of Mr. Whitelock's called upon the business appointed for the Day, and the Letter of the Lord Savile, with the Paper inclosed, were read in the House to Mr. Whitelocke, after which, he stood up in his place, and made Answer to it by way of Narrative to this ef­fect.

Mr. Speaker,

I am happy since I must be under an Accusation (which is no mean thing) in this honourable House, that this Gentleman my Lord Savile is my Accuser; and more happy that you, to whom I have been so long a Servant, and who know my ways so well, are to be my Judges.

I shall say nothing concerning my Lord Savile be­cause he is my Accuser, but to the parts of his Accusa­tion I shall give you a short and true Answer, with all ingenuity and submission to your great judgment.

His first part of the Accusation is, that I was a person well affected to the King, but he gives no in­stances thereof, nor is it a crime to be well affected to my Sovereign; we have all expressed the same in our Covenant.

I could give some instances to the contrary effect, as the plunder of my Goods, seizing the profits of my Lands, indicting my person of High Treason for ser­ving you; and giving away my inheritance to Sir Charles Blunt a Papist; which are no great motives to an extraordinary affection, more than a Subject is obliged to his Prince.

But if my Lord Savile means by well affected to the King, my being well affected to Peace; I confess I am a passionate Lover of a good Peace, and Seeker of it, and thereby have testified my affection both to King and Parliament; and the longer our Troubles continue, the more we shall all be of this opinion and affection.

Sir, I hope I may be thought capable to know my duty to my King, and to understand what Protection I was to have from him, the mutual Relations of both; and further I hold my self disobliged.

The second Accusation is, ‘ That I met at the Earl of Lindsey's Lodgings in Oxford, to advise about the King's Answer to your Propositions, and that I [Page 150] there did give advice to the King, contrary to the trust reposed in me by you.’

To this I answer, That when your Commissioners came to Oxford, we consulted together, what (among other things) was fit for us to doe in point of Civilities and Visits whilst we were there; and it was agreed by us all, that we should not visit any that were excepted in your Propositions; but that we might visit others, who did visit, or send Visits to us.

The Earl of Lindsey sent to visit Mr. Hollis and me with a Complement, That he was not well, else he would have come to visit us at our Lodgings. And I ha­ving a particular relation and alliance to him, we went together to return a visit to his Lordship, and told our fellow Commissioners of our intentions before we gave the visit, and they approved of it.

When we came to the Earl's Lodging, we found there the Earl of Southampton, the Lord Savile, and some others; but it was so far from an appointed meet­ing, that I knew not of their being there, till I saw them in the Chamber.

There was much discourse among us about your Pro­positions, and they urged the unreasonableness of them; we affirmed the contrary, and vindicated your honour in them.

There was also discourse concerning the Scots Com­missioners, whom they affirmed to be averse to peace, we assured them that they were not, but willing to have a good peace.

There was likewise upon this occasion, discourse of the Presbytery, and of the Point of Jure divino; we told them that the Scots were off from the rigid Presbytery, and did not insist upon the Point of Jure divino.

They were then likewise discoursing of Tumults, and of Persons, and Petitions brought to Westmin­ster in a violent and disorderly manner; we did not speak of any violent Independent Party, nor any the words mentioned in the Lord Savile' s Paper, nor that the Propositions were unreasonable.

They indeed pressed much upon that Argument, that they were unreasonable, particularly the Proposi­tions concerning Religion and the Militia; we told them, that unless the King would grant those Proposi­tions, it would be in vain to treat of any peace.

There was also much discourse about the acknow­ledging you to be a Parliament; the Earl of Lindsey said, That the King had acknowledged you a Par­liament, by the words, Lords and Commons of Par­liament.

We answered, That this was the same style his Majesty gave to the Assembly at Oxford, and we could not be satisfied with that acknowledgment. Then the Earl of Lindsey demanded of us, how we would be acknowledged? We told him thus;

The Lords and Commons assembled in the Par­liament of England at Westminster.

After this we returned to our Lodgings, and ac­quainted our fellow Commissioners with the persons that were at the Earl of Lindsey' s Chamber, when we were there, and with the matter of our discourse with them.

In all our discourses, Mr. Hollis and my self did justifie your Propositions, and vindicate your Pro­ceedings.

Mr. Speaker, It is no small trouble to my thoughts, to have my Name questioned in this House, but I am comforted in my own integrity and innocency, and in my Accuser, but chiefly in my Judges, to whom I most humbly and most willingly submit my self.

After Whitelocke had spoken, there was much debate in the House, whether this Paper of the Lord Savile, were an Accusation or Charge against them? Many Gentlemen argued, That it was a­gainst the Privilege of the House to take it for an Accusation, being from the Lord Savile, who was an Enemy come from the King's Quarters, and one in contempt to both Houses of Parliament, for refusing to name the person from whom he received the Letter con­cerning Mr. Hollis, and therefore committed a close prisoner.

That he had not discovered this to the Parliament in five or six Months together that he had been in their quarters, but after he had been complained of by Mr. Hollis about a Letter, and Mr. Whitelocke was in the Chair of the Committee appointed to examine the business of that Letter,

Then the Lord Savile brought in a new Accusation both against Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Whitelocke the Chairman, to take off his testimony for Mr. Hollis.

Others went upon this ground, That this business might be committed, to see if the Lord Savile would avow his Letter and Paper, and by what testimony he could make it good, and that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke might have reparation, and be cleared from this aspersion.

But these were not their Friends, and moved this out of a design to bring the business before a Com­mittee to be examined, more than out of respect to them.

After a long debate, it was at last referred to a Committee to be examined in the general, and power given to the Committee to examine any Member of the House, and a Message sent to the Lords, to desire that the L. Savile might be exami­ned at this Committee.

Those who were of a contrary party to the Earl of Essex, set their interest upon it, to ruine Mr. Hollis, whom they found to be a great Pillar of that Party, and with him to ruine Mr. Whitelocke, they being both involved in this business; but they had not the same envy against Mr. Whitelocke, as they had against Mr. Hollis; nor could they well sever them.

But now having got it referred to a Committee, they resolved there to put it home, and were full of expectation to destroy them both, which was their intention.

5. A Letter from the Portugal Agent, and his carriage to the Parliament referred to a Commit­tee, and how the Parliament might be vindicated therein.

Order, that the Militia of London should put in execution the Ordinance for searching for Papists and Delinquents.

Proposals from the Governour of Windsor for supply of that Garrison presented to the House from the Common Council of London, and referred to the Committee of the Army.

Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Massey marched from Blandford towards Taunton, their Scouts and Taunton. Goring's had some Encounters, but Goring under­standing that Sir Tho. Fairfax was advancing to­wards him, drew off all his horse and foot from be­fore Taunton, and went towards Exeter.

The Lords sent a Message to the House of Com­mons, in answer of theirs yesterday, That the Lord Savile, if he pleased, might be examined from time to time at the Committee, to whom the business of his Letter was referred.

7. Divers of Westminster in the name of the City, petitioned the House for Maintenance for the Lecturers in Westminster Abbey, out of the Revenues belonging to the Dean and Chapter there.

Thereupon an Ordinance was read and commit­ted. for regulating the College of Westminster, and the Petitioners called in, and acquainted with the care of the House in their business, and had the thanks of the House.

[Page 151] Letters from Scout-master General Watson, in­formed, that the Enemy was wholly drawn off from before Taunton.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords, for making Mr. Jackson Lecturer at Gloucester, and a 100 l. per annum to be settled on him; and the House order­ed Col. Morgan to be Governour there.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for One per­cent. for the Captives in Argiers.

The King's Forces from Bolton Castle surprized Raby Castle, belonging to Sir Henry Vane, but were again close blocked up by Forces raised by Sir George Vane.

The Scots Army were on their march towards Worcester, as far as Birmicham.

The Marquess of Argyle was in pursuit of Mon­tross Commissi­oners to Scotland. over the Hills, and the Parliament of Scotland being now sate, the Parliament of England ap­pointed the Earl of Rutland, the Lord Wharton, Sir Henry Vane senior, Sir William Ermine, Mr. Hatcher, and Mr. Goodwyn, to be their Commissi­oners in Scotland.

The King with about 4000 horse and foot was at Hereford, to raise 5000 l. Assessment, and some Recruits.

The Committee of Salop took in Cause Castle, Hawarden Castle, and Lynsell House, belonging to Sir Richard Lucy, and sate down with their For­ces before High Arcall the Lord Newport's House.

In the Afternoon Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke attended the Committee touching my Lord Savile's Accusation, where Mr. Samuel Brown had the Chair, and was no friend to them in this business, but pressed matters against them, more than a Chair-man was to do.

The Lord Savile was brought into the Commit­tee, and his Letter and Paper read to him, which he owned as his, and his hand to them, and that he would justifie them to be true upon his Soul and his Life.

Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke averred the con­trary, but with less passion, and with less in­discretion than the Lord Savile, who being put to it by the Committee, could not make any proof of one Particular mentioned in his Papers, more than they themselves acknowledged; which was the same in effect that they had said before in their Narratives in the House.

Every particular Clause in his Papers were se­verally read, and he heard to them, and they to make their Answers: but they both did it, with this reservation, That what they did in this, was out of their willingness to give any satisfaction they could to the Committee, or to any particular Gentleman; but they hoped that they should not be examined upon this, as a charge against them, which was not allowed to be so by the House. Which after some debate seemed to be admitted, and that in general they should be heard in this business by the Committee, which they themselves freely offered.

The Lord Savile insisted upon a Letter from Mr. Hollis to the Duke of Richmond in a correspon­dence with his Grace, but that did not touch White­locke, nor did he prove by the Letter a Correspon­dence by Mr. Hollis, but by some circumstances raised jealousies of it in some of their minds who were not Friends.

Nor could his Lordship prove any thing of his Information, That they distinguished the parties a­mong them in the Parliament into the Presbyterian and the Independent parties; the Earl of Essex and the Scots as the Heads of the Presbyterians; and the other party being the Independent party, to be averse to peace: but the Earl of Essex and his party (of which Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke were) to be the friends to peace; Which words were denied by them.

The Committee adjourned to the next day, and nothing was further done at this meeting.

8. An Ordinance for regulating the University of Cambridge, read the first and second time.

Order for Money for the Lord Fairfax his For­ces, and for the other Northern Forces of that Association.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for levying 12000 l. in the Eastern Association.

Upon Letters from General Leven, care was ta­ken for Money for his Army.

Order for 2000 pair of Shoes, and 2000 pair of Stockings for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Foot-soul­diers.

A Souldier of Sir Thomas Fairfax was hanged for running away from his Colours, and a Dragooner hanged for robbing a Countryman upon the High-way; some few of his men staying behind at a Fair, were surprized by the King's Forces from the Devizes.

Agents came from the Clubmen in Dorsetshire, Clubmen. to Sir Thomas Fairfax, desiring his Pass for their Commissioners to go to the King, and others to the Parliament, with their Proposals for a new Treaty of Peace, and for a Cessation of Arms in the mean time; and for the Towns and Garrisons of Dorset-shire and Wiltshire in the mean time to be put in their hands.

To this Sir Thomas Fairfax gave an Answer in Fairfax. writing, That he could not allow of their De­mands, nor be an Instrument to convey them to the Parliament; because by the Cessation of Arms, and the Garrisons to be put into their hands, the Parliament should be disabled to carry on the War in their own defence, until a firm Peace might be settled, which he and his Army desired, as much as any, and was the end of this War.

That he would undertake that the Army under his command should not injure the Country, where­of they already had some experience; and thus he dismissed the Clubmen's Agents.

The Governour of Lyme had an Encounter with some of them, and killed about 50 of them, led by one of Goring's Officers.

Colonel Fleetwood with a Party of 200 Horse Fleetwood. and Dragoons, was sent to follow the Rere of Go­ring, whose Forces hasted away, and they took only about 10 Prisoners.

Sir Charles Lucas with a party from Barkley Ca­stle fell upon the quarters of some of the Parlia­ments Forces, who received them, and routed the whole party, killed 16, wounded many, took 38 Prisoners.

In the Afternoon Hollis and Whitelocke attended Hollis and Whitelocke. the Committee for the Lord Savile's business, which was very full: And many were there to promote the design of ruining them; and to preserve them, there were Mr. Recorder Glyn, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir William Lewys, and many other noble Gen­tlemen constantly attending upon this Great Com­mittee.

The Lord Savile was again brought in to the Com­mittee, and, as before, he justified the Paper; and that in the King's Answer to the Propositions, there were divers expressions and words, the same with those in the Paper which Mr. Hollis and Mr. White­locke did give to the Earl of Lindsey at Ox­ford.

Being again shewed his Paper, and demanded by the Committee to say in particular what were the same words he intended, he desired to see the King's Answer; which was delivered to him, and he comparing their Paper, and the King's Answer [Page 152] together, observed several expressions and words in their Paper to be the same, with expressions and words in the King's Paper, and did particularly set forth which they were.

Mr. Recorder asked, If it were proved that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke did give in a Paper at Oxford, which had in it those words and expressions which the Lord Savile noted to be in the King's An­swer. That he had not heard any such thing proved; and then he thought the Observations of the Lord Sa­vile upon the King's Answer, to be to little purpose.

Others disired to know how the Lord Savile, be­ing in those secret Councils at Oxford, should become so well affected, as he pretended himself to be to the Parliament.

He answered, That he was Impeached at Oxford, for something that he spoke at those Meetings with Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke; and that they met more than once at the Earl of Lindsey's Chamber. To which they made no answer.

Then the Lord Savile desired, that Mr. Hollis would produce a Letter which he brought to him from the Duke of Richmond from Oxford, by which he believed, much of this business would appear. But it was returned upon the Lord Savile, that even then when he came into the Parliament, he confessed he was imployed to bring Letters, and a correspondence from the Parliaments Enemies to this place.

Mr. Hollis said little to this Letter, and I sup­pose (and partly know) that such a Letter was de­livered to him by the Lord Savile from the Duke of Richmond.

Mr. Gourdon at this Committee acknowledgeth, that the Letter and Paper was brought to him by the Lady Temple, who was the Messenger and Agent of the Lord Savile; and that the Lord Say was acquaint­ed with it before the Letter was delivered; and that Sir Nathaniel Barnadiston, and Sir Henry Vane jun. were likewise acquainted with it, and wished him to offer the Letter.

That he said the House would be in a grand Com­mittee, and then he could not offer the Letter. They replyed, that they would call the Speaker to the Chair purposely to receive the Letter.

That none but these knew Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke to be the persons charged with having In­telligence with the King's Party; but only he told others in the general, That he had an Impeachment to deliver against two Members of the House, but did not name them to any others.

9. Order for a Letter of Thanks to Coventry, for sending plenty of Provisions to Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army.

Much time was spent about Ordinances for raising Money for the Scots Army.

10. The Sheriffs and divers of the Militia of Lon­don, London. and of the adjacent Counties, came to the House with a Petition and Proposals to the House, for raising of 500 Horse, and money to pay them out of Delinquents Estates; for the which the House gave them thanks, and ordered a Committee to treat further with them upon these Proposals.

Debate about Supplies for Ireland, and particu­larly for the Province of Munster, referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Ireland; and to the Committee of Accounts to state the former charges for that Kingdom.

The Committee for the Lord Savile's business sate again this Afternoon, and Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Hollis and Whitelocke. Whitelocke, offered to make a Narrative to the Committee for their satisfaction, and to answer any Questions which should be asked of them by any of the Committee.

Then Mr. Brown the Chairman moved the Com­mittee, whether it were not fit, that as Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke were present, when the Lord Savile was heard; so now the Lord Savile should be present, when Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke made their Narrative.

This held not much debate, it being judged by most of the Gentlemen there present, to be im­proper and unfit, and moved by the Chairman in too much favour to the Lord Savile.

It was then taken into debate, whether Mr. Hol­lis, and Mr. Whitelocke should be heard speak by way of Narrative, or whether they should be examined as to a Charge; and it was over-ruled, that they should be heard by way of Narrative.

Then Sir Peter Wentworth moved, that whilst the one of them was making his Narrative, the other might withdraw; and that they should not both be present to­gether to hear what one another affirmed or denied. But this was not regarded.

Mr. Hollis began first, and made his Narrative, and after he had done, Mr. Whitelocke spake, and both their Narratives were the same in effect with what they had spoken before in the House, and they denied some of my Lord Savile's Informations which were not true; and he had no proof but his own honour (which was not in much esteem) of most of them.

11. Debate of the desire of the Scots Army, to have Commissioners of the Parliament to reside with them; which was agreed: and a Message sent to the Lords to name those of their House who should be of this Committee.

Debate about the Ordinance for sale of Delin­quents Estates.

Order for the Committee of the Navy to send two Barks to Weymouth for the safety of the Fishermen in those parts, whom the Clubmen had injured.

The Committee for the Lord Savile's business, sate not this day.

Some friends who sounded the Solicitor St. John, and the other great men of this Committee, told Whitelocke that they found them not so sharp a­gainst him, as against Mr. Hollis, whom they were resolved to ruine if they could: But Mr. Whitelocke being so much involved in this business with him, they could not separate them, but either both, or neither must be ruined.

They prepared accordingly for their defence, and although many private Messages were sent to Whitelocke (and private Conferences with him) that if he would desert Mr. Hollis, and discover what he could say against him, that he should not only be pre­served, but be rewarded and preferred, yet they could not prevail with him to confess any thing against Mr. Hollis, or the trust of friendship where­in he held himself engaged.

12. Debate of the Ordinance for sale of Delin­quents Estates.

An Ordinance read for raising a 1000 Horse, and 500 Dragoons, and Money for them, in associated Counties.

The Committee of Kent who had power of Mar­tial Martial Law. Law, gave judgment of death against 30, who were in the late Insurrection there, yet ordered that they should throw the Dice for their lives, and but four of them to be executed; only two who refused to throw the Dice, were ordered to be executed.

The House sate in the Afternoon, and a Messen­ger brought them this relation from Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army.

That Goring with his whole Army being quar­tered at Langport, expecting more Forces from the King to joyn with him, Sir Thomas Fairfax having notice thereof, called a Council of War, Whose re­sult Fairfax. Langport fight. was, to give battel to the Enemy, if they could force them to it.

[Page 153] That accordingly they advanced in several bo­dies; L. G. Massey with his Brigade of 4000 horse, and about 7 or 8 foot Regiments, advanced in the Rear of Goring's Army, fell on a party of them, took many Colours, about 200 prisoners, and more Goring. horse, but few in this service were slain.

Sir Thomas Fairfax by that time was advanced near Goring's head quarters at Langport, not know­ing of Massey's engagement, who was quartered on the other side of the River.

July 10 Sir Thomas Fairfax very early drew out with seven Regiments of horse, and most part of his foot into the field near Sutton. Goring percei­ving this, possest himself of a Pass, which lay be­tween Sir Thomas Fairfax and Massey, and hindred the conjunction of their Forces; not above four a breast being able to march through the Lane, in which the Enemy had lined the Hedges with Mus­quetiers.

By this they intended to bring off their Ord­nance and Carriages, and to make an honourable retreat to Bridgwater: But upon the firing of Sir Thomas Fairfax his foot, they beat off Goring's foot from the hedges, whereby Fairfax his horse might advance.

Major Bethel with a single Troup entred the Pas­sage, the rest of the horse following him, and gal­lantly Bethel. charged the whole body of Goring's horse who were in the Lane, and as gallantly received him; but he routed their first party, then their re­serve, and so retreated to the body.

After this Col. Desborough with about 300 horse of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Regiment, charged Go­ring's Desborough horse, and after a short, but hot engagement, wherein both parties did very gallantly, Goring's horse were routed and put to flight, and pursued al­most to Bridgewater.

There were about 400 slain on both sides, 2000 prisoners taken by Sir Thomas Fairfax, 1200 horse, and about 40 Colours, 4000 Arms, two pieces of Ordnance, six Carriages with Ammunition. M. G. M. G. Por­ter. Porter next in Command to Goring, and with him 100 Officers were taken.

After this good news, they went in the better humour to the Committee of the Lord Savile, where Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke had procured the Earl of Denbigh to come, and desired that he (being one of Hollis and Whitelocke. the Commissioners with them at Oxford) would be plea­sed to declare his knowledge concerning the Matters in question before the Committee.

The Earl of Denbigh then told the Committee, E. Denbigh. that he was desired by them to be there, and had leave of the House of Peers to be at this Committee, and would acquaint them upon his honour with the truth of what he knew in this business.

He told them that he did well remember that at their first coming to Oxford, there was care taken by them, for their carriage and discourse there, that they were so punctual that he read the Propositions be­fore-hand, that there might be no mistaking.

That it was resolved as a thing of ceremony and re­spect, that they should make Visits, but not to any of those who were excepted persons, and to refuse them, being in the Enemies quarters, they thought not fit.

That they agreed, that by way of discourse, they should endeavour all they could, that the Propositions might be granted in general, that the King should allow them the Title of Parliament; next the Govern­ment and settlement of the Church; and lastly, the Militia.

That they did agree that in all their discourses, this should be the subject matter; and that they should press the obtaining of them.

That Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke did ac­quaint the Committee, that they had an intention to visit the Earl of Lindsey, and he thinks the Earl of Southampton; and very suddenly after they did acquaint them that they had been there, and of a long discourse which they had together.

That to say particularly what the discourse was, he could not charge his Memory, but in general, it was the discourse that past at that meeting.

That he remembers but one visit they spake of, and it was a part of their agreement to acquaint one ano­ther with all the circumstances of their visits: That the Earl of Lindsey and the Earl of Southampton, and he thinks, the Lord Savile were named by Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke, to have been at that Meeting.

That he was told by them among other things, that they had little hopes, that they should have satisfaction in their desires.

That he doth not remember any mention of a Paper given in by them to the Earl of Lindsey.

That the Intelligence they had there was various; some had hopes of a good Issue of the business, others had not: That Mr. Pierpoint had ill relations of the Commissioners to their disparagement: And at the Conference with Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke, there were very ill characters given of them.

He desired that nothing might be taken as positive, from him concerning persons.

After the Earl of Denbigh, the L. Wenman told the Committee, that there was an agreement among the Commissioners of the Parliament at Oxford, as the Earl of Denbigh had related it, to pay Civili­ties and Visits to those that were civil to them, but not to any who were excepted in the Propositions from Pardon.

That he remembers not whether they did agree to press the granting of the Propositions any of them more than the others, onely by discourse among themselves, that they should press those that were of most difficulty to be granted.

That they were acquainted by Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke, with their visiting of the Earl of Lindsey. That to his best remembrance they said, the Earl of Southampton, and the Lord Savile were there, and mentioned the particulars of their discourse, but he did not remember them; nor that they acquainted them with any hopes they had of having the Propositions granted.

He remembred that Mr. Hollis said a little before their coming out of Town, that he had a Paper again, which he spake publickly.

That in their discourse they did insist principally (and they found it was thought fit to do so) upon the Propositions concerning Religion, and the Militia, and he did think that the Earl of Lindsey was spo­ken of, when Mr. Hollis said that he had a Paper again.

That he and Mr. Whitelocke were coming by All Souls College, and he intended to visit Sir Thomas Aylsbury, but hearing that Sir Edw. Hyde was there, who was a person excepted, Mr. Whitelocke did for­bear to goe in thither.

Others of the Commissioners who were at Ox­ford with the Propositions did declare themselves to the same effect, that the Earl of Denbigh and the Lord Wenman had done, and so the Committee rose.

14. The Assembly presented to the House a Blasphemy Book which they had examined, full of Blasphemies, and Heresies, but that since the Printing of it the Authour was dead, and they desired the House would put some publick example of Justice upon it.

[Page 154] The House referred to the Committee of Exami­nations to find out the Printer of this Book to be proceeded against according to Justice, and ordered that all the Books should be brought in by the Booksellers, and be burnt by the Hangman, and they gave thanks to the Assembly for their care in this business.

A List was sent to the Parliament of the Persons slain, and taken by Sir Thomas Fairfax at the Battle of Langport, of Goring's part, 2 Quarter Masters General, 60 other Officers, and 200 Soldiers slain, Langport. Particu­lars. and 100 drowned, Goring, Sir Thomas Aston and others wounded.

Prisoners taken, the L. General of their Ord­nance, 3 Colonels, 40 other Officers, and 1900 Souldiers, and 2000 Horse, 31 Cornets of horse, 20 Colours of foot, 4000 Arms, 2 Field pieces, and 3 loads of Ammunition.

Of Sir Thomas Fairfax his part were slain 2 Re­formado Captains, a Captain Lieutenant, and a­bout 50 Soldiers, Colonel Cooke, Major Bethel, and about 16 of his Troop wounded.

A day of Thanksgiving ordered to be kept for the Victory at Langport, and the Ministers desired Thanksgi­ving. to remember the goodness of God in preserving this City from the plague.

A Collection ordered to be on that day for the poor plundered people of the West.

Sir William Ermine, and Mr. Berwis, two Mem­bers of the House, who had been Commissioners in the North, had the thanks of the House for their good Service there.

Major General Pointz met with a party of the King's from Sandall Castle, killed three of them, and took 16 of them prisoners.

The Scots Commissioners here gave notice to Mr. H. and Mr. Wh. by their friends, that they had Hollis and Whitelocke. certain intercepted Papers and Letters of the Lord Savile's, which he was sending to Oxford; and the chief scope and end of them, was to be informed from thence, whether Mr. Hollis or Mr. Whitelocke kept intelligence with the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Lindsey, or any others of the King's party, that he might have the more whereof to accuse them here.

It was thought fit by their friends that the Scots Commissioners should be desired to acquaint the House of Commons, with the Papers; upon which it should be moved there, to refer them to the Committee for the Lord Savile's business; and the same was done accordingly.

This afternoon that Committee met, and these Papers were brought unto them, by the Lord Wa­reston and another of the Scots Commissioners with a Complement expressing their desire to serve the Parliament in any thing within their knowledge and power.

The Papers being read to the effect before men­tioned, the Lord Savile was called in, and the Pa­pers shewed to him, and he owned them to be his hand.

Being asked what Warrant he had to hold intel­gence with the King's party at Oxford, he being now within the Parliaments Quarters, and come in to them.

He answered that he was authorised to do this by the Sub-committee for private and secret intelligence for the Committee of both Kingdomes.

Being again asked who of that Sub-Committee by name did know of this his design, and did authorize him to send to Oxford about it. he answered that the Lord Say was from time to time acquainted with this business, and did incourage and authorise him to send to Oxford about it, and that he sent several times by Mr. Howard to Oxford, with much to the same ef­fect.

By this their friends found the bottom of this design against them, to be from the advice, if not contrivance of the Lord Say: and the Lady Temple a busie woman, and great Polititian in her own Opinion, was made use of by the Lord Say to whom she was allied, and by the Lord Savile, to be an Agent in this matter.

The design and endeavour also against them, was by these Papers and Examinations made the more apparent, which took off the edge of divers Gentlemen who thought this Prosecution, not in­genuous, nor handsom against them.

Their friends made good use of it, both at the Committee and afterwards in the House, and car­ried it by vote to have these particulars with the rest of the Examinations reported to the Parlia­ment.

15. A Message from the Lords to the Commons, about removal of the Lord Powys a Prisoner to London, and for an allowance for him.

An Ordinance committed for impowering the Militia of London to raise horse and Dragoons for the Counties of Berks, Bucks and Oxon.

Major Harrison sent from Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Parliament, gave them a particular and large account of the battle of Langport, the Commons Langport. gave 200 l. to Major Bethell as a gratuity for his service there, and ordered two good horses for Ma­jor Harrison, and a Letter of hearty thanks to Sir T. Fairfax.

Petition from Hartfordshire of their grievances referred.

Sir Thomas Fairfax summoned Bridgwater, but the Governour Colonel Windham gave a resolute denyal, whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax prepared to storm.

About 800 of the Prisoners taken at Langport fight, took the Covenant, and entred into the Par­liaments Service.

Sir Thomas Fairfax went to a Rendevous of the Clubmen, about 2000 of them, and propounded Clubmen. that they should not supply Bridgwater; that what his Army had of them should be paid for, and no wrong done to any of them, by any of his forces; but upon complaint against any Officer or Souldier under his Command, that right should be done.

16. Major General Skippon brought to Lon­don.

Business of the Church debated in a grand Com­mittee, and about instructions for the Commissi­oners to be sent to reside in the Scots Army.

Referred to the Committee of both Houses for Ireland, to take care for sending thither those Pri­soners who were willing to fight against the Irish Rebels, and for the supplies for Munster; but those Prisoners who had formerly served the Par­liament, or were meer Irish, were committed to close custody to be proceeded against according to Justice.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for making one Mr. Reynolds Deputy Clark of the Hannaper with the Salary of 50 l. per an. and the profits of the place to goe to the use of the publick.

The King was in Wales, some Parliament Ships came into King's Road to block up Bristol.

The Scots had some loss by the Forces of Montross at Dundee.

17. The Ordinance for the Clark of the Hanna­per, and for Forces for Oxon, Bucks, and Berks sent to the Lords.

Care for the Charge of the Funeral of the Coun­tess Countess of Dorset. of Dorset.

Sir T. F. took in Borrowes a Fort of the King's four miles from Bridgewater, in which were 140 men, of whom 80 took the Covenant to serve [Page 155] the Parliament, and the rest of them marched a­way.

The Report was made to the House about the Lord Savile's business, and it was moved that there might be a further examination of Mr. H. and Mr. Hollis and Whitelocke. Wh. in the House; and that any Member might have liberty to ask them what questions they pleased, which the House ordered, and that they should be severally examined and to begin with Mr. Hollis.

Mr. Whitelocke sate still in his place and it was moved that he might be ordered to withdraw, whilst Mr. Hollis was in examination, but that was oppo­sed as contrary to the Privilege of the House, that there Privilege. being no legal charge against them, they ought to have the same liberty and freedom of Sitting in the House as the other Members had, and neither of them to be order­ed to withdraw.

After much debate upon this point, it was brought to the question, whether Mr. Wh. should be ordered to withdraw, whilst Mr. Hollis was under the Examination of the House, and it was car­ried in the Negative, that he should not with­draw.

This question being past, Mr. Wh. stood up and told the Speaker, that since the House had done him that justice and favour, and themselves that right, in the consequence thereof,

Yet now to manifest the confidence he had in his own innocency, and that he sought no advantages for his own vindication in this business, he would of himself, with their leave withdraw, whilst the House should be in the Examination of Mr. Hollis.

Then he did withdraw, and went up to the Com­mittee Chamber, at which the House seemed to give a good approbation.

Mr. Hollis was almost two houres under examina­tion in the House, there being some particulars urged against him, which were not against Mr. Whitelocke, particularly in the matter of intel­ligence and correspondence with the King's party.

The questions and matters upon which he was ex­amined, were in effect but the same, which had been formerly mentioned in the House, and at the Committee, to which he answered fully, and pru­dently, and with great courage; and when they had sifted the business as much as they could with him, they gave him over, and sent for Mr. White­locke down out of the Committee chamber to be examined.

He came into the House, and then Mr. H. with­drew of himself into the Committee chamber, whilst Mr. Wh. was under examination.

A multitude of questions were demanded of him, insomuch as one Gentleman Sir Peter Wentworth asked him above thirty questions onely for his part.

The matters demanded of him were but the same in effect that had been mentioned formerly, and what he answered did agree punctually with what Mr. Hollis had said before.

It is a very solemn thing to be examined by a House of Commons, where there are so many Wits, and so much odds and advantage to be taken against one single man; and that in a business of High-Treason, where Honour, Fortune and Life are at stake.

The House sate upon this business till 7 a Clock at night, the Earl of Essex his party, and all their friends putting forth the utmost of their power and interest to rescue these two Members from the malice and danger they were now under.

And the other party of the House as earnestly labouring to be rid of them both; either by cut­ting off their heads, or at least by expelling of them from being any more Members of Parlia­ment.

They were so eager upon it, that they ordered to resume the debate of this business the next mor­ning.

18. The Lords sent their concurring to the Or­dinance for Commissioners to reside in the Scots Army; and to some small amendments made by their Lordships the Commons assented, and the Commissioners were required to repair with all convenient speed to the Scots Army in Eng­land.

Power given to the Northern Committee to se­quester Malignant Ministers.

The House proceeded upon the Report of the Lord Savile's business, and past a Vote, that the same was ripe for judgment, and ordered, that they would proceed to judgment thereupon to morrow mor­ning.

They likewise ordered that the business concer­ning Mr. Cranford, a Minister of the City, in rela­tion to several Members of the House should be reported to the House, and proceeded in with the Lord Savile's business to morrow mor­ning.

19. An order for charging the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates with 1000 l. for Man­chester Garrison.

Sir Thomas Fairfax sat down before Bridgwater, Fairfax. he went the second time to the Clubmen, and offer­ed them so fair conditions, that most of them de­parted to their habitations, and many of them came into the leagure to serve the Parliament, the chief Gunner in Bridgwater revolted from them and came to Sir T. Fairfax.

The House fell upon the business of Mr. Cran­ford, and voted that the words spoken, and reported by him, against some Members of the House of Com­mons, and of the Committee of both Kingdomes, that they kept intelligence with the King's party, and were false to the Parliament were false, and scan­dalous.

That Mr. Cranford at a full exchange in London, Mr. Cran­ford. and at Westminster, should confess the wrong he had done them in so scandalizing of them.

That he should pay 500 l. to each of those 4 Members for their Damages.

That he should be committed to the Tower during the pleasure of the House.

Then the House proceeded in the Lord Savile's business, and after a long debate, upon the result, passed a Vote,

That Mr. Hollis was not guilty of holding intelli­gence Hollis and Whitelocke. with the Enemy, as was pretended, and they did fully acquit him thereof.

This gave good incouragement to Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Whitelocke, and to all their friends, who would fain have brought on the rest of this business, but that it was almost 9 a clock at night, and therefore too late to proceed further in it this day.

The other party, their adversaries would have declined any further proceedings of the House in this business at this time, hoping in time to get some further evidence against them, and then to revive it; and doubting as the present constitution of the House was, that Mr. H. and Mr. Wh. might be acquitted.

Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke pressed the more earnestly to bring the business to a final determina­tion, whilst their friends were in Town, and the House fully possest of the business, and in so good a constitution and humour for them, and they desi­red not to continue under a cloud, and the various discourses of people, not to be kept lingring but to know their doom, either of condemnation or acquittal.

[Page 156] Their Friends at last with much earnestness, and against great opposition and debate carried it by vote, to have it ordered, that the L. Savil's busi­ness should be resumed on Monday morning.

21. The House of Commons according to their order, resumed the debate of the L. Savil's busi­ness, and after a long and warm discussing of all the particulars, and arguments relating to it, they at length upon the question, passed a vote to this effect.

That it not appearing, that Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelock, had done any disservice in their proceedings at Oxford, that therefore the remainder and whole matter of this report should be laid aside, and not to be further proceeded in.

And that the said Mr. Hollis, and Mr. Whitelocke, should have liberty to prosecute (if they please) the Lord Savile now prisoner in the Tower for damages.

Mr. Whitelocke, absented himself from the House, when they came to give their judgment.

It was observed, that generally the Gentlemen of best interest and quality in the House, were all for the acquittal of them, and that it had scarcely been seen before in any other business, that this holding so many daies together, yet even the Gallants who used, what ever business was in Agitation, to goe forth to dinner, and to some other of their refresh­ments, yet they attended constantly all the time that this business was in debate, and would not stir from it.

The House proceeded in other businesses, and or­dered Martial-Law. an Ordinance to be drawn, for Execution of Martial Law, within the lines of Communication.

An Ordinance read to give Col. Rosseter com­mand of the forces in Lincoln-shire, and power to Execute Martial Law.

An Ordinance past the Commons for moneys for Provisions of stores.

The Ordinance past for Commissioners to go to the Parliament of Scotland.

A Petition from some of Cheshire, desiring assist­ance for the taking in of Westchester; The Petition­ers had thanks for their good affections, and the business was referred to the Committe of both Kingdoms.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax informed, that they had besieged Bridgwater, which was strongly Sir Thomas Fairfax. fortified, having about 30 pieces of Ordnance, and deep Trenches.

That the Governour and his Son, Sir Hugh Wind­ham, Sir John Digby, Sir Francis Courtney, Mr. El­liot, that carried the Great Seal to Oxford, and Di­vers others of quality, were within the Town.

That two of the Parliaments Ships about Holmes, had taken 16 Welsh Barks, which were to transport Souldiers.

That the Club-men had beaten back, about 600 Welsh and Irish, that would have landed, that they Club-men. had taken several Vessels loaden with Corn and Cloath.

That G. Goring, with Greenvile, were come to Barnstable, with about 5000 Horse and Foot.

That P. Charles, the L. Hopton, and L. Went­worth, were gon to raise the Country in Cornwall, and probably would raise the siege before Plymouth.

A party of the King's forces from Newarke, ha­ving laid their design, surprized Welbeck House, betrayed to them by some of the Parliaments forces there.

22. The day of publick thanksgiving for the Successe at Lamport. Thanksgi­ving.

In the Afternoon divers Crucifixes, Popish Pic­tures and Books, were burnt in Cheapside, where the Cross formerly stood.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords, for applying the Hospital Rents in Northampton, to the main­tainance of the Souldiers and poor there.

A Message from the Lords, desired the consent of the Commons to a Petition of the L. Savil, that certain Jewels of his taken from him, might be given to the Usher of the Black Rod, who had been at great charges for him, to which no answer was given by the Commons.

Order for a sequestered House for M. G. Lang­hern's Wife, upon a Petition of divers Citizens of London, on the behalf of Alderman Fouke, com­mitted to the Fleet by the Committee of accounts, Ordered that he should be bailed, and his business referred to another Committee.

Referred to a Committee to send for such Officers of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, as were seen in Town; and to examine the cause of their stay here, and that they might be proceeded against, accord­ing to their demerits.

Conference about the instructions for the Com­missioners who are to reside in the Scots Army.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax signified, that they had by storm gained the North part of Fairfax. Bridgewater, 500 prisoners, and one peice of Ord­nance, with the losse of 20 men.

24. Letters informed the surrender of Pomfret Castle upon Articles, which were the more favour­able, by reason the Plague was hot in Pomfret Town, there were left in the Castle for the Parlia­ment, 8 peices of Ordnance, store of Arms and Am­munition.

The House appointed Sir Thomas Fairfax to be Governour of that Castle, the Lords sent to the Commons, that Colonel Pointz might be Gover­nor of that Castle which he took in, but being in­formed, that before their message, the Commons had voted that Command for Sir Thomas Fairfax, the Lords agreed thereunto.

News was brought to the House, of the taking Pomfret. the rest of Bridgewater. The House ordered, that the Ministers in the several Parishes in London, should the next Lord's day, render thanks to God for the surrender of Pomfret, and taking of Bridge­water.

Sir Rowland Egerton, who brought the news of the surrender of Pomfret, was called into the House, and had their thanks given him, and 20 l. was orde­red to the messenger, who brought the Letters of the taking of Bridgewater.

An Order sent to the Lords for the charging of 5000 l. more, upon the Excise for the reducing of Oxford, Winchester, Wallingford, and Basing House.

A Petition of the Inhabitants of Jersie, for their security and relief, referred to the Committee of the Navy.

25. Letters from Colonel Massey, and from Mr. Rushworth, Secretary to Sir Thomas Fairfax, certi­fied the particulars of the taking of Bridgewater.

The Generall being informed, that they within Bridgwater stormed. the Town had store of Victuals, and that it would be a long work to continue the siege of it, he again moved to storm it, which was unanimously assented unto, and the Lord's day before, Mr. Peters, and Mr. Boles, in their Sermons incouraged the Soldiers to the work.

About 7 at night the foot being drawn out, and those that commanded the storm and forlorn, Mr. Peters, in the Field, gave them an Exhortation to do their duties.

July, 21. about two a Clock, the General's Regi­ment began the storm, seconded by others, and gave not over, till they were at the top of the works with their Colours, and gained the peices that played upon them, and let down the Bridge.

[Page 157] Whereupon Captain Reynolds, a valiant Young Gentleman, entred with a forlorne hope of Horse, scoured the Streets, and beat them out of the hi­ther Town into the further, and the Pikes stood bravely to the Horse.

This perplexed the Enemy, and the Assailants brought away with them 500 Prisoners, the Enemy for fear, left all the line on the other side, where Col. Massey was to storm, but there wanting some preparations, he only gave them a hot Alarm on that side.

That they lost but 20 men, although in likely­hood, they might have lost 1000 in the storm, and not one Officer of Note slain, though many of them led on their men in Person, as Lieutenant Colonel Jackson, Colonel Hewson, and others.

The Enemy was so far from yielding, that with Grannadoes, and other things, they fired that part of the Town, where the Parliaments forces were, not leaving three Houses there standing, which so exasperated Sir Thomas Fairfax, and his men, that he sent in the Evening, another Summons to them by a Trumpet.

But they within peremtorily refused to treat, whereupon the General commanded the Town to be stormed on Col. Massey's side the next Morngin.

July, 22. at the dawning of the Day, the Gene­ral in Person, gave order for the forces on this side to give a fierce Alarm, with great and small shot, whilst they on the other side fell on, which was done with great resolution, and probably they might have gained the Town, had not the Tide come up.

They on the other side again failing to fall on, onely gave an Alarm, something being wanting for the storm; but this hot Alarm working nothing upon them, Sir Thomas Fairfax was so inraged, that he sent a Trumpet to the Governour, to let all the Women and Children come forth of the Town, by four a Clock in the Afternoon.

Accordingly the Governour's Lady, the Lady Hawley, Mrs. Marre, and divers others came forth, and then Sir Thomas Fairfax, with great Guns, Mortar-pieces, Fire-balls, hot Irons, &c. played against the Town, and fired it in three places, the Wind being great, increased the fire and the huge flame so terrified them, that Mr. Elliot, came run­ing out to Sir Thomas Fairfax for a Parley.

He answered, That the Governour refused it the last night, and now that he had brought this misery upon himself, Sir Thomas Fairfax, would not admit of a treaty, yet if he would submit to mercy, he should have it. In the mean time, till Mr. Elliot returned a speedy and positive answer, Sir Thomas Fairfax told him, that if any Souldier in the Town, offered to take off a Slate on the House, or to quench the Fire (and his Souldiers cried) the Cessation should be void, and they would then take all advantages.

This so amazed them in the Town, that instant­ly they came out and cryed, mercy for the Lord's sake, so it was agreed, and they had Quarter for their Lives, and liberty to save the Town.

There were left for the Parliament, 40 pieces of Ordnance, 4000 weight of Match, Powder pro­portionable, Victuals for 2000 Soldiers for four months, 1000 prisoners now taken, besides the 500 Particulars. the other day.

Reformades, Commanders, Gentlemen, and Priests, about 200, Treasure in Plate, Jewels, &c. said to be worth 100000 l. the works of the Town were as strong as any in England, the Moate deep, yet the Parliaments Soldiers waded through, and 30 foot in the breadth of it.

Ordered, that a considerable summe of money should be sent to Sir Thomas Fairfax, to dispose for rewards to such of his Officers, as had gallantly de­meaned themselves in this Action.

They ordered also, that it should be proclaimed by beat of Drum, and sound of Trumpet, that such Officers of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, as were now in Town for recruits, should forthwith repair to Reading to receive recruits, and to march away with them, and order was taken for the recruits to be ready.

An Ordinance past for charging upon the Ex­cise, 500 l. for the prisoners taken at Naseby, who were willing to serve the Parliament against the Irish Rebels.

The Commons by message, put the Lords in Impeach­ment. mind of an impeachment against the Earl of Stam­ford, formerly presented to their Lordships, and now they desire a time may be appointed for pro­ceedings to be had therein, to which the Lords said, they would send an answer by messengers of their own.

After the taking of Bridgwater, Sir Thomas Fair­fax sent Colonel Whaley, Colonel Fincher, Sir Ro­bert Pye, and Colonel Sheffield, with a commanded party of Horse towards Reading, to convoy the re­cruits to his Army, who in their march by Sherborne, fell upon the Regiment of Colonel Antell, a Dr. of Divinity, whom they took prisoner with other Officers, 40 Troupers, and 150 Horse.

26. The House turned into a grand Committee debated the Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates.

They voted Colonel Birch to be Governour of Bridgewater, he was appoved of by Sir Thomas Fair­fax, and the Lords consent was desired.

Mr. Peters, who brought up the Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax was called into the House, and H. Peters. made a large Relation of the particular passages in the taking of Bridgewater, he also produced seve­ral Commissions in Characters, which the House re­ferred to a Committee to be decyphered, and gave 100 l. to Mr Peters, for his unwearied services, and sent a Letter of thanks to Sir Thomas Fairfax, for all his great services, and particularly for this of Bridgewater.

Order for Sir John Hewet to pay 2000 l. being the fine for his Delinquency, by a day, or else his lands to be sold.

Letters from Abington informed, that about 50 Abington. Horse from Oxford faced Abington, and began to drive away the poor Inhabitants Cattle, that a small part of Abington Horse drew out immediate­ly, charged, and routed the Oxford party, who though they had their reserves to retreat unto, yet were so amazed, that they ran the contrary way.

The Abington Horse pursued, and charged them within half a mile of Wallingford, took 20 Horse, 15 prisoners, some Officers, and but one of the Abington men wounded.

That they used frequently to march to the Walls of Wallingford and Oxford, and take some of their men prisoners.

That they in Oxford are in fear of a siege, and cut down the Trees and Hedges within half a mile of the Town, and fired North Hinksey.

That in Abington they have 200 prisoners of the Enemy, but they have none to exchange for them. That the sickness increaseth much at Abington, 100 Houses there shut up, and the Souldiers lye without the Town in Hutts.

Letters came of the surrender of Scarborough Castle, 20 Witches in Norfolk were Executed.

28. Letters from the L. Inchequin, certifie the necessities of Youghall, besieged by the Rebels, and pray supplies from the Parliament.

The House took care for money and provisions, [Page 158] to be sent to Ireland, and ordered an Ordinance to be brought in for executing the Irish Rebels, and Mutineers by Martial Law.

The P. Electors Committee was brought to the Quorum of five, that they might meet the oftner. Prince E­lector.

Order for the Committee of both Kingdoms, to take care to keep in the forces of Newarke, who did much damage to the Adjacent Counties.

A Collection ordered for the losses of those of Leicester.

Letters informed the surrender of Scarborough Castle, to Colonel Sir Mathew Boynton, with the Scarbo­rough. Articles of surrender, and that there was taken 37 pieces of Ordnance, 1000 Arms, and great store of Ammunition and Plunder.

It was further certified, that Raby Castle was sur­rendered to the Parliament forces, and that those of Skipton, fearing a siege, sent their Horse to Newarke, but a Troop of Colonel Brights, met with a party of them, killed divers, took Sir Charles Howard of Naworth, some Officers, and 20 other prisoners.

29. Letters from the Scots Army, certified the taking of Cannon Froome, a Garrison of the Kings Cannon­froom. between Worcester and Hereford by assault, about 70 of the Garrison slain, but 8 of the Scots, and 20 hurt, the Governor, Colonel Barnold taken Pri­soner and wounded, several other Officers, and 30 Soldiers Prisoners.

The House of Commons ordered a Letter of Leven. thanks to be written to General Leven, and a Jewel of 500 l. to be provided by Mr. Allen, a Goldsmith, one of their Members, to be presented to General Leven, as a Badge of the favour of both Houses to him.

Referred to the Committee of Glocester and Worcester, to consider whether it were fit to slight the works at Cannon Froome, or to keep it a Garri­son, and then to name a fit person to be Governour.

An Ordinance past for providing 2000 l. for Ire­land, and 200 l. for M. G. Skippon.

Another sent up to the Lords for 5000 l. for the West.

The L. Wharton, and four of the House of Com­mons agreed upon, to go Commissioners into Scot­land.

A party from the Garrison of Lyme, took in Chedwick-house, belonging to Count Arundel, within six miles of Lyme, and in it 100 prisoners, 30 Horse, store of Arms, Provisions and Ammunition.

Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced to Wells, and Mas­sey with a body of Horse towards Exeter.

The L. Hopton, sought to gain the Club-men to him, he and Greenvile, and those of Exeter, were about 7000, the King continued in Wales.

30. The day of publick Fast.

Letters from Aylesbury informed, that they at Oxford fearing a siege, sent out 300 Horse to force contribution, and Provisions to be brought into Oxford, that this party were met with by about a 100 of Aylesbury Horse, who had several hot In­counters with them, and at length routed the King's forces, killed many of them, took 50 priso­ners, 80 Arms, and beat the rest back again to Ox­ford.

31. Ordered, that the Committee for the 4 Nor­thern Counties, should treat with the Committee of both Kingdoms, about the blocking up of New­arke, and that a Letter should be sent to the Com­mittee at York, to send as many of their forces as they could spare, to joyn with the forces of Not­tingham, &c. for that purpose.

Ordered, that Lieutenant Colonel Throckmorton be examined by the Committee of examinations, concerning the loss of Monmouth, and that business to be again revived.

The House turned into a grand Committee about the Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates.

Order for Mr. Strickland, the Parliaments Agent Mr. Strick­land. in Holland, to have 500 l. for his good Service, and towards his charges there, and 400 l. per an. allowed him during his continuance in that imployment, to begin from his first going over thither.

Colonel Harley, was appointed by the General to be Governour of Cannon Froome, the Scots ad­vanced through the Forrest of Dean, and had In­telligence, that the King passed over the Severne to­wards Bristol: That about 80 of his Horse endea­vouring to pass over Severne, were taken by one of the Parliaments Friggots.

That many of the Welsh are quartered about Eri­stol, which Prince Rupert labours to fortifie, and had several meetings with the Club-men of Wilt­shire Club-men. and Somersetshire, but could not prevail with them to take up Armes and joyn with him.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army infor­med, that from Wells he sent a party against Sher­borne, and another party of two Regiments of Horse, and two Companies of Dragoons, under Colonel Rich, towards Bath, to view the Town, and to give him an account of it.

That at the approach of Rich's Dragoons near Bath sur­rendred the Town, and his coming down the hill near the Bridge, the Enemy in Bath, took an Allarm, and discharged their Ordnance, and some of Rich's Dragoons let fly their Musket shot, and a sharp Summons was sent to the Town, which so terrified them, that although none of the Parliaments forces were on the other side of the Town,

Yet the next Morning they sent for a Parley, at which they agreed to surrender the City with all the Common Souldiers, Arms and Ammunition and Ordnance to the Parliament, upon this condi­tion only, that their Governour Sir Thomas Brid­ges, and his Officers should march to Bristol, which was condescended unto.

The Parliaments forces thereupon entred the Town, and took in it 200 prisoners, but most of them got away, 6 pieces of Ordnance, 300 Arms, 10 Barrels of Powder, 10 Barrels of Match, and much Ammunition, divers heaps of Bullets, great store of Beef, Corn, and other Provisions. The Standard Colours upon the Fort Royal, and all other Colours in the Town.

That Colonel Massey, was gone with 8000 Horse and Foot, towards Exeter; and that the Enemy from thence drew out their Horse and Foot into the Field, and some Field pieces into their out works.

August, 1645.

(1.) Some from the Assembly, of Divines were called in, and presented to the House a Petition in Petition of the As­sembly. the name of the Assembly, desiring that a speedy course might be taken about those who should be thought not fit to be admitted to the Sacrament, viz. The ignorant, scandalous and profane, &c.

It being a thing if effected exactly to the Rule, would much tend to the Glory of God, and the good of this whole Kingdom.

The speaker in the name of the House gave Answer. them Answer. That the House was in debate of the same business, and long before their coming; And that they would expedite it with as much conveniency as could be.

A Letter from the Committee at York informed, that they had chosen Colonel Boynton to be Gover­nour of Scarborough Castle, Colonel Poyntz desired Scarbo­rough. the same Government, and it was referred to a Committee to consider of it, and of the vote of [Page 159] the House to bestow the next Command upon Col. Pointz which should be worthy of him.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for continu­ing the Monthly Assessment in Northampton.

Order for the payment of the 600 l. formerly ordered for the Charges of the Funeral of the Countess of Dorset. Coun [...]ess of Dorset.

Debate about the business of the Church.

Major General Brown was called into the House and had their thanks for his good service, notwithstan­ding the nearness for so long time of a potent Enemy. Then he informed the House of the state of the Garrison at Abington, and the Enemies adjacent Garrisons.

The House ordered money for his Recruit.

Then he presented to the House several Propo­sitions for reducing the Enemies Garrisons which were referred to the Committee of both King­domes.

The Commons assented to an Ordinance sent to them from the Lords concerning Trinity College in Cambridge.

Upon a Petition of 300 Reformado Officers who served under Colonel Saunderson for the Relief of Taunton, and were promised by the Committee of the West to have the fifth part of their Arrears, but after their service performed they could not get it.

The House referred to the Committee of the Army to audit their arrears, and ordered 2000 l. for their present subsistence.

A day appointed for Alderman Foukes Petition to be heard.

News came that the Scots Army was sate down before Hereford. The King was yet in Wales, Sir T. Fairfax at Wells, and Colonel Massey gone towards Excester.

4. A Petition touching drayning in the Isle of Ely, &c. referred to a select Committee.

Upon debate of Alderman Foukes Petition, Or­dered that he should be accountable, as other Commissioners of the Customes ought to be.

The Assembly presented to the House a Petition from Cambridge University, expressing their thanks Cambridge Petition. for being freed from the Excise, and praying the Con­firmation of their Rights and Privileges, which was ordered untill the differences between the Univer­sity and the Town should be determined by Law, and they were referred to a Committee.

The House sent some of their Members to the Lord Mayor to desire that a Common Council might be called for the choosing of some more persons to be added to the Militia of London.

Letters informed that General Leven sent a sum­mons to the Town of Hereford, and the Parlia­ment Hereford. sent another, to render the Town, but the Governour Scudamore refused to surrender it without special Order from the King or Prince.

That the King is still in Wales, and that a Party of Gloucester Horse gave Bristol an Alarm, took a Lieutenant Colonel, some Prisoners, and 150 l. in money.

About 200 of the Newarkers fell upon Tocksey House a Garrison of the Parliaments in Lincolnshire, surprized it, and took all in it Prisoners, Plunder­ed the Town, fired the House, and then Retrea­ted.

5. The House gave the Credit of the Excise for 5000 l. more for the three Counties.

The House made several orders about supplies, and the establishment of the Garrisons in the Ea­stern Association, and about the blocking up of Newarke.

Orders for the Militia of London, and Major General Browne to press 2000 Souldiers, and to beat up Drums for the Voluntiers, for reducing Oxford.

Propositions for reducing of Chester referred to a Committee, the Ordinance continued for the payment of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army.

Debate touching the business of the Church, and that Chapels of Ease, or in private Houses, should not be exempt from the Church Govern­ment in Presbyterial way.

Sir Thomas Fairfax beleagured Sherbourne Ca­stle where Sir Lewis Dives was Governour.

Goring was in the West with 7000 men.

6. The House was in debate about sending Pro­positions of peace to his Majesty.

They Voted that to such Propositions as shall next Votes. be sent to the King for a safe and well grounded Peace, His Majestie's positive Answer shall be desired, with­out any Treaty.

And that such as shall be presented for England and Ireland shall be by Bills.

And that the Scots Commissioners shall be acquain­ted with these Votes. The Lords consented there­unto.

The Ordinance sent up to the Lords for setling the Government of the Church in a Presbyterial way.

A Common Council ordered to be called for Col. Jeph­son. choosing two of the City to goe as a Committee into the Province of Munster; and that Colonel Jephson should goe thither as another of that Com­mittee and have the Command of a Regiment of Horse.

An Ordinance past for 2000 l. to Maximilian Beard, for Commodities sent by him into Ire­land.

Referred to the Committee of Prisoners to dis­pose of the Prisoners sent up by Sir Thomas Fairfax from the West, and to treat with the Officers Prisoners, for money for their Ransome.

7. The House was Adjourned at Mr. Speaker's desire who was to goe out of Town.

8. The House heard Letters from Sir T. Fairfax to his Father the Lord Fairfax of his leaving Forces Fairfax. at Bath, for the streightning of Bristol, and a Let­ter inclosed from Lieutenant General Cromwel to Sir T. Fairfax.

That in his march to Shaftsbury he found 10000 Clubmen in a Body, and Mr. Newman in the head Clubmen. of them, that he sent to know the Cause of their being in Arms, and Mr. Newman came to him, told him the causes were two, 1. To have an account of their fellows taken at Shaftsbury. 2. To secure themselves from plunder.

That Cromwel told them, No account was due concerning their fellows taken at Shaftsbury, but yet he assured them, that his General onely intended that if they were found upon due tryal to have committed any offence they should be punished according to Law, otherwise to be released.

To the second he assured them that his General would not suffer any of them to be plundered or injured, but upon Complaint against any of his Souldiers, would doe them Justice.

That hereupon the Clubmen, as being well sa­tisfied, departed to their own homes.

That after this about Shaftsbury he met with 2000 more Clubmen whom he sent to in a peacea­ble way to depart home, but they fired upon his Messenger, he sent again twice more to them to disperse themselves, but they still shot at his Mes­sengers, and said they expected the Lord Hopton to come to them, and killed two of Cromwel's men.

Whereupon he ordered M. Desborrough to charge them, who killed about 20 of them, and [Page 160] took the Gentlemen who were in the head of them, and 300 Prisoners whom Cromwel desired he might send home, and keep the Gentlemen onely Priso­ners.

The House referred it to Sir Thomas Fairfax to discharge such of the Prisoners as he pleased, and sent up an Ordinance to the Lords to continue Lieutenant General Cromwel in his Command for Cromwel. four Months longer notwithstanding the Selfdeny­ing-Ordinance.

A Petition from the Assembly declared plainly Assembly. their claim Jure divino of power to suspend from the Sacrament all such as they should judge to be scanda­lous or ignorant.

9. Major General Brown had given a Commissi­on to M. Temple to be Governour of Newport Pa­ganell, and Sir Thomas Fairfax desired that Lieute­nant Colonel Cokaine might be Governour there: which the House resolved, and that Major Gene­ral Brown had no Authority to give such a Com­mission.

400 l. Ordered for the Earl of Essex his reforma­do Officers, and Orders for other monies for seve­ral Forces.

Captain Moore appointed to be Governour of Monmouth.

The Committee of Examinations by Order of the House committed L. Col. Lilburn to Newgate, for writing a Seditious Book. Lilburn.

Order to search for Papists and Delinquents.

Letters informed that Captain Allen with 95 Dragoons from Burleigh-house fell upon 200 of the Newarke and Belvoir horse commanded by Sir Robert Newark. Dalison, routed them, killed 5, took several Offi­cers, and 50 Prisoners, 80 Horse, and rescued the Countrymen and plunder which they had ta­ken.

11. The House approved of the Commitment of L. Col. Lilburne.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for giving the publick Faith to such as had paid their 5th and 20th part.

An Order for discharge of Col. Waites attendance on the House, and for revoking his suspension from his Government.

Major General Pointz took the Church and Outworks of the Castle of Skipton, divers of their Skipton. horse, and men, and their Conduit water.

Col. Pye and Col. Sheffeild came with their own Regiments, and 700 recruit horse to Sherburn, the King's recruits went on slowly.

The Composition for delinquency of Sir John Tyrrel for 800 l. and of Sir John Mushamp for 600 l. were confirmed, and Ordered that none should compound under 2 years value of their Estates.

Order for discharge of Reformadoes Quar­ters.

Major Moore continued Governour of Gaunt-house, and Col. Russel of Ely.

Order for auditing Reformadoes Debenters.

A Petition to the Lords from the Assembly about Non-admission to the Sacrament, and punishing such as Assembly. derogated from the Directory, or used the Common-prayer Book.

An Ordinance past for money for the Northern Association.

The French defeated the Spanish Army in Germa­ny, 10000 killed and taken, 1000 Arms, 57 pie­ces Spaniards defeated. of Ordnance, 300 barrels of Powder, 100 Carriages, 100 Colours, and all their bag and baggage.

In a general Assembly in France, our Queen moved for aid for her Husband, but they deny­ed it.

The King left Wales, and went with 3000 of his horse Northwards.

Some Clubmen were up in Berkshire.

13. Upon the King's advance Northward the House took care of the Forces about Newarke, and about Hull; and sent notice of the King's motion to the Scots Army, who sent 4000 horse and foot after him.

The House took care for Gloucester Garrison, and appointed Col. Morgan Governour of all the Forces in that County; and in Monmouth, Glamorgan and Herefordshires.

Pay desired for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Ar­my.

Major General Brown submitted himself to the Brown. House to be commanded by them, and it was re­ferred to the Committee of the three Counties to examine some affronts offered to him by some un­der his Command, and the House resolved to give him reparation.

The Garrison of Phillis Court mutinied against Captain Doiley, and had like to have killed him, but for the present it was pacified; and Major General Brown was desired to goe to Henley to set­tle that busines.

The House in debate of a Petition from the Bur­rough Petition of Southwark of Southwarke, desiring a New Election of Bur­gesses, Mr. White one of their Burgesses being dead, and Mr. Bagshaw the other being exclu­ded,

Some were of opinion that a New Election might prove inconvenient, and of danger: others pressed it as the Right of the Subject to have Burgesses, upon the Question to defer it for a month longer, it was carryed in the Negative. And the House resolved into a grand Committee to consider of it.

Orders for money, and touching supernumerary Forces in the Northern Association.

Major General Langherne fell upon a party of the King's under Major General Stradling, and M. Ennerton near Haverford West, gave them a Haverford. West. great overthrow, took 400 Prisoners, divers Of­ficers of note, 1000 Arms, 20 Colours, and 4 pieces of Ordnance, and retook Haverford West.

Letters from the Scots Army before Hereford in­form Scots Ar­my. of their proceedings at the Leaguer, of their want of money, Ammunition and Provisions; that the Country will bring in none, and the Scots Soul­diers feed upon Apples, Pease and green Wheat, which is unwholsom, and they are much disconten­ted to be thus used for their kindness.

A months pay ordered for the Scots Army, and care taken for their future pay.

Letters to the Northern Association to joyn their Forces with those of the Scots gone after the King.

Plate and rich Hangings taken at Bridgwater, and sent up by Sir Thomas Fairfax, ordered to be sold; and the money to be sent to Sir Thomas Fair­fax to give to his Souldiers, for their Encourage­ment.

Order for a Declaration to be drawn, and sent North- Wales. into North Wales, of the causes of the Parliaments taking Arms, and Copies of some of the King's and Queen's Letters, taken at Naseby Fight.

16. The House passed many Compositions for delinquency for Sir Richard Halford, Sir John Cot­ton and others; and appointed a Committee to ex­amine the abuses of Sequestrators, and Sollicitors of Committees.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army infor­med that they made a breach of about 30 foot wide in the Wall of Sherburne Castle, and then sent a Summons; And Sir Lewis Dives returned a pe­remptory Sherburn▪ Castle. denyal; whereupon Sir Thomas Fairfax his men went on to storm, 20 of the Garrison [Page 153] leaped over the Wall and came in to him, demand­ing Quarter; those within, cryed out for a Parley, but it was denied, only Quarter offered for their Lives; upon which terms the Parliament Souldiers soon made themselves masters of the Castle.

There they took Sir Lewis Dives the Governour, and Sir John Stangeways, formerly members of Par­liament,

One of the Lord Paulet's Sons, [...]ussell an Attor­ney, 10 Ministers, divers of the Gentry, and Com­missioners of Array, and 600 prisoners, 1400 arms, great store of Ammunition and Provisions.

18. Order for the House to sit some daies in the week, as a Grand Committee to consider of Propo­sitions Propositi­ons for peace. of Peace, to be sent to his Majesty, and the Scots Commissioners to be acquainted therewith.

Col. Rowe, and Mr. Booker, chosen by the City, to go as Commissioners into Ireland, were approved.

A Petition from Kent, referred to a Committee.

Order for a Letter of thanks to Sir Thomas Fair­fax, and for a Day of thanksgiving for the taking Thanksgi­ving. of Bath, Bridgwater, and other Garrisons.

Goring failed of recruits in the West.

At Exeter, an Oath was tendred to all the Inha­bitants Oath. and Souldiers, to oppose all forces not raised by the King's consent, and particularly Sir T. F' s. Army.

Letters informed, that Prince Rupert, had in Bristol a 1000 horse, and 2000 Foot, and took in a Garrison of the Parliaments, called Stenchcombe, where he put 40 men to the Sword in cold bloud.

In the King's march, the Scotch horse fell upon his quarters at Bewley, and took 70 horse, and di­vers Officers.

At Litchfield, the King confined Col. Hastings, for delivering up of Leicester; about Tilbury Sir John Gell fell upon his Rear, took Captain Blake, and others, and 40 prisoners, but the King's Forces re­turned upon him, and rescued 20 of their own men, and took 10 of Sir John Gell's prisoners.

Lieutenant G. David Lesly, with the Scotch horse was near him, and Mr. G. Pointz, with 2500 horse, Colonel Rositer, with 1500 horse, and the Country horse about 2000 intended to joyn together, in all, Parliament Forces. about 10000 horse to follow his Majesty.

19. The House resolved, That the Committees in the North, had no power to appoint Governours of Forts there, and the House nominated M. G. Pointz, to be Governour of York, and Colonel Sir Matthew Boynton of Scarborough. York.

A Declaration against Tumultuous Assemblies, by any persons in Arms, without Authority from the Parliament, sent to Governours of Forts to be Tumults. published, and they impowered to seize on the Lea­ders of them, to be proceeded against as Traytors.

Orders for Captain Doyley, Governour of New-port Paganel, to command the Regiment that was Sir Samuel Luke's.

Orders for levying the Arrears in London, of the Assesment for Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, and for the Arrears to the Scots Army.

Order for money for several Forces.

20. The House were in debate of the point for suspending from the Sacrament, but nothing was determined in it.

Order, for superstitious Pictures in York-House, to be sold.

Orders for money, and supplies for Garrisons.

Order, That no foreign Impressions of English Bibles be vended here, without perusal of the As­sembly.

The King with 5000 Horse and Dragoons, was Bibles. at the Lord Fretswell's House, and the Parliament forces not far from him.

G. Leven, having planted his Batteries, sent his summons to Hereford, to come to a Parley, and to expect no further offer.

A Book was brought into the House, taken at Naseby fight, wherein were the names of divers members of the House, with summs of money sup­posed Book taken at Naseby. to have been contributed by them to the King, and his Majestie's hand in many places of it.

The Speaker said, he had perused the Book and did not find there his own name, nor Mr. Dunch, or Mr. Whitelocke's name, and he believed the reason was, be­cause the King had taken all from them.

21. The House were in a Grand Committee, in debate of new Elections for members, and upon the Question it was carried by three voices to have new Elections; and the Speaker ordered to issue out his Warrants for Writs, for new Elections at South­wark, Bury, and Hithe, and none to be chosen and New Elect­ions. sit, unless they took the Covenant.

Both Houses granted a pass for the Lord Hough­ton, the Earl of Clare's Son, and another for Mr. Hollis's Son, for going beyond Sea. But Captain Bettisworth, praying the like, was desired to stay in England, to doe further Service.

Sir Thomas Fairfax with advice of his Council of Warr, proposed to go before Bristol.

The Plague was much in Scotland, and Montross lately routed aBrigade of horse of the Covenanters.

23. Order for supplies for M. G. Langherne, and for 10 l. a Week to be allowed to his Wife, in part of his Arrears.

A Bookseller questioned for Printing sheets unli­censed, and order that none shall doe the like.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords, for Mr. Case, one of the Assembly, to be Parson of Sapport in Cheshire.

Order for Colonel Jephson, to beat up Drums for Voluntiers for Ireland.

Five hundred pounds Allowed to Scots Reformadoes.

Order for payment of Waggoners, according to Contract, and of Trades-men for their Commodi­ties. Brown in discontent.

M. G. Brown continued very scrupulous, and a discontent seemed to remain with him.

25. Orders for recruits, which came in but slow­ly for the Army, and for money for the Forces of M. G. Massey,

A Petition of Ministers of London and Westmin­ster, concerning non-admittance of gross sinners to Ministers Petition. the Sacrament, referred to the Grand Committee.

Order, That the sad Condition of Scotland, in Scotland. respect of the sickness there, and the late defeat gi­ven them by Montross, shall be remembred in the publick prayers on the next fast day.

Upon Information of the King's returning Southward; and to prevent the plundering of his Souldiers, and the breaking into the Associated Counties, care was taken to put them into a posture of defence, and for supplies of Garrisons in his way, and Colonel Graves, and Colonel Whaley, were to go with more Forces into those parts.

Order for 300 l. for Colonel Graves.

The Scots Horse and Dragoons, to whom M. G. The King retreats. Pointz, Colonel Rositer, and the Countrey Forces joyned, makeing in all, 10000 Horse and Dragoons, got betwixt the King and the North, so that he re­treated back to Newarke; a party of the Parlia­ments fell upon his Rear, took the L. Harris a Pa­pist, 100 horse, and divers prisoners.

From Newarke, the King marched into Lincoln-shire, where his Army committed many outrages, and the next day he lay at Belvoir Castle, and the next day at Stamford, which was very suddain.

As they past along, some Forces from Burleigh and Leicester, fell upon their Rear, took 80 horse, 4 Colours, divers Arms, and about 20 prisoners of the L. St. Paul's Regiment.

The Van of the King's Army, being as far as [Page 154] Huntington by Stilton, a party under Captain Gibs, and Captain Poe from Huntington, skirmished with the Van, killed divers, and retreated to Huntington.

On Sunday last in the Afternoon, the King's For­ces entred Huntington, after some resistance made Hunting­ton. at the Bridge by Captain Bennet, with his Foot, till he, his Lieutenant, and many of his men were slain; the King's Souldiers miserably plunder­ed the Town, and the Counties of Bedford, and Cambridge, and took away their horses and goods.

Aug. 21. Sir Thomas Fairfax sat down before Bristol, Colonel Ireton, with a Brigade of four Bristol. Regiments of Horse and Dragoons, and 500 Foot, quartered onthat side next Gloucester, Sir Thomas Fairfax on the other side.

Prince Rupert made several attempts to escape out of Bristol with his horse, but was beaten back with loss, he fired Bedmister, and some other Villa­ges near Bristol, and the whole Temple Street in the City; his strength in the City was said to be 900 horse, 2500 Foot, and 1500 Auxiliaries, the Prince disarmed divers of the Citizens.

Order, that Sherbourne Castle should be demolish­ed. Massey with 2000 horse attended Goring's mo­tions.

26. A Petition of divers Citizens, on the behalf Lilburn. of Lieutenant Colonel Lilburne, shewing his for­mer opposing of Tyranny and oppression, and his late good Services, desiring the causes of his commitment may be examined, and maintenance allowed him.

The Speaker returned answer to the Petition; That Lieutenant Colonel Lilburne, was committed by order of the House, and referred to a legal Tryal, that the House did not approve of the time of presenting this Petition; but in convenient time, they would do further therein, according to Justice, that they had upon a for­mer Petition from him, allowed him 100 l. for his Sub­ssistance.

Sir John Tyrrells composition of 600 l. appro­ved, and 500 l. of it ordered for the Garrison of Newport Paganell.

Supplies ordered for several Forces.

An Ordinance past for setling the Court of the Dutchy of Lancaster, in the hands of the Lord Grey, Speaker of the Lords House, and of the Speaker Lenthall.

27. The House sate, and being informed of the plunderings by the King's Forces in their march, in the associated Counties, they ordered the Earl of Warwick to be General of that Association, and forthwith to go thither, and command the Forces for the security of those Counties.

Shrewbury Forces took in Linsell House, and a 100 horse and armes there, and the King's Forces quit­ted and fired Dowley Castle.

The Scots Forces finished three Mines at Here­ford, and intended a storm there.

28. Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax, desired pay for his Army, supplies for his Magazine, and re­cruits, for which the House made several Orders.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for Elections in Eaton College, as formerly, and for their discharge from Taxes.

Order for 750 l. for M. G. Brown, in part of his Arrears, and a little to sweeten him.

Order for 4. pounds a week, for Sir George Grel­ley, out of his own Estate, being sequestred.

The King gave several Allarums to Cambridge, faced them with a party of horse, and his Forces Cambridge. plundered the Country where they went, laid great Taxes upon Towns, to be paid presently, and so they marched forwards. Understanding that the Country were rising, and some Forces from Cam­bridge coming against him, he went to Wobourne, where some of his straglers were taken; his Forces plundered much in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, and within 5 miles of S. Albans, some skirmishes were between parties of them, and of the Parlia­ments Forces under M. Cokaine, and some killed and taken prisoners.

A Parliament Ship, took a French Vessel, bound for Excester, and therein, divers Letters of Conse­quence from the Queen to the King.

Four hundred and fifty Prisoners, taken by M. G. Langherne, took the Covenant to serve the Parlia­ment against the Rebels in Ireland, whither they were sent with supplies for Younghall.

29. The Prisoners taken at Sherburne, were sent up to London, and Sir Lewis Dives, and Sir John Strangeway's kneeling at the Barr, were committed to the Tower, for high Treason.

Orders for restraint of the abuses of Keepers, in the King returns to Oxford. permitting the Parliaments prisoners to go abroad.

The King came to Oxford, and many of his strag­lers were taken up by the horse of Alesbury, and the Adjacent Counties.

Order for M. G. Brown, to go down to his charge, and for Mr. Dunch, and Mr. Whitelocke, to conferr with him about it.

30. Debate concerning the Northern horse that mutinyed, and Orders for their march Southwards, and with other Forces, to attend the King's moti­ons.

Colonel Thornhaugh, who brought the Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax, was called in, and had the thanks of the House for his good services, and two horses bestowed on him.

Order for a Day of Humiliation; for praying a Humiliati­on. blessing on Scotland, and on Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, and for Cessation of the Plague in both Kingdoms.

Orders touching Sequestrations, and supplies for Forces in Leicester-shire, and for disbanding some Forces, raised in the Associated Counties, upon the Allarum of the King's coming thither.

September, 1645.

1. Upon a Petition from the Militia of London, the House ordered, that the Committee of the Mi­litia at the Savoy, should execute the Warrants of the Militia of London, upon the Ordinance for searching for Delinquents and Papists, and turning Militia. them out of the lines of Communication, and should be saved harmless therein by the House.

They also took care for the payment of the Ar­rears, to the Waggoners of Sir James Harrington's Brigade.

Orders for Writs, for New Elections in several New Ele­ctions. places. And that none who had taken up Arms a­gainst the Parliament, should be capable to be chosen a member of Parliament.

Orders for pay for the Garrison of Leicester, and for a Collection for the poor in that Town and County.

Order for the Committee of the three Counties, to sign a Warrant to their Treasurer, for a fort­nights pay for Reformadoes.

Intelligence came, that the Clubmen of Gloucest­er, Clubmen. and Somerset-shire, have expressed good affection to Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army.

That Somerset-shire, raised 2000 men, who joyned with a party of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, and they took the strong Fort of Ports-head-point, and in it, 6 peices of Ordnance, a Demy Culverin, and 200 Arms; and that 36 of the Garrison had terms to go to their houses, the rest were run a­way before, one of the terms was an Oath, never to bear Arms against the Parliament.

[Page 163] That the Parliament Forces seized upon a Ship in Avon, with 12 peices of Ordnance, 50 priso­ners, and store of Ammunition.

That Sir Bernard Ashley, and Colonel Daniell, ri­ding out of the works at Bristol, to see the Parlia­ment Leagure, Colonel Daniel was slain, had 7 bul­lets in his Body, and Sir Bernard Ashley was taken prisoner.

2. In a Letter from M. G. Major, was inclosed another by him intercepted, from G. Goring to the King, who informes his Majesty, that he is ready to joyn with his Brigade of horse, to raise the siege of Bristol, and that his Army consists of between 11 and 12 thousand.

The Ordinance of Sequestration explained, as to the fifth part for Wifes and Children of Delin­quents Ordinance explain'd. and Papists, That it shall not be extended to those who come purposely out of the King's Quarters to the Parliament, to have this fifth part, but to such as have been, or shall continue in the Parliaments Quar­ters, and to such Children of Papists, as shall be brought up in the Protestant Religion.

Order for a fifth part to the Widows and Chil­dren of Souldiers, slain in the service of the Parlia­ment.

Intelligence came from Scotland, that Montrosse Montross. had summoned Edenburg and many of the Scots Lords were come to Berwicke, and the Chancellor of Scotland went to get L. G. Lesley, with his horse to advance thither.

Order for money for the Army, and for the For­ces of M. G. Pointz.

Intelligence coming to the House, that the King The King leaves Ox­ford. had again left Oxford, and was gone with 3500 Horse and Dragoons towards Camden, they order­ed M. G. Pointz, and Colonel Rossiter, to attend his motions; and if he went towards Hereford, to Correspond with G. Leven, and assist him, and if the King went towards Bristol, then to Correspond with Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the Scots Commission­ers to have notice of this Order.

Pointz and Rossiter, accordingly with other For­ces followed the King, and the Common Council of London did agree, that every one of them should furnish out a horse and arms, to make up with other Forces a flying Army to attend the King.

Basing house continued blocked up by Colonel Dalbier.

3. The House fell into the debate of the great business of the Church, the points of Excommunica­tion, Church Affairs. and Suspension from the Sacrament.

Seld [...]n declared his Opinion.

That for 4000 years, there was no sign of any Law, Selden. to suspend persons from Religious exercises.

That under the Law, every sinner was eo nomine, to come to offer, as he was a sinner: And no Priest, or other Authority had to do with him, unless it might be made appear to them, whether another did repent or not, which was hard to be done.

Strangers were kept away from the Pass-over, but they were Pagans, and such as were not of the Jewish Religion; The question is not now for keeping away Pa­gans in times of Christianity, but Protestants from Protestant Worship. No Divine can shew that there is any such command as this, to suspend from the Sacra­ment.

If after Christ suffered, the Jews had become Chri­stians, the same ground upon which they went as to their Sacrifices, would have been as to the Sacrament. And certainly, no way nor command to keep any one from partaking of it.

No man is kept from the Sacrament, eo nomine, be­cause he is guilty of any sin, by the Constitution of the reformed Churches, or because he hath not made satis­faction.

Every man is a sinner, the difference is only, the one is in private, and the other a sinner in publick. The one is as much against God, as the other.

Dic Ecclesiae, in S. Matthew, was the Courts of Law, which then sate in Jerusalem. No man can shew any Excommunication till the Popes, Victor & Zepho­rius (200 Years after Christ) first began to use it up­on private quarrels: thereby Excommunication is but humane Invention; it was taken from the Heathen.

Another of the Members spake to this effect.

Mr. Speaker,

The Assembly of Divines, have petitioned and advi­sed the House of Commons, that in every Presbytery or Presbyterian Congregation, the Pastors and ruling El­ders, may have the power of Excommunication, and the power of suspending such as they shall Judge ignorant or scandalous persons from the Sacrament.

By Pastors, I suppose they mean themselves, and others who are or may be Preachers in the several Con­gregations, and would be [...], Bishops, or overseers of those Congregations.

By ruling Elders, I take their meaning to be a select number of such as in every one of those Congrega­tions shall be chosen for the Execution of the Church Government, and Discipline in them respectively.

They may properly enough be called Pastors from our Saviour's charge to his Disciples, pasce oves meas, feed my Sheep, so that a Pastor is to feed those committed to his charge, with spiritual food, as the Shepherd feeds his flock with temporal: if so, how improper then will it be for those who are to feed the flock to desire the power to Excommunicate any, to keep them from food, to suspend any from the Sacrament, to drive them from feeding on the bread of life, to forbid any to eat of that whereof Christ the great Shepherd of our Souls hath said, take, eat, &c.

To forbid those to drink whom they shall judge unwor­thy, when our Saviour himself said, drink ye all of this, and S. Mark, chap. 14. saith, and they all drank of the Cup.

In the Old Testament, Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the Waters, and he that hath no money, come ye buy and eat, yea come buy Milk and Wine without Money and without Price, said the Prophet Isaiah; yet now his successors would be authorised, to say to some persons, you do not thirst, though themselves say they do, and to deny them Milk and Water, Bread and Wine, when they desire it.

Surely it is not proper for Pastors, for Feeders of flocks to deny food to any of their flock who shall de­sire it.

But some have said, that it is the part of a good Shep­herd if he see one of his Sheep going astray into a ground where the grass will bring the rot, to chace him out of that pasture. And they apply it to spiritual Pastors, suspending those from the Sacrament whom they fear by the unworthy receiving of it may eat and drink their own damnation.

[Page 164] This may be a charitable simile, but will hardly be found a full answer, for it is not the receiving of the Sacrament, but the unworthiness of the Receiver that brings destruction. And whether he be unworthy or not, it is not in the Judgment of Pastor, or of any other, but of the party onely who is the Sinner, for none can know his heart but himself, and a Commis­sion will scarce be produced for any other to be judge thereof. The person refused may say to the Pastor in this case quis constituit te judicem?

Besides the Authority desired is not onely of suspen­sion, but of Excommunication which is a total dri­ving, or thundring away of the party from all spiritu­al food whatsoever. And if a Shepherd shall chace a­way his Sheep from all pastures, that indeed will bring the hunger-rot upon them.

The more sinful persons are, the more they have need of instruction; and where can they have it better than from the lips of the learned and pious Pastors, which ought to preserve knowledg.

But it hath been said that the ruling Elders are to joyn with them, let us inquire who they are, in some Congregations in Country Villages, perhaps they may not be very learned themselves; yet the authority to be given them is sufficiently great.

The word Elders amongst the Hebrews signified the men of greatest power and dignity: The Members of their great Sanhedrim were styled Elders, so were the Princes of their Tribes.

The Grecians had the appellation in like esteem, [...] which we translate Elders, was given to their greatest men, and from thence is fetched the Name of Presbyters or Priests, Presbytery and Presbyterian Government.

The Phoenicians, Tyrians, and other particular Nations used the word Elder in the like sense, and sty­led their Generals and Princes by the name of El­ders.

The Romans did the like, their Senate and their Se­nators came all from Senes, Elders, and from them to this day the French, Spaniards, and Italians re­tain the Titles of Seigneur, Seigniori, Seniori and the like for their greatest men. And in England we give the name of Earls to our great Lords, from El­der, and to the King himself the title of Sir, abstrac­ted from Seigneur an Elder.

In Towns they still keep the title of Aldermen, that is Eldermen for the Chief and Rulers of the Corporation. And so they may allow the title of Elders to the cheif and select men of every Presbytery.

Yet if this Power, Excommunication and Suspen­sion be allowed them, they may well challenge the title of Elders in the highest signification.

The Power of the Keys is a great power; The Ro­mish Church will acknowledge it, and the foundation of their Supremacy to be built upon it. Whatsoever they bind or loose on earth to be bound or loosed in heaven is a power which may claim the highest title imaginable.

Although I can never presume that the reverend and pious learned Gentlemen, who aym at this power, can have the least supposition of any such effect by it; yet if any petitioners should sue to you to be made Judges or Justices, I believe you would judge their Petition the less modest, and them the less fit for such Offices, but to this I make no application, and I hope none shall make any use of it.

Power is thought fit to be given to suspend from the Sacrament two sorts of persons, the ignorant and the scandalous.

I am sure that I am a very ignorant person, and I fear we are all more ignorant than we ought to be of the truth of Christ, and some more than others. And the most learned, I doubt may be called in the large sense ignorant. Even amongst the Pastors and perhaps amongst the Ruling Elders, in some places the most learned may in other places be adjudged igno­rant.

The more ignorant people are, the more some will blame their Pastors who ought to instruct them, and by private conference inform them, and rectify their un­derstandings: And that is a good part of Spiritual food. And to keep an ignorant person from the Ordi­nances, is no way to improve their knowledge.

Scandalous persons are likewise to be suspended; And who shall be said scandalous is to be referred to the judgment of the Pastors and Ruling Elders: But where a Commission is extant for them to execute this judicature will be hard to shew.

Both Pastors and Elders, and people are all scan­dalous in the general sense. We are all of us gross sinners, and our best performances are but scanda­lous as to the true and sincere profession of the Gospel of Christ.

Those who are scandalous sinners ought to be admo­nished to forsake their evil ways, and to amend their lives; and where can they receive this admonition, and hope for more Conviction of their Consciences, than by hearing good Sermons, and being admitted to be per­takers of the holy Ordinances, but to excommunicate them, deprives them wholly of the best means for their cure.

The best Excommunication is for Pastors, Elders, and people to Excommunicate sin out of their own hearts, and conversations: to suspend themselves from all works of iniquity, this is a power, which put in execution, through the assistance of the Spirit of God, will prevent all disputes about Excommunication and Suspension from the Sacrament.

A man may be a good physitian though he never cut off a Member from any of his patients, a body may be very sound though no member of it was ever cut off. And surely a Church may be a good Church though no member of it hath ever been cut off.

I have heard here many Complaints of the Jurisdic­tion formerly exercised by the Prelates who were but a few, there will be by the passing of this now desired, a great multiplication of Spiritual men in Govern­ment.

Where the temporal Sword (the Magistracy) is sufficient for punishment of offences, there will be little need for this new Diseipline; nor will it be so easily granted.

After a long debate, the House referred this matter to a further Consideration by the grand Committee to whom it was formerly referred.

[Page 165] Votes for new Elections of Members for several Towns, and Counties.

Order for advance of the Forces under Major General Pointz, and for Horse and Arms to be sent to the Scots Army before Hereford, and notice to them of the party appointed to attend the King's motions.

A Conference and reasons given to the Lords for passing the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents E­states.

A Party of about 120 horse came from Walling-ford, and Dunnington, to gather Contribution near Reading, and Col. Baxter with a party of about 30 horse marched after them, beat up their Rear; but they facing about, one of Baxter's men was slain, and 20 wounded and taken.

Then a party of 100 horse, who by accident quartered at Reading, came forth to relieve Baxter, routed the Enemy; recovered all the Prisoners, took 25, and Captain Barker their Commander, 50 Horse, and 40 Arms.

Montrosse carryed all things in Scotland without opposition, and had many Eminent Prisoners, and Montross. forced divers to fly to Berwick.

The funeral of the Countess of Dorset in much Countess of Dorset. State.

4. An Ordinance for a Collection for the poor of Leicester.

Another sent to the Lords for supply of the Forces in the Eastern Association.

Order for the Brigade under Lieutenant General Lesley to march into Scotland for their assistance there.

Order for 100 horse from Southwark, to be sent to Basing-house, and the Militia to fine such as refused.

Goring, Greenvile and Mohun marched with 6000 in the West, summoned all between 16, and 60 to come in to them, and forced such as they met with to serve under them. Massey attends them. Sir John Seymore brought 1000 men to the Leaguer be­fore Bristol.

Seven Parliament Ships were in Kings Road.

5. The publick Fast day by reason of the Plague, Fast-day. and the ill success of the Brethren in Scotland.

The King was about Worcester with about 5000, Pointz and Rossiter followed him.

A party from Shrewsbury fell upon a party of the King's at Bishops Castle as they were plundring on a faire day, routed them, rescued all the Plun­der, took 200 horse, and many Prisoners.

6. Care was taken for payment of the allowance to the Prince Elector. Prince E­lector.

The Declaration sent to the Lords for the Unde­ceiving the People of Wales.

A Committee appointed to cast up the Arrears due to the Earl of Essex, and to consider of a way E. Essex. for payment of them; and what mark, or badge of honour is fit to be bestowed on him for his great services.

An Ordinance past for raising horse and Dra­goons in London, the Lord Herbert of Ragland was sent into Ireland to sollicite supplies from thence for the King.

Debate of the point of suspending from the Sa­crament, Presbytery Voted, that the Presbytery should not med­dle with any thing of meum and tuum, till it were de­termined by the Civil Magistrate.

An Ordinance touching the Wives and Children of Delinquents, if dwelling here, and Protestants to have the 5th part of the Delinquents Estates, Passed.

Letters certified that the Scots. Army had raised their Siege from before Hereford, and were mar­ching Northward to goe home again.

Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army before Bristol kept Bristoll. a day of humiliation, and after that intended to storm the Town. The Clubmen declared that they Clubmen. would all assist Sir Thomas Fairfax.

The Governour of Weymouth with the assistance of some Seamen entred Corfe Island, took a Fort there, and a Demy Culverin, and slighted the Fort.

200 Reformadoes were surprised in their Quar­ters near Thame, by Forces from Oxford and Bo­stall-House, 120 horse and men were taken, and the rest of them escaped.

9. Mr. Pëters was called into the House, and gave them a particular Account of the Siege of Bristol, and the cause of sitting down before it to pre­vent the plunder and cruelties of Prince Rupert in that Country, and he pressed the desire of Sir Thomas Fairfax to have Recruits sent to him.

Several Orders passed for Recruits and money, shoes and stockings, and all necessary supplies, for the Army, and touching the pressing of able men to serve in the Army, and not such as were vaga­bonds, who could not be found out, if they ran from their Colours.

Intercepted Letters signified, that a Peace was Intercep­ted Let­ters. concluded by the King and the Irish Rebels, and that many of them were expected to be shortly here to assist the King.

10. Debate of the Church business.

Order for the burial of Mr. William Strode a Mem­ber Mr. Strodes. of the House, in the Abbey of Westminster, near the Corps of Mr. Pym; and for all the House to accompany his Corps at his Funeral, and that 500 l. be paid to his Executors.

Divers private Petitions answered, and one day in every week appointed to hear private peti­tions.

Sir Thomas Fairfax being provided to storm Bristol, sent in to Prince Rupert to offer him honou­rable Bristol [...]. Propositions, if he would forthwith surrender the Town, to avoid shedding of more bloud, and spoil of the City, The Prince desired liberty to send a Mes­senger to the King to know his pleasure, but that was denyed as too much delay.

Then the Prince, declyning a Treaty by Com­missioners sent high Propositions of his own which Sir Thomas Fairfax refused; but returned his final Answer to the Prince how far he would grant what was desired, and no further, but this was not ac­cepted by Prince Rupert.

11. Order for a Declaration to be drawn of the cruel acts done by the Governour of Jersey, upon Jersey. the Inhabitants there, and that, if for the future he shall put to death any of the Isle whom he shall take Prisoners, for every one so slain, the Parlia­ment will hang up three of the King's men their Prisoners.

12. Debate about the business of the Church.

A Committee of both Houses appointed to re­ceive from the Scots Commissioners what they had to impart to them, touching the marching of the Scots Army northwards.

Writs ordered for new Elections of Members in several places.

Letters and Messengers from Bristol informed that Prince Rupert having delayed the Treaty for surrender of it, till his Counterscarfes, and Manner of storming Bristoll. inmost Lines were finished, and then refused the honourable Conditions offered to him by Sir T. [Page 166] Fairfax; thereupon Sir T. F. ordered to storm the City in this manner.

Col. Welden to have one Brigade of his own, Twiseldens, Fortescues, and Herberts Regiments, who were to make good Somersetshire side, and to storm in three places.

Col. Mountague to command the General's Bri­gade, consisting of the Generals, Mountagues, Pickerings, and Sir Hardres Waller's Regiment, to storm on both sides of Lawford Gate.

Colonel Rainsborough's Brigade of his own, Skippon's, Harmond's, Birche's, and Berkley's Re­giments were to storm on this side the River Froome, and two hundred of them to go in Boats with the Seamen to storm Water Fort.

One Regiment of foot and another of horse to be moving up and down in the Close, to alarm the Royal Fort.

One Regiment of Dragoons, and two Regi­ments of Horse, to attempt the Line and Works by Clifton.

September 9. At Twelve at Night, all the Army both horse and foot were drawn round the City in a posture to storm; the signs when to begin were by the kindling of a fire of straw, and discharging four great Guns; the Parliaments word during the storm, was, David, and after the Line was en­tred, the Lord of Hosts.

About Two in the Morning the storm began, the Souldiers shouted for joy; the service was hot, especially at the Prince's Fort, where Rainsborough performed very bravely: They cut in pieces most of the Souldiers within the Fort, with their Cap­tain Price, and took four great Pieces in the Fort, and two more in a Redoubt.

Colonel Mountague's men took sixteen Pieces in the several Works and Half-moons, which they gained by storm.

Welden's Brigade fell on with great resolution, but the Mote being very deep on Somersetshire-side, and his Scaling-ladders too short, he only alarm'd them on that side.

The Club-men terrified the Enemy on Bedmin­ster-side.

In Rainsborough's and Mountague's Brigades, not above forty men slain.

The Parliaments Horse entred with the Foot, the Pioneers having thrown down the Line: The Prince's Horse were beaten off, and Colonel Taylor, formerly a Member of Parliament, wounded, and taken three Majors, and other Prisoners. On the Parliaments part, Captain Ireton, and M. Bethel were wounded.

Prince Rupert fled into the Castle, and sent to Sir T. Fairfax for a Parley, who yielded to it, and the City was surrendred upon far lower terms on the Prince's behalf, than he was before offered.

Three Messengers who brought this good News, had 20 l. a piece given to them.

13. Debate about providing money for the Ar­my, and sale of the Lands of Bishops, Deans, and Chapters, for that purpose.

Report, that the Commissioners of Scotland had ac­quainted the Committee of both Houses, with the Calamities in Scotland, which occasioned the ad­vance of their Army Northward, and some Flou­rishes about it.

A Committee to consider of the Excise; an­other of what Prisoners are fit to be ransomed.

15. Upon the Report touching the Speaker and his Brother's sending 6000 l. to Oxford, from the Speaker. Committee of Examinations; it was voted by the House, a false and malicious scandal, and they refer­red to a Committee, to consider what punishment was fit to be inflicted on the Authors of it.

Divers of Bristoll petitioned, That M. G. Skippon might be Governour there, and the House referred Bristoll. it to Sir Thomas Fairfax. L. G. Lesley marched with his Forces beyond Tweed.

M. Temple with a Party from Henley, came un­discovered to a Village near Wallingford, where a Party of the King's were quartered, killed the Sentinels, took a Captain, and six and thirty Horse.

The King's Forces burned down Master Cart­wright's House at Ayno, and all the Outhouses, and plundered him to the value of eight hundred pounds.

16. The House ordered, that all the Books and Manuscripts of the Lord Littleton, which should be discovered, should be bestowed upon Whitelocke, and the Speaker to grant his Warrant to search for them, and to seize them, and deliver them to him.

Whitelocke undertook this business, as he had done others of the like kind, to preserve those Books and Manuscripts from being sold, which the Sequestrators would have done; but he sa­ved them to have the present use of them; and re­solving, if God gave them an happy accommoda­tion, to restore them to the Owner, or to some of his Family.

An Ordinance was sent up to the Lords, touch­ing the Church in Covent-Garden.

The Hangings taken at Bridgewater, after being sold; the moneys were sent to Sir T. F. to bestow among the Officers and Souldiers.

Several Ordinances about Money, and for pay­ment of their Debts to Tradesinen.

The Prince Elector's Ordinance debated.

An Ordinance for the Government of Ʋlster, and disposing the Church-lands there, by Sir Ar­thur Onslow, and Sir Robert King, and others.

Five thousand pounds Composition on the Earl of Devon.

The Scots Papers referred to a Committee.

17. Debate about the Church-business.

Orders for new Elections.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Lieutenant General Cromwell, brought by Colonel Mountague, and Colonel Hammond, informed the particulars of the taking of Bristoll as before; and that Prince Bristoll. Rupert went for Oxford, convoyed by two Regi­ments of their horse.

That they took in it about a hundred and forty pieces of Cannon mounted, store of Arms and Am­munition, and Provisions.

In Cromwel's Letter was this passage:

It may be thought that some praises are due to Cromwell. these gallant men, of whose Valour so much mention is made; their humble suit to you, and all that have an interest in this blessing, is, that in remembrance of God's praises they may be forgotten.

It's their Joy that they are Instruments to God's glory, and their Countries good. It's their honour that God vouchsafes to use them. Sir, they that have been im­ployed in this Service, know, that Faith and Prayers obtained this City for you.

Sir Thomas Fairfax lost but two hundred men in the Siege and storm. They retook here and at Bridgewater, all the Cannon which the Earl of Es­sex lost in Cornwall.

The Sickness was much in Bristoll, yet but one [Page 159] of the Parliament Souldiers died of it, though they were often in the infected Quarters.

A day of thanksgiving ordered for the Success at Bristoll, and a Collection for the poor there; and a Letter of Thanks to Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Officers and Souldiers, and a Committee appoin­ted to consider what reward is fit to be given them.

The House sate in the Afternoon about private Petitions.

18. Debate about besieging Chester.

The Speaker rose, not being well, and the House sate in a Grand Committee in Debate of the bu­siness of the Church.

A Paper published, taken in the King's Cabinet at Naseby Fight, wherein the Earl of Portland late Lord Treasurer acknowledgeth to have received of the King's Gift Ten thousand pounds, and in Gratuities, which some call Bribes, Thirty three thousand five hundred pounds more, and the King's hand was to it in allowance of it.

Letters from the Earl of Argile and others, to Montross. the Scots Commissioners here, and communicated to the House, informed, that they had cut off all Montross's Foot, and routed all his Horse, taken many Prisoners, and some General Officers. That Lieutenant General David Lesly was prosecuting the Victory.

19. A Letter of Thanks to Sir Thomas Fair­fax passed, and another to Lieutenant General Cromwell.

Order for the Ministers in and about London the next Lords-day, to give thanks to God, for the late good success against Montross in Scotland, and some of their members were sent to the Scots Commissio­ners to Congratulate this Victory.

Order for imploying the horse under Colonel Jephson, till they be ready to be transported into Ireland.

About six hundred in Sussex were risen, in the Nature of Club-men, but well armed, and declared Club-men. for the King; The House referred it to the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms, to take special care for the suppressing of them.

The Clubmen of Devonshire, declared for the Parliament, killed the Governour of Barnstable Sir Leven Apsley, and divers of his party.

20. The Grand Committee for money sate, and after much debate voted, That the Court of Wardes, Courts of Wards. and all the tenures, except soccage should be taken away, and in lieu thereof should be raised in England and Wales, 100000 l. per. ann. this was confirmed by the House, and Ordinances appointed to be brought in for this purpose, and to free from Wardship, those whose Fathers died in the service of the Parlia­ment.

Whitelocke made report of the answer which he drew to the Scots papers, and a day was set for the debate of it.

An Ordinance for money for Portsmouth.

Sir Thomas Fairfax, with his Army, advanced to­wards the Devises, the King from Worcester, at­tempted to go to Oxford, but was hindred by M. G. Pointz.

22. Order for money for Souldiers Widdows.

Disabling of Sir Ralph Verney, to be a member of Parliament, and an Order for a new Election at Aylesbury.

Orders for raising money and Forces.

Major Young dispersed the Club-men in Sussex, Club-men. took two Ministers leaders of them, and divers other prisoners.

News came from Oxford, that Prince Rupert, and Colonel Legg, were confined, and Sir Thomas Glen­ham made Governour there; M. G. Pointz took about 100 of the King's horse.

23. Order, That the Scots Army be desired to sit Scots. down before Newarke, and that they gather no Contribution, nor levy any Tax in England. Ano­ther Order for money for their Army.

Upon a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax, of the good service of Mr. Ash, and Mr. Moore, in Somer­setshire, they had the thanks of the House, they being members of it.

Letters informed of the taking of the Castle of Cromwel. the Devizes, by L. G. Cromwell, surrendred to him upon conditions, and in it five peices of Ordnance, Provisions for a Year, and store of Arms; they gave the messenger of this news twenty pounds.

Letters informed of the storming, and taking the Chester. outworks of Chester, wherein Colonel Jones, who commanded the Parliaments horse, with Captain Louthan, who commanded the Foot, drew off over night, and fell on the next morning early, and stor­med before they were discovered.

The messenger had ten pounds for the good news.

The Scots pursued their Victory against Mon­trosse, and blocked him up in Duglas Castle, they took and killed between two and three thousand men, and took a Book, wherein were the names of all such as intended to come in to them, and thereby were all discovered.

Debate of the business of the Church.

The House being informed of an intended Peti­tion, Presbytery. for establishing Presbytery, as the Discipline of Jesus Christ, they voted it to be scandalous.

25. Upon a Petition from some Cheshire-men, Sir William Brereton was appointed to command the Forces which he formerly commanded, for four months longer, and ordered money for those Forces.

Order, That none shall sit as Committee-men, who have been against the Parliament, till the House allow it.

Serjeant Glanvil disabled to be a member of the House, for his Delinquency.

Votes for several high Sheriffs.

Glamorganshire-men declared themselves for the Parliament, and took in Cardiffe Castle, sixteen peices of Ordnance, store of Arms and Ammu­nition.

The King came to Ludlowe, in order to releive Chester, and M. G. Pointz followed him.

26. Prince Charles sent a Letter to Sir Thomas Prince Charles. Fairfax, for a pass for the Lord Culpepper, and Lord Hopton, to go to the King; to advise him to comply with the Parliament; the Letter was sent by Sir Tho­mas Fairfax to the Lords, they Communicated it to the Commons.

Colonel Devereux, took in Lacocke House, in Wiltshire, upon conditions.

Letters from M. G. Langherne informed, that he had cleared Pembroke-shire for the Parliament, and he desired supplies of men and moneys, for which order was given, and the House gave to him the Estate of Mr. Barlowe a Delinquent.

Order for the Ministers the next Lord's day, to give thanks to God for the good success of the Par­liaments Forces in Pembroke-shire, at the Devizes, and Lacocke-house.

[Page 160] Debate of the business of the Church.

27. Care for money for the Scots Army.

A Report of the causes of their withdrawing from Hereford, Montrosse's success in Scotland, and Scots Ar­my. other eminent matters occasioning of it.

Mr. Swinhoe, committed to the Tower.

Letters informed, that the King with about Five thousand horse and foot advanced to re­leive Defeat at Chester. Chester, M. G. Pointz pursued close after the King, and within two miles of Chester, ingaged with the King's whole body, was at the first worst­ed, but made good his ground upon the retreat.

In the mean time Colonel Jones, with five hun­dred horse, and A. G. Louthian came from the Lea­guer before Chester, to the assistance of Pointz, gi­ving notice of their coming, by shooting off two great Guns: and by that time Pointz had rallyed his Forces, then Pointz in the Front, and Jones in the Rear charged, and utterly routed the King's whole body.

The King with about three hundred horse fled into Chester, and the pursuit was so violent, that he immediately left the Town, and fled into Wales, the rest of his party were utterly dispersed, killed, and taken.

In the fight and pursuit, were slain the Lord Ber­nard, Earl of Litchfield, and one other Lord, two Knights, one Colonel, with above four hundred more Officers, and Souldiers.

There were taken Prisoners, eleven Colonels, most of them Knights, seven Lieutenant Colonels, five Majors, about forty other Officers, and one thousand common Souldiers, and one hundred horse and sixty Prisoners taken by the Countrey after the rout, store of Arms and Pillage.

Some members of the House sent to Sir Thomas Fairfax, to the Bath, to advise with him about the prosecution of this Victory, and a day of thanks-giving was appointed for it, and they gave a Pre­sent of five hundred pounds to Major General Pointz.

Berkley Castle was rendred to the Parliament by Sir Charles Lucas, upon Articles.

L. General Cromwell disarmed and dispersed the Hamp-shire Clubmen, about Winchester.

29. Mr. Wolchier, a Delinquent Minister sent for, to answer about a scandalous Sermon preached by him.

An Ordinance debated for setling Sir John Win­ter's Estate on Major General Massey.

Mr. Tomlins, made the Cursitor Baron of the Ex­chequer.

Order, That one thousand pounds, per. ann. be al­lowed to each of the Judges, in lieu of their former Judges. fees and profits.

Colonel Parsons, made a particular Relation to the House, of the late fight at Chester, and they gave him one hundred pound to buy him horses, and referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to prosecute this great Victory.

The Scots Army did not sit down before Newarke as they were desired, but marched on towards Scots. Newcastle.

30. The account of Auditor Wilcox, of the late Army under the Earl of Essex, was dissallowed.

Orders touching money for payment of Tra­desmen, and of a Ship imployed by the Lord In­chiquin.

Both Houses agreed, that Serjeant Rolls, should be a Judge of the King's Bench, Serjeant Pheasant, a Judges. Judge of the Common Pleas, and Serjeant Atkins, a Baron of the Exchequer.

At a Conference the Commons desired, that the Lord Savile might be recommitted to the Tower.

The House sate in a Grand Committee about the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates.

L. General Cromwell came before Winchester, and found the Town fortifyed, but after a short dis­pute he fired the Gate, and his men entred, and he began to batter the Castle with two Great Guns.

October, 1645.

1. A Collection ordered for the maimed Souldiers.

Propositions from the Scots Commissioners, for the suddain settling of Religion and Peace, the positive answer of the Scots Commissioners was desired, touching their sitting down before Newark.

Sir Thomas Fairfax marched towards Excester, the Regiment of Welden, Ingolsby, and Fortescue were sent before to joyn with Massey, who had some skir­mishes with Goring's Forces, and at Dalverton took divers horse, and Prisoners, Colours, and killed 18 of Goring's men.

Plimouth was beleagured by the King's Forces, but in no want.

Colonel Fleetwood was made Governour of Bri­stoll, Major Harrison to be Colonel of his Regiment, Colonel Birch made Governour of Bridgwater, and Major Aryes of the Devizes.

Colonel Moore, Governour of Gaunt house, with two hundred horse, fell upon five hundred of the Kings at Kidlington, three miles from Oxford, rout­ed and pursued them to Oxford, took Prisoners, Mr. Sackville the Earl of Dorset's Son, one of the King's Pages, Prince Rupert's Chaplain, and twenty Souldiers.

A party of about three hundred of the King's horse, did great mischief in Northamptonshire, and plundred all the horses they could meet with.

2. Intelligence came, that the King was in Den­byshire, gathering Forces, and that Prince Maurice was to come to him, to endeavour again the releif of Chester. That Major General Pointz had sent some parties after the King, who had taken some of his men.

Major General Pointz wrote for supplies, and five hundred Horse, one thousand Dragoons were ordered to march forthwith to him.

Montross fled into the Mountains in Scotland, and Lieutenant General Lesley pursued him.

Farlegh Castle, in Somersetshire, was surrendred by Colonel Hungerford to the Parliament Forces.

4. The Composition of Sir John Borlace, for his Delinquency was debated, and not accepted by Sir John Borlace. the House, though two thousand four hundred pounds. The House gave general Rules for Composi­tions.

Forces ordered to advance to Major General Pointz, and to joyn with him.

One thousand pounds ordered for the Nottingham horse, who fought gallantly at the late fight at Che­ster, and other sums, for other of his Forces.

Letters from Colonel Overton, certified the sur­render of Sandall Castle upon conditions to the Parliament, with their Ordnance, Arms, and Ammu­nition.

6. The Scots Army again ordered, to be desired to sit down before Newarke, and then to have thirty Scots. thousand pounds paid them.

Care for money for Lieutenant General Pointz his Forces.

[Page 161] Sir Thomas Fairfax, advanced Westward.

Goring had about seven thousand horse, well arm­ed with Arms from France.

Votes for Compositions of Delinquents.

7. Orders for money, and recruits for the Army.

Letters brought by Mr. Peters, from L. Gene­ral Cromwell certified, that after he had entred Winchester Town, he summoned the Castle who de­nyed, then he planted six Guns, and after firing Winchester taken. them round, sent a second summons for a treaty, which they refused, that he made a breach with two hundred shot, and then the Governour beat a Par­ley, which was agreed to, and Colonel Ham­mond and Major Harrison, for Cromwell, agreed upon Articles for surrender of the Castle. Which was well manned with six hundred eighty horse, and foot, near two hundred Gentlemen Officers, and their servants, victualed with fifteen thou­sand weight of Cheese, store of Wheat and Beer, twenty Barrels of Powder, seven peices of Connon. The works exceeding strong, eight hundred pound of Butter, one hundred and forty quarters of Wheat and Meale, seven thousand weight of Bisket, great store of other Provision, Arms, and Ammunition.

The messenger of the good news, had fifty pound given him.

An Ordinance read for borrowing forty thou­sand pound of the Gentry in London and Westmin­ster, and in the Adjacent Counties, for pay of the Army, and Orders for the recruits of it.

Mr. Peters was called in, and made a particular Relation of the taking of Winchester Castle.

8. Debate of the business of the Church.

Colonel Devereux Petitioned, that he could not march to Major General Pointz, according to the Orders for want of money, and he was sent for up to the House.

Some papers from the King of Denmarke's Agent were received, and laid by.

Orders touching Alderman Warner, and about Compositions of Delinquents.

Votes, That the General of the Scots Army in this Votes. Kingdom, had no power to grant Commissions to any per­sons for raising Forces here. That such Commissions were void, and that no Englishman ought to take them.

Here the discontent towards the Scots, began to Scots. grow among the Parliament men.

The King came to Newarke, Colonel Web, and Colonel Mainwaring, with one thousand Horse and Dragoons, joyned with L. G. Pointz.

Sir William Middleton, and Lieutenant Colonel Mason, fell upon a party of Prince Maurices horse, in Montgomery-shire, took Colonel Rowse, other Officers, twenty three Prisoners, thirty horses and Arms.

9. The House ordered five hundred pound for Colonel Mitton, in part of his Arears.

Order for a sequestred House for the Lord May­or of London.

Intercepted Letters sent up by Major General Pointz.

Order for Forces to joyn with M. G. Pointz.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords, for borrowing forty thousand pound of the Gentry, &c.

Care for money for several Garrisons.

Lieutenant General Cromwell, sate down before Basing-house, and Colonel Pickering, before Lang­ford-house.

Major General Brown, was chosen Burgess for Wicomb.

Longford house was deserted by the Garrison of the King; Sir Thomas Fairfax advanced within twenty miles of Excester, and Goring retreated fur­ther West.

The King went from Newarke over the Trent, Colonel Rositer, and Col Lidrot, followed him.

10. The House sate in a Grand Committee, about the Scots papers and voted, That the Scots Votes. Scots Army. Army not ingaging against the Enemy, according to the desires of both Houses of Parliament, was prejudicial to the Cause; for which they desired their asistance, with some other votes. And thus the flame increased between them and the Parliament.

11. The Grand Committee sate about the Scots Papers

An Ordinance touching the Composition of the Earl of Devon.

Orders for money for Waggoners, and for new Elections, and for such as made their Compositions, to pass their pardons under the Great Seal, which Gr. Scal. was contrived by some of the Commissioners of the Great Seal.

13. Debate about the Scots business, and an Or­der Differen­ces with the Scots. for a Declaration to be drawn up for the clear­ing of all differences, and preserving the Ʋnion of the two Kingdoms, according to the Covenant. And the House voted, That if the Scots Army shall sit down before Newarke, before the first of November next, then thirty thousand pounds will be advanced for them.

They voted also in the business of one Mr. Case, That the Scots Army had no power in this Kingdom, to try an English-man by Marshall Law, and that Mr Case, Ought to have satisfaction herein.

Order for every Tuesday and Thursday, week­ly Propositi­ons of Peace. to be set apart, to consider of Propositions of Peace.

The Ordinance past for forty thousand pounds for the Army.

Sir Thomas Fairfax, by his Council of Warr, re­solved to block up the passages against Goring, and to send forth parties to distrub him, till Cromwell came up, and then to proceed further.

The Scots Army were in the Bishoprick of Dur­ham, Pointz before Chester, Rossiter attended the King's motions.

Wales generally declared for the Parliament, Colonel Morgan, took in Chepstow Town, and be­sieged the Castle, and upon refusing his summons, planted his batteries, made a Breach, and then the Governour, Colonel Fitz Morris yielded, and left to Colonel Morgan seventeen peices of Ordnance, Morgan. store of Arms, Ammunition and Provisions.

Sir Trevor Williams, and divers Gentlemen of Glamorgan and Monmouth-shire, raised fifteen hun­dred men for the Parliament.

14. The Grand Committee sate about Propositi­ons for Peace.

Letters from the King of Denmarke, desiring to King of Denmark. mediate a composure of the differences between the King and Parliament, were considered, and an order made, That the same answer be returned to his Letters as was given to the King of France, and to the States of Holland, upon the like occasion.

Consideration of the difference between the Earl of Stamford, and Sir Arthur Hesilrigge.

The Votes touching the Scots Army in the North, and for their sitting down before Newarke, sent to the Lords.

Orders for money for the Army, and to dis­charge the promise of Sir Thomas Fairfax, to his Souldiers that stormed Bridgwater, of 6 l. and 10 s. a man, and for Bread, Cheese and Bisket, to be sent to the Army.

A messenger brought news of the taking of Ba­sing-house, and had ten pounds reward.

An attempt was made to storm Chester, but pro­ved ineffectuall, Colonel Venables was wounded, and forty slain.

15. Colonel Hammond brought a full Relation [Page 160] [...] [Page 161] [...] [Page 162] to the House, of the taking of Basing, and Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell certified, that after their batteries planted, and the several posts setled for the storm, his men fell on with great reso­lution, and took the two houses without any consi­derable Cromwell. loss.

That Colonel Pickering stormed the New House, passed through, and got the Gate of the Old House, Basing, &c. taken. whereupon they summoned a Parley, which the Par­liament Souldiers would not hear. In the mean time, Colonel Mountagues, and Sir Hardress Wal­lers Regiments, recovered the strongest work, and beat the Enemy from a whole Culverin. Then they drew their Ladders after them, and got over ano­ther work, & the house wall, before they could enter.

In this Sir Hardress Waller was wounded, the Parliament had little loss, but their men put many of the Kings to the Sword, and some Officers of Quality; the rest they took Prisoners, among whom the Marquess, Sir Robert Peak, with divers other Officers sent up to the Parliament.

They took about ten peices of Ordnance, with much Ammunition, and incouragement to the Soul­diers, he adviseth to slight the house, and have a strong Quarter at Newbury.

Two hundred Prisoners taken, and Provisions for some years, and rich Pillage to the Parliaments Souldiers, of Money, Jewels, and Household stuff, seventy four of the King's men slain.

Letters were sent to the Committees in those parts, to joyn their Forces for the taking in of Dunnington Castle.

The House ordered, that the Ministers in Lon­don, should give thanks the next Lord's Day, for these good successes.

The Lord Digby sent a Letter to General Le­ven, touching an overture of peace, and he refused Leven. to intermeddle therein, without consent of Parlia­ment, to whom he sent the Letters, and the House returned to General Leven their thanks for it, and ordered a Jewel to be sent to him.

Debate about the Government of the Church, and voted, That the Presbytery should not suspend from Vote. Presbytery the Sacrament, for any other Offences, than those parti­cularly mentioned in the Ordinance, which displeased some, who were earnest to give an Arbitrary-power to the Presbitery.

By Command of the House, a Letter of thanks was drawn to Lieutenant General Cromwell, and another to Captain Dalbyer, and to recommend to them the attempt upon Dunnington Castle.

C. Barrow appointed Govern. of Berkely-Castle.

M. Trefusis Vice Admiral of Cornwal.

Colonel Devereux took a Commission from Gen. Leven, which was ordered to be delivered up.

The Mayor of Sandwich sent up a Letter which he received from a Member of the House of Peers, about the Election of a new Member of Parliament there.

The House voted all such Letters to be against the Privilege of Vote. Parliament, and freedom of Elections, and not to be observed.

17. News came of the taking in of Chepstow Castle, and of the Chepstow. Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition there. The House ordered a Letter of thanks to C. Morgan, and gave 10 l. to the Messenger, and ordered that the Ministers should give thanks to God for it.

Upon Letters from L. G. Cromwell, the House ordered, that the motions of Sir T. F.'s Army, and of the part of it under L. G. Crom­well, should be left to themselves for the best advantage of the Cromwell. Kingdom: and they continued Cromwel L. G. 4 Months longer.

18. Sir Jo. Heales fine for his Delinquency, voted to be 10000 l. 6000 l. thereof to pay Mr. Pennoyer, and Mr. Hill for Arms, sent by them into Ireland, the rest for the Army and Garrisons.

Fifty pounds a Week added for relief of maimed Souldiers, and care for Widows.

Letters from Col. Payne informed, that he marched with a Party from Abington to Farringdon, and was near to have surpri­zed C. Payre. that Garrison; and took from them 100 Horse, 4 Captains, and other Officers, with 36 Prisoners, slew two of them, and lost but one man.

News came that Pr. Rupert and Pr. Maurice, with six Troops of Horse came to Belvoir Castle: That Captain Allen with his Troop fell upon their Rear, and took some Prisoners, but he in­gaging too far received a shot, of which he died.

That Col. Rossiter having notice hereof, marched undiscovered, and fell upon the Princes party in their march from Belvoir to C. Rossiter. Newark, routed them, took 60 Gentlemen prisoners, several Of­ficers, Pr. Maurice his Banner and Trumpet, and forced the Prin­ces with 100 of their company to fly back to Belvoir Castle.

That C. Thornhaugh fell upon Sir W. Vaughan's Regiment march­ing from Newark, routed them, and took 200 of their horse, and many prisoners.

A Post from L. G. Cromwell brought news of the taking of Langford house, and that he was gone to Sir Tho. Fairfax.

Debate about cutting off the head of the Marquess of Winton, referred to a Committee to state the business, and whether he had quarter given him.

20. Upon the Petition of Mr. Pennoir and Mr. Hill, for pay­ment for Provisions sent by them to Ireland; Ordered that the Profits of the Estate of the Earl of Worcester, Lord Herbert, and Sir J. Somerset, should be paid to them in part of satisfaction.

The Like Order for Col. Doddington.

The Ordinance past both Houses touching suspension from the Sacrament.

Letters from C. Copley informed, that he having beaten up the Copley. Enemies Quarters at Wealsop in Yorkshire, and hearing that they were fortifying the Mannor, he marched thither with all his body of M. G. Pointz's house, which so frighted them, that Cop­ley took some of their men and Pioneers.

That two days after this, the King sent the Lord Digby and Langdale Northward, who got to Ferrybrigge, and surprized 400 of the Parliaments party at Sherburn, with their Arms, and shat­tered C. Wren's Regiment of horse.

That he ingaged their whole body about Milford, routed and pursued them three miles, slew Col. Cornaby, Col. Hutton, seve­ral Officers, and 40 others, took prisoners 4 Col. many inferiour Officers, Gentlemen, and Reformadoes, and between 3 and 400 Troopers, the Countess of Nidesdale, the Lord Digby's Coach, the King's Chirurgeon, and very much good Pillage. Divers Let­ters and Papers taken in the Lord Digby's Coach; among which was a Letter to a Member of the House, who was thereupon dis­membred; the Messenger had 40 l. given to him.

21. The Lords agreed to the Declaration concerning the Scots Army, and to several Ordinances for money, and for continuance of L. G. Cromwell in his Command.

A Committee named to consider what Garrisons were fit to be slighted; a very acceptable Vote to many of the House.

Debate touching Propositions for Peace.

22. Order, that such as came from the King's Quarters, and did not within two days discover themselves, should be pro­ceeded against as Spies.

Orders for Pay for Forces to besiege Newark, and for ex­change of prisoners.

Clothes were desired for the Scots Foot, intending to besiege Newark.

Orders for Col. Welden to be Governour of Plymouth, for gi­ving Sir John Banks his Books to Mr. Maynard, and the Books Books. to Mr. Vaughan of Lincolns-Inn, to Mr. Recorder Glyn.

Letters read that were taken in the Lord Digby's Coach; some of them ordered to be published: As that of the King to the Marquess of Ormond touching the Irish Rebels, and one touch­ing the Earl of Thomond; upon which his Estate here was or­dered to be sequestred.

Letters informed the taking of Tiverton Castle.

23. The House received Letters from Sir. T. F. of the motions Fairfax. of his Army in the West: That the Enemy designed with 2000 horse to break through his Quarters towards Oxford.

That they taking the darkness of the Night, passed by his Guards, fell into the Quarters of his Dragoons, and took 50 pri­soners.

That he marched after the Enemy with his whole Army, lay in the field all night, to prevent their going by him, and quarte­red part of his Army along the River Ex, near to Exeter, to pre­vent the Enemies return, and with the rest marched to Tiver­ton, Tiverton▪ storm'd. where M. G. Massey was sent before.

The Governour of Tiverton resolving to hold out, Sir T. F. re­solved to storm it.; and after the morning Sermon on the Lord's-day, one of his Canoneers with a great shot brake the Chain of the Draw-bridge, whereby it fell down, and the Parlia­ment Souldiers immediately entred, and got over the works with little opposition.

The Enemy fled into the Castle and Church, and had quarter for their lives.

Col. Sir Gilbert Talbot, and about 200 more were taken pri­soners and they found there 4 pieces of Ordnance, and 40 Bar­rels of Powder, 34 Officers, 168 common Souldiers, a Spy, and a Minister.

Order for Recruits for the Army.

Order that the Earl of Devon being beyond Seas, should re­turn by a day.

Order to sequester the Estates of such as refused to pay Taxes in Sussex.

24. An Ordinance for disfranchising of some of Bristoll, and settling the Government there, and the Militia.

Ordinance touching Ordination of Ministers, and others tou­ching Monies.

[Page 185] The Jewel provided for Sir Thomas Fairfax, ap­pointed to be presented to him by a Member of the House.

A Messenger from Sir Tho. Fairfax related that he was before Exeter, and a numberof Clubmen of Devonshire, under Colonel Popham assisted him.

(25.) New High-Sheriffs named, and Writs for new Elections granted.

The Commissioners sent to the Scots Army about their delivering up the places Garrisoned by them, had the thanks of the House for their good Ser­vice.

L. G. Points Besieged Newark, where the King was, and Prince Rupert, and Prince Maurice.

Consideration of Differences, between the Com­mittee of Derby, and Sir Jo. Gell.

(27.) Both Houses agreed in making the Speaker The Speaker made Ma­ster of the Rolls. Master of the Rolls.

Order for all Commanders of Forces to be under Sr. Tho. Fairfax.

Col. Dalbier named to Command the Forces for Besieging Dunnington Castle.

Letters informed the taking of Carmarthen, by Carmarthen and Mon­mouth-shire reduced. Major General Langherne, whereby the whole Coun­ty was reduced, and so was Monmouth-Shire, by ta­king of Monmouth Town, and Castle, by Col. Morgan; in which they had seven pieces of Ord­nance, and store of Ammunition.

Order for thanks to God for this success; and a Let­ter of thanks to Col. Morgan; Sir Trevor Williams, was made Governor of Monmouth.

The House gave 1500 l. to Mr. Green, Chair-man of the Committee of the Navy, and 500 l. per Annum for the future, for his Service at that Committee, a reward which few others obtained.

(28.) Mr. Browne made a Speech in the Kings Rolles and Phesant made Jud­ges, and Atkins a Baron. Bench, and then swore Mr. Justice Rolles, to be one of the Judges.

Serjeant Pheasant was sworn of a Judge of the Com­mon Pleas, and Serjcant Atkins a Baron of the Ex­chequer, Mr. Soliciter and Serjeant Wild made Speeches to them.

Goring went out of Exeter with 1000 Horse be­fore Cromwel came up thither, upon which Sir Tho. Fairfax drew off part of his Forces after him.

(30.) The Lords sent their Concurrence to the Commons in several Ordinances, for the Govern­ment of Bristoll, for the Isle of Wight, and for West­minster Colledge.

The Commons Ordered new Elections for Knights, in Bucks and for other places.

Upon a Letter from Sir William Vavasor, Priso­ner A Pass for Sir William Vavasor. to the Parliament, he had a Pass to go beyond Sea, ingaging never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament, and they ordered, that if any who have Passes to go beyond Sea, shall return and take up Arms against the Parliament, they shall have neither Pardon nor Quarter.

Goring went to the farther part of Devon-shire, and Sr. Tho. Fairfax returned towards Exeter, where Goring had burnt most part of three Parishes to make the rest more tenable.

The Garrison of Chester made divers resolute Sallies upon the Besiegers, and were beaten back, and the Forces of M. G. Pointz slew many of them in the Streets.

Sir Will. Byron, (the Lord Byrons Brother) got together four hundred Horse about Holt Castle, Sir William Byron rout­ed. upon notice whereof, Col. Jones drew out a Party of Horse from before the Leaguer, fell upon the Enemy in the Field, who worsted the Forlorn-Hope of Jones, but he rallied them, and after a sharp dispute, routed them, took Sir William By­ron, and others of Quality, Prisoners, divers Troop­ers, slew forty, and took forty Horse.

Sir William Wain-waring was slain by the Parliament Forces in Chester Street.

News was brought of a great difference between Col. Gerrard and the Lord Bellasis, Governor of Gerrard & Bellasis disagree. Newark, about the Lord Digby, and the King had much ado to reconcile it.

(31.) An Ordinance past for putting in Execu­tion the Seal for Lancaster.

Doctor Oldesworth Was Bayled upon good Securi­ty, to speak, or act nothing prejudicial to the Par­liament.

Order for the Covenant to be tendred to all that come in to compound for their Delinquency, and such as refuse it to be secured.

The Gentlemen of Bucks withdrew to consider about the business of the Countrey, and Mr. Foun­tain carried himself very high.

Letters from Col. Rossiter informed that Prince Prince Ru­pert, Prince Maurice, &c. leave the King. Rupert, Prince Maurice, G. G [...]ard, the Lord Hawley, Sir Richard Willis, and about four hundred other Gentlemen of Quality (the meanest whereof was a Captain) had laid down their Commissions, deserted the King, and betook them to Wotton-House, fourteen Miles from Newarke, where they stood upon their Guard.

They subscribed a Declaration, that if they may obtain from the Parliament, a Pass to go beyond Sea, they will all engage upon their Honour, and Oath, never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament, and sent to Col. Rossiter to acquaint him herewith; the Messenger informed that the Prince had sent to Mr. G. Pointz to the same pur­pose, and offers of Surrendring of Welbeck House to him.

The House referred this matter to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to report their opinions what was sit to be done in it.

News came that Sir Tho. Fairfax set his Posts, for Besieging Excester, that Cromwell was come up to him, and a Party sent out to drive Goring far­ther into Cornwall; and that Plymouth was in good Condition.

November, 1645.

Novem. 1. An Ordinance pass'd concerning the Com­position for Fines in the Court of Wards; & for sign­ing of B [...]s, and passing them under the great Seal.

An Ordinance for the Government of Bristol, sent up to the Lords.

The House approved of Sir Anthony-Ashly-Cooper to be high-Sheriff of Norfolk, and of other She­riffs.

Letters from Col. Rossiter, with one inclosed from Prince Rupert, desiring Passes for him, and his Brother, and the rest before-mentioned, to come to London, and from thence to go beyond Sea, ingaging their Honours, never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament; Upon de­bate Passes or­dered for Prince Ru­pert, &c. thereof, and the Report from the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms, Who thought this fit to be done. Ordered that Colonel Rossiter should grant them Passes accordingly.

Letters to the Scots Commissioners informed, that the Lord Digby, and Langdale with eight hun­dred Horse, advancing towards Scotland to joyn with Montross, were fallen upon at Carlile Sands by Digby and Langdale routed. a party of the Scots Forces under Sir. John Brown, (who though less in number) after a sharp dispute, routed Digby's Party, killed an hundred on the place, took two hundred of their Horses, divers Officers, three Colours, and many Prisoners, dis­persed the whole Party, and Digby and Langdale fled into the Isle of Man.

[Page 186] (3.) The Form of a Pardon for Delinquents sent up to the Lords.

Order touching their Compositions.

Order about a Convoy for a Spanish Don, to be transported into Flanders.

Orders for raising Moneys, and for the Lord Buck-hurst, to have the fifth part of the Earl of Dorset, his Fathers Estate.

Other Letters taken in the Lord Digby's Cabi­net at Sherbourne, were read, touching persons im­ployed to get Foraign Forces to assist the King.

Intelligence, that many of the Kings Forces came in to Sir Thomas Fairfax.

And that since the defeat of the Lord Digby at Carlile-Sands, some of his scattered Forces were met with near Dumfrize in Scotland, where Sr. John Browne took an hundred more of them, Col. Briggs took two hundred of them about Beeston Castle, and M. G. Va [...]uske took an hundred and eighty more of them in Westmerland.

Debate in the House touching propositions for Peace.

Orders to prevent transporting of Irish Rebels to assist the King here, and for Money for the Forces before Dunnington.

Letters from Col. Mitton, Col. Jones, and Col. Lou­thaine, informed that one thousand seven hundred Horse, and seven hundred Foot, under Sir Willi­am Vaughan, designing to relieve Chester, the Coun­cil of War of the Besiegers ordered to draw forth a Party to meet them before they came near Chester.

That one thousand four hundred horse under Col. Jones, and a thousand Foot under Louthaine, all commanded by Mitton, yet leaving the Works Vaughan routed by Mitton. manned before Chester, marched to the Kings Par­ty near Denbigh, and after several hot Ingagements routed Vaughans Party, took about five hundred Horse, and four hundred Foot, slew above an hun­dred, and pursued them six miles, not above an hundred of them left together.

That M. G. Langherne had taken in Aberathwait, a strong Garrison of the Kings in Cardigan-shire, and in it two pieces of Ordnance, store of Arms and Ammunition.

The House gave fifty pounds to the Messen­ger of this good News, and ordered a Let­ter of thanks to Col. Mitton, and the rest for their good Service.

(5.) The day of thanksgiving for [...] delive­rance from the Gun-powder-Treason was solemnly kept.

Sir T. F. By reason of the bad weather and want of Provisions, drew off his Forces to a farther di­stance from Exeter, but still continued blocking up of the City.

Letters from M. G. Pointz informed the taking of Shelford Mannor near Newarke and the Earl of Chester-fields house.

The Garrison within were very resolute, refu­sing Summons and Quarter, so that of two hundred the greatest part were slain, and the Governor, the Earl of Chester-fields Son wounded, there were ta­ken four Colours of Horse, two of Foot, store of Arms, and Provisions.

(6.) The grand Committee sate about Propo­sitions for Peace.

Debate in the House about regulating the Uni­versity of Cambridge.

Order for Money for Abbington Garrison.

Colonel Dalbier marched with the Forces of the three Counties to meet with the Hampshire For­ces at Newberry, for the Besieging of Dunnington Castle.

Intelligence came, that the King by night got The King to Oxford. out of Newarke, and was come to Oxford.

Mr. Fountain, and Mr. Scot brought Col. Fleet-wood one of the new Knights of Bucks, into the House, with great Triumph, though the Election was but yesterday.

(7.) Order for Sussex to send a Troop of Horse to Abbington, and for allowances for Preaching Mini­sters in Glocester.

A Petition from Bucks against the Election of their new Knights, as not free, by reason of the Garrisons in that County, and other obstructions and passages, referred to a Committee.

The Lord Cromwell revolted from the King to the Parliament, and was by the Lords committed to the black Rod.

Letters from Scotland informed that Montross keeps the Monntains, and that L. G. Lesley return­ed from Scotland to New-Castle.

(8.) debate upon a Declaration touching mat­ters of the Church.

Musgraves Petition Referred.

An Ordinance debated touching stipends for the Officers, and Attendants on the Kings, and Princes Housholds.

The Grand Committee sate in the afternoon a­bout the East-India Company.

(10.) Debate of a Declaration from the Assem­bly touching Church-Government.

The Pass agreed upon for Prince Rupert, and the rest of the Commanders, who desired with him to go beyond Seas.

Sir John Burlaces Composition agreed, and three hundred pound of his Fine assigned for the Garri­son of Abbington, and the Fine of the Lord Downes also.

Order for a new Election for Hampshire.

Order to take off the Fine formerly imposed by the Star Chamber upon L. C. Lilburne, and for the Arrears due to him to be audited.

The Ordinance pass'd for Ordination of Mini­sters.

The Lord Wharton and other Commissioners re­turned from Berwick.

The Commissioners of Excise were perswaded to advance ten thousand pound for M. G. Browne.

(11.) The grand Committee sat about Propo­sitions for Peace.

The House voted that L. Col. Bulstrode should be Governor of Aylsbury.

Bolton Castle, the Lord Scroops House in York-shire was surrendred to the Parliament upon Arti­cles, and in it store of Ammunition and Provisi­ons.

(12.) The Commissioners who treated with the Scots about surrendring the Garrisons in their Pos­session in England, had the thanks of the House for their good Service.

The House voted to insist upon this demand, and that a Letter be sent to the Parliament of Scotland from both Houses here, for this purpose.

Orders for Money and supplys for the Scots Ar­my intending to sit down before Newarke.

Order for a new Election in Surrey.

Letters informed the taking of Worton house up­on Articles, and that Welberke house was agreed to be slighted, upon condition of slighting of Tick­hil Castle, and Belvoir by the Parliaments Forces.

Dalbier was at Aldermaston, and forbore to sit down before Dennington Castle till he had more For­ces, because of the Kings coming to Oxford.

(13.) Debate touching the Propositions for Peace.

An Ordinance pass'd concerning such Delinquents as come in to the Parliament from the Kings Quar­ters to declare to a Committee where they lodge, &c.

Major Blundel with a Party from Abbington fell in­to [Page 187] the Quarters of a Party of the Kings Life-guard near Walling-ford & took eighty Horse, and Prisoners.

(14.) The Lords concurred in several Ordi­nances touching Westminster Colledge, sor free­ing Noble mens Parks from Taxations, and for supplys for Forces.

A Message from the Assembly of Divines to ap­prove the Translation of the Psalms by Mr. Rowse, for which they had thanks.

Ordinances for reimbursing the Commissioners of ExciseMoneys advanced by them for the For­ces of M. G. Pointz, and for those before Chester.

A Regiment of the Kings Horse under the Lord Ashton, were routed by the Stafford Horse, the Lord Ashton wounded, and taken Prisoner, with many others, an hundred Horse taken, and divers Killed.

Youghall was distressed for want of Victuals, and in danger of being taken by the Rebels.

(15.) Upon Sir John Heles Petition the House accepted of six thousand pound for his Delinquency.

The Commons desired the Lords to pass the Or­dinance for sale of Delinquents Estates, and past orders for Moneys for the Army, and for the For­ces of M. G. Pointz and others.

Confirmation of the taking of Wiverton by the Parliaments Forces.

(17.) Upon the Petition of the Officers late un­der the Earl of Denbigh, it was reserred to a Com­mittee to consider of their Arrears, and a way to pay them.

The Election of Mr. Tanfield Vashell for Reading voted to be void, for Miscarriages, and denying the Poll, and a new Election to be there.

Letters from Wales informed, that the Glamor­gan-shire Forces joyning with a Party of M. G. Langherns, have in several Incounters, defeated two thousand of the Kings Forces, and beat off G. Stradling, from any Recruits; And that the Go­vernor of Cardiffe, defeated another Party of the Kings, under Mr. Herbert, and that generally the VVelsh declared for the Parliament.

Mr. Buchy Manfield ordered to command the For­ces in Glamorgan-shire, and Mr. Prichard to be Go­vernor of Cardiffe, and Mr. Phil. Jones Governor of Swansey.

Letters from the North informed that M. G. Pointz, and Col. Rossiter were before Belvoir Castle, that many from Newarke came in to them, that the Scots Army areupon their March to besiege Newarke.

About sixty of the Kings Forces coming to Led­bury in Hereford-shire, to take up Quarters, fifteen of Mr. Hoptons men, who had taken up two great Plunderers in those parts; rencountring the Kings Forces, Charged them through, Killed two of them, and took four Prisoners, and in their retreat from thence to Glocester, they fell upon another Party, of the Kings, who were driving two hundred Cattle to their Garrison, which these fifteen Troopers rescued, and restored to the Country Men, having routed their Convoy.

(18.) Debate touching Propositions for Peace.

Order for the Next Summers Fleet as the last, and for the Committee of the Navy to name the Officers, and Ships, &c. to the House, all to be prepared by January.

Dr. Walker referred to the Committee of the Admiralty to give an account of his transactions in Flanders. Letters from Pr. Charles to Sir Tho. Fairsax.

Pr. Charles sent a Letter to Sir T. F. for a Pass for Hopton and Culpepper to go to the King, to perswade him to comply with the Parliament. Sir. T. F. sent a very respectful answer to the Prince, and advised him to disband his Army as the best way for him, his Answer of Fairesax. Posterity and Friends, which if he would do, that Sir T. F. himself would safely Convoy him to the Parliament.

Goring sent Col. Ellyot, and Col. Scroop, to Sir T. F. to desire a Treaty, he answered ‘that if he would treat in reference to Military Af­fairs, as Surrender of Garrisons, exchange of His An­swer to Goring. Prisoners, or the like, he would consent to it, otherwise he must reser him to the Parliament.’

(19.) A Petition from divers of the Common-councel of London, that the Government of the Presbyteri­ans Petiti­on. Church may be speedily setled and observed, and that greater power might be given to ‘the Mi­nisters and Elders, than was established by the Parliament, according to the Warrant of the Word of God, and about suspension from the Sa­crament; and about the Suppression of Schisms and Heresies.’

This Petition was thought to be contrived by some Presbyterians, and the House aster a long de­bate upon this Petition, appointed some of their Members to withdraw, and to pen the Answer to the Petition according to the Sence of the House, which was done and agreed unto to this Effect.

‘That the House had already taken much pains Answer to their Pe­tition. in debating of Church Government, and they conceived the City, and Common-Councel was informed falsely of the proceedings of the House, else they would not have precipitated the Judg­ment of the Parliament, in this business, how­ever they take it as a good intention of the peti­tioners promoting this business.’

Another Petition was from divers Ministers of London to the same effect.

The House referred it to the Committee of Ex­aminations, to find out the design of this days Peti­tions concerning Church-Government, and who were the advancers thereof; and they sent two of their Members to the Petitioners to tell them, ‘they need not attend any longer for an answer to their Petition; but to go home, and look to the Charges of their several Congregations.’

A Letter from Sir T. F. of thanks for his Jew­el, and giving account of his Army, with a Pro­position to send seven or eight thousand Eastward if the House think sit.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford declared, The Vote of the Oxford Parliament Commissioners of the Judges under the great Seal at Westminster, and their Lawyers plead there, to be High-Treason, and that great Seal to be void.

(20.) The like Petitions were presented to the Petition to the Lords. Lords, as had been to the House of Commons, by some Ministers, and some of the Common-Coun­cel, concerning Church-Government; and Alder­man Gibs made a long Speech to them; the Lords promised to take the Petitions into Consideration.

Debate about propositions for Peace.

Order about the Garrison of Bristol.

Reference to a Committee to consider of a way to recompence the County of Glocester, for the great Charges they have been at for a long time.

Beeston Castle was surrendred upon Articles, to Sir William Breretons Forces.

Inchequin relieved Younghall in Ireland, as was cer­tified by Letters.

(21.) Debate touching Religion.

A Habeas Corpus ordered for a Servant of a Mem­ber of the House of Commons apprehended by a Warrant of the Lords.

Major General Skippon made Governor of Bristol.

Debate between the two Houses touching a Lord who had broken the Priviledges of the House of Commons.

A Committee of both Houses named to examine the Letters of the Lord Digby.

The Kings Forces Plundring about Ʋxbridge, cau­sed the Guards at London to be doubled.

[Page 188] Letters from the Governor of Reading, inform­ed the Kings design to send Parties as a flying Army to Plunder in those parts, referred to the Commit­tee of both Kingdoms.

Orders for preserving the three Counties by Forces to be sent thither, against this design of the Kings Forces.

(24.) The House gave answer to the Scots Pa­pers, touching Payment of their Army, and Pro­positions for Peace, in an effectual way, the Chan­cellor of Scotland being to carry those Answers with him, to the Parliament of Scotland now Sitting.

Debate touching Church-matters.

Orders touching relief of Widows who lost their Husbands in the War.

An Ordinance passed for further Relief of mai­med Soldiers, and for regulating misimployments of Hospitals.

An Ordinance passed for disabling Heath, Crawley, Forrester, Weston and Mallet from being Judges, as though they were dead.

Letters from C. G. Pointz certified the taking of Belvoir Stable, and outworks by Storm, with the loss of forty men, by reason whereof, and of the provoking Answer of Sir Jervas Lucas to the Summons, calling the Parliament Forces Rebels, they gave no Quarter to eighty of the Kings men, in those outworks.

(25.) Debate about propositions for Peace; and care taken for provision for maimed Soldiers, Widows and Orphans of Soldiers, and for pay­ment of the debts of the Kingdom.

Orders for supplys for the Garrison of Ply­mouth.

An Ordinance passed for a new Excise upon seve­ral Commodities not before excised; the Money to go to the Payment of Artificers, to whom the Parliament was indebted.

Divers of Worcester-shire under Mr. Dingley their Leader declared for the Parliament, and complained of the Insolencies and Injuries by the Garrison of Worcester.

A Coppy of a Warrant from Col. Bard the Go­vernor, to the Constables for Contribution was sent up, wherein was this expression.

‘Know, that unless you bring in to me (at a Day and House in Worcester) the Monthly con­tribution for six Months, you are to expect an Unsanctified Troop of Horse among you, from whom, if you hide your selves, they shall fire your Houses without mercy, hang up your bodies where ever they find them, and Scare your Ghosts, &c.’

A Party of Foot under Captain Moor, and an hundred and fifty Glocester Horse, routed a party of two hundred of the Kings Horse at Lech-lade, kil­led Mr. Duet a French-man, two Captains, and twenty others, took thirty Prisoners, Horse and Arms.

(27.) Debate about Propositions for Peace.

They concurred with the Lords for appointing a day of Humiliation for the Eastern Association, and in a Declaration, and Letters to be sent to Scot­land, and referring to the Committee of the Admi­ralty, a Letter from the Governour of Flanders, and appointing Doctor Walker to be Advocate of the Admiralty.

The Lord Byron Governor of Chester came to a treaty with Sir William Brereton, but stood upon very high terms.

An Embassador from the Emperor of Russia came Ambassa­dor from Russia. to London.

(28.) The Lords debated the Ordinance for setling Bristol.

The Commons debated the business of the Church, and passed a further Declaration for Suing out of Liveries and compounding for Wardships.

Reference to a Committee to consider of a Re­compence to the Lord Roberts for his good Service, and order for two thousand pound to be paid to him in part of his Arrears.

The Kings Forces plundred cruelly about Bedford­shire, and fired part of the Town of Woburne.

(29.) Debate of the Propositions of Peace.

Orders for four pound a week for divers Mem­bers of the House, whose Estates were in the Kings Power.

Debate about the Excise.

Most of the Gentry in Newarke left the Town, unwilling to indure a Siege.

Sir John Holland came into the House after Din­ner, with Mr. Recorder and others of that Gang.

December, 1645.

Car. 21(1.) Debate about the Propositions for Peace, Si. T. Fair­fax voted to be made a Baron. and therein voted, that Sir T. F. be made a Ba­ron, and five thousand pound a year setled on him, and his Father to be made an Earl.

That Lord General Cromwel be made a Baron, The like for Crom­wel. and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per Annum.

That the Earls of Northumberland, Essex, War­wick Essex, &c. to be made Dukes. and Pembroke be made Dukes, and the Earls of Salisbury and Manchester to be made Marquesses.

That the Lord Roberts, Lord Say, Lord Willow­by Roberts, &c. to be made Earls: Hollis a Vicount. of Parham, Lord Wharton, and Lord Howard, be made Earls.

That Mr. Hollis be made a Viscount.

That Sir William Waller be made a Baron, and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per An.

Sir Arthur Hazelrigge, to be a Baron, and to Waller and others to be made Barons. have two thousand pound per An.

Sir Henry Vane Senior to be a Baron.

Sir Philip Stapleton to be a Baron, and to have two thousand pound per an.

Sir William Brereton to have one thousand five hundred pound per An.

Major General Skippon to have a thousand pound per An.

A Committee named to consider of matter of Priviledge of the Members, and to examine any complaints of Bribery, &c. against any Mem­bers, &c.

The Anti-Parliament at Oxford voted against the Directory, and for the Common Prayer.

Intercepted Letters of the King to Pr. Rupert ex­pressed Letters In­tercepted. little forwardness to Peace.

(2.) Proceedings about Propositions of Peace.

Letters from G. Leven, dated two miles from Newarke, desiring Money and Cloaths for his Ar­my, whereof present care was taken by the House, and both Houses agreed that G. Leven should Com­mand Leven be­fore New­arke. in Chief, all the Forces, both English and Scotch, at the Siege of Newarke.

Ordinances passed for the settlement of the Go­vernment of Bristol.

The Scots took a Fort of the Enemy at Muscham­pe Bridge, and so blocked up Newarke on the North; and Lievetenant General Pointz, Col. Rossiter, and others on the South side of it.

Col. Ireton and Col. Whaley with two Regiments of Horse, sent by Sir T. F. into Bucks, to stop the Incursions of the Kings Forces.

(3.) Debate about the Church-business.

Part of the Propositions for Peace sent up to the Lords for their concurrence.

New High-Sherriffs named.

The return of Mr. Sandford to be Burgess [Page 189] for Cockermouth in Cumberland voted to be void, because the Precept and Indentures were not returned.

(4.) Debate about the Propositions touching the Militia of London.

Order for one hundred pounds for Doctor Twisse Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines.

Ordinance passed for Money for Munster in Ire­land, and another for the Assembly to meet daily, and proceed upon the Catechisme.

A Petition of the Hartford shire men touching Tythes, laid aside.

(5.) Debate about the Church-business.

Orders for new Elections.

A Petition and Declaration of the County of Brecknock was read, of their resolutions to comply with, and wholly to submit to the Commands of the Parliament.

A Committee appointed to draw an answer to it, of granting their desires, accepting their submission, and commending their Resolutions.

A Committee of both Houses named to reside in the Scots. Army before Newarke.

Ordinance passed for renewing the Power of Martial Law in Kent.

A Pass for Sir H. Bruce to go beyond Sea, and order for a new High-Sheriff of Suffolk, and for three hundred pound to Mr. Hancock, in part of his Arrears.

Order for paying the disbursments of the Com­missioners that went to Scotland.

Lathom house defended two years by the Coun­tess Lathom House sur­rendred. of Derby, was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles, and in it were taken twelve pieces of Ordnance, all their Arms and Ammunition, and store of rich Prize and Pillage.

(8.) Debate touching Ireland, and voted that the Government thereof should be in one hand, under one Governor to be yearly chosen.

Order for six thousand Suits of Apparel to be sent to Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Army.

Thanks returned to the Citizens of London for Thanks to the City of London. their readiness to advance Money for the Scots Ar­my, and for the Publick, upon all occasions.

Order touching Compositions of Delinquents.

The Speaker of the House of Peers presented a Letter to the Houses, which he received from Sir Thomas Glemham, Governor of Oxford; and there­in A Letter from the King. one inclosed from the King, desiring that a safe Conduct might be granted to the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of South-hampton, Mr. Jo. Ashburnham, and Mr. Jeffery Palmer to come up to the Parlia­ment of England at Westminster, with Propositions for Peace; this was ordered to be debated next day.

Sir T. F. Sent another Party of Horse with M. Desborough to joyn with Col. Whaley in streight­ning Oxford.

A Letter in answer of that from Sir T. F. to the Prince, was written by the Lord Capell, to Sir T. F. signifying the Princes desire of Peace, but that he would not quit his Piety and Loyalty to the King.

(9.) Order for Arrears for Sir Thomas Fair­fax's Officers.

Order for the Ministers about London to give thanks to God the next Lords Day, for the Surren­der of Lathom House, and a Collection for the Poor of Manchester.

Another Order for Col. Harvey to have Liberty to transport eight hundred and fifty Calve-skins.

Order for five hundred pounds for Arrears of Dutch Officers, and for bayling Sir Roger Twisden,

Letters from the Worcester-shire Committee in­formed that Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice with an hundred and sixty Horse were gone from Worcest, and in the way meeting with some opposition from that Country men under Sir Edward Dingly, they slew five of them, wounded others, and so got to Oxford.

Order that Col. Booth with the Lancashire Forces that took in Lathom House should joyn with Sir William Brereton before Chester.

A Ship was taken in Blith-Haven in the North, Fraught with Cannon, Arms, and Ammunition for Montross.

Another Ship taken at Burlington Haven, and three at Sutton loaden with Deal, and Timber, very useful for the Siege of Newark. Answer to the Kings Letters.

(10.) An Answer agreed upon to the Kings Letter touching propositions for Peace, That the Parliament were most desirous of it, could not consent to the coming of the Duke of Lenox, &c. into their Quar­ters, because of the danger thereof, but were themselves in consideration of Propositions for Peace, to be sent by way of Bills to his Majesty, and herein the Scots Commissioners concurred.

The Custody of the great Seal continued in the present Commissioners, till the last of next February.

Some Letters and Papers of the Kings, taken at Letters ta­ken and ordered to be Printed Naseby, relating to Holland, ordered to be Printed, and sent over to Mr. Strickland, and the Lord Dig­by's Letters at Sherburne ordered to be Printed.

M. Arch-bold, Governor of Cannon-Froome for the Parliament, fell upon the enemies Quarters at Mava, and took eighty of their Horse and Riders.

(11.) Divers of the Assembly came to the House and informed them that a Printed paper, in the na­ture Remon­strance by Dissenters. of a Remonstrance was published by the dissen­ting. Brethren of the Assembly, which they con­ceived Scandalous to them, and they desired they might make an Answer to it.

The House named a Committee to peruse the Remonstrance, and consider of the Scandal in it, and by what Authority it was published.

Divers being summoned by a forged Warrant, to appear at London, the House ordered that none should serve any Warrant from any Committee, but by Deputation from the Serjeant at Arms.

Order for slighting the out-works of Wrestel-Castle, belonging to the Earl of Northumberland.

Mr. Bond made Master of the Savoy Hospital, under the Great Seal.

Letters informed that Sir Charles Cooke, and Sir Robert Steward with their Eorces slew five hundred of the Irish Rebels.

(12.) Debate touching the propositions for Peace, and a day set for Delinquents to come in to make their Compositions; and this Order to be published Ordinan­ces. and that those who came in, and did not take the Covenant, should be taken as Spies, and an Ordi­nance to be drawn to injoyn them to take the Cove­nant.

Instructions passed for the Commissioners, who are to reside in the Scots Army, and a thousand pounds ordered to defray their Expenses.

An Order for Money for the Forces of Lincoln, and of Lynne Regis.

(13.) An Ordinance sent to the Lords to make C. Welden Governor of Plymouth.

Order for supplys for that Garrison, of Ammu­nition, and Money.

An Ordinance committed for establishing the Garrison at Abbington.

Order for a thousand pair of Pistols, and three thousand pair of Boots to be sent down to the Scots Troopers.

The Siege was so streight at Chester, that in the Town they ate Horse-flesh.

(15.) Proceedings about the Propositions for Peace, and in the afternoon upon private Petiti­ons; [Page 190] and voted a Rate upon French Commodities imported, and English exported thither.

Mr. Bedding-field had a Pass to go beyond Seas, and was released out of his imprisonment by both Houses.

Order for three thousand pound to pay the fifth part of the Arrears of the reduced Officers.

(16.) Some difference of Opinion between the Houses, and the Scots Commissioners about the answer to the Kings Letter for Peace.

Reference of a Petition of Sir Robert Cooke.

Order for two thousand pound per An. out of the Court of Wards, for the Lord Say, in conside­ration of his Losses, and great Services.

Thirty pound given to the Gallery-keepers at St. Margarets Church.

A Party sallied out of Newark, but were beaten back with four of their men killed, but pursuing too far, Captain Peat had twenty of his men ta­ken Prisoners.

Another Party Sallying out of Newarke, their Captain singled himself out by way of Challenge, and was incountred by Captain Thorney's Lievete­nant, his Horse killed, and himself taken Priso­ner.

G. Leven left the Leager and went to New-Castle.

Letters informed that Sir. Tho. Fairfax had ta­ken divers of the Kings Garrisons near Exeter, Letters. whereby they were streightned, that his Forces took in Ful-ford House.

That a Troop of Col. Okey's Dragoons surpri­zed a Ship laden with Serges, going to the Lord Pawlet.

That divers Cornish men sue to make their Peace with the Parliament, and that they generally refuse there to give Quarter to Gorings men.

Sir Tho. Fairfax sent a Regiment of Horse, and two Regiments of Foot, to take in Corse-Castle, and Dunster-Castle was Besieged.

(17.) Another Letter from the King was communi­cated Another Letter from the King. to both Houses, wherein he admires they should deny a Convoy for those he would send with Propositions; telling them of their Protestations to agree to Peace, and conjures them by the Miseries, and Blood which hath been shed; and as they will answer it at the dreadful day of Judgment, not to delay an answer, and consent to so blessed a work.

This Letter being the same in effect with the for­mer, the same answer was agreed should be made to both.

Captain Pickring returned from Worcester, where he had been negotiating the business with Prince Rupert and his Company, who had desired Passes to go beyond Sea, which was not well carried on their part.

Pickering had fifty pound more added for his Charges, and Fisher, Willis, Honey-wood, and Boul­ton, Colonels, who came with him from Worcester, had liberty to go beyond Sea, or stay in England, and orders were made for security to all, who should come in from the King.

Several Orders for Recruits, Money, and Sup­plys for Garrisons.

(18.) Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace.

An Act read against Pluralities of Benefices.

A day appointed to consider of the Priviledges of Members, and of the Powers exercised by Coun­try Committees.

A Party of fifteen hundred from Oxford, and the Kings Garrisons thereabouts, marched out with a design to relieve Chester, but Col. Bridges, and o­thers of the Parliament Forces about Warwick, broke down Avon-Bridge, and other Bridges where they were to pass, and lined hedges with Musque­tiers, so that the Kings Party retreated, and were disappointed of another design against Colonel Lidcot.

(19.) Debate touching propositions for Peace.

Order for the Speaker to write to M. G. Lang­herne to send up Sir Walter Lloyd a Prisoner, to the Parliament.

The Lords sent a Petition of the Earl of Hollands, The House Censured. wherein he desired forbearance of a Rent payable by him to the Crown; but upon the Question, it was laid aside, to the great discontent of this Earl, and the House were Censured to be too forward to provoke particular persons in small matters, and too backward to oblige them.

(20.) Debate about the Government of Ire­land.

The Scots Commissioners desired there might be a Treaty, upon the propositions for Peace, which was not thought fit by the Parliament; who found Perplext by the Scots. great interruption in their affairs, by the mixt Coun­sels of both Kingdoms.

A Scout, taken in the Leager before Newarke, discovered a new design of the King to relieve Che­ster.

Letters from Col. Morgan informed that he with Col. Birches Forces, in all two thousand, sent a par­ty in the night disguised, who by Stratagem en­tred Hereford Town, surprised the Centinells, and being seconded by a sudden and fiery assault, Mor­gan became Master of the Town in a short time, without opposition, saving a little at the main Guard, in the body of the Town.

There was little loss on either side, they took in the Town eleven pieces of Ordnance, forty Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen of worth, most of them Vote up­on the Propositi­ons for Peace. Papists, whom they sent Prisoners to Glocester. They took many Officers, and the Soldiers, and much Riches and Prize in the Town was secured.

(22.) Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace, and a Vote, That the Kings Answer shall be desired to them, without any Treaty, and that the same be signified by a Letter to the Parliament of Scotland, with the reasons why the Parliament of England cannot consent to the desire of Scotland, to have a Treaty for Peace with his Majesty.

Letters from. Col. Birch informed the particu­lars The ta­king of Hereford. of the taking of Hereford.

That he hired six men, and put them in the form of Labourers, and a Constable with them, with a Warrant to bring these men to work in the Town, that in the night he lodged these men within three quarters Musquet-shot of the Town, and an hundred and fifty Fire-locks near them, and himself with the Foot, and Col. Morgan with the Horse came up in the night after them, and cut off all in­telligence from coming to the Town, so that they were never discovered.

That one night they came too short, but the next night with careful Spyes and Scouts, they carried on the business, and in the morning upon letting down the Draw-Bridge, the six Countrymen and the Constable went with their Pickaxes and Spades to the Bridge.

That the Guard beginning to examine them, they killed three of the Guard, and kept the rest in play till the Fire-locks came up to them, and then made it good till the Body came up, who entred the Town with small loss, and became Masters of it.

Col. Morgans Secretary, who brought the first news to the House, had thirty pound given to him, and Col. Birch's Messenger had twenty.

Order that thanks be given to God for this suc­cess the next Lords-day.

[Page 191] That Col. Birch be Governor of Hereford, and his Regiment recruited to a thousand two hun­dred and for setling a Godly Ministry there, and in Glocester, and for sending Cloaths to the Soldiers of Glocester.

M. G. Langherne took in Embleden-Castle in Wales, and had hot Service before Abernsteck Castle in Cardigan-shire, with loss on both sides.

The Commissioners of Parliament, the Earl of Rutland, the Lord Willoughby, Sir William Ermin, Commissi­oners to reside in the Scots Army. Sir Edward Ascugh, Sir Christopher Wraye, appoint­ed to reside in the Scots Army before Newarke, took their Journey.

(23.) Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace.

A Petition of the Brewers touching the Excise, referred to a Committee.

Oders for Money and for supplys for the Army, and for Garrisons, and for the imploying Horse at Wickham, and other Forces.

The Parliament Forces quitted a Fort at Poul­dram, to the Kings Forces in the West, and the same night Col. Okey with some of his Dragoons fell upon the Enemies Quarters near Chimley, took a Captain, a Cornet, nineteen Horse, and twelve Troopers, and Sir Hardress Waller took at the L. Chichester's a Captain, a Lievetenant, a Cornet, six Soldiers, and two hundred Foot, and allarm'd them to the Walls of Exeter. In another place they took some Horse and Commodities going to Exeter to cloath the Soldiers.

Captain Bell one of Greenvils Captains came in with thirty Horse to Sir T. Fairfax.

(24.) Orders for Money for the Forces before Chester, and for the Forces in Hereford.

On Ordinance for a Tax in England, for the Brit­tish Forces in Ireland.

At the Committee of Priviledges, the Election for Bucks was hotly debated, and the lye given by Mr. Fountain, one of the House to Mr. Vivers a witness in the Case, yet the Committee thought not fit to report it to the House, upon which the Petitioners Council craved leave to desist, because their Witnesses were so discouraged, which the Com­mittee took as an affront, and voted to report that to the House.

A Party from Faxington surprized some Coun­trymen, as they were choosing a new Burgess for Calne in Wiltshire.

(25.) This Christmass day the House sat about an Ordinance to make the Members of both Houses liable to Arrests.

Reference of the Accounts of the Treasurers at War to the Committee of Accompts.

Orders for the Arrears of the Assesment for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army; and that the Committee of the Army should see all free Quarters, and Billet­ings of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army to be satisfied, and Officers made liable to Taxes.

Notwithstanding the Ordinance, yet generally this day, in London, the Shops were shut up, and the day observed.

(26.) from the Leaguer before Newarke, In­telligence came, that the Garrison made many Sal­lys Newarke. out, and were beaten back again, at one time nine of them taken, and at another time two hun­dred of them Sallying out upon Col. Rossiters Quarters, were repulsed, and followed to their Re­serve, many wounded, some slain, and among them Col. Leake, Son to the Lord Deincourt.

The House voted, that Parliament men who were only Lodgers, and attending the Parliament should not be rated in London to the Assessment.

(27.) Reference to a Committee of the Petition of the Gold Wyre-drawers and Refiners, against the Excise on those things.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for Money for the Forces before Chester.

Days appointed as formerly for debate of the business of the Church.

Order for the Benchers of the Middle Temple to Order for Baron Tomlins. call Baron Tomlins to the Bench.

A Party of Sir. Tho. Fairfax's Army took in Cataline house near Exeter, and therein thirty Horse and Prisoners with Arms.

Letters informed the Surrender of Skipton Castle; to the Parliaments Forces upon Articles.

A Trumpet came to Town from Oxford, with Letters for Peace. Letters from his Majesty to the Speaker of the House of Peers, about a Treaty for Peace.

(29.) Votes for Recruits, Arms, and Money for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army.

Ordinances agreed on, that impressed Soldiers be punished if they run away from their Colours, that Parks shall be liable to assessments, and Officers likewise, and about Provisions for the Navy, and next Summers Fleet, and for Money for the Wag­goners, all sent up to the Lords.

The Kings Letters which came by the Trumpet the other day, were read in both Houses, and were to this effect.

That his Majesty conceiving, that by Reason of the want of Power conferred upon Messengers, the former Treaties have not proved effectual. He therefore propounds, That if he may have the engagement of both Houses of Parliament, the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Common-Council, and Militia of London, the Commander in Chief of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army, as also the Scots Army, for his free and safe coming to abide in London, or Westminster, with three hundred followers for forty days, and after that time for his free and safe return to Oxford, Worcester, or Newarke, which he shall name. And that he doth propound to have a personal Treaty with the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, and the Commissio­ners of Scotland, on all matters that may conduce to the restoring of Peace.

He declares, That he is willing to commit the trust of the Militia for such time, and with such power as is expressed by his Commissioners at Ʋx­bridge, to these Persons, viz. The Lord Privy Seal, the Duke of Richmond, Marquess Hertford, Marquess Dorchester, Earl of Dorset, Lord Cham­berlain, Earl of Northumberland, Earl of Essex, Earl of Southampton, Earl of Pembroke, Earl of Salisbury, Earl of Manchester, Earl of Warwick, Earl of Denbigh, Earl of Chichester, Lord Say, Lord Seymour, Lord Lucas, Lord Leppington, Mr. Pierepont, Mr. Hollis, Mr. De-la-ware, Mr. Spencer, Sir Tho. Fairfax, Mr. John Ashburnham, Sir Gervase Clifton, Sir Hen. Vane, Jun. Mr. Ro­bert Wallop, Mr. Tho. Chichely, Mr. Oliver Cromwel, and Mr. Phil. Skippon.

If these Persons do not satisfie, he offers to name one half, and the Parliament to name the other half.

A day set to debate upon this Letter.

A Party of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army took in Ash­ton House, and the Kings Forces in the West drew together, designing to Relieve Exeter.

Col. Sir John Digby, for the King, attempted to gain Plymouth by Treachery, and offered a great sum of Money to Col. Kerre the Governor for that end, but he refused it, and the Agent was hanged by Martial Law.

(30.) Debate about the Kings Letter, and the Debate a­bout the Kings Let­ter. House adhered to their former Votes, and to have [Page 192] no Treaty, but to proceed upon the propositions for Peace, to be sent to the King, by way of Bills, and that the Militia should remain in the hands of both Houses of Parliament, as now it was.

They referred it to the Committee of both King­doms, and the Scots Commissioners to draw up an Answer accordingly, and desired the Lords concur­rence therein.

Sir Peter Killegrew came from Oxford with an An­swer from the King, to the Parliaments last Letter to his Majesty, and this was to the like effect, of desires of Peace, adding that the King would consent to any neces­sary course for the payment of the debts of the Kingdom, particularly to the City of London, and to the Kingdom of Scotland. This Letter was referred to the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms.

An Ordinance read, giving power to the Militia of London, to provide for the safety of the City, and adjacent parts, upon the present flocking of Malignants to London, and to search for them, and expell them the City.

Orders for strict Guards, and persons to examine all Passes.

Orders for new Elections.

(31.) The day of the publick Monthly Fast after the last Sermon, about forty of the new Elect­ed Members took the Covenant.

The House ordered Mr. Strong, one of this days Preachers to be added to the Assembly of Divines, and ordered an hundred pounds for Mr. Reynolds.

January, 1645.

January 1. The House proceeded upon the pro­positions for Peace. Martial Law.

An Ordinance brought in for Martial Law to be executed in London.

Differences among the Inhabitants of Somerset-shire, referred to a Committee.

Orders for new Elections of Members.

Referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to dispose of the Scots Horse that lye upon the Bor­ders of York shire, and Derby-shire, for the advan­tage of the publick.

Order for a Letter of thanks to Col. Kerre for his Fidelity, and five hundred pounds to be bestow­ed on him.

Prince Rupert and his Company were again recei­ved into favour at Oxford.

A Party of the Kings from Ashby took the Mini­ster of Morley, and of other Towns; and carried them away Prisoners; but Sir John Gell rescued them, slew five, and took others of the Enemy Pri­soners.

(2.) Debate of the business of the Church, and Day of Humilia­tion. a day of Humiliation appointed to seek God for his Blessing, and direction to the Parliament, and Assembly about the setling the business of the Church, the Members of the House ordered to at­tend, and not to be absent that day.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax informed that some Skirmishes had been between his Forces and the Enemy, about Chadsey house, wherein he lost Mr. Barrington, and a Corporal.

(3.) Proceedings upon the Propositions for Peace in a grand Committee.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax certified, That the Kings Forces in a great Body advanced near Exeter, that he drew out to fight them, which they perceiving, re­treated to a place of advantage, that Sir Tho. Fair­fax could not fight them, but he sent two Brigades after them, one of them to lie on the right, and the other on the left hand of them.

That a Party of them advancing upon some design, Sir Hardress Waller fell on them, killed some, and brought away many of them Prisoners.

(5.) Debate about the Government of Ireland, Voted not to be by Commissioners, but by a single Per­son, Votes a­bout Ire­land. to be nominated by both Houses for a Year, and that all Treaties with the Rebels should be nullified, and the War to be managed by both Houses of Par­liament.

This was communicated to the Lords at a confe­rence for their concurrence, with some votes touching the forfeitures of Delinquents Estates.

Several votes concerning the Assesments for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army, and directions to the Com­mittee of the Army, to the Committees of Coun­ties, to Sequestrators, &c. concerning the Asses­ments, and that Military Officers shall pay the Asses­ment, and that the Governors of the Inns of Court and Chancery do not permit any non-Resident Members in their Society.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax certified, that the Prince was marched towards Dertmouth with five hundred Horse, and one thousand three hundred Foot, that Greenvile began to be contemptible, in Cornwal as Goring was in Devon. that six hundred of the Cornish men mutinyed, and half of them went home, that many of their men come in to Sir T. F. that Col. Grey with a Commanded Party gave an Allarm to Exeter, and took some Prisoners by the way.

(6.) Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace.

Voted that a former Judgment against Mr. Henry Vote for Hinry Mar­tin. Martin, of Expelling him the House, should be voyd, and rased out of the Journal-Book, and Mr. Mar­tin to enjoy the benefit of his first Election.

This gave occasion to some to believe that the House began to be more averse from the King.

Upon the Petition of the Militia of London, in­forming the danger to the City by the great number of Persons coming thither from the Kings Quarters, and praying additional powers to themselves for securing the Parliament and City:

The House granted their desires, and that they should compell the Aged and Rich persons to pay for others to serve in the Regiments, and to search for Papists and Delinquents.

Order for Supplys for Windsor Garrison.

Some Difference between the Commissioners of the Parliament sent down to the Scots Army, and G. Leven, about the Pay of the Army.

Upon a Sally out of Newarke, they killed six of the Parliament men, wounded divers, and took twenty five Prisoners, and Col. Rossiter fell upon them in their retreat, killed eight, and took nine Priso­ners.

A Party from Walling-ford, and Dennington fell up­on the Parliaments Quarters at Kinbury near New­bury, took Mr. Web, but killed none, the Parlia­ment Party killed a Knight and two more of theirs, and they being allighted to Plunder the Town, a Cornet with a part of a Troop of the Parliaments, took twenty of the Kings Horse, and two Men.

(7.) Lieutenant Barrow, being the Gentle-man Lieute­nant Bar­row. who acted the Constables part in the Surprize of Hereford, was called into the House, and made them a particular relation of that Service, the House gave him an hundred pound and ordered fifty pounds per An. to be setled upon him and his Heirs.

Mr. Tompkins formerly a Member of the House, now taken at Hereford, was Brought to the Bar on his knees, and committed to the Counter.

Order for a Charge to be drawn up against Mr. David Jenkins.

[Page 193] A Committee named to consider of the Prisoners in the Tower, and other Prisons, how they may be secured, and to prevent their holding intelligence with the Kings Party.

(8.) Intelligence came that the Inhabitants of Chester urged the Governor to a Treaty of Surren­der, which he promised to do, if relief came not within a Week, that they were in great want of Victuals, and often in Mutinies.

Debates touching particular differences of Mem­bers, and about the poor plundered Town of Wo­burne.

(9.) Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace.

Divers Widows of Soldiers, and Creditors of Clamors a­gainst the Parlia­ment. the Parliament, were at the House, crying, and im­portuning for satisfaction of Moneys due to them, and it was referred to Auditor Bond to compute what was due.

These were supposed to be set on to this Clamor by some of the Kings Party, and it was strange, at this time of the Parliaments Prosperous condition, to see how rude, and impetuous (especially some of the women were) crying out, as the Members passed through the crowd of them, Pay us our Mo­ney, we are ready to starve, and seeming ready to tear their cloaths from off their backs.

Order for Money for the Forces of the Militia of London, and for the Guards.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax informed that the Kings Forces were drawn up into a Body, as inten­ding to fight him, and that Prince Charles was in the head of them, and set out a Proclamation for all above sixteen years of Age to rise in his defence a­gainst the Rebels, the House appointed a day to consider of this business of the Prince.

Order for Money for Windsor Garrison.

(10.) Letters from the Commissioners in the Scots Army informed their proceedings, and that a Party Sallying out of Newarke upon L. G. Pointz his Quarters, some of them came to the Chamber L. G. Points of L. G. Pointz, and rushing violently in, the L. G. being there alone, he engaged them with his Sword only, and killed the first man that entred his Cham­ber, at which, the rest running down the Stayers, he followed them, and killed another of them, and some of his Servants coming in to his Assistance, two more of the Party were taken Prisoners, and the whole Party were beaten back again.

Order for payment of the Arrears of L. G. Pointz and for his Forces, and Supplys.

Col. Stockdale sent for, to be examined touching the English taking of Commissions from the Scots General to raise Forces here, and a day appointed to consider of the Scots raising Moneys in England, bytheir Warrants.

Letters from Plymouth informed, that some of their men, after a small dispute, took Canterbury-Work from the Kings Forces, and in it seventeen Prisoners, Arms, and Ammunition.

That they afterwards marched to St. Budeaux, where, after an hot skirmish, of an hour, and an half, they took the Church-yard, and the Church-Fortified, and in it ninety two Prisoners, a Major, three Captains, three Lievetenants, other Officers, fifty five Horse, Arms and Ammunition, that ten of the Kings men were slain, and seven of the Parlia­ments, of whom Mr. Haines was one, and twenty wounded.

(12.) Debate of the Affairs of Ireland, and to provide Money for that War, a Committee named to compute the Charge of that War, for next Sum­mer, and to consider how all Moneys by Assesment may be levyed one way, and the Subject eased, and of the powers of Committees in some particulars.

Debates about adding of Persons and Powers to the Committee of the Revenue.

Letters from Mr. Anesley, and Sir Robert King, and Mr. Beale, the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland Letters from Ire­land. certified,

That October 17. the Rebels having surrounded Sligo with a thousand Foot, and three hundred Horse, Captain Cook, and Captain Cole, with two hun­dred Horse, Charged the Rebels Horse, fell to the Sword, pell mell, and beat them among the Divisi­ons of their own Foot, and routed them.

Which Lievetenant Colonel Sanderson with the Foot recovered, and Sir Francis Hamilton coming with his Troop of Horse, they had the Execution of the Rebels for five miles, their Foot taking flight, upon the giving ground of their Horse.

In the flight and pursuit, their Commander, and President of that Province (the titular Arch-Bish­op of Tuam) was slain.

The Parliament took an hundred and fifty of their Horse with Pistols, all their Baggage, Tents, and Ammunition, two Waggons with rich Spoil, and Money in them, they took several of the Re­bels Standards and Colours, twenty four Drums, and Officers of note forty eight, two hundred of their men killed, but Plunder prevented further Execution. But one of the English killed, some men, and horses hurt.

With the Arch-Bishops Carriages, they took se­veral Letters, and Papers, Notes, and Instructions from the Pope, and matters relating to the King, and many of the great men of Ireland, and to the carrying of the War there.

Letters to the Speaker certified, that Sir Thomas Fairfax Marched near the Kings Forces, and orde­red Sir Hardress Waller to amuze them near Okehamp­ton, whilst L. G. Cromwell was designed with one Regiment of Horse, and two of Foot, to fall upon them, who after a March of fourteen miles, about six a clock at night, fell upon three Regiments of their Horse at Bovey, of the Lord Wentworths Bri­gade, took four hundred Horse, five Colours, and many Prisoners, some of Quality.

(13.) The Answer passed both Houses to the The Par­liament a­gainst a Treaty. Kings last Letters concerning Peace, and ordered to be sent forthwith to his Majesty by a Trumpet. This resolution of the Parliament against a Personal Treaty was not liked by divers, who expressed their discontent at it, and it brake out farther after­wards.

A Committee named to draw a Letter to Prince Charles, forthwith to disband his Army.

Reference to the Committee of the West, of the Differences in Somerset-shire, concerning the Election of a new Knight of that Shire.

Debate of Ordinances touching the Excise.

A Conference with the Lords about the Ordinan­ces for Martial Law in London, for continuance of the Committee of the Army, and Treasurers at War, and that no Delinquent should wear a Sword, or other weapon of War in London.

(14.) The two Houses at St. Martins in the Fields, and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen kept a Solemn Fast.

Letters informed that in the late action at Bovey, they took seven Colours of Horse, whereof one was the Kings, that some of their chief Officers be­ing in a house, shut the doors, and threw out at the Window about ten pound in Silver, which the Foot-Soldiers were so busie to get, that in the mean time the Officers escaped.

That the Parliaments Foot took twenty Horse, and nine Prisoners at Ashburton, and then quitted the pass to Totness.

(15.) The Ordinance pass'd for continuance of [Page 194] the Committee of the Army, and Treasurers at War, and several Ordinances for Martial Law, in the Garrisons of Glocester and Hereford. Another for the several Committees to punish Soldiers that run away from their Colours, by Martial Law. Another sent up to the Lords, for Martial Law, for Col. Jephsons Regiment.

Ordinances debated for five pound a Week al­lowance for the Marquess of Winton, and an Im­peachment ordered against him of Treason for levy­ing War against the Parliament.

A Petition from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and A Petition for Church Govern­ment. Common-Council of London, for the speedy Settle­ment of Church-Government, referred to a Com­mittee and thanks given to the Petitioners.

Debate of the Irish Affairs, and dispatch of Col. Jephson, with his Regiment thither.

Preparations of Forces in Oxford, for the Relief of Chester, and Col. Whaley is attending their Mo­tions.

Letters from Scotland informed that Montrosse was beaten from the Siege of Anderness, by the Earl of Montross routed. Sleford, that after a sharp fight, two hundred of Montross's men were slain, and his whole Par­ty, consisting of two thousand routed, and pursued to the Mountains, divers of note slain, many Pri­soners, Arms, and Ammunition taken.

A Petition from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, A Petition and Common-Council of London to the House of Peers, desiring the speedy setling of Church-Govern­ment according to the Covenant.

That no Toleration be granted of Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Heresie, Schisme, Prophaneness, or any thing contrary to sound Doctrine, and that all private Meetings, contrary to the Covenant, may be restrained.

The Lords Answered, complementing the City, Answer. and thanking them for their care, and zeal for Gods Worship, and assured them as they had been, so should they continue ready to advance so good a work, whereto they held themselves obliged by the Covenant; and they recommend it to the City to suppress such unlawful cour­ses, as are by them mentioned in their Petition.

Debate in the House of Commons, about the bu­siness of the Church.

A Letter from Sir Tho. Glemham Governor of A Letter from the King. Oxford, and therein another from the King to both Houses, much to the same effect as his former, for a Treaty, to which he complained that he had re­ceived no Answer, but this Trumpet met the Parli­aments Trumpet who carried their Answer near to Oxford.

The King desires that the Church-Government may continue, as it was in the days of Queen Elizabeth, and of King James, and is contented that the Directory shall be used, as now, in some Churches in London.

That he doubts not but he shall give both Houses satis­faction touching the choice of the Lord Admiral, and other Officers of State, if he finds them inclinable to a Treaty, in which he will assist in Person, and he makes no question but he shall give all his Subjects satisfaction about the debts of the Kingdom, and the business of Ireland.

After this some Papers were read that were taken about the Arch-Bishop of Tuam, when he was slain in Ireland, discovering the transactions between the King, and the Rebels, and his large offers to them, of Toleration of their Religion, and to have all the Offers to the Irish. Forts in their possession, on condition they should raise ten thousand men to assist the King here.

Hereupon a day was set to debate this business, and the Letters ordered to be printed.

Debate of sending Commissioners into the Ne­therlands.

(17.) Proceedings in the business of the Church.

Order for Money for the Forces.

The Ordinance for further Power to the Militia of London, sent up to the Lords.

An Exchange for Mr. Jennings, a Member of the House.

Letters from the West informed of the Kings Forces quitting Totnesse, and Plymouth, and the Prince and Hopton flying into Cornwal; that at Plympton they took seven pieces of Ordnance, Arms, and Provisions, and many Prisoners, and freed Plymouth of their Besiegers.

Sir Thomas Fairfax Besieged Dartmouth.

(19.) Orders for Martial Law for the Garrisons of Henley, Reading, and Apsely.

Order for a new Election, and for the letters ta­ken in the Lord Digby's Coach at Sherburne to be printed.

Proceedings in the Church-business.

An Answer was brought from the King to the Answer to the Parli­aments Letters. Parliaments last Letters to him about Peace, where­in the King tells them of violating the known Laws, to draw an exorbitant Power to themselves over their fellow Subjects, and that they give a false character of his Maje­sties Actions.

This Message was quick, and laid the matter home to the Parliament, they referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to draw up an An­swer to it, to clear the Parliament, from the asper­sions cast upon them by this Message.

News came of great distractions among them at Oxford; and unrulyness of the Soldiers, and scarci­ty of Provisions.

Coll. Hastings with the Ashby Horse, surprised a Convoy of the Parliaments going to Belvoir with a Mortar-piece, and Granadoes, and a Party from Oxford surprised two Troops of the Parliaments Horse, and divers Gentlemen, who were choosing a new Parliament man in Wiltshire, and that Sir John G [...]ll surprised an hundred and forty of the Kings Horse at Titbury; and many Prisoners.

A Party of the Kings got over the Ice, and de­signed to surprize Monmouth, but were beaten back with loss.

M. G. Langherne besieged Ragland.

(20.) Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace.

Letters to the Speaker informed, that the Kings Letters to the Speak­er. Forces quitted Sir Francis Drakes house, that their thoughts, and discourses are how to save themselves; that some would carry the Prince beyond Sea, others say they will cut the throats of those who shall attempt it.

That Sir T. F's. Forces daily take Prisoners, and most Horse; that since the business at Bovey, they have taken two hundred Horse, that the last day they took eighty Horse, two Colours, and thir­ty Prisoners, near Barn-Stable.

That Sir Hardress Waller, with his Brigade, took many near Oke-hampton, that L. G. Porter came in to them, and Baronet Seymour, who said he would disinherit his Sons if they did not come in, and serve the Parliament, that many of them make­means to be received unto mercy.

That the Lord Newport desired a Pass to come out of Dartmouth, to go to the Prince but was deny­ed it.

A Scout certified that the Kings Forces quitted Tavestock, and fled into Cornwall.

(21.) The Lord Viscount L'isle voted to be Lisle to be Governor of Ireland. Governor of Ireland.

Sir William Brereton continued in his Command before Chester, for forty days longer.

Order for Supplys for Derby Garrison.

Proceedings in the Church-business.

Ordinance past for regulating the University of Cambridge.

Sir William Brereton sent another Summons to the [Page 195] Mayor of Chester, and the Lord Byron Governor, to which they returned no Answer in five days, upon which Sir William Brereton sent another Letter to them, requiring an Answer the same day, which they did, and offered to come to a Treaty, if the King did not relieve them within twelve days, and desired a Pass to send to him, but it was deny­ed.

M. G. Brown took Col. Lour, and some Officers, and Prisoners of Wallingford Garrison, fifty of their Horse, Riders, and Arms, and rescued thirty Horse, which they had taken of the Parliaments. Captain Batten coming to block up Dartmouth by Sea, lighted upon a Ship of the Kings, bound for France, with divers Gentlemen of quality in it, mo­ney, and rich Jewels.

(22.) Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace.

Order for Money for Glocester Garrison, and for continuing the Excise till March.

Orders for High Sheriffs approved.

News came of the taking of Dartmouth by Sir Day of Thanks­giving. Tho. Fairfax, and the House ordered a day of thanks­giving for it, and for the taking of Hereford, and other good successes.

Order for a thousand pound to buy horses and furniture for Sir T. Fairfax, as an earnest of the af­fection of the House towards him.

(23.) Mr. Peters came from the Army to the House, and made them a Narration of the storm­ing, and taking of Dartmouth, and of the valour, unity, and affection of the Army, and presented several Letters, Papers, and Crucifixes, and other Popish things taken in the Town, the Letters were referred to a Committee.

The Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax informed, Dartmouth Stormed. that he, with those about him agreed to Storm Dart­mouth, January 18. That Col., Hammond entred the West Gate, where four Guns were planted, and two upon the Mill-pool upon his Flanck, the Ene­my firing his great Guns but once, Hammonds men that had the Forlorn hope did very gallantly (as they all did) and went freely on, and beat off the Enemy, and possessed one Fort after another, and beat off the main-Guard, where were taken four Lieutenant Colonels, and so possessed the Town, from the West Gate to little Dartmouth.

That in the interim, Lieutenant Col. Pride at­tempted the North part of the Town called Hard­ness, where beating off the Enemy, he entred it, and took about eighty Prisoners in it, and by it pos­sessed all the North part of the Town unto the Draw-Bridge where Col. Hammonds men and his did meet.

That Col. Fortescue with his men attempted Tun­stall Church, which was manned with above an hundred men, and had in it ten Guns, that his men after some dispute entred the place, and possessed it, so that now the Enemy was beaten out of all, except the great Fort, and the Castle, unto which the Governor, with the Earl of Newport, and as many as escaped them, did flye.

That the Governor coming back from the Castle, to see in what posture the Town was, a Musquet-shot was made at the Boat in which he was, pierced the Boat, and through both the Thighs of one that was next to him, and about three inches into his own Thigh, upon which he returned to the Castle.

That Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Dragoons, with two Companys of Firelocks, and some Seamen, were ordered to allarm the great Fort, wherein was Sir Henry Carey, with his Regiment, twelve Guns, and store of Ammunition, a strong Fort, with four Bulwarks, but the enemy came willingly to terms, and Sir Tho. Fairfax agreed, that Sir Henry Carey should march away with the rest, leaving the Arms, Ordnance and Ammunition, and Provisions in the Fort, and ingaging never to take up Arms against the Parliament, which was done by them.

That the next Morning the Governor yielded the Castle, himself, and all Officers, and Soldiers, upon Quarter, and sent Col. Seymour, and Mr. Den­ham for Hostages, with whom came out the Earl of Newport.

In the List of Prisoners was Sir Hugh Pollard the Governor, about fifty Officers, many Country Gen­tlemen, Ministers, and inferior Officers, and all the Common Soldiers, being between eight hundred and a thousand were set at liberty, to repair to their dwellings, about an hundred and twenty Ordnance mounted, and two men of War in the Harbour ta­ken.

The House referred it to a Committee to consi­der how five thousand pound formerly Voted, might be setled upon Sir Tho. Fairfax and his Heirs, and ordered a Letter of thanks to be written to him.

They also referred it to a Committee to consider how L. G. Cromwell might be put into Possession; of two thousand five hundred pounds formerly vo­ted for him, and they ordered five hundred pound for the present buying of Horses, and Furniture for him, as an earnest of the affections of the House to him.

Order for Pay for the Army.

(24.) Information from the Commissioners in the Scots Army, of their Warrant to bring in Provisions, for the Scots, and of some complaints against that Army.

The House approved of those Warrants of the Commissioners, and took care for payment of the Country for the Provisions brought in by them.

Mr. Hunt the Serjeant at Arms being dead, the House gave that place to Serjeant Birkhead for Life.

Debate at a Conference touching Martial Law in London, and about the Letters from Newarke.

A Petition of the Merchants of New-Castle, and Sunderland, referred to the Committee of the Na­vy.

(26.) Upon Letters from M. G. Brown.

Order for one thousand eight hundred pound of Sir John Borlace his Composition to be paid for the Garrison of Abbingdon, and for other Money for them.

They continued M. G. Brown Governor of Ab­bingdon, for three Months longer; and dispensed with his attendance in the House as a Member.

Order for Money for the Garrison of Henley.

Several Ordinances touching the arrears of the Officers late under the Lord Fairfax, and for dig­ging of Salt-Peter.

Another Letter came from his Majesty about a A Letter from the King. Personal Treaty, wherein he smartly answers the Letters of the Parliament, last sent to him, in all the particulars; and concludes with his earnest de­sires of Peace, and saith, it is clear to him, that there is no way, but a Treaty, or Conquest, for a final ending of such distractions as afflict this Kingdom.

The latter, he hopes none will have the impudence, or impiety to wish for; and for the former, if his Personal assistance be not necessary, let any reasonable man judge; and earnestly presseth for an Answer.

The King sent a Warrant under his hand to the Heads of Houses in Oxford, for the reading of Di­vine Service established by Law daily, Morning, and Evening, and to fast on Fridays.

(27.) Letters from Stafford informed, that Captain Stone's Troop of an hundred, beat up the Lord Molineux's Quarters near Stafford, routed three hundred of the Enemy, took three Captains [Page 196] and other Officers, about an hundred Horse and many Prisoners, some slain, and divers wound­ed.

Order for five hundred pound for Captain Stone for his Troop, and fifty pound given to his Lieu­tenant.

Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace, and seven Bills to be prepared to be forthwith sent to the King, to which if he shall assent, then they are willing he should come to London, and treat a­bout the other matters. The Bills were,

  • 1. For setling Presbyterian Government and extirpa­ting
    Bills to be sent to the King.
    Episcopacy.
  • 2. For prosecuting the War against the Irish Re­bels.
  • 3. For the Militia to remain in the power of the Parlia­ment.
  • 4. For payment of the Debts of the Kingdom.
  • 5. For bringing Delinquents to punishment.
  • 6. That no Honours be given but to such as have testi­fied their affections to the Publick.
  • 7. Concerning the Priviledges of London.

Sir Tho. Fairfax returned from Dartmouth to the blocking up of Exeter.

(28.) The day of the Monthly Fast, in the E­vening the House met, and heard a Report from the Committee of Plundred Ministers, of the Blasphe­mies of one Paul Best, who denied the Trinity of the Order a­gainst Blasphe­my. God-head, and the Deity of Christ, and the Holy Ghost, the House ordered him to be kept close Prisoner, and an Ordinance to be brought in to punish him with Death.

(29.) Consent to amendment of some mistakes in an Ordinance.

The House voted that some of the Members of the Committee of both Kingdoms, had done their Duties in making known some intelligence from Paris, and ordered them thanks for it.

The Lord Montague, Col. White, and Mr. Robert Goodwin ordered to go Commissioners into Scot­land.

Orders for supply of the Army.

A Petition for Mr. Saltmarsh to be a Lecturer in Kent, opposed by divers of the County, counte­nanced by Col. Blunt, and divers others of the Par­liaments Friends.

The Parliament of Scotland executed divers of Montrosses Party.

The Siege of Newarke continued streight.

A Treaty was had about the surrender of Chester, but nothing concluded.

Sir William Brereton drew out a Party to incounter the Irish, of whose landing in Anglesey, he had In­telligence.

Mr. Ed. Vaughan with a small party in Merioneth-shire, fell upon a hundred of the Kings Forces, who were Fortifying at Dolgethly, took their Captaine, eighteen Prisoners, and divers Horse and Arms.

(30.) Reference to the Committee of both Kingdoms to prevent the Incursions from Oxford into Wilts, and Hant shire.

Orders for allowance to Preaching Ministers, and for Mr. Edward Clerke High Sheriff of Oxford shire, to make his Residence at Reading.

Proceedings upon the Propositions for Peace.

Mr. Tilshead met the Party from Oxford in Wilts, whereof he was High-Sheriff, and took thirty of their Horse, and many Prisoners.

Letters informed the taking of Pouldram Castle by Col. Hammond.

That they surrendred upon conditions, that Greenvile was apprehended, and carried prisoner to Oxford, and that Hopton was made General of the West, that many intercepted Letters were sent up to the Parliament.

That many Devonshire Gentlemen declared for the Parliament, and Sir Tho. Fairfax gave a Com­mission to Mr. Vowell to be a Col.

(31.) Debate of a Report from the Commit­tee of Goldsmiths Hall touching Compositions of Delinquents.

Another Letter came from the King, wherein he presseth his coming to London, for a personal Treaty, Letter from the King. offers the Militia to be setled in the hands of the Parlia­ment for seven years, and that the Parliament shall no­minate Officers of State, Judges, &c. that Religion shallbe setled as in the days of Queen Elizabeth, having regard still to tender Consciences.

And for Ireland, and the other Propositions, to grant what was offered at the Treaty of Uxbridge, and dis­clames the Earl of Glamorgan's Commission, by which he treated with the Irish, as false, and no Act of his Majestys.

This Letter was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms, to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners, and the Commons desired a con­ference with the Lords, concerning the present send­ing of the seven Bills to his Majesty.

Vote, that the Committee of both Kingdoms receive from the Lord L'isle his propositions touch­ing Ireland.

Both Houses agreed upon the Ordinance touch­ing Covent-Garden.

Order for the Countess of Winchester to go to her Husband where he is Prisoner.

Sir William Brereton intercepted a Letter from the Lord Byron to Oxford, that if they had not relief by the last of January, then of necessity they must surren­der Chester.

February, 1645.

February 2. Debate about the Kings Letter.

A Conference, at which the seven Bills were presented to the Lords for their Concurrence, to be forthwith sent to the King.

Ordinance passed for Money for the Guards, and other services in London.

Martial Law given to the Garrisons of Aylisbury, and Newport Paganell.

Order that there should be no new motion in the Order that no new Motion af­ter twelve a Clock. House after twelve a Clock.

Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax drawing towards Exeter, the Enemy quitted a Garrison at Sir Peter Bymes house, that Col. Hammond being rea­dy to fall on, to Storm Pouldram Castle, the Enemy, made but one shot, and instantly cryed for Quarter.

That the Generals Courtesie, and fair usage of those at Dartmouth, did win much upon the People, made other Garrisons to yield the sooner, and di­vers to come in to the Parliament, that all the Cor­nish men in Dartmouth, being a hundred and twenty, had their Liberty freely given them, and two shil­lings a man to bear their Charges home, and those that would take up Arms for the Parliament, had three shillings a man.

That Greenvile was sent Prisoner to Silley by the Prince for refusing to obey the orders of Hopton the General.

That Sir Tho. Fairfax sent a Summons, and ho­nourable propositions to Sir John Berkly the Gover­nor, for the surrendring Exeter to him, to the use of the Parliament, to avoid the effusion of blood, and ruine to the Inhabitants.

To this the Governor returned an answer full of Resolution and denyal, to which Sir Tho. Fair­fax made a reply in vindication of the Parliaments Honour, and his.

[Page 197] (3.) Upon debate of the Kings last Letter, the Commons voted that it was unsatisfactory in the whole, and referred it to a Committee, to draw up an answer to it, and to the former letter, and a Declaration concerning this matter to the Kingdom. The Kings Letters voted un­satisfacto­ry.

Order for two hundred pound per An. for Doct. Walker Advocate to the Admiralty, and that if he went to Sea, he should have twenty pound per An. extraordinary.

Order to audit Arrears of Soldiers, to be paid to their Wives and Widows.

A thousand pound to be paid to the Train of Ar­tillery of the Earl of Essex, and Sir William Wal­ler.

Many came out of Exeter to the Parliaments Ar­my, twenty in a company.

(4.) A Ship from France came into Dartmouth, supposing it had been still in the Kings hands, but finding his mistake, he submitted to the Parliaments Forces, and threw into the Sea a packet of Letters which he had, and the next Flood the Packet came to Shore, and was sent by Col. Lambert to Sir Tho. Fairfax and by him to the Parliament.

In it were (read in the House) Letters from the Queen to the King against the sending of the Prince, Letters ta­ken. into Denmark, but rather to send him into France, where a match was propounded for him, with the Duke of Orleances Daughter.

Other Letters were from Jermyn, Goring, and others, mentioning great Sums of Money, and an Ar­my from France to be ready against the Spring, to come over to the King, that Montrois and the King would joyn and march into the West.

Intercepted Letters from Ireland, were sent up to the Parliament by Col. Mitton, whereby they had good intelligence of the Affairs there.

Reference to a Committee to consider of Pro­positions for reducing North-Wales.

Orders for an Exchange of Mr. Denham, for M. Harris, and about a new Election.

News came of the surrender of Belvoir Castle upon Articles, and Sir Jervase Lucas the Gover­nor left there one piece of Ordnance, store of Arms and Provisions.

(5.) The day of Thanksgiving.

Letters came to the Speaker from Sir William Brereton.

That his care of preserving Chester, the most considerable City in those parts, from ruin, invi­ted him to entertain a Treaty, which was continu­ed ten days, and delayed by the enemy, hoping for relief, for which there were strong preparation by conjunction of Ashtey, Vaughan, and the Welsh and Irish Forces, and those Irish newly landed.

That he sent forth a strong party under Col. Mitton, who prevented their conjunction, and then those in Chester, hopeless of Relief, came to a Trea­ty, That he was contented to have the more Com­missioners, that the Soldiers might be the better satisfied with that which was agreed unto by some of their own Officers, and the Officers would be the more careful to keep their Soldiers to the ob­servation of it.

They in Chester desired farther time for the Treaty to be continued, but Sir William Brereton Chester sur­rendred to the Par­liament. refused it, and thereupon they came to an agree­ment on both parts, to surrender the City to the Parliament upon Articles; in it they had all the Arms, Ammunition, Ordnance, and Provisions, the County Palatine Seal, Swords, and all the re­cords, &c.

(6.) The Letters from Sir William Brereton read.

Orders for setling that Garrison, and that Al­derman Edward of Chester, be Colonel of the Re­giment of that City.

A long Petition from the Common Council of London, a day appointed for the Debate of it.

Two Members of the House sent to Gravesend to examine Mr. Murray, one of the Bedchamber to the King, taken coming from France.

Col. Whaly with some Forces of the Adjacent Counties, besieged Banbury Castle.

(7.) Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace.

A Petition from the Common Council of London, to the Lords, of the same effect with that yester­day to the Commons.

A Party of about eighty Horse, and forty Dra­goons were sent from Leicester, under Mr. Meers, to Ashby, who marched with such speed, and priva­cy, that they came to Ashby about eleven a Clock that night, undiscovered, surprised the Sentinels, fell in at the Turn-pike, broke the Chain, and entred the Town.

They took a hundred Horse, rich Prize, and Pillage, Plundred the Town, rescued divers Goun­trymen Prisoners there, and returned to Leicester without opposition.

(9.) Votes for supplys for the Protestant For­ces in Ireland.

The Office of Lieutenant of the Ordnance for the Tower continued.

Colonel Needham appointed to be Governor of Leicester.

Order for a new Election, and for Money for Col. Mittons Forces.

A Petition from the Inhabitants of Westminster and Middlesex, That the Militia might not be setled as was de­sired by the London Petition, was referred to the same Committee.

(10.) Progress in the propositions of Peace.

Order for a new Election of Members.

M. G. Browne had the thanks of the House.

Sir William Lower, and Captain Dunbar, who re­volted from the Parliament, referred to be tryed by Martial Law.

A day appointed to consider of easing the people under the sufferings of Committees.

Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax had made two Bridges over the River at Exeter, block'd it up on all sides, and planted Guards round the City, and was within Musquet shot of their Works, that he sent forth a Brigade to attempt the enemy at Barn­stable.

News came of Preparations at Oxford upon some new design, and that the Nobility there were assembled, and it was propounded to them to assist the King in his War this Summer, and that his Majesty declared to live and die for the Priviledges of his Crown, his Friends and Church Government.

(11.) Progress in the business of the Church.

Mr. Murray committed close Prisoner to the Tower, and to be more strictly examined.

A Complaint against some Scots Horse referred to be examined.

Intercepted Letters, and some taken at Dart­mouth in characters, were deciphered by Sir Walter Earle, and he had the thanks of the House for it.

The Garrison of Newarke sallied out upon Mus­champe Bridge, but were beaten back, and some slain, and wounded on both Parties. Bridges were made over the River.

(12.) Orders for Judges to be appointed to go Circuits, and for Money for Soldiers Widows, for Waggoners, and for the Train of Artillery.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for regulating the University of Cambridge.

[Page 198] This was kept a day of thanksgiving for Dart­mouth, and a day of thanksgiving, appointed for the gaining of Chester.

(13.) Upon a Petition of Sir Tho. Liddell a Pri­soner, he was admitted to compound.

Referred to a Committee to consider what Gar­risons in the North are fit to be slighted, and what to be maintained.

Orders for Money for Abbington.

(14.) Order that Mr. Murray should be pro­ceeded against by Martial Law, as a Spy.

Debate about setling the Militia of London put off to another day.

In the afternoon at a conference, the Lords gave their Reason why they could not assent to the Ordinance for Martial Law in London, and after debate there­of by the Commons, they appointed a Committe to draw reasons for their different Opinions.

A Party of the Kings of a hundred and twenty under Col. Cromwell came into Dorset-shire to re­lieve Corfe Castle, and marched through Col. Cookes Quarters undiscovered, and came to Wareham, and told the Sentinels there, that they were a Troop of Sir T. Fairfax's Horse, and rode into the Town, to the Governors House, who seeing them, shut his door, and with his Son fired upon them, and made good his lodging three hours together, till the Enemy fired the house, to which the Magazine was near, and then they were forced to yield upon Quarter.

They carried the Governor and two Committee-men Prisoners into Corfe Castle, and the Parlia­ments Forces before it, quitted some of their Guards, though they were four times as many as those within, some of the Enemy returning to Wareham to provide for their new gained Garri­son, Col. Cooke beat them out of the Town, took their Commander in chief, with divers Prison­ers.

Col. Butler Governor of Wareham being Priso­ner in Corfe Castle, contrived his escape with Col. Lawrence, who being of the Enemies Party there, resolved to come in, to the Parliament, and both of them got out together.

(16.) The Committee of Plundred Ministers ordered to draw up an Ordinance for punishing Paul Best for his Blasphemies.

Order upon the ingagement of M. G. Langherne, to remit the offences of the Earl of Carbury.

Order for Money, and for a Collection for the poor of Chester.

A day appointed to consider of the Petition of the Assembly, for setling the Presbyterian Govern­ment, and for Ordination of Ministers.

The Ordinance passed for regulating the Univer­sity of Cambridge.

Progress in the business of Ireland, and for set­ting out the Lord L'isle Lord Deputy there, this Summer, and allowed him twelve hundred pounds per Month for Pay.

Intercepted Letters by Col. Mitton, mentioned the Duke of York's coming into Ireland, and other matters of great Intelligence.

(17.) Debate of the relief of Abbingdon, and order for Money for it.

Order for regulating the Committee and Officers at Haberdashers Hall.

Ammunition ordered for the Garrison of Reading and for Henley, and the like for Aylesbury.

The French Agents desire of a Pass, to go into Scotland, and to touch at Oxford by the way, refer­red to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

The Prince sent out Warrants to raise the Train­ed Bands in Cornwall.

A Party of the Kings under the Lord Ashley, raised the Siege before Match-field house, and news came of the revolt of part of South-Wales from the Par­liament, occasioned by Col. Kerne, that they had taken Swansey, and besieged Cardiffe.

A Party from Oxford marched Westward, and were followed by a Party of Col. Whaleys Bri­gade.

Holt Castle, Ruthen Castle, and Hawarden Castle Besieged by the Parliament Forces.

A Disturbance between some of the Soldiers in Lancashire, and the Committee was appeased.

(18.) Progress in the business of the Church.

Orders to the Committee of both Kingdoms to take care for part of Col. Whaly's Horse, to follow the advance of the Kings Forces, and for other Parties of the several Counties, where any Party of the Kings shall march, to attend them.

Debate about a new Election, referred, touching Lyn, and that of Bucks.

This day of publick thanks-giving, came new Letters of a Victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fairfax, near Torrington.

That the Forlorn of Col. Butlers Troop, being twelve, took twelve of the Lord Gorings Life-guard, and twenty four Horse, who being examined by Sir Tho. Fairfax, it appeared that the Enemy was ignorant of Sir Tho. Fairfax's motion.

That the Lord Hopton was in Torrington, and a Hoptos routed [...] Torrington. Party of the Enemy at Burrington, the General sent a Party of Horse to meet with them under Captain Berry, who Charged, and put them to a rout, shot Lieutenant Col. Dundash, a Renegado of the Earl of Cleaveland's Brigade, and took several Prisoners, left Dundash by the way, being mortally wound­ed.

That another Party of the Parliaments Horse, to­wards the East, met with the Enemy, taking some Prisoners, and Horse, and shot M. Bret; that by this time a Bridge was made, that the Parliaments Army might with conveniency march over the Ri­ver, but the day being far spent, it was thought fit to march with the whole Army.

That three Regiments of Horse, and three of Foot marched towards the Enemy that night, and next morning Sir Tho. Fairfax came up to them, and near Torrington, had a general Rendezvous of Horse, and Foot, drew them up in Battalia, and marched towards the Enemy.

That the Parliaments Forlorn of Horse charged the Kings, and put them to retreat, but they came on again with a strong Body, and put the Parlia­ments Forlorn to a stand, whose reserves, and some foot being come up, they forced the Enemies body again, pursued and alarm'd them at squire Rolls his House, within a mile of Torrington, where they began to fortify, but perceiving the Parlia­ments Foot coming up, they quitted the House, and drew their Forces to Torrington, whither Sir Tho. Fairfax's forlorn followed them.

The Enemy drew their Foot out of the Town in­to the Closes, the Parliaments forlorn of Foot lined the hedges, and so faced each other about two hours, within half Musquet shot, there was conti­nual skirmishes between the Forlorns, and reserves on both sides, and some Prisoners taken, and by this time it began to be night.

Sir Tho. Fairfax called his Council of War, whether to ingage before day or not, but they de­ferred the resolution, and the General, Lieutenant General, and the Colonel rode to the Forlorn to see in what Posture they were, and heard the Tat­tooe beat in the Town, which assured them that the Enemy was there, and not fled away as was reported.

But to be certain, six Dragoons were commanded [Page 199] to creep under a Bridge, near the Barricadoes, and to give fire, to see whether they would answer, by which it might be known, whether they stood to defend the Town, they received the Charge, and answered it with a sharp volley of Shot.

The Parliaments Forlorn hope seeing the Dra­goons ingaged, gave fire, whereupon the enemy gave fire all along the Hedges, and Works, and the reserve to the Forlorn Hope came up to relieve them, and being so ingaged, the whole Army ad­vanced, and about eight at night the Battle began, about six fields from the Town, and they fought from hedge to hedge, till the enemy were beaten into their Barricado's.

Which they maintained for an hour after, very resolutely, and often times repulsed the Parliaments Forces, yet at last they got over the Barricado's, and forced the Enemy into the Town, whereupon the Horse were let in, who scowring the Streets, were received by the enemy, and a hot charge given by both Parties.

Yet at last the enemy was driven out of the Barricadoes at the farthest end of the Town, and by this time many Prisoners were taken by the Par­liaments Forces, and put into the Church, but far more escaped, being dark, over the hedges, and by-ways, throwing down their Arms, and every man flying several ways.

The Parliaments Forces were no sooner possest of the Town, but the enemies Magazine, which they left in the Church, was fired, whether on purpose by them, or by accident is uncertain, but it proved a terrible blow, blowing up the Church, with all the Wood, and Lead upon it, deforming many Houses, killed some of the Prisoners in the Church; and some of the Parliament Soldiers in the Church-yard, two great webs of Lead fell within twice a Horse length of the General, many others were hurt with the stones, timber, and lead.

Most of the Town was shaken by this blow, be­ing the terriblest that hath been seen, there being above eighty barrels of powder blown up toge­ther.

The enemy perceiving their Magazine thus on fire, gave one Charge more with their Horse, com­manded by Sir John Digby, but being fired upon by the Musquetiers, they took their farewell, the Par­liament horse instantly advanced through the Town after them, and began the pursuit about ele­ven at night.

The Infantry were taken, slain, and totally rout­ed, the Horse, many taken, and dispersed, and the rest gone in great disorder towards Cornwall, they had eight Regiments of Horse, two thousand five hundred, or three thousand men, very resolute, and fought valiantly, and after they were chased from hedge to hedge, defended their Barricadoes, and Works, at push of pike, and the butt end of their Musquets.

They were old Cornish Foot, many of the Parlia­ments Men were wounded, Officers, and Soldiers, more than hath been at any Storm since the Army came forth.

The Parliaments first Word was, Emmanuel, God with us, and a Furse-bush in their hats, the Enemys Word was, We are with You, and a handker­chief tied about their right arm; they having got­ten the Word, and Signal of the Parliaments Ar­my, they took a second Word, which was Truth, and a handkerchief or white mark in their Hats.

The particulars of this great Victory were not ready to be sent up with these Letters.

(20.) Both Houses agreed upon several Votes for the chusing of Elders in the Church-Govern­ment.

The two Messengers that brought the news of the success of Torrington, had forty pound for a gra­tuity.

A Passage at the Common Council of London re­ferred to a Committee to be examined.

(21.) Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax inform­ed particulars of the Success, the particulars of the great success at Torring­ton.

Six hundred Prisoners taken, many of them of Quality.

Eighty of the Princes Life-guard.

Thirty of Hoptons Life-guard.

Three thousand Arms taken.

Hopton shot in the thigh.

Sir John Digby wounded in the head, others of note wounded.

Divers of the enemy slain in the Fight, and in the Church, by firing the Magazine.

Eighty Barrells of Powder blown up in the Church, done purposely, and twenty pound given by the Enemy to one of their men to do it.

Twenty of the Parliaments Party slain in the Fight, and at the firing of the Magazine, and an hun­dred wounded.

All the Enemies Bag and Baggage, and Provisions taken.

The Messenger had twenty pounds for a reward.

(23.) A Gratuity of fifty pounds to the Mes­senger from Sir T. F.

A day of thanksgiving appointed.

Debate about the business of the Navy, and the Officers for the next Summers Fleet voted one by one.

Eight Colours were taken, and brought in from Torrington-Battle, one the Lord Hoptons, with this Motto, I will strive to serve my Soveraign King; a­bout a hundred of the Enemy slain, Lord Hoptons Commission taken, and Sir John Digby's, and other Papers, five hundred pound in the Lord Hoptons Quarters, and much rich pillage.

Many of the Kings Party came in to Sir Thomas Fairfax who prepared to follow the broken Troops into Cornwall, where they had in all but four hun­dred Foot, Sir Tho. Fairfax blocked up Barnsta­ble, and took in the Earl of Bathes House neer it, his Forces took two Ships with ten pieces of Ord­nance, and ten tun of Salt.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Parlia­ment, desiring two Months pay for his Army, that they may not take free Quarter in Cornwall, and desires care may be taken that the Oxford Horse may not infest the Countries thereabouts whilst his Army was in the West.

The House made effectual Orders in these things, and for recruits for the Army.

The Forces besieging Banbury were about three thousand, and about three hundred in the Castle, the Parliaments Forces Quartered in the Town, and the Enemy made some Sallyes, but were beaten back.

Col. Fleet-wood fell upon the Kings Quarters neer Wood-stock, took fifty Horse and divers Priso­ners.

(24.) An Ordinance debated for discharging the Ward-ship of the Heirs Males of Sir Christopher Wray, late a Member of the House, according to a former Vote for discharging the Wardship of those who died in this War in the Parliaments Ser­vice.

Upon debate hereof, the Original of Ward-ships, Against the Court of Wards. and the misapplication of the intention of Ward-ships, and the present oppression to the Families of Noble-men and Gentle-men by Ward-ships, being opened to the House by Selden, Maynard, St- John, Whitelocke, and other Lawyers, the House passed a Vote,

[Page 200] That the Court of Wards it self, and all Ward-ships, Tenures, Licenses for Alienation, &c. should be taken away, and the Lords concurred therein.

The Ordinance for the Northern Association was continued.

Order for fifty thousand pound out of the Excise, for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army in Cornwall.

Articles for the Surrender of Ashbe de-la-zouch, were sent up to the Parliament, and a debate upon them, whether the Estates of the Earl of Hunting­ton, Col. Hastings, and Col. Perkins should be dis­charged of Sequestration, which the House did a­gree unto.

Some of the Garrison of Newarke Sallied out, and took twenty four of Captain Markhams men, and horse, in their Quarters.

Letters from Bristol informed, that the Gover­nor of Cardiffe for the Parliament, Col. Prichard, and Col. Leyton betook themselves to Cardiffe Castle and kept that, with their Forces; that the Vice-Admiral came and shot six pieces to the Castle, to let them know, that in that time they should have relief, which was performed by Major General Langherne, Sir Trevor Williams, and Col. Morgan, with their Forces.

That the Messenger affirmed, they had a bloody Fight, that Sir Charles Kemish of Ragland, and all his men were routed, and not an hundred and for­ty of them left upon the ralley, that Col. Morgan was fallen between them and Ragland, more particu­lars were not at that time come.

(25.) The day of the Monthly Fast, the Cove­nant was taken in the Evening by several new Mem­bers.

(26.) The House being informed, that a Trum­pet from Oxford was at the door with Letters from Col. Beard to a Member of the House, the House ordered him to be committed, and examined, and searched for Letters.

Order for Money for the Widows, &c.

Papers from the Parliament of Scotland read, de­siring the speedy setling of Religion, according to the de­sire Parlia­ment of Scotland. of the Assembly, that the propositions for Peace might be dispatched to his Majesty; and the Arrears to the Scots Army be paid by the third of May next.

Referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to desire of the Scots Commissioners their Accounts, what they desire by the third of May next; and the fur­ther Answer of the Parliament of Scotland, concerning the rendition of the Towns, and Forts, and Castles, Garrisoned by their Forces in this Kingdom, into the hands of the Parliament by March next.

Progress in the business of the Church, and votes passed both Houses about the tryers of Elders, Church Affairs. the Commons ordered this business to be daily in debate till it were determined.

(27.) Progress in the business of the Church, and upon the propositions for Peace, and they were ordered to be communicated to the Scots Commissi­oners for their assent.

A Trumpet brought Letters from Sir Thomas Glemham Governor of Oxford, to the Speaker of Letters from the King. the House of Peers, and inclosed in it was a Letter from the King to be communicated to both Houses of Parliament, and to the Scots Commissioners.

It was read in both Houses, and was in further prosecution of his former Letters, for a Personal Treaty, and demanding an Answer to his last message. It was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

Letters from Major General Laugherne confirm­ed the defeat of the Kings Forces at Cardiffe, that Victory at Cardiffe. there were slain of them two hundred, and eight hundred taken Prisoners, store of Arms, and all their Bag and Baggage, and their design frustrated of recruits in Wales, and of the Irish landing there.

That among the Kings Forces there were some Irish Commanders, and a Troop of Horse taken and routed, the House ordered that thanks should be rendred to God for this success, the same day that was appointed for the Victory at Torring­ton.

Order for a thousand pound for paying and re­cruiting Major General Laughernes Forces, and to confer on him a further honourable Command, and a Delinquents Estate on him, and his heirs.

A Party from Oxford plundred about Salisbury and took some of the Parliaments Horse there.

(28.) Progress in the business of the Church.

Order for Ammunition for Ireland.

The Accounts of the Excise brought in.

Instructions for some Gentlemen to go down in­to Cornwall.

Letters from the Army certified,

That Sir Tho. Fairfax by advice of his Council of War, resolved to march into Cornwall against the Kings Field-Army there, that Mr. Trevilian a Gentleman of that Countrey raised a Regiment to joyn with the Parliaments Forces, and all were ordered by Sir Thomas Fairfax for their advance.

That Mr. Peters Preached in the Market place Mr. H. Pe­ters. at Torrington, and convinced many of their Errors in adhering to the Kings Party, and that he, with L. C. Berry were sent to Plymouth, to treat with the Go­vernor.

That Sir Tho. Fairfax sent home the Cornish men that were taken Prisoners at Torrington and gave them two shillings a man, which gained much the affections of that Countrey to him, that the Lord Hopton could get no recruits in Cornwall. Sir Tho, Fairfax published a Proclamation by beat of Proclama­tion. Drum, and sound of Trumpet, at the head of eve­ry Regiment,

That no Officer or Soldier of his Army should seize, or take any Cattle or Goods of any of the Inhabitants of Cornwall, or injure or prejudice any of them in their Persons or Estates, on pain of death.

Then he advanced with his Army into Cornwall, the enemy retreated before him, that the Cornish men stood amazed, and many of them came daily in to Sir Tho. Fairfax.

Letters informed, that one Lieutenant Col. Pit­man, in Corfe Castle, who had formerly served un­der the Lord Inchequin in Ireland, intima­ted his design to serve the Parliament in procuring Corfe Ca­stle-Stra­tagem. Corfe Castle to be delivered up to the Parliament, if he might have a Protection, which was privately gotten, and sent down to him from the Parlia­ment.

Then Pitman told Ankerill the Governor of Corfe Castle, that if he would give way to it, Pitman would go into Somerset-shire, and privately get an hundred men more, and bring them into the Castle, and doubted not but then they should beat off the Besiegers, and that he would get out by leave of the Forces before the Castle, upon pretence of procu­ring an exchange for an Officer of the Parliaments, then Prisoner in the Castle, for Pitmans Brother, who was a Prisoner with the Parliaments Forces.

That the Governor of the Castle assented here­unto, and leave was had from Col. Bingham, who commanded the Forces before the Castle, for Pit­man to come forth, and treat about this exchange, then it was agreed that Pitman should have an hun­dred commanded men to carry into the Castle, and when they were entred, at the same time, the Be­siegers to fall on to storm the Castle.

The hundred men, and more were fitted, and Pitman led them in the night to the Port agreed upon for their entry, and there was Ankerill the Go­vernor to receive them, who bid them welcome, [Page 201] but after he had let in fifty of them, seeing many more behind, he caused the Port to be shut, and would let in no more, saying that the fifty were as many as he could dispose of, at which Pitman was very angry, and presently these fifty possessed themselves of the chief Towers, and made them good against the Garrison.

But the Parliaments Forces neglected to fall on till the morning, when they saw their men up­on the Towers, and then making an assault, the Garrison yielded upon Quarter, there were an hundred and forty of them, store of Plunder and Ammunition was taken, thirty of the Parliaments Party there Prisoners were released.

March, 1645.

March, 2. Both Houses agreed that the seven propositions assented to, might be communicated to the Scots Commissioners for their consent, and fair­ly engrossed to be sent to his Majesty.

The matters composed upon the several Petiti­ons of London, and of Westminster, and Middlesex, touching the Militia there.

An Ordinance to the Lords to make Mr. Gil­bert Gerrard Clerk of the Assises for the Northern Circuit.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax's Quarters certi­fied, Sr. T. Fair­fax.

That he came with his Army through deep wayes to Launceston, that Col. Butler was sent with a thousand Horse, and four hundred Dragoons to beat up the enemies Quarters, that he forced the Pass at Tamerton Bridge, beat the Enemy from place to place, put them to flight, took about three hundred Horse, and eighty Prisoners, and had ta­ken more, but they escaped by the Soldiers greedi­ness of prey and taking of Horses.

That within two miles of Launceston Sir Tho. Fairfax's men met with several of the enemies Scouts, by whom he understood that Col. Basset with Horse and Foot was resolved to keep Laun­ceston, whereupon Sir Tho. Fairfaix sent a Forlorn Hope of Horse and Foot to force entrance in­to the Town, the Enemy shut the Gates, made some opposition, but at last quitted the Town disor­derly, about two of them were killed, and some Prisoners taken.

Night coming on, the rest escaped in the dark, the Arms and Magazine in the Town was seized on. The Countrey and this Town expressed much joy at the coming of the Parliaments Army thither, although the Kings Forces told them, That the Parliaments Army would give no Quarter to any Cor­nish man or Woman.

Which caused a terror upon them, but the Par­liaments Soldiers, notwithstanding their entring was opposed, they did not plunder any one house, nor do any prejudice to the Town.

Some Sallyes were made out of Banbury, but they were beaten back.

(3.) Progress in the business of the Church.

Order for the Serjeant at Arms to apprehend Sir Jo. Aubery, and bring him as a Delinquent to the House.

The Commons desired the Lords to pass the Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates.

News came, that a strong Party from Oxford fell Abbington. upon Abbington, cut off some of the Centinels, en­tred at the Abby gate, passed three of their Guards, came near as far as the Market-place, and possessed themselves of three pieces of Ordnance,

That Major Blundell having then together but eight Horse came up, and charged the enemy, re­treated and came on again, which incouraged the Foot at the main Guard, and the allarm being gi­ven through the whole Town, the Soldiers be­took themselves to their Arms, and leaving their cloaths, ran forth to encounter the enemy in their Shirts, and fought with such resolution, that they regained the Ordnance, put the Enemy to flight, many of them killed, and some Prisoners taken, and nine only of the Parliaments men killed, and Major Blundell wounded.

Order for supplys for Abbington, and for the Blocking up of Oxford, and Major General Browne to command them.

(4.) By consent of the Scots Commissioners, leaving it to the House of Commons, they ap­pointed a Committee to consider of the desire of Mr. Sabrand, and M. Manterent, desiring a Pass to go into Scotland, and to take Oxford in the way, and to consider of all Ambassadors, Agents, and Residents here from Forraign Prin­ces.

Referred to a Committe to examine the uncivil carriage of some, pretending to be Messengers to a Committee, in entring into the House of the La­dy Wray.

Order for Col. Ven to convoy the pressed men to Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army.

Ashby-de-la-zouch was surrendred to the Parlia­ment upon the conditions agreed upon, five pieces of Ordnance were taken in it, Arms and Provisions, and the Garrison to be slighted.

(5.) The Ordinance for setling Presbyterian Government sent up to the Lords.

Order for the Committee of the Admiralty to send Ships to guard the Western Coast according to the desire of Sir T. F.

Vote to slight Corfe Castle, and Warcham.

(6.) Several Votes touching the relief of Ire­land.

Upon information that several Troops of horse were raised by some Scots Officers in Ireland, or­dered that no Horse or Foot should be raised, or brought in thither, nor Moneys levied there, without warrant of the Parliament.

Order for auditing the Accounts of Major Ge­neral Browne, and that he should have ten pound per diem allowed him, and some Honour conferred upon him.

Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax march­ed to Bodman in Cornwall, which was quitted by the Kings Forces, that L. G. Cromwell with a thousand Horse, and five hundred Dragoons went to secure the pass at Ware-bridge. That six of the Parlia­ments Troopers seized and brought to Bodman, a waine load of the Kings Ammunition going to Foy.

That a Party of the Parliaments sent out ano­ther way, overtook forty two Musquetiers, with their Matches lighted, and Musquets loaded, and four Troopers riding up to them, made them all lay down their Arms, and brought them back Prisoners to the head quarters. That Sir J. Greenvile's Lieute­nant Col. and divers others were taken Priso­ners.

(7.) Order for Money for Major General Mas­seys Forces.

The Lords sent to the Commons concerning an Breach of Priviledge assesment on some Western Counties for M. Gene­ral Massey's Forces, which the Commons voted a Breach of Priviledge, the power of Moneys resting wholly in the Commons.

Order that the Speaker do give a Pass to Mr. Montruell to go to Oxford, and so to Scotland, he giving security not to return to England.

Sir Thomas Fairfax gave twenty shillings a piece [Page 202] to the four Troopers that took the forty two Mus­quetiers.

Letters informed that the Prince, with the Lord Capell, Lord Culpepper, and Sir Ed. Hyde, put to Sea with three Ships from Pendennis Castle, with much Company for France, and that one of the Ships with the Horses and Provisions were cast a­way.

(9.) Order for the Serjeant at Arms to appre­hend and bring to the Bar, Sir Ed. Herbert the Kings Attorney lately come to London.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for an Assesment for the Garrison of Henley.

Another for Money for Plymouth Garrison.

Order that the Ministers of the West to repair to their Charges.

Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army was Quartered about Bodman, and Lestithiel, some time having been spent to secure the Passes, and make all sure behind them.

That Mount Edgecombe was surrendred to Sir Tho. Fairfax, and the Regiment in it disband­ed.

That many of the Princes Servants came in to the Parliament, and desired Sir Tho. Fairfax to make their Peace.

That there came in to him likewise the High-Sheriff, the Lord Mohun, and thirty other Gentle-men of Quality and submitted to the Parliament.

The Cornish men neer St Columbe presented a Peti­tion Petition. to Sir Tho. Fairfax, offering themselves, lives, and fortunes, to serve the Parliament, acknowledging the General the instrument of their deliverance from Bondage. The Countrey people assisted Sir Tho. Fairfax in blocking up the Passes, to hinder the Kings Forces from escaping.

Sir Thomas Fairfax sent a Summons to the Lord Sir T. F's Offers to L. Hopton. Hopton to lay down Arms, to prevent effusion of Blood, and courted his Lordship, and offered him and all his Forces very honourable conditions, to go beyond Sea, or to their own homes, as they pleased, and to have his pass or protection, and de­sired their speedy answer thereunto.

The Townsmen of Padstow took an Irish Vessel in their Harbour, and two others going with Plundered goods, and in them were several Pack­ets of letters from the Marquess of Ormond, the Earl of Glamorgan, the Lord Digby, and others, of great concernment, and mentioning preparations for Irish Rebels hither, which so inraged the Coun­trey people, that they put to the Sword thirty Irish, taken by them in that Vessel at Padstow.

(10.) Difference of Opinion between the Hou­ses about the Earl of Derby, the Lord Pawlet, Sir John Byron, and Sir Jo. Strangways, whom the Lords thought fit not to except from Pardon.

Col. Rainsborough sent to command the Forces before Banbury, had power of Martial Law given him.

Letters informed that Sir William Brereton en­tred Litchfield with the loss of three men slain, and some wounded, that he killed six of the enemy, and beat the rest into the Close, being a thousand horse and soot.

A Sally out of Newarke with four hundred horse and a thousand foot upon the Scots Guards, the Bridge being down, none of the rest of the Ar­my could come to assist them, and the Newarkers were double the number to the Scots in that place, but after a little time some got over to them, and the Newarkers retreated, having killed one Captain, two Lieutenants, and eight Soldiers, and about twenty wounded, and few of their own party left behind them.

(11.) The accounts of the Committee of Ex­cise brought in, and a Vote passed to continue the Excise in such hands as both houses shall think fit, and order for advancing of eighty four thousand pound upon the Excise for the Army.

Divers other orders about the Excise, and one for two thousand pound for Abbington Garrison.

Letters informed that the Army advanced from Bodman, towards Truro, but by reason of bad wea­ther put into Quarters, that a party of 800 Horse and Dragoons was sent under Col. Rich, to fall upon the enemies Quarters, which they did near St. Co­lumbe, being the Princes Regiment consisting of a­bout eight hundred, they of the Van Charged Rich's men, but were quickly put to the rout, and pursued three or four miles.

Rich's men took about an hundred Prisoners, most of them Reformado's, whereof M. G. Per [...] was one, twenty nine of the Princes Guard, and a hundred Horse, this so allarm'd the Enemy, that they left their head Quarter for a Mile, and drew all their Horse to a rendezvous upon a down at eleven a clock at night, where they stood in the rain till the next morning.

A Trumpet came with an Answer from the Lord Hopton to Sir Tho. Fairfax's Summons, implying L. Hopt [...] answer to Sir T. F. a willingness to end the business of the West without more blood-shed, but desires to know whether the King and Parliament be not near to a conclusion of a Peace, that he, being intrusted, may be careful of the Kings Honour, and a Treaty is entertained, and in the mean time, Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army advanced.

The Letters taken in the Trish Ship mentioned the Commitment of the Earl of Glamorgan to be, to colour that business, and that a Peace was concluded with the Irish Rebells, and that ten thousand of them were ready to come into England to assist the King.

(12.) The day of thanksgiving for the late successes in the West.

Letters from Abbington certified, that they had several allarms from Oxford, and the last Lords day at six in the Morning a great party of Horse and Foot came near to Abbington Town, who took the Allarm, and were in a posture to receive them.

That the Cannon played upon them half an hour from the Town, and did good execution, that the Oxford Party, notwithstanding their words, that they would gain the Town, or leave their bones there, yet they ran away, and the Horse could not be perswaded to stay, but taking up about ten of their Fellows dead bodies, they all retreated to Oxford.

That the Soldiers wanted no Courage, but Mo­ney, and are put to watch almost every night.

(13.) The Assembly of Divines desired by some Assembly of Divine. of their brethren sent to the House, That Mr. Patrick Young might be incouraged in the Printing of the Greek Testament, much expected and desired by the Learned, especially beyond Seas, and an Or­dinance was read for Printing, and Publishing the Old Testament of the Sep [...]uagint Translation; wherein Mr. Young had formerly taken pains, and had in his hand, as Library-keeper of St Jame's, an Original Tecta Bible of that Translation.

Orders for Money for Soldiers Wives, and Wi­dows, and to the train of Artillery.

The Petitions of London, Westminster, and Middlesex, touching the setling of the Militia, and the differences thereupon, referred to a Commit­tee to be composed.

A Party from Oxford plundring Basing-stoke, and the pressed men going to Sir Thomas Fairfax, mu­tinied at Farnham, their Conductor Col. Ven being very imperious, and not pleasing to them; but it was soon appeased.

[Page 203] Foy was delivered up to Sir T. Fairfax, and thir­teen pieces of Ordnance in it.

(14.) An Ordinance past both Houses for setling and regulating the Heralds Office; to effect which Whitelocke laboured, and was one of the Com­mittee for that end, but opposed by many inclining Heralds Office. to leveling.

Order for a Pass for the Earl of Northampton, and twenty Officers with him to go beyond Sea, provided they take the Negative Oath.

Votes that the Great Seal should be in the hands of Commissioners, Members of both Houses, and in the present Commissioners for six Months longer.

Both Houses agreed to the Ordinance for setling Presbyterian Government.

Letters informed, that Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Lord Hopton agreed upon these Articles. Articles between F. and Hopt.

That the Lord Hoptons Army should presently be disbanded, and his Horse, Arms, and Ammunition, Artillery, Bag, and Baggage delivered up to Sir Tho. Fairfax.

Officers to have their Horses, and Troopers twenty shillings a man, Strangers to have Passages to go beyond Sea, and English to go to their homes.

A hundred and twenty Musqueteers Armed, came out of Pendennis Castle, and yielded them­selves to Sir T. F.

That the Lord Hopton surrendred to Sir Tho. Fairfax near three thousand horse.

(16.) Votes touching the Affairs of Ireland, and the Commission to be granted to the Lord L'isle appointed Governor there.

Care for Money for Major General Massies For­ces.

Reference to a Committee to consider what places of benefit are held by any Members of the House, and to report it.

Conference about the propositions for Peace.

Harwarden Castle was surrendred to Major Ge­neral Mitton, and he besieged Holt Castle.

A Party from Hereford and Monmouth surprised sixty Horse in the Stables of Gotherick Castle, burnt the Stables and Besieged the Castle.

A Party from Worcester came within a Mile of Evesham, plundered, and took away some Country men Prisoners, but were pursued by a Party from Evesham, the Prisoners and Plunder rescued, and eighteen of their Horse taken.

(17.) The House being informed that the Prince was in Silley, and in some streights for want of Provisions, they agreed that a Letter should be written to him in a loving and tender way from both Houses of Parliament, to invite him to come Letter to the Prince in to the Parliament, and to reside in such place, and have such attendants, and Counsellors about him as should be approved by both Houses.

Composure▪ of the business of the Militia of London.

Letters informed of many of the Kings Party, daily coming in to Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Go­vernor of Penrin desired to be included in the Trea­ty with the Lord Hopton, and here some of the Earl of Essex's old Soldiers said, they were even with the Kings Forces, for the business of G. Essex in Cornwall.

(18.) A Letter from both Houses to the Prince agreed upon, and to be sent away.

Nottingham-shire being highly oppressed by the Armies lying before Newarke, the House ordered to take it into Consideration.

The Scots Commissioners differed from both Houses touching the propositions to be sent to the King for Peace, and a Committee was appointed to consider of it, and report to the Houses how they found it.

Power of Forraign Plantations continued in the Earl of Warwick.

Col. Kerle continued Governor of Monmouth.

Conference about Lords Lieutenants being of Committees in the Western Association.

The Commons pressed the Lords of pass the Or­dinance for tryal of Mr. Murray for a Spy.

Eight Troops of Col. Fleetwoods charged twenty of the Oxford Horse, who had been out to fetch Money, took fourteen horse and men, and a hun­dred and forty six pounds in Money, his Regiment and Col. Rainsboroughs streightned Oxford.

Intelligence came, that the Forces in France, sup­posed to be for England, are disposed of another way, and that the States will not admit the Prince of Orange to transport men hither for the King, that Major General Skippon Governor of Bristol, fitted twenty ships to oppose the Landing of any I­rish for the King.

Letters from Ireland informed that the Lord Broghill sent a party of a hundred and twenty horse and three hundred foot under Col Crokey, to Mallo, and they fell on it, an hour after day, that there were three hundred and fifty in the Town and Castle; of the two hundred in the Town, all but ten killed or taken, an hundred and fifty killed, as many Arms gotten, four Drums, one Colours, several Officers and thirty three Common Soldiers prisoners, Pillage worth five hundred pounds, be­sides five hundred Sheep, and a hundred Cows, and but two Soldiers, and one Trooper of the Par­liaments lost.

(19.) Consideration of the business of Ireland, and setling the Lord Inchequin, and raising of six thousand pounds, and for four thousand Suits of apparel for the Forces in Munster.

A Committee of both Houses appointed to draw up the invitation of the Prince to come in to the Parliaments Quarters.

By desire of the Common Council of London, Militia. all proceedings of the house touching their late Petition about the Militia, were rased out of the Book, and the Common Council were desired to rase out of their Registers that Petition, and all their proceedings thereupon.

Letters informed that the Articles between the Lord Hopton and Sir Tho. Fairfax were performed, and Hoptons Forces took the Oath, never to bear Arms against the Parliament, and a thousand of their Officers and Soldiers listed themselves to serve the Parliament in Ireland.

The Governor of St. Maws Fort which com­mands Falmouth, sent to Sir Tho. Fairfax to be re­ceived into Favour; and that he will deliver up the Fort, Castle, Ordnance, Arms and Ammunition, and Sir Tho. Fairfax sent Forces to take possession of them, two great brass Pieces were in it of four thousand weight apiece.

The General, and Lieutenant General took care that not a man of the Lord Hoptons Army that came off, should be Plundred.

(20.) Care for Money for Major General Mas­sey's Forces.

Two days in every Week set aside for providing Money for the Forces.

Four thousand pound of Mr. Henleys Fine order­ed for Abbington Garrison.

(21.) Ordinances sent to the Lords for Money for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army.

Mr. Peters newly come from the Army, was cal­led into the House, and made them a particular re­lation, of the proceedings of Sir Thomas Fairfax there, as is before mentioned, and that Hoptons [Page 204] Horse that were disbanded were near five thou­sand.

That the Lord Hopton was not gone for Oxford, but took Shipping for France, and many of the Commanders with him, and some before, and o­thers went to their own houses, that Pendennis Lord Hopt. Castle was closely besieged, and that the General intended to return towards Exeter.

Order for an hundred pound per An. to be set­led on Mr. Peters, and his Heirs, out of the Earl of Worcesters Estate, and fifty pound to the Gen­tleman that brought the Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Order for a day of Thansgiving to God for these great Mercies.

Order for the Gentlemen and Ministers of the West now in London, to go down into their several Countries, and for Money for them.

Letters brought by M. Temple, informed that Col. Morgan Governor of Glocester with his Sir. J. Ash­ley defeat­ed. Forces, and those of Sir William Brereton joyned together; fell upon Sir Jacob Ashley, and all his Forces intending for Oxford, at Stow in the Woald, on the edg of Glocester-shire, and after a sore con­flict on both sides, Sir Jacob Ashley was totally routed, himself taken Prisoner, and fifteen hun­dred more Horse and Men, all their Carriages, Arms, Bag, and Baggage taken, Morgans Word was, (God be our Guide) Ashleys Word was Patrick and George.

(23.) A Report, and debate about the Com­positions of Delinquents.

An Ordinance for Money for the two Regi­ments at Glocester.

Order for a Warrant for a new Election.

Order for four thousand pound to be distributed to the Wives and Widows of Soldiers, and to the Train of Artillery of the Earl of Essex, and of Sir Will. Waller.

Letters farther informed of the defeat of Sir Ja­cob Ashley, that the dispute was hot, and the Parli­aments Forces at first were worsted twice together, yet came on again, and Sir Jacob Ashly's Forces be­ing three thousand were totally routed.

That two hundred of his men were slain on the place, many of them Gentlemen of Quality, two thousand Arms taken, twelve Carriages, and one thousand six hundred Prisonors, that Sir Jacob Ashley was Prisoner to Sir William Brereton, the rest of the Prisoners sent to Glocester, and the wounded men taken care off, that the Parlia­ment lost only two Lieutenants, and some few of their men slain and wounded.

That some of the Kings Forces escaped to Far­rington and Oxford, and Sir Jacob Ashley after he was Prisoner told some of the Parliament Officers, Now you have done your work, and may go play, un­less you fall out among your selves.

(24.) Order for a Collection on the Thanks­giving day for the maimed Soldiers.

Another Letter came from the King, in which A Letter from the King. he offers to come in to his two Houses of Parliament up­on their assurance for the safety of his Person, and to advise with them for the good and safety of the King­dom, provided that all those who have adhered to him, may return home, and live in quiet, without taking the Covenant and the Sequestrations of their Estates to be taken off, and that he will disband all his Forces, dis­mantle his Garrisons, pass an Act of Oblivion, and free pardon to all, and give ample satisfaction to the Kingdom of Scotland.

A day was appointed to consider hereof, and it was ordered to be communicated to the Scots Com­missioners.

Orders for Money for the Garrison of Hereford, and for the Officers of the two Regiments at Glo­cester.

At St. Mawes the General had thirteen Guns, and store of Ammunition, and between three and four hundred of the Kings Forces came in to him.

Major General Middleton in Scotland, took the Earl of Montrosses House upon surrender, many were shot, the Castle burnt, and all the Arms and Ammunition taken.

(25.) The day of the Monthly Fast yet so­lemnly observed.

(26.) Upon the debate of the Kings last Letter, a Committee was [...]amed to draw up an Answer to that Message, adhering to the former resolutions to have the propositions first dispatched, and assented to by his Answer to the Kings Letter. Majesty.

A Committee of both Houses was sent into the City, and communicated to the Lord Mayor and Common-Council his Majesties last Letter, and made some observations upon it, and informed them of the danger by the great number of Malignants co­ming from the Kings Quarters to London, desired The City cajol'd. the care of the Militia in searching for, and ap­prehending them, and that the Lord Mayor, Al­dermen, and Common Council would meet both Houses at Christ-Church on the thanksgiving day.

An Ordinance sent by the Lords authorising the Commissioners of the Customs to pay one thousand pound per An. to every one of the Judges, and Barons of the Exchequer for their Salleries, and in lieu of all Fees.

Two Letters taken about Sir Jacob Ashley of great intelligence, read in the House.

Letters informed that all the Lord Hoptons For­ces were disbanded according to the Articles, and a Proclamation for all of them the next day to depart, or else to be taken as Spyes, that the disbanding was done with great Civility on both parts; and not the least insulting by the Parliaments Forces, nor the value of six pence taken from them by any of their Army.

That Orders were given for the Army to march Eastward, except two or three Regiments left to block up Pendennis Castle, which being Summoned, they returned a peremptory Answer of denyal, that a Ship of the Parliaments upon Intelligence came into Falmouth harbour, and hawled a Dunkirk Ship, who gave two broad-sides, but after a little dispute the Parliaments Ship Boarded the Dunkirker, and put all the Irish in her to the Sword, and took the rest Prisoners.

That Helford Fort was surrendred to the Parlia­ment, and in it six pieces of Ordnance, and will streighten Pendennis Castle.

Anno 1646 Car. 22 That Lieutenant Colonel Ingolosby going to view the Castle, was shot by a Musquetier whereof he dyed within three hours, and that M. Cobbet was shot.

(27.) The City invited both Houses of Parli­ament Both Hou­ses invited to Dinner. to dinner at Grocers Hall on the Thanksgi­ving day.

A Fast day was kept by the English and Scots Ar­mies before Newarke.

Intelligence came that a Party from Dunnington Castle sallied out upon Dalbiers men, killed some, took fifty Prisoners, and the Mattocks, &c. of the Pioners.

(28.) Debate of the Blasphemies of Paul Best, Divines ordered to confer with him, to convince Paul Best's Blasphe­my. him of his Sin, and that a charge be prepared against him.

Order for four thousand pound for the Scots Reformadoes.

[Page 205] Consideration of six Preaching Ministers to be sent down to Hereford, and to have an hundred and fifty pound per An. each of them.

The Governor of Plymouth sent a Party to Ince house a Garrison of the Kings, which they sum­moned to surrender to the Parliament, but the Garrison returned a scornful answer, upon which the Plymouth men prepared for a Battery, but as soon as the great Guns came, the Garrison begged for Quarter, and had it, and left their Arms and Ammunition.

Sir Tho. Fairfax Marched towards Exeter.

(30.) The Invitation of the Prince to come in to the Parliaments Quarters pass'd, and sent up to the Lords.

The answer agreed on to the Kings last Letter, Answer to the Kings Letter. in substance, That they did not conceive it safe for his Majesty or his Subjects, that he return to the Parlia­ment till he have assented to the Propositions which they are about, and will be shortly sent to him.

The Commission read, for the Lord L'isle to be Governor of Ireland.

The Lords desired the Commons that they would give leave, that one imprisoned by them might be sent for, and examined by the Lords, touching a dangerous Book lately published, called the last Summons, or Warning-piece to London, to which the Commons did agree.

Order for three hundred pounds for Sir Peter Smith in part of his Arrears for Service in Ireland, and for disposal of the Prisoners in Glocester, and for sending down the Ministers of Cornwall, &c. to their Charges.

Col Morgan, Col. Birch, and Sir William Brere­ton Worcester. with their joynt Forces marched to Worcester, and summoned the City to surrender to the Parlia­ment, and informed them that the King had no Forces to relieve them.

They answered, That if it had been so, they suppo­sed they should have known the Kings pleasure therein, till when, they would not Surrender the City.

The Besiegers replied that they would not in­form them an untruth, but that they might the better inquire, and prevent their own ruine, they would for a short time draw off a little farther from them.

Dunnington Castle being much indammaged by the Granadoes, desired liberty to send to Oxford, and upon answer from thence would come to a Treaty.

High-Archal was surrendred to the Forces of Shropshire, with all the Arms and Ammunition.

(31.) Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax desired Favour to some Gentlemen that came in to him from the Kings Quarters, and it was referred to a Committee to state their several Cases.

Mr. Steward who had the Parliaments protecti­on, was discharged from an Arrest, and order for Money due to him to be paid.

The Commons Voted, That in case the King, (con­trary to the advice of both Houses of Parliament alrea­dy Vote of the Com­mons. given him) shall come, or attempt to come within the Lines of Communication,

That then the Militia of London, with advice of the Committee of Lords and Commons for the Army, shall raise Forces to prevent and suppress any tumult that may arise by his coming, and to apprehend such as shall come with him, or resort to him, and to secure his Rerson from danger. And the House ordered that all who had born Arms against the Parliament, should depart London by the sixth of April, or else to be taken as Spyes.

The Lords concurred in the Letter of Invitati­on to the Prince, and in the answer to the Kings last Letter.

A summons was sent into Newarke on Saturday, to render the Town to the use of the Parliament, and they took time till Mondady for their Answer.

April, 1646.

April 1. Passes for some to go beyond Seas.

Difference about the Ordinance for Martial Law in London.

Order that the Proclamation for Delinquents to depart London be proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet.

Intelligence came from the Governor of Reading, of a design of the Kings to come to London sudden­ly.

The Answer to the Kings last Letter sent away, and Commissioners from both Houses and from Scotland, to be named to present the propositions to the King.

Debate touching matters of Religion.

Dunnington Castle was surrendred upon Articles to Col. Dalbier, for the use of the Parliament, and in it sixpieces of Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition.

Col. Bestworth High Sheriff of Hamp-shire fell upon a Party of Oxford Horse fetching Provisions out of Berks, and took about eighty Prisoners of them.

The General Marched towards Exeter.

(2.) The day of publick Thanksgiving, and both Houses were highly Feasted by the City at Grocers Hall.

(3.) The Ordinance passed for Martial Law in London, upon such as shall offend against the Arti­ticles then agreed on.

Order for Col. Grave's Regiment to be remo­ved nearer Oxford, and referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to consider of blocking up the passages between Oxford and London, and for the disbanding Col. Starres Regiment, and for con­tinuing the Assesment for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army for four Months longer, and that an Account be given to a grand Committee of the House, of all Receipts by Ordinances, and Assessments, and how they may all be brought into one way, through the same hands.

Paul Best brought to the Bar, heard his Charge, Paul Be. and by his Answer confest the Trinity, and that he ho­ped to be saved thereby, but denyed the three Persons as a Jesuitical Tenent.

A day was set to determine this business, and in the mean time some of the Members of the House appointed to confer with Best, to convince him of his Errors.

Letters informed of Sir Tho. Fairfax's return to the Siege of Exeter, and the Garrisons for the Parliament made great shouts and volleys for Joy of his return, that he and the Lieutenant General and others rode about the Works, and within Musquet shot of them, to view them, and after­wards by advice of his Council of War, sent a summons to the Governor to surrender Exeter, and he returned answer, that he was contented that Exeter, Commissioners on both parts might treat about the Surrender of that City, and that the Commissio­ners were to meet about it.

The General sent three thousand Horse to joyn with Col. Fleetwood to streighten Oxford.

The Abbington Horse and Col. Bestworth fell upon a Party of six hundred Horse of the Kings go­ing to [...]arrington, routed them, took three hundred of their Horse, many Prisoners, and pursued the rest to the Walls of Oxford, and lost but one man.

[Page 206] Sir William Brereton, Col. Morgan, and Col. Birch withdrawing from Worcester, fell suddenly upon Bridge-North, entred the Town by Storm, drave the enemy into the Castle, where they have closely Besieged them.

The Garrison of Newarke made a Salley upon Newarke. Lieutenant General Pointz's Quarters, thirty of his men were killed and drowned, Captain Jephson, and Captain Murray slain with the wind of a Ca­non Bullet, but after a sharp encounter, the New­arkers were beaten back again, some slain, and some of them taken Prisoners.

(6.) Order to prevent Danger by the multi­tude of Delinquents remaining near to the Lines of Communication.

A Pass granted to the Wife of Mr. Endymion Porter, to go into France to her Husband.

Votes to continue the Northern Association for six Months, the Forces there to be Eight thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse, and to be under the Command of Sir Tho. Fairfax.

Oxford was much blocked up by Col. Fleetwood, Ireton, Rainsborough, and the Abbington Forces.

The Earl of Northampton came to London to go beyond Sea, but was ordered to go out of the lines of Communication, and his Horses were restored to him.

The Lord Culpepper, Sir Nicholas Crispe, and Col. Monke landed in France.

The Kings Forces quitted Barn-stable and betook themselves to the Castle.

Portland Castle was surrendred to the Parliament, the Garrison had liberty to go to their homes, lea­ving their Arms behind them.

(7.) A brass Statue in Windsor Church ordered to be sold, and the Money to go for pay of the Garrison.

Both Houses conferred the place of Master of the New Hospital at Leicester upon Mr. George Grey.

The Scots Commissioners sent in a Paper of their dissent in some Points to the Propositions, touching Scots dis­sent. Religion, and the Militia; the House named a Com­mittee to debate the Points with the Scots Com­missioners, and to endeavour to satisfy them.

A Committee named to consider of setling a Preaching Ministry in all places, and about pre­sentations belonging to Delinquents, Bishops, Deans and Chapters.

Major General Pointz went on in his approaches at Newarke, and turned the River from the Town on the North side, the Scots took Sandy Fort near the Castle.

Montrosses Forces were beaten from Enderness in Scotland, two hundred of them killed and taken.

(8.) Debate upon the Ministers Petition.

Col. Morgan and his Forces blocked up Worcester on St. Johns side.

Col. Fleetwood blocked up all the passes by Wood-stock side to Oxford, and Besieged Radcot, and Bo­stal House.

Col. Whaley goes on in the siege against Banbu­ry.

(9.) A Petition from the poor Inhabitants near Dunnington Castle, whose houses were burnt by the late Governor for the King, and the Articles for surrender of it read.

Order for the Arrears of Col. Keere late Gover­nor of Plymouth.

Ordinance sent to the Lords for making the Lord L'isle Lieutenant of Ireland.

Order about Delinquents resort to London.

Intelligence came that the Kings Forces in Bridg-North-Castle, because the Town did not bring in to them a months Provisions, shot Granadoes into the Town, and fired most part of it.

The Kings Forces also Fired the greatest part of Farrington, to prevent the Parliaments Forces from having of any Shelter there.

(10.) Referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to imploy the Forces under Col. Dalbier and such other Forces as could be spared, for the blocking up of Oxford, and to preserve the adjacent Counties from Plunder.

A Committee named to draw up an Ordinance in the nature of a general Summons to all the Kings Garrisons to surrender to the Parliament under a Penalty, and not to demolish, fire, or destroy those Garrisons, or of the Adjacent houses.

Upon information that the Governor of Bridge-North had burnt the Town, the House revo­ked the power of the Committee of Salop to treat with him.

The Ordinance passed for tryal of Mr. Mur­ray.

Debate about Mr. Wither's Book, reflecting up­on a Member of the House.

(11.) A Committee of both Houses named to give their Answer to the Scots Papers touching the Propositions for Peace.

Debate touching the Ministers Petition, about Commissioners to Judge of Scandalous Offences, &c.

News came that the Articles were agreed for Exeter sur­rendred. the surrender of Exeter, and four Hostages given by them for performance of them, Col. Sr. J. Co­ventry, Sir Ja. Thyn, Col. Croker, and another, and that three of their Forts were surrendred, and the conditions were very honourable, one much insisted on, was, that the Cathedral should not be de­faced.

The General advanced towards Barn-stable, and sent Parties to Besiege Salt-combe and Dunster Ca­stle.

(13.) Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax certified the Surrender of Exeter, and that he had nomina­ted Col. Hammond to be Governor there, which the House approved.

Lieutenant Colonel Grimes, and Mr. Potter, Messengers from Sir Tho. Fairfax of this good success, had one hundred pound a piece given them.

Letters from Major General Mitton informed the surrender of Ruthin Castle to him, and in it two Drakes, and a Murdering-piece, Arms, Am­munition, and Provisions.

That Captain Simkins, and Captain Carter fell upon the Enemy near Denbigh, killed seven of them, and took divers Officers and Soldiers Priso­ners.

That Sir Trevor Williams fell upon a party of those of Ragland, killed fourteen, and took forty Prisoners, and Arms; that divers Officers, and others came in to him to submit to the Parliament.

Col. Mason by desire of Major General Mitton, was made Governor of Ruthin Castle, and Mr. Fogge a Minister that brought these Letters had fif­ty pound for a gratuity.

Letters certified divers good successes of the Par­liaments Forces in Ireland, and the taking of the Earl of Thomond Prisoner.

(14.) Debate about reducing the receipts of the Kingdom into one general way.

Order that Committees shall not meddle with any matter of Title, or any private interests be­tween Party and party without special authority from both houses of Parliament.

Upon a Book of printed papers touching the Scots differing about the Propositions for Peace, both houses voted, That the matter in those printed Voro. papers was false, and scandalous against the Parlia­ment, and Kingdom of England, and should be burnt [Page 207] by the common Hangman; and a Declaration to be of the truth of those proceedings, and that the Author of this Book was an incendiary between the two King­doms.

It was not without some ground of suspition, that some of the Scots Commissioners themselves, Scots Pa­pers. encouraged, if not appointed the printing of this Book, which caused the more sharpness in divers towards it.

Order for other Papers to be published about the payment of their Army, Religion, and the pro­positions for Peace.

(15.) The Ordinance for the Assesment for Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, sent to the Lords to be continued for four Months longer.

A Convoy ordered for Ships trading from New-Castle, and the Northern parts.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for constituting a Church in Dover, for the Protestants, French, and Walloons.

A Pass granted to the Earl of Northampton to go beyond Sea.

The Siege of Newarke went on smartly, and the Town wanted Provisions.

Barn-stable was surrendred to the Parliament on the same terms as Exeter, and Sir Tho. Fairfax was upon his march towards Oxford, many old Soldi­ers wondred at his speed.

(16.) A Committee named to consider of the Breach of Priviledges of the Parliament in the Ministers Petition.

A Committee named to consider of those well af­fected persons who had Offices in the Court of Wards, which would be lost by taking away of that Court, and how they might be recompensed, particularly the Lord Say, and Sir Benjamin Ru­dyeard.

(17.) Order to Licence the East-India Com­pany to transport five thousand pound of Forreign Bullion.

A Petition of the Lord Inchequin, Lord Broghil, and others, referred to the Committee of the Irish Affairs.

Maintenance as formerly continued to Sir Robert King, Mr. Annesley, and Col. Beale the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland.

The Declaration touching the Scots Papers pas­sed, and ordered to be printed.

Col. Rainsboroughs men received some loss, at­tempting to Storm Woodstock Mannour.

(18.) Major Dingley made Governor of Evesham.

The Declaration was published upon occasion of the Scots Papers, and to settle a right understand­ing Declarati­on. between England and Scotland, and to vindicate the proceedings of the Parliament of England, the same is in Print, and worth the reading.

Letters from the Army informed that Exeter was surrendred according to the Articles, and Sir John Berkley the Governor marched forth with about two thousand men, that as soon as they were out of the Gate, seven hundred of them being Cornish men, and divers others, laid down their Arms, and went to their own dwellings, and that Sir Allen Apseley was to surrender the Fort the next day.

(20.) Order for ten thousand pound per An. for the Queen of Bohemia, and for Money for the Prince Elector.

Order for the Chambers of Mr. Mostyn, and Mr. Stampe in the Temple, to be given (I think) to Mr. Hill.

A Message from both Houses to the Scots Com­missioners, desired their speedy answer touching the propositions for Peace, that they might be spee­dily sent to the King.

Mr. Norfolke and others made Serjeants at Arms.

The Batteries went on against Newarke, and the Garrison desired liberty to send to the King about surrendring of it.

Sir William Brereton summoned Litchfield Close to surrender, and informed them of the defeat of Sir Ja. Ashley, and the rendition of Exeter, Barnstable, &c.

Sir Thomas Tidsley and Col. Bagot returned a short, and peremptory denyal.

(21.) Almost the whole day was spent in de­bate of the Ministers Petition, and many votes passed, for the power of Parliaments in spiritual mat­ters Power of Parlia­ments. (sought to be impeached by this Petition) as well as in Temporal, and Questions ordered to be drawn up concerning Government jure Divino, to have the an­swer of the Assembly thereunto.

The Preface to the Pamphlet, entituled the Scots Commissioners Papers, and the stating of the question concerning the propositions for Peace, were burnt by the Hangman.

In Exeter the Parliament had thirty pieces of Ordnance, store of Ammunition and Provisions; Mount-Edgecombe was surrendred to Col. Hammond Governor of Exeter, and in it thirty pieces of Ordnance, store of Arms and Ammunition.

The Earl of Bristol and Lord Pawlet had leave to stay sometime in Exeter, to make their Peace with the Parliament, or to get Passes to go beyond Sea.

(22.) Order that every Member that came into the Orders. House after Prayers, should pay one shilling to the Poor.

For a new Election, and for a new High-Sheriff. For payment of a debt of Arms, and for continuing the Committee of Middlesex.

Lieutenant General Cromwell and Sir Hardress Waller came to London from the General to advise about the motion of the Army.

The Kings Party gave out that six thousand Irish were Shipped for Wales, that Montross with twelve thousand men was upon the Borders advancing to the King, and their hopes upon the differences be­tween Differen­ces. the Presbyterians and Independants, and be­tween the Scots and the Parliament.

(23.) Lieutenant General Cromwell sate in the House, and the Speaker (by command) gave him hearty thanks of the House for his good Services.

Differences between Sir Jo. Danvers and the La­dy Gargrave referred to a Committee.

Order for fifteen thousand pound, a months pay for the Scots Army before Newarke, the Countrey not being able to bear their Quarter.

St Michaels Mount Surrendred.

Order to recommend, to Sir Tho. Fairfax the speedy reducing of Oxford and Newarke.

Col. Birch besieged Ludlow.

(24.) Votes for Money for Ireland, and for other Irish affairs, and the whole day spent concer­ning that Kingdom.

(25.) Upon a Letter from Col. Ireton, ordered, that notice be given the General, that if his Majesty should by any Letter or Writing under his own hand send to the General or any Commander for the Parliament, that the same shall with all con­venient speed be sent to both Houses of Parlia­ment.

Letters from Col. Rainsborough informed, that Mr. Fountaine the Lawyer was come in to him, and the House ordered that he be sent Prisoner to Bri­stol.

Col. Morgan voted to be Governor in chief of the Forces in Monmouth-shire.

Order for a new High Sherriff.

[Page 208] An Ordinance sent from the Lords for a Com­mittee at Haberdashers Hall, was rejected.

Directions sent from the House to the General, to dispose of the Army as he shall think fit, in re­lation to Newarke and Oxford.

Letters of the Surrender of Dunster Castle to Col. Blake for the Parliament, and of Titbury Ca­stle to Sir Will. Brereton, and of Aberustwith Castle, all upon Conditions, and leaving their Ordnance, Ammunition and Provisions to the Parliament.

(27.) Commissioners from Oxford, the Earl of Southampton, the Earl of Lindsey, Sir William Fleet-wood, and Mr. John Ashburnham, and the Com­missioners for the Parliameat, Col. Rainsborough, Col. Fleetwood, Major Harrison, and Major Desbo­rough, agreed on Articles for the surrender of Wood-stock house to the Parliament, with their Arms, Ammunition, Ordnance, and Provisions.

Major Desborough who brought the Letters thereof to the House, was called in, and had the thanks of the House for his good services, and an hundred pounds bestowed upon him.

He acquainted the House, that a private over­ture was made by the Earl of Southampton for the Kings coming to London, as had been before, to Col. Ireton, they declared all addresses this way, and not to the Parliament, to be indirect, and an obstruction to the proceedings for Peace.

Debate of the Scots Papers, which were

  • 1. A Negative to some Points concerning the proposi­tions
    Debate of the Scots Papers.
    for Peace.
  • 2. To have the Militia limited for a time.
  • 3. Concerning Ireland.
  • 4. A Collection of Passages of the Parliaments, touch­ing Ʋniformity in matters of Religion.

Vote for eight hundred pounds per An. for the Bishop of Durham.

Summons were agreed to be sent into Newarke, before the Storm, the Plague was hot in the Town.

Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Newberry with his Army, which troubled Oxford.

Debate about reducing all accounts into one way, and an Ordinance read for draining the great Level of the Fens, they denyed to joyn with the Lords in ad­mitting the Earl of Northampton to his Compositi­on, but adhered to their former Resolution, that the Earl and his Company go beyond Sea.

Voted that when Newarke shall be reduced, the Works of it be slighted.

A Trumpet came with an Answer from the Answer from the Prince. Prince to the Parliaments Invitation of him, and he desires a Pass for the Lord Capell to go to the King to make him some overtures from the Prince, and that the Primate of Armach may come to him.

Letters informed the surrender of Bridge-North upon Articles, and a Letter of thanks ordered to the Committee of Salop for their good Service, and that Col. Lloyd be Governor of Bridg-north.

A day of Thanksgiving ordered.

The Garrison in Banbury Castle desired liberty to send to the King about the surrender of it, but Col. Whaley would not grant it.

Letters informed good success of the Parliaments Forces in Ireland, under the Lord Broghill, Captain Moulton, and others.

(29.) The day of the Monthly Fast, the House met in the Evening, and several new Members took the Covenant, and they ordered an Ordinance to be brought in for a more strict observation of that day, and another for punishment of Heresies, and such as divulge them, and another for further con­viction and punishment of Recusants.

(30.) The Northern Association continued, and reference to a Committee to examine affronts given to the Major of Berwick by some Officers there.

A Committe named to consider of a fit place for a Goal for York-shire.

The Queries passed concerning Church-Govern­ment, Church-Govern­ment. and upon the point of jure Divino, and some Members of the House appointed to deliver them to the Assembly.

Letters informed that the King was escaped out of Oxford in disguise with Mr. Jo. Ashbornham, and one more, but which way he was gone was un­certain.

Letters from Col. Rainsborough informed, that The King leaves Ox­ford. the King was escaped out of Oxford, but no farther, and that the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Lind­sey, Sir William Fleetwood, Sir Edward Sydenham, Mr. Carew, came to him, casting themselves upon the Mercy of the Parliament, the House ordered them to be sent Prisoners to Warwick Castle.

Ordered that no persons coming out of Oxford, should be admitted to any parley or Treaty, ex­cept for the surrender of that Garrison, or some Fort thereof.

Letters from Col. Mitton informed, that the Arch-Bishop of York, Dr. Williams had betaken Dr. Willi­ams. himself to his house at Purin, near Conwey, put a Garrison therein, and fortified it, protesting a­gainst the Kings Party, and perswading the Coun­try against Payment of Contribution to Conwey.

That the Lord Byron upon notice of the Bishops revolt, sent out a Party from Conwey to besiege him, and the Bishop sending for assistance to Major General Mitton, he drew out a party to inter­pose.

Letters from Col. Iretons Quarters informed, that Captain Gibbons who commanded Iretons Regi­ment, took four Troops of that Regiment, with a party of Dragoons, and some of Henley Foot, and fell upon a Village called Cromash, joyning to Wal­lingford, took divers Prisoners of the Garrison of Wallingford, beat the enemy into the Castle, and possessed the place, being of great advantage for the reducing of that Garrison.

May, 1646.

May, 1. Order to proceed in the Election of a Knight of the Shire for Chester, though there be no Chamberlain there.

Augmentations to Ministers Livings by the Com­mittee of Plundred Ministers, were approved by the House.

(2.) Debate touching the Court of Wards.

The Lord Pawlet after much debate, was admit­ted to his Composition, by request of the General. And upon a Petition of the Town of Lyme, the House ordered, that they should have reparations out of the Lord Pawlets Estate, for the great losses they had suffered by him.

Order that no Papist that hath been in Arms a­gainst the Parliament shall be admitted to his Com­position.

A General Training appointed, and the Militia of London ordered all Shops to be shut on that day.

Letters informed that upon a second Summons to Newarke, the Governor Bellasis after time taken to consider, sent a Trumpet to Lieutenant General Pointz, that by advice of the Council of War in the Town, they were willing to treat for the sur­render of that Garrison upon honourable conditi­ons, [Page 209] and Commissioners to treat were appointed on both sides, the Messenger had ten pounds for a reward.

Letters informed that the General marched through Abbington, where Major General Brown gallantly entertained him and took up his Quarters at Garrington, that Col. Trevor, and Sir Jo. Vaugh­an came in to him from Oxford.

That the Army was on both sides the River in­tending closely to begirt the City, that the King is gone for London as is supposed, and that a hundred Officers are come out of Oxford.

(4.) Letters from the General before Oxford informed, that those who came out of Oxford in­formed confidently that the King was in London, whereupon both houses declared by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet,

That what Person soever shall harbour or conceal, or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings Per­son, Declarati­on. and shall not reveal it immedately to the Speak­ers of both Houses, shall be proceeded against as a Traitor to the Common-wealth, forfeit his whole E­state, and dye without Mercy.

An Ordinance committed for all Papists, Offi­cers, and Soldiers of Fortune, that have come out of the Kings Quarters, to remove twenty miles from London, and power given to the Militia of London to search within twenty miles of London for all Papists, Malignants, and suspected persons, and to secure, and disarm them, and to search for Arms, this to continue for twenty days.

The General Training was put off.

Orders for Provisions for the Army.

(5.) Upon Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax of Suspition of the Kings being gone towards the Associated Counties, care was taken for their secu­rity, and Col. Russel sent down to the Isle of Ely, and Col. Wharton to Lynne.

Sir Hardress Waller named to be Governor of Jersey.

A Petition of many of Hertford-shire against Tithes, but nothing was done in it.

Letters from the Generals Quarters informed that the General Quartered at Heddington within a mile of Oxford, the Horse were so disposed as to prevent the Enemies Sallies forth, the Foot thus,

The Generals Regiment, and Col. Pickerings at Heddington, the Major General's and Col. Harley's at Marston, Col. Herberts, and Col. Sir Hardress Wal­ler's Regiments at Cowley, the Train of Artillery at Ellesfield.

An hundred Officers and Soldiers came forth of Oxford in two days, many of Quality have sent for Passes to go forth, the Lady Hertford, Lady Digby, Lady Stourton, and many of Quality, but the General denyes all, except it be for Treaty or Parley.

That the Grandees of Oxford give it out, the King is in London, and hath made his Peace with the Parliament, that Wallingford was blocked up on the one side by the Forces of Reading and of Henley, and on the other side by Col. Welden.

That the Governor of Wallingford sent a Letter to the General desiring him not to make his ap­proach to the Castle, for then he must be forced to fire the Town, which he the rather urged, be­cause he heard the King was in London, and upon agreement with the Parliament, so that he hoped in seven or eight days to receive a command from his Majesty for the Surrender thereof.

Some Foot sallied out of Oxford, but soon re­treated, a Party from Farrington did some hurt in the Generals Quarters.

(6.) Letters from the Commissioners of the Parliament before Newarke, and from Lieutenant General Pointz certified that the King came to the Quarters of the French Agent at Southam, and thence sent to G. Lesley, and was conducted by a Troop The King in the Scots Ar­my. of Horse into the Scots Army, where he now re­mains.

That the Commissioners, soon after his coming, sent a Letter to the Commissioners of the Parlia­ment, to acquaint them therewith, which Letters were read in the House, and an abstract of a Letter from Paris, discovering what was written from the King to the Queen, touching his going from Ox­ford.

Upon debate the Commons Voted

That the Commissioners, and the General of the Scots Vote: Army be desired, that his Majesties Person be disposed of, as both Houses shall desire, and direct, and that he be thence disposed of, and sent to Warwick Castle.

That Mr. Ashburnham, and the rest that came with the King to the Scots Army, be sent for as Delinquents, by the Serjeant at Arms.

The Commissioners of Parliament before New­arke were to acquaint the Scots General with these Votes, and to take care that Mr. Ashburnham, and the rest be sent up to the Parliament, and they were to make a Narrative of the Kings coming to the Scots Army, and to present it to the House.

Thirty pounds given to Lieutenant Gen. Pointz his Secretary, who brought these Letters, and thirty pounds to the Messenger of the Commissio­ners.

Order for reducement of Major General Mas­sey's Horse, and those Forces to be disposed of by the General.

(7.) An Ordinance sent to the Lords for Esta­blishment of the Garrison of Hull, and order for Ammunition for them.

Order for a new Election.

Order for a Letter from the Speaker to the Com­mittee of Northumberland, to send some Forces to preserve the holy Island, a place of great concern­ment.

Provision of Money for Plymouth, and other Garrisons.

(8.) Letters intercepted and read in the House, Letters in­tercepted. going from the Scots Commissioners here to the Scots Commissioners at Newarke, of great concern­ment.

A Committee was appointed to examine the manner of the stay of the Gentleman that carried these Letters.

Order to desire the Commissioners in London, that Mr. Wakerly who signed the Letter to the Lord Balcarris might be examined by a Committee, and that the Speaker should deliver to the Scots Commissioners here, such of the Letters as they desired, and should claim as their hand-writing.

Other Letters were read from the Scots Com­missioners in London concerning the Kings being in the Scots Army, and their perswading him to deli­ver up Newarke to the Committee of both King­doms, for the use of the Parliament of England; which is to be surrendred to the Commissioners for the Parliament upon Articles, the ninth of this instant May, the House sate this day till nine at night.

A Letter from the Scots General and the Com­mittee of Estates of Scotland, now with the Scots Army, to the Committee of both Kingdoms, in­formed.

That they were astonished at the Providence of the Letters from the Scots. Kings coming into their Army, which was so private, that it was long ere they could find him there, and now desired that it might be improved to the best advantage for promoting the work of Ʋniformity, for setling of [Page 210] Religion and Righteousness, and attaining of Peace, ac­cording to the Covenant, and Treaty, by advice of the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, or their Commissio­ners.

That they declare, there hath been no Treaty betwixt his Majesty and them, and in so deep a business they de­sire the advice of the Committee of both Kingdoms, &c.

(9.) The Articles of the surrender of Newarke brought to the Parliament. After the surrender, the Scots Army drew off, and retreated about four miles, the King with them in the Army.

An hundred pound given to the Colonel that brought these Letters, and thirty pounds to the other Messenger.

Banbury Castle was surrendred to Col. Whaley, upon Articles.

Order for thanksgiving to God for these Mer­cies.

Fifty pound given to Mr. Row, the Commissio­ners Secretary before Newarke.

A Committee appointed to draw Reasons to sa­tisfie the Lords, for demanding the Kings Person, as was formerly voted.

(11.) Letters advised of the Kings advancing Northwards with the Scots Army, and that a house was preparing for his Majesty in Newcastle, this caused the resuming of the debate for demanding the Kings Person, but voted to be disposed of, and to reside near his Parliament, not to go to Warwick Castle.

The Lords concurrence desired to Votes.

That his Majesty be desired to give command for the Delivery up of all Forts in England, Ireland, and Votes. Wales, into the hands of the Parliament, and to dis­solve the Commissions for Peace with the Irish Rebels, and to leave the prosecution of that War to the Parlia­ments care.

Letters from Col. Whaley of the surrender of Banbury Castle upon Articles, and left there ten pieces of Ordnance, five hundred Arms, nine Co­lours, Arms, Ammunition, Malt, Beef, Wheat, Bisket, twenty Cows, and sixty Sheep.

An hundred pound ordered to Col. Whaley to buy him two horses, and five hundred pounds to the Engineer, twenty pounds to the Messenger.

Letters of the Particulars of the surrender of Newarke, that there went out with the Lord Bella­sis particu­lars of the surrender of New­ [...]arke. the Governor, the Lord Deincourt, the Lord Lexington, twelve Knights, and many Gentlemen, of one thousand five hundred foot, all went to their several homes, that the Articles were exactly performed, and they left in the Town fourteen Pieces of Ordnance, three thousand Arms, store of Ammunition and Provisions, and the Town ve­ry strong, but the sickness was violent in it.

Letters of oppressions by some of the Scots Forces in the North, upon whom the Countrey rose, and some of both partys were killed.

A day appointed to consider thereof, and of sen­ding Forces into the North, to protect the well affected, and to hinder resort of malignants to the King, and how to dispose of the Scots, and other Forces, and of Carlisle, and other Forts which the Scots supplyed, being in their hands.

(12.) The day of thansgiving observed.

Letters of the Scots Army being on their march Northward, the King in the van of them, and that the Scots Commissioners desired a Meeting with the English Commissioners, to give an account of their sudden departure, and reasons for their not delive­ring up Mr. Ashburuham according to the Order of Parliament.

Letters that Sir Tho. Fairfax had made his ap­proaches near the works at Oxford, and finished the Bridge at Marston, that Oxford Garrison made a Sally out, but were beaten back, one of their men killed, and one of the Parliaments wounded, that the approaches were so near that the Officers and Soldiers of either Parties, parlied one with ano­ther, and those of the Garrisonseemed troubled at the Kings goingto the Scots Army.

The General was a person of as meek and hum­ble carriage as ever I saw in great imployment, and Sir Thomas Fairfax. but of few words in discourse, or Council; yet when his Judgment and Reason were satisfied, he was unalterable, except it were by Letter, where­of (as was fit) he was the only Judge.

But I have observed him at Councils of War, that he hath said little, but hath ordered things ex­presly contrary to the judgement of all his Council, and in action in the Field, I have seen him so high­ly transported, that scarce any one durst speak a word to him, and he would seem more like a man distracted, and furious, than of his ordinary mild­ness, and so far different temper.

The General sent a Summons to the Governor to surrender Oxford for the use of the Parliament, ex­pressing Summons to Oxford. his unwillingness to do any thing of damage to that famous University, and offering to them ho­nourable terms.

Sir Thomas Glemham the Governor desired a safe conduct for Sir Jo. Mounson and Mr. Philip War­wick to come to the General to speak with him from Sir Thomas Glemham first, which was assented to, and the same day a Summons was sent to Wal­lingford, Bostol, and Radcot.

(13.) An Ordinance sent to the Lords enabling the Lord L'isle, Lieutenant of Ireland, to beat up Drums to raise six thousand Foot, and eight hun­dred and fifty Horse for Ireland, another for Mo­ney for the Forces there.

A Letter for Sir Thomas Fairfax to spare a hun­dred Horse for recruits for Col. Jephson, and refer­red to consider how an able Ministry might be set­led Ministers for Ireland. in Ireland, and that a thousand pound given by a Gentleman for the service of Ireland, should be imployed for maintainance for Ministers there.

Reasons given by the Commons to the Lords, Reasons of the Com­mons. why they adhered to their Votes for demanding the Kings Person, That in England the disposal of him belonged to the Parliament of England, and that the Scots Army were in Pay of the Parliament of England, that the King ought to be near his Parliament, and it was consonant to the Covenant.

The Scots Commissioners here presented papers to the House, touching stay of their Packets of Letters the last Week.

Another Letter agreed on to be sent to the Prince, further inciting him to come in to the A Letter to the prince. Parliaments Quarters, with offers of due respects beseeming a Prince.

Letters that M. G. Mitton fell upon the Lord Byron at Carmarthen, beat them out of the Town into the Castle.

Letters of Dudley Castle being surrendred to Sir William Brereton upon Articles, which were sent up to the Parliament, and approved by them.

(14.) A Letter of thanks to the Commissioners at Newarke for their care in that business, and in demolishing the works of the Town.

Debate of the Scots Commissioners Papers touch­ing the seizing of their Pacquet at the Court of Scots pa­pers. Guard, and the Speaker was ordered to deliver to them a paper inclosed in their pacquet, which was in characters, and no subscription to it, nor Super­scription.

Debate touching the Scots Commissioners Papers about the propositions for Peace, and what inte­terest Scotland had in the affairs of England, in re­lation unto Peace, and some Votes passed thereup­on.

[Page 211] The Scots Commissioners failed to meet with the English Commissioners in the North, about the de­livering up Mr. Ashburnham.

Sir. Jo. Mounson, and Mr. Warwick, who came from the Governor of Oxford to Sir Tho. Fairfax desired only liberty for the Governor to send to the King to know his pleasure touching the surrender of Oxford, which the General denyed, next day a Trumpet was sent to the General to desire longer time, Wallingford also desired leave to send to the King, but it was denyed.

News came that Prince Rupert made a Sally out of Oxford, but was beaten back; and himself woun­ded in the shoulder.

(15.) Debate about the Scots Papers concern­ing the propositions for Peace.

Order for the Arrears of M. Mathews.

The General Muster put off.

The high Sheriff of Devon impow'red to bring forth his Regiment out of his County.

Allowance ordered to the Marquess of Winton.

(16.) Some of the Common Council came to the House, and desired the general Muster might not be wholly put off, upon which the House re­voked their last Order about the Muster, and set a day for it, and informed the Militia that both Houses would be present at it.

Order for the safe keeping and disposing of the Princess Henrietta, and for all things fitting for her Person.

Order for a Declaration to take off Scandals and Jealousies of the Parliaments Proceedings.

Conferrence about the Votes touching the de­mand of the Kings Person, and the Lords desired reparation about some words spoken by a Member of the House of Commons, at the last conference, touching this business.

The King was at Lumley House three miles from Newcastle.

Letters from the Leaguer before Oxford certifi­ed, that a Treaty was begun about the surrender of Oxford.

(18.) Progress in the business of the Church.

Ordinance passed for eight hundred pound per An. to Bishop Morton of Duresme.

A Petition from M. G. Massey put off.

The Commissioners of the Excise continued.

Pass'd in the afternoon by the Commons, for Compositions of Delinquents, near twenty Or­dinances.

Intelligence came of the Kings coming into New­castle, but without any Solemnity, and lay at G. Levens Quarters.

Proclamation made by G. Leven, that no Papists, General Levens. proclama­tion. or Delinquents be permitted to come to the King.

Upon a Letter from the English Commissioners, another Proclamation, that all do conform to the Or­ders and Ordinances of Parliament.

Gen. Leven forbids all compliance of his Officers and Soldiers with any Malignants.

The Estates of Scotland forbid any to go out of that Kingdom without a Pass.

(19.) Reasons given in the House why Mr. Ashburnham could not be delivered up according to the order of Parliament, and complaints of the Scots Forces quartering in York-shire.

Voted, That this Kingdom had no farther need of Vote a­gainst the Scots. the Army of their Brethren the Scots in this Kingdom, and that a hundred thousand pound should be raised, and paid to the Scots Army, fifty thousand pound thereof after they shall have surrendred New-Castle, Carlisle, and other English Garrisons possessed by them, and the other fifty thousand pound to be paid to them after their advance into the Kingdom of Scotland.

Order to desire the Scots Commissioners in Lon­don to give in the Accounts of their Army, that the Arrears may be audited and paid.

Both Houses went into Hide Park to see the ge­neral Muster.

Hartlebury Castle was surrendred to Col. Morgan upon Articles.

(20.) The Speaker ordered to give a Pass for six Horses for the Prince of Orange.

Supply of Ammunition for Garrisons.

Progress upon the propositions for Peace, and to sit daily till it were finished.

Letters of the Surrender of Ludlow to Col. Birch, and Col. Mackworth.

(21) Wholly spent about the business of the Church.

Letters informed that the Treaty went on for the surrender of Oxford.

(22.) Col. Rich brought Letters to the House from the General giving an account of the demands for the surrender of Oxford, which were very high, and so esteemed by the House, who writ a Letter of thanks to the General for his care, and desired him to proceed in the business for the reducing of Oxford.

The Copy of the Instructions to the Commissio­ners from Oxford to treat about the surrender of it, sent up.

(23.) Order for the Serjeant at Arms to fetch up from New-Castle Mr. Hudson, one of the Per­sons that conveyed the King into the Scots Army, who was said to confess that his Majesty was near London, upon the day that the General Muster should have been.

Progress in the business of the Church.

The Houses differed upon some amendments of an Ordinance for Ely House for the Serjeant at Arms.

The Oxford Commissioners for the Treaty of Surrender, insisted upon liberty to send to the King wherein Sir Tho. Fairfax would not resolve, and in the mean time the Treaty was adjourned for two or three days, yet both sides prepared for War, great Guns came from Reading, and they shot from the Garrison at those in the Leaguer, but little hurt was done.

Col. Whaley coming before Worcester, Col. Mor­gan drew farther off, and the Garrison sallyed out upon Col. Whaley who beat them back, and took eight Prisoners.

Captain Batten summoned Pendennis Castle to surrender to the Parliament.

(25.) Order for the Princess Henrietta to be brought to St. Jameses, and Provision to be made there for her answerable to her Quality, and Rich­mont was appointed for the Prince his Residence, if he shall come in.

A Letter from the King to both Houses expres­sed, A Letter from the King. That his Majesty was not come into the Scots Ar­my out of any intent to divide the Kingdoms in assection, or prolong the War, but to secure his Person, and la­bour to compose the differences between him and his King­doms, and settle all well.

He desired that Religion might be first insisted on, and setled according to the advice of the Assembly of Di­vines of both Kingdoms.

For the Militia, he was willing to concur with that propounded at Uxbridge.

For Ireland, he will do what he can to satisfie desires of that kind.

That for surrender of the Garrisons in his hands, he hath given order for Oxford to be surrendred, and will do the like for the rest, and is willing that all Forces may be disbanded, and that the Debts of the Nation should be paid.

[Page 212] He sent another Letter to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, Professing his Intention, to settle Peace, and give them satisfaction, and that he hath written to all that have Commissions from him in Scotland, to disband their Forces, and to render their Garrisons, and professeth his resolution to give all Another Letter. just satisfaction to the joynt desires of both Kingdoms, and to comply with both Parliaments, and for the ex­pression of their loyal intentions towards him, he re­turns them hearty thanks.

He acquaints them that he hath written to the Go­vernor of Oxford, to quit that Garrison upon honou­rable conditions, and disband those Forces, and that being granted, he will give the like order to his other Garrisons and Forces, he desires this Letter may be pub­lished with a proclamation in Scotland.

He also wrote another Letter to the City of London, complementing them and acquaint­ing A Letter to the City. them with his Letters to the Parliaments of both Kingdoms.

Ashburnham escaped from New-Castle before the Deputy of the Serjeant at Arms came thither for him, and another Messenger was sent thither for Hudson.

(26.) Debate about the Irish business, and supplys thither, and the Arrears of the Lord In­chequin, and Lord Broghil.

A Remonstrance from the Lord Mayor, Alder­men, and Common Council of London, was pre­sented Remon­strance from the City. to both Houses, desiring a strict course for suppressing all private, and seperate Congregations.

That all Anabaptists, Hereticks and Sectaries, &c. as conformed not to the publick Discipline, may be de­clared and proceeded against.

That all may be required to obey the Government set­led or to be setled.

That none disaffected to the Presbyterian Govern­ment may be imployed in any place of publick Trust.

That the Propositions for Peace may be hastned.

That the Ʋnion may be preserved between the two Na­tions, and all jealousies removed.

That the Priviledge of Parliament may be so qualifi­ed, that men may recover their Debts.

That the publick Revenues may be imployed to pub­lick use, and the Taxes of the City abated.

That the compositions of Delinquents may be imploy­ed to pay the Debts owing to the City and Citizens.

That Plymouth Duty may be taken off.

That the Committee at Haberdashers Hall may be dissolved.

That the reducing of Ireland may be considered.

That the Letter of the Parliament of Scotland to this City may be returned.

That the City may enjoy the Militia as it was pre­sented at Uxbridge Treaty.

That Quatermaine may be punished for his affront to this City.

That the Lord Mayor may be vindicated.

That none of their expressions in this Remonstrance may be interpreted, as charging any thing upon any Mem­bers of the House, or intrenching upon their Priviledges, and profess their readiness to serve the Parliament.

The Lords returned answer, acknowledging the Answer of the Lords. great Services and Merit of the City, and giving them thanks for the testimony of their Duty, and good Af­fections.

The Commons had a long debate upon this Peti­tion, many expressed great offence at it, and that the City should now prescribe to the Parliament what to do, and many sober men were unsatisfied with this action of the City, and looked upon it as whol­ly a design of the Presbyterian Party, and it was not liked.

They came at last to this Answer, That the Of the Commons House had debated their Remonstrance and Petiti­on, and would take it into Consideration in convenient time.

A Committee appointed to receive an Informa­tion of importance from a Member of the House.

The King sent orders to the Marquess of Mont­ross to disband his Forces.

Lieutenant Col. Coffes-worth was slain by a shot from Oxford.

A Pass was desired for the Lady Aubigney to go forth of Oxford, but was denyed.

Radcot House was surrendred to the General.

Col. Whaley Besieged Worcester, and Col. Mor­gan besieged Ragland Castle.

(27.) The Monthly Fast day.

A Petition from the Ministers of Essex, &c. that Church-Government might be setled, answered that it was in consideration.

Order to revive a Committee for examination Commit­tee of He­resies. of divulging and maintaining Heresies.

(28.) The Lords passed an Ordinance for ta­king away the abuse, and delay in writs of Er­ror.

A Conference about the disposal of the Princess Henrietta.

Debate about compositions of Delinquents, and many Ordinances passed the House for them.

(29.) A long report and debate touching the transactions between the Parliaments Commissio­ners, and the Scots before Newarke.

The Kings Letter to the Governor of Oxford, to surrender that Garrison upon honourable terms, was read and voted unsatisfactory, and not to be sent.

Some Sallys were made out of Worcester upon the Besiegers, but they were driven back.

Sir Trevor Williams fell upon the Ragland horse, at Ʋske, killed about sixteen of them, and took twenty Prisoners, and the next day he siezed upon eighty of the Kings horse, as they were grazing un­der the Castle wall, the Garrison burnt the greatest part of Ragland Town. The Forces before it, of Col. Morgan, Major General Laugherne, and Sir Trevor Williams were in all about five thousand.

(30.) A further report from the Commissio­ners who resided in the Scots Army before Newarke of their transactions with the Scots, and of several Papers, and Petitions, and of divers complaints a­gainst some of the Scots Forces, for plunderings, and misdemeanours of the Scots, and proof thereof by Witnesses examined.

The House approved what the Commissioners had done, and gave them thanks for their good service herein, and Ordered a Committee to per­use those Papers, Petitions, and Examinations, and to make a full report thereof, and touching the Scots surrender of the English Garrisons in their hands.

Thus the matter of discontent began to increase Discon­tents. betwixt the two Kindoms, the Presbyterian Party here sought as far as modestly they could, to sup­port the interest of their Brethren of Scotland. O­thers did not spare to aggravate matters against them, the General was much inclined to the Pres­byterians, Cromwell and his Party were no friends to their designs of conformity, but carried their business with much privacy and subtilty.

The House proceeded upon the propositi­ons for Peace, and voted to have the Mili­tia in the hands of both Houses of Parliament, not complying with what the King desired here­in.

Many Sober men and lovers of Peace were ear­nest to have complyed as far as in safety they might, with what the King proposed from Nen-Castle, Aversion to peace. but the Major Vote of the House was con­trary, [Page 213] and for the most part, the new elected Mem­bers took in with those who were averse to a com­plyance with that which his Majesty propounded, and their number swayed very much upon the que­stions.

June, 1646.

June 1. Letters of the sufferings of the Nor­thern parts by the Scots Army, who instead of eight thousand pound per men. have charged nine thousand pound a Month, and the refusers or per­sons not able to pay, are plundered, and cruellyused, referred to a Committee to state the matter to the House.

They desired the Lords concurrence to their former vote, That this Kingdom hath no further need of the Scots Army.

A Paper from the Scots Commissioners here, de­siring present Moneys for their Army, auditing of their Accounts, and payment of their Arrears referred to a Committee to draw an answer to it.

Progress upon the Propositions for Peace.

The General sent honourable conditions to the Governor of Oxford, who desired a day or two to consider of them, the General had all things ready for a Storm.

Charles Fort was surrendred to Col. Welden for the Parliament, upon Articles.

Major General Mitton Besieged Caernarvon, Den­bigh, Flint, and Holt Castles.

(2.) An humble acknowledgment and Petition Counter petition from the City. of many thousands of London, was presented to the House, setting forth the power of Parliaments, and the labours and successes of the present Parliament, which causeth the more opposition against them.

Prayes them to proceed in managing the affairs of the Kingdom according to their own best wisdoms, and the trust reposed in them, and to punish Delinquents, and procure Peace.

And that they would never suffer the free born peo­ple of this Kingdom to be inslaved upon what pretence so­ever, nor any other to share with the Parliament, or to prescribe to them in the Government or Power of this Nation.

That the Petitioners will stand by the Parliament with their Lives and Fortunes.

This was a Counter Petition to the former from the City, and now the designs were to make Divi­sions, Arms beginning to fail.

The Petitioners were called in, and had thanks for their good affections.

Ludlow Castle was surrendred to the Parlia­ment.

Progress in the business of the Church.

Hudson escaped from New-castle, the French A­gent was busie there.

(3.) Order for pay for the Garrison of Hen­ley.

Orders for Money for Reading, and Abbington Garrisons.

The Ordinance for Church-Government sent up to the Lords.

Referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to consider what Garrisons are fit to be demolish­ed.

(4.) Progress upon the propositions for Peace and both Houses agreed to trust London with their own Militia.

Col. Rossiter was called into the House, and had thanks for his good services.

The Treaty proceeded for the surrender of Ox­ford.

(5.) The Ordinance past both House for the Church Government.

Ammunition ordered for the Forces at Mon­mouth, and Money.

Divers Ordinances past the House of Commons for compositions of Delinquents.

(6.) Order for the Commissioners of Excise to pay ten thousand pound a Month, for the Northern Forces.

A Declaration ordered to be drawn of the mis­demeanors, Declarati­on against the Scots. Plundrings and Cruelties of the Scots Ar­my, and their refusal to surrender the English Gar­risons, and to undeceive the People, [...]ouching a Book of the Lieutenant of the Scots Army, justi­fying their proceedings, and to draw the affections of the English to the Scots.

Sir Robert King brought Letters from Ireland to Letters from the King. the House, one from the King to the Marquess of Ormond, to be communicated in Ireland, to this effect.

That his Majesty having sent many Messages and Propositions for Peace to the Parliament, received ei­ther no answer, or such as shews their intentions to ru­ine him, and Monarchy it self, and a refusal of what formerly themselves desired but to have.

That hereupon, having received good security, that he, and all that would adhere to him, should be safe in their Persons, Honours, and Consciences, in the Scots Army, who would joyn with the King and his Forces, in procuring a happy Peace, and his rights, he resolved to put himself into that Army, and to use the best means by conjunction of them, with the Forces of the Mar­quess of Montross, and his Friends in England and Ireland to endeavour the setling of a good Peace.

The Treaty proceeded for the surrender of Ox­ford, the General had nineteen thousand five hun­dred men in his Army.

(8.) Mr. Hudson, one of the Kings guides to the Scots Army, was discovered at Rochester com­ing to London, and apprehended.

Papers from the Scots Commissioners here touch­ing the Kings Letters to the Marquess of Ormond, whereof they say, they had no knowledge nor hand in it, ordered to be considered at a set day.

Ordinance for a thousand pound a Month for the Garrison of Henley.

Bostall House was surrendrd to the Parliament up­on Articles.

A Letter of thanks to the General, and order for thanksgiving to God for the several late suc­cesses.

(9.) Votes, That the King in going to the Scots Votes. Army intended to prolong the War against the Parlia­ment in England, and to make a difference between the two Kingdoms.

That there should be a Declaration to set forth the Jealousies and fears, and the grounds thereof, this King­dom had, to be presented to the States of Scotland, and their Commissioners here.

Order for the Execution of the Ordinance for Church-Government.

Letters intercepted going to Oxford to incou­rage them to hold out, and that the King was in the Scots Army.

Recruits came out of Scotland to the Army at New-castle.

The Lord Byron surrendred Caernarvon Castle to Major General Mitton upon Articles.

[Page 214] Letters and Papers read of transactions between the Marquess of Worcester, and the Committee of Monmouth, and L. G. Morgan and his Lp. for the surrender of Ragland Castle, which Morgan by command of Sir Thomas Fairfax summoned, and the Marquess desired liberty to send to the King to know his Pleasure, which Morgan denied, ‘al­ledging that the King was in the Army of the Scots our Friends, who had proclaimed that none formerly in Arms against the Parliament should be admitted to any conference with him.’ The Marquess resolved to stand it out to the utter­most.

(10.) Order for Circuits to be gone, and the Commissioners of the Seal to appoint Judges.

Messages between the two Houses, about the re­ception of the Russia Embassador, and about an house for him.

(11.) Several Orders in private matters.

Col. Glyn voted to be Governor of Caernarvon Castle.

The Garrison of Bostall house marched out, and left four Brass Pieces, and one Iron Gun, store of Provisions and Ammunition.

(12.) A Ship was taken with Ammunition, and Provisions for Pendennis Castle, and divers Letters intercepted in her.

Some of the Sheriffs and Common Council of London, came to the House, gave them thanks for their unwearied labours, and desired that in any act or propositions care might be taken of the Rights and Privi­ledges of the City, and were answered, that the House have been, and ever will be tender of the Rights and Pri­viledges of the City.

Order concerning an honourable reception of the Russia Ambassador.

(13.) The Russia Ambassador solemnly recei­ved, and delivered his Message for Unity between Russia Am­bassador. the two Nations, and concerning Trade.

The Judges were appointed in several Circuits, and the Commissioners of the Seal ordered to issue forth Commissions and Warrants requisite for that purpose.

The Order for Church Government published, and ordered to be put in Execution.

Two hundred Sallyed out of Farrington House, fell upon the Guards, but the Parliament Forces wounded their Commander Major Hen, and took him Prisoner, killed two Lieutenants, and five o­thers, took four Horses, forty brown bills, and forced the rest into the House again, and lost but four men.

(15.) Letters from Ireland informed of a great defeat given to the Protestant Forces in Ireland by the Irish Rebels, the House ordered several Supplys for those Forces, and ordered five thousand Foot and fifteen hundred Horse to be provided for that Service.

Referred to the Committee of Ireland to dispose of the Forces under Major General Massey for the Irish Service, and the rest to be disbanded, the like for other Forces in several Counties.

Complaint of the Major, and others of Derby against some of the Soldiers of that Garrison, up­on his commitment of four of them for Sheepsteal­ing, the House ordered those Forces to be dispo­sed of for Ireland, and that Garrison to be dismant­led.

The Scots Forces in Ʋlster marched out of their Garrisons under Major General Monrow to fall up­on the Rebels, all of them were about five thou­sand Foot, and eleven Troops of Horse, they were informed that the Rebels had eight Regi­ments of Foot, and twelve Troops of Horse com­pleatly armed, but the Scots would not believe it, nor valued it, but the Brittish Forces marched after them.

The Rebells drew up in good order in a place of advantage, and set divers Ambuscadoes, the Brit­tish Scots de­feated by Irish Re­bels. Horse drew up so near them, that they were galled and retired, their Ambuscadoes made the Protestants retire, and after some hours hot dispute, the Rebels prevailed, near five hundred of the Pro­testants killed, taken, and routed, five field pieces with all the Ammunition, and Baggage lost, and a­bout five thousand Foot Arms, and most of the Officers killed and taken.

The Lord Mont-gomery, and Lord Blaney taken, the Lord Conweys Son had two Horses killed, yet mounted on a third, and escaped, many Horses lost and men wounded.

Letters from the King to both Houses of Par­liament Letters from the King. to the same effect as formerly.

That the propositions for Peace be hastned to him.

That he may come to London with safety, freedom, and honour, where he resolves to comply with the Houses in what shall be most for the good of his Subjects.

That he will disband his Garrisons as by the inclosed Warrant appears, only upon honourable conditions, and will send for the Prince.

Papers came from the Scots Commissioners to From the Scots. the Parliament with these Letters, and very fair expressions in them pursuant to the Covenant, and that they had perswaded the King since his coming to their Army, to give satisfaction to his Subjects, and they hope such propositions will speedily be sent to his Majesty, as may settle Religion and Peace in both King­doms, and they shall willingly depart home.

Another paper was a Copy of that which the Committee of Estates presented to the King, de­siring that the Prince might not go beyond Seas.

(16.) Progress about the propositions for Peace, they agreed that the Militia should be in both houses of Parliament for twenty years.

Letters informed that the Scots perswaded the King to take the Covenant.

The Articles were almost agreed for the surren­der of Oxford.

(17.) A Letter from the King to the Prince, intercepted and read in the Houses, and was to A Letter to the prince. this effect, to tell him.

That he had written to his Mother about him, and would have him to obey her in all things except Religi­on.

Debate about the Militia.

Ordinance for a Collection for the poor of Ab­bington.

(18.) The Examinations and Confession of Mr. Hudson, one of the Guides that led the King to the Scots Army, were read, and referred to the Committee, who are to draw up the Declaration to be presented to the King, and to the Estates of Scotland, and the Committee was ordered to pro­ceed further in these Examinations.

Hudson said that the King crossed the Countrey, The Kings passage from Ox­ford to the Scots. was at Henley, Harrow on the Hill, and at Brain­ford, and almost perswaded to come to London, and then he went to St. Albans, and so to Harbo­rough, where the French Agent was to have met him with some Horse, but came not, from thence the King went to Stamford, from thence to Down­ham in Norfolke, where he lay at a petty Alc-house, that he passed sometimes by the name of Hudson's Tutor, sometimes Doctor, and sometimes as Ash­burnhams Servant.

Order for the Speaker to write to the Scots Commissioners for an answer of the last Letter of the Parliament.

[Page 215] A Petition of the Committee of Wilts of the Robberies and Cruelties of the Forces under Major General Massey quartered in those parts, so that none could travail, nor remain in their houses with safety.

A Letter ordered for Sir Tho. Fairfax to sup­press them, and soon after the House ordered them for Ireland.

A Petition of Newbury of the sufferings by the War, referred to the Committee of the three Counties, to cousider of a way for their relief.

Supplys for Garrisons, and an order for Capt. Batten to be Governor of Holy Island.

(20.) The Earl of Ormonds Quarter master with divers Letters and Papers about him was ap­prehended in London, and a Committee named to examine him, and to peruse the Papers.

A difference between the Committee of Kent, and the Committee for the Prince Elector, refer­red Oppressi­ons of Commit­tees. to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations, and debate about Committees in Ge­neral, and the oppressions and illegalities of some of them, referred to a Committee to consider of restraining them.

Progress upon propositions for the Peace.

News came that the Prince was in France.

The Treaty for the Surrender of Oxford was agreed, Farrington was willing to Surrender upon the same terms with Oxford; but Wallengford still held out, two of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Commissio­ners went into Oxford to see the Governor, and Council there, to sign the Articles; and two from them came to Sir Tho. Fairfax to see him sign them, which were as followeth.

Articles of Agreement, concluded and agreed on by his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, Knight, General of the Forces raised by the Parliament, on the one Party; and the Right Honourable Sir Richard Lane Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, Francis, Lord Cottington, Lord High Trea­surer of England, Will. Marquess of Hert­ford, Edw. Earl of Dorset, Lord Chamber­lain of his Majesties Honourable Houshould, Tho. Earl of Southampton, Francis Earl of Chichest. Francis Lord Seymour, Sir Edw. Nicholas Knt. one of his Majesties Principal Secretaries of State, all of them being of his Majesties most honourable Privy Council, and Sir Tho. Glemham Knt. &c. Governor of Oxford, on the other Party: for, and concern­ing the Rendring of the Garrison of Oxford, as followeth.

1. THat the Garrison of Oxford, with the Castle, Forts, Mounts, and places of Defence whatsoever, with all the Ord­nance, Arms, Ammunition, and Provisi­ons of War, with all Magazins, and Stores there­unto belonging, excepting what is allowed in the ensuing Articles, shall be delivered to the General Sir Thomas Fairfax, or whom he shall appoint, without wilful spoyl, or embezlement, upon Wed­nesday the 24th. of this Instant June, at ten of the Clock in the Morn. or there about.

2. That his Highness the Duke of York shall have an honourable Convoy to London, where o­ther of his Majesties Children are, attended by his Officers and Servants, and sitting accommodation for the removal of his Houshold and Goods thi­ther, and shall have an honourable Provision besit­ting his Dignity appointed for him by the Parlia­ment, and to remain there, untill his Majestics Pleasure be known touching his setling there or elsewhere, and then to be disposed accordingly to any place within fourscore miles of London, and shall have such Officers and Servants to continue a­bout him, as the Parliament shall approve.

3. That their Highnesses Prince Rupert, and Prince Maurice, shall have Liberty and Passes for themselves with their Servants, Horses, Arms, and Goods, (the number of their Horses for them and their Train not exceeding seventy,) to repair to any place within fifty miles of London, (so it be not within twenty miles of London, without leave from the Parliament, nor in any Garrison) and there to abide for the space of six Months after the rendring, free from any molestation by imposition of Oaths, or otherwise; and shall have Passes to go beyond the Sea at any time within the said six months, with their said Servants, Horses, Arms, and Goods, they ingaging themselves upon their Honours not to use the Liberty hereby granted in the mean time to any Hostility against the Parlia­ment of England, sitting at Westminster, or any way wilfully to the prejudice of their affairs; and they are to have the benefit of such the ensuing Articles, as may concern them.

4. That the Seals called the Great Seal, Pri­vy Seal, the Signet, and the Seals of the Kings Bench, Exchequer, Court of Wards, Dutchy, Ad­miralty, and Prerogative, as also the Sword of State, shall at such time, and in the presence of two such Persons, as the General Sir Tho. Fairfax shall appoint, be lockt up in a Chest, and left in the Publick Library. And if any of the forenamed particulars shall not be then accordingly produced, the default thereof shall not be charged upon any other person, than such as hath the Custody there­of, or shall wilfully detain or embezel the same.

5. That Sir Thomas Glemham Knight, &c. Go­vernor March forth. of Oxford, with his Servants, and all that to him belongs, and all Officers and Soldiers of Horse and Foot, and of the Train of Artillery, (as well reformed Officers and Soldiers as others) with their Servants, and all that pertains unto them, shall march out of the City of Oxford with their Horses and compleat Arms that properly belong unto them proportionable to their present or past Commands, Flying Colours, Trumpets sounding, Drums beating, Matches lighted at both Ends, Bul­let in their Mouths, and every Soldier to have twelve Charges of Powder, Match, and Bullet proportionable, and with Bag, and Baggage, to any place within fifteen miles of Oxford, which the Governor shall chuse, where such of the Common Soldiers as desire to go to their own homes, or Friends, shall lay down their Arms, which shall be delivered up to such as the General, Sir Tho. Fair­fax shall appoint to receive them. And all Officers and Soldiers, as well Reformed as others, that shall desire to go to their Homes or Friends, shall have the Generals Pass and Protection for their Peaceable repair to, and abode at the several places they shall so desire to go unto, and shall have free Quarter allowed them in all their Marc [...] from Ox­ford, tothose several places. The Officers, as well Re­formed as other to pass with equipage of Horses and complete Arms answerable to their present or past Commands, and common Troopers with their Horses and Swords only, and all to pass with Bag and Baggage as aforesaid: and that all other Offi­cers and Soldiers (in case there be any such) that [Page 216] shall desire to take entertainment from any foreign Kingdom or State, shall have free Quarter allowed them for twenty eight days, from their march out of Oxford, and shall have Passes for their Officers, not exceeding ten, with their Horses and two Ser­vants a piece to go to London to treat with any fo­reign Foreign Kingdoms Ambassador or Agent for entertainment; and all of them shall have Liberty and Passes to March (the Officers with their complete Arms and Horses proportionable to their present or past Command, and the Common Soldiers with their Arms, and all with Bag and Baggage,) to the Quarters near to Harwich, or to Portsmouth, or any Port between them, to be transported: Which Arms (except Officers complete Arms and Horses, and Swords for the Common Soldiers, which they may transport) they shall there lay down and deliver to such as the Gen. shall appoint, or unto the Governor of the next Garrison belonging unto the Parliament, who shall take care for their safety during their abode there, and untill shipping can be provided and weather seasonable, they paying for their Quarter after the said twenty eight days expired, and shall assist them for procuring Vessels and shipping for their trans­portation at the usual Rates accustomed for freight; the Officers and Soldiers, and others before trans­portation engaging themselves by promise, not to return into this Kingdom in Hostility against the Parliament in Bodies as they go, or in Conjunction with other Forces, or in command of any Forces invading this Kingdom; and no Oath, or any other engagement of this, or the like nature to be during their said stay, or at their transportation imposed upon them, saving an engagement by Promise not to do any act of Hostility, or of wilful prejudice against the Parliament, during their said stay in England.

And its declared, that those of the three Auxiliary Regiments consisting of Gentlemen and their Ser­vants, Scholars, Citizens, and Inhabitants, who are not properly of the Garrison in pay: and such Reformed Officers and Soldiers, who shall not be willing to march forth, shall not be forced to march out upon this Article, but shall have the benefit of the following Articles to remove or remain in Ox­ford, and in all things else which may concern them: and those also who shall march forth shall have the benefit of the ensuing Articles in all things, except for remaining in Oxford.

6. That the Governor shall be allowed and assisted in the procuring a sufficient number of Carts, Teams and Boats, and other necessaries for the car­rying Carts. away all goods allowed in these Articles be­longing to any Officers, or persons of Quality now residing in the Garrison, they paying the accusto­med rates, and that such persons as cannot pre­sently through want of Carriages or otherwise, convey them away, shall be assisted with Carriages at any time within three Months for the disposing thereof.

7. That no Officer or Soldier, nor any person whatsoever comprised in this Capitulation, shall be reproached, or have any disgraceful speeches or affronts offered to them, or be stopped, plun­dered, Reproach. or injured in their March, Rendesvous, or Quarters, journeys, or places of abode; and if any such thing shall fall out, satisfaction shall be given at the judgement of any two or more of the Com­missioners, they being equal in number of each Party, nor shall the persons aforesaid be inticed, nor any of them be compelled to take up Arms a­gainst the King, nor be imprisoned, restrained, su­ed, Arms. or molested for any matter or cause whatso­ever, be it of publick or private interest, before Sued. the rendring of the Garrison, during six months after the Rendring thereof. And if any Officer, Soldier or Person be sick or wounded, that they cannot at present enjoy the benefit of these Arti­cles, that such persons shall have liberty to stay untill they be recovered, and fit accommodation Sick. and subsistance shall be provided for them during their stay, and then to enjoy the benefit of these Articles.

8. That all Horses, Arms, Money, and other Goods whatsoever, taken as Lawful prize of War, Prize. before or during the Siege and now remaining in the City, be continued in the possession of the pre­sent possessors.

9. That these Articles shall extend to the use Strangers. and benefit of all Strangers of any foraign Kingdom or State, residing within this Garrison, together with their Wives, Children, Servants, Horses, Arms, Goods, Money and Debts.

10. That all persons included in these Articles, Remains. without exception of any (other then the Soldi­ers, which are to march out upon the fifth Article) shall have liberty during the space of three Months after rendring the Garrison, either to remain in Oxford, or to remove themselves, with their Fa­milies, Goods, Horses, and all things that proper­ly belong unto them, or to their disposal. And all Noble men, Gentlemen, and persons of Quali­ty, with their Arms and other Equipage, to their Houses or Friends, without any prejudice to their Friends for receiving them.

11. That all Lords, Gentlemen, Clergy-men, Sequestra­tion. Officers, Soldiers, and all other persons in Oxford, or comprized in this Capitulation, who have estates real or personal, under or lyable to Sequestrations according to Ordinance of Parliament, and shall desire to compound for them (except persons by name excepted by Ordinance of Parliament from pardon,) shall at any time within six months after rendring the Garrison of Oxford, be admitted to compound for their Estates, which Composition shall not exceed two years Revenue for Estates of Inheritance, and for Estates for Lives, Years, and other real and Personal Estates, shall not exceed the proportion aforesaid for Inheritances accord­ing to the value of them. And that all persons aforesaid whose dwelling houses are Sequestred, (except before excepted) may after the Rendring of the Garrison repair to them, and there abide, convenient time being allowed to such as are placed there under the Sequestrations for their removal. And it is agreed that all the profits, and Revenues arising out of their Estates after the day of entring their names as Compounders, shall remain in the hands of the Tenants, or Occupiers, to be answer­ed to the Compounders when they have perfected their agreements for their Compositions. And that they shall have liberty, and the General Pass and Protection for their peaceable repair to, and abode at their several Houses or Friends, and to go to London to attend their Compositions, or elsewhere upon their necessary occasions, with freedom of their persons from Oaths, Engagements and Mo­lestations Oaths. during the space of six Months: And af­ter so long as they prosecute their Compositions, without wilfull default or neglect on their part, ex­cept an engagement by promise, not to bear Arms against the Parliament, nor wilfully to do any Act prejudicial to their Affairs, so long as they remain in their Quarters. And it is further agreed, that from and after their Compositions made, they shall be forthwith restored to, and enjoy their E­states, and all other Immunities as other Subjects, together with the Rents and Profits, from the time of entring their names, discharged of Seque­strations, and from Fifths, and Twentieth parts, and other payments and Impositions, ex­cept [Page 217] such as shallbe general and common to them with others.

12. That no Lords, Gentlemen, Clergy-men, Scholars, Officers, Soldiers, Citizens, nor any o­ther persons included in this Capitulation, (ex­cept the persons mentioned before, to be excepted from pardon) shall be molested or questioned for any thing said or done, in or concerning this War, Said or done. or relating to the unhappy differences between his Majesty and the Parliament, they submitting to Composition, as in the precedent Article; and that the Persons before-mentioned to be excepted from Pardon, shall have the benefit of this Article, Excepted persons. during the space of six Months, from the rendring of the Garrison, and after, if they be admitted to, and agree for their Compositions.

13. That the persons mentioned before to be Excepted persons. excepted from Pardon, shall have liberty, and the Generals Pass and Protection for themselves, Fa­milies, Horses, Goods, and all things that pro­perly belong unto them now in Oxford, to go un­to and abide at their own Houses, or their Friends; for the space of six Months after the rendring of the Garrison: and within that time to repair un­to London to endeavour Compositions for their E­states, and Indemnity of their Persons, and to make their Peace: and if they cannot obtain it, shall have Passes to go beyond the Seas at any time with­in the said six Months; and that no other Engage­ment shall be put upon them, save by promise, not to bear Arms against the Parliament, nor wilfully do any act prejudicial to their Affairs, so long as they remain in their Quarters.

14. That the Chancellor, Masters, and Scholars of the University of Oxford, and the Governors University and Students of Christs Church, of King Henry the eighth his Foundation, and all other Heads and Governors, Masters, Fellows, and Scholars of the Colledges, Halls, and Bodies Corporate and Societies of the same University, and the publick profes­sors and Readers, and the Orators thereof, and all other persons belonging to the said University, or to any Colledges or Halls therein, shall and may according to their Statutes, Charters, and Customs, enjoy their antient form of Government subordi­nate to the immediate Authority and Power of Parliament: and that all the Rights, Priviledges, Franchises, Lands, Tenements, Houses, Possessi­ons, Rents, Revenues, Hereditaments, Libraries, Debts, Goods, and Chattles belonging to the said University, or to Christs Church, or to any Col­ledges or Halls in the said University (except such Rents and Revenues as have been already taken and received by Ordinance of Parliament) shall be en­joyed by them respectively as aforesaid, free from Sequestrations, Fines, Taxes, and all other mo­lestations, whatsoever, for, or under colour of any thing whatsoever relating to this present War, or to the unhappy differences between his Majesty and the Parliament. And that all Churches, Chappels, Colledges, Halls, Libraries, Schools, and publick Buildings within or belonging to the City, or U­niversity, or to Christs Church, or the several Colledges or Halls thereof, shall be preserved from defacing and Spoyl. And if any removal shall be made by the Parliament of any Head, or other Members of the University, Christs Church, Col­ledges or Halls, that those so removed shall enjoy their profits during the space of six Months after the rendring of Oxford, and shall have convenient time allowed them for the removal of themselves and their Goods from their Lodgings: Provided that this shall not extend to retard any Refor­mation there intended by the Parliament, nor give them any liberty to intermeddle in the Government.

15. That the Mayor, Bayliffs, and Commonal­ty, and all Corporations within the City, shall en­joy their antient Government, and their Charters, Customs, Franchises, Liberties, Lands, Goods, City Cor­poration. and Debts, and all things else whatsoever which belong to them as Corporations subordinate to the immediate authority and power of Parliament; and shall not be molested or questioned by colour of any thing before the rendring of this Garrison, done or ordered by them in the capacity of Corpo­rations, relating to the differences between his Ma­jesty and the Parliament.

16. That the Citizens, and Inhabitants of the City. City, shall not be charged with free Quarter, or Billet of Soldiers other than for lodging, except in urgent time of necessity, and that to be ordered and disposed by the advice of the Mayor, or his Deputy, and that in all publick Taxes they shall be charged proportionably with the County; and that no Scholar, Citizen, or Inhabitant in the U­niversity and City of Oxford, shall be troubled, or questioned for taking up Arms in the Garrison by express Command, during the time it was a Gar­rison, for the defence thereof: And that the Scho­lars, Citizens, and Inhabitants shall have the bene­fit of this Capitulation in all things that may con­cern them.

17. That no Officer, Soldier, or other Person who by the Aricles are to march out of the City Plunder. or Suburbs, or to march in, shall plunder, spoyl, or injure any Scholar, Citizen, or Inhabitant, or other person in Oxford, in their Persons, Goods, or E­states, or carry away any thing that is properly be­longing to any of them.

18. That all Ladies, Gentlewomen, and other Ladyes. Women now in Oxford, whose Husbands or Friends are absent from thence, may have Passes and Pro­tections for themselves, Servants and Goods, to go to, and remain at the Houses of their Husbands, or at their Friends, as they shall desire; and to go or send to London, or elsewhere, to obtain the Allowances out of their Husbands or Parents Estates allotted them by Ordinance of Parliament.

19. That such of his Majesties Houshold Ser­vants Kings Ser­vants. who shall desire to go to his Majesty, may have free Liberty and Passes to go accordingly at any time within one Month next after the Rendring of the Garrison. And that his Majesties Houshold stuff, and other his peculiar Goods which are now in Oxford; may be carried to his Majesties House at Hampton Court; and his Servants under whose charge or custody any of them are, shall be allow­ed and assisted in the procuring of Carts, Boats, and Carriages for the removal of them thither, and there to remain till his Majesty shall otherwise dispose of them, and then to be sent or disposed accordingly. And that such of his Majesties Ser­vants who are not able for the present to go unto him, shall have Liberty, Passes, and Protections to go to and remain at his Majesties said house at Hampton Court, and have liberty to attend the Committee for his Majesties Revenues, to procure a competent allowance out of his Majesties Reve­nue for their subsistence, untill his Majesty shall o­therwise provide for, or dispose of them.

20. That all Clergy-men now in Oxford, who Clergy-men. shall not upon Composition or otherwise, be resto­red to their Church-Livings, shall have Liberty to go to London to obtain some fitting allowance for the livelihood of themselves and their Families.

21. That it is intended, declared, and agreed, Injoy Goods. That all persons comprised within these Articles, shall peaceably and quietly enjoy all their Goods, Debts, and Moveables allowed by these Articles during the space of six Months, after Rendring [Page 218] the Garrison: and that they shall be free from all Oaths, Engagements, and Molestations, except an Engagement by promise not to bear Arms against the Parliament, nor wilfully do any Act prejudicial to their Affairs, so long as they remain in their Quar­ters: and that they shall have liberty within the Free from Oaths. space of six Months (in case they should be resol­ved to go beyond Seas) to dispose of their Goods, Debts, and Moveables, allowed by these Articles, and depart the Kingdom, if they shall think fit: and to have Passes for their Transportation; or otherwise to stay in the Kingdom.

22. That if any of these Articles shall in any And bro­ken. point be broken or violated by any Person or Per­sons in Oxford, or comprised within this Capitula­tion, the fault and punishment shall be upon him or them only who made the breach or violation, and shall not be imputed to, or charged upon any other not assenting thereunto, or not an actor in it.

23. That the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Duke of Richmond. Lindsey, and their Servants that came forth with them, shall enjoy the benefit of these Articles in whatsoever may concern them.

24. That the Garrison of Farringdon, shall be Farringdon Rendred to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the Governor, Gentlemen, Soldiers, and all other of what quality soever within those Garrisons, shall enjoy the benefit of these Articles in every particular which may concern them, they rendring the Garrison accordingly as Oxford.

25. That all persons comprised in these Articles, shall (upon request) have a Certificate Certificate under the hand of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fair­fax, or the future Governor of the City, That such Persons were in the City at the time of the Surrender thereof, and are to have the benefit of these Articles.

26. That the General Sir Thomas Fairfax, shall Messen­gers to the King. give a Pass to one or two Messengers with their Servants, to go unto the King to give him an Ac­count of the proceedings upon this Treaty and conclusion thereof, and to return, and receive the benefit of these Articles.

Dated at Water-Eaton,

June 20, 1646.

(22.) The Propositions for Peace agreed upon and the City of London to have power of their own Militia, they were ordered to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners here, and upon their con­currence, to be sent to his Majesty.

Mr. Dell, the Generals Chaplain, brought Let­ters, and the Articles of Oxford to the Parlia­ment.

Orders for Money for the Scots, and about Mr. Charles Howards Composition.

Col. Birch Besieged Goodrich Castle.

(23.) The Articles of Oxford approved, and fifty pound gratuity to Mr. Dell, and thirty pound to the Messenger.

Order for the Duke of York to be brought to St. Jame's, and provided for in an honourable way.

Sir William Brereton being come into the House, the Speaker by order, gave him thanks for his good Services, particularly for that of Chester.

(24.) The Monthly Fast, after the Sermons, divers new Elected Members took the Covenant.

(25.) Some Masters of Hospitals appointed.

Beumaris Town and Castle surrendred to Ma­jor General Mitton, and he was voted to be Go­vernor there.

Orders for Money, and for a Ship at Anglesey.

The Marquess of Argyle, and Scots Commissio­ners: presented some papers to the Houses, one was

That the Quarters of their Army in the North Papers from the Scots. might be inlarged, and Money provided for them, and other supplys, as for the other Forces.

That Ships may be sent to prevent the landing of the Irish Rebels in Scotland.

That the Parliament here would send Commissioners to joyn with the Commissioners of Estates of Scotland, at Newcastle, to testifie the endeavours of the Scots, and to assist them in perswading his Majesty to a good Peace; and to have power to treat and settle the accounts between the two Kingdoms, that all Forces may be dis­banded, and the fruits of Peace enjoyed by both Nati­ons.

Another Letter was read, being from the King, Letter from the King. to the Marquess of Ormond in Ireland, to discharge all further Treaty with the Irish Rebels.

Letters informed, that the Lord [...]roghill had ta­ken in the Garrison of Blaney in Ireland, and given the Rebels some other small defeats.

Oxford was surrendred to Sir Tho. Fairfax, no Oxford Surren­dred. affront nor injury offered by any of his Sol­diers to those of the Garrison when they marched forth, but all the Articles punctually observed; divers Irish men and Irish Women went out with them, the Garrison were in all about seven Thou­sand men.

After the Governor was marched forth, the Keys of the City were presented to the General, who ordered three Foot Regiments to march into the Town, and between them and the Citizens was courteous language; and not a reproachful or uncivil word by any of the Army to them; nor the least disorder.

They left in the City about thirty pieces of Ordnance, but little provision for Man or Horse, but after the Parliament Forces had entred the Ci­ty, the Countrey people thereabouts brought in store of Provisions.

The Duke of York and divers great Lords re­mained in Oxford, till they might receive the Kings order, for which they had sent Messengers to him.

The next day the Citizens opened their Shops, and there was a full Market again.

Farringdon was likewise surrendred, and accom­modation Farringdon surren­dred. was sent for to London, for removal of the Duke of York thither, and surely no action or agreement either of War or Peace was ever more punctually observed, than was this of the Oxford Articles.

Order for an Express to be sent to Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice, that the Parliament took no­tice of their breach of the Oxford Articles, by coming so near to London as Oatlands, and requi­ring them to transport themselves beyond Seas within ten days if it could be, or else to lose the benefit of those Articles.

Debate about the Preamble to the Propositions for Peace.

(27.) The propositions for Peace were all a­greed, and a Committee named to consider of the manner of passing them, and another Committee to be as Conservators of the Peace between both Kingdoms.

(29.) Debate about the dismantling of Gar­risons, that of Oxford put off, that of Winchester voted to be slighted.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to take care for the security of the City, upon the re­pair of so many Delinquents thither from the Kings Quarters.

[Page 219] Order about the Judges who are to go Circuits, and for allowances for them.

The General Commanded a select Council, Crom­well, Ireton, Lambert, Fleet-wood, and Whitelocke to consult about disposing part of the Army to seve­ral Places and Sieges where there was need of Select Council. them, and also, about the reducing of Wallingford, and what conditions to send to them.

According to their advice, Articles were drawn up, to be sent to Wallingford, and Whitelocke was made use of as their Secretary, and there were two Regiments sent thither, two more to Ragland, and four Regiments to Worcester.

(30.) The Princes, Rupert and Maurice sent a very respectful answer to the Parliaments Letter to them, that they were sorry that they had given them any offence, had no intention to do it, and would obey their orders.

The Prince Elector had leave to go and see his Brethren.

A Committee named to draw up an additional proposition for confirmation of the great Seal, and invalidating of Acts passed by the Seal which was carried away to Oxford.

One Morgan a Popish Priest executed.

July, 1646.

July 1. Debate upon Ordinances touching the Excise, and for moneys for Soldiers and Wi­dows.

Order for reception of the French Ambassador, one of the Lords, and two of the Commons to French Am­bassador. come to him at his first landing.

The Garrison of Worcester agreed to a Trea­ty for the surrender of it.

(2.) The Earl of Kent voted to be L. Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.

Orders that all Papists and Irish be put out of the lines of Communication, and out of Corporations, and that they that came from Oxford should be in their lodgings by nine a Clock, the like for others that came out of any of the Kings Garrisons, and that they have no Arms, and that at Guild-hall they produce their Passes, and ingage not to bear Arms against the Parliament, and this order to be published by beat of Drum and sound of Trum­pet.

Thus we may see that even after almost a Con­quest, yet they apprehended no safety, such are the issues and miseries of a Civil War, that the Victors are full of fears, from those whom they have subdued, no quiet, no security. O let our Prayers be to God, never to have such calamitous times again.

Letters from Major General Mitton informed the readiness and assistance of Bishop Williams Bish. Wil­liams. to promote the Parliaments affairs, and particu­larly for the reducing of the Castle of Conwey, gi­ving his advice, and being very active in that and all other matters for the Parliament.

(3.) Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax gave an ac­count of the disposal of his Forces since the rendi­tion of Oxford, and the state he had put that City in, and he sent up the great Seals, and several o­ther Seals, which were there rendred to him.

Mr. Harbert, one of the Commissioners for the Army, presented the Seals to the House. The Seals.

The great Seal which was carried away from the Parliament, the Privy Seal, the Signet Royal, the Seal of the Kings Bench, the Seals of the Exchequer, and of the Court of Wards, and of the Admiral­ty, and the Sword.

Order for all those Seals to be broken; and the Sword to be kept in the Kings Wardrobe.

Vote for the Earl of Salisbury to be one of the Commissioners of the great Seal, in the place of the Earl of Bullingbroke deceased.

The proposition past the Commons, and sent up to the Lords, for making void what pas­sed under the great Seal at Oxford, and honours in Ireland, and for confirming the great Seal here; to which the Lords agreed, and it was ordered to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners.

Order for Letters from both Houses to the King, to desire him to send order to the Marquess of Ormond, to deliver the Forts in Ireland in his hands to such as the Parliament should appoint.

A Petition from L. C. Lilburne to the Com­mons, Lilburne. appealing from the judgment of the Lords who had Committed him, referred to a Commit­tee to consider of the priviledges of the Commo­ners of England.

(4.) L. G. Pointz called into the House, gave Pointz: them an account of the Northern Forces, they or­dered a thousand pound to him in part of his Ar­rears, and two hundred pound as a guift to buy him a Sword and a brace of Geldings, and order­ed three hundred pound per An. to him and his Heirs, and gave him the thanks of the House.

Ordinance for ten thousand pounds for the Nor­thern Forces.

Petition of London, shewing that they intended to Petition the King, a Copy of which they pre­sented London's Petition. to the House for their approbation, the House appointed a time to consider of it.

The Lords gave the City thanks for the like Pe­tition.

Col. Jones his Regiment to be hastned for Ire­land.

Papers from the Scots Commissioners which they Scots Pa­pers. received from New-Castle presented to the House.

One was a Declaration from General Leven and his Officers, That they will adhere to the Covenant, and will preserve the Ʋnion between the two Kingdoms, and not countenance any disaffected to either Parlia­ment, that they abhor all wayes contrary to the Cove­nant, Disclaim the Kings Letter to the Marquess of Ormond. That as they came into England out of af­fection, and not in a mercenary way, so they will be as willing to return home, and want of Pay shall be no hin­drance thereunto, and that the Kings unexpected coming to their Army hath not wrought in them any thing contrary to the Covenant.

Another Paper was a Petition of General Leven Petition. and his Officers to the King. That his Majesty would take a speedy course to settle Religion and Church-Go­vernment, the Liberties & Priviledges of his Kingdoms, to sign the Covenant, and to comply with the Councils of his Parliaments, that all differences might be com­posed, and all Armies disbanded.

To which the King answered, That he came to the The Kings Answer. Scots Army with intent to settle Peace, and to satisfie the just desires of his good Subjects, and to comply with his Parliament in all things for the good of Religi­on, and the Happiness of his Subjects; and when Peace shall be setled, he will find out some honourable means for imployment of so many gallant men, as are in this Army.

(6.) Malignant Ministers to be disabled from any Livings of the Church.

Instructions passed for the Commissioners to go Commissi­oners for Peace. to the King with the propositions for Peace, they were to demand his Majesties positive Answer to [Page 220] them; which if not given within ten days, they were to return to the Parliament.

Commissioners for the House of Lords were the Earls of Pembroke and Suffolke, for the House of Commons, Sir Jo. Danvers, Sir Jo. Hippesley, Mr. Robinson, and Sir Walter Earle.

Letters from the Deputy Major of New-Castle, that he had hindred Delinquents from coming to his Majesty. His action was approved, and order for a Declaration to give power to the Northern Committees to hinder Delinquents from coming to his Majesty.

Debate touching slighting of Inland Garrisons, and referred to the respective Committees to do it in the North and West.

Vote against the Scots renewed.

That this Kingdom had no more need of the Scots Ar­my, Vote a­gainst the Scots. and that the Scots Commissioners should be de­sired to take order that their Army might be with­drawn out of this Kingdom, which is no longer able to bear them.

The Lords desired a Committee of both Houses might be appointed to reform Cambridge Universi­ty, and to slight that Garrison.

(7.) Sir John Danvers desired to be excused, and Mr. Robert Goodwin was named in his stead one of the Commissioners to go with the Propositions to his Majesty.

Captain Johnson that brought up the last Message from the King had twenty pound.

Divers Ordinances past for Compositions.

Petitions about Tyn, and about the Fens.

Divers Ministers from the Assembly in Scotland, Scots Mini­sters. came to the King with a Petition to him to take the Covenant, but would preach to him before it were delivered.

Sir Peter Killegrew went to the King with the Letter of both Houses, touching Ireland.

(8.) Order for stating the Accounts of Sir Will. Brereton as Major General.

The Committee of Examinations dissolved, not having done well.

Order for five thousand pound for the Forces before Litchfield, and that Sir Will. Brereton should go down to that Siege.

Orders for relief of Ireland.

Reports of Compositions and Orders.

Worcester demanded higher Articles than Oxford had.

Wallingford was upon Treaty, but the Go­vernor Col. Blagge sent an high and proud Letter to the General.

Blagge desired a Cessation, and the General agreed to it to prevent the burning of the Town, which Col. Blagge intended, and the Commissioners met on both parts about it.

The Cessation from all acts of Hostility was a­greed for four days.

(9.) Order to discharge the attendants of the Duke of York, when he should come to St. Jameses, Duke of York. and six hundred pound to buy a Coach and Appa­rel for him.

Mr. Marshall ordered to go with the Commissio­ners that carried the Propositions.

Money for the Scots Officers.

Intelligence that the Prince was come into France to his Mother, and that the Lord Digby was gone for Ireland, and that the Earl of Glamorgan was in the head of an Army there.

Monsieur Bellieure the French Ambassador to the Parliament landed.

Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice took Ship­ping.

Major General Massey took his place in the House.

The Treaty for Worcester broke off.

(10.) Ordinance committed for Sale of De­linquents Estates, another past for Irish and Papists to go out of London.

Order for all that came in upon the Articles of Oxford, and Exeter, to ingage before the Com­mittees to act nothing prejudicial to the Parlia­ment.

Ordinance past for Mr. Woodcocke to be Parson of St. Olave Southwarke, another for redemption of Captives.

Letters from the general Assembly of the Kirke of Scotland, after complements earnestly desire the Parliament of England timeously to settle Church-Government according to the Covenant, with ex­pressions against those who hinder Uniformity, they resolve to observe the Covenant.

Another Letter from them to the Assembly of Di­vines, thanking them for their care and pains in the work of Religion, that Sectaries ought to be suppressed, &c.

Another to the Lord Mayor and Common Coun­cil of London, commending them for their Petiti­on to the Parliament about Religion, and mention­ing those of London in Queen Maries days, and the zeal of the Citizens for God, commending them for their actions in the present times, and for their countenancing the Assembly, and the Scots Commissioners; and highly incouraged them to go on.

The French Ambassador was received into Lon­don in great State.

(11.) Order for reducement of the Forces of Nottingham, and for Money for that work, and for the losses and damages of that County.

Order for a pass for the Earl of Bristol to go beyond Sea, according to Exeter Articles.

Liberty to the Earl of Cleveland upon bail to go into the Countrey for three weeks for his health.

The propositions for Peace fully passed both hou­ses.

Money for M. G. Massey's Forces.

Order for slighting divers Garrisons.

Lieutenant Col. Lilburn brought to the Barr of the Lords House, had his charge read to him, but he seemed to slight it, and was re-committed.

(13.) The Houses sate not, having resolved to adjourn this hot season two days in the week, till they had an answer to the propositions; but a Com­mittee Propositi­ons for Peace. sate to examine the ingrossment of the pro­positions, and to see them signed by the Speakers, and the Scots Commissioners, and to declare them to the Commissioners. The Propositions were to sign an Act.

1. To take away all Oaths and Proclamations against the Parliament and their Actions.

2. To Sign the Covenant, and an Act for the gene­ral taking of it.

3. To pass an Act to abolish Bishops, &c.

4. To confirm the Assembly.

5. That Religion be setled as both Houses should a­gree.

6. Ʋnity and Ʋniformity of Religion to be confirmed by an Act.

7. An Act against Jesuits, Papists, &c.

8. An Act for educating Papists Children in the Protestant Religion.

9. For Penalties against Papists.

10. Against saying of Mass in any place.

11. The like for Scotland as they shall think fit.

[Page 221] 12. For the due observation of the Lords day, and against Pluralities, non Residents, and regulating the Ʋniversities, in the same Act.

13. The Militia to be in the Parliament for twenty Years, so for Scotland, with power to raise Moneys, and use the Militia, &c. Londons Priviledges as to their Militia confirmed.

14. All Honours and Titles since the great Seal was carried from the Parliament to be void, and no Peers to be but by consent of both Houses.

15. To confirm the Treaty between England and Scotland, and conservators of the Peace to be appointed.

16. To establish the Declaration of both Kingdoms 30 June, 1643. with the qualifications of exception from Pardon, both English and Scots, and the names of those made incapable of Office, and such as have de­serted the Parliament.

17. To make void the Cessation in Ireland, the War there to be left to the Parliament, and the same Religion to be setled there as in England.

18. The Militia and Tower of London to be in the Government of the City; and their Charters to be con­firmed.

19. All grants and Process under the Great Seal here to be confirmed, and all by any other Great Seal to be void, and the like for Ireland, and all Honours granted since the Cessation there to be void.

And all these particulars to be pass'd by several Acts of Parliament.

(14.) Order for disposing and paying the For­ces under Major General Massey.

Differences between the Soldiers and Towns-men of Exeter, referred to a Committee to be composed, and orders for pay of that Garrison.

Search ordered for Materials for coining in some Trunks.

The Commissioners set forth with the Propositi­ons.

Letters informed, that Montrill, the French A­gent came to New-Castle, and brought letters from Letters from the Queen. the Queen to the King, advising him to make Peace upon any Terms, at which the King was very joy­full.

That Montross desired liberty to go beyond Sea, and that great levys of men were made in Scotland, and the Garrisons of New-Castle, Carlisle, and Berwick re-inforced by the Scots; who lay heavy upon Northumberland and the Bishoprick of Dur­ham.

(15.) An Ordinance committed for setling three hundred pound per An. on Mrs. Burghill, whose Husband was slain in the Parliaments Ser­vice, and upon their Heirs.

Upon Information of the Master of the Cere­monies, Master of the Cere­monies. an Order for the reception of the French Ambassador.

One Grady and Irish Rebels, and other Papists, apprehended and committed, and orders for ap­prehending all of their condition; and a day set for their departure out of London.

Orders for pay for several Forces.

The Kings answer to the Letters of both houses, for delivery up of the Garrisons in Ireland into the The Kings Answer. the hands of such as the Parliament should appoint, was read, and was very General, expressing great desires of Peace, and that the Propositions for it might be speedily sent to him. And that business being once well setled, those Garrisons and all the rest of the Forces will be ordered for the publick good.

(16.) Great complaints from Cumberland and Westmorland of the heavy pressures of the Scots Ar­my.

Ragland Castle held out the Siege; some of their Officers, as M. Price and others were taken Priso­ners by L. G. Morgan.

Major General Mitton Besieged Denbigh Ca­stle.

Letters informed, that the Rebels in Ireland were come within twenty miles of Dublin.

(17.) Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax gave an account to the House of the Treaty for surrender of Wallingford Castle, and desired the direction of the House, upon one Article insisted on by Col. Blagge, That they might have no Oaths nor Covenants imposed upon them after the surrender.

The House ordered the General to continue his Siege of that Castle, and would not allow of that Article.

Order that the Heads of Houses in Cambridge, for bear cutting down of Timber in Colledg Lands, till they had order from Parliament to do it.

An Ordinance sent up the Lords, for fifty thou­sand pound for Ireland.

Monsieur Bellieure the French Ambassador was re­ceived in great State and usual Ceremonies in both Houses.

(18.) A day of Thanksgiving appointed for The French Ambassa­dor. the reducing of Oxford.

Litchfield was surrendred upon Articles to Sir Will. Brereton with all their Ordnance, Arms, and Ammunition.

(20) Montross demanded, that his Son, and the Gentleman with him might enjoy their liberty and Estates, and he to go beyond Sea, otherwise he resolved to hold out, and not disband.

Letters informed great resort of Malignants En­glish and Scots to the King.

The City of Worcester was agreed to be surren­dred to the Parliament upon Articles.

(21.) The day of publick thanksgiving for the surrender of Oxford.

(22.) Debate of the French Ambassadors Mes­sage Message. which was,

That he had in command from the Queen Regent, and the King of France, to interpose and endeavour a good reconciliation of the differences between his Majesty and the Parliament of England; but seeing in what for­wardness they were, and the Propositions sent to his Majesty, he had now nothing further to do, but to take his leave, and desired their Pass to go to the King, and to the Estates of Scotland.

The Answer of the Parliament was,

That they took in good part, and thankfully, from the Answer. King of France his good affections and intentions to these Kingdoms, and willingness to see their troubles over, to end the which, they had done, and would continue to do their utmost.

But they could not agree that any Foraign State should interpose in the remaining Differences, nor in particular, the King of France by his extraordinary Ambassador.

And they agreed that he should have a Pass, and be used with all respect, and civility.

Mr. Herle voted to be Moderator of the Assem­bly, Dr. Twist being dead.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax of the surren­der Worcester surren­dred. of Worcester, and thanks ordered to be sent to him, and his Messenger had a gratuity.

Letters from the Northern Committees of the in­supportable burden upon them by the Forces there, and relief of those Counties.

A Letter from both Houses, inviting the Duke Duke of York. of York to come to London.

Order for an Ordinance for the Government of North-Wales, and for Committees there.

The Lords pass'd a Declaration for restrain­ing Malignants from coming to the King.

[Page 222] (23.) A Committee appointed to receive com­plaints against such as have been in Arms against the Parliament, with power to imprison.

Order for re-imbursing Commissioners of Ex­cise.

Some Forces of the Eastern Association met at Mutiny at St. Albans. St. Albans in a kind of mutiny, the House order­ed them to return to their several Counties.

Order for a new Election.

Goring House ordered for the Speaker.

The Ordinance for sale of Delinqueuts Estates, sent up to the Lords.

(24.) Letters informed the surrender of Wal­lingford with a Copy of the Articles.

Several Ordinances pass'd for Compositions by Delinquents.

Order for the slighting of all the Garrisons in Worcester-shire except Worcester City, and all the Horse there to be disbanded, except eighty to at­tend upon the High Sheriff.

An Ordinance appointed to be drawn for obe­dience to be yielded to Committees, so long as they should be continued; and no affronts to be of­fered to them, or to any publique Officer.

Order for a Collection for the poor in the places in Devon-shire visited with the plague.

Order for all the Horse in Bucks to be reduced to eighty only

(25.) The House did not sit.

The Commissioners arrived with the propositi­ons at New-Castle, and the King seemed well plea­sed.

(27.) The Houses sate not; many Letters came from the Northern Counties of the Miseries and devouring Charge indured by them from the Scots Army, and from the English Forces.

The Commissioners of Parliament arrived with the propositions for Peace at New-Castle, and were visited the same day by General Leven; and the King appointed them to present the propostions the next day.

A List was sent up to the Parliament of those that marched sorth of Worcester, upon the rendition of Worcester. it.

The Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord Talbot, Lord Brereton, sixteen Knights, forty four Equires, ele­ven Colonels, nine Lieutenant Colonels, fifteen Majors, seventy Captains, forty nine Lieu­tenants, twenty four Ensigns of Horse, forty En­signs of Foot, one Bishop, many Doctors and Cler­gymen, and many Ladies.

They left there twenty eight pieces of Cannon, six Drakes and sling-pieces, Arms, three thousand, Provisions for six months, and Ammunition.

(28.) Every Friday ordered for Debate how the Gospel might be Preached in some dark places of this Kingdom.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax of the Particulars of the Surrender of Wallingford, and the House ap­proved Adjutant Evelin to be Governor there, who was nominated by the General.

Order for imployment of the Forces in the Counties of Oxon, Berks, and Bucks, for the Ser­vice of Ireland.

Upon Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax, of some breaches of Articles which he had made, the House took care that right should be done, and appointed a Committee to hear Complaints of that nature.

Order to apprehend Capt. Conningham, come from the Queen to New-Castle, because he had formerly broke the Prison of the Parliament, the like order was to apprehend Mr. Buchannon.

Order to slight all the Garrisons in Glocester-shire, except Glocester, and to reduce the Forces there to a less number.

The Duke of York came to Town, and was met by the Earl of Northumberland, and divers Lords, and Gentlemen, and conveyed in great and fitting state to St. Jameses, where his Oxford retinue was Duke of York. dismiss'd, and new Servants placed about him.

The Princess Henrietta was conveyed away from Oatlands.

Letters informed the Surrender of Wallingford Castle. Walling-ford Castle surren­dred.

That Col. Blagge sold the Corn and Provisions there, and put the Money in his own purse, with­out giving one penny of it to the Soldiers, though much pay was in arrears to them, and they were so much discontented at the greediness of their Go­vernor, that they fell into a Mutiny, which caused Blagge to surrender the Castle two days sooner than it was agreed to be.

They left in it fourteen pieces of Ordnance, store of Arms, Ammunition, and some Provisions, and marched a thousand Foot, beside Horse out of it.

Rutland Castle surrendred to C. Mitton with all the Arms and Ammunition in it. Rutland Castle.

(29.) The Monthly Fast day.

Letters informed the sad condition of the Prote­stants in Ireland, the Rebels prevailing there, that they lately took Roscommon, and put all the English there to the Sword, then they took Bonratty, which held out three Months, and there also they put the English and Scotch to the Sword.

(30.) Order for a considerable Force to be sent over into Ireland, and for such as were willing of M. General Masseys Brigade, to go over thither under their own Officers.

A Regiment of five hundred Horse ordered for Col. Coote for the Irish Service, and for supernu­merary Forces in all Counties.

Another Regiment of five hundred Horse orde­red for Col. Lidcote, for Ireland; and an order for forty thousand pounds for Ireland.

(31.) Debate of the business of Ireland, and voted that none of the Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army, should be taken off to be sent thither, but four Regiments of Foot, and three Regiments of Horse, of the Forces of the several Garrisons dismantled, and of the Counties, where there was no present use of them.

Upon hearing a Petition of Adjutant Grey, and Mr. Steward, against an illegal Decree, made by Sir George Ratcliffe in Ireland against them, the House ordered fifteen hundred pounds to Mr. Stew­ard, and four hundred pounds to Adjutant Grey out of Sir Geroge Ratcliff's Estate.

Reference to a Committee to compute the ar­rears of some Reformadoe Officers, that course may be taken for their pay.

Moneys ordered for the Duke of Glocester.

Order to demand of the Commissioners of Scot­land here, the Rendition of Belfast in Ireland.

More Letters came of the Particulars of the Sur­render Worcester. of Worcester, much to the same effect, as is before mentioned, with an order of the Committee of Worcester-shire, to take the Mace and Sword, and Seal of that City into their possession.

That Serjeant Welde who went from the Parlia­ment thither, was chosen to be their Recorder with other particulars.

Letters from Newcastle certified, that the Com­missioners Propositi­ons. had presented the Propositions for Peace to his Majesty, and acquainted him that they had but ten days allowed them to attend for his Majesties answer, which they desired he would be pleased to give them within that time.

That the King desired longer time for him to con­sider, and give his answer to all those propositions, [Page 223] and matters of so great weight as they were, but being told by the Commissioners that they had no longer time allowed to them, but ten days only, after which time they were commanded to return back to the Parliament, his Majesty told them that within that time they should receive his answer to the propositions.

August, 1646.

August 1. The House sate not, nor did any in­telligence come this day.

(3.) Letters from Newcastle informed, that upon the Commissioners presenting the propositi­ons to the King, he asked them if they had any power to Treat, they answered, they had not, then the King replyed, saving the honour of the business, an honest Trumpeter might have done as much.

That the Scots Lords and Officers begged of the King to sign the Propositions.

A Proclamation at Newcastle forbidding all Ma­lignants to come to the King, the Provost and Baylies of Edingborough Petitioned the King to grant the propositions.

Col. Birch entred some of the works of Go­therich Castle, whereupon the Garrison hung out Col. Birch. a white Flag for Parley, which Birch refused, and went on Storming, and they all submitted to Mer­cy.

In the Castle besides the Governor, Sir Henry Lingen, were fifty Gentlemen, and a hundred and twenty Soldiers with Arms, Ammunition and Pro­visions.

Ragland Castle held out, and made some Sallies, but were beaten back, Col. Birch and Col. Rains­borough went to assist Col. Morgan in that Siege, and the General himself went thither.

Pendennis Castle had some relief by Sea, the Arch-Bishop received some loss at Conwey.

Denbigh Castle held out against the Parliament, and Film Castle seemed tractable to come to a Trea­ty.

(4.) Order to transport the Forces of Major General Laugherne into Ireland, and that the For­ces in the several Counties that will list themselves for Ireland, shall have a Months pay, and those that will not to be disbanded, their Officers are to march with those that go, to the water side, if they will not go over into Ireland.

Bristol, Chester, and Leverpoole appointed to be rendezvous for the Soldiers to take shipping for Ireland, and orders for Cloaths, Victuals, and Am­munition, and Ships to be ready there for them.

The General quartered his Army in several Counties, to avoid oppressing of the Country.

The French had a great defeat by the Spaniard at Arbitello in Italy.

(5.) Several Ordinances past both Houses sor placing good Ministers in divers Benefices now void.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for setling two hundred pounds per An. upon Mr. Hugh Pe­ters.

Letters from the Commissioners at New-castle informed, That though their importunities had been Letters from New-castle. frequent, and earnest, yet they could not obtain his Ma­jesties consent to the propositions for Peace, nor answer any ways satisfactory.

That his Majesty had given them a Paper (other than which they could not procure) containing offers to come to London, which they thought not fit to send, but were hasting away to give an account of their proceed­ings.

Great complaints of Major General Massey's Forces, killing men, robbing others, and forcing the Country men where they quartered to give them Money, and then they would go to other places, and do the like there, referred to the Com­mittee of the West, to send those Forces into Ire­land, or to disband them.

Care for Money for Scotch Officers, and for the Arrears of Sir John Gell, and his Son, and Ordinan­ces pass'd for compositions.

(7.) Ordinances past for dismantling divers Garrisons, and sending the Forces into Ireland.

Votes of the House.

That a Charge laid upon Sir Richard Onslowe a Mem­ber Vote. of the House, by Mr. Withers, was not suf­ficiently proved; that it was false and scandalous and injurious to Sir Richard Onslow, That Mr Wi­thers should pay five hundred pounds to him for Dammages, and his Book to be burnt.

Order for raising seventeen thousand pounds for Ireland.

The Lord Fairfax remitted his Arrears as Col. of two Regiments, and the House gave him thanks for it, and ordered the payment of his Arrears as General in the North.

(8.) The Houses were adjourned, and no in­telligence communicated.

(10.) Letters informed that the King refused to sign The Kings refusal to sign the Propositi­ons. the Propositions, though the Commissioners of both King­doms on their knees begged of him to do it.

And that Montrosses Forces are disbanded in Scot­land.

The Commissioners came to Town from New­castle.

(11.) A day set to call the House, and to con­sider of the Kings denyal to sign the propositi­ons.

Letters informed the sad condition of the Pro­testants in Ireland, and the Rebells prevailing there, that the Marquess of Ormond had concluded a Peace with them.

Order that all Forces which were not of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army, or of Garrisons not to be slighted should list themselves for Ireland, or be disbanded.

A Committee named to consider of providing Money and supplys for Ireland, and for ending the troubles there.

Ordinance for Money for the West.

Mr. Murrey ordered to be bailed.

Order to refer divers Letters taken in a Colli­ers Ship bound for France, to a Committee to be perused, and such as the French Ministers of State should claim, to be delivered unto them.

In the presence of both Houses, the great Seal, Seals bro­ken. and other Seals brought from Oxford were broken by a Smith.

The Earl of Salisbury was sworn one of the Com­missioners of the great Seal.

Sir Tho. Fairfax came in person before Ragland Castle, which he summoned to surrender, but the Marquess refused.

(12.) The Commissioners that went with the propositions to New-castle, made a report of the Report concern­ing the propositi­ons. Transactions between the King and them, and of all material passages in that business, and had the thanks of the House, and a Committee appointed to give the thanks of the House to the Scots Com­missioners.

Orders for new Elections.

A Letter from Monsieur Montrill the French A­gent here, about staying the Ambassadors Packet of Letters, and claiming the Priviledge of an Am­bassador.

[Page 224] The House Ordered the Examinations in this bu­siness to be sent to their Agent in France, and the Ambassadors Letters to be returned him.

A Paper from the Scots Commissioners.

That they desire to depart, and will deliver up such Towns and Castles as they have, they desire to have con­sideration Scots Pa­pers. for their Losses, Hazards, Charges, and Dammage; part in present Money, and security for the rest; and his Majesty not having consented to the propo­fitions, That a way may be thought upon, by joynt ad­vice for the security of both Kingdoms.

(13.) Both Houses agreed for the Silver of the broken Seals to be bestowed upon the Speakers, and for the Earl of Cleaveland to have a months longer time of liberty, and for restoring the Let­ters, and Portmantua to the French Ambassa­dor.

A free Conference about the transactions of the Commissioners at New-castle, and the Scots desired to further the propositions.

(14.) Orders for the slighting of several Gar­risons, and their Forces to be imployed for Ireland or disbanded.

The Forces in Bristol and Exeter to be redu­ced.

Order for Money for the Forces in North-Wales.

Vote for a hundred thousand pound to be provided for advance of the Scots Army into Scotland. Vote for the Scots.

That the House did very well, and thankfully ap­prove their offer to deliver up our Garrisons, and to de­part, and that their Arrears should be audited, and paid according to the Treaty.

The Houses now saw the advantage of keeping up their Army; as that which the more inclined the Scots to come to this Offer.

(15.) The Houses sate not.

(17.) Letters from the Leaguer before Ragland, certifie that the Marquess of Worcester, wrote with much respect to Sir Tho. Fairfax, That he ho­noured Marquess of Worcest. his Family, and was more willing to a­gree to his proposals than if they came from any other. That he was intimately acquainted with Sir Thomas Fairfax his Grand-Father, and other Complements, and concluded to agree to a Trea­ty.

In which, all propositions were consented to, but concerning the Person of the Marquess, whom they would only admit to Mercy of the Parlia­ment, and that the Marquess thought hard; and being eighty four years of Age, was thought the more capable of favour and pity.

Most of the Nobility of Scotland at New-castle went from thence to the convention of Estates ap­pointed to be at Edingburg.

Letters informed that the Marquess of Ormond had concluded a Peace with the Irish Rebels, upon Peace with the Irish. which the Provinces of Munster and Ʋlster were to be reduced to the obedience of the King and Supreme Council, and then twenty thousand men to be sent out of Ireland into Scotland, to assist the King there, and Forces from France and Denmarke to joyn with them, and the Lord Digby was to be at the head of them, That he was one of the Com­missioners with the Marquess of Ormond, and Earl of Glamorgan for making this Peace.

(18.) Ordinances past for Compositions.

Sir Jo. Stowell brought to the Bar, refused to Sir John Stowel. kneel, and behaved himself with very much ob­stinacy.

The House committed him to Newgate and or­dered that he should be indicted of High Trea­son.

Several Ministers sent down to Oxford to preach there.

An Account from the Scots Commissioners of the Arrears of their Army, besides losses, amount­ing Scots Ar­rears. to about a Million of Money, free Quarter taken by them, not accounted: and that they would be willing to accept a Sum in gross, in full discharge of their arrears, and the house appointed a Com­mittee to treat with them, about the Sum and times of Payment.

New Letters of the Peace concluded in Ireland, Articles of the Peace in Ireland. and a Copy of the Articles.

That they should not be bound to take the Oath of Alle­giance.

All Laws against Roman-Catholicks to be Repealed.

To have no dependency upon the Parliament of England, and the like.

Major General Mitton took Conwey Town by Storm, and killed and wounded divers, took ma­ny Officers, twenty two Soldiers, and fifty Towns-men in Arms, one great Gun, Arms, Ammuniti­on, and Provisions, many Irish men, who were ti­ed back to back and thrown into the water.

(19.) Report from the Committee appointed Scots. to treat with the Scots Commissioners, That they desired five hundred thousand pound, whereof two hun­dred thousand pound upon the advance of their Army, into Scotland, and two hundred thousand pound residue at the end of twelve months.

A day set to consider of this Report.

Order for shutting up the Houses of those in­fected with the Plague as formerly, and the Sta­tute for that purpose to be printed and published.

Both Houses agreed to a list of Ships and Cap­tains of them, for the Winter Guard.

Order for the Marchioness of Winton to make use of any of her Countrey houses for her health, and to lye in there.

(20.) A difference between the Forces of Bri­stol and Glocester, about levying of Money for their pay, the House ordered that neither of them should levy that Money, and referred it to a Com­mittee to compose that difference.

A Petition brought by Multitudes of Waggo­ners Petition. Wives, and Officers Wives, and Widows, and other distressed people for Money, referred to a Committee to Consider of a way for raising ten thousand pound for them, and that not above two of them should come together about this busi­ness to the House or Committee.

The allowances of four pound a Week to divers Members of the House formerly given was now or­dered to cease.

The Articles agreed for surrender of Ragland Surrender of Ragland and Pen­dennis Ca­stle. Castle, and the Marquess of Worcester threw him­self upon the Mercy of the Parliament.

(21.) Letter of the surrender of Pendennis Ca­stle, and in it were Col. Arundel the Governor, four Knights; five Colonels, and divers others of Quality. That the Parliament had there forty great pieces of Ordnance, one great Ship, one Shallop, some other Boats, seven great Guns in the Ship, many pieces unmounted about the Castle, store of Arms, but little Provision.

A Copy of the Articles sent up for the surren­der of Ragland Castle, there were in the Castle seven hundred Officers and Soldiers, twenty pieces of Ordnance, and a thousand Arms.

Vote for two hundred thousand pound to be Vote. paid to the Scots Army, one hundred thousand pound upon their Advance out of this Kingdom, and the other hundred thousand pound by fifty thousand pound at two payments at certain days, [Page 225] and to have the publick Faith for the other three hundred thousand pound, deducting out of the same, the Accounts of the Countrey for their free Quarters.

Referred to a Committee to consider of raising a hundred thousand pound of the Companies of London, upon security; the Lords concurred here­in, and were moved to pass the Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates.

Order to discharge Sir Tho. Glenham from an Arrest, according to the Articles of Oxford.

(22.) The Houses sate not, and no intelligence was communicated.

(24.) The Articles sent up of the surrender of Pendennis Castle.

Letters that the convention of Estates of Scot­land met at Edingburg, and intended the Peace of both Kingdoms very zealously.

(25.) Order to make Ragland Castle untena­ble, Col. Fortescue appointed Governor of Pen­dennis Castle.

A day of thanksgiving ordered for the late Suc­cesses, and a Collection for the poor infected with the Sickness.

The three Regiments under Sir Hardress Waller before Ragland, ordered for the service of Munster in Ireland, and orders for re-payment of Moneys disbursed by some of the Commanders.

(26.) The Monthly Fast day, after the Ser­mons they met in the House, and some new Mem­bers took the Covenant.

Letters informed, that when the Officers and Soldiers marched out of Ragland Castle, not the least injury or incivility was offered by Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army to any of them; but they were courteously used, and not a tittle of their Articles broken.

That Sir Thomas Fairfax had much conference with the Marquess with all respect; and there be­ing store of Rich Furniture and Goods in the Castle, the General caused the Commissioners in the Army to make an Inventory of them, and to proclaim, that if any of them belong to any well affected in the Countrey, that they should be restored.

(27.) Exceptions of Plunders, Money, Coals, Lead, and free quarterings had by the Scots Army, offe­red to their Accounts, the House voted a hundred thousand pound to be paid to them, the ninth month after the payment of the Money formerly voted for them.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for ordinati­on of Ministers.

Orders touching Col. Saundersons Regiment of Reformadoes.

Upon the Petition of the Sheriffs of London, that if Sir Tho. Glemham were discharged out of Petition of Sheriffs Prison according to the order of the House, that then the Sheriffs and their Heirs should be liable to pay the debt for which he was a Prisoner.

The House ordered that Sir Thomas Glemham should be brought to the Bar, and that they would take order for the Sheriffs indemnity.

The Judges rode in some Counties, and held the Assizes, to the rejoycing of the People.

Order to discharge Sir Tho. Glemham from his imprisonment according to the Articles of Oxford, and that all Officers, and others should be saved harmless for it, by Authority of the House of Commons.

The House approved of the Earl of Northumber­lands removing the Kings Children to Sion house, because of the Sickness in London, and they order­ed The Kings Children. the Earl to take care, and give directions that none of the Kings Party should be admitted to come to the Kings Children to give them ill Coun­sel.

The Power of the Committe of Haberdashers Hall, as to the five and twentieth part was lessen­ed.

(29.) The Houses sate not; Intelligence came of the surrender of Flint Castle to Major General Mitton.

(31.) The Scots Minister Mr. Hinderson dyed Hinderson. at Edingburg, a person of a sober Coversation, and good Learning; some said he dyed of grief, because he could not perswade the King to Sign the Propositi­ons.

The Convention of Estates in Scotland agreed to send new Commissioners to the King to Sign the Propositions.

The Earl of Antrim and Kilketto refused to lay down Arms by the Kings command, alledging, that the King was under restraint, and they hoped ere long to have a power to free him from that re­straint.

Complaints from the Northern Counties of the oppression by the Scots Army.

Two Ships of the Rebels taken by a Parliament Ship at Limrick in Ireland.

The Lord Inchequin took Pilborne Castle by Storm, and put all in it but eight to the Sword.

The Governor of Silley Islands for the King, sent to Captain Batten to treat for the surrender of them to the Parliament, and the Treaty was be­gun.

Letters informed the Particulars of the surren­der of Pendennis Castle, that there was taken great Pendennis Castle. store of Arms and Ammunition, ninety five pieces of Cannon, two Murderers, but little Provisi­on.

That there marched out of it four Knights, eight Colonels, many other Officers and Gunners, and a thousand Soldiers, and two hundred left sick behind.

Mardike in the Low Countreys was surrended upon Articles to the French.

September, 1646.

September 1. An Ordinance for Sir Jo. Heles Composition.

The Commissioners of the great Seal continued for a Month longer.

Upon Papers from the Scots Commissioners de­manding four hundred thousand pound for their Scots de­mands. Army, after long debate, the House agreed to it, and to days of payment of it.

Voted that the Election of Mr. Toll, a Member Vote. of the House to be Major of Lynne, ought not to have been without the consent of the House, yet in respect it was for the advantage of that place, the House granted the petition of the Town; that he might execute the place of Major there, and have Power to make a Deputy.

(2.) An Ordinance for punishment of Blasphe­mies and Heresies committed.

Order for divers Committees to give account what Moneys they had issued.

The Scots Commissioners insisted to have two Scots. hundred thousand pound upon their advance to Scotland, but the House would allow only an hun­dred thousand pound.

(3.) The Earl of Cleaveland is released; he in­gaging his Honour to the Lieutenants of the Tow­er, to render himself again, if required by the Parliament.

An Ordinance to make Mr. Hallingham Vicar of South-Wales in Essex.

Order for Money for Soldiers Wives and Wi­dows upon the Excise.

[Page 226] An Ordinance to make Mr. Elliston Parson of Sandford in Essex.

Ordinances past for Compositions.

(4.) Orders concerning new Elections.

Letters of the Generals gallant entertainment by the Welch, and in other places.

(5.) Though a day of Adjournment, yet the House sate till seven at night to dispatch the busi­ness of the removal of the Scots Army, and at length voted to give them two hundred thousand Vote for Scots. pound at their advance to Scotland, if it could be raised, and sent a Committee to treat with the Common Council of London for the raising of it.

(7.) Commissioners fram the States of Scotland came to perswade his Majesty to Sign the Proposi­tions.

The Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland presented a Remonstrance to the Committee of Estates there, Remon­strance of the Kirk. desiring, that Malignants and Incendiaries may not be favoured; that all possible means might be used to con­firm the union between England and Scotland; and to preserve the Reformation of Religion; and to bring the Churches in both Kingdoms to the nearest Conjunction, and perfect Reformation, according to the Covenant.

They sent another Remonstrance to the King, to the same effect, to which the King answered, The Kings Answer.

That the Assembly had no authority to intermeddle in the affairs of this Kingdom, or Church, and then justi­fies his own proceedings.

Earnest Letters came from Ireland for supplys and recruits.

(8.) The day of publick thanksgiving, no in­telligence received.

(9.) Sir Jo. Stowell was found guilty of Trea­son by a Jury of Somersetshire.

Orders touching Compositions of Delinquents, another touching a general day of thanksgiving.

After the Surrender of Mardike, the French de­signed the taking in of Dunkirke.

(10.) The Common Council of London pro­pounded for security of the two hundred thou­sand pound to be advanced for the Scots, That all who had contributed upon the propositions for Horse, Money, and Plate, may contribute the like Sum upon this proposition for the two hun­dred thousand pound, and be secured both sums out of the Excise, and Bishops Lands.

The House agreed to this, and returned thanks to the Common Council, only they excepted Ad­vowsons out of the security, and added to it the Sale of Delinquents Estates.

Order for an hundred pound for the Church-Wardens of the Abbey, and St. Margarets Church in Westminster, to maintain Watchmen to look to the doors of houses infected with the Plague.

The Lords desired the Concurrence of the Com­mons for taking away all Countrey Committees, and for appointing new Commissioners for the great Seal.

(11.) Mr. Edwards continued Major of Chester by Ordinance for thirteen Months.

A Menial Servant of Mr. Martin a Member of the House being arrested contrary to the Priviledge of the House, was released; and the Bayliff that arrested him, and knew him to be Mr. Martins Ser­vant, was sent for as a Delinquent.

Ordinance touching the Excise in the Northerne and Westerne Associations not consented to by the Commons.

Orders for new Elections.

(12.) The Commons sate not, but the Lords sate about the two hundred thousand pound for the Scots, and agreed to what the Commons had voted, ex­cept the additional security by sale of Delinquents Estates, which the Common Council of London did not insist upon, the Committee of the Parliament met with the Committee of Common Council, as often as was held requisite, for the carrying on of this business, and agreeing upon the security to those who should lend Money, or double their for­mer Loans according to the propositions for raising of the two hundred thousand pound.

(14.) Letters certified, that the Commissioners of the Estates of Scotland, had been often with the Scots press the King. King, and pressed him to consent to the propositi­ons, and to take the Covenant.

That the King questioned their power, which they justified, as relating to both Kingdoms, and were very plain with his Majesty, who said he was not satisfied in point of Conscience to subscribe it, they moved that some able Divines might be conferred with by him for his satisfaction, and that was appointed.

Letters informed a discontent among the Irish Rebels, about the Peace, the Popes Nuntio, Bish­ops, and Clergy, protesting against it, because done without their consent, and because it gave li­berty of Conscience to the Protestants.

Forces were hastning thither out of England.

This Evening the noble Earl of Essex dyed at Essex died. Essex House.

Orders for twelve hundred pound for the Duke of York, and for a constant maintenance for him, and for Money for the Northerne Forces.

A Remonstrance from Cleveland, and other Nor­therne Ireland. parts of the insupportable burden of the Scots and English Forces upon them, referred to the Northerne Committee.

Order for a new Election.

Order that the House should accompany the Earl of Essex his Body, at his Funeral.

Order for Money for Masseys Brigade.

H great Petition of Lancashire debated.

Upon the news of the death of the Earl of Essex, both Houses adjourned to the next day.

(16.) The House sate in a grand Committee to debate the Ordinance touching Blasphemies and Heresies.

The Lords ordered a Writ to be sent to the new Viscount of Hereford, to whom that honour de­scended by the death of the Earl of Essex, to sit in Parliament.

Divers Scotch Ministers endeavoured to satisfie Scots Mi­nisters. the Kings Conscience, that he might take the Co­venant, but could not prevail.

(17.) An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for charging ten thousand pound upon the Excise, for poor Widows, Officers Wives and others.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons, that the Earl of Northumberland be made L. Lieutenant of York-shire in the stead of the Earl of Essex deceased.

A Petition of the Levan [...] Merchants against Sir Sr. Sackvil Crow. Sackvile Crow, for Cruelties, and Tyrannies exer­cised by him against their Company, and desiring his Commission might be made void, was referred to a Committee.

Order for four hundred pound for relief of poor Irish Protestants here.

(18.) Order for a Letter to the Grand Seigni­or to revoke the Commission of Sir Sackvile Crow, from being Agent at Constantinople, and power gi­ven to the Merchants to chuse a new Agent.

Voted, That no Consultation touching his Majestics Person should hinder the March of the Scots Army out Vote. of England, nor violate the Treaties, and that the Kings Person should be disposed of as both Houses of the Par­liament of England should hold fit.

[Page 227] The Speaker desired he might communicate some secret Intelligence which he had to a Committee, and was ordered to do it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, and the Committee of the Admiralty.

Order for stating Arrears of Accounts.

(19.) The Houses sate not.

The Estates of Scotland met about the surrender of the English Garrisons, &c.

(21.) The Commissioners from Scotland not being able to prevail with the King to pass the propositions, returned into Scotland.

The Kings did not absolutely refuse to do it, but said, he hoped they would grant him a hearing, The Kings Answer to the Scots. which for better accommodation, he desires may be near London; and doubts not but after a full hearing, he may not only have, but receive full satisfaction.

Letters informed of the Irish Rebels drawing with a great Army towards Ʋlster, and that the Marquess of Ormond was gone with Forces to joyn with them, to suppress such as withstand the new Peace.

The Committee of Worcester took great care in listing their Soldiers for Ireland.

(22.) No means prevailing with the King to pass the Propositions, the House named a Commit­tee The Pro­positions to Ordi­nances. to turn those Propositions into Ordinances of Parliament.

Order that the Committee of both Kingdoms do communicate to the Scots Commissioners the Votes of the House for disposing of the Kings Person.

Ordinance for Money.

A Committee for satisfying the City about the security for the two hundred thousand pound.

Letters of the surrender of Silley, and Col. Rouse appointed Governor.

Reasons offered by the Commons to the Lords for continuance of the Commissioners and Treasu­rers of the Army.

The Lords Voted the Lord Roberts to be Gover­nor of Silly, but before that, the Commons Vote was passed for Col. Rouse.

The Lords concurred with the Commons in the Vote for disposing of the Kings person.

The Duke d'Anguienne Besieged Dunkirk, The Spaniard raised Forces to relieve it.

(23.) The House proceeded in a grand Com­mittee upon the Ordinance against Blasphemies and Heresies.

A Petition of Lieutenant Col. Lilburnes Wife, accompanied with many Women at the door of Petition for Lilburn the House, and mentioning the Tyranny of the Lords by their imprisoning of her Husband, and thereby divorcing her from him, and desires Justice.

Intelligence came that upon discovery of a Plot against the Person of the Marquess of Ormond, and those with him, they returned back to Dub­lin.

(24.) A new Committee appointed of both About dis­posing of the Kings person. Houses, to treat with the Scots Commissioners a­bout disposing of the Kings Person, this new Com­mittee was purposely named to carry on the design touching the Kings Person, as was intended.

The Committee of Foreign Affairs appointed to receive what the Spanish Ambassador desired to communicate to both Houses.

Order that no Passes should be granted to trans­port any Horses for six Months.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords to put the Office of Chancellor of Chester in the Speakers of both Houses.

Order for the Forces of Cheshire for Money.

A day set to consider how the Army under Sir The. Fair fax shall be disposed of.

(25.) Orders for Money and Cloaths for the Forces in Ʋlster.

Order to continue the Committee of both King­doms, till the last of November next, and that if the Scots Commissioners shall refuse to joyn with them, then they were to act by themselves.

Votes, That the Estates of the Lord Capell, Lord Cottington, Marquess of Winchester, Earl of Worce­ster, and Sir Charles Smith, should be sold to raise Money for Ireland.

Some of the Assembly of Divines from the rest brought into the House such Heads of the Articles of Faith as they had perfected.

The Establishment and securing of Wallingford Castle referred to the General, and a Committee named to draw up a new establishment thereof.

(26.) The House sate not.

(28.) Letters from the North certified, that the Convention at Edinburg agreed that the Scots Army should march out of England upon the receipt of the Scots Let­ters. two hundred thousand pound as agreed, and all Towns and Castles held now by them in England to be delivered up, that they are sending a Plenipo­tence to their Commissioners here, to deter­mine with the Parliament of England, as to the dis­pose of his Majesties Person.

The Irish Rebels by Declaration, disclaimed the Peace made with the Protestants.

The Articles of the Surrender of Silly Islands sent up.

(29.) Vote That no Office shall be conferred by any Committee upon any person without consent of the Parliament.

A Committee of the long Robe appointed to make some amendmerts in the Ordinance for secu­rity to the advancers of the two hundred thousand pound.

Great complaints of the Quartering of the Scots Army in the North, and in Lancashire.

Denbigh Castle was upon Treaty of surrender.

Order against the great resort of multitudes of People to the door of the House, and it was obser­ved then, that some of those Gentlemen, who for­merly most incouraged such resort, were now most fearful of them.

(30.) The publick Fast day, the House met after the Sermons, and ordered an Ordinance to be drawn up, to be read in every Congregation on every Fast day, and therein the sins of the Nation to be mentioned, and lamented, and particularly in relation to Ireland.

The Ordinance for Observation of the publick fast day sent up to the Lords with some amend­ments.

An Ordinance to be drawn up to prevent clan­destine Marriages without the consent of Parents.

October, 1646.

October 1. Order for five hundred pound to be paid to the Executors of the late Earl of Essex, for defraying some ingagements, and for the charge of his Funeral, and that of four thousand five hun­dred pound due to his Countess who was disaffected to the Parliament, four thousand pound should be paid to the State, and five hundred pound to Col. Mathews, and to the Servants of the Earl.

A question being propounded whether the great Seal be disposed of into the hands of Members of Great Seal both Houses; the question was put, whether that question should be put or not, and carried in the Negative.

Voted, That it should be disposed into hands of [Page 228] three Commissioners; That the Members of both Houses, late Commissioners of the great Seal, as a token of Favour from the Parliament, and King­dom, should have a thousand pound bestowed on them for all their faithful Services.

That the Earl of Salisbury one of the late Com­missioners should have the thanks of the House.

That the Members of the Commons late Com­missioners of the Seal, should have the priviledge to plead within the Bar, next to the Sollicitor Ge­neral of the King.

An Ordinance voted to be brought in for setling five thousand pounds per An. upon Sir Thomas Fair­fax and his Heirs.

Many Aldermen and Common Council-men of London desired to know the pleasure of the House whether the Works about the City should be slighted or not, and if not, then they desired twelve thousand pounds for the Maintainance of them, the House appointed the Committee of the Army to treat with the Militia of London about it.

Letters informed that the Popish Clergy at Water­ford have pronounced the supreme Council at Kil­kenny, to be perjured for agreeing to the Peace, and proceed to excommunicate them.

(2.) The House sate in a Grand Committee till seven at night, upon the Ordinance for disposing of Bishops Lands.

(3:) Private Petitions heard.

Order for two thousand pounds for the Officers and Garrison of Dover, and for payment of the debts of the State to some Handy-crafts men, and for two thousand pound for Col. Sandersons Regi­ment, upon their disbanding.

Order for seizing upon a new Impression of the Common-Prayer.

Referred to a Committee to find out the Au­thor and Printer of a Pamphlet called, Yet another Pamphlet. word to the Wise, that they may be punished.

(5.) Ordinance for setling two hundred pound per An. on Mr. Hugh Peters.

Order for a new Election.

The Negotiations of some Captains of the Par­liaments Ships with the Marquess of Ormond con­firmed, as to lending to him Arms and Ammunition against the Rebels, and order for Letters of thanks to Captain Willoughby one of those Captaius.

Orders for supplys for Ireland.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for sale of Bish­ops Lands, Treasurers and Trustees for it named.

Letters informed, That the Estates of Scotland had fully agreed to the Scots Army marching out of England, and the Garrisons to be delivered up, upon payment of the two hundred thousand pound as was agreed.

The Irish Rebels drew their Forces towards Dublin, and the Marquess of Ormond prepared for defence.

Col. Bethel was called into the House, and had their thanks for his good Services.

Beaumarice Castle in Anglesey was surrendred to the use of the Parliament, upon Articles.

Order that all Commissions made to Sea Captains Commissi­ons altered which were, as from the King and Parliament, which some of them interpreted to the prejudice of the Parliaments Service, should be altered, and made in the name of the Parliament only.

Order for Money out of Delinquents Estates in Wilts for disbanding the Forces there.

The Confession of Faith brought in from the As­sembly, debated. Confession of Faith.

Order for one thousand seven hundred pound out of Delinquents Estates in Lincoln-shire to be paid to the Earl of Lincolne, which he had disbursed for the Parliaments Service.

A French Pyrat taken by the Parliaments Ships.

The Irish Rebels prevailed.

A Conference by the Committee of Lords, and Commons, with the Scots Commissioners about disposing of the Kings Person.

(7.) Upon Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax for Pay and Cloathing for the Army,

Ordered that the Assesment be continued for six Months longer for the pay of them.

Order for three pound a week for maintenance of the Widow and Children of Mr. Franklyn a Member of the House, that dyed a Prisoner to the Kings Party, and that the Arrears of M. Franklyn be computed and paid.

Order for hastning the payment of ten thou­sand pound to the poor Widows, and for relief of Tenants whose Land-lords were of the Kings Par­ty.

For supplys for the Northern Forces.

(8.) Composition of the Lord Savile allowed, and out of it a thousand pound was ordered for the Widow and Children of Captain Askwith, who laid out nine hundred and sixty pound in raising a Troop of Horse for the Parliament.

Votes, That Sir Rowland Wandesford, Sir Tho. Great [...] Beddingfield, and Mr. Jo. Bradshaw be Commissio­ners of the great Seal for six Months, sent up to the Lords.

(9.) Progress upon the Articles of Faith.

Votes of both Houses that Captain Pen be Cap­tain of the Assurance Frigot.

The Committee of both Houses debated with the Scots Commissioners about disposing of the Kings Person.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for four hun­dred pound for the poor Irish Protestants here.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons in the Ordinance for dissolving of all Countrey Committees.

(10.) Debate upon the Accounts of Sir Will. Brereton as Major General, and a Committee na­med to consider of the pay of ten pound per diem to every Major General and of their incident char­ges, and of the free quarter and provisions taken by them. They ordered five thousand pound to Sir Will. Brereton out of such Delinquents Estates, not yet compounded for as he should nominate.

Order that the Tax of one per cent. for Plymouth shall continue till January 1, and no longer.

Vote for a Balleting box to be made.

(12.) Report of seven Ordinances drawn out of the Propositions for Peace.

  • 1. For justifying and confirming the Proceedings of
    Ordinan­ces.
    Parliament.
  • 2. For setling the Militia of England and Ireland in the Parliament for twenty Years.
  • 3. For confirming the Treaty with Scotland.
  • 4. For making void all Titles under the great Seal after it was carried away.
  • 5. For confirming the present great Seal, and all Acts done thereby.
  • 6. For making void the Irish Cessation.
  • 7. For disposing Offices by consent of Parliament.

All these, except that of the Militia and Scots Treaty pass'd, and sent upto the Lords.

An Ordinance appointed to be drawn, to injoyn all to take the Covenant.

Order touching Compositions of Delinquents.

A Malignant chosen Major of Berwick sent for, and the old Major continued.

A Petition of many Officers and Soldiers of the Parliaments, That they may not be prosecuted at Law Petition. for things done by them in the war, and as Soldiers up­on sundry Exigencies,

[Page 229] Conference about disposing of the Person of the King.

A Committee appointed to treat with the Com­missioners come from the Marquess of Ormond.

The French Ambassador and Agent were with the King at Newcastle.

The Plague broke forth there, brought from London.

Letters informed that divers Inhabitants of Nor­thumberland had left their habitations, by reason of the oppression by the Soldiers quartered with them.

(13.) The Lords concurred to the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands, for advance of two hun­dred thousand pounds for the Scots Army, and to take away the power of Committees for disposing of Offices, and desired the concurrence of the Commons to take away all Countrey Commit­tees.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for an Asses­ment for the Garrison of Bristol and Glocester.

Vote for an Ordinance for fifty three thousand pounds per mensem, assesment for the Ar­my.

Debate touching the Confession of Faith.

An Ordinance past for constituting the three Commissioners of the Seal, with a Provisoe, that if any of them be chosen a Member of the Parlia­ment, he shall leave his place.

Vote for continuing the Seal-bearer.

The Ordinance past for sale of Bishops Lands, and to secure the two hundred thousand pound to the Scots.

(14.) The House sate in a grand Committee upon the Ordinance against Heresies.

Report of the Marquess of Ormond. Ormonds propositi­ons

That he desired supplys and Moneys for the Forces with him, and that he would either come to London, or go beyond Sea, or serve in Ireland, as the Parliament pleased, and surrender Dublin, &c. re-committed, to treat further upon the surrender of Dublin, and the other Garrisons.

A Letter from Ormond to the King, and ano­ther to London, laid aside, not to be delive­red.

The Ordinance for the Commissioners of the Great Seal great Seal again presented to the Lords at a confer­rence, with some alterations, as reserving power to make Justices of the Peace, to present to Parsona­ges, &c.

The House sent and seized at the Press the Pa­pers of the Lord Chancellors Speeches, then in Disposal of the Kings Per­son. Printing, touching the disposal of the Kings Person, and took the Printer and Bookseller into Custody for doing it without licence of the Houses, though they had the warrant of the Scots Com­missioners for it.

(15.) A Pass from both houses to transport sixteen Naggs beyond Seas.

A Committee named to bring in an Ordinance for the Indemnity of Officers, and Soldiers who have taken necessaries in the time of War, and are now prosecuted for it at Law, and the Com­mittee to receive Complaints, and give relief in the mean time.

A Letter from the Scots Commissioners desired the enlargement of the Stationer, and Printer of their Speeches, and the Printer and Stationer sub­mitted, referred to a further examination.

Ordinances sent up to the Lords for ten thousand pound for the poor Widows, for four hundred pound for the poor Irish Protestants here, for set­ling the Militia, and for the Treaties with Scot­land.

(16.) A Committee named to consider of Print­ing the Septuagint Bible.

A Conference about the Printing of the Lord Chancellor of Scotland's Speeches.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for trans­porting of Persons to foreign Plantations.

The House sate in a grand Committee in the af­ternoon about the Assesments for the Army.

(17.) Order that the Marquess of Hertford, his Lady, or others, who had seized Money or Writings in Essex House, should restore them to the Executors of the Earl, viz. the Earl of Nor­thumberland, the Earl of Warwick, and Mr. Sollici­tor St. John.

A Committee named, to whom the probate of this, and all other Wills was referred, and also a Petition of the Doctors of Civil Law concerning the probate of Wills.

Order that neither the Marquess of Hartford, nor any other who had born Arms against the Par­liament, should go with the Corps of the Earl of Essex, at his Funeral.

Vote for fifteen thousand pound for the Forces in Ireland, and for five thousand pound for the Forces of Major General Pointz.

Sir Fr. Willoughby one of the Lord Ormonds Commissioners sent back to inform him what the Parliament had done.

(19.) Debate about the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands.

Order that all the Members of the House do at­tend the Funeral of the Earl of Essex, and that the House be adjourned for that day, as the Lords had done.

In the afternoon the House sate till six at night upon the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands.

The General, with Major General Massey went to the Devizes, where a rendezvous was appointed for the disbanding of such of Major General Mas­sey's Forces as would not go for Ireland.

(20.) One Arrested contrary to the Articles of Oxford, the Serjeants sent for as Delinquents, upon a certificate from Sir Tho. Fairfax.

Difference about the Commissioners of the Seal, The Lords named four more to be added to the three named by the Commons, they altered their former Vote for the three Commissioners, and or­dered Great Seal an Ordinance to be brought in to establish the former fix Commissioners Members of both Houses.

Order that Col. Mitton offer resonable conditi­ons to the Garrisons in Wales not yet reduced, which if they refuse within twenty days, that then they shall not be received to Mercy; and referred to a Committee to consider of imploying those Forces for Ireland, after the rest of the Garrisons should be reduced; and a Letter sent to Col. Mit­ton to acquaint him with these Votes.

Votes for Mr. Bish to be Garter King at Arms, Kings at Arms. and Mr. Bish to be Clarentiaux, Mr. Riley to be Norw [...]y, and a Committee to regulate their Fees.

Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands.

The Money and Writings of the Earl of Essex taken away, were restored.

Captain Betten voted to be Vice-Admiral of the Winter Fleet.

Dunkirk was surrendred to the French upon Ar­ticles, great solemnities of Thanksgiving, great Guns and Bonefires for it in France.

(21.) The House sate in a Grand Committee upon the Ordinance for Sale of Bishops Lands.

A Committee named to consider of regulating the Chancery, and to receive complaints touching Fees of that or any other Court of Equity within the Kingdom.

Referred to the same Committee to consider who are fit to be Justices of the Peace, and who not, in all Counties.

[Page 230] The Funeral of the Earl of Essex was solemnized with great State.

All the Members of both Houses, Sir Thomas Fairfax, the Civil and Military Officers then in Town, and the Forces of the City, a very great number of Coaches, and Multitudes of people present at it.

The General had been at the Devizes to dis­band the Brigade of Major General Massey; which was done with little trouble, and few of them list­ed themselves for Ireland.

From the Disbanding the General hasted up to London, and was at the Funeral of the Earl of Es­sex.

(23.) The old Commissioners of the Seal had Great Seal been voted to be continued, upon the constitu­ting new Commissioners, now the old Commissio­ners were voted down again, and an Ordinance past and sent to the Lords to make the two Speakers Commissioners of the Seal, till twenty days after this Term.

This incertainty and change of Resolution in the House, was much discoursed of by some who were not their friends, they were reflected up­on for it.

But they excused themselves by reason of the difference in Opinion from them by the Lords, and now they began to be more apprehensive than for­merly, that so great a trust as the Custody of the Seal, was most proper and fit to be only in their own Members.

Order for a Commission to enable the Master of the Rolls and the Judges, to hear and determine for the present all Causes in Chancery.

Order that the Judges in Serjeants Inne, the Benchers of the Innes of Court, and Principles of the Innes of Chancery, shall permit no Lawyers that have born Arms against the Parliament, to be in any of those Societies.

Referred to a Committee to examine the entry of Mr. White into a Lodge belonging to Sir Tho. Walsingham.

Order for six thousand pound to be paid to the Committee of Berks for Abbington Garrison, and that the Committee of the three Counties, do con­sider what Forces of that Garrison, and in those Counties are fit to be disbanded.

Upon Petition of the Stationer, and Printer of the Lord Louden's Speeches, they are dischar­ged.

The Grand Committee sate in the afternoon a­bout Bishops Lands.

(24.) Progress about Bishops Lands.

Complaints from the North of their bur­thens.

Vote that the Chancery shall not proceed in any Cause determinable at Law.

High Sheriffs nominated.

Ordinance pass'd for the two Speakers to be Commissioners of the Seal.

(26.) Progress about the Sale of Bishops Lands.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons for the quartering of Sir Tho. Fairfax his Ar­my more Northerly.

Orders for supplys of Forces.

Both Houses voted Captain Swanley to be Ad­miral of the Irish Seas.

Order to audite the Arrears of Col. Fleet-wood.

Debate about the Scots Papers touching the dis­posal of the Kings Person, and it was referred back to the Committee.

Indictment in Bucks for not reading the Com­mon Prayer complained of.

Ordered that an Ordinance be brought in to take away the Statute that injoyns it, and to disa­ble Malignant Ministers from Preaching.

Progress about the Assessments for the Ar­my.

A Petition and Leters from the North informed that the Scots Army Quartering in those parts, tax them seven times more than their Revenue, rob, beat, and kill the Inhabitants, who are more slaves to them than any are in Turkey.

That the Plague was begun amongst them.

(27.) Orders for Compositions, and for the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to put in Execution the Ordinances for Sequestrations.

Order for a Collection for the poor.

The City of Chester chose Mr. Recorder Glyn to be an Alderman of that City instead of the Earl of Derby.

Sir Tho. Wharton, Sir Robert King, Sir John Clot-worthy, Sir Robert Meredeth, and M. Salwey ap­pointed Commissioners for Ireland.

(28.) The Monthly Fast kept.

Care for the ten thousand pound for Widows and Wives of Soldiers and others.

Three Ministers sent to Preach in Wales.

Mr. Sympson formerly silenced from Preaching, because he differed in Judgment from the Assembly in some points, was restored to his liberty.

(29.) Progress in the grand Committee upon the sale of Bishops Lands.

The Lord Monson a Member of the House of Commons, desired to wave his Priviledge, and to have a Sute against him proceed, the House ap­pointed Priviledge an Ordinance to be brought in to take a­way the Priviledge, as to Title, and Debts; the Person only to be priviledged, and not his lands or Goods.

Both Houses agreed to the Ordinance, to make void all Titles and Honours granted under the Great Seal, after it was carried away from the Par­liament.

Letters from Major General Pointz and others, informed that the Scots laid intolerable assesses up­on the Country, and kept Centinels and Guards, as if they had enemies near them, and examined all Pas­sengers.

The House ordered that Sir Tho. Fairfax should give command to Major General Pointz and Col. Rossiter to keep Guards, and examine all passing that way Northward.

(30.) The grand Committee sate about the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands.

Order for drawing off all the great Guns from the Works for the ease of London and Westminster, and a Regiment of twelve hundred to be compleat­ed for the Guards.

An Ordinance committed for sale of the Estates of the Earl of Worcester, &c.

An Ordinance read to constitute the two Speak­ers fully Commissioners of the Seal.

(31.) Progress upon the Bishops Ordinance.

A Letter of the Scots Commissioners complaining Scots Com­missioners of the necessities of their Army, and of some scan­dalous Papers Printed, of the sufferings of the Nor­thern parts by their Army, referred to the Committee Complaints.

Letters informed that Lieutenant General Lesley gave a Protection to one Metcalfe in the North, a great Papist, to free him from Assessments, Team Horses, free quarter, &c.

Order that the Scots Commissioners be acquaint­ed with it.

The Ordinance past, and the great Seal was Great [...] delivered to the two Speakers as Commissioners of it, in the presence of both Houses.

November, 1646.

November 2. The third Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands ordered to be sent up to the Lords.

A Committee appointed to consider what al­lowances are fit to be to the Bishops.

The Commissioners of the Great Seal began the business of the Seal, and one Judge, and a Master of the Chancery sate by turns to hear the Causes there.

Denbigh Castle was surrendred upon Articles to Major General Mitton.

Letters informed, That Sir James Lesley had de­manded the Fee Farm Rents in the North for the King, and forbids the payment of them to any other.

That on the Fast day they were at play at the Court.

That Marquess Huntley, and the Gourdons re­fuse to submit.

That the Earl of Antrim is strengthned from Ireland, and by Montrosses men.

That the French Ambassador was constantly with the King.

(3.) Votes for due observation of the Articles of Oxford, and touching Compositions, and for keeping other Articles inviolably.

The Lords desired a Committee might be ap­pointed to consider of the disposal of the Great Seal, after the time that the two Speakers expi­red.

The grand Committee ordered to sit in the af­ternoon touching the Assessments.

Men and Supplys hastned for Ireland.

(4.) Order for fifteen hundred pound Arrears to be paid to Col. Pure-foy.

An Ordinance touching the approbation of Gifted men to Preach, laid aside.

Debate upon an Ordinance for repairing Church­es and Chappels, ruinated in the War, and ano­ther for payment of Church duties.

(5.) The Gun-powder-Treason day kept.

Information touching Passes granted by the King to Ship-Masters.

The papers of the Lord Chancellor of Scotlands Speeches, &c. touching the disposal of the Kings Person said to be printed, first at Edingburgh, and afterwards reprinted at London, notwithstanding the Prohibition of the Parliament to the contra­ry.

(6.) Progress upon the whole days debate touching the sale of Bishops Lands.

The Rebels were in a great body within eight miles of Dublin.

(7.) A Committee named to inquire out the Printers of the Lord Lowdens Papers.

Order for five thousand pound for the Treasurers for advancing Plate, &c.

A Message to the Lords to name a Committee to be of both Houses, to consider of the disposal of the great Seal.

Debate upon the Ordinance for sale of Delin­quents Estates.

Letters of sad complaints from the Northerne parts, of the sufferings by the Scots Army, refer­red to a Committee, and power given to them to hear complaints of the like Nature from the Coun­trey.

(9.) A Committee named of both Houses to consider of the disposing of the great Seal, after the time expired of the present Commissioners.

Debate about a Petition of the Duke of Bucks concerning his Sequestration, and about the sel­ling of Bishops Lands.

Letters from York of the oppressions of the Scots Army mention that either the Countrey must fall upon the Scots, or forsake their own habitations and livelihoods, that among the English Forces are mu­tinies upon mutinies, and much feared that they will be broken, and that the Scots will entertain them.

Letters from Ireland informed the danger that Dublin was in, that Sir Arthur Ashton was there with the Marquess of Ormond and all the Citizens, Papists and Protestants were commanded duty.

That the Irish Rebels grew strong and numerous and have streightned Dublin by taking all the out-Garrisons.

That the Governor coming forth to treat upon Articles for the surrender of it, the Rebels in the mean time surprised the Garrison, killed the Go­vernor and the Minister, and many others.

(10.) Ordinances pass'd for Compositions.

Order to put in execution the Ordinance for Se­questrations, and about such as have not made their compositions, and that no delinquent shall have his Estate farmed to him, or any in trust for him, un­less he be effectually going on in his Composition, and other Orders to bring in Money.

(11.) Vote to slight Rockingham Castle.

An Ordinance committed to appoint three Ministers to Preach in Cirencester, and another for maintainance for all the Preaching Ministers in the Kingdom.

Orders for Writs for new Elections.

(12.) An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for Redemption of Captives taken by the Turks and Moors.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords inabling the Committee of the Navy to borrow twelve thou­sand pound to buy powder.

Order for the Priviledge of the Sergeant at Arms attending the House.

The Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates, altered by the Lords.

(13.) Both Houses ordered to go to Sir Tho. Fairfax to congratulate his coming to Town, and to give him their hearty thanks for his good Ser­vices.

Both Houses constituted the Earl of Mulgrave Vice-Admiral of York-shire in the place of his fa­ther lately deceased.

Upon a Message from the Lords, That Col. Col. Monk. Monke a prisoner to the Parliament had taken the Covenant, and was ready to take the Negative Oath, and their Lordships conceived him a fit man to be imployed in the service of Ireland, in regard of his abilities in Martial Affairs, and desired a Commission might be granted to him for that pur­pose, the Commons agreed thereunto.

(14.) A Vote for an Ordinance to pay twelve thousand five hundred pound Arrears to reduced Officers, out of Lands of Papists, and excepted Persons which they would find out.

The Declaration read concerning the Payment of the two hundred thousand pound to the Scots.

A Petition of ten thousand Cloathiers referred to a Committee.

Both Houses visited the General.

(16.) The Visits of the General by the two Both Houses vi­sit General Fairfax. Houses were several. First the House of Lords and their Speaker complemented him, and then the House of Commons, and to both he made a short and modest answer.

Debate touching the pay of the Army.

A Petition of the Duke of Bucks granted by the [Page 232] Lords, but the Commons referred it to the Com­mittee of Sequestrations.

Some alterations of the Lords to the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands assented to, others not.

Petitions of Sir Robert Cook and Mr. Henry Cooke referred to the Committee of Sequestrations.

A Proclamation of Sir Thomas Fairfax by sound of Trumpet, for all his Officers to return to their Quarters.

Letters from Newcastle informed, that the Par­liament of Scotland had confirmed what their Com­missioners had done concerning the disposal of the Kings Person, to be with all honour and freedom, &c. at which there was much joy at Newcastle.

Letters from Major General Pointz informed, that an unparallell'd Mutiny was among the Soldiers Mutiny at York. of the Garrison of York.

That about six a clock in the Morning, a multi­tude of them came to his House, and began to break his Windows, and cryed, Money, Money, Money; and endeavoured to break open his doors.

That he went out to them, and asked them what they desired, they cocked their Matches, and held their Pikes at his Breast, cryed, Money, Money, Money, and that they would have him, and the Committee along with them, till all their Ar­rears were paid, which was but six weeks, their Officers having received ten days before a Months pay, which they had not received.

That the Major General told them this carri­age would bring them to shame and infamy, and gave them such Language as became a Commander to insolent Soldiers, at which some of them being affraid, and others perswaded, they went along with him to the Lord Mayors House, where they found another Company of Mutinous Souldiers who had broken into the Lord Mayors Bed-Chamber, and given him very opprobrious Speeches. That he seeing but six or seven of them in the Chamber, drew his Sword, and wounded two of them, and thereupon the rest fell upon their knees, and asked pardon, and the Major General went out with his Sword drawn into the Streets, and all the Soldiers laid down their Arms and departed, and so the Mutiny ended, and the Committee paid the Soldi­ers all their Arrears, dismist them, and other Com­panies were brought into the Garrison.

Order for Money for Major General Points, and that the Mutineers should be tryed by Martial Law.

Ill weather hindred the Forces going for Ireland; but afterwards about two thousand of them were shipped.

(17.) Vote for an allowance of seven thousand five hundred pound per An. for the Duke of York, Duke of York. and left to the Earl of Northumberland to choose Servants for him.

Ordinance touching repair of Humber Banks, and Newcastle Bridges, &c.

The Ordinance pass'd for redemption of Cap­tives taken by the Turks.

The Ordinance pass'd for raising the two hun­dred thousand pound for the Scots Army.

(18.) Orders for new Elections.

An Ordinance read for injoyning the Covenant to be taken by all, and thereupon a debate about tender Consciences.

Referred to the Speaker to grant Warrants for Persons upon an Information of danger, and Secre­cy ordered.

Conway Castle Surrendred to the Parliament.

The Assembly kept a Fast.

Hudson the Kings Guide escaped Prison.

(19.) Order for ten pound per Week allow­ance for the Marquess of Winton and his Lady.

A Petition of many of Kent, presented to the House.

That Ministers may not receive Tythes for their maintenance, but be provided for some other Petition from Kent. way.

The House gave them thanks for their good affections.

An Ordinance read for explanation of a former Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands.

(20.) Debate upon the Ordinance for Blas­phemies and Heresies, and upon the explanatory Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands

(21.) A Discovery of Mr. Mynnes Delinquen­cy, and order'd that four thousand pound in the hands of Sir Humphrey Forster, due to Mr. Mynne, should be paid in by him to the Committee of Ha­berdashers Hall.

Debate upon the Ordinance for pay for Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army.

(23.) Debate upon the Ordinance against Blasphemies and Heresies, and the Punishment vo­ted to be death.

The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London gave a congratulatory visit to Sir Tho. Fairfax, and the Recorder made a Speech to him.

The Committee of Westminster imprisoned Bay­liffs who arrested their Officers.

Letters from New-castle informed that the Earl of Antrim and Kilketto in Scotland refuse to lay down Arms, and the rest of the Gourdons part, though the King sent to them to do it.

Some of the Mutineers at York executed.

Some of the supplys for Ireland were safely land­ed there.

(24.) A Report from the Committee touch­ing About [...] Person. the conference with the Scots Commissioners, about disposing of the Kings Person, in which the Scots urged that it might be done by joynt consent of both Kingdoms, and in their Speeches seemed to reflect, and bring an Odium upon the proceedings of the Parlia­ment in that business; and to perswade the people into such an opinion; and in favour of what the Scots Commissioners had said therein.

That the Papers of the Speeches of the Scots Com­missioners in this business had been unduly Printed to this end, that the Scots had promised to bring in their posi­tive answer to this business, but had not yet done it, whereupon the Committee had framed a Declaration in vindication of the Parliaments proceedings, which was read.

Referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to treat with the Scots Commissioners about the time and place of Payment of the first hundred thousand pound to them, which was now ready, and about the march of their Army out of En­gland.

A Committee made to consider of the losses of the Lord Say, Sir Rowland Wandesford, Col. Fleet-wood, and other Officers of the Court of Wards; by the taking away that Court, and how they may have a satisfaction.

Order for payment of Arrears to Sir Edward Doddesworth, Commissary of the Horse to the Earl of Essex, and for auditing the Arrears of the Offi­cers of Col. Massey's Brigade, and about forty thou­sand pound for Officers of the fourth List.

Letters that Dublin was well fortified to resist the Rebels.

(25.) The Fast day, and some new Members took the Covenant.

(26.) A Declaration pass'd for Security of those who double their Money owing upon the publick Faith, towards the raising of the two hun­dred thousand pound for the Scots.

Order for a new Election.

[Page 233] Order touching the ten thousand pound for the necessitous persons, Widows, &c.

Leave for Col. Popham and Mr. Gaudy to go in­to the Country.

Letters informed the landing of the English Forces at Dublin, and Sir Charles Coote breaking through the Rebels Army with a Party, caused them to draw further off from Dublyn, and that the Lord Inchequin hath had success against the Re­bels in Munster.

(27.) The House sate till six at night about the Declaration of the Arguments and answers in the Conferences with the Scots Commissioners touching the disposing of the Kings Person.

The Herse and Effigies of the late Earl of Essex was cut to pieces and defaced, as it stood in the Tombs de­faced. Abbey of Westminster, and the like barbarous acti­on was to the Tomb of old Cambden there.

(28.) Vote of both Houses for the Earl of Rut­land to be Justice in Eyre of all his Majesties Forrests, and Chaces beyond Trent.

The House sate till five at night about the Decla­ration touching the Scots Papers, and passed it. Scots Pa­pers. Carried in the Negative, not to be sent to the Lords for their concurrence, but to be inclosed, and sent in a Letter from the Speaker to the Scots Com­missioners here, and afterwards to be printed and published:

(30.) Debate upon the Ordinance against He­resies, and Blasphemies, wherein those of the Pres­byterian Judgment were very violent and se­vere.

Letters from Major General Pointz informed of a design to surprize Pomfret for the King, but dis­covered and prevented. others, that his Majesty had given Commissions to divers Gentlemen in the North lately, to raise Forces against the Parliament. others, that there was a late Conspiracy to betray Lynne.

The House ordered all the Conspirators to be sent for by a Serjeant at Arms, and Letters to Ma­jor General Pointz and General Leven, to assist the Serjeants Deputies for the apprehending of them.

Orders for Supplys for Money for the Garrisons of Lynne and of Portsmouth.

The Lords concurrence desired to the Vote for the Committee to treat with the Scots Commissio­ners about the time and place of payment of the two hundred thousand pound, and the advance of the Scots Army.

Referred to the Committee of the Navy to con­sider of raising Money to repair the banks of Hum­ber.

Letters from Ireland informed, that after the Parliaments Commissioners and Forces were landed at Dublyn Road, the Marquess of Ormond, contra­ry to expectation, and the former Treaty, deny­ed Ormond. to deliver possession of Dublyn to them; because he had not yet received his Majesties consent there­unto, and upon this the Parliaments Commissio­ners Shipped again the Forces to joyn with the Brittish Forces at Belfast.

That the Irish Rebels upon the coming of the English Forces, were so terrified, that they drew off, and attempted nothing against Dublyn, and that nothing was attempted against them by the Marquess of Ormond.

December, 1646.

December 1. Report from the Committee ap­pointed to give in three names of Gentlemen in each County fit to be made Sheriffs, and the House chose one of the three, and went this day through most of the Counties.

Order to revive Committees that sate de die in diem, that old businesses may be dispatched.

Order to state accompts of Massey's men.

The Declaration touching the Scots Papers, be­ing sent to their Commissioners, they sent it back again, because it came not from both Houses, and the Commons ordered it to be printed.

It was wondred at by many that the Concurrence The Lords concur­rence de­clined. of the Lords was declined in this business, but a great ground thereof was, to have the more expe­dition, and because the Lords were supposed would not consent to many parts of it.

The single and great question was,

Whether the Kingdom of Scotland had any right of joynt exercise of Interest, in disposing of the Person of the King, in the Kingdom of England?

The Papers, Arguments, Objections and An­swers between the Committee of Parliament and the Scots Commissioners upon this point were very long, and are in Print by themselves, therefore here omitted. And their proposal.

That the King might come to London with honour, freedom, and safety, is there considered.

(2.) The Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the Assesment for the Army, and orders for spee­dy collecting it, past, and a complaint against Col. King for obstructing the levying of Moneys in Lincolne shire, referred to a Committee.

A Fast appointed for averting Gods Judgments by the unseasonable Rain.

Debate about Provisions for the next Summers Fleet, and about habeas Corpus.

(3.) Orders touching Arrears of reduced Offi­cers, and about the ten thousand pound for Wi­dows of Soldiers, &c.

Order for the Speaker to write to the several Committees to advance the coming in of the Ex­cise.

The Assembly presented to the House, the last Assembly. part of the Confession of Faith.

(4.) Petitions of the suffering Gentry of Dur­ham, and of Richmond-shire, by the insupportable burdens of the Scots Army upon them, ordered to be considered.

Debate upon the Ordinance for the Assesment for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army, and a Proviso to exempt the Northerne Counties from the Tax, laid aside, and another to exempt Colledge Rents, the Ordinance sent up to the Lords.

Order to state the Accompts of Major General Massey now a Member of the House.

(5.) Order to send down the hundred thousand pound to York for the Scots Army, and for Sir Tho. Fairfax to send a Convoy with it.

An Ordinance sent to the Lords for redemption of the Captives of Algiers.

Great endeavours were to get hands to a Peti­tion Divisions. of the City of the former strain, and to settle the Presbytery, and suppress Sectaries, &c. contri­ved by some to raise Divisions.

(7.) Debate about the latter part of the Con­fession of Faith, and five hundred Copys of it or­dered to be Printed for the Members of both Hou­ses, and that the Assembly do bring in their Mar­ginal Assembly. jus Divi­num. Notes to prove every part of it by Scripture, and their Answer to the Queries touching the point of jus Divinum.

A Committee of both Houses appointed to con­sider of the business of the Petition now in Agita­tion in the City, which may tend much to indanger the Peace of the Parliament and City, and to find out some expedient to preserve the Peace.

Order for the Committee of both Kingdome to [Page 234] conclude the Treaty with the Scots Commissioners, about the marching of their Army out of En­gland.

Order for a new Election.

Order to send for the Bishop of Worcester.

Sir William Russel and the Mayor in Custody.

Order for a thousand pound for Phisitians and Chyrurgions to look to the maimed Soldiers.

Order to free the Libraries, and other things in Oxford useful for Learning from Sequestration.

Letters from Ireland informed that the Lord Digby told the Nuntio there, that he had done ill ser­vice to the King, and the Nuntio told him thrice, he lyed.

Four thousand pound allotted for Ireland.

(8.) A full Agreement with the Scots Com­missioners, Agree­ment with the Scots that when an hundred thousand pound comes to Topcliffe, the Scots shall give Hostages to quit all their quarters, possessions, and Garrisons on the South of Tyne within ten days, and then the Hostages to be re-delivered, and upon delivery of the other hundred thousand pound on the North of Newcastle, the Scots to deliver Hostages to march out of England, Berwick, Carlisle, and the Garri­sons in Scotland to be slighted within ten days.

For the second two hundred thousand pound the Scots are to have the publick Faith, and nine hundred pound was allowed to the Tellers of the two hun­dred thousand pound, and sixteen hundred pound for the charge of the carriages of it.

Vote That all who shall raise Forces against the Parlia­ment or either House hereafter, shall dye without Mer­cy, Vote. and have their Estates confiscated.

And in all these Votes the Lords concurred.

Supplys for the Northern Forces.

Orders touching Compositions of Delinquents.

Upon suspition of a Plot to surprize York, Ma­jor General Pointz drew in his Forces into the Ci­ty.

General Leven, and Sir James Lumsden Gover­nor of New-castle published a Proclamation; that all who had born Arms against either Kingdom, should depart the Town, and all quarters of the Scots Army within twenty four hours.

(9.) The Fast day. After Sermons, the House Pass'd the Ordinance for the better observation of the Lords day.

(10.) Debate touching Compositions.

Petition of Col. Whaley, that the Earl of New­castle unjustly possessed an Estate of three hundred Petition. pound per An. of the Colonel's Father, and pray­ed that he might have that Estate upon Sale, in lieu of so much of his Arrears, which being proved, the House ordered accordingly.

Order that Delinquents Tenants for Life might compound for one years value.

Letters of the French Ambassador stopped, or­dered to be re-delivered to him.

For Col. Purefoy to have fifteen hundred pound of his Arrears, and for Sir Walter Earle to have seven hundred and fifty pound.

Order for new Elections.

The City Petition formerly mentioned was pre­sented to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com­mon-Council, The City Petition. the Petitioners had thanks, were desired to return home in Peace; and the Petition referred to a Committee of the Aldermen, and Common-Council.

(11.) Upon debate in the Grand Committee a sub-Committee was appointed to bring in an Ordi­nance to take away all Coercive power of Committees, and another, to take away all Arbitrary Power from both, or either of the Houses of Parliament, or any of their Committees in any matter between Party and Party.

Upon Recommendation of Sir Thomas Fairfax the House voted Major General Skippon to be Go­vernor of New-castle and Tinmouth, and to keep still the Command of Bristol, by a Deputy, and to command in Chief the Convoy of the two hun­dred thousand pound.

Upon extraordinary confluence of Delinquents, and Papists to London,

An Ordinance pass'd both Houses to put them out of London, and twenty Miles distant for two Months.

Upon a Petition of reduced Officers, an Ordi­nance was appointed to be brought in for sale of Delinquents and Papists Estates, to pay the Peti­tioners in such manner as the sale is to be of Bish­ops Lands.

Debate about the Answer to the Queries touch­ing jus Divinum, and about Mr. Dells Sermon.

(14.) Desires of the Scots Commissioners touch­ing the Payment of the last two hundred thousand pound debated, but not granted.

Letters from Newcastle informed of the conti­nuance of Delinquents in great numbers therea­bouts, of a Dunkirk ship come to Tinmouth, and a Book there Printed in answer to the Assembly of Divines, and for Episcopacy. That some of the Malignants there were apprehended by the Ma­jor.

That two thousand men were to be shipped from Holland, French and English for England, under the Duke of Lorraine to be General, and Prince Rupert to be Lieutenant General to assist the King. That this is procured by the French Ambassador now with his Majesty, and that he hindred the surren­der of Dublin to the Parliaments Commissioners.

(15.) Sir David Watkins reported upon the Exchange that Sir Jo. Evelyn a Member of the house, said, that since the Citizens of London intended to come to the Parliament with their Petition in a tumul­tuous and unlawful manner, that he thought fit, Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army should be sent for to quell those Mechanick Spirits. This testified by Mr. Pennoyer: and thereupon Sir David Watkins was sent for to answer this Scandal.

Referred to the Committee of the North to name six Knights, and six Esquires, for the House to choose of them three Knights, and three Esquires, to be Hostages for payment of the Money to the Scots, and care taken for sending down the Mo­ney.

Vote for Mr. Bence to be a Commissioner of the Navy.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for payment of five hundred pound to Mr. Phips out of the Mar­quess of Wintons Estate, for which Sir John Dan­vers was ingaged.

A Scotch Minister Preached boldly before the King at New-castle, and after his Sermon called for the Scot's Mi­nisters fifty second Psalm, which begins, Why dost thou Tyrant boast thy self, thy wicked works to praise.

His Majesty thereupon stood up, and called for the fifty sixth Psalm, which begins, Have Mercy Lord on me I pray, for men would me devour:

The People waved the Ministers Psalm and sung that which the King called for.

(16.) An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for disposing four thousand five hundred and fifty pounds Arrears of the Joynture of the Countess of Essex, by reason of her delinquency.

Sir David Watkins called into the House denyed the words, which Mr. Pennoyer justified, to be spoken by him of Sir John Evelin, and said he heard them from one Mr. Drake, who was ordered to be sent for.

[Page 235] The two Speakers continued Commissioners for the great Seal twenty days longer.

Order for the Committee of Elections to sit, and for reports every Monday from the Committee of Priviledges.

The Lords concurrence desired to the Treaty for the two hundred thousand pound, and a hun­dred thousand pound of it sent away.

(17.) Order for three thousand pound for the poor Widows, &c.

Hostages agreed to the Scots for the two hun­dred thousaud pound, Sir William Selby, Mr. Dela Hostages. Vale, Sir Edward Loftus, Sir Tho. Trollop, Sir H. Mildmay, and Sir William Browton.

Mr. Drake called in about speaking the words touching Sir Jo. Evelyn, named one Dr. Aldwyn, who said he heard it from a Member of the House, referred to a Committee.

(18.) To the Scots Paper desiring aid of this Kingdom against the Rebels in Scotland, the House answered, that that was no obstruction of their March, or delivery up of the Garrisons, which being done, then the House would consider of that particular.

To that of charging the Countrey upon their March out of England, was answered, That they should take no money nor goods of the English Subjects, but pay and discharge all their quarters, and the form of their Receipts for the two hundred thousand pound was agreed upon.

The Committee of both houses ordered to meet about disposing the great Seal.

Sir Thomas Fairfax went towards Northampton to give order for the Convoy of the Scots Money, and fifty thousand pound was carried thither for his Army.

(19.) Order for two thousand pound for Sir Peter Killegrew for his Interest in Pendennis Castle, and for a thousand pound for the burying of the Earl of Worcester; and the Lord Dockra, to be accor­ding to the Directory.

The Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common-Council and many Citizens of London presented the Petitions. Petition formerly mentioned, first to the Lords, who gave them thanks, then to the Commons, who after much debate, gave them thanks for all their good Services, and appointed a day to con­sider of the Petition, and also the Petition of the Gentry of Durbam.

Another considerable party of the City were a­bout a different Petition.

(31.) Orders touching the payment of the second two hundred thousand pound to the Scots, and that they should not take free quarter. These to be Communicated to the Scots Commissio­ners.

The Earl of Stamford for the Lords, and Mr. Ashhurst and Mr. Goodwin for the Commons, na­med Commissi­oners for Scotland. Commissioners to go into Scotland, to satisfie the Parliament there of all proceedings, and to prevent misunderstandings between the two King­doms, and a Committee appointed to draw in­structions for them.

Upon a Petition of many of Durham, that the Scots Army may be removed, and twenty five thou­sand Durbams Petition. six hundred sixty six pound paid, due to them since 1641 and that they may send Knights and Burgesses to the Parliament, the House gave this an­swer, that they were sensible of the Countreys sufferings, and had taken course to remove the Ar­mies, and concerning their electing Knights and Burgesses for the Parliament, it was referred to a Committee.

Col. Hoskins voted to be Governor of Lynne.

Both Houses agreed to an Ordinance for main­taining of the water-guards. And the Lords sent an Ordinance to the Commons, that none be per­mitted to Preach, or use publick Exercise, but such as had taken Degrees in the Universities, and another Ordinance against such as shall disturb the Ministers in their publick Exercises.

(22.) The House agreed that Sir Rich. Lloyd Governor of Holt, should have liberty to go be­yond Sea, and carry three hundred pound with him, and his Wise to enjoy his Land, being three hundred pound per An. and they voted that Holt, Flint, Harding, Rotheland, and Ruthen Castles should be slighted.

Sir William Listers Lady ordered to have six hun­dred and ten pound of her Husbands Arrears, and two thousand pound to Col Carter, and five hun­dred pound to Major General Skippon for his ex­traordinary charges in convoying the two hundred thousand pound.

The Lords sent their Vote to the Commons

That the King should come to New-Market upon the Scots Army marching away.

Upon debate of the City Petition the House Vo­ted, first to insist upon the breach of Priviledge in the way of this Petition, and then to consider of the particu­lars of the Petition, and for that purpose referred it to a Committee.

The Earl of Northumberland acquainted the Lords, that some persons had a Plot to steal a­way the Duke of York, and to carry him beyond Duke of York. Sea, and that by advice from his Majesty; two that were in the Plot were apprehended, and the rest escaped.

Mr. Hudson the Kings Guide to the Scots was taken again by Major General Pointz, and his Ex­amination sent up to the Parliament.

Some Proposals from the Lord L'isle Lieutenant of Ireland, for supplyes, and Moneys, to carry on the War there, and that he would go over thi­ther in person.

23. Letters from Ireland informed, That proposals were received by the Marquess of Ormond from the Proposals of the Irish Rebels.

That the Roman Catholick Religion may be free and pub­lick, as in Paris.

That the Garrisons may be in their hands.

All Counsellors, Officers and Soldiers, to take an Oath, to fight against the Parliamenteers, and never to make Peace with them.

The Scots Hostages given in.

A Letter directed to General Leven, that no free quarter be taken by his Soldiers in their march for Scotland.

Order for Mr. Allen to provide a Jewel as a gift of the House for General Leven.

Order for five hundred pound for Mrs. Chichester, and four pound per mensem for the Lady Denny, Wi­dows.

The Duke of York confessed, that the King his Duke of York. Father sent to him to get away.

Great use was made of a Press at London to Print the Lord Chancellor of Scotlands Speeches, the London Petition, and other things at New-ca­stle.

(24.) The Commons dissented from the Vote of the Lords for the Kings coming to New-Market, and voted his coming to Holmesby-House in Northamp­ton shire, and to be those with such Attendants as both Houses shall think sit.

Now there began to be an understanding be­tween some here and the Scots, for their delivery up of the Kings Person to the Parliament.

Both Houses agreed to appoint a Committee to [Page 236] ask some questions of the Duke of York, touch­ing the Kings Letter to him for his escape, and to refer to the Committee of both Kingdoms, a Let­ter newly come from the King to both Houses, much to the same effect with his former, desiring to come to London, or to some of his Houses therea­bouts A Letter from the King. with Honour, and safety, and that the Letter be communicated to the Scots Commissioners.

The Scots Commissioners had sent to the Lords to acquaint them with their speedy going away from hence to Scotland, and desired to know what further service the Houses had to command them to the Parliament of Scotland.

Both Houses agreed that the Committee of both Kingdoms should return the thanks of the House to the Scots Commissioners for all their pains and good ser­vice, taking notice of this their last respect to the two houses.

Orders for five hundred pound for Col. Blake for disbanding some Forces, and for Sir Ben. Ay­liffe, and Sir William Wingfield Prisoners, to be bayled.

(25.) Though Christ-mas day, the Houses [...]ate, ordered a Collection for the poor.

The Commons concurred with that part of the Vote of the Lords. That the Kings coming to Holme­by shall be with respect to the safety and preservation of his Majesties Person, and in preservation and defence of the true Religion. The question was put whether words, according to the Covenant should be passed, and it pass'd in the affirmative.

(26.) The Commons agreed with the Lords. That after his Majesty was come to Holmeby house, and attended by such as both houses shall appoint, and that the Scots are gone out of this Kingdom, the Houses will do nothing but what shall be for the preservation of the Peace, and Ʋnion of both King­doms.

This with the rest ordered to be sent to the Lords.

Many Citizens attended impatiently for an an­swer to their Petition.

(28.) Both Houses conferred the Searchers place of Sandwich and Dover upon Col. Mainwa­ring of London, and other competitors were re­ferred to a Committee to find out something for them.

An Ordinance pass'd at Sir Henry Vanes request to enable him to make a surrender of his place of Treasurer of the Navy.

Both Houses agreed that there should be no fur­ther Treaty with the King, and the Commons vo­ted, Votes.

That the King coming to Holmeby House, and the Scots Army gone out of the Kingdom, the two Houses will then joyn with the Scots in using all possible means to perswade the King to pass the Propositions, and if he refuse, that then the Houses will do nothing that may break the Ʋnion and Affection of the two Kingdoms, but to preserve the same.

Upon this and the other Votes a Declaration was pass'd and sent up to the Lords, and with them the Ordinances for Sale of Bishops Lands, and for ta­king away the Court of Wards, to be sent to the King as additional Propositions.

A Conference of both Houses about Composi­tions of Delinquents, and that Lawyers and others who had taken Oaths to attend at the Terms, might not be made Sheriffs, who take an Oath to attend the County.

Affronts offered to the Parliaments Commissio­ners, and to their Officers, and Soldiers in Ire­land.

Great wants of the Protestant Forces there, so that a Soldier had but six pence and a six penny-loaf of Bread in a week to live upon.

(29.) The Lords agreed to the Ordinances, and declaration yesterday sent up to them, but the Houses did not agree to a Clause added by the Lords, for giving one hundred thousand pound per An. to the King in lieu of Wardships.

Mr. Mynnes after proofs heard, and examinati­ons, was voted a Delinquent, and four thousand pound due to him in the hands of Sir Humfrey For­ster, was ordered two thousand pound thereof to Sir John Merrick in part of his Arrears, and the other two thousand pound to Whitelocke for his Ar­rears and Charges.

Order that Mr. Minnes do bring in his Deeds, evidences, &c. for Sir Humphrey Forster, and that he be indempnified for his paying the Money accor­ding to the order of the Parliament.

Orders for the payment of Hull Garrison, for Sir Jo. Hippesley's disbursements for the State to be audited and paid.

To some Queries propounded by the Parliament Assembly of the Kirk, their Answer to Queries. of Scotland to the Assembly of their Kirk, the As­sembly gave this Answer.

The Quere supposeth the Kings coming into this Kingdom, which we humbly conceive should not be put into the question; and therefore de­sire your Lordships to go about all means for the present preventing of it; as a matter of most dangerous consequence to Religion, this Kirk, and Kingdom and to the King himself, and his Posterity.

But if the question be stated; If the King be excluded from Government in England, for not granting the Propositions concerning Religion, and the Covenant; and for not giving a satisfa­ctory answer to the remnant Propositions; whe­ther in that case it be lawfull to assist him for the recovery of the Government? or if it be not lawful? (being put to it) we cannot but answer in regard of the ingagement of this Kingdom, by Covenant and Treaty, Nega­tive.

The Parliament of Scotland pass'd these Votes.

1. That Scotland shall be Governed as it hath been Votes of the Parlia­ment in Scotland. for the five last years, all means being used that the King may take the Covenant, and pass the Propositions.

2. That the taking the Scots Covenant, and passing some of the Propositions, doth not give warrant to assist him against England.

3. That upon bare taking the Covenant we may not re­ceive him.

4. That the Clause in the Covenant, for defence of the Kings Person, is to be understood in defence and safety of the Kingdom.

5. That the King shall not execute any power in Scotland, till he hath granted the propositions con­cerning Religion, and the Covenant, and given a satisfactory answer to both Kingdoms in the rest of the Propositions presented to him by both Kingdoms at Newcastle.

6. That if his Majestie refuse to pass the Propositions, he shall be disposed of according to the Covenant, and Treaties.

7. That the Ʋnion be firmly kept between the King­doms, according to the Covenant, and Treaties.

(30.) The Fast day divers new Members took the Covenant, and voted that all such Members who have not taken it, shall take it the next Fast day, or be suspended the House.

(31.) Instructions for the Commissioners who are to take possession of the Garrisons upon the departure of the Scots, and for the Hostages, agreed [Page 237] upon, and a Letter to General Leven, that the Scots may lay no Assesments, nor take any free Quarter upon their March, after the first hundred thousand pound shall be paid.

Order for the Ammunition in Berwick, and Carlisle to be brought to New-castle.

Debate about the City Petition, and Crowds of Citizens attending to know what was done in it.

In the afternoon they sate again, and till mid­night about the City Petition, and some perhaps City Pe­tition. were a little awed by the multitudes of Citizens at­tending at the door of the House.

They agreed upon a Declaration against all such Persons as take upon them to Preach or expound the Scrip­tures, except they be Ordained. And this gave much offence to those of the Independent Judgment.

January, 1646.

January 1. Orders for payment of Moneys for­merly ordered to the Earl of Stamford, and for eight hundred pound to the Commissioners that are to go into the North, for their accommodations, and their instructions.

Debate upon the Ordinance against Blasphe­mies and Heresies.

Vote for Sir Peter Killegrew to be sent with the Preamble, and vote in answer to his Majesties last Letters.

(2.) A Letter from General Leven complying with the Parliaments desires in their Letters to him, and order given to have the Jewel ready for him.

Letters informed an endeavour of the King to escape from New-castle without the Scots privity, and a more strict Guard upon him.

Orders for stay of Sir Peter Killegrew's Journey, and for a thousand pound for Mr. Pury out of the Earl of Worcesters Estate, and a thousand pound for Mr. Hodges in repair of their losses, and for a thousand pound for Sir Robert Pye Jun. out of Sir Edmond Pye's Composition.

Order for allowances to the Officers of the Court of Wards.

(4.) Upon a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Orders for two thousand pound for Sir Hardress Waller of his Arrears, and for two thousand pound for Col. Sidney.

Order to continue the two Speakers Commissio­ners of the Great Seal for ten days longer.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the Go­vernment of Chester.

Instructions and powers agreed for the Lieuete­nant of Ireland, and a Sword to be born before him, and Counsellors of State named for Ireland, and they to have five hundred pound per An. apiece till their Estates shall be recovered.

An Ordinance appointed to settle the same Church-Government in Ireland as in England.

Vote to name Commissioners of both Houses to receive the King from the Scots, and to bring him to Holmeby, and the Committee of both King­doms to draw instructions for the Commissioners, and Letters to be written to General Leven, and to the Scots Commissioners at New castle to acquaint them with these Votes, and that the Commissioners should speedily come for the King.

Letters sent from Major General Laugherne, and the Committee of Haverford West informed, That Mr. Hudson the Kings Guide having escaped out of Prison, was by the King imployed upon another design to carry Letters to be delivered to Major Ge­neral Laugherne to invite him to betray his Trust, and to revolt to the King.

That the Major General sent up the Letters and other Papers to the Parliament, and Hudson, and Price one of his Agents, and the examining them was referred to a Committee.

The Commons agreed that Mr. Godolphin Go­vernor of S [...]ylly upon his surrender of that Island and all Forts, &c. and taking the Covenant, and Negative Oath, should enjoy his Estate, and be free from Arrests for any acts of War.

(6.) Both Houses agreed the Instructions for the Commissioners that go to the Scots Army, and to the Declaration in answer to the Kings last Let­ter, and about disposing of his Person, and to the Letters to General Leven, and to the Scots Com­missioners at Newcastle touching this business, and Sir Peter Killegrew was to post with them to New­castle.

The Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Denbigh, the Commissi­oners to receive the Kings Person. Lord Mountague, named by the Lords; and by the Commons Sir William Armine, Sir Jo. Hollond, Sir Walter Earle, Sir John Cooke, Mr. John Crew, and Major General Browne Commissioners to receive the Kings Person, and with such Guards as they shall think fit, to bring him to Holmeby House.

Ordinance for Sir Anthony-Ashley-Cooper Sheriff of Wilts, to live out of the County.

Order for Winchester Castle to be dis-garrisoned, and delivered to Sir William Waller the owner.

A Committee named to consider of several debts owing by the Earl of Corke, who is gone beyond Sea without perfecting his Composition.

Letters informed, that the Money for the Scots was safe come to Yorke.

The Parliament Forces after great Storms at Sea Landed in Ireland, and had course entertain­ment there.

(7.) Mr. Sandys reported what places and pro­fits Members of the House had, that an Account thereof may be given.

Order for two thousand five hundred pound for the Commissioners that are to receive the Kings Person, and their instructions debated.

Sir William Ermyn upon his own desire excused, and Sir James Harrington Commissioner in his stead and Mr. Marshall and Mr. Carill appointed to go along with them.

Articles presented to the House against one Har­ris, referred to the Justices of Peace.

Endeavours were in Countries to get hands to Petitions to second that of London.

(8.) Debate upon the Ordinance against such as Preach, or expound the Scriptures, not being ordained.

Upon Petition of the Countess of Peterburgh.

Order that she should have her Husbands Arrears out of such Delinquents Estates as she should dis­cover.

(9.) Orders for ten thousand pound for the Lord Say, for the loss of his place in the Court of Wards, Sir Rowland Wandesford to have five thou­sand pound, Sir Ben. Rudyeard six thousand pound, and Mr. Bacon to have three hundred pound.

Reference to the Committee of the Navy about adding four Frigots to the next Summers Fleet.

The Commons agreed with the Lords to have Goring House for the Ambassador of France.

Orders for Petitions to be read in rank as they were presented, and for ten thousand Pound for the reduced Officers, and a thousand pound to Colonel Waite for Arrears, and to Summon Col. King to at­tend the Committee.

The Commissioners to name Attendants for the King.

[Page 238] (11.) Major General Skippon sent up intercept­ed Letters from Hudson the Kings Guide to his Majesty bewailing his unhappiness in failing of success with Major General Laugherne, and being again ap­prehended.

Order for a Letter to the Governor of Hull to send up Dr. Hudson in safe Custody by Land to the Parliament, and reserred the Letters to a Com­mittee.

Upon a Letter from Sir Tho. Fairfax. Order for four thousand pound for the standing Officers of the County of York.

Approbation of the Convoy sent by Sir T. Fair­fax, with the Money to the Scots.

Order for four thousand five hundred pound for Sir Samuel Luke for his Arrears out of Goldsmiths Hall.

The Town of Cirencester elected Sir Th. Fair­fax and Col. Rich for their Burgesses.

Debate upon the instructions of the Lord L'Isle Lieutenant of Ireland.

The Scots refused to surrender Belfast to the Par­liaments Forces.

Ireland in great want of Supplys.

Commissioners came from the Parliament of Scotland to Newcastle, to perswade the King to Sign the Propositions.

(12.) Order for Sir Oliver Fleming Master of the Ceremonies to go to the French Ambassador. to know whether he hath any thing from his Master the King of France to the Parliament that he may be dispatched.

Some of the Kings antient Servants, and some others were approved of by the House, to go down with the Commissioners to attend his Maje­sty, and power given to the Commissioners to name inferiour Servants.

Orders for Money for the Commissioners char­ges, for repairing Holmby House, for Coaches, Horses, &c. for the King.

For two thousand pound for Major General Brown in part of his Arrears, and referred to a Committee, that he be considered as other Ma­jor Generals.

Debate about an Information of a Protection from the King to a Member of the House.

A Colonel charged the Earl of Northumberland and of Pembroke to have sent Money to the King, but upon examination he said he heard it from some of their Servants, they denyed it, and the Colo­nel being but a single witness, and speaking but by hearsay, the Lords acquitted the Earls, and left them to their Remedy against the Colonel for the Scandal.

Mr. Murrey sent for in again upon information that he was Plotting the Kings escape from New­castle in a Dutch Ship lying there for that pur­pose.

(13.) A report of the Committee approved for Great Seal making Sir John Bramston, Sir Thomas Beddingfield, and Mr. Chute, Commissioners of the Great Seal, and an Ordinance appointed to be brought in for that purpose.

An Ordinance committed for regulating the University of Oxford, and agreed that no Members of either House shall be Visitors, and that the right of the Earl of Denbigh as Chancellor of the University be preserved, and that the City of Ox­ford do choose a Recorder.

An Ordinance to put Doctor Temple into a Parsonage.

(14.) Compositions of Delinquents pass'd.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the new Com­missioners of the Great Seal.

(15.) Debate in a Grand Committee touching the Dissenters from the Presbyterian Govern­ment.

A Minister presented Articles to the Council of War against a Trooper, for Preaching and expound­ing Articles against a Preaching Trooper. the Scripture, and uttering erroneous Opinions.

The Council adjudged that none of the Articles were against the Law, or Articles of War, but that only the Trooper called the Parson a Minister of Anti-Christ; for which Reproach, they ordered the Trooper to make an acknowledgment, which he did, and was one night imprisoned.

Great noise was about this in London, and about another Troopers Preaching at Buckingham, upon which a Tumult was raised by the Cavaliers, and suppressed.

(16.) Order for levying the Arrears for the Army.

Debate about inlarging the Instructions for the Commissioners who were to receive the Kings Per­son, they being gone out of Town.

An Ordinance sent from the Lords to the Com­mons, for constituting the Commissioners of the Seal, the Commons desired the Lords to pass that which they formerly sent up to them.

Ordinance for the accounts of the Soldiery, and an order for fifteen hundred pound for Sir William Fairfax's Lady, of her Husbands Arrears.

(18.) Votes for Mr. Hollis, Mr. Selden, Sir Jo. Elliots Children, Mr. Strodes Kindred, Mr. Votes for sufferers 3. Cor. Valentine, Sir Peter Hammond's children, Sir Miles Hobert, Mr. Walter Long, and Mr. John Hamdens children shall have five thousand pound to each, for the sufferings of them, or their parents 3 Car. for opposing the illegalities of that time, and a thou­sand pound to Mr. Varsall upon the same account, and all sentences formerly against them to be ta­ken off, and a Committee to consider how these al­lowances may be raised, and to consider of the Petition of Alderman Chambers.

Order for two thousand pound for the Soldiers in Portsmouth and Hurst Castle, and for viewing the Fortisications there, and for six months pay for the Army.

The General made strict Orders for his Officers and Soldiers to pay their Quarters, and that the Countrey may not be burdened, and misdemeanors prevented, and this by advice of his Council of War.

Captain Batten kept in the Dutch Ship at New­castle.

Sir Tho. Tiddesly and Col. Price being apprehen­ded about endeavouring the Kings escape, got a­way.

Letters informed that the Scots Commissioners at New-castle could not prevail with the King to take the Covenant, and sign the Propositions, and that a Scotch Lord told him, if he did not, they must give him up to the Parliament of England, and it would fall heavy upon him and his Posterity. That his Ma­jesty is not pleased to come to Holmby house, not liking the place.

Letters informed that the Parliament of Scotland had voted, ‘That if his Majesty should have thoughts of coming thither at this time, he not having subscribed to the Covenant, nor satisfied the Lawful Defires of his Subjects in both Nati­ons, they have just cause to fear the consequences of it may be very dangerous both to his Majesty and to these Kingdoms, which they desire may be timely prevented, and they express their Ar­guments that if they should receive his Majesty, it would be contrary to their Engagements with England, and the Treaties.’

(19.) Order for ten thousand pound for the Earl of Northumberland out of Compositions, in regard of his losses in the North.

[Page 239] Orders about the Sale of Bishops Lands.

Lieutenant Col. Harrisons Accounts referred to a Committee, and three hundred pound ordered to Mrs Serle a widow▪ out of Doctor Ducks Estate.

Order for Money formerly given to Licutenant General Cromwell, to be out of the Estates of Pa­pists in Arms.

Power given to the Committee of Complaints to imprison.

(20.) Orders for bringing in and maintaining Power to Imprison. the credit of the Excise.

Order for the due observation of the Articles of surrender of Portland.

Sir Peter Killegrew returned with Letters from the King to both houses.

‘That he had received their Votes for his co­ming to Holmby, and understood that Commissi­oners were coming for him; and that he shall Letters from the King. give them his resolution when they come, the like Letters were to the Scots Commissioners.’

Another Letter was from General Leven, ‘That according to the Parliaments desires, he would take care of his Majesty that he depart not away, From Le­ven. and will be ready to do all good Offices.’

A third Letter to the Parliament was from the Commissioners of Estates, that they had received the Votes, and sent them to the Parliament of Scot­land.

Orders to communicate these Letters to the Scots Commissioners, and for a hundred pound for Sir Pe­ter Killegrew for his Journey.

Letters from the Parliaments Agent in Denmarke, and an offer from thence of a Treaty for Corre­spondence betwixt the Kingdoms, referred to a Committee.

Orders for a hundred pound for Mr. Jenkins for­merly imployed to Denmark, and for a hundred pound to Sir Henry Vane Sen. disbursed by him for the State, and for two hundred pound to Mr. Smith, for Provisions for Ireland, and for the Ar­rears of the Porter of Portland Castle.

(21.) The Lords differing about the new Com­missioners for the Great Seal,

An Ordinance pass'd to continue the two Speak­ers Great Seal Commissioners of the Seal till ten days after the next Term, and they were ordered to consider of persons to ride the next Circuit.

A Committee named to draw instructions for the Judges that shall ride the next Circuits, and to settle differences between well affected Tenants, and disaffected Landlords; and to consider of Judges for Wales.

Dr. Hudson the Kings Guide was long examined in the House, and committed close Prisoner to the Tower for Treason.

Orders for sixty pound to the Officers and Troopers that brought up Dr. Hudson, and for the discharge of Col. Morrice, and for sixty pound to the Serjeants Deputies.

(22.) The Grand Committee sate upon matter of Religion, and the Lords Ordinance prohibiting any to Preach but those who are ordained.

The King propounded to the Scots Commissioners ‘two Quaeries, in what condition he stood, whe­ther a free man, or under restraint; if not a free The Kings Queries. man, then his answer to their desires would not be valid.’

They pressed him to assent to the Propositions, if not, they must acquaint him with the resolutions of the Parliament of England.

The King replied, ‘he knew them; and de­manded, if he went to Scotland, whether he should be there with Honor, Freedom and Safety?’ to which they gave no answer.

(23.) The Grand Committee sate about the pay­ment of the Soldiers.

(25.) The House received a Declaration of Scotland sent to the Scots Commissioners here, to be communicated to both Houses of Parliament, to this effect. Declarati­on of Scot­land.

Reciting former transactions with the King, and his denyal to sign the Propositions; that the King hath often declared his desires to be near the Parliament of England, who have communi­cated to them, that Holmeby House is the place they think sit for his Majesty to come unto; there to remain with safety of his Person, in the pre­servation and defence of the true Religion, and Liberties of the Kingdoms, according to the Co­venant.

Therefore, and in regard his Majesty hath not given a satisfactory answer to the Propositi­ons, and to keep a right understanding, and pre­vent new troubles, to satisfie the desire of his Ma­jesty, the Parliament of England, to prevent misinformation, and to satisfie the estates of the Parliament of Scotland, do declare their concur­rence for his Majesties coming to Holmeby House, or some other of his Houses in or about London, there to remain till he satisfie both Kingdoms in the Propositions of Peace.

And that in the interim there be no harm done to his Person, that there be no change of Govern­ment, other then hath been the three years past, and that his Posterity be no way prejudiced in their Lawful Succession. They are assured that the intentions of their Brethren are the same, and they conclude that they will endeavour to keep all right between the Kingdoms according to the Covenant and Treaties.

They desire,

1. That a Committee of both Kingdoms attend his Majesty and press him to grant the Propositi­ons, and if he refuse, to determine further what is necessary for continuing the Ʋnion, and that no agreement be made with the King distinct.

2. That such Scots as have Places about the King, may exercise them, except Persons excepted, and none be barred access or attendance who have war­rant from either Parliament.

3. That the one Kingdom assist the other in case of trouble.

4. That England agree for some Competency for the Scots Forces in Ireland.

A Committee touching the Accounts of the King­dom.

Orders for one thousand eight hundred pound for Sir Philip Stapleton for his Arrears, and for two thousand five hundred pound for Col. Thompson, and for Captain Torneton Major of London Derry to be sent for in Custody, to answer the Com­mittee of Accounts.

Order for Sir Thomas Fairfax to have his five thousand pound per An. out of Delinquents Estates excepted.

Orders for Disbanding the Troop of Wilts, and for six thousand pound for the Regiment of Nor­thampton-shire, and for twelve thousand five hundred pound for the reduced Officers.

A Committee to confer with the Judges, about bringing excepted Persons to a speedy Tryal.

An Ordinance read for Sale of Delinquents E­states, who are excepted, but they to be first try­ed.

Order for six thousand pound for the Garrison of Portsmouth, out of such Delinquents Estates as the Gentlemen of Hampshire should name.

Upon the Lord L'Isle's desire, Major Harrison voted to go with him into Ireland.

[Page 240] A Letter from the French Ambassador to the Lords, that he had Letters of Consequence from the King his Master to the Parliament.

(26.) Divers Compositions past, that of Mr. Goodale rejected, because he lately killed a man in cold Blood.

In the afternoon the House sate about the Scots Papers.

Letters from the North informed that the Scots had received their Money, and given Acquittances for it.

That the Parliament of Scotland sent their reso­lution to the General and Commissioners, to deli­ver the King to the Commissioners of England to be conducted to Holmeby.

Major General Skippon published a Proclamation at the head of every Regiment of his Convoy, that no Officer or Soldier under his Command either in Word or Deed, give any just occasion of offence to any Officer or Soldier of the Scots Army, but demean themselves towards them civilly and inof­fensively, as becometh Brethren.

Letters from the North, that the Scots had ship­ped their own Ordnance, and Carriages, that they sent but fourteen Troopers to Convoy their Mo­ney.

(27.) The Monthly Fast.

After the Sermons, the House met, and order­ed a general Fast day throughout the Kingdom to beseech God, for the rooting out of Heresie and Blasphemies.

At a Conference both Houses agreed to the Scots desires.

That when the Scots Army is out of the King­dom, The Scots desires a­greed to. and the King come to Holmeby, Commissi­oners be sent from both Kingdoms to press his Majesty to pass the Propositions, and Sign the Co­venant.

And if he refuse, then to consider how to set­tle the Kingdoms according to the Covenant and Treaties, that nothing be concluded with the King but according to the Treaties, that no Person excepted be admitted to the King, that those chosen to attend him at Holmeby be but for a time, nor any prejudice to be to those who have adhered to the Parliament, and that when any trouble ariseth in either Kingdom, the other to assist according to the Treaties.

(28.) Order for Money for the reduced Offi­cers.

Mr. Barrill approved to be Attorney General in Ireland.

Orders for the Assesments for Ireland to be con­tinued, for discharging of Sir Robert King, and Sir Jo, Clotworthy from being Commissioners for Ire­land, upon their own desires, and for supplys for Dublin.

Order for Newport Pagnell to be slighted, and the Ammunition there to be sent to Ireland.

Orders for all the Officers and Soldiers designed for Ireland speedily to repair to the Sea Side, and for six pound a Week allowance for the Lady Rane­lagh, and for five hundred pound for Col. Temple for his Arrears.

The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland took his leave of the House.

(29.) Debate in the Grand Committee concer­ning Persons Preaching who were not Ordain­ed.

The Commission agreed, for the Agent of the Turkey Company to Constantinople, sent up to the Lords, and they consented to it.

(30.) The Grand Committee sate concerning the pay for the Army.

Letters informed that the Parliaments Commissio­ners were come to Newcastle, and that the King had appointed them a time for Audience.

February, 1646.

February 1. Divers new Members took the Co­venant, and ordered that those who have not yet taken it, shall by a day take it, or be suspended.

The Preamble, and Ordinance pass'd both Hou­ses, for a day of Humiliation, that God would stop the growth of Heresie and Blasphemy.

The Lords sent to have Mr. Barrill added to the Privy Councellors of Ireland, but it was not assent­ed to by the Commons.

Upon a Petition of the Inhabitants of Westmin­ster, referred to a Committee to consider of a main­tainance of two hundred pound per An. for Mr. Marshall their Minister.

Letters from the North informed that the Scots were upon their March.

That the Commissioners attended his Majesty a­bout his going to Holmeby.

That the Scots Parliament carried it but by two Votes for the Kings not coming to Scotland.

That the King asked the Scots Commissioners. why he might not go into Scotland, when he came to their Army for protection?

They answered him, because he refused to sign the Convenant and Propositions, therefore they were to deli­ver him to the Commissioners of the Parliament of En­gland, who were come to attend him to Holmeby House.

The King desired the English Commissioners to sent to the Parliament, that he might have two Chap­lains, who had not taken the Covenant to go with him to Holmeby, which they excused, as that which would not be for his Majesties service, and much other discourse he had with them, and some reported he used the expressions: that he was bought and sold.

The Dutch Ship went away from Newcastle Har­bour. Complements pass'd between the English and Scots, and Proclamation was made by General Leven that all his Soldiers should pay off their quar­ters at their departure.

(2.) Debate about a Declaration of the Lords, that the Compositions at Goldsmiths Hall were not by Ordinance, and the Sequestrators of the Counties not bound to obey them.

A Committee appointed to draw reasons to sa­tisfie the Lords herein.

Many Complaints and Cavils were made against Complaint against the Soldiers. the Officers and Soldiers of the Army, as such who held Erroneous and Schismatical Opinions, contrary to the true Doctrine, and that they took upon them to Preach and expound Scripture, not being learned or ordained, and some of the Kings Party were not wanting to soment these things, and to raise an odium upon the Army in the peoples minds.

And those who so lately were in their highest esteem and respect, as freers of their Countrey from Servitude and Oppression, are now by the same peo­ple looked upon as Sectaries and Oppressors them­selves.

Thus we may see the inconstancy of the giddy Multitude, and the uncertainty of Worldly Affairs, when their turns are served, their minds change, their best friends when they relieve them, are count­ed their enemies, when they are relieved, the best course is to provide for such a condition, as will always afford comfort, and will never change, not to trust in men, but in God alone.

Referred to a Committee to consider a Petition [Page 241] of two Committee men, who were sued at Law for what they did as Committee men.

The Scots marched out of Newcastle, and the English entered it, and Tinmouth.

The King would not hear Mr. Marshall nor Mr. Carryll Preach, because he had not submitted to the Directory of Worship.

Proclamation by General Leven that if any in Newcastle had any Debt owing to him by the Scots, he should come to the General and receive it.

A Party of Ormonds Forces marched into the Re­bels Quarters fifty miles, and took from them three or four thousand Cows, and in their March back being careless Oneal's men fell on them, rescued the Cows, and spoyled three of Ormond's Troops.

Captain Pen took four Vessels from the Re­bels.

(3.) Conference about the Lords Declarati­on concerning Compositions, That Lords were joyn­ed in that Committee, that this difference between the two Houses, and at this time would be of evil Conse­quence.

Letters informed that the Mayor of Newcastle delivered the Keys of the Town to Major Gene­ral Skippon, who took possession of it.

The Parliaments Commissioners received the King into their Charge, lodged in the same House, and intended to watch by turnes.

Carlisle and Berwicke were upon slighting.

(4.) Instructions for the Commissioners going to the Parliament of Scotland, and a Letter agreed to be sent from both houses here to the Parliament in Ireland desiring that Belfast in Ireland may be surrendred to their Forces there.

An Ordinance read for selling certain Delin­quents Estates for satisfaction of a debt due to Mr. Pennoyer, and Mr. Hill, for Provisions sent by them into Ireland.

A Bill of Exchange from the Commissioners in the North complyed with.

Order for the next Summers Fleet.

Incivility of Officers to a Committee for their Accounts.

Lords added to the Committee at Goldsmiths Hall.

(5.) Grand Committee about the Ordinance against such as Preach, not being Ordained.

(5.) Several Sheriffs appointed, and Judges for Circuits agreed upon.

The Plate of the Chappel at White-Hall ordered to be sold.

Order for three thousand pound to defray the charges of the Kings Journey to Holmeby.

Letters to the Commissioners attending him, That none be placed about the King but Persons well af­fected, &c.

(8.) Debate by the Lords about the City Pe­tition, and they voted, that those who should refuse to take the Covenant, should bear no Office Civil or Milita­ry.

Lords concurrence for Sheriffs, and for Judges to ride the Circuits.

The King removed from New-castle to Durham, and at his going out, a Proclamation was made that none who had served against the Parliament should come near his Majesty.

The Commissioners were attended by nine hun­dred Horse.

One being admitted to kiss the Kings hand deli­vered to him a Letter in Characters.

The last hundred thousand pound paid to the Scots.

Care by Major General Skippon, that any Scots who were left behind sick in New-castle should not be disturbed.

The Kings Letter in Characters referred to Mr. Wakerly to open the meaning of it, and thanks or­dered to their Commissioners, and additional in­structions and power ordered to be given to them.

Four shillings per Chaldron upon New-castle Coals continued for maintenance of that Garrison.

Order for a Declaration touching the Excise, and continuing of it, and referred to a Committee, to prevent the Insolencies, and exorbitancies of the Sub-Commissioners.

The Ordinance pass'd for establishing the Com­mittee of Goldsmiths Hall, of Members of both Hou­ses and others.

The Lords recalled their former Declaration a­gainst the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall.

(9.) Vote of the Lords, that Sir Jo. Bramp­ston shall sit in their House, as an assistant.

Petition of some Apprentices that they may have a play-day once in a Month.

Debate upon the Ordinance for regulating Ox­ford.

Complaints to the General of Suits against Sol­diers and Countrey-men for horses taken from the enemy in the War.

The King came to Rippon.

(10.) Debate of the Oxford Ordinance.

Visitors named and sent to the Lords.

Order of both Houses for the Library of the Arch Bishop to be given to the University of Cam­bridge.

Orders about the next Summers Fleet.

Ordinances touching the Clerks places of the privy Signet, and the Water-Bayliffs place, and for four thousand pound for Col. Barton out of Delinquents Estates for his Arrears.

The Lords proceeded upon the City Petition, and named a Committee to consider of punishing Hereticks and Schismaticks.

(11.) Order for two thousand pound for the Executors of Sir Jo. Meldrum for his Arrears.

Ordinance committed for safe custody of Priso­ners, and yet that they may be liable to Suits.

Orders touching Compositions.

(12.) The grand Committee sate about Re­ligion, and the Ordinance against Preachers not being Ordained.

(13.) Grand Committee sate upon the same bu­siness.

A Committee appointed to moderate the Fees of the Registers in Chancery.

Receipts of the Scots for the two hundred thou­sand pound ordered to be entred in the House-Jour­nal, and in the Exchequer, and the Lords desired to enter them in the Journal of their House.

Order for indemnity of the Treasurers.

Vote for an addition to a Committee.

The King came to Nottingham.

(15.) Order for the Members to give in notes under their hands of the several Garrisons, and the charge of them in the respective Counties.

Order to confirm the Articles of Truro.

A Committee to examine a complaint against the Lord Mohun, that he had killed divers men in cold blood, and therefore should not be admitted to his Composition.

Orders concerning new Elections, and for Pri­viledge for Col. Rigby's Servants, and for three hundred pound to Mrs. Herle for her late Husbands Arrears, and for two thousand pound to Col. Ce­ly Governor of Lime, a Member of the House, for his Arrears.

An Ordinance from the Lords to prohibit the killing of Beef, Veal, and Lamb for eight weeks. Another to take away all Country Committees, both Committed by the Commons.

[Page 242] The Lords concurred in the Ordinances for re­moving the Library, from Lambeth to Cambridge, and in that for Sir Jo. Meldrum's Executor.

A great tumult in Smithfield, the Excise-house pulled down, the Lord Mayor published a Procla­mation, that whosoever could bring in the chief actors in it, should have five pound, and many were committed to Prison about it.

Success of some of the Parliaments Forces in Ireland, care for men and provisions thither.

Sir Thomas Fairfax went and met the King, who stopped his Horse, Sir Thomas Fairfax allighted, and kissed the Kings hand, and afterward mounted and discoursed with the King as they passed to­wards Nottingham.

The King said to one of the Commissioners, That the General was a man of honour, and kept his word with him.

Divers of the Kings Officers were apprehended upon suspition, and imprisoned by the Commissio­ners.

The Scots passed Berwick into Scotland, most of them were to be disbanded.

General Leven executed one for Murder who was one of his Soldiers, and the Countrey were well pleased with it.

(16.) The Sheriffs of London came to the House, and informed them of the tumult in Smithfield a­bout the Excise-house, and the Commitment of many for it.

The House gave them thanks, and ordered that the Malefactors be proceeded against at the Sessi­ons.

The Declaration of the grounds of laying and continuing the Excise, committed.

New Members admitted.

The Lords pass'd the Confession of Faith as the Assembly gave it in. Confession of Faith.

A Petition to the Lords from Suffolke, of the same effect with the London Petition, with an ad­dition that the Armies may be disbanded. Petition.

The Lords gave them thanks for their good af­fections, for the Petition and the particulars of it, they would speedily take into consideration.

(17.) Debate of disbanding Forces, and dis­mantling Garrisons, the several Members gave an account of all their Counties, and sate till eight at night, then resolved that the Army should first be taken into debate.

Ordinance for nine thousand pound for the works of London, sent to the Lords.

(18.) Order that a Body of five thousand horse and a thousand Dragoons be continued for the ser­vice of the Kingdom, and at the charge of the Kingdom.

Letters from the Commissioners with the King at Holmeby, desired that they might be discharged from that great charge.

Ordinances for Compositions.

Ordinance for six thousand pound for Notting­ham House.

The People flocked to see the King as he passed by.

(19.) The House sate from Morning to nine at night, and voted that no more Foot should be maintained than what was sufficient to man the Garrisons.

(20.) Orders for Members to go into the Countrey.

Letters from the Earl of Ormond to Mr Salleway, and others, with propositions for surrender of Dublyn, and other Forts in Ireland.

Lords concurrence to divers Ordinances.

A Letter from the King from Holmeby to both A Letter from the King. Houses. Desired, That in regard he was not satisfi­ed with the Presbyterian Government, that Doctor Sheldon and divers others of his Chaplains, or any two of them might be permitted to come to him, by whom he might receive satisfaction.

The House voted to send to the King to sign the Propositions.

The Declaration concerning the Excize past the House, and care taken for ease of the poor in the payment of Excize.

Benson a Delinquent apprehended by the City Martial, and committed close Prisoner.

(22.) Upon the report of all the transactions between the Parliaments Commissioners, and the Marquess of Ormond, the House approved what the Commissioners had done, and gave them thanks.

Orders for ten thousand pound for the Forces Ormond. which shall go to possess Dublin, and three thou­sand pound to the Marquess of Ormond, and refer­red to the Committee of the Irish Affairs to manage the whole business of the Marquess of Ormond, and they to give an Account of the Money, Forces, and Supplys for Ireland.

A Letter assented to, That the House agreed to Ormonds propositions, and to acquaint him that the Sequestration of his Estate should be taken off.

Letters to the Lord Inchequin and others to as­sist in this business.

The Earl of Pembroke had leave to come from Holmeby to London.

Both Houses voted Mr. Bradshaw to be Chief Justice of Chester, and to refer it to the Commissi­oners of the Seal to consider of fit persons to be Judges in Wales.

The Declaration pass'd concerning the Excise with Instructions to the Officers.

The Lords made an Order against the spoylers of the Kings Game.

(23.) Leave to divers Members to go into the Countrey, and for Mr. Crew to come from Holmeby to London. And a vote pass'd that the Commissio­ners who stay with the King shall have the same Au­thority as when they were all together.

Votes for dismantling of Garrisons.

The King desied to come to, or near London.

Letters informed that the Scots were all gone out of England, and their whole Army disbanded, except five thousand Foot, and fifteen Troops of Horse.

(24.) The Monthly Fast day, some new Mem­bers took the Covenant.

(25.) The French Ambassador desired Audience, and a day was set for it.

The Sequestrations of Sir Henry Cooke, and Sir Robert Cooke discharged.

(26.) Petition of Captain Sheffield referred.

Money given to some who had lost their eyes in Ireland. French Ambassa­dor.

(27.) The French Ambassador had his audience in usual State and Ceremony in both Houses.

The substance of his Speech was to desire a happy accommodation between the King and Parliament; and presented himself as a Mediator, for composure of them, if in any thing the Houses thought fit to make use of him. But nothing was then done upon it.

An explanatory Ordinance touching the Sale of Bishops Lands.

A Letter and Declaration of the Parliament of Ireland by way of address to the Parliament of En­gland, for relief and supplyes, referred to the Com­mittee of Irish affairs, and orders for Supplyes, and the Messenger ordered to return to the Parlia­ment of Ireland to acquaint them therewith.

March, 1646.

March 1. A Petition of many thousand young men and Apprentices of London, ingeniously Pen­ned, Petition of Apprenti­ces. and desiring That all occasions of breaches be­tween the well affected Party may be taken away; That those who have adventured their lives for the Parlia­ment may be countenanced; and the contrary Party not favoured, and that a sufficient Guard and Strength may be kept up for the safety of the Kingdom.

That they may enjoy the Grants and Priviledges of the City, and that some times for Recreation may be set apart for Servants.

The House sent thanks to the Petitioners for their good Affections.

Upon a Letter from Major General Skippon of his settlement of the Garrison of Newcastle, a Let­ter of thanks Ordered to him.

Both Houses continued the Commissioners of the Seal for twenty days longer.

A Commission past for Mr. Strickland to go over Agent to the Low-Countries.

Both Houses gave an Allowance to the Earl of Chesterfield, with an intimation That he do not en­tertain Malignant Preachers in his House, nor use the Book of Common-Prayer.

Divers Votes for Dismantling Garrisons.

(2.) Further progress about Dismantling Gar­risons.

Letters from the Commissioners at Holmeby, with a List of those appointed to attend the King, and an estimate of Charges.

Vote that the List be not allowed as to an Esta­blishment, and the Charges referred to the Com­mittee of the Revenue, and the Commissioners desired not to exceed in them.

Order to know of the Commissioners of Scot­land, whether they have power to joyn with the Parliament in procuring His Majesties consent to the Propositions, and Sale of Bishops Lands.

The Commissioners could not persuade the King to hear their Chaplains.

(3.) Votes for slighting Garrisons.

Instructions past by the Lords for the Judges for hearing of Criminal Causes.

(4.) Order for One thousand three hundred pounds for the Lord Willoughby, of Parham, for his Arrears, and that what his Lordship shall propound further for the remainder, the House will be ready to grant.

Addition of fifty pounds per Mens. for the maimed Souldiers.

The Scots Commissioners here answered to the Parliaments question, That they had not now power to joyn for procuring His Majesties consent to the Pro­positions, but expected it speedily from their Parlia­ment.

(5.) After long debate carryed upon the questi­on, That Sir Thomas Fairfax shall be General of the Sir Thomas Fairfax. Forces to be continued; and some wondered it should admit a debate and question.

(6.) Votes for Forces and Supplies for Ireland. Supplies for Ireland. Of Foot seven Regiments, three thousand Horse, one thousand two hundred Dragoons, out of the Army, and the House will consider the Charge of maintaining all the Forces in Ireland, and how they may be under one Pay and Establishment.

The General, Collonel Hammond, and others expressed their willingness to further the business of Ireland, and Collonel Hammond to go him­self.

(8.) Votes concerning the Forces to be kept in Ireland. That no Member of the House of Commons, shall have the Command of any Garrison under Sir Thomas Fairfax in England. That there be no Votes. Officer above a Collonel. That they shall all take the Co­venant. That none who hath born Arms against the Par­liament shall be in Command. That they shall all Con­form to the Established Government of the Church. Nor any Prophane or Scandalous person. The Officers to be chosen by the Parliament.

The Lords Ordered the Sale of the Miters, Copes, &c. brought from Oxford; and that Ma­gistrates do put in Execution the Laws against Rogues, &c. for relief of the poor.

A Proclamation of Major General Skippon, for all Papists to bring in their Arms to Newcastle, and he desired the Sheriffs of Northumberland and Dur­ham, with the Gentlemen of each County, to give a List of the places fittest for Quartering of his Soldiers, which they took very well from him.

(9.) Order for One thousand nine hundred pounds to Sir William Constable, in full of all his Arrears.

Discharge of some Prisoners.

Order for a Committee to imprison Preachers not Ordained.

Approbation of Collonel Hammonds going for Ireland, and the conditions.

The King sent another Letter to the Parliament, A Letter from the King. to have two of His Chaplains come to him, and told the Commissioners That he had not power to Command them, or any man, but would importune them to be instrumental, in satisfying his reasonable desire.

The Lord Lisle landed at Corke, and presently sent forth a Party into the Rebels Country, where Lieutenant Collonel Croccar, and the rest did good service.

(10.) The day of Humiliation against Blasphe­mies and Heresies.

(11.) Lieutenant Freeman being indicted at the Assizes, for doing service for the Parliament, the House Ordered his relief.

Some Members sent to the Judges required them to discharge such Persons and Causes, as con­cern matters done in relation to the War.

Upon a Petition from Essex that the Souldiers quartered there might be removed, the House left it to the General to Quarter his Army, as he should think fit, and satisfied the Petitioners.

(12.) An Ordinance Read for respiting Tryals, and Judgments in Criminal Causes, relating to the War, till the pleasure of the Houses be known.

Votes for Collonel Fortescue, Lieutenant Col­lonel Butler, Collonel Rous, Captain St. Aubin, Cap­tain Keckwith, and Captain Rous, to be Governours of Forts.

Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Cambridge, and was Sir Thomas Fairfax at Cambridg. highly caressed, and a Latin Oration made to him by a Fellow of Trinity Colledg, who had been a Souldier in his Regiment. In the Chappel they presented him with a rich Bible; in the Hall with a sumptuous Banquet. Then the Town entertained him with a stately Banquet; and at the Schools he was made a Master of Arts.

(13.) Many Governours of Garrisons Voted, and an Ordinance sent up to the Lords for continuing Tunnage and Poundage.

(15.) Debate about the business of Ireland.

A Counter-Petition to the London Petition, dis­covered Counter-Petition. by one Boys at a Conventicle, where it was produced and signed, was referred to the Commit­tee, where Collonel Lee hath the Chair, to find out the Authors.

Ordered that none who have been put out of their Livings for scandalous Malignancy, shall be [Page 244] admitted into any, without consent of both Houses.

Orders for new Elections, and for bayling of Ser­geant Glanvile.

Order of the Lords against Counterfeiting and Clipping the Kings Coin.

(16.) Ordinance Read for making Mr. Bradshaw Chief Justice of Chester.

Votes for Captains of Ships for the next Sum­mers Guard, for Packet Boats for Ireland, and Convoys for Merchants Ships.

Votes, That the Houses intend to carry on the War for Ireland, with the Forces of England, and the Scots Forces there to be called away, paying what is due to them, and the Scots Commissioners here, and the Parliament of Scotland to be ac­quainted herewith.

Order to treat with the General and his Field Officers, how the Forces designed out of that Ar­my, may be disposed of for Ireland, and sixty thousand pounds Voted for Pay per Mens. of the Forces there and in England.

(17.) A Petition from the Lord Mayor, Alder­men, London Pe­tition. and Common-Councel of London, Professing their Zeal to the Parliament, and to the Covenant, and their apprehensions of the advance of the Army, not yet Disbanded, nearer to the City, and of a dangerous Pe­tition now on Foot in the City, the Copy whereof they an­nexed, pray that the Army may be removed, and Dis­banded; and the dangerous Petition suppressed, and that they may yearly chuse their Militia.

The House answered them, That most of the par­ticulars Answer. in their Petition were under consideration; and that the House would do what may be most for the ease, safety, and satisfaction fo the City, and Kingdom; that the annexed Petition was referred to a Committee, and they had thanks for their sincere Affection.

Divers Governours of Garrisons Voted.

Fifty pounds a day allowed for the Kings Ex­pences.

Collonel Jones Ordered by the Committee for Ireland, to take Possession of Dublin with two thousand men.

(18.) The Commons again Voted Sir John Brampston, Sir Thomas Bedingfield, and Mr. Chute to be Commissioners of the Seal.

The Lords Voted Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. War­burton, Mr. Keble and Mr. Littleton, Mr. Powell and Mr. Clerke, Mr. Lewis and Mr. Elkenhead, to be Judges in Wales.

The House passed several Compositions of De­linquents.

(19.) Report of the Counter-Petition in Lon­don, Counter-Petition. and That the Committee had imprisoned one Tewleday, an active man for that Petition. Many excused him, as being as lawful for those of one Judgment, as of another, to Petition the Parlia­ment, but it was carried in the House to approve of his Commitment, and Mr. Tewleday was sent for in safe custody.

Order of both Houses to remove the Kings Chil­dren into the Country.

Orders for new Elections.

Some disturbance was in the Army about going Distur­bance in the Army. into Ireland, and for Petitioning the Parliament, and Offence taken at the Essex Petition which re­flected upon them: but all was appeased; and they promised not to Petition, before they had acquain­ted their General therewith.

(20.) The Ordinance Read for the Assessement of sixty thousand pounds per Mens. for the For­ces.

Order for the House to adjourn every Friday till Tuesday after.

Divers Citizens came to the House to avow the Petition complained of by the City Petiti­on.

The Commissioners of the Great Seal continued for twenty days longer.

(22.) The Ordinance for sixty thousand pounds per mens. referred to a Grand Committee, and the same proportions as formerly observed.

A Petition from the reduced Officers, answered Petition. with a reproof for their giving directions to the Parliament.

Upon information of a great Riot in Moorfields, and assaulting and Plundering the House of Mr. Hob­bard a Justice, because he Committed one for Tip­ling on the Lords day in Sermon time. Both Houses past an Order for putting in due Execution the Laws for prevention of Riots, and Tumults, and for better observation of the Lords day, and Fast days.

The Commons Voted that Mr. Hobbart should have reparation.

Sir Thomas Fairfax, and his Field-Officers met with the Parliaments Commissioners at Saffron Wal­den, about sending Eight thousand Foot, and Four thousand Horse into Ireland, the Officers as to a per­sonal Engagement to go thither, could then make no answer, but agreed, whether they go in person or not, yet they shall endeavour to advance the Ser­vice Irish ser­vice. among those under their respective Com­mands.

They desired satisfaction in Four Particulars.

  • 1. Ʋnder whose Command in chief they were to go.
    Quaeries of the Army.
  • 2. What particular Regiments, Troops, or Compa­nies were to be continued in England.
  • 3. What assurance for Pay, and subsistence for those that go to Ireland.
  • 4. Satisfaction in point of Arrears, and Indemnity for past services.

A Petition was presented to these Officers from the Army, to be by them presented to the General, and by him, if he thought fit, to the Parliament up­on these Heads.

  • 1. For indemnity for actions as Souldiers.
    Petition of the Army.
  • 2. For satisfaction of Arrears.
  • 3. That neither Horse nor Foot may be Pressed to serve.
  • 4. For relief of Widows, and Maimed Souldiers.
  • 5. For Pay till disbanded.

(23.) Mr. Bolton admitted one of the Assembly. Mr. Cooke's Sequestration taken off; The Ordinance recommitted for regulating the University of Ox­ford; and the Ministers sent down thither to Preach, Ordered to continue there, and two hun­dred pounds allowed to them.

Order for Collonel Jones, going for Dublin, to have power of Martial Law.

A Pass for the Dutch Ambassadour to go to the King.

Debate upon the Ordinance of the Fleet, and for Lambeth Library.

Votes touching Sequestrations.

The Parliaments Commissioners agreed with the Marquess of Ormond for the surrender of Dublin, and other Forts in Ireland; and returned to Eng­land with Hostages from the Marquess.

The Parliament of Scotland answered the Eng­lish Commissioners, That they could not render Bel­fast in Ireland, whilst they had an Army there; but upon Paying off their Arrears, they will ren­der Belfast, and all they have in Possession.

The Jewel was presented to General Leven from the Parliament of England, to whom the General wrote a Letter of thanks.

The Plague broke out in Edingburgh.

(24.) Votes for Governours of Garrisons.

[Page 245] Anno 1647 Order of both Houses to free the States Ambassa­dors from Custom, and Excise for things for his own use.

Orders that no private business be debated for ten days, and for re-payment of Money to the Customers, and for thanks to their Commissioners in Scotland.

The Lords gave Reasons to the Commons a­gainst the Armys quartering in the Association, or near London.

(25.) Votes for Governors of Garrisons.

Order for the Lord Herbert to have possession of his own Castle.

A Committee of both Houses to receive some intelligence which the Prince Elector desired to Prince E­lector. communicate to the Parliament of great concern­ment to the Protestant Religion.

Order that the Master and Wardens of the Sta­tioners endeavour to find out the Authors, and Printers of a Book, called a warning piece, &c. to suppress it, and to seize the Books.

(26.) Order to bayl Mr. Tulida; and his busi­ness referred to a Committee.

Votes for Governors of Garrisons.

Order for Money for Col. Birch, who agreed to transport a thousand Foot, and two Troops of Horse into Ireland.

A long report of what is paid, and what in Ar­rears to the Army.

Order about Soldiers Widows, and Officers.

(27.) A report from the Commissioners who treated with the General and his Officers, about part of the Army going into Ireland; and the re­sult of the Officers; and about the Petition inten­ded from the Army.

Order to desire the General to use means to stop the progress of the Petition, and thanks were gi­ven to the Commissioners, and the House declared the good esteem they had of the Army.

(29.) The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons to an answer to the last Message Answer to the Kings Message. from the King, That they cannot consent to his desire, in sending any of his Chaplains named in his Letter, because they are disaffected to the present Government of the Church, and have not taken the Covenant, but for others of his Chaplains, who have taken the Covenant, if his Majesty please, they will send them to him.

They desired the Commons concurrence also to the Ordinances for putting down Countrey Com­mittees, for prohibiting the killing of some flesh meats for eight weeks, and for power to the Nor­thern Committee.

Letters to Col. Harley and Col. Rossiter Members of the House, from some of their Soldiers, infor­med that the Petition of the Army was carried on, and was subscribed by many, and those who refused it threatned to be cashiered, and that the subscrip­tions were to be sent to Lieutenant General Ham­mond, Col. Hammond, Col. Ireton, Col. Rich.

Order that a Letter be written from the Speaker to the General to hinder the progress of this Peti­tion, and a Declaration to require a desisting in it.

By this we may take notice how soon the Offi­cers and Soldiers of an Army, though never so successful and well disciplined, will through want of Action fall into disorder, and designs of trou­ble.

The Parliament took great care to prevent this, and others were as busie to foment it.

Hammond, Ireton, Skippon, and others were or­dered to reside in the Army, and some of their Quarters to be removed.

Car. 23 Vote that three Regiments of Horse under M. G. Pointz, C. Bethel, and C. Copley be continued, and all the Foot of the Northern Association except those in Garrisons, to be disbanded, and all the Foot in England and Wales, except those in Garri­sons, or such as are to be sent for Ireland shall be dis­banded.

At a second meeting of the Officers of the Ar­my at Saffron Walden, by the desire of Sir William Waller, and the rest of the Parliaments Commissio­ners, this question was propounded to every Offi­cer distinctly;

Whether, upon the Votes and Resolutions of the House Quaere to the Offi­cers. of Commons now read, do you find cause to alter, or recede from the third quaere, concerning assurance of pay, and subsistence.

It was resolved in the Negative by all, except Col. Harley, Col. Fortescue, and Capt. Young.

The same question being proposed concerning the fourth Article, To have satisfaction in payment of Arrears, and Indemnity;

Resolved in the Negative, by all except Captain Young.

The like question being proposed concerning the first quaere,

To know what particular Regiments, Troops, or Com­panies of this Army, are to be continued in this King­dom, it pass'd likewise in the Negative. All refer­ring to the Votes yesterday.

Several other Officers that came in to the meet­ing agreed with the other.

Captain Young receded from what he concurred in yesterday, and resolved upon the main question,

That he will engage with as many of his Soldiers as he can get, and several other Officers did the like.

(30.) Divers Compositions passed.

Letters from St. Malloe in France advising, that a Pyrate about Jersey had made Prize of a vessel of the Parliaments going for Ireland, with Cloath, and Apparel for six thousand Soldiers.

Order for a Letter to the Parliaments Agent in France to desire the King to seize the Pyrate, and restore the Ship.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons, to some desires of the Dutch Ambassador, and for a Pass for him to go to the King, and to an Ordinance for setling the Militia of London.

A Committee named to treat with the City of London, about the loan of two hundred thousand pound upon the Assessment of sixty thousand pound per mensem, that they might provide Money for sending the Forces into Ireland, and to pay off those that were to be disbanded, and to pay the Ar­my here.

Both Houses passed a Declaration against the Pe­tion Declara­tion. in the Army, as set on foot by some evil Spirits, purposely to raise a Distemper, and mutiny in the Army, Pardons what is past, and forbids further proceeding by any of them in that Petition.

The Parliament of Scotland named their Com­missioners to joyn with the Commissioners of the Parliament of England, to perswade the King to pass the Propositions for Peace.

Harleigh Castle the last in Wales surrendred to Col. Mitton, whose Soldiers put a Guard upon Col. Jones, for their pay.

(31.) Very long Prayers, and Sermons this Monthly Fast day, as usual.

April, 1647.

April, 1. Orders for the Letter to the Agent in France, and for Ships to keep in Pyrates.

Voted That the Civil Government in Ireland, shall [Page 246] be distinct from the Military, and be by two Lords Justices, as formerly.

That the Military Government shall be by a Com­mander in Chief, and be to be directed by Commissioners on the Place.

Sir William Waller was named to be Commander in chief there, but it came not to the Vote.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax informed that he had Communicated the Letter and Votes of the House, to the Officers of his Army touching the Petition on Foot among them.

‘That they expressed a deep sence of their unhappiness, in being misunderstood in their clear Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax. intention, which were no other than by way of Petition to represent to him those inconvenien­cies, which would necessarily befall most of the Army after disbanding, desiring that as much as he should think fit, might submissively be made known to the House of Commons, and assuring him that they would wholly acquiesce in whatsoe­ver he should think fit to offer, and the House to grant.’

That he had sent up Hammond, Lilburne, and some other Officers to give the House a full account of this business, and that he doubts not of the Ar­mys Obedience.

Hammond, Pride, and the other Officers sent up by the General were called into the House, and Pride was charged to have read the Petition at the head of a Regiment, where was threats to those that should not subscribe it, which Pride denyed, and they were all required to return to their charges, and to suppress the Petition.

(2.) Debate of the Ordinance for the Militia of London.

Vote, That the Commander in Chief of the For­ces in Ireland, should be stiled Field-Martial, and his pay be six pound a day, and Major General Skippon to be Field Martial there, and that Golonel Massey should be Lieutenant General of the Horse under him.

A Committee of both Houses named to go into the City, for borrowing two hundred thousand pound for the service of England and Ireland.

(3.) The House sate not.

(5.) The Houses sate not.

Letters from some in the Army informed, that they were discontented at a Petition on foot in Es­sex, against the Army, That they might not be heard to Petition, but Petitions against them were not suppressed. Complaint of the Ar­my. That the Horse talked of drawing to a rendezvous to compose something for their vindication, That the General was very industrious to keep them from disorders.

Letters from Scotland informed of good success by Major General Middleton against the Gourdons, and that he had taken in the chief Fort of the Mar­quess Huntley.

(6.) Orders for placing Ministers in Livings.

Letters from the Judges in the Norfolk Circuit of convicting one for Blasphemy.

Order for the Members of the House who serve for Essex, and for Suffolk, and for Norfolke, to write into the Countrey for suppressing the Petiti­on now on Foot there against the Army, and to let the Inhabitants understand, that the Parliament are upon a way so to dispose of the Army, as may be best advantageous to the whole Kingdom.

The difference about the new Election at New­castle, referred to a Committee.

The Committee of both Houses propounded to the Common Council for the loan of two hun­dred thousand pound, this security, viz. the re­mainder of the Bishops Lands, the Excise, Delin­quents Estates, and the Ordinance for sixty thou­sand pound a Month, or any other security in the power of the Parliament to give; the Com­mon Council appointed a Committee to consider of their answer to these Proposals.

Several Forces dispatched for Ireland. For Dub­lyn, divers Irish Rebels went out of that City, and others were turned out by the Marquess Ormond, Mr. Ashurst was careful in sending Forces and Sup­plys thither.

The Rebels were raising a great Army for Ʋl­ster.

(7.) Reference to the Committee of Ireland to consider of the Exchange of some Scots Lords taken Prisoners in Ireland.

Scots Papers read about Belfast, and calling home all their Forces upon payment of their Arrears.

Letters from Ireland from the Lord L'Isle.

Debate upon the Ordinance for sixty thousand pound a Month.

A Clause offered to exempt the Universities, Hospitals, and Schools from the payment of it, referred to a Committee. Another Clause for a­bating all Counties the free Quarter in paying the Assessment was agreed unto.

Power to the Committee of Ireland to secure the Horses and Arms of such as shall not be listed for Ireland, and to transport those that are designed thither.

The Lords desire the Commons concurrence to take off the Sequestration of the Duke of Bucks.

(8.) Vote for Col. Jones to be Governor of Dublyn, and to approve several contracts for supplys for Ireland, and that Col. Sidney be consi­dered for his good Service.

An addition of both Houses to the Committee for Ireland.

Votes to continue the Regiments of Horse of Sir Thomas Fairfax, of Lieutenant General Cromwell, of Col. Rossiter, and Col. Whaley, and Col. Needham, and that Major General Mitton shall have an hun­dred Horse and an hundred Dragoons for North-Wales, and Major General Laugherne the like for South Wales.

Letters from the Commissioners at Holmeby in­formed, Col. [...] Holmeby. That notwithstanding all their care to prevent delivering of Papers to his Majestie, yet one Col. Bos­vill, formerly of the Kings Party, in the disguise of a Countrey mans habit, as the King and the Commissio­ners were passing over a narrow Bridge, put a packet of Letters into the Kings hand, the Commissioners appre­hended him; and he confessed the Letters came from France, and sent up his Examinations.

Order that Col. Bosvile be sent up as a Delinquent, and a Letter of thanks to the Commissioners for their care, and to desire the continuance of it.

(9.) Order for greater pay for the Officers that go for Ireland, than for those that continue here, and to have Land in Ireland for that part, that is respited upon the publick Faith, and a Com­mittee to draw up an Establishment of pay for the Forces there and in England.

Power to the Committee to grant Commissions to the Officers for Ireland, to draw the Forces into Regiments, and to take care to transport them.

Order to proceed a fortnight hence in the busi­ness in the Church for fourteen days together, and no private business to intervene, and the As­sembly to examine such as are recommended to Livings.

Reasons given by the Lords at a Conference, for taking away of Country Committees.

The present Commissioners of the great Seal con­tinued for twenty days longer.

(10.) The House sate not.

[Page 247] (12.) Letters from Holmeby certified, That when Bosvile delivered the Letters to the King, no man perceived it, but a Miller that stood by, and he espying it cryed out, Nobles and Gentlemen, there is a man gave his Majesty Letters. That Bosvile offered Gold to the Miller to be silent, but he would not Bosvile. take it. Bosvile got away, and the Miller told some of it that attended the King, and they rode after Bosvile and brought him back, who being ex­amined, confessed he brought the Letters from Paris from the Queen.

That he was told the Letters contained a desire of the Prince to go into the War with the Duke of Orleans this Summer in point of Honour. That the King being desired to make known the Contents of the Letters, answered, he was not to give an account to any man living. That Bosvile was sending up to the Parliament.

(13.) Votes touching Pay for the Forces to go into Ireland.

The Committee of both Houses sent down a­gain to the Army to make further Propositions to the Forces that are to go for Ireland.

An Establishment agreed by the Commons for the Forces in both Kingdoms.

The Impost of five shillings per Chaldron upon Coals taken off; and Vote That those who adven­tured mony for the reducing of Newcastle, be repaid by Goldsmiths Hall.

Letters from the Lord L'Isle, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, expressing his readyness to serve the L. L'Isle. Parliament, and willingness to return, if they think fit.

Letters, Propositions, and a Charge against a person in Ireland, referred to the Committee for Ireland.

Unruliness of some of the Souldiers going for Ireland, referred to that Committee.

A Citizen came and rendered himself Prisoner to the Sergeant at Arms, saying, He had a dangerous Plot to discover against the Parliament and Westmin­ster, which he had imparted to Mr. Marshal, and Captain White.

The Lords concurrence desired to the Votes concerning Ireland, and other Votes.

The Souldiers in North-Wales mutinyed for mo­ny, kept some of the Committee-men Prisoners in Wrexham Church, and say they will have mony be­fore Disbanding.

Letters from Ireland informed That the Lord L'Isle was ready to take the Field, and to do all the service they should enable to do, for the Parlia­ment.

The Scots prevailed against the Gourdons.

Letters from Ireland informed, That about sixty Men, Women, and Children, that were stripped by the Rebels in Kerry, coming from thence into the Protestant Quarters, were taken and thrown into a deep rocky Cave, and impossible to get out, some with broken Arms, Legs, and other Limbs, and most grievously Wounded, lay there and Star­ved.

(14.) Letters to Collonel Mitton to hasten the slighting of the Garrisons in North-Wales.

A Committee appointed to draw Instructions for Commissioners of both Houses, to press the King to grant the Propositions.

Upon a Petition of the reduced Officers of the Lord Fairfax, and a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax, Order for a fifth part of their Arrears to be paid to them.

(15.) Difference about the alterations in the Ordinance for Oxford University, and an Order a­bout a fitting maintenance for the Heads of Houses there.

Upon a Petition of some of the Bishops, Order for the Committee to dispatch the reference to them about maintenance for the Bishops, and an Order to deface all Superstitious Monuments and Scandalous, in both Universities: and that the Committees for Ireland, do meet daily about that business.

An Ordinance past the Commons, giving power to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel of London, to choose thirty one persons of the City, to Govern their Militia for one year.

Mr. Devereux newly returned a Member of the House for Wales, was suspended, being a Delin­quent, and a Charge against him.

(16.) Orders for mony for Ireland, and for four thousand pounds for the Lady Brooke, and her Children, whose Husband Sir William Brooke was slain in the Parliaments service, and for five hundred pounds for Mr. Sanderson, for his service and los­ses.

Allowance for the Treasurers to Goldmiths-Hall, and Licence to Sheriffs to reside out of their Coun­ties.

(17.) Letters from Saffron Walden certified, That Army. the General with the Parliaments Commissioners, and two hundred Officers of the Army, had con­ference about part of the Army going for Ireland, that the Earl of Warwick one of the Commissio­ners spake with many Exhortations to the Officers, to accept of the terms, and undertake for Ireland, setting forth the necessity, concernment, and ho­nour of the service.

That the General did much incourage the Offi­cers to ingage for Ireland, That Collonel Lambert in the name of the Officers desired to know, what satisfaction the Parliament had given to the four Quaeries concerning Arrears, Indemnity, Main­tenance in Ireland, and Conduct.

That Sir John Clotworthy one of the Commissio­ners said, they were all answered, except that of Indemnity, whereof the Parliament would take care, and had given Instruction to the Judges, not to receive any Indictment against Souldiers for things done in tempore & loco belli, till the Ordinance could be brought in.

Then it was moved concerning Commanders, and answered That Major General Skippon, and Major General Massey were named by both Houses to be General, and Lieutenant General. Collonel Hammond said that if they had assurance that Major General Skippon would go, he doubted not, but a great part of the Army would ingage with him. It was cryed out All, All, Fairfax and Cromwel and we all goe.

Some few of the Officers subscribed to go for Ireland; most of the rest signed presently a De­claration, to the same effect as formerly, and to Authorise Lieutenant General Hammond, Collonel Hammond, Collonel Lambert, Collonel Lilburnc, Collonel Hewson, and Collonel Rich, to declare their sence, and to act for them.

(19.) The House Sat not, Letters come from Holmeby, that the Dutch Ambassadour had Audi­ence of the King, and acquainted him with the death of the Prince of Orange.

The Earl of Lotherdale and Dumferling, came to London with Commission to joyn with the Parlia­ments Commissioners, in persuading the King to Sign the Covenant and Propositions.

(20.) Apprentices of London came to the House, for answer to their former Petition for days of Re­creation, the Commons referred it to a Committee to draw up an Ordinance, to abolish all Festival­days and Holy-days, and to appoint the second [Page 248] Tuesday in every Month a day of Recreation for all Apprentices, Schollars, and Servants, with li­mits against Tumults, Disorders, and Unlawful Sports.

Referred to a Committee to settle Augmentati­ons for Ministers in Dorchester.

A Bayliff Committed for Arresting a Servant of Mr. Speaker.

Debate about the Government of the Church by Presbiteries.

The City propounded for security for two hundred thousand pounds, last desired to be bor­rowed of them, the remainder of the Bishops Lands, Papists, and excepted persons Estates, and the Excise in course, which was agreed unto.

Order for twenty thousand pounds for Ireland.

The proceedings of the Commissioners to get Forces for Ireland, proved not so effectual as was expected.

That generally they were unwilling to go, un­less the General, and their other Commanders went with them. The General sent a Letter to every Regiment to persuade them to ingage in this Service.

(21.) Order for the third part of the Arrears of the Scots Officers be abated for free Quarter, Horse and Arms, &c.

The Lord Rich referred to his Composition.

Instructions sent up to the Lords for the Com­missioners to go to the King, to persuade him to Sign the Propositions, &c. Another for Collecting the Arrears of the Bill of four hundred thousand pounds upon the County of Bucks.

Order for Pay to the Messenger of both King­doms, and fifty pounds apiece above it, and for Pay for Sir Thomas Fairfax's Messenger.

An Ordinance Read for payment of mony long since borrowed, of Mr. Steward.

Several Votes of either House Communicated to each other, touching security for the two hun­dred thousand pounds, and touching scandalous persons.

The Councel of War in Ireland, Sentenced Col­lonel Brocket worthy of death: and his Regiment was conferred on Collonel Monke. That the Soul­diers are in very great want there; and the Lord L'Isle very careful to get Supplies for them, and to do service.

(22.) Letters informed the great resort of peo­ple to the King to be cured of the Kings-Evil. Whereupon the House Ordered a Declaration to be drawn To inform the people of the Superstition of being Touched by the King for the Evil. And a Letter of thanks Ordered to the Commissioners at Holmeby.

Progress about the business of the Church. Holmeby.

Order for a Declaration for payment of Tithes, and other Duties to Ministers, and for Presentati­ons to Benefices.

A Petition of a Merchant of Hull for ten thousand nine hundred pounds owing to him by the State, referred to a Committee, and Ordered that he have four thousand pounds in the mean time.

Report of the Transactions with the Army about going for Ireland.

The Argiere Duty continued for one year.

Labour, to get the Souldiers ingage for Ireland, proved not effectual.

(23.) Votes pursuant to Truro Articles.

The Lords differed from the Commons about the Security for the two hundred thousand pounds to the City of London.

Officers that undertook for Ireland were, of Horse seventeen, of Dragoons seven, and of Foot eighty seven, but they could get only a few of their several Troops, and Companies to go with them.

Much Debate about Disbanding of the Army, or sending the Army intirely into Ireland, and other motions, the result deferred to another time.

(24.) The House was Adjourned.

(26.) The Commissioners returned from the Army. Army presented to the House a List of such Offi­cers, as have engaged themselves for the service of Ireland, some disorders began in the four Regi­ments of Norfolke about this business, but Major Huntington and other Officers pacified them.

(27.) Four Officers of the Army informed a­gainst, for obstructing the service of Ireland in the Army, were sent for up by the Sergeant at Arms.

Upon a Message from the Lords touching the Army, the Commons resolved, that the Army Horse and Foot should be Disbanded with all con­venient speed, and six Weeks Pay to be given them at their Disbanding.

Some Officers of the Army in the name of them­selves, Army their Vindicati­on. and the rest of the Officers presented to the House a vindication of the particulars in their late Petition, Setting forth the great sence they had of some misrepresentation lately made to the House, of their Actions and Intentions, by which (as they con­ceived) it is endeavoured to Alienate the Houses of Par­liament, from that their ever Trusty and Obedient Army.

That the accomplishing thereof, would much rejoyce their and the Kingdoms Enemies, they desire liberty to Petition as Souldiers, now, and hereafter as Members of the Common-Wealth, and that their integrity might be vindicated from such false suggestions, and reports, as had been formerly made and raised against them, and suggested to the House.

Here it was observed by some, that a Victori­ous Army, out of imployment is very inclinable to assume Power over their Principals; and this occa­sioned the Parliaments greater care for their im­ployment for Ireland.

One Ensign Nichols of the Army sent up by the General to the Parliament.

Major General Skippon declared himself willing to accept the Imployment to which he was Voted for Ireland.

The Lord L'Isle returned from thence.

The Common-Councel of London, outed of the Militia. old Commissioners for their Militia, Alderman Pennington, Foucke, Warner and Kenricke, and Col­lonel Wilson, Collonel Player, and Collonel Tich­burne, and agreed upon a new List of Commissio­ners for their Militia.

They received from the Parliament of Scotland Letters of thanks for their affection and respect to the Covenant, and Union of both Nations, and they Ordered thanks to be returned to the Scots Commissioners who presented them.

Some proceedings were upon Mr. Eastwicks, and Mr. Bretts not taking the Covenant.

(28.) The Monthly Fast-day.

(29.) Order for a Writ for a new Election.

Order for continuing the Commissioners of the Seal, and the Commissioners for hearing Causes in Chancery, for ten days after the Term.

Vote that Sir John Brampston be one of the Judges of the Common Pleas, and that Mr. Walter Long be continued Register of the Chancery.

The Assembly attended the House with their Assembly of Divines. advice upon the thirty nine Articles, and the Confession of Faith, with the Texts upon both of them. Order for six hundred Copies of them to be Printed for the use of the Houses and As­sembly, [Page 249] and they had the thanks of the House given them.

The thanks of the House given to Field Mar­shal Skippon, for his compliance, and not denying himself to serve the Publick in Ireland, and one thousand pounds bestowed upon him for his servi­ces. Skippon.

(30.) Debate upon the Petition and Vindicati­on of the Army, and Major General Skippon in the Army. House produced a Letter presented to him the day before from some Troopers, in the behalf of eight Regiments of the Army of Horse, wherein they ex­pressed Some reasons why they could not engage in the ser­vice of Ireland under the present Conduct, and complai­ning of the many scandals and false suggestions that were of late against the Army, and their proceedings; where­upon they were taken as Enemies, and saw designs upon them, and many of the Godly Party in the Kingdom, and that they could not engage for Ireland, till they were satisfied in their expectations, and their just de­sires granted.

Three Troopers, Sexby, Allen, and Sheppard, who brought this Letter, were examined in the House, touching the Drawing and Subscribing of it, and whether their Officers were engaged in it, or not. They affirmed That it was first drawn up at a Rendezvous of several of those Regiments, and afterwards at several meetings by Agents, or Agitators, for each Regiment, and that few of their Officers knew or took notice of it.

Those Troopers being demanded whether they had not been Cavaliers, it was attested by Skippon, That they had constantly served the Parliament, and some of them from the beginning of the War, and being asked concerning the meaning of some expressions in the Petition, they answered That the Letter being a joynt Act of those Regiments, they could not give a punctual answer being only A­gents, but if they might have the Quaeries in writ­ing, they would send or carry them to those Regi­ments, and return their own and their answers.

These Troopers were ordered to attend the House upon Summons, and after several Votes pas­sed for prevention of disorder in the Army, Ma­jor General Skippon, Lieutenant General Cromwel, Collonel Ireton, and Collonel Fleetwood, were Or­dered to go down to the Army, and acquaint them, That the House would provide a considerable sum of mony for them, before their Disbanding, and their Ar­rears should be audited, and an Ordinance to be brought in for Indemnity for acts done tempore & lo­co belli.

Vote of both Houses for Sergeant Godbolt, to be a Judg of the Common Pleas, and for Mr. Rich, and Mr. Hakewel, Masters of the Chancery, to sit with the Commissioners of the Seal to hear Causes.

Both Houses Ordered their Commissioners in Scotland to return.

The Accounts of Sir John Clotworthy Ordered to be certified.

May, 1647.

May 1. The Receipts of Goldsmiths-Hall, Or­dered by both Houses for part of the security for the two hundred thousand pounds to be bor­rowed of the City, and that the Common-Councel be acquainted with it.

Ordinance for securing mony to some poor men who could not lend more. Six thousand pounds, and Ammunition Ordered for Collonel Rainesbo­rough, for reducing Jersey.

Order for payment of mony to Mr. Potter.

A Proclamation by Sir Thomas Fairfax, pursu­ant to an Order of the House, that all Officers of his Army do within twenty four hours repair to their Charges.

The Committee of both Houses met with the Common-Councel about security for the Loan of two hundred thousand pounds.

(3.) The Provincial Assembly of London, met at St. Pauls, and Doctor Gouge was chosen their Pro­locutor, about settling the Presbyterian Govern­ment.

Both Houses past the Ordinance for regulating the University of Oxford: there was also a numerous Committee for Appeals.

Letters from Scotland informed, that Kolkitoth, in the Marquess of Argiles Country, put to the Sword Men, Women, and Children, that Lieu­tenant General Lesley was Marched against him.

Forces Shipped away for Ireland.

(4.) Divers Citizens of London attending for an answer to their Petition, were called in, and the Speaker told them, That the House did not approve of their Petition.

The Commissioners for the Militia of Lon­don approved, and their Ordinance passed, and thanks Ordered to the old Militia Commissioners.

Letters from the Sheriff of Oxon certified, That many Troopers, Irish and others, who had been in Arms against the Parliament, Robbed all Pas­sengers, and that he had raised the Posse Comita­tus, and apprehended about one hundred of them.

The House approved what he had done, and ap­pointed an Ordinance for punishing such misdoers by death, and Ordered a Letter of thanks to the Sheriff. They also Ordered the Commissioners of the Seal to issue out a Commission of Oyer and Ter­miner, to try these and the like Offenders, and all that take Free Quarter without Warrant.

The Lords recommended a Proposal of Captain Poe to the House of Commons.

(5.) Vote for half the Compositions of Gold­smiths-Hall, to be added to the security for the two hundred thousand pound to the City.

Order for a Collection for poor people fled out of Ireland.

A Fleet of Swedes refusing to lore their Top-Sail to Captain Owen, he with some other of the Parliaments Ships fought them. Some hurt was done on both sides; but some of Captain Owens Ships forsake him, yet afterwards the Vice-Ad­miral of the Parliaments Fleet Captain Batten came in, relieved Captain Owen, and brought in the Swedes Fleet to Portsmouth.

(6.) Letters from the Committee of Kent in­formed, That Sir Jo. Sidley had advised an Indict­ment against Collonel Kenricke, for his Troopers taking of three Horses in the first Insurrection in Kent, in the time of actual War.

Order to put Sir Jo. Sidley out of all publick im­ployment.

Mr. Tulidah discharged of his restraint.

Orders about the two hundred thousand pounds, and for the ten thousand pounds for poor indigent persons.

The business of the late Fight with the Swedes, referred to the Committee of the Admiralty.

(7.) The Lord L'Isle and Sir Jo. Temple reported the State of Affairs in Ireland, and they and Col­lonel Sidney, and Major Harrison, had the thanks of the House for their good service in Ireland.

The Ordinance of Indemnity committed.

The Order for Trying Souldiers by Commission of Oyer and Terminer was revoked.

Private Petitions Read.

[Page 250] (18.) Letters from the Army informed that Skippon, Cromwell and the rest sent down to the Army, communicated to them the Votes of the House concerning their Arrears, and Indemnity, and that they were injoyned to imploy their indeavours to quiet all distempers in the Army.

Some of the Officers desired to know what was meant Distemp­ers in the Army. by distempers in the Army, if it were meant of grie­vances (which the Soldiers had just cause to com­plain of) they had then something to offer, but were unwilling to declare the Sence of the respective Troops, Regiments, and Companies, without first acquainting them therewith. Time was given them to commu­nicate the Votes of the House, and to represent to the field-Martial Skippon, and the rest sent down to them an Account of their proceedings in this busi­ness.

Much discontent was in the Army, upon an expres­sion in the Declaration, that they were declared enemies who persisted in the Petition, which was to their Gene­ral, and meerly for things relating to them as Sol­diers, and that it had been publickly said that a Petition was sent from the Army to the King to come to them, and they would set the Crown on his head, for which Scandal they expected reparation.

And they were troubled that it was said, That in the Army there were four thousand Cavaliers; whereas among all the Officers, they knew but one who had served the King, and he was put in by both Houses, and the Common Soldiers who had served the King, and afterwards listed themselves for the Parliament, had since done faithful Service for them.

Field-Martial Skippon desired the Officers to know of their Soldiers who would ingage with him in the Service of Ireland.

(10.) The House sate not, but Committees▪

Forces shipped for Ireland. The Rebels forti­fied apace there.

The Lady Cave apprehended for endeavouring to present Letters from the Queen to the King.

(11.) The Ordinance for setling five thousand pound per An. on Sir Tho. Fairfax committed.

A Committee to draw reasons to satisfie the Lords for passing the Ordinance for the Scots Forces to depart out of Ireland.

A printed Paper called Judge Jenkins his Vindica­tion, and another called Dudley Digges of the Illega­lity of Subjects taking Arms against their Soveraign, was referred to the Committee of Complaints, and the Printers and Publishers thereof to be try­ed at the Kings Bench.

Thus we see that there is nothing constant in this Worlds affairs.

The Parliament having Conquest and Success after their own desires, yet are now miserably in­cumbred with the mutinousness of their Army on one side, and with the petulancy of Pamphlets, and with discontented Petitions on the other side.

Order for five thousand pound for Mr. Selden, and for Mr. Valentine for their sufferings 3. Car.

Orders for a Writ for a new Election, and for Sir John Holland one of the Commissioners at Holme­by to have leave to go into Hamp-shire.

Mr. Bosvile Committed to Newgate. And Wood for the use of the Navy, and that Col. Mainwaring grant no more Passes to any to go beyond Sea.

(12.) The Earl of Denbigh had leave from the Lords to be absent for ten days from Holmeby, and the Earl of Dumferling to have access to the King.

Both Houses pass'd the Ordinance for securing the two hundred thousand pound to the City.

The Ordinance pass'd for six thousand pound for Jersey. And the Lords desired to pass the Com­mission to Col. Rainsborough for that service, and a Letter to Portsmouth and Peterborough, that his Forces were to be removed from thence.

Complaint against Major General Mittons Forces referred to a Committee, and a Letter to Col. Mitton to prevent those disorders.

Information that Captain George Carteret Lieu­tenant Governor of Jersey was very cruel against the Parliament Party.

(13.) The Petition of the Earl of Mulgrave, sent from the Lords, referred to a Committee to state his losses, and report matter of Fact.

The Petition of the Earl of Northampton sent down by them, was to compound for his Delin­quency for two years value.

Mr. Cartwright Petitioned for ten thousand pound out of the Earls Estate for losses he had sustained by the Earl. It was referred to Goldsmiths-Hall for him to compound at the usual rates.

They agreed that the Earl of Dumferling might attend the King, but not as his Servant.

Order of both Houses to discharge the Swedish ships brought in by Capt. Batten.

(14.) Order for two Months pay for those of the Army who disbanded, and six weeks more for those that went for Ireland.

Both Houses passed the Ordinance for Indem­nity of the Soldiers, and of Committee men.

The History of the Military proceedings of the Earl of Essex, carried in the Negative not to be Printed.

The King told the Commissioners at Holmeby, ‘That he had long expected the propositions to be sent to him, that he had those by him which were presented at New-castle, and had himself framed an answer to them, and if they would not afford him a Secretary to transcribe it, he would scrib­ble it out himself.’

(15.) Letters from Ireland of the delivery of Caterlogh upon Quarter to the Rebels, and their preparations to besiege other Garrisons.

Letters from the Army informed that the Sol­diers had chosen Committees out of every Troop and Company to confer about the matters commu­nicated to them from the Parliament. That the Committees of Horse and Foot, two out of every Troop and Company, met and returned, That there was no distemper in the Army, but many grievances where­of they complained, and desired the General Officers to draw up into a Form the Particulars, as the sence of the Officers and Soldiers of the Army, which was done, and delivered by them to the field Martial Skippon, and the rest sent down to them to be presented to the Parliament.

(17.) From Ireland informed of the taking Dungarnon Castle, and other Garrisons from the Rebels by the Lord Inchequin's Forces, and that twenty English taken there, who had revolted from the Parliament were hanged.

That the Lord Digby riding forth without a Pass, hardly escaped from some of the new English Forces who were upon the Guards, and cryed, stop the Traitor Digby.

That the Bishop of Downe Preached, That any Power ought to be obeyed, and explained himself, that the War in England was a wicked Rebellion, and he intended no other obedience than as to thieves and Rebels. A Letter from the King.

(18.) A Letter read from the King to both Houses, wherein he gives answers to the Proposi­tions,

to some he consents in the whole, to o­thers in part, others he denys, and gives his reason.

He consents that the Presbyterian Government be setled for three years, and to ratify the As­sembly of Divines, propounding a certain num­ber of his own Ministers to be added to them, to consider what Government to settle after the three years, and in the mean time, he and his [Page 251] house-hold to be free to use the Common Prayer Book.

The Militia he yields to for ten years, and af­terwards to return to him, the Covenant he is not satisfied in, but would have some of his own Ministers sent to him to satisfie his Scruples, That he will confirm the great Seal, and all done by it, and for the future, he to have it as former­ly.

He grants what is desired for the City of Lon­don, speaks in behalf of his Party, promiseth to recall the Prince, and desires to come to London the better to satisfie the Parliament. To the seventh and eighth Proposition he assents, and to the ninth upon satisfaction about the Penal­ties. To the tenth, for an Act against Papists he consents, and propounds a general Act of Ob­livion and Pardon to all on both parts.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons to an Ordinance against clipping of Mo­ney.

Votes that all Forces not subscribing for the ser­vice of Ireland, shall be disbanded, except those for Garrisons.

That the General be forthwith to repaire to the Army, if his health permit.

That the Commissioners in the Army send up any one or two Officers of their Company to give an account to the Parliament, only Skippon to re­main in the Army.

Orders for a Train of Artillery to be sent to the Lord Inchequin, and a Letter of thanks to him, and for supplys to Ireland.

The whole day spent in debate upon the confes­sion Confession of Faith. of Faith.

Order about four hundred pound for Col. Main­waring.

The list of Ships for this Summers Expedition, passed.

(20.) Several Compositions passed.

Many Citizens presented a Petition in prosecu­tion of their former Petition, and Mr. William Brown one of the Petitioners at the door, said that they had waited many days for an answer, and would wait no longer, but take another course. London Pe­tition.

Upon which, being attested to the House, Brown was brought to the Bar on his knee, as a Delin­quent, they being satisfied that he spake those words, and further, that when a Member of the House who heard him, took his name, Brown said time may come when I may take your name.

The House were sensible that it was fit for them Votes. to be more than formerly quick upon these occasi­ons, and therefore voted,

  • 1. That the Petition was an high breach of Privi­ledge.
  • 2. That it was Seditious.
  • 3. That this Petition and the former should be burnt in London.

The Petitioners were called in and told what a Sence the House had of this, and the former Petition; and did conceive that the Petitioners did not do it out of any disaffection to the Parliament, but as being misled by others, and wished them to be careful in not agitating in Petitions of that nature for the future.

Vote for one Kelsey to be Governor of an Hos­pital in Southampton.

The Lords desired the Commons concurrence in a congratulatory Letter, to the Arch-Duke of Leopold In Flanders, and for setling a correspondence there.

The Lords Voted that the King should come to Oatlands.

The Provincial Synod of London sate.

Sir Thomas Fairfax went to the Army.

(21.) Both Houses pass'd the Ordinance for in­demnity, for all things done by Sea and Land, du­ring the late Troubles and Wars.

The Commons concurred with the Lords, that Sir Peter Killegrew go with a congratulatory Letter from both Houses to the Arch-Duke Leopold.

Order a Writing in the hands of a Member of the House, be delivered to Mr. Brown Clerk of the Parliament, that he may examine a forgery of his name to an Act of Parliament.

A Petition from Northampton-shire of the pres­sures there, appointed to be considered, and the Pe­titioners had thanks.

Some of the Commissioners came from the Ar­my, and reported their proceedings to the House, and the desires of the Army, the Commissioners ordered, all of them to have thanks for their good service and pains, and upon debate of the particu­lars of the report, the House Voted,

1. That the Soldiers Arrears should be speedily au­dited, Votes for the Army. and a visible Security given them for so much as shall not be paid off upon disbanding.

2. That by Ordinance, the Declaration of both Hou­ses be made good for Apprentices to have their time allowed them, that they have served in the Wars for the Parliament.

3. That an Ordinance be for not Pressing such [...] as have voluntarily served in the Wars, for any Service beyond Seas.

4. That an Ordinance be pass'd to provide for Wi­dows, maimed Soldiers and Orphans.

Touching the vindication of the Army, about the aspersion of their sending to the King, and concerning the Declaration against them, and the imprisonment of some of their Members, a day was set for further debate of it.

(22.) The House sate not, but Committees.

The City Petition was burnt at Westminster and City Peti­tion burnt. the Exchange.

Intelligence came from the Army, that they re­joyced at their General's coming to them, and were all in good order.

A Letter from Mr. Ashburnham to the King in­tercepted, Letter in­tercepted. and unciphered, advising him to forbear to make any absolute agreement with the Parliament, for now that the Peace beyond Sea was almost concluded, the King might rely upon the aid of forty or fifty thousand men.

(24.) The House sate not.

Intelligence came that General David Lesley had cleared the North of Scotland of the Gourdons.

Col. Conwey beat a party of the Rebels in Ireland, and took much Cattle from them.

Letters informed that the Prince sent to Captain Carteret Deputy Governor of Jersey to banish all of the Parliaments Party out of the Island, and to impose a new Oath upon the Inhabitants, and that he would send him relief out of France.

(24.) A Report from the Committee for dis­banding Disband­ing. the Army, to begin with the General's Regiment, and so to the rest, and all to be disban­ded who would not ingage for Ireland, and payment of six weeks of their arrears, and two months to those who were to go into Ireland.

The security of the arrears to be by the Excise and Delinquents Estates. The General to be desi­red to be present at the disbanding, and Field-Mar­tial Skippon to take in those engaged for Ireland, and a Committee of Lords and Commons to go down to the Army, to give them the thanks of the House in the Head of each Regiment, for their faithful [Page 252] services, and to assist the General in Disbanding of the Army.

The Ordinance against Pressing any who had served the Parliament, to any Foreign service was passed.

Ensign Nicols discharged from imprisonment, and Collonel Lilburne, and Major Sanderson from fur­ther attendance.

Mr. Hollis, Sir Philip Stapleton, Recorder Glyn, and others of that party, did eagerly put on the business of Disbanding the Army, some others de­clared their opinion against it; as that which might prove dangerous to them, and to all the Parliament party if it should succeed; and withal, that they believed the Army would not submit to it, and ill Consequences might follow, if the Votes passed for the doing of it.

But they still both in private and in publick pres­sed that point, having taken a peek against the Ar­my; themselves, many of them, having been left out, by the self-denying Ordinance; and yet Crom­wel, Skippon, and other Members of the House con­tinued Officers of the Army, and their great suc­cess did increase the envy against them.

They likewise apprehended the advantage in prosecuting this business, as that which would ge­nerally please the people, by ridding them of the Souldiers, and easing of the Taxes, and they would not consider the doubt of the Armies mutiny, and disobedience, being over resolute in this Temper. The other Party took occasion to have the more converse with Cromwel, and that Party, who enter­tained them with all respect and affection, and highly courted them.

Yet it was observed that this was not upon de­sign or policy in them to come off to a new Party, who might be thought more growing into power, than the other, but it was their clear Judgment.

But what they gained with the one Party, they lost with the other, neither continuing firm to them, who were not through-paced in all things which they laboured to bring to pass, but we shall find in all sorts of Business that Honesty is the best Policy, and a clear and sincere dealing according to ones Judgment and Conscience, is seldom without a blessing accompanying of it.

(26.) The Monthly Fast-day, after Sermons, upon information of one in Kent that Marryed his Fathers Wife, and had a Child by her,

Ordered that the Ordinance be brought in for punishing Adultery, Whoredom, and Incest.

Reference to a Committee about rebuilding of Torrington Church.

The General removed his Quarters to St. Ed­monds Bury, and sent a Letter to every Regiment, That the grievances of the Army were presented to the Commons, and by them admitted to be heard and taken into consideration. Therefore he required the Souldiers to forbear any further actings by themselves, without their Officers, in any irre­gular ways, and all Officers strictly to see to it in their several Charges, that there be no more such Meetings or Consultations of Souldiers.

Many Officers of the Army presented a Petition Petition of the Army. to the General, Acknowledging the goodness of God in the Successes under his Excellencies Conduct, and Com­plementing him, Then they express their sensibleness of some aspersions cast upon them, as if they aimed more at private emolument, than his Excellencies Honour, and the Armies, or the Souldiers advantage.

They pray him not to receive any impressions from these imputations; profess their own Fidelity and esteem of the Generals Person and Conduct, and their judg­ment that they ought to defend, not direct the proceedings of those by whose Authority they were raised. Subscri­bed by Collonel Sir Robert Pye, Collonel Graves, Collonel Shefield, Collonel Butler, Collonel Fortescue, and others of Hollis his Party.

(27.) Divers Compositions past, and Orders for Pardons under the Great Seal.

A Petition of the Weavers of London, referred to a Committee.

The Ordinance past for Sir Walter Earl, to be Master of the Ordnance.

Order for one thousand five hundred pounds to the Earl of Ancram in part of his Arrears, and ten pounds a Week.

Some of the Militia of London desired twelve thousand pounds more than formerly ordered, for the Guards, which was ordered.

Order for eighteen thousand pounds for poor people who had lent under five pounds apiece.

(28.) Ordinance passed for maimed Souldiers, Widdows and Orphans; another for stating the Accompts of the Officers of the Army; another for fifteen thousand pounds for the Arrears of un­der-Officers; another for taking the Officers Ac­compts.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons to a Congratulatory Declaration from the Houses to the Army, and to a Letter to the Ge­neral, and the Votes of the House for the Dis­banding the Foot Regiments, they named the Earl Disband­ing. of Warwick, and the Lord De la Ware their Com­missioners to go to the Army to assist the General in the Disbanding.

The Commons consented to the Lords, and named Sir Jo. Pots, Sir Gilbert Gerrard, Mr. Grim­stone, and Mr. Knightley to go down Commissioners with the Lords to the Army.

Referred to the Committee to dispose of part of the Train of Artillery for Ireland, and the rest to be brought into the Tower of London.

Order for five hundred pounds for the Char­ges of the Commissioners going down to the Ar­my.

Collonel Rainsborough Ordered to go down to his Regiment, to stay them where they were, till fur­ther Order.

(29.) The Houses Sat not. Letters informed, That the General had removed his Quarters to Bury, and the Votes for the Disbanding, and eight weeks Pay to the Army were imparted to them, and they seemed generally unsatisfied therewith, and Say there is fifty six weeks pay due to them, and that they were not well rewarded for all their services, but the General sent for all his Officers to Bury, to advise what was best to be done.

The Distempers in North Wales settled by Ma­jor General Mitton, and seven hundred of those Forces engaged for Ireland.

(31.) Letters from Bury informed, That at the Councel of War at Bury, the General acquainted them with the Votes for Disbanding, and persua­ded them to a compliance.

The Councel of War, upon their observation of the condition of every Regiment, resolved that the Votes would not be satisfactory, except six or seven of them, their reasons were, Because eight weeks Pay voted, was not a considerable part of their Arrears; and that no visible security was given, for what should not now be paid, and that nothing was done for their vindication; they being declared enemies they might be dealt with as enemies when they came home, un­less that Declaration were recalled.

After this a Petition was Read which had been presented to the General in the name of the pri­vate Souldiers of the Army, desiring a general Rendesvouz of the Army before their Disband­ing. It being an amazement to them, to hear that [Page 253] some of the Army were so soon to be Disbanded, before all their grievances redressed.

The Councel of War resolved to contract the Quarters of the Army nearer to the Head Quarter; in the mean time Ireton, and Lilburne, Okey, Rich, and Harrison were appointed to draw up some Heads of advice to be presented to the General by the Councel of War, not above five or six Officers differing from it.

They show the necessity of the Officers comply­ing with the Souldiers; who would have a general Rendesvouz, without their Officers, if not by their consent; and the spoil to the Country by such a disorderly drawing together, and draw up a De­claration to the General to that purpose, past by all but four or five, and That his Excellency would be pleased to represent to the Parliament the condition of the Army, and that they would be pleased to reassume the Votes lately passed, and to suspend any present pro­ceeding upon them, and some satisfaction to be given to the grievances of the Army.

Relation, That Collonel Fenwickes Troop in Ire­land, defeated a Party under the Earl of Westmeath, on great disadvantage, where Captain Farrington, one Lieutenant, on Ensign, and sixty Souldiers of the Parliaments were slain, and the Rebels lost three hundred. Wherein Captain Standley did gallant­ly, and of several other successes there.

Whitelocke's friends in the House, and some others who would have been rid of him, had moved, that he might be sent Lord Justice into Ireland to exercise the Civil Government, as Field Marshal Skippon was to Command on the Military part, who was very willing to have his company; but Whitelocke was not free to undertake that charge in Ireland. And now Cromwel and his Party were against his going away, and more than formerly desired his company, and began to use his advice in many things.

June, 1647.

June 1. Divers Compositions past, but the Ti­tles which they had since the War, were altered, as for Sir Peter Ball, Kt. they stilled him Peter Ball, Esq and so of the rest.

Ordinance for thirty thousand pound for such as had advanced sums upon the publick Faith, and were now become indigent.

Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax. That he had called a Council of War, and communicated to them the Letters, and Votes of the Parliament; and sends the results of the Council, saith, ‘it is a grief to him that there should be a misunderstand­ding between the Parliament and the Army, and that the late Votes did not give satisfaction, wish­eth that things may be determined in Love, and ways of composure thought upon; that the Offi­cers were many and unanimous, and a speedy re­solution taken.’

Order that the Money sent to disband the Gene­rals Regiment be recalled, the like for Col. Inglos­by's Regiment, and the Commissioners sent to the Army to be recalled.

That Field Martial Skippon do forthwith attend the House. The Lords agreed.

The Lords desired concurrence of the Commons to take off the Sequestration of the Duke of Bucks.

(2.) Information against Sir Richard Price a Mem­ber of the House bearing Arms against the Parlia­ment, notice to him to attend, the like aganst Sir Philip Percival, referred to a Committee.

Three thousand pound recalled that was to have been paid to Col. Ingolsby's Regiment, was stopped by some of Col. Rainsboroughs men, and many come into Oxford.

A Petition of the City with a thousand hands The City Petition. read, and laid aside.

Order that the Forces drawn for Ireland shall have a Months pay.

Order for three thousand pound for Widows, &c.

(3.) Vote for an Ordinance to enable Soldiers to assign their debenters, and that Officers be pro­tected from arrests for two Months, whilst they at­tend the Committee of Accounts. That Officers in Prison should have their arrears first audited and paid, and accounts, left with the Committee, shall be of equal benefit to the Officers who attend the Parliaments Service, as to any others, and that the Accounts be expedited.

Order that the Common Soldiers shall have all their Arrears deducting for free quarter, the like for non-Commissioned Officers to have three months Pay, and a Letter to acquaint the General with what the House had done in persuance of the desires of the Army, and to signifie to him their de­sire of his care to keep the Army in an orderly po­sture.

Order for ten thousand pound for the Officers whose Accounts were stated.

And that the Declaration against the Army be Declarati­on against the Army razed out of the Journal. razed out of the Journal of the House, and the Lords desired to do the like, and here the Parlia­ment began to surrender themselves and their pow­er into the hands of their own Army.

The General's Regiment came nearer to the Ar­my of their own accord, some of the other Regi­ments marched without their Colours, and divers Troops were very disorderly.

(4.) An Ordinance of Indemnity more large than the former, was committed, and Orders for an Act of Oblivion to be brought in.

Order to continue the Commissioners of the great Seal, for forty days after the Term, and the Or­dinance for hearing Causes in Chancery.

Letters from the Commissioners at Holmeby, with an inclosed Note delivered in by Cornet Joyce, and Capt. Titus related the coming of a Party of Horse to Holmeby.

Fifty pound ordered to Titus to buy him a Horse.

A Petition of Soldiers referred to the Auditors to state their accounts.

Order for ten thousand pound for the Petitio­ners.

The Lords desired the Commons concurrence to recall the Kings Children to London, and to a Let­ter to the General, they agreed to the first.

Two Members of the House that fell out, were injoyned by the House to keep the Peace.

(5.) Letters from Holmeby from the Commissi­oners The [...] carried from Holmeby by the Army. informed, that a Party of Horse sent from the Committee of Troopers of the Army came to Holmeby, where, after they had secured the Guards, they demanded his Majesty, the Commissioners a­mazed at it, demanded of them what Warrant they had for what they did, but they would give no other account but that it was the pleasure of the Ar­my.

When they came to his Majesty he demanded se­veral questions of them, as security for his Per­son, &c. which they promised, and the next day his Majesty and the Commissioners went along with this Party towards the Army.

That night the King lay at Huntington.

[Page 254] Mr. Walford the Commissioners Messenger was called into the House, and related the particulars of this business, and had a hundred pound given him.

Sir Robert Pye and his Officers had thanks, and pay for bringing off his Troop for Ireland, the like for Col. Grave's Regiment, and for other Of­ficers and Soldiers, and Quarters assigned them.

The Ordinance for further Indemnity, and the Declaration to recall the former Declaration against the Army-pass'd the Commons.

Order for ten thousand pound for Soldiers late in Service.

The Lords agreed to the Votes concerning the Army.

Order for all the Members of the House forth­with to attend.

At a Conference between the Scots Commissio­ners, and the Committee of both Houses, the Lord Dumferling acquainted them that the King com­manded him to tell them, that his Majesty was un­willingly taken away by a Party of the Army, and that he desired both Houses to maintain the Laws of the Land, and that though his Majesty might sign many things in this condition, yet he would not have them be­lieved, till further notice from him.

Upon occasion of this and other urgent business, the House ordered to sit to morrow, though the Lords day, after four a clock, and that Mr. Mar­shal be desired to pray with them.

Letters from the Army, that the Rendezvous was held near Bury, seven Regiments of Foot and six of Horse appeared. Col. Whaley's Regiment was dispatched to Holmeby upon intelligence of the Party of the Army marched thither, and the Gene­ral sent to the Parliament the grounds of the Soldi­ers undertaking of themselves the business of Holme­by, which they sent to the General, which were,

That they had intimation of a design which they were able to make good, of some to surprize him.

Col. Graves was discharged from that imploy­ment at Holmeby, and Col. Whaley in his place.

At the Rendezvous, a Petition in the name of the Soldiery of the Army was presented to the Ge­neral Army Pe­tition. to this effect,

That they could not be satisfied with their Arrears, or other returns, unless they had assurance that their E­nemies might not be their Judges for the future.

The General went to every Regiment, and ex­pressed to them that the Parliament took notice of their Civil, and fair demeanour, and had taken a course to satisfie their Arrears, and doubted not but they would answer their other grievances, advi­sed them to moderation and discretion, and not to fall into any mutinous expressions against the Parliament.

The Soldiers entertained him with shouts, and acclamations.

(6.) After Evening Sermon this Lords-day, the House met, and aftere Prayer by Mr. Marshall they fell upon the business of the Army.

And a Letter from the General was Read, To know the pleasure of the Houses-concerning the disposal of the Kings person, and the reasons given by the Soul­diers for fetching him from Holmeby, and the fur­ther Petition from the Souldiers of the Army.

Letters informed, That the King asked the Troopers that brought him from Holmeby, What Commission they had for so doing? Cornet Joyce who Commanded them, answered That His Majesty saw their Commission; the King replyed, That it had the fairest Frotispiece of any that he ever saw, being five hundred proper men on Horseback.

Collonel Whaley was sent to stay the King, where ever he finds him. His Majesty was used with all Civility, but kept with a Guard as for­merly.

The Souldiers Petitioned the General to Ca­shiere such Officers as went about to divide the Ar­my. Collonel Lilburnes Regiment Cashiered some of their Officers, because they Voted contrary to the rest.

(7.) Letters from the General of the Souldiers bringing His Majesty from Holmeby, and he would be at New-Market the next day, and the ground of the Souldiers doing it as before.

That he sent Collonel Whaley and two other Re­giments towards the King to secure him, Whaley Certified that the King was come within four Miles of Cambridg, and not willing to return to Holmeby, the General sent to the Commissioners to desire them to return to Holmeby, but they refused to act concerning disposing the King.

The General professeth that this remove was without the desire or privity of him, or the body of the Army.

A Guard upon the King by Collonel Whaley, and the General protests his resolution and the Armies to study to settle peace, and the just liberties of the people; and the Parliaments speedy application to these, will further the Disbanding of the Army: whose sence is clear from opposing Presbytery, or have Independent Government set up, or to hold a licentiousness in Reli­gion; but to leave all to the wisdom of the Parliament.

Vote to send down new Commissioners to the Army to acquaint them what the Parliament had done in satisfaction of their desires, and to per­suade them to a compliance with the Parliament; the Lords concurred, the Commissioners were the Earl of Nottingham, Lord De la Ware, Sir Henry Vane, Jun. Skippon, Scowen, and Mr. Porey, who went away this day.

Mr. Marshall, and Mr. Carry discharged from at­tendance upon the Commissioners with the King.

Order for a Fast for the House only, and in the House, the Lords did the like.

Debate about the Vote of the Lords to remove His Majesty to Oatlands, and resolved in the Nega­tive.

The large Act of Indemnity past.

Leave to the Earl of Dumferling to go into France.

The Lords Ordered the Committee of Derby-House to take care for the security of the Parlia­ment.

Letters informed a great defeat given by Sir Charles Coot to the Rebels in Ireland, one thousand of them slain.

(8.) Petition of London, commanded by the London Pe­tition. Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common-Councel, That all honourable means may be used to avoid shed­ding of more blood, to give just satisfaction to the Ar­my. That the Covenant may be kept; and His Maje­sties person preserved; and both Parliaments have ac­cess to him, and that Ireland may be relieved, and to renew an Ordinance to suppress Tumults, and prevent danger to the Parliament and City.

A Committee named to bring in an Ordinance according to the desire of the Petitioners, and they had the heartiest thanks that the House could ex­press for their constant affections to the Parliament, and for providing Guards so seasonably for the safety of the Parliament, and the continuance of their care desired.

Both Houses passed the Ordinance for making void the former Declaration against the Army, and another for Recreation of Scholars, Apprentices, and Servants.

A very rude Address was made to the House by Souldiers. Reformadoes, and Common Souldiers within the [Page 255] Line, who blockt up the House door about two hours, and would let no Member pass, till the House granted them all their Arrears.

The House were in a sort forced to Order their Accompts to be stated, and ten thousand pounds more than formerly added for their payment.

Orders for some Members to go to the States Ambassadours to excuse any mistakes, and to desire the Unity and Affection of both Nations.

Another for three hundred pounds for the Com­missioners going down to the Army, and for Mr. Thomas Goodwyn to go with them. That the Militia be desired to send down a Regiment to at­tend the House to morrow, and for ten thousand pounds for the service of Ireland.

(9.) Each House kept a Solemn Fast in their se­veral Houses.

(10.) The City Petition Presented to the Lords, and the Petitioners had thanks.

The Lords chose a Committee to consider of all the grievances of the Kingdom, and to present them to the House.

They desired a conference with the Commons, about paying such Officers as served under the Earl of Essex, and Disbanded willingly upon the Order of the Houses, and they put the Commons in mind of putting down the Country Committees.

The Commons resumed the debate of the Self-Denying-Ordinance, and Voted,

That such Members as have any Office, Place or Sequestration, from the Parliament, those places shall be void.

That the benefit such Members have received, shall be paid in to the use of the Common-Wealth, and the Votes. Committee to take the Accompts.

That the Lands and Estates of all Members of the House, be liable to the Law for payment of their Debts. A day set to hear Informations against Members, and that no Member hereafter shall receive any re­paration for damages by these times, till the pub­lick Debts be first satisfied.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax, Certified, That the King being ill accommodated at Sir Jo. Cutts House, Sir T. F. went over thither to him, and to advise with the Commissioners whither to remove him, but they refused to advise or act in that business, and the King declared, Army. That unless he were forced, he would not return to Holmeby: Whereupon the General Ordered Collonel Whaley to attend the King to New-Market.

The General Rendezvous of the Army was ap­pointed The King. at Triploe Heath, near Cambridg.

Letters from the Commissioners related,

That the General, Lieutenant General, and other Of­ficers came with him to the King, who said that Cornet Joyce had the Commission of the whole Army for what he did, and by consequence had the Generals Commis­sion.

That Joyce being present said that he avowed to the King that he had not the Generals Commission. The King replyed, That surely Joyce durst not have at­tempted such a thing without that Commission.

(11.) Both Houses passed the Ordinance to ina­ble the Militia of London to raise Horse for defence of the City. Another to take off the Excise of Flesh and Salt.

A Committee of both Houses named to advise with the Militia of London about Arming all with­in the Lines of Communication, for the safety of the Parliament and City, if there be occasion.

Collonel Sands, Collonel Devereux, and Collonel Wiltshire, came to the House, and acquainted them, That meeting with a Major, lately come from the Army at Triploe Heath, he told them that the Army was upon their advance, and the Horse would be here to morrow by Noon, and said if they would come into the Army, they should be included in the Capitulation of their Arrears. Ordered to send for the Major in safe Custody.

The Committee of Safety was revived, and to Commit­tee of Safety. act this Evening. The Sheriffs and Common-Coun­cel came to the House this Evening, with a Letter sent to them from the Army, a Committee of both Houses was named to go down to the Militia a­bout it, and they Sat all night in Consultation.

The Commons Sat late this night. Letters were Ordered from both Houses to Sir Thomas Fairfax, to desire That the Army might not come within fifteen miles of the City.

Order, That all Officers and Souldiers of the Ar­my who will conform to the Votes of Parliament sent down to them, shall receive the benefit of them, and ten thousand pounds upon Account Or­dered for them.

The General kept a Fast-day in Cambridge.

The Commissioners sent down to the Army came to Cambridge, where the General visited them, and they communicated to him the Votes of the House, and to his Officers with him, and desired their ad­vice in communicating them to the Army.

The General ordered a general rendezvous near Royston, where he and the Commissioners rode to each Regiment, and first acquainted the General's Regiment with the Votes of the Parliament, and Skippon spake to them to perswade a comply­ance.

Then an Officer of the Regiment returned an­swer, that the Regiment did desire that there might be an answer returned after perusal of the Votes by some select Officers and Agitators, whom the Re­giment had chosen; and that it was the motion of the Regiment.

The Officer desired the General and Com­missioners to give him leave to ask the whole Re­giment if this were their answer, to which they cryed All.

Then he put the question, if any man were of a contrary opinion he should say no, and not one man gave his No.

The Agitators in behalf of the Soldiers press'd to have the question put, whether the Regiment did acquiesce and were satisfied with the Votes, but in regard the other way was more orderly, and they might after perufal proceed more deliberate­ly, that question was laid aside.

The like was in the other Regiments, and all were very unanimous, and after the Commissioners had done reading the Votes, and speaking to each Regiment, and received their answer, all of them cried out Justice, Justice.

A Petition was delivered in the field to the Ge­neral Petitions against Disband­ing. in the name of many well affected people in Essex, desiring that the Army might not be disbanded; in regard the Common-wealth had many enemies, who watched for such an Occasion to destroy the good Peo­ple.

Some Musquets were taken out of Cambridge Ca­stle, and distributed among the Soldiers at the ren­dezvous.

Divers of the General's Life-guard deserted the Troop, and had Passes to go for London.

Another Petition to the General from Norfolk and Suffolk desiring the Army might not disband till grievances were redressed.

(12.) Upon a Rumor that the Army was com­ing towards London, all the Trained Bands were raised on pain of Death, but afterwards dismist a­gain, and strong Guards set, the Shops were also shut up, but in a day or two opened again, and Shops shut all things were peaceable in the City.

The Common-Council resolved with the Houses [Page 256] approbation, to send a Letter and some of their Members to the Army, to treat with the General and Officers, about a right understanding between the Army and the City.

Letters from the Commissioners in the Army, of their proceedings, and the Army's advance near London, and the Petitions to the General by the Counties not to disband.

Information from Alderman Adams of a design to secure New-castle for the King, referred to Field-Martial Skippon.

Sir Tho. Widdrington added to the Commissioners in the Army, and larger instructions given, to know what the desires of the Army were, and what would give them satisfaction, and the Lords concurred herein.

Orders for Ammunition for Plymouth, &c.

Letters from the General that the Army was ad­vanced near St. Albans, before he received the Houses Letter that they should not come so near London, and he doubted not to give a good account of the reasons of their advance, and desired a Months pay for them, that they might not be bur­densom to the Countrey.

The Houses approved the Letter to be sent from the City to the Army, they sate late this night, and ordered to sit again to morrow though Sun­day.

(13.) After the Evening Sermon the House sate, and had a Letter from their Commissioners at St. Albans.

That Sir Tho. Widdrington and Col. White had acquainted the General with the additional instru­ctions.

(14.) Both Houses named a Committee to draw up a Declaration, what they had done, and inten­ded to do, for the ease of the People, and for the Soldiery, and for settlement of Peace, and that a Committee was appointed to consider what place is fit for the King to come unto, for the ap­plications of both Kingdoms to be made to him for setling Peace.

Upon a Petition of divers Officers, Order for a Declaration, that hereafter none should presume on pain of Death to meet in a tumultuous way, as they had lately done, and the Militia to send a considerable Guard to the House.

Captain Falconbridge, and Captain White order­ed to bring the trained bands of Westminster for guards to the House.

A Committee of both Houses to draw a Decla­ration, what the Army hath demanded, and what the Houses have offered.

The Commons being informed that divers of the Parliaments old Officers and Soldiers were in the Hall and Palace, they sent to them to with­draw.

Letters from Ireland that some of the Rebels were returned out of Scotland into Ʋlster, That the Parliaments Commissioners and Col. Jones with some Forces were landed at Dublyn.

That the Lord Inchequin sent a Party to surprize some Castle near Waterford, the Rebels Sallied out and were beaten back, about a hundred of them slain and wounded, many Prisoners and much Cat­tle taken.

(15.) Order of both Houses, that the General be required to deliver the Person of the King, to such Persons as both Houses shall appoint, to be placed at Richmond, under such manner, as they shall think fit, to the intent that the Propo­sitions agreed upon by both Kingdoms, may be speedily presented to his Majesty for the setling a safe and well grounded Peace.

That the Persons to whom the King shall be de­livered shall be the Commissioners now with him, or any three of them.

That the Guards to receive Orders from the Commissioners shall be Col. Rossiter and his Regi­ment.

Order for Col. Birch to have the publique Faith for four thousand nine hundred pound upon his Accounts.

Officers whose accounts are not stated, to have one months pay for Subsistence.

Order for the Committee of Indemnity to dis­charge those that are, or shall be under restraint for any thing done tempore & loco belli.

A Months Pay to Col. Graves his Forces.

Letters from the Commissioners in the Army in­formed, that the Votes concerning those that would come away from the Army, did much distast them.

The Results from the Army were,

1. The Heads of a Charge against divers Members of the House of Commons, which they delivered in Demands of the Ar­my. to be speeded by the Parliament, and when they should be admitted, would appoint fit Persons on their and the Kingdoms behalf to prosecute and make good the same.

2. If the Parliament shall admit these things at the desire of the Army, and proceed for a general sa­tisfaction therein, then they desire,

1. That the Persons Impeached may be suspended, else they can expect no good issue, if the same persons who have appeared most active in the late proceedings to the prejudice and provocation of the Army, and hazarding the Peace of the Kingdom, shall continue in the same Power, and Judges of these things.

2. For a Months Pay, and a resolution thereupon in two days.

3. That those of the Army may have as much Pay as they who have ingaged for Ireland, or come away from the Army.

4. That none who have so deserted the Army may have any more Pay till the rest of the Army be first satis­fied in their Arrears.

5. That during the transactions of this business, the Parliament would not suffer (as some have design­ed) any new Forces to be raised in this Kingdom, or to be brought out of any other Kingdom hither, or any thing else to be done that may carry the Face of a new War, or may indanger the settlement of the Liberties and Peace of this Kingdom.

6. That the Parliament would be pleased (without any delay) to put these things into a speedy way of reso­lution and dispatch the present condition of the King­dom, and Army, and of the King not admitting de­layes.

(16.) A Charge came to the Houses from Sir Charges against the eleven Members. Tho. Fairfax and the Officers and Soldiers of the Army, against eleven Members of the House of Commons, whereby they are charged with obstruct­ing the business of Ireland, to have been Actors against the Army, and against the laws and Liberties of the Subject, and Obstructors of Justice.

The Members Charged were Denzill Hollis E­squire, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir William Lewis, Sir John Clot-worthy, Sir William Waller, Sr. Jo. May­nard, M. G. Massey, Mr. Recorder Glyn, Col. Walter Long, Col. Edward Harley, and Mr. Anthony Nichols.

After reading of the Charge. the Members se­verally made some defence thereunto, and desired it might be put into a speedy way of tryal.

A Declaration of the Army was sent from the Declarati­on of the Army. Commissioners, vindicating their proceedings, and their desires for the setling and securing their own, and [Page 257] the Kingdoms common rest, freedom, peace and safe­ty:

The Commissioners of the City returned from the Army with expressions of Love, and the Com­mon Council voted to send a Letter to the Army, with leave from the Houses, that according to their desire, no Forces shall be raised against them, and that they will move the Parliament for Money to pay the Army, and that they may withdraw further from the City.

The Army further desired of the Parliament.

1. That the Houses may be speedily purged of such Desires of the Army. as ought not to sit there.

2. That those persons who have abused the Parlia­ment, and Army, and indangered the Kingdom, may speedily be disabled from doing the like.

3. That some time may be set for the continuance of this; and future Parliaments, and new Electi­ons made successively according to the Bill for Triennial Parliaments.

4. That Provision be made that future Parliaments may not be dissolved at the Kings pleasure with­out their consent, but continue the set time.

5. That the right of the People to represent to the Parliament their grievances by Petition may be vindicated.

6. That the large Powers given to Committees, or de­puty Lieutenants during the War, as appear not necessary to be continued, may be taken away, and such as are necessary may be put into a regulated way, and left to as little Arbitrariness as the nature and necessity thereof will bear.

7. They wish that the Kingdom may be righted and sa­tisfied in point of Accounts, and other things where­in the Common-wealth may be conceived to have been wronged.

8. That publick Justice being satisfied by some few Examples of the worst of excepted Persons, some course may be taken, by a general Act of Oblivion, or otherwise, whereby the seeds of future War, or Fears may be taken away.

In these Declarations and transactions of the Ar­my, Col. Ireton was chiefly imployed, or took up­on Ireton. him the business of the Pen. And having been bred in the middle Temple, and learned some grounds of the Law of England, and being of a working, and laborious Brain, and Fancy, he set him­self much upon these businesses; and was therein en­couraged and assisted by Lieutenant General Crom­well, his Father in Law, and by Col. Lambert, who had likewise studied in the Inns of Court, and was of a subtle and working brain.

An Account was given by the Commissioners of the City of their transactions with the Army, and was approved by the House.

A Petition was presented to the General in the Petition. name of Bucks men, subscribed by a thousand hands, extolling the merits and atchievements of the General and Army; and expressing their readiness to joyn with them, to bring to just Censures, any that should en­deavor to make them odious to the Parliament or King­dom.

Both Houses ordered, That the several Orders made by the Committee of Safety, for the Listing and drawing together of any Forces of Counties shall be void, and also the Order for Col. Dalbier and others, to bring in a list of such Gentlemen and Reformadoes, as are willing to ingage in the Parli­aments Service.

(17.) Orders for securing of Arms and Am­munition, and for a Pass for the Lord Lotherdale, and other Scots to go the King, and for a Months pay for the Army, in part of the three months pay for disbanding or ingaging for Ireland.

Orders for a Letter to the General to require him to retreat with his Army forty miles from Lon­don, and another to the Commissioners in the Ar­my to acquaint them with the votes for a Months pay.

Upon Letters from Col. Blunt of the misde­meanors of Sir Robert Pyes Troopers in Kent, the examination thereof, and the easing of the County of Kent, referred to a Committee.

An Ordinance pass'd for indemnity of the For­ces that deserted the Army.

Order for a Months pay for Col. Rossiters Regi­ment, and for the Forces of Tinmouth and New­castle.

A Petition from Hartfordshire subscribed with Petition. twelve hundred hands, and presented by two hun­dred Knights and Gentlemen to the General much to the same effect as the former from Essex, Bucks, &c. and that Malignants might not be elected Members of Parliament, nor put in any places of trust, and that the Parliament, and others who had received any of the Parliaments Money might be called to account.

(18.) Orders for issuing Money for Soldiers, and for Guards for the Treasurers.

The Letter from the Common-Council of Lon­don to the Army, now brought to the House, was not approved of.

(19. A second Letter from the Common-Coun­cil to Sir Thomas Fairfax was brought to the House for their approbation, and after a long debate the House left the Common-Council to themselves to write what Letter they thought fit to the General, and they sent one to the General and his Officers.

The Commissioners attending the King sent to Sir Thomas Fairfax to know his Answer to the Votes concerning the disposal of the Kings person to Richmond.

The Lord Mayor with the advice of the Alder­men and Common-Council, published a command, for all the Trained-Bands and Auxiliaries to appear at their Colours, (taking notice of their former backwardness) for suppressing of tumults, and un­lawful Assemblies in the City.

It was strange to see how several Counties, and All Ad­dresses to the Army. the Citizens of London began to make all their ap­plications to the General and Army, omitting the Parliament, and all looked upon the Army in the chief place, and were affraid of doing any thing contrary to them.

Mr. Peters went to the King to New-Market, and had much discourse with him.

(21.) Letters from Major General Laugherne of an Insurrection in Wales, who declared them­selves for the King and Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the Major General went to suppress them.

Letters from Major General Pointz for Com­mission to stop the mutinying of the Soldiers, and for Pay for them.

Sir Peter Killegrew sent with Letters to the Com­missiones attending the King, and to the King, with the Votes for his removing to Richmond.

Votes Passed upon the representation of the Army.

1. That no Person that hath been in actual Votes up­on the re­presenta­tion of the Army. War against the Parliament, or acted in the Commission of Array, or voluntarily aided the King, or received Pardon from him, shall presume to sit in the House.

2. That if they do sit, they shall incur the dis­pleasure of the House.

[Page 258] 3. That the Committee for examining such cases, be revived.

4. That a Declaration be brought in for any who have any charge against any Member of the House to come in.

5. That the Committee bring in by a day such charges as are already before them against by any Members.

6. That the Report of Elections be brought in by a short day.

Orders for Pay of the Soldiers.

Divers Censures pass'd upon the Parliament for their Cow Votes, and resolution to comply with a Mutinous Army, who had their Pay and Power The Par­liament Censured. from them.

Others approved them as prudent, respecting the time, and to avoid blood.

Some wished the first Votes, and severe prose­cuting the business of disbanding, had been decli­ned, which occasioned this trouble.

Cromwell began now to mount still higher, and carried his business with great subtilty.

An Impeachment was against his Enemies in Par­liament, Cromwell. and business of the Army guided by his Son in Law Ireton, and others under Cromwell.

Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax of his submission to the Votes of Parliament for the Kings going to Richmond, and the House ordered the house to be prepared for him.

The Agitators of the Army sent to the Trinity-House concerning the Navy.

Ordered that Sir Robert Pye's Troop do not re­turn to the Army without leave of the Parlia­ment.

Sir Thomas Fairfax published a Proclamation that no Soldier of his Army molest any Countrey men, or others, or abuse any in their Quarters or March­es.

(22.) Letters from the General and Commissi­oners in the Army, of the receipt of the Parlia­ments Votes, and the Moneths Pay, and that shortly there would be a Council of War about them, and then would be returned a positive, and, no doubt, a satisfactory answer.

Order for proceedings against Judge Jenkins; and Mr. Sollicitor St. John, Sergeant Jermyn, Mr. Bradshaw, and Mr. Prynne to prosecute him.

Order for a Months Pay for the Forces of the Northern Association and for Major General Pointz to secure such as disturb his Forces, and to quiet his Regiments.

Order to put out the Justices of Peace, as were of the Insurrection in Wales, and the Letters of Ma­jor General Laugherne to be sent to the G. desiring him to take care for quieting those distempers, about which the General sent to them, and for sup­plyes for Laughernes Forces.

The Ordinance pass'd for raising sixty thousand pound a Month, for maintenace of the Forces in this Kingdom, and for the service of Ireland, and the lessening of the former assessment gave some con­tent to the People.

(23.) Col. Birch stopped by the Guards, was discharged by the General.

Debate about the Charge of the Army against the eleven Members, and a Letter sent to the Ge­neral, Army. that what shall be particularly charged against their Members with Testimony and Witnesses, shall be received, and the House proceed in a legal way there­in.

The third proposition of the representation of the Army, upon the question, resolved not to be debated, and the fourth, and a day set to debate the fifth Proposition.

The City Commissioners returned with Letters from the General further to satisfie the City of his real intentions towards them.

(24.) The Common Council acquainted the House with a Remonstrance, and a Letter sent from the General and the Army, and in prosecution thereof they desired,

1. That they may have further leave to send some Desires of the City. of their Members to the Army, to hold a good correspondence with the Army, which after de­bate, the House agreed.

2. That all forces listed by the Committee of Safety or Militia may be discharged, which was also hard­ly consented to.

3. That the discontented, and reduced Officers, and Souldiers, may be put out of the Lines of Com­munication, to which was answered, That they had put it in such a way, as in their judg­ments they thought fit.

The Remonstrance of the Army was.

1. That the Declaration inviting men to de­sert Remon­strance of the Army. the Army be recalled.

2. That the Army may be paid up equally to the deserters.

3. That His Majesties coming to Richmond, may be suspended, until Affairs be better set­tled; and no place appointed for his Resi­dence nearer London, then the Parliament will allow the Quarters of the Army to be.

4. That the Members charged may be forth­with suspended the House.

5. That those who have deserted the Army may be disperst, and receive no more of their Arrears, till the Army be first satis­fied.

6. That the Parliament and City may be freed from the multitudes of Reformadoes and Souldiers

7. That all Listings, and Raisings of new forces, and preparations towards a new War, may be declared against, and sup­prest.

The Lords desired the Commons consent to a Letter to the King. Letter to the King, That by reason of some late acci­dents, they humbly entreated his Majesty either to stay at Royston, or Theobalds, or to return to New-market, to which the Commons agreed.

(25.) Debate of the Charge of the Eleven Mem­bers, Vote. and Voted, ‘That by the Law, no judg­ment can be given to suspend those Members from Sitting in the House, upon the Papers presented from the Army, before the particulars be produ­ced; and proofs made, and that it doth not appear, that any thing hath been said or done in the House by any of those Members, touching any Matters in the Papers sent from the Army, for which the House can in Justice suspend them.’

Order for pulling down the new Excise-House in Smithfield, to which work many people gladly re­sorted, and carryed away the Materials.

The Head Quarters of the Army removed from St. Albans to Berkamstead: the King was unwilling to return to Newmarket, but stayed at Royston.

Power given to the Parliaments Commissioners to confer with the Commissioners of the City in the Army, and Order for the Militia of London to send four Companies for the Guard of the Parlia­ment.

(26.) Letters from the Commissioners in the Ar­my and from the General of the Grounds of the Ar­mies [Page 259] advance nearer London, Not to awe the Parlia­ment, or be a terror to them or the City, and renewed their desires, That the Members charged by them may be suspended the House, and then they will give in a more particular Charge, with the Proofs to make it good.

Letters from the General and his Officers to the City, assuring them, That they will keep their promise Army. to them, and intend not in their near approach any pre­judice to the City, That they tender their peace and wel­fare equal with their own; and their aims are only to obtain a firm Peace, and not a new War.

The Head Quarters came to Ʋxbridg, and resol­ved not to march nearer London.

The King was at Hatfield.

Upon debate of a message from the eleven Mem­bers Eleven Members leave the House. Sir Philip Stapleton flyes. Charged by the Army, the House at last a­greed to it, and they all left the House, Mr. Hollis, Sir Phil. Stapleton, and Mr. Long, went together in a Ship to France, where that Gallant English Gen­tleman Sir Phil. Stapleton fell sick at Sea, and grew more sick on Shoar at Callis, and within two or three days dyed there, as some suspected, of the Plague.

Others of the eleven Members went to other parts, and some of them retired into their Coun­tries, and there lived privately, Mr. Hollis conti­nued divers years after in Britany in France.

Letters from the Commissioners in the Army a­bout their additional Powers.

Orders touching the Arrears of Listed Officers, out of the twenty five thousand pounds.

The Ordinance past the Commons for relaxation of Schollars and Apprentices.

Letters from Ʋxbridge informed, That Dr. Ham­mond, and Dr. Shelden, were come to the King to Hatfield. That the Councel of War Sat all night at Ʋxbridge, and recalled some of their Regiments who had Quarters nearer London.

(28.) Upon Letters from the Commissioners with the King, the House Ordered, That they do remove the Duke of Richmond. Dr. Shelden, Dr. Ham­mond, and all others who ought not to come to the King according to their instructions, and that a Letter be sent to the General, to give Order that the Guards attending His Majesty observe the Commands of the Commissioners in relation to their Instructions, and in keeping Malignants from the King.

Letters from the Army to this effect.

That as to the Vote, That for any thing done by Letters from the Army. the eleven Members in the House, they could not in justice suspend them, ‘Though they doubted not, but if it might be done without breach of Priviledg, they could prove such proceedings and practises of theirs in the House, that they ought to be suspended, yet they were so tender of the Priviledges of Parliament, that at present they would forbear to press any further upon that point.’

To the Vote, That by the Law, no judgment can be given to suspend those Members upon the Papers from the Army, till particulars produced and proofs made,

Though reasons may be given, and prece­dents of this Parliament produced to the contrary, as in Cases of the Earl of Strafford, the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and the Lord Finch: yet considering the proceedings thereupon will take up much time, and the present unsettled affairs will require a speedy consideration, they are wil­ling that the greater, and more general matters be first settled, and will forbear giving in the parti­culars unless required.

Whereas they understand that the Members Charged by them, desired leave to withdraw themselves from the House, they take notice of the modesty thereof, and suppose that as the Gen­tlemen themselves will forbear to offer the con­trary, so they expect the Wisdom and Justice of the House will not admit of any thing to the con­trary, to interrupt the proceedings upon the gener­al affairs:

The House passed these Votes.

That no Officer or Souldier of the Army, shall Votes. leave the Army without Licence or Discharge from the General.

That they do own this Army as their Army, and will make provision for their maintenance, and for their Pay equally with those that have deserted the Army.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to make provision accordingly.

Referred to the Commissioners in the Army to be earnest with the General, That no obstruction or discouragement be given by the Souldiers to the levying of the Excise and other Assessments.

An Ordinance Read for saving harmless all well affected persons from any Bonds, &c. extorted from them by the Enemy in the time of War.

Referred to the Commissioners of the Great Seal to bring in a List of Judges for the next Cir­cuit.

(29.) An Ordinance past both Houses for Col­lonel Butler to be Governour of the Isle of Scil­ley.

A Petition from the Eleven Members (except The Ele­ven Mem­bers. the Recorder Glyn) to come to a speedy Tryal, he earnestly advised his Brethren against this Petition, but they were wilful, and he would not joyn in it.

A day set for the particular Charge of the Ar­my to be brought in against the Eleven Mem­bers.

Order for the Accounts to be stated of Collo­nel Graves, and Collonel Pyes Forces, and that the Officers and Souldiers, come off from the Ar­my, advance for Ireland, or be Disbanded.

An Ordinance committed for Souldiers not In­habitants to depart the City.

Both Houses granted a Pass to the Dutch Am­bassador to go to the King, and so to return home.

(30) The Fast-day, after Sermon,

A Committee appointed about reedifying the Church of Torrington.

Another to consider of able persons for accom­modation in Religion.

Order for the Magistrates of the City to be care­ful to execute the Ordinances for observation of the Lords-day and Fast-days, and for inquiry what Malignant Ministers have been admitted into Bene­fices.

Letters from the Commissioners in the Army, and Army. from Sir Thomas Fairfax, ‘That the last Votes of the House had met with such complyance in his Councel of War, that in confidence of this further progress about the desires of the Army, and in submission to the Votes of Parliament, the Army had removed their Quarters further from London, and were to be this night at Wicombe.’

The Commissioners in the Army were desired by the Councel of War to procure from the Parlia­ment a full answer to the last Propositions of the Army, before which they cannot conclude any thing upon the Treaty.

Mr. Patrick Young, formerly His Majesties Li­brary-keeper at St. James's, and a great Scholar, with the assistance of Selden and Whitlock, under­took the Printing of the Septuagint Translation of the Bible; whereof he had in his custody a famous antient Copy, if not an Original Manuscript.

July, 1647.

July, 1. Orders about Pay for the Army.

That the King shall reside no nearer London, than the Quarters of the Army will be born.

That the Committee do meet about accommodati­on in Religion.

Information of one Cousens an Alderman of New­castle, Negotiating to bring the Scots again into England.

The Lords were desired to expedite the Propo­sitions to be sent to the King.

It was reported, That part of the Charge against the Eleven Members, particularly against Mr. Hol­lis, would be the business of the Lord Savile's In­formation The Ele­ven Mem­bers. against him, and Whitelock, two years since.

(2.) A Petition from the Common-Councel.

1. That Command be given that no Officer or Soul­dier London Pe­tition. come within the Lines of Communication, upon pretence to share monies for their Arrears.

2. That such as are Paid may depart the City within two days.

3. That all who have been in Arms against the Parli­ament may depart the City.

4. That such as have come in from the Army may be otherwise disposed of.

5. That all bring in concealed Goods.

6. That the revenue be mannaged by Rules.

7. That the Parliament would lay aside lesser busi­nesses, and prepare such Laws for the Kings concurrence, as may settle the Government of the Church, secure the people from Arbitrary Power, and to restore his Ma­jesty to his just Rights and Authority.

8. That all Officers of State, and Justice, may be Persons of Honour, of considerable Interest, and known Integrity.

9. That speedy care be had of Ireland.

10. That Correspondence with Scotland according to the Covenant be maintained.

11. That Elections may be examined, and the House purged of such as are unduely Elected, or have been a­gainst the Parliament.

12. For a course to decide Admiralty Causes.

13. That satisfaction being made by Delinquents, an Act of Oblivion may be passed.

The Petitioners had thanks for their good affe­ctions, Answer. and answer, That most of the particulars were under consideration.

Some of the Members attended the less in the House when these matters were in agitation, being unsatisfied that the Army and City should thus seem to impose upon the Parliament.

Reference to the Committee of Cheshire, about Pay, and lessening of the Garrison of Chester.

Orders about the affairs of Ireland.

That two thousand six hundred pounds be paid to the Lord of Ormond, and for mony for Advance and Transport of Forces into Ireland, and that three Commissioners be sent into Munster.

One of the Knights of Essex presented a Petition from part of that County, and the Gentlemen that Petitions. brought it had thanks for their good Affections, and the House took notice of the delivery of it in a Parliamentary way.

Other Petitions from Norfolk and Suffolk.

Letters from the General and his Officers, with a Declaration of the Army, disclaiming a Pamphlet called Heads presented by the Army to the Kings Ma­jesty, and another called, Articles agreed upon be­twixt the King and the Army, as false, scandalous, and injurious to them, and which they detest; and de­sire Army. the Authors may be found out.

Letters from the Commissioners in the Army, certified, That the General had appointed Lieute­nant General Cromwell, Collonel Ireton, Collonel Fleetwood, Collonel Rainsborough, Collonel Harrison, Collonel Sir Har-Waller, Collonel Rich, Collonel Lambert, Collonel Hammond, and Major Rainsbo­rough, or any five of them, to Treat with the Parliaments Commissioners upon the Papers, sent from the Army to the Parliament, and their Votes.

To the Vote touching the Eleven Members was Eleven Members. answered, That the Councel of War had a great willing­ness to answer the expectation of the House in all things, so in this particular; but the things being of great im­portance, and the persons charged, many, it had taken more time than was expected, they therefore desire respite for three or four days, when they would bring in the par­ticular Charge against the Eleven Members, and the Kingdom shall see, that they have not impeached the Gentlemen out of any private respects, but their duty to the Publick.

The General set forth a Proclamation forbid­ding any abuse, or obstruction to the Parliaments Officers in Levying the Excise or Assessments.

The King went to Windsor for two or three days to see his Children.

(3.) Letters of an high Mutiny of the Souldi­ers in Chester. Order for mony for them, and to lessen the Garrison.

A Petition of one Goodwyn a Curate, who gave Petition. uncivil words to divers Members of the House, for an answer of his Petition, Resolved That the Peti­tioner hath no cause of complaint, but deserves punish­ment for his scandalous Petition.

Orders for pay for the Nothern Association, and for Dover.

Upon the Prince Electors desire, it was left to Prince E­lector. his pleasure to visit the King, if he thought fit.

The Treaty proceeded in the Army, and they removed their Head Quarters to Reading, the King returned from Windsor to Causham the Lord Cravens House near Reading.

Several Members did not attend the House so frequently as heretofore, seeing the designs put up­on them by the Army and the City, and Tumultu­ous Petitions.

(5.) Vote to add a penalty to such as sit in the Vote. House, not being duly chosen, and that none who have assisted the King in the late War, or the Cessation, or Rebellion in Ireland; or that have been sequestred for Delinquency, shall sit in the Parliament.

Orders touching New Elections.

Upon a Petition of the Trinity House, Order, That Dr. Clerk shall be Judg Advocate, and an Or­dinance to give further power to the Trinity House.

Goodwyn the Curate for his insolency, and re­vilings, committed to Newgate.

Votes of the Lords to leave out of the first qua­lification Treaty. of excepted persons, Prince Rupert and Maurice, and others.

The Treaty went on fairly, and methodically between the Parliaments Commissioners, and the Commissioners of the Army.

A Proclamation by the General, That his Souldi­ers shall not take Horses, without Warrant, nor compel any where they Quarter to give them mo­ny, and he granted Commissions to every Regiment for Marshal-Law.

[Page 261] (6.) Orders for the House to sit early, and for sitting of the Committees, and for Money for the Army, and for dismantling of Carrisons according to former votes, and for Money for Ireland.

Col. Scroop and other Officers presented to the House, the particular Charge of the Army against Eleven Members. the eleven Members, who were sent for, such as could be found, and the Charge read unto them.

(7.) The last day of the Term the House ad­journed, the Speakers being to sit in Chancery.

Mr. Bellieur the French Ambassador was receiv­ed by the King at Causham.

The first part of the Charge of the Army against Mr. Hollis, was the former business of the Lord Sa­vile.

(8.) A List agreed, for Judges to ride this Summers Circuit, and order for instructions for them.

The Militia of London desired new powers, and Money from the House, part whereof was assented Militia. to; and orders given them for the guards of the House.

The House committed some Soldiers for assault­ing the Person and House of Mr. Pury, one of their Members.

The Charge against the eleven Members put off.

(9.) Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax full of Fairfax. respect towards the King, and taking notice of some reports, as if he, and his Officers were upon some under-hand contract with the King, and so to slander their integrities, and endeavour a misun­derstanding betwixt the Parliament and their Ar­my, which their Enemies would fain effect, to hin­der the settlement of the Peoples Rights, but a good accord between them is their design to pre­serve.

He declares that they have not done, nor shall do any thing which they desire to hide from the Parliament and the World, and shall not avow to the faces of their Adversaries. their desires to set­tle the Kings Rights, he first giving his concur­rence to secure the rights of the Kingdom, they have already declared publickly.

That since their Papers sent in to the Parliament several Officers were sent to the King, to satisfie him concerning those Papers, and some others sent to him about his removes; in which Addresses they bargained not nor asked any thing of the King, as to any private interest of their own.

But they endeavoured only the settlement of the publick Peace, and rights of the Nation; and assured the King, that this being done with his concurrence, the rights of his Majesty and his Fa­mily should be provided for, and in the mean time his Majesty should find from them all personal ci­vilities and respects, and such freedom as may stand with safety, and the trust lying upon them.

That they are no enemies to Monarchy, and Ci­vil Government, that upon his Majesties impor­tunity (though with some reluctancy) they did give way for the Duke of Richmond, and the two Chaplains to come to his Majesty, as that which they thought reasonable and Just; and to make the King less prejudiced against others.

That they conceived, to avoid all harshnesses, and afford all kindnesses to his Majesty, consisting with the Peace and Safety of the Kingdom, is the most Christian, Honourable, and Prudent way, and that tender, equitable, and moderate dealing towards his Majesty, his Family, and Party, is the most hopeful course, to take away the seeds of War, and feuds amongst us, and our Posterity, and to procure a lasting Peace.

And that being setled with the Rights and Li­berties of the Nation, and propagation of the Gospel of Truth, and they honoured to be in­strumental therein, they shall be willing to be dis­mist, and be happy to be discharged, not only from Military imployments, but from all matters of Power whatsoever.

In the like Letter to the House of Lords, was a Letter from the King, to his Son, the Duke of York.

Both Houses pass'd an Ordinance for all Papists and Delinquents to depart the Lines of Commu­nication.

The House appointed a Committee to examine an Information, concerning Listing of men in Lon­don.

An Ordinance for Money for the Army, and Votes against Members sitting in the House, not being duly Elected and qualified.

(10.) Both Houses passd an Ordinance for dis­banding Soldiers, and their departing out of Lon­don.

Votes of the House against tumultuous meetings Tumultu­ous Meet­ings. in the City, and to give power to the Militia to prevent them, and to punish the Offenders.

The Sheriffs and some of the Common-Council acquainted the House with Letters they received from the Army, touching the proceedings in the Treaty, for which the House gave them thanks.

Debate, fore-noon and after-noon upon the Eleven Members. Charge against the eleven Members, but nothing concluded thereupon.

Two thousand pound ordered to Col. Massey in part of his Arrears.

(12.) Upon long debate of the Charge of the Eleven Members. Army against the eleven Members, the House voted it to be aCharge, and gave a weeks time for the Mem­bers to bring in their Answers, Mr. Chute, Mr. Glover, Mr. Pryn, and Mr. Hales to be of Council for them.

The Lords desired the Commons Concurrence upon a Letter from the King to his Son the Duke of York, that the Kings Children might go to see him.

Sir Thomas Fairfax wrote to the house to give way to it, and the Commons concurred, and that the Earl of Northumberland should go with the Children to the King, and take care of their re­turn.

Order for the Lord Major of York to have the charge of Cliffords Tower there.

The Soldiers in Dublin were in a high Mutiny, Col. Jones the Governor in danger to be killed by them, yet he appeased the Mutiny with great Courage and stoutness.

Some little Defeats were given to the Rebels, and sometimes to the English, some of the leading Rebels taken Prisoners by Col. Coots Forces, twen­ty five killed, five hundred Cowes, a thousand sheep; and two hundred and fifty Plough-Horses taken.

Indeavours were used in Scotland to raise an Army there to invade England, several debates a­bout it at Edinborough, and by the Estates, but no­thing concluded.

(13.) The first day of relaxation for Scholars and Apprentices.

Many Apprentices came to the Parliament with Apprenti­ces their Petition. a Petition, which they presented to the Commons, set on by their Masters and others▪ their desires were;

1. That the House, according to promise, take into consideration the several heads of a pe­tition of theirs delivered the fifth of March last.

2. That the authority of Parliament so apparent­ly [Page 262] abused contrary to Right, by those that have of late effected the ejections of men of known Fidelity, out of places of Trust, re­deemed, and those so expulsed, may be resto­red.

3. That they would declare against all invectives of the Clergy.

4. That those who have appealed to this Court of Justice, may have an impartial Tryal.

5. That the sum of all the endeavours of Parlia­ment, may tend to the sweet composure of differences.

The Petitioners had Answer by some Members that were Citizens. That their Petition would be con­sidered Answer. in due time. And they were commended for their civil carriage in presenting it.

Orders for slighting of Garrisons. Parlia­ment Or­der.

The Lords desired the Commons Concurrence to an Order for Money for the Earl of Kildare, the Commons rejected it, because the Lords had first made the Order for Money, which was not proper for them to do, but afterwards the Commons made a new Order for two hundred pound for the Earl.

(14.) A contrary Party of the London Appren­tices, came to both Houses with a Petition.

1. That according to the Covenant the Kings Petition. Person may be defended, and his just power in defence of Religion and Liberties be estabish­ed.

2. That the Priviledges of Parliament may be vindicated, and the Liberties and Property of the Subject preserved.

3. That the Government of the Church may be setled, and Conventicles suppressed.

4. That Incendiaries, Malignants, and evil in­struments hindering reformation, and raising Divisions, may be punished.

5. That Obstructions in Courts of Justice may be removed, and the abuse of Committees, and their Officers considered.

6. That Arrears of Soldiers may be paid.

7. That the Army may be disbanded.

8. Against Forreigners being free of London.

Thus each Party might frame what matter they pleased into Petitions, and have hands to them, and multitudes to present them.

The answer to this Petition was, That divers Answer: matters thereof were under consideration, and the rest should be considered in due time.

The Lords gave leave for the Marquess Winton to go out of Town.

The Earl of Clare had his Priviledge of Peer al­lowed him.

(15.) According to a former Order of the House, several Members of the House brought in their Case stated, touching their Elections, and the point of being disable to sit in the House, and they were re­ferred to a Committee.

Letters from Major General Pointz, and ano­ther from his Wife, informed the manner of his imprisonment by his own Soldiers, and their seizing Major General Pointz. of his goods.

The House ordered Copies of them to be sent to the General with directions for the discharge of Pointz, or sending him up to London, and a Letter ordered to the Lord Mayor of York to discharge and restore his goods to him.

The Kings Children went with the Earl of Nor­thumberland to Causham to see their Father.

(16.) Orders touching supplys and managing the Forces in Ireland.

A Proposition for the Earl of Ormond to trans­port five thousand five hundred men out of Ireland, was denyed by the House.

Orders for Pay and disbanding of Forces come Ormond. off from the Army.

The Kings Children coming to Causham to meet their Father, great numbers of People slocked thi­ther Kings Chil­dren. to see them, and strewed the ways with green bows and herbs. After Dinner at Maiden-head, the King and his Children went together to Cau­sham.

(17.) Vote, That all the Forces in England and Wales, &c. be under the immediate Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and for disbanding of divers Fairfax. Forces.

Order for putting Reformades out of the Line, and about money for the Army.

(19.) The eleven Members in Person present­ed to the House, an answer by way of Demurrer, Eleven Members. to the Charge of Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Ar­my against them, which was for the present laid a­side.

Votes for divers Garrisons to be slighted, and the Deputy Lieutenants to see it done.

Bristol Castle, and the great Fort at Caernarvon to be continued, the keys of the Garrison to be de­livered to the Mayors of the Corporations, to be governed as formerly.

Leave given to the Lawyers to go the Circuits.

Upon information from Col. Birch of some di­stempers Col. Birch. in his Regiment. Ordered that the Gene­ral send them away for Ireland.

The Assembly in Scotland debated about a Decla­ration, concerning the Affairs of England, relating to the King, the Parliament, and Army.

Letters from Ireland informed the taking of eight or nine thousand Cattle from the Rebels, but Ireland. they by a strategem killed betwixt thirty of forty of the Parliaments Forces, and That they are for­ced for want of Bread and Money, to leave the Field, and retire into Garrisons.

A design to surprize Dublyn, discovered and prevented, and the Actors apprehended.

(20.) Upon a Message from the eleven Mem­bers Eleven Members of their desires to absent themselves for six Months, That in the mean time the great affairs of the Kingdom, mentioned by the Army, might be setled with­out any interruption from their lesser business.

The House voted, That they, or any of them should have leave, and Passes to go into the Countrey, or beyond Sea for six Months, and then to return to the Parlia­ment to attend, concerning the Charge against them.

Upon information that a Multitude of People were coming up to the doors of the House in a tu­multuous Tumults. manner,

The House Ordered that the Guards do disperse them.

And that the Serjeant at Arms acquaint that it was the pleasure of the House that they remove themselves.

That an hundred Halberts be brought into the House for their Service.

That the Militia order the Guards constantly to suppress such disturbers of the House, and that Col. Webbe see the Guards daily placed.

Letters from the Commissioners of the Army Army. with these new Proposals from the Army.

1. That a Declaration be published against the New Pro­posals. bringing in of any Forreign Forces.

2. That the Army be paid up equal with the de­sertors of it, and a constant course of pay for them; and that the Lords do concur with the Commons for renewing the Committee of the Army, that the Arrears may be collected, and [Page 263] the Treasurers may be called to an Account.

3. That the Militia of London may be in the for­mer hands, faithful to the Parliament and King­dom.

4. That persons imprisoned (not for Delinquen­cy but other matters) by the Houses of Parlia­ment of their Committees may be released, or Bayled till tryal, particularly Lieutenant Col­lonel Lilburne, and Mr. Overton.

(21.) Order to examine abuses in distributing Monies to the Officers and Soldiers; and for an ac­count about putting them out of the Lines of Com­munication.

The Lords concurrence desired for Disbanding those that came off from the Army.

Order for mony for maimed Souldiers.

Collonel Jones marching out from Dublin was set upon by Preston, with double his number, and his men forced to retreat.

Order, That Sir Thomas Fairfax take some speedy course for sending Forces into Ireland.

Sir Thomas Fairfax removed his Quarters to Aylesbury, and the King to Woburne in Bedford­shire.

(22.) Votes upon the Armies Proposals.

That whosoever shall bring in any Forein Forces, Vote. without consent of both Houses, are Traitors.

A Petition of divers Ministers, to the Lords That their Tithes may be paid. They Ordered mo­nies for one of Plymouth; and for the Lord In­chequin's Forces; and sent to the Commons for their concurrence.

Petitions from several Wards of London, That Petition. their Captains being faithful men were put out by the new Militia.

Vote, That the Militia of London be put into the Vote. old hands again.

Order, That the General consider how the charge of the Forces here may be lessened, and the service of Ireland advanced.

A Petition and Ingagement of dangerous Con­sequence of divers Officers, Citizens, Watermen, and Seamen was brought to the House, and they referred it to a Committee to find out the Au­thors, and a Declaration to be drawn up against it.

Ordinance past for Dr. Walker to be Judg of the Admiralty.

The Commissioners sent another Proposal of the Army to the House, for discharge of persons im­prisoned or Indicted under pretence of being at Conventicles, or other Religious meetings, the Statute against them, intending meetings of Conspi­racy Conventi­cles. against the State, and not for Religious Exer­cises.

(23.) An Ordinance committed, for putting the Militia of London into the Old Commissioners hands, and a Declaration upon the Petition now in the City, and the Committee Ordered to Report them in the Afternoon. And then the Ordinance for the Militia passed both Houses; and the Old Militia. Commissioners were Ordered to meet this night, and to take Order for the security of the City and Parliament.

(24.) An Ordinance past both Houses for the payment of Tithes.

Order to burn a Pamphlet of Paul Best's, and the Printers to be punished.

Both Houses agreed the Declaration against the Petition and Ingagement on foot in the City.

Upon notice to the General of a private Ingage­ment and Subscription in London, and an agitati­on at Skinners-Hall against the Army; a Paper was Army. drawn up by the General, and his Councel of War, and sent to the Parliaments and Cities Commissi­oners, Of their deep sence of that underhand design, as the last and desperate design to put all into confusion; they desired the Commissioners of the City to repair to London, to take care to prevent the working of these, or any such like underminings, and they went present­ly to London.

The General published a Proclamation against entertaining of Cavaliers in the Army.

The Head Quarters removed to Bedford, and the King to Latimers.

(26.) Votes touching Elections, and about satis­fying some Officers Arrears.

The Commons agreed with the Lords about re­moving the Kings Children to Sion-House.

A Petition from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and London Pe­tition. Common-Councel of London, almost reproaching the Houses for passing the late Ordinance, to put the Militia of the City into the hands of the old Com­missioners, and to put out the new Commissioners, without first taking the sence of that Court about it.

And being sensible of two Petitions to them, one from divers well affected Citizens, the other from divers Young men and Apprentices, what a gene­ral distemper, this sudden change hath made in the City, they pray that the Militia may be put into the hands of the new Commissioners again.

Many Young men and Apprentices of London, Apprenti­ces. came to the House, in a most rude and Tumultu­ous way, and presented to them some particular de­sires.

  • 1. That the Ordinance for change of the Militia of London be repealed.
  • 2. That the City may be vindicated against a late pretended Declaration, that those are Traitours who shall act to get subscriptions, and that it may be re­voked.
  • 3. That all the Members of the House, particularly the Eleven Members may be called into the House, and act as a free Parliament.

The Apprentices and many other rude Boys and Force up­on the Par­liament. mean Fellows among them came into the House of Commons, and kept the door open, and their hats on, & called out as they stood, Vote, Vote, and in this arrogant posture stood till the Votes passed in that way, to Repeal the Ordinance for change of the Militia, and the Declaration. In the Evening about seven a Clock, some of the Common-Coun­cel came down to the House, and understanding that they had in their presence forced the Speaker, and the Members, to put the Question, and pass the Votes they required; now, so much of their work being done, they that put their Apprentices upon it, ordered them to disperse themselves again, and they presently obeyed the Orders of their Ma­sters.

(27.) Both Houses met early and Adjourned till the thirtieth of this month.

The Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, ordered Kirk. a Publick Fast.

  • 1. To Lament the growth of wickedness.
  • 2. By reason of the Pestilence.
  • 3. For the danger to Religion, and Reformation, by the Sectaries in England; and that the Covenant may be kept.
  • 4. That God would incline the Kings heart to avoid new snares, and to such resolutions as will contribute to the settling of Religion and Righteousness.
  • 5. That the Parliament of England and the Synod of Divines may do their duty.
  • [Page 264] 6. For the Committee of Estates, that they may discern what is fittest to be done for securing that King­dom, and incouraging their Brethren.
  • 7. That God would grant even to all his Grace to Repent, that he may remove his wrath from us.

(28.) The Monthly-Fast.

The Common Councel of London sat in the Mor­ning, and again after the Sermons, then they re­ceived a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax, Of his Fairfax. affection to the City, and his dislike of the late Petition, and of the means to procure it.

Divers Young men, then attended them, to ex­press their readiness to stand up for the Priviledges of the City, and to defend them against all oppo­sers.

The Common-Councel sent a Letter and Com­missioners to the General, declaring their inclinable­ness to Peace; entreating his Excellency that the Army might not advance this way, nor intermeddle with the City. Rights and Priviledges of the City.

Conceiving that their strengthning of the City for the preservation thereof, was no just cause to provoke the Souldiery, and as for the Petition, the Parliament had already declared their sence thereof, and it had never been formally presented to them.

(29.) Militia of London ordered, That no persons Militia. should disturb the Parliament; and if any did, the Com­mander of the Guards should prosecute his Commission to kill, and slay, &c.

Upon intelligence That the Army was advancing, Orders were given for the Trained Bands to go to Army. the Works, and for Raising Auxiliaries, and all to come the next Morning, who were able to bear Arms. all this part of the action, and that which follows, was contrived and directed by the Eleven Members, and their Friends. Eleven Members. Col. Jones.

Collonel Jones Marching into the Rebels Coun­try, was by them overpowered six for one, yet made a gallant retreat, losing only two Officers, and about ten Souldiers, and killed divers of the Re­bels.

(30.) According to the Adjournment, some Members met in either House, but the Speakers came not; and after some expectation, the Lords chose the Lord Grey, and the Commons then pre­sent chose Mr. Pelham, to be Speaker Pro tempore, and Mr. Sergeant Birkhead not appearing, they put Mr. Norfolk into his place; he made use of the City Mace, the other being carried away; and the Sergeant coming afterwards to offer his service, was not admitted.

Then the House proceeded to Vote,

  • 1. That the King should come to London.
    Votes.
  • 2. That the Militia of the City have power to raise such Forces as they shall think fit for defence of the City.
  • 3. That they may choose a Commander in chief to be approved by the House, and he to choose Officers to be ap­proved by the Militia.

The Sheriff, and Common-Councel, who atten­ded the House this Morning, returned to the City; and a Common-Councel in the Afternoon, chose Major General Massey to Command in chief their Forces.

The Militia ordered, all the Reformadoes, Officers, &c. to appear to morrow in St. James's Militia. Fields, and the Forces to be put into Regi­ments.

A Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel to this Fairfax. effect.

Mentioning

The Armies complyance with their former desire to remove to this distance, and the assurance given them by the City, of their concurrence for the settlement of Peace and Liber­ty, against which they never offered one objection, or ground of dissent, and their resolution to secure the Parliament, and their Priviledges from any violence or attempt, the reason given by the City, for their late Listing of new Forces.

That upon this confidence the Army was dis­posed into several parts for the ease of the King­dom, to above one hundred and ten Miles di­stance, and had given up themselves to their Pro­posals for a comfortable settlement, and were in a hopeful way for the relief of Ireland.

That the Army cannot but be deeply sensible of the unparalelled violation acted upon the Par­liament on Monday last, by a multitude from the City, because therein, the Guards sent from the City, did not only neglect their duty for security of the Parliament from such violence, and the whole City to yield any relief to the Houses in that extremity; but they are assured from Eye and Ear Witnesses, that divers of the Common-Councel gave great incouragement to it.

Which doth not only gain-say their former pro­fessions, but does violence to those many obliga­tions, that by their Charter, Protestation, and sundry other ways, lye upon them to protect the Parliament.

That he cannot but look upon them who are in Authority, as accountable to the Kingdom for the interruption of the hopeful way of Peace and settlement for this Nation; and for relieving Ireland, occasioned by the late destructive ingage­ments, especially, by the latter horrid and prodi­gious Force, done upon the Parliament; tending to dissolve all Government.

Upon which score the Army and the whole Kingdom, shall have cause to put every thing of the like Nature, that may happen to the Parlia­ment, or to any who are friends to them, and to the Army, except by the wisdom, care, and in­dustry of the City, the chief actors may be de­tected, secured, and given up to Justice, and the best endeavour used, to prevent the like for the future.

(31.) The Lords desired the Commons concur­rence K. Chil­dren. for removal of the Kings Children into Lou­don for their security.

There was a great appearance of Reformadoes, Officers, &c. in St. James's fields, and Order was given for staying and Listing of Horses in the City, and that all the Shops should be shut up.

A Declaration was published in the name of the Lenthal Speaker Lenthal, of the reasons why he absented himself from the House.

The Army after a hard March, lodged the last night at Ʋxbridge, Letters from them, certified, ‘That the General was tender of the City, but laying to heart those unparalelled passages on Munday last at Westminster, he is sensible of his Army: Obligations to the Parliament. That the Army are resolved, what other neglect soever hath been for their security, yet as God shall inable them, they will use their best endeavours for preservati­on of the Parliament from violence.’

One of the three Block-Houses at Gravesend, was secured by a party of the Army.

Most of the Eleven Members Sat in the House, and in the Afternoon Major General Massey, Sir Wil­liam Waller, and Lieutenant General Points Listed the Reformadoes.

[Page 265] The City published their Declaration, mentio­ning the

Armies surprising of the King at Holme­by, and denyed his resitlence nearer London than their Quarters, That the City have endeavoured the settlement of the Kingdom, relief of Ireland, ease of their fellow Subjects, and a good under­standing between themselves, and the Army.

That the Priviledges of Parliament have been violated, by the Armies causing the eleven Mem­bers to withdraw, and the Militia of London now demanded, which had been established by Ordi­nance, and is subject to no other Cognizance but of the King and Parliament.

That they desire nothing more than that his Majesty may be in a free and honourable condition and capacity, and whilst he is environed by an Army, and under their power, he can neither freely grant, nor will there be hope to enjoy what he grants in this condition.

That they are resolved, earnestly, yet with Humility to apply themselves to the Parliament to this Purpose; and hope that all good Subjects who are touched with any sence of that Duty and Allegiance which by the Law of God and man they owe unto their King, will unanimously joyn with them therein.

They state the difference between them and the Army to be,

That they could not submit the Militia of the City to be altered at the will of the Army, after it had been so orderly setled in the hands of such as were intrusted therewith for one whole year, when there was a full and free Parlia­ment.

That they desire a happy and speedy Peace by the settlement of true Religion in this Kingdom, and by re-establishing his Majesty in his just rights and authority, by upholding all lawful priviledges of a free Parliament, by maintaining the funda­mental Laws of the Land, by restoring and secu­ring the Subject unto, and in his just liberty and property, and by freeing this long oppressed Kingdom from all taxes and inforced free quarter, towards the maintenance of an Army, which for a long time hath had no visible enemy to encounter.

Both Houses declared, That the Ordinance that puts under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax all the Land Forces, doth not give him any power over the Trained Bands, Garrisons, &c. this order to be printed, and published in London by sound of Trumpet, and the Sheriffs to publish it in their se­veral limits.

August, 1647.

August 2. Divers Officers of the Trained Bands in Southwarke, intreated the Common Council, South­warke. That they might not go forth in an hostile manner under any Command, but such as should be appro­ved of, by the generality of that Borough, and that they might be left to defend themselves, and stand on their own guard, and a Petition was presented to the Common Council in the name of many thou­sands of well affected Citizens, praying, that some means may be used for a Composure, &c.

At which time General Pointz, with some other Officers of the new List attending for orders of the Militia, came into Guild-Hall yard amongst the Petitioners, and cruelly hacked and hewed many of them, and some were mortally wounded, and dy­ed afterwards. and the Petitioners were forced to fly.

Some in the Common-Council declared the dan­ger of a new War, they sate till nine at night, on­ly agreeing to send a Letter to Sir Thomas Fairfax the next day.

The Army Quartered at Colnebrooke, and the King at Stoke-Abby.

The Earls of Warwick, Manchester, &c. sent to Fairfax. the General to acquaint him, that they had quitted the Parliament, for that there was no free sitting for them, and they cast themselves into his Protection.

The Lord Say, and divers other Lords, and Members of the House of Commons, came to the General to the Head Quarters, desiring to be pro­tected by him.

A Petition from the County of Devon to the Ge­neral Petition, against Arbitrary Power, and corrupt Officers, and oppression of those who have served the Parliament, and Malignants set up, against undue Elections of Bur­gesses, who are strong in Wine, and weak in Wis­dom.

They pray his Excellency to endeavour a settlement, and prevent a new War, and not to give over till the Nation be secured, and they will engage with him herein.

(3.) The Common-Council sent Commissio­ners and a Letter to the General to Colenbrook, The City: mentioning that they received no answer to their two last Letters, but leave no means to prevent a new War, desire him and his Council of War to hear their Commissi­oners.

A Declaration of the Army was given to those Commissioners of the grounds of their advance to­wards London, and a Copy of the proposals of the Army.

A General rendezvous was at Hunsloe Heath of Rendez­vous. twenty thousand Horse and Foot, and a great train of Artillery, which the London Commissioners view­ed, and so returned to the City.

At this rendezvous were present the Earls of Northumberland, Salisbury, Kent, the Lord Grey of Warke, Lord Howard, the Lord Wharton, Lord Say, and Lord Mulgrave, and others, about four­teen Lords, the Speaker, and about an hundred Members of the House of Commons.

The Army was drawn up in Battalia with reserves, the General accompanied with the Lords and Commons, and other Gentlemen, rode along, and took a view of the Army, from Regiment to Re­giment, who received them with great acclamati­on of the Soldiers, crying, Lords and Commons, and a free Parliament, having gone to them all, then they left the General.

The Prince Elector came and viewed the Army, Pr. Elector and the General received him with great re­spect.

Information to the General that Southwarke South­warke. disliked the proceedings of London against the Ar­my, and desired assistance from the General, who sent Col. Rainsborough's Brigade towards them; the rest of the Army drew off, and the Head Quarters were at Thistleworth.

General Massey sent out Scouts to Brainford, but ten of the Army beat thirty of his, and took a Co­lours from a Party of the City.

The City Militia and Common Council sate late, City. and a great number of People attended at Guild-Hall. When a Scout came in, and brought news that the Army made a halt, or other good intelli­gence, They cry, One and all. But if the Scouts brought intelligence that the Army advanced near­er to them, then they would cry as loud, Treat, Treat, Treat, and so spent most part of the night, at last they agreed to send to the General an humble Letter, beseeching him that there might be a way of composure.

[Page 266] The General made a Proclamation, That no Soldi­er should go to London on pain of Death.

A Pass for Sir Robert Pye to go beyond Sea.

(4.) Letters from Scotland informed, That by order of the Clergy, upon danger to Religion, in England, and Scotland, a general Fast was kept, to pray to God to enable them to be helpful to England.

That the Clergy out of their Pulpits moved the People to take up Arms.

Letters from the City to the General. Letters to Fairfax.

That they received his Excellencies Declaration, and observed one of the motives of his advancing near London, was to bring home the Members of both Hou­ses, who retired because of the late tumults, that they joyn with his Excellency therein, and that all Ports shall be open for him, and them, to be conducted to both Houses of Parliament, and will take the advice of Par­liament, what Forces of the City shall be continued, and submit all matters to be determined by both Houses, when they shall sit in safety.

That they have recalled their late Declaration, and hope his Excellency will withold his Soldiers from doing any prejudice to the City.

About two a Clock in the morning Col. Rains­borough's Col. Rains­borough. Brigade marched into Southwarke without any opposition, the Soldiers carrying themselves very civilly, and finding the Gates shut, and the Portcullis let down at the Bridge, and a guard with­in, they planted two pieces of Ordnance against the Gate, and set a guard without, and in a short time after, the great Fort was yielded to them.

The Commissioners of the City returned from the Army to the Common-council, with the Ge­nerals demands, To have the Forts on the West side of London delivered up to him, that security being gi­ven, he would bring the Members of both Houses who were forced from the Parliament, to Westminster to sit in a free House, and of this, answer was to be retur­ned to the General by twelve a clock at night.

The Common-Council after a full debate sent a Letter to his Excellency.

That they had consented to his Proposal, to manifest their complyance; and have directed the Militia for drawing off all Forces, and Ordnance; to which work they now apply themselves, and will give orders for quitting the Forts on Southwarke side, and next under God will relye upon his Excellencies honourable word for safety, and to be protected from all violence of the Soldiery.

Letters came from the King to the General wherein he acquits himself of the great scandal cast upon him, concerning the late tumults, which he dis­claims and dislikes, and desires rather to relye upon his Excellency and the Army.

(5.) Two Regiments of the Trained Bands of Hertford-shire offered to attend the General, but he dismiss'd them with thanks.

The General removed his Quarters nearer Lon­don, to Hammersmith, where the Commissioners of the City met him, and acquainted him, That the City were well satisfied with what he had required, and accordingly had quitted the Forts unto his Forces, who now had the Guards of them, and they desired an answer of their last Letter, Which the General re­turned to this effect.

That he was glad to find their ready complyance to Fairfax his Answer. his desires, and had ordered three Regiments of Foot and two of Horse to possess the Forts they mentioned, and to lye thereabouts, till he with the rest of the Army came to Hammersmith, in order to the security of the Lords and Commons, who he supposed to morrow would sit in the Parliament.

That with freedom they may sit to discharge their trusts, hath been the cause of his advance nearer Lon­don, and he is confident nothing shall pass from the Ar­my, but what shall be for the safety of the City.

And he doubts not though some disaffected Persons to the Peace of the Kingdom, have endeavoured to beget a misunderstanding between the Army and the City, ho­ping thereby to imbroil the Kingdom in new troubles;

Yet that the Army will so behave themselves, as to witness to the World the Integrity of their hearts, in ha­ving no other design, but the quiet and happy settlement of a firm and lasting Peace, wherein the Kingdom and City will have cause to rejoyce, and your most humble Servant,

Tho. Fairfax.

(6.) In the Morning, the Members of Parlia­ment who were driven out by the tumults at West­minster, met with the General at the Earl of Holland's House at Kensington, and subscribed a Declaration of the Army, and another of their approving, and joyning with the Army in their last proceedings, making null, Acts passed by the Members since the 26th of July last.

Afterwards the General with the Lords, and the Fairfax enters Westminster Speaker, and Members of the House of Commons, and many other Gentlemen marched towards West­minster, a guard of Soldiers three deep from the place; at Hide-parke, the Lord Major, and Alder­men met the General to congratulate the fair com­posure between the Army and the City, and af­ter some Ceremonies, they marched toward West­minster in this Order.

First Col. Hammond's Regiment of Foot, then Col. Rich, and Cromwell's Regiment of Horse, then the General on Horseback with his Life-guard, then the Speakers, and Members of the Lords and Com­mons in Coaches, and Tomlinson's Regiment of Horse brought up the rear-guard, the General was accompanied with many Officers, and gentlemen that rode with him, and every Soldier had a branch of Lawrel in his Hat.

As they passed by Charing Cross, the Common-Council of London who stood there, saluted them, and in the new Palace-yard at Westminster, the Ge­neral allighted, and the Lords and Commons, and they went to their several Houses.

The Lords Passed an Ordinance, and the Com­mons Ordinan­ces. concurred, to make Sir Thomas Fairfax Lieu­tenant or Constable of the Tower of London, and another for a day of thanksgiving to God, for re­storing the Members to their just Priviledges without the effusion of Blood, and so far, the settlement of Peace.

The Commissioners made a report of their trans­actions with the Army, and had the thanks of the House for their good service.

Sir Thomas Fairfax was sent for to the Lords House, and had their thanks for his good Service in re­storing the Members of Parliament, and was after­wards sent for to the House of Commons, and with much importunity, sat down in a Chair there pla­ced for him, and the Speaker gave him the thanks of the House for his great and faithful Services, and in particular, for restoring the Members of both Houses to their former Freedom and Priviledges.

The Commons Ordered a months Pay for all the Non-Commissioned Officers, and private Souldiers, as a Gratuity for their service in restoring the Members.

A Committee was named to find out the chief Actors, Abettors, and Countenancers of the late Tumults, and design in forcing the Members from the Parliament, and to raise a new War.

Debate of an Ordinance sent from the Lords for making void all Acts done by some Lords and Gen­tlemen, Members of both Houses at Westminster, since the twenty sixth of July, when the Speaker, and Members were scattered away by the Tu­mults.

[Page 267] (7.) The Houses Sat not; but the General and Army, Horse and Foot, and a gallant Train of Artil­lery, marched through the City of London, yet in so civil and orderly a manner, that not the least offence or prejudice was offered by them to any man, either in words, action, or gestures, as they March through London. marched, which confuted the surmises of some of their Enemies, that the design of the Souldiers was to Plunder this Rich City, the General Quartered at Croydon, and the Army in Kent and Essex near him.

(9.) The Lords desired the Commons concur­rence to the Ordinance for making void all Acts done by the Members at Westminster, from July, 26. to August, 6. and to the Declaration for vindicati­on of the Army.

The House in a Grand Committee debated all day the Ordinance for making Null those Acts, and Debate. upon the question it was carried by two Votes, That the Votes so forced from the Houses, are not to be made void, but by a Repeal.

Both Houses past an additional Ordinance for payment of Tithes, &c. to such Ministers, as are or shall be put into any Livings by the Parliament.

Sir Thomas Fairfax took possession of the Tower, The Tower. according to the Votes of Parliament, attended by many Commanders, and other Gentlemen, his Life-Guard, and part of Collonel Pride's Regiment of Foot, and the City Guard that was there march­ed out.

In the Afternoon a Committee from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel came to the Tower to the General, and Alderman Gibbes made a Speech to him, to give his Excellency and his Army, thanks for their love and care of the City of London, and after Complements, recommended to his Excellency the faithfulness and care of Collonel West, Lieutenant of the Tower, and concluded with an Invitation of the General and his Officers to Din­ner to the City.

The General returned thanks for their expressi­ons of love to him, and care of the Peace of the Kingdom, and said that for Lieutenant of the Tower, Fairfax. He had appointed a Gentleman of worth and fidelity dwelling among them, Collonel Tichburne, to have that charge; that he would acquaint his Officers with their kind Invitation, and desired that all may labour and study for unity and peace.

After this the General viewed the Stores, and gave some Orders to the Lieutenant, and twenty pounds to the Warders and Officers.

(10.) The Lords desired the Concurrence of the Commons to the Declaration of Sir Thomas Fair­fax, and the Army, mentioning the grounds of their coming up to London with the Army, and after a long debate, it was upon the question laid aside Debate. for that time.

Both Houses past an Ordinance for the continuing Great-Seal. the two Speakers Commissioners of the Great Seal for a month longer.

Order, That the twenty five thousand pounds stayed by the Apprentices, and sent to the Tower, should be sent for the service of Ireland, and Sir Thomas Fairfax to send a Convoy with it to the Sea side.

Two Aldermen, and four Commoners attended City. the General for his answer to their Invitation, which he excused, That he could not accept, because of the many and great Affairs touching the settlement of the Kingdom, wherewith he, and his Officers were at present taken up, and returned thanks to the City.

They were preparing a Bason and Ewer of Gold of the value of about one thousand pounds for a present to the General.

Letters from Berwick, That Pulpits in Scotland, urge the necessity of that Kingdom, To maintain the ends of the Covenant against all violation, and that many Souldiers are entertained there, and Letters from Collonel Lambert, mention their preparati­ons. Scotland.

(11.) The Lords sent again to the Commons for Expedi­ent. their Concurrence to the Declaration of Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the Army; and for Nulling the forced Votes, and after a long debate, the Commons a­greed upon an Expedient, and referred it to a Com­mittee to be drawn up, for Nulling the forced Votes by a Repeal, yet so as the fomenters of that force, and the Mutineers might be proceeded against.

Mr. Brittan of London sent for to answer abusive Speeches against Captain Brain of Southwark, for assisting Sir Thomas Fairfax, and an Order of thanks and indemnity passed both Houses for those of Southwark, the like Orders passed for the Com­mittee, Southwark. and Forces of Hertford-shire, and for Collonel Blunt, and his Forces in Kent.

Orders for a Committee to inquire what Arms; &c. have been taken out of the Publick Stores in the late Tumult, and to have them restored. And for one hundred pounds for the poor Visited peo­ple in Westminster, and for suppressing of Stage-Plays, Bull-baitings, Dauncing on the Ropes, &c.

Upon a complaint to the General and his Coun­cel Fairfax. of War at Kingston, That Members of Parlia­ment, and other rich men, were exempted from Quartering, and the poorer sort thereby oppres­sed, the General and his Councel of War, made an Order to take off those exemptions, and that all alike should bear the burden equally.

Some Gentlemen out of South-Wales came to the Petitions to him. General, declaring the Good affections of those Countries, and readiness to joyn with the General and Army.

The Brewers of London Petitioned the General to be a means to take off the Excise of Beer and Ale from them.

(12.) The Thanksgiving-day kept by both Houses together.

Divers Reformed Officers who disclaimed having any hand in the late Tumult, Petitioned the Ge­neral, That he would be a means, they might have part of their Arrears.

Certain Ministers Petitioned the General, com­plaining, That divers Delinquent Ministers, who were put out of their Livings, do now trouble, and seek to out those Ministers whom the Parliament put in, and particularly, That Dr. Layfield coun­terfeited a Warrant from the General to remove a Minister from his Living in Surrey, into which he was placed by the Parliament.

The General and Councel of War, declared their dislike of the proceedings, and to clear them­selves therein, and to endeavour to bring such Of­fenders to punishment.

(13.) Reference to a Committee to consider of a gratuity for Mr. Marshal, and Mr. Nye, for their pains as Ministers, to the Parliament, and their attendance of the Commissioners in the Army.

The Lords desired the Commons Concurrence to Apprenti­ces Ordi­nance. a Declaration, That the Commissioners of the Militia of London, now acting upon a forced Ordinance, called the Apprentices Ordinance, did act unwar­rantably, but upon the question, it was laid aside.

But they concurred to another Ordinance, to ap­point a Committee of Lords and Commons, to ex­amine the force put upon the Houses by the Ap­prentices and Malignants July, 26. and the chief actors in it, some whereof were apprehended.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons in approving the Declaration, subscribed by [Page 268] the Lords and Commons who absented themselves by reason of the late violence upon the Houses.

An Ordinance was sent up to the Lords for vindi­cation of the Army.

Letters from Ireland certified a very great defeat given by Collonel Jones to the Rebels near Trimme, Col. Jones. with a List of those killed and taken, viz.

Lieutenant General Burne, Collonel Plunket, Earl Victory in Ireland. of Fingale, Collonel Butler, Collonel Waring, Col­lonel Eynod, Earl of Westmeath, Lieutenant Col­lonel Rochford, Preston's Son killed, forty Officers taken, three hundred Foot left to the mercy of the Horse, seven thousand Foot Arms taken, three hundred of the Gentry killed, one hundred and fifty Oxen taken, three thousand Foot killed, four pieces of Ordnance taken, great Pillage, and Preston's Cabinet of Papers.

The Marquess of Ormond, and Lord Roscommon came into England, and had a Ticket to reside near Ormond. Gloucester.

(14.) The House gave fifty pounds to the Mes­senger that brought the good news from Ireland, and Ordered twenty five thousand pounds more for the Forces there, and thanks to the Commissio­ners.

Upon a report by the Commissioners in the Ar­my of their proceedings, the House approved them, and gave their Commissioners thanks.

Upon a Letter from the General, Orders for some maintenance for the Kings servants, who were not in Arms against the Parliament.

Order for one thousand five hundred pounds for the Garrison of Lynne.

An Ordinance Committed for taking away the jurisdiction of the County Palatine of Durham.

The King removed to Oatlands, and Sir Thomas Fairfax Quartered at Kingston.

The Judges Sat at Hereford, but the people came not in, so that there was but little to do either for Assizes. Judges or Lawyers, and the Judges, especially Clerk, were very froward upon it.

(16.) The Houses Sat not, Letters from the North informed, That Collonel Lambert, in a Speech to the Forces there, acquainted them, that he Col. Lamb. was sent by his Excellency to take upon him the Charge, and Conduct of the Forces in that Nor­thern Association, and hoped to find their ready concurrence with him, but he was answered only with silence.

That they met at a General Rendezvous, about five thousand of them, and there again Collonel Lambert made a Speech to them, to the effect as be­fore; and That his Excellency had taken equal care of them, for their Pay, as for the rest of his Army; That he was sent down, to Command them, by the General, not of his own seeking, or for private In­terest, and desired their complyance; then they gave him a loud acclamation; and had Orders to go to their several Quarters.

The News of the Parliaments being restored by the Army and the City of London agreeing with the Army, hindered the intended proceedings of the Estates of Scotland.

Great resort was from London to the King at Oat­lands. Oatlands.

(17.) Upon the question, it was carried in the Negative by three Votes, That the Declaration should not pass, that the proceedings in the House from July, 26. to Aug. 6. were forced, and that sitting not to be a free Parliament.

A Petition and Congratulation was presented to the General of many thousands Young men and Petition. Apprentices of London, for his great services to the Kingdom and City, which they acknowledg with thankfulness, and as they refused to comply with those who lately acted against the Army, so they resolved to live and dye with his Excellency, and the Army in settling His Majesties Rrights, the Par­liaments Priviledges, and the Peace, and Freedom of the Nation.

To this the General gave a respectful and grate­ful answer.

The Councel of War Sat close about a Declarati­on of their proceedings, in behalf of the Parliament, the Kingdom, and themselves.

(18.) Order for a day of Thanksgiving for the great success in Ireland, and for one thousand pounds for Collonel Jones, one thousand pounds to Col­lonel Fenwicke, and other gratuities to other Of­ficers in this service, and for Supplies for Ireland.

Upon a Letter from Mr. Nicholls one of the Ele­ven Eleven Members. Members, now under restraint in the Army, Order to the General to discharge him, or send him up to the Parliament for his Tryal.

A Complaint by Letters from the Scots Com­missioners, for breach of the Union in staying Mr. Chieseley their Secretary at Newcastle, the Copy hereof sent to the General, and that he give Order for Mr. Chieseley's release.

(19.) Letters from the General to both Houses with the Remonstrance of the Army, touching their late proceedings, and chiefly driving at The Army Re­monstra [...] purging of the Parliament, by expunging such Members, as did Act, and Vote, in the time, that the Speakers, and the rest were forced from the House.

The House of Lords approved of this Remon­strance; and Voted a Letter of thanks to the Ge­neral, and to signifie to him that they would take care for the Punishment of those Delinquent Mini­sters, and others by whose practises Ministers put into Livings by the Parliament had been disquieted and outed, in which the Commons Concurred; but did nothing upon the great Remonstrance.

The Examination of Collonel Ennis who sought to go beyond Sea under another name, referred to a Committee.

Order for eight thousand pounds for Plymouth Garrison, and to Treat with the General about the lessening of the Charge there.

(20.) Order for a Collection for the poor Eng­lish Irish here, and for one hundred pounds for the poor visited people in St. Martins Parish, and for a general Contribution for the visited City of Chester, and an Ordinance for twenty thousand pounds for Ireland.

Mr. Strickland had leave to come to England.

Upon another debate the Ordinance passed, For declaring all Votes, Orders, and Ordinances passed in one or both Houses, since the force on both Houses July, 26, until Aug. 6. 1647. to be null and void.

(21.) Upon a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax, Order for thirty pounds a week for Sick and Woun­ded Souldiers, four shillings eight pence a week for each of them, and an Ordinance passed for Judges and Justices to put it in execution.

Order for a months Pay for the Army to be bor­rowed of the City.

Upon a report touching the late Tumults, Or­der That the Lord Mayor, and Aldermen do call a Common Councel, by Tuesday next; and that the Clerk who attended the Committee of the Militia, and of the Safety, do deliver over the Books, Pa­pers, and Warrants, in his hands, or be commit­ted to the Sergeant.

Mr. Hollis, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir William Waller, Eleven Members. Sir William Lewys, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, and Mr. Long, being in a Vessel going towards Callis, were pursued by a Frigot of the Parliament, and taken within six Miles of Callis, and by their desire brought back to Captain Batten, who dismist them to [Page 269] their Voyage again, and chid those that apprehend­ed them.

The High Sheriff entertained the Judges and Lawyers very nobly at Shrewsbury.

The Ordinance pass'd both Houses, for relief of Ministers put into Livings by the Parliament.

Another for a Collection for the poor visited Per­sons in Chester, and an additional Ordinance con­cerning the sale of Bishops Lands.

A false Allarm of Scots Forces being upon the Borders.

Letters from Ireland informed That the Lord In­chequin had taken divers Castles from the Rebels in Ireland. the County of Limricke.

That he defeated a Troop of the Rebels near Bal­ling garry, slew twenty three of them, and took the rest.

That he beat the Rebells from a Pass near Limricke, and killed about an hundred of them, and took two hundred horses, and two hundred Cows, and took in New castle within a mile of Limricke, some of his Forces got over the River Shannon, and got eight thousand head of Cattle, and five thousand Sheep, and struck such a terror into the Rebels that they burnt the Earl of Thomond's Castle, Bon­ratty, which they had Garrisoned and fled away.

That they took in Grace-Castle, and put all the Rebels there to the Sword, and took eight hundred head of Cattle, and Garrons.

They stormed and burnt the Abbey of Adare, where four Fryars were burned, and three taken; they took Fox's Castle and put all in it to death.

(24.) A Letter from the General touching Mr. Anthony Nicholls one of the eleven Members sent up Eleven Members. Prisoner, with the Grounds of his detainment by the Army, and a further accusation of High Trea­son against him.

Ordered that he be continued in safe Custody, but he escaped from Denham, one of the Serjeants De­putys in whose Custody he was.

Denham being examined concerning the escape, confessed, That he took Mr. Nicoll's word as a Gentle-man to be a true Prisoner, but he brake his word, and escaped.

The House committed Denham, and ordered all the Ports to be stopped, for the apprehending of Mr. Nicolls, and revoked the Pass formerly grant­ed to Mr. Nicolls.

Upon a report by Mr. Corbet, touching the Force upon the Parliament, and Commitment of some of the Offenders, the House approved of their Com­mitment, and ordered an impeachment of high Treason, to be brought in against Col. Chapman and Lieutenant Collonel Baines, and of high mis­demeanor against Col. Vaughan.

A Petition from the Brewers to take off the Ex­cise of Beer and Ale. They were told if they paid Brewers. not the Excise by a day, they should be distrained to pay.

The Common-Council excused themselves that they could not advance a Months pay, by way of [...]i [...]y. loan for the Army.

The King came to Sion, and dined with his Children, and removed to Hampton Court.

News of the Sudden death of Sir Philip Stapleton at Callis of the Plague. Sir Philip Stapleton dyed.

(25.) The Monthly Fast-day.

(26.) Orders for a new Election, and about the Excise, and an Ordinance pass'd to make Mr. Lang­ley Master of Pembroke Colledge in Oxford.

Referred to a Committee to consider what is fit to be done for the security of the Parliament, when the Army shall withdraw.

A Petition of many Citizens in behalf of Lilburne, referred to the Committee, where Mr. Martin had the Chair.

Order to put off all private business for ten days.

In respect of the danger of infection, the Gene­ral was desired to give command to the Guards at­tending the House, to keep the passages from Cla­morous Women, and to suffer none to disturb the House.

(27.) The alterations in the Propositions for peace, sent from the Lords to the Commons, were with some other alterations made by the Commons agreed unto, and returned to the Lords again, who concurred in them, and they were ordered to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners.

Debate touching the Election of Mr. D'oyley, the House not satisfied but that he was within the Rule of those who by adhering to the Kings Party were uncapable to sit in Parliament.

(28.) Letters from the General to the House, Fairsax [...] That upon consideration of the present advantage that may be made (through the goodness of God) of the late success of their Forces in Ireland, upon advice with his Council of War, he finds that there will be in readiness six thousand Foot and two thou­sand Horse, if they may have incouragement for the Service of Ireland.

He desires an effectual course may be taken for Moneys and Necessaries, and to remove obstructi­ons; and saith, he hath appointed a certain num­ber of Officers to wait upon such as the House shall appoint, to consult upon the whole business.

The General removed his Quarters to Putney, and his Army into larger Quarters, and further then before from London.

The Parliaments Commissioners went to the Ar­my, and had conference with the General and his Council of War, touching the sending of Forces into Ireland; and the General consulted about put­ting a guard of Citizens into the Tower, and for guards for the Parliament.

The old Commissioners of the Militia of Lon­don met again.

The Common-Council sat about an Ordinance to be pass'd, for calling in of clipped Money.

Col. Layton was committed Prisoner by the Gene­ral; Sir Robert Pye taken Prisoner by some of the Army, was released again by the General.

(30.) The Houses sat not, but the Committee proceeded in the examination of the business, touch­ing the late Force put upon the Parliament.

An Ordinance pass'd both Houses for establish­ing the duty of Excise.

Letters from Col. Whaley, that the King thought King. himself much wronged and abused by a Paper lately pub­lished, as in his name, intituled, His Majesties Decla­ration, which the King wholly disowne and dislikes, and that to vindicate the King, by discovering and pu­nishing the Libeller, would give great satisfaction to his Majesty.

That the King hunted in the great Park, and dined with his Children at Syon, &c.

(31.) The day of thanksgiving for the Victo­ry in Irland.

The Marquess of Ormond visited the King, and afterwards visited the General at Putney, and was received with great kindness.

The Council of War sat about sending the For­ces into Ireland, and about placing of Guards in the Tower, and for Guards for the Houses.

September, 1647.

September 1. Letters ordered to the Commissio­ners in the Army, to treat farther with the Gene­ral, and to expedite the sending away of Forces in­to [Page 270] Ireland, and a Committee to consider of raising Money for them.

Debate about security for such as shall bring in Bullion, and against transporting of it, and for calling in clipt Silver.

Orders about stating the accounts of Officers and Soldiers, and about Money for the maimed Soldiers, and for Money for Plymouth Garrison.

Several Votes of both Houses about presenting the propositions of Peace to his Majesty.

Debate upon a Message from the Lords with a Letter from the Estates of Scotland, and from the Scots Commissioners about the business of the Lord Lotherdale, and the stay of Mr. Chiesely at New­castle, Mr. Chiesely desiring reparations. The Lords referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms, the Com­mons referred it to the Committee with the Ar­my.

Col. Lilburne Governor of New-castle wrote a Letter to the States of Scotland, excusing the stay of Mr. Chieseley at New-castle, that he knew him not, nor did Mr. Chiesely show any Pass from the Scots Commissioners, or from Sir Thomas Fairfax, and was stayed in the time when the Tumults were at London, and intelligence of endeavours to engage a Party in Scotland against the Parliament of En­gland; but as soon as he knew who Mr. Chiesley was, he discharged him freely.

(2.) Both Houses passed the Ordinance for setling the Militia of London in the old hands, and some of the Committee joyned with them.

They also pass'd a Declaration against the crowd­ing of Soldiers and others at the doors of both Houses.

A Petition in the name of the Inhabitants
Petition of Bristol.
of Bristol.
  • 1. For settlement of Peace, and to prevent another War.
  • 2. To answer the Grievances of the Army, and to Vindicate them.
  • 3. To preserve the just Rights and Liberties of the People from Tyramy.
  • 4. To free the People from unlawful Powers, and endeavours to suppress their Petitions.
  • 5. To remove out of the House, and places of Justice, unfit and uncapable persons.
  • 6. That Faithful Persons may be trusted.
  • 7. For tenderness in imposing the Covenant.
  • 8. That tender Consciences may not be grieved.
  • 9. For an Act of Oblivion.
  • 10. For speedy tryal of Prisoners.
  • 11. Against long Imprisonments.
  • 12. To compassionate Widows and maimed Soldi­ers.
  • 13. That Accounts may be given.
  • 14. To find out a way that Suits of Law may be less chargeable and dilatory, and the Laws in a less Volumn, and in English.

The Petitioners were called in and told, That the House could not approve of some things in their Petition, Answer. but gave them thanks for their good affections.

Upon a Letter from the General,

Order for a Commission to determine differences in Jersey.

Both Houses agreed upon an answer to the Let­ter of the Scots Commissioners.

Vote, That the works about London be demolished, according to a Paper from the Army, to ease the charge Vote. of maintaining and keeping them.

(3.) Order That the propositions be presented to the King on Tuesday next by the Commissioners, and that the ten days for receiving his Majesties answer be altered to six days.

Debate of making Col. Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight, and about an Ordinance for sup­pressing of scurrillous Pamphlets.

Mr. Bainton charged with signing a Warrant for raising Horse in the City to further the late tumults, was suspended the House.

(4.) The whole day spent upon the report con­cerning the late tumult and force upon the Parlia­ment, Voted That Summons be sent for Mr. Hollis, The Ele­ven Mem­bers. Sir William Waller, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, Major Ge­neral Massey, Mr. Walter Long, and Mr. Nicolls, reported to have ingaged in that business, and That Mr. Glyn, and Sir Jo. Maynard do attend the House about that business.

(6.) Mr. Recorder Glyn attended the House, but his business was put off to the next day.

The non-concurrence of the Scots Commission­ers to part of the Propositions of Peace, hindred the sending them to the King, and the House or­dered the Committee of both Kingdoms, to desire this afternoon their positive answer of concurrence or not, because the Houses were resolved to send the Propositions to the King to morrow.

Order to call in Biddle's Pamphlet, Blasphemous Biddles Pamphlet against the Deity of Christ, and that it be burnt by the Hang-man, and the Examination of Biddle re­ferred to the Committee of Plundered Ministers.

Execution of Mackquire put off.

An Ordinance passed both Houses about calling in of clipt Silver.

An Ordinance pass'd the Commons for making Col. Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight.

Letters from the Lord Inchequin for Money, &c. referred to the Committee.

Letters from Ireland certify, That the Lord In­chequin Ireland. & Soldiers there were upon a Remonstrance resenting the proceedings of Parliament, and Ar­my in England, they declared, That they would prosecute the War against the Rebels, but would not ad­mit of any alteration in Martial Government, till their Arrears both in England and Ireland were paid.

Ordinance pass'd the Commons to disable all who had born Arms against the Parliament from any publick Office or Imployment.

Six or eight thousand of the Scottish Forces were drawn Southwards to quarter upon the Borders.

(7.) Upon the report of the Scots Commissio­ners concurrence to the Propositions for Peace, Propositi­ons for Peace. both Houses pass'd a Letter to the Commissioners with the King, That they, with the Scots Commissio­ners now to be sent down, should present the Propositions to the King, and receive his answer within six days.

Both Houses agreed upon a Letter to the Estates of Scotland, for recalling the Scots Forces out of Ʋlster, according to the Treaty.

Upon the Petition of Col. Baines, That the Counter where he was Prisoner was infected with the Plague, he was removed to Peter-House.

Mr. Recorder Glyn attended the House according to their former Order, and the Charge was read against him, for being active in the late disorders of London for promoting a new War, and incouraging the Riotous Petitioners.

To this he made his defence with much Prudence Glyn. and clearness. yet the sentence of the House was upon the question carried against him,

That he should be discharged from being a Member of the House, and committed to the Tower during the pleasure of the House.

The like sentence was against Sir Jo. Maynard, another of the eleven Members, for the like of­fence, and further, That an Impeachment of High Treason be drawn up against him.

[Page 271] A Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Coun­cel of War, to the Common Councel about the ad­vance of mony by way of Loan for the Army, up­on the security of the Arrears of the City, and the Letter was quick, and from an Army for mony.

(8.) Upon the further report of what persons Army for mony. were active in the late Tumults and design of a new War,

The Commons Voted, That an impeachment of high Treason, should be against the Earl of Suffolk, Impeach­ments. the Lord Willoughby of Parham, the Lord Hundes­den, Lord Mainard, the Earl of Lincoln, Lord Bark­ley, and the Earl of Middlesex.

The Commons by Message impeached these Lords of High Treason, at the Bar of that House, and prayed, That they might be Sequestred from the House, and Committed, and That they would bring in a particular Charge against them.

Sir Jo. Mainard was sent to the Tower, and the Commitment of Mr. Glyn suspended for a week, that he might have time to sort and deliver out his Papers concerning the City of London, and a­bout his Clients at Law.

A Message to the Commons for taking off the Sequestration of the Duke of Bucks Estate, and re­commending a Petition of the Lord Grey's to the Commons.

Mr. Biddle's Book was burned.

The Propositions were delivered to the King by the Commissioners at Hampton-Court, and he told them, he would give his answer with all conveni­ency.

(9.) Both Houses pass'd an Ordinance for consti­tuting a Committee for the Militia of Westminster, and the Out-Parishes, with the same power as the Committee have for the Militia of London; and another Ordinance for a Committee of the Militia of Southwark, and another for the Tower Hamlets to be under the Command of the Lieutenant of the Tower.

Another Ordinance past to enable the Militia's of London and Westminster, to pull down the Courts of Guard, and Lines, and to sell the Timber, and the Citizens were invited to send their servants to assist in this work.

The Common-Councel had returned answer to the General, and returned the like this day to the Commons, That they could not advance the fifty thousand pounds, as was desired for the Pay of the Army, the Commons Ordered, That they should be further desired to advance this sum. The City importu­ned.

Some of the Citizens were put in mind, That not long since upon advance of the Army near them, they would then willingly have parted with a much grea­ter sum, to purchase the favour of the Army, and freedom from their fears; and the Army having dealt so kindly with them, and not taking a penny from any of them, when they had so great an advantage a­gainst them; and the Army having now writ to them to desire them to advance this sum, it was wondred at, and they wished to be well advised, that they did not too far provoke the House, and the Army by denying of it sul­lenly.

Commissary Copley for assisting in the late Tu­mults, and to promote a new War, was discharged of his service in the House, and Committed to the Tower, and Captain Mulgrave for the same offence, was sent Prisoner to Newgate.

Ordered by the House of Peers, That the Gen­tleman Usher of the Black-Rod, bring in the Lords impeached by the House of Commons, to answer to the Impeachment.

The House Sat again in the Afternoon, my Lord Willoughby's Friends advised him to keep out of the way, until the present heat and storm were a little past over.

The City of London had generally an inclination to make choice of Whitlocke to be their Recorder in the place of Mr. Glyn, but he had no mind to it, and sought to decline it.

(10.) A Declaration of both Houses published, That none shall be Elected into any Office, that hath assisted the Enemy against the Parliament.

The Scots Forces Quartered upon the borders of England, and Commissioners of the Estates were coming for England.

(11.) The Houses Sat not, but the Commissio­ners and Councel of War Sat close at Putney, a­bout the business of Ireland, and of Garrisons, and Disbandings, but all was at a stand for want of mo­nies to Pay the Souldiers, which much discontented them.

Letters from the Commissioners with the King, That he is willing to settle Presbytery for three years, and the Militia, as he before offered, but others he Proposals by the Ar­my to the King. is not satisfied to assent unto, but desires to put himself upon the Proposals of the Army, and that they may be taken into consideration.

Some private Treaties were said to have been by some Officers of the Army with the King, and in­structions given by Cromwell and others, That if he would assent to their Proposals, lower than those of the Parliament, that the Army would settle him again in his Throne.

But (the unfortunate as to him) his Bishops per­suaded him against what he was inclined in his own judgment to have agreed unto, and thereby ruined him; and themselves at the present.

(13.) The Commissioners returned with His Ma­jesties answer to the Propositions.

He waves those now sent to him, or any Treaty upon The Kings answer. them, and flies to the Proposals of the Army, urgeth a Treaty upon them, and such as he shall make, profes­seth he will give satisfaction for settling the Protestant Religion, with Liberty to tender Consciences, to secure the Laws, Liberty, and Property, and Priviledges of Parliament, and of those concerning Scotland he will Treat apart with the Scots Commissioners.

A Copy of this answer was sent by the King to Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Many Addresses were dayly made by Petitions, Petitions. and otherwise to the General upon particular grie­vances, and he and his Councel of War returned prudent answers to them.

The Agitators of the Army, presented a Paper to the General in behalf of many, who were in Prison, for words spoken by them against the King, in the time of the War, and the General certified the same by Letter to the Parliament.

Letters from the North of the wise and just managing of the affairs in those parts by Major Ge­neral Lambert.

That by his Councel of War, he sentenced one Macro an Irish man, a notorious proved Drunkard, and Swearer, to be bored through the Tongue with a red hot Iron, imprisoned fourteen days with Bread and Water, and to be Cashiered; the like Sentences were against others to the contentment of the people.

(14.) Upon reading the Kings answer to the Propositions for Peace, a day was appointed by ei­ther House to consider of it, and that in the mean time it be communicated to the Scots Commissio­ners.

Upon earnest Letters from the General in be­half of James Symb [...]l and others, in Prison, for speaking of words against the King, in the time of War, for which Justice Bacon, and Sergeant Creswel Commited them, the House referred their Cases to the Committee of Imdemnity, with power to release the Prisoners if they found cause.

[Page 272] A Petition from divers Bucks men against Tithes and Free Quarter, answered that the House would take the business of Tithes into consideration in covenient time, and were now in debate touching Free Quarter.

Debate upon the report concerning Lieutenant Collonel Lilburne, and touching some Compositi­ons, and a Vote to take off the Sequestration of Sir Robert Nappiers Estate.

The Common-Councel of London, thought it discretion to comply with the desires of the Parlia­ment, City. and Army, in advancing fifty thousand pounds for the Army, and had such addition of security for it, as they proposed.

(15.) An Ordinance committed for settling some Lands of the Earl of Worcesters upon the Lord Say, Sir Benjamin Rudyeard, and Sir Rowland Wan­desford, for reparation of their losses, by the taking away of the Court of Wards.

Orders for Commitment of some Actors in the late great Tumult.

A report of the proceedings of the Commissio­ners in the Army, and a debate touching Tithes, and referred to a Committee to consider of a way to redress the grievances in this business of Tithes.

Several Petitions from Oxfordshire, Heriford­shire, and other Countries against Tithes, referred to a Committee.

A Petition of the Inhabitants of Southwark, That Southwark. the Houses may be purged of such as assisted in the late Tumults and Force upon the Parliament, when the Mem­bers were driven away, was laid aside for the pre­sent.

(16.) the Petitions of London, Southwark, Ox­fordshire, Bucks, Hertfordshire, &c. For purging the House of all Members that Sat in the absence of the Speakers, was debated and resolved,

That the proceedings in that time should be Null, Resolved. but that no Member should be questioned, for being then present in the House, but such as were Actors in the Tumult, City engagement, and design of a new War.

The Petitioners had thanks for their good affe­ctions, and were desired to be be satisfied in this busi­ness.

Order for an Impeachment of high Crimes, and Impeach­ments. Misdemeanours against Mr. Glyn, and against Col­lonel Copley, and for the Lords to be desired to ap­point a day for the Commons, to bring in their particular Charge against the seven Impeached Lords.

Both Houses past the Ordinance concerning De­linquents Compositions, and some particular Or­dinances, for taking off Sequestrations of the E­states of the Lady Bankes, and her Son Sir Richard Price, and others.

The Commons Concurrence desired to Or­dinances, touching Payment of Fee Farm Rents by Members of Parliament, and recovery of mo­nies due by Bonds given in the Court of Wards.

Debate touching the lessening of the Forces in England, and Votes touching the Forces to be sent into Ireland, and for Pay for them, and referred to the Commissioners in the Army, to Treat further with the General, and his Field-Officers concerning these particulars.

(17.) Orders touching the months gratuity ap­pointed for the Army, and the months Pay for them, and about the fifty thousand pounds, and touching the Charge against the seven Lords.

Vote. That for present security of this King­dom, till affairs be settled here, and in order to the Vote. future relief of Ireland, seven thousand two hun­dred Horse, one thousand Dragoons, and eighteen thousand Foot be kept up in England.

The Scots Forces under Lieutenant General Da­vid Lesley Qnartering upon the Borders, gave some cause of offence to the English; many of their Commanders resorted often to Berwick.

(18.) The Establishment of the Army and Gar­risons, was referred to the General and Commis­sioners of Parliament in the Army, with reference to the former Orders of the House.

Information from Ireland, of some underhand dealing, and invitation of the Lord Inchequin, and Col. Jones, to joyn with the Scots Forces in Ʋl­ster.

After a Sermon in Putney Church, the General, many great Officers, Field Officers, inferiour Of­ficers, and Agitators met in the Church, debated the Proposals of the Army, and altered some few Army. things in them, and were full of the Sermon, which was Preached by Mr. Peters.

The General and his Council agreed upon a De­claration, concerning ‘the delays in raising mo­ney for the Army and Garrisons, and the suffer­ings of the Country by free Quarter occasioned by those wants, and the hindrance of disbanding the Forces not necessary to be kept up; and of re­lieving Ireland, all this caused by their neglect, on whom the Parliament did depend, and especi­ally Declarati­on. they take notice of the delayes of the City.’ They declare,

1. That for what time their defaults and delayes shall occasion the stay of the Army hereabouts, the charge should be upon them, and their adhe­rents about the City.

2. That the Houses would consider of the Delinquen­cyes of those that had a hand in the late tumults, and design of a new War, and that such Fines may be set upon them, as are agreeable to Justice.

3. That in case the Money be not brought in by the time appointed, that the Parliament would give leave to the General with the advice of the Committee of the Army, for levying of the Arrears.

This was sent by the Commissioners to the Par­liament, and by them communicated to the Com­mon-Council of London, at which they were much startled.

(20.) An Ordinance pass'd for payment of Mo­neys due upon Bonds in the Court of Wards, and a day set to consider of providing for Orphans.

Upon a Letter from the General of the necessi­ties of Portsmouth Garrison, referred to the Gene­ral and Commissioners in the Army to take care thereof.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for suppressing unlicenced Pamphlets, and punishing the Authors and Sellers of them.

Orders for seven thousand Suits of Apparel, and for Shirts, Shoes, and Stockings for the Forces in Munster; and the like for the Forces in Ʋlster, to be deducted out of their pay.

Mr. Thomas Challoner and Col. Jo. Temple ap­pointed Commissioners of Parliament in Mun­ster.

The Army in Scotland was voted to be disband­ed.

The Inhabitants of Richmond-shire stood upon their Guard against free Quarter, Major General Lambert sent some Forces thither to keep all quiet, and went himself to disband the Forces in Northum­berland.

The General made Commissioners of Martial Law in every Regiment, to punish the misdemean­ours of Soldiers in their Quarters, referring all ca­ses extending to Life or Limb, to the Council of War at the Head Quarters.

[Page 273] (21.) Upon a long debate, Voted by both Houses, That the King denyes in his answer, to give his assent to the Propositions.

Order for all the Members of the House to at­tend in their places by a day.

Ordinances pass'd for Compositions. Vote.

A Report from the City to satisfie the House, That the City at this time could no ways advance the City. fifty thousand pound for the Army.

Mr. Por [...]y one of the Commissioners with the Ar­my, presented to the House the Explanations and resolutions of the Council of the Army, to the Quaeries made upon the Army's Proposals by the Army. Parliaments Commissioners residing with the Ar­my.

1. Touching the time when this Parliament should determine, it was held fit to suspend that, till it should appear, what expedition will be made in the Settlement of the things proposed.

2. That the Army shall be satisfied either with Biennial or Triennial Parliaments; if Trien­nial, then they to sit at least six or eight Months.

3. The limitations, that Parliaments shall not sit above two hundred and forty days, to be understood, unless the Parliament find it fit to sit longer; but every Parliament to dis­solve at least eighty days before the next is to be begun; that the course of new E­lections may not be interrupted.

4. That the Liberty of entring dissents is not desired, but where the Vote may be to the destruction of Right or Liberty.

5. By the Power of the Militia, they mean the power of raising, arming, &c. according to the expressions in the Propositions.

6. By the Power of raising and disposing Mo­neys, they mean the same as in the expressi­ons in the Propositions.

7. By great Officers, they mean the same as in the Propositions.

(22.) Upon a long debate in a grand Commit­tee touching the Kings answer to the Propositions, and motions for a personal Treaty, and for send­ing the Propositions again to the King, the House Resoluti­on. resolved to fall upon the settlement of the Kingdom, by establishing such additional Laws as may make for the present and future good of the Kingdom; and turn­ing the Propositions into Bills and Acts.

The House resolved, That the Militia should be setled as a Law for twenty years.

Ordinances sent up to the Lords, for Money for the Forces in Lancashire, and against unlicensed Pamphlets.

(23.) Upon debate

Whether the Parliament should once more send the Propositions, or any Propositi­ons for Peace. of them to the King? it was voted, That they should once more make application to his Maje­sty, for his assent to such things in the Propositi­ons, as they conceive will most tend to the good of the Kingdom. In order to which it was voted,

That the Proposition for the great Seal, con­cerning Honours and Titles, the Proposition / for taking away Bishops, &c. with some alterations, the Proposition concerning Declanations and Pro­clamations against the Parliament, and so much of the twelve Propositions as concern the raising of Moneys for payment of the publick debts of the Kingdom, be drawn into Bills, and sent to his Majesty for his Assent.

The Ordinance pass'd for continuing the Com­mittee of the Army, and Treasurers at War.

Orders touching thirty thousand pound for the Army, and the Months gratuity to the private Sol­diers.

The General Council of Officers of the Army Army. at Putney, agreed upon a representation to the Par­liament of their desires as Soldiers, and delivered to the Parliaments Commissioners;

1. That a Committee may abide at the Head Quarters, to state the Accounts, and give Debenters.

2. For a visible security for the Arrears.

3. For an Ordinance, That none who have ser­ved the Parliament shall be pressed to any Forraign Service; nor a Horseman to serve on Foot.

4. That the Ordinance concerning Apprentices Freedom, who have served the Parliament, may be an Act.

5. The like for maimed Soldiers, &c.

6. For an addition to the Act of Indemnity for all said or done by any of the Army, concer­ning any thing about the Army's Petition at Walden, or in vindication of themselves.

(24.) Upon a further report touching the Force Force up­on the Parlia­ment. upon the Parliament. It was voted,

That Sir John Gayer Lord Major of London, Al­derman Bunce, Alderman Cullam, Alderman Lang­ham, and Alderman Adams, shall be committed to the Tower, upon Accusation of High Treason, for countenancing and abetting the Force and Tu­mult, brought down and used against the House, July 26 last, and this to be in order to their Try­al; and the Committee ordered to bring in Im­peachments against them.

(25.) The Impeached Lord Mayor, and Al­dermen were carried to the Tower, and upon fur­ther Lord Ma­jor sent to the Tower debate touching the Tumult, and Force upon the Parliament, it was Voted;

That several Citizens be Impeached of high crimes and misdemeanors, and others to be Indict­ed at the Kings Bench of High Treason.

Reference to the Aldermen, and Common-Coun­cil, to consider how the Civil Government of the City may be executed according to their Charters, now that the Lord Mayor is committed.

Orders touching Wharton's Books, and other Pamphlets scandalous to the Parliament.

(27.) The Commons sent up to the Lords an Impeachment against the Lord Major, and desired a time for his Tryal, and they then would bring up the Charge and Proofs.

Order about a new Lord Mayor.

Captain Batten laid down his Commission of Vice Admiral, and Col. Rainsborough was voted in his place; and a list of the Captains and Ships agreed upon for this Winters Flect.

Petitioners of Somerset shire had thanks for their good affections.

A thousand pound ordered for Col. Rainsbo­rough for his Arrears. Delin­quents.

An Ordinance to make void Elections of Delin­quent Majors, &c. and order for the Speaker to write to the Corporations to make new Elections. The like for Delinquent Sheriffs, and no Delinquent to have a Voice in Elections.

Ordinances pass'd for Money for Lynne Garrison, and for Cloaths for Soldiers.

Letters from Ireland of the good success of the Lord Inchequin taking twelve Castles in Tipperary, Ireland. and the Castle of Cahir in this manner;

An English Trooper was wounded, and taken Stratagem by the Rebels, and carried into Cahir-Castle, Col. Hepsely having observed some defects in the Works, [Page 274] had a mind to get into the Castle to see them, and was permitted to come in a disguise, as a Chyrur­geon, to dress the Troopers wounds.

Having thus espyed the defects in the Works, he led on a Party to that place and Stormed the Ca­stle.

A Letter was ordered to the Lord Inchequin to desire him to send over some of his Officers in safe Custody, against whom some things were charg­ed.

Col. Jones marched out of Dublin with a strong Party.

The Estates in Scotland, ordered their Forces to be disbanded unless the Committee of Estates think Scotland. fit to continue them, in case the Kingdom be in any danger of trouble, the person of the King in any hazard, or the Nation like to be dishonoured; and such as refuse to disband to be taken as Muti­neers.

Major General Lambert quieted the difference about Quarter between the Soldiers and the Richmond-shire men; and appeased a Mutiny with stoutness, and sent a Party against the Moss-Troop­ers.

(28.) Both Houses pass'd an Ordinance for suppressing Scandalous and unlicensed Pamphlets, the Execution of it was left to the Militia of Lon­don, and to the Committees of the several adja­cent Counties.

An Ordinance was read for levying the Arrears to the Army, of the City of London. Army.

A Letter from the General Council of the Ar­my to Lieutenant General Cromwel, was read in the House, mentioning the danger of Mutinys, and loss of the Army, and of new distractions, for want of Pay, and desiring him to acquaint the House therewith, and to be a means to procure Mo­ney.

The Ordinance passed for thirty thousand pound for the Army, and an Order for the Months gra­tuity, and Months Pay.

Debate of Ordinances for Money for Soldiers Widows, and touching Arrears.

A Letter agreed upon by both Houses from the Sweden. Parliament to the Queen of Sweden, and the state of the matter of Fact of what passed between the Ships of England and Sweden, ordered to be delive­red to the Swedish Agent.

Election of a new Lord Major of London.

(29.) The Monthly Fast-day.

(30.) Alderman Warner was presented to the Lords for the new Lord Major for the next year, and for the remaining time of the last Lord Major, now in Prison, and approved of, and sworn for both times.

The Ordinance read for continuing Tunnage and Poundage for two years, and referred to the Com­mittee of the Navy to treat with the Commissi­oners of the Customs about Money for the Winter-Guards.

Upon debate what should be further tendred to his Majesty upon the Propositions, it was vo­ted;

1. That the Proposition concerning the pro­secution Propositi­ons for Peace. of the War in Ireland by both Hou­ses, and in the intervals by a Committee,

2. That the Proposition for making void the Cessation with the Irish Rebels,

3. That the Proposition for nominating the chief Officers of England and Ireland by both Houses, and in the intervals by a Committee, be again tendered to his Majesty, and drawn into Bills for his consent.

4. The three Treaties between England and Scotland ordered to be considered; and how far they stand in relation to the desire of his Majesty, and that the Lords concur­rence be desired.

October, 1647.

October 1. Order for Money for Officers and Widows in distress, and for the poor English I­rish.

Order for a Declaration, That both Houses in­tend Force up­on the Parlia­ment. to desist from prosecuting any more that were active or abettors in the late tumults and force upon the Parliament, than those whom they have already voted against.

Order about Cursitors places referred to the two Speakers.

Orders for removing Prisoners in the Tower to other Prisons.

The Impeachment agreed unto against Lieutenant Collonel Baines.

The Ordinance for Delinquents to have no voice in the Election of Officers, pass'd, and sent to the Lords.

(2.) Some appointed to be examined upon the late tumult; and the Declaration committed, that no more should be questioned; whereby peoples minds were qui­eted; but this was not to extend to any Members of the House, reduced Officers, or Delinquents.

Pardons granted to some Prisoners.

Debate upon the Confession of Faith, presented Divine by the Assembly.

A Paper from the Army, desiring

1. That the House would grant to the General and such Officers and Soldiers as he should Army appoint, full power (with the directions of the Committee of the Army) to levy, by way of distress from the City, the Arrears due to the Army.

2. That the Parliament would set a Penalty upon those, that put them to this trouble of distreining.

3. That they would give the like power and pe­nalty for levying all the Arrears in other pla­ces.

4. And that the Houses would provide for their own Guards, so as the Army might Quarter further from the City.

(4.) Vote for twenty thousand pound a Month a­bove the 60 thousand pounds for the nine thousand Horse and Foot designed for Ireland; and towards the Charge of that War. And other Votes touch­ing the Forces and Government there.

Order for two months Pay for all the Garrisons, that are put out, and so disbanded, and all of the Army who are not of the Establishment, nor to go for Ireland, to be cashiered.

An Ordinance pass'd for money, another for Guernsey, &c. and Col. Birch, Col. Ludlow, Mr. Harrington, and Mr. Weaver named Commissioners for this business.

The Letter from the General touching the Ar­rears of the Army, referred to the Committee of the Army.

Orders touching Guards for the Tower.

The Lords concurred with some small alterations about the Propositions to be again sent to the King.

[Page 275] The Lords ordered the Sequestration of the D. of Bucks his Estate to be taken off; and recommend­ed to the Commons the Earl of Newport's Petition for lessening of his Compositions; and ordered the continuance of the allowance of eight hundred pound per An. to the Bishop of Durham; and de­sired the Commons concurrence.

Both Houses pass'd the Ordinance for disabling Delinquents to have voices in Elections.

(5.) Debate upon the Ordinance for Turinage and Poundage; and Orders for Money for Mr. Prince.

Order for four hundred pound per An. allow­ance for the Bishop of Armagh, and for one thou­sand and thirty Pounds for Col. Thornehagh, who raised a Troop of Horse at his own Charge.

Another Petition of divers Londoners against those Members, who sat during the Force upon Force up­on the Par­liament. the Parliament. The Petitioners in the House were told that the Parliament had already setled this business; and that it was the duty of every English man, to ac­quiesce in the Judgment of the Parliament.

An account from Major General Lambert of the ordering of his Forces in the North, of the agree­ment Lambert. with the Vale-men about Quartering his Sol­diers, and about suppressing the Moss-Troopers.

The Lord Chancellor of Scotland, and the Lord Lannericke expected in England.

(6.) A Petition to both Houses about sending of able gifted men, though not Clergy-men in Or­ders, Gifted men. to preach the Gospel in barren places of the Kingdom, and that the like persons were admitted to Preach the Gospel in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth her Reign, and that such men may receive incouragement and Protection from the House.

Referred to a Committee to consider of a way, how such Persons so to be sent may be first exami­ned.

The Ordinance for setling the Presbyterian Go­vernment, re-committed, to have a Clause inserted in favour of [...]tender Consciences. And this to be sent to the King with the other Propositions.

(7.) The House spent all the day in a grand Committee about Tunnage and Poundage.

The General Councel of the Army sat at Putney, about the business of their Pay.

Col. Jones marched forth against the Rebels, and took good Booties from them, but they decli­ned fighting.

(8.) Debate about the Commissioners of the Customs, and about this Winters Fleet.

New desires from the Army were,

1. That their Arrears may be paid out of the Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and the remainder of Army. the Security of Bishops Lands, and Sale of Forrest Lands.

2. That the Moneths Pay for the Army may speedi­ly be Collected, by such as the Parliament shall ap­point.

3. That the Propositions may be drawn up, and spee­dily sent to his Majesty.

Referred to the Committee of the Army, as to the Collecting of the Months Pay.

(9.) The House was called, and a hundred and fifty of their Members absent, and twenty pound Fine was set on every one that was absent, and a Committee appointed to examine the absence of the Members, and their excuses, and a new day set for their appearance, and the respective Sheriffs to Summon them.

The Duke of Richmond, Marquess Herford, Mar­quess Ormond, Earl of Dorset, Earl of Southampton, Lord Seymour, and some others, came to the King to Hampton-Court, intending to reside there as his Councel, but the Army declaring against it, they returned back again.

The General Councel of the Army had conse­rence with a German, who gave himself out to be a Prophet, and they considered of their own pay, and the Pay of the Northern Forces.

(11.) Debate of the desires of the Army, in relation to their Pay and Arrears, in a grand Com­mittee, Army. and it was voted, That they should be paid out of the Excise, and Goldsmiths-Hall; and the Arrears to be secured out of Bishops Lands and Deans and Chapters Lands, and the like for pay for the Forces in Ireland.

Order for a thousand pound for Sir Thomas Ma­leverer, who raised two Regiments of Foot and one of Horse for the Parliament, in part of his Arrears.

It was reported that Mr. Maynard, got in the last Circuit seven hundred pound, which was be­lieved Maynard, to be more than any one of the profession ever got before.

(21.) Much debate of the Ordinance of Tun­nage and Poundage, and voted that if the Commissi­oners will advance thirty thousand pound, they shall not be removed till they be reimbursed all that shall be owing unto them, which the Commissioners a­greed to do.

An Ordinance for the levying of the Arrears of the Army; and the Power of the Commissioners of the Army, when they shall come away, to be trans­ferred to the Committee of the Army, was sent up to the Lords.

Order for a Committee of the Militia of Hert­fordshire.

Another Letter from the General and his Coun­cel to the Parliament, for a Provision of Pay for Army. the Army, and for Ireland, and to prevent the Misery of the free quarter, and for Money for disbanding Forces. And of the Arrears of the Tax not paid in, and that the High Sheriff may levy the Assessments and that the Arrears of the Army may be audited, and satisfied out of Deans and Chapters Lands.

This Letter referred to the Committee appoint­ed to consider of providing Pay for the Forces of England and Ireland.

Both Houses pass'd an Ordinance for collecting all the Arrears of the Assessments for Sir Thomas Fair­fax's Army.

Letters from Col. Jones of the great wants of the Forces in Ireland, and of his resolution to fight the Rebels, if he can force them to it.

Order for supplys for Col. Jones:

A Committee to examine all complaints against such as use the Common-Prayer.

Order for Mr. Du Moulin to be History Profes­sor in Oxford.

Order touching the Earl of Portland's business of the Isle of Wight, and for the Agent of the Duke of Florence to be free from Excise.

Col. Monke joyned with Col. Jones in Ireland a­gainst the Rebels.

(13.) Upon debate of the settlement of the The Lords Votes. Church-Govern­ment. Presbyterian Government, it was voted, That the King be desired to give his consent to such Acts as shall be presented to him for setling the Presbyterian Govern­ment for three years, with a provision, that no person shall be liable to any question or penalty, only for Non-Conformity to the said Government, or to the form of Divine Service appointed in the Ordinances.

And that such as shall not voluntarily Conform to the said Form of Government and Divine Service, shall have liberty to meet for the Service and Worship of God, [Page 276] and for exercise of Religious duties and Ordinances in a fit and convenient place, so as nothing be done by them to the disturbance of the Peace of the Kingdom.

And provided that this extend not to any toleration of the Popish Religion, nor to any Penalties imposed upon Po­pish Recusants, nor to tolerate the practice of any thing contrary to the Principles of Christian Religion contained in the Apostles Creed, as it is expounded in the Articles of the Church of England.

Nor of any thing contrary to the Point of Faith, For the ignorance whereof men are to be kept from the Lords Supper; nor to excuse any from the Penalties, 1 Eliz. & 2. for not coming to hear the word of God on the Lords day in any Church or Chappel, unless he can shew a reasonable cause, or that he was hearing the word of God Preached or expounded elswhere.

These were the Lords Votes,

The Commons Voted,

That the Presbyterian Government be established, till the end of the next Session of Parliament. Commons Votes.

That the Tenths and Maintenance belonging to any Church, shall be only to such as can submit to the Pres­byterian Government, and none other.

That Liberty of Conscience granted shall extend to none that shall Preach, Print, or Publish any thing con­trary to the first fifteen of the thirty-nine Articles, except the eighth.

That it extend not to Popish Recusants, or taking away any Poenal Laws against them.

Order by the Lords that the Marquess of Winton have three Months longer time to be abroad.

Committees appointed to draw things into form, and touching the Prorogation of the Parliament, and touching Justices of the Peace, and Grand-Ju­ry-men.

(14.) Debate touching the end of Sessions of Parliament, and this Session to end in twelve Months after the passing the Bill; and afterwards the Sessions to be Triennial.

The Commons voted Liberty to tender Consci­ences by way of Indulgence, and much to the effect Indul­gence. as the Lords had before voted.

A Letter from the King to the General,

That he would write to the Parliament that his Majesties Children might not yet be removed to St James's, but remain for a night or two within.

(15.) Debate upon the Ordinance for Tun­nage and Poundage.

Proceedings upon the Propositions concerning Church-Government.

The General Councel of the Army at Putney re­solved, That every Trooper should abate 12d. per diem in lieu of free Quarter, and every Foot Sol­dier 4d. per diem.

(16.) Debate touching Religion, and Voted,

That the Indulgence as to tender Consciences shall not Religion. extend to tolerate the Common Prayer.

The Lords sent the Propositions to the Commons for their concurrence to be sent to the King with some alterations.

The Commons referred them to a Committee to peruse, wherein they agreed, or disagreed from the former Propositions.

Suspition of designs to bring in the Scots to assist the King.

(18.) Proceedings upon the Propositions to be sent to the King the same as before. Additio­nal Propo­sitions.

Added to put a period to this Parliament a year after the passing of this Act.

For Elections of Justices of Peace, and Grand Jury-men.

The King to return to his Parliament, and have his Rights, Queen, and Children restored to him.

Some alterations made by the Commons and re­ferred to a Committee.

Debate, Seven Delinquents to be excepted from pardon of life.

Complaints against Stage-players, and an Ordi­nance to suppress them.

Debate upon L. C. Liburne's Case committed by the Lords, against which he complained by a Lilbure. long Speech.

Mr. Belliure the French Ambassador took his leave of the King.

The Gourdons rose in Arms in Scotland, and Ma­jor General Miadleton gave a defeat to some of them.

The Agitators of five Regiments of Horse pre­sented Army. some high Papers to the General, as the sence of the Army, which was not so, but of these Agitators.

The General answered their Letter, That he thought it meet to be presented to the General Councel.

(19.) A grand Committee to consider of Mo­neys for Pay of the Army, out of the Excise, Bish­ops Lands, &c.

Letter from the French Ambassador about his ta­king French Ambassa­dor. leave, and desiring a Pass.

Debate about Coaches, &c. for his Journey; Order that three Lords, and six Commoners give the Ambassador a visit at his departure.

Ordinance against Stage-plays carried up to the Lords.

Col. Jones took in four Castles from the Rebels but could not force them to fight, though at advan­tages.

Power given to suppress the Moss-Troopers.

(20.) Several Votes pass'd upon the Propositi­on of Persons excepted from Pardon, agreed to be seven; and touching Estates, and Offices, &c.

(21.) Proceedings, and several new Votes up­on the Propositions.

A Petition from Sir William Roberts and the other contractors for the sale of Bishops Lands, of the Obstructions in that business; referred to a Committee to consider of a way for removal of them.

The Lords agreed with the Commons in the Or­dinance for suppressing Stage-Players.

(22.) A Petition of the East-India Company referred to a Committee.

Order for twelve hundred pound for Lieutenant Collonel Goll's Arrears.

An Ordinance committed for Payment of all Arrears to the Soldiers, particularly to some of Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army; and ordered out of the Sale of Bishops Lands, after the precedent en­gagements thereupon.

The Assembly presented to the House a Cate­chisme drawn up by them. Assembly.

Referred to the Committee of the Army, and to the Committee of the Navy, to inquire what Arms, Ammunition, and Ordnances belonging to the Publick, are in any private hands, or not made use of for the service of the State; and to restore such as belong to any who are well affected to the Parliament; and the rest to be brought in to the Tower, or made use of for the Navy.

The General and General Councel of the Army, met at Putney, and had much debate touching the Papers presented by the Agitators of the five Re­giments which were disliked by the General and his Officers; and they appointed a Committee to consi­der of the Paper printed, intituled the Case of the Army, to send for such Parties as they shall think fit, and to prepare something to be offered to the next, General Councel, and for vindication of the Ar­my, from the aspersions cast upon them by that Pa­per.

[Page 277] They were also to consider of a way for the spee­dy bringing in of monies upon Compositions, to be offered to the House from the General Councel, and of an abatement of the Pay of Non-Commissio­ned Officers, and to prepare Rules for Quartering of Souldiers for the ease of the Country, and a­bout some Troopers lately taken in to be Disban­ded, about Waggoners and payment of Arrears.

(23.) A Letter from the Scots Commissioners here to give notice to the Houses, That there was a command laid upon them to attend the King, which they did this day at Hampton-Court.

Orders for mony for the Army.

Proceedings upon the Propositions, and Voted, That the Tithes belonging to Deans and Chapters shall be imployed towards the maintenance of a Preaching Mi­nister.

(25.) Votes for Pay of the Arrears of Souldiers Propositi­ons for Peace. out of the Estates of Delinquents, the remainder of Bishops Lands and Forest Lands, this to be in­serted in the Propositions; and an Act to Null the Court of Wards, and the King to have twenty thousand pounds per An. in lieu thereof, and that the two Houses shall nominate all the chief Officers in Ireland, and also in England.

A Committee of both Houses for Forrein Affairs to consider of a Message from the Ambassadour of France.

A Case of Indemnity determined. [...]land.

The Committee of Estates in Scotland considering the dangers then imminent to Religion, His Maje­sties Person and Authority, the Union betwixt the Kingdoms, and Peace of that Kingdom, fully re­presented to them in Letters from the Commissio­ners in London, and by several informations, found it necessary in regard thereof, that the Army be kept up, till March next.

Letters from the North, of the care of Major General Lambert, for equal Quartering of his Souldiers, and for punishment of some to run the Gantelope, for Plundering, and for meddling to assist in taking possession of a parcel of Tithes, and taking in the advice and assistance of a Justice of Peace.

(26.) Debate in a Grand Committee upon the Ordinance of Tunnage and Poundage. Propositi­ons for Peace.

The House finished the Propositions to be sent to the King, and ordered them to be presented within ten days, and had a conference with the Lords for their concurrence.

Order for the Lead of Worcester Church to be taken off, and sold.

A Petition from the Northern parts to both York. Houses, for the erecting of an University at York.

Letters from Dublin informed that Collonel [...]land. Jones having joyned to his Forces, those of Col­lonel Cootes, and Collonel Monke, in all two thousand two hundred Horse, and five thousand five hundred Foot, took in several Castles from the Rebels; then they Battered Port-Lester, most of the Gar­rison leaped into the water, and swam away, the rest were put to the Sword.

Then some of his men without Order fell upon Athboy unexpectedly, surprised the Guards, and en­tred and possess'd the Town, which was strongly for­tified, and five hundred men in it, they took also two thousand Cows, and other Cattle from the Rebels, Owen their General could not get his men to ingage for want of mony.

(27.) The Monthly Fast-day, the House did set days to consider of the Ordinance, for setting of poor people to Work; and of the Ordinance a­gainst heinous sins, and Blasphemies.

(28.) A Petition from the Trustees for Sale of Bishops Lands, about removing some obstructions, referred to special Committee.

Impeachments against the seven Lords, agreed upon, and sent up to the House of Peers, and an Im­peachment against Sir Jo. Maynard, and Collonel Midhup was apprehended for being active in the late Force up­on the Par­liament. Force upon the Parliament, and Impeached of Trea­son.

Order for several Members of the House to take some of the Deputies of the Sergeant at Arms, and to break open doors, and seize Trunks, and Pa­pers of one Captain Vernon, which Order was much opposed by some Members of the House, as alto­gether illegal.

The Earl of Northumberland desired leave at any time to carry the Kings Children to His Majesty, which was granted.

The Agitators of the five Regiments that pre­sented the former Papers to the General and Ge­neral Councel, now put forth another Paper to clear themselves, and that they had no intention of making divisions in the Army, &c. Army.

(29.) The grand Committee sat about Tunnage and Poundage.

Several meetings were of the General-Councel of the Army.

(30.) Order about the eight thousand pounds Prince E­lector. per annum to be paid to the Prince Elector.

A free Conference of both Houses touching some difference about part of the propositions; and the Commons appointed a Committee to prepare rea­sons to satisfie the Lords, why the Commons ad­hered to their former resolutions in those particu­lars.

November, 1647.

November 1. Orders for Clothes and Provisions for the Forces in Ireland, and a Committee for Ire­land, appointed to Treat with Merchants to ad­vance the Clothes, Provisions, and Ammunition to be sent over thither; and to give security by the Excise, the assessment of sixty thousand pounds per mensem and Delinquent Estates.

Order for the Chargers of the Officers of the Committee of Accounts.

An Information of endeavours to Raise Forces against the Parliament and Army, referred to be examined by a Committee.

An Ordinance past, giving power to Collonel Monke to execute Martial-Law.

Both Houses agreed upon the Propositions to be sent to the King, and referred them to a Commit­tee to be drawn up in form.

Some of Major General Lambert's Forces appre­hended divers Moss Troopers.

The Committee of Estates caused the Lord Harehill to be Beheaded at Edenburgh, notwith­standing Scotland. the Kings Pardon, he dyed boldly, and after his Speech to the people, he threw down two Papers among them, which mentioned strange new Troubles in England.

A further Paper of Proposals came to the House from the Agitators of the five Regiments, and Army. of four other Regiments of Horse, and of seven Regiments of Foot joyning with them. They de­clare,

1. That the people (being unequally distribu­ted, by Counties, Cities, and Boroughs) for E­lection of their Deputies in Parliament, ought to be more indifferently proportioned according to the number of Inhabitants, the Circumstances to be set down before the end of this Parlia­ment.

[Page 278] 2. That to prevent the inconveniences by the long continuance of the same persons in Autho­rity, this present Parliament be dissolved by the last day of September next.

3. That the people do of course choose them­selves a Parliament once in every two years.

4. That the power of this, and all other future Representatives is inferiour only to theirs that choose them, and extends, without the consent of any other person, to the Enacting, Altering, and Repealing of Laws, to the erecting and abo­lishing of Offices and Courts, to the appointing, removing, and calling to account, Magistrates and Officers of all degrees, to the making War and Peace, to the Treating with Forreign States, and generally to whatsoever is not reserved by those represented to themselves. Which are these.

1. That matters of Religion, and Gods Wor­ship, are not at all intrusted to any Human power, because therein we cannot admit or exceed a tittle of what our Consciences dictate to be the mind of God, without wilful sin. Nevertheless the pub­lick way of instructing the Nation (so it be not compulsive) is referred to their discretion.

2. That impressing or constraining any of us, to serve in the War, is against freedom, and not allowed to our Representatives; the rather be­cause it is at their disposal.

3. That after this Parliament, none be questio­ned for any thing said, or done in reference to the late differences.

4. That in all Laws every person be bound a­like; and that, Tenure, Estates, Charter, De­gree, Birth, or Place, do not confer any excep­tion, from the ordinary course of Legal proceed­ings, whereunto others are subjected.

5. That the Laws must be equal and good, and not destructive to the safety and well-being of the people.

These, ‘They declare to be their Native rights, and are resolved to maintain them, and not to depend, for the settlement of our Peace and Freedom, upon him that intended our bondage, and brought a cruel War upon us.’

(21.) A Grand Committee Sat all day about mo­ny for the Army, and to take away Free-Quar­ter.

Letters from the Lord Inchequin for Cloaths, &c. for the Munster Forces.

The House appointed a Committee to Collect all Papers, Letters, and Writings, or Commissions of Publick concernment in the hands of any Secreta­ries, or Officers; and to take a Catalogue of them, and to preserve them in some place for Publick use.

New Proposals of the Army.

1. That this Parliament be Dissolved by the Army. New Pro­posals. last day of September next.

2. That secure Provisions may be made, for the Succession, Constitution, and clearing the Power of Parliaments.

3. That a Parliament shall biennially meet upon the first Thursday in April, every year.

4. And shall sit till the last day of September, af­ter the meeting, and then Dissolve, and not sooner, except by their own consent.

5. The King not to call Parliaments in the Intervals, without consent of the Councel of State.

6. Elections to be free to Free-men.

7. Patents and Monopolies to be removed.

8. Their power to extend to Declaration of Laws, and final Judgments, without further Ap­peal than to the Representative.

9. No Law to be against a Commoner, but with the House of Commons Concurrence.

10. No Commoner or great Officer to be ex­empt from Judgment of the House of Com­mons.

11. The King to give no power to Protect or Pardon those so condemned.

12. The Priviledg to be in the people, in Ele­ction of Officers about Church Discipline, Rais­ing of Souldiers, Freedom for what hath been done these Wars.

13. Elections to be distributed equally.

(3.) Debate of an Ordinance for setting poor people to work, and for punishing of Vagrants, and about the Ordinance for Tunnage and Pound­age.

Confirmation of Truro Articles.

The Ordinance past for Guernsey, &c.

The General Council of the Army agreed upon these further Heads.

1. That the Proposals concerning Elections, be Further Heads. publickly Read in each Division, at their first pro­ceeding to the Election.

2. That by the Indentures of Election the per­sons Elected be limited to serve as Deputies, for the time set.

3. That a more equal course be taken, and a rate (if it may be) on every mans Land, not ex­ceeding two shillings in the Pound, in lieu of Tithes.

They also debated touching the Propositions to be sent to His Majesty.

(4.) Orders for Disbanding of the disjoynted and supernumerary Forces.

Discharge of the Sequestration of Col. Brand­ling's Estate.

Confirmation of Exeter Articles.

Order for five hundred pounds for the Lord Ormond.

The General Councel of the Army desired some Army. alterations and additions might be made to the Propositions to be sent to His Majesty.

1. For security of the Souldiers Arrears by Deans and Chapters Lands, and Compositions.

2. These alterations about the Militia.

1. That the Lords and Commons in future Par­liaments may have the power of the Militia as well as the present.

2. That where the safety of the Kingdom is concerned, the Commons may exercise the Mili­tia without the Lords they not concurring, and that to bind the Commons.

3. That London may have no other priviledg of the Militia than other Corporations.

Divers resolutions in favour of Delinquents.

That the Faith of the Army be kept upon Arti­cles of Surrender.

That there be a General Act of Oblivion.

(5.) Information of new designs against the Par­liament, and Army.

Debate touching the Kings Negative voice in Par­liament.

(6.) A Letter from the Scots Commissioners here Scots. mentioning the Kings being taken away from Holmeby by a party of the Army, and they desiring [Page 279] to know from him his present condition, His Ma­jesty referred them therein to the Parliament and Army.

That they held it needless to apply to the Army in this matter, whom they suppose, are, or ought to be under the Command of the Parliament.

That the Kingdom of Scotland finding their stability, and happiness so much to depend upon the safety and preservation of the Kings person, and they resolving to continue in all Loyalty un­der his Government, have endeavoured the Com­posure of the unhappy differences.

They desire that the business of the Propositi­ons may proceed with the mutual Councels of both Kingdoms, and in the name of the Kingdom of Scotland, they desire that there may be a personal Treaty with His Majesty, and for that effect, that the King may be invited to come to London with honour, freedom, and safety due to him, and not to be under the power and restraint of Soul­diers.

(8.) Debate touching Provision for a constant Pay of the Army.

Both Houses agreed to the conference for speedy dispatch of the Propositions.

The General Councel of the Army desired his Excellency, That for a time the Officers and Agita­tors, should resort to the several Commands and Regiments, till the General Rendezvous be over, and the General shall see cause to call them toge­ther again, and the same was done accordingly.

Collonel Jones took in divers Castles and Forts from the Rebels in Lemster.

(9.) Letters from the General mentioning the long expectation of the Army of somewhat to have Army. been done by the Parliament in Order to the satisfa­ction of the desires and Proposals of the Army, that somesatisfactory answers therein would enable him, and his Officers to serve the Parliament the more; and to have more credit with the Army, to keep them in better Order.

That he had appointed a General Rendezvous by the advice of the General Officers of the Army, and General Councel; who offered to repair to their several Charges, and Regiments, to im­prove their endeavours for quieting of them, and recovering the antient Discipline of the Army.

He desires the House to grant the inclosed Parti­culars.

  • 1. Six weeks Pay (if possible) if not a months Pay to be presently sent to the Army.
  • 2. The Arrears to be paid out of the remain­der of Bishops Lands, Deans, &c.
  • 3. Provision for constant Pay of the Army.
  • 4. That there be one hundred thousand pound a month for the Forces in England and Ireland, and those of the supernumeraries to be disbanded.
  • 5. That Free Quarter, or taking any thing from any man be punisht with death.

Orders for mony for the Army,

A Paper from some of the Agitators, called The Case of the Army, Voted by the House, Destructive Vote. to the Priviledges of Parliament, and the Fundamen­tal Government of this Kingdom, and referred to the General to find out the Authors.

Liberty granted to Lieutenant Collonel Lilburne to go abroad without his Keeper.

Order for restitution of monies seised from Mrs. Curriton.

The Lords appointed a Committee to draw an answer to the Letter of the Scots Commissioners about a personal Treaty. They fined their absent Members an hundred pound a Man.

The Commons desired the Lords concurrence to several Ordinances, for Moneys for the Lord Or­mond, for allowance for Soldiers Wives, for Trade, for confirming Truro Articles.

A Committee of the General Councel of the Army. Army, appointed to collect a summary of the En­gagements, Declarations, and Papers of the Ar­my, of matters concerning the good of the King­dom, the Liberties of the People, and the interest of the Army; and to consider the case of the Army stated, and a Paper called the agreement of the People, to be presented to the General for his order to communicate it to the several Regiments before their Rendezvous.

They also made a Declaration, That by their Let­ter to the Parliament, November 5. it was no part of their intentions to hinder the sending of the Propositi­ons to the King, but only to assert the freedom of Par­liament.

(10.) A grand Committee sat about the future Pay of the Army, and to prevent free Quarter.

Order that the Members of every County do present three names, out of which the House to choose one, to be High Sheriff for that County.

Debate of Ordinances for Money for Ireland, one by sale of Rebels Lands.

The Committee ordered to sit constantly, where Mr. Sandys hath the Chair, to report what Mem­bers of the House have Offices. And the Commit­tee of the Admiralty continued.

(11.) Order for the Wives and Children of Delinquents to have the fifth part of Sequestrati­ons.

Orders for provisions for wounded Soldiers.

Upon the question whether Deans and Chapters Lands should be security for the Arrears of the Sol­diery, it pss'd in the Negative.

The Moss-Troopers prosecuted.

This night news came of the Kings escape from The Kings escape from Hampton Court. Hampton-Court, That the Officers who attended him wondring that he came not forth of his Chamber, where he had been writing most part of the night before, they went in, and miss'd him within half an hour after his departure; That Posts were sent into all parts, to discover and stay him.

(12.) Letters from Lieutenant General Crom­well to the House, of the Kings going away, That the Commissioners, and Col. Whaley missing him at Supper, went into his Chamber and found him gone, leaving his Cloak in the Gallery, as he went the back way, and some Letters of his own hand His Letters writing upon the table in his withdrawing-Room, to be Communicated to the Parliament, to this effect.

That Liberty, the thing now generally pretended and aimed at, was as necessary for Kings as any other, that he had a long time endured Captivity and restraint, hoping it might tend to the settlement of a good Peace, but finding the contrary, and the unfixedness of the Ar­my, and new Guards set upon him, he had withdrawn himself.

That wheresoever he should be, he would earnestly la­bour the settlement of a good Peace, and to prevent the effusion of more blood, and if he might be heard with Honour, Freedom, and Safety, he would instantly break through his Cloud of retirement, and shew himself ready to be Pater Patriae,

CHARLES REX.

Orders to send for Sir Edward Ford, Sir John Berk­ley, Mr. Jo. Ashburnham, and Doctor Gosse in safe Custody, as suspected for the design of the Kings escape, and for Posts to be sent to all Ports, and to the Rear-Admiral to search all Vessels, and to stop the Kings Person, and all his Attendants.

[Page 280] Information of a Member of the House, That the King was in or near London, referred to a Committee.

The Commissioners reported the manner of his Majesties escape, and had the thanks of the House for their Fidelity.

Order to pay the Debts of those who attended his Majesty, by occasion thereof.

(13.) Letters from the General of divers se­cured at Hampton-Court touching the Kings escape, and to know what shall be done with them.

Order that it shall be loss of Estate and Life, for a­ny one to detain the Kings Person, and not to discover it to both Houses of Parliament.

Orders in the afternoon for advance of Money for the Army.

(15.) Letters from Col. Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight.

That riding upon the way in the Island, Mr. Ash­burnham King in the Isle of Wight. and Sir Jo. Berkley overtook him, and told him that the King was near, and would be with the Collonel this night.

That he was come from Hampton-Court upon in­formation, that there were some, who intended to destroy his Person, that he could not with safety continue any longer there, and that finding his case thus, chose rather to put himself upon the Collonel, being a Member of the Army (whom he would not have left could he have had security to his Per­son) than to go to any other place.

That the Collonel being herewith exceedingly surprized, knew not at present what course to take, but weighing the great concernment that the Per­son of the King is of to the settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom, he resolved it his duty to the King, the Parliament, and Kingdom, to use the utmost of his endeavour to preserve his Person from any such horrid attempt, and to bring him to a place of safety.

Where he may be also in a capacity of answering the expectation of the Parliament and Kingdom, in the settlement of our distractions. That he chose (the King desiring it) to bring him over into that Island, where he now is, and concludes with professions of his own Fidelity and Care.

Another Letter to the same purpose from Cap­tain Basket; the Collonel's Messenger had twenty pound, and the Captain ten pound given them, and a Committee appointed to draw up Instructions for Col. Hammond, about the disposing of his Ma­jesty during his stay there.

(16.) Letters from the General, That at the Rendezvous of the first Brigade near Ware, the Rendez­vous. Soldiers generally by acclamations declared their affections and resolutions to adhere to the General, and signed an agreement to observe such Orders as they should receive from the General and General Councel of the Army, and this was done upon the General's speaking to each Regiment; and not­withstanding great endeavours to oppose it.

At this Rendezvous Col. Eyre, Major Scot, and some other Officers, who laboured to raise Sediti­on and Mutiny among the Soldiers, were commit­ted into the Martials hands; others were com­mitted for dispersing Factious Papers, as the agree­ment of the People, &c. among the Soldiers, parti­cularly in Col. Lilburne's Regiment the most mu­tinous in the Army, command was given for them, to tear and cast away the Papers, which was done.

Captain Bray who was the only Officer above a Lieutenant left among them (the rest being dri­ven away by the mutinous Soldiers, and one of them wounded) was taken from the Head of that Regiment, and committed to custody, for leading the Soldiers to this rendezvous contrary to orders.

Afterwards, a Councel of War being called in the Fields, divers Mutineers for examples sake were drawn forth, and three of them were tryed and condemned to death; and one of them (to whose turn it fell by lot) was shot to death at the Head of the Regiment; and others taken into hold, to be tryed for the same Mutiny, Col. Rainsborough's and Col. Harrison's Regiment saw their Errors and submitted.

The Lords desired the Commons concurrence to a Letter of thanks to the General, and that the late proceedings in London, tending to divide the Ar­my, be examined; and that provision be made for sudden Pay for the Army, for the future, and a satis­factory way for Arrears, and the Act of Indemnity to be full.

That Major Scot may give an account of his do­ings, and that Col. Rainsborough may not go to sea till he hath cleared himself.

Orders for five thousand pound for his Majesties present necessities, and accommodation, and his houshold to be dissolved; and a Committee to name who shall attend him.

Upon information of a challenge sent by Major Murrey to Col. Whaley, M. Murrey was sent for in safe Custody.

The Sickness began to be feared in London, where it was begun.

(17.) Both Houses pass'd a Letter of thanks and instructions to Col. Hammond.

Order for seven hundred pound for Sir Francis Willoughby.

Divers new Sheriffs appointed, and orders for their accounts to be passed without Fees, and for lessening their charge.

(18.) Letters from the King to both Houses.

Letters from Col. Hammond, That he caused a meeting of the Gentry of the Island, who expressed their readiness to preserve his Majesties Person, and to obey the authority of Parliament.

That he had given order to restrain any from going out of the Island, or from coming in, with­out Passes, or being examined by him; and he de­sires accommodations for the King.

Order for ten thousand pound for the Garrison of Plymouth, and for discharging the supernumeraries there.

Reference to a Committee to consider of the Kings expences, and what they will amount unto, above fifty pound per diem, formerly allowed.

A Committee to consider of the Papers and Let­ters sent from the Army and of the late endeavours of the London Agents to raise a mutiny in the Ar­my; and how exemplary Justice may be done up­on them; and a Declaration ordered upon this whole business.

Another rendezvous was in the Hare-Warren near Kingston of several Regiments of Horse and Foot, who expressed no discontent or disunion, but a rea­dy complyance and subjection to his Excellency.

(19.) Ordinance pass'd for Money for the Ar­my.

Lieutenant General Cromwell gave an account to Cromwell. the House of the proceedings at the late rendez­vous, and how by Gods Mercy, and the endeavours, of his Excellency and his Officers, the Army was in a good condition, and obedience to his Excellen­cy, and the superior Officers of the Army, and submissive to the authority of Parliament.

Lieutenant General Cromwell had the thanks of the House for his good Service at the rendezvous, and the like ordered to all the Officers of the Army, who were active to suppress the mutinous courses.

The Commons desired the Lords to appoint a Committee to present the Propositions to his Ma­jesty.

[Page 281] Order that Lieutenant General Cromwell do de­clare to the General, That the House will be at all times ready to receive, and give such answer as is sitting, in a Parliamentary way, to such humble Addresses as shall be made from the Army, to the Houses by his Excellen­cy.

The Kings Letter from the Isle of Wight to the two Houses, was to this effect. The Kings Letter.

That he supposeth they had received the Letter which he left behind him at Hampton-Court; ac­cording to which, and being in a place of more Security, than he was there, he still desires and en­deavours the settlement of an happy Peace; and because Religion is the best and chiefest founda­tion of Peace, he begins with that particular.

That for the abolithing of Arch-Bishops, and Bishops, &c. he clearly professeth that he cannot Religion. give his assent thereunto, as he is a Christian, and a King.

Not, as he is a Christian, for he avows that he is satisfied in his Judgment, that this order was placed in the Church by the Apostles themselves; and ever since their time, hath continued in all Christian Churches throughout the World, until this last Century of years; and in this Church, in all times of Change and Reformation, it hath been upheld by the wisdom of his Ancestors, as the great preserver of Doctrine, Discipline, and Order in the Service of God.

That as a King, at his Coronation, he hath not only taken a solemn Oath to maintain this Or­der; but he, and his Predecessors in their confir­mation of the great Charter, have inseparably woven the Rights of the Church, into the Liber­ties of the Subject.

That yet he is willing it be provided, that the particular Bishops perform their several Duties of their Callings, by their personal residence, and frequent Preaching; and to exercise no act of Ju­risdiction or Ordination, without consent of their Presbyters; and will consent, that their powers in all things be so limited, that they be not grievous to the tender Consciences of others; and sees no reason, why he alone, and those of his Judgment should be pressed to a violation of theirs.

Nor can he consent to the alienations of Church-Lands, a sin of the highest Sacriledge, and that subverts the intentions of so many pious donors, who have laid a heavy curse upon all prophane vio­lations; which his Majesty is very unwilling to undergo, and believes it to be a prejudice to the publick good; many of his Subjects having the benefit of renewing Leases at much easier rates than if the Lands were private mens, not omit­ting the discouragement it will be to all Learning, and Industry, when such eminent rewards shall be taken away, which now lye open to the Children of meanest Persons.

Yet to satisfie his two Houses, he is content that the Presbyterian Government do continue as it is now setled for three years, provided that he, and those of his Judgment be not compelled to comply therewith, and that a consultation about settlement of Church-Government be by the As­sembly with twenty Divines to be added to them, of the Kings nomination.

That in the settlement of the Church-Govern­ment, there be full Liberty to all those, who shall differ on conscientious grounds, from that settle­ment, provided that nothing be understood to to­lerate those of the Popish Profession; nor exemp­ting any Popish Recusant from the Penalties of the Laws, or to tolerate the publick profession of Atheism and Blasphemy, contrary to the Doctrine of the Apostles, Nic [...]ne, Athanasian Creeds; they having been received by, and had in reverence of all the Christian Churches, and more particu­larly by this of England, ever since the Reforma­tion.

As to the Militia, which he avows an insepara­ble Militia. Right of his Crown, he cannot devest himself and his Successors of the power of the Sword; yet he will consent to an Act of Parliament, to place the power of the Militia during his Reign in the two Houses of Parliament, and after his Reign to return to the Crown.

As to payment of the Arrears of the Army he will consent, if the House will remit to him some benefit of Sequestrations, Compositions, the assistance of the Clergy, and the Arrears of his own Revenue, to pay within eighteen months, four hundred thousand pound to the Army, and if that be not sufficient, he will give way for the sale of Forrest-Lands, for that purpose.

For payment of other publick debts he will con­sent to such Acts as the Parliament shall agree upon; and to an Act for the naming of Officers of State, and Privy-Councellors during his Reign, by both Houses of Parliament; the Commissi­ons to be in his name, and after his Reign, this Right to return to the Crown.

He will consent to the taking away of the Court of Wards, so as a full recompence be setled upon him in perpetuity.

That he will consent to an Act to make null, all Declarations, &c. and to an Act of Oblivion, that he will give satisfaction concerning Ireland; and although he cannot in Honour consent to make void all his own grants under his great Seal, and to confirm all Acts under the Great Seal at Westminster, yet he doubts not but upon some pro­posals to give satisfaction therein to the two Houses.

He earnestly desires a Personal Treaty at London in Honour, Freedom, and safety, with his two Houses, as the only means to settle Peace. And then he desires that the Proposals of the Army, as to future Parliaments, and Elections, may be considered.

(20.) Debate for raising Mony for the Army, and upon a Letter from the General to the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common-Councel of Lon­don, and another to the Committee of the Army; That the General had ordered Col. Hewson's Regi­ment Col. Hew­son. to Quarter in the City, to assist the Commit­tee in collecting the Arrears due to the Army.

The House ordered Lieutenant Collonel Crom­well to write to Col. Hewson to forbear marching into the City, and a Committee of Lords and Commons were appointed to acquaint the Com­mon-Councel with the inconveniencies that might arise, if they did not speedily collect the Arrears due to the Army.

Both Houses ordered their Committee to press the Scots Commissioners to consent to the sending of the propositions to his Majesty.

Order about placing some of the Kings Servants about him.

Letters from Ireland informed a late and great de­feat Col. [...]. given by Col. Jones to the Rebels, and that he had beat them off from Dublyn.

The General's Head-Quarters were at Windsor.

(22.) The Ordinance committed for setting the Poor to work.

Some from the Common-Councel came to the House, with thanks for their care to prevent Quar­tering of Soldiers in the City, and with an answer in writing concerning collecting of the Arrears of Ci [...]. [Page 282] the Assessments, and that they had given an account of it by a Letter to the General.

The House ordered a Committee to prepare an answer to the City, and Voted, That they should go on to collect the Arrears, and speedily to bring them in.

Order to press the Commissioners for their an­swer touching the Propositions, That the sending of them to his Majesty may not be further delay­ed.

Letters from Col. Hammond, That he received by the hands of a Messenger from the General, the Votes and Resolutions of both Houses, relating to the security of his Majesties Person.

That as to the Vote, not to permit such as have been in Arms, or assisted against the Parliament, to come into the Island, he had before taken order; and touching the Votes last come to his hands, he will with the best of his endeavours see them put in Execution.

That as to a Warrant for apprehending Mr. Ash­burnham, Mr. Leg, and Sir. Jo. Berkley, he desired the Serjeants Deputy to forbear the Execution thereof, till he might know the further pleasure of the Hou­ses; in regard, if those Gentlemen should be ap­prehended, it would be very difficult for him to secure the person of his Majesty.

That the King said, If these Gentlemen should be taken from him, and punished as Evil doers, for coun­celling him not to go out of the Kingdom, but rather to come to this place, for the more conveniency as to set­tlement of Peace, and for endeavouring it accordingly, in attending him hither; he cannot but himself expect to be dealt with accordingly, his case being the same.

That these Gentlemen have engaged their Honours not to depart from him, and having cast themselves upon him, in case they should be removed from thence, it would much reflect upon him.

(23.) A Petition delivered to the supream autho­rity Seditious Petition. of the Nation, presented to the Commons, was read and voted to be, a Seditious and Contemptuous a­vowing and prosecution of a former Petition, and Paper annexed, stiled, an agreement of the People, formerly adjudged by the House to be destructive to the being of Parliaments, and fundamental Laws of this King­dom.

Some of the chief Actors herein were commit­ted to the Gate-house, others to New-gate, and a Letter sent to the General to prosecute the Exami­nation of that business to the bottom; and to bring such guilty Persons as he shall think fit to ex­emplary punishment.

Letters from Bristol, of a Mutiny in the Garri­son, and that the Soldiers had secured an Alderman there, till they had a Months Pay, the House sent a Letter to the General to discharge the Alderman, and to prevent the like abuses by the Soldiers for the future.

(24.) The Monthly Fast-day.

(25.) Order to press the Scots Commissioners for a further and speedy answer touching the Pro­positions to be presented to his Majesty; and to take off the Commissioners Seal of his Bed-Chamber at Hampton-Court.

Some from the Assembly presented the short Ca­techism to the House, who gave them thanks, and Assembly. desired them to give a speedy answer to the Quaeries formerly sent them, and to perfect those things re­ferred to them.

A Letter to the General from Buckingham-shire, complaining of the unsufferable burden of free Quarter, sent by him to the House, and referred to the grand Committee, who are to consider of taking off free Quarter, and setling a constant Pay for the Ar­my.

The Merchant Adventurers lent ten thousand pound towards the Months Pay for the Army.

Letters from the General to the City, why he appointed some Soldiers to assist in collecting the Arrears of the Assessments, that he submitted to what the Parliament had ordered concerning the stop of that Course, and hoped the City would perform their undertaking in the speedy collecting of them, otherwise it might be very inconvenient to the Parliament, the Army, and Kingdom, and to themselves.

(26.) The Grand Committee sate about Pay for the Army, and ordered the disbanding of the supernumerary Forces.

At a conference the Lords acquainted the Com­mons, Lords Confe­rence. That they had considered the desires of the King to treat with the Parliament; and the Scots Papers, and the desires of the Kingdom, to be delivered from all burdens and fears, and to be preserved in Peace.

That their Lordships propound to the Commons four Propositions to be speedily sent to his Majesty to be spee­dily passed for the safety and security of the Parliament and Kingdom, and to treat with his Majesty upon the rest. The Propositions were,

  • 1. That a Bill be past for setling the Militia of this Kingdom.
  • 2. That an Act be passed for calling in of all Declara­tions, Oaths, and Proclaimations against the Parliament, and those who adhered to them.
  • 3. For an Act, that those Lords who were made after the Great Seal was carried to Oxford, may be made uncapable of sitting in the House of Peers there­by.
  • 4. That power be given to the two Houses of Par­liament, to adjourn as they shall think fit.

That his Majesty giving the Kingdom security, by passing these four Propositions, there may be a Personal Treaty with his Majesty, and the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, for passing the rest of the Propositions.

Herein they desired the Commons concur­rence, who appointed a time to debate this business fully.

A Representation was presented to the Gene­ral under the hands of Col. Lilburne, and the Offi­cers of his Regiment, acknowledging and promising For Dis­solving the Parlia­ment. their obedience due to the General, and praying him to mind the Parliament of considering and resolving those things which have been presented to them from the Ar­my, and as soon as the necessary great Affairs first to be setled shall be transacted, that a period may be set to this Parliament.

Some thought it a piece of high assumption in the Army, so often and so earnestly to press the dissolving of that authority, under which them­selves had so highly acted.

Some of the Officers were supposed to have hopes of coming in themselves to be Members of Parlia­ment upon new Elections; others were thought to act upon better Principles of the Nations Freedom by not being subjected too long to the same Persons in authority.

(27.) Order of both Houses for Mr. Sollicitor to draw up Pardons for some convicted Persons at Northampton.

The Lords desired the Commons to take a spee­dy course for constant Pay for the Army, that the Countries may not be burdened with free Quarter.

A Committee appointed to find out the Authors of Mercurius Pragmaticus, and Mercurius Melancho­licus, and other Pamphlets scandalous to the Parlia­ment, to punish them, and the Printers, and Sel­lers of them, and to seize the Impressions of them.

[Page 283] The Commons agreed with the Lords to have a Personal Treaty with the King, after he should have Signed the four Propositions agreed on by the Lords, which were to be sent to his Majesty.

(29.) Many Citizens of London, and others at­tended the House with a second Petition of the Personal, Treaty. City Peti­tion. same Party who Petitioned the last Week, this Pe­tition reflecting highly upon the proceedings of the House, and accusing them of Partiality, desiring to know what are their Freedoms, and that those Com­mitted upon the Petition the last week may be re­leased.

The Lord Major, and the Militia of London gave notice of this Petition to the House before it came up, and offered their Guards to the House, who sent them thanks for it, and order to bring their Guards as there should be occasion, and set a day to debate this Petition.

The Committee of Lords and Commons for the business of London Agents, was made a close Com­mittee with power to send for Parties, &c. and to commit to custody.

In these passages we may take notice of the strange workings of God, and of the perplexed condition in which the Parliament was at this time.

The Army whom they had raised, paid, and Com­missionated, now mutiny against them, and with Army. their Swords in their hands, controule and oppose their Principals, and Masters.

The City, the old Friends, joynt-actors, and City. constant assistants of the Parliament with their lives and Fortunes, become full of Sedition and averse­ness towards them, question their integrity, re­proach them and seek to cast them off.

Letters from Ireland certified, That the Lord Inchequin marching towards the Rebels in Munster, Lord In­chequin. was inforced to joyn Battle with them, who were three for one more in number than the Protestants, and had the advantage of ground, so that the Lord Inchequin's Ordnance became useless.

His main Battle was hard put to it, and by the Cowardise of some like to have been routed, but the Lord Inchequin in person, with what Horse could be got together, made a desperate attempt upon the main Body of the Rebels, and gave them a Rout.

That Col. Grey with his handful of bare-legged men recovered the Ordnance, whereby the Rebels whole Force was dissolved; the Collonel was slain, and Lieuetenant Collonel Crispe, Captain Love and some other Commanders, and divers wound­ed, and about an hundred and fifty private Soldiers and Gunners slain, and many wounded, the whole number of Inchequin's Men were not above four thousand.

His men had the Pursuit of the Rebels seven miles, three several ways as long as the day lasted; and in the flight and pursuit, were slain of the Re­bels about four thousand, their Lieutenant Gene­ral Kilketto with divers Officers killed and taken.

(30.) The grand Committee sate about a con­stant wayof Pay for the Army.

Captain Piggot who brought the Letters from the Lord Inchequin made a particular relation in the Letters ta­ken. House of the late victory in Ireland, and presented to the House two Letters under the Lord Digby's hand, found in the Lord Taffes Cabinet after the Battle.

One was to direct him concerning the Kings in­terest in Ireland, and to preserve the Army under his Command there, and to please the French Agent, and promising him great preferments.

Orders for a thousand pound for the Lord In­chequin to buy him Horses, as a favour of the House for his good Services; and for Letters of thanks to him, and to his Officers, and for fifty pound to Captain Piggot, and for ten thousand pound for Provisions for Munster.

Ordinances debated about Money for the Army.

The King wrote a Courteous Letter to Sir Tho­mas Kings Let­ters to Fairfax. Fairfax, That he appointed Copies of his Letters to the Parliament about his withdrawing from Hampton Court, to be delivered to Sir Thomas Fairfax, and had also sent him a Copy of his last Message to both Hou­ses from the Isle of Wight, in order to the settlement of a good Peace; and desires him to imploy his credit therein, that Doctor, Shelden, Doctor Oldesworth, and Doctor Hammond may be protected in coming to his Majesty.

December, 1647.

December 1. A Petition to both Houses from the City Peti­on. Common Councel, acknowledging the Supream au­thority of Parliaments, to which all Persons ought to submit, craving Pardon for former Errors of some of the City; and desiring that a constant pay may be pro­vided for the Army, so that free Quarter may be ta­ken off, and the Army enabled to lye at a further distance from the City, that so Provisions may be cheaper and Trade incouraged.

They pray that the Covenant may be observed, and a good peace established; and that the Aldermen and Re­corder of their City lately imprisoned, may by the fa­vour of the Parliament be released.

The Houses gave them thanks for their good affe­ctions, and answered, that some of the Particulars de­sired Answer. by them, were under consideration; and the Parlia­ment would in all the particulars, do what belonged to Right, and Justice, and the good of the Kingdom.

The Grand Committee sat about the taking off free Quarter.

The four Propositions to be sent to his Majesty, were read the first time.

(2.) The Grand Committee sat about provi­ding a constant Pay for the Army.

The House debate the Petition of the Citizens, in favour of the agreement of the People, and voted, Votes a­bout Pe­titions.

That it is the right of the Subject to Petition the Par­liament and the right of the Parliament to judge of the Petitions; that all Petitioners ought to acquiesce in that judgement of the Parliament, and so they hoped, and expected the present Petitioners would do.

The Impeachment against the Earl of Lincoln was read the first time, and a Message sent to the Lords for further time to bring up the Impeach­ments against the seven Lords, which was grant­ed.

Order for the names of the Justices of Peace of every County to be given in to the several Mem­bers of each County, that the House may consider of them.

(3.) Debate all the day long upon the four Pro­positions, to be forthwith sent to his Majesty, three of them were agreed unto, and the fourth concern­ing the Militia was committed.

(4.) The Speaker came very late to the House, and was not able to sit above a quarter of an hour; in the afternoon, they sate in a grand Committee to provide a constant Pay for the Army, and to take away free Quarter.

The House adjourned till Tuesday.

The Officers in every Regiment in obedience to the General's Order, put out all Soldiers who had been taken in since the engagement at New-Market, or that had been of the Kings Party. They flock­ed to the Head Quarters at Windsor, desiring Mo­ney [Page 284] to bear their Charges, or to return to their several Regiments from whence they came.

Those who had formerly served the Parliament, were for want of Money to pay them off, return­ed to their Regiments, but not the Cavaliers or dis­orderly Persons.

A Corporal of Col. Lilburne's Regiment was sentenced to death by the Councel of War, for put­ting on the Mutiny of that Regiment, and five or six Troopers to run the Gantelope, which was executed at Windsor; but the Corporal was reprie­ved till Captain Braye's Tryal.

Who being tryed in part carried himself with great Pride and Arrogance.

The General Councel of the Army were infor­med of an universal denyal of Payment of the As­sessment of the Army to make them odious, and by that means to have free quarter taken off.

Twenty Resolute Fellows designed to rob the Exchequer, but were discovered by a Water-man, and Guards set to meet with them; but sixteen of the Company fought resolutely, and made their way through the Guards, the other four were taken much wounded.

(16.) the House sate not because of the Speak­er's being sick.

The High German Prophet published a Maenifesto, German Prophet. of great destruction to be in England, the which he had before told to the King, and to the General.

(7.) A Petition for Hertford-shire to be eased of free Quarter, the Petitioners had thanks for their good affections, and were told that the House was now upon that business, and hoped to give satis­faction therein to the whole Kingdom.

An information against a Member of the House, that he had been a Delinquent, was referred to a Committee.

A Petition from Bucks, and another from Mid­dlesex Petitions. against free Quarter, the Petitioners had the same answer as those of Hertford-shire had before.

Order to continue the Speakers to be Commissio­ners of the great Seal for twenty days after the next Great Seal Term.

Col. Sir Hardress Waller, and Col. Whaley pre­sented from the General and Council of the Army, the representation of the Army, and desired it might have a present reading.

It was read and referred to a Committee to re­port what parts of it were fit to be presently pro­ceeded in.

  • 1. It takes notice how little hath been done since
    Army.
    the Speakers return from the Army.
  • 2. That through this delay there have been dangerous attempts.
  • 3. That notwithstanding, the Army is again setled.
  • 4. That the General engaged they should have con­tent in Pay.
  • 5. The want of Pay occaesioning free Quarter, but nothing done to take it off.
  • 6. They could have made their own way of Pay, and destroyed their opposers, but have studied the preserva­tion of all.
  • 7. The Parliament have had sufficient cautions, yet supernumeraries, being twenty thousand, are not dis­banded.
  • 8. That the Pay be inlarged for the whole, and they will engage that no free quarter shall be taken.

Much about Arrears and stating Accounts.

Till these things setled, they offer, That part of the Army may quarter in London till the Arrears be le­vied; for maimed Soldiers, and Apprentices Freedom, and all must be done with all possible speed; and if con­tent be not given by the end of this Week, they cannot answer for the Army; but desire it may be under the conduct of others; and that the Impeached Citizens may be proceeded against; and the City pay the Countries dammage by free quarter, occasioned by their not paying the Assessments.

(8.) Upon a report from the Committee to whom the Representation of the Army was refer­red, Order for a Committee of six to go to the General and treat with him and his Councel about disbanding the supernumeraries, and Instructions agreed for them.

Votes for Pay, and provision of Money, free quar­ter to be upon those places which pay not the As­sessment.

Both Houses passed the Ordinance of Tunnage Great Seal and Poundage, and some other Ordinances for Mo­ney and for the two Speakers to be Commissioners of the great Seal till twenty days after next Term.

Mr. Walter Montague had liberty.

Order to exclude private business for eight days.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, That the King was much retired, his old Servants and Chaplains came to him.

Col. Jones had good success in Ireland.

(9.) A Letter from the King to both Houses, Letters from the King. Taxing them for not answering his last Message; and earnestly pressing for a personal Treaty, that Peace may be setled; the retarding whereof he lays on them, and expresseth his own readiness to consent.

Order to communicate this to the Scots Com­missioners.

Proceedings upon the Impeachments against the seven Lords.

(10.) Upon a report from the Committee se­veral Bills assented to, to be presented to the King, and Instructions for the Commissioners who are to present them.

A Letter from the Assembly in Scotland to the Assembly at Westminster, ordered to be brought into the House.

Order for Fuel and money for the maimed Soul­diers.

A further day desired to bring in the Charge against the Impeached Members, and an Ordinance pass'd both Houses for Money for Plymouth Garrison.

(11.) A Petition from the Gentlemen of Ireland Ireland. now in London, complaining of the want of Sup­plys for the Forces in Ireland; the Petitioners had thanks for their care of that Kingdom, and a day set for consideration of that business.

Difference upon amendments of the Ordinance of Tunnage and Poundage.

Order to re-imburse the Commissioners of the Customs, and to continue them.

Mr. Scot added to the Committee of Sequestrations.

The Parliaments Commissioners conferred with the General about the disbanding of Forces, and agreed, that there be no addition of Forces; and for securing of Arrears.

Representations were presented to the General from particular Regiments.

(13.) The Speaker acquainted the House with a new design to raise an Army against the Parlia­ment, the Examination of it was referred to a Com­mittee.

The Lieutenant of the Tower apprehended some suspitious Persons there, and the House ap­proved thereof.

Divers Compositions were passed.

Some brought out of Ireland referred to the Committee at Derby-House.

Order for Col. Mitton to secure Sir Faithful For­tescue.

Order for the Commissioners of the Great Seal, to present to Livings.

The Impeachments against the seven Lords were long debated.

[Page 285] Letters from the Commissioners at Windfor of their proceedings.

Letters from York of a Soldiers being censured by the Council of War to a weeks imprisonment, and dyet of Bread and Water for being unruly at his Quarters, and not contented with his dyet, a­nother cashiered, and to stand with a Paper in the Market-place, and to be whipped.

Another shot to death for killing a man.

(14.) The Lords finished the four Bills to be sent to his Majesty, and named the Earl of Nor­thumberland, Commissi­oners to the King. Kent, Rutland, Pembroke, and Salis­bury to be their Commissioners to present them.

The Commons concurred, and named for their Commissioners, Mr. Bulkley, Mr. L'Isle, Mr. Ro­bert Goodwyn, and Mr. Kemp for their Commissioners, or any three of both Houses.

Order for Money for Ireland.

Divers Compositions passed.

(15.) Ordinance for Sallaries for the Officers of the Committee of Accounts.

Another pass'd for addition of Members to the Committee of the Navy.

The Scots Commissioners desired time to consi­der of the four Bills to be presented to his Majesty.

Vote of both Houses for the Country Commit­tees to certifie the full value of all Sequestred E­states.

The House in the afternoon passed an Answer to the Scots Commissioners, That Bills pass'd both Hou­ses are not to be altered by any other, and that they are Answer to the Scots. resolved to send their Commissioners by Tuesday next, and desire that the Scots Commissioners would send their Propositions at the same time.

(16.) Report from Col. Lilburne's Commit­tee.

An Ordinance for repairing Churches and Chap­pels.

Ordinances sent to the Commons for turning De­linquents out of the Lines. Another about chu­sing Common-Council-men, Malignants and such as abetted the late Force against the Parliament to be uncapable to be chosen.

Order for five thousand pound to be paid to Mr. Hampden's Executors.

An Ordinance pass'd for setting poor people to work.

A Letter with an inclosed Declaration from the Scots Commissioners.

Order about the Guards of the House.

Ordinance pass'd for Captain Ed. Harley to be Vice-Admiral of the North, &c.

Reference to the Committee of the Navy about the Isle of Providence.

Letters from Windsor of a good agreement be­tween the Parliaments Commissioners and the G. Councel of the Army, about the particulars before-mentioned, and for the Armies being drawn into Garrisons, and all free Quarter to be taken off, so as they may have constant Pay. Deans and Chap­ters Lands desired for security.

A Petition of the Farmers in Surrey to the Gene­ral about free Quarter, and their Landlords refu­sing to deduct of their Rents for the free Quarter, they desired the General to move the Parliament for their Relief herein, who recommended it to the Houses.

(18.) Mr. Marshall, and Mr. Nye appointed to go Chaplains to the Commissioners to the Isle of Wight.

Divers Compositions passed.

Order for Col. Nedham's Arrears to be audited.

One of Col. Lilburn's Regiment condemned to dye by the Councel of War for raising the Mutiny at Ware, and others to run the Gantelope.

Captain Grey and Major Cobbet tryed.

(20.) The Commissioners ordered two hun­dred pound for their Charge, to go to the Isle of Wight.

The Primate of Armagh continued Preacher at Armagh. Lincolns Inne.

Referred to a Committee to examine what De­linquent Ministers did Preach, or Read the Book of Common Prayer, and to silence them, which was much opposed by divers, as contrary to that liberty of Consciences which they themselves pre­tended to insist upon, as due to every Christian.

It was carried in the Negative upon the question that Deans and Chapters Lands should not be secu­rity for the Arrears of the Soldiers, but that it should be out of the remainder of Bishops Lands, and out of Forrest Lands, and the Excise. Declarati­on. Scots Com­missioners

Several Compositions were passed.

Debate upon the Declaration from the Scots Commissioners claiming in language a joynt interest with the Parliament of England in the setling of Peace in both the Kingdoms; and protesting against the four Bills; and they press for a personal Treaty at Lon­don.

They inforce, Let that be given to God, which is God's, and to Caesar that which is Caesar' s, and puts them in mind of their professed Loyalty.

An Answer was agreed upon in like high termes to their Declaration.

(21.) Order for an Ordinance for further In­demnity for the Soliders; and for another to draw the Forces into Garrisons, and for a Declaration, of the necessity that hath been to keep up an Army, and to take free Quarter, and that if the Kingdom will pay in six Months Arrears of the sixty thousand pound per Mens. that then the other three Months Arrears will be remitted, and no Officer shall come into any mans House without his leave, nor no Sol­dier, except in Innes, Ale-houses, Taverns, and Victualling-houses.

The Printer Committed for Printing the Scots Declaration, without leave of the House.

Orders for preserving the Arms of such as shall be disbanded, from being imbezeled, that the Forces to be disbanded shall have two month pay, and divers Compositions were passed.

Major Cobbet sentenced by the Court-Martial to be Cashiered.

(22.) Debate of an Ordinance for reimbursing the Commissioners of the Customs, and they to be removable at the pleasure of both Houses, their Money being paid.

An Ordinance passed for the maimed Soldiers, another committed for securing the Soliders Ar­rears. Another past for stating the Accounts of the Army. Another pass'd to make a Committee in Kent, to hear Differences about Military Affairs, and to give indemnity.

Order for the Members to go into their several Counties, for collecting the Arrears of the Asses­ment.

(23.) The Trustees for Bishops Lands were made Trustees for Delinquents Lands, and For­rest Lands, for security of the Arrears of the Sol­diers.

Vote, That 15 January next the Army shall be drawn into Garrisons, and free Quarter taken off, and that the remainder of Bishops Lands should be security also to the Soliders.

Orders about collecting the Assessment of sixty thousand pound a Month.

(24.) Letters from the General to the House, with a Paper of the result of the Councel of War at Windsor, concerning Quartering of the Soliders in Innes, Ale houses, &c. referred to the Com­mittee [Page 286] of the Army, to confer and consider with the General and his Officers about it.

A Petition of Divers Citizens who were abused the last year for opening their Shops on Christ-mas day, though an Ordinance of Parliament did warrant it.

Order that the Committee of the Militia of Lon­don and Westminster should take care to prevent the like inconveniences, and to put out of the Lines all Delinquent Ministers.

Order upon the General's Letter for Col. Rains­borough to go forthwith to his Charge at Sea, as Vice-Admiral.

At a Councel of War some Officers acknowled­ged Army their Errors upon former passages, and desired to be re-admitted into the favour of the General and his Councel, which was approved, and the Officers kept a Fast, where Cromwell, Ireton, Col. Tichburne, and other Officers Prayed, and from Scripture, exhorted to Unity and Obedience to Commands.

(25.) Christ-mas day the shops were all shut up in London, notwithstanding the Ordinance to the contrary.

The Houses sat, and upon complaint that some Delinquent Ministers Preached on this day, in Lon­don, and that the Common-Prayer-Book was used in several places, power was given to the Com­mittee of Plundered Ministers to examine and pu­nish Church-wardens, Sequestrators, and others who countenance the same.

Order to put in Execution the ordinance for a­bolishing Holy-days.

A Printed Paper directed to the Speaker intitu­led, Observations on the Scots Message to the Parlia­ment, referred to a Committee to find out the Au­thors and Printers of it, being very scandalous to the King, Parliament, and Army.

Mr. Saltmarsh the Minister assirmed that he had somewhat revealed to him from Heaven, wherewith he Saltmarsh. must acquaint the Army. And presently went from his House in Essex, to Windsor, where he spake with the General with his hat on, and told him, he had doted on him, but now must honour him no more, because he had Imprisoned the Saints.

He also told the Officers of the Army, That for­merly he came to them as a Lamb, but now he was come as a Lyon, to tell them what the Lord bad revealed to him, That though the Lord had done much by them and for them, yet he had now for saken them, and would not prosper them, because they had for saken him, their first Principles, and had imprison'd the Saints, with many of the like expressions.

He then told the Army, He had delivered his mes­sage, done his work, and must leave them, and see them no more, and so went from Windsor to London, and from thence to his House in Essex, where be­ing ill, on Friday he told his Wife, he had now fi­nished his Course, and must go to his Father. And the next day he dyed.

(27.) Orders for Money for the Navy.

At a Conference the Commons informed the Col. Rains­borough. Lords, that Col. Rainsborough had cleared himself of the objections formerly made against him; and now at the desire of the General and his Councel, the Commons had voted him to be readmitted to his imployment of Vice-Admiral, and desired their Lordships Concurrence therein.

Debate upon a Petition of Doctor Trigge.

Some Compositions of Delinquents passed.

Letters from the Commissioners sent to the King.

That they presented the Bills, and Propositions to his Majesty, who then said, He was assured, they Isle of Wight. would not expect a present answer, but he would take the same into consideration, and give his answer within few days.

The next day after the four Bills presented to the King, the Scots Commissioners came to him, and presented to him a Declaration, That they had en­deavoured by all means to the Parliament of England, Scots Com­missioners. for furthering a happy Peace, having seen the Proposi­tions, and understood of Bills brought to his Majesty, which they apprehend prejudicial to Religion, the Crown, and the Ʋnion between the Kingdoms; and therefore in the name of the Kingdom of Scotland, declare their dis­sent.

The General sent his Letters to Major General Lambert, Major General Laugherne, Major Gene­ral Mitton, Major Hopton, Col. Humphreys, Col. Duckenfield, and Col. Venables, concerning the dis­banding supernumeraries.

Letters from Ireland of Col. Jone's Marching in­to Ireland. Wicklow, That his Regiment conformed; that Owen Roe Oneale was by the Popish Clergy opposing the Laity, made Generalissimo of the Rebels; and General Preston cast off; That Sir Charles Coote was gone into the Field, but Sir Robert, and Sir William Steward's Regiments refused to March with him.

That the Soldiers under the Lord Iuchequin in the last Victory they gained, fought all of them with the greatest courage imaginable, though they wanted Cloaths, Shooes, and Bread.

(28.) Debate of an Ordinance for eight hun­dred pound per An. to be setled on the Bishop of Durham.

A Petition from Newcastle complaining of the sore burden upon them of free Quarter, when New-cast. the Scots were there, and ever since; and the Oppression not so great in any other part of the Kingdom.

Order that they shall have the publick Faith for all free Quarter since the Scots were there.

Orders for Ammunition for that Garrison, and touching the Sequestrations there, and in Northum­berland, to pay Money due to those Countries.

The Lords dissented from Col. Rainsborough's go­ing to Sea, and gave their Reasons for it at a Conference.

A Message from the Lords to give the Marquess of Winton four Months longer time of liberty, and to consider of the Petition of the Lord Cromwell.

A Letter of thanks written to the Commissioners in the Isle of Wight.

Divers Compositions passed.

(29.) The Monthly Fast-day.

News came of a great Disorder and tumult in Can­terbury about the observation of Christmas-day, the Major endeavouring the Execution of the Ordi­nance Christ-ma [...] day. for abolishing holy-days, was much abused by the rude multitude, had his head broken, and was dragged up and down, till he got into an house for his safety.

They broke into the houses of divers others, who were of the Majors Opinion, put themselves into a Military Posture, kept Guards, stopt Passes, and examined Passengers, and the like Insurrecti­ons were in several other places of the Kingdom.

(30.) Upon a Letter from the Committee of Kent of the disorder at Canterbury,

The House ordered, That the Order for exami­ning and committing of Church wardens, &c. who countenanced Malignant Ministers should be Print­ed, and referred the business of the Riot at Canter­bury to the Committee, with power to send for Par­ties, &c. and to imprison, and to certifie the whole matter to the House.

The like Riot at Eling in Middlesex, was refer­red to be examined and proceeded against at the Sessions of Peace.

Letters from the General, that he had given a Commission to Sir Arthur Haselrigge to be Gover­nor [Page 287] of New-castle, which the House approved, and ordered him to repair thither to his Charge.

Mr. Harris a Church-Warden of St. Martins Parish, ordered to be committed for bringing De­linquents to Preach there; and to be displaced from being Church-warden there.

(31.) Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax, That by reason of a late Mutiny, and design to carry a­way The Kings Person. the King, he had given order to Col. Ham­mond, to keep a strict guard upon his Majesties Per­son, till he further knew the pleasure of the Parlia­ment. The House approved therof, and ordered the General to take special care for securing the Person of his Majesty, where he now is in Cares­brooke Castle.

And they ordered that Col. Hammond the Gover­nor of the Isle of Wight take special care for secu­ring the King's Person, where he now is; and to observe such further Orders therein, as he should receive from the General, and the Lords concur­red herein.

The Parliaments Commissioners returned from the King, with little satisfaction, touching the four Bills presented to him.

The House Ordered that Mr. Marshal, and Mr. Nye, be desired to come and pray with the House to morrow morning, to seek God for his blessing and direction in their consultations, tending to matters of great concernment.

The general Councel of the Army agreed upon Warrants to be sent from the General to all those Officers, whose Soldiers were to be disbanded ac­cording to the Orders of Parliament, that they con­form unto, and see the same done accordingly, and mention of the stating their Accounts, and secu­rity for their Arrears, with present Pay of part of them, in the Warrants.

The Officers of the Army fully complyed with the Parliaments Commissioners, and at their part­ing, all expressed much joy, and the General Coun­cel, that they would live and dye with the Parliament, and gave the Commissioners twenty five Guns from the Castle at their going away from Windsor.

January, 1647.

January 1. Letters from Col. Hammond, of the great Mutiny two days since in the Isle of Wight, Mutiny. Isle of [...]ight. in New-port, when the Parliaments Commissioners went away; That the Mutineers designed to seize upon Carisbrooke Castle, and to take away the King. That Captain Barley and others of the Mutineers are in Custody, and the King yet secured at Cares­brooke Castle, and stronger guards set upon him than formerly.

Divers Letters came from the Parliaments Com­missioners at the Cowes, to the same purpose.

Some related (not without ground) that Mr. William L'Isle had undertaken to provide a Ship for the King's escape out of the Isle of Wight; but the Ship failed, not without some reflection upon the undertaker; and the Kings escape was thereby prevented.

Order for Vice-Admiral Rainsborough to repair with some Ships to the Isle of Wight, and the House approved the Order of the Commissioners for some of the Parliaments Ships to attend at the Island.

Order for the General to give Commission to Col. Hammond to try by Martial Law the actors in that Mutiny, and a Commission of Oyer and Ter­miner to Try the others.

Order for a Letter of thanks to the Major, and well affected Inhabitants of Newport, for their good affections expressed upon the late Mutiny; and for Money for the Soldiers there.

Sir William Constable, Lieutenant Collonel Goffe, and Lieutenant Collonel Salmon sent from the Ge­neral into the Isle of Wight.

More Forces sent thither, and Mr. Ashburnham Sir Jo. Berkley, Dr. Shelden, and the rest of the Kings retinue were discharged.

(3.) Upon a long debate from Morning till late Votes fo [...] no Ad­dresses. at night, of the Kings last Message, and the report of the Commissioners who presented the four Bills to him, and his not giving any satisfactory answer thereunto, the Commons passed these Votes,

1. That no more Addresses be made from the Parliament to the King, nor any Letters, or Messages received from him.

2. That it shall be Treason for any to deliver any Message to the King; or to receive any Letter or Message from him, without leave of both Houses.

3. That the Members of both Houses, of the Committee of both Kingdoms have power to sit, and act alone (as formerly the Com­mittee of both Kingdoms) for the safety of the Kingdom.

4. That the Earl of Kent, Sir Jo. Evelyn, and Mr. Fines, be added to that Committee in the rooms of the Earl of Essex, Sir Philip Stapleton, and Mr. Glyn.

5. That a Committee draw up a Declaration to satisfie the Kingdom of the reason of the Votes.

6. That the Concurrence of the Lords be desi­red to them.

The General and his Council published a Decla­ration, reciting tho Orders of Parliament, they do now declare and assure, That the Army by the fifteenth of January next according to the said di­rections, shall be drawn into Towns, Cities, and Garrisons, and that the Parliament supplying the Soldiery with Pay, no free Quarter shall be taken after that day, upon any that pay their Assessments, nor any inforcement for Horse-meat or Mans meat, during the Pay.

(4.) The Commons considering the many weighty Affairs which prolong this Session of Par­liament, and being willing to for bear their own priviledge, for the publick good, they did order,

That from 20th of this January, no person Priviled­ges. under the authority of that House, except the Members thereof, shall during this Session of Par­liament have any Protection or Immunity by rea­son of any Priviledge of this House, in any Suit, for Debt, or upon contract, or security, or upon any Title to Lands, &c.

Their Estates to be liable, but not their Per­sons to be imprisoned, nor prosecuted upon Poe­nal Laws, and if they refuse to appear to any Suit, the House being moved therein, will do Justice, and appointed a Committee to hear, and report complaints of this Nature.

A Committee of Grievances was named to con­sider of such, whereof redress hath been promised to the People, and what ease is fit to be given, in relation to their Burdens, Freedoms, and Liberties, and of reforming Courts of Justice, and proceed­ings in Law, and in all matters of Trade, and to prepare Ordinances for the same to be presented to the House.

Orders for Money for disbanding the Supernu­meraries, and for supplyes for Carisbroke Castle, and other Forts in the Isle of Wight.

Several Copositions were passed.

[Page 288] Letters from the Isle of Wight, That the King was much Discontented since the Insurrection at New-port, That he much desired Dr. Shelden, and Dr. Hammond might continue with him, whereof Col. Hammond gave notice to the Parliament, and to the General. Isle of Wight.

(5.) Debate about Compositions.

Power given to Col. Hammond, and Sir Willi­am Constable, to place and displace such attendants about the King, as they think fit, for security of his Person.

Order for allowance for his attendants.

Divers Compositions passed.

Both Houses passed some additional Directions, for Billeting the Army, when they are upon a March, or setled in their Quarters.

The Civil Officers to joyn with the Quarter-masters of the Army, and what the Soldiers shall have, and what he shall pay for it.

(6.) Order touching relief of Widows and maimed Soldiers.

One presented to the House a Book concerning the Power of Civil Magistracy, for which he was Pamphlets Committed; and the Committee about Scandalous Pamphlets ordered to sit, and Money ordered to gratifie such as shall discover Presses, or Authors of Scandalous Pamphlets.

Order for Supplies of Garrisons.

(7.) Order for a Letter of thanks to the Com­mittee of Kent, for their care in suppressing the tu­mult in Canterbury, and for a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to try the chief Mutineers there.

The Commons agreed with the Lords for fur­ther Liberty upon Bayl, for the Marquess of Win­ton, and Earl Cleaveland.

(8.) More Power given to the Committee of Grievances, and order for the Printing of that bu­siness.

Order of both Houses to restore to Duke Ha­milton his Pictures.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords to prohibit the transportation of Wool, and of Fullers Earth, and of Irish Wool.

Order for a further Ordinance against Scanda­lous Pamphlets, and Reports from that Committee to have Precedence.

Upon a petition of the Primate of Armagh,

Order for him to continue Preacher at Lincolns Inne.

The general Councel of the Army sat at Wind­sor, and were very Unanimous in the results of their debates, and to morrow they were appointed to dine with the General in the Castle, to congratu­late the Unity of the Army, and to take leave of one another, before the Armies going into Towns, and Garrisons, after the fifteenth of this Month.

(10.) Upon a Report from a Committee of some Papers and Warrants taken in the time of Papers ta­ken. War, as a Warrant under the Kings hand, for di­verting the Ships pretended for the relief of Rochel, another for sending Ammunition to York in the be­ginning of the War, the House ordered the Com­mittee to Print such of them as they thought fit.

Divers Sheriffs passed.

Order for a Judge to go down upon the Commis­sion of Oyer and Terminer, to try the Mutineers in the Isle of Wight.

Order for a Collection for Bridge-north, and no Collection to be, but under the Great Seal.

Letters from the Isle of Wight informed, That Isle of Wight. the King sent for the Governor Col. Hammond, and asked him the reason ‘why he had given order for dismissing his Majesties Servants, and whether it stood with the Engagement to them, who had so freely cast themselves upon him, and with his Honour and Honesty.’

That the Governor told the King ‘That his Honour, and Honesty were in the first place to them that imployed him, and next, that he thought the King could not but confess that he had done more, as things stood, for him, than he himself could have expected.’

‘Then the King asked him whether the Com­missioners were privy to this Order,’ He said no, the King demanded of him ‘by what Authority he did it, he said, by Authority of both Hou­ses of Parliament, and that he supposed his Ma­jesty was not ignorant of the cause of his doing thus.’ The King professed the contrary, and the Go­vernor replyed, ‘that he plainly saw, his Majesty was acted by other Councels than stood with the good of this Kingdom.’

The Garrison of Hull sent Letters of thanks to the General for continuing Col. Maleverer to be their Governonor.

(11.) Sir Hardress Waller acquainted the House, That the General had commanded seven Collonels Army's Address. of them, with other Officers of Quality, in the name of the Army to make their humble address to the House, and they have presented their inten­tions in writing, in that which is called a Declara­tion, ‘which shall either have name or life, or be exposed to view, according as it shall receive approbation and direction from the House.’

It was to this Effect,

Reciting the high Violations of the Kingdoms Rights and Liberties, and endeavour to swallow them up in the Power and Will of a King, the ne­cessity of the Parliaments vindicating the King­dom, and their tenderness towards the Kings person, and Rights, so as might be consistent with, and not destructive to the great and more obliging interest of Religion, and the Rights, and Liberties, and safety of the Kingdom, and not otherwise.

That the Army have declared, and endeavou­red the same, and several addresses have been made to the King for those ends, and in the Parliaments last address to him, they insisted only upon some few things, so essential to the interest of the King­dom, that without betraying the safety of the Kingdom, and themselves, and all engaged with them; and without denying that which God in the issue of this War, hath been such a Testimony un­to, they could not go lower; and those things granted, they have offered to treat for all the rest.

That upon the Kings denyal of these things, they can see no further Hopes of settlement or Security that way.

Therefore understanding that upon debate of that denyal, added to so many others, the House of Commons by several late Votes, resolved, not to make any further Address or Application to the King, nor receive any from him, nor to suffer either in others,

They do freely and unanimously declare for themselves, and the Army, that they are resolved (through the Grace of God) firmly to adhere with, and stand by the Parliament in the things then Voted, and in what shall be further necessary for prosecution thereof; and for setling and se­curing the Parliament and Kingdom, without the King, and against him, or any other, that shall hereafter partake with him.

This Declaration was twice read, and the House Voted, that they did approve of it, and ordered that the thanks of the House be returned to the General and the Army for it.

[Page 289] A Petition from the Provincal Assembly of Lon­don, referred to the Committee of Grievances, and the Petitioners had thanks.

An Ordinance read and debated for Collecting twenty thousand pound a month for the Service of Ireland.

Order for ten pound to bury Captain Harris his Widow.

(12.) The House gave thanks to some Mer­chants who had procured a Collection of Charity Ireland. in the United Provinces of thirty one thousand two hundred and eighteen pound for the relief of Ire­land.

Order for raising forty thousand pound forth­with for the Navy, and thirty thousand pound more as soon as may be.

Order about sending some Divines to the Isle of Wight.

Letters from Vice-Admiral Rainsborough, That he had appointed a guard of Ships for the Isle of Wight, and for the Irish Coasts.

Order for five thousand pound for the Lord Brook's Son.

Both Houses passed an Ordinance for forty thou­sand pound to be raised out of the Earl of Worcest­ers Estate for the Service of Ireland.

Several Compositions passed.

(13.) An Ordinance pass'd for repair of the Church of Taunton.

A Petition from the East-India Company refer­red, and another from the Levant-Merchants.

Divers Compositions passed.

(14.) Order that Delinquents be put out of the Line.

Upon Information of a new design of the Kings Party,

Orders for re-manding the Earl of Cleaveland to the Tower, and for Sir Lewis Dives to be kept in safe Custody, and for Mr. Sollicitor to prosecute him, and Sir Jo. Stowel, and Judge Jenkyns to Tryal the next Term; and that the Lord Major and Justices do cause to be prosecuted at this Sessi­ons the late Rioters in Fleet-street.

Order that the General take course for the safe­ty of the Parliament. And that he send some Horse and Foot to be Quartered within the Liber­ties of Westminster, and to prevent inconvenience to the inhabitants, That the Foot be Quartered in Whitehall, and the Horse be Quartered in the Meuse.

(15.) The Lords agreed to the Votes of the Commons, That no more Addresses be made to the King, and the Commons agreed with the Lords Preamble to those Votes, and that they be Printed, and published, and that all who shall do contrary to those Votes, shall be Sequestred.

Power to the Militia to imploy persons for the finding out, and apprehending Delinquents who stay within the Lines.

Divers Compositions passed.

(16.) Part of Col. Baxter's Regiment Quar­tered in White-Hall.

(17.) Debate touching Sequestrations, and a­gainst the Partiality of Committees.

Papers from the Scots Commissioners, That they were speedily to return to Scotland, and their desire Scots Com­missioners. of an answer of former Papers, and what they shall return to the Parliament of Scotland, and about the Arrears due to that Kingdom.

Orders for Money for Dover-Castle.

Some Delinquents committed who stayed in Lon­don contrary to the Ordinance, and Order given by the House to the Regiments at White-Hall, and the Meuse, to apprehend and bring before a Justice of Peace, such Papists and Malignants as they shall find in Town contrary to the Ordinance.

The House pass'd a Declaration upon the Votes touching the Kings Person, and ordered those to be Sequestred who shall do any thing contrary to those Votes; and they were ordered to be Printed and published.

A Declaration was presented to the House of Declarati­on to the Lords. Peers, from the General and his Councel of War, That they resolved to endeavour to preserve Peerage, and the Rights of the Peers of England, notwithstanding a­ny Scandals upon them to the contrary.

The Officers who presented this Declaration were called into the Lords House, and desired to return the thanks of the House to the General and to the Councel of War, and the Officers of the Army.

(18.) Mr. Chapman referred to the Committee of Complaints, for sending a Warrant to summon a meeting of the Countrey near Reading, to consi­der of a Petition.

The Manuscripts, and Books in White-Hall, Library. because of Soldiers being there, were ordered to be removed to St. Jame's House, and pla­ced there; which Whitelocke furthered in order to the preservation of those rare Monuments of Learning and Antiquity which were in that Library.

Debate touching the Scots Papers, and the Ar­rears due to that Kingdom.

The Lords informed the Commons at a Confe­rence of a meeting under pretence of agreeing to Lilburns. a Petition to the Parliament, where Lieutenant Collonel Lilburne, and others spake very disgrace­fully of the two Houses, and that there appeared to be a design of many thousands intended, under a colour of a Petition, to dishonour the Parliament and their proceedings.

That their Lordships had sent to the Lieutenant of the Tower to know why he permitted Lieute­nant Collonel Lilburne, whom they had formerly Committed to his Custody, to go abroad, who re­turned answer, That he had an order for it from the House of Commons, and the Lords desired, that no oc­casion might be given to hinder the Ʋnion and Affection between the two Houses.

Upon much debate of this business by the Com­mons, they repealed their Order formerly made for Lieutenant Collonel Lilburne's Liberty, and ordered him to be brought to their Bar to mor­row; Wildman. and they further ordered that M. Wildman be taken into Custody by the Sergeant at Armes.

(19.) Lieutenant Collonel Lilburne was called into the House, and made a large answer to the Informa­tion against him. The reading of proofs, and ex­amination of the business held till six a clock at night and then the House ordered that he be committed to the Tower, and be tryed by the Law of the Land, for Seditious and Scandalous Practices against the State.

And that M. Wildman be committed to Newgate, and tryed according to Law, for Treasonable and Seditious Practices against the State.

That Mr. Sollicitor and all the Lawyers of the House take care to prepare the Charge against them, and to bring them to Tryal next Term.

The Lord Willoughby, and other Impeached Lords sent a Letter to the House of Peers, That after so long a restraint, and no Prosecution against them, they might have their Liberty.

The Lords discharged them of their Imprison­ment, and ordered a Declaration to be drawn, That no Peer shall hereafter be under restraint, upon a general charge above ten days.

This gave great offence to many of the House of Commons, which they shewed afterwards.

Upon Letters from the General that one Lieu­tenant Collonel Lee in Office about Bishops Lands, had intercepted Letters, which the General sent [Page 290] to Col. Lilburne Governor of New-castle, and had opened and detained some of them, the House re­ferred it to a Committee to be examined and pu­nished.

(20.) Upon Information that L. C. Lilburn and M. Wildman, were not carried to Prison, accor­ding Lilburne and Wild­man. to the order of the House, and that some of their Party had given out words, that they should not go to Prison, and that there was a great meeting to be at Deptford in Kent about their Petition.

Ordered, that the Officers of the Guards do assist the Sergeant in carrying of them to Prison (which was done) and that the Committee of Kent take care to suppress all meetings upon that Petition, and to prevent all tumults, and that the Militia of Lon­don, &c. take care to suppress such meetings, and to prevent inconveniences, which may arise there­by; and upon the said Petition intituled, The Pe­tition of many thousands of the free-born People of En­gland, &c. They ordered a Declaration to unde­ceive the People, to shew them the dangerous conse­quences that will arise by such practices.

The House pass'd a Declaration of their real in­tentions to pay the remainder of the Money due to Scotland, and several Ordinances for the advancing of it.

(21.) The House sate all day in a grand Com­mittee, about the business of Ireland.

(22.) Order for a new Ordinance to suppress all Stage-plays, and for taking down all their Box­es and Seats where they Act, and they ordered that the Lord Major, Sheriffs, and Justices of Peace, and Committees of the Militia, &c. take care to suppress all Stage-plays for the future.

An Ordinance passed both Houses for making the Earl of Pembroke Chancellor of Oxford.

Some added to the Committee of Safety, and the Committee required to take care for suppres­sing all tumults, and insurrections, &c.

Rumors increased of tumults like to be in the City, and many spoke disgracefully of the Parlia­ment. Tumults.

(24.) Upon Letters from Vice-Admiral Rains­borough, that the Ships of the Irish Rebels were in many Roads, and had taken divers of our Merchants Ships, and that care might be taken for making ready the Summers Fleet. The House ordered se­venty thousand pound out of the Excise for the use of the Navy.

Captain Burley was tryed upon a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, for the late insurrection in the Isle of Wight, and the Jury found him guilty of high Treason, and Judgment was given against Isle of Wight. him, but execution respited. Others of the Conspi­rators were found guilty of a Riot, and were deep­ly fined.

The Grand Jury of Hamp-shire at the Execution of the Commission of Oyer and Terminer, present­ed a Declaration to be presented to the House of Commons, wherein they acknowledged the Goodness and Wisdom of the Parliament in the Votes of no further Addresses to the King, and declared their readiness to joyn with the Parliament in setling the Peace of the King­dom.

The House of Peers ordered an Ordinance to be drawn, giving up the Lords, who by reason of their offences, had not liberty to sit in Parlia­ment, to be prosecuted by Suits of Law, and their attendants, as if there were no Parliament.

Order for the Earl of Salisbury to have the re­fusal of the Purchase of Worcester House, at the rate of Bishops Lands.

Several Ordinances past both Houses for an hun­dred pound to Sir Arthur Blundell, and for a hun­dred pound to Sir John Burlace, for addition of Committee-men, against Papists and Delinquents about London, for fifty pound to Capt. St. George, and for the Committee at Derby-House.

Letters from Kent, That the tumults there were quieted.

A Letter of thanks ordered to the Gentry of Hampshire.

Order that the Committee who are to go into the several Counties for disbanding the supernu­merary Disband­ing. Forces, take care to disband Troop after Troop, and Company after Company, till they be all disbanded, and the General desired to give his Orders therein.

Letters of a design of Col. Kempson's, Col. Ayres, Col. Herberts and Col. Cookes Officers of their Regi­ments, consulting about eighty of them together, Discon­tented Officers. to surprize Glocester and other Forts thereabouts, upon assurance that Col. Laugherne, and the dis­contented Londoners would joyn with them.

This was referred to the Committee at Derby House.

(25.) Order for the Committee of the Reve­nue to retrench the Kings Servants, and upon the Governors Letter, a thousand pound ordered for Repairs of Carisbrooke Castle.

The Commons named Mr. Goodwyn, Mr. Ash­urst, Mr. Stapleton, and Col. Birch, their Com­missioners to go into Scotland.

An Ordinance passed both Houses for Pardons to be passed under the Great Seal for some Prisoners in New-gate. Another for the sale of Worcester House to the Earl of Salisbury: another for making Major General Mitton Vice-Admiral of North Wales.

(26.) The Monthly Fast-day.

Letters from Ireland of the Lord Inchequin's suc­cess in Limericke, but the extream want of his Sol­diers Ireland. of Food and Rayment, compelled his return.

That there were differences amongst the chief of the Rebels, the Lord Taffe was chosen their Gene­ral.

(27.) Upon Letters from the Committee of Kent, the House voted tryal of more of the Rio­ters of Canterbury, by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer.

The charge against the Lord Willoughby of Par­ham pass'd the House, and ordered to be sent up Lord Wil­loughby. to the Lords, wherein his Friends did him what service they could to pacifie his adversaries, but they were sharply bent against him.

Debate of the charge against the eleven Mem­bers. The ele­ven Mem­bers.

The charge against Sir Jo. Maynard passed, and ordered to be sent up to the Lords, and ordered that Mr. Hollis, Sir William Lewis, Mr. Nichols, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, Sir William Waller, Col Massey, and Col. Long, be disabled to sit as Members of the House.

The Lords named the Earl of Denbigh, and the Earl of Stamford Commissioners to go into Scotland.

(28.) The Ordinance for setling the Presbyteri­an Government, and for removing obstructions therein, sent up to the Lords.

Part of the Instructions assented to for the Com­missioners that are to go into Scotland.

Upon information that divers discontented per­sons met in the West, and under pretence of ap­prehending High-way-men, themselves committed many Robberies.

Order for the General to suppress all such.

Money ordered for the Commissioners who are to go into Scotland.

Reference to a Committee to consider of remo­ving Prisoners out of the Tower, to other Prisons for security of the Magazine, and of the Lieute­nants Fees.

[Page 291] (29.) Voted that the rest of the eleven Mem­bers should be impeached of High Treason, as Sir Jo. Maynard was; except Sir William Lewis, who was to be impeached of High Crimes only.

The House considered of recommending a Suc­cessor to Mr. Glyn to be Recorder of London.

And upon consideration of the good Service done by Mr. Steel in the business of Captain Burley, and other affairs, they recommended him to the City to be their Recorder.

Voted to impeach the rest of the seven Lords, as the Lord Willoughby was impeached.

The Lords named the Earl of Nottingham in the place of the Earl of Denbigh to be one of the Com­missioners to go into Scotland, and had sent up to them the instructions for the Commissioners.

Sir William Constable's Regiment marched into Glocester, and Col. Morgan's Forces marched from thence.

(31.) An Ordinance pass'd the Commons for dividing the Parish of Roram in Kent.

The Charges carried up against the Lords, and desired that they may be proceeded against according to the Laws and Customs of Parliament.

Reference to the Committee of Foreign Affairs to examine an Information touching the raising some Forces here for the Spanish Ambassador, without leave of the Parliament.

Order for payment of Arrears of some of the Scots Officers.

Debate of the Ordinance for suppressing of Stage-plays.

The Lords Concurrence was desired to recom­mend Mr. Steel to be recorder of London.

A Petition of the Officers sent out of Ireland to have their Liberty.

The Ordinance passed both Houses for dividing and setling the several Counties into distinct Classi­cal Presbyteries and Congregational Elderships.

The Disbanding went on in the North.

Rumors of preparations for War from Scotland.

February, 1647.

February 1. Orders for providing Money for the next Summers Fleet, and about the Customs.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for two thou­sand pound per Mens. for Ireland.

Order to prosecute the late Riotous Persons, and that Mr. Jermy, and Mr. Steel be of Councel Riotors. with the State against them, and Mr. Becke to be the Sollicitor.

An Ordinance for repair of Churches assented to.

Letters from Ireland, That Col. Jones for want of Corn and Cloaths for his Soldiers was inforced to leave the Field.

(2.) The Examination and punishment of the late Authors of the Force against the Parliament, referred to the Judges.

An Ordinance appointed that the Probate of Wills shall be, as heretofore, by the Civil Law proceedings.

Order to dissolve the Kings Houshold, and the The Kings Houshold. Committee of Revenue to pay them off, and the General to appoint attendants upon the King, not exceeding thirty.

Sir Henry Mildmay had the thanks of the House for his good Service in Hamp-shire at the tryal of Captain Burley, &c.

The House of Peers ordered the seven Impeach­ed Seven Im­peached Lords. Lords to give security for their appearances, and to answer the charges against them by a day.

(3.) Votes for Legacies, Administrations, Marriages, Divorces, Suits for Tythes, &c. to be by the same Law as formerly.

Referred to a Committee to consider of some speedy course, to prevent the sale, or pawning of the Crown Jewels.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for convey­ing the Earl of Newcastle's Mannor of Flawborough in Nottingham to a Member of the House, in satis­faction of his losses by the Earl.

Upon Letters of General Leven, Order for a thousand pound for Mr. Robert Fenwicke, for his losses and good affections.

Both Houses pass'd an Ordinance to make Mr. Strong Minister of St. Dunstans.

(4.) Debate upon the Confession of Faith. City.

The General was feasted in the City by the Lord Major with many of his Officers.

(5.) Referred to Col. Hammond to remove such attendants about the King, as the Collonel cannot confide in; and to appoint eight such persons to attend his Majesty, as he shall think fit; and can confide in, till the General hath setled the Family according to former Order.

Debate about the Declaration touching non Ad­dresses to the King.

Sir Jo. Maynard one of the eleven Members ap­pealed The ele­ven Mem­bers. from the Judgment of the Lords, by a Pa­per spread abroad, saying, their Lordships were no competent Judges of him. The Lords advised with two Judges Assistants, as to matter of Law, and ordered Sir Jo. Maynard to be remanded to the Tower, Fined five hundred pound, and have six­teen days to bring in his Answer.

(7.) Upon a long debate touching the Decla­ration about Non Addresses to the King, it was re-committed, for some additions to be made concer­ning Warrants signed by the King in Scotland, to such as were engaged in the Irish Rebellion, where the Lord Dillon, and Lord Taffe were with the King, and other things relating to the Irish Nego­tiation with the Pope, his sending Agents to Po­pish Princes, Seignior Con's being received here, &c.

Letters from the North, of the auditing the Soldiers Accounts, that the business of Disbanding is more easie. That those which are not to be Dis­banded are drawn into Market Towns. That there are Rumors still of dangers from Scotland.

Letters from Ireland, That Col. Pudsey took in four small Castles from the Rebels. That Sir Hen­ry Titchburne destroyed sixty thousand pounds worth of Corn in the Rebels Countrey. That Col. Jones and Col. Monke intended to joyn upon a design. That Col. Conwey fell into the Rebels Quarters, and took forty Horse, killed fourteen men, and brought away much Cattle.

(8.) Debate about the confession of Faith.

Orders for Money for the Navy. Navy.

The List of the Summers Fleet, altered in the Title of it.

That instead of a List of his Majesties Ships; it should be a List of the Parliaments Ships.

Innformation that some Holland Ships refused to strike Sail to some of the Parliaments Ships, saying, Holland. that Holland was the elder State, referred to a Com­mittee.

Six of the Impeached Lords appeared at the Impeach­ed Lords. Bar of the House of Peers, and the Charges were severally read against them, and they put in sureties for their appearance.

The Lord Willoughby came not, but sent a Letter Lord Wil­oughby. (being himself withdrawn) That he had been above four months Committed, without particular charge a­gainst him; that their Lordships were pleased to order his enlargement, that he had received Counsel from a [Page 292] friend, that he is not fit for publick imployment, and therefore resolved to privacy. That he hath always been faithful to the Parliament, and desired their Lord­ships to make an honourable construction of his Retire­ment.

Fourteen days were given to the Impeached Lords to put in their Answers, and Counsel allow­ed them.

Captain Dare, Captain of the Constant-Warwick for the Parliament, had a sharp Fight with a Ship of the Irish Rebels, and twenty five of his men were killed and wounded, but he boarded and took the Irish Man of War.

(9.) The Ordinance pass'd both Houses for the more effectual suppressing of Stage-playes, by Im­prisoning, and Fining, and Whipping for the se­cond offence.

An Ordinance for paying of Tithes, and other Duties to the Ministers of London, after much de­bate, was committed.

A Petition from Taunton, expressing the grateful­ness Taunton. of that Town for the Votes for no further Addresses to be made to the King. And they had the thanks of the House, and the Petition ordered to be Print­ed.

Letters from the General about new modelling the Martial power, so as to have more Officers at Army. less pay than now, and fewer Soldiers, which may be suddenly filled up as there shall be occasion, and hereby the Army be better governed, and less chargeable.

An explanatory Ordinance touching the sale of Bishops Lands committed, and power given to re­move Obstructions.

Letters from Ireland, of sad complaints of the Officers and Soldiers there, for want of Pay, Meat, and Cloaths, so that the Soldiers go up and down more like Ghosts than Men.

(10.) Debate touching Scots Officers who had served the Parliament.

Order for an augmentation for the Church of great Brentford.

Order for an hundred pound for a gentleman who had lost both his eyes in the Service of the Parliament, and to recommend him to Suttons. Hos­pital, the like for another who lost both his eyes at the Battle of Nazeby, and the like for a third who had both his eyes shot out.

Debate till seven at night about the Declaration touching no more Addresses to be made to the King.

(11.) Debate upon the Declaration touching no more Addresses to the King, and voted upon hear­ing Non Ad­dresses. proofs, That his Majesties Instructions to Mr. Cockeram, his giving blanks signed with his Seal Ma­nual; the clause touching the Protestant blood shed in Ire­land, by such as had Commission from the King, ano­ther concerning the death of King James, the miscar­riage at the Isle of Rea, and Rochel, the innocent blood shed in England and Scotland, in prosecution of the Roman Catholick Cause be inserted in the Declara­tion, and order'd it to be Printed and Published.

(12.) The House sate not this day having ad­journed till Tuesday, by reason of extraordinary occasion for the Speaker at this time to sit in Chan­cery.

(14.) Orders issued by the General for sending out Forces, to prevent and suppress Tumults, and Tumults. Riots, and to examine and secure such as shall be found acting, or suspected to act or meet, in any Tumult, or unlawful Assembly, contrary to the Orders of Parliament, and to do such things as the Officers of the Troops to be sent out shall find ne­cessary, for preventing any Injuries, or Affronts to be done to Travellers, Carriers, or others upon the High Ways.

Other Orders of the General touching Trans­portation of disbanded men.

Letters from the North, That divers Troops and Companies were disbanded, first, only the Disband­ing. Soldiers, and two month pay given them, and De­benters for the rest of their Arrears, and Passes to go home, or into Ireland. That some discontents were among them, and many Robberies and Murders committed upon the Disbanding.

(15.) Reference to a Committee to seize, or buy some Morter-pieces, and Arms informed to be in a private hand.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the As­sessment of Ireland.

Upon Information, That Judge Jenkins being brought as a Defendant to the Chancery Bar, and Judge J [...] ­kins. required to answer a Bill there against him, for a foul Cheat and breach of trust (as some alledged) Judge Jenkins told the Court, That he ought not, nor would submit to the power of that Court, for that it was no Court, and their Seal was counterfeit. The House referred it to a Committee to draw up an Impeachment of Treason against him.

A day appointed to consider of the Compositi­ons of the Lord Abergavenny a Papist, and others upon Oxford Articles.

Order for two hundred men to be added to the Isle of Wights Forces.

The General treated with the Committee of the Army, about disbanding the Lifeguards.

The Lords received another Paper or Protesta­tion Mayn [...]d. from Sir Jo. Maynard, wherein he tells them, That he ought to be tryed by a Jury, for which he quotes Magna Charta, and the Lord Cook, and that he may except against thirty five of the Jury, without showing cause, and that none are to be his Judges, who have acted in the same matters whereof he is accused, the Lords ordered his answer to be brought in by a day.

The Parliaments Declaration, that no more Ad­dresses be made to the King was published, the heads whereof are before mentioned.

(16.) The Sequestration discharged of Doctor Hall, Bishop of Norwich.

Order for Monies for repair of some Castles and Garrisons.

Votes for great Guns and supplys, to be sent to Col. Jones into Ireland.

Debate in the Lords House touching a Procla­mation against the Lord Willoughby, and giving time to the other six Lords to put in their An­swer.

(17.) An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for selling the Lead of Worcester Steeple, and imploying the Money for repairing of some adjacent Church­es, and some Hospitals in the City.

The Ordinance committed, for attainting of Judge Jenkins.

Order for the Sheriffs of South-Wales to assist in the disbanding of the Forces there.

Referred to the Committee of Derby House to remove Obstructions in the Disbanding of the For­ces.

Order for the Committee of the Army to pay off the Forces of Dover Castle, that are to be dis­banded, and for renewing the Ordinance for main­tenance of the Army for six Months longer.

(18.) Letters from Col. Hammond, with some intercepted Letters to the King, referred to the Committee at Derby House.

Leave given to Mr. Barwis a Member of the House to execute the place of Major of Carlile.

Upon Letters of the mutinous condition of Ply­mouth Garrison for want of Pay; Order for six thousand Pounds more than before for them.

Order for the Governor of the Isle of Wight to Isle of Wigh. [Page 293] place and displace such persons as are to attend his Majesty, as he shall think fit.

(19.) Order for rewards for discoverers of the authors of some Pamphlets which were Blasphemous to God, and Scandalous to the Parliament.

Two days in the Week ordered to consider of the Excise and Customs.

Leave given to the Lawyers to go the next Lent-Circuits.

Debate and Ordinances for Money for the Navy.

Upon hearing of proofs, the Ordinance passed, to be sent up to the Lords, for attainting of Judge Judge Jen­kins. Jenkins.

(21.) Judge Jenkins brought to the Bar of the House, refused to kneel, denyed their authority, told them, that they wronged the King, willing that the Laws might be protected, that there could be no Law without a King, and used high expressions a­gainst the Parliament, and their authority.

The House fined him a thousand pound for his contempt.

At another time when his charge was read a­gainst him at the Bar, for giving Judgement of Death against men for assisting the Parliament, and for being himself in Arms against the Parliament, and perswading others to do the like, and for denying the Power of the Parliament, &c. and asked what he had to say there­unto, he told them, that they had no power to try him, and he would give no other answer.

After many Witnesses examined in the House, to prove the matters of Fact contained in the Charge, the House passed the Ordinance for Impeaching of Judge Jenkins, and ordered it to be sent up to the Lords.

An Account by Letters from the Commissioners of the two Houses in Scotland, of their transactions with the Committee of Estates there; and of the meeting of the Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, and of part of the report made from the Commissi­oners of Scotland, who were at London, to the Com­mittee of Estates.

An Ordinance passed both Houses, for the Jud­ges that are to go the Circuits in the next Assizes.

A Petition in behalf of Lieutenant Collonel Lil­burne, and Mr. Wildman laid aside.

Letters from the North that free Quarter was quite taken off, and the private Soldiers all reduced. Duke of York.

(22.) Report of a Letter from the Duke of York to the King, intercepted, and being only duti­ful expressions to the King his Father, and the Duke expressing he was sorry he had transgressed the Or­dinance of Parliament. The House only ordered, that the Earl of Northumberland continue his care in the safe keeping of the Duke and the rest of the Kings Children, and to place and displace Attend­ants about them, and Delinquents were forbidden to have any resort to them.

Ordinances passed both Houses, for Mr. Fenwick to be restored to a Fellowship in Cambridge, for Mo­ney for the Navy, and for some Garrisons.

Letters from Ireland, of Successes by the Lord Inchequin, Col. Jones, and Col. Monk against the Rebels, notwithstanding the want of Pay, the hun­ger and nakedness of the English Soldiers.

(23.) The Monthly Fast-day, after Sermons, upon long debate, the Ordinance was committed for the better observing the Lords day, Fast-days, and other days for holy duties. Pamphlets

Order for two Scandalous and Blasphemous Pamphlets, one intituled, the Parliaments ten Com­mandments, The other, The New Testament of our Lords and Saviours, the House of Commons, be burnt by the Hangman.

A Paper was presented to the General of the de­sires of his Life-guard, concerning their disbanding, which not receiving that reception as was expected, from the Committee, and some having told them, they were looked upon, as disbanded men,

Divers of the life-guard went to Cornet Hall's lodging in Greys-Inne-Lane, and fetched away the Disband­ing. Colours of the Life-guard, and carried them to a place at Snow-Hill.

(24.) Debate till late at night about the Decla­ration, in answer to the Scots last Papers.

Letters giving account of the disbanding the su­pernumerary Forces.

The General being tired with multiplicity of bu­siness and Petitions of London, appointed Cromwell, Ireton, Fleetwood, and divers other Officers, and such Field Officers as were in Town, or any five of them, to meet every day in White-Hall, to receive Petitions, and consider of businesses relating to the Army, and for the better preparing of dispatches.

(25.) Debate from Morning till night upon the Declaration, in answer to the Scots last Papers.

A Petition to the General from the Officers un­der M. G. Laugherne, expressing the Services, and Losses, their Arrears of Pay for two years and an half, praying the General's recommendation of them to the Parliament, aad stating their accounts.

The General and Lieutenant General and other Officers met as a Court-Marshal, about the business of taking away the Colours by the Life-guard, and which was looked upon as a great dis-respect and dishonour to the General; one Mr. Clerke a chief Actor in it, was found guilty of Mutiny, and disobeying Superior Officers, and adjudged to be shot to death.

(26.) Debate all day upon the Declaration in answer to the Scots last Papers.

The General's Life-Guard presented an humble [...] and ingenious Petition to his Excellency, acknow­ledging their fault, and begging his Pardon, and give a testimony of the great Honesty, Valour, Fidelity, and integrity of Mr. Clerke condemned to dye, and very humbly implore the General's Mercy to him.

Clerke likewise humbly Petitioned for Mercy, and acknowledged the Justice of the Court Marshal, and the General gave him his Pardon.

(28.) Debate this whole day upon the Decla­ration in answer to the Scots Papers, wherein they set forth the whole transaction with the Scots, their due observance of the Treaties and Covenants, and the breach of them by the Scots, &c.

Letters from Scotland, That the Parliaments Scotla [...] Commissioners at Edenburgh had no Lodgings pro­vided for them, but were forced to lye in Taverns, that they are unwilling Mr. Marshal should preach there, and many of them would willingly be in En­gland again; that many endeavor to engage a Party against England.

The Soldiers in the North were disbanded accor­ding to the Parliaments Order, and the Countrey eased of their Free Quarter.

Dr. Leyfield was by the Court-Marshal acquitted of the accusation against him for Counterfeiting the General's hand.

The like acquittal of the Officers of Col. Her­berts Regiment accused for conspiring against Glo­cester.

(29.) The Declaration passed the Commons in answer to the Scots Papers.

Voted by both Houses that none shall raise any men to be transported beyond Sea, without War­rant from the Committee at Derby House.

The Committee of Estates excepted against the Credentials of the English Commissioners, be­cause they were directed to the Parliament of Scot­land, which did not then sit, but only the Commit­tee of Estates: But the English Commissioners shewed their Instructions to the Committee of Estates also.

[Page 294] Col. Jones took in the Town of Kildare upon Quarter only, and a house near to another Garrison, within half a mile of Kildare, being ac­cidentally on fire, the English Soldiers before Kil­dare, seeing it, ran down thither, and entred pell mell into the Garrison, and took possession of it, and several other small Garrisons were rendred to Sir Tho. Armstrong sent by Col. Jones to them.

Divers other Castles and Garrisons were taken in by Col. Jones, and some were fired by the Re­bels.

March, 1647.

March 1. Debate touching the Church-business.

Order of both Houses for Hampton Court to be made ready, for the Kings Children to be there.

Sir Jacob Ashley admitted to compound.

Order to consider to morrow of disposing the Great Seal, and no other business to intervene.

Order to continue the Comittee of the Admiral­ty for seven Months.

Order for a guard of Ships for the Northern Coasts, and trade of Fishing there.

Order touching the Commissioners of the Cu­stoms.

(2.) Order for three new Elections.

Order that the Earl of Kent, Sir Tho. Widdring­ton, and Bulstrode Whitelocke Esquire, shall be Com­missioners Commissi­oners of the Great Seal. for the Great Seal of England for twelve Months, and that an Ordinance be brought in ac­cordingly.

Which Ordinance was brought in and read, and passed the House of Commons, and ordered to be sent to the House of Lords for their Concurrence.

These Commissioners were said to be agreed up­on by the private juncto of Cromwell's party before-hand, to be trusted with this great charge; and in the debate of the business, several others of both Houses were propounded; but after a great de­bate, these three only were pitched upon.

The Earl of Kent being a very honest, just man, of good rational parts, and abilities, and of an antient great Family, who would be a Counte­nance to this business, was held a fit person for the Lords House.

Sir Tho. Widdrington being a Gentleman of known integrity and of great abilities in his Profession, and brother in Law to the General, whose Sister he had married, was very fit to be one of the House of Commons to be intrusted with so weighty an imployment.

Whitelocke was well known and understood in the House, by his long attendance there, and by them judged not uncapable of this imployment; besides the General had an affection for him, and he had a good interest in the House, and Cromwell and his Party were willing to ingage him as far as they could with them.

Letters from the Committee of Pembroke shire, that Mr. Poyer formerly Major of Pembroke, and now Governor of that Castle, refused to deliver Pembroke Castle. it up to Col. Flemming who had a Commission from the General to be Governor of it.

Order for an Ordinance to settle this business.

(3.) Order for a new Election.

Letters from the Committee of Kent concerning the Propositions of that County in the Assesment for the Army, referred to the grand Committee for that Ordinance.

(4.) A Committee to draw up an Ordinance to prevent and suppress all private Ducls and Quar­rels.

An Ordinance passed both Houses for reducing of Pembroke Castle, and requiring the General to bring Col. Poyer, and his adherents to Justice.

The General sent this Ordinance to the Forces before Pembroke Castle with orders for them to send it to Col. Poyer into the Castle, and to signifie to him, that if he did not render the Castle in twelve hours after this notice, then they were to endea­vour by force to reduce it.

Debate touching the Commissioners of the Cu­stoms, and their Officers.

Orders for relief of maimed Soldiers and Wi­dows, and Letters to the Judges in their several Circuits to put in execution the Ordinances concer­ning them.

Three French Ships taken by the Parliaments ship under Captain Pen.

(6.) Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the further establishment and maintenance of the Army.

Order to sell the Coats of the Kings Guard to buy fire, and candle for the Forces at White Hall and the Mues.

Orders touching Compositions, to commit those Delinquents who refused to compound.

A Patent Ordered for Mr. Petty, for seventeen years to teach his art of double writing.

Letters from the Commissioners in Scotland of their Proceedings.

Debate about the business of the Fennes.

The Committee of Estates in Scotland ordered the disbanding of their Army by a day, if danger Scotland did not in the mean time appear, and they appoint­ed a Committee called the Committee of danger.

(7.) The Ordinance sent up to the Lords, for setling Lands of the Earl of Worcester of two thou­sand five hundred pound yearly value upon Lieu­tenant General Cromwell and his Heirs, in recom­pence of his great service.

Order for the Ordinance to be brought in for setling five thousand pound per An. upon the Ge­neral.

Sir GilbertGerrard ordered to be Chancellor of the Duchy.

Mr. Miles Corbet, and Mr. Robert Goodwin were by order made Registers of the Chancery, in the place of Col. Long, one of the eleven impeached Members.

Additional instructions concerning the Miscar­riages of the Scots Commissioners here, were pas­sed, and ordered to be sent to the Parliaments Com­missioners in Scotland, and the large Declaration in answer to the Scots Papers, passed both Houses, and was ordered to be Printed.

The Composition of Sir Jacob Ashley, and others passed.

The Town of Hull sent a long Letter to the Ge­neral, setting forth divers Calumnies raised against them, their own former actions, relating to the reception and assistance of Sir Jo. Hotham, and his Son, and their refusing and resisting the Earl of New­castle and others; testifying their great affection and service to the Parliament, and vindicating their integrity.

Then they complained against their present Governor, Col. Overton, for imposing upon them free Billet for his Soldiers, when free quarter was taken off from all the Countrey, and they hoped to reap the fruits of Peace and settlement, and they pray relief herein from his Excellency.

The General gave answer to the Letter, That he though it unreasonable, that Town should be ex­empt more than others, from free Billet; and that he would be ready to use his endeavour in what might conduce to the good of the Town.

[Page 295] Letters informed of some armed Forces that marched through Lancashire and Westmerland to­wards the borders of Scotland.

(8.) Debate upon private Petitions.

Orders to provide for Reformadoes and Soldiers Widows.

Six of the Impeached Lords Petitioned for fur­ther time for their answers; and it was granted them till the twelfth of April next.

Order of both Houses for Mr. Marshall to return from Scotland.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for the sale of some Lands of the Earl of Newcastle to Col. Whaley.

Order for Money for poor Widows of Soldiers, and a reward given to the Auditors of the Soldiers Accounts.

Letters from Holland certified, that the Lord Willoughby of Parham was come thither.

(9.) The House debated, and confirmed the ingagement of their Members who were forced by the tumults from Westminster, and the subscription Force upon the Parlia­ment. by them, Aug. 4, 1647. testifying a zeal to the Publick, and a resolution to vindicate the honour and freedom of Parliament.

Divers Inhabitants of Bucks presented a Petition and remonstrance to the House, acknowledging with thanks their unwearied Labours for the Publick, the Petition. great successes God had given them, and the continuance of their care and faithfulness.

They resolve to adhere unto, and stand by the Par­liament to their utmost ability against all opposers. They desire them to proceed to a speedy setling of the Civil Government, as may most conduce to the freedom and happiness of the Nation, to promote Religion according to the Word of God, to incourage able Ministers, and to cast out such as are Scandalous, and to be tender of the Consciences of those whose Conversation is as becometh the Gospel; to relieve Ireland, and to secure themselves from violence.

The Petitioners had the thanks of the House, for their constant good affections, and the Speaker told them that the House had ordered their Petition to be Printed, as a pattern for other Counties, and would consider of the particulars of their Petition in convenient time.

Order touching Augmentations for Ministers.

Sir John Strangeways upon his Petition was ad­mitted to his Composition, and the Money which should be raised thereby, was ordered for the Navy.

(10.) Order for an Ordinance for electing a Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common Councelmen York. of York, as had been formerly for London.

Debate upon the confession of Faith.

(11.) Debate about the draining of the Fennes in Lincoln-shire, &c. and about matters presented by the Committee of Accounts; which were refer­red to a Committee.

Upon Information that the Troop which march­ed through Lancashire towards the borders of Scot­land, was Captain Wogans Troop, and he with them, who had slighted several Orders of the General's and now hoped to find invitation to Scotland,

The General sent Orders to Col. Lambert, and to the Sheriffs of the Northern Counties, to stop [...]ogan. Col. Wogans March, and to deal with him and his Party as Disturbers of the publick Peace.

(13.) Upon reading the Impeachment and hear­ing of Proofs against Sir John Gayer late Lord Ma­jor of London, the House pass'd the Articles a­gainst Impeach­ments. him; the like against Alderman Bunce, Alder­man Adams, Alderman Langham, and ordered them to be sent up to the Lords, and their Lordships be acquainted that the House is ready to make good their Charge against the Aldermen.

The House approved of the Ingagements of Col. Welden for supplyes for the Garrison of Plymouth, and ordered them to be paid accordingly.

Order to desire the Parliament of Scotland, to give direction to seize and apprehend Captain Wo­gans Forces, or any such that shall march into Scot­land, being discontented Persons, who endeavour to forment new differences.

Reference to the Committee for Irish Affairs to examine and state the business, concerning accounts for Provlsions for London-derry, between Mr. Go­ring, and Mr. Thornton Merchants.

Mr. Dell who was Chaplain to the General, took his leave of the Army, and retired to his private home.

Letters from Scotland informed, That the Divines there have presented to the Parliament, their reso­lution Scotland. against adhering to, on joyning with the King and his Party.

That a Letter from the King to the Commissio­ners of the Kirk, was voted by them, of a dangerous Commit­tee of dan­ger. consequence, that some of the Kirk are joyned to the Committee of danger, who have in consideration these particulars.

  • 1. The danger of Religion in both Kingdoms.
  • 2. The carrying on of the Covenant.
  • 3. The state of the King.
  • 4. Monarchical Government.
  • 5. The danger Scotland is in.
  • 6. The Ʋnion of the two Kingdoms.

That the English Horse which are come into Scot­land, are not received; the English Commissioners declaring to the Parliament there, that these Horse come not by any authority of the Parliament of England. They lye at their own charge, and pay Quarter.

(14.) Divers Compositions passed.

An Explanatory Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands, sent up to the Lords.

Reference of a Petition touching matter of Pri­viledge, Priviledge upon a Bond from a peer, who doth not now sit in the House of Lords.

Sir Hardress Waller published a Declaration or Representation to the Counties of Devonshire and Sr. Hardrsss Waller. Cornwall, where he commanded the Forces.

Expressing ‘the Honour and Justice of the Par­liament, and their General in their proceedings, and in the distribution of the Forces in those Counties, and touching the Assessments, and free­ing the Countreys from the burden of free Quar­ter, perswading them to complyance with the Orders of Parliament, and to pay the Assessments, and promiseth his utmost endeavour in his Station to preserve, and further the Peace and good of those Counties.’

(15.) A Message from the Lords to the Com­mons, That their Lordsnips had agreed to the Or­dinance for the maintenance of the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Also that they had agreed to the Ordinance for committing the custody of the great Seal of En­gland into the hands of Commissioners of both Hou­ses, Commissi­oners of the Great Seal. viz. The Earl of Kent, Sir Thomas Widdring­ton Knight, and Bulstrode Whitelocke Esquire for one year, only their Lordships desired that the Lord Grey of Werke might be added to the said Commissio­ners; and that one Lord and one Commoner might be of the Quorum.

And in regard the Commissioners of the House of Commons were in the Circuits, and shall not re­turn till the beginning of the next Term, whereby much dammage would accrue to the Subject, by not having Commissions and Writs Sealed before the Term, as usually; it was desired that the Earl of Kent and the Lord Grey might have power to sign [Page 294] Commissions and Writs till the tenth of April next, to which the Commons, after some debate, assented.

The Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament for the custody of the great Seal was of this Tenor,

Die Mercurii, 15 Martii, 1647.

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons as­sembled in Parliament, for Committing the Great Seal of England into the Hands and Custody of Commissioners.

The Lords and Commons in Parliament Assem­bled, do Order, and Ordain, and be it Ordain­ed, That the Great Seal of England shall be com­mitted to the custody and keeping of Henry Earl of Kent, William Lord Grey of Werke, Sir Tho­mas Widdrington Knight, and Bulstrode Whitelocke Esquire, who are hereby Ordained Commissioners for that purpose, for, and during the time of one whole year, from the Passing of this Ordinance.

Which said Persons, are hereby constituted and appointed to be Commissioners for the Custody of the said Great Seal of England, during the time aforesaid, and they, or any two of them, where­of one Member of the Lords House, also one Member of the House of Commons shall have and are hereby authorized to have the Custody and Keeping, Ordering and Disposing thereof, as also all such and the like Powers and Authorities, as any Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper, or Commissioners of the Great Seal of England for the time being hath Lawfully had, and used, or ought to have had or used.

  • John Brown, Cler. Parliamentorum.
  • Henry Elsinge Cler. Parliam. Dom. Com.

Orders upon private Petitions of Grievances.

Letters from Ireland, That the Lord Inchequin re­lieved Ireland. some Garrisons of the English in Tipperary, entred Carricke, and Fortified a Pass to make good his Retreat, blew open the Gate of Cullen by a Petard, entred the Town, took two Castles by Assault, and put three hundred Soldiers to the Sword, and some Women, notwithstanding or­der to the contrary, and then took in another strong Castle upon Mercy.

That Owen Roe Oneal is dead, and the Supreme Councel fled from Kilkenny, That the Parliaments Ships took three of the Rebells Ships loaden with Ammunition, and Captain Ball took an Irish Man of War.

(16.) Orders for taking off several Sequestrati­ons, in performance of Articles of War.

Ten thousand pound accepted for the Composi­tion of Sir Jo. Strangeway and his Son; and ordered for the Navy.

The Lord Fairfax, Father to the General ha­ving a bruise on his Foot, where a Corn was grow­ing, Lord Fair­fax dyes. it festred and turn'd to a Gangrene, which brought a Feaver upon him, whereof he died at York, March 13. and was much lamented.

Order that Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son should be Keeper of Pontefract Castle, Custos Rotulorum of York-shire, and chief Ranger, &c. in the place of his Father.

Order for Papists to be admitted to Compositi­ons, in performance of the Articles of Oxford.

(17.) Long debate upon the Confession of Faith allmost all the day.

Several Ordinances pass'd for placing Ministers in vacant Benefices.

(18.) The House sate not, but according to their Order, the Grand Committee sate, about the business of the Fennes in Lincoln-shire.

(20.) a Petition of London Merchants complain­ing of Pyrats and decay of Trade, was referred to a Committee of Trade, which was revived, with power to consider of removing Obstructions in Trade, and to receive all Petitions concerning the advance of Trade: And referred to the Com­mittee of the Admiralty to provide a sufficient guard for the Merchants Ships.

Letters of the Proceedings of the Commissio­ners in Scotland, and of their Letters to the Major of Berwicke, giving him notice of a design to sur­prize that Town, and the Major's Answer.

Order for a Letter of thanks to the Major, and to desire him to preserve the Town from Garri­soning, according to the Treaty, and order to the General to prevent any inconvenience by such meetings of the Cavaliers and Papists.

Letters from York of another Troop Landed from Ireland at Chester, which marched towards Scotland.

That the Lord Fairfax the General's Father was honourably buried. Scotland.

Letters from Scotland of Divisions in their Parli­ament. Some for raising an Army against the Sectaries in England, others for the King, and a third Party for no War, The Clergy were for an Oath to be generally taken,

That Presbyterial Government be maintained, that the King be not restored till he sign the Covenant; to en­deavour the extirpation of all Sectaries, especially Erasti­anisme; that the Ecclesiastical power is not subject to the Civil, that the Kings Negative Vote in England be taken away.

Captain Wogan had Money sent to him in Scotland to pay his Quarters, but by whom, will not be dis­covered, there are four hundred Foot and a Troop of Horse of the English in a Body.

(21.) Letters that Col. Poyer held out in Pembroke Castle against the orders of Parliament, and the For­ces sent thither by the General, that in the Morning Col. [...]. he is sober, and penitent, and in the afternoon drunk and full of Plots, that he put four or five of his Com­panions in the best Apparel he could get, and by Sunrising put them out at the Sally-port, and recei­ved them in again at the Gate himself, with great Ceremony, giving out in the Town; that they were Commanders sent out of France to him, from the Prince of Wales, and more were to follow.

That when he hears news that pleaseth him, then he puts forth bloody Colours, and declares for the King and Common-Prayer, when he hears other news, then he is for the Oath and Covenant, and puts forth blew and white Colours. That one day he fired all his Guns on the Parliaments Forces, without any occasion; that afterwards he was very quiet, yet the next day he vowed, that not one of the Par­liaments Forces should go away alive, and calls the General King Thomas.

That the Parliaments Forces lye close, and make no Shot at him, but none of his men dare peep out of Town.

Upon Summons sent to him, his answer was, that if they might have their Arrears, Disbursements, and Indemnity, they would give up the Castle.

The House ordered the General to send sufficient Forces to reduce Col. Poyer, and Pembroke Castle, an Ordinance to remove him from being Major of Pembroke, and to constitute another.

Order for a Months Pay for the Forces in the Isle of Wight, and for an allowance for four Gentlemen attending his Majesty.

Debate about Compositions upon surrenders of Garrisons.

A Plot was discovered by the General to sur­prize Plot upon the Tow­er. the Tower this night.

[Page 297] (22.) Orders upon many private Petitions.

Ordinance past touching the Collecting of the Rents of Westminster Colledge.

The Commons agreed with the Lords in the Doctrinal part of the Confession of Faith, but al­tered the Title from the Confession of Faith; to be

Articles of Faith agreed upon by both Houses.

(23.) Debate touching Oxford Articles, and a­bout clipped and false Money:

Ordinance about reimbursing the Committee of Surrey for Money laid out by them for the Soldiery.

Order for a Writ for a new Election.

(24.) Debate about setling of a good Ministry in some vacant places, and Ordinances for some particular Parishes.

Order for two thousand pound for repairing the Library at Cambridge, to be raised out of Deans and Chapters Revenues, and an Order for incou­ragement of the Heads of Colledges there.

The General sent strict Orders for the disbanding of Major General Laugherne's Forces according to the Orders of Parliament, and for the reducing of Col. Poyer.

(25.) The Ordinance passed both Houses for setling the business of the Navy, and an Order for the loan of thirty thousand pound for the service of the Navy.

Reference upon Letters from the General about Provision for maimed Soldiers.

Order for auditing the Arrears of Major Gene­ral Brown's Brigade.

Upon Letters to the Committee at Derby House, That one Mr. Wake a Minister pretended to have Mr. Wake. a gathered Church in Dorset-shire, whereof he was Pastor, and read to them the Common Prayer, and used the Order and Ceremonies in that Book, whereof notice being given to the Committee of Dorset, they sent and apprehended Mr. Wake, but he was rescued by the Multitude, and the Officers of the Committee were sorely beaten.

The Committee of Derby House sent to the Ge­neral to take care to suppress this Riot, and to pre­vent the like for the future, and he sent order for that purpose to Col. Scroop, who was Quartered with his Regiment in that Countrey.

(27.) Letters from Mr. Lort, that the Foot of Major General Laugherne being without any Com­mander but an Ensign, whom they Governed, a­greed An. 48. Car. 24. Col. Poyer. to assist Col. Poyer against the Parliaments Forces, and sent to him into Pembroke Castle for that purpose, and seised upon the Parliaments Commissioners who were then disbanding Major Gen. Laughernes Forces, whom they much abused.

That they put the Commissioners and many of themselves into Vessels, to bring them to Pembroke Castle, which took not effect, but many of the Sol­diers got into the Castle, and Sallying out upon the Parliaments Forces before it tyred out with duty, killed, wounded, and took many of them, and and some Pieces of Ordnance.

Letters that Col. Poyer dispatched a Frigot into France, and took a Vessel of the Parliaments.

Order for the General to send a considerable Party against Poyer, which was done.

Letters from the Commissioners in Scotland, that the Parliament there sat close, yet some of the Lords I [...]eland. had leisure for Duells, That the Committee of dan­ger there are most of them for War, That many English come thither; and that the Horses in Nor­thumberland are stolen, or bought and carried thither, great fears of the well a ffected, and joyes of the Papists, and Malignants.

Order for the House to be called by a day, and the Sheriffs to summon the Members in the seve­ral Counties to attend.

The Sheriff of Bucks dispensed with from taking the usual Oath, and a reference to a Committee to consider of the Oath.

Mr, Fawke made General Receiver of York. Oath.

A Remonstrance to the House from the Officers Remon­strance. Ireland. in Ireland under the Lord Inchequin, asserting

their Fidelities, and mentioning their Successes, through all the difficulties and wants wherewith they have incountred.

That their Enemies have obstructed their sup­plies, whereof they make great complaint; and that the Votes for their supply and indemnity were not performed, but jealousies raised against them, and their Honours questioned.

That they are involved in so great exigencies, that they cannot subsist without speedy supplies, but must either make their terms with the pub­lick Enemies, or expect Ships to be sent to bring them over into England.

Letters from Hereford of Major Hoptons Regiment being disbanded, who were very affectionate one to another, and to the Major, and parted with tears.

(28.) Ordinance sent up to the Lords, for set­ling the business of the Admiralty.

Order for three Judges of the Admiralty, and for an Ordinance for it, and for a Salary for them.

Order for five hundred pound to buy Books for Cambridge University.

Letters from the Lord Inchequin full of discon­tent, for want of supplys, referred to a Committee.

Order for a Member of the House to go into Pembroke shire, to settle the Peace of that County, and to prepare Instructions for him.

Order for a Letter to the Committee of Somer­set to collect the Assessments there.

(29.) The Monthly Fast day.

(30.) Petition of the Kings Servants who had adhered to the Parliament, referred to the Com­mittee of the Revenue for an allowance for them.

Ordinance sent up to the Lords for ten thousand pound for the General in lieu of a thousand pound per. An. Ireland.

Debate of the business of Ireland.

An Officer that came from thence made a relati­on to the House of the Lord Inchequins being sus­pected Lord I [...] ­chequin. to fall off from the Parliament, the House ordered Collonel Jephson, Mr. Salweys, and Mr. Swinfin to go Commissioners to him; and re­ferred to the Committee at Derby House to prepare instructions for them.

Vote that the Forces in Munster should have an Ordinance of Indemnity, and security for their Ar­rears. Commissioners appointed for the three o­ther Provinces in Ireland, and Money to be sent over with them.

(31.) An Information against a Member of the House for words spoken by him, a year before, he was ordered to attend to answer it.

Debate of the business of the Church. Church.

An Ordinance debated and Committed for pu­nishment of Incest, Adultery, Fornication, and incestuous Marriages.

Another, for the better observation of the Lords day, Fast dayes, Thanksgiving dayes, and other dayes set a part by the Parliament, was Committed.

Letters from Pembroke of a tumultuous rising of Tumult [...]. the people, referred to the General to take speedy and effectual course therein.

April, 1648.

April 1. The Ordinance for the Admiralty af­ter a long debate, passed, and ordered to be sent up to the Lords.

[Page 298] Additional and private Instructions passed for the Commissioners gone to Munster to the Lord Inchequin, whose Officers had taken an Oath of Se­crecy, and those that refused it were cashiered.

The House of Peers sate not, the General remo­ved his head Quarters to St Edmonds-Bury. Lord In­chequin.

(3.) Letters from Col. Jones of the great ne­cessities of the Soldiers at Dublyn, and desiring sup­plys.

Order for a thousand pound to be bestowed on Col. Jones. Col. Jones as their favour for his great Services, and to acquaint him with what Provisions and Sup­plyes were made for the Forces in Ireland, and par­ticularly for those under his Command.

A Petition of many reduced Officers for their Arrears, to have them out of such discoveries as they should make, and in respect of their great ne­cessities, it was referred to a Committee to make them allowances out of their discoveries.

Order to prevent the like for the future, and the clamors at the door of the House for Arrears, and an Ordinance for some Moneys for indigent persons.

Letters from the Commissioners in Scotland, that they had made several Addresses to the Parliament Scotland. of Scotland, concerning Captain Wogan, but could obtain no answer from them. The House ordered a Letter of thanks to the Commissioners, and desi­red them to proceed in their endeavours about that business.

A Woman executed at York for crucifying her Mother, and Sacrificing a Calf, a Cock, &c. as a burnt Sacrifice, and her Husband was hanged for having a hand in that Fact.

Seven Ipswitch Ships were split upon the Bar of Tinmouth, and seven more driven upon the Sands.

Letters from Edenburgh of a new Army raising Covenant. there, for maintenance of the Covenant and Church-Government.

The General Assembly in Scotland desired that no­thing might be concluded as to War, till the lawfulness Scotland. of it were first stated, and agreed upon.

That reparation may be first sought for the Breaches by England, and the Presbyterian Party there not disobliged.

That they may oppose and suppress the Popish Malignants Party as well as the Sectaries.

That the Kings concessions concerning Religi­on may be declared by the Parliament to be un-satisfactory, as they have been by the Assembly.

For security from the King in matters of Reli­gion, before he be admitted to his Regal power, and all other ends of the Covenant,

That none be imployed but of Integrity to the Cause.

Ingagements to be by Oath.

The Committee of Danger voted an Army to be raised of forty thousand men, against which a Pro­testation Commit­tee of Danger. was made by divers Lords, and others, as to their power to make such a Vote.

Divers more English came into Scotland.

(4.) Debate touching the Commissioners of the Customs and their receipts. The Commissioners vindicated and approved, the like of Mr. Tomes.

Ordinance for disposing the Estate of the Earl of Chesterfield.

Order to secure Sir Sackvile Crowe, and Mr. Hide; and the complaints against them by the Merchants referred to a Committee.

Order to refer the Lord Pawlet to a tryal of Law for the death of one Hen. Illery slain by him, and an hundred pound bestowed upon his Widow.

Letter of thanks from the Prince Elector for his allowance of eight hundred pound per An. Prince E­lector.

The House Adjourned for a Week, and ordered the Committee at Derby House to sit dayly.

(5.) Letters from Pembroke shire of the conti­nuance of Col. Poyer with some of Major General Laugherne's men, in their defection, and that they had taken divers Committee-Men, and others, Pri­soners, Col. Poyer that some of the Parliaments Ships were come into the Harbour there to help block them up, and that Col. Horton was come with a good Party against them.

Letters from Scotland of great Jealousies from thence, That there were many Duels fought, That Scotland. Sir William Flemming was come thither with a man of War with thirty Guns, That they hate the En­glish Army, and Parliament.

Letters from Edenburgh and Wales.

Poyer was grown five hundred strong in Foot, and a hundred Horse, and raised new Forces, and laid Assessments thrice as much as that for the Army.

(7.) The G. sent additional Forces against Poyer. The forces of M. G. Laugherne, except those with Poyer, agreed to be disbanded, by the prudence of the Commissioners and Col. Horton's care.

Letters that Poyer increased in strength, some other Forces of Col. Butler and others fell in to him, no Gentlemen of note or Estates came in to Poyer, nor any of Major General Laughernes Officers.

Letters from Shrewsbury of a design of the Ma­lignants to surprize that Town, but by the Gover­ners care, it was prevented.

(8.) Letters from Chester, of the Plague break­ing out there, and the General for the ease of the City, ordered all the Garrison to be drawn out, ex­cept one Company.

(9.) There hapned this night a very high and Tumult of Appren­tices. dangerous tumult by the Apprentices, who with other people, and Malignants who instigated them, went towards the Soldiers at White-Hall, and the Meuse, but were met with in the way by a Party of Horse, who killed some, and wounded many of them, and scoured the streets.

It began in Moorfields about tipling and gaming on the Lords day, contrary to the Ordinance of Parliament, they set upon, and overpowred a Par­ty of the Trained Bands about Finnesbury, and from thence went to White-Chappel, where they seized upon the Captains Colours; and others went to Smithfield, and some to Whitehal, but they were met with by the Horse and dispersed.

(10.) The last night they increased, and sur­prised Newgate and Ludgate, took the Keys, went to the Lord Mayors, and took thence a Drake, in which action some of them were slain, the Drake they brought to Ludgate, the Lord Mayor left his house, and went to the Tower.

This morning their numbers increased, and they laboured to get Arms, broke up a House in Milk­street, and took out Arms from thence, and other places, with the Drake they went to Leaden-Hall, where they possessed the Magazine, and beat up Drums upon the Water, to invite the Seamen and Watermen for God, and King Charles.

Upon this high tumult the General sate up all night, called a Councel of War, where the questi­on was, whether they should hazard the two Re­giments at the Meuse and White-Hall, or stay for more Force, and they agreed, rather than to delay this business further, which must needs be dange­rous and hazard much blood, and increase of the Mutiny, that they would ingage with the two Regi­ments only.

Accordingly this Morning early, the two Regi­ments entred at Aldersgate, and came to Leaden-Hall, and Charged the Mutineers, they fired their Drake, hurt Captain Merriman in the shoulder, and his Lieutenant in the Belly, and killed a Woman.

The Soldiers hurt many of the Mutineers, a Wa­terman, [Page 299] who shot off the Drake, was killed, di­vers Prisoners were taken, the Mutineers in all parts of the City were presently dispersed, the City Gates set open, and all quiet before ten a Clock this Morning throughout the City.

This small Party of the Army behaved themselves against a great multitude of men, with much Gal­lantry and Resolution, and it was no small happiness to the Parliament, that this insurrection was well quieted, which in these times of discon­tent and distraction, (if it had not been so soon ap­peased, and nipped in the bud) might have pro­ved of most dangerous consequence to all the Par­liament Party, and have occasioned a new War.

We may take notice of the incertainty of World­ly affairs, when the Parliament and their Army had subdued their Common Enemy, then they quarelled among themselves, the Army against the Parliament; when they were pretty well pie­ced together again, then the Adprentices and o­thers make an insurrection against the Parliament and Army.

Thus they were in continual perplexities and and danger.

Letters informed of some dissatisfaction betwixt the Parliament of Scotland, and the Assembly of the Kirk, concerning the matter of a new War, That store of Arms were come thither from Hol­land, and that Edenburgh is full of English.

The Estates of the Parliament of Scotland made this answer to the desires of the Commissioners of Scotland. the General Assembly.

1. That the causes of the War shall be cleared to be just and lawful.

2. They think fit, that the breaches of the Covenant and Treaty be represented, and reparations sought.

3. That Scotland will be so far from making War against England, that any ingagement they shall enter into, shall be for strengthning the Ʋnion, and incoura­ging the Presbyterians and well affected in England.

4. They agree to it.

5. That they will declare his Majesties concessions concerning Religion, not to be satisfactory.

6. They will take care for his Majesties Oath and Acts of Parliament, injoyning the Covenant, and esta­blishing the Presbyterian Government, &c.

7. That none shall be imployed but men of integrity.

8. They desire a Committee of the Assembly to joyn with a Committee of the Parliament, in stating the mat­ter, upon which any ingagement shall be.

To this answer the Commissioners of the Assem­bly made a reply, adhering positively to their for­mer desires, and that they were not satisfied with the answer of the Estates of Parliament.

Other Letters that the Scots Parliament have a­greed upon these things,

  • 1. To raise an Army for the safety of both Kingdoms.
  • 2. That none who have been in opposition to the two Parliaments shall be of this Army.
  • 3. That by this Army they will defend the Covenant, and the King if he take the Covenant.

(11.) A Relation made from the Militia of Lon­don to the Common-Councel, of the Tumult, they voted,

That by this Tumult and Outrage the City was City [...]Votes in great danger of destruction, if the same had not been prevented, and that the City would have been exposed to the fury and rage of the Malefactors, That they disavow and detest it, and they appointed the Committee of the Militia to make known the same to the Parliament, and humbly to pray them. ‘That their Order may issue to the Ministers of London to return thanks to God for this great deliverance, and that they would order a Com­mission of Oyer and Terminer to try the Malefa­ctors; and they acknowledge the Army raised by the Parliament to be the instruments under God of this great deliverance.’

They ordered their humble thanks to be return­ed to the General, for his timely aid to the City in this occasion, and they thanked the Committee of the Militia for their care in raising men, and sending to the General, and approved what they had done, and they acknowledged the pains and care of the Lord Major, Sheriffs, and Magistrates.

The Common Councel declared that it is the duty of every Citizen, by himself, and all under his command, to be ready upon all occasions to be aiding and assisting to the Lord Major and Magi­strates, for the suppressing of all Tumults and Dis­orders within the City.

(12.) Letters from the Commissioners in Scotland, That they had demanded of the Parlia­ment of Scotland Sir Philip Musgrave, and Sir Tho­mas Glemham, according to the Treaties, and had yet no answer concerning them, nor Captain Wogan.

The six Lords impeached put in their answer of Not guilty.

An Ordinance passed for the jurisdion of the Ad­miralty for three years.

Order to restrain felling of Timber in the For­rest of Dean, and New-Forrest, and that the Tim­ber fit for Shipping be imployed for the Navy.

Ordinance re-committed concerning the Militia of Westminster, and the Hamblets of the Tower.

The Speaker with the House of Commons went up to the Lords House, where Widdrington and White­lock were sworn Commissioners of the Great Seal (the Earl of Kent and the Lord Grey being sworn before) and the Great Seal was delivered to them.

The Committee from the Common Councel came with their Message to the Houses touching the Tu­mult, but they being risen, the Committee went to the General to present to his Excellency the thanks of the City for his great care and pains, in the speedy suppressing the late Tumult, and they Tumult. were entertained by the General with great respect and favour.

(13.) Proposals touching the Excise, referred to the Committee of both Houses for the Excise.

An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for appoint­ing Admiralty Doctor Clerk, Doctor Exton, and Dr. Dorisla [...]s to be Judges of the Admiralty.

Debate touching the setling of the Summers Fleet, and some Commanders agreed upon for it.

The Commissioners of the Great Seal had a sti­pend setled upon them for the time of their being Great Seal Commissioners, and ordered to be paid by the Com­missioners of the Customs, and the Commission was revived for the hearing of Causes in Chancery.

The Committee from the Common Councel pre­sented to the House, the Narrative of the Tumult, and the Votes of the Common Councel concerning it, and with their desires, and the House ordered a publick thanksgiving for it in London, and that London. the Posts and Chains about the City be taken down, and ordered a thousand pound for a gratuity to the Officers and Soldiers at White-Hall and the Meuse, for their gallant Service in that action.

Order for thanks to the General for his care in this business, and that Disaffected and Idle Persons be removed out of the Tower, and the Regiment there to be made up a thousand, and twelve hundred Horse to be there.

The Committee delivered the same Message from the Common Councel to the Lords, and had the same answer as from the Commons.

Letters from Wales that Col. Poyer increased in strength there.

[Page] (14.) The Assembly presented to the House, the Catechism perfected, with the Scriptures noted in the Margin, and had the thanks of the House for their pains.

Some who were Officers in Ireland under the Lord Inchequin, came over into England, and one of Assembly. them, Major Elsing, came to the House, and in­formed them, that the Lord Inchequin was revolted Lord In­chequin re­volved. from the Parliament, and joyned with the Rebels, and indeavoured to perswade all his Officers to joyn with him therein.

Order to recal their Commissioners going to Munster, and the House declared all power granted by Parliament to the Lord Inchequin, to be void, and that no Officer or Soldier should submit to his Command, and the Lord Inchequin to be a Rebel and Traitour, and a Declaration ordered to be brought in to that purpose.

(15.) Order for mony for the Forces Quartered in the Tower.

The Lords communicated to the Commons, a Letter from the Duke of Lorrain, which was re­ferred to the Committee of the Admiralty.

Reference and power given to the Committee of Monmouth and Glamorgan to apprehend such as were guilty of Tumults and Insurrections there.

Order for the General to add four hundred more Foot to the Forces in the Tower; and for mony to buy Bedding, &c. for them.

The Ordinance past both Houses to prohibit fel­ling of more Wood in the Forrests of Dean and New-Forrest.

Order for more forces to be sent into Munster in Ireland.

(17.) Upon information of a Sermon yesterday Preached at Grays-Inn, Scandalous to the Parliament, Sermon. order to apprehend the Minister as a Delinquent, and to take into custody the Barrister who pro­cured him leave to Preach, till he produced the Mi­nister.

Order for Sir Hardress Waller to be Governour of Pendennis Castle.

Both Houses past an Ordinance for a thousand pounds per ann. Salary, for the Commissioners of the Great Seal to each of them. And that the Commis­sion Commissi­oners of the Great Seal. for hearing Causes in Chancery, be renewed, and Dr. Bennet, and Mr. Elkenhead added to the Commissioners.

Divers Ordinances past for Compositions, and Sir Oliver Cromwels remitted, for his Kinsman Lieutenant General Cromwels sake.

A List passed for the Summers Fleet for the Irish Seas under Vice Admiral Crowther, and he to re­ceive Orders from Vice Admiral Rainsborough, who had Orders about reducing of Poyer.

Debate about monies for the Navy.

Letters from Scotland of preparations there, to raise an Army, and men being Listed in all parts, on Scotland. pretence to put that Kingdom in a posture of de­fence, and that they are preparing Proposals to be sent to the Parliament for a personal Treaty with the King. That the English in Edenburgh were in all about two thousand, and have four pence a day al­lowed to the Souldiers.

(18.) Sergeant Welde a Member of the House, and one of the Judges in the last Circuit in the West, reported a presentment of the Grand Jury of Som­mersetshire,

Acknowledging the great care and Grand Ju­ry. pains of the Parliament for the Peace of the Na­tion, particularly in the late Votes touching the King, desiring the Judges to return their humble thanks to the Parliament, and their resolutions to adhere to them in prosecution thereof.

The danger of their Country by Malignants, Apostates, and Newtrals, from whose power they desired to be freed.

The Dearth of Corn and excessive multitude of Ale-Houses and Malsters, wherein they desire remedy, and against Forestallers, Ingrossers, and Regrators, and against Malignants being in Of­fices, and practising as Counsellours, and Attor­neys.

The Judges and Grand Jurors had the thanks of the House, and referred to a Committee to nomi­nate able and well affected persons to be Justices of the Peace in those Counties.

Order for an Ordinance to impower the Com­mittees in the respective Counties to secure all suspected, and disaffected, turbulent persons. Which passed not without much opposition, as a thing of ill consequence and example, especially by those, who professed to be so highly for the Liberty of the Na­tion.

Thanks given to the Sheriffs of Norwich for their good affections.

Order to renew the Commission of Oyer and Terminer, and Judges to go down to try the late Rioters at Canterbury.

The Commons desired the Lords to proceed up­on Impeach­ments. the Impeachments against the seven Lords, and against the Citizens, and against Judg Jenkins, and to pass the Ordinance for making Mr. Steele Recor­der of London in Mr. Glyn's place.

(19.) The Commissioners of the Customs re­fused to advance thirty thousand pounds for the Navy, which others offered to do, if they might be Commissioners, but the House would not put forth the old Commissioners till they were reim­bursed the monies formerly advanced by them.

The House accepted ten thousand pounds Com­position for Sir Jo. Strangeways, and ordered it for the use of the Navy.

Order to remove Prisoners from the Tower to Warwick Castle, Windsor Castle, and Wallingford Castle.

Collonel Fortescue recommended to the General for imployment in the Army, and an order for his Arrears.

To the Papers of the Parliaments Commissioners in Scotland, the Parliament there gave this answer. Scotland.

1. To that of the amity between the two Kingdoms, they do on their part desire it, and will labour to con­tinue it.

2. For delivery of Captain Wogan, Sir Thomas Glemham, and the other English Delinquents, they say it is not contained in the Treaties, they not taking these to be Incendiaries between the two Kingdoms, but only between the King and England.

3. They approve of the matter of their Commissioners Declaration, and the Parliament answer to it, they conceive not satisfactory.

Sir John Geere late Lord Mayor of London was brought to the Lords Bar, and refused to kneel; was fined five hundred pound, and committed to the Tower, and a day set for him to put in his de­sires for Counsel.

Debate about mony for the Navy.

The Earl of Pembroke Chancellour of the Univer­sity of Oxford, went thither, and made Dr. Rey­nolds Oxford. his Vice-Chancellour, put him into possession of the Deanery of Christ-Church by the Souldiers breaking open the Deans Lodgings, which were shut against him.

The like he did for Dr. Palmer at All Souls Col­ledg, where Dr. Sheldon denyed the Chancellours Authority not being derived from the King. So [Page 301] did Dr. Bayle at St. Johns Colledg, where Mr. Chey­nel was put in to be President; and Mr. Wilkins at Wadham Colledg.

(20.) An Ordinance debated, and committed, for raising fifty thousand pounds for Ireland.

An Ordinance debated for securing all disaffected and tumultuous persons.

Another for punishing defaulters upon Musters in Kent.

Letters from Wales, That Collonel Poyer increased in strength, and that many of Laughernes men after Collonel Poyer. they were Disbanded, and had received their Pay, went and joyned with Poyer, and That Collonel Powel is joyned with him, That they force the Coun­try to Musters and great Taxes.

(21.) Debate of Ordinances for settling of Mi­nisters.

The thanks of the House ordered to the Earl of Pembroke for his settling and reforming the Uni­versity Oxford. Earl of Pembroke. of Oxford. And That such as refused to sub­mit to the power of the Visitors there, should be expelled: and That the Tenants of the Colledges should pay their Rents to such as the Parliament ap­pointed to receive them. And That these Votes be Printed.

The Ordinance sent up to the Lords for securing all the disaffected Riotous party in England.

An explanatory Ordinance for Ireland past.

Letters from Collonel Horton of his being near to Pembroke Castle, and resolution to ingage Poyers men as soon as he could.

(22.) Upon debate of the Letters from the Com­missioners in Scotland, It was Voted, ‘That the answer of the Parliament of Scotland to the de­mands Vote [...] of the English Commissioners touching Captain Wogan and other Delinquents is no ways satisfactory: and that their Commissioners in Scotland insist upon their demands, and press the Parliament of Scotland for a further answer there­unto.’

An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for as­certaining and securing the Arrears of the Soldi­ery.

At a Conference the Lords acquainted the Com­mons, That the Duke of York, with the Duke of Gloucester, and the Lady Elizabeth being together Duke of York. playing in a Room the last night after Supper by themselves, the Duke of York privately slipt from them down the back Stairs without Cloak or Coat, in his Shoos and Stockings, and by the way of the Privy-Garden, having got a Key of the Door, he escaped away through the Park, and could not be found, none of his servants were missing who at­tended him.

Letters to the General to send for a Lieutenant who with his Souldiers took Free Quarter about Barnstable, and to examine the business, and do Justice to the Country, and the House passed a new Ordinance for taking away Free Quarter.

(24.) The House of Commons was called, and House cal­led. there appeared and Sate three hundred and six of their Members, and referred to a Committee to report the cases of those who were absent, and none to go out of Town without leave.

A new Instruction past for the Commissioners in Scotland to insist upon their demands to the Par­liament there, to deliver up Incendiaries.

Divers Captains agreed upon for the Summers Fleet.

Letters from Scotland, That preparations for War Scotland. go on there, but opposed by the Kirk; yet the other party prevails, That Wogans Troop increaseth, and the Parliament there declared,

That they will preserve the Union, and ends of the Cove­nant, and will oppose the Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant party, as well as the Sectaries, if they shall be put to ingage in a new War.

That as they will endeavour to rescue His Ma­jesty, who is detained Prisoner contrary to the resolution of both Kingdoms, that he may come to some of his own Houses near London, with honour, freedom, and safety; where both King­doms may make Applications to him, for a safe and well grounded Peace.

So they resolve not to put into the hands of His Majesty or any other, such power, whereby the ends of the Covenant may be obstructed, or Religion, or Presbyterian Government indan­gered; but before any agreement, that His Majesty give assurance by Oath, and under his Hand, and Seal, that he will pass such Bills, as shall be presented to him from both, or either Kingdoms respectively for settling the Covenant, the Presbyterian Government, Directory of Worship, and Confession of Faith, and never to oppose them.

That if any War be made, as it shall be on just and necessary Grounds, so none shall have charge in the Armies or Committees, but men of known integrity, that the Church shall have in­terest therein.

That they think fit the Kingdom be put into a posture of defence, and some discreet persons be sent with their demands to the Parliament of Eng­land.

(25.) Upon a Letter from Prince Philip (Son to Prince E­lector. the Queen of Bohemia) to Vice Admiral Rainsbo­rough, desiring a Pass to come into England, to visit his Brother the Prince Elector, Wherein the Vice Admiral desired to know the pleasure of the House, they ordered a Pass to be given to Prince Philip.

A day set to consider of settling the Kingdom, and Mr. Strong desired that morning to Pray with the House, and a Letter sent from the House to all the Ministers in and about London, to Pray to Morrow being the Fast-day, For a blessing of God, upon the Consultations of the Parliament.

Upon Information That Captain Brown Bushel, who revolted from the Parliament with a good Ship, and turned Pyrate, was apprehended, the House gave twenty pounds to the two men that took him; and referred it to the Committee of the Admiralty to take order for his Tryal as a Pyrate, and he was committed to Windsor Castle.

Orders for monies for repair of Hull, and New-Castle Works.

The Aldermen Langham, Adams, and Bunce, Aldermen. brought to the Lords Bar, refused to kneel, or be Tryed by their Lordships, but Petitioned to be Tryed by the Common Law; denying the power of the Lords to try Commoners. They were fined five hundred pounds apiece, sent back to the Tower, and had liberty to name their Counsel, in order to their Tryal.

The Common-Councel of London sat Yesterday, and this day upon an Affidavit made by one Everard, London. That he being at Windsor in an Inn in Bed, heard some Gentlemen, (whereof he supposeth one was Collonel Grosvenour, another Ewer, and others with them in the next Room to him) discoursing toge­ther to this effect, That they doubted not but the Scots would come in, and that the City of London would joyn with the Scots, for the preventing of which, they found no way but to disarm the City friend and foe.

That such as were friends to the Army should be armed, and keep the rest in aw, and that they would make the City advance a Million of mony, or else would plunder them, and that they had acquainted Ireton therewith.

[Page] Letters from Scotland, That the Kings Party there carry all, That the Irish Forces under Monke have offered their Service to Scotland, and received thanks, and a fornights Pay from the Parlia­ment of Scotland.

(26.) Letters came this Fast-day from Norwich Norwich Riot. to Collonel Fleetwood, That the Major of Norwich being sent for to attend the Parliament, the Ma­lignants opposed his going, and the Parlamenteers were for it; That both Parties got into Arms, and plundred many Inhabitants of the City, That Cap­tain Zanchie with his Troop, and some other Horse of Collonel Fleetwood's Regiment Quartered there­abouts, came into the City.

They sell upon the Rioters in several Partys, drove them into Corners, and wounded many of them, and Captain Lloyd and divers of the Troop­ers were wounded.

That the Rioters got possession of the Magazine, Magazine­fired. and being to get out Powder, the Magazine was fired, and about forty of them blown up and spoyl­ed, the blow shaked the whole City, threw down part of some Churches, wounded and killed many of the Town, not one of the Troopers hurt by it, Legs and Arms found in the Streets torn from the Bodies, and about a hundred and twenty of the Citizens missing, in the Evening all quieted.

(27.) Order for all the Members who have not taken the Covenant, to take it tomorrow.

Debate about setling the Kingdom, the questi­on was, whether the business of the Church, or of the State should be first considered; but the business of the City intervening, the House resolved to sit a­gain in the afternoon.

The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councel Petition. London. of London, presented a Petition to the House, informing the business beforementioned in the affi­davit of Everard, and desired, That upon further examination thereof, such course may be taken therein as the House shall think fit.

That the Chains of the City may be set up again, and Posts and Chains. the Army be removed to a further distance.

That an Ordinance may pass to constitute Major Ge­neral Skippon Major General of all Forces within the Lines of Communication for defence of the City and of the Parliament, to whom the City resolve to adhere.

The Lords gave the Petitioners thanks for their good affections, and resolutions to adhere to the Parlia­ment. Answer.

As to the setting up again of the Chains they leave it to the Lord Major and Common Councel to do as they think fit, as to Major General Skippon, he being a Member of the House of Commons, they can do nothing without the assent of the House.

The House of Commons approved the desires of the Common Council, and ordered the Militia to see the Chains set up again, and the Speaker acquainted the Petitioners therewith, That the occasion of part of the Armies being drawn so near was the late tumults; that the House would take this business into Consideration and gave their thanks to the Petitioners.

(28.) The House proceeded in debate about the business of the State, and voted,

That the Government of the Kingdom should be still by King, Lords and Commons, and the ground-work Vote. for that Government, should be the propositions pre­sented to the King at Hampton-Court, and that every Member of the House shall have liberty to speak to any Votes, &c. concerning the King.

(29.) Both Houses passed a Declaration upon the Duke of York's going away.

That whereas upon a former endeavour of his to Duke of York. escape, which was prevented, the Duke by his Letter to the Houses acknowledged his Errors, and promised not to attempt the like for the future, they declared that they conceived the Earl of Northumberland not to be further accountable for the Duke.

The Commons ordered the allowance to the Duke of York to be taken off, and an increase of allowance to the Duke of Glocester; and that the Earl of Northumberland may remove him, and his Sister to Sion House, or Hampton Courr.

An Information concerning two Gentlemen re­lating to Everards business, referred to the same Committee.

The General and his Officers kept a Fast-day at Windsor, and the next day, a Captain and others had their Tryals begun by a Councel of War.

Col. Poyer fell upon a Party of the Parliaments Forces under Col. Flemming, routed them, and killed and took most of them.

May, 1648.

May 1. Debate touching the business of the Church.

The Ordinance against Blasphemy and Heresie, in some cases the punishment being death, in other Blasphe­my. cases. Abjuration, &c. passed both Houses, but not without much opposition.

Order of both Houses for Ely House to be for the Sick and Wounded Soldiers.

Ordinance transmitted for placing of a Minister in Bathe.

Order for the Members of every County to present to the Commissioners of the Great Seal, fit persons to be Justices of the Peace.

Letters from Bristol of some there privately list­ing for the King; and the Forces there are cold in suppressing them.

Order for the Committee at Derby House, to consult with the General about it.

Letters of the South-Welch rising in several pla­ces against the Parliaments Forces, and driving a­way their Cattle, and carrying away their Corn and Goods, where the Parliaments Forces come, not a Horse­shooe nor Smith to be found there.

Lieutenant General Cromwell ordered by the Ge­neral to go into South-Wales with two Regiments of Horse and three Regiments of Foot.

Letters from Scotland, that the Parliament there passed a Declaration, thirty one protesting against it, and the Clergy dissenting, that two hundred and ten Barons and Lords met to perswade the Countries to rise in defence of Religion, the King, and Church.

(2.) Vote for five thousand pound for repair of the Works of New-Castle and Tinmouth, the like for Hull, Scarborough, and other Northern Garri­sons, and six thousand pound for Bristol.

Letters that Berwicke was surprised by Sir Mar­maduke Langdale. Langdale, Sir Charles Lucas, and other En­glish with a Party of a hundred Horse, pretending a Commission from Prince Charles; that the Ma­jor endeavoured to get strength to oppose them, but could not, referred to the Committee of Derby House, and the General.

Letters from the General that he had ordered the Regiments at White-Hall and the Meuse, and o­ther Forces near London to remove further off, unless the Houses should give order to the con­trary.

The House ordered a Letter to the General to stay the removal of those Regiments till farther order; and a Committee to treat with the City, [Page 303] what guards they will provide for the Houses, if those Regiments be removed.

The General likewise acquainted the Houses with his sending Lieutenant Cromwell into Wales, and with the not payment of Assessments, whereby the Soldiers would be inforced to take free Quar­ter, the House passed instructions to the Commit­tee of the Army and Officers to rectifie it.

The Common Councel returned thanks to the City. Parliament for their confidence in the City, and assured them, that when the Forces of the Army should be re­moved, the City would stand by the Parliament for their security.

The City allowed six hundred pound per An. to Major General Skippon,

Petitions to the Cities Common-Councel, That Petition. the Impeached Aldermen may not be tryed by the Lords, but by their equals.

That there may be a new Committee of the Mi­litia every year, the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs to be part, and the rest to be chosed by the Common-Councel, and approved by the Parliament, and the Lieutenant of the Tower to be under the Cities Command, referred to the Committee.

(3.) Letters from the Lord Chancellor of Scot­land Scotland. by command of the Parliament there, with their demands to the Parliament of England to this Demands. purpose,

1. That the King may come to some of his Courts near London, to abide with Safety, Honour, and Free­dom.

2. That a Personal Treaty may be had with his Ma­jesty.

3. That the Independent Schismatick Army may be Disbanded, and none put into Garrisons, but such as will take the Covenant, and both Kingdoms may conside in.

4. That all Anabaptists, Separatists, and Indepen­dents may be suppressed, and no Toleration allowed for any of them.

5. That all absent Members may be sent for, to perform their duties in Parliament.

6. That the Covenant may be inforced upon all men.

7. That the Presbyterian Government may be effe­ctually setled.

These demands were thought by some to be very strange; a day was set for the debate of them.

Information of Tumults by the Malignants in Colchester.

Order for Letters to be sent to some Forces of the Army in that County to quiet them, and the Committee at Derby House to take care there­of.

A Petition from many thousands, Knights, Gen­tlemen and Free-holders in Essex, expressing the reason of their desires, which were, For a Personal Treaty with his Majesty; that a course be taken for sa­tisfaction Essex Peti­tion. of the Arrears of the Army; with a disband­ing of the same.

The Lords gave thanks to the County of Essex for Answer: their good affections, and let them know that they would take their Petition into a serious and speedy consideration, and not be wanting to contribute to their endeavours for the ease of the Countreys burdens, and setling of a good Peace.

The Commons gave this Answer to the Petiti­on.

That they take notice of the great service and good affections of that County to the Parliament, and are consident they will so continue, and as to their Petition, the House is now in debate concerning the speedy settle­ment of the Kingdom, and do not doubt, but what they shall conclude there upon, will give satisfaction to that County, and to all well affected people.

It was earnestly pressed to have the words thanks of the House expressed in this Answer, but it was carried in the Negative.

(5.) Debate of the Letters from Scotland.

The Houses declared, That they are resolved to maintain the Covenant, and Treaties between the two Declarati­on. Kingdoms, and that they will be ready to joyn with Scot­land in the Propositions presented to the King at Hamp­ton-Court.

Order for Forces for the Northern parts, and to put those Countries into a posture of defence; and referred to the Committee at Derby House.

Instructions pass'd for the Parliaments Commissi­oners Scotland. in Scotland, to acquaint the Parliament there with the surprisal of Berwicke, by enemies to both Kingdoms, who had layn long in Scotland, and were demanded by the English Commissioners.

Col. Horton published a Declaration to satisfie the Welch of the Parliaments Proceedings in order to disband the Forces of Major General Laugherne, and to ease the Country of free Quarter, and to settle Peace generally, and of the revolt and op­position of Col. Poyer, the trouble, charge, and danger to the Countries thereby.

But this perswaded little among them, the Com­mon Wales. People few of them understanding English, and the Gentry being generally against the Parlia­ment, and rising in most parts of South-Wales, as soon as the Parliament Forces were gone from them.

(6.) The Commissioners of the Customs ad­vanced twenty thousand pound for the Navy.

The Votes sent up to the Lords concerning a new Address to the King, &c.

Orders to sell the Duke of York's Houses, and two hundred pound of the Money for lame Soldi­ers.

(8.) Debate about the business of the Church.

Letters from the North, That since the surpri­sal of Berwicke, Sir Thomas Glemham, and Sir Phi­lip Berwick. Musgrave have taken Carlisle; That Langdale promised much to Captain Batten, if he would Carlisle. keep Holy Island for the King, but he refused.

That Sir Arthur Hazlerigge sent Forces to secure some other places, that Langdale gives out that he is General of the five Northern Counties by Com­mission from Prince Charles, and perswades them to Arm for the King.

Thus a new War was begun, and new per­plexities upon the Parliament, but it turned only to the uniting of their Party again.

Major General Lambert sent Forces to secure Appleby, Raby, and other places.

The Parliaments friends in those parts fled to Newcastle.

The Parliaments Commissioners in Scotland de­livered in Papers to the Parliament of Scotland, touching the taking of Berwicke and Carlisle, but had no answer to them, they went on earnestly with their preparations for War in that Parlia­ment.

(9.) A Petition from the Lord Mayor, Al­dermen, London Petition. and Common-Councel of London, to the House;

[Page] That they are willing to undertake the guarding of the Houses, the Militia being setled, and they authori­sed.

That their nomination of the Lieutenant of the Tow­er being suspended, and importation of Bullion hindred, and Merchandising diverted, Trade is much decay­ed. London Petition.

They pray that the Committee of the Militia may be nominated by the Common Councel, to be approved by both Houses of Parliament, and the like for the Lieu­tenant of the Tower, and the Soldiers now there, remo­ved, and that Merchants may be invited to bring in Bullion.

The House passed several Votes according to the desires of the Petitioners, and acquainted Answer. them therewith, and told them, The House doubt­ed not but that their confidence in the City and affection to them, would be answered with Love, Trust, and obedience from them to the Parliament.

Letters from Sir Arthur Hazlerigge of the con­dition of the North, and of Captain Battens re­fusal to revolt to the King; for which the House ordered thanks to be sent to him, and continued his Government.

Letters from the Speaker to the Committees of every County, to meet and to observe the moti­ons and practices of disaffected Persons, and such as they find active to endanger the Peace of their Country, to secure them, and to provide for the safety, and for securing of places of strength, that the Parliament may without disturbance intend the settlement of the peace of the Kingdom.

Vote that the General be desired to advance in Person into the North with such Forces as he shall Vote. think fit, to reduce those places that are possessed by the Enemy, and to prevent any danger in those parts, and that a Committee acquaint the General with the grounds of these Votes.

Letters that the Duke of York was come into Holland.

Letters from Dublyn, that Col. Monke defeated Ireland. a Party of Owen Mac Arts Forces in Ʋlster, killed between five hundred and a thousand of them, and took all their Arms and Baggage. That Corn is there at twenty shillings a Bushel, and ma­ny perish for hunger.

(10.) Ordinance committed giving power to Committees to secure disaffected and tumultuous Persons in South-Wales.

Another for Money for fortifying Bristol in some new places.

A Petition of many reduced Officers for part of their Arrears, referred to a Committee.

Instructions passed to the Commissioners in Scot­land to acquaint the Parliament there, how ill the two Houses here resent the Title of their last Letter, to which an Answer will be sent in convenient time.

Letters from Wales, That when Collonel Hewes Governor of Chepstow Castle was ab­sent, Sir Nicholas Kemish, and Mr. Thomas Lew­is got possession of the Castle in the night at a Port, and that Collonel Herbert got together some of the Parliaments Forces and besieged it.

(11.) An Ordinance committed for satisfying Debts due from Delinquents to well affected per­sons.

Letters from Wales, That the Forces under Col­lonel Horton, about three thousand Horse and Collonel Horton. Victory in Wales. Foot, fought with the Welch Forces under Major General Laugherne, Major General Stradling, Col­lonel Powel and others, being near eight thousand men, who were totally routed by Collonel Horton, and Collonel Bethel, Stradling taken Prisoner, and Laugherne wounded, twenty six Captains and an hundred and fifty Officers, and three thousand Soldiers of the Welch taken Prisoners, many Co­lours, and Arms, and divers slain.

The House gave Captain Mercer an hundred pound, and Collonel Bethel an hundred and fifty pound for bringing this good news; and ordered a day of thanksgiving for it, and that Captain Wogan (not the Revolter) who had done with the rest gallant Service in this Action, should have his Arrears audited.

They ordered also, that the Land formerly gi­ven to Major General Laugherne, and a thousand pound per Annum more out of the Delinquents E­states who were in this Action should be sold, and the proceed thereof given as a gratuity from the Parliament to Collonel Horton, and the Officers, and Soldiers who ingaged in this action.

Order for a Declaration that all who should engage in any War, Commotion, or insurrection against the Par­liament should dye without Mercy.

The Lords were put in mind to proceed against Judge Jenkins.

A Committee appointed for disposing of the Welch Prisoners.

(12.) Upon debate of the Scots Letter, a Com­mittee was appointed to draw up an answer from the two Houses.

Order for a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to be sent down into Wales, and Mr. Eltonhead, Bro­ther to the Master of Chancery, and Mr. Parker, to be Judges for Tryal of the Riotors there, and that the General send for the Officers and chief Priso­ners taken by Collonel Horton's Forces, and try them by a Councel of War.

The City were desired to call a Common Council, that the good success in Wales might be communica­ted to them, and they desired to take course for the Collecting of the Arrears due to the Army, upon the General's March Northward.

Order upon the General's Letters, for Arms Ammunition, and Money, for the Forces that are to march with him into the North.

(13.) An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for setling the Militia of the Kingdom.

A Tumult in Saint Edmonds Bury, about taking May-pole. down of a May-pole, which came to the Plunde­ring of some, but was neer abated.

Order for the Members serving for that County to go down, and take care to suppress all Tumults there.

Endeavours to put a Garrison of the Kings into Ash-by-de-la-zouch was prevented.

(15.) The Commissioners sent down to try the Riotors at Canterbury, could not perswade the Rioters. Grand Jury to find the Bill, and therefore they ad­journed the Court: they and the Committee of Kent had the thanks of the House for their care in this business, and the Committee were desired to proceed in the further execution of it.

Intelligence from Vice Admiral Rainsborough of two Men of War from France appointed to trans­port Arms and Horse for Scotland.

Letters from the North, of a design to surprize York for the King, and at the time appointed for the Royalists to enter the City, a Troop of the York. Parliaments Horse coming thither accidentally, the Malignants taking them for their own Party cryed up the King, and so were discovered and prevent­ed.

[Page 305] Letters from Newcastle, That Colonel Bright's Regiment, and other Parliament's Forces are come that way to guard the Borders; That the Governour of Berwick laies heavy Taxes upon the English; That they, and the King's Party in Car­lisle are impatient that the Scot's Forces do not come in to assist them, being dayly expected.

The Commissioners of the Kirk of Scotland, sent Kirk. to the Ministers to admonish their people not to engage in the intended War, under the pain of the displeasure of God; but the other Party proceeded in their Levies.

The Commissioners of the Kirk passed a Declara­tion in answer and opposition to that of the Parli­ament of Scotland, Which, they say, is to restore the King to his Honour, before Jesus Christ be restored to his, and they declare their dissent from the intended War.

(16.) An Ordinance transmitted for punishing Defaulters at Musters in Kent.

Letters from the Gentlemen of Cheshire, That they had fortified the Castle and City of Chester; the House approved thereof, and Ordered thanks to the Gentlemen.

Letters from the Gentlemen of the Counties of Flint, Denbigh, and Montgomery, That they had en­tred into an Association, for securing those Counties a­gainst the Enemy; the House approved thereof, and Ordered them hearty thanks for it.

The like from Lancashire.

The House agreed to the Ordinance for the Militia of London.

A Petition to both Houses accompa­nied Petition. with divers hundreds of that County.

That the King may be restored to his due honour, and just Rights, according to the Oaths of Supremacy, and Allegiance, that he may be forthwith Established in his Throne, according to the splendour of his Ancestors.

That he may for the present come to West­minster with Honour and Safety, to Treat per­sonally for composing of Differences.

That the Free born Subjects of England, may be Governed by the known Laws and Sta­tutes.

That the War beginning may be prevented.

That the Ordinance for preventing Free-Quarter may be duly Executed, and speed made in disbanding all Armies, having their Arrears due, paid them.

The Lords answered the Petitioners, [...]nswer. That they were at present upon consideration of the Settlement of the Kingdom, and doubted not but to satisfie all.

This Petition was presented to the Commons in the Afternoon, when some of the Country-men being gotten almost drunk, and animated by the Malignants, as they came through Westminster-Hall, they fell a Quarrelling with the Guards, and [...]m [...]it. asked them, why they stood there to Guard a Company of Rogues.

Then words on both sides increasing, the Coun­trymen fell upon the Guards, disarmed them, and killed one of them, and wounded divers. Upon this Alarum more Soldiers were sent for from White-Hall and the Meuse, who fellupon the Country-men, and killed five or six of them, and wounded very many, chasing them up and down through the Hall, and the Lanes and Passages there abouts.

(17.) The day of Thanksgiving for the success in Wales, observed by the Houses; but not much in the City.

After the Sermons the House Ordered the Lord City. Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Council of Lon­don, not to suffer any multitudes of men to pass through the City, nor any to come in Armed; and that the Ordinance be renewed for putting Papists and Delinquents, &c. out of the Lines, and twenty Miles from London.

Order, That the Committees of Kent and Surrey take care to prevent tumultuous meetings in those Counties.

One hundred pounds given to Captain Nichols, who brought Letters from Collonel Horton.

Order to examine and find out the Authors, and Printers of some Pamphlets.

Letters, That Lieutenant General Cromwel came Chepstow. to Chepstow, where they drew out some Forces a­gainst him, but Collonel Pride's men fell on so fu­riously that they gained the Town, and beat the Soldiers into the Castle, which being strongly for­tified and provided, Cromwel sent to Bristol for some Great Guns, left a Party before it, and Marched with the rest to Pembrokeshire.

(18.) Both Houses passed the Ordinances for appointing the Militia of London, and the Liber­ties, Militia. during the pleasure of the Houses, and for Collonel West to be Lieutenant of the Tower, and for Major General Skippon to be Major General of London, Westminster, and the Lines.

Letters of St. Edmondsbury, That about six hun­dred got together in Arms there about setting up a May-Pole, and they cried out for God and King May-Pole. Charles, laid hold upon some of the Soldiers, and set Guards in several places.

That some Troops of the Parliament Quartered near, and some Country Foot drew together, and kept in a Body before the Town all night, and kept them in on every side, who seeing themselves in that condition, sent for a Parley, and submitted to mercy.

Upon a Letter from the Prince Elector, his Prince E­lector. Brother Prince Philip had leave to raise one thou­sand Voluntiers for the Venetian service.

Report of a great design in London, and the Sub­urbs, London. of rising for the King in a great Body, and to destroy the Parliament and City.

The House Ordered notice hereof to be given to the Common-Council; and, That the Militia be put into a posture of defence. And, That Prisoners be secured, and a Committee appointed to draw Parliament and City. Heads for an Union, and good correspondence be­tween the Parliament and City.

(19.) Mr. Ashburnham, and Mr. Legge being ap­prehended, were committed to Windsor Castle.

Orders for the Committee of Salop to secure such Prisoners as they have surprized in Ludlow Castle, and for Winchester Castle to be Garrisoned at the request of that Country.

(20.) An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for suppressing tumults.

The Common Councel of London returned in London. answer to the Parliament's Proposals for Union and good Correspondence, That they resolve to remain firmly joyned against the Common Enemy.

And for this Parliament, they did acknowledge with thankfulness their great care and pains for the King­dom, [Page] and particularly for this City, and that they would live and die with that Parliament, according to their former protestation.

An Ordinance past the Commons for putting Pa­pists and Malignants out of the Lines.

Order for Captain Wogan and other Officers and Soldiers who came off from Major General Laug­herne to the Parliament's Forces, to have their Ar­rears, and that the Prisoners taken in Wales, and tryable by Marshal-Law, shall be so tryed forth­with.

The General removed Northwards.

Lieutenant General Cromwel possessed Carmarden the Forces being drawn into Pembroke Castle, where Wales. Laugherne, Powel, and Poyer were, but some diffe­rences reported to be among them there.

(22.) Order for supplying the Stores, and taking off the Salt Peter.

Letters from the Mayor of Sandwich, That a young man was lately come thither, who gave him­self out to be the Prince of Wales, and, That ma­ny came to him to kiss his hand, and others sent him money. Vice-Admiral Rainsborough advertised by Letters the fame thing, referred to the Com­mittee at Derby House to examine this business, and to send for this pretended Prince of Wales, and Messengers went to bring him up.

The Gentry of York agreed to raise Horse and York. Foot for defence of their Country against all Op­posers of the Parliament. Which the House ap­proved, and Ordered thanks to them for it.

Thanks Ordered to the Militia of London, and to Major General Skippon, for preserving the Peace of the City, and securing the Parliament.

The Ordinance past for advancing fifty thousand pounds for the service of Ireland.

An Ordinance past both Houses against Tumul­tuous meetings, to present Petitions to the Parlia­ment.

Letters from Edenburgh of great preparations Scotland. in Scotland for raising Forces, Horse and Foot. And that an Act was published, for putting that King­dom into a posture of defence against Malignants, Sectaries, and others; That General Leven laid down his Commission, and, Thot Duke Hamilton was chosen General, That they gave a rich Jewel to General Leven, and promised him one thousand pounds.

Letters, That Eighty Horse, each Horse-man car­rying a Foot-man behind him, came to Pontfret Pontfret Castle. Castle, and set up their Scaling Ladders in the Night, designing to surprize it for the King; but the Garrifon took the Allarum, and the Centries firing upon them, they all got away.

Collonel Rigby and the Gentlemen of Lanca­shire raised the Forces of that County to oppose the Enemy.

Some Gentlemen of Surrey came to the Gene­ral, and desired him, in the name of that County, to command his Soldiers, that no affront might be offered to the Countrymen by the Soldiers, and the Country will take care, that no affront be offered to the Soldiers, but that they have ne­cessary and lawful accommodation and respect. And that they were grieved, That so much injury was offered to their Petitioners, and so much Christian blood of their Country shed.

(23.) Both Houses passed the Ordinance for putting Malignants and Papists out of the Lines of Communication, and twenty miles distant from London.

A Petition from the supernumerary Offi­cers Petition. and Soldiers, for part of their Arrears for their present subsistence, answered, That they must be satisfied with the security given to them and others already.

A Petition from the City of Lon­don City Peti­tion. expressing their Thankfulness for the granting of their former desires, and their joy for the Votes of Parliament, that they will not alter the Government by King, Lords and Commons, and will preserve the Covenant and Treaties, but that they are much grieved, that their Ma­gistrates and fellow Citizens for a long time have been under restraint. They hum­bly pray, the prosecution of their Votes by the Parliament for the settlement of Peace, preservation of the Ʋnion, Covenant, and Treaties, and that the Aldermen now in the Tower, their Recorder, and the rest of their fellow Cittizens restrained upon the same occasion, may be restored.

The Lords Gave thanks to the Petiti­oners, Answer. and assurance that they would indea­vour the settlement of Peace, and to pre­vent a new War, and the discharge of the Recorder, and that they may be united, their hearts fastned, and their hands streng­thened to serve the Parliament.

The Commons gave an answer to the same effect, and Voted the discharge of Mr. Recorder Glyn, and divers other Citizens from their Imprisonments: that the Forces at the Tower be joyned with those at White hall and the Meuse, till the City Militia be in a posture for the Guard of the Parliament.

The Gentlemen of Montgomeryshire sub­scribed an Ingagement, To adhere to the Par­liament, and to put themselves into a Posture of Defence.

(24.) Instructions passed for the Earl of Thanet to go down into Kent, to quiet the Kent. Rioters there, by assuring them,

  • 1. That the Houses have no such intent, as the Malignants have given out, to Execute two of every Town of them.
  • 2. That they may have leave to present their Petition by a few.
  • 3. That upon laying down their Arms, and repairing home, they shall have an Ordinance of Indemnity.

Vote by the Commons, That after His Ma­jesty Vote. hath signed the Bills for setling the Mi­litia, and for the Presbyterian Government, [Page 303] and recalled his Declarations, &c. against the Parliament, that then a Treaty shall be had with him upon the rest of the Propositions at Hampton-Court.

The Author and Printer of a Scandalous feigned Engagement of the Counties of Kent, Surrey, Essex, &c. ordered to be whipt and Imprisoned.

Letters from Collonel Duckenfield, That the Gentry of Cheshire have ingaged to adhere to the Parliament, and to raise three Re­giments of Foot, and one of Horse if occa­sion be for defence of their Countrey.

Letters of some Forces for the King come into Lancashire, and North-Wales, and of the readiness of the Countries to op­pose them.

(25.) Intelligence of the increase of the Rioters in Kent. Rioters in Kent, and their seizing some Ship­ping, and Ammunition at Rochester, and their approaching near London (which it was given out) they intended to Plunder. Re­ferred to the Committee at Derby-House, to order Forces for the better security of the Parliament, and City, and notice hereof to be given to the General.

The Lords Voted an addition to the Com­mittee at Derby-House.

Debate touching provision of Money for the Forces in London, and for raising new Forces.

(26.) Debate about the Bills to be presented to the King, in order to a Treaty with him, and about the discontents and desires of the County of Surrey.

Upon Information that the Rioters of Kent had Plundered the Houses of many Mem­bers of Parliament, who serve for that County, Orders for the suppressing of them.

Some of their Members had the thanks of the House for removing the Ordnance, and Ammunition from Wolwich to the Tow­er.

Letters from Wales of the Insurrections there well nigh suppressed, That two hun­dred and forty of the Welchmen, Batchellors were sent to the Barbadoes, and three shot to Death at Cardiffe.

(27.) Orders for slighting of Banbury Castle, and for Money for Repairing and Victualling of Windsor Castle, and for a hundred Beds for the Soldiers there, and for Victualling of Dover Castle.

Reference to the Committee of Derby House touching additional Guards for the Isle of Wight, and to the Committee of the Navy touching the Sea Guards.

Upon a Petion from the Rioters in Kent▪

Ordered, That they shall have Indemnity, and Pardon, if they forthwith lay down Arms, restore what they have taken, retire to their own dwellings, and ingage to be quiet for the future.

Upon this many of the Multitude who Kent. were come as far as Greenwich, and Dept­ford, retreated home and left the Ordnance, and what they had taken behind them.

Letters from Cornwall. That Sir Hardress Waller, had routed and dispersed the For­ces there for the King, That he had killed near a hundred, and took about two hun­dred of them Prisoners, and let the rest go home to their own dwelling.

Letters from Collonel Ewer of his taking of Chepstow Castle, Sir Nicholas Kemish Chepstow. slain, an hundred and twenty Prisoners ta­ken.

Order for fifty pound for the Captain who brought the News, and for a Letter of thanks to Collonel Ewer, and his Offi­cers, and Soldiers.

Letters from Viceadmiral Rainsborough, Ships Re­volt. of the revolt of some of the Ships under his command; and that they had set him on Shore, and had sent to the Earl of War­wick to take the Command of them; and declared for King, Parliament and Cove­nant.

The Commons referred this business to the Committee of Derby House, and to follow the humour of the Revolters, they Voted that the Earl of Warwick should be Vote. Lord High Admiral of England, and forth­with go to take care of the Navy.

Order for a Letter of thanks to Sir Har­dress Waller, his Officers, and Soldiers for Sir Har­dress Waller. their good Service in suppressing the Insur­rection in Cornwall.

Letters from Kent that the Rioters en­creased Kent. there to a great strength, and com­mitted many Plundrings and Insolencies; the House left the business of reducing them wholly to the management of the General with power for him to give Pardons, and Indemnity to any, but only to such as had been formerly in Arms against the Parlia­ment; in pursuance hereof the General had a Rendezvous upon Black-Heath of seven Re­giments of Horse, and Foot; and marched towards Rochester.

[Page 305] Letters of Cromwells Success in Wales.

Letters from Scotland, That the Levyes of Soldiers there are opposed in some Coun­ties.

From Newcastle, That Langdale left five hundred Foot, and a Troop of Horse at Berwicke, That the number of the Cava­liers The North. in those parts were about eight thou­sand.

That Major General Lambert was come with about nine hundred Horse to Bernard Castle.

The Three Bills to be sent to the King in order to a Treaty, transmitted to the Lords.

Some Members added to the Committee of Derby House, six Lord and twelve Com­moners.

Referred to Major General Skippon to take care of the Ordnance at White-Hall, and of sending Beds to Windsor.

Ordinances passed the Commons giving Power to the Militia of London to send Guards to the Parliament, and for six thou­sand pound for satisfying the ingagement of Collonel Welden to the Inhabitants of Plymouth.

The Kentish men grew numerous under Esquire Hales their General, and Sir Tho­mas Kentish Ri­oters. Peiton their Lieuetenant General; who sent a Message by a Trumpet to the Lord General for a Pass for their Commissioners to come and treat with him, but the Gene­ral refused it, answering, That he knew no authority they had to appoint Commissioners Fairfax. for such a purpose, But finding them and their Countreymen gathered together in Arms, and doing many Acts of Hostility, and da­mage to their Neighbours, in disturbance of the Peace, and without any authority from the Parliament, he cannot admit of a Treaty with them, whilst they are thus in Arms.

But if they shall forthwith lay down their Arms, and depart to their Homes, he doubts not but the Mercy of the Parliament will be extended to the Estates and Lives of those who have been deluded into this Rebellion; and their Justice only against some of the most eminent fomenters of it.

Some Skirmishes were between Parties of the Army and the Kentish Men, some few of them slain, and about a hun­dred Prisoners taken: they fought stout­ly.

(31.) The Monthly Fast, they had three Sermons in the House.

The Kentish men sent a Resolute Reply to the General's Letter, Justifying them­selves, and their Cause.

The House sate till after six a Clock at night.

June, 1648.

June 1. Debate of an Ordinance touch­ing the Arrears of many Officers and Sol­diers, who have served the Parliament.

A Petition from the Lord Ma­jor Petition. and Common Councel of London, to acquaint the Houses with a Petiti­on presented to the Common Coun­cel, which they desired to tender to the Houses, and to leave to their Con­sideration,

It was.

  • 1. To return thanks to the Common Councel for their endeavours for a Per­sonal Treaty.
  • 2. That the Militia of London, Es­sex, Hertford, Bucks, Kent, Sussex and Surrey might be Asso­ciated.
  • 3. That Captain Batten might be resto­red to the place of Vice-Admi­ral.
  • 4. That the Distempers in Kent might be appeased.
  • 5. That the Aldermen under restraint might be discharged.

The Answer of both Houses to Answer. the Petition was,

That they perceived the Wisdom and Moderation of the Common Councel in this business, and thereby their good affections to the Parliament for which they gave them thanks, and desired that a Common Councel might be called this afternoon, to which the Houses resolved to send some of their Members to acquaint them with the sence of the Houses upon such Petiti­ons.

[Page 305] Intelligence that the General with four Regi­ments of Horse and three of Foot, and some Com­panies of Colonel Ingoldsbie's Regiment, marched to Eltham, and lay in the Fields all Night. May 31. they had a rendezvous at Craford Heath, and from thence marched through Dartford, and the Kentish-men. General having intelligence that a party of the Kentish had fortifyed and barricadoed a bridge which led to Gravesend,

A commanded party was sent forth under Major Husbands of three hundred Horse, who took up an hundred Foot behind them: when they drew to­wards the bridge the Enemy sired thick upon them, but they notwithstanding fell on, and the Horse swam through the water, and so got over.

The Kentish men seeing their danger, fled, Major Childe who commanded them, hardly escaped, ha­ving his Horse shot, and his Son was shot, and taken. About twenty of the Kentish were slain on the place, divers wounded, and thirty Priso­ners taken, most of the party routed were Country-men, Sca-men, and Apprentices of London.

Major Husbands Marched on two or three Miles beyond Gravesend, and had orders to retreat to Maulin, where the Army quartered.

The General published a Proclamation forbid­ding his Souldiers to Plunder, or commit any out­rage in their March, and to restore any thing that had been so taken. Many Knights, and Gentlemen of quality, and Cavaliers were with the Kentish men, and their numbers were increased to above ten thousand.

Major Gibbon went with a party to relieve Dover-Castle, and forced Sir Richard Hardresse who had besieged it, to retreat.

[2.] A report from the committee who were sent to the Common Council, That they did return their humble thanks to the Parliament for sending the Com­mittee [...]. to acquaint them with the Overtures of favour the Parliament have made to the Petitioners of Kent. The Common Council acknowledge the great patience and low condescension of the Parliament towards the Kentish men, and are fully satisfyed in what hath been delivered to them from the Committee in relation to the Clemency of the Parliament.

The Commons seeing the City a little stagge­ring, and inclining to favour, if not to assist the Kentish-men, and knowing the great danger thereof, held it the most prudent Course to seek to win them by fair and courteous, and conde­scending means to the Parliament, rather than to adventure a ruffle with them.

Their Committee carried it with much discre­tion and moderation this way, and the issue pro­ved effectual. The house order'd these Proceedings with the Common Council to be Printed, that the Kingdom may take notice of the good understan­ding between the Parliament and City: and how far both are sensible of the designs of the Common Enemy to bring a second war upon the Kingdom.

Order to send the three Bills to the Commis­sioners in Scotland, to be by them communicated to the Parliament there, that both Kingdoms may Scotland. proceed in a brotherly Ʋnion, against the Common Enemy, and in prosecution of the Covenant, according to the Example of the Kirk of Scotland.

Letters from Kent, That after the Passe gained by Major Husbands, which was kept by Sixteen Kint. hundred of the Kentishmen, they fled; and although they were Six thousand Foot, and one thousand Horse, equal in number to the Parliaments Army, yet they would not stand a Fight.

That the General advanced towards Maidston Maidston. sooner than he was expected, and had intimation that two hundred of the Enemy were quartered there; a commanded party was drawn out to force entrance into the Town, the Enemy prepared for a defence, and had a thousand Horse and Foot brought in for their assistance. About seven a Clock in the evening Orders were given out for storming the Town; at which the Souldiers shout­ed, and fell on with much violence; but contrary to expectation, found as resolute opposition. Yet after a small dispute, forced their entrance into the Town, and then thought the difficulty of the service had been over.

But the Enemy had drawn in eight hundred more to their assistance, which made them up com­pleat two thousand, and had so lined the streets, in the several Houses, and placed so much case Shot in every Street, that the business became very disputable till almost twelve a Clock at Night, and every Street in the Town was got by In­ches.

The number of the Slain of the Kentish men, were above two hundred, of the Parliaments Forces not above forty, of them Captain Price was one. The Prisoners taken by the Parliament were four­teen hundred and upwards, with four hundred Horse, and two thousand Arms: of this select Brigade of the Enemy, few were Countreymen, but many of the Kings party, and men of quality, some Sea-men, and the rest Apprentices, and Water-men, who came from London and there­abouts.

That the Enemy drew out of Rochester in a main Body within two miles of Maidston, and the General to answer them, drew out three Regi­ments of Horse, and one of Foot, the better to secure those that stormed: and they stay'd at that distance till the whole business was dispu­ted.

The General though much disabled by indis­position of health, and having a great fit of the gout Fairfax. then upon him, yet could not be prevailed with to remain with the Body in the Field, but with his foot wrapped up he mounted on Horse-back, led on his men in the greatest danger, and was one of the first in all this action.

Both sides did their part with much valour and resolution, and there was scarce any action in the former war more desperate and hazardous, and better performed than this was.

[3.] Letters from the General of the defeat of the Kentishmen at Maidston, and that they had since quitted Rochester, and the General was possessed of it, and that the Women of the Town were so much inraged against the Cavaliers, for leading their Husbands into ruine, that they were ready to have beaten them out of the Town.

That since the quitting of Rochester, the Coun­trey-men leave the Field apace, and return home, that some thousands of their Forces, Horse and Foot, with Goring in the head of them, took their Goring. March towards London, thinking a great part of the City would joyn with them, that the General sent five hundred Horse to pursue them.

Order for thanksgiving to God for this Victo­ry, and the Messengers that brought the news from the General, had good gratuities given them.

Letters came from the Kentishmen to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of Lon­don, London, desiring assistance, and association with them, but the City would do nothing thereupon, but ac­quainted the Parliament with the Letters.

Thereupon the House order'd, that they should have thanks for communicating these Letters, and for not doing any thing in answer, or satisfaction thereof.

[Page 306] Then the House being in a good humor, it was moved, That they should consider of the Eleven Members, and the Aldermen of the City now Priso­ners in the Tower, and the House voted the dis­charge of all of them, the impeached Lords, Wil­longhby, &c. the Eleven Members, Hollis, &c. and 11. Mem­bers &c. discharged the three Aldermen.

Order for a Letter of thanks to the Gene­ral and his Officers, and Souldiers, for their great service at Maidston. Whilst the Chancery Court was Sitting, there was a tumult, and draw­ing of Swords in Westminster-Hall, which some feared had been a new rising, but it proved only upon the arrest of a Souldier.

[4.] Intelligence came that the Lord Goring and his Company were at Black Health, but, see­ing Kent. none of the City came forth to joyn with them, and the Country-men divided, and not willing to ingage further, or that Goring should be their General, and a small party of the Parliaments Horse Goring. coming within sight of them, the Kentish men were struck with fear and most of them fled, the Parliaments Horse came on, and took many Pri­soners, and much pillage. Goring with about five hundred of the chief of them, hasted to Greenwich, and thence ferryed over in Lighters and Boats to Essex side, and making great haste, some of them did swim, and many were drowned. The Sea-men and Water-men that had before joyned with them, now set upon them, and took many Priso­ners and good pillage.

[5.] Letters from the General of a full account of the whole business of Kent, and recommending to the House the Widow of Captain Price slain in that service, the House Ordered his arrears to be audited, and allowed two hundred pounds more to his Widow and Children.

Order for thanks to the General for his great service, and that his Letter be Printed, that the People may see how they are deluded by the Malignant Party.

The Ordinance past for setling the Militia of Cornwal and Devon.

The House voted the Lord Goring to be a Rebel for raising Forces in Kent and in Essex against the Votes. Parliament, and referred to the Committee of the North to continue such Garrisons as they think fit. Goring prevailed with a party in Essex to Joyn with him: they quartered at Bowe, and Co­lonel Whaley with a party of the Parliaments Horse, at Mile-end, some Skirmishes were between their Scouts. The Houses passed an Act of In­dempnity for all of them (except Goring, and some few others) if they forthwith lay down Indem­nity. Armes, and the Act was sent down to them.

Letters from Scotland of great distractions a­mong Scotland. them, and difficulties to raise their Army; which the Clergy opposed, and M r. Galaspe preached to be against the Covenant.

Letters from New-castle of the preparations in Scotland (if their differences hinder not) for an Armies coming into England, that Berwick and Carlisle are supplyed with Armes, and other things from thence, that the Scots in Ireland are expected, and money sent to fetch them, that Langdale's Forces were about eight thousand, and no relief from the Parliament of England to their Party.

[6.] About twenty of the Kings party, came with Corn, and Frocks over their Clothes, pre­tending to supply Pontefract Castle, and having Armes under their Frocks, they seised upon the main guard, part of whom they had corrupted, and another Party of the Kings lying in Ambus­cadoe Pontefract Castle surprised. near hand, entred and surprised the Castle. The House referred it to the Committee of Derby house to consider of the speedy sending some of the Forces in Wales, to the Northern parts.

Upon information from the Militia of London, that the Spanish Ambassador here, by reason of Spanish Ambassa­dor. some Victories lately obtained in Spain, had ap­pointed Bonefires to be made, which would oc­casion great confluence of Malignants and tu­mults, the House sent to desire the Ambassador to forbear the same in these tumultuous times, till the Peace of the Kingdom should be better setled.

Order for the Garrison of Leverpoole to be taken into pay.

The Lords concurred in the discharge of the seven impeached Lords, the eleven Members, and the three Aldermen in London.

An Ordinance committed for the sequestring the Estate of Powell, Langhorne, and Poyer, and proceeding against them as Delinquents. The General sent Colonel Rich to raise the siege at Dover.

Letters from Wales, that Overton's Regiment, and part of Sir W. Constable's Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Reade, Stormed the Suburbs of Tenby, took twenty Horse, and killed some; that about a Week after that, the Town and Castle were surrendred upon mercy to the Par­liament.

That the Townsmen seeing nothing but ruine, brought the desperate Officers and Country Gen­tlemen to a complyance, although they had suffi­cient provision, three hundred Souldiers, thirty five Guns mounted, and twelve Barrels of Pow­der.

That Pembroke Town and Castle was besieged by Lieutenant General Cromwell, that Poyer had in the Castle three hundred Horse, and many Foot.

That the Lion, a Ship of the Parliaments, riding Walet. in Milford Haven, sent to Cromwell two Drakes, two Demy Culverins, and two whole Culverins, that when two of them were planted, and shot off against the Castle, at the same time the Parlia­ments Souldiers Stormed a Village under the South gate of the Town, of great advantage to the Besiegers.

Which Poyer perceiving, pulled in his red Flag. That the Horse in the Town made desperate Sal­lies, but were beaten back with loss on both sides, they desired to come out, but it would not be granted but upon Mercy, that they had no grass for their Horses, but pulled off the thatch from the Houses for them, they gave no quarter to the Parliaments Dragoons, nor the Dragoons to them.

[7.] The assembly of Divines presented to the Assembly of Divine. House a congratulatory Letter, from the Assembly here to the Assembly in Scotland, to strenghen the Amity and Ʋnion of both Kingdoms, which the House approved.

Order to forbid the making of Reading a Gar­rison, or any other Town in Barkshire without leave from the Parliament.

A Passe from both Houses to Prince Philip to return with twelve Horses beyond Seas.

Upon a Petition of the Inhabitants of Westmin­ster, M r. Glyn who served for them, was read­mitted a Member of the House.

Order for securing New-port Paganel.

Intelligence, that the Malignants were up in Lincolnshire, under Colonel D r. Hudson, and Colonel Stiles.

Letters that Co. Rich had relieved Dover-Castle, Dover Castle. and that Sir Richard Hardresse who besieged it with two thousand men, and had taken the block Houses, Ordnance, and Ammunition, fled upon the approach of Colonel Rich and Sir Miles [Page 307] Livesy: who were possest of the Town, block-Houses, and all their quarters and Ordnance, and Colonel Rich in pursuit of Sir Richard Hardress.

Letters from Essex, that the Parliaments Com­missioners having published the Indempnity at Bowe, Sir William Hickes, and divers other Gentle-men submitted, and the Lord Goring retreated, but Sir Charles Lucas perswaded them not to lay Goring. down Armes, but to continue in a Body; and that they had seised upon Sir William Hickes, and other Gentlemen, and plundered some, to the dis­content of the Inhabitants.

The General sent some additional Forces to Colonel Whaley, by direction of the House, and that he should presently fall on the Essex men. And the Members of Norfolk and Suffolk had In­structions from the Committee of Derby House, for preservation of the Peace of those Counties.

Letters from Jersy, of cruel oppressions and tyranny by Cartwright the Governor there, and Jersey solliciting for relief.

(8.) Letters from Colonel Waite, that he had fallen upon those who made an insurrection at C [...]it. Stamford, had killed their Commander D r. Hud­son, and others, and taken many of them Prisoners, but discharged the Country-men.

The House approved what he had done, and Ordered him thanks for it, and that the General should send him a Commission of Marshal Law to try the Prisoners.

Referred to a Committee to take order for trans­porting beyond Sea some of the Prisoners taken in Kent and Essex, except such as had formerly served the Parliament, and revolted from them, and those to be tryed by Marshal Law.

Referred to the Master and Wardens of the Wa­ter-men, to sind out and disfranchise such Water-men as had joyned with the Rebels in Kent and Essex, and the like for the London Apprentices.

Order for the Militia to put in execution the Ordinance for putting Papists, and Delinquents out of the Lines.

Letters from the Navy that the Ships at Ports­mouth submitted to the Earl of Warwick, and re­solved to be for the Parliament.

(9.) Intelligence that the Lord Capell was very active in Hertfordshire to raise a Body for the King, referred to the Committee of Derby House to take speedy order to suppress them.

A Petition from the County of Sussex, answered with Courtesy.

(10.) Letters from North-Wales, that Colonel Garter, and Lieutenant Colonel Twisselden with [...] the assistance of thirty Horse and seventy Foot from Chester, intending to joyn with Colonel Ma­son, and Colonel Mitton, who were in Caernarvon Castle, marched towards them; but Sir Jo. Owen, to prevent their joyning, drew off from his siege of Caernarvon with an hundred and fifty Horse, and an hundred and twenty Foot, and met Colonel Car­ter upon his March.

The Forlorns of both Parties incountred, and the Parliaments Horse were forced to a disor­derly retreat, the Enemy pursued with their whole Body, upon the reserve of the Parliaments, who received their Charge, and after a hot dispute routed them.

Captain Taylor singly incountring Sir John Owen, after he had broken his sword upon his head, closed with him, dismounted him, and took him Prisoner, and his party immediatly sled.

There were killed of them thirty, and Sir John Owen with divers others of Quality, and sixty pri­vate Souldiers taken Prisoners, four of the Parlia­ments Souldiers were Slain and divers Wounded, and many Horses Killed on each side.

Order for two hundred pounds for Captain Taylor, and gratuities for divers others; and for disposing of the Prisoners.

Letters of an Agreement betwixt the General and the Kentish-men, and that the five revolted Ships are willing to submit, upon an Act of In­dempnity, which the General hath promised them.

That Sir Thomas Feyton was taken Prisoner at Goring. S. Edmonds Bury, the Lord Goring, Sir Charles Lucas, and the Lord Capell coming to them, in­creased in numbers in Essex; whereupon the Lord General Fairfax advanced to Gravesend, inten­ding to pass over his Men there into Essex.

(12.) Order upon Letters from the Governor of New-Castle for fifteen hundred Pounds for that garrison, and that no free Quarter should be taken, but only of such as refuse to pay their Assesse­ments, and Letters thereof to be written to the Commitees.

Order for those Gentlemen who formerly at­tended D. of Gloucester. the Duke of York to attend the Duke of Gloucester, and four more added to them, and two thousand five hundred Pounds per annum for main­tenance of his Family.

Letters from Colonel Sir Hardresse Waller of his disarming some in Exeter. Major General Lambert advanced to Langdale, who retreated ex­pecting Assistance from Scotland.

A Souldier of Hemsley Castle was offered a hundred Pounds in hand, and five hundred Pounds more, and to be knighted, if he would betray the Castle to the Kings Forces; but he discovored the Plot, and the Agents were apprehended.

Pontefract Castle was besieged by eight hundred Horse and Foot, but at a distance; the Kings party there being two hundred and fifty Horse and four hundred Foot.

The Committee of Lancashire ordered four Lancashire. Regiments of Foot, and two of Horse to joyn with Major General Lambert, laid an Assessement of three thousand Pounds to advance them, and kept a day of Fast to pray to God for his blessing upon them.

(13.) The House approved of the Articles of Canterbury, and what the General had done in re­ducing of Kent.

A day of thanksgiving appointed, for the good success in Kent, and a Narrative thereof to be read in Churches.

Orders touching compositions of Delinquents.

A Report made of a Design to surprise Not­tingham Castle, but the Governor Captain Poutton surprised and took Prisoners the Complotters.

Letters from the Head quarters, that Ireton, Rich and Hewson's Regiments had reduced Can­terbury (wherein were three thousand Armes, good Horse, and twenty four Colours) and the other Castles.

The General sent by Letter an offer of Im­dempnity Revolted Ships. to some revolted Ships at Deale, but a Boson told the Trumpeter that brought the Let­ter, that they did not owe the Parliament so much service, as to write answer to any that came from them, and so the Ships set Sail and went away.

That the General put over his Forces with much Essex. trouble at Gravesend into Essex, where Colonel Whaley, and Sir Thomas Honywood with two thou­sand Horse and Foot of the Country, joyned with him, who kept many from going to the King's Party.

Among others, fourscore Horse out of London, most, or all Gentlemen (intending to be as a Guard to the Prince of Wales, when he came) in their March met with some of Whaley's Horse, ma­ny of them killed and taken, the rest dispersed, a­mong [Page 308] them were four Brothers, three of whom were killed or mortally Wounded, and the Coun­try-men took many Prisoners.

That Goring marcheth about four thousand, whereof six hundred Horse, and about two thou­sand five hundred are well armed, that he tou­ched at Lee's, and took horses, guns, and Arms of the Earl of Warwick's, and marched from thence toward Colchester.

That many of Essex came in to the General, who wrote to Suffolk to pull up Bridges, and cut down Trees in the way, to hinder the March of the Enemy.

Whitelock reported to the House the appoint­ment of the Judges for the next summer Circuit.

(14.) Order for the tryal of Sir John Owen, and the rest of the chief Actors in his business.

An Ordinance past for forty two thousand pounds, for arrears of disbanded Officers and Sol­diers.

Order renewed, that such as shall take up Arms without the authority of Parliament shall dye without mercy.

A Letter ordered to the States of Holland for Revolted Ships. apprehending three revolted Ships gone for Hol­land, and an order for payment of part of their arrears to others of the revolted Ships that were come in again upon the Act of Indemnity.

A Committee appointed to draw up a Decla­ration touching the business of Kent.

(15.) Ordered, That the Committee of Gold­smiths Hall do Print all their Receipts for Com­positions, and how the Moneys have been disbur­sed, that the aspersion upon the Parliament may be cleared, of their receiving many millions by compositi­ons, Aspersions on the Par­liament. for which they could give no account. And that the Order should be printed, that none shall pay their fifth, and twentieth part, but Delinquents.

An additional Ordinance committed for put­ting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication.

An ordinance transmitted to the Lords, for put­ting the County of Radnor into a posture of defence.

A Committee appointed to take order for twenty persons of the Kings party to be appre­hended, and sent down to the General to be kept in like harsh usage, as Sir Willian Masham, and Goring. others sent down by the Parliament are kept in, by the Lord Goring, until they be exchanged.

Orders concerning Saltpeter.

(16.) Ordinance past for putting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication, and twenty Miles from London, and four days time given them to depart the Town; and that Delinquents who have not presented their compo­sitions, and sequestred Ministers shall be taken to be within this Ordinance.

An affront to S r. Henry Mildmay by a Foot-man of the D. referred to a Committee to be examined.

Letters from Colchester, That the great ones had a purpose to escape, had shipped their Goods, Colchester. but were prevented by the Parliaments Horse and Dragoons, who took in Marsey Island and Fort, by which they intended to escape, and by land their body cannot stir.

That many of the Townsmen came away to the General, whose Soldiers are inraged against those of Colchester, for the loss of their Commanders. That the General hath five hundred Prisoners, most of them taken from the gates of the City, that Sir William Masham and the rest of the Com­mittee are detained Prisoners by Goring.

That the Enemy buryed sixty of their slain men in one Church-yard, besides those killed in the other part of the Town, and many of them wounded; that Sir William Campion, Col. Cooke, two Majors, and other Officers were slain, many of Quality wounded, and many of the Trained Bands, whom the General released.

They say that Colonel Farre Lieutenant Colo­nel to the Earl of Warwick, led them out into the field, and into Mr. Grimston's house, and when he and the men fled, being galled by the Parliaments Musquetiers, he got to the gate, and caused it to be shut, and left his men to be cut in pieces by the Parliament Souldiers, if they had not been more merciful.

That the General closely beleaguers the Town, his train being come up to him, but intends, if possible, to preserve the Town from fire and plun­der. That Sir Bern. Scudamore, Colonel Stew­art and Colonel Thorneton, were taken at New-market raising sorces for the King.

That the Trumpet sent by the General into the Town, to see in what condition Sir William Ma­sham, and the other Gentlemen Prisoners there were, returned that they were in a reasonable good condition.

That Captain Zanchy, who took in Marsey Fort and Island, found there two Culverins, two Sacres, and one Drake: and that Captain Peacock, and the Commander of the Ships at Harwich of­fered their assistance to the General.

Order for raising two Troops of Horse in Northamptonshire, and for money for the Army.

Order about setling Ministers in particular Pa­rishes, and for reviving the Committee of Exami­nations, with power to suppress scandalous and unlicensed Pamphlets.

(17.) Debate that every officer, before he had his Commission, should take the Covenant, laid aside.

A Commission to Colonel Herbert to raise For­ces for the Isle of Ely.

Vote for a Strong Summers Fleet, for defence of the Kingdom, and to reduce the revolted Ships, and a gratuity to be given to the Officers and Ma­riners of the Fleet.

Orders about levying the Assessments for the Army.

Letters of the General, summoning Colchester to render to the Parliament; and that the Lord Goring asked the Trumpet who brought the Sum­mons, Goring. how his General did, and bid him tell his General that he heard he was ill of the Gout, but that Goring would cure him of all diseases: that the Soudiers were highly inraged at this scoff to their General.

The Lord Goring, Lord Capel, and Sir Charles Lucas sent to the General for a List of the Pri­soners he had taken of their party, and the Ge­neral sent it to them.

(19.) Order for Sir Hardress Waller to permit no new forces to be raised in Devonshire and Corn­wal, but to make use of the Trained-bands there, if there shall be occasion.

Debate about breaking the Chamber of M r Charleton, a member of the House, and taking a­way a Ward from thence; the affront referred to a Committee, the matter of the Ward referred to the Law.

Vote to readmit M r Walter Long, a Member of the House. The Case of Sir John Clotworthy refer­red to the Committee of Priviledges to examin.

The County and the City of Chester raised For­ces for the Parliament, and desired that Captain Carter might command those of the City, which the House granted.

A Letter sent to old Sir Robert Booth, inviting him to raise Forces for the King, was by him sent up to the Parliament, and they referred it to a Committee.

[Page 309] Referred to a Committee to examin some Ma­riners upon suspicion of plotting against the Par­liament.

A battery being made against Pembroke Castle, an assault was attempted, but the Parliament Forces were repulsed with the loss of three and twenty men, and but four of the Garrison.

Letters from Colchester, that a Party of three Colchester. hundred Horse issued out of the Town, and re­turned with forty Head of Cattle, and a hundred Sheep, and were not met with by the Parlia­ments Forces sent after them. That Lieutenant Ge­neral Cromwell hath planted his Cannon, and in­tended the next day to begin his battery.

Letters from the North, that Langdale marching Langdale. towards Carlisle, Lambert fell upon his Rear, into the quarters of a Regiment newly raised, which he Lambert. totally dispersed and brake, that the Officers fled after Langdale, and the Souldiers threw down their Armes, and ran home, seeming glad of the oppor­tunity.

That Lamberts men pursued another Party of Langdale's, and took some Prisoners, that Carlisle was unwilling to receive Langdale's Forces, saying they would rather lose their lives, than be forced to eat Horse Flesh, as they had been before.

Letters from Scotland, that an Army will be Scotland. forthwith raised there, that Duke Hamilton goes along General, and hath already Six thousand Horse, Foot, and Dragoons, that Middleton is Major General of the Foot, and the Earl of Ka­lender Lieutenant General of the Horse.

That their Parliament have adjourned for two years, and left a great power to the Committee who act vigorously for the War, so that the Chan­cellor the Lord Wareston, and others have left them, and are gone to the Earl of Argile.

That an Act is passed for punishing all such as preach, or write, or speak, against any thing done by the Parliament, or by any authority de­rived from them, that Holborne is gone with a thousand Horse to fetch in the Earl of Argile and his Party.

(20.) Both Houses reciting former Votes pas­sed 20 Maii 1642, viz. Votes

1. That it appears, that the King (seduced by wicked Counsel) intends to make War against the Parliament, who in all their Consultations and Actions have proposed no other end to themselves, but the care of the Kingdoms, and the performance of all duty and Loyalty to his person.

2. That whensoever the King maketh War upon the Parliament, it is a breach of the trust reposed in him by his People, contrary to his Oath, and tending to the dissolution of this Government.

3. That whosoever shall serve and assist him in such wars are Traytors by the fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, and have been so adjudged by two Acts of Parliament, and ought to suffer as Traytors. 11 R. 2. 1 H. 4.

The Lords and Commons now Declare, that it appears that divers who have assisted the King in the late War against the Parliament, and divers others endeavour to levy a new War against the Parliament.

That all such are Traytors by the fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, and have been so adjudged by the said two Acts of Parliament.

And they ordered, that these Votes be printed and published by the Sheriffs in every Market Town, and by the Judges in their Circuits.

An Ordinance passed to establish Colonel Wel­den, Governor of Plymouth, and a hundred Pounds orderd him to buy Horses.

Orders for raising Forces in Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, and that the Militia of Lancashire present to the General a fit person to be Gover­nor of Leverpool.

Colonel Ralph Ashton approved to command the Lancashire Brigade to joyn with Major General Lambert.

Colonell Russell ordered to go to his Govern­ment in Jersey.

Letters from Lieutennnt General Cromwell, That the Garrison of Pembroke begin to be in ex­tream Pembroke. want of provisions, that they mutinyed, crying out, we shall be starved for two or three mens pleasures, better it were that we should throw them over the Walls.

That they have taken away the Water from the Castle, and that Poyer is in much danger of his own men, that he endeavoured to Storm the Castle, but the Ladders were too short, and he lost some men. That Poyer allows his men but half a Pound of Beef, and as much Bread a day, and hath promised not to hold out the Castle longer, than the Town can hold out, that he fired many Houses in the Town, which much frighted them.

Letters from the leaguer before Colchester, that Colchester. the Parliaments Ships at Harwich, took two Ships that lay to assist the King's Party at Colchester, that they sent out Forces to assist their Ships, but a Party from the leaguer fell on them, and took fourty of them Prisoners, that Lieutenant Gardiner was taken Prisoner by them.

That Sir Charles Lucas sent a Trumpet propo­sing an exchange of Prisoners, but the General an­swered that Sir Charles Lucas had forfeited his Sir Charles Lucas. parol, his honor, and faith, being his Prisoner upon parol, and therefore not capable of Command, or trust in Martial affairs, to this an answer and excuse was presently returned.

The Committee, Sir William Masham, and o­thers under restraint in Colchester, sent a Paper signed by them, to the General, Intreating him to enter into a Treaty for Peace, and in the same Paper a line or two, signed Norwich, Arthur Capel, Charles Lucas.

(21.) Ordinance committed for setling the Presbyterian Government.

Additional Power given to the Committee who are to apprehend twenty of the King's Party, in lieu of those detained in Colchester.

The Committee of Essex ordered to go down to Indeavour the securing of that County.

An Ordinance past for setling the Militia of Bristol, and for a thousand Pounds for the fortifi­cations and victualling of it.

Order for a demy-Culverin to be taken out of Arundell-Castle, for the service of the Isle of Wight.

M r Doucet and others who indeavored the King's escape out of the Isle of Wight, committed to Peter House.

Order for a thousand Musquets, five hundred Case of Pistols, with their furniture, four thou­sand Pikes and five thousand Swords, with ammu­nition for the Northern service.

Order for the Common Council to take care, that at the Common hall for choosing of Sheriffs, none be admitted but those of the Liveries.

Letters that those in Colchester are fortifying Colchester. apace, and getting in provisions, and have im­posed a fine upon the Town, forcing all between sixteen and sixty years old, to bear Arms, and are preparing Horse and hand-Mills to grind their Corn.

That the General began a work which his men maintained with great resolution; that those in the Town sent a Trumpeter for a Treaty, that they twice attempted the regaining of Marsy-Fort [Page 310] and Island, but were beaten back, that the Earl of Norwich perswades his men that London was plundered, and that Langdale was coming with ten thousand men to fall upon the Generals Rear, who was willing to draw off, and had sent a Trumpet to the Town for that purpose.

The weather was strangely cold and rainy for this time of the year.

(22.) Order for the General to proceed a­gainst Captain Vesey by Marshal Law, he being a Captain of the Trained-bands in Essex, that per­swaded his Company to join with the Lord Go­ring, and was since taken Prisoner by the Ge­neral.

A Petition from the Contractors for sale of Bi­shops Commit­tee of ob­structions. Lands, touching obstructions in that busi­ness, referred to the Committee of obstructi­ons.

Debate of an Ordinance for setling the Mili­tia of Westminster.

Ordinance past for discharging the Sequestra­tion of Sir John Strangeways and his Son.

Debate of the State of the Navy, and order­ed, that an Ordinance be brought in for Forty Thousand Pounds out of the Excise for the Navy.

Order for the Committee of the Army to pay two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds borrowed by them of the Committee of the Navy, and that the Summers Fleet be fitted in order to the re­ducing of the revolted Ships.

Reference to the Committee of Derby-house, to take care for the safety of the Isle of Wight both by land and Sea.

(23.) Debate touching the Settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom, and a Committee appoint­ed to consider, how far the Parliament have gone, and what offers have been made by the King in order thereunto, and what is fit further to be offered to him, and of the place, manner, and circumstances relating to this business.

A question was proposed but not passed, whe­ther the King should be removed from Carisbrook Castle to Windsor Castle, in order to a personal Treaty with both Kingdoms.

Order for Printing a Letter of Colonel Ha­monds, and a Charge by one Osborn against him, and Captain Rolfe.

Order for the House to adjourn from every Fri­day till Tuesday after.

Letters from the Leaguer before Colchester, Colchester. that thirty Horse and forty Foot Sallied out of the Town to discover the new work that the General was making, and were beaten back by fourteen of the Parliaments Musquetiers, and that six Foot Souldiers went over the River, and brought away six Cows whithin Pistol shot of the main work of the Town, that some men were killed by the Cannon on both sides.

That the Suffolk Forces not being come up to the Leaguer, the Enemy had free passage to Sir Harbottle Grimston's house at Bradfield Hall, where they placed two hundred Musquetiers, and two Troops of Horse, and they sent a Summons to the Suffolk Forces at Cattaway Bridge.

That by Command of Sir Charles Lucas Com­mander in Chief of his Majesties Forces in Essex, they desire to know the positive answer of the Suffolk men, Whether they will declare themselves Enemies or not to those in Colchester, who are come to preserve the Hundred from plunder, and not to act any thing against those of Suffolk, if they declare either to be friends or neuters, and their intention to be only to secure their own County.

The General published a Proclamation; that whereas he had offered liberty to all private Soldiers laying down their Arms, and leaving the Party in Colchester, to depart to their private homes, and to be free from any violence of the Soldiers; with conditions to persons of other Quality: He Commands all his Officers and Sol­diers to permit them so to do.

(24.) Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the weather being extream wet, some began to sally out of the Town, but the Parliaments Soldiers, and Horse of the Trained-bands notwithstanding the wet, stood to their Arms, with so much rea­diness and cheerfulness, that the Cavaliers went in again.

That the Suffolk Forces made some scruple of marching out of their own County, that the par­ty in Sir Harbottle Grimston's house plundered it, and turned out his Lady.

That the Suffolk Forces were come up to the Leaguer before Colchester, two thousand Foot and five troops of Horse, and had intrenched themselves before the East-gate, and left a com­petent Force to secure Cattaway Bridge and other Bridges behind them.

(26.) Both Houses agreed upon a Committee to consider of the manner, and place of Treaty with his Majesty for settling the Peace of the Kingdom.

Vote that the Election of M r Mildmay was void, and Sir John Clotworthy to be readmitted a Member of the House.

A note was sent to D r Burges in his Pulpit, Pulpit. desiring him to give thanks to God, for preserving his Majesty from Poysoning, and to pray for the Forces under the Earl of Norwich, the Lord Capel, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale.

Order that the Militia of London do send for the Parties whose names were subscribed to this note; and that Bishop Wren, and M r Capel the Lord Capel's Son be added to those, who are to be sent Prisoners to his Excellency, and to be ex­changed for, or used as the Committee of Essex in restraint with the Lord Goring are.

Northern Letters, that Major General Lam­bert hath retaken Appleby Castle, and Greystock Castle, and some Arms and Ammunition, that the Lancashire Forces one Regiment of good Horse, and two Regiments of Foot are joyned with him, that they advanced eight thousand Horse and Foot against Langdale who retreated to Carlisle, and avoided fighting, but sent eight Troops of Horse, whereof two were Gentlemen excellently Mounted, towards Berwick, and their Motions were attended by Colonel George Fenwick and M r Sanderson.

That the Scots are daily expected by Langdale, Scotland. but many of the contrary Party both Scots and English fly into England, and affirm, that the Prince is expected in Scotland, that great violence is used towards all that will not adhere to the new War. Some Ministers executed, more imprisoned, all to be secured and their goods confiscated who op­pose this War, that there are great distractions and feuds among them.

A Petition from the Inhabitants of Colchester, Colchester. and a Letter from the Lord Goring in their behalf was brought to the General, that Liberty might be granted to the Bay and Say makers, in that Town, to have a free trade with London during the Siege.

The General answered, that they should have Fairfax. considered this, and divers other inconveniences of War before they had admitted the Forces now in their Town. He recites the former subduing of the Parliaments Enemies, and the quiet and free trade [Page 311] thereby enjoyed by that Town, and all the Kingdom, till this new War.

That the present interruption of their trade is brought upon them not by his default, but by those whom the Town hath harboured, and the Townsmen, and that to grant liberty of trade to persons besie­ged, so much advantage to them, and prejudice to the besiegers, is such a motion as was never yet granted.

That their hopefullest way to a free trade will be to attend to a restitution of the Town and County, to the condition they were in before these Forces were among them, and as in order thereto, he offer'd fair conditions in a Letter to the Lord Goring, Lord Capell and Sir Charles Lucas (though perhaps concealed from the Town) though they be rejected by them, yet that he shall be ready to make good the same to all that shall timely imbrace them, except those three persons themselves.

That in the mean time, there are with him sundry Gentlemen of Quality, and Towns-men of good estates, and eminent in trade; who offer to buy all the Bayes and Sayes in the Town at the usual prices, and to pay for them within a fortnight after the Town shall be ren­dred, or quitted to him.

And that though it be without example to a besieged Town, yet he will give leave for their commodities to be brought to a heath near the Town, to be bargained, or returned back as there shall be occasion.

A Trumpet came from the Lord Capell to de­sire the General that an agent of the Bay and Say­makers of the Town might come and treat with his Excellency about their free trade.

The Lord Capell's Trumpeter, and Colonel Paptons Trumpeter and divers Souldiers came from the Enemy to the General, according to his Proclamation.

The Lord Goring to keep up the spirits of his Party, when they asked, what the Generals Trumpet came so often about to them, he answered, that it was for a treaty, and that the General offered fifty thousand Pounds to the Lord Goring to permit him quietly to draw off with his Army.

[27.] A Petition from the Lord Major, Al­dermen, and Common Council of London to both Houses of Parliament.

That a personal Treaty may be had between his Majesty and both Houses of Parliament, in London, London Petition. or some other convenient place; to which Treaty our Brethren of Scotland may be invited, that so accor­ding to our Allegiance, and the Covenant, his Ma­jestys Royal person, honour, and Estate may be pre­served, the power and priviledge of Parliament main­tained, the just rights and Liberties of the subject restored, Religion, and Church Government in purity established, all differences composed, and a firm and lasting Peace concluded.

The Lords gave the Petitioners thanks for the Answer. continuance of their good affections, and inclinations to Peace.

The House of Commons related to them what they had done, and the Committee they had appointed in order to settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom, and gave them thanks for their good affections.

Additional ordinances passed for the Militia's of Westminster, and for York.

Some of the Forces in Colchester were drawn out into the Orchards and Closes under their Colchester. Works, the Parliaments Foot went presently into the Field, beat the Enemy into their guards, and made those run that kept the Guard, took their hour-Glass, set their guard House on Fire, killed two, and brought one Cook of Greenwich away Prisoner.

The Enemy quitted Sir Harbottle Grimston's House, and retreated to the Lord Bannings House.

The Tower Regiment marched over the new Bridge, and intrenched themselves about the Northgate.

Colonel Whaley with some Horse fired the Enemies wind-mills.

[28.] The monthly fast day.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the Suffolk Forces fell upon the Enemy, killed two, and took twenty Prisoners, whereof eight Kentish men, and two London Apprentices, who had chewed bullets rowled in sand in their pockets, contrary to the Law of Armes, that Colonel Needham was [...]lain with such a shot.

That the same day, thirty of the Parliaments Horse fell upon two Troops of the Enemy, killed two, and Wounded many, that the Enemy sus­pecting a battery, sallyed out in the night, with a hundred Horse in a full cariere, thinking to surprise some of the besiegers, but failing, they advanced in a swift march to the Horse guards, came within the Centries, and charged pistols.

That the main guard beat them back to the hedges, which they had lined with Musquetiers, but little hurt was done on either side.

Intelligence came, that the Enemy from Pont­fract had possessed themselves of Axcombe Island near Trent.

[29.] A Petition from the younger Brothers Petitions. of Trinity House, another from the Commanders, Masters, and Mariners of the shipping belonging to the River of Thames, and a third Petition from the Master, Warden, and Fellows of Trinity House, all for the personal Treaty with the King, were presented to the House, and a Committee ap­pointed to draw up an answer to them.

Order for a Months pay, for the Lancashire Forces, and for the thanks of the House to Co­lonel Ashton their Commander.

Upon Information of an Insurrection in Sussex, referred to the Committee of Derby house to take course for the subduing of them.

Upon Letters from the General ordered, that the Committee of the Army take care speedily to send down to the Army, provisions, and other necessaries which they want.

An Ordinance to impower the Committee of Essex to raise money for payment of the Forces in their County now raised.

Order for security of their arrears, to those Officers and Souldiers who came off from the Army, for the service of Ireland.

Order for six hundred Pounds for victualling the Fort and Castle of Chester, and that the late Actors in a design there be tryed by Martial Law.

Letters from Colchester leaguer, that the Enemy is debarred from all manner of provisions, that a party of the Suffolk Forces from Cattaway bridge, took ten Troopers of the Enemy plundering, and afterwards went to Sir Harbottle Grimstons house, which they found miserably ruined, and all the goods taken away and torn.

[30.] Upon a report from the Committee for the business of the personal Treaty the Lords a­greed to these Votes.

1. That the Vote of Jan. 3. 1647. forbidding Votes. any addresses to be made to, or received from his Ma­jesty, should be made null.

2. That the three propositions sent into Scotland and to be presented to his Majesty before a personal Treaty be had, should not be insisted upon, and that his Majesty be removed to some of his Houses within ten miles of London, to which the Lords desired the Commons concurrence.

[Page 312] The Lords recommended to the Commons the Petition of the Lady Capell, that she may have her eldest Son again, who is one of those sent down to the General to be used in the same manner as the Committee are, under restraint by the Lord Goring.

The House ordered a Letter to be sent to the Petition. General with the Lady Capell's petition inclosed, Lady Capell. and that the General be desired to do therein as may stand with the Justice and honour of the Parliament.

M r Dowsett upon a Message from the Lords, was ordered to attend that House, in the business of M r Rolfe who was committed.

Order for the Committees of Sussex, and of Worcestershire, to raise Forces, for suppressing In­surrections, and preserving the Peace of those Counties.

The Ordinance passed for payment of the Forces of Essex, and another for ten thousand pounds for Bristol.

Debate upon the Ordinance touching Reli­gion.

Letters from Colchester leaguer, that the Enemy plaid with their great Guns, but did no hurt, by Colchester. reason of the deepness of the Trenches: then they fell to annoy the besiegers with small shot out of M r Grimsion's House, but the General's great Can­non shooting through and through the House, cutting off the Legs and Arms of many of them, they fled into the Town, and set that, and other Houses with it, on fire.

That the Enemy sallyed out on the other side towards Suffolk, which the Parliaments Horse discovering they lined the hedges with Dragoons, and went on with a party of Horse as if they had incant to charge, and then faced about as running away from the Enemy, who pursued them to the place where the Dragoons were, who did so gall them with shot that they retreated, leaving some slain, and others desperately wounded.

That the next morning they sallyed out again with three troops of Horse, five hundred Foot, and a Drake, but the Parliaments Foot coming up too late to them they brought away some Cattle, and killed M r Sandford, though their friend, the owner of them. The Barbarous Common Souldier will know no distinction between Friends and Foes, eithers goods come alike to their ra­pine, and upon an hasty word they no more re­gard the bloud of a Friend than of an Enemy; and so it was with M r Sandford.

A Captain taken prisoner near Harwich.

Captain Brown came from the North to the General with Intelligence that the Enemy had quitted the Isle of Axholme.

July, 1648.

[1.] Debate upon the report, That the three Bills sent into Scotland should not be insisted upon, &c. ordered to be resumed to morrow, and all the Mem­bers to attend.

Vote to approve what the Lord Grey of Groby, and Captain Temple had done, in raising a con­siderable Body of Forces in Leicestershire, and commanding them.

Order for Committees to go down into the several Counties to take care for raising monies for the Forces before Colchester, and in Essex.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that those in Colchester. the Town are so block't up, that they cannot get provisions, that the Works are near finished, and that the besiegers perdu's lye so near the Enemy, that they can hear them discourse, drink healths, &c.

The General sent to offer an exchange of the Lord Capell's Son, for Sir William Masham, and two affidavits that by the Earl of Norwich's, and the Officers directions, their Souldiers had chewed bullets, and cast in Sand, delivered to them out of their stores, which being contrary to the Law of Armes, the General required that the same might be forborn for the future.

Concerning the Lord Capell's Son, the Lord Goring returned answer, that he conceived it in­humane, Goring. and that if all the Committee had been offered to him, he would have disdained the Motion, and that he joyed to see any of his (if no other way) yet by their sufferings, to pay the Duty they owe to the King and known Laws.

To that concerning bullets all the three Generals denyed any such command or practice, but for rough cast slugs they were the best they could send on the sudden.

[3.] A long Debate, whether the three Bills, viz.

1. For setling the Presbyterian Government for the 3 Bills. three years.

2. For recalling Declarations, and Proclamations against the Parliament.

3. For setling the Militia in the Parliament, shall be sent as propositions, to which his Majesty is to give his approbation by subscribing his hand, before a Trea­ty, and to give assurance to passe them into Acts, so soon as he shall come to London, and sit in Par­liament. It was carried by Vote in the affirmative.

Upon Information, that the King's Party were listing of men in London, and some of them who were apprehended for it, were rescued, the House for the better guarding and securing them­selves and the City, orderd five thousand Pounds for raising a new Regiment of Horse, to be un­der the Command of Major General Skippon, and declared it an acceptable service in such as would send in Horse or Arms for that purpose.

An Ordinance past for raising fourteen thou­sand pounds, out of the Estates of Delinquents, in Kent, and Essex.

Letters from the North, That the King's party from Pontefract came to Lincoln, where, and in Pontefr [...]. their march, they plundered the Parliaments Friends, took Captain Bret, Captain Fines, and M r Ellis Prisoners, and killed M r Smith an Officer of the sequestrations.

[4.] The House Voted that before a Treaty be Vote. concluded, all just debts to such as have adhered to the Parliament be paid or secured.

Referred to the Committee of Derby House to make Farnham Castle indefensible; and to secure Sterborough Castle, Rygate, Martin Abby, and all other places of strength in Surrey.

Letters from Lanc [...]shire that Colonel Lilburne C. [...] with a Party of six hundred Horse, ingaged a­gainst Sir Rich. Tempest with a thousand Horse, and after a hot dispute, six hundred of the Enemy's horse were taken, and three hundred Prisoners, of whom many Knights and Gentlemen.

Letters from the Navy, that Sir George Aiscough came in with the Parliaments Ship, the Lyon, de­claring against the revolted Ships.

Letters from Pembroke Leaguer, That a hun­dred Pembroke. and twenty in the Town laid down their Arms, and Poyer and Langhorn told them that if relief came not within five days they should hang them, that they have only rain water, and a little bisket left, that Cromwel shot stones into the Town with morter pieces, which killed divers.

Letters from Colonel Jones, that he had re­ceived fifty thousand pounds which was designed for Munster, three thousand three hundred ninety [Page 313] two pounds from London, six thousand suits, and of all sorts of grain, six thousand five hundred seventy one barrels: That the Scots seek to entice away his Souldiers.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that their great guns and carriages were come to the Besie­gers, Colchester that many desert the Enemy, that divers of their Wives came out of the Town, but were turned back again, that the Wives of the Par­liaments friends were not suffer'd to come forth.

That when some of the Town complained for want of Victuals, the Lord Goring told them, they must not complain till horse-flesh were at ten shillings a pound; that they have twenty pieces of Ordnance, and two hundred barrels of powder, but want great shot.

(5.) A Petition from the Common Council of London, with another from the Common Officers London Petition. of the Trained bands praying,

1. THat the Militia of London, and of the ad­jacent parts, may be settled in one Commit­tee, and if any persons be added to the Committee, that they may be such as have no places of profit, which depend upon the War, or have shewed them­selves disaffected to the ends of the Covenant.

2. That the King may be brought to London, with freedom, honour, and safety to treat with his Parliament for settling a safe and well grounded Peace.

3. That the Militia may have power, if need be, to raise Horse for the defence of the King, Parlia­ment and City.

The Lords granted the desires of the Petitioners in confidence that the City will be careful to make Answer. good that great ingagement now made for securing his Majesties person, and the Parliament from tumults, mutinies, and disorders; and that they will adhere to live and die in defence of the King and Parlia­ment, according to the Covenant.

The House of Commons told the Petitioners, that they had agreed to the joyning of the Mi­litias.

A Petition from eighty Seamen, Masters of Ships, &c. offering their service for the reducing of the revolted Ships, the Petitioners had thanks, and the Petition referred to a Committee.

Letters from Sir Arthur Haselrigge confirming the victory obtained by Colonel Lilburne, Colo­nel Haselrigge. Fenwick, and M r Sanderson against Sir Richard Tempest, without the loss of one man. The List of the Commanders, and Gentlemen of Quality taken Prisoners, was sent up to the Parliament.

A publick thanksgiving ordered for this Vi­ctory.

Intelligence came of about five hundred Horse got together near Kingston, the Earl of Holland, the Duke of Buckingham, and the Lord Francis his brother, in the head of them; that the Earl of D. Buck­ingham. Peterborough came in to them, that they summon­ed the Country, expecting great numbers to joyn with them, and plundered some friends of the Parliament.

The Commons passed some Instructions for the security of Whitehal and Lambeth-house from the danger of this Party, and appointed Guards on the Thames, at the Ferries and Watering pla­ces, to stop all suspicious persons which might pass that way.

The Committee of Derby-house made report of this business, and their opinion, for subscrip­tions of Horses to be made by the Members of Parliament for ten days, for defence of the Par­liament and City, which the House approved of, and subscribed very freely, some two, some three, and some of them four Horses.

Order for those Horse to be put under the command of Colonel Butler, and Quarter Master General Fincher, and they to have a hundred Pounds a piece for a gratuity, and it was declared an acceptable service for all who shall list any Hor­ses for this service.

This suddain, and unexpected, if not rash E. Holland. action of the Earl of Holland, and the rest with him, brought to my remembrance some discourse which his Lordship had with an acquaintance not long before, when he was pleased much to in­veigh against some proceedings of the Parlia­ment, especially in their backwardness to a perso­nal Treaty, upon which he said, and truly, That generally peoples hearts were set, and that he did be­lieve, if a considerable Party should shew themselves in Arms for it, that they would soon rise to a great body, and be able to bring the Parliament to rea­son.

He was answer'd, that the Parliaments Army was in a framed body, of old Souldiers, prospe­rous in their actions, and well provided of all things necessary; and that it would be a rash and desperate attempt for any to imagin to make a head against them, and to raise a new body.

That there was no trust to be given to peoples minds or promises in such designs, who would not stir, except they saw the Tide turning, and some precedent success, which could not be in this case; but those who should adventure upon such a business, would certainly be lost in it.

He argued earnestly to the contrary, and how honourable, just and pious a thing it would be, to rescue our Country from the misery and slavery they were now under, especially if it were done by those who in the beginning had perhaps too much hand in the bring­ing of those straits upon us.

It was replied, that it would be worse in those men than in any others, for that it would be look­ed upon in them, as breach of faith and treachery to those who had before intrusted them.

Order for forces for Northamptonshire.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer of the great Flood there, which hinders any from escaping, and that they are in great want of victuals in the Town.

A Porter in Soldiers habit from London got in­to Colchester, and brought them Intelligence, that a great force was coming from London to their relief.

[6.] Major General Brown continued one of the Sheriffs of London.

Divers well affected persons having raised Forces in several Counties for the defence thereof, without authority of Parliament, the House de­clared the same an acceptable Service.

To the end the Kingdom may be satisfied of the en­deavours of the Parliament to preserve the brotherly love, and Ʋnion with Scotland, Ordered that all the Transactions, Papers and Letters between the English Commissioners and the Parliament of Scotland shall be printed.

Ordered that the Horse listed under Colonel Butler, and Quarter Master General Fincher, be quartered in the Mues.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that July the Colchester. fifth about eight in the morning the Enemy sal­lied out with a thousand Horse and three hundred Foot, fell suddainly upon the Parliaments Guards, and surprised some of them being Country men, that the rest retreated from the main Guard.

That Colonel Whaley perceiving the Enemies advantage, got with his Horse between them and [Page 314] home, whilest the Tower Regiment advanced towards the front, and routed both Horse and Foot together, and took about a hundred priso­ners, most of them miserably wounded, the Par­liaments. Souldiers being the more fierce because of the poysoned bullets. That about twenty of the Enemy were slain on the place, most of them Gentlemen, as appeared by their clothes, and their white skins.

That Lieutenant Colonel Weston, Son to Sir Poysoned bullets. Rich. Weston, and two Captains were taken Priso­ners, and the Parliaments Forces regained two Drakes from the Enemy; that Lieut. Colonel Sham­brooke was shot in the Body, and the bullet since taken out, appeared to be poysoned, boyled in Copperas, which much inraged the Parliaments Souldiers.

That Captain Moody who commanded a Troop of the Suffolk Horse ingaging boldly, was taken Prisoner. One Souldier had his leg shot off with a great bullet, and some were wounded.

[7.] Debate upon the City's answer to the Parliaments Proposals, what security the [...] City would give, for the security of his Majesty's person, and of the Parliament during their Treaty at Lon­don, if it should be agreed upon.

The City acquainted the House with a Letter they received last night from the Earl of Holland, Duke of Bucks, and Earl of Peterborough, declaring their intentions to joyn with the Forces of Sussex, Sunny, and Middlesex, to release, and preserve his Majesty's person, to bring him to his Parliament, to settle Peace in the Kingdom, and to preserve the known laws, inviting the City to joyn with them herein, at least not to be active against them.

Upon debate of this Letter the House voted Vote. that the Earl of Holland, Duke of Bucks, and Earl of Peterburgh, had leavied War against the Parlia­ment and Kingdom, and in so doing were Traytors, and ought to be proceeded against as Traytors, and that the Estates of those Lords, and of all that joyn with them, be sequestred.

An Ordinance past for fifteen hundred pounds a Month for Forces in Lincolnshire.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer of the late Colchester. victory by the Parliaments Forces there, that the Lord Goring, and Lord Capell, carry thing very high, but Sir Charles Lucas more moderate; that Butter and cheese was at five Shillings a pound, and that the Souldiers seised upon the Meal and Bread, and began to be much distasted by the Towns-men, especially the Women, who began to be in want of victuals for themselves and Children.

[8.] A Conference of both Houses about not 3. Bills. insisting upon the three Bills to be sent to his Majesty.

Order for mony for Major General Brown.

A Petition of old Officers and Souldiers of the North Committed.

Letters from Colonel Rossiter, that he met with the Pontefract Forces, upon their return, after Pontefract. their plundering Voyage, and ingaged them at a place called Willoughby Field, routed their whole party consisting of about a thousand Horse, took both Horse, and their riders, the Comman­der in Chief, and all his Officers, all their bag and baggage, the rest routed, but not many slain, Colonel Rossiter wounded in the thigh.

The House gave a hundred pound to Captain Norwood, who brought the Letters from Colonel Rossiter.

Letters that the Earl of Holland and his party marched from Darking with their whole force, F. Holland. to possess Rigate, but their Design was disap­pointed by Major Gibbons, and two Troups of Colonel Riches Horse, entring the Town be­fore.

That upon this, the Earl of Holland, and his Party, Marched the next way to Kingston, and were pursued by the Parliaments Horse, who took some men and Horse near Nonsuch.

That in the way betwixt Nonsuch and Kingston the Earl of Holland drew up, and faced Sir Mich. Levesey, and Gibbons, and some Parties on both sides skirmished.

That the Earl of Holland sent his Foot before to Kingston, to make good his retreat thither, that the Forelorns on both sides fought gallantly, that the Earl was followed violently by Gibbons, and a Cornet of Colonel Riches Regiment with their divisions, to Kingston, and routed, but the Foot sent before, made good their turn-pike, and the Parliaments Forces did not think sit to enter the Town with them.

That the Parliaments Forces intending a fur­ther attempt upon the Earls men, but they not an­swering the Alarm, the Horse Guard advanced into the Town, and found it quit of the Enemy, who left near a hundred Horse in the Town, with their carriages; and themselves fled over the Bridge to Harrow on the Hill, whither the Par­liaments Forces were in pursuit of them.

That in this service were about twenty slain, the Lord Francis dangerously wounded, if not dead, the Earl of Holland said to be shot in the shoulder, Colonel Howard and some others of note hurt, about a hundred prisoners, and two hun­dred Horse taken, the Earl with about three hun­dred gone towards S r Albans, pursued by the Par­liaments Forces, with whom Colonel Scroope is coming to joyn.

Letters from Colchester leaguer, that the Enemy Colchester. shot much from the top of a Church, till the General with his Cannon beat down part of the Church, and then they ceased, that the Officers tell their men, and scatter papers among the Parliaments Souldiers, that London appeared for them, that a thousand Horse were coming to raise the siege, that the Parliament was broken, and many of the Members cut in pieces.

That in some prisoners pockets they found ten slugs done with sand, and a Trumpet was sent to the Lord Goring to let him know what his Souldiers must expect. That according to a Let­ter from the House of Lords, the General retur­ned the Lord Capels Son, that Colonel Scroope is gone with Sir Michael Levesey against the Earl of Holland and his party.

[9.] Some Prisoners being brought to town from the Army, divers apprentices got together and indeavoured by a tumult to rescue them, but it was prevented.

[10.] At a Conference the Lords delivered 3. Bills. reasons to the Commons why the three proposi­tions, should not be insisted on, before a Treaty with his Majesty.

  • 1. That there may be no delay, a speedy personal Treaty being so much desired and Petitioned for.
  • 2. Because it is the desire of the Parliament of Scotland.
  • 3. The agreement upon the Treaty will be the more authentick.
  • 4. It's probable having no Army the King will condescend to that which at Uxbridge and Oxford he refused.
  • 5. It is not the way of Treaties to confirm any, before all is agreed, especially what is of greatest con­cernment, and will be chiefly insisted upon.

[Page 315] Vote for M r Ashburnham to be offered in ex­change for Sir W. Masham.

A Petition in behalf of M r Rolfe.

Letters from Wales of a design to betray Denbigh Castle prevented.

An Ordinance past for a Troop of Horse to be raised in Surrey, another for Hampshire, and a third for Caernarvon.

The vindication of Major General Skippon, a­gainst a scandalous Libel, ordered to be posted in London.

An Ordinance for the adjacent parts to be ad­ded to the Militia of London, and a Petition against it referred to a Committee.

Letters of the Victory gained by Colonel Ros­siter, before mentioned, a list of the Prisoners, Officers, and Gentlemen of quality, about five C. Rossiter. hundred Prisoners taken, eight Carriages with Arms and Ammunition, Colonel Pocklington and Colonel Cholmely slain, with many Officers and Souldiers to the number of about two hundred, all their bag and baggage taken.

Letters from Major General Lamberts quarters, that his men took near to Carlisle a hundred Pri­soners Horse and Foot, and forty Horse, that that Alarm in the Night caused all the Enemies Forces thereabouts to flye into Carlisle, saying they would not fight till the Scots were come in to joyn with them.

[11.] A Letter from Colonel Hammond desiring that Osbornes charge against Mr. Rolfe, may come to a speedy hearing, it reflecting so highly upon the Army, and upon him, and being an horrid scandal, whereof he clears his own innocency, and the Officers of the Army, and Mr. Rolfe, and if the House have any suspicion of him, if they please to send down another to be in his place he shall willingly resign.

An Ordinance past both Houses for continuing the Excise two years longer.

Debate of an Ordinance of Indempnity for the revolted Sea-men, that shall come in by a day, the rest to be out of mercy, and Instructions for incouragement of Sea-men, referred to a Committee.

An Ordinance past both Houses for money for the Lincolnshire Forces. Another transmitted to the Lords to pay off poor Souldiers, and Widows.

A design of the Malignants in Worcester pre­vented, and Mr. Harcourt and others apprehended for it.

Order for the Garrisoning Worcester by Colonel Dingly, and Hartlebury.

Order for accommodations for Mr. Rolfe, and for a Letter of thanks to Colonel Hammond for his good services.

The Committee of both Houses and the Com­mittee of the Common Council of London had several meetings and Treaties about their ingage­ment for the safety of the King and Parliament during the intended Treaty at London.

The Common Council explained their mean­ing, upon several particulars of their former Peti­tions.

1. They will ingage that the King and Parliament may meet and treat, free from Force and violence, this London Explana­tions. they mean by the word safely.

2. By the word, defend, they mean that during the Treaty they will defend the King and Parliament (so much as in them lies) free from all Force and violence.

3. That if the Treaty be in London, the City will for the present defray the charge of the guard during the Treaty, and afterward referr themselves to the King and Parliament for the satisfaction there­of.

4. That in case the intended treaty shall be in London, and his Majesty and the Parliament shall not agree, then the City conceive themselves bound to submit to the Wisdom of both Houses, touching the disposal of the Kings person.

5. That the Common Council and Officers Military do declare, that they are ready according to their in­gagment, as much as in them lyes, by the Trained bands to guard and defend the King and Parliament against all Force and violence.

And they desire to have the Militiaes united, and to be inabled to raise Forces, and that during the Treaty no Forces may come within thirty miles of London with­out their consents.

That those who shall make any tumult or distur­bance during the Treaty, may be punished with Death, that none who have born Arms against the Par­liament or contributed thereunto, shall during the Treaty come within thirty miles of London, without leave of Parliament.

That the Treaty may be with all expedition, for preventing of further inconveniences, and that if the Treaty be in London, the Common Council will in­deavour to find out a convenient place for it, and ac­commodations. They also ordered that the Com­mon Council-men within their several Precincts should indeavour to get the subscriptions of the Citizens to this ingagement, which was done accordingly.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the besieged are in great want of victuals and Horse-meat, that Colchester. their guard who were to secure those that came out to get Horse-meat, were beaten, divers of them killed, and some taken.

Letters from St. Needs that Colonel Scroop with Earl of Holland. his party from Colchester Leaguer (sent after the Earl of Holland and his Party) came to Hartford, and with skilful guides from thence were brought to S. Needes, before the Lords could shift away, yet had got into some Bodies with their Party in the Town.

That the Parliaments forlorn being entred charged and routed the Earl's Party, before the Body came up, and when they came the Earl's Party sled several ways, yet many of them fell, as Colonel Dalbier who was slain in the Inn; Sir Kenelm Digbyes Son, another Colonel and divers others were slain.

The Earl of Holland craved quarter in his Chamber, and had it; with him were taken Pri­soners Sir Gilbert Gerrard, Colonel Skeimister, Major Holland, Major Stepkin, Lieutenant Colonel Goodwin, and a hundred Prisoners besides. That the Parliaments Souldiers had above a hundred Gallant Horses, store of gold and Silver and rich clothes, they had but two men slain, and Colonel Scroops Captain Lieutenant wounded, they were so tyred with their long march, that they could not pursue the Enemy.

That the Duke of Bucks was fled with about forty Horse towards Lincolnshire.

Intelligence that the Lord Andover going to the Prince was taken, and put into Dover Castle.

[12.] A Declaration transmitted to the Lords giving twenty days to the revolted Ships to come in, or else to be taken as Traitors, and their goods to be confiscated, and this to be sent to them by the Lord Admiral.

Letters that after the defeat given to Langdales Langdale. Forces by Colonel Lilburn, he, having intelligence that nine thousand Scots were entring England, to joyn with Langdale, drew towards Lambert to joyn with him.

[Page 316] That Duke Hamilton sent a Complement to Major General Lambert, that he was upon ad­vance with an Army towards England, for that the Parliament of England had given no satis­faction to the desires of the Parliament of Scot­land, and could not avoid the Northern parts of Hamilton. England.

He assures Major General Lambert, that he in­tends Lambert. no hurt to him, or to the Kingdom, which his future carriage would demonstrate.

The Major General returned answer, that as to not satisfaction with this Parliament he had nothing to say, but as to his coming in hostile way in Eng­land, he would oppose him to the utmost, and fight him and his Army as Traytors, and Enemies to the Kingdom.

That this great breach of the Covenant and large Treaty between the two Nations he doubted not but would be revenged upon them to their utter ruine; and was assured of assistance herein by all true English- men, and right Covenanters of the two Nations.

Letters from France that Prince Charles was sailed from Calice to Holland.

[13.] Order to prevent tumults, that no more Prisoners of quality shall be brought up to London, but be disposed of to other places of strength. The Earl of Holland was sent Prisoner to Warwick Castle.

Order for a thousand Foot, and five hundred Horse to be raised, and maintained in Essex, out of the estates of those who ingaged with the Lord Goring.

The House approved Articles made by Colonel Rich, upon the surrender of some Castles in Kent, and that a letter of thanks be sent to him, and ammunition for his Regiment.

Order that the Estates of the Duke of Bucks, of the Lord Francis his Brother, and Sir Francis Ratcliff in the North, shall go towards the maitenance of the Forces of Major General Lambert.

[14.] Letters from Major General Lambert Hamilton. that Duke Hamilton was advanced into this King­dom with an Army of ten thousand men, with whom Sir Marmaduke Langdale is joyned, and that their Army is about Carlisle.

The House declared that the Forces now come out of Scotland into England in an hostile manner, being without the authority of the Parliament of England, are Enemies to England, and that all such English or Irish that shall adhere to, or assist them are Rebels and Traytors to England, and shall be proceeded against and their Estates confiscated as Traytors and Rebels.

Order for twenty thousand Pounds for the Forces in the North, and that all the Revenues of the King, Queen, and Prince in the North shall be paid by the Receiver of Yorkshire to the Comman­der in chief of the Northern Forces for their main­tenance, and referred to the Committee of Darby House to consider of sending more Forces down to Major General Lambert.

Here you may take notice of a strange turn in the affairs of this Parliament to which all humane affairs are subject, but in these times much more than ordinary.

You have read the great indeavours formerly, to bring them in as Friends to assist the Parliament, and remember the story of their actions, and re­turn home again; now the other faction in Scot­land prevailing, the Scots are turned Enemies to England, and invade them with a considerable Army; before, they joyned with the Parliament against the King, now they joyn with the Kings Forces against the Parliament.

How like the Sea the People of the world are, still ebbing or flowing, always in an uncertain motion, and constant in nothing but incon­stancy!

Debate upon the Citizens offer of security to the King, and both Houses of Parliament during the Treaty, if it be at London.

[15.] Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwel to the General and to the Committee of Darby Pembroke Castle surren­dered. House, that 11. of July last, the Town and Castle of Pembroke were surrendred to him upon Articles.

That Langhorne, Poyer, and four more Officers, surrendred to the mercy of the Parliament, Sir Charles Kemish, Sir Henry Stradling, and about ten more Officers and Gentlemen, were to de­part the Kingdom within six weeks, and not to teturn in two years, and all the rest to have liberty to go to their homes, and not to be plun­dered.

The sick and wounded men to be taken care of, the Towns-men not to be plundered, but to injoy their liberty as heretofore.

The Town, Castle, Arms, Ammunition and provisions to be delivered up to Lieutenant Gene­ral Cromwel, for the use of the Parliament. That Cromwel prepared to advance towards Lambert to joyn with him again the Scots.

The House declared to adhere to their former The 3 Bi [...] Vote, that the three propositions shall be signed by his Majesty before a personal Treaty be had with him, and a Committee was appointed to draw reasons to satisfy the Lords concerning the same.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the King Isle of Wight. declared to divers of his party, and wished them to declare it to others, that the Governor Colonel. Hammond was a man of honour and trust, and had carryed himself civilly and respectfully to his Ma­jesty.

That Osborne had unjustly and ungratefully asper­sed the Governor, and as touching the preservation of his person from Poyson, or any such horrid design, the King said he was so confident of the honesty and faith­fulness of the Governour, that he thought himself as safe in his hands, as if he were in the Custody of his own Son.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer that the Enemy Colchester. were all drawn up into the high Street, but were beaten in with loss upon their sally forth. That Captain Jailler got out of the Town, and came to the General and told him that many of the Soul­diers in the Town would come to his Excellencie if they knew his Conditions. That the General had made a breach in the wall, and beat the Enemy from their guards. That Colonel Whaley with some of the Suffolk Foot fell upon a Church, which the Enemy had fortifyed, who presently cried for quarter, and that there were taken about eighty Prisoners, most Kentish-men.

Intelligence that the Duke of Bucks party was wholly routed near Oundleby, Captain Butler and the Duke, with Sir Thomas Bludder, and a­bout a hundred more got away privately towards London.

From Colchester Leaguer, that the General had taken Sir Jo. Lucas his House, and the Gate-House, which was hotly disputed, till a hand Gra­nado was by Cromwells men thrown among them, which lighting upon their magazine of Powder, about forty of them were blown up, about sixty taken Prisoners, the rest of a hundred and forty were destroyed and killed.

This so inraged them that being confined with­in the walls, they fired all the Suburbs round about, a very sad spectacle, the Houses for above a mile together, being all of a flame, one of the Com­panions of War.

[Page 317] [17.] Voted that after the three propositions signed, the King be desired to name three places within ten Miles of Westminster, of which the Par­liament to choose one, where the Treaty with his Majesty shall be had.

The Commons confirmed what was done by The three Propositi­ons. the Governor of New Castle, in laying the Tax on Coals and Salt there.

They gave twenty pounds to the Messenger of the surrender of Pembroke Castle.

Voted a pardon to divers that were in the In­surrection in Kent, and to all that came in upon the Indempnity offered, and to such as can make it appear that they were forced.

A Petition from the Tower-Hamlets, and from Personal Treaty. Southwark, &c. That the personal Treaty may be hastened, and those Militiaes united to the City.

They had thanks for their good affections, and were told that the house had already voted the uniting of the Militiaes.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the Ene­my attempted to escape by a Ford, but the Par­liaments Colchester. Scouts firing at them they retreated in again.

That the General to prevent shedding of more blood, and the ruine of the Town, sent another Summons to the Earl of Norwich, the Lord Capel, and Sir Charles Lucas, to surrender the Town to the service of the Parliament; to which they re­turned a scornful answer, that if any more Letters of that kind were sent to them, they would hang up the Messenger.

That presently after the return of the Generals Trumpet, the Enemy set fire on another Street of the Town.

That before any attempt upon the Town the General intends to send for all women and chil­dren to come out.

Letters from the North, that Duke Hamilton was come in person into Carlisle, where he was Hamilton received with shooting of Ordnance, and ringing of Bells, that he marched himself in the Van of his Army, his Trumpets in rich Liveries, and his Life-guard, with Standards, and Equipage Prince­like, with his Carriages, but little Artillery, that being expected by them at Carlisle; and Sir Mar­maduke Langdale with three thousand English to joyn with the Duke.

The Duke sent a Letter to Major General Lambert, to the effect before mentioned; and that he was commanded by the Committee of the Estates of Scotland, to prosecute their desires here against the Sectaries, to liberate the King from his base imprisonment, and the two Houses of Parli­ment from constraint, and for the disbanding of all the Armies, whereby the subject may be free from Taxes, and Quarter; and for setling peace, and a firm Ʋnion.

That being the intentions and desires of the Kingdom of Scotland, he expects Lambert will not oppose their just, pious, and loyal undertakings, but rather joyn in prosecution of these ends, and desires his present, and positive answer.

To this Letter Lambert returned answer, that Lambert. as to the transactions of the Parliament, he could give no answer, seeing they are laid open to the view of the world, and known to his Excellency. That as to the English Forces being drawn upon the borders of Scot­land, he can the better give answer to that, having the conduct of those Forces, by Commission from the Lord General Fairfax, and his positive Command, to be most tender in acting any thing that might give any seeming occasion of offence to our Brethren of Scotland, which he hath punctually observed.

That he believes it never entred into the thoughts of the Parliament or his Excellency, the Lord General Fairfax, to act any thing prejudicial to the Kingdom of Scotland.

That the occasion of their drawing Forces near the borders is notoriously known to be for suppressing of Sir Marmaduke Langdale and his adherents, many of them Papists, and grand Delinquents, opposers to the ends of the Covenant, and who are risen in rebellion against the Parliament.

That he wonders at the suggestions of the Parliament of Scotland, that the Parliament of England is under Force, when all English- men (except Sir Marma­duke Langdale and his adherents) do act only by the immediate authority of the Parliament, who sig and command all freely.

Then he vindicates the Parliaments Proceedings for Peace and to free the People from Taxes and Quarter, he concludes that the resolutions of the Com­mittee of Estates are wholly grounded upon mistakes, and desires the Duke to consider if they be not contrary to the Covenant.

He saith that he must (in prosecution of the trust reposed in him) to the utmost of his power, oppose all Forces raised, or brought into this Kingdom, except those by authority of the Parliament of England, in which he hopes the D. will not oppose, but rather assist him, if the Parliament of England shall de­sire it.

[18.] A Declaration transmitted to the Lords, of the Victories God had given to the Parliaments Forces, within a few late Months.

Letters from Major General Lambert, that the Scots. Scots Army was joyned with Sir Marmaduke Lang­dale, that they were in all about twelve thousand Horse and Foot, he desired supplies of Money and men, and it was referred to the Committee of Darby house to take care of it.

A Petition from the Common Council of Lon­don London Petition. to the House of Commons, that no Tax or Im­position may be laid upon New-Castle Coals, and that the House would consider of disposing the profits of all places and imployments injoyed con­trary to the self-denying Ordinance, and the Votes of Parliament, Junii 10. 1647. and of Customers, Excise-men, Committee-men, &c. for the publick occasions of the Kingdom.

Another Petition was to both Houses for adding fifteen persons named by the Common Council to be of the Militia of London.

Another Petition not from the Common Coun­cil, but with ten thousand Hands to it, that the Militiaes may continue distinct, that the Parliament would keep the power in their own hands, and call what Forces they please to their assistance.

These and other Petitions from Southwark, West­minster, &c. for joyning the Militiaes together, and some against it, were referred to a Committee to hear all parties, and their Claims, and report their opinions to the House.

A Petition from the Water-men upon the Thames, for a personal Treaty and settlement of Peace; the Petitioners had thanks for making their Addresses by a few of their Company, and were told that they were witnesses of the Parliaments indeavours for Peace, who had now the same things under consideration for which they petitioned, and would do therein what they judged best for the Kingdom.

Order for a day of thanksgiving for the great Victories obtained by the Parliaments Forces.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that those within the Town made several attemps to escape Colchester. away, but were beaten back again, some of them killed, and divers wounded. That they refused another summons of the General to surrender the Town.

[Page 318] [19.] Intercepted Letters from one in Carlisle that they expect the Prince of Wales there, that he sent a Declaration to Sir Marmaduke Langdale to publish to the Army and Country, that the King his Father being kept Prisoner by the Parliament, he is resolved to use all possible means to free him, and Declarati­on. re-inthrone him, and desires all men to joyn with him therein.

And he ingages, and desires Langdale and his friends to ingage in the Princes name, that all who have for­merly acted for the Parliament and shall now come in and joyn with him, shall not only have their Pardon and Indemnity, but all their Arrears satisfied.

[20.] Letters from the Committee of Surrey of Insurrecti­on. a late Insurrection at Horsham, but suppressed; and that Mr. Middleton a member of the House of Com­mons was a party in it, and imprisoned by that Committee, which the House approved, and sent for Mr. Middleton up to be examined.

Debate upon the Scots Declaration of the grounds of their Armies coming into England.

The Lords desired the concurrence of the Com­mons to Indemnify the Duke of Buckingam for his late Ingagement, if he came in within four­teen days.

Scots Letters intercepted by Major General Lambert, communicated to the Lords, and a Vote Votes. passed that all who have invited the Scots Army into England, or shall assist them are Traitors, and recalled their Commissioners from Scotland, they having proclaimed War against England.

[21.] A Vote that all who have served the Parlia­ment, and afterwards revolted to the Enemy, shall be tried for their lives (being Prisoners) by a Council of War; and that the General do give Commissions to per­sons in the several Counties, for Tryal of such revolted persons by Martial Law.

Captain Yarrington informed the House of a de­sign of Sir Henry Lingen, and other Deliquents to surprise Doily Castle, Hereford, and other places, which the Captain by his indeavours prevented, and the House ordered him five hundred pounds out of Lingens Estate, and the rest.

Instructions transmitted to the Lords for Mr. Bence and Mr. Strickland, to go to the Lord Admi­ral, and to advise him, and be assistant to him up­on all occasions.

[22.] Upon a Petition from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of London con­cerning the listing of Souldiers under Major Gene­ral Skippon, the House insisted upon their former Ordinances touching this business, and approved what was done therein.

Referred to the Militia of the out-parts, and of the several Counties, to receive all Complaints touching miscarriages in listing of Souldiers with­out authority of Parliament.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that those in Colshester. the Town have begun to eat Horse-flesh, and have provided store of Pitch and Tar to fire, and throw upon the Besiegers, and sithes to cut them off in case they attempt a storm.

[24.] Power given to the Lord Admiral to grant indempnity to such revolted Mariners as shall come in.

An Ordinance past the Commons for forty thousand pounds for the Northern Forces, out of the Excise, and another for the revenues of the King, Queen and Prince in those parts for those Forces, and an Order for a train of Artillery for Major General Lamberts Army.

Captain Clarks action approved in hindring the transporting of some Scots out of Ireland into England, and ordered that those Scots who shall refuse to be so transported, and shall not desert the Parliaments service, shall be equally provi­ded for with the rest of the English Souldiers of that Kingdom.

Debate upon the large Catechism.

Letters from the North, that upon the advance Hamiltons. Army. of the Enemy with their whole body, the Par­liaments Forces by directions from their Council of War did retreat; being fewer in number, and expecting additional Forces, and being not for­ward to ingage before they understood the plea­sure of the Parliament concerning the Scots Army coming into England.

That the Enemy followed them, but Colonel Harrison gave some check to them, and was woun­ded, and Captain Cromwel slain; that the Enemy attempted to enter Appleby where the Parliaments Foot were, who repulsed them, and Colonel Hatfield charged a great body of the Enemy and forced them to retreat; that about forty of them were slain, and not above three or four of the Par­liaments Forces.

[25.] At a Conference the Commons gave rea­sons Reasons for the three Pre­positions. to the Lords, why the three propositions should be sent to the King to pass before the Treaty.

1. Because the disaffected party in, and near Lon­don, where the Treaty is likely to be, is such, that if the King grant not the Militia before he comes, there will be no safety, nor likelihood of the Treaty to proceed, for many will indeavour to bring in the King without any agreement, and to the destruction of the Parliament.

2. If the Presbyterian government be not setled, all things in the Church will be in great confusion, and the Ministers great sufferers, and in high distaste with the Parliament.

3. If the Declarations be not recalled, the Parlia­ment is not in a Capacity to treat, having been declared Rebels and Traytors, and no Parliament but a pre­tended one, which was never done by any of the Kings Predecessors.

The Lords answered, that they could not imagine, Lords An­swer. nor was it probable that the parts about London who had petitioned for a Treaty, would put it on for the dis­advantage of the Parliament.

2. They did not apprehend any prejudice to the Par­liaments party during the Treaty.

3. His Majesty had declared he would consent to all together, and not to any before all was agreed, and that in case there were no agreement, they were all in state as before, and that these particulars would require Debate.

To these the Commons replied, that his Majesty Commons Reply. was not ignorant of the full demand of those particulars having been often presented to him, and to the two first he had declared a willingness, and was not obliged to pass them as Bills, unless all other things were agreed up­on, and if no agreement, he being at liberty, a new War was like to insue.

That there was no doubt, but those about London, who had petitioned for a Treaty, would put it on, to the disadvantage of the Parliament, being such who have not only Petitioned the re-establishment of his Majesty with­out conditions, but have taken up Arms and were now in Arms, to cudgel the Parliament (as those of Col­chester said) into a Treaty.

That if these three propositions be not past before the Treaty (which is supposed will be in or near London) nothing will be determined, how his Majesty shall be, who shall be with him, or how the disaffected to the Par­liament shall be ordered, and things not setled by Law may be received, Episcopacy may be set on foot again, Ministers put out, Ordinances for money be denied, and his Majesty and the Parliament be in War again as formerly.

Intercepted Letters from the Scots referred to [Page 319] a committee to find out the Key of the Characters, with power to send for and secure persons con­cerned.

Letters from Major General Lambert of his re­treat, and referred to the Committee of Derby House to command Forces from Gloucester, or Lambert. any other Garrisons to joyn with Lambert in the North.

Order for the Ships at Munster to joyn with Captain Clerk to hinder the transport of Scots out of Ireland into England.

Order for collecting the arrears of the assess­ments in the City, and Counties.

Power given to the Lord Admiral to dismiss such Ships as he shall find not fit for the Parlia­ments service.

Order for addition to the Forces at Southampton.

Several Ordinances past both Houses, for re­moving obstructions in sale of Bishops Lands, and for the Militia in Dorset and Huntington-shires.

Orders for money for Hurst Castle and for Carisbrook Castle, and for two thousand pounds out of the Estates of the Duke of Bucks, and Earl of Holland, for pay of a Troop of Horse in the Isle of Wight. And for five hundred pounds for another Garrison not named.

[26.] The Monthly Fast day.

Sir John Owen was sent to Windsor Castle, up­on a Charge of high Treason and Murder against him, for the business of North Wales.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that an Ex­change was offered of M r Ashburnham, for Sir Colchester. William Masham.

That the Lord General had caused the Pipes of Water to the Town to be cut off, whereby the besieged had no Water but what was muddy, or annoyed with Dead Horses, and the besiegers got a great store of Lead. That the Common Souldiers in the Town had lived upon Horse-flesh five days together, and at a Court of Guard, they Roasted a whole Horse, at which the Foot was merry, but the Troupers discontented.

That the General sent in Papers upon the heads of Arrows, into the Town, by that means dis­persed among the Common Souldiers in the Town, that if they would deliver up the Lord Goring, Lord Loughborough, Lord Capell, and some others of their Chief-men, that the rest should have passes, and quarter, and go to their homes.

The Prince and Duke of York came to Yar­mouth with nineteen Ships, in which were sup­posed to be two thousand men, some of them landing near the Town were set upon by a party of the Parliaments Horse, who took seven of them Prisoners; but a party of Townsmen is­suing out rescued the Prisoners, and the rest of the Princes men got into the Town.

The General sent Colonel Scroop with eight Troops of Horse and Dragoons towards Yar­mouth, and a thousand of the Norfolk Foot were ordered to joyn with him to hinder the landing of the Prince and his Forces there.

Letters from Major General Lambert, that the Lambert. Scots and his Forces are near one another, and have had several Skirmishes, but few lost on ei­ther side, that the Yorkshire Horse and a thousand of Lieutenant General Cromwells Foot are joyned with him.

[27.] Both Houses made the Earl of Pem­broke, Constable of Windsor Castle, and Keeper of the great Park and Forest. And his Lordship a little time after made Whitelock his Lieutenant of the Castle and Forest.

Sergeant Glanvile made his composition, and was released from imprisonment.

Order for fourty thousand pounds for furni­shing the stores of the Kingdom, and for night thousand for the Fort of Tilbury, and Colonel Willoughbies accompts for it to be stated.

Letters from the Lord Willoughby excusing to his Lord Wil­loughby. Friends his going out of England without their advice.

He was in the beginning of the troubles very hearty and strong for the Parliament, and mani­fested great personal courage, honor, and mili­tary, as well as civil, abilities; as appears by his actions, and Letters, whilest he was in the service of the Parliament. In whose favour and esteem he was so high, that they voted him to be General for the Horse, under the Earl of Essex, and afterwards to be an Earl. But having taken a disgust at the Parliaments declining a per­sonal Treaty with the King, and being jealous that Monarchy, and consequently degrees and Titles of Honor, were in danger to be wholly a­bolished, he was too forward in countenancing and assisting the late tumults in the City, when the Members of Parliament were driven away from Westminster to the Army. Upon the return of the Members he was with other Lords im­peached of high Treason for that Action; and rather than appear; and stand to a Tryal for it, he left his Country, and was now with the Prince in his Navy, for which the Commons voted his Estate to be secured.

[28.] After many hours Debate in the House 3. Propo­sitions. of Commons it was carryed upon the question, not to adhere to their first vote that the King should sign the three propositions before the Treaty. And it was after that resolved upon the question, that his Majesty in person should be treated with by Com­missioners of both Houses of Parliament in the Isle Isle of Wight. of Wight, upon the whole matter of the propositions at Hampton-Court for setling the Peace of this Kingdom.

Upon a Letter from Lieutenant General Crom­well, advanced North-wards with his Forces as far as Gloucester, the House ordered three thou­sand pair of shoes to be provided for his Foot, to be ready for them, as they should march through Northamptonshire.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, That two ex­presses from Yarmouth came to the General, one from the Town, showing how much they were laboured by the Prince, for his admittance into the Town, which they modestly excused, and that the Prince put to Sea again towards Harwich, or the Downes.

The other Express was from the Forces in Yarmouth. Loving-land, under Major Jarmey, informing how confidently the Ships attempted to land a Trumpeter to summon Yarmoth. That Major Jarmy took some of those who came with the Trumpeter, whose examinations declared,

That aboard the Admiral, was the Prince, Prince Rupert, the Lord Willoughby, Willmot, Hopton, Culpeper, and Gerard, Sir Henry Palmer, and many persons more of quality.

That they resolved by a Council of War, to sink Ships in the Harbour, because they had not admittance in the Town, but did not put their resolution into execution. That Major Jarmy was put to great Straits to secure both sides of the Town, and being denyed the Ferry Boat, or any other Boat, was forced to swim over a Troup of Horse.

That Captain Johnson endeavoured to raise a tumult, and make head against the Parliament, the multitude throwing up their Caps, and crying for Prince Charles, and Captain Johnson; [Page 320] but the Bayliffs, and other Magistrates did ap­pease the tumult, and a present of provisions was sent aboard the Prince.

That the heads of a Declaration were taken from some that came from aboard the Prince, to be published in his name, to this effect, showing the Princes Declarati­on. the grounds and reasons of his Highness appearing in the fleet upon the Coast to be

1. The establishing of Religion according to the Agreement of his Majesty with the Scots Commis­sioners, 26. Dec. last.

2. The mutual performance of that agreement and pursuance of all concessions therein on his Majestys part.

3. The restoring of his Majesty to his liberty and just rights, in order to a personal Treaty with his Majesty, with honour, freedom, and safety.

4. The maintenance of the freedom and just privi­ledges of Parliament.

5. The defence of the liberty and property of the subject, against all violence and oppression, and there­in the abolition of excise, contribution, free quarter, and other illegal taxes.

6. The obtaining an Act of Oblivion and Indem­nity.

7. The disbanding of all Armies, and setling a well grounded and happy Peace.

8. For the defence of his Majestys just rights in the Narrow Seas, the protection and securing the Trade of his Majestys subjects, and the support of his Navy, and all the Officers and Mariners of the same.

The Lords Willoughby, Hopton, and Culpe­per, together with his Highness's Secretary, or any two of them are appointed to digest these heads into a Declaration, and to present it to his Highness in Council.

Charles P.

A Petition from the Lord Major, Aldermen, London Petition. and Common Council of London, expressing how much the City was unsatisfyed, and jealous of the listing of Horse and Foot under Major General Skippon, and praying that no more may be listed, unless by him and the Militia of London, and that those already listed under him may be dis­banded.

The House ordered a Committee to conferre Answer. with the Common Council about this matter, and the grounds and reasons of this jealousie to be reported to the House, the Lords gave great sa­tisfaction to the Petitioners, adding in their an­swer, that they would live and dye with the Pe­titioners.

Letters from Lambert, with intelligence that some additional Forces were coming to the Scots, and desiring more Forces to be hastened to him, the House sent the Letters to Lieutenant General Cromwel with orders for him to expedite his march North-wards.

News that Scarborough Castle was revolted, and that the Prince was in the Downs, and had not yet landed any men, and that one of the Prince his Frigats was taken near Margarts, by some of Sir Michael Liveseys Troups, with the assistance of a Boat and two Sea-men.

[31.] Votes for pay of arrears to the Nor­thern Officers disbanded, upon discovery of con­cealed money due to the State.

An Ordinance committed for the better regu­lating Petition. of the Estates of Papists and Delinquents.

Upon a Petition from the out-parts, not to be joyned with the Militia of London, the House thanked them for their constant affections and good service, and referred them to attend the Com­mittee in this business.

Referred to the same Committee to consider of the great abuses, mentioned in their Petition for joyning of the Militias.

An Ordinance past the Commons for money for Armes and Ammunition.

Another for a Troup of Horse to be raised for the Isle of Ely, and for seventy pounds a week to be raised in that Island to maintain the Troup.

The Letters and Commission taken in Captain Greens Frigat, reported to the House, and orde­red to be communicated to the Common Council of London, were to this effect.

Letters from Dublin, of a difference between Preston and Owen Roe, that they fought, and Preston killed five hundred of Roes men, and lost a hundred of his own men.

That the Lord of Ormond was expected at Corke, upon whose coming thither was intended a General revolt in that Kingdom, that a Com­bination of the Lord Grandison, Sir Jo. Giffard, Colonel Willoughby, and divers others of quality to surprise Dublin City and Castle, was detected, and some of the Plotters imprisoned.

The Prince his Commission to Captain Green was thus.

Charles Prince of Great Britain, Duke of Commis­sion. Cornwal and Albany, Highest Captain General under his Majesty of all Forces both by Sea and Land within the Kingdom of England, Dominion of Wales and Town of Berwick, &c.

He constitutes Green Captain and chief comman­der of a Ship; and gives him power to do, or cause to be done to the Rebels, all possible damage and hosti­lity, in their Shipping, Commerce and Navigation, and to take, and apprehend, sink, and fire, or otherwise to impair, and destroy, their Ships, Ves­sels, men, and goods, and all things belonging to them, or any that assist them, &c. Given at S. Germain en lay the 6 of June, 1648.

Letters to Sir Alexander Gibson in Scotland from one in London to this effect.

That in London they are generally right, only Letters. Skippon makes some disturbance by Listing of Horse and Foot, but that more are Listed for the King, and a Petition framing in the City, and the Lords have done something in it to incourage the Kings Friends.

I shall referre you to T. Hamilton for the business in the West, for that in the North is ours already. And Colonel Matthew Boynton shall be sainted, 291. is not yet ready to be dispatched for Colchester, which can hold out yet a month, I hope you had mine of the unfortunate success of H. the Earl of Holland, &c.

Letters from New-Castle of about four hundred Scots unarmed come for supplies to Duke Hamil­ton, that the cry is very great of the People of Berwick, Cumberland, and Westmorland, being turned out of all by the Scots, who with wives and Children take possession, the English choose rather to wander than endure such oppressions.

Letters from Lamberts quarters, that about thirty Troups of General Cromwels Horse were joyned with Lambert, that they had some bickerings with the Scots Scouts and beat them to their Guards, that the English Army is much increased by Not­tingham, Leicester, and Derby Forces.

August, 1648.

[1.] Order to remove the Governor of T [...] ­tershal Castle.

[Page 321] An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords, for levying of Forces in the County of Middlesex.

Report of the Conference with the Common Council, that they were very sensible of the high fa­vours in the Houses condescending so low to give them reasons for their Actions in Parliament, and gave London the House most Humble thanks for the same.

But withal the House were acquainted with an Act of Declaration of Common Council pas­sed last Night, for Listing of Horse by the Mili­tia of London, which was referred to the Com­mittee to treat with the Militia about the same.

Order for printing the intercepted Letters going to Scotland, and the Prince his Commission to Captain Green.

Debate of a Letter to be sent from both Houses, to the Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, acquaint­ing them, how far the House hath proceeded in setling the Government of the Church, and how they have been obstructed therein, by the Risings in several parts of the Kingdom, and by the marching of an Army of Scots in this Nation, the draught of the Letter was committed.

Order that Major Rolfe should be bayled, and Colonel Lilburne released from his imprisonment, and for a Conference with the Lords about the same, and a Committee named to consider how Colonel Lilburne may have satisfaction for his sufferings.

The Lords concurred with the Commons to treat with the King in the Isle of Wight, and to an Order to send Major General Mitton into North-Wales to suppresse the Insurrections there. The danger of Langer-Fort, and of Loving-Land, referred to the General.

Letters sent to several Counties about speedy payment of the Assessments of the Army.

Report of the Lord Riches House in Devon being taken by a Party of the Kings.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that those Colchester. within are very quiet, that two demy-Cannons planted against S. Marys Church after a few shot brought down a great part of the steeple, and the Ordnance mounted upon it, and buried them in the heaps of rubbish.

[2.] Order for a Troup of Horse and a Com­pany of Foot to be added to the Garrison at Dover, and for a hundred and twenty men to be added to the Garrison of Lonway Castle.

Order for Major Wildman who was committed with Lieutenant Colonel Lilburne to be discharged of his imprisonment.

Ordinance transmitted for an imposition upon Coals, Grindstones, Salt, &c.

Both Houses agreed on these Votes.

1. That a Message be sent to the King, to ac­quaint him that the Houses desire a Treaty with his Votes. Majesty's person in what place of the Isle of Wight he shall appoint, upon the propositions tendered to his Majesty at Hampton- Court, and concerning Wards and Liveries, and to treat with honour, Freedom, and safety to his Majesty's person.

To this Vote the Commons added,

And with safety and freedom to the Commissio­ners.

2. To receive such other propositions to be treated on, as shall be presented to his Majesty.

3. The Commissioners to be dispatched within two dayes, with these Votes, and to return within ten dayes.

The Lords chose the Earl of Middlesex, and Commis­sioners for the Isle of [...]ight. the Commons chose Sir Jo. Hippesly, and Major Bulkley Commissioners to go to the King.

A Paper presented to the Lords from Major Huntington of the reasons why he left the Army, and touching the carriage of Lieutenant General Cromwell, and Commissary General Ireton, since the Parliaments going to disband the Army, and of overtures to his Majesty.

The Duke of York went back to Holland, and D. York. the Prince continuing in the Downes sent a Let­ter to the Merchant Adventurers of London, signed The Prince. with the Prince his hand, which was delivered, and read in Common Council.

The effect of the Letter was to signify, that his Highness had caused to be staid, divers Merchants of London, but would discharge them again upon conditi­on, that the City would send him twenty thousand pound, with this his Letter; the Prince sent to the City his Declaration, that his endeavour was, to rescue the Kings Majesty his Royal Father from base impri­sonment, to restore the Rghts and Liberties of London, &c. as before. The Common Council ordered to acquaint the Parliament herewith the next day.

[3.] Debate of an Ordinance to give Com­mission to the Lord Admiral to execute Martial Law.

A Committee from the Common Council pre­sented to the House, a Copy of the Letter and London Declaration sent from the Prince to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of London, who commanded Copies thereof to be presented to both Houses, before they did any thing concer­ning the same.

After much debate, the House ordered, the Originals to be sent to them, the Copies not satisfying, and that no answer be returned by the Common Coun­cil, nor they to proceed thereupon, without special leave from Parliament.

Order for the Committee of the Army to bayle Kent. such Officers of the Army then in restraint, who were in the Kentish insurrection, as that Com­mittee should think fit, and the rest to be exami­ned by the Committee of Kent.

Reference to a Committee to slight or continue Queenborough Castle, as they should think fit; and to the Committee of Derby House to consider of the Fort at Gravesend, if it be tenable to for­tify it, and provide Ordnance for it.

[4.] Debate upon the Prince his Declaration and Letter to the Common Council, which was brought to the House of Peers from the Common Council, but not to the House of Commons.

After most part of the day spent in debate thereof, the Commons voted, That all persons, Votes. subjects of this Nation, and others, who did joyn with, or assist Prince Charles, in this war, by Sea or land, against this Kingdom, are Traitours, and Rebels, and ought to be proceeded against as such, and this Vote ordered to be printed and published.

Order for one thousand pound for the Children of D r Twisse.

The Ordinance past the Commons for better regulating of the Estates of Papists and Delin­quents.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, That a small Colchester. party came out of the Town, and were beat in again, That divers Souldiers, Horse and Foot, a Lieutenant, a Cornet, and an Ensign came out of the Town to the General, and said that many more of their Party watched for an op­portunity to do the like, and were weary of eating Horse-flesh.

The Town of Yarmouth returned an answer to Colonel Scroope, that they will adhere to the Parli­ament against all interests, and if his Excellence the Lieutenant General shall command it, they will Yarmouth. admit Colonel Scroop's Forces into the Town, and [Page 322] that he shall have liberty upon all occasions to march through the Town, and that they are able of themselves to suppress all tumults that shall arise.

17. of the Enemy came out of Colchester to the Parliament guards, complaining that their Colchester allowance of Bread in the Town was abated from fourteen ounces to ten ounces a day, and that their Horse-Flesh was much tainted.

That twenty more came out of the Town to the General complaining of the Horse-flesh, and said, that many of their fellows will come after them.

[5.] Order for a day of publick humiliation, to bewail the Sins of the Nation, and to pray to God for seasonable weather.

Debate upon the Ordinance for settling Church Government.

Order for two thousand Oaks for repair of the Town of Lynn.

The self-denying Ordinance, for taking away Self-deny­ing Ordi­nance. all publick places of benefit conferred upon any Member of Parliament since the beginning there­of, was debated and committed.

This was looked upon, as a design tending to remove Whitelock again from being a Commissio­ner of the Seal, which was not a place of profit to him having left his practice, that brought him in near two thousand Pounds a year, and the profit of this place being not above fifteen hundred Pounds a year.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, That they con­ceive themselves able to take the Town by Storm Colchester. when they please, but hope to have it without, and are not willing to lose so many mens lives as a storm will cost, that the flux increaseth among them in the Town, and that two hundred of their men lately ran from them to the General; that they exchanged thirty five Prisoners with the Town.

[7.] The House being called, and a small ap­pearance, another day ordered for a new call.

Debate upon the ordinance for the Militia.

Order for six hundred pound for M r Sleigh late Major of Berwick, in regard of his losses, when the Town was surprised.

Order for the General to recall his orders for S. Hadress Waller. the March of Sir Hardress Waller out of the West, that the Country might not be left in danger, and for pay for his Brigad.

Sir William Masham was exchanged for M r John Ashburnham.

Letters from the North of the advance of Lieu­tenant General Cromwel towards Major General Lambert, whom he desired not to ingage with the Cromwell. Scots, before his coming up to them.

Commissioners were sent to Treat with Colonel Boynton, for the surrender of Scarborough Castle to the Parliament, from whom he had revolted; Scarbo­rough. but they made no agreement with him; that the Commissioners shot in a Printed order to the Soul­diers in the Castle, promising them one thousand Pound to deliver it up to them.

That Appleby Castle was surrendred to Major General Langdale upon conditions, that some quarrels were between his men and the Scots, Scots. who killed an English man, and one of Langdales men killed a Scots man, that the Scots Army and Major General Lamberts Forces were near one to another, but did not ingage.

There being extreme violent Storms of wind and rain which did much hurt, six Prisoners in Tinmouth Castle escaped, letting themselves down through a Privy-House, by Ropes and se­veral Sheets tyed together.

Letters from Dublin, that Colonel Monk and Colonel Hungerford with eight hundrd men took the Field, and stormed Ballahor Castle, which they gained and besieged Nabor Castle. Monk.

From Chester, that the Lord Byron was out with three hundred men, and advanced towards An­glesey.

[8.] A Letter came from the Prince to the Speaker of the House of Peers without any men­tion to be communicated to the Commons, in which Letter the Prince takes notice of the pro­gress Letter from the Prince. made as to a personal Treaty, and desires,

1. That the Treaty be in such a place and manner, as may consist with the honour, freedom, and safety of his Majesty his Father, so that the agreement many not be blemished with any face of restraint.

1. That the Treaty be between the King and his two Kingdomes of England and Scotland, that things may go on fairly to all persons concerned there­in.

3. That during the Treaty, there be a general cessation of Arms, that the affection of the People of this, and the other Kingdom, be not lessened by Acts of hostility.

4. An ordinary moderate subsistence, during the Treaty, may be agreed upon, for all Forces on Foot, and which in no sort must go unmentioned, for the Scots Army now in England, and so as may be with least pressure to the Northern parts.

And if the two Houses will agree to these things, he will endeavour to his utmost power, with his Father for a good agreement.

He concludes with a desire, that a course may be taken to content him, and his Ships now in the Downes, with mony and Provision, that so, he nor they, may not hinder the City trade, and discharge the Ships he hath now in hold.

One of those Ships taken by the Lord Willough­by, Fleet. who was Vice-Admiral of the Prince his Fleet, had in her near twenty thousand Pound in Gold, which she brought from Guiney, most of it belonging to M r Rowland Wilson, the Father, and Son, and their partners.

The Lord Willoughby did affirm that when the Lord Willoughby. Earl of Warwick with his Fleet, came near to the Prince his Navy, the Lord Willoughby and some others were earnest to have fought the Parliaments Fleet, and had some assurances given them, that several of the Earl of Warwicks Ships would have revolted to the Prince.

But that others about the Prince disswaded him from Fighting, pretending the danger to his Highness person, and carryed it, by that argu­ment, again Fighting; whereas, in probability, and as the Sea-mens affections then stood, if they had fought, the Parliaments Fleet had been indan­gered.

A Petition was presented to both Houses from the Common Council of London, desiring, London Petition.

1. That the King may be free from his restraint.

2. Invited to a Treaty.

3. That all Acts of hostility by Sea and Land, may by command of King and Parliament cease.

4. That the Government of the Church may be settled according to the Covenant.

5. That distressed Ireland may be relieved.

6. The People of England, by disbanding all Armies, eased.

7. The Liberty of the subject restored.

8. The Laws of the land established.

9. The Members of both Houses injoyned to at­tend.

10. That the self-denying Ordinance may be ef­fectually observed.

11. That speedy consideration be had of such [Page 323] Merchants, whose Ships and goods are staid, by those with the Prince in the revolted Ships, and that some expedient may be thought of for discharge of all Ships, that trade be not destroyed.

The Lords gave thanks to the Common Council, the Commons appointed a Committee to draw up Answer. their answer.

A Petition to the Commons from the reduced Officers, that there may be a speedy settlement of Petition Officers. Religion, the King, Parliament, and Kingdom in a Parliamentary way, by a free and personal Treaty, according to the late desire of the City of London, and that all Officers and Souldiers without exception, whose accounts are not stated, may have them au­dited.

Order for payment of the Petitioners arrears, out of their discoveries, and for a Committee to give them further satisfaction, and to make pay­ment to the Non-commission'd Officers of Sir Ro­bert Pyes Regiment of their arrears.

Order for M r Ailburton who brought Letters to the King from the Committee of Estates in Scot­land, to stay here for a month for the Kings an­swer.

Major Huntington made Oath in the Lords House, that the Narrative given in by him was true, and would be attested.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that twenty, or Colchester. thirty a day run from the enemy, and the last day a whole Guard together came from them, that their Wine and Raisons are near spent, so that the Common Soldiers get none.

That they killed thirty Horses to powder them up, and have the Bloody-flux much among them, that they have drawn off their Guns from the Wall, some say they will carry the Parliament Committee with them into the Castle, and cut their throats if they may not have conditions for themselves.

The General sent a Letter by a Drummer to the Lord Norwich, Lord Capell, and Sir Charles Lucas about exchange of prisoners.

[9.] The grand Committee sat long about the Ordinance for the Militia.

Debate upon the Self-denying Ordinance.

The answer to the Cities last Petition was sent to them to this effect. Shewing how far they have Answer to City Peti­tion. proceeded to a Treaty with the King, the Votes there­of, their expectation of the Kings answer, and hopes that he will treat.

That the Scots are declared Rebels for invading the Kingdom, and they hope the City will joyn in the subduing of them. That they offered the revolted Ships indemnity, but they refused to come in; the Votes for reducing them, and the reference to a Com­mittee to treat with the King for a way for free Trade.

A Collection ordered on the Fast-day for the poor people that are come out of Colchester.

M r Thomas Cookes Composition passed.

The Keeper of the Prison in Canterbury put out.

Letters from the Commissioners with the King, From the King. that his Majesty is willing to have the Treaty, and likes the terms of honour, freedom, and safety, and though he have no Secretary, yet he will give them his answer in their time.

Order that none speak with M r Ailburton but in the presence of his Keeper.

[10.] The Fast-day.

Letters from Holland, that the Merchants there ThePrince do highly resent the Prince of Wales his be­ing in the Downes, as a great hindrance of traf­fick.

That there is tampering to borrow some Re­giments to attempt something in England, advi­seth to look to Poole, Lyme, and Weymouth.

That the Letters and Declaration of the Prince of Wales, were printed there in Dutch and French.

[11.] Debate upon the Ordinance for settling Church government, and the title to it agreed.

The Ordinance for setling the Militia of Wilt­shire, transmitted to the Lords.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the Earl of Middlesex with the rest of the Parliaments E. Middle­sex. Commissioners, attended the King at Carisbrook Castle, where the Earl read the Votes to his Ma­jesty for the Treaty, who received them with much cheerfulness, and said, that no man desired Commis­sioners with the King. peace so much as he, in his several relations, as a King, a Husband, a Father, a Master, and that he would give ear to any motion or overture, which might conduce to a good accommodation, and that whosoever gained by these troubles he must needs be a loser, and that he would dispatch them within the time limited.

[12.] The Grand Committee sat about the Ordinance for the Militia.

At a Conference with the Lords about M r Confe­rence. Rolph, and M r Ailburton, the Commons alledged, that M r Rolph was committed by their Lordships without any cause in the warrant, and they found reason to clear him; and that Ailburton was im­ployed by the Scots, enemies to this Kingdom, and therefore not to be protected here.

The Lords desire the Commons concurrence to an Ordinance to disable Major General Skippon from listing any more forces in the City.

Order for the exchange of the rest of the Com­mittee of Essex under restraint in Colchester.

Sir Peter Killegrew returned with Letters from Personal Treaty. the Isle of Wight, that the King had agreed to a personal Treaty at Newport, in that Island, and desired that Scotland might treat also, but left that to the two Houses.

Letters from the Bayliffes of Yarmouth to the Yarmouth. General, that they had received aLetter from Prince Charles in the Downs, with a Declaration by a Fisher-man, going to sell his Fish in France, which was taken from him by the Admiral, and this Declaration (which is in print) and the Letter (which now they sent to the General) was sent by the Fisher-man to Yarmouth.

That the Town made answer they would stand to their first ingagement to the Parliament, and op­pose all hostile attempts against them and the King­dom.

His Excellency took this so well from them, that he sent them word he would not put any Forces into the Town, unless they and necessity should re­quire it.

The Prince his Letter to the Town was, that Princes Letter. he had sent to them his Declaration, as he had done to London, and other places, and expected their con­currence for his Majesty upon the grounds, and for the ends expressed in the Declaration.

And that they would with courage joyn with him, and the English and Scots Forces already appearing, for the obtaining of a happy and well grounded peace in spight of all opposition, and for the freeing of all his Majesties Subjects, from Tyranny, Oppression, and all illegal Taxes, &c.

[14.] The Commissioners returned from the King, reported their reception, and passages in that business with his Majesty, and his Letter to The Kings Letter. both Houses, wherein he expresseth his sad con­dition for seven Months last past, likes well of the Treaty, and desires,

1. That the Parliament would recall all such Votes [Page 324] and Orders by which people are frighted from coming, writing or speaking freely to him.

2. That such men of all professions whom he shall send for, as of necessary use to him in this Treaty, may be admitted to wait upon him, that he may be in the same state of freedoom he was in, when he was last at Hampton-Court.

3. That the Scots may be invited to send their Commissioners to joyn in this Treaty.

4. He names Newport in the Isle of Wight for the place of Treaty, but thinks it would be much more conducing to a good and speedy issue, to have the Treaty in some place in or near London.

The Lords desired the Commons concurrence, that Dr. Shelden and Dr. Hammond might attend the King.

Letters from Sir Arthur Haselrigge, That Lieu­tenant Colonel Henry Liburne Governour of Tin­mouth C. Henry Lilburn. Castle, commanded most of his Officers and Soldiers, out of the Castle, upon service, and reserved a few, (most of them he knew to be of his own mind) with him in the Castle.

Then he discharged the Prisoners, and calling all the Soldiers together, he declared for him­self and King Charles, and that such as did not yield hereunto, were dead men; whereupon ma­ny of the honest Soldiers got over the Wall, but a Corporal refusing to consent hereunto, was presently run through by the Lieutenant Colonel, who then sent to the Shields, and Town, desi­ring such as loved King Charles, to joyn with him, which many did accordingly.

That this news being presently brought to New­castle, Sir Arthur Haselrigge drew out a conside­rable Haselrigge. body of Foot, and one hundred Dragoons, with orders to storm the Castle, which they at­tempted, but the Ladders were too short, yet they forced in at the portholes, and notwithstand­ing the Caunon playing upon them, after a short dispute, they became possessors of the Castle.

The Souldiers had quarter, many within were Slain, among whom the Governour; of the Par­liaments Soldiers three were wounded, and not one Slain.

That the Scots play at sweep-stake, take all, Moveables, Cows, Sheep, and all House-hold­stuff Scots. to the very Pot-hooks, that they take chil­dren, and make their parents pay ransoms for them, and force women before their friends faces; that Lieutenant General Cromwel was come up to them with Lambert, and had taken about four of the Scots.

That Colonel Stephkin, who had formerly betrayed Stafford to the Parliament, had now a de­sign to betray it back again to the King, but was prevented by the care of Captain Stone, the present Governour, and was slain.

[15.] A Verbal Message from the Common Council of London, desiring the House of Com­mons London. to consider of their Votes, in order to their se­curity, that the Militia of the outparts may be joyned, that Major General Skippon may not list without them, with a representation of the Officers of the City, that they would be as faithful to the Parlia­ment as ever.

The House ordered thanks to the Gentlemen, and an Ordinance to be brought in, for trans­mitting the power of raising and listing Forces to the Militia, that the Committee for joyning the Militias should be revived, and the other Com­mittee added to them. Sir John Hippesly, and M r Bunkley who were Commissioners to the Isle of Wight, had the thanks of the House.

Letters from Colonel Rich, that the Prince land­ed five hundred Soldiers, about three hundred Ma­riners, C. Rich. and one hundred Officers and Reformandoes, with orders to fall upon Colonel Rich, and Colonel Hewson in their trenches, they marched by Upper Deal in good order, and being discovered, three hundred Musquetiers were drawn off (all they could get) under Hewsons Lieutenant Colonel, and Major Husbands with one hundred Horse.

The Prince his Forces marched up with great resolution, and to prevent the Parliaments Horse from annoying them, had marsh-ground for their action and retreat, which put the Horse upon a loss, not knowing how to ingage, but Major Husbands wheeled about in a way of retreat.

This occasioned the Princes men to advance to firmer ground in confidence of victory, which the Parliaments Horse took advantage of, Flank­ed the Prince his men, and were almost in the rear of them.

The three hundred Musquetiers at the same time charged the Princes men, and put them in disorder; and the Parliaments men fell to execu­tion: about two hundred of the Prince his men were slain on the place and in the pursuit, of whom many were of quality, one hundred priso­ners and three hundred Arms were taken.

Many of them were wounded, and not above one hundred serviceable men thought to return to the Ships, some fled to the Castle from whence Forces came out to fetch them in, but were beaten back, and left Arms behind them.

Of the Parliaments Forces, Colonel Rich's Quarter-Master was slain, Major Husbands his Lieutenant wounded, three Horse-men and four Foot-men killed.

Order for a Letter of thanks to Colonel Rich, and that Major Husbands who brought the news, and lost divers horses in the fight, should have one hundred and fifty pounds to buy him more horses, and that Colonel Hewson should have one hundred and fifty pound to buy him horses.

The Grand Committee sat for the Militia in the afternoon.

[16.] The Lords desired the Commons concur­rence Concur­rence. to these Votes.

  • 1. That the Treaty be according to these Votes.
  • 2. That the Votes against further addresses to the King, be recalled.
  • 3. That such persons as his Majesty shall send for in the Treaty, be admitted to wait on him, and that he be in the same freedome as he was at Hampton-Court.
  • 4. That such servants as he shall appoint, may wait upon him.
  • 5. That the place for the Treaty be in Newport in the Isle of Wight.
  • 6. That the Scots be invited to treat, upon the pro­positions presented at Hampton-Court.
  • 7. That his Majesty be admitted to invite the Scots to treat upon those propositions.
  • 8. That the Instructions to Colonel Hammond be recalled.
  • 9. That five Lords and ten Commoners be chosen to treat with the King.
  • 10. That it be referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons for peace, to prepare all things in readiness for speeding of the Treaty.

The Commons ordered these Votes to be considered de die in diem, till they be finished, and nothing to intervene.

Upon Information that Colonel Martin a Mem­ber C. Martin. of the House, and Colonel Ayres, and M r Wal­rond, were raising of Horse in Berks, and took Horses from the inhabitants against their wills, and had no authority from the Parliament for it,

The House ordered Colonel Martin to attend [Page 325] them, and Colonel Ayres, and M r Walrond to be sent for in safe custody for this action.

The Committee of Estates of Scotland sent a Letter to the Prince, wherein next to his Fathers restraint, they bewail his Highness long absence from that Kingdom, his right by descent, and now that Scots Letter. their Forces are again in England, they humbly beg his Highness's presence, to countenance their en­deavours for religion, and his Fathers reestablishment. And if he will intrust his person among them, they ingage the Publick Faith of that Kingdom for his Highness being in honour, freedom, and safety, whilst he shall be with them in Scotland, or in their Army in England, with Liberty to return when he shall please, and this was sent to him by the Earl of E. Lauder­dale. Lauderdale.

[18.] Both Houses passed a Manifesto, that whereas they had not been able to afford to the Pro­testants Manifesto. in Ireland, such supplies and relief as was necessary for them, and therefore had imployed M r Derrick Hoast, M r Corseilles, M r Maurice Thomson and M r Laurence, their Commissioners to the States of the United Provinces, to sollicite contri­bution and relief from thence for Ireland, who had there collected by Voluntary contribution thirty one thousand two hundred and eighteen pounds twelve shillings five pence, and was disposed of for victual.

The Lords and Commons take Notice of the great affection of the people of the Ʋnited Provinces herein, and acknowledge their pious and Charitable sense of the miserable condition of their distressed brethren in Ireland, and their benevolence for relief of those Protestants, and do give their most hearty thanks to the Commissioners, and to the Treasurers there named, and to all others who have (without any Salary) as­sisted in that work.

After long debate whether the Commons should Debate. concurr with the Lords in the Vote to invite the Scots to the Treaty, it was carryed in the Ne­gative.

The Commissioners of the Seal had a meeting with the Judges about their riding of this Sum­mers circuits, and they resolved to know the pleasure of the Houses therein.

[19.] Vote, that if his Majesty shall think fit Vote. to send for any of the Scottish Nation to advise with him, concerning the affairs of the King­dom of Scotland only, the Houses will give them a safe-conduct.

Vote for ten of the House of Commons to joyn with five Lords, as Commissioners to treat with the King.

Order that the Judges be desired to go their several circuits as formerly appointed, except some Counties, where the Kings Forces were, and that they may avoid going to any place, where they shall apprehend to be any danger.

Order that the chief Justices of Chester shall go down.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that five came Colchester. out of the Town and said, that the Cryes of Women, and Children, and the poorer sort in the Town are very great, and that they are like to starve; that Goring will permit none who are well affected to the Parliament, to come out of the Town, unless some of his party may come with them.

That a Woman and five Children (one sucking at her Breast) came out of the Town, and fell on her knees before the Parliaments Guards, begging leave to pass the line, but they were forced to turn her back again, lest hundreds more should follow her, to the prejudice of the service.

That those who come out of the Town, affirm, that all the Dogs and Cats, and most of the Horses there, are already eaten.

That a Trumpeter came from the Enemy in Colchester, desiring leave to send to know whether they may have relief or not, and if they see no hopes of any within twenty days, then to treat, but the Lord General denyed this desire.

That they in the Town refused to exchange the Earl of Cleveland for one of the Committee, that the Women and Children were at the Lord Gorings lodging for bread, who told them, they must eat their Children, if they wanted; the Women replyed, that they would put out his Lordships Eyes, and highly reviled him.

The Prince sent a Letter to the Lord Ge­neral the Princes Letter. Fairfax for

moderation to be used towards Major General Langhorn, Colonel Powel, Colonel Poyer, and others who acted by Commission from him, otherwise he should be necessitated to proceed con­trary to his intentions against such as should fall into his hands.

Subscribed, Your Loving Friend, Charles P.

The General returned answer,

that he had ac­quainted Answer. the Houses with his Highness's Letter, it not being in his power to act further, the Parliament having ordered the way in which the Prisoners should be proceeded against, not so much for hostility, as for breach of the trust they reposed in them, to the inga­ging the Nation again in War and blood.

Subscribed, Your Highness most humble Servant, Fairfax.

Letters from the North, that as yet there was no ingagement with the Scots.

[21.] The Commons concurred with the Votes touching the Treaty, and referred it to Treaty. the Committee of both Houses for peace, to pre­pare thing needful for the Treaty.

They thought fit again to send to his Majesty, to let him know how far they had proceeded as to treat, and to have his approbation.

A Letter from the General, that he had recei­ved an order from the Lords to deliver the Earl of Holland, from Warwick Castle, to be confined to his house at Kensington.

A Letter from the Lord Admiral, that up­on the Lords Passes for some to go beyond Seas, Passes. they had gone to the Prince, as M r Aleburton the Scots Agent, the Lord Andover and others.

The Commons desired a conference with the Lords about it, and that a Letter be sent to the Lord Admiral and to the Lord General to make stay of all such persons, notwithstanding their order.

Upon Petition of thousands of the Suburbs Suburbs. Skippon. that had joyed with Major General Skippon, he was ordered to grant them Commissions, and the committee for suppressing of tumults, to furnish them with Armes.

Letters from Salop, that Sir Henry Lingen with a party of Horse, took sixty of Colonel Harly's C. Harly. men; and about two daies after a party of Co­lonel Harlies and Colonel Hortons men met with Sir Henry Lingens men about Radnor, regained all their Horse and Prisoners, took Sir Henry Lingen, and Colonel Crofts, and many other of the Kings commanders Prisoners, slew divers of the party, and routed the rest.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the ap­proaches Colchester. were so near, that the besiegers and the Enemy laid aside their Muskets, and in stead of shooting, cast Stones at one another. Some peti­tions inclosed in a Letter from the Lord Nor­wich and the rest were sent to the General, ex­pressing, [Page 326] that at the desire of the inhabitants, they had thought fit to send them.

And that they should be constrained for the better accommodation of the Souldiery, to turn out the Towns People, whereby their Houses and goods would be left liable to spoil and ruine, for prevention Letter to Fairfax. whereof, they had thought fit to treat with his Lord­ship for the surrender of the Town, if he pleased; to which purpose, they would send six Officers, if his Lordship would appoint the like number.

With this, came another Letter offering an exchange of Captain Gray, for M r Weston and M r Rowling, the General accepted of the exchange, but as to the Treaty, said, he would send answer by a Messenger of his own.

The General was in some danger by a shot from the Town, that one who was exchanged, told the Lord Norwich, he heard the Parliament Souldiers discoursing sharply against those in Colchester, and one of them bid him tell Goring, that they would bore a hole through his nose, and draw him with a Rope through Cheapside, crying, Here is the great Bull of Colchester.

The inclosed Petitions were, one to the Earl of Norwich, the Lord Capell, and Sir Charles Petition. Lucas, from the inhabitants of Colchester.

That having received their Commands, to depart the Town, for better supply of the Souldiers, they might Petition the Lord Fairfax for Liberty to pass into the Country, to prevent the danger of their lives, with­out his leave.

They prayed their honours to give way for their Petition to be presented to the Lord Fairfax; and till they had his answer, that they might not be inforced from their habitations.

The Petition of the inhabitants of Colchester to Petition to Fairfax. the Lord Fairfax was, to inform his Lordship that the Commanders in Chief in the Garrison, had ordered all the inhabitants to provide with expedition to depart the Town, or otherwise by power they should be forced thereto, for that whatever became of the Townsmen, the Souldiery who maintained the Kings cause, must, and shall be provided for.

That being driven to this Exigency, they have no other means, but to fly to his Christian Charity and clemency, and humbly to pray, that he would give them leave to pass into the Country, for the preser­vation of their lives.

Subscribed by the Major, and four Aldermen, in the name of all the Petitioners.

To the Letter the General returned this an­swer. Fairfax his Answer to the Letter.

He was willing to believe, that the pressing ne­cessities of the miserable inhabitants of Colchester had wrung from them the Petition inclosed in their Letter.

That he should not onely clear himself to all the world from the occasion of their sufferings, but so far contribute to their relief, as to allow all the inhabi­tants of the Town (the Lords first ingaging not to restrain any who shall be willing to come out) to en­joy the Liberty in their Petition desired.

Provided, the Committee of the County of Essex, then Prisoners with the Lords in the Town, be sent out with the first; only he shall not permit the wives and Children of any Towns-men, or others, who shall abide with the Lords in Armes, to have the benefit a­bove-mentioned.

Concerning the rendition of the Town, he offers, That all such officers and Souldiers under the degree of a Captain (excepting all such who being Members of his Army have since the 10. of May last deserted their Colours) they ingaging themselves never hereafter to bear Arms against the Parliament, shall have passes without injury offered them, to return to their respective homes.

And all Captains, and other superiour Officers, with the Lords and Gentlemen to submit to mercy.

Subscribed, Your Lordships Servant, Tho. Fairfax.

An Express came from Lieutenant General Cromwel in the general of his defeating the Scots Cromwell. Army under Duke Hamilton.

New Instructions for Colonel Hammond. Instructi­ons for C. Hammond.

1. That the King be removed to Newport in the Isle of Wight the place of the Treaty.

2. That he be in the same condition and freedom there, as he was at Hampton Court.

3. That no person in the first Exception out of Mercy, nor under restraint of the Parliament, nor of late actually in Arms against the Parliament, be admit­ted to the King.

4. That no person that hath been in Arms against the Parliament or aiding or assisting to them, or of whom there is just cause of suspicion, be admitted into any Fort or Tower in the Isle of Wight.

5. That no person of any forrain Nation, be ad­mitted to come into the same, without leave from both Houses of Parliament.

6. That if the Kingdom of Scotland send any to treat with his Majesty, they shall have a Pass from both Houses.

7. That his Majesty pass his Royal word, not to go out of the Island, during the Treaty, nor twenty eight daies after, without the advice of both Houses of Parliament.

Additional power of Martial Law to the Lord Admiral.

An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for raising three thousand pound out of the Estate of the late Lord Keeper Coventry towards reparation of Lieutenant Colonel Jo. Lilburne, for two sen­tences against him in Star-chamber. Star-cham­ber.

Order for the Committee of the revenue to state to the House what Offices and Places are injoy'd by Duke Hamilton.

Order for money for the holy Island, and the Governour to have thanks, and Sir Arthur Ha­selrigge to make up the men there an hundred.

Letters from the Lord Admiral for mony.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that they sent Colchester. five hundred Women out of the Town, who came confidently towards Colonel Rainesboroughs quar­ters, he commanded a Cannon to be shot off, but so as not to hurt them, they came on notwithstan­ding, he ordered the firing of some Musketts at them with powder only, still they came on, then he sent out some Souldiers with orders to strip the Women, which made them run, but none of them were stripped.

The Town refuse to let these poor Women in again, they stood between the Town and the Army, the General sent to those in the Town, to receive their Women in again, tells them of their cruelty, and that the blood of those miserable crea­tures, must be answered for by them, but they regarded it not.

One of the Horse of the Parliaments Centries being killed, many of the Town came forth to fetch in the dead Horse, and divers of them were killed, yet got not the Horse; the next day they came again, and ventured their lives to cut off pieces of the stinking dead Horse, to satisfy their hunger.

Debate upon the Ordinance of the Militia of London.

[23.] Letters from Lieutenant General Crom­wel, Cromwell. that after the conjunction of his Forces with those in the North, upon advertisement that the Enemy intended Southward, and for London it [Page 327] self, and that the Irish Forces under Monroe, twelve hundred Horse and fifteen hundred Foot, were on their march towards Lancaster to joyn with them.

That it was thought by the Council of war, that to ingage the Enemy was their business, and Preson Wight. to that end, the Army was quartered all night in the Fields, and the next morning they marched towards Preston in Lancashire.

That having intelligence that the Enemy was drawing together thereabouts, from all his out quarters, Cromwel drew out a forlorn of two hundred Horse and four hundred Foot, who gallant­ly ingaged the Enemies Scouts and guards, till Crom­wel got opportunity during this skirmish to bring up his whole Army.

That so soon as Cromwels Horse and Foot were come up, they advanced with their forlorns, and put the rest of the Army into as good a po­sture as they could, the ground for the Horse being inconvenient, miry, and inclosures; they pres­sed upon the Enemy through a lane, forced them from their ground, after four hours dispute, un­til they came to the Town.

Into which four Troops of Cromwels Regiment first entred, being well seconded by Colonel Har­risons Regiment; they charged the Dukes men in the Town, and cleared the Streets; at the last the Enemy was put into disorder, many were slain, and many Prisoners taken.

The Duke with most of the Scots Horse and Foot, retreated over the Bridge, and the Parlia­ments Horse and Foot following them, after a hot dispute betwixt the Lancashire Regiments, part of the General's and they being at push of pike, they were beaten from the Bridge.

That the Parliament Horse and Foot pursuing them, killed many, and took divers Prisoners, and possessed the Bridge over Derwent, and a few Houses there; that the Enemy being drawn up within Musket shot of them, where they lay that night, they were not able to attempt further upon the Enemy, the night preventing them.

That in this posture they and the Enemy lay most part of that Night, that upon their entring of the Town, many of the Enemies Horse fled towards Lancaster, and were pursued near ten miles with execution done upon them, about five hundred of their Horse taken, and many Priso­ners.

That in the Fight, they took from the Enemy four or five hundred Arms, the number of the slain was about one thousand, the Prisoners about four thousand.

That in the Night the Duke marched away a­bout eight thousand Foot and four thousand Horse, Cromwel followed him with about three thousand Foot, and two thousand five hundred Horse and Dragoons, and that in this pursuit Colonel Thornbaugh pressing too boldly, was slain, being run into the Body, thigh, and head, by the Enemies Lances.

That Cromwels Horse still prosecuted the Enemy, killing and taking divers in the way, but by that time his Army was come up, the Duke recovered Wiggon before they could attempt any thing upon them; they lay all that Night in the Field dirty and weary, where they had some skirmishing with the Enemy, where they took Major General Van Drusk, Colonel Hurrey, and Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Prisoners.

That the next morning the Enemy marched to­wards Warrington, made a stand at a pass, which was disputed with great resolution on both sides for many hours, at length Cromwel beat them from their standing, killed about one thousand of them, and took about two thousand Priso­ners.

That Cromwel pursued them home to Warrington Town, where they possessed the Bridge; Cromwel coming thither received a Letter from Lieutenant General Bayly, desiring some capitulation, to which Cromwel yielded, and gave Bayly these terms.

That he should surrender himself and all his Of­ficers and Souldiers Prisoners of War, with all his Arms, Ammunition, and Horses upon quarter for life, which accordingly was done, and here were taken four thousand compleat Arms, and as many Prisoners, and the Duke's Infantry ruined.

That the Duke marched with his remaining Horse, being about three thousand, towards Nantwich, where the Gentlemen of the Coun­try took about five hundred of them, and the Country killed divers of their men.

That Cromwel sent post to the Lord Grey, Sir H. Cholmeley, and Sir Ed. Roade, to gather all together with speed, for the pursuit of the Enemy. That Monroe is about Cumberland, with the Horse that ran away, and the Irish Horse and Foot, and a strength was left to make resistance against them.

That the Scots Army were twelve thousand Foot well Armed, and five thousand Horse; Lang­dale had two thousand five hundred Foot and one thousand five hundred Horse, in all twenty one thousand, and in the Parliaments Army, in all, a­bout eight thousand six hundred; and of the E­nemy, about two thousand were slain, and about nine thousand Prisoners taken, besides what are lurking in hedges, and private places, which the Country dayly bring in or destroy.

A day of thanksgiving ordered for this great Victory.

Order for Provision of Shoes and Stockins for the Souldiers.

M r Sexby who brought up two Letters had one hundred pound given him, and two hundred pound ordered to M r Berry for this service.

Order for Commissions to issue in several Counties, to inquire what loss is sustained by particular persons, by the invasion of the Scots, that satisfaction may by given therein.

[24.] An Ordinance for settling Delinquents estates for maintaining a Troop of Horse in Sur­rey.

A Committee made to examine a Plot in the City, and the House approved of their Com­mitting Major Rivers, and others, to Windsor Castle.

[25.] Order for the Judges to go the Nor­thern Circuit, if they please.

A second Letter from Lieutenant General Crom­wel, confirming the total routing of the Scots Cromwell. Army, with a list of the Prisoners, and a hun­dred Colours taken, sent up to the House, who gave a hundred Pound to Captain Pilson that brought the Letters, and referred them to the Committee of the Army, as to providing neces­saries for the Army.

Both Houses past the Letter to his Majesty with the Votes inclosed in relation to a Treaty, and Sir Peter Kelligrew dispatched away with it to the King.

The fourty thousand Pound charged in Gold­smiths Hall for the Scots as part of their two hundred thousand Pound, was now ordered for the service of the Navy.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, That the Lord Colchester Leaguer. Norwich, Lord Capel, and Sir Charles Lucas sent a Letter to the General.

[Page 328] That the Officers advising upon his former Letters (demanding the persons of all the Officers with them, above the quality of a Lieutenant, to ren­der themselves to mercy) it was unanimously resol­ved by them, not to yield to the mercy of any other, but that of God alone.

That to avoid effusion of blood, they sent now the lowest conditions, which in Honour they can receive, conceiving the like have never been refused to any lower reduced than they, they offer to send one Gentleman, or more to clear any scruples in words; in the Letters the Articles proposed by them, were inclosed.

To this the General returned answer:

That when he locked upon their condition to be far better than now it is, he then offerd such terms as were Fairfax's Answer. thought suitable to their condition; but now they be­ing in a worse posture, both in relation to themselves within, and to any expectation of relief from without, it is not to be expected from him, that their condi­tions should be better; therefore he was still resolved not to grant any such terms, as were demanded by them.

[26.] Referred to the Committee at Derby house, to dispose of the Noblemen, and other Prisoners, taken at the fight at Preston, unto such Castles and places as they shall think fit.

An Ordinance past for taking away obstructi­ons in the sale of Bishops Lands.

Letters from Colonel Rich of the surrender of Deal Castle upon Articles, which the House ap­proved, Deal Castle and ordered Colonel Rich to be Gover­nour there; and gave one hundred pound to Lieutenant Axtel, who brought the news to them.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to take care to repair Deal and Warmer.

M r Ailburton staid at Tilbury in his going to the Prince, was ordered to be delivered to the Lord Admiral, to be transported into Scotland.

Debate about the Militia.

Intelligence, that Langdale with about ten Gen­tlemen more disguised, were taken about Not­tingham, and were now Prisoners there; and that Duke Hamilton was forced by the Country (who D. Hamil­ton. had eased him of one thousand of his Horse) to fly to Ʋxeter in Staffordshire, and was there blocked up, and that Lieutenant General Crom­well was gone further against Monroe.

Letters from Colchester Leaguer, that the ene­my Colchester. sent out a Drum with M r Bernadiston, one of the Committee, and Colonel Tuke one of their party to desire to treat upon what was formerly offered by the General.

And by a full Council of War it was resolved, that in regard the inferiour Officers and Souldiers in the Town, had slipt their opportunity, that now, they should only have fair quarter.

And, provided that the Committee under restraint be forthwith released, that a Treaty be admitted up­on circumstances, necessary for the clearing, and or­derly performance of the fair quarter now offered, and to treat, as to securing the Town from Plunder, and the Lords, General Officers, Captains, &c. to be rendred up to mercy.

That the private Souldiers on both sides held treaties among themselves, which caused the Enemy to send out so hastily, to treat upon terms of mercy, fearing that their private Souldiers among themselves had agreed to deliver them up.

That the Officers in the Town gave the Soul­diers Sack, burnt Claret, Raisins, and good words, to joyn with them to break through the Parlia­ments Army, and prepared Poles and Boards to break over North Bridge, which way they in­tended to escape.

When they were all drawn out into the Town, the Souldiers agreed among themselves, not to consent to their going out, knowing that then they would break through themselves, and leave the Souldiers to the mercy of the Parliaments Army.

And some of their Souldiers got to the gates, and said they would kill their Officers, if they of­fered to stir out, and so continued in an high Mu­tiny.

[28.] Debate about Compositions.

An Ordinance for sequestring all Scots that in­gaged in the late action, and had any Estates or Places here.

Letters from Colchester concerning the surren­der of the Town.

Colonel Wayte a Member of the House, report­ed the taking of Duke Hamilton, and above three D. Hamil­ton. thousand Horse and Men at Ʋxeter, all prisoners at mercy, but had quarter given them by the Lord Grey and the Duke was sent to Ashby de la Zouch. The House gave one hundred pound to Major Ge­neral Smithson, and one hundred pounds to Major Evans, and Ordered thanks to the Counties for their assistance.

Order to sequester Sir H. Gibbes Estate.

A Committee to examine Duke Hamilton and others, who say they were invited to come into Eng­land, by ten for one more now, than they were before.

Intelligence from the Downs, that the Prince The Prince. had a design to go to the Scots Army, but the Say­lers would not agree to it, but consented to go against the Earl of Warwick, and in the mean time, hearing of the defeat of the Scots Army, they altered their course, that the Earl of Warwick went out to fight with them.

Letters from Colchester, that the Articles were Colch [...]ster. signed, and Colonel Raineborough's Regiment, and another entered the Town, and saw a sad sight of so many fair Houses burnt, and so many Inhabitants sick and weak, with living upon horses and dogs, and eating the very draught and grains for preservation of their lives.

[29.] Sir Peter Killigrew returned with the Kings answer to the Votes touching the Treaty.

That he did accept the Treaty, and desired, the Treaty. Commissioners might be speedily sent, fully autho­rized and instructed, not doubting but what is now wanting, will upon debate be fully supplied, not only to the furtherance of the Treaty, but to the consumma­ting of a safe and well grounded peace.

He desired a pass for one to go from him into Scotland, and inclosed in his Letter a List of such as he desired to be sent to him.

A Committee appointed to consider how every Scots. County may maintain a proportionable number of the Scots Prisoners, and to treat with Mer­chants about transporting them to forreign ser­vice.

Order for the Lord Grey to dispose of Duke Hamilton into safe custody, till the House take further order; and to keep in strong custody all the Officers then Prisoners, in such places and Castles as he should think fit.

Letters from Colchester, that the Town was Colchester. surren­derd. surrendered according to Articles, all Prisoners at Mercy, the Town preserved from plunder, paying fourteen thousand pounds. That by the resolution of a Council of War, Sir Charles Lucas, Sir George L'Isle, and Sir Marmaduke Gascoigne a Papist, were to be shot to death.

That the two first were executed, and the third respited. That Sir Charles Lucas urged this was Lucas. to be without precedent, but a Parliament Soul­dier standing by, told him that he had put to death with his own hand some of the Parliaments Souldiers in [Page 329] cold blood; at which he was dismaid, but took better courage afterwards before he died.

That Sir George L' Isle kissed his dead friend, and then after much expostulation, and discourse, first with the General his Chaplain, then (by his own desire) with one of the Lord Norwich his Chaplains, and some private prayers with him, Sir George died, both he and Sir Charles Lucas with very much courage.

[30.] The publick Fast-day.

The House passed an Ordinance, for the Dis­cipline of the English in new England.

[31.] Votes for several persons named by the King, to have leave to attend his Majesty during the Treaty, only M r Dowcet, and M r Legge dis­approved of.

Order for Instructions to be prepared for the Commissioners who are to treat, and for mony for their charges.

Order, that Colonel Farre Lieutenant Colonel to the Earl of Warwick (who ingaged ten thou­sand men of the Train'd Bands of Essex to joyn with the Enemy) should be left to the Lord Fair­fax to be executed as Sir Charles Lucas was.

A Committee appointed to confer with M r Mo [...]bot, about suppressing of scandalous Pam­phlets, and to bring in an Ordinance for that purpose.

Letter from the General of the particulars of Colchester particulars. the Surrender of Colchester, and a Copy of the Articles, with the explanations upon them.

That for some Satisfaction to Military Justice, and in part of avenge for the innocent blood they had caused to be spilt, and the trouble, dammage and mis­chiefs, they had brought upon that Town, that Coun­ty and Kingdom,

He had with the advice of a Council of War, of the chief Officers both of the County Forces, and the Army, caused two of them who were rendred to mer­cy, Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George L' Isle to be shot to death, before any of them had quarter assured them, and hopes the Parliament will not find cause, in the Military execution of these two persons, to think their own honour or justice prejudiced.

That as for the Lord Goring, Lord Capel, and the rest of the persons rendred to mercy, and now assured of quarter, whose names he sent in a List, he did render to the Parliaments judgement for publick Justice and mercy to be used as they should see cause; he desires that God may have the glory of his multi­plied mercies.

In the List of the Prisoners, were the Earl of Norwich, Lord Capell, Lord Loughborough, eleven Knights, nine Colonels, eight Lieutenant Colo­nels, nine Majors, thirty Captains, general Of­ficers servants of the Lords and Gentlemen sixty five, Lieutenants seventy two, Ensigns and Cor­nets sixty nine, Sergeants one hundred eighty three, private Souldiers three thousand sixty se­ven.

Letters from Southampton, that the Grand Jury found the Bill against Major Rolphe, Ignoramus.

A Petition of the Common Council of London London. for Ʋnity and Amity between the Parliament, the City, and the Army, approved of, and thanks given to the Petitioners.

A Ship sent from the Prince to Garnsey, taken by one of the Parliaments Ships.

September, 1648.

[1.] An Ordinance for stating the accounts of Souldiers and Widows, ordered to be Printed and published. A place to be appointed for the Auditours.

Care for Augmentations for Ministers.

The five Commissioners for the Treaty named by the Lords, were, The Earl of Pembroke, the Lord Say, Earl of Salisbury, Earl of Middlesex, Commissi­oners to treat in the Isle of Wight. and the Earl of Northumberland.

The ten Commissioners of the House of Com­mons were, M r Holles, Lord Wenman, M r Pier­repoint, Sir Henry Vane junior, Sir Harbottle Grimstone, Mr. Samuel Brown, Mr. Crew, Mr. Re­corder Glyn, Sir John Potts, and Mr. Bulkeley.

[2.] A Letter agreed to his Majesty to acquaint him with the Commissioners named to attend him in the Treaty, and that they should be dis­patched to him with all convenient speed.

Sir Peter Killigrew sent away with this Mes­sage.

An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for payment of fifty thousand pounds, part of the last hundred thousand pounds formerly ordered for the Scots; forty thousand pounds of it for the Navy, seven thousand pound for Stores, and three thousand pound for the pay of the Lancashire Forces.

A long debate about the Militia.

One thousand of the Prisoners taken at Col­chester sent up to London.

Mr. Lilly's Astrological Predictions for the years, 1648, 49, and 50. published.

[4.] Both Houses agreed for those servants of his Majesty who are to attend him, during the Treaty. And they passed an Ordinance to inable Treaty. the Commissioners to treat with his Majesty up­on the Propositions presented to him at Hampton-Court.

Those in the late insurrection in Essex, &c. admitted to a Composition at a fourth Value of their Estates.

Mr. Rolphe delivered his Remonstrance in the Lords House against the Judges, and against his prosecutours, and desired reparation; the House ordered his discharge.

Lieutenant Colonel Lilburn desired reparation for the Sentences against him in the Star-chamber.

Order for the Committee to take care for transporting the Scots Prisoners, in the first place to supply Plantations, and the rest to send to Venice.

In a Vessel at Exeter one thousand five hundred pair of Carabins being found, Order for Securing them, till the matter be examined.

Both Houses agreed upon a day of publick Humiliation to desire a blessing upon the Treaty Humilia­tion. with his Majesty.

Colonel Hammonds Instructions for safe keep­ing C. Ham­mond. his Majesty in Carisbrook Castle repealed: The Colonel taking the Kings own ingagement for his going abroad in the Island.

Order for the Committee of the revenue to provide horses for the King to ride about the Island.

Upon Colonel Hammonds desire of an addition of Horse and Foot during the Treaty, referred to the General and Committee of the Army; and his desire for Shipping to ly about the Island, referred to the Committee of the Army to pre­pare them.

The Forces of Suffolk and Essex had a rendez­vous with the Army, and after shaking hands, and many Vollies of Shot they bid one another farewel.

Some Regiments marched towards Tarmouth. The Lords that were Prisoners with two men a Prisoners. piece, and twelve other Officers were ordered to march with the General his Regiment to Wind­sor, to be Prisoners there: the other Officers [Page 330] were sent to the Mount, Pendennis, Cardiffe, Oxford, Arundel, and other strengths, but none beyond Trent.

The Common Souldiers were to be conveyed to Bristol and other Sea-Towns, to be transport­ed to America, Venice, or as shall be appointed, the Gentlemen Souldiers were Committed to the care of Troupers, till further order.

Letters from the North, that of Scots, Irish, and English, there are above seven thousand under Major General Monroe, and they have twenty Monroe. pieces of Ordnance; that Lambert advanced to joyn with Cromwell against Monroe; that the siege of Scarborough Castle continued.

[5.] Letters from the Earl of Warwick, of his pursuit of the Prince and of the revolted Ships.

A long debate about the Militia.

Order, that all persons who were in the late In­surrections should be incapable of being Jury-men; and that the Judges in their Circuits; and the Justices of Peace at their Sessions, do see this Or­der put in execution.

Ordered, that the former Orders and Ordinances for the taking away the Voyces of Delinquents in Elections. Elections should be put in execution, and all Offi­cers of Cities, and Towns Corporate to take notice thereof.

Order for a call of the House, and a Fine of twenty pound upon those absent.

Order for three thousand pound for Lieutenant Colonel Lilburne, as reparation for the Sentence against him in Star-Chamber. Star-Chamber.

A Message from the Lords, that Doctor Bur­ges may have his place at S. Pauls, settled under the great Seal.

That the Earl of Cleveland may have his Liberty for three Months upon bayle, to take the air in the Country for his health; and to recommend a Petition from the Countess of Kildare, for some reparation of her great losses in Ireland.

Letters from New-Castle, that divers English came thither to ask quarter of the Governour, New-Castle and to desire to be imployed.

That the Committees of Berwick and Car­lisle sit upon sequestrations, and raise monies not­withstanding the troubles there.

That many English are with Monroe incouraged by their Land-lords; and that Colonel Fenwicks Horse and some Dragoons relieved Holy Island, near Berwick, and stormed Fenham Castle, in which was a Garrison of Scots.

[6.] Order for mony for Tradesmen, who trusted the Lord Inchequin for Armes.

Both Houses approved the appointment of mo­nies Treaty. for the Treaty, five hundred pound for Coach and Horses for the King, six thousand pound for his Majesties private use, and three thousand pound for the charges of the Commissioners.

Debate of an Ordinance for sale of the Lands of Deans and Chapters.

The Commons agreed to the Earl of Clevelands E. Cleve­land. Liberty upon Bayle, so as he ingage upon his honour not to Act against the Parliament.

Letters from Holland, that it was disputed a­mongst the states, whether the Prince of Wales being Prince. returned thither, they should entertain him in a pub­lick way, or give him an allowance per diem, and they agreed to allow him a thousand gilders a day, and some discontents were among the Sea-men in the Prince his Fleet.

Order about stating Sir Jo. Clotworthy's accounts, and for his pay, and they declared an acceptable sence of his carriage.

[7.] The thanksgiving day for the Victory a­ginst the Scots.

Sir Peter Killigrew returned with his Majesties answer to the last Message from the Houses, de­siring that the Treaty may be hastned, that he could have wished, all those desired by him, might have been Answer from the King. admitted to him, but will not let that hinder the Trea­ty, he desired Dr. Reeves and Dr. Ducke to be admitted to him in relation to the Treaty.

At the sight of a Gentleman in mourning for Sir Charles Lucas, the King wept.

[8.] Letters from the Earl of Warwick, of Fleet. the constancy, unanimity, and courage of the Officers and Sea-men in the Parliaments Fleet; and that the revolted Ships though more in num­ber avoided them.

That the Castles of Deal, and the rest at the Downs, upon which the Protection of the Fleet and of trade have such a dependance, are in great want of reparation, which he recommends to the Parliament.

Debate upon the Ordinance for Sale of Deans and Chapters lands; Major Husbands sent to the House, acquainted them with the surrender of San­downe Castle in Kent, and of the condition of the Kent. other Castles in Kent. Referred to the Committee at Derby House to write to the Committee of Kent, and Colonel Rich to advise with the Lord Admiral about the repair of those Castles, and of pay for them.

Upon the General his Letter, that four thousand Colchester. Pounds of the fourteen thousand Pounds imposed on Colchester to free them from plunder, could not be raised, and was remitted by the General; the House ordered five thousand Pounds, to be raised out of the delinquents Estates in those parts, to make up the Summ for the Souldiers who should have had the pillage of the Town.

[9.] Order for a hundred and fifty pound for M r Rolphe for his unjust imprisonment.

The City of London advanced two thousand Pounds for the business of the Treaty.

Major Armestrong one of the Prisoners at Wind­sor, was rescued at Brainford; the House order­ed the Captain of the Guards to send a party of Horse to apprehend those that made the rescue.

Letters from the North, that Lieutenant Ge­neral Cromwell; was at Berwick; that the Country Cromwell. generally rose with him against Monroe; that Cromwell sent to Edenburgh, to recal Major Ge­neral Monroe, and the Forces with him out of England, and to surrender our Garrisons.

[11.] Both Houses thought not fit to grant a Pass with Blanks for the King to send into Scot­land, Treaty. but they advised his Majesty first to send into Scotland for them to name the Persons they would send hither, and then a Pass to be granted to them.

M r Parsons had a Pass to go to his Majesty, and to Scotland.

Instructions passed for Carriages to the Isle of Wight, and things preparatory to the Treaty.

A Pass to Major Belford to transport six horses into France.

The business of Garrisoning the Earl of Lin­coln's House, referred to the Committee of Derby House, and the Committee of Lincoln to secure it.

A Petition from thousands well affected persons Petition. in and near London, giving reasons why they first assisted the Parliament; and that they expected other ways from them than a Treaty, they mentio­ned twenty seven heads, which they expected from the Parliament.

1. That they would have made good the supremacy of the People from all pretences of Negative Voices either in King or Lords.

[Page 331] 2. Laws for Election of Representatives yearly, and of course without Writ or Summons.

3. That their time of sitting exceed not forty or fifty dayes, and to have fixed a time for the ending of this Parliament.

4. To have exempted matters of Religion, and Gods worship from the compulsive or restrictive power of any Authority.

5. That none be forced or pressed to serve in War.

6. To have made both Kings, Queens, Princes, Dukes, Earls, Lords, and all persons, alike liable to every Law of the Land.

7. That all Commoners be freed from the Juris­diction of the Lords, in all cases, and all tryals to be of twelve Sworn men, and no conviction but upon two or more sufficient known Witnesses.

8. That none be examined against themselves, nor punished for doing that against which no Law is pro­vided.

9. That the proceedings in Law be abbreviated, mitigated, and made certain the charge thereof in all particulars.

10. That all trade be made free from all monopoli­zing, and ingrossing by Companies or otherwise.

11. That the Excise and all kind of taxes, except Subsidies, be taken off.

12. To have laid open all late inclosures of Fenns, and other Commons, or to have them inclosed, only or chiefly for the benefit of the Poor.

13. To have considered many thousands, that are ruined by perpetual imprisonment for debt, and pro­vided for their inlargement.

14. To have ordered some effectual course, to keep people from begging and beggery in so fruitful a Na­tion as by Gods blessing this is.

15. To have proportioned punishments more equal to offences, that so mens lives and estates might not be forfeited upon trivial and slight occasions.

16. To have removed the tedious burden of Tithes, satisfying all Improprietors, and providing a more equal way of maintenance for poor Ministers.

17. To have raised a stock of mony out of confisca­ted Estates, for payment of those who contributed voluntarily above their abilities, before those that dis­bursed out of their superfluities.

18. To have bound themselves and all future Par­liaments from abolishing Propriety, levelling mens Estates, or making all things Common.

19. To have declared what the duty or business of the Kingly Office is, and what not; and have ascer­tained the revenue, past increase, or diminution, that there be no more quarrels about it.

20. To have rectified the election of publick Of­ficers for London, restoring the Commonalty thereof to their just Rights.

21. To have made reparation to all oppressed by Sentences in High Commission, Star-Chamber, and Council Board, or by any Monopolies or projects; and that out of the Estates of those that were Authors, Actors, and Promoters of those mischiefs; and that without much attendance.

22. To have abolished all Committees, and have conveyed all businesses into the true method of the usual tryals of the Common-Wealth.

23. Not to have followed the example of former Tyrannous and superstitious Parliaments, in making Orders, Ordinances, or Laws, or in appointing pu­nishments concerning Opinions, or things supernatu­ral, stiling some Blasphemies, others heresies.

24. To have declared what the business of the Lords is, and ascertained their condition, not dero­gating from the Liberties of other men, that so there might be an end of striving about the same.

25. To have done Justice upon the Capital Au­thours and Promoters of the former or late Wars.

26. To have provided constant pay for the Army, and to have given rules to all Judges and other Of­ficers, for their indemnity, and saving harmeless all that have assisted.

27. To have laid to heart the abundance of in­nocent blood that hath been spilt, and the infinite spoil and havock that hath been made of peaceable, harmless People by express Commission from the King; and to have seriously considered, whether the Justice of God, be likely to be satisfied, or his yet remaining wrath to be appeased, by an Act of Oblivion.

The House gave thanks to the Petitioners for Answer. their great pains, and care to the publick good of the Kingdom, and said they would speedily take their de­sires into Consideration.

Another Petition was from well Affected Petition. Masters and Commanders of Ships, Shewing that the Parliament had done Contrary to their Decla­rations, and trade destroyed, and they Petition for convoyes of their Ships in trading Outwards, and In­wards, according to the order of the Hollanders.

And that all monopolies and restraint of trade may be removed, and some way taken, to prevent the Ship­ping of Goods in foreign bottoms.

Intelligence from the revolted Ships, that some Revolted Ships. of them are mending in Holland, that the Saylors are insolent in their carriage towards the Prince.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the King was removed to the place of Treaty, and had his Liberty to ride about the Island.

Letters from Chester, that by a Council of War there, two were condemned and executed for a Plot to betray that City to the Kings Forces.

Letters from the North, that a hundred Scots were North. brought in Prisoners by the Country, that Crom­wel was in pursuit of the Enemy, and Lambert in the reare of him, that the Enemy are about six thousand strong.

That Colonel Bethel, and Colonel Lassells are sent to inforce the siege at Scarborough, where three hundred Walloons are landed by command of the Prince. That the Souldiers run away from Pon­tefract Castle to the Parliaments Party.

[12.] The day of publick Humiliation for a blessing upon the Treaty.

Letters from New-Castle, That Lieutenant Ge­neral Cromwell. Cromwell was about Durham, pursuing the Enemy, who in the Bishoprick had exceedingly plundered and terrified the people, wounding divers, taking away the Children of others, to get mony for the redemption of them, and besides quarters, they took of some three pound a House.

That those who cryed up Duke Hamilton's Party for the great reformers, having been thus used by them, and with civility by the Parliaments party, their opinions are now altered.

That Monroe held a Council of War, and re­solved Scots. to march back to the Colepits, and fire them all, but two Posts came speeding to him, to have him return presently back to Scotland, for that the Presbyterian Ministers had got hold of the Civil Sword, made the Marquess of Argyle Gene­ral, who was four thousand strong, and too hard for the new levyed Forces of the Lord Lannerick, Brother to Duke Hamilton.

That these Messengers came from Craford and Lannerick. That the Scots Ministers had decreed among other things, that in regard of the great defection to the Government throughout Scotland, they will not administer the Sacrament of the Supper for one year to come.

That this saved the Colepits, and sent the Scots the nearest way over Tweed in such hast, that they had almost left their plunder behind them, had they not preferred it before life; and they left [Page 332] their confederate English to shift for them­selves.

That some of Lieutenant General Cromwells Forces were gon over Tine, and Major General Lambert marched by the way of Carlisle, and ma­ny Countrey-men went with them to seek their Goods and Cattle, carryed away into Scotland.

[13.] The Grand Committee sat upon the Ordinance for sale of Deans and Chapter-lands, and voted that a hundred pounds per annum should be the least that should be allowed to any minister for his benefice.

Letters from the Committee of York, that the Treaty about Pontefract not taking effect, they York. desired twenty thousand pounds for the Souldiery; the House ordered twelve thousand pounds for them.

Some of the former City Petitioners desired, that the House would reassume the consideration of every part of their former Petition before they pro­ceed in the Treaty with the King, but the House did City. nothing in it.

Captain Bethan made Provost Martial with power to apprehend such as staid in Town con­trary to the Ordinance; and to seise upon all Bal­lad Singers, Sellers of Malignant Pamphlets, and to send them to the several Militias, and to sup­press Stage-playes.

The Instructions and Propositions were deli­vered Treaty. to the Commissioners in the House, and they took their leave to go to the King.

Orders for maintaining the Militias in the North, out of Delinquents estates there, and by other means.

Orders for money for Plymouth Garrison, and for Herefordshire.

[14.] The Houses sat not, but the Committee of Derby House, and other Committees sat, and Letters came, that the Lords and others sent for by the King, were come to him; and from the North, that fifteen hundred old Souldiers were joyning to march with David Lesley to the Mar­quess of Argyle.

That Monroe was dispatching a guard to Eden­burgh, that Cromwell allarmed the English Ca­valiers near to Berwick; and that the inhabitants of Carlisle Petitioned the Governour to let in no more Souldiers, neither Scots nor English.

That the General was gallantly entertained by the Town of Ipswich. Where M r Edgar made a Ipswich. speech to his excellency, who removed from thence to Yarmouth, who sent out three Aldermen Fairfax. to meet him, and gave him great entertainment; they agree to admit three Troops of Horse, and a Company of his Foot to quarter there.

[15.] Letters that the General went from Yarmouth to S. Edmonds Bury, thence to Malden, where he viewed the remaining reliques of the Roman industry.

That he viewed the Fort of Mercy Island, and gave orders at Harwich for keeping the guards, and manning of the works there.

That he viewed Langarfort, a place of great strength and concernment, and there, and at Har­wich, and other places, had a great number of Ordnance discharged to salute him.

He ordered Colonel Desborough to command the Forces in Yarmouth; and took care not to prejudice the fishing trade there, by the Souldi­ers.

That he was highly entertained at Sir John Wentworths in Lovingland; and at Norwich, the High Sheriff of Norfolk and the Mayor, Aldermen, and Sheriffs of the City, in their Scarlet Gowns, with the Trained bands of Horse and Foot came out of the Town, and accompained the General in thither, and highly treated him.

[16.] The House sat not.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the Com­missioners Treaty. Isle of Wight. of the Parliament for the Treaty, were come to Newport, where the King was with those whom he had sent for to attend him; and that there was a very fair correspondence betwixt them, and the Parliaments Commissioners.

Some noted the Astrological predictions of M r Lilly, to fall out very strangely according to what he had predicted, particularly, concerning the danger of the Kings person by a fall from his Horse.

[18.] The Houses sat not.

Letters came from Lieutenant General Cromwel, that he sent Major General Lambert with a sum­mons Cromwell. to Berwick, That Sir T. Tildesly with about fifteen hundred lay on this side Berwick, but were not suffered to come in.

That Monroe marched through with three thou­sand, and was joyned with Lannerick, who had Scott. five thousand more; that Argyle lay twelve miles from Edenburgh with about ten thousand men, and both parties were upon a Treaty; that they found no Bread in that Country but Bisket, which they brought from New-Castle.

That Colonel Ashton with the Lancashire Foot is marched towards Carlisle.

Letters from Lambert's quarters of their march towards the borders; and that David Lesley, with old Leven and Argyle are in the head of eight thousand Horse and Foot about Edenburgh, and have made the Committee of Estates to fly. That Lesley the Governour of Berwick hath kept out of that Town all both English and Scotch Cava­liers, and reports, that he keeps it for the Parli­ament of England, and will deliver it up to them.

That the English Cavaliers in the North sware they are bewitched, and will fight no more, and daily depart from their Colours. That the Par­liaments Army are discontented for want of pay, and many of them slain, and wounded, and divers Horse lost.

Letters from York, that the siege of Pontefract continues, that the Prince hath sent relief to Scar­borough Pontifract. Scarbo­rough. of Men, Victuals, and Ammunition, whereupon the Besiegers stormed the Castle, and took it; four of the assailants slain and eighteen of the besieged, and an hundred and fifty Prisoners taken; some Walloons whom the Souldiers took for Irish men, were put to the Sword.

A day of Thanksgiving was kept at Leicester, after which the Lord Grey feasted his Officers, one hundred and fifty of them; and they all rejoyced for the Victory against the Scots, and promised to stand together upon their first undertakings for a good peace.

Colonel Martyn went to Lieutenant General Cromwell, and the Parliaments Commissioners went to Ashby de la Zouch, to speak with Duke Duke Hamilton. Hamilton, to see what he would discover to them, for the good of this Kingdom.

[19.] Letters, that the Parliaments Commis­sioners for the Treaty were entertained with great respect at Southhampton, and met and received by Colonel Hammond at the Cows with great vollies of shot, and expressions of joy.

That the King kept a Fast with his Company Treaty. for a blessing upon the Treaty, in which the Com­mon Prayer was exactly read, with the Litany, and a particular Prayer drawn by his Majestys di­rection and dictates.

That after Sermon the Commissioners went to the King to acquaint him, that they were come, [Page 333] to treat; the King said, he was glad they were come, and desired God to perfect this blessed work, and pro­fessed he was in Charity with all of them, and not wil­ling to seek revenge against any, nor give occasion of delayes.

That the Commissioners presented the Three Bills to his Majesty, for Religion, the Militia, and recalling his Majesties Proclamations, &c. but as yet have received no answer to them.

The House approved the report of the Com­mittee of the Army for recruiting all the Regi­ments of the Army, and for pay for them. And Army. they allowed a Quarter-Master to each Company of Dragoons, and renewed the Ordinance for the assessments for the Army, for six months longer.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to provide clothes, shoes and Stockins for the Army, and order for pay of the two new Companies in the Isle of Wight.

A Letter from Sir Edward Walker, for some more persons to be sent down to the King; the House did nothing upon it, but declared that upon a Letter from the King, or from their Commissioners for that purpose, the persons should be sent to his Ma­jesty.

An addition of Salary to Colonel Hammond, in regard of his extraordinary charges upon the Treaty.

Divers Compositions passed, that of M r Geoffery Palmer was five hundred pound.

The House approved of what the Committee of Colchester did in assisting the Army with the Norfolk Forces, and ordered a Letter of thanks to the Committee of Norfolk for the same.

[20.] A Letter from the King for a safe-con­duct for some persons to come from Scotland to the King and to return; the House not knowing Treaty. the persons, and whether they were capable to be admitted to come to his Majesty, referred to their Members who were late Commissioners in Scotland to consider of those persons, and to report their opinion to the House.

Order for a new Election.

An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for re-payment of ten thousand pound lent by some Citizens, for the service of the King, and the Commissioners for the Treaty; and several other Ordinances past for mony, and for the Prince Electors Allowance.

Divers apprehended for counterfeiting mony.

Letters from Amsterdam, that Prince Charles was Prince Charles. brought to the Hague with thirty Coaches, and solemnly feasted and entertained, and that he gave order for new rigging and fitting the revolt­ed Ships, out of the prizes he had lately taken.

That the Mariners in the revolted Ships con­tinue their insolence and debauchery, running on shoare, drinking, and quarrelling, that divers have been killed, and some thrown over Board.

[21.] The House denyed safe-conduct for the Lord Carnagy, one of the persons for whom the Treaty. King desired it, and for Sir Alexander Gibson it was also denyed, and ordered a Letter to the King of the reasons of this denial.

Order for a thousand pound to one in Colchester well affected to the Parliament, whose House was fired; and five hundred pound to another out of Delinquents Estates there.

Letters from Ireland, that the Forces of Colonel Ireland. Jones, and of Colonel Monk were marched into the Enemies Country to destroy or fetch in their harvest, wherein they had advantage by the divi­sions of the Rebels Commanders, and that Co­lonel Jones had taken in some Strong holds in Kil­kenny.

Letters from Anglesey, of the differences be­tween the Lord Bulkely and the Lord Byron; that the Island is in an uproar, and that Colonel Mit­ton with a strong power is marching towards Anglesey. them.

[22.] Order for discharge of fifteen hundred firelocks lately taken in a Ship.

An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for al­lowing the Accounts of the Commissioners of the Excise.

Order for all who ingaged in the late tumults, to be put out from being Justices of the Peace, Deputy Lieutenants, or from any other imploy­ment.

Reference to a Committee of the Petitions of the Widows, who have lost their Husbands in Ireland.

An Ordinance for Dr. Chamberlain to have the Improvement of all Bathes for fourteen years, committed.

Order to exclude all private business for four­teen daies.

[23.] Order for an hundred and fifty pound for Major Rolphe.

Order for mony for the Commissioners of the Treaty.

The King desired a part of the preamble, which Treaty. seems to lay the bloud-shed upon him, may be respi­ted till the end of the Treaty.

Order for a Letter of thanks to the Comissio­ners for the Treaty, for their prudent managing thereof, and to acquaint them with the care of the House for their accommodation.

Two were condemned at Oxford for attempt­ing Lots. to betray that Garrison, and cast lots for their lives, it fell upon him that was least guilty, and most free in his Confession; and therefore some of the Assembly of Divines and others mediated with the General for his Pardon.

Two others were condemned, and one of them executed, for running away from their Colours, to the Enemy at Colchester.

[25.] Upon a Letter from the Lieutenant Ge­neral order for a Fort to be built at Yarmouth.

A Committee named to examine Debenters, whether the Souldiers were absent at the time of their Debenters.

Letters from Colonel Bethel and Colonel Lassels of the taking of Scarborough Town, and a list of Scarbo­rough. the Prisoners.

The House left it to them, to dispose of the Prisoners, and to examine which of them had in­gaged, never to bear Arms against the Parliament, that they may be tryed.

Order for an Impeachment against the Lord Goring, and an Act of Attainder against the Lord Capell to be brought in.

Addition to the Committee to examine Duke Hamilton, and the Prisoners of Kent.

Order for the Committee at Derby House to give a Commission to Colonel Ashton to be Major C. Ashton. General of the Lancashire Brigade, and to have the pay of forty Shillings per diem, besides the pay of a Colonel of Horse, and a Colonel of Foot.

The relieving of the besiegers of Scarborough with Ammunition approved; and as much to be resto­red to Colonel Overton, who did it from Hull.

Major General Brown one of the Sheriffs of London, acquainted the House with a Letter he received from the King, for the reprieve of some Prisoners convicted for Robbers, being sons of his servant Major Knight.

The House ordered them to be left to the Justice of the Law.

[Page 334] The Lords ordered a stay of the Sale of goods seised for the delinquency of the Lord Mait­land.

The Lords concurred in the Ordinances for the Scribes of the Assembly to print the Lesser Cate­chism, and to have the benesit of it for one year; Assembly. and to the Prince Electors Ordinance.

Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell, Cromwell. that the Scots denying to surrender Berwick, in­forced the Parliaments Army to pass Tweed, else they could not besiege it, nor could they pursue the Enemy who had lately made much spoyle in England.

That he sent over Major General Lambert with part of the Army.

That Monroe left neither Corn nor Cattle in Nor­thumberland, that Cromwell sent Colonel Bright, and Scout Master General Rows to the Marquess of Argyle, to consult about assisting him, according to his request, those of Monroe's party being too strong for him.

Cromwell published a Proclamation upon his en­tring of Scotland.

That where as the Parliament's Army marched thither, to pursue the Enemy that lately invaded England, and Decla­ration. for the recovery of Berwick and Carlisle, He de­clares, that if any Officer or Souldier under his Com­mand, shall take or demand any mony, or shall violently take any Horses, Goods or Victuals without order, or shall abuse the people in any sort, they shall be punished according to the Articles of War, this to be published at every Troup and Company. Signed Cromwell.

Upon a meeting of the Commissioners of the Seal, they agreed upon the names of Judges and Serjeants to be presented to the House.

[26.] The House was called, and a hundred and fifty Members were absent, and a new call Ordered.

Letters from the King for passes for some of his to go to Scotland, and from thence to come to his Majesty.

Letters from the Navy, that the Earl of War­wick had taken an Irish Ship loaden with tallow, &c.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the two first days of the Treaty, were spent in laying down Isle of Wight. the method, that nothing should be binding, but what was in writing, and not that, till the end of the Trea­ty; and that his Majesty had agreed to the pro­position for recalling Oaths, Proclamations, &c. and the preamble thereof.

Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwells quar­ters. Cromwell.

That Messengers came to him from the Lord Argyle, and his Associates, to inform him of their dislike of Duke Hamilton's coming into En­gland with his Army, and of Monroe's being there with his Forces, and desired Cromwells assistance against them.

That Cromwell by advice of his Council of War, answers, that he will assist them, and with all hear­tiness joyn with them against Monroe, and desires nothing more than the subduing and rooting out of trust, all loose persons, and such as are Ene­mies to goodness and good men, and desires his Letter may be kept as a Testimony against him, and those under him, of their hypocrisy, if they did not joyn with them for these ends with all cordialness.

Letters, that Monroe fell upon a Party of Argyle's men, when they were in Treaty, contrary to the Scotland. Agreement.

The Lords voted the approbation of Lieute­nant General Cromwells entring into Scotland by di­rections from the Committee of Derby House, and that he may assist those in Scotland, who dislike Duke Hamiltons coming into England, if they shall desire it of him.

Divers after they were called over in the House, went out of Town again the same day, God for­give them for their Negligence.

[27.] The publick Fast-day.

Letters from France of the troubles there, and of Mazarine, and the Prince of Conde, &c.

[28.] The Commons concurred to the Votes Cromwell. of approving Lieutenant General Cromwells en­tring into Scotland, and to a Letter to be written to him, to prosecute his Victory, and take all advantages for recovery of Berwick, and Carlisle.

Letters that Colonel Monk fell upon the Scots quarters in Ireland, who were drawing out under Major General Monroe to joyn with his Nephew Monroe's Forces in Scotland; that he had taken Ca­rickfirgus and Belfast, and had Monroe and all his Forces, Prisoners.

Order for five hundred pounds to be bestowed on Colonel Monk, and a Letter of thanks to him, Mank. and his Officers and Souldiers; and that he be Governour of Belfast, and be advised with for a Governour of Carickfirgus, and the Committee of Derby House to give him a Commission, and to consider of an Establishment of pay for his Forces.

This Action and success was one of the first that brought Colonel Monk into extraordinary favour with the Parliament and Army, who began to have more confidence in him, than they had formerly since his revolt to them.

Order for a day of thanksgiving for this suc­cess in Ireland.

Letters, that the King and the Commissioners in the Treaty proceeded upon the proposition for setling of the Church Government.

[29.] Debate of an Ordinance for setling five Admiral [...]y. hundred pounds per annum, Salary upon each of the Judges of the Admiralty, and a Proviso agreed upon, that they take no mony of any persons upon any pretence whatsoever.

Order for five thousand pounds out of Delin­quents Estates for payment of the Horse-guards that attend the Parliament.

Upon Petition of the Commissioners of the Ex­cise, all the Members of the House were added to the Committee of Excise, and Ordered in their several Counties to endeavour the removal of all obstructions in that receipt.

Both Houses past a Declaratory Vote, that nothing Vote. should be binding between the King and Parliament, till all were concluded in the Treaty.

Major Miles Corbet a Member of the House, be­ing assaulted and wounded by some Cavaliers, as he past in a Boat upon the Thames, the Ser­jeant at Armes was ordered to apprehend the Ma­lefactors.

Liberty given for Major Ashburnham to return into England to prosecute his Composition.

[30.] Debate of an Ordinance for raising a hundred thousand pounds for pay of arrears of reduced Officers.

The Officers of the Committee of Haber­dashers Admiralty. Hall coming to seise the goods of the Earl of Lauderdale, who came with the late Scots Army to invade England, they found a File of Musque­tiers as a Guard to oppose them, the House orde­red the Militia of London, to secure those guards, and to give an account to the House of the bu­siness.

The Lord Admiral offered indemnity to the re­volted Ships, and the Prince offered the like in­demnity to the Lord Admiral.

[Page 335] A Member of the House coming out of the City was assaulted by three Cavaliers, but he, and a Friend with him, repulsed the Assaulters.

Colonel Rainsborough and a Captain with him upon the High way near London, were assaulted by three others of the Kings party, who after a Assaults. little bickering ran away; a Captain of the Army and a Major were in the like manner assaulted in London, and both killed.

It was dangerous for any Member of the House, or of the Army to walk without Company, for fear of being assassinated; and the Committee of Derby House were informed, that a certain num­ber of the Kings Party had combined to massacre eighty Members of the House of Commons, whom they suspected averse to their hopes.

A Petition in the name of many thousands of Ox­fordshire Petition. agreeing with the large Petition of the City, against the Treaty.

Letters from the Head quarters of great want of pay for the Souldiers, which forced them to take free-quarter, and that it was to be feared, neither the Country, nor the Souldiery would long undergo it.

That Letters came to the General out of Scot­land, of the good corespondence betwixt Lieute­nant General Cromwell and Argyle.

Letters came to the General from good hands, and others from France, of a design of the Cavaliers to stab him.

October, 1648.

[2.] A Letter from his Majesty by Captain Titus. That he will consent to confirm by Act of Letter from the King. Parliament the sitting of the Assembly of Divines, and the Directory of Worship for three years, and the form of Church Government, provided that the King and those of his judgment, who cannot submit to it, be not obliged to comply.

That a free consultation and debate with the Assem­bly be had in the mean time, twenty of his Majesties nomination being added to them, whereby it may be de­termined, how Church Government, and the form of publick Worship shall be after that time, and how Reli­gion may be settled, and the Articles determined, and care taken for the ease of tender Consciencs.

Concerning the Bishops lands and revenues his Ma­jesty will consent to Acts of Parliament, whereby legal Estates for lives, or for ninety nine years shall be made of those lands towards satisfaction of purchasers or others to whom they are ingaged, or his Majesty will order some other way for their further satisfaction, providing that the propriety and Inheritance of those lands may still remain to the Church.

That his Majesty will consent to Acts for the better observation of the Lords day, for suppressing innova­tions in Gods worship, and for the advancing of Preaching.

And to acts against Pluralities, and Non-residencies, for regulating the Ʋniversities and Colledges, for the better discovery and conviction of Popish Recusants, and education of their Children in the Protestant Reli­gion, for levying of penalties against Papists and their practices against the State, and for putting the Laws in execution, and for a stricter course to prevent hearing and saying of Masse.

As to the Covenant, his Majesty was not then satis­fied, that he could sign or swear it, or consent to impose it on the Consciences of others, nor did he conceive it proper or useful at that time, to be insisted upon.

As to the Militia, his Majesty will consent to an Act, to have it in the hands of the Parliament for ten years.

Touching Ireland, after advice with his two Houses, his Majesty will leave it to their determi­nation.

Touching publick debts, he will consent to raising monies by equal taxes.

Lastly he proposeth to have Liberty to come forth­with to Westminster, and be restored to a condition of freedom and safety, and to the possession of his Lands and Revenues; and that an Act of Oblivion and indem­nity may pass, to extend to all persons for all matters relating to the late unhappy differences; which being agreed by his two Houses, his Majesty will be ready to make these his Concessions binding, by giving them the Force of Laws by his Royal Assent.

More than this could not be obtained from his Majesty, though most earnestly begged of him by some of the Commissioners (great persons) with Tears, and on their knees; particularly as to the proposition touching Religion.

Wherein the Church Government and pub­lick worship, and chiefly the revenues of the Church, swayed more with the Kings Chaplains Chaplains. then about him, and they more with his Majesty (continually whispering matter of Conscience to him) than the Parliament, and all their Com­missioners could prevail with him for an agreement, though possibly his own judgment (which was above all theirs) might not be so fully convinced by his eager Divines about him.

After a long Debate upon this Message, the House voted it unsatisfactory; and a Letter of Vote. thanks to be written to the Commissioners, appro­ving what they had done, and requiring them to proceed according to their Instructions.

Letters from Colonel Monk of his late success in Ireland; the House ordered Major General Monroe to be Committed to the Fleet, for joyn­ing Monroe. with the Enemy in Scotland, and perfidiously breaking the trust reposed in him.

Letters from Anglesey of the taking it by Major General Mitton, by Storm, and that the Lord Byron, and Lord Bulkely were escaped by flight.

A Petition from Leicestershire to the same ef­fect, Petition. with the large Petition of London and that from Oxfordshire, against the Treaty.

Letters from Cromwell's quarters in Scotland, Cromwell. near Edenburgh, that he and his Officers, are care­ful that the Souldiers give no offence to the In­habitants by plunder, or any incivility; that Cromwell caused horses taken from the Scots by some of his Souldiers, to be restored, and the Plunderers to be cashiered.

A Lieutenant who connived at the plunder, was committed to the Marshal; and the Colonel himself taken from the head of his Regiment, and suspended the execution of his place till he were tryed by a Council of War, and the Regiment sent back again, and this impartial justice pleased the Scots.

That Argyle and his Party, endeavoured to perswade the Surrender of Berwick to Cromwell, to whose quarters they sent their Commissioners to this end. That Leven certified Argyle, that both his Army, and that under I annerick were likely to agree.

Letters from Cockermouth, that it was still be­sieged by five hundred Country-men, that they mined near the wall, and the Governour, Lieu­tenant Bird, sallied out, killed and took all that were at work, brought away their tools, and burnt the Barne that sheltered them; that Crom­well had ordered Forces to relieve the Castle.

Argyle took at Leith a Ship with ten thousand Arms from Denmark, designed for Duke Hamil­ton.

[Page 336] Cromwell sent some Horse and Dragoons to pur­sue some of Duke Hamiltons Officers, who were got together in the Cheviot Hills.

[3.] All the day was spent upon the business of the Militia, for setling it, and upon the que­stion, it was carried in the Affirmative for it.

[4.] Letters from the General, that he recei­ved many complaints of the insupportable bur­den people ly under, by his Souldiers taking of free quarter upon them, though they pay their assessments, and have been alwaies well affected to the Parliament.

He desires a speedy course may be taken for payment of the Army, that thereby his Souldiers may be inabled to pay their quarters, and the People may not be oppressed by free quarter any more.

Order, that four Members of the House do go down to the General to take Notice of his good Free quarter. service, to congratulate his good success, to return him the thanks of the House, and to acquaint him with what they had done upon his Letter for bringing in of monies for the Army, that free quarter might be taken off.

They presently sent a Message to the Lords, desiring them to pass the Ordinance, which had many days remained with them, for bringing in the assessments for the Army, their not passing whereof, occasioned the taking of free quarter.

Order, that the General be desired so to quarter the Army as may be least burdensome to the se­veral Counties, especially to such as have paid their assessments.

Letters from the North, that all things were agreed between the several parties in Scotland, all Scotland. are to lay down Armes, Berwick and Carlisle to be surrendred to Lieutenant General Cromwell, a Parliament to be called in Scotland, and none to be of it, that were in the Engagement against England.

The Lords concurred with the Commons, for Monk. five hundred pound to be given to Colonel Monk, and to make him Governour of Carickfergus, and for two hundred pounds to major Brough, who brought Major General Monroe to London.

The Lord Inchequin's Son, sent into Ireland to be exchanged.

Order for a thousand pound for Coals, for the Poor of London and Southwark, according to a grant of King James.

Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to bring in a list of names for Judges to fill all the Benches.

Referred to the Committee at Derby House, to consider of the supernumerary Souldiers.

[5.] Debate touching the Navy, and for a Winter Guard, for which they ordered two thou­sand seven hundred eighty five men, and the Com­mittee of the Navy to provide victuals &c. and fifty thousand pound ordered for them.

Several orders for raising monies for the use of the Navy.

[6.] Letters from the Lord Goring and Lord Capel, that they took Notice of an Order of the Goring. Capel. House of Commons for impeaching them of High Treason, and informe that quarter was given them by the General who had writ to the House to that purpose; order, that the General explain his Letter as to this point.

Order for six hundred pound for disbanding the new raised Forces in Dorsetshire.

Upon a Petition of the Clothiers of Kent, refer­red Petition. to a Committee to consider of the decay of trade in general, and to propound remedies.

Debate about the Ordinance for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

[7.] Report of the arrears of the Assessment to the Army to be three hundred fourteen thou­sand three hundred fifty one pounds, for which fifty thousand pound was in arrear in London.

Order that the Collectors who had not brought in the arrears should be taken into custody; and that the Members of the House write to the Com­mittees of the several Counties.

Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell of the Surrender of Berwick and Carlisle to him. The House approved what he had done, and or­dered Berwick and Carlisle. the pay of the Forces there, a hundred pound given to the Messenger.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the King Isle of Wight. gave a Paper of reasons to the Parliaments Com­missioners why he could not condescend to take a­way Bishops and Government by Bishops, which he conceived to be of Apostolical institution, and al­ledged several Scriptures to that purpose.

He also propounded some quaeries concerning Presbyterian Government, wherein he desired to be satisfied; the Commissioners referred it to M r Marshall, M r Vines, M r Caryll, and M r Seaman who were with them, to draw up an answer for satisfaction of his Majesty.

[9.] Debate of an Ordinance for a hundred thousand pound for paying the Arrears of reduced Officers and Souldiers: and

Upon information, that they were coming to London from all Parts of the Kingdom, Order for a reduced Officers. declaration to give them notice that the House is passing an Ordinance for satisfaction of their ar­rears, and that their coming up to London will hinder the great business of the Kingdom, and to forbid their coming up upon that or any other pretence whatsoever.

Order to admit Colonel Butler to his Compo­sition upon Pembrokes Articles.

The Lords House being called there were about thirty Lords with them.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that his Majesty Isle of Wight. gave in to the Commissioners his objections tou­ching the alteration of Church Government; and the Ministers then with the Parliaments Com­missioners gave in a Paper for answer and satis­faction to the Kings Scruples; and as to the ob­iection that the Sale of Bishops Lands was sacriledge, Sacri­ledge. the Commissioners said it lay so much in the Laws of the Land, that the Ministers could not judge of [...]it.

That in their Debate touching the Liturgy, the Liturgy. King asked what fault they found in the Common Pray­er Book; to which was replyed that the Liturgy was taken out of the Masse-Book, only spoyled in the Tran­slation; and that King James had so considered it. The King said, that if it were good in it self that did not make it ill. That his Majesty offered a limited Episcopacy.

Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell, of the particulars of the rendring of Berwick and Carlisle to the Parliament; and desiring that Sir Arthur Haselrigge may supply Berwick being so considerable a place, with Guns and Ammuni­tion from New-Castle.

That both Parties in Scotland were agreed to Scotland. disband all Forces, except fifteen hundred Horse and Foot under General Leven to be kept to see all remaining Forces disbanded; that he had some things to desire from the Committee of Estates in Scotland, for the service of the Parliament of England, for which purpose he was himself going to them.

The Chancellour of Scotland by command of the Committee of Estates of Scotland, writ a Letter to Lieutenant General Cromwell, giving him thanks for the many civilities, and kind respect he [Page 337] had shewed to that Kingdom, and that they had sent Commissioners to him, to acquaint him with the agreement betwixt them in Armes in Scotland, wherein they had been careful to avoid any thing that might give offence to the Parliament of Eng­land.

They acknowledge advantage hath come to them by the near distance of the English Forces, in preventing new troubles, whereof they shall be al­waies mindful, and endeavour to preserve the Union, and a good correspondence betwixt the two Kingdoms.

[10.] A Petition from New-Castle, desiring Petitions. that before the Treaty be ended, impartial and speedy Justice may be executed, upon the incendiaries, fo­menters, and Actors in the first and second War.

Another from York and from Hull, that the trea­cherous and Implacable Enemies may be destroyed, and exemplary justice done upon them, without par­tiality or delay, and their Estates to go towards dis­charging arrears and publick debts.

Another Petition to the same purpose but all laid aside by the House.

[11.] Letters from the Commissioners in the Isle of Wight, that his Majesty had consented to the set­tling of the Militia by Sea and Land as in the Pro­position, Isle of Wight. and that he will consent to an Act of Par­liament to confirm for three years, the form of Church Government, and Directory for worship pre­sented to him.

But that he is not satisfied in his conscience, or can be content to the utter abolishing of Episcopacy, the Substance whereof he conceives to consist in the power of Ordination and Jurisdiction, as they were exercised by the Apostles themselves, and others by authority de­rived from them, Superiour to Presbyters and Deacons in the Primitive times.

His Majesties resolution being to comply with his two Houses, for the alteration and regulating of his present Hierarchy, and Government, so as Episco­pacy reduced to the Primitive usage, may be settled and continued in the Church; and if his two Houses shall so advise, his Majesty will be content, to lessen the extent, and multiply the number of the Dioce­ses.

That he will consent to the sitting of the Assembly of Divines, as formerly he offered, and to confirm the publick use of the Directory, and will consent to the repeal of so much of all Statutes, as only concern the Book of Common Prayer, and taking the same a­way out of all Churches, provided that the use of it be continued to his Majesty.

That he will consent to an Act for the better obser­vation of the Lords day, and to prevent saying of Mass.

That he was not satisfied to take the Covenant, or to impose it upon others, and conceives his two Houses will not insist upon it, and the rather because the ends of it will be obtained, by the agreement if hap­pily concluded.

Upon Debate of this Paper from his Majesty, whether, as concerning matter of Religion it was Vote. satisfactory or not? it was voted in the Negative, and a Letter ordered to be Writ to the Com­missioners to proceed in the Treaty according to their Instructions, and that till the Proposition for Religion were signed, they should not proceed to the debate of any of the new; and that notice should be taken of the extraordinary wise management of this Treaty by the Commissioners.

An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for five thousand pound for pay of the Horse-guards attending the Parliament.

Orders touching mony and Provisions for the Fleet.

[12.] Upon a report from the Commissioners of the Seal, the House ordered, that there should be a new call of Serjeants at Law, and voted to be Serjeants

Out of Grays Inn Sir Thomas Widdrington, Sir Serjeants at Law. Thomas Beddingfield, Mr. Keble, M r Thorpe, and M r Bradshaw.

Out of Lincolns Inn M r Sollicitor, M r Samuel Brown, M r Recorder Glyn, and M r Earle.

Out of the Middle Temple M [...] Whitelock, Mr. Coniers, and Mr. Puleston.

Out of the Inner Temple, Mr. Chapman, Mr. Gates, and Mr. Will. Littleton.

Order that Serjeant Rolles should be made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench; that Serjeant Ier­myn, Judges. and Mr. Samuel Brown should be made Justices of the same Court.

That Mr. Sollicitor should be chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, Sir Thomas Bedingfield, and Mr. Serjeant Creswell, should be Justices of that Court.

That Serjeant Wilde should be Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer, and Mr. Gates a Baron of the Exchequer.

That Mr. Whitelock should be Attorney General of the Dutchy, and one of the Kings Serjeants; that Mr. Prideaux should be Sollicitor General, and Sir Thomas Widdrington one of the Kings Ser­jeants.

The House approved of all those whom the Commissioners of the Seal named to be Judges and Serjeants, except Mr. Hatton of the middle-Temple, upon whom the question was not put.

[13.] Vote that leases renewed with Deans and Chapters since a day past, should be void.

An Ordinance past by the Commons for abo­lishing Deans and Chapters, &c.

An Ordinance past both Houses for the Gover­nour of Dover-Castle, to be Lieutenant of it.

Vote for a charge to be prepared against Mr. Dowcet.

The Declaration prohibiting the Souldiery from repayring to London upon pretence of having their arrears, was past, and ordered to be Printed and published, and sent to the several Sheriffs to be proclaimed.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the King Isle of Wight. had consented,

1. That an Act of Parliament be passed to make void the Cessation, and all Treaties and conclusions of Peace with the Rebels in Ireland, without the con­sent of both Houses of Parliament; and the Prose­cution of the war there to be left to the two Houses, and the King to assist them, and do no Act to hinder or disturb them.

2. The Reformation of Religion in Ireland to be settled by the Parliament of England.

3. The Chief Governours and Officers in Ireland, to be nominated by the Parliament of England.

This to be for twenty years, from 1. July. 1648.

[14.] Voted for the Lord Admiral to con­tinue at Goree, in order to the reducing of the revolted Ships, and orders for the Committee of the Navy to make provisions, and take care for mony for the Fleet.

[16.] Upon a Petition of the Common Coun­cil Petition. of London, for a supply of ministers in the City, and for an allowance to them out of Deans and Chapters Lands, referred to a Committee to consider thereof, and of the want of a good mi­nistry in other Parts of the Kingdom.

Order, that those who took a Bark at Rye, of the Kings Party, should have the benefit of it.

Debate about satisfying of a debt out of Sir Jo. Stowells Estate, to Sir Henry Holcroft, but [Page 338] not allowed; and an order for tryal of Sir John Stowell.

Letters, that Lieut. General Ashton relieved Cock­ermouth and pursued the Enemy to Appleby, which was rendred to the Parliament; and taken in it, five Knights, twenty five Colonels, nine Lieute­nant Appleby. Colonels, six Majors, forty six Captains, seventeen Lieutenants, ten Cornets, three Ensigns, five Pieces, one thousand two hundred Horse, one thousand Arms, and all their Bag and Baggage.

Letters, that Lieutenant General Cromwel was received with great Ceremony at Edenburgh, Cromwel. where he demanded, that none who had been in Acti­on in the late wicked Ingagement and Invasion, might hence forward be imployed in any publick Place of Trust, to which the Committee of Estates there, gave a satisfactory answer.

He had also visits and Conferences with Com­missioners from the Kirke, and from the Provost and Magistrates of Edenburgh, and a strong Guard of Souldiers at his Lodging. At the time of his being at Edenburgh, several other demands were made by him to the Committee of Estates, who gave him very fair answer, and he reserved liberty for the Parliament of England to make such further demands as they should think requi­site.

The Charges of Lieutenant General Cromwels entertainment, and of all his Company during the time of their being at Edenburgh were de­fraied by the Lord Provost of the City, by Order of the Committee of Estates; and Cromwel, Ha­selrigge, and the rest of their company were en­tertained by General Leven, the Lord Argyle, and many other Lords, at a sumptuous Banquet in the Castle.

At their going away, the Castle Saluted them, with many great Guns, and Vollies of small Shot, and divers Lords convoyed them out of the City.

That in Edenburgh was a Proclamation, for all Malignants to depart the City, and not remain within six miles of it.

[17.] The House Voted to Adjourn for six days, but the Lords dissenting, they recalled' their Vote.

Upon Letters from Colonel Ashton of the sur­render of Appleby Castle, referred to the Com­mittee of the North, what to do with the Castle, and how to secure the Arms, Ordnance and Am­munition there, in Lancaster Castle, and gave thirty pounds to the Messenger.

Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwel of his proceedings in Scotland, and his return to Car­lisle, the House approved of it, and ordered a Letter of thanks to be written to him.

The Commons Voted Sir William Parsons, and Sir John Temple to be Commissioners for the Ireland. Great Seal of Ireland; and dissented from the Lords, who Voted to have a Chancellour there.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the King Isle of Wight. had assented to all the Propositions, except that of the Church with some qualifications.

That an Act be passed for raising Monies to pay the publick Debts, and if the King assent not to it; that then if it pass both Houses, it shall be valid in Law.

That by Act of Parliament, all Peers made since the Lord Littleton carried away, or that the Great Scal was carried away to Oxford, May, 10. 1642. and who shall hereafter be made, shall not sit or Vote in Parliament, without the consent of both Houses; and that all Honours and Titles conferred on any since May 20. 1642. shall be void.

Letters from the Hague, that the Prince with the revolted Ships is still in Goree Road, his Seamen discontented. That the Lord Culpeppe [...] was sent to them with Mony, and they said they might thank the Earl of Warwick for it, that the Lord Culpepper was accused for betraying the secrets of the Prince to the Parliament; and that the Lord Percy was committed for giving the lie in the Prince his presence.

Letters that the Lord of Ormond was landed at Wexford in Ireland, and brought with him four thousand Arms, and five hundred Curassiers, part of the Supply designed for the Scots. That the English Army were in great want of pay, and provisions.

[18.] Letters from the Lord General Fairfax, intimating the proceedings of the Army, and that Army. several Petitions were promoting among the Soul­diery, of the difficulties they had undergone in sub­duing their enemies; and received little pay, though Taxes were generally paid, desiring that the Army may be divided into the Counties, proportionable to the Tax they pay, and that their Arrears may be thought of.

The House after a long debate Voted, That the desires of the Souldiery be forthwith satisfied, and that speedy care be taken for setling of their Ar­rears.

Several other Petitions were presented to the Petitions. General from the Officers and Souldiers of the Army; one from Commissary General Iretons Regiment was to this effect,

That there may be a strict Scrutiny for discovery of the contrivers or incouragers of the late rebellion and second War, and Justice done upon them.

2. And upon all criminal Persons, especially ob­structers of justice, and such as have betrayed their trust, or been Authors of shedding the innocent blood.

3. That the same fault may have the same punish­ment, in the person of King, or Lord, as in the Per­son of the poorest Commoner.

4. That all may be proceeded against as Traitours, who act or speak in the Kings behalf, till he shall be acquitted of the guilt of shedding innocent blood.

5. For their pay, and for proceedings against those that withhold it, and for their Arrears.

6. That the intolerable oppression of free Quarter may be immediately taken off. And about the esta­blishment of their pay in the Counties.

7. They declare that they shall constantly en­deavour to defend Magistracy, and property with their Lives and Fortunes.

This was a subtle Petition, and the beginning of the design against the Kings Person, but not discerned till afterwards.

An Ordinance past for maintaining a Troop of Horse in Surry, out of the Sequestrations of that Country.

Orders for bringing in the Arrears of the As­sessment for the Army.

Sir Charels Kemish was committed.

Letters from the Commissioners of the Treaty with Papers of their Transactions.

Order for disbanding the supernumerary Forces in Lancashire.

The Lords House past all the Judges and Ser­geants, except Sergeant Wilde to be Chief Baron, and Sergeant Rolle to be Chief Justice of the Kings Bench.

They also advised as to the Voting of Sir Tho­mas Widdrington and Whitelock to be the Kings Ser­geants, and Whitelock's being Attorney of the Dutchy, which was upon Whitelock's desire.

[19.] The Papers from the Isle of Wight were, Isle of Wight. touching Delinquents.

His Majesty consented, that all who have any [Page 339] hand in plotting, designing or assisting the Rebellion in Ireland shall expect no Pardon.

That all other Delinquents in the first Branch of that Proposition may moderately compound for their Estates; that such of them as the two Houses will in­sist on, shall not be admitted to his Council, and shall be restrained from coming to the Court, at such distance as the Houses shall think fit, and shall not have any Office of imployment in the Commonwealth, without consent of both Houses, or shall absent them­selves for some time out of the Kingdom.

That all other Delinquents shall submit to a mode­rate composition, and for three years, not to serve as Members or Assistants in either House, without the consent of both Houses of Parliament.

His Majesties propositions (which the Com­missioners Propositi­ons. of the Parliament were not authorized to receive) were:

  • 1. That he might be put into a condition of free­dom, Honour, and safety.
  • 2. To be restored to his Lands and Revenues.
  • 3. That he may have composition for the Court of Wards, and such of his Revenues as he shall part with.
  • 4. That there may be an Act of Oblivion and In­demnity.

M r Vines gave in a paper, in answer to his Majesties, to satisfy his Conscience touching Bi­shops. Mr. Vines.

Upon these, and other papers from their Com­missioners, they had a very long, and quick de­bate.

Vote that the Lords days, and Fast-days, du­ring Ʋote. the time of this Treaty, shall be accounted no part of the twenty days allowed for it. By which a weeks time longer was gained for the Treaty.

The House resolved into a Grand Committee to debate the Ordinance for payment of the re­duced Officers.

The Lords concurrence desired to an Ordi­nance for payment of four thousand eight hun­dred pounds to Mr. Pecke in respect of his los­ses.

[20.] The Merchant Adventurers Company had the thanks of the House for ingaging for ten thousand pound for the service of the Navy.

Letters from Sir Henry Cholmely complaining, Sir Henry Cholmely. that the General had given Commission to Colo­nel Rainsborough to command in chief the Forces before Pontefract Castle; whereas he had a Com­mission before, from the Committee of the Mi­litia of Yorkshire to be Commander in chief of them; and that the disparagement was great to him, and desires an Order in it.

The House referred the Letter, and the whole business to the General to settle it, and to pre­serve the honour of Sir Henry Cholmely, and to take care that the business be carried on against the enemy.

One hundred pounds bestowed upon Captain Wolfe, and twenty pound upon Mr. Noble who brought the news of the surrender of Carlisle.

Debate about an Ordinance for Doctor Bast­wick, and about the last Message from the King.

[21.] Debate touching means wholly to take off Free-quarter, and Ordered that the Members Free quar­ter. be imployed, to use their best endeavours to bring in the arrears of the Assessments, as a means to take off Free-quarter, and some were sent down to the General to confer, and advise with him, how the Forces may be reduced to the Esta­blishment, and paid; and to advise with such Officers as the General shall appoint, about these matters.

Colonel King of Lincolnshire sent for, to an­swer before the Committee of the Army, to a Charge against him, touching the Army.

The Commissioners of the Seal met with the Judges to confer together about the business of the new Sergeants, for sending forth the Writs to them, and other matters for ordering of that bu­siness.

[23.] Vote to disband all the supernumerary Forces in the several Counties, and the Commit­tees to pay them their Arrears; and the General Ordered to slight Bridgwater, Bath, and Dunstar, or to man them.

Sir Peter Killigrew brought a Message from the Isle of Wight, of his Majesties further Concessi­ons Isle of Wight. touching Episcopacy.

1. He consented to the abolishing of Archbishops, Chancellors, Deans and Chapters, &c. and the whole Hierarchy, save Bishops.

2. To confirm the form of Church Government for three years; and no other to be used, and the ex­ercise of Episcopal Government to be wholly suspended, during that time.

3. That none shall be exercised after that time, other than Ordination (restrained to the Council and assistance of Presbyters) but such, and in such man­ner, as shall be agreed by his Majesty, and his two Houses; whereby, until such agreement (or if it be not otherwise agreed) Episcopal jurisdiction is wholly laid aside.

His Majesty also consented to the Nomination of great Officers, to be by both Houses for ten years.

2. To the proposition concerning the City of Lon­don, as is desired.

3. To that concerning the Great Seal, as is de­sired.

4. To that concerning the Court of Wards, a re­compence being assured to his Majesty, his heirs and successours of one hundred thousand pounds, per annum.

The General explained his former Letter con­cerning the quarter given to the Lord Goring and L. Goring and L. Capel. Lord Capel, that it did not extend to any other but the Military power, and that they were notwith­standing liable to Tryal and Judgment by the Civil Power; otherwise any who was Treacherous, or had revolted might get quarter from a private Souldier, and so not be further questionable. With divers other reasons given by him to the same pur­pose.

Letters from Scotland, that M r Parsons, sent to Scotland. them from the King, had complaints of the mi­series suffered by the late Ingagement; that they refer the King to their agreement with Lanerick, and their Declaration, and beseech him at last, to hearken to the advice of his Parliament in consenting to the propositions of both Kingdoms.

Especially to those concerning the Covenant, and Reformation of Religion; which they understand to be the Point he sticks most at, and they in Honour and interest are most obliged to stick to; and without which (they tell him) his Kingdom cannot be esta­blished in righteousness.

That they have also writ to the Prince dehort­ing him from that course of opposition he is now in, and from attempting any act of hostility a­gainst that Kingdom; and since all worldly po­licy and projects have failed, that he would ap­ply his endeavours to mediate with his Father to consent to the propositions of both Kingdoms, and especially the Covenant.

Letters from Major General Lambert's quarters, Lambert, that divers of his men were set upon as they past up and down by some of the Scots, and many in­juries offered to the English; that six of his Re­giment with Quarter-Master Diamond, were set [Page 340] upon by fourteen of the Scots, and fought with them about a quarter of an hour, left three of the Scots sprawling upon the ground, and wound­ed most of the rest, routed them, and came off without any hurt, only one of the English had a cut of his hand.

That the Committee of Estates taking notice of these things, have indeavoured to prevent the like for the future, and to give satisfaction for what is past.

The Lords consented to the Sergeants that were named, and the Commons also, the Speaker moved that Whitlock might be suspended from being a Sergeant at present in regard of Swear­ing the rest, which was likely to fall to his share. But this was opposed, until Whitlock spake and shewed them the necessity that either Sir Thomas Widdrington or he must make the Speech to the rest of the Sergeants and Swear them, which they could not do, if both of them were to be Sworn, and that upon Conference together, he was per­swaded to take that trouble upon himself and to have his Swearing suspended, if they pleased. Nevertheless the House in favour to Whitlock, would not wholly excuse him, but Voted, that he should not be Sworn a Sergeant till further order.

The House passed Mr. Hatton to be Sergeant.

[24.] Order for five hundred pound for Sir Anthony Welden, in satisfaction of his losses by the Kentish Rebels, against whom he was very active.

Upon the Generals answer to the Parliaments Letter, touching Sir Henry Cholmley, the questi­on Sir Henry Cholmley. was, whether he should be subject to the com­mands of the General or the Parliament only? and Voted that he should be subject to the General.

Orders for disbanding Supernumerary Forces in several Counties, not of the Army.

Debate about Ordinances for Dr. Bastwick, Mr. Burton and Mr. Pryn, to have reparations for the illegal Sentences against them in the Star-Chamber.

Both Houses agreed upon seven persons to be exempted from pardon, viz. The Lord Digby, Exempted from par­don. Lord Cottington, Sir Robert Heath, Sir Francis Doddington, Sir George Ratcliffe, Sir Richard Green­vile, and Sir Charles Dalison.

Several compositions past.

Letters from Newcastle, that Cromwel, Hasel­rigge, and the Committee ordered the slight­ing Newcastle. of several Northern Garrisons; that the Army coming thither was entertained with great Guns, and ringing of Bells and feasting.

That Sir John Chiesely, and others were post­ing up to London, to declare that Kingdoms dis­like of their late Armies invading England, and to desire a fair correspondency.

Letters of a design to betray Pendennis Castle, some of the conspirators were taken, and one of them adjudged to death by Sir Hardresse Waller and his Council of War. Another who was im­ployed to corrupt the private Souldiers, was not tryed, but sent up to the Parliament, because he was no Souldier himself, but a Country-man; ma­ny others of them fled.

[25.] The publick Fast-day.

[26.] Voted that the Kings last Message concer­ning Vote. Episcopacy was un-satisfactory. And a Com­mittee appointed to draw up the particulars wherein it was un-satisfactory, that his Majesty might have the same in writing.

An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for payment of Tithes to the Ministry.

Letters from the Committee of Estates in Scot­land, Scotland. desiring a fair correspondency and brotherly Ʋnion between the two Nations. And that Sir John Chiesely was intrusted to deliver by word of mouth other particulars of their desires.

Order that the Letter be communicated to the Lords, and Sir John Chiesely referred to the Com­mittee of Derby-house, to impart further parti­culars to them.

Order for five thousand Suits of Cloaths for Cromwels Souldiers.

The Lords concurred that the Kings Paper con­cerning Episcopacy was not satisfactory.

[27.] Voted that that part of the Kings an­swer Votes. concerning the taking of the Covenant is un-satisfactory. Unsatis­factory.

Also that concerning the taking away of Arch-bishops, Bishops, Deans, &c.

Also that concerning the abolishing of Popery in desiring to have it tolerated in the Queens Chappel, and for her Family.

Also that for alienating of Bishops Lands, and sale of Dans and Chapters Lands, and many o­thers.

A Committee appointed to draw up the Cove­nant in such a form as may be proper for his Ma­jesty to take it.

A Committee ordered to consider of his Ma­jesties Concessions to any part of the Propositi­ons, and to draw them up into Bills to be ten­dred to his Majesty.

An Ordinance past for repayment of Money advanced by the Merchant Adventurers for the service of the Navy.

[28.] Letters from Colonel Jones in Ireland.

That the Marquess of Ormond was upon con­cluding Ireland. a peace with the Irish Rebels, the Lord Inchequin complying, and all to joyn against the Parliaments party there; the design hatched in England, by the fomenters of the second War, and the Scots who last invaded England; and should then have broken out, and given forth to be by Commission from the King. He desires the House seriously to consider of it.

Order that a Message be forthwith sent to his Majesty, to desire him to declarè against the Re­bellion of Ireland, and against this Truce with the Rebels, and to require the Marquess of Or­mond to forbear joyning with the Rebels against the Protestants.

The Parliaments Commissioners with the Ar­my, agreed with the General and Officers.

1. That in regard of the new Garrisons of Ber­wick, Army. and many other places, that provision may be made for three thousand Foot, to be continued more than the former establishment.

2. More Officers of the Train.

3. That the General give command against listing any new Recruits.

4. Touching pay of the Army and deduction for free quarter.

5. That the Army be drawn into Towns, &c.

6. That by Towns, is meant Market Towns, and the streets near to them only.

[30.] Voted that the Kings Message as to De­linquents, Votes. was un-satisfactory in all the clauses there­of. And several Votes admitting of Composi­tions at lower rates than before; and that per­sons excepted, as to life, should be admitted to composition at a full Moiety of their Estates, except only seven Persons which were not then named.

Vote that Wiliam Powell, John Clerke, John El­tonhead, Robert Nicholas, John Parker, and Robert Bernard Esquires should be made Sergents at Law.

[Page 341] Order to the Committee of Norfolk about se­curing a Ship and Goods cast away upon that Coast.

The Lords moved that the dispute about Sale of Bishops Lands might be waved at present, and the rest agreed by both Houses, to be sent Bishops Lands. to the King; but upon reasons given by the Com­mons, that in regard their Lordships had concurred to abolish Bishops, that it could not be, if their Lands should not be disposed of, and divers of them had been already sold upon the authority of an Ordinance of both Houses: the Lords hereup­on concurred with the Commons.

Letters from York, of Cromwels coming to Cromwel. Newcastle with his Army, and being highly trea­ted there, and of his ordering Forces for strength­ning the siege of Pomfret; that the Army kept a day of thanksgiving, for their good success in Scotland.

That a Souldier by judgment of a Council of War, was shot to death, for plundering in Scot­land.

That Cromwel and his Officers had a meeting with Petitions. the Gentlemen of the four Northern Counties, who agreed upon a Petition to the Parliament Army. for justice against Delinquents, and for a Commis­sion of Oyer and Terminer to be sent down to try such as they should apprehend, and for pay for one thousand two hundred Foot in Berwick, and a Regiment of Horse under Colonel Fenwick, and for eight hundred Foot in Carlisle, and a Re­giment of Horse.

Letters from St. Albans mentioning a Petition to the General from Colonel Ingoldsbyes. Regi­ment, reciting the hazards, charges, and victories of the Army, and good People of the Parliaments party.

That nothing remains to be done, to make the ha­zards of their lives, and loss of so much blood ef­fectual, but an immediate care that Justice be done upon the principal invaders of all their liberties, namely the King, and his party.

That they will live and die with the Parliament in their Declaration of non-Addresses to the King.

That they apprehend with grief, that all their Harvest should end in Chaff, and what was won in the Field, should be given away in a Chamber; and they doubt the issue of the Treaty will be neither just nor safe.

They pray his Excellency to re-establish a General Council of the Army to consider of some effectual re­medies hereunto, by representing it to the House of Commons as the Petitioners of London, and other places have done, or in such other way as his Excel­lency and his Council shall think fit.

[31.] Order to injoyn all the Members of the House, to pay their Assessments to the Army, equal with the rest of the Subjects.

Vote that his Majestics answer concerning the Church was un-satisfactory. Vote.

Letters of the Lord Ormonds treating with the confederate Roman Catholicks in Ireland, for peace.

Letters from Edenburgh of a Declaration to prevent injuries or abuses to Major General Lamberts Souldiers.

That Lieutenant General Gromwel, and Sir Ar­thur Haselrigge were in as high honour with the well affected party in Scotland, as ever any of the English were.

Letters from York, that the Garrison of Pom­fret had killed and taken divers of the Parlia­ments Pomfret Forces; that sometimes they have Cessa­tions, and drink to one another, by the names of brother Roundhead, and brother Cavalier. That the difference between Sir Henry Cholmely, and Colonel Rainsborough, who shall command in chief the Forces before Pomfret, gives great ad­vantage to the Garrison there.

November, 1648.

[1.] Order for the Commissioners of the Great Seal to pass a Patent of the place in the Tower formerly given to M r Nichols, one of the eleven Members, to hold for his life.

Vote that his Majesties Message concerning Ire­land was un-satisfactory. The like concerning rai­sing of Monies to pay publick debts.

Order, that the two Catechisms be sent to the Commissioners to be presented to his Majesty.

Letters from Doncaster, that forty Horse sal­lied Rains­borough killed. out of Pomfret towards Doncaster, where they killed the Centinel, then three of them rode on to Doncaster, and asked for Colonel Rainsboroughs Quarters, and came to his Chamber, there called to him and said, they had a Letter from Lieutenant General Cromwel.

That the Colonel rose, and opened his door to them, (expecting such a Letter that morning) and presently the three Pomfret Souldiers fell up­on him, shot him into the Neck, and another shot him into the Heart, with other Wounds, and left him dead, escaping away without any alarm given.

[2.] Message from the Lords for adding four­teen Vote. days more to the Treaty with his Majesty.

Vote that the Kings answer touching the Court of Wards was satisfactory. And that one hundred thousand pounds per annum should be setled on the King, and his Heirs, in lieu of the Revenue of that Count, provided it be not alienated from the Crown.

Several Messages from the Lords in furtherance of the Treaty.

Information of terrible designs on foot, to kill the Parliament men, and of suspicion that the Earl of Warwick would prove false to the Par­liament.

[3.] A Petition of the Merchants Trading in­to France, referred to the Committee of the Navy to examine, and report the grievances complain­ed of by them.

Upon a Message from the King, Ordered that Dr. Ʋsher, Bambridge, Prideaux, Warner, Fern, and Morley, have leave to go to his Majesty for information of his Conscience.

The Commons concurred with the Lords to Isle of wight. add fourteen daies more for the Treaty with his Majesty. And ordered a Committee to pro­pound to the Common Council of London the loan of four thousand pounds more for the Treaty.

Referred to Lieutenant General Cromwel to take special care, and strict examination concer­ning the Murther of Colonel Rainsborough.

Vote that his Majesties answer concerning his Vote. declaring against the conjunction of the Lord Ormonds Forces with the Rebels of Ireland, was un-satisfactory, his Majesty justifying the Lord Or­mond in that bloody act.

[4.] Vote of both Houses, that any three of Isle of night. the Commissioners with his Majesty, one Lord and two Commoners, might continue upon the business of the Treaty, and the rest to return if they pleased to London.

Debate about guarding of the Parliament, be­ing in great danger by reason of the Malignant party flocking up to London, upon some design [Page 342] at the breach of the Treaty, and most of them armed with Daggers, and Pistols in their Pockets.

A Committee appointed to confer with the Common Council of London, concerning the Se­curity of the Parliament and Kingdom, and to report with speed.

[5.] The Streets were full of Bonefires, this being the Gunpowder Treason day.

[6.] The Commons concurred with the Lords, that the number of the persons to be excepted from Excepted from par­don. pardon should be seven, and Voted three of those seven to be, the Lord Digby, the Earl of New­castle, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale.

Letters from the Gentlemen of the four Nor­thern Counties, that upon Conference with Lieu­tenant Northern Counties. General Cromwel, it was held necessary to have twelve hundred Foot in Berwick, and six hundred Foot in Carlisle, and two Regiments of Horse, six hundred in a Regiment to suppress any insurrection, and the Moss-troupers.

They desire in regard of the great sufferings of those Counties, that these Forces may be main­tained at the general charge of the Kingdom, these being frontier Garrisons, and those Coun­ties will be willing to pay their proportions.

With these Letters came a Petition,

Complaining of the want of bread in those Petition. Counties, that many Gentlemen of quality and their Families had no other drink but Water, of imprisoning their persons, dispeopling their Towns, destroying their Corn and Goods, kil­ling their Neighbors and Country-men, driving away their Cattle, compelling all betwixt the Age of sixty and sixteen to bear Arms against the Parliament.

Of bringing in to this Kingdom a foreign Na­tion, and delivering into the Scots hands the two considerable places of Berwick and Carlisle; that many of the actors in that horrid design, are returned to their homes to plot new Treasons.

They press for justice against those Delin­quents, and a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to be sent down for trial of them.

The House past no Vote upon this letter and Petition.

Letters from St. Albans of a day appointed for Army. the meeting of the Officers of the Army, and that the cry of free-quarter was so great in the ears of the Souldiers, that it was to be feared it would occasion some distemper among them.

By this Petition, and by these Letters you may take notice of the miserable effects of Civil War, and of the condition of even the victors, to be continued full of fears and dangers to them­selves.

A Complaint came against the ill management of the Siege before Pontefract by Sir Henry Cholmely; and Lieutenant General Cromwel was come thither.

[7.] Orders touching the winter guard of Ships.

Vote That Sir Richard Greenvile, Judge Jen­kins, Sir Francis Doddington, Sir John Winter Excepted from par­don. should be the rest of the seven Persons excepted from Pardon.

Letters that Major General Lambert with three Regiments of Horse was still in Scotland, and Lambert. that the well affected there could not act securely without them; that they quarter upon the con­trary Party.

Letters from the Hague, that the Prince was there sick of the small Pox, and that his Seamen were much discontented; that the Lord Willough­by and Sir William Batten had left him.

[8.] Upon Letters from Colonel Welden Go­vernor of Plymouth, Orders for pay for that Gar­rison.

The consideration of the Garrisons of Ber­wick and Carlisle referred to the Committee of Derby-House, and orders for Money for disband­ing supernumerary Forces.

Vote that no more than seven Persons should be Pardon. excepted from Pardon.

An Ordinance past both Houses for pay of their Guards.

Several Lords and Commons came from the Isle of Wight. Treaty, the Earl of Northumberland. M r Pier­repoint, and M r Holles staid behind; divers also of the Kings people came away.

His Majesty made a further condescention touching the Church, but did stick at the word, [Bishop] yet was content he should be in the condition only of a Primer Presbyter, and was not willing Bishops lands should be sold.

Letters from Ireland of the desperate condi­tion Ireland. of that Kingdom, and the distress of Dub­lin, by the Lord Ormonds joyning with the Re­bels.

Letters from St. Albans, that the general Coun­cil of the Army met, and the Officers expressed a great sence of the odium cast upon the Army Army. (as they suspect) by design to hinder their pay, that they might be forced to take free-quarter.

[9.] Upon jealousie of a design to surprise the Tower, order that the Committee of the Tower, do advise with the Lord Mayor concerning the security thereof, and have power to remove and appoint what Guards they please there.

Order for an Ordinance to authorize the several Committees in the Counties to receive security of all the Delinquents in the respective Counties, who have not compounded, not to go above five Miles from their dwellings, not to act any thing prejudicial to the Parliament, and such as shall refuse this, to be secured by the Committees.

The Commissioners returned from the Isle of Wight, made report to the House of all their Isle of Wight. transactions in the Treaty, and of the Kings last Concessions touching the Church.

That he doth not intend to make any more new Bi­shops during three years, nor that after the three years, the power of Ordination should be practised in the old manner, but with consent, that Bishops shall not receive any into Holy Orders, without the consent of a limited number of Presbyters to be chosen in such manner as shall be agreed by his Majesty and the two Houses.

That his Majesty purposed, after the agreement, and within the three years, to have a consultation with the Assembly of Divines (twenty being added of his Majesties nomination) for the settlement of the Church Government.

That his Majesty will not insist upon any provisi­on, for continuance of the Book of Common Prayer in his Majesties Chappel, for himself and his Hous­hold, but declares that he intends to use some other set form of Divine Service.

That he consents to Acts to be passed for a further course and more strict, to prevent the saying and hear­ing of Mass, in the Court or elsewhere.

That in what he hath not consented, he is not real­ly satisfied in conscience, and hopes, his two Houses will not put further pressures of so tender a nature upon him.

The Commissioners had the thanks of the House for their good service in the Treaty, and a day set to debate upon his Majesties final answer.

Orders for relief of the maimed Souldiers, and for disbanding of Supernumerary Forces.

[Page 343] [10.] Ordinance for repaying mony ad­vanced for the Treaty.

Order for mony for payment of the Horse-guards of the Parliament.

Vote that the Lords Goring, Capel, Lough­borough, the Earl of Holland, Major General Banish­ment. Laugherne, and Sir John Owen, shall be banished out of the Kingdom.

[11.] Vote that his Majesties answer, to the discipline of the Church, and as to the continuing of Votes. Bishops, is unsatisfactory.

The like concerning his laying aside the Common Frayer, for himself and his own family.

The like concerning his mentioning to have some other form of Prayer, in his own Chappel. Isle of Wight.

The like concerning his consent to Bills, to pre­vent the saying and hearing of Masse, all unsatis­factory.

Order that the Commissioners do press his Majesty further for his final answer to the business of the Church, and inform him of these Votes, and the Lords concurrence herein to be desired.

Order of both Houses, that the Committee ap­pointed to draw the Kings concessions upon the whole Treaty into Bills, do meet for speedy dis­patch of that business.

[13.] Vote upon his Majestie's propositions.

1. That a Committee named do draw up some­thing for his Majesties coming to London, and present it to the House; and instructions for the terms, his Majesty being already in freedom, honour, and safety at the Treaty.

2. That it be referred to a Committee to con­sider of his Majestie's desires, concerning his reve­nues.

3. That an Act of Oblivion shall be presented to his Majesty to be passed, with such limitations as shall be agreed on by both Houses,

The Lords concurred with the Commons con­cerning Excepted persons. the seven persons to be excepted from Pardon, only instead of the Earl of New-Castle, and Sir Jo. Winter, they voted Sir Geo. Ratcliffe, and the Lord Byron to be two of the seven.

Both House passed Instructions for the Com­missioners of the Great Seal for the making of new Sergeants and the Judges, according to the former orders of the Houses.

Justice Rolles to bring in his former Patent, and to receive a new Commission under the Great Seal to be Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench.

Mr. Brown to have seniority of Sergeant Jer­myn, Brown having been a Commissioner of the great Seale, and the rest that were Commissioners of the Great Seal having had priority to plead within the Barr, to be Seniors, and Sir Thomas Bedingfield, Mr. Recorder, &c. in order.

Letters from the General, that having had a Army. meeting of the Officers of the Army, he appre­hends their general sad resentment of the many pres­sures upon the Kingdom, particularly that of free-quarter, whereby they and the Souldiers (who have faithfully served the Parliament) are even a burden to themselves, because they are so much to the poor Country.

Complains of the great want of pay and necessaries for the Army, desires an effectual provision therein, to prevent those ill consequences, which otherwise de­lay therein may produce.

Letters from the North.

That Lambert and his men received a dismission Lambert. from the Committee of Estates, and were upon their March for England; and they gave him ma­ny expressions of thanks for his good service done to that Kingdom.

Lieutenant General Cromwell sent a summons to the Governour of Pontefract Castle to render it to the use of the Parliament, and the Governour de­sired to be satisfied, that he had power to perform the conditions. Pontefract.

The first Sergeants approved before the Com­missioners of the Great Seal in the Queens Court, but they did not call them in, until the House of Commons had passed the order for the precedency of M r Brown before Sir Thomas Bedingfield and M r Recorder; at which most of them did grumble.

[14.] The account of Colonel Gould stated and allowed, and four thousand four hundred and forty three pound ordered to him, and an Ordi­nance for it transmitted to the Lords.

Ten thousand pound inserted into an Ordi­nance formerly past, for five thousand pound for the guards of the Horse of the Parliament.

Debate about taking off free-quarter, and dis­banding Supernumeraries, and a question for ad­ding Army. three thousand pound to the Establishment of the Army, in regard of the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle, past in the Negative, which discon­tented the Army, and was therefore thought by some to be put on the rather.

The Lords concurred in the banishment of the four persons voted by the Commons, but in re­gard that three of them are Peers of the House, they desired that the Ordinance for it, might be­gin in their House.

A Message from his Majesty, that he did consent to the little Catechism, with the addition of a pre­face; Isle of Wight. and also that the Parliament dispose of all great Offices for twenty years as they desire.

Letters from the Earl of Warwick, and a De­claration, E. War­wick. in vindication of himself, and the scan­dal cast upon him by a false Pamphlet, and lying report, that he resolved to joyn with the Prince in case the Treaty took not effect.

[15.] Colonel Rossiter had the thanks of the House for his good services.

Vote that his Majestie's coming to London shall be Votes. with honour, freedom, and Safety, so soon as the con­cessions of the Treaty shall be agreed upon.

2. That he shall have his Lands and revenues made good to him, according to the Laws.

3. What he shall pass away of his legal right, he shall have allowance in compensation thereof.

4. That an Act of Oblivion shall be presented to his Majesty, &c.

Both Houses agreed to these Votes, and to send them to his Majesty.

Upon Letters from Lieutenant General Crom­well of the wants of his Forces, referred to the Committee of the Army, to consider of the par­ticulars, and to supply them.

Order for two hundred and fifty Barrels of powder, with match and bullet proportionable, for the Forces before Pontefract, and Scar­brough.

The Commons adhered to their vote to except the Earl of New-Castle, and Sir Jo. Winter from pardon.

Letters from the Hague, that Prince Charles was upon recovery; that Prince Rupert was made Ad­miral, and the Lord Gerrard Vice-Admiral; that some of the revolted Ships were come in to the Earl of Warwick, and those Sea-men that conti­nued with the Prince were disorderly.

The Commissioners of the great Seal went into the Kings Bench, where they sat in the middle, the Judges on each side of them; And there they did swear the Lord Chief Justice of that Court, Judge Rolles: and Sir Tho. Widdrington made a very learned speech to him. From the Kings Bench they went to the Exchequer, and sat in the Court, [Page 344] the Barons on each hand of them; and a great Company both of Lawyers and others thronging round about the Court, there they did swear Ser­jeant Wilde to be chief Baron, and Whitelock made the speech to him which because it clears some mistakes concerning the antiquity of that Court, was thought fit to be here inserted.

M r Serjeant Wilde,

THE Lords and Commons in Parliament Speech. taking notice of the great inconve­nience in the Course of Justice, for want of the antient and usual number of Judges in each of the high Courts at Westminster, whereby is oc­casioned delay, and both Suitors and others are the less satisfied; and being desirous and care­ful that Justice may be Administred more Majo­rum, and equal right done to all men, accor­ding to the custom of England; they have re­solved to fill up the Benches with persons of approved fidelity and affection to the publick; and of piety, Learning, and integrity; and having found by long experience among them­selves that you, Mr. Serjeant Wilde, are a person thus qualified, and very well deserving from the Common-wealth, they have thought fit to place you in one of the highest Seats of Judicature, and have Ordained you to be Lord Chief Baron of this Court.

The freedom of this choice, without seek­ing, or other means for promotion, this pub­lick consent for your preferment cannot but bring much satisfaction to your own conscience, and encouragement to your endeavours, against all burdens, and difficulties which attend so great and weighty and Imployment.

Custom, and the due Solemnity of this work, and the honour of that Authority by which we meet, requires something to be said upon this occasion, and the Commands of my Lords have cast it upon me; for which reasons though I ac­knowledge my unfitness to speak upon this sub­ject, yet I presume upon a fair and favourable interpretation.

I shall borrow a little part of your time in speaking of the antiquity of this Court, and of your Office in it, and of the dignity and duty of your place.

For the Antiquity of this Court my Lord Coke in his Fifth Report and 9 Edward. 4. fol. 53. and other Books affirm that the four Courts in Westminster-Hall are of great antiquity, and that no man can tell, which of them is most an­tient. But if you Credit Lambert in his Archeion, fol. 28. this Court was erected here by William the Conqueror, after the pattern of his Exchequer in Normandy; and for proof hereof he cites Gervasius Tilburicusis; but under correction, I find in this Author a doubt made by himself, whether this Court were not in the time of the English Kings? and if so, it was before W. 1. time. Lambert saith in the same place, that this Court is of great Antiquity, and the orders and customs of it not to be disobeyed; Gervase of Tilbury asserts the great Antiquity, and Customs of it; and if you reckon the antiquity, and customs (as we must) from the time of his Book which was dedi­cated to Henry the Second, and the Author ac­kowledgeth that he had conference, with the Bishop of Winchester, who was son to the Conque­ror's sister, this Court must be before the Conquest, or it will hardly deserve the words great antiquity, and Customs, when Gervase of Tilbury did write, be­ing so near the Conquest; Lambert who citeth him, also observes, that the Exchequer in Normandy was the Soveraign Court for administration of Justice, and that it differeth not a little from the Ex­chequer here; the less reason under his favour to have been a pattern for it, I find in rot. Nor­manniae 2 Johan. a Writ Baronibus de Scaccario in Normannia, and the word Baron being Saxon, not likely to be brought out of France hither, and in France this kind of Court in all the Par­liaments is called La Chambre des finances, as may be seen in Pasquier recherches, and Haillan, and so it is called in Normandy at this day: the al­teration being made there by Lewis the 12. and if we credit him that derives the word Scaccarium from the Saxon words Schats for treasure, and Zecherie an Office; the word is more likely to be fetched out of England into Normandy, than the contrary.

My Lord Coke in his preface to the Third Re­port, citeth Will. de Rovill his Comment upon the Grand Customier of Normandy, and it is in the beginning of it that those Customs were taken out of the Laws of England about the time of Edward the Confessor, who he saith was harum legum lator: And with this agree Seldens Duello, fol. 22. Cambden, the Book de anti­quis Britanniae legibus, and others, who also hold that before the Conquest we had Escheats, tenures, reliefes, and Sheriffs in England, the principal bu­siness of this Court.

The Register (the antient Book of our Law) hath divers Writs that were in use before the time of W. 1. and many of the most antient of them are directed The saurario, & Baronibus de Scaccario, and the Mirror of Justices (which my Lord Coke saith in his preface to the Tenth Report, was for the most part written before the Conquest) speaks of this Court, and of the deux Chivalier qui so­lient estre appellez Barons: in this Book, and in the Register, and in the black Book here, where there is mention of the Exchequer, is also mention of the Barons, the principal Judges of the Court.

But with this matter I have troubled you too long, what hath been said upon it was to clear a mistake touching the Antiquity of this Court, and for the honour of our Law, and of this Court, and of your Office in it, being so antient as can scarce be parallell'd in any other Nation.

With the Antiquity of your Office there hath always gone along great dignity and honour.

Sir Roger Owen in his manuscript discourseth plentifully on this subject, and cites Prudentius, who calleth Judges, the great lights of the Sphere; and Symmachus, who stiles them the better part of man­kind. Indeed in all Nations and times, great re­verence and respect hath been deservedly given to them: we find the Judges often named Lords, and Barons in our Books of Law, and Records; as 14 Henry 4. fol. 6. recites, that it was deter­mined for Law in temps Monseigneur Robert Thorpe, and in the Stat. 21. R. 2. cap. 12. men­tion is of my Lord Wi. Rickel, who was a puisne Judge of the Common-Pleas; the like is in many other places of our Year-Books and Records.

When magna Charta was made, it seems that the Barons of the Exchequer, and the Kings Justices were held for sufficient Peers of Barons. On this occasion we may observe (amongst many others) in the Lieger-Book of the Abbey of Peterburgh, two notable Records of fines levyed, the one 29 Henry 2. before divers Bishops, and Ranulpho de Glanvill Justiciario domini Regis, & Richardo Thesaurar. & W. Maldunt Camerar. and divers others, & coram aliis Baronibus ibi tum praesentibus. And another 6 R. 1. before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and other Bishops, [Page 345] & aliis Baronibus, as Justices of the Common-Pleas. Hoveden, P. 702. noteth of the great Chancellor in R. 1. 's time who was Custos Regni in the Kings absence, nihil operari voluit in regi­mine regni, nisi per voluntatem & consensum so­ciorum suorum assignatorum, & per consilium Ba­ronum scaccarii. In these, and many the like places the word Baron cannot signifie that meaning wherein it was sometimes taken, of the Saxon Idiom for a free-holder, as Barones London, the Freemen of London, Barones quinque portuum, the Freemen of the Cinque Ports, and Court Baron the free-Suitors Court; but it must be taken in the places before cited, for the name of Dignity and Title in this Kingdom, which hath been so an­tient, and was, and is of so great honour and esteem amongst us.

You see what Dignity and Honours, and de­servedly, the custom of this Nation affords un­to their Judges, Aristotle in his Politicks, tells us that the Magistrate is set above the People, but it is for the People's sake. A reverence to the person of the Judge procures a reverence to the Law pronounced by him: but I shall hasten to speak a few words of the duty belonging to your Office, as you are the Chief Judge of this Court, and in your Circuits, and other publick imploy­ments in the Common-wealth.

For the duty of a Judge there cannot be a bet­ter direction than that Council which Iethro gave to Moses for the appointing of Judges, That they should be men of Courage, and men of truth, fearing God, and hating Covetousness.

For Courage I remember in a speech upon the like occasion with this, of a Judge (whose memory I have particular cause to honour) That the life of a Judge is Militia quaedam, if not Martyrium quoddam, in both which Courage is requisite, against the assaults of Friends, of family, of servants, and the many im­portunities and temptations which he shall meet withal; and a Martyr he must be in bearing the provocations, censures, scandals, and reproaches which will be cast upon every Judge, one Party being always displeased, and not sparing, especially, in these times to censure the Judgment, be it never so upright. He must want no Courage to resist even the highest, and greatest Powers. The Stat. 2 E. 3. cap. 8. saith, it is accorded, and established, that it shall not be commanded by the great Seal, nor the little Seal to disturb or delay Common right; and though such Commandment do come, the Justices shall not therefore leave to do right in any point: and to exe­cute this Law requireth Courage.

Pursuant to this is the Statute 14 E. 3. c. 14. and the Parliament Roll, 45 E. 3. n. 44. and 2 R. 2. n. 51. and all these are only declaratory of the Common Law, as is evident before any of these Statutes, by the close Roll, 7 E. 2. M. 15. where in a Writ to the Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas the King commandeth, quod pro­pter aliquae Mandata vobis sub magno, aut pri­vato Sigillo, they should not forbear to do right, Justitiam nemini denegando, nec ctiam deferendo: and in our Books 1 E. 3. fol. 26. and 2 E. 3. fol. 3. if the King command the Judges to do that which cannot be done by Law, they shall not do it. According to Magna Charta, nulli ne­gabimus, nulli deferemus Justitiam, vel rectum; and this the words of your Oath enjoyn.

The old Law of Edward the Confessor in Lam­bert, fol. 38. commands the Judges to be equal to all, nec quicquam formident, quin jus Commun [...] audacter libereque dicant.

For this we have an excellent President in Matthew Paris, fol. 971. 41 H. 3. who relates that nobiles firmius confaederati constituerunt sibi Justitiarium, virum ingenuum, militen [...] illustrem, & legum terrae peritum, Hugonem Bigod, qui Of­ficium Justitiarii strenue peragens nullatenus per­mittat jus regni vacillare: this is good Example of a Chief Justice, and this jus regni is highly intrusted with every judge, and I doubt not but that your self who have this trust hitherto so well performed, and the rest whom the Parli­ament shall preferr, will perform this great trust with Courage, against which fear is not ad­mitted for an excuse, for so is the Petition of the Commons in the Parliament Roll, 1. H. 4. n. 47. That the Lords nor the Judges be not re­ceived in time to come for their excuse to say, that they durst not do, or say the Law, or their in­tent, for doubt of Death, because ils sont plus te­mis de raison de garder leur serment, que de dou­bter mort, ou aucune forfeiture, one word com­prehends all upon this subject in the first of Deuteronomy, a Judge must not fear the face of man.

In the next place they are directed to be men of truth; for the finding out whereof there are many incidents requisite, as first Learning.

In the Parliament Rolls, 17 E. 3. the Com­mons petition that none may be made Justices but men of Learning; and King Alfred took great care in appointing and examining his Judges that they should be Learned, as Asser Menevensis testifies; and Bracton saith of an unlearned Judge; ex alto corruit, quia volare satagit antequam pennas assumat. The Parliament have manifested their care for the choice of Learned persons to be Judges, witness your self Mr. Serjeant, and those reverend Brethren of yours, whom you will find upon the Benches, men able to understand, and convince the subtleties of any arguments ten­ding to obscure the truth; and thus Judges ought to be qualified.

Industry is as requisite for the finding out of truth; the burden of our profession growes the heavier when we are the less able to bear it; a Judge is more conversant with his Books, and more spent with travail and attendance upon the affairs of others in his old Age, than was required of him when a young Student, Oportet Judicem cuncta rimari.

Patience is also necessary for the finding out of truth, when the Judgment is clouded with passion, the truth will not be clearly discerned: the digest directs a Judge not to give opprobriosa verba to any in Judgment, no impertinences, importunities, clamours, nor reproaches must move him; he is to learn from the unbeseeming­ness and intemperances of others passions, the better how to govern his own.

He must also be patient in allowing sufficient time both for that which is not material, as for that which is; the distinction is not easy, but by the discretion, and ingenuity of Councel. 'The Law of Henry 1. in Lambert, 186. saith, ipsi co-agentes frequenter interrogandi sunt an amplius dicere velint, an inde judicari, quia multa per sur­reptionem eveniunt, the words of our Judgments are significant to this purpose, and shew the patience of your predecessors, visis, plenius intellectis, maturà deliberatione habit [...], consideratum est. This was of so high esteem among the Romans, that Cicero affirms, Sola Judicis justitia est patentia; and surely that Judge doth seldom determine justly, that doth not hear patiently.

Advice is very requisite for knowing the truth, [Page 346] and it hath been the custom of the reverend Judges in doubtful Cases to have the opinion and advice of their Brethren, according to that di­rection 1 E. 3. fol. 11. where one Judge tells his Companion, that he should not begin a new thing until he had heard his fellows. 7 H. 6. a Judge of the the Common-Pleas sent into the Hall to know the opinion of the Judges of the Kings Bench, and of the Barons of the Ex­chequer in a Cause then before him. In the Raign of E. 2. and upwards, when any difficulty was, then all the Judges, and Sages of the Law deter­mined it; and their Assembly and resolution was entred in the Roll. In the great Case of the Quare Impedit between the King and the Prior of Worcester, concerning an appropriation, the record saith, ad quem diem, &c. & examinatis, & intellectis Recordo, & Processu coram toto conci­lio, tam Thesaurar. & Baronibus de Scaccar. quam Cancellar. ac etiam Justitiariis de utroque Banco, dicunt quod ad Domium Regem pertinet prae­sentare. Ideo consideratum est, &c. with this agrees H. 3. 2 E. 1. coram Rege in fine rotuli. Co. Lit. 304, and several other anthorities, and in Cases of more difficulty it was usual to adjourn the matter into the Parliament.

Impartiality is likewise necessary, to have the truth prevail, that neither great men nor mean men may pervert it; nor to turn truth into falshood, or falshood into truth. In the de­cret. of Erod. it is ordain'd, hoc Judex curare debet ut aequa conditione litigetur. The like in the Laws of our antient Kings, as in those of Ed­gar to be found in Lambert, fol. 63. a. is com­manded, publici juris beneficio quisque fruitor, eique ex bono (sive is dives, sive inops fuerit) jus redditor. And in that of Alured, in Lambert 20. juste judicato, inopique & adversario perinde atque diviti & amico sis aequus. Bracton hath it thus: ut causa viduae ad eos libere ingrediatur, ut sint Or­phano & Pupillo adjutores. With these do agree frequent constitutions of H. 1. H. 3. E. 1. and other times.

As Judges ought to be men of truth, so they ought to be men fearing God; which is the next and highest duty of every Judge, the be­ginning and the end of all wisdom; he that doth not fear God will be apt to fear men, and he that fears men will never give a Right Judgment. In the Laws of the Confessor which are in the Notes upon Eadmerus 4. 186. and in Lambert, 168. in the language of that time the words are, Enten­tivement se purpensent cil qui les judgments ant a favre, que si judgment cum desirent quant ils di­ [...]nt, dimitte nobis debita nostra: and indeed Judges have greatest cause to fear God whose Judgments they pronounce, and before whom they must come in Judgment for those Judgments which they give here.

Hating Covetousness is the last part of this charge to Judges, where a Judge is not only for­bidden to be Covetous, but commanded to hate Covetousness.

Covetousness imbraceth bribery, and bribery doth blind the Eyes of the wise, and pervert Judgment. How odious this was to the People of Rome, appears by the Oration of Piso in the Senate mentioned in Tacitus; and in our Na­tion by the great examples of Justice upon the corrupt Judges, as in Edward 1. time when the Lord Chief Baron amongst others was ransomed at 30000 in which in our account at this day is 100000 l and the case of Thorpe, 14 E. 3. and too many others. He that is covetous makes too much hast to be rich, and the Wise man saith of him, he cannot be in­nocent. The Poets feign that when Plutus is sent from Jupiter, he limps, and goes slowly, but when he is sent from Pluto, he runs, and is swift of Foot: the moral is, That goods ill gotten sent by Pluto, the Devil, come apace, but goods that are well gotten come in but slowly. The Ro­man word for them at the best is Impedimenta, they are hinderances to the due Execution of Justice, and all other good actions. I shall commend the Counsel more than the practice of a great Judge of our profession, my Lord S t Albans: Seek not proud riches, but such as thou mayst get justly, use soberly, distribute cheerfully, and leave contentedly. As Cicero relates of Rabirius Post­humus, In studio rei amplificandae, apparebat non a­varitiae praedam, sed instrumentum bonitati quaeri. This concerns all good men, and especially Judges, who should be the less intent upon their private interest, that they may the more intend the pub­lick; according to that of Aristotle in his Pol. A Magistrate is the keeper, and disposer of the pub­lick, and not of his own proper goods. Yet for the better incouragement, and support of the Judges, whose ordinary allowances are no more at this day than they were in Edw. 1.'s time, and then it was very liberal, it hath pleased the Parlia­ment already to provide in Part, and I am confi­dent they will do the like in General, That every Judge shall have a competent supply, and Salary, according to his great pains and quality.

What I might say concerning the course, and jurisdiction of this Court, will be better infor­med to you by my Lords the reverend Judges your Associates, and by your own knowledge; what I have said concerning the duty of Judges is no more but what I have seen practised by them, and by your self, when I had the honour to plead before you. I have therefore said the less, and what I have said is but according to the old verse,

Qui monet ut facias quod jam facis, ille monendo
Laudat, & hortatu comprobat acta suo.

In the present choice which it hath pleased the Parliament to make of Judges I doubt not but themselves will receive honour, the People satis­faction, and the Judges Comfort, which I hear­tily wish, and to you M r Serjeant Wilde in par­ticular

The Serjeant answered the speech according to Course, The Commissioners gave him his Oath, and Invested him in the place of Chief Ba­ron.

[16.] Referred to the Committee of plun­dered Sermon. Ministers to Examine the preaching of a Scurrilous, and Scandalous Sermon in the Temple by M r Lee, by consent of the present Minister there.

Order for twelve hundred pound to be paidby Sir Charles Kemish in part of his Composition, and he to be released upon bayle.

[17.] Upon Letters from the Commissioners in the Isle of Wight, and Papers of his Majesties Isle of Wight. condescention as to publick Officers of State to be nominated by Parliament for twenty years, the House voted his Majesties answer therein to be Satis­factory.

Letters from the Committee of Estates of Scot­land to the Parliament of England, that they Scotland. are sensible of the benefit to that Kingdom, against the Enemies to both Nations, by the coming [Page 347] thither of the Forces under Lieutenant General Cromwell and Major General Lambert, and ac­knowledge that the deportment of the Officers and Souldiers hath been so fair and civil, that they trust by their carriage, the malignants will be much convinced and disappointed, and the amity of both Kingdoms strengthned and confirmed, which they shall on their Part likewise study to preserve.

Letters from the Earl of Warwick, that several others of the revolted Ships were come in to him, and that many of the rest were on sand, and the rest in a sad condition.

Order for a Letter of thanks to the Lord Admi­ral, and fifty pound to the Messenger.

[18.] Debate of an Ordinance touching the Army, and the Settlement of Pay of the Militia of the Kingdom, and of an Ordinance for explain­ing the Stat. 25 E. 3. c. 2. and all other Acts of Treason. And of the Statute 11 H. 7. c. Treason. 18. concerning subjects aiding the King in his Wars, and of an Act for making void all ho­nours conferred on persons without the consent of both Houses. And of an Act for the due obser­vation of the Lords day.

Order for two great Cannons to be sent down to the Forces before Pontefract and Scar­borough.

The House required an account concerning the taking off of the Sequestration of Sir John Winters Estate.

Order for addition of seven days more time for the Treaty at the Isle of Wight. Isle of Wight.

Letters from St. Albans that the General Of­ficers of the Army, upon their several meetings at the head quarters, had agreed upon a Large Anny. Remonstrance to be presented to the Parlia­ment.

The new Serjeants appeared at the Chancery Bar, and Whitelock made the speech to them, to this Effect:

M r Serjeant S t John, and the rest of you Gentlemen, who have received Writs to be Serjeants at Law, Speech to the Serjeants.

IT hath pleased the Parliament in comman­ding these Writs to issue forth, to manifest their constant resolutions to continue and maintain the old setled form of Government, and Laws of the Kingdom, and to provide for the supply of the high Courts of Justice with the usual number of Judges, and to manifest their respects to our pro­fession. And likewise to bestow a particular mark of favour upon you, as eminent Members of it, the good affections to the publick, and the abilities of most of you they know by experience among themselves, and of the rest, by good informa­tion.

I acknowledge that the burthen of this busi­ness lies heavy upon me in regard of my own weakness. And the worthiness of the Persons, to whom my words are directed, but as I am of the least ability to give, so you have the least need to receive Instructions.

I should be unwilling to see the solemnity of this general Call diminished, and am the rather perswaded to supply my present duty for several respects:

1. For the honour of that Authority, which commands your attendance, and my service up­on this occasion.

2. For the honour of this Court, which chal­lengeth a great share in this work, your Writs issuing from hence, your appearance here Re­corded, and your Oath is here to be taken.

3. The honour and particular respects which I have of you that are called to this degree.

4. And lastly, out of my own affections to the degree, being my self the Son of a Sergeant, and having the honour to be one of your num­ber in this Call, and I do acknowledge that both in my descent and fortune, I am a great debtor to the Law.

For these reasons, I presume (especially be­ing with those from whom I have by long ac­quaintance found much friendship) that I shall now receive a fair construction of what I speak upon this very great subject.

My observations shall be upon your Call by Writ, and upon the Writ it self.

Your being called by Writ, is a great argu­ment of the antiquity of Sergeants. The Re­gister hath many Writs (as my Lord Coke holds in his Preface to the 10. Rep.) that were in use before the Conquest, and in the most antient Manuscript Registers is your Writ, of the same form with those by which you are called; and if there had beeen any alteration within time of memory, it would probably have been extant.

We find Sergeants at Law often mentioned in our Year-Books, and in the Records in the Tower, as high as the beginning of E. 1. and by Bracton who wrote in H. 3. time.

And it may probably be conjectured, that William de Bussey was a Sergeant, by his habit of the Coif, and his Office.

Of whom Matthew Paris relates 42 H. 3. that he was Seneschallus, & Principalis Consilia­rius Gulielmi de Valentia, and being accused for great crimes, upon his Tryal, when he could not acquit himself,

Voluit ligamenta suae Coifae solvere, ut palam monstraret tonsuram se habere clericalem, and so to have avoided judgment, but it would not serve his turn.

Thus far it is granted by a little Manuscript treatise, which endeavours to detract from the honour of this degree, and therefore requires an answer.

It asserts, that by Magna Charta (Communia placita non sequantur curiam nostram) the Court of Common-Pleas was crected; and that some of our profession, by Writ then framed, were commanded to attend that lower Court, the Lawyers being ge­nerally unwilling to leave the Kings. House, where the other Courts of Justice then sate, and to attend this new Court elsewhere. It is reasonable well that they are allowed the antiquity of 9 H. 3. and by this as antient as the Common-Pleas Court, but the errour, that this Court was erect­ed 9 H. 3. is sufficiently refuted.

The same great Charter is in Matthew Paris in King John's time with the words of Commu­nia placita, &c. in it, but I presume his mean­ing is, that before the Statute of Magna Charta, there was no Court of Common-Pleas, though his words be, before 9 H. 3.

It is manifest by undeniable Authorities, out of antient Manuscripts, and Rolls, and the black Book of Peterburgh, that Cases were ad­judged in R. 1. and H. 2. time, coram Justi­tiariis in Banco residentibus, and the names of those that were then Judges of this Court, are set down many years before Magna Charta was granted, which by Hoveden, Paris, and others, are said to be the Laws of Edward the Confessor.

And if itbe admitted, that Sergeants are [Page 348] as ancient as these Laws, they allow them the Antiquity of the Confessor; and if as ancient as this Court, they are certainly as ancient as any thing in our Law.

But the Author of this Treatise affirmeth, that before the Erection of the Court of Common-Pleas it cannot be shewed that there were any special Ser­geant Pleaders. I am of his opinion, and like­wise that no man can shew when that Court was first erected; which is also the opinion of my Lord Coke, 5. Rep. 9 Ed. 4. Sir Roger Owen, Lambert, and others.

Yet if the Author mean that before Magna Charta 9 H. 3. there were no such Sergeants, he may be satisfied the contrary out of Hoveden, and Paris, who lived in R. 1. and H. 3. time, and are Authors of good Credit. They recite the Charge of the Justices in Eyer given in R. 1. and King John's time: One of their Articles is, to Enquire of the Sergeants at Law, and Attorneys Fees.

In the Book of Entries, in a Bill of Debt against a Sergeant at Law, in the Common-Pleas, he shows, and prescribes, that Ser­geants could not be sued there by Bill, but by Writ out of the Chancery; and this being by Prescription, shows that Sergeants were before the time of Rich. 1.

And the Mirror of Justices (which I pre­sume they will not deny to be yet more ancient, which my Lord Coke holds to be written before the Conquest) saith a Countor est un Sergeant Sachant in la Ley de Realm, to pronounce and defend Actions in Judgment.

From the Antiquity of the degree, I come to my observations upon the words of your Writ, which I shall take in order as they are.

1. Quia de Advisamento Concilii nostri, &c. These words are in the Writs of Creation of Peers, and in the Summons of them, both Spiritual, and Temporal, and of the Judges, and Kings Council, to the Parliament, and in your Writs, but in no other, except upon some high and weighty occasions, touching the pub­lick safety and the like.

And for your greater Honour this Council by advice of which you are called to this degree, is the great Council of the Kingdom.

The Next words in your Writ are, Ordina­vimus vos, &c. in the plural Number, in the second person, which is an Enalage of Number, chiefly to express Excellency in the Person to whom it is referred.

Selden in his Titles of Honour, f. 121. showeth the use of it in the Jewish Nation, and in France, Spain, Germany, and other Countries, and al­ways is in dignity of the party to whom ap­plyed; and the stile of the Chancery is so only to the Peers, the Judges, the Kings Council, and to Sergeants.

Therefore 29 E. 3. f. 44. In a Quare Impedit, the Writ was Precipite, and excepted against as false Latin, but Thorp said, it was not false La­tin, but the plural Number only to express Reverence to the person; the other answered that no such reverence is done to a Sheriff, and for this, the Writ was abated.

The next words in your Writ are ad Statum, &c. which sheweth dignity, and honour given to them.

The Author of the Manuscript formerly cited by me, allows the Sergeants but little state, where he saith, they kept their Pillars at Pauls, where their Clients might find them; as if they did little better than Emendicare panem.

This was somewhat far from Westminster-Hall, and as far from truth; being grounded upon a mistake of one of their Ceremonies of State, where they went to Pauls to Offer.

A Manuscript of the Call of Fitz James, and other Sergeants, 11 H. 8. saith, that their Steward brought every one of them to a several Pil­lar in Pauls, and there left them a time for their private Devotions; no Convenient time for Cli­ents.

In the Register, a Writ of Ex gravi Querela mentions a devise to a Priest, to say Mass at a Pillar in Pauls; and I believe most of us, both in this, and other great Churches, have seen old people kneeling at the Pillars, in their private prayers.

Our old English Poet Chaucer (whom I think not unproper to cite, being one of the greatest Clerks and Wits of his time) had a better O­pinion of the state of a Sergeant, as he expres­seth in his Prologue of the Sergeant.

A Sergeant at Law wary and wise,
That oft had bin at the pervise,
There was also, full of rich Excellence,
Discreet he was, and of great Reverence.

And in his description of the Franklyn, he saith of him.

At Sessions there was he Lord, and Sire,
Full oft had he bin Knight of the Shire;
A Sheriff had he bin, and a Countor,
Was no where such a worthy Vavasor.

A Countor was a Sergeant, and a Vavasour was the next in degree to a Baron.

We find in many of our Year-Books, especi­ally in E. 3's time, that they were joyned with Knights in Assizes, Trials of Challenges, &c. 38 H. 6. f. 31. Prisot saith to the Sergeants, they would have no worship by such an Act, &c. and that word was given to the Lords in those days.

By the Statute 12 R. 2. c. 10. the same pri­viledge, which is given to the Judges for ab­sence from the Sessions, is given also to the Sergeants.

34 Hen. 6. Brook. Nosme. 5. saith that ser­viens adlegem est nosme de dignity, comme Chivalier, and it is character indelebilis, no accession of ho­nour, or Office, or remotion from them, takes away this dignity, but he remains a Sergeant still.

Their Robes, and Officers, their bounty in­giving Rings, their Feasts, which Fortescue saith were coronationis instar, and continued anti­ently seven days, and as Holingshed notes, Kings and Queens were often present at them, and all their Ceremonies and Solemnities in their Creation, do sufficiently express the state due unto them.

The next words in your Writ are, Et gra­dum, &c.

This is a degree of such eminency, that the professours of Law in no Nation are honoured with the like, with such Solemnities and state, as I have before mentioned, and by Mandate under the publick Seal of the Common-wealth.

I find indeed in the preface to the Digest, se­veral appellations given to the Students of that Law, that they called them Dupondios, or Justi­nianeos, and (when of further standing) Papini­anistas.

When they had proceeded further, they cal­led. [Page 349] them, [...], and lastly [...], and the title and degree of Doctour of the Laws, I ac­knowledge to merit very much of respect and honour, as to the degree, and persons honour­ed with it. But such state and degree as this of Sergeants at Law, is not among the Munici­pal Lawyers of any other Nation, though all kingdoms have their Municipal Laws, and Lawyers as well as we.

Degrees are rewards of study and learning.— Nec enim Virtutem amplectimur ipsam, Praemia si tollas. They are [...], a spur to-virtue, and witnesses of learning. And since, Gentle-men, you have already obtained that depth in your profession as renders you capable of this degree, that resolution of all true lovers of learning is worthy of you,

1. To say Senesco discens; proceed in your Studies still. Your predecessors, for their learning, have been often advised with by the Judges, as appears in our Books, and by the Parliament, as may be seen in the Rolls thereof.

2. By this degree you become Chief Advocates of the Common Law, an attribute given by Fortescue, who was a Sergeant, and Chief Ju­stice, and Lord Chancellour.

It imports no less than all antiquity hath ap­propriated unto Sergeants at Law, the practice of that great and Universal Court, where all that concerns Meum & tuum, the inheri­tances, and property of all the people of Eng­land, are heard and determined.

This degree Ordaining you to be Chief Ad­vocates, the duty of whom pertains to you to be performed, and may not be declined by you. I hold it not impertinent to mention some­thing to you, of the duties of an Advocate; which are some of them to the Courts, and some to Clients.

To the Courts of Justice he owes reverence, they being the high Tribunals of Law, of which Doctor and Student, and the Statute Marlebridge saith, omnes tam Majores quam Minores justitiam recipiant, and therefore great respect and reve­rence is due to them from all persons, and more from Advocates than from any others.

2. An Advocate owes to the Court a just and true information, the zeal of his Clients cause, as it must not transport him to irreverence, so it must not mislead him to untruths in his infor­mation of the Court, the Statute of W. 1. c. 29. and the Mirrour of Justices, agree in an ex­cellent direction in this point.

When a good cause is destroyed by misinfor­mations or unlawful subtleties or deceits, let the instruments thereof take heed of the wo denounced by the prophet against them, that call good evil and evil good, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, their root shall be rottenness, and shall go up as dust.

Remember that in your Oath, for one verb [you shall serve] you have two adverbs, [well and truly.]

The duty of Advocates to their Clients, are general and particular.

The general consist in three things, Secrecy, Diligence, and Fidelity.

1. For Secrecy, Advocates are a kind of Con­fessors, and ought to be such, to whom the Client may with confidence lay open his evi­dences, and the naked truth of his case, sub Sigillo, and he ought not to discover them to his Clients prejudice, nor will the Law com­pel him to it.

2. For Diligence, much is required in an Ad­vocate, in receiving instructions, not only by breviats, but by looking into the Books them­selves, in perusing Deeds, in drawing Convey­ances, and Pleas, in studying the points in Law, and in giving a constant and careful attendance and endeavour in his Clients causes.

3. For Fidelity, it is accounted vinculum Socie­tatis, the name of unfaithfulness is hateful in all, and more in Advocates than others, whom the Client trusts with his livelyhood, without which his life is irkesome, and the unfaithfulness or fraud of the one, is the ruin of the other.

Virgil in his fiction of Aeneas going down to Hell, sets these in the front of Crimes.

Hic quibus invisi fratres dum vita manebat,
Pulsatusve Parens, aut fraus innexa clienti,
Inclusi paenam expectant.

For your duty to particular Clients you may consider,

That some are rich, yet with such theremust be no endeavour to lengthen causes, to continue Fees.

Some are poor, yet their business must not be neglected, if their cause be honest, they are not the worst Clients, though they fill not your purses, they will fill the ears of God with prayers for you, and he who is the defender of the poor will repay your Charity.

Some Clients are of mean capacity, you must take the more pains, to instruct your self, to un­derstand their business.

Some are of quick capacity and confidence, yet you must not trust to their information.

Some are peaceable, detain them not, but send them home the sooner.

Some are contentious, advise them to reconcile­ment with their Adversary.

Amongst your Clients and all others, endea­vour to gain and preserve, that estimation and respect, which is due to your degree and to a just, honest, and discreet person.

Among your Neighbours in the Country, never foment but pacify contentions, the French pro­verb is,

Bonne terre mavuais chemin,
Bon Advocat mavuais voicin.

I hope this will never by any here be turned into English.

The next and last words which I shall note in your Writ, are Servientis ad legem.

The name Sergeant is antient, some would fetch it from the French word Sergent, as Pas­quier in his Recherches, but that word is also Saxon.

You are indeed Servientes, but it is Ad legem, your Fee is honorarium, and you are or ought to be, Patroni Clientium, Viduae & Orphano Ad­jutores.

The Conservators of the peace (as in my Lord Cokes preface to his 10. Rep.) were anti­ently called Servientes pacis, and the tenure by Grand Sergeantry is the most honourable.

Sergeants were also called in Latin Narratores, as my Lord Coke, and Sir Roger Owen observe. And in the Book in the Tower, 14 E. 2. f. 89. One prayes that he may have Narratores in placitis ipsum tangentibus, notwithstanding the Laws of Wales.

In the records in the Treasury, 25 E. 1. one Thomas Marshall justified the maintenance of a [Page 350] cause, for that he was Communis Serviens Narra­tor coram Justitiariis, & alibi ubi melius ad hoc conduci poterit, and as a Counsellor he advised him.

They were antiently called likewise Countors, as is noted by Sir Roger Owen and my Lord Coke, because the Count comprehendeth the Substance of the Original Writ, and the foundation of the suit and of that Part (as the worthiest) they took their name, and lost it not in the reign of E. 1. and at this day every Sergeant at his creation, doth count in some real Action at the Common-Pleas Bar.

In the Statute of W. 1. 3 E. 1. he is called Sergeant Countor, and in the Stat. 28 E. 1. c. 11. is this clause, Nest my a entender que home ne poet aueer Councildes Countors & des Sages gents.

Chaucer calls them Countors, and in the Mir­rour of Justices, there is a Chapter of Countors, the like in the grand Coustumier of Normandy, and in the text, and gloss of both, these Coun­tors, are agreed to be Advocates, who plead and defend mens causes in Judicial Courts.

The rest of the words of your Writ prefix a day, and command you to prepare your selves to take this state, and degree upon you.

Accordingly some of you have formerly ap­peared upon your Writs, which have been or­dered to be filed, and your appearances recor­ded.

The rest of you, have now appeared upon your Writs, which have been read, and the like order given, as for the others, and we are ready to admit you to take your Oaths.

And what honour and advantage hath been gained by any the most eminent of your predeces­sours in this degree, I do heartily wish, may be multiplied unto you, Mr. Sergeant S t John, and to all the rest of these worthy Gentlemen your Brethren.

[20.] Vote for money for the Forces in Carlisle and Northumberland, &c.

Several Officers of the Army presented to the Commons (not to the Lords) the Large Remon­strance Remon­strance. of the Army, with a Letter from the General to the House, desiring the Renonstrance might have a present reading, and the things pro­pounded therein, be timely considered, and that no failing in Circumstances, or expressions, may prejudice the reason or Justice of what was ten­dered.

The preamble of the Remonstrance shewed the miscarriages of the King, and of the Parliament seve­rally and in Treaties between them, especially that Treaty wherein they now are.

That they conceive the Parliament hath abundant cause to lay aside any further proceedings in this Treaty, and to return to their votes of non-addresses, and to reject the Kings demands for himself and his Party, and that he may no more come to Government nor to London.

That Delinquents be no more bargained with, nor partially dealt with. Nor protected, nor pardonable by any other power, only moderated upon submission; and among these Offenders, they offer,

1. That the King be brought to Justice, as the Ca­pital cause of all.

2. That a day be set for the Prince and Duke of York to come in, and if they do not, then to be de­clared Traitors, if they do come in to be proceeded a­gainst, or remitted as they give satisfaction.

3. That publick Justice may be done upon some Ca­pital causers, and actors in this War.

4. That the rest upon submission may have mercy for their lives.

5. That the Souldiers may have their arrears, and publick debts be paid out of Deliquents Estates.

6. That a period be set to this Parliament, and a provision for new, and more equal Representatives of the People.

Then they offer rules for this Representative power, and that it be the Supream power.

That no King be hereafter admitted but upon E­lection of, and in trust for the People, by such Re­presentative.

That the General settlement be done by this Par­liament, and established by a general contract, and a­greement of the People with subscriptions thereunto; and none to be capable of benefit by this agreement without subscribing thereunto, nor any King be ad­mitted to the Crown, or any other to any Office, with­out Subscribing to it.

These things they press as good for this and other Kingdoms, and hope it will not be taken ill, because from an Army, and so servants when their Masters are servants, and trustees for the Kingdom.

This Remonstrance induced a long and high debate, some inveighing sharply against the insolency of it, others palliated, and excused the matters in it, and some did not stick to justify it, most were silent because it came from the Army, and feared the like to be done by them, as had been done formerly; in fine the debate was adjourned.

[27.] Ordinance transmitted to the Lords touching the Sale of Bishops Lands.

Order to stay all process against any for selling Tobacco, without licence from former Paten­tees of that Monoply, and referred to a Committee to examine that matter; the like order touching the Office of Wine licences.

An additional proposition past by the Com­mons Isle of Wight. to be sent to the King, that he would pass such Acts as should be presented to him by both Houses, for strengthning the Ʋnion between England and Scotland.

Both Houses agreed to continue the Earl of Excepted persons. New-Castle one of the seven to be excepted from Pardon, and Sir Jo. Byron to be put in for another, in stead of Sir John Winter.

Order of both Houses for three thousand pound for Colonel Rossiter, and all the Forces in Lin­colnshire, except his Troup to be disbanded.

Letters from the Isle of Wight, that the King refused to pass any thing against the Marquess of Ormond, until the Treaty be wholly ended; and that he adheres to his former resolution concer­ning Bishops, and that their Lands be leased only for 99. years, and not sold.

The Commissioners of the great Seal sate in Chancery without Sir Tho. Widdrington, and heard New Sergeant many Motions, till past two a Clock, then the new Serjeants came in their party-coloured Robes and their servants, and the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court with them; after they were come the Judges, of the Kings Bench, and after them, the Commissioners of the great Seal went to the Common-Pleas Court, where they sate in the middle of the Bench, the Chief Justice of the Kings Bench on the Right hand of the Earl of Kent, and the Lord Chief Baron on Whitelocks Left hand, and the other Judges on either hand of them, in their antiquity, and the Barons of the Exchequer on a form, on the Right side of the Court.

The new Serjeants were brought up in their antiquity, singly, by two of their Elder Brethren, to the bar, where they Counted, and when they had done a Gentlemen their Friend appointed by them, did deliver their several Rings to the Earl of Kent first, then to my Lord Grey, next to White­lock, then to the Chief Justice and Chief Baron, [Page 351] and to the rest of the Judges and Barons in their Antiquity.

This ceremony held till past four a Clock in the afternoon.

[22.] Orders touching levying the assess­ments, and disbanding supernumerary Forces.

Upon a Report from the Committee of the Army, the House approved of the General his drawing the Army into Towns and Garrisons, and of his Listing no more Forces, and disbanding supernumeraries.

An Ordinance past for five thousand pound out of the Delinquents Estates in Essex, for the gratu­ity promised to the Souldiers that were before Colchester.

Upon the desire of Colonel Birch a Member of the House, the place of high Steward of Lemster, C. Birch. with the profits thereof was conferred on him, being void by the Delinquency of Sir Walter Pye. And upon the desire of M r Thomas Waller of Grey's Inn, Order for the Commissioners of the great Seal to pass a Patent to constitute him the Judge of the Isle of Ely.

Letters from the Hague, that six more of the revolted Ships were come in, and that a Chal­lenge past betwixt Prince Rupert and the Lord Culpepper.

The Commissioners heard some causes and a few Motions in Chancery, and then rose, and went to the Kings Bench, where they did swear Ser­jeant Judges. Brown a Judge of that Court; Sir Thomas Widdrington made a short speech to him, which he answered, and then took the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and of a Judge.

Then the Earl of Kent delivered to the Second­ary of the Kings Bench, the Patent for him to be a Judge of that Court, which was read, and after­wards the Earl of Kent delivered the Patent to Ser­geant Brown, and he took his place of the third Judge of that Court.

From thence they went to the Common-Pleas, where Sir Tho. Widdrington made a short speech to M r Sergeant S r John, and Sergeant Bedingfield, who answered him, and then their Patents were read, and delivered to them, and Sergeant S r John was sworn Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, and Sergeant Bedingfield the Puisne Judge of that Court.

From thence they went back to the Kings Bench, where Whitelock made a short speech to Sergeant Jermyn, and he answered him, and then his Patent was read, and delivered to him, and he took the Oaths, and his place of a Fuisne Judge of that Court.

From thence they went into the Exchequer, where Sir Thomas Widdrington spake not long to M r Gate, who answered him, and was sworn, and received his Patent, and was made a Baron of that Court.

[23.] Letters from the Isle of Wight with his Majesties ultimate answer concerning Bi­shops. Isle of Wight.

That he cannot, with a good conscience, consent to the total abolition of the function and power of Bishops, nor to the intire and absolute alienation of their Lands, as is desired, because he is yet per swaded in his judgment, that the former is Apostolical in the institution, and that to take away the latter is Sacriledge.

Neither can his Majesty communicate in a publick form of Divine service, and administration of the Sacraments, where it is wholly uncertain, what the Minister will offer to God.

To this the Commissioners answered,

That it was not the Apostolical Bishop which the [...]. Bill desired his Majesty to remove, but that Episco­pacy, which was formerly established by Law, in this Kingdom, grown up to an height of outward pomp and greatness, and found by Experience to be a grie­vance to the subject, a hindrance of piety, an in­croachment upon the power of the Civil Magistrate, and so a burthen to the persons, purses, and consciences of men.

Whereupon, the Parliament finding it to be for the honour of your Majesty and profit of the Subject, to take it away, desire this Bill for that purpose, not inedling with the Apostolical Bishop, nor determining what that Bishops is, whom the Apostles mention in Scripture, but only to put him down by a Law, who was set up by a Law.

Nothing can be more proper for Parliaments, than to alter, repeal or make Laws, as Experience teacheth to be for the good of the Commonwealth: but Admit­ting that Apostolical Bishops, were within the purport of this Bill, they humbly conceive, it doth not follow, that therefore in Conscience, it must not be passed, for they may not grant, that no occasion can make that alterable, which is found to have sure foundation only in the practice of the Apostles, not in a precept.

For the Sale of Bishops Lands, which his Majesty apprehends to be Sacriledge, they humbly offer, that Bishopricks being dissolved, their Lands (as of all Corporations) naturally by the Laws of the Land, revert to the Crown, which is their founder and Patron, and heretofore held it no Sacriledge to dis­pose of Bishops Lands to its own and others use, by Act of Parliament, which was an Ordinary practice in his predecessors

Besides that, they might say, that in all ages, and even under the Ceremonial Law, imminent and ur­gent necessity (especially by the publick) hath dis­pensed with the otherwise imploying of Consecrated things.

As to that, that his Majesty cannot communicate in a publick form of divine service, where it is un­certain what the Minister will offer to God.

They answer, that the Directory is certain as to the matter, leaving it to the Minister to inlarge or express in words, according to his discretion, for the exercise of his gifts; and they add, that it can be no objection against joyning with a Minister in a Prayer, not to know before hand the very words that he will say, for then, one must not hear any Prayer be­fore Sermon, where every several Minister hath a several form, and must vary still according to oc­casion.

That what his Majesty hath already consented to concerning Bishops, leaves it solely in his own power, for their return again to their former power after three years, and to have the Negative voice in Or­dination, which they humbly conceive the Scripture holds not forth, to have been in that Bishop who is there mentioned in these Writings of the Apostles; and consequently, that which his Majesty endeavours to preserve, not to be the primitive Office of a Bishop.

That the intention of the Parliament is not to Offer violence to his Majesties Conscience, but that he will be pleased to rectify it, by being better informed, that both he and his People may have cause of re­joycing.

The Lord Grey of Groby had the thanks of the Sheriffs House for taking Marquess Hamilton Prisoner, and dispersing a Brigad of his Horse.

The House spent almost the whole day in no­minating Sheriffs for all the Counties of the King­dom.

Many Rumours were of the Armies coming again to the Houses. Army.

[24.] Upon a Letter from the Lord Admiral, [Page 352] Order touching the raising of twenty thousand pound for the Mariners that come in from the revolted Ships, and for other affairs of the Navy, and for providing money for the Summers Fleet.

Vote for the Earl of Arundel to be admitted to his Composition for six thousand pound, in regard he had suffered losses by the Parliament's Forces, and that this six thousand pound should be paid for the use of the Navy.

[25.] Orders touching Sheriffs.

Orders for Slighting the Garrisons of Ashby de la Zouch, and Bulling-brook.

A Petition of one Maurice complaining of the arbitrary proceedings of the House of Lords, con­cerning an Estate of three thousand pound per annum, referred to be examined by a Committee.

Votes for disbanding Forces.

The Commissioners of the great Seal went into the Queen's Court, and there they did swear M [...] Prideaux to be the King's Sollicitor.

[27.] Letters from Colonel Hammond, with Isle of Wight. one inclosed from the General to him, to require Colonel Hammond to repair to his Excellency to the Head quarters; and that Colonel Ewers was appointed to take the charge of his Majesty in the Isle of Wight.

The Commons Voted Colonel Hammond to stay in the Isle of Wight to attend his Charge there, and the General to be acquainted with this vote, and Letters to be sent to the Admiral to send some Ships for security of the Isle of Wight, and that they obey the Orders of Colonel Hammond.

Letters from the Head quarters, that the Of­ficers spent yesterday wholly in prayer; that they Army. consult how to effect what is in their Remon­strance, and are resolute to bring Delinquents to punishment, and to settle the Kingdom in peace, with what necessary Laws are wanting, for the benefit and ease of the subject; and that a Petition came to the General from the Forces in Wales, and in the North, to expedite this work.

A Messenger brought word to Windsor, that Colonel Ewers had the Custody of his Majesty, and that Colonel Hammond was upon the way to Windsor.

Upon Information of the wants of Plymouth Garrison, orders for raising four thousand pound for them, and Colonel Welden to go thither.

Debate whether the new Sergeants should send a Ring to the King, and put off.

Letters from the Leaguer at Pontefract, that the Garrison Souldiers come away from thence, and many move for Passes; that they made a Sally and were beaten in again; that all the Regiments in the North have petitioned the General against the Treaty, and for Justice, which were recommen­ded, and sent by Lieutenant General Cromwell to the Lord General.

[28.] Order for Captain Skinner and the rest of the men in the Crescent Frigat lately taken, to be brought to judgment for Pyracy, after the Course of the Admiralty.

Order for Sequestrations of Delinquents in the North, for raising money to disband the Supernu­meraries there. And for satisfaction of the Lan­cashire Forces.

Order touching new Sheriffs.

Order that the Estate of the Lord Lovelace be again sequestred, if he refuse to pay five hundred pound to Colonel Temple, as part of his arrears.

The Lord of Ormond knighted divers in Ire­land.

[29.] The publick Fast day. Isle of Wight.

Letters from Colonel Hammond with a Copy of the Orders from the General Council of the Army, and their Letter to Colonel Ewers and others, for securing his Majesties person in the Isle of Wight.

The House Ordered a Letter to the General to acquaint him, that these Orders and instructions from him to Colonel Ewers for securing his Ma­jestie's person in the Isle of Wight, were contrary to their resolutions and instructions given to Colonel Hammond, and that it was the pleasure of the House, that his Excellency recal the said orders, and that Colonel Hammond be set at Li­berty to attend his charge in the Isle of Wight.

The Town was full of fears of the Army.

[30.] The question whether the Remon­strance Army. of the Army, should be taken into speedy consideration, was by ninety voices resolved in the Negative.

Report of the Letters from the General to the Committee of the Army, wherein he takes Notice, that the Committee intend not to furnish him with money for contingences, which of neces­sity must be had, for pay of Messengers and inci­dent charges: that he must be forced thereby, to receive monies for this purpose, out of the Col­lectors and Receivers hands, where he can find it, if speedy course be not taken to supply him.

This was held in the Debate an high and unbe­sceming Letter from the General, but in conclusion it was referred to the Committee of the Army to take such course as they shall think fit, for pay of the arrears of the Army.

Debate touching pay for the reduced Officers.

Intelligence from the Head quarters,

That a full Council of the Army had agreed Declara­tion. upon a Declaration, expressing their sad apprehen­sions of the danger and evil of the Treaty with the King, and of any accommodation with him, or resti­tution of him thereupon.

Then they recite their late Remonstrance pre­sented to the Commons, the Heads whereof they justify, but say, that to their grief, they find that instead of any satisfaction, or a reasonable answer thereto, they are wholly rejected, and the consideration thereof delayed from day to day.

That they can see in the Majority of those trusted with the great affairs of the Kingdom, nothing less than a treacherous, or corrupt neglect of, and apostasie from the publick trust reposed in them.

And considering that, as to the breach of that trust, there is no higher formal power of man in being to ap­peal unto for judgment, in such case (as all others concerned in such breaches of trust will) so as they cannot but exercise that Common judgment which in their Natural capacity is left to them.

And there being no way of a just succession of another proper Judicature to be appealed unto in due time, and they being convinced of the greatness, and destructive­ness of those evils, they have declared against, and of the necessity of those better things they have pro­pounded, and how inconsistent with the publick trust and fundamental ends of it, still to pursue the one and reject the other, as that they dare appeal to the com­mon judgments of indifferent and uncorrupted men, and to the more righteous judgment of God above all.

That this Parliament being sole Judges of their own performance or breach of trust, they hold them­selves necessitated to, and justified in an appeal from this Parliament, in the present constitution as it stands, unto the extraordinary judgment of God, and good People.

Yet that in the prosecution of this Appeal, as they will drive it on, but to the speedy obtaining of a more orderly and equal judica [...]ure of men, in a just. Repre­sentative, [Page 353] according to their Remonstrance, where in to acquiesce, so they will endeavour to preserve so much of the matter and form of the present Parliamentary Authority, as can be safe or useful, till a just consti­tution can be introduced.

That they should rejoyce if the Majority of the House of Commons would become sensible of the destructiveness of their late way, and would exclude from Communication in their Councils, all such corrupt and Apostatized Members as have obstructed justice, safety, and publick interest. However, they desire that so many of them as God hath kept upright, would by protestation or otherwise, acquit themselves from such breach of trust, and would withdraw from such as persist in the guilt thereof, and that they will own such as shall so do, as having materially, the chief trust of the Kingdom remaining in them, and shall adhere to them, and be guided by them in their faithful pro­secution of that trust till a more full power in a just Representative may he indeavoured.

That they will not hereby take any advantage to themselves in profit or power, but should he willing to be presently discharged, if they could but obtain a ra­tional assurance for the effectual prosecution of these things, and should give a proportionable assurance on their Parts, concerning their laying down of Armes when required.

That for all these ends, they are drawing up with the Army to London, there to follow providence, as God shall clear their way.

By the appointment of his Excellency the Lord Fairfax Lord General, and his General Council of Officers held at Windsor.

Nov. 30. 1648.

Signed Jo. Rushworth, Secr.

Major Cromwell returned with Letters from Co­lonel Hammönd, that he was detained at Windsor, Isle of Wight. and that Colonel Ewers had the charge of the Kings person in the Isle of Wight; the Lords pres­sed on the consideration of his business.

December, 1648.

[1.] The General Wrote a Letter to the Lord Army. Mayor, and Common Council of London, to this effect:

That being upon an immediate advance with the London. Army towards London, they thought fit to give them notice of it, and for the grounds thereof, refer them to the late Remonstrance and Declaration of the Army.

That they are far from the least plunder or wrong to any, and for the better prevention of any disorder, they desire forty thousand pound may be paid to them to morrow night, and they will quarter in the void and great Houses, in and about the City.

A report by the Commissioners of all his Ma­jesties Isle of Wight. concessions at the Treaty, twice read over, and long and smartly debated.

About two a Clock the question was put, whe­ther they should then debate, whether his Ma­jesties answers and concessions were satisfactory or dissatisfactory, and carried in the Negative, and Ordered to resume the debate to morrow morning.

The Lord Wenman, M r Holles, and M r Pierre­point, three of the Commissioners who came last to the Town, had the thanks of the House for their great pains and care, in managing of the Treaty.

A Committee of the Common Council ac­quainted the House with the Letter they received from the General; upon which the Common Coun­cil would not do any thing, till they knew the pleasure of the House.

After a long debate till eight a Clock at Night it was voted: That the House taking notice of the great arrears due from the City of London to the Army, do declare, that it is the pleasure of Army. the House, that the City do forthwith provide forty thousand pound of their arrears, upon se­curity of the said arrears.

And that the House doth leave it to the City, either by Committee or Letter, or otherwise as they shall think sit to address themselves to the General.

And that a Letter be written to the General upon the heads of this daies debate, and that he be acquainted therein, that it is the pleasure of the House, that he do not remove the Army nearer to Lon­don.

In all places they were full of trouble upon the Army's advance towards London, and strange were the turnings and perplexities of these times.

[2.] A long and high debate all day upon the King's Concessions and answers in the Treaty, but no vote passed, and the further debate of it put off till to morrow Morning.

The General and his Army marched to London, and took up their quarters in White-Hall, S t James's, the Mues, York-house, and other vacant Houses, and in villages near the City.

The City sent a Letter to the General that they Army, will do their utmost to levy the arrears of the assessment to the Army, and at present advance some thousands of pounds to pay quarters, but desire the Souldiery may be removed further from London, and to have a right understanding, which was promised to them

[4.] The House being upon the debate of the The King removed. Kings concessions and answers in the Treaty, a Let­ter came to the Speaker from the Officers deputed by Colonel Hammond, to take the charge of his Ma­jesty, that the King was removed from thence to Hurst-Castle, by order of the General and Coun­cil of the Army.

That their orders were to secure the person of the King, till they should receive resolution from the Houses upon their late Remonstrance, and they had orders to use his Majesty with all civility.

The House upon reading this Letter, voted that the Seising upon the person of the King, and carrying him Prisoner to Hurst-Castle, was without the advice or consent of the House.

After this, they again debated the Kings an­swers, but came to no resolution.

Letters from the Leaguer before Pontefract, Pontefract. that the Garrison have many sick, but have plenty of provisions; that Major General Lambert is left to command the Leaguer, the Lieutenant General Cromwell being come to London.

That the Garrison in Scarborough are in a mu­tiny, Scar­borough. because the Governour will not surrender it to the Parliament, and are in want of provi­sions.

Letters from Ireland, that the Marquess of An­trim Ireland. hath relinquished the Lord Ormond, and is declared Generalissimo of the Popish interest there. Variance increased betwixt Antrim and Ormond.

The Souldiers behaved themselves with un­usual Civility.

[5.] Although the House sate all the last Night, yet they were in the same debate again early this morning, and voted:

That his Majesties concessions to the propositions of Vote. the Parliament upon the Treaty, are Sufficient grounds for setling the Peace of the Kingdom, and they named a Committee to go this after-noon to the head quarters, to confer with the General [Page 354] and the Officers of his Army for continuance of a good correspondency between the Parliament and the Army.

The General caused a Proclamation to be made by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet, to re­quire all Delinquents to depart ten Miles from Army. London, for a month, else to be proceeded a­gainst as Prisoners of War.

And another Proclamation, that his Souldiers demean themselves civilly and peaceably, not giving any just offence or provocation by language or otherwise, on pain of severe Punishment.

And not to do any unlawful violence to the persons or goods of any, upon pain of Death, and no Officer to be absent from his charge without leave upon such pain, as the Party injured should sustain.

None of the Souldiers were quartered in the City, the General sent to them for Beds, and firing for the Souldiers, and for Money; but none came.

Many were glad of an honest pretence to be excused from appearing in the House, because of the business of the Army; the debates about which went extream high.

[6.] The Regiment of Horse of Colonel Rich, and of Foot of Colonel Pride, were set for Guards for the Houses, and the City Trained-Bands dis­charged.

Colonel Pride drew up divers of his Foot in the Court of Requests upon the Stairs, and in C. Pride's force upon the House. the Lobby before the House, and as the Members were coming in to go into the House. Colonel Pride having a paper of names in his hand, and one of the Door-keepers, and sometimes the Lord Grey of Groby standing by him, and infor­ming him who the Members were, the Colonel seised upon such of them as he was directed by his Note, and sent them away with Souldiers, some to the Queens Court, and Court of Wards, and other places, by special order from the Gene­ral and Councel of the Army.

The House of Commons being informed here­of sent their Sergeant at Arms to the Members so seised upon, to acquaint them, it was the plea­sure of the House that they should forthwith attend the service of the House: but the Officers under whose Guard they were still detained them.

The Committee sent to the General, made their report, that he desired time to advise with his Army. Councel of War about his answer, and the same Committee were ordered again to attend the General and the Army, for his answer.

Colonel Axtell brought a Message from the Army to the House, that they had somewhat to present to the House which would be ready for their present view: the House caused him to be called in again, and he delivered his Message to them the second time, and their answer was that the House will be ready to receive it.

Not long after Colonel Whaley and other Offi­cers presented the desires of the Army to the House, desiring their speedy consideration of them.

The Officers being withdrawn, the House named a Committee to treat with the General and his Councel of War about the discharge of their Members, and to make their report with all speed.

The proposals and desires of the Army to the House, were to this effect:

That having for a long time sadly beheld and ta­sted Army-Proposals. in the Houses proceedings the miserable fruits of Councils divided, and corrupted by factions and personal interest, and seeing no better, or other way, they propound and demand as followeth: Whereas Denzil Hollis Esq Lionel Copley Esq Major General Massey, and other of your Members, were in 1647. impeached by your selves of treason, or high crimes in relation to the Treasonable ingagement in the City of London, the violence then done to the Par­liament, the Levying of a new War, and other evils.

And upon clear proofs against them, they were by your censure expelled the House, and disabled from further trust therein, and upon new Writs issued out, new Members were chosen, and returned in their rooms.

Yet by the prevalency of their faction, when in the last summers War divers faithful Members were ingaged abroad, and others through tumults could not safely attend, the same persons were after­wards readmitted to sit in the House, and Vote as formerly, without any trial or satisfaction in the things whereof they were accused.

2. Whereas by the confederacy of Major Gene­ral Brown, now Sheriff of London, with the said impeached Members and others, the Scots were in­vited and drawn in to invade this Kingdom the last Summer, and the House upon their actual invasion, proceeded to declare them enemies, and those that ad­hered to them, Traytors.

Yet those Confederate and other Treacherous Members, to the number of ninety and odd (as upon the division of the House appeared) did by their Counsels and Votes endeavour to hinder the House from declaring against their confederate Inva­ders.

We desire that the said Major General Brown may be also secured and brought to judgement. And that the rest of the ninety and odd Persons, dissent­ing against the said Ʋote, may be excluded the House.

3. Whereas in a continued series of your proceed­ings, for many Months together, we have seen the prevalence of the same treacherous, corrupt and divi­ded Council, through Factions and private interest, opposing or obstructing Justice, and hindring a set­tlement, as in several Votes, &c. And lastly, in the Votes declaring the Kings past Concessions, to be a ground for the settlement of peace, notwithstanding the insufficiency and defects of them. We therefore most humbly desire, that all such faithful Members who are innocent in these things, would immediately by protestation and publick Declaration acquit them­selves from any guilt of, or concurrence in, the se­veral Votes or Counsels before particularly mentioned, as corrupt or destructive.

That the Kingdom may know who have kept their trust and who have satisfied the same, and that such as shall not so acquit themselves, may be excluded or suspended the House, till they have given clear satis­faction therein.

4. That such as by faithfulness have retained their trust, being set in a condition to pursue the same without interruptions and depravations of Councels, we desire and hope you will speedily and vigorously proceed to take order for the execution of Justice, and to set a short period to your own power, to pro­vide for a speedy succession of equal Representatives, according to our late Remonstrance, wherein diffe­rences in the Kingdom may be ended, and we and others may comfortably acquiesce, as for our parts, we hereby ingage and assure you we shall.

This day was the second general Seal, and by the way as the Commissioners went to Westmin­ster, before White-Hall were two Troops of Horse of the Army; And in the New Palace-Yard and Old Palace-Yard were many companies of Foot, and Troops of Horse drawn up.

[Page 355] When the Commissioners alighted at the door of the Lords House, there stood two Troopers who denied them entrance till an Officer came; and when they told the Officer that they were going about business of the Chancery, he let them pass.

The Court of Requests, and the stairs to the House of Commons, and towards the Hall were very full of Souldiers, yet they went up into the Queens Court.

Whilst they were advising what to do (and they were all of opinion to sit in Court) the Lord Grey of Groby came to them, and perswaded them to sit in Court; which they did, without the Seal, and heard some Motions.

After which Sir Thomas Widdrington was cal­led away by Sir John Evelyn and the rest of the Committee, to go to the General, yet they sate and heard some Motions, till M r Love, a Mem­ber of the House, and one of the six Clerks, came to them into the Court, and brought an Intimation (as he said) from the House that they should not sit, in regard that Clients and Coun­cel could not with freedom attend.

Thereupon they rose, and the Lords desired Whitelock to go into the House to know their pleasure, which service he undertook, and the more willingly, to try what countenance he might have from the Souldiers then at the door.

He past by Colonel Pride without any questio­ning of him, but Pride had then seized upon ma­ny Members of the House as they were going in, and secured them in the Queens Court, who sent from thence to the House to acquaint them with the Condition they were in.

Whitelock acquainted the Speaker, and divers others of the House with the Intimation re­ceived from them not to sit in Court, which some apprehended, might too much reflect upon the Army, as if they did interrupt the course of Ju­stice; And he prayed their direction, what they should do in this matter.

These were of opinion that by all means the Commissioners should sit in Chancery and pro­ceed in their business.

With this advice Whitelock returned to the Lords Commissioners, the Lords staied in the little Room by the Chancery, and after he came to them, they went into the Room in the Court of Wards, till Sir Thomas Widdrington came to them, whither the Seal was brought without any trouble, though the Souldiers were very strict in guarding their Prisoners.

The Commissioners sate till six at night, by which time the Souldiers were all gone, and the Members of the House (thirty nine in number) who were seised upon were carried away to pla­ces of confinement.

This was a sad and most disorderly days work, and many were troubled not only for their friends who were thus secured, but what to resolve upon in relation to themselves after this action.

Lieutenant General Cromwel came into the House, and had their hearty thanks for his great services to both Kingdoms.

Order for Sergeant Earle to go to Norwich to execute the Commission of Oyer and Terminer, and Gaol delivery, and that M r Hugh Audely the Sheriff of that County do attend there like­wise.

Divers Members of the House were forbid entrance into the House, because some matters Secluded Members. were to be debated concerning themselves; Sir Edward Patridge, M r Dodderidge and Sir Thomas Dacres, some of them wrote a Letter to the Speaker to acquaint the House therewith.

They ordered the Committee formerly named to go to the General and endeavour a good un­derstanding between the Parliament and Army, and to treat concerning the restitution of their Members under restraint.

Upon a debate, Voted to take into consideration the Remonstrance and Proposals of the Army the next day but one; and the next day (to morrow) to be kept a day of humiliation for the House.

Several Members were at a stand whether they should any more attend the House, or not: in regard of the violence offered to many of them, and that it could not be esteemed a free Parlia­ment.

Many of these upon debate and advice of friends, and considerations that they were cho­sen by their Country to serve for them in this Par­liament, and that the violence was not offered to these, but to other Members, whereof these were not made the Judge, nor was it left in their power to desert the Parliament, and their trust, whilst they might have liberty to continue in that service. These reasons perswaded many to continue in that trust and service.

The Commissioners of the Seal met this mor­ning at Westminster, but in regard of the pre­sent troubles, put off their causes and returned home.

More of the Members of the House of Com­mons were this day seised upon and secured.

[8.] The solemn Fast was kept in the House, and a collection made of money for poor Souldiers wives, and widows, and the House Adjourned till the eleventh of this Month.

By order from the general and general Coun­cil Army. of the Army, two Regiments of Foot, and several Troops of Horse were quartered in Lon­don, and the Treasuries secured in Haberdashers-Hall, Weavers-Hall, and Goldsmiths-Hall, where­of the General by his Letter acquainted the Lord Mayor and City before hand.

And gave his reasons for the doing of it be­cause they had not paid their arrears of the Assess­ment, nor furnished the Money which he desired of them, and that they had by order of Parlia­ment quartered in several Counties, on those who did not pay the Assessment till they paid the same. That yet if they would advance for the Army forty thousand pound in part of their ar­rears, the Souldiers should not be further trou­blesome to them.

A party of Souldiers going by mistake to the Excise House to seize the Money there, the Ge­neral recalled them, and wrote a Letter to the Commissioners of Excise to excuse it.

[9.] A Committee of the Common Council made some proposals to the General and Council of the City. Army, touching their security for forty thou­sand pounds which the General demanded of them, which they promised to advance, and humbly desired that the Army might this night with­draw out of the City.

To this the General answered, that if within fourteen days the City would pay in all their ar­rears of the Assessment, that then the Army should withdraw; but that in the mean time their quartering in the City would facilitate the work.

The Foot were quartered in private Houses, the Horse in Inns, and two more Regiments marched into the City and took up their quarters there this day.

[11.] The Houses sate not, but to the General Agree­ment of the people. and general Council of the Army, was [...]resen­ted, [Page 356] a new Representative, or an agreement of the people, propounded as a Rule for future govern­ment, to be published to the view of all, that any might offer what they thought fit against it, or of alteration, or addition to any part of it.

Much of the same matter was contained there­in, as in their late Remonstrance, this was more large, giving rules for future Elections of Repre­sentatives of the people, they to have the supream authority, and this Parliament to be dissolved in April next, and then a new Representative to sit.

Divers Rules for the Election of them, Officers and Malignants to be incapable of electing, or be­ing elected, and generally of the power, and equal distribution of the Members of this Re­presentative, to be in all three hundred Persons, &c.

The frame of this agreement of the people, was thought to be for the most part made by Commissary General Ireton, a man full of inven­tion, Ireton. and industry, who had a little knowledg of the Law, which led him into the more errours.

Little business in the Chancery. The Lord Grey of Groby came to the Lord Grey, one of the Commissioners, and wished them not to sit to morrow, because it would be a busy day. It seems he was acquainted with the private Coun­cils of the Army.

They advised together about this matter, and resolved to meet to morrow at Westminster, and to do as they should see cause, as to the hear­ing of Motions, or other business of the Chan­cery.

[12.] Both Houses sate, the Commons order­ed two Troops of Horse in Northamptonshire, to be continued for a Month longer, under Major Butler and Captain Strike.

Petitions from Bristol and Exon complaining of the neglect of guarding those Coasts; that ten Merchants Ships had been taken by the Irish the last week, the Petitions referred to the Committee of the Navy.

A Letter from the Lord Admiral of the grounds of his coming from Goree to the Downes, to avoid the danger of being frozen up, and because he wanted Victual, referred to the Committee of the Navy.

Vpon debate of the last proposals and desires of the Army Voted, That the Vote for revoking the Army. Votes. Order of disabling the eleven Members, and re-admit­ting them into the House, when a charge of so high a nature lay against them, was un-Parliamentary, and of dangerous consequence, and was now made Null.

They Voted likewise, that the Vote of this House, concurring with the Lords, to take off the former Vote, which forbid any more addresses to the King, was highly dishonourable to the proceedings of Par­liament, and apparently destructive to the good of the Kingdom.

Major General Brown, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, Sir William Waller, Colonel Massey, and Colonel Army. Prisoners. Copley, were apprehended by the Army and sent Prisoners to S t James's House; M r Pelham, M r Vaughan, and some other of the Members that were Prisoners, had liberty given upon their Paroles.

The City sent in Beds for the Souldiers, where­upon, the General ordered them to be removed from private Houses, and Quartered in empty Houses.

Letters from Ireland that the Marquess of Ormond was piecing up the differences among the Rebels, and that their main design was against Dublin.

[13.] Voted, that the Votes of non-Addresses to the King shall stand; and that the Votes for revoca­tion of them, and that for a personal Treaty with the King in the Isle of Wight, were highly dishonoura­ble Vote. to the proceedings of Parliament, and apparently dectructive to the good of the Kingdom.

Letters with the Catalogue of twenty Com­manders who were for the Parliament, lately come in to the Lord Ormond.

Several Members did forbear going to the House, not being satisfied whether they might with a safe conscience be in the House or not, having such a force upon them, and lest they should countenance that force. On the other side they considered whether it were fit for such as had no force upon them, and were not forbidden to be in the House to be absent, and wholly to omit their duty, or rather to continue therein, whereby they might help to keep up the Parlia­ment, lest it should be dissolved, which the Souldiers wished, and thereby the whole power be given up into the hands of the Army. Sir Thomas Widdrington did forbear going to the House this day.

[14.] Referred to the Committee of the Army to confer with the General and Officers of the Army how the last six Months Assessment may be raised and payed to the Souldiers.

Order for two hundred pound for Colonel Ewers now Governor of Hurst Castle.

Order to repeal the former Ordinance for set­ling the Militia, it being made upon design to de­stroy Militia. the present Army, and that a new Ordinance be brought in for the Militia.

Debate of a Letter to be sent to the General to desire that a charge may be brought in against Army. such of their Members not admitted to sit, a­gainst whom they have any matter; and that the rest against whom they have no matter may have the freedom to sit in the House.

Letters from Hurst Castle that his Majesty Hurst Ca­stle. was in health, and had good accommodations; that he desired of the Governour to have two of his own Chaplains to pray and preach with him, and to have liberty to write to the Queen, and to the Prince.

[15.] Debate touching provisions for the Na­vy, and orders for pay for Ships, and for two Months gratuity for the Marriners, who served against the revolted Ships.

Referred to a Committee to inquire who printed and contrived a scandalous Pamphlet, called A Solemn Declaration of the Members secluded the Secluded Members. House by the Army, That all Acts, Ordinances, Votes and proceedings of the House of Commons since the Seclusion of the Members, and continuance of the Armies force upon it, are no way obligatory, but null and void.

The House declared it to be False, Scandalous, and Seditious, and tending to destroy the Govern­ment; and that all who had a hand in it, shall be uncapable of any Office, or trust, or to be a Member of Parliament; and that every absent Member before he sit, shall disavow that Pam­phlet.

The Army past a Declaration, that whereas some Army-De­claration. enemies had written to Merchants beyond Seas, to call home their estates out of England, because the Army had seised upon mens goods, and designed to destroy all Trade and propriety, the Army declare against it, and that they will maintain and preserve both ac­cording to Law, and with all freedom.

[16.] The new Ordinance for the Militia transmitted to the Lords.

Another that no Malignants be elected, or E­lectors [Page 357] of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com­mon-Council Men of London.

A party of Horse went to Hurst Castle to re­move the King to Windsor Castle.

The General Council of the Army sate upon the agreement of the people.

Colonel Butlers Troop, and Major Finchers were disbanded.

[18.] The Lords concurred in the Ordinance with the Commons for disabling Malignants to Malignants be elected, or Electors of the Lord Mayor, Al­dermen, and Common-Council Men, or any other Officers, or places of trust, on pain of two hun­dred pound, one half of it to the Informer, and the other half to the Maimed Souldiers.

A Sheriff of Nottinghamshire appointed.

A Committee appointed to draw up an expedi­ent Expedient for the Members of the House, to subscribe, as Dissenters to the Vote, That the Kings answer to the propositions, was a ground of peace.

Order for the Sergeant at Arms to apprehend Sir Charles Kemish, for staying in Town contrary to the Ordinance, he being a Delinquent.

Both Houses agreed of a list of Persons to attend the King.

A day of Humiliation appointed for the two Houses, and M r Cokayn and M r Bond to preach, and M r Foxley to pray.

Intelligence of a new Fleet preparing by the Prince, for Scilly, Guernsey, and Jersey, and for Ireland, and many discontented Persons and Re­formadoes resorting to him.

A Committee named to confer with the Lord Admiral about this matter.

Letters came to the General from Major Ge­neral Lambert and his Officers, in complyance Army. with the Armies Remonstrance by the Forces in the North; and desiring a correspondence with the Army, to whom they gave some cautions touching the prosecution of their Remon­srance.

When the Chancery business was over, Sir Tho­mas Widdrington and Whitelock went to the Rolls, by appointment, where Lieutenant General Crom­wel and Colonel Dean met them; And with the Speaker they had a long discourse together about the present affairs. And then another time was appointed by the Lieutenant General for them to meet again, and to consider and confer how the settlement of the Kingdom might be best effected, and to joyn Counsels for the publick good.

[19.] An Ordinance past for the payment of twenty eight thousand pound taken by the Soul­diers out of Weavers-Hall.

Referred to a Committee to consider of the great abuse in providing bad victuals for the Ships, and how the persons may be punished, and the like prevented.

Upon a Letter from the General referred to a Committee to consider how the arrears due to Colonel Rainsborough, may be charged and paid to his wife.

An Ordinance past both Houses for making the Earl of Pembroke Constable of the Castle and honour of Windsor, and Keeper of the Forrest and great Park there.

Order for levying the arrears of Deliquents com­positions, being two hundred thousand pound.

Letters from Scarborough of the hopes of a speedy surrender of that place; and that the Scots are not well pleased with the late transactions of the Army in England.

The Parliaments Ships upon the Coast of Ire­land, took a Dutch Ship loaden with Wine, Salt, &c. of three hundred Tun, bound for Waterford. The Cessation was continued in Ireland between the Marquess of Ormond, and the Rebels.

Mr. Pierrepoint expressed much dissatisfaction at those Members who sate in the House, and at the proceedings of the General and Army.

A visit to Lieutenant General Cromwell, who lay in one of the Kings rich beds in White-hall.

[20.] An Additional Ordinance past, for election of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com­mon Council men of London.

The Committee appointed to attend the Ge­neral Army. about the Secluded Members, reported his answers, that the business was of great concernment, and he believed the House would not expect a present answer from him, but he would prepare it as speedily as he could, and in the mean time, desired the House Secluded Members. would not trouble themselves, to send any more to him, concerning that business.

Order for the same Message to be renewed to the General.

The House approved of what the Committees of Nottingham, and Derby had done for relief of the Forces before Scarborough and Pontefract.

Sixteen of the secluded Members were set at li­berty by order of the General to sit again in the House if they please, and the rest were still in custody.

Two new Listed Souldiers in Colonel Deans Regiment with two more, took upon them to apprehend a Citizen of London, under pretence of a Warrant from the Council of War, and that they had a great Charge against him, when there was no such matter, but they designed by this means to get money of him.

The Citizens acquainted some of the Council of War herewith, who disowned the business, caused the Souldiers to be apprehended, two of them ran away, the other two were sentenced to ride the wooden horse at the Exchange, and to run the Gantlet.

[21.] Order for repayment of the money taken out of Weavers-Hall, to be for the use of the Navy.

A Petition from divers of Somersetshire, that Petition. justice may be done upon Delinquents, the Petitioners had the thanks of the House, and the Petition was ordered to be printed.

Order that M r Strickland use the best endeavours he may to hinder the intended Sale in the Low Countries by the Prince, of the Ordnance of the revolted Ships.

Both Houses past an Ordinance concerning Lieutenant Colonel Lilburne.

In the after-noon the Speaker, Lieutenant Gene­ral Cromwell, Sir Thomas Widdrington and M r White­lock by appointment met about six a Clock, and discoursed freely together about the present af­fairs, and actions of the Army, and the settlement of the Kingdom.

In the conclusion Sir Thomas Widdrington and M r Whitelock were desired to draw up some heads upon the discourse, to be considered by the same Company.

[22.] Both Houses kept the Solemn Fast this day.

The General Council of the Army had much Army. debate concerning the matters of Religion, re­lating to their new Representative, and of the power of the Representative in Civils.

Sir Thomas Widdrington and M r Whitelock met, staid all the day together to draw some heads upon yesterdaies discourse, and to endeavour to bring the Army into some fitter temper.

They were likewise to frame somewhat in or­der [Page 358] to the restitution of the Secluded Members, for an answer for the Army to the Messages of the House to the Army, touching their Members un­der restraint, and heads for a Declaration, what the Parliament intendeth for the settlement of the Kingdom, to be considered of, and offered to the Parliament and Council of the Army.

This was a work of no small difficulty, and danger, yet at this time not to be declined by them, both the Members of the House, and chief Officers of the Army, having ingaged and trusted them only therein, they prayed to God to di­rect them in it, and that neither of them might receive any prejudice, but the Kingdom might receive good by this their imployment, and the Courses of the Army be moderated (as it was in some measure at this time) though it brake out a­gain into violence afterwards.

[23.] A Committee of the Common Council informed the House, that the Citizens of London, City. were so generally ingaged in the Petition for a per­sonal Treaty, that if the restriction in the late Or­dinance should stand, that none of them should be capable to be elected Officers of the City, there would want sufficient persons to be chosen to sup­ply necessary Offices in the City.

Referred to a Committee to consider of some expedient in this business.

A sharp debate about bringing the great Delin­quents of the Kingdom to speedy punishment.

And now was set on Foot, and begun their great design of taking away the King, whom di­vers Design against the King. in the debate did not stick to name, for the greatest Delinquent, and to be proceeded against in Justice.

Others insisted upon it, that he was not ca­pable Debates. of being brought to justice by his Subjects, but by God alone; and that having subdued him and his Party, there was no need of any thing fur­ther, but to secure the Parliament from their E­nemies rising against them any more; and that might be done without bringing the King to any judicial tryal; a thing not read of in any History.

But those of the fierce Party prosecuted their design with all eagerness; and those of a con­trary opinion, either durst not oppose, knowing they should be presently secluded the House if they did, or seeing that no opposition would be to any effect or purpose.

It was endeavoured wholly to have put the bu­siness upon the Army, that if they would have the thing done, they should do it themselves, as most proper for such an irregular and unheard of business, to be done in an irregular way, and by such irregular men; but they were subtle enough to see, and avoid that, and to make those whom they left sitting in the Parliament to be their stalcs, and to do their most dirty work for them; many of whom they found, and perswaded to be strangely forward to ingage in it.

Insomuch, that it was carryed by vote in the House of Commons, to name a Committee of thirty eight persons to consider of drawing up a charge; and for that purpose to receive all infor­mations, and examinations of all Witnesses, for the matters of fact against the King, and all other Delinquents, that may be thought sit to be brought to condigne punishment.

Letters from Colonel Bethel to the General of Scar­borough. the surrender of Scarborough-Castle to him upon Articles for the use of the Parliament; that there was in the Castle good store of all manner of pro­visions, especially Rye, and fifty Barrels of pow­der with Ammunition for many Months.

From the Parliaments Ships in the Downes, came a Declaration to the General of their free Concurrence with the Army in their Remon­strance, knowing the things to be just and good. Navy.

The King was expected to be at Windsor this Night, and Colonel Thomlinson commanded the Guards about him, upon Colonel Harrisons coming away.

Major Pitsford taken at Pembroke, and staying here contrary to the Articles of surrender thereof, was by the Court Martial sentenced to be shot to Death.

The Lord Wenman expressed himself very high against the Army; having been seised, and se­cluded the House by them; which was no small provocation.

Mr. Whitelock and Sir Thomas Widdrington went together according to appointment to the Speakers house.

There met them divers Gentlemen of the House, and they consulted about setling the King­dom by the Parliament, and not to leave all to the Sword; and Sir Thomas Widdrington and M r White­lock spake their minds freely to them, some of them were wholly against any King at all, others were against having the present King, or his el­dest, or second Son, to be King; others were for the third Son the Duke of Gloucester (who was among them, and might be educated as they should appoint) to be made King.

They came after a long debate to no resolution at all, but appointed to meet again on next Mon­day.

[25.] The Commons sate though it was Christ-mas day, and made some Orders about the associ­ation of Somersetshire with the adjacent Coun­ties.

Order for one thousand pound for Mr. Withers, being moneys lent by him to the Parliament.

Five Members declared their dissent to the vote Dissecting Member [...]. Dec. 5. 1648.

The Committee named to consider how to proceed in a way of justice against the King, were injoyned to meet this Afternoon.

Debate whether the secluded Members should be re-admitted.

A dispute between the two Houses, whether thirty three thousand pound formerly granted to the Lord Willoughby as Part of his arrears, and Lord Willoughby. by him assigned to his Creditors who accepted the security, should now be granted away to o­thers in prejudice of the Lord Willoughbys Cre­ditors, which the Lords held not just.

The Lords who sate in the House being very few, they Ordered that all the Lords, who were within twenty miles should appear to morrow, and those more remote within fourteen days after receipt of this Order, some moved it might be un­der the pain of five hundred pound, but that was not agreed unto.

A Petition to the Commons from Norfolk and Petition. Norwich, reciting the former, and present evils: and praying,

1. That present inquiry be made who have been the chief instruments of the King in the former or latter War, and in the late bringing in of the Scots, and that he himself, and all such as have been the most notorious incendiaries, and instruments in shed­ding of blood, may without delay be brought to im­partial Justice.

2. That Courts of Justice, Judges and Officers, and Fecs may be certain, and Laws in the vulgar tongue, and Justice be speedy, and without respect of persons, and as may most agree with the rule of Christian duty, just reason, and the birth-right and priviledge of En­glish-men [Page 359] and that impartial Commissioners be ap­pointed to try the late Mutineers in Norwich, and Kent, and other Counties.

3. That course be taken for Payment of the publick debts out of Delinquents Estates, and that taxes may be made easy, and laid proportionably, and so levyed.

4. That Malignants be incapable of Offices, or being Parliament men; that under the notion of a Peer, we be not voted into ruine, by those that could not beat us into it, and that a Committee be ordained to order affairs of State in the intervals of Parliament.

5. That the power of the Militia be not put into the hands of Malignants or Neuters, but of faithful persons to the Parliament.

6. That the Army (whose faithfulness we acknow­ledge) may be vindicated, especially for their late pro­ceedings, in order to impartial justice upon the Capi­tal Offender, the best means to establish this almost destroyed Nation; that free-quarter be taken away, and constant pay provided for the Army.

Another Petition was from the Garrison of Hull of their adherence to the late Remonstrance of the Army.

[26.] The House approved the Articles of surrender of Scarborough, and gave forty pound a piece to the Messengers that brought the news.

Mr. Elsing, Clerk of the Parliament desired to quit his place, by reason (as he alledged) of his Mr. Elsing. indisposition of health to execute the same, but most men understood his reason to be (and he acknowledged it to Whitelock, and others of his friends) because he would have no hand in the bu­siness against the King.

He was a man of very great parts, and ingenuous education, he had travelled much, and was very learned, especially in the Latin, French, and Italian Languages, and was a great Student, and a very just and honest man, and the most excellent Clerk, both to take, and express the sence of the House, that I believe ever sate there; so great a help to the Speaker, and to the House, in helping to state the questions, and to draw up the Orders free from exceptions, that it much conduced to the dispatch of business, and the service of the Parliament.

He was a particular friend of Whitelocks, and M r Selden was fond of him.

The House ordered M r Phelpes, formerly Clerk to the Committee of plundered Ministers, to of­ficiate in M r Elsing's place, and by a Deputation from him.

Upon the Petition of the East India Merchants, order for them to have leave to transport thirteen thousand pound in Bullion.

Order for procuring six thousand pound for provisions and service for the Navy.

Divers Petitions to the Commons, and to the General in complyance with the Armies Remon­strance; among them one was to the General from Petitions. Colonel Mackworth, and the Officers and Soul­diers in Salop.

Inveighing against the personal Treaty, and con­curring with the late Remonstrance of the Army, praying the General to continue to represent to the Commons, these desires of their friends, and not to hearken to the Counsels of their Enemies, and to make a present settlement without any more addresses to the King.

And that his Excellency would endeavour that justice may be done upon the Authors of our troubles, and blood-shed in the three Kingdoms, in some exem­plary way, suitable to their crimes, and without re­spect of persons.

That for taking off the grievances and burdens by free-quarter, unequal taxes, corrupt proceedings in Courts of Justice, and other gross miscarriages in go­vernment to be reformed, they will depend upon the Ordinary remedy by Parliament, till God declare by evident demonstrations of his will, in the passages of his providence, that that extraordinary is to be resorted unto, which is never denyed in case of Extremity to any People.

They resolve, God strengthning them, to follow his Excellency, and the rest of those conductors raised up and Spirited for so great a work, through a Sea of bloud; to attain the fruition thereof.

Letters from Windsor, that his Majesty re­moving The King. from Hurst-Castle, when he came to Win­chester, the Mayor and his brethren met him, de­livered him the Mace, and made a speech to him; That the Commander of that party who guarded the King, told the Mayor, that the Parliament had voted no more addresses to the King on pain of high Treason; and by this address they made to him, that they were within the danger of being Traytors▪

That the Mayor and his brethren humbly asked pardon for it, excusing themselves, that they knew not any thing of that vote, and that they would be more cautious for the future.

Letters from Dublin, that they are quiet there, by reason of the distractions among the Rebels, whose divisions daily increase.

This Morning Sir Thomas Widdrington and Mr. Widdring­ton and Whitelok. Whitelock being together, Mr. Smith who was Clerk to the Committee for preparing the charge against the King, came to them with a Message from the Committee, that they required them to come to them this day, they having some matters of importance wherein they desired their advice, and assistance; and that they must not fail them.

They knew what the business was, and Whitelock told Sir Tho. Widdrington, that he was resolved not to meddle in that business about the Tryal of the King; it being contrary to his judgement, as he had declared himself in the House.

Sir Tho. Widdrington said, he was of the same judgment, and would have no hand in that busi­ness, but he knew not whither to go, to be out of the way; and that the Committee might not know whither to send to him.

Whitelock replyed, that his Coach was ready, and he was this Morning going out of Town pur­posely to avoid this business, and if he pleased to go with him, they might be quiet at his House in the Country till this business should be over, and he should be glad of his Company.

He willingly consented to go with Whitelock, and was not long in preparing himself for the journey.

[27.] The monthly Fast day, and neither of the Houses sate.

The Council of War ordered, that nothing be The King. done upon the knee to the King, and that all ceremo­nies of state to him be left off, and his attendance to be with fewer, and at less charge.

[28.] Order for the City of London to pro­ceed to the electing a new Common Council, ac­cording Allegiance. to the former Ordinance, by which Ma­lignants are excluded. And that the illegal Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and all o­ther of the like nature be referred to a Com­mittee, to the end they may for the future be ta­ken away.

The Committee for drawing up a charge a­gainst the King, and to consider of the manner of his Tryal, reported an Ordinance for attainting the King of high Treason, and for trying him by such Commissioners as should be named in the Ordi­nance. The Charge was to this effect:

That Charles Stuart had acted contrary to his Charge. [Page 360] trust, in departing from the Parliament, setting up his standard, making a War against them, and there­by been the occasion of much blood-shed, and misery, to the People whom he was set over for good; that he gave Commissions to Irish Rebels, and since was the oc­casion of a second War, and had done contrary to the Liberties of the subject, and tending to the destruction of the fundamental Laws and liberties of this King­dom.

This Ordinance was read the first time, and ordered to be read again the second time to mor­row.

Order for the accounts of Colonel Aldrich, a Member of the House to be stated.

[29.] Orders touching the securing of six thousand pound to the Commissioners of the Customs, for the present use of the Navy.

An account to the House, what monies were in arrear from Delinquents, of their Compositions, referred to a Committee.

The Ordinance for impeaching the King, read the second time, and committed.

Major Pitcher who was violent against the Par­liament in the War, and upon the Articles of the surrender of Worcester, was taken in Arms, and ingaged not to serve any more against the Parli­ament,

Yet afterwards was taken in Arms again a­gainst the Parliament, at the surrender of Pem­broke, had quarter given upon mercy, and was to go out of the Kingdom for two years; and for not doing so, and now taken, he was by sentence of the Court Martial, executed, and shot to Death.

The Council of War sate at White-Hall, and fi­nished the agreement of the People, and appointed a Committee to consider of a way for the Army to subscribe it.

A Woman out of Hartfordshire came to the Council of the Army, and acquainted them, that she had something from God to speak to them, and being admitted, she did much incourage them in their present proceedings.

A Petition from Jo. Lilburn, and others, ex­pressing their dislike of some Articles of the agree­ment Lilburn. of the People.

[30.] Petition of Mrs. Jennings against Mr. Jennings her Brother, a Member of Parliament, for refusing to pay her portion, or account, stan­ding upon his priviledge of Parliament, referred to a Committee.

Order for two thousand five hundred pounds for M r Smithby for Saddles, and other Horse-Fur­niture.

Referred to the Committee for the Trial of the King, to insert the names of Commissioners, and to make a Special Provision in the Ordi­nance, in case the King should refuse to plead to the Charge against him.

Debate whether the thanks of the House should be given to Mr. Watson, one of the Mini­sters that preached before the House of Com­mons the last Fast-day, and carried in the Nega­tive, because he did not acknowledge the Parlia­ment.

Mr. Brookes, the other Preacher had the thanks of the House, and it was debated, whether the Fasts. Ordinance for Monthly Fasts should be repealed, and Fast-days appointed only as there should be occasion, but no result was made of it.

[31.] Mr. Owen Preached two excellent Ser­mons. And upon discourse concerning the pre­sent affairs of the Army, he seemed much to fa­vour them, and spake in dislike of those Mem­bers who voluntarily absented themselves from the House, having no particular force upon their persons.

All men were at a gaze what would be the is­sue of such proceedings, some thought it best Distracti­ons. for them to be reserved as to their Opinion, finding every where too many talkers, and few with much judgment.

January, 1648.

[1.] Report of the names of Commissioners Kings Judges. for Trial of the King, being some of the Lords, and Commons, Officers of the Army, Aldermen, and Commanders in London, with some Gentle-men from the Counties, all being one hundred and fifty Persons, and twenty of them of the Quo­rum to try the King, and to give Sentence against him.

A months time was given by the Ordinance, to the Commissioners to determine this business.

This Vote was passed as a foundation for these proceedings:

That the Lords and Commons assembled in Parlia­ment, Vote. do declare and adjudge, that by the fundamen­tal Laws of this Realm, it is Treason in the King of England for the time to come, to levy War against the Parliament and Kingdom of England.

Order touching Sequesting of Delinquents in South- Wales.

A Letter from Elsing, desiring the House, by reason of his indisposition, to appoint a Clerk to Elsing. attend them. Referred to a Committee to take an account from M r Elsing of the Books and Re­cords of Parliament in his Hands, and to receive them by Inventory, and to present the names of fit persons to the House, out of whom they may chuse an able Clerk to attend them.

Vote for M r Phelps to be Clerk assistant to the House, and two hundred pound ordered for M r Darnell the present Clerk assistant.

A Committee named to consider of a way to prevent Anticipations of the publick Revenue.

The Souldiers in prosecution of an Ordinance Players. of Parliament, secured all the Players, and brought them away Prisoners in the midst of their Acts, as they were then habited, in their Robes.

A Committee of the Army was appointed to consider of concealed Monies, due to the State, and another Committee of Officers of the Army and Citizens, to consider of notorious Delin­quents, that are fit to be made examples of Ju­stice, and an unusual power was given to these Committees to examine witnesses upon Oath.

Letters from Scotland, That at the late renewing Scotland. of the Covenant, the Lord Chancellour stood up in his Pew, made publick acknowledgment of his late failings, and self seeking, and counte­nancing the last wicked ingagement, which he did so orthodoxly, and pathetically, with many Tears, and praying the people to pray for him, that there was much weeping among them.

Letters fom Pontefract Leaguer, that many of the Garrison came into them; that if the supernumeraries may be sent for Ireland, and Old Noll, or any person of Honour command them, that he cannot want men.

Letters of advice, that all well affected men in the Kingdom might associate and be in Armes, lest the Presbyterians who preach for their God, Presbyte­rians. viz. The Tenth of every mans Estates, and for Forms, do joyn with their Brother Malignants, to raise new troubles.

[2.] A high Sheriff named for Durham.

[Page 361] Upon a Letter from Colonel Whitchcot Gover­nour of Windsor Castle, Order for twenty pounds per diem for the charge of his Majesties Table, and for Fire and Candle for the Souldiery; and Voted that Colonel Whitchcot shall have the same power for displacing disaffected attendants about The King. his Majesty, as Colonel Hammond had in the Isle of Wight.

The Ordinance for Tryal of the King was carried up to the Lords, of whom sixteen then Lords. sate, they stuck much upon the Declaratory Vote, That it was Treason in the King to levy War against the Parliament, they agreed to send an answer by Messengers of their own, and adjourned their House for ten days.

Letters from Windsor, that the King was chear­ful, and took no notice of any proceedings against him, as to his Tryal, and saith he doubts not but within six Months to see peace in England, and in case of not restoring, to be righted from Ireland, Denmark, and other places.

Letters from France, that the Parliament there, published an Edict against Cardinal Mazarine, who escaped them; and That the Prince of Conde came with Force before Paris and stopt provisions.

[3.] The List of the Officers of the Fleet, re­ferred to the Committee of the Navy, To re­port Navy. who they think fit to go out with this Win­ter guard, and who not. Ordered that Captain Moulton be preferred in the Navy, answerable to his Merit, and the like for Colonel Lidcote.

The Commons taking notice that the Lords had rejected their Ordinance for Tryal of the King, and had Adjourned their House, they sent some of their Members to examine the Lords Journal-Book, and they reported to the Commons three Votes passed by the Lords.

  • 1. To send answer by Messengers of their own.
  • 2. That their Lordships did not concur to the De­claration.
    Lords Journal.
  • 3. That they had rejected the Ordinance for Try­al of the King

Hereupon the Commons Voted,

That all their Members and others appointed to Vote. act in any Ordinance wherein the Lords are joyned with them, shall be impowered and injoyned to sit, act, and execute in the said several Committees of themselves, notwithstanding the House of Peers joyn not with them.

Order that the Ordinance for Tryal of the King, and the Declaration from which the Lords dissented, and which were intended for both Houses, shall now be by the Commons only, and that the former Com­mittee do sit presently, and report the alteration in the Afternoon, during which time the House Ad­journed.

In the Afternoon the Committee made their report, and the Ordinance was re-committed, and to be reported again to morrow, the Lords names to be left out, and the three Judges, and Ser­geant Bradshaw, Sergeant Nicholas, and Mr. Steel to be Assistants.

The Speaker acquainted the House with a Let­ter he had received by the French Ambassador from the Queen, but the House would not have it read.

A Letter was sent from the General to the Committees of several Counties for Levying the Arrears of the Assessment for the Army, and that he would take off free-quarter from those who paid their proportions.

[4.] Report of amendments to the Ordinance for Tryal of the King, and in respect the Lords had rejected it, the Commons turned themselves into a Grand Committee to consider of the power of the Commons in Parliament, and the Com­mittee Voted:

1. That the people under God, are the Original of all just power. Votes.

2. That the Commons of England assembled in Parliament, being chosen by, and representing the people, have the Supream Authority of this Na­tion.

3. That whatsoever is enacted and declared for Law, by the Commons in Parliament, hath the force of Law, and all the people of this Nation, are included thereby, although the consent and concur­rence of the King, and House of Peers, be not had thereunto.

These being reported to the House, were upon the question all passed without a negative Voice to any of them.

An Ordinance intitled, for Tryal of Charles Stuart by a Court Martial was assented to, and or­dered to be Ingrossed and brought in to Morrow.

Order that the Clerk do not give out any Co­py of the Ordinance for Tryial of the King, to any Member of the House, or to any other.

[5.] Order to require the Lord Mayor of Lon­don, London. to suspend the taking of the usual Oaths, and to proceed to perfect the elections of Com­mon-Council Men.

Upon information that divers Prisoners of War had escaped out of Peter-house through neg­lect of the Keeper, referred to a Committee to examine and report it. And to consider of a Prison to be given to the Sergeant at Arms at­tending the House.

Order to desire the General to command his Marshal General of the Army, to put in execu­tion the Ordinance concerning Scandalous and un-licensed Pamphlets.

Order for a large Book of Velom to be made, and all the Acts, Ordinances, and Records, which lie abroad in Papers, and have been neglected, be there entred.

The Committee for Concealed Monies sate in Whitehall, and rewards were allowed to the disco­verers.

[6.] The Ordinance for Tryal of the King, was brought in, ingrossed, and passed.

A Letter from the Commissioners of Scotland Scots. resident here, pressing for unity of Councils and Actions, according to the Covenant, betwixt the two Kingdoms, and that the House would not proceed to Try or Execute the King, till the advice of that Nation be had thereunto.

Debate concerning the proceedings of Law, Style. the issuing of Writs, and the like, in what name they should be, the King, and the Lords not acting.

The Common Council agreed upon an Order, London. to be published to morrow in all Churches for speedy payment of nineteen thousand pound of the arrears of the Assessment, for the Army, to prevent the whole Armies coming into the City, and to be quartered upon those who have not paid their Arrears.

[8.] Letters from Ireland that Sir Charles Coot Ireland. marched with his Forces of Connaght from Sligo seventy miles into the Rebels Country, and af­ter a little conflict with the Rebels, some of them were killed, and his party burned great store of their Corn, preyed upon the Country, and brought away one thousand of their Cows with­out loss.

That at his return he apprehended Sir Robert Stuart, and hath sent him into England, with a Charge against him; that since this, he hath pos­sessed himself of Kilmore, and fourteen Guns, [Page 362] which Sir Robert Stuart endeavoured to block up, by Sea and Land, and hindered the provisions sent by the Parliament from being brought to their Forces.

The House referred it to the General and Councel of War to try Sir Robert Stuart; and to take care for the Forces of Sir Charles Coot in Ireland, whose actions they approved, and Or­dered a Letter of thanks to him.

Referred to the General and Council of War to secure Holy Island.

Order for the Northern Counties to have the Sequestrations of Delinquents there, for disband­ing their Forces,

The Commissioners for Tryal of the King sate The King. in the Painted Chamber at Westminster, and Or­dered that to morrow a Herald should proclaim, and invite the people to bring in what matter of fact they had against Charles Stuart King of England, and appointed to sit the next day upon his Tryal.

[9.] Widdrington and Whitelock by agreement went into the House this Morning, the Tryal of the King being begun, some looked very shy up­on them, others bid them welcome, and seemed glad to see them there.

About ten of the Lords sate, and passed seve­ral Lords. Ordinances, which they sent to the Commons, who laid them all aside.

The Lords had debate upon their last Votes, about the Tryal of the King. And that some thing should be published, to satisfy upon what grounds, they rejected the Commission for his Tryal; but they resolved nothing.

Sergeant Dendy who attended the Commissioners for Tryal of the King, according to their Order, rode into Westminster-Hall, with the Mace on his shoulder, and some Officers attending him bare, and six Trumpets on Horse back, and Guards of Horse and Foot in the Palace-yard.

The Trumpets sounded in the middle of the Hall, and the Drums beat in the Palace-yard, Procla­mation. after which Proclamation was made, to give no­tice that the Commissioners for Tryal of the King, were to sit again to morrow, and that all those who had any thing to say against the King, might then be heard.

The House of Commons then sitting Order­ed Sergeant Dendy to make the like Procla­mation at the Old Exchange, and in Cheapside London, which was done accordingly.

Vote, that the name of any one particular person, should not be inserted, as the style of any Common Votes. Writ, or otherwise, for the time to come, and refer­red it to the Committee for setling proceedings in Style. Courts of Justice, to consider how the style should be.

Votes that the present Great Seal shall be bro­ken, Great Seal. and a new one forthwith made; and in the mean time, all proceedings under the present Great Seal to be good, till the new one be con­firmed.

That the Armes of England, and of Ireland shall be engraven on one side of the new Great Seal, with this inscription The Great Seal of Eng­land.

That on the other side of the Seal shall be the Sculpture, or Map of the House of Commons sit­ting, with these words engraven on that side In the first year of freedom by Gods blessing, restored. 1648.

This was for the most part, the fancy of Mr. Henry Martin, a noted Member of the House of H. Martin. Commons, more particularly the inscriptions.

Order for pay of Colonel Whites Regiment.

The General set forth a proclamation, reci­ting the flocking of Malignants to London (as there was ground to believe) to raise new troubles, and the Order of Parliament impowering him to ex­pel Procla­mation. them the City, and ten miles distant there­from; which accordingly he enjoyns by this pro­clamation, and that the Delinquents depart with­in four and twenty hours.

A Petition to the General and his Council from Petition. the Officers and Souldiers in the Isle of Wight, &c. mentioning the late delusive Treaty with the King, and danger of new troubles, they declare their con­junction with the Army, in their desires, in the large Remonstrance, and in their present proceedings, which they desire may be prosecuted, &c.

The Proclamation was made by Sergeant Dendy, whilst the Courts of Justice sate in Westminster-Hall, to the no small interruption of them.

About Eleven a Clock the House of Commons sent for the Mace out of Chancery, Sergeant Den­dy having that of the House, thereupon the Com­missioners rose, and went home.

[10.] Order for the Sergeant at Armes to Pryn. take Mr. Pryn into custody for denying their au­thority.

The Commissioners for Tryal of the King met, Kings Tryal. and chose Sergeant Bradshaw for their President, Mr. Steel to be Attorney General, Mr. Coke Sollicitor General, and they with Dr. Dorislaus, and Mr. Aske to draw up, and manage the Charge against the King.

Mr. Waller moved for a Habeas Corpus for Pryn. Mr. Pryn, a Member of the House, lately apprehended, as is before mentioned.

This being a matter of Priviledge of Parlia­ment, Habeas Corpus. and Mr. Pryn being committed by order of the Commons, the Commissioners thought it fit to advise with that House before they granted the Habeas Corpus.

The rest of the Commissioners of the Seal de­sired Whitelock to go presently into the House, to know their pleasure in this business, which he did, and the House not being sate he conferred with the Speaker, and divers of the Members a­bout it, and told them that by the Law, a Habeas Corpus could not be denyed.

They commended the Commissioners respect to the House, and agreed that a Habeas Corpus could not be denyed, So Whitelock returned to the Court, and they thought fit to grant the Habeas Corpus.

In the evening one of the Sergeants men brought Whitelock, an Order of the House, requiring Sir Thomas Widdrington and him by name, to attend the Committee to morrow about setling the course of Justice.

[11.] Debate touching the Navy.

Report of the Sergeants men, who served Mr. Pryn with the Warrant of the House to take him Pryn. into custody; that Mr. Pryn answered him, that as he was coming to the House to perform his duty there for the County for which he was e­lected, he was apprehended by Sir Hardress Wal­ler, and Colonel Pride, and secured as a Prisoner ever since; that being not discharged of the said imprisonment, he could not submit to that order which the Sergeants man had, for any other restraint to be laid upon him, and therefore he re­fused to obey the same.

The House Ordered the answer to be read, of Secluded Members. the General Council of the Army, concerning the Secluded, and secured Members; the substance whereof they approved, and appointed a Com­mittee to consider what was fit further to be done thereupon; and set a day to consider of the parti­cular case of Mr. Pryn.

[Page 363] A visit to the Lord Chief Justice Rolles, a wise and Learned man.

He seemed much to scruple the casting off of the Lords House, and was troubled at it.

Yet he greatly incouraged to attend the House of Commons, notwithstanding the present Force Chief Justice Rolles. upon them, which could not dispense with their attendance, and performance of their duty, who had no Force upon them in particular.

The Committee for proceedings in Courts of Justice, had a great debate, what style shall be used in Commissions and Writs, instead of the wonted Style. style, Carolus Dei gratia, &c.

[12.] Petition of the Trustees and others for the Sale of Bishops-lands, that that business might he confirmed by Patent, under the Great Seal of England.

Order for the Sollicitor General to draw up a Patent to pass the Seal accordingly.

The Commissioners for Tryal of the King being to sit in the Afternoon, the House adjourned the earlier.

[13.] Ordinances past for regulating the af­fairs of the Navy.

Reference to the Committee of the Navy to conferr with the Lord Admiral about sending Navy. some Ships to Goree in Holland, and North-ward, and if he were not in Town, that then the Com­mittee should do it of themselves, and all Officers and Mariners were required to obey their Or­ders.

Order for Sir George Ascue to be desired to go with Captain Moulton in this expedition, and several other Orders made concerning the Fleet.

Two Petitions from the Inhabitants of Devon and Exon Gentlemen and Ministers, &c. desiring Petition. Justice upon the principal causers of the first and second War, and a firm Peace.

The General Council of Officers concluded upon the agreement of the People; and added some Agree­ment of the pe­ople. Trustees to the Lord Grey, Sir Jo. Danvers, &c. for making the divisions for elections in the seve­ral Counties.

The High Court of Justice sate for Tryal of the High Court of Justice. King, their whole time was spent about setling the Court, and calling over their Members, and to summon those who being named Commissioners did not appear, amongst whom Colonel Rowland Wilson, a person of great worth and integrity, re­fused to act as a Commissioner (though named) in this business, or to sit with them.

They agreed that the place for Tryal of the King should be Westminster-Hall, and that in order thereunto, the King should be brought from Wind­sor to London.

The Commissioners of the Seals heard some Great Seal. Cause in the Queens Court; some told 'em for News, that new Commissioners of the Great Seal were to be appointed, Sergeant Bradshaw, Sergeant Thorpe, Sergeant Nicholas, this was supposed to be discourse only as some would have it.

[14.] The Lords day in the Evening, a visit to Mr. Speaker, who seemed much unsatisfied with Speaker. the proceedings of the Army, especially with an apprehension, that they design to put him out of Army. his place, and to claim all by conquest.

The times were indeed full of dread and danger, and of trouble and change, which caused many a perplexed thought in sober men, who yet put their trust in God, and resolved to depend on him, and to go on in the way wherein he had set them, Perplexi­ [...]es. whilst they were permitted.

[15.] The Declaration passed for revoking the former vote for taking off that of non-addresses to the King, and for justifying the present pro­ceedings of Parliament.

Order for one thousand pound for defraying in­cident charges for Tryal of the King.

A Petition from the Common Council of Lon­don, Petition. desiring the House to proceed in the execution of justice against all Capital actors in the War against the Parliament, from the highest, to the lowest.

That the Militia, Navy, and places of power may be in faithful hands, for recovery and increase of trade, and to endeavour the setling of the Votes, that the supreme power is in them, upon foundations of righteousness and peace, and that they resolve to stand by them.

They also presented a Narrative of the carriage of the Lord Mayor, and some Aldermen denying to concurr with them in this Petition, and depar­ting the Court:

The House approved what the Common Coun­cel had done, and gave them thanks, and appointed a Committee to consider of their desires.

The High Court of Justice sate, and heard the High Court of Justice. Charge against the King, and appointed a Com­mittee to peruse it, and the proofs of the matters of fact, and Ordered to move the Parliament to adjourn the Term for fourteen daies, in respect to this Tryal.

A Declaration read at the Council of the Army, Declarati­on. of the grounds of their present proceedings, justi­fying them, and making apologies for themselves, that they seek no particular advantage by the agree­ment of the people, by which they have discharged their consciences, and their duty to their native Country, in their utmost endeavours for a settlement unto a just and publick interest.

Letters from France of great troubles there, and France. Forces raised by the Queen Regent, the Cardinal Mazarine and their Party, and Parisiens, the Par­liament, and the Prince of Conde, and other grandees of that Party.

[16.] An Act passed, for adjourning the Term for fourteen daies.

Another Act passed, for regulating the Clerks Fees of the Navy, and Customs, and discharging unnecessary ones.

Now the Commons stil'd what were before Or­dinances, Style. at this time Acts of Parliament.

Papers from Scotland, not acknowledging the Scotland. House of Commons a Parliament, laid aside, and not read.

Private Letters from Scotland, that the Parlia­ment there, nemine contradicente, did dissent from the proceedings of the Parliament of England

  • 1. In the toleration of Religion, in Order to the Covenant.
  • 2. In the Tryal of the King.
  • 3. In alteration of the form of Government.

Letters from Pontefract, that the Enemy keeps up in hope of relief; that Major General Lambert was very active in disbanding the Militia Forces.

The Commissioners of the Seals heard Demur­rers in the Queens Court; work men being in Westminster-Hall, to make the Chancery and Kings Bench into one Court, taking down part of either Court, and making Scaffolds.

[17.] Referred to the Committee of Derby House, to bring in a list of names, of some to be sent Commissioners to the Parliament of Scotland now sitting, and to keep a fair correspondence between the two Kingdoms.

Order for Mr. Kiffin, and Mr. Knolles, upon the Petition of Ipswich-men, to go thither to preach.

A Petition with large subscriptions from the [Page 364] Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, &c. re­presenting their grievances, and remedies. A Com­mittee appointed to consider of this, and all o­ther Petitions of this nature, and to begin with those of most concernment to the present set­tlement. Petitions.

The High Court of Justice sate, and caused the Charge against the King to be abbreviated; they High Court [...] Justice. Ordered a Sword, and Mace to be carried before them.

The Commissioners of the Seal heard some Commis­sioners of the great Seal. causes in the Queens Court, and an Act of the House of Commons, being brought to them, for adjourning the Term, they were required to issue forth Writs for that purpose.

They rose and advised together about it, the two Lords Commissioners with them, refused to joyn in signing a Warrant for those Writs, be­cause the Lords House did not concur in this Act.

Sir Thomas Widdrington and Whitelock thought fit to acquaint the House herewith; and there, some moved to send up to the Lords for their concurrence, but most of the House opposed it, as a waving of their own authority, having al­ready without the Lords, past an Act for it; and so it was laid aside.

Sir Thomas Widdrington and Whitelock sate in the House till four a Clock, and went then to the Earl of Kent and the Lord Grey, to acquaint them with what the House had done in this business, and advised them to move the Lords House in it themselves; which the Earl of Kent did stick at.

Then Sir Tho. Widdrington and Whitelock went to some of the Judges, and advised with them, whether the Term might not be adjourned with­out any Writ, and they seemed to be of Opinion, that it could not.

[18.] Major General Massey one of the secluded Members made his escape from St. James's where he was Prisoner.

The Lords sent down an Ordinance which they House of Lords. had past, to the House of Commons for their con­currence, and it was the same in effect for ad­jourment of the Term, which the Commons had past before.

But the Commons having before voted, That they were the supreme power, and that all Committees which before were of Lords and Commons, might after that Vote Act, though the Lords joyn not; they would not own the Lords as formerly, by agreeing to this Ordinance.

Whitelock was in the House at this Debate, and excused the two Commoners, Commissioners of the Great Seal, for their scruple in this business, withal expressing their readiness to observe and obey the commands of the House of Commons.

[19.] An Ordinance long debated, and at last committed, touching Delinquents paying in the remainders of their compositions, or else to be se­questred again.

The place of Lieutenant of the Ordnance was formerly given to Sir Walter Earl, now one of the Lieutenant of the Ordnance. secluded Members; it was now snapt at by others, and a motion made to give it to another Member, but referred to a Committee.

The High Court of Justice sate in the afternoon, High Court of Justice. and heard proofs to the Impeachment; the King was brought from Windsor to St. James's in Order to his Tryal.

The General Councel of the Army met, and Agree­ment of the people. the draught of the agreement of the People was sub­scribed by many of them, and Sir Hardress Waller and sixteen other Officers, were appointed to pre­sent it to morrow to the House of Commons.

Information of a Vessel taken by Colonel Russel Governour of Guernsey, and Captain Burley in her.

A Petition from North-Wales to the Councel of Petition. the Army, complying with their Remonstrance, &c. for which the Councel gave them thanks.

The two Lords Commissioners of the Seal still Great Seal. refused to joyn in signing Warrants for Writs to adjourn the Term, whereupon Sir Tho. Widdring­ton and Mr. Whitelock went to the Speaker, and ac­quainted him with all passages, and their inten­tions in this business, to procure an Act of the House of Commons to command Sir Thomas Widdrington and Mr. Whitelock, to sign War­rants without the Lords, for Writs to adjourn the Term, and to draw an Act for that purpose: the Speaker approved of this way, and offered, that he would present the Act to the House for this purpose.

[20.] Lieutenant General Hammond, and Army. divers chief Officers of the Army, presented to the House in the name of all the Army, from the General Council of the Army, a Petition, and a Petition. Writing concluded on by them, intituled an Agreement of the People of England; desiring a serious, and speedy consideration thereof by the House.

The Petition was read, but not the Writing; it being long, and the House having resolved to rise at twelve a Clock, in regard the Commissio­ners for Tryal of the King, were to sit in the af­ternoon: yet they returned to the Officers this an­swer, and Ordered,

That the thanks of the House should be given to these Answer. Officers, for their particular and great services to the Kingdom, and that they be desired to return the hearty thanks of the House, to his Excellency the Lord Gene­ral and all the Army, for all their unwearied and gal­lant services to the Nation.

And that the Petition with this answer should be forthwith printed and published, that the Kingdom might take notice of the Union and affection between the Parliament and Army, and for the Agreement, and Declaration, they should be taken into speedy and serious consideration.

Upon a conference betwixt the King and Mr. The King. Hugh Peters, and the King desiring that one of his own Chaplains might be permitted to come to him for his satisfaction in some scruples of consci­ence, Doctor Juxon Bishop of London was Ordered to go to his Majesty.

Order that the Commoners Commissioners of Great Seal. the Great Seal, should issue forth Writs, for ad­journing of the Term, though the Lords Commis­sioners did not joyn with them.

The High Court of Justice sate in the place in High Court of Justice. Westminster-Hall, made for them, the President had the Sword and Mace carryed before him, and twenty Gentlemen attended as his guard, with Par­tizans, commanded by Colonel Fox.

After an O yes, and silence made; The Act of the Commons of England for sitting of the Court, was read, and the Court was called, sixty of the Members appeared.

The King was brought from St James's to White-Hall, and from thence by Water, guarded with Musquetiers in Boats to Sir Robert Cottons House, near Westminster-Hall, and from thence to the Bar of the Court, attended by Colonel Hacker, with about thirty Officers, and Gentlemen with Halberts.

At his coming to the Foot of the stairs he was met with the Mace of the Court, and conducted to a chair within the Bar, where he sate down in [Page 365] the Face of the Court, they all being covered as well as his Majesty.

The Lord President in a short speech acquain­ted the King with the cause of his bringing thither, in Order to his Tryal, upon a charge a­gainst him, by the Commons of England, which was then to be read, and his Majesty to give his answer thereunto.

The King Offered to speak before reading of the Charge, but upon some interruption, was silent, and the Charge was read.

By which he was charged in the name of Charles Stuart King of England, as Guilty of all the Blood that had been shed at Kenton, Brainford, Newbury, and other places, where he had been present in Arms against the Parliament, and other particulars very large.

The King smiled at the reading of his Charge, and after it was read, demanded of the President, by what lawful Authority he was brought thither: and being answered, in the name of the Commons of Eng­land.

He replyed, he saw no Lords there which should make a Parliament, including the King; and urged that the Kingdom of England was hereditary, and not successive, and that he should betray his trust, if he acknowledged, or made answer to them, for that be was not convinced that they were a lawful Autho­rity.

After he had been often demanded to answer and refused, he was remanded to Sir Robert Cottons House, and thence to St. James's, and the High Court adjourned, and kept a Fast together at White-Hall.

Sir Thomas Widdrington seemed to scruple the signing of Warrants without the Lords, for ad­journing of the Term.

[22.] The Commissioners of Scotland deli­vered some Papers to the House, and declared that Scotland had an undoubted interest in the person of the King; that he was not delivered to the English Commissioners at New-Castle, for the ruine of his Scotland. person, but for a speedier settlement of the Peace of his Kingdom.

That they extream'y dissent, and declare against the Tryal of him, and that this present way of proceeding against him, leaves a deep impression on them, and sits heavy on all their Spirits, in regard of the great miseries that are like to ensue upon the Kingdoms. And they moved for leave of the House, to make their perso­nal Addresses to the King.

The House referred it to a Committee to draw up an answer to the Parliament of Scotland.

This Declaration with some Papers from the Parliament of Scotland were likewise presented by their Commissioners to the Lord General.

A Letter to the General from the Officers be­fore Pontefract Castle, concurring in the Action of Army. trying the King, secluding the Members of Parliament, who carried on corrupt designs, and acknowledging the present proceedings of the Army, to be the work of God alone.

The High Court of Justice sate, and the King was again brought to the Bar. High Court of Justice.

Mr. Coke Sollicitor General moved, That whereas the Prisoner had refused to make answer to the Charge against him, that now he might be di­rected to make a positive answer, either by way of confession, or negation; which if he shall refuse to do, that the matter of the Charge, may be taken pro confesso, and the Court may proceed according to Justice.

The President then required the King to answer to the Charge against him by the Commons of Eng­land, of High Treason, &c.

The King confessed, when he was last here, he made the question of their Authority, and should have satisfied himself with the Protestation he then made, against the legality of this Court, and that a King cannot by Tryed by any superiour Jurisdiction on Earth.

But, he said, it was not his case alone that he stood for, but the freedom of all the People of England, for if power without Law, may make, or alter Law, no Subject can be safe for his life, or any thing that he calls his own.

Then he said, he would give his reasons why in con­science, and the duty he owed to God first, and his People next, for the preservation of their Lives, Liberties, and Estates, he conceived he could not answer, till he were satisfied of the legality of it.

President.

Sir, I must interrupt you, which I would not do, but that what you do is not agreeable to the pro­ceedings of any Court; you appear as a Prisoner before this Court, and are not to dispute their Authority, but to give a punctual answer to the Charge.

King.

Sir, by your favour, I do not know the forms of Law, I do know Law, and reason, though I am no Lawyer professed, but I know as much Law as any Gentleman in England; and therefore, under favour, I do plead for the Liberties of the whole Peo­ple of England, more than you do; and therefore if I should impose a belief upon any, without reasons given for it, it were unreasonable; but I must tell you that reason that I have; as thus informed, I cannot yield unto it.

President.

Sir, I must interrupt you, you may not be permitted; you speak of Law, and reason, it is fit there should be Law and reason, and there is both against you. Sir, the Vote of the Commons of England in Parliament, is the reason of the Kingdom, by Law you should have ruled and reigned.

Sir, You are not to dispute our Authority, you are told it again by the Court; Sir, it will be taken notice of that you stand in contempt, and your contempt will be recorded.

King.

I do not know how a King can be a Delin­quent, let me tell you, they may put in Demurrers a­gainst any proceedings as legal, and I demand that, and to be heard with my reasons, if you deny that, you deny reason.

President.

Sir, you have offered something to the Court, I shall speak something to you, the sence of the Court: Sir, neither you, nor any man are permitted to dispute that point; you are concluded, you must not demurr to the jurisdiction of the Court, if you do, I must let you know, that they over-rule your Demurrer, they sit here by the Authority of the Commons of Eng­land: and all your predecessours, and you are respon­sible to then.

K.

I deny that, show me one Precedent.

P.

Sir, you ought not to interrupt while the Court is speaking to you; this point is not to be debated by you, neither will the Court permit y [...]u to do it; if you offer it by way of Demurrer to the jurisdiction of the Court, they have considered of their jurisdiction, and do affirm their own jurisdiction.

K.

I say Sir, by your favour, that the Commons of England were never a Court of Judicature, I would know how they came to be so.

P.

Sir, you are not permitted to go on in that speech, and these discourses.

Then the Clerk of the Court read this aloud.

Charles Stuart King of England, you have been ac­cused on the behalf of the People of England, of High Treason, and other crimes, the Court have determined, that you ought to answer the same.

K.

I will answer the same, so soon as I know by what Authority you do this.

P.

If this be all that you will say, then Gentlemen, [Page 366] you that brought the Prisoner hither, take charge of him back again.

K.

I do require that I may give in my reasons, why I do not answer, and give me time for that.

P.

'Tis not for Prisoners to require.

K.

Prisoners; Sir, I am not an Ordinary Priso­ner.

P.

The Court hath considered of their jurisdiction, and they have already affirmed their jurisdiction; if you will not answer, we shall give order to record your default.

K.

You never heard my reasons yet.

P.

Sir, your reasons are not to be heard against the highest jurisdiction

K.

Shew me what Jurisdiction, where reason is not to be heard.

P.

Sir, we shew it you here, the Commons of Eng­land; and the next time you are brought, you will know more of the pleasure of the Court, and it may be, their final determination.

K.

Shew me whereever the House of Commons were a Court of Judicature of that kind.

P.

Sergeant, take away the Prisoner.

K.

Well Sir, remember that the King is not suf­fered to give in his reasons for the liberty and freedom of all his subjects.

P.

Sir, you are not to have liberty to use this lan­guage, how great a Friend you have been to the Laws and Liberties of the People, let all England, and the world judge.

K.

Sir, under favour, it was the liberty, freedom, and Laws of the Subject, that ever I took to defend my self with Arms, I never took up Arms against the People, but for the Laws.

P.

The command of the Court must be obeyed, no answer will be given to the Charge.

K.

Well Sir.

Then the Officers guarded the King back a­gain to Sir Robert Cotton's House, and the Court adjourned.

The Commissioners met at Mr. Brownes House, Commis­sioners of the great Seal. the Clerk of the Parliament, where the Great Sea [...] lay, and there Sir Thomas Widdrington and Mr. Whitelock without the two Lords, did sign a Warrant for Writs to adjourn the Term, the two Lords Commissioners were present, though they did not joyn in this, yet they did in other business.

There were strict Guards, many Souldiers, and a great press of people at the Tryal of the King. The House sate only to adjourn. Some who sate on the Scaffolds about the Court at the Tryal (parti­cularly the Lady Fairfax, the Lord Generals Wife) Lady Fairfax. did not forbear to exclaim aloud against the pro­ceedings of the High Court, and the irreverent usage of the King by his Subjects, insomuch that the Court was interrupted, and the Souldiers and Officers of the Court had much to do to quiet the Ladies, and others.

[23.] Report of an Ordinance that where up­on Indictments, &c. it was formerly said contrary to the peace of our Soveraign Lord the King, his Crown, and dignity; it should now be said, against the peace, justice, and Council of England.

That Writs out of the Chancery should go in the name of the Chancellour, or Keepers of the Style. Seal, and in other Courts in the name of the Judges.

The High Court of Justice sate, Mr. Coke Sollici­tor High Court of Justice. General moved,

That whereas the Prisoner, instead of giving an­swer to the charge against him, did still dispute the Authority of the Court, that according to Law if a Prisoner shall stand as contumacious in contempt, and shall not give an Issuable Plea, Guilty or not Guilty, whereby he may come to a fair Tryal, that as by an im­plicit confession, it may be taken pro confesso, as it hath been done to those who deserved more favour than the Prisoner, and that therefore speedy judgement be pronounced against him.

President.

Sir, you have heard what is moved by the Council in behalf of the Kingdom against you. Sir, you may well remember, and if you do not, the Court cannot forget, what dilatory dealings the Court hath found at your hands, you were to propound some questions, you had your resolution upon them.

You were told over and over again, that the Court did affirm their own jurisdiction, that it was not for you nor for any other man to dispute the jurisdiction of the Su­preme, and highest Authority of England, from which there is no appeals, and touching which, there must be no dispute; yet you did persist in such carriage, as you gave no manner of obedience, nor did you acknowledge any Authority in them, nor the High Court, that consti­tuted this Court of Justice.

Sir, I must let you know from the Court, that they are very sensible of these delays of yours, and that they ought not, being thus authorised by the Su­preme Court of England, to be thus trifled withal, and that they might in justice, if they pleased, and ac­cording to the rules of justice, take advantage of these delaies, and proceed to pronounce judgment against you.

Yet nevertheless they are pleased to give direction, and on their behalfs I do require you, that you make a positive answer to this Charge that is against you, Sir, in plain terms (for Justice knows no respect of persons) you are to give your positive, and final answer in plain English, whether you be Guilty or Not guilty, of these Treasons laid to your Charge.

King.

After a little pause.

When I was here yesterday, I desired to speak for the Liberties of the people of England, I was inter­rupted; I desire to know yet whether I may speak freely or not.

President.

Sir, You have had the resolution of the Court, upon the like question that last day, and you were told, that having such a Charge of so high a nature a­gainst you, and your work was, that you ought to ackow­ledge the jurisdiction of the Court, and to answer to your Charge.

Sir, if you unswer to your Charge, which the Court gives you leave now to do, though they might have taken the advantage of your contempt, yet if you be able to answer to your Charge, when you have once answered, you shall be heard at large, make the best de­fence you can.

But Sir, I must let you know from the Court, as their commands, that you are not to be permitted, to issue out into any other discourses, till such time, as you have given a positive answer concerning the matter that is charged upon you.

King.

For the Charge, I value it not a rush, it is the Liberty of the people of England that I stand for; for me to acknowledge a new Court, that I never heard of before; I that am your King, that should be an ex­ample to all the people of England to uphold justice, to maintain the old Laws, indeed, I do not know how to do it.

You spake very well the first day that I came here on Saturday, of the obligations, that I had laid upon me by God, to the maintenance of the Liberties of my people; the same obligation you spake of, I do ac­knowledge, to God, that I owe to him and to my People, to defend as much as in me lies the antient Laws.

Therefore until that I may know, that this is not against the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, by your favour, I can put in no particular answer; if [Page 367] you will give me time, I will shew you my reasons why I cannot do it, and thus—

Here being interrupted he said,

By your favour, you ought not to interrupt me, how I came here I know not, there's no Law for it, to make your King your Prisoner, I was in a Treaty upon the publick Faith of the Kingdom, that was the known—two Houses of Parliament, that was the Representative of the Kingdom, and when that I had almost made an end of the Treaty, then I was hur­ried away, and brought hither, and therefore—

Here the President said,

Sir, You must know the pleasure of the Court.

King.

By your favour Sir,—

President.

Nay Sir, by your favour you may not be permitted to fall into these discourses, you appear as a Delinquent, you have not acknowledged the Au­thority of the Court; the Court craves it not of you, but once more they command you to give your positive answer—

Clerk, Do your duty.

King.

Duty, Sir.

Then the Clerk read a paper, requiring the King to give a positive and final answer, by way of confession, or denyal of the Charge.

King.

Sir, I say again to you, so that I might give satisfaction to the people of England of the clearness of my proceedings, not by way of answer, nor in this way, but to satisfy them, that I have done nothing against that trust, that hath been com­mitted to me, I would do it; but to acknowledge a new Court, against their Priviledges, to alter the fundamental Laws of the Kingdom, Sir, you must excuse me.

President.

Sir, This is the third time that you have publickly disavowed this Court, and put an affront upon it; but how far you have preserved the Liberties of the people, your actions have spoke it; but truly Sir, mens intentions ought to be known by their acti­ons; you have written your meaning in bloody Cha­racters throughout the Kingdom.

But Sir, you understand the pleasure of the Court.

Clerk, record the default.

And Gentlemen, you that took the charge of the Prisoner, take him back again.

King.

I will say this one word more to you, if it were my own particular, I would not say any more to interrupt you.

President.

Sir, you have heard the pleasure of the Court, and you are (notwithstanding you will not un­derstand it) to find that you are before a Court of Justice.

Then the King went forth with his Guards, to Sir Robert Cottons house, where he lay.

[24.] The House only met and adjourned.

The High Court of Justice was expected to sit, but they sent an Usher to tell the people there as­sembled, H. C. of Justice. that the Court was busy in the Painted Chamber, examining witnesses in relation to the present affairs, and should not sit in Westmin­ster-Hall that day, but that all persons appoin­ted to be there, were to appear on further sum­mons.

About four a clock this afternoon all the Judges, [...]. by appointment, met at Sergeants-Inn to advise with the Committee, about the new style of Writs; in which matter the Judges seemed not to be very forward to joyn with them.

[25.] The House met and adjourned.

The High Court of Justice met, and proceed­ed [...]. C. of [...]ustice. in examination of Witnesses to prove the Charge against the King, some proved that they saw him present, at the setting up of his Standard; others, that they saw him in the field, in several fights with his Sword drawn.

The Parliament of Paris, proclaimed the Car­dinal Mazarine, a disturber of the publick peace, and Enemy to the King and Kingdom.

In the evening Whitelock met at Sergeants-Inn France. with the Committee to receive the Judges an­swer, concerning the alteration in the Style of Style. Writs.

The Judges answered, that because of their Oaths, they could not advise in this business, being it was an alteration of the Government of the King­dom; but with this answer the Committee went away, not well satisfied.

[26.] The Heads of the Charge against the Heads of the Charge King, were published by leave, in this form:

That Charles Stuart, being admitted King of England, and therein trusted with a limited power, to govern by, and according to the Laws of the Land, and not otherwise, and by his trust being obliged, as also by his Oath, and Office to use the power commit­ted to him, for the good and benefit of the people, and for the preservation of their Rights and Privi­ledges.

Yet nevertheless out of a wicked design, to erect and uphold himself in an Ʋnlimited and Tyran­nical Power, to rule according to his Will, and to overthrow the Rights and Liberties of the People, yea to take away and make void the Foundations thereof, and of all Redress and remedy of Mis­government, which by the Fundamental Constituti­ons of this Kingdom, were reserved on the Peoples behalf, in the Right and Power of frequent and successive Parliaments, or National meetings in Council.

He the said Charles Stuart, for accomplishment of his designs, and for the protecting of himself and his Adherents, in his and their wicked Practices to the same ends, hath Traiterously and Maliciously Levyed War against the present Parliament, and the People therein represented, more particularly—

Then they named Nottingham, Beverly, and o­ther places where fights were, and go on:

That he hath caused, and procured many Thousands of the Free-People, of the Nation to be slain, and by Divisions, Parties, and Insurrections within this Land, and by Invasions from Foreign parts, in­deavoured and procured by him, and by many other evil ways and means—

His giving Commissions to his Son the Prince, and other Rebels and Revolters, both English and Fo­reigners, and to the Earl of Ormond, and to the Irish Rebels, and Revolters associated with him, from whom further Invasions upon this Land, are threatned upon the procurement and on the behalf of the said Charles Stuart.

All which wicked designs, and evil practices of him the said Charles Stuart, have been and are car­ried on, for the advancing and upholding of the per­sonal interest of Will, and Power, and pretended Prerogative to himself and Family, against the pub­lick interest, Common Right, Liberty, Justice, and Peace of the P [...]ople of this Nation, by, and for whom he was intrusted as aforesaid.

By all which it appeareth, that he, the said Charles Stuart, hath been, and is, the Occasioner, Authour, and Contriver of the said Ʋnnatural, cruel, and bloody Wars, and therein guilty of all the Treasons, Murders, Rapines, Burnings, Spoyls, Desolations, Dammage, and Mischief to this Nation, acted, or committed in the said Wars, or occasioned there­by.

M r Pierrepoint still kept in his station, though dissatisfied with present proceedings; So was Sir Thomas Widdrington.

[27.] The High Court of Justice sate in West­minster-Hall, H. C. of Justice. the President in his Scarlet Robe, [Page 368] and many of the Commissioners in their best habit.

After the calling of the Court, the King came in, in his wonted posture with his Hat on; as he passed by in the Hall, a cry was made, justice, justice, execution, execution. This was by some Souldiers, and others of the Rabble.

The King desired to be heard, the President an­swered, that he must hear the Court: and sets forth, the intentions of the Court to proceed against the Prisoner, and withal offered that the King might speak, so it were not matter of de­bate.

The King desired, that in regard he had some­thing to say, for the peace of the Kingdom and Liberty of the Subject, before Sentence were given, he might be heard before the Lords and Commons in the Painted Chamber.

Upon this the Court withdrew into the Court of Wards, and the King to Sir Robert Cottons house; and after about an hours debate, they re­turned again into Westminster-Hall,

The Court resolved, that what the King had tendered, tended to delay; yet if he would speak any thing for himself in Court, before Sentence, he might be heard.

Many of the Commissioners in the debate of it in the Court of Wards, were against this reso­lution, and pressed to satisfy the Kings desire, and themselves, to hear what the King would say to them in the Painted Chamber, before Sentence; but it was Voted by the major part in the Nega­tive. Upon which Colonel Harvey, and some others of the Commissioners went away in discon­tent, and never sate with them afterwards; this proposal of the Kings being denied by the Com­missioners, the King thereupon declared himself, that he had nothing more to say.

Then the President made a large Speech of the Kings misgovernment, and that by Law, Kings were accountable to their People, and to the Law, which was their Superiour, and he instanced in se­veral Kings, who had been deposed, and imprisoned by their Subjects, especially in the Kings native Country, where, of one hundred and nine Kings, most were deposed, imprisoned, or proceeded against for misgovernment, and his own Grand-Mother removed, and his Father an infant crowned.

After this the Clerk was commanded to read the sentence, which recited the Charge, and the Several Crimes of which he had been found Guilty.

For all which Treasons and Crimes, the Court did adjudge, That he the said Charles Stuart, as a Ty­rant, Traitor, Murderer, and publick enemy, shall be put to death by the Severing of his head from his body.

The King then desired to be heard, but it would not be permitted, being after Sentence, and as he returned through the Hall, there was another cry for justice and execution.

Here we may take notice of the abject base­ness of some vulgar spirits, who seeing their King in that condition, endeavoured in their small ca­pacity, further to promote his misery, that they might a little curry favour with the present powers and pick thanks of their then Supe­riours.

Some of the very same persons, were after­wards as clamorous for Justice against those that were the Kings Judges.

The Act passed for altering the forms of Style. Writs, and other proceedings in Courts of Ju­stice, which were before in the name of the King, and no Concurrence of the Lords was de­sired.

A Committee appointed to draw a Proclama­tion, to declare it High Treason, for any to Proclaim any King of England without assent of the Parliament, and none to preach or speak any thing, contrary to the Proclama­tion. present proceedings of the Supreme Authority of this Nation, the Commons of England assembled in Parlia­ment, under pain of imprisonment, and such other punish­ments, as shall be thought fit to be inflicted on them.

The King desired, that in respect sentence of death was past upon him, and the time of his ex­ecution might be nigh, that the House would give him leave to see his Children, and that he might have D r Juxon to be private with him in his Chamber, and to give him the Sacra­ment.

This was ordered accordingly, and Dr. Juxon preached before the King in his private lodgings this night at White-Hall.

[28.] The Commissioners of the High Court of Justice kept a Fast in the Chappel at White-Hall.

[29.] The House sate early, and one of the secluded Members coming in, they Voted, That Secluded Members. such Members as 5. Dec. last, Voted that the Kings concessions were a ground of setling peace in this Na­tion, should not be readmitted; but disabled to sit as Members for the future.

The Dutch Ambassadours had their Audience Dutch Am­bassadors. in the House, they read their Instructions, and Credentials in French, and promised Copies of them in English to morrow, but would not part with the Originals.

Their business was to interceed for the Kings life, and to preserve a fair correspondence be­twixt this Nation and the States.

An Act passed for alteration of names, and Style. forms, in Writs, Grants, Patents, procedings in Courts, &c.

That in England, Ireland, and Berwick, &c. instead of the style, title, and teste of the King, shall be used Custodes libertatis Angliae, Authoritate Parliamenti, &c.

That the date shall be the year of our Lord, and no other.

That instead of the former words Juratores pro Domino Rege, &c. the words now to be used shall be Juratores pro Republica.

Instead of the words, Contra pacem, dignitatem, vel Coronam nostram, the words shall be, Contra pacem Publicam.

That all Writs, Patents, Commissions, &c. shall stand good, notwithstanding the death of the King.

The High Court of Justice sate, and appoint­ed the time, and place for the Execution of the King.

The Kings Children came from Syon-House, to­visit Kings Children. him at S t Iames's, he took the Princess in his Arms, and kissed her, and gave her two Seals with Diamonds, and prayed for the blessing of God upon her, and the rest of his children, and there was great weeping.

The Prince Elector, the Duke of Richmond, and others made suit to see him, which he re­fused.

Letters from Scotland, that the Ministers there, Scots. preach against the Army in England, and the pro­ceedings against their King, they say they are bound by their Covenant to preserve Monarchy, and that in the Race of the present King.

That their Parliament have passed several votes against those that were in the late ingagament a­gainst England.

Letters that Prince Rupert was at Sea with about fourteen of the revolted Ships, and took divers [Page 369] Merchant men, the Parliament having no Ships abroad.

The Commissioners met at Mr. Browns House where the Seal lay, to have had a Private Seal, but by reason of my Lord Grey's absence who had the key, and because of the sentence given against the King, they did not seal any thing, but they heard divers Petitions.

[30.] The King walked from St. James's through the Park, guarded with a Regiment of Foot, and Partisans to White-Hall.

Divers Gentlemen went bare before him, D r Juxon followed next to him, and Colonel Thom­linson had the charge of him, they brought him to the Cabinet-Chamber where he continued at his devotion.

He refused to dine having before taken the Sacrament, but about twelve a clock at noon he drank a Glass of Claret Wine, and eat a piece of Bread, from thence he went with D r Juxon, Co­lonel Thomlison, Colonel Hacker, and the Guards, through the Banqueting House, adjoyning to which the Scaffold was erected, it was hung round with black, and the Floor covered with black, and the Ax, and block laid in the middle of it.

Divers Companies of Foot and Horse were on every side of the Scaffold, and great multitudes of People came to be spectators, the King looked earnestly on the Block, asked if there were no place higher, and directing his speech to the Gentlemen upon the Scaffold, he spake to this effect:

I shall be very little heard of any Body here, I shall therefore speak a word unto you here; indeed I could Kings Speech. hold my peace very well, if I did not think, that hold­ing my peace would make some men think, that I did submit to the guilt, as well as to the punishment, but I think it is my duty, to God first, and to my Country, for to clear my self, both as an honest man, and a good King, and a good Christian.

I shall begin first with my innocency, in troth, I think it not very needful for me to insist long upon this, for all the world knows, that I never did begin a War with the two Houses of Parliament, and I call God to witness, to whom I must shortly make an ac­count, that I never did intend for to incroach upon their priviledges.

They began upon me, it is the Militia they began upon, they confest that the Militia was mine, but they thought it fit to have it from me, and to be short, if any Body will look to the dates of Commissions, theirs and mine, and likewise to the Declarations, they will see clearly, that they began these unhappy troubles not I.

So that, as to the guilt of these enormous Crimes that are laid against me, I hope in God, that God will clear me of it; I will not, I am in Charity, God forbid that I should lay it upon the two Houses of Par­liament, there is no necessity of either.

I hope they are free of this guilt, for I do believe that ill Instruments between them and me, have been the chief cause of all this Blood-shed; so that, by way of speaking, as I find my self clear of this, I hope, and pray God, that they may too.

Yet for all this, God forbid that I should be so ill a Christian, as not to say, that Gods judgments are just upon me, many times he does pay justice by an un­just sentence, that is Ordinary; I only say this, that an unjust sentence, that I suffered for to take effect, is punished now, by an unjust sentence upon me; that is, so far I have said, to shew you that I am an innocent man.

Now for to shew you that I am a good Christian, I hope there is a good man (pointing to Dr. Juxon) that will bear me witness, that I have forgiven all the world, and even those in particular, that have been the Chief causers of my Death, who they are God knows, I do not desire to know, I pray God forgive them.

But this is not all, my Charity must go further, I wish that they may repent, for indeed they have com­mitted a great sin in that particular, I pray God, with St. Stephen, that this be not laid to their Charge; nay not only so, but that they may take the right way, to the peace of the Kingdom, for Charity commands me, not only to forgive particular men, but to endeavour to the last gasp the peace of the Kingdom. So Sirs, I do wish with all my Soul, and I do hope there is some here, that will carry it fur­ther, that they may endeavour the peace of the King­dom.

Now Sirs, I must shew you both how you are out of the way, and will put you in a way; first you are out of the way, for certainly all the way you ever have had yet, as I could find by any thing, is in the way of con­quest.

Certainly this is an ill way, for Conquest (Sirs) in my opinion, is never just, except there be a good just cause, either for matter of wrong, or just title, and then if you go beyond it, the first quarrel that you have to it, that makes it unjust at the end, that was just at first.

But if it be only matter of Conquest, then it is a great robbery as a Pyrate said to Alexander, that he was a great robber, he was but a petty robber, and so, Sirs, do I think, the way that you are in, is much out of the way.

Now Sirs, to put you in the way, believe it, you will never do right, nor God will never prosper you, until you give him his due, the King his due, (that is my Successours) and the People their due, I am as much for them as any of you can be.

You must give God his due, by regulating rightly his Church, (according to his Scripture) which is now out of order, for to set you in a way particularly now I cannot, but only this, A National Synod freely called, freely debating among themselves, must settle this, when that every opinion is freely and clearly heard.

For the King, indeed I will not (then turning to a Gentleman that touched the Axe) he said, hurt not the Axe that may hurt me.

For the King, the Laws of the Land will clearly instruct you for that, therefore because it concerns my own particular, I only give you a touch of it.

For the People, and truely I desire their liberty and freedom, as much as any Body whomsoever, but I must tell you, that their liberty and their freedom consists in having of Government, those Laws, by which, their life, and their goods, may be most their own.

It is not for having Share in Government (Sirs) that is nothing pertaining to them, a subject and a Soveraign are clean different things, and therefore until they do that, I mean that you do put the People in that liberty, as I say, certainly, they will never enjoy themselves.

Sirs, it was for this, that now I am come here, if I would have given way to an arbitrary way, for to have all Laws changed, according to the power of the Sword, I needed not to have come here, and there­fore I tell you (and I pray God it be not laid to your Charge) that I am the Martyr of the People.

In troth Sirs, I shall not hold you much longer, for I will only say this to you, that, in troth, I could have desired some little time longer, because that I would have put this, that I have said, in a little more order, and a little better digested it than I have done, and there­fore I hope you will excuse me, I have delivered my [Page 370] conscience, I pray God that you do take those courses, that are best for the good of the Kingdom, and your own Salvation.

Then D r Juxon spake:

Will your Majesty (though it may be very well known your Majesties affections to Religion) yet it may Dr. Juxon. be expected, that you should say somewhat for the worlds satisfaction.

K.

I thank you very heartily my Lord, for that I had almost forgotten it. In troth Sirs, my conscience in Religion I think is very well known to the world, and therefore I declare before you all, that I dye a Christian, according to the profession of the Church of England, as I found it left me by my Fathers, and this honest man I think will witness it.

Then turning to the Officers he said,

Sirs, excuse me for this same, I have a good cause, and I have a gracious God, I will say no more.

Then turning to Colonel Hacker, he said, take care that they do not put me to Pain, and Sir, this, and it please you.

Then a Gentleman coming near the Axe, the King said, Take he [...]d of the Axe, pray take heed of the Axe.

Then he said to the Executioner, I shall say but very short Prayers, and then thrust out my hands.

Two men in disguises and vizors, stood upon the Scaffold for Executioners.

Then the King called to D r Juxon, for his Night-cap, and having put it on, he said to the Executioner, does my Hair trouble you? he desired it might all be put under the cap, which the King did accordingly, by the help of the Executioner and the Bishop.

Then the King turning to D r Juxon said,

I have a good cause and a gracious God on my side.

D r Juxon. There is but one stage more, this stage is turbulent, and troublesome, it is a short one, but you may consider, it will soon carry you a very great way, it will carry you from Earth to Heaven, and there you shall find a great deal of Cordial joy and comfort.

King.

I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown, where no disturbance can be.

D r Juxon. You are exchanged from a temporal to an eternal. Crown, a good exchange.

Then the King took off his cloak, and his George which he gave to Dr. Juxon, saying Re­member—some other small ceremonies were past, after which, the King stooping down, laid his Neck upon the block, and after a very little pause, stretching forth his hands, the Executioner, at one blow, severed his head from his Body.

Then his Body was put in a Coffin, covered with black Velvet, and removed to his lodging Chamber in White-hall. At this scene were many sighs and weeping Eyes, and divers strove to dip their handkerchiefs in his Blood.

The House sate early, and the Dutch Ambassadors having sent them a transcript of their Ambassy Dutch Am­bassadors. in English, it took up much time in the reading, and was referred to a Committee to draw up the answer to it.

An Act past to prohibit any to proclaim the Prince of Wales, or any other to be King, or chief Magistrate of England, or Ireland, without con­sent of Parliament, on pain of High Treason.

Some imperfect Copies of the proceedings at the Tryal of the King being printed, the House referred it to the High Court, to draw up a Nar­rative of those proceedings to be confirmed by the House.

The Act forbidding the proclaiming of any King, was Ordered to be sent down to all the Sheriffs to be proclaimed in all Counties.

Duke Hamilton, and the Lord Loughborough e­scaped out of Windsor-Castle.

[31.] Between three and four a clock this morning, Letters came from Windsor to Lieute­nant Duke Hamilton. General Cromwell, of the escape of Duke Ha­milton, and his man the last Night. Warrants were presently issued forth, and five hundred pound promised to whomsoever should secure the Duke, and notice sent hereof to my Lord Mayor.

A Messenger with one of the Warrants to be sent by the Post, was stopped, and examined by some Troupers in Southwark, whom he told of the escape of Duke Hamilton.

Not long after as these Troupers marched a­bout the streets, they perceived a man knocking very earnestly at an Inn gate in Southwark, and asked him what he was, and his business, he an­swered that he came to Dover Carrier, who lodg­ed there, and he was to go down with the Carrier in his Waggon.

The Troupers more strictly observing him, one of them told him, he believed that he was a Scotch-man, and that he had seen him in Hamilton's Army, which he denyed; but presently another of the Troupers said plainly he believed that it was Hamilton himself, though disguised, for he very well knew his favour, and was at the taking of him; and they had heard a little before, that he had escaped out of Windsor-Castle.

Hereupon they presently searched him, and found about him forty pound in gold, a Dia­mond Ring valued at a hundred pound, and other good prize for the Troupers, who this morning brought him by Water to White-hall, where a strong guard was put upon him.

The House gave one hundred and twenty pound to the Troupers, who apprehended the Duke, be­sides what they found about him.

Sir Lewis Dives escaped the last Night, and Mr. Holder the Prince's Agent, escaped through the House of Office in White-hall standing over the Thames.

The escapes of these persons, put the House in debate, of bringing Hamilton, the Earl of Hol­land, Laughern, Poyer, Powell, and other chief Delinquents to a speedy Tryal.

They appointed a Committee to bring in an Act, for constituting a Court for the Tryal of these persons, and Ordered the Earl of Holland, to be forthwith removed to London.

This being the monthly Fast-day, it was moved Monthly Fast. in the House, when they sate after the Sermons, to have two Ministers appointed to preach (as was usual) the next Fast-day, but some held the course of keeping a constant monthly Fast, not to be so proper, but savouring of too much for­mality, and that it was fitter to appoint daies of publick humiliation, upon special occasions; upon debate whereof, no Ministers were named to preach the next monthly Fast-day.

February, 1648.

[1.] The Act passed, That such Members as had voted 5. Dec. last, that the late Kings concessions Secluded Members. to the propositions, were a sufficient ground for set­ling a peace in this Nation, should not be readmitted to sit as Members of this Parliament.

And that such Members as were then in the House, and gave their votes in the Negative, should enter their dissent to the said vote; and such as were absent, to declare their disaproving thereof, before they be ad­mitted to sit as Members.

Many Members declared their dissent to that vote.

[Page 371] Voted that Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Hol­land, Lord Goring, Lord Capel, and Colonel Owen, shall be the next persons to be proceeded against for justice.

After this the Lord Capell by a desperate at­tempt, escaped this Evening out of the Tower Vote D. Hamilton &c. L. Capell. over the Moat, and Warrants were sent out, and one hundred pound promised to any that should take him.

A Message from the Lord for a Committee to be named of both Houses, to consider of a way Lords. to settle this Nation; Order, to consider to mor­row, whether the Lords Messenger should be called in or not, and whether the House should take any cognizance thereof.

Order for adjourning the Term for eight days.

A Petition from Surrey,

That the Militia may be put into faithful hands, and Surrey Petition. Neuters, and suspected persons rendred uncapable of trust.

That Magistrates and Officers may be chosen by the well affected persons, and Delinquents neither to chuse nor to be chosen.

That Tythes may be taken off, and a more [...]ust way provided for the maintenance of the Ministry.

That a Committee for accounts may be in each County, and that free-quarter may be taken off.

This Petition was referred to a Committee, and the House took notice of the seasonableness of it, and the good affections of the Petitioners, and gave them thanks.

The High Court met to prepare matters for the Tryal of Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Holland and others.

The Commissioners of the Seal met, but did not think fit to seal any Writs, or do any business be­cause of the Kings Death.

[2.] A Petition from Kent to the same effect Kent's Petition. with that of Surrey, referred to the Committee for settlement, and the Petitioners had thanks.

Vote for this Summers Fleet to be seventy three Sail of Ships, and about six thousand men; this upon conference with Merchants, and for dispersing the Prince's Fleet, and incouragement of trade; Orders for victuals and money for this Fleet.

Divers Members of the Parliament, of the High Court of Justice. Army, of the City, and private Gentlemen, in all to the number of sixty, whereof fifteen to be of the Quorum, were by Act made a High Court of Justice for Tryal of Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Holland, and others.

Order for establishing Colonel Henry Martyn's Regiment.

Upon the Dutch Ambassadors desire, Ordered, that what was delivered by them to the House, in re­lation to their Ambassie, may not be printed.

Order for Colonel Reynolds Regiment to be compleated, and added to the establishment.

[3.] The Act passed for the new High Court of Justice.

Divers Members entered their dissent to the Vote 5. Dec. last.

Two Water-men of London discovered and ap­prehended the Lord Capell in a house at Lam­beth, the House gave forty pound to the Wa­ter-men.

[5.] Debate till six a Clock at Night, whether House of Lords. the House of Lords should be continued a Court of Judicature, or a Court Consultatory only, and whether it should be referred to a Committee to consider what power or constitution, the Lords should have, and it being dark, it was upon the question carried in the Negative, not to have Candles; and the debate adjourned till to mor­row.

The Lords sent again for a Committee of both Houses to consider of setling the Kingdom, but their Messengers were not called in.

An answer agreed to the Dutch Ambassadors, Dutch Am­bassadors. returning thanks to the States, for their desire of continuing amity with this Kingdom, professing their desire of the like, and care to continue the same.

They thanked them also for their grave advice concerning the King, and let them understand, that the Commons of England had proceeded according to the Laws of the Land in what they had done, and as they leave all other Nations and Kingdoms, to move according to their rights and Laws, so they hope, none will think ill, if they Act according to those of Eng­land, and that they shall be alwaies ready to shew themselves Friends to the Ʋnited Provinces.

The High Court of Justice sate in the Painted High Court of Justice. Chamber, and elected the Lord President, and Officers, as were before, they agreed upon a Pro­clamation:

That they had adjourned themselves till to morrow morning in the Painted Chamber, and such who had any evidence to give against the Earl of Holland, Earl of Cambridge, Lord Goring, Lord Capell, and Sir John Owen, or any of them, were to repair thither, where they might be heard.

A Committee to examine the Authours, and Pamphlets. publishers of a Pamphlet, and such as have preached, printed, and published seditiously the proceedings in bringing the King to justice, and to prepare an Act to restrain the preaching, and printing any thing against the proceedings of the House, and of the High Court of Justice.

Letters from Scotland, that the Parliament, Scotland. and priests there are at much variance; that they bring all to the stool of repentance, that were in the last invasion of England, yet they are now as much as ever, Enemies to the proceedings of the Parliament, and Army in England.

That they talk big of raising an Army, in re­venge of the Kings Blood, and all will joyn u­nanimously against the Sectaries of England, and ground themselves upon breach of the Covenant.

Letters from New-Castle, that many Ships were loaden with Coals for London, and the Coast clear, and their Governour Sir Arthur Haselrigge and some Officers of the Garrison were gone for London.

Letters from Pontefract, that upon notice of the Kings execution, the Garrison made a stout Salley, but were beaten in again.

In the House, the debate was long and smart, concerning the Lords House.

[6.] Debate concerning the House of Lords, Debate. House of Lords. and the question being put, whether the House of Commons should take the advice of the House of Lords in the exercise of the Legislative power of the King­dom, it was carried in the Negative, by many voices.

Then they voted, That the House of Peers in Voted useless. Parliament, is useless, and dangerous, and ought to be abolished, and that an Act be brought in to this purpose.

A Committee named to draw up an Act for Debts. making the Estates both of the late Members of Peers, and likewise of the House of Commons li­able to the Law for payment of all debts.

Referred to a Committee to consider of a way to take away all Appeals to the Lords, and to discharge all persons committed by them, in relation thereunto, and how the Peers may be e­lected Burgesses, and Knights to serve in the House of Commons.

[Page 372] Debate what Government to set up in England and Ireland, and whether Kingship should be a­bolished or not.

Divers Sheriffs made Scruple of acting in their Office, because of the Death of the King, Order for instructions to be drawn up therein.

Order for Sergeant Bradshaw to make a Deputy in Guild-Hall, where he is Judge, in regard of his imployment in the High Court.

The accounts allowed of the Charges of the Kings Tryal.

Letters that the Irish Pyrates take divers ves­sels Ireland. at Sea from the English; and that the several Parties in Ireland are agreed to carry on the de­signs of the Prince of Wales.

It was put upon Whitelock to draw an Act to take away the House of Lords, wherein he desired to have been excused in regard he was not in the house when the vote passed, and had Declared his opinion a­gainst it, but he could not get excused.

[7.] Debate whether the Government by Kings Debate. should be abolished, and upon the Question whether it should be referred to a grand Committee of the whole House, it was carried in the Negative.

Then after a long and quick Debate, they passed this vote:

Resolved upon the Question, by the Commons of England in Parliament assembled, That it hath Vote. been found by experience, and this House doth de­clare, That the Office of a King in this Nation, and to have the power thereof in any single person is un­necessary, burthensome, and dangerous to the liberty, safety, and publick interest of the People of this Na­tion; and therefore ought to be abolished, and that an Act be brought in to that purpose.

A Committee appointed to bring in names of persons, not exceeding forty to be a Councel of State. Council of State.

Instructions passed for drawing new Com­missions for the Judges, the new Great Seal being ready.

The Judges appointed to meet with the Speaker, and a Committee of the House about the Judges Commissions. Commis­sions.

The High Court of Justice sate, receiving wit­nesses and preparing the Charges against the five persons to be tryed.

The Earl of Holland sent up by post, that he was dangerously sick at Warwick-Castle.

The Corps of the late King was removed from St. James's to Windsor, to be interred in St. George's Chappel there, and monies allowed for it.

An Act appointed to be brought in, to make Sir Thomas Widdrington, and Whitelock, Com­missioners Great Seal. of the new Great Seal, with a blank for others to be added.

[8.] Instructions passed for Commissions to the Judges: of whom six agreed to hold, viz. Judges. Rolles, Jermyn, St. John, Pheasant, Wilde, and Yates, provided that by Act of the Commons the fundamental Laws be not abolished.

The other six Judges, viz. Bacon, Brown, Be­dingfield, Creswell, Trevor, and Atkins, were not satisfied to hold.

Order for altering the Judges Oaths formerly in the name of the King, now to be in the People.

A Committee appointed to bring in a list of fit persons to be Justices of peace in every County.

Instructions passed for rewards to such as shall bring in any of the revolted Ships.

The Duke of Richmond and others had leave to attend the late Kings funeral at Windsor.

Widdrington and Whitelock without the Lords, Great Seal. who were in Commission with them, yet having an Act of the House of Commons for it, they went with the old great Seal to the House.

Mr. Malbon, the usual Seal-bearer, carried it to the door, where Widdrington and Whitclock took the Purse, and Seal in it, and both of them holding it, brought it in solemnly into the house, all the Members being silent, and laid it down upon the Table in the house.

Then the House past an Act for the old Seal to be broken, and a work-man was brought into the house with his tools, who in the Face of the house, upon the Floor, brake the old Seal in pieces, and the house gave to Widdrington and Whitelock the pieces, and purse of the old Seal.

After this the House passed another Act, for establishing the new Great Seal, to be the Great Seal of England.

Then they read another Act to constitute Wid­drington Widdring­ton. and Whitelock to be Commissioners of the New Great Seal, which occasioned Sir Thomas Widdrington to stand up, and excuse himself very earnestly, because of his unhealthfulness; but that excuse would not be allowed.

Then he further excused himself by reason of some scruples in conscience, which he had con­cerning the acting in this high place, though he did acknowledge the Authority, and submit to it, and had Acted by vertue of it, in signing a War­rant for a Writ to adjourn the Term, and bringing in the new Great Seal without the Lords Commissioners.

Upon a long Debate, the House did excuse Widdrington, and to manifest their respects for his former services, and that they took no Notice of his scrupling their Authority, they Ordered, that he should practise within the Bar, and gave him a quarters wages more than was due to him.

Whitelock's name was next in the Act, and he Whitelock [...] was to declare himself, whether he would accept of this imployment or not, this point he had considered with as much seriousness as he could, which the matter required, and he had often ad­vised with his Friends about it, being before hand acquainted that he should be named for one of the Commissioners.

The most considerable particulars were, that he was already very deeply ingaged with this Party, that the business to be undertaken by him was the Execution of Law and Justice, without which, men could not live one by another; a thing of absolute necessity to be done.

Yet many objections were made against his ac­ceptance of this place, which being mentioned by him in his speech to the House to be excused, it is thought fit here to insert that speech, as near as it could be taken.

M r Speaker,

I AM now to declare my self whether I will accept or refuse the highest place of Ordi­nary Judicature in the Kingdom, to which your favour and good Opinion hath been pleased to name me.

I shall plainly lay before you the motives that occurr to me, both for the acceptance, and re­fusal of it, and my humble suit upon them, and I shall submit all to your pleasure and judg­ment.

The motives I shall confine my self unto, are four of either sort.

1. For my acceptance of it, may be the honour of the service, the greatness of the place, which may sway much with some others, but not with me; whose ambition is of a lower stature.

[Page 373] I never affected great places, it is sufficient honour to me, to be a Member of this honou­rable House, I desire no further honour, and if honour be in honorante, good actions will render a man more honourable, than the ceremonies and pageantry of high places, which may take with some of gayer Spirits more than it doth with me.

2. The second Motive for acceptance is the pro­fit of the place, and that is very considerable with most men; I bless God, he hath given me means convenient for me, and I hope he will bless that to me, and keep me from wasting that which must be a provision for many Children.

And to me, Mr. Speaker, this is not so great a motive as it may be to others, because those that know my course can testify, that the benefit of my practice, was more than the Salary of this Office, though I acknowledge your bounty to your Servants.

3. The third Motive is the command which this great Officer hath over the persons, and fortunes of men, which is a pleasing thing, and much sought after by men in this world, the spirit of domi­nation being natural to us.

But Sir, in this I am of my Lord of St. Albans Judgment, who holds that men in great place are so far from having command, that they are very slaves themselves, slaves to great men, and slaves to business, and cannot command so much as their own time.

4. The fourth Motive is the end of the service, which is to do right and justice to men, to relieve the oppressed, to serve God, and to serve you, and my Country; which will be done, by a due perfor­mance of the duty of this place.

And this to me, especially at this time, is the greatest and strongest motive of all others.

Yet give me leave Sir, on the other side to lay before you, the motives for my refusal of this imployment, which in my humble opinion do far overballance the other.

1. The first of these motives is the trouble of the place, which hath the greatest and most con­stant labour in it, of any other place in England, this Shop of justice must be alwaies open, nullus recedat a Cancellaria sine remedio.

The business of the Chancery, is certainly more than of any other Court, the trouble must needs be the greater, and the burden the heavyer, too heavy for me to bear.

It is trouble enough, and no easy duty for one man to attend the service of this House, it is more than doubled by being a Commissioner of the Great Seal, whereof I have some experi­ence, and it hath brought me to be of the Poets opinion, Beatus ille qui procul negotiis, a condition longed for by me.

2. The second Motive for my refusal, is the danger of this imployment, through the envy of men, more in these times, than others, and through the importance of the business, in the which as in War, non licet his peccare.

There will be Watch-men enough for one failing, and one Party almost in every cause de­termined by him, will be ready to accuse, and condemn him; no man can sit in this place, but he must expose his person, and fortune to no lit­tle danger.

3. The third Motive is the difficulty of this im­ployment, some will labour to conceal or obscure the truth, as much as eloquence, learning, and sub­tlety can invent; and it is hard to discern the clear truth through these shadows.

The Judges of the Common Law have certain rules to guide them; a Keeper of the Seals hath nothing but his own conscience to direct him, and that is ofttimes deceitful.

The proceedings in Chancery are secundum arbitrium boni viri, and this arbitrium differeth as much in several men, as their Countenances differ.

That which is right in one mans Eyes, is wrong in anothers; nothing is more difficult than to satisfy in Judgment, and this leads me to the last and strongest motive, for my refusal of this imployment which is,

4. My unfitness and want of ability to under go it; I mention not my want of ability of Body, though this place require much Pains, Labour, and continual attendance, and my health is not a little impaired, and my Bodily infirmities increased by my late services; but I hold my self obliged to lay down my Life to serve you.

I may more insist upon my want of abilities of mind to perform this great Charge; and this is best known to my self, though I confess it hath been too much likewise discovered to you; both upon former occasions, and at this persent, and it were not fit to honour me by this place, and to dishonour your selves by my weak execution of it.

Perhaps it may be objected, that these are but pretences, whereof you are the most proper Judges, I do acknowledge, that it will not be­come me to oppose my judgment to yours, but I am most conscious to my self of my own disabi­lities, and beg your consideration of them.

A greater objection is, that if I decline this service at this time, it will be a kind of disown­ing your Authority, as unwarrantable and ille­gal, and a giving of my Judgment against your proceedings, upon the present alterations made by you.

This Sir, is far from me, and I suppose, I have given my testimony otherwise, in the par­ticulars mentioned by my worthy Colleague, that spake last; in which I have owned your Authority.

And for a strict formal pursuance of the Or­dinary rules of Law, it hath been hardly to be discerned in any of the late proceedings, on ei­ther side, in all our great and weighty tran­sactions.

Unavoidable necessity hath put us upon those courses, which otherwise perhaps we should not have taken.

I am sure, my sitting, and acting here is ac­cording to the known Laws of England, and that my protection at this time is only from you; therefore my obedience is only due to you, and there is no other visible Authority in being but your selves.

There are sufficient reasons to justify an obe­dience to your Authority, which truly Sir, I do own, and not scruple at all, as things now are, to act by that Authority.

I only scruple my undertaking this great Charge, knowing my own want to perform it as I ought to do; this place requires quick ap­prehension, general learning, and deep judg­ment, all which are wanting in me; but I see many worthy Gentlemen within these Walls, of much greater abilities, and more compleatly furnished for the execution of this Charge than I am.

My humble Motion therefore to you is, That you will be pleas'd to think of some persons, more fit and worthy of this great trust than I am, and [Page 374] to excuse me from being one of your Commi­ssioners for the Great Seal of England, which is a place too high for me.

The House would not allow of his excuse, but after a little debate, the question was put, and it was voted Nemine contradicente, that he should be one of the Commissioners for the Great Seal.

Then Mr. John L'Isle was named to be another Commis­sioners of the Great Seal. of the Commissioners, and after a short, and no eager excuse made by him, and his high owning of their Authority (which he had sufficiently done before, as one of the High Court of Justice for tryal of the King) Mr. L'Isle was Voted to be another of the Commissioners for the Great Seal.

Lastly Mr. Sergeant Keeble was named to be the third Commissioner of the Great Seal, and two of them of the Quorum.

Upon debate, the time for their being Commis­sioners was Voted to be, quam deu se bene gesse­rint.

The Title held some debate, whether they Style. should be stiled Commissioners, or Lords Commissi­oners, and though the word Lords was less ac­ceptable at this time, than formerly, yet that they might not seem to lessen their own Autho­rity, nor the Honour of their Officers, consti­tuted by them, they Voted the Title to be Lords Commissioners; and the Act was passed presently in these words.

An Act of the Commons assembled in Parlia­ment for committing the Great Seal of Eng­land into the hands and custody of Commissio­ners.

Beit enacted by this present Parliament and the Authority of the same, that the Great Seal of England shall be committed to the keeping of Bulstrode Whitelock Sergeant at Law, Richard Keeble Sergeant at Law, and Iohn L'Isle Esq, who are hereby appointed Lords Commissio­ners for that purpose, quamdiu se bene gesserint, which said Persons are hereby constituted and appointed to be Lords Commissioners for the Custody of the Great Seal of England during the time aforesaid, and they or any two of them, shall have, and are hereby authorised to have the Custody, Keeping, Ordering and Disposing thereof, as also all such and the like powers, and Authorities, as any Lord Chancellour, Lord Keper, or Commissioners of the Great Seal of England for the time being, have Lawfully had, and used, or ought to have had, or used.

Hen. Scobell Cleric. Parliamenti.

Sergeant Keeble was sent for, and they three being commanded by the House to come up to the Table, Whitelock went in the middle, Ser­geant Keeble on his right hand, and M r L'Isle on his Ieft hand; there the Speaker gave them their Oaths, Well and truly to execute the place of Com­missioners for the Seal, and then he delivered the new Great Seal to them.

They put up the Seal in the Purse, and with the usual Ceremonies and reverence, they brought it out of the House, and went into the Queens Court, where they sealed it up with their Seals, and went their selves to see it locked up in the Tower in M r Brown's House, where it was usually laid before.

[9.] Many Justices of the Peace scrupling to Act, because their Commissions were in the name Justices of the Peace. of the King, a Committee was appointed to con­sider of another form for them, and thatthey might be commanded to Act in the name of the Parliament.

The House confirmed the election of the Lord General and Colonel Rich to be Burgesses for Cirencester, and to admit them Members.

This being the first day of the Term, the six Judges. Judges who were inclined to hold their places, were as yet much unsatisfied, because the Oaths of Al­legiance and Supremacy were still continued, and because the House had not declared that the fun­damental Laws should be continued, and the Judges to administer justice accordingly.

They debated these matters together, and in conclusion came to this result, that if the House would pass such a Declaration, repeal the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, and alter the Oath of a Judge, that then they would presently sit in their places.

'Twas told them, it would be hard to pro­cure all this to be done in the House, so soon, as that they might sit in the several Courts this morning, and if they should not sit, this first day of the Term, it would be some interruption to the Course of Justice, and reflect upon the Parliament.

They were intreated to draw the Declaration themselves, as they desired the House should pass it, which they did presently and the Cmmissioners of the Seal went into the house, and acquainted them, with the consequence of the business which they tendred to them, to be forthwith passed, to enable the six Judges to sit in Court this mor­ning.

The House were so sensible of the reasonable­ness, and fitness to give a speedy dispatch to this business, that they laid aside all other, and soon Voted, That the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy Vote. should be null and void, made a satisfactory alte­ration of the Oath of a Judge, and passed the Declaration drawn by the Judges.

They were satisfied herewith, and the Com­missioners presently sealed their Patents, and gave them the new Oath of Judges, then they went and sate in their several Courts, and the Commis­sioners of the Seal sate in Chancery.

They caused the Declaration to be read, and spake to the Auditory concerning the business, to give them satisfaction, and to settle their minds; this they took occasion to do in their Speeches to the Judges, and therein 'tis believed, they did some service for the Parliament.

Upon the desire of the Committee for the Revenue, the Lord General granted his Warrant to all Officers and Souldiers to suppress the cut­ting down, and destroying of Timber, and kil­ling Timber. of Deer in any of the publick Forests, Chaces, or Parks, and that if any do it, a Troop of Horse shall be quartered on that place to prevent the like.

[10.] Orders for setling the Dutchy Seal, and about some private affairs.

Letters from Scotland of their threatning re­venge Scotland. for the Kings blood, that some there pro­claimed Prince Charles King of Sotland, which was not contradicted by the Parliament nor Kirk there.

The High Court of Justice sate in Westminster-Hall, H. C. of Justice. about fifty of the members present, the Earl of Cambridge, Lord Goring, Lord Capel, and Sir Jo. Owen were brought before them, and the President made a Speech to them, of the oc­casion of their coming thither, to tryal for Treason, and other high Crimes, after which, they were all commanded to withdraw except the Earl of Cambridge.

[Page 375] Then Mr. Steel Attorney General for the Com­mon-wealth, set forth the notoriousness of the facts of the Prisoner at the Bar, by his invading the King­dom, committing many Murders, and Rapines, and all under pretence of the Covenant; that as the War was called Hypocritarium bellum, so he might be called Hypocritarius Princeps. He desired the Charge might be read, and that the Earl might make answer to it.

After the Charge read, the Earl of Cambridge Pleaded, that he was of another Nation, and what he did, was as a servant to that Kingdom, and not as a Contriver of it, neither was he ever Naturalized Earl of Cambridge that he knew of, that he was a Prisoner of War, and had Articles given him.

The Court caused the Act to be read for Na­turalization of his Father, and consequently of him, being his Heir.

The Lord Goring was next brought to the Bar, and his Charge being read to him, he Pleaded not Guilty, and was dismissed, behaving himself with great respect to the Court.

The Lord Capell pleaded, That he was a Priso­ner to the Lord General, and had conditions given him, and his life promised him, that if all the Ma­gistrates in Christendom, were combined together, they could not call him in question.

He never minded nor looked upon the Court, but upon the people on all sides, and with an au­stere countenance.

Sir John Owen pleaded not Guilty.

The next day the Earl of Cambridge being brought to theBar, M r Steel moved, that he might answer his Charge, which the President required him to do.

The Earl desired time to put things into a me­thod, and that he might send to Major General Lambert, by whom he had Articles given, and to Scotland from whence he received his Com­mission.

The Court gave him two days to answer, and upon his motion for Counsel, he had liberty to name them, which he said he could not, not knowing any one Counsellour in England.

The Lord Capell brought in and demanded to plead in chief to his Charge, did again insist up­on the Articles of Colchester, whereby he said, he had fair quarter given him, and that all the Gowns in the world had nothing to do with him.

[12.] Orders appointing the several Judges to go the Circuits this Lent, and for compleating the number of Judges in the several Courts, and Voted that the Kings-Bench Court should be called the Ʋpper Bench. Upper Bench.

An Act passed for some amendments in their Commissions, and for a new Oath to be given them, well and truly to serve the Common-wealth New Oath. in the Office of a Justice of the Ʋpper Bench, &c. according to the best of their skill and knowledge

A Certificate of the Doctor, and Apothecary of the Earl of Holland, that he could not with safety E. of Hol­land. of his life be removed up to London; and a Petition of his Lady for favour to him, referred to the High Court of Justice to send for him if they should think fit.

Colonel Dean, Colonel Popham and Colonel Blake added to the Commissioners of the Navy. Navy.

An Act for a new Oath to be taken by every Free-man in London, and in all other Corporati­ons, New Oaths and for repealing the Statutes 1 Eliz. and 3 Jac. of the Oaths of Allegiance and Supre­macy.

Letters from Edenburgh, that Prince Charles was Scotland. proclaimed King of Scotland, by consent of the Parliament there, with Solemnity, and agreed that one Earl, one Baron, one Burgess, and one Februa. Divine be sent to invite him thither.

The late Kings Body was interred at Windsor Castle, but the Common-Prayer not permitted to be used at his Burial.

The last day of the Term the Commissioners sate till two a clock, hearing motions, then they rose, and gave the new Oath, and sealed new Patents to the several Judges according to the new Act.

[13.] All private business put off for seven daies.

Order for a new Stamp for Coyn.

Debate touching power, and instructions to be Council of State. given to a Council of State, and referred to a Committee to bring in names.

An Act read for sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

The High Court of Justice sate, and the Lord H. C. of Justice. Capel being brought into the Court, the Attor­ney General moved, that the Prisoner might make good his Plea.

The President told the Lord Capel, that he had L. Capel. put in a plea, concerning Articles, for proof whereof, the Lord General was by order of the Court, there present; that he had liberty to ask any thing of him, if not, then the Council of the Common-wealth were to offer what they could in proof of it.

Then the Attorney General went on, and pro­duced the Generals Letter to the Parliament, up­on the rendition of Colchester, and the Articles, and the Explanation of them, whereby, and up­on the testimony of the Lord General and Gene­ral Ireton, Colonel Whaley and Colonel Barksted, all present by order of the Court, it appeared,

That the Lord Capell was to have fair quarter for his life, which was explained to be, afreedom from any execution of the Sword, but not any pro­tection from the judicial proceedings of a Civil Court; and mercy, was explained to be only from the pro­miscuous execution of the Sword, but that he might be tryed by a Council of War.

But of this Learning, I hope none of this Na­tion will have use hereafter.

It was clearly proved that the Articles were only to free him from the present power of the Sword to take away his life, and Colonel Berk­sted swore, that, he told him, the day after the Ar­ticles, that he believed, the Parliament would pro­ceed against them that were taken at Colchester, as Traytors.

The Council moved for judgment against the Lord Capel, that he should be Hanged, Drawn, and Quartered, at which he seemed to startle; and after a short Speech to the Court, he concluded, that how ever he was dealt with here, he hoped for a better resurrection hereafter.

Then the Earl of Cambridge was brought to Hamilton. the Bar, and required to make good his Plea, he thanked the Court for the time they had given, which he said was so short, that he could not be provided.

Upon his desire there were assigned to him for Council, Mr. Chute, Mr. Hales, Mr. Parsons, and Dr. Walker.

He desired leave to send to Scotland, and further time; it was answered, That it was for Prisoners to prepare their proofs against the Tryal, he having been in Prison so long; he replied, that during his six Months imprisonment, he never sent about any pri­vate business but only to get Monies to maintain him, and prayed the mercy of the Court, that if they would spare him, he might be useful; and that he was sorry for what he had done. He had two [Page 376] daies time longer given to him, to prepare for his defence.

[14.] Vote for thirty eight persons to be of the Council of State, viz. Earl of Denbigh, Mul­grave, Pembroke, Salisbury, Lord Gray, Fairfax, General Grey of Groby, Lord L'Isle, Rolles, St. Council of State. John, Wilde, Bradshaw, Cromwell, Skippon, Picke­ring, Massam, Haselrigg, Harrington, Vane jun. Danvers, Armine, Mildmay, Constable, Penning­ton, Wilson, Whitelock, Martin, Ludlow, Stape­ley, Heveningham, Wallop, Hutchinson, Bond, Al. Popham, Valentine, Walton, Scot, Purefoy, Jones.

Their powers were, Powers.

  • 1. To command, and settle the Militia of England and Ireland.
  • 2. To set forth such a Navy as they should think fit.
  • 3. To appoint Magazines, and Stores, and to dis­pose them, &c.
  • 4. To sit and execute the powers given them, for a Year.

Instruction passed for altering Patents of Sheriffs, and their Oath, and a list of all the Justi­ces of Peace, brought into the House.

Major General Middleton who was upon his parole at Berwick brake his word, and went to Scotland.

[15.] An Act passed touching the accounts of Sheriffs.

Debate upon the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters lands.

The High Court of Justice sate, and the Earl Hamilton. of Cambridge moved the Court for further time, and new Council, in regard that those formerly assigned to him for Council, refused to plead for him, which was granted to him.

In the House, were the Dutch Ambassadors in Dutch Am­bassadors. person, to receive the answer to their Papers, and addresses.

[16.] Ceremonies upon the Dutch Ambas­sadors going away.

Some Sheriffs nominated.

Order for moneys for the Judges going their Circuits.

The High Court of Justice sate, and the Lord L. Goring. Goring was brought to the Bar, Mr. Coke Sollicitor General set forth the he [...]nousness of his Crimes at Colchester, in Kent, Essex, &c.

He said he could not deny the matter of fact, in much of them, but should clear himself of some parti­culars.

Divers witnesses were produced vivâ voce, who proved the Death of several of the Parliament Party before Colchester, the shooting of poisoned bullets, boyled in Copperas from the Town, the cruel usage of the Prisoners in Colchester, the Lord Gorings reviling them, calling them Rebellious Rogues, the burning of six hundred Houses at Col­chester, and many other particulars.

The Lord Goring by way of defence made a Narrative of his proceedings since his last coming into England, acknowledged his receiving a Commission from the Prince, and his giving Com­missions to others.

That what he did was out of a good intention for Peace, and accommodation; That Treason not being in the intention, he could not be guilty of it; that he intended not to raise Forces against the Parliament, he pleaded his Peerage, and the Articles of Colchester, by which quarter was given him.

To this the Council for the Common-wealth re­plyed, that a mans Actions did best expound his in­tentions; that the Lord Goring' s Actions spake him guilty of Murder, Treason &c. that to his Peerage, the power by which the Court sate, was an answer.

That for the Articles of Colchester, though he had at first waved them, by pleading not guilty, yet he should have as full a benefit of them, as the Lord Capel, who had largely pleaded for them.

Against Sir John Owen, witnesses testifyed the Sir John Owen. Death of the high Sheriff of Caernarven and others; Sir John alledged that what he did, was to free him­self from violence and plunder, but it was proved that he was in the first War, had the Articles of Conway, upon which he was admitted to com­pound, took the Covenant, and Negative Oath, and yet ingaged a second time.

The Earl of Holland was removed from Warwick Castle to London.

[17.] A Declaration passed in answer to the Scots Papers, and was Ordered to be delivered to their Commissioners, and to be printed and published.

Order to allow one thousand pound per annum Salary to each of the Commissioners of the Seal.

Order for the Council of State to sit, and the Members that desired it, to have lodgings in White-Hall.

Vote for two Seals for the Committee of Seals. Estates, ingraven with the Arms of England and Ireland, and this inscription, the Committee of Estates appointed by Parliament.

Order for the General and Colonel Rich to sit in the House as Burgesses elected for Cirencester.

The Speaker acquainted the House with a Let­ter he received from the Prince Elector, of his in­tentions to return to his own Country, with some ac­knowledgement of thanks for favours to him, appoin­ted to be read on Munday next.

The High Court of Justice sate, and witnesses L. Capel. proved the escape of the Lord Capel out of the Tower, he pleaded that he did not escape as he was a Prisoner of War, but as he was sent to the Tower in another condition.

The Earl of Cambridge urged, that the Council Hamilton. assigned to him, were not ready for want of longer time, and held it not proper for them to plead in matter of Law till the fact were first proved.

The Court declared that he had been often moved to make his defence; whereupon he pro­ceeded in it, produced his Commissions, from the Parliament to command all the Forces of that Kingdom, and the order of the Committee of Estates there for him to advance into England, then the large Declaration from Scotland.

He pleaded the ends thereof, being for his Ma­jesties honour, the setling of Religion and the Cove­nant; he also pleaded the Articles agreed unto by Major General Lambert, when he yielded him­self Prisoner, whereby he was assured by him of quarter, and life, to prove which he produced the Lord Grey, Colonel Lilburn, and M r Peters for witnesses.

Concerning the point of Naturalization, he pleaded, that his Father being naturalized, could not make him a subject of England, no more than the Son of an English-man, born in any Foreign Parts was intituled thereby to any inheritance here; that he had a Petition and Bill prepared for his Naturaliza­tion, but it passed not.

Colonel Whichcot the Governour, and the Marshal of Windsor-Castle proved the Earls e­scape, after he had passed his word to the Gover­nour to be a true Prisoner: the Earl earnestly de­nyed this, and offered upon it a Challenge to the Governour were he not in his present capacity, but it was left to the judgment of the Court.

[19.] The Letter from the Prince Elector Prince Elector. was read, of the grounds of his return to his own [Page 377] Country, returning humble thanks for the favour of the Parliament to him, desiring the continu­ance of his stipend, and the arrears of it to be paid:

The House Ordered the arrears to be paid him, and the Speaker to give him a Pass for himself and his attendants forty Horse, but none other to go over with him.

Report by Lieutenant General Cromwell from the Committee of Estates, that according to the Cromwell. Order of the House, nineteen of the Committee had subscribed for approving the Kings execu­tion, but that two and twenty of the Committee had refused;

Not but that they confest (except one) the Com­mons in Parliament to be the supreme power of the Na­tion, and that they would live and dye with them, in what they should do for the future.

But they could not confirm what they had done in relation to the King and Lords: this report was committed.

Debate about disbanding the Kentish Forces, and referred to a Committee, to examine the pub­lishing of Papers to Proclaim the Prince to be King.

The high Court of Justice sate, and witnesses Hamilton. proved, that the Earl of Cambridge was Prisoner to the Lord Grey, before the Articles with Major General Lambert were concluded.

Letters produced, signed with his own hand to Sir Marmaduke Langdale, touching the carrying on of the design in England, and passages touching his Friends in Colchester.

Proved also that he was called by the late Kings Writ to sit in Parliament in the Lord Houses, by the name of Earl of Cambridge, and appeared as Earl of Cambridge, and acted as a Peer of England, sitting in the Lords House, and in divers Com­mittees.

That as a Peer of England he took the Natio­nal Covenant, and subscribed to it [Cambridge] in the House of Peers, and took the Negative Oath, before the Commissioners of the Great Seal, as a Peer of England.

Letters from Scotland, that Sir Joseph Douglas was chosen by their Parliament, to go to their Scotland. new Proclaimed King to acquaint him with what the Parliament had done, and to desire him to take heed of evil Counsellours.

That they are putting the Kingdom into a posture of defence, Colonels chosen in all the Shires, and every fourth man to be arrayed and trained.

Letters from Pontefract, that one Beaumont a Priest was executed, for corresponding with the Pontefract. Garrison in Characters, and he chose to dye, ra­ther than to discover the Characters.

At the Council of State, they were all deman­ded to subscribe the test, appointed by Parlia­ment, Test. for approving all that was done concerning the King and Kingship, and for taking away the House of Lords, and against the Scots invasion, &c.

All the Lords, and divers other Members of the Council, refused to subscribe this test, the General desired to be spared for what was past, as to subscribing; but he and the rest of the refusers affirmed, that for the future, if the Parliament thought them worthy to be imployed, they would joyn with them, and faithfully serve them.

Many of the Commons, refusers to sign it as it then was, made divers scruples, some to one part Scruples. of it, some to another.

Whitelock scrupled that part of approving the proceedings of the High Court of Justice, because he was not privy to them, nor did know what they were in particular, nor ever heard any report of them made to the house; and not knowing what they were, he could not sign that paper, to ap­prove of them, the like was said by divers o­thers.

[20.] Offer for Merchants approved, to send out Ships at their own charge in the next Summers Fleet.

Order for three thousand pound for the Mai­med Souldiers, and for Sale of the Crown Jewels, Hangings, and goods to raise money for the Navy.

An Act for the Commons to call Common Councels in London.

Debate about the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

[21.] Letters directed from the House to the Judges in their Circuits, to give order for due pay­ment of the Excise, and that all rioters against it be punished.

Upon a report from the Council of State, an Act passed, for repealing the Commission to the Earl of Warwick as Lord Admiral, and an Act Earl of Warwick. Ordered to be brought in, giving power to the Commissioners of the Navy to command the Fleet, as the Lord Admiral had done.

An Act passed for the Company of Weavers in London.

The Hart Frigat revolted to the Prince, the Sea-men set the Captain on shore, the Prince was courted at the Hague as King, but not by the States publickly.

The High Court of Justice sate, and their or­der was read to the Lord Capel, that they would L. Capel. hear what he could say this day, and then proceed to judgement.

He said he was to be comprehended wholly in the Martial Law, and urged the Articles again, which excepted Tryal after by Parliament; that divers that were in Colchester in his condition, had com­pounded.

That breaking Prison for Treason by Common Law was but felony, and benefit of Clergy might be had: at last when he could not get the resolution of the Court, to be referred to a Tryal by Martial Law,

He moved, that he might not be barred of additio­nal defence, and that if he must be judged by the Com­mon Law, he hoped he might have the full benefit of it.

He urged for it, the late Act, which saith, though King and Lords be laid aside, yet the funda­mental Laws shall be in Force.

He recommended to the Court Magna Charta, and the Petition of Right, and prest the conside­ration of the Act made in favour of those who assisted K. Hen. 7. and the exception in the Acts touching the Lord Strafford, and Canterbury, that they should not be drawn in precedent.

He desired to see his Jury, and that they might see him, and to be tryed by his Peers, and said, he believed, that a precedent could not be given, of a subject tryed for his life, but either by Bill in Parlia­ment, or by a Jury.

Witnesses were heard against the Earl of Cam­bridge.

[22.] Debate about the business of the Navy, and to incourage the Sea-men.

Order that the Councel of State take care for preserving the Library, Medals, and Statues at St. James's.

An expedient assented unto, for the Members Expedi­ent. of the Council of State, that they should subscribe the test to approve of what shall be done by the Commons in Parliament the supreme Authority [Page] of this Nation, but nothing of confirming what was past.

Referred to the Council of State to take care for the preserving of Timber for the Navy.

The Earl of Cambridge brought before the High Court, produced his witnesses, some of whom were disallowed being Officers under him, and so Hamilton. Participes Criminis.

He pleaded, that he had not broken the Negative Oath, for he had not ingaged against the Parliament, but for the ends in the Scots Declaration.

His Council moved that they might with the Council of the Common-Wealth, state the case of the Earl, but this was denyed, being in case of Treason; and that the Earl's Council could only declare their opinions in point of Law. Upon the Earl's desire, he had further time granted him.

The Council of the Army Ordered some to Army. prepare a draught of such things as might be pre­sented by them to the Parliament for the taking away of free quarter, and for provision of things due to the Army.

They Ordered also a Proclamation to be drawn up, against private meetings of Officers, or Soul­diers to the disturbance of the Army; but the right of Petitioning not to be hindered, provided it be or­derly, first acquainting their Officers.

Some Officers were appointed to think of a way, for punishing those that shall endeavour to breed any discontent in the Army, who are not of the Army.

[23.] An Act touching Sequestrations in South-Wales, and in favour of the poorer sort there; the House accepted of a summ in gross from the Delinquents there, except some persons.

Many Members having absented themselves till the late storms were over, the House Ordered, Vote. that none who have been absent, since 31. Dec. last, except Military Officers, should be re-admitted till further Order.

Order that the House do adjourn three daies in every week, and Committees to meet daily.

Debate how the publick Revenue might be brought all into one receipt, and referred to a Committee.

The General published a Proclamation against taking free quarter by some, not of the Army, and by his Souldiers, without a commissioned Officer.

The Earl of Holland being extreme ill, as was deposed by his Physician, was appointed a further Earl of Holland. day to be brought before the High Court.

[24.] Debate of advancing money, and easing the People of taxes, they appointed a Committee to consider of all Parks, Forests, Woods, &c. belonging to the King, &c.

Allowance of three pound a day to the Com­missioners of the Navy, and that the Mariners shall Navy. have so much for every Gun they shall take from any of the revolted Ships.

From the Council of State Cromwell and his Son Ireton went home with Whitelock to Supper; Cromwel. where they were very cheerful, and seemed ex­treamely well pleased; they discoursed together till twelve a Clock at night, and told many won­derful observations of Gods providence, in the affairs of the War, and in the business of the Army's coming to London, and seizing the Mem­bers of the House, in all which were miraculous passages.

As they went home, their Coach was stopped, and they examined by the guards, whom they told their names, but the Captain of the guards would not believe them, and threatned to carry these two great Officers to the Court of guard.

Ireton grew a little angry, but Cromwell was cheerful with the Souldiers, gave them twenty shillings, and commended them and their Captain for doing their duty. And they afterwards confessed that they knew Cromwell and Ireton well enough, and were more strict with them than with others, that they might see they were careful of their duty, which they believed these great men came at this time purposely to observe.

[26.] The Speaker acquainted the House with Scots Paper. a Letter the Scots. Commissioners sent him, at their going away, which was without leave; the Let­ter was full of bitterness against the Parliament, and their late proceedings against the King, the House of Lords, and the secluded Members.

The House Ordered guards to be sent privately to Gravesend, after the Scots Commissioners, to Declara­tion. apprehend them; and passed a Declaration to this effect,

That the Paper did contain much scandalous, and reproachful matter, against the just proceedings of this Parliament; and an assuming on the behalf of the Kingdom of Scotland, to have power over the Laws and Government of this Nation, to the high dishonour thereof.

And a design in the Contrivers, and Subscribers of it, to raise sedition, and grounds of a new and Bloody War in this Land, and to second their late perfidious invasion.

That all persons in England or Ireland, who shall joyn with or assist the said Contrivers and Subscribers upon the grounds laid in that Paper, are Traitours and Rebels, and shall be proceeded against as Trai­tors and Rebels.

Order that a Duplicate of the Paper be sent from this Parliament, to the Parliament and Kingdom of Scotland, to know whether they do, or will own, and justify this Paper, presented in their names to the Parliament of England.

Jo. Lilburn delivered a Paper to the House, Lilburd. with many hands to it, in the name of addresses to the supreme Authority of England, &c. propoun­ding several alterations in the Agreement of the People;

As, that there be no intervals of Parliament, or Council of State: that Parliaments be annual, and in the intervals, to intrust a Committee of their own Members; that in the Agreement, there be a reserve from ever having any Kingly Government, and a bar against restoring the House of Lords.

That Tythes be quite taken away, the Excise, Customs, and Merchants Companies; that there be no imprisoment of disabled men for debts, and a Course to force all that are able to pay their debts, and not to shelter themselves in Prison.

That provision be made of work and comfortable maintenance for all sorts of poor, aged, and impo­tent People; a speedy and less troublesome way for de­ciding controversies in Law, with these proposals,

1. That they would not dissolve the House, till a new Representative the next day be ready to succeed.

2. To put in practice the self-denying Ordinance.

3. That the same persons may not be continued long in the highest commands of Military power.

4. That a Committee of the House, may hear and conclude all controversies between Officers and Soul­diers, and mitigate the Law Martial, and provide that it be not exercised upon persons not of the Army.

5. To open the Press for printing freely.

6. To abate the Charge of the Law, and the sti­pends of Judges, and Offices, and to ease the taxes.

7. Above all, to dissolve the present Council of State, which so much doth threaten Tyranny; and to manage affairs by Committees of short continuance, to be often accountable for their trust.

[Page 378] 8. To prohibit upon strict penalty, all Committees Magistrates, and Officers from exceeding their Com­missions, and to incourage complaints against them.

9. To satisfy, as to arrears of the Souldiers, and as to accounts.

10. That the Ordinance for Tythes upon treble damages may be taken away.

Another Petition of divers Officers, and Soul­diers Petition. of the Army, to the same effect with the other; and that the Laws may be in our own lan­guage; both referred to a Committee.

The High Court of Justice continued for a Week longer.

Letters from Dublin of the great wants of Co­lonel Jones, and of the conjunction of the Enemy.

The Council of the Earl of Cambridge were Hamilton. heard before the High Court of Justice, they pleaded that the Earl was no free Denizen, and though his Father was naturalizd, and his heirs, yet he not being born in the Kingdom, could receive no benefit thereof.

That if he had been a free Denizen; yet it was not prejudicial to him, because he acted by command and Authority of the Parliament of another Nation (and not of himself) who was governed by another distinct Law.

The Earl pleaded the Articles given him by Major General Lambert who had power to do it, and secured him, by a party of his Forces; that he was ordered to be banished by Parliament pay­ing one hundred thousand pound for his Delin­quency.

[27.] The House sate not.

The Earl of Holland was brought to the High Court, and the Charge of High Treason read a­gainst E. of Hol­land. him, and aggravated by the Sollicitor Ge­neral, that the Earl was an eminent Courtier, and probably did ill Offices, and perswaded the King to go from the Parliament, and went afterwards himself to Oxford.

That he returned from thence, had his Sequestra­tion taken off; that he published a Declaration pro­mising in the word of a Gentleman, and a Christian, that he would stand by the Parliament, he took the Negative Oath, and the Covenant.

Yet the last Year he ingaged, and probably con­triv'd the insurrection, wherein the Duke of Bucks, and his Brother, and others were drawn in, and he boasted that he should shortly be twelve thousand strong, and master the Parliament, and restore the King.

The Earl pleaded that his fact was not Capital, but Criminal, that he had quarter given him, when he was taken at St. Needs, and that both Houses had past an Order since for his banishment; the which ex­cused the aggravations, especially in his last Action.

Letters that a Peace was confirmed by Articles, between Ormond and the Catholick Party in Ireland, Ireland. and a Proclamation by Ormond for all to obey it.

Letters from Scotland, that the Messengers from their Parliament were come to the King; that the Scotland. Scots Parliament made a Law that Adultery should be punished by Death.

[28.] The Monthly Fast.

Order for a day of publick humiliation through out the Kingdom.

A Committee appointed to bring in an Act to take away the Monthly Fasts, and to have Fast­daies Ordered as there shall be particular oc­casion. Fasts.

A Committee to draw up a new Oath instead of that of Supremacy to be taken by Papists.

The Scots Commissioners being apprehended Scots. at Gravesend, referred to the Council of State to send them to Scotland with a guard by Land, and that they write a Letter to the Parliament of Scotland, of their late carriage, and to know how March. far that Parliament will owne the same.

An Act passed giving power to any ten of the Common Council of London, to call a Court, and London. forty Members to be a Common Council, in case the Lord Mayor and Aldermen refuse.

An Act past for disabling the Malignant Magi­stracy Norwich. of Norwich.

March, 1648.

[1.] The House sate not.

The Council of state made several Orders in relation to the Navy, and that the Committee of the Army do certify to them the arrears of the Army, and what proceedings have been about set­ling their Debenters.

Upon a Petition of the Countess of Holland to the High Court, and proof of the Earls being very sick, the Court gave him further time to an­swer.

The Council of the Army passed a Petition to Army. present to the House, and the General presented to them a Letter subscribed by eight Troupers of several Regiments, and delivered to him.

The effect of it, was to assert the Souldiers right to Petition, without their Officers consent, and it was high against the Council of State, and High Court.

This was ill resented by the Officers, and each of them present, by the poll, disavowed and disapproved the Letter, as tending to divide and disunite the Army; five of the eight Troupers were committed till they should be cleared by a Court Martial.

[2.] Colonel Whaley, and divers other Of­ficers C. Whaley. of the Army, presented a Letter from the General with a Petition from the General Council of the Army, to which the General concurred: Their desires were,

  • 1. That Free quarter be forthwith totally taken away.
    Petition.
  • 2. For provision for constant pay of the Army.
  • 3. For Receivers to account.
  • 4. Abuses of Clipt money to be redressed.
  • 5. Souldiers accounts to be stated, and Debenters given out.
  • 6. Security for them by Deans and Chapters lands, or otherwise.
  • 7. For satisfaction for Souldiers Horses slain or lost in Fight.
  • 8. For Maintenance for maimed Souldiers and Widows of Souldiers.
  • 9. For relief of Ireland.
  • 10. For the supply of the Irish Officers come from Inchequin, &c.

Order that these matters be taken into con­sideration, and thanks returned to the Petitioners.

Referred to the Council of State to consider what Forces are fit to be maintained in this King­dom and in Ireland, and to bring in an estimate, that the House may make an establishment for all.

Order for recruits of Horse according to the Petition.

Referred to the Council of State to consider what is fit for the House to do at present, con­cerning Ireland.

Referred to a Committee to consider of the Standard. Standard in the old Palace, and of taking it down and selling it.

Order for Sir George Ascue to command as Sir. George Ascue. Admiral of the Irish Seas, and for several others to be Commanders of Ships.

[Page] Order for two hundred pound for the Irish Of­ficers.

An Act past concerning Sequestred Estates, in the Northern Counties, to be sold for ease of the People.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to re­move the obstructions in stating the Souldiers ac­counts.

An Act read and committed for bringing re­ceivers, &c. to account.

[3.] The Earl of Holland before the High Court pleaded the same plea he had done before, Earl of Holland. of free quarter given him, and witnesses were ex­amined on both sides, he desired Council, but it was denyed.

The Earl of Cambridge made an additional de­fence, not much varying from what he had said Hamilton before, in answer whereunto, the Council of the Common-Wealth did speake five or six hours.

Four of the eight Troupers who presented the Pe­tition to the General and General Council, were brought, and tryed before the Court Martial, and the Paper delivered by them to the General was adjudged by the Court to be scandalous to the Parli­ament, the Council of State, the High Court of Justice, and tending to divide the Army.

Upon the fifth Article of War against reproach­ful and scandalous words and actions, the Court Martial sentenced these four Troupers, to ride the Horse with their Faces to the tayl, their swords to be broken over their heads, and to be cashiered the Army.

[5.] Upon a Report from the Council of State, an estimate was made by them of the Charge. Charge of all Forces in Field, and Garrison, in England, and Ireland, to be one hundred and sixty thousand pound per mensem. Order for an Act to be brought in thereupon.

An Act passed, to impower the Commissioners of the Navy, to execute Martial Law. Vote.

An Act read to abolish Kingly government.

Order for the Council of State to consider of increase of allowance for incouragment to such Officers of the Fleet, as shall deliver back their Charges, without imbezlement of the stores, or other abuses to the State.

Referred to the Commissioners of the Admiralty to provide a Convoy and Ship of War, for the Prince Elector. Prince Elector and his retinue.

Sir John Pawlets composition at three thousand seven hundred and sixty pound allowed, and four thousand and two hundred pound for the Lord Pawlet.

An Act for a new Seal for the Courts of Wales, and for Powell, Eltonhead, Parker, and Clerk, to be Judges there.

Letters from Scotland, that the Parliament resolved to raise an Army of seventeen thousand Scotland. Foot and six thousand Horse against the Sectarian Army in England, in prosecution of the Covenant, they having a report that an Army of English was upon their Borders.

That Colonel Monroe, and Colonel Fizen with a party of Horse and Foot in the Northern parts of Scotland, having Declared for King Charles II. taken Enderness, and increased to four thousand; the Scots Parliament repealed their votes of raising an Army against England, and Ordered Forces a­gainst Monroe, and his Party.

Pontefract desired a Treaty, and were full of sickness in the Garrison.

[6.] Report from the Council of State of forty thousand Horse and Foot to be kept up in Standing Army. England and Ireland, whereof twelve thousand for Ireland, their pay to be eighty thousand pound per mensem and free-quarter to be taken off.

Mr. Cauton a London Minister in his Prayer be­fore the Lord Mayor, having prayed for Charles II. as lawful King, referred to Mr. Steel and Mr. Coke to prosecute him in the Upper Bench for Treason, upon the late Declaration.

Letters of proclaiming King Charles II. in Guernsey Island by Sir George Carteret.

Letters from Holland, that the Ministers there, in their Pulpits inveigh against the proceedings in England, and Pray for King Charles II.

Referred to the Council of State to consider what is fit to be done herein, and to preserve a good correspondence betwixt the two Nations.

The Earl of Cambridge brought before the High Hamilton. Court, and asked what he had further to say, why sentence should not be pronounced against him, spake to the same effect as formerly.

The Earl of Holland and Lord Goring extenua­ted what they could their Offences, as being rash, not much hurtful, &c.

The Lord Capel briefly repeated what he had formerly said, and further observed an Ordinance of Parliament, That Quarter should not be given to Irish Rebels for life, which implyed, that quarter given to others, should be inviolable for life.

Sir John Owen pleaded quarter.

The President in his Scarlet robes spake many hours, in answer to the several pleas of the Priso­ners, and at last sentence was given against them all, that their heads should be severed from their Bodies, yet with relation to the Mercy of Parliament.

[7.] Referred to a Committee to draw up an Act, for taking off all priviledge from Noblemen, and to make their persons as liable to Law, as any Commoner.

An Act committed for taking away Kingly Government, and another for dissolving the House of Peers.

The Earl of Warwick, and the Countess of Holland presented a Petition for the life of the Earl of Holland, and divers Ladies for the others, against whom, the High Court had pronounced sentence of Death.

After some hours Debate upon these Petitions, the House resolved upon the Question, not to proceed any further upon these Petitions but to leave them to the Justice of the Court that sen­tenced them.

Then the Ladies Petitioned the High Court, who only reprieved the Execution for two daies.

[8.] A New form for electing Members of the House assented to.

Order that the Council of State, nor Committees do not sit after nine in the Morning, when the House sits.

Orders for seventy thousand pound per mensem for the Forces in England, and thirty thousand pound per mensem for the Forces in Ireland, and for an Act for eighty thousand pound per mensem assessment for the Forces; and free quarter to be taken off.

New Petitions of the condemned Lords, and a Letter from the General touching their Articles; and after a long Debate, the Question was put of them severally, and voted, Votes. L. Capell. L. Goring.

That the Lord Capel should not be reprieved.

And carried by one vote that the Lord Goring should be reprieved, this one vote was the Speaker, who carried the House being equally divided four and twenty of each part; and he said he did it, be­cause he had formerly received some civilities from the Lord Goring, and his single vote now saved his life.

[Page 379] The House was also divided upon the question, whether the Earl of Holland should be reprieved or not, and the Speaker gave his voice against him.

Thus the Lord Goring who had been no friend to the Religious party, was saved, and the Earl Earl of Holland. of Holland who had been a most civil person to all, and a very great friend to the old Puritans, and protected them in the time of his greatest in­terest, by the same single Vote lost his life.

This may be a caution to us against the affectation of popularity, when you see the issue of it in this Noble Gentleman, who was as full of Generosity and Courtship to all Sorts of Persons, and readi­ness to help the oppressed, and to stand for the rights of the people, as any person of his qua­lity in this Nation.

Yet this person was by the Representatives of the people, given up to execution for Treason; and another Lord, who never made profession of being a friend to liberty, either Civil or Spiritu­al, and exceeded the Earl as much in his Crimes, as he came short of him in his popularity, the life of this Lord was spared by the people.

The resolution touching Duke Hamiltons Re­prieve past in the Negative, and for Sir Jo. Owen Hamilton. in the Affirmative, and these Votes ordered to be sent to the High Court of Justice.

[9.] Amendments to an Act for provision for the Forces of England, and Ireland, assented to.

The House rose early being thin, because of the execution of the Lords.

The Earl of Cambridge was brought to the Hamilton. Scaffold in the Palace-Yard at Westminster, and after some discourse with Dr. Sibbalds a Minister that came with him, he turned to the people, and seeing them so great a multitude, he said his voice would not serve for them to hear him, and therefore directed his speech to those upon the Scaffold with him.

He confessed his Religion to be according to that of the Kirk of Scotland, that he had ever been Loyal to the late King and wished well to his Posterity, and that none more desired the peace and happiness of this and other Kingdoms than himself.

That his coming into England with the late Army, was out of no Treasonable or ill intent, but for the ends contained in the Scots Declaration, and what he did, was as a servant to that Parliament and King­dom.

That in that imployment, next to the setling of Religion, the establishing the King was his greatest aim; and he wished his blood, in order to the King­dom, might be the last that should be spilt. That if he would have confessed who invited the Scots Army into England, it would probably have saved his life.

Then he made a short Prayer, Dr. Sibbalds kneeling with him, and being risen, he cast off his Cloak and Doublet, put on a little white Sattin Cap, forgave the Executioner, and gave him ten pounds, a little after he spake a while in private with his Servants, and again made a short prayer.

His Countenance was cheerful, and all the time of his being on the Scaffold, there appeared in him no fear, disorder, change of Countenance, or discomposure. He took his leave of Dr. Sib­balds, imbracing him; and of his Servants, whom he commended, particularly M r Lewys his Secre­tary.

He laid down his head upon the Block, and after a short Prayer he gave the signal, by stretching out his hand, and the Executioner struck of his head at one blow; which was wrapped in a Red Sar­cenet Scarf, and with his Body put into the Cof­fin and carried away.

Next came upon the Scaffold the Earl of Hol­land, who was accompanied by M r Hodges, and M r Bolton Ministers, divers of his Servants and other Gentlemen with him: from M r Hodges a Earl of Holland. person of eminent parts and piety, and who it is believed would not tell an untruth, was this relation:

That between the time of his sentence and exe­cution, he only lay in the Earls Bed-chamber, to discourse with him, and to comfort him, being admitted and desired by him to that freedom, when he would not see his Lady, nor any of his Children, which he said would add too much to his sorrow, and discompose his thoughts, which were now to be set only upon another world.

That the Earl for several days after his sen­tence, was in great perplexity and agony of his thoughts, and said, he had not assurance of Pardon of his Sins, and of the love of God to him, that he was not prepared to die, that Christ would not be ad­vantage to him.

M r Hodges endeavoured to allay these doubt­ings, and to comfort the Earl with declaring to him the infiniteness of Gods mercies, and his wil­lingness to pardon all poor sinners that come to him through Christ, that never any who sought the love of God in Christ with a true faith in Christ did ever fail to obtain the assurance of it to his distressed Soul.

The Earl desired Mr. Hodges to pray with him, to seek God for this Mercy, which M r Hodges did; and upon this subject, with as earnest a seeking of the Lord for it, as he could express; and the Earl himself frequently prayed to the same effect, and with wonderful fervency of expression.

That still the Earl continued in a desponding condition, till the day before his suffering, when immediately after prayer, the Earl with rejoycing, told Mr. Hodges, that God had heard their prayers, and his Spirit was come in to comfort him, that he had prevayled, through the strength of Christ, over Satan, and all his Spiritual enemies, and all tem­ptations, that the Lord had given in to him an assu­rance of his love in Christ; and that now he was both ready and willing to die.

Mr. Hodges was much joyed at this, and they then went to Prayer together, to bless God for this great mercy, and to begg the continuance of this frame of Spirit to the last, and God heard them in this also.

The Earl who had not slept several nights be­fore, nor eat his meat, now supped, and went to bed, with no more disturbance in his Spirits, than in his best health, and slept so soundly all the night and this morning, that they were much troubled to awaken him.

He went to the Scaffold without being any whit daunted, and after some discourse with the Gentlemen, he showed himself to the people, who were generally moved with sorrow, for the suffering of so gallant a Person, whose meen, and comlyness would move compassion.

He directed his speech to the people at the front of the Scaffold towards Westminster-Hall, made a large profession of his religion as a Prote­stant, mentioned his birth, and education, excused his going to the King from the Parliament, and re­turn to the Parliament again, and extenuated his late insurrection.

After he had ended his speech, he turned to the other side of the Scaffold, and kneeled down to his private Prayers, after which he had con­ference with Mr. Hodges and Mr. Bolton.

Then he pulled off his gown and doublet, ha­ving on him a white Satten Wastecoat, and put on [Page] a white Satten Cap, and prepared himself for the Block, took his leave and embraced with much affection Mr. Hodges, Mr. Bolton, his Servants, and others, forgave the Executioner, and gave him money, ten pound in Gold.

Then he laid himself down on the Block, pray­ed a while, and gave the sign by stretching forth his Arms, upon which the Executioner severed his head from his shoulders at one blow, which with his body was presently put into a Coffin, and carried away.

Next was my Lord Capel brought to the Scaf­fold, much after the manner of a stout Roman; L. Capel. he had no Minister with him, nor shewed any sense of death approaching, but carried himself all the time he was upon the Scaffold, with that boldness and resolution as was to be ad­mired.

He wore a sad coloured Suit, his Hat cocked up, and his Cloak thrown under one arm; he looked towards the people at his first coming up, and put off his Hat in manner of a Salute, he had a little discourse with some Gentlemen upon the Scaffold, and passed up and down in a care­less posture.

He went to the front of the Scaffold and lean­ing over, made a speech to the people, he said he dyed a Protestant according to the Religion pro­fest in the thirty nine Articles, the best he knew of.

That he was condemned for keeping the fifth Com­mandment Written by Gods own finger, which com­manded to obey Magistrates; and he died for obey­ing his King, the most religious of all Princes; and his Son Prince Charles who he said, was King, and the rest of the Kings Children Heirs to the Crown.

He concluded with a desire to the people to pray for him, and after a short discourse with some on the Scaffold, he spake once or twice to the Executi­oner, and gave him money, then he put off his Cloak and Doublet with much confidence, and put on a White Cap, took leave briefly of the Gentlemen on the Scaffold, and prepared for the Block.

Where laying himself down, with hands and eyes lifted up, he prayed a while, after that, fit­ting himself to the Block, upon the signal of stretching forth his right hand, the Executioner severed his head from his body at one blow, which were Coffin'd up and carried away.

The first General Seal, the Commissioners sate in the Middle-Temple-Hall, and did not go to General Seal. Westminster, because of the trouble, and multi­tudes of people and Guards in the Palace-Yard, upon the Execution of the Lords; but they found their meetings to be more convenient out of Term, and in the afternoons in the Temple-Hall, both for them and for the Council.

[10.] The Salary of one thousand pound per an. to each of the Judges, was changed from the Re­ceipt of the Customs, to the Revenue.

Debate of an Act to constitute Commissioners Poor Pri­soners. to discharge poor Prisoners who have lain long in Prison, and have no Estates to pay their debts, and to force those who have Estates, yet keep them, and continue Prisoners, but have liberty for their Keepers and will not pay their debts, but go abroad as if they were not Prisoners.

The House Adjourned till the afternoon, but there were so few Members, that they could not sit.

Letters that a Ship of Washford in Ireland, lan­ded some men in the night, on the Coast of Wales, Wales. under the House of one M r Griffith Jones, and told him that they were for Prince Charles King of Ireland, whereupon he opened his doors, but they carried him away Prisoner, and plundered his House; yet a party of the Parliament Horse, quartered not far off, came in, saved some of the goods, and took the Quarter-Master of the Ship and five Marriners.

At the Council of State, Sergeant Bradshaw Bradshaw. took his place of Lord President of the Council; but he seemed not much versed in such businesses, and spent much of their time by his own long speeches.

[12.] Major General Laughern, Poyer, and Powel, referred to be tryed by a Court Martial. And referred to a Committee to consider of other Prisoners of War. Prisoners of War, who are fit to be banished, who for perpetual Imprisonment, who for Exe­cution, and who for Composition.

Mr. Walter Montague Prisoner, had leave up­on security, to go beyond Seas.

Order to reduce interest Money to six per Cent.

Committees appointed about Compositions of Delinquents, and about the several Receipts for Monies.

Order for the Arrears of Colonel Thorney slain in Lincolnshire in the Parliaments service to be stated, and his Son to have one hundred pound per annum.

Sergeant Bradshaw made Chief Justice of Wales.

The Garison of Pontefract brake off their Pontefract. Treaty of Rendition, because Major General Lambert insisted to have some excepted from mer­cy, whereupon some Papers with Stones were thrown over the Walls to inform the Souldiers of it, and then they came to a new Treaty.

Letters from Scotland, that the Enemy at En­derness, Scotland. marched out four thousand strong, and expected six thousand Danes to join with them; that the Parliament there were very angry at the stopping of their Commissioners in England; and that they are near to an agreement with their new King Charles II.

A Petition from divers well affected in Nor­folk, Norfolk Petition. directed to his Excellency Thomas Fairfax Lord General of the Forces raised for the defence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the inlargement of the liberty of the well affected English,

Recites the Sins and corruptions of the times, and in all professions; and prays,

1. That none but men of known integrity, fidelity, and well affected to the cause in hand, may be put into any Office, military or civil, and no Delinquent to be trusted in any Office.

2. That no longer the Scandalous, ignorant, and Malignant Clergy, may take the word of God into their mouths, but a Godly and painful Ministry to be placed throughout the Kingdom, that for their main­tenance, all Rectories may be restored, those in the hands of well affected men, to have a valuable recom­pence out of the Bishops Lands; those in Delin­quents hands, to be taken away.

Tythes to be wholly taken away, and every Minister to have one hundred pounds per annum, to be rated equally, upon the respective Parishes.

3. That the Lords day, Fast-days, and the like, be kept wholly from all manner of imployment, except upon necessity.

4. That the Laws against Swearing, Cursing, and Drunkenness be put in execution, that there may be no more Inns nor Ale-Houses, but what are need­ful to entertain Strangers going about lawful bu­sinesses, and no Gaming, nor any to be Ʋnlicen­sed.

5. Papists to have no more but to maintain them­selves [Page 380] reasonably, and their Children to be bred Pro­testants.

6. Schools and the Ʋniversities to be purged.

7. That all Courts in the Country be put down, and all causes under ten pounds value to be judged by two or three Neighbours to be chosen by the Parties; and Perjury, and Subornation of it to be death. All Suits in Equity to be tryed by Juries, not by Common Law.

Witnesses, to be examined before the Judge, except betwen two Nobles, Knights, &c. who are able to stand a long Suit in Chancery. No cause to hang above two Terms, Lawyers to be reduced to a smaller num­ber, and their fees be be less and certain, and but one Counsel in small causes.

8. That who will may purchase Lands to be Free­hold in Soccage, for a reasonable Fine; and that the base Oath of Fealty and Homage, may make no more perjured Souls in the Kingdom.

9. That the Army be purged of all disaffected to the cause; and swearing, and other sins be punished therein.

10. That all taxes be taken off, and the Army paid, and satisfaction to the well affected out of De­linquents estates, Deans and Chapters Lands, &c. that the Crown Lands defray the Pensions of the Judges, the charges of the Navy, &c.

11. That Authors, Printers, and publishers, of Scandalous and lying Pamphlets be supprest, and se­verely punished.

12. That Clipt and counterfeit Money be cal­led in.

13. That Fairs be kept only in Market Towns, and small Fairs forbidden.

14. For purging the Parliament, setting Godly Guards about them, bringing Capital Offenders to Justice, and setling religion according to the mind of God.

Letters from the Hague, that the Prince was there generally owned as King, that the Episco­pal Doctors flocked to him, that Dr. Critton had a check for his railing Sermons.

The House sate not; at the Councel of State Council of State. they had some intelligence that looked dange­rously; and they expected difficulties: That which seemed of most threatning was their own divisions, and such Petitions as that before men­tioned.

[14.] A Letter from the Parliament of Scotland, Scotland. about the confinement of their Commissioners, and justifying the papers delivered in by them; Referred to the Council of State.

Referred to them to consider of Forces to be sent to Ireland, and to nominate a General, and other Chief Officers.

One of the Parliaments Frigats went to Sir George Carteret to Guernsey, who after he had got possession of her, turned off all the Ma­riners.

An Act passed for a new Seal for Cheshire, Flint­shire, &c.

Order that Whitelock be injoyned to bring in a Declaration, to satisfy the people, touching the proceedings of Parliament.

Order for divers Members, and the Master of the Ceremonies to attend the Prince Elector to Gravesend. That the Committee of the Reve­nue Prince Elector. provide Barges, &c. and that the Speaker and Members wait on the Prince to take leave of him.

Upon a report from the Council of State, Vo­ted Vote. Tryals for life. that Sir Jo. Stowell, and Judge Jenkins be try­ed for their life.

That Wren Bishop of Ely, and the Marquess of Winchester be not tryed for life, but imprisoned till further order of the House.

That Colonel Brownbushell be tryed for his life.

That the Prince, Duke of York, and divers Lords of the Kings party be banished.

The Confederates in Ireland sent to the Prince Ireland. to come thither, that they would proclaim him King of Ireland, and joyn with him against Eng­land.

[15.] The House sate not.

The Council of State nominated Lord General Cromwel. Cromwel to be General for Ireland.

M r Munday an Irish Rebel was shot to death by sentence of the Council of War, and James Wil­son to ride the Wooden Horse with a Musket at each Leg, and to run the Gantelope at Lanca­ster.

Articles of Peace between the King of France and the Parisians were agreed upon.

At the Council of State they had great busines­ses, and long sitting.

[16.] Letters from the Hague, that their Am­bassadour Durch Am­basadour. lately returned from England, reported the many civilities, and honour he had received in England from the Parliament and Army.

Whitclock brought in the Draught of a Decla­ration touching the proceedings of Parliament in the late transactions.

Upon his report of the Declartion, it was moved to pass it presently without any Commit­ment; but he moved it might be committed to amend some faults in it, and upon the com­mitment they made it much sharper than he had drawn it, and added divers Clauses, which he thought matters fit to be omitted.

After this, it was much pressed to set a time for dissolving this Parliament; most of the House disliked to set a time, as dangerous; but agreed, that when the business of the Kingdom would permit, that then it should be dissolved.

[17.] Order for a publick fast.

The Declaration passed touching the trans­actions of Parliament, and Ordered to be Prin­ted in English, Latin, French, and Dutch.

An Act reciting Charls Stuart to have been just­ly Kingly Of­fice abo­lished. condemned, and put to death for many Treasons, Murders, and other hainous Offences by him com­mitted. And that it hath been found by experience the Office of a King in this Nation and Ireland, and to have the power thereof in any single Person is un­necessary, Burthensom, and Dangerous to the Li­berty, safety, and publick Interest of the People, and that for the most part use has been made of the Regal Power and Prerogative to Oppress, and Impoverish, and Enslave the Subject, and that usually and na­turally any one Person in such power makes it his in­terest to incroach upon the just Freedom, and to pro­mote the setting up of their own lust: Therefore the Office of a King in this Nation henceforth not to reside, or be exercised by any one single Person. And whereas by the abolition of the Kingly Office, a most happy way is made for this Nation (if God see good) to return to its Just and Ancient right of being go­verned by its own Representatives or National Meet­ings in Council from time to time chosen and in­trusted for that purpose by the People, They resolve and declare that they will put a period to the sitting of this present Parliament, and dissolve the same, so soon as may possibly stand with the safety of the People that has entrusted them, and with what is absolutly neces­sary for the preserving and upholding the Government now setled in the way of a Commonwealth. And that they will carefully provide for the certain Chu­sing, Meeting and Sitting of the next future Re­presentatives, with such other circumstances of Free­dom in Choice and equality in distribution of Mem­bers [Page] to be elected thereunto, as shall most conduce to the lasting freedom and good of this Common-wealth.

Votes touching Compositions of Delinquents.

Order for every Member to meet by nine in the Morning upon forfeiture of twelve pence for every default.

Debate of making Elections of Parliament men more equal, and not to be ingrossed in some Elections. few Corporations.

[19.] A Petition from the well affected of Leicestershire. Petition.

  • 1. That the Militia may be in good hands.
  • 2. That the Army may be provided for, and all Delinquents Estates to go for that end, and Free-quarter be taken off.
  • 3. That the profits of great Offices may be im­ployed for the publick.
  • 4. That the Laws may be according to those God gave his people, and plain and short, in the English Tongue, and Hand.
  • 5. That Tythes may be taken away, and a more equal provision for the Ministry.
  • 6. That Officers of Treasure may account.
  • 7. That all may injoy their freedoms to worship God according to his word, without coercive courses to the contrary.
  • 8. For relief for Ireland.
  • 9. For provision for the poor, and to set them to work as they do in Holland.

The petition was commended, and the Petiti­oners had the thanks of the House.

Captain Bray presented Books to the Members Pamphlet. of the House, entituled An Appeal against the the Lord Fairfax General, containing matter of Fairfax. Charge against him, to have him outed of his command in the Army.

Which being read, Captain Bray was called in, and asked if he would own the Book, which he did, and the House Voted the Book to be Scanda­lous as to the General and Council of War, and tending to stir up sedition in the People, and mutiny in the Army; and the Captain was com­mitted Prisoner to Windsor Castle.

Upon information that the Turkish Alcoran was printing in English, Ordered to suppress it. Alcoran.

The Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations repealed; and a Committee na­med to consider of a way for Appeals upon seque­strations.

Votes touching Compositions, and some excep­ted Persons.

Order for Justices of the Peace to meet Month­ly, and make provision for the poor, and to set them to work, and to find out ingrossers of Corn and Coal.

An Act passed that the Commons of England as­sembled House of Peers abo­lished. in Parliament finding by too long experience the House of Lords to be useless and dangerous to the people of England to be continued, Ordain from henceforth the House of Lords in Parliament to be wholly abolished and taken away, nevertheless they nor their Posterity to be excluded from the publick Coun­cils of the Nation, but to have their free Vote in Parliament as other members, when duly Elected.

In the House business went on slowly as here­tofore, Animosi­ties. and not without great difference in opi­nion, and some Animosities, the most mischievous of all other things to their interest.

[20.] The House sate not.

The Council of State had consideration of the business of the Navy, and several Merchants at­tended in it.

The Lady Carlisle was examined about the last Lady Car­lisle. Summers insurrection, and confined by the Council.

They consider also the letter from the Parlia­ment of Scotland, upon staying of their Commi­ssioners here:

Which they alledge to be contrary to the Covenant, Scotland. League, and Ʋnion between both Nations, in breach of the Treaties, and contrary to the Publick Faith and Law of Nations, by which the freedom of Am­bassadors and Commissioners is Sacred and Inviolable; not only betwixt Christians, but even among Hea­then Kingdoms and States; they desire their Com­missioners may be freed from all restraint.

Letters from Lancaster, that the Forces of Co­lonel Disband. Aston (about four thousand) refuse to dis­band, profess for the Covenant and are incoura­ged by the Clergy; that Major General Lambert is gone to disband them by force, if there be no other way.

The Scots Anti-Covenanteers offered to joyn a­gainst the Sectaries in England.

In the Council of State, the President Brad­shaw Bradshaw. spent much of their time, in urging his own long arguments, which are inconvenient in State matters; and his part was only to gather the sence of the Council, and to state the question, not to deliver his own opinion.

[21.] Vote That Papists in Arms might com­pound at a Moiety of their Estates.

Reference to the three Commissioners of the Navy of matters relating to the Fleet

A Letter from the Lord Chief Baron Wilde, of the Mayor and Justices of Excester, refusing to appear at the Assizes, referred to the Council of State, and referred to them to take care against the ingrossing of Coal from Newastle.

A Book of the Lancashire Ministers, called the Agreement of the People, referred to the Commit­tee of plundered Ministers to examine.

[22.] The House sate not, but divers Com­mittees to prepare business for them.

The Countess of Carlisle was again before the Council of State, about the last Summers Ingage­ment.

A Complaint to the Council of the Army a­gainst Woolaston, Keeper of Newgate; and an Of­ficer sent to desire justice against him.

The King of France's agreement with the Pa­risians, was refused by them.

The King of Denmark sent an Ambassadour to Denmark. Prince Charles, to offer him assistance.

A Minister of the Hague in the presence of di­vers others his Brethren, made a complemental Speech to Prince Charles, and stiled him most Il­lustrious King.

The Swedish Resident at the Hague made great rejoycing for the peace in Germany, at every health 30. Pieces of Ordnance were discharged, two Fountains were made to run with Claret and White Wine, and in their Fire Works (as the Letters relate) the name of the Queen of Sweeden might be read very perfectly.

The Parliaments Declaration of their grounds, and intentions of their late transactions, published.

[23.] An Act committed for relieving and set­ting the poor to work.

Order for the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of Lon­don, Kingly go­vernment. in Person to proclaim the Act for dissolving Kingly government; and a Writ agreed for pro­claiming it in the Market Towns of the Several Counties by the Sheriffs.

Order for eight thousand pound which should have been paid to the Scots, to be for the Navy.

Order for Commissioners to be appointed to Inventory the goods and Personal Estate of the late King, Queen and Prince, and apprise them for the use of the Publick.

[Page 381] Order for an Act to be brought in to satisfy well affected persons to whom the King, Q. or P. were indebted before the Wars, out of the value of those goods and estate, but that the first 30000 [...] to be raised by them, be for the use of the Navy, the Council of State to keep such of the goods, as they should think fit for the use of the Common-wealth.

An Act for an assessment of 90000 [...] per mensem Ordered to be debated in a Grand Committee.

Order for a Commission to the Judge, and other Officers of the Admiralty to try and give sentence, on such Sea-men Prisoners, as revolted to the Enemy.

A Report from the Council of State of several great Ships, to be presently set out to Sea, approved.

Referred to them to consider of raising monies by the Forests, Chaces, and Parks, and the tim­ber in them, which is unfit for shipping.

The Council of the Army named two Officers of every Regiment to meet and seek God, what ad­vice Cromwell. to offer to the G. concerning Ireland, and the Lieutenant General Cromwell was to give in his an­swer to the Council of State, whether he will go for Ireland, or not, within two daies.

[24.] The House sate in a grand Committee upon the Ordinance for assessments for the Army.

The Council of the Army proposed incourage­ments for those who would ingage for Ireland, and Ireland. the Regiments to be drawn out by lot.

Letters that Ormond proclaimed King Charles II. in Ireland, and sent a Letter to C. Jones to advise Ormond. him to come in to the obedience of the King; and promising him great rewards, if he do it, and safety to all that come in with him, and leave the preten­ded Parliament of England, who have murdered their King, and would introduce Anarchy.

C. Jones returned answer, That he understood not how his Lordship came to that power, that the Parlia­ment C. Jones. of England would never have consented to such a peace as his Lordship made with the Rebels, without any provision for the Protestant Religion.

That he knew not how that could be established by an Army of Papists, to whose hands his Lordship had given up that whole Kingdom; that he had rather suf­fer in his trust, than to purchase to himself the igno­miny of perfidy, by any advantage offered to him.

Letters that Pontefract Castle was surrendred up­on Articles, six persons were excepted, whereof Pontefract surrend­red. three escaped, that the Souldiers and Officers were to go to their homes, first subscribing an ingage­ment, not to advise, act, or take up Arms against the Parliament or Common-Wealth of England, that they had two Months provisions, and forty Barrels of Powder in the Castle.

[25.] Easter day.

[26.] The House sate not. 1649.

The Council of the Army agreed for incourage­ment of those who shall ingage for Ireland, that they shall have three months advance of their pay, and of their arrears, and if they be slain, those to have it to whom they shall assign it, That a Court of Admiralty be in Ireland, &c. these things to be proposed to the House for their confirmation.

Letters from Ireland of Ormond's preparations Ireland. for his Forces; that the Ʋlster Scots declared a­gainst the Parliament, and declined Monk; that the Parliaments Army there are in great want, and their interest in danger to be wholly lost in that Kingdom.

The heads of the Articles of Peace made by Ormond, were,

1. That the Roman Catholicks of Ireland, have Irish Peace. free exercise of Religion, all penalties to be taken off, not to be obliged to the Oath of supremacy, to injoy Church livings in their possession, and jurisdiction.

2. For a Parliament when the Catholicks shall de­sire it.

3. All Laws made in England since 1641. in ble­mish of the Catholicks to be vacated.

4. All Indictments against them since that time to be vacated.

5. That Catholicks may be elected, and vote in Par­liament.

6. Debts to remain as in 40.

7. The Estates of freeholders in Connaught, &c. to be secured.

8. All incapacities of the Natives to be taken away.

9. All honours, trusts, imployments, &c. to be con­ferred on the Catholicks, as well as Protestants.

10. That the King take two thousand pound per annum for the Court of Wards.

11. Noble men to have but two Proxies in Parlia­ment.

12. The depending of the Parliament of Ireland upon England to be as both shall agree, to stand with the Laws of Ireland.

13. That the Council table meddle only with State matters.

14. Act against transporting wooll to be null.

15. Those wronged by grants to have relief.

16. Wronged persons to have right.

17. Restitution of Estates.

18. An Act of oblivion to pass.

19. Customs not to be farmed, and Monopolies to be taken away.

20. The Court of Castle-Chamber to be regulated.

21. Acts forbidding ploughing with Horses by the tayl, and burning Oats in the Straw, to be nulled.

22. An Act to take off grievances.

23. Maritime causes to be determined in Ireland.

24. No rents to be raised under pretence of defective titles.

25. Interest money to be for given from 1641.

26. All this to be acted till a Parliament agree it.

27. That the Catholick Commissioners agree upon such as shall be Justices of Peace, and hear all causes under ten pound.

28. All Governours of Forts to be by approbation of the Catholick Commissioners.

29. None of the Kings rents to be paid till a further settlement by Parliament.

30. Power of the Commissioners of Oyer and Ter­miner.

31. Differences in Ireland to be tryed there, and not in England.

32. The Roman Clergy not to be molested.

33. That his Majesty grant whatever else is neces­sary for the Catholicks.

Prince Rupert was upon the Irish coast with six­teen Ships, many vessels were taken by him.

A Petition to the General, and his General Council of War from the well affected Inhabitants of Lincolnshire, much to the same effect with o­thers lately presented to him and to the Parlia­ment, and which are before mentioned.

Two men measuring some ground in Windsor forest, were asked by what Authority they did it, they showed a kind of Warrant from Lieutenant General Cromwell, desiring all Officers of the forest, Souldiers and others, to permit these men to set Cromwell. out some Land, &c. in regard there was no Justice in Eyre.

It were to be wished that such men as Lieutenant General Cromwell, would not so irregularly med­dle with such matters as these are; the men were forbidden to make any divisions of the Land, or ditches about it, till further order.

[27.] A Declaration passed, that a Book lately published, entituled the second Part of Englands new Chains discovered, contained matter false, Scan­dalous, Pamphlet. [Page] Seditious, Mutinous, and tending to raise a new War; that the Authors and publishers of it were guilty of Treason, and referred to the Council to find them out.

Anno 1649 Letters from Major General Lambert, with the Articles of the surrender of Pontefract Castle.

A Letter and Petition from the Grand Jury of Yorkshire, acknowledging with humble thanks, Yorkshire. the justice of the Parliament in their late procee­dings, and ingaging to joyn with them, and de­siring Pontefract Castle may be demolished, and some other Forts thereabouts.

Vote for three hundred pounds per annum to be setled on Major General Lambert out of Pontefract honour for his good service.

The Lancashire Forces submitted to disband, and quitted Clithero Castle. Order for that Castle to be demolished, and that the Council of State con­sider what other Inland Castles are fit to be de­molished.

Sir Henry Cholmely sent for upon complaints a­gainst him.

Instructions for the Scots Commissioners to their Scots In­structions. new King were,

  • 1. That he take the Covenant.
  • 2. To put from him all who have assisted his Father in the War, particularly Montross, else not to Treat with him.
  • 3. To bring but one hundred with him into Scot­land, and none who have assisted his Father in Arms.
  • 4. To bring no Forces into Scotland from other Nations, without their consent.

Marquess Huntley was beheaded at the Cross Huntley. in Edenburgh.

Letters from the Hague, that the Queen of Eng­land, invited Prince Charles her son into France; that the States inhibited their Ministers from in­sisting upon matters of State, and in their Pulpits, Dutch. and particularly, not to meddle with Englands, or other Kingdom's proceedings.

[28.] Upon a Report from the Council of State, of the particulars, for incouragement of those who shall ingage for Ireland with Lieutenant General Cromwell, the House referred them back Ireland. again to the Council to perfect.

Upon a Report from them of the Earl of Or­mond's proclaiming the King in Ireland, &c. the House voted the Earl a Traitour, and an Act to be brought in to attaint him.

Order for a Letter of thanks to Colonel Jones, and a gratuity.

Order that no Ministers shall teach in their Pul­pits any thing relating to State affairs, but only to preach Christ in sincerity, and an Act to be brought Preachers. in for penalties to those who shall do otherwise.

Orders for money given away.

A new day given to the Lord Mayor to conform to the order for proclaiming the Act against King-ship, or to give an account to the House why he hath not done it.

[29.] The House sate not.

The Council of State upon examination of Lil­burn, Walwyn, and others, who owned the Book called England's new chains, did commit them to the Tower.

The Estates of the Netherlands summoned and examined their Ministers, and disallowed what they had done in relation to King Charles II. And forbad them all to meddle with State matters in their Ministers. Pulpits without leave of the Magistrate.

The Council of State perfected the particulars for incouragement of those who shall ingage for Ireland, and Lieutenant General Cromwell declared himself willing to undertake that service.

[30.] Vote that Gresham Colledge be not ex­empted Cromwell. from the assessment to the Army, nor the Doctors in Doctors Commons, nor the Counties April. in Wales formerly exempted.

Order that the Speaker do sign such Letters as shall be thought fit by the Council of State, to the States of Hamburgh touching Merchants.

Upon a Petition of the Borough of Southwark of Sou [...]wark. the inequality of their rates with the County of Surrey, the House held their desires just, and Or­dered that in all future rates, they should pay the eight part of that assessed upon the County of Surrey.

Order for the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to form the Votes concerning compositions of Delinquents, and to have them printed and pub­lished, that none may plead ignorance of them.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to make provision of four thousand Cassocks and breeches, to be disposed of by the General to his Foot Souldiers, in regard of the smallness of their pay.

Upon the Report of Alderman Atkins, that the Lord Mayor desired to be excused from proclaim­ing London. the Act for abolishing Kingly Government, the House Ordered that he be summoned to attend at the Bar, to answer his contempt and disobe­dience herein.

[31.] Upon a Report from the Council of State, that Lieutenant General Cromwell accepted Cromwell. of the service for Ireland, and would endeavour to the utmost of his power, with Gods assistance, to carry on that work against the Rebels, and all that adhere to them:

Voted, that the House doth approve of Lieute­nant General Cromwell to be Commander in chief of all the Forces sent into Ireland.

And to take off any reflection upon the General, or dislike by him, they also voted,

That the Lord Fairfax be General of all the Fairfax. Forces in England and Ireland.

At the Council of State they had variety of in­telligence, some good, but more bad.

They gave a dispatch to Colonel Potley, to go C. Potley. for Denmark and Sweden, to send them from those Parts intelligence; and they gave him two hun­dred pound in hand, and promised him one hundred pound more for one years entertainment.

He was as fit as any man for this service, had lived long in those Countries a Souldier, well known and esteemed by the Grandees, especially in Germany, and in the Court of Sweden; Whitelock recommended him to this imployment, which was of great consequence to them.

April, 1649.

[1.] The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Rey­noldson, Lord M. of London. attended the House at the Bar, and being demanded why he disobeyed the Orders of Parlia­ment for proclaiming the Act against Kingly Go­vernment:

He pleaded scruple of conscience, by his Oath taken in the Exchequer, and that he conceived the business only proper for the Sheriff of the City.

After a long debate, the House voted, that the Lord Mayor for his contempt should be fined two thousand pound, five hundred pound of it to the poor of London, five hundred pound to Westminster, five hundred pound to Southwark, and five hun­dred pound to the poor of the Tower Hamlets.

That he be committed prisoner to the Tower for two Months, and degraded of his Mayoralty, and that the Common Council be required and authorised, to elect a new Mayor with all speed.

[Page 382] A Petition of divers of London and Westminster in the behalf of Lilburn, Walwyn, Prince and Over­ton, prisoners in the Tower setting forth:

That the freedom of the People is, that none ought to be proceeded against, nor punished but by a known Law, and before ordinary Judges, and the Military Petitions. power not to interpose, but where the civil power fails.

They pray favour for the Prisoners, and the Ʋnion of the Parliament party to be preserved.

A Petition with this Title:

To the Right Honourable the Commons of England assembled in Parliament. Anaba­ptists.

The Humble Petition and Representation of several Churches of God in London, commonly though falsely called Anabaptists.

They acknowledge the goodness of God to the Par­liament and Kingdom, disown any consent to the Book called, The second Part of England's new chains dis­covered, justify their own principles and obedience to Authority, and pray the Parliament to make good Laws for the punishment of wickedness.

The House were satisfied with the disowning of the Book, and their expressions to live peaceably, and in submission to the Civil Magistracy, which the Speaker told them by direction of the House:

And that they and other Christians walking answe­rable to such professions, the House did assure them, of liberty and protection, so far as God should enable them, in all things consistent with Godliness, honesty, and Civil Peace.

The House finding inconvenience by their late sitting the last Night, Ordered to rise every day by one a Clock.

The Votes of the House collected together touching excepted persons, and compositions of Delinquents were published.

Letters from Scotland of the Execution of Mar­quess Huntly. M. Huntly.

That a Minister asking him a little before his Execution, whether he desired absolution from the sentence of Excommunication, which he lay under, he answered, he would have nothing to do with him, nor with any that taught such heretical doctrine as he did, to speak to him.

In his Speech to the People, the Marquess told them, he was sentenced to lose his Life for obedience to his sacred Soveraign, to which this ought to incou­rage all men, and not to affright them, and that they should for that cause stoop to a Scaffold, as if it were a Theatre of honour in this world, as indeed it was a heavenly ladder.

That he only craved in his behalf the prayers of those among them that were of this opinion, without desiring the prayers of others whose spirits perchance might be otherwise inclined.

[3.] Debate of the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters lands, and for Sale of fee-farm rents of the Kings.

Act committed, prohibiting Ministers to meddle with State affairs, but to preach Jesus Christ.

Order for a Declaration about matters of Reli­gion, and setling of the Church, That Tythes shall not Declara­tion of Religion. be taken away till another maintenance be provided for the Minister, as large and as honourable as by Tythes.

That as soon as such a way can be provided, Tythes shall be then taken off, that the government to be estab­lished in England, shall be the Presbyterian government.

That a way shall be provided for admission of all such Churches, as tend to Godliness, and to advance the King­dom of Jesus Christ, to be free without disturbances.

Alderman Atkins was chosen Lord Mayor in the place of Alderman Reynoldson Prisoner in the Alderman Atkins. Tower, for the remainder of the year.

Letters of divers Vessels taken by the Irish Py­rates.

Upon the coming of Major General Lambert into Lancashire, the two refractory Regiments were disbanded.

The Young Lord Cromwell, and Colonel Wer­den, and the Lord Fitz-herberts son, were brought in Prisoners to Chester.

Letters from the Hague, that the Earl of Brain­ford was gone to Sweden to negotiate for assistance of Prince Charles, and for that purpose Letters were sent to the Emperour, and King of Spain.

That others advised the Prince to go into Scot­land, and become the head of the Covenanters, whom he might cast off again as there should be occasion, but Montross was against that, and that the Sword was most honourable.

That Van Trump set out a Declaration and pre­sented it to the Prince to his great satisfaction as to Sea affairs.

[4.] A Petition from the well affected in Black­burn Petition. Hundred in Lanchashire, mentioning their for­mer assistance to the Parliament, and the corrupt party in both Houses, approving the purging thereof, and taking away the prerogative House of Lords; their desires were to the same effect with those in other Petitions, and they had the thanks of the House for their good affections.

An Act committed for prevention of the mis­chiefs by those who buy up many heads of Cattle, and most of the granaries in the Nation, to sell again at excessive rates.

Referred to a Committee to draw the form of a New Oath. new Oath, to be given to the new Lord Mayor of London, and his successours, and the Oath was presently drawn and assented to.

Referred to the Council of State, to give such order as they should think fit, concerning the Forces in Lancashire.

Debate of the Act for Sale of Deans and Chap­ters lands, and voted, that all monies due out of those lands, for charitable uses, should be paid ac­cording to the intent of the donors.

The Court Martial sate upon the Tryal of Major General Laughern, C. Poyer, and Powel.

Colonel Morris late Governour of Pontefract Castle, and one Cornet Blackburn who had a hand in the Death of Colonel Rainsbourgh, and both ex­cepted persons, at the rendition of the Castle, were taken at Lancaster in disguises.

Letters from Hamburgh, that the servants of C. Cockeram there, laid wait for the Minister going to preach in the English House, and attempted to murder him, but he was rescued by the Citizens.

[5.] The House, commanded Whitelock and his Brother Commissioner L'Isle, to bring the Great Seal into the House, to lye upon the table, for the more solemnity, because the new elected L. Mayor was to be presented this day to the House for their approbation, they brought the Seal accordingly, and at the door of the House, Whitelock took the purse by one corner of it, L'Isle by the other, car­ried it up, with usual reverences and laid it on the table, they were both of them in their black velvet gowns, the first time of their wearing of them.

The new L, Mayor was according to order pre­sented to the House, by their Common Sergeant L. Mayor. Mr. Proby, who made an indiscreet speech, the House Ordered thanks to the Aldermen and Com­mon-Hall for their good choice, which they ap­proved of, but not of the speech of M [...] Proby.

Order to swear the L. Mayor after the new Oath.

An Act committed touching compositions for Delinquency and Sequestrations, and giving an Appeal to the Barons of the Exchequer, instead of the former Appeal to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations.

[Page] Reference to the Committee of the Navy of a complaint of the Spanish Ambassador, and Petition of parties interessed, concerning an old business of the Spanish Ship taken by Sir W. Waller.

A Committee appointed to receive complaints touching abuses in the Forest of Dean, and destruction of the Timber.

[6.] A Report from the Council of State for Ships. sending out some Ships speedily, and appointing Commanders of them was approved by the House, and referred back to the Council to expedite the sending forth of those Ships.

Vote that the Justices of Peace in the several Counties, shall be Commissioners in the Act of as­sessment of 90000 l. per mensem for the Forces, and the Act was passed, and ordered to be printed.

Order that the L. Mayor and Justices of Peace in London, do put in Execution the statutes, 5 Eliz. c. 4. and 1 Jac. c. 6. for setling the wages of Artificers, and for their better relief in these dear times, and the like to be done by the Justices of Peace in all Counties.

A Petition from divers well affected in Oxford-shire, Petition. with their desires referred to a Committee, and a Petition from the City of Oxford, referred to the same Committee, and the Petitioners had the thanks of the House.

Order for the rents allotted to the Prince E­lector, to be paid unto him.

Order for Mr. Garland to bring in an Act, to remove all Malignant and disaffected Magistra­tes, and that they may be incapable of bearing any office in the Common-Wealth.

[7.] The Act for the assessment of 90000 l per mensem for the Forces in England and Ireland passed, and Ordered to be printed.

A Committee appointed to advise with the Gene­ral and Officers of the Army, how upon the due pay­ment of this ninety thousand pound per mensem, free quarter may be wholly taken off.

Order that the four Aldermen and the late Lord Mayor Reynoldson, now Prisoners, be disabled from London. being Aldermen, and the Common Council to elect new Aldermen in their places.

Vote that Major General Brown and Sir John Clotworthy Prisoners, be brought to Tryal.

Captain Mountain proclaimed King Charles II. in Moulton in Yorkshire, and a Parliament man came into the Town presently after, and did not question it.

[9.] The Act passed touching Compositions of Delinquents.

Order for the Committee of Delinquents to bring in an Act, for rules of an Act of oblivion, and that the Committee of the Army bring in an Act for a Committee and Treasurers for the monies for the Army.

Upon a Report from the Council of State, L. G. London. Cromwell, Sir Hen. Vane jun, Alderman Wilson, and others were appointed to treat with the Common Council of London, for the borrowing of 120000 l for the service of Ireland, upon security of the assessment of ninety thousand pound.

Order for money for disbanding the Lancashire Forces.

A Committee appointed to receive Informations against Major General Brown touching his ingage­ment with the Scots, and with the Earl of Hol­land, &c. and against Sir William Waller, Sir Jo. Prisoners Clotworthy, and Copley, and other Prisoners.

Letters from Scotland, that they are in high dis­contents and faction, and the Prince expected to come, and reconcile them.

Letters from New-Castle of a Ship of Corn taken by the Irish, that the poor there, are many of them ready to starve, and the meaner sort, not able longer to pay assessments, not having bread to feed their families.

Eight Ships of the Irish Rebels taken by the Parliaments Ships.

[10.] Debate of several acts for prohibiting Ministers to meddle with State affairs in their Pulpits.

And for prohibiting the Eating of Flesh meat certain daies in the Week for a time, and for a­bating prizes of Corn, and to forbid the making of malt for a time.

And of a Declaration of the Parliament, of their resolution to settle Religion, according to Pres­bytery, and a full maintenance to the Ministers.

Order that the Speaker, Mr. of the Rolls, the Great Seal. Judges, and Masters of the Chancery, should have a Commission under the Great Seal, to sit and hear causes in the Rolls, in absence of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.

Orders for money for several Forces.

The Council of War found Colonel Poyer guilty upon the Articles charged against him.

Upon a Report that the twelve thousand Eng­lish designed for Ireland intended to march into Scotland, they went on there to raise their defen­sive Army of ten thousand.

Discontent in London, about the unequal laying London. of the assessment, the Rich men being under-rated, and the poorer men over-rated.

[11.] A Report from the Council of State of several proposals, agreed upon as to the Forces that shall go for Ireland, was confirmed by the House, and the Commitment of Lilburn and his Lilburn [...]. fellows by the Council, was approved by the House, and Ordered that they be tryed by the Common-Law, and Mr. Atturney Prideaux to prosecute them in the upper Bench.

A Proclamation published by the General for the observation of former orders for the Army, and that no Officer be absent from his charge without leave, and to prevent misdemeanours of the Souldiers.

At the Council of State, some discourses a­mong them, of sending Whitelock Ambassadour Whitelock. extraordinary into Holland.

Against this he laboured, and urged the burden of the business in Chancery lying upon him, and (which gave most satisfaction, and as he believed in this jealous age did prevent his journey) he ur­ged my Lord Willoughbies being in those parts; which by reason of their relation, might with some men, raise a jealousie upon him.

They again urged the fitness of him for this im­ployment, his knowledge of the languages, and being one whom they could trust, &c. but he in­sisted upon the former matters of excuse, and so the business as to him went off.

[12.] Order for a Writ to elect a new Burgess for Carlisle, in the place of M r Barwis deceased.

An Ordinance committed to give power to the Committee of Admiralty, to proceed to sentence of Death, in Criminal causes.

Order for the Committee to meet the Common Council of London this afternoon, for borrow­ing one hundred and twenty thousand pound for Ireland.

A long debate upon the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters lands, and provisoes in it, for al­lowances out of those lands to itinerary Ministers, and disposing their impropriations, for additional means to the Ministery, recommitted.

An Act for inventorying the late Kings goods, committed, and a Committee appointed to con­sider of the Sale of his Deer, and Parks, reserving such as shall be needful for the State.

[Page 383] The Common Council of London were willing to lend one hundred and twenty thousand pound for Ireland, but disliked the security proposed, and the Committees agreed to treat upon further security.

The Council of War after full hearing of the parties and witnesses, passed sentence of Death C. Powel. M. G. Laughern. against Colonel Powell, and Major General Laug­hern, as they had done upon Colonel Poyer before, upon the two first Articles of War.

That such as have intelligence with the Enemy, or any communication with them, without direction from the General shall be punished as Traitors and Rebels; and that none shall relieve the Enemy with money, victuals, ammunition, or harbour, or receive any of them upon pain of Death.

The wife of Major General Laughern presented a Petition to the Court Martial, imploring their mercy to her husband, and that this one unadvised act of his might not cause all his former eminent services to be forgot, and the great loss of her, and his Chil­dren, and two Sisters by his Death.

At Bristol were discovered three brass pieces of Ordnance, made up in Fatts, sent from London, and directed to the Lord Inchequin in Ireland.

In the Evening the Commissioners of the Seal, the Lord General, the Lieutenant General Cromwel, the Chief Justice Rolls, the Chief Baron, and many Gentlemen of the House, as a Committee of Par­liament went to the Common Council of London, London. to borrow of them 120000 l for Ireland.

The Common Council gave them a fair and hopeful answer by their Recorder.

[13.] Upon a Report from the Committee of Yesterdays transactions with the Common Coun­cil, and their forwardness, and desire in that bu­siness, a Committee was appointed to treat with a Committee of Common Council, concerning the advance of the 120000 l for Ireland, and to give them the thanks of the House for their willing­ness to promote this business.

Order for monies for the Garrisons of Barwick and Carlisle, to be disposed, as the Governour of New-Castle shall direct.

An Act committed for appointing Treasurers for the ninety thousand pound assessment, no Member of the Army to be of this Committee.

Letters from the Hague, that the Prince Elector Hague. arrived there, was slighted by the King of Scot­land and his Court; that the States appointed a Council to assist the King, to treat with the Scots Commissioners, and commanded all their Mini­sters, Ministers. to pray for no Kings or Princes, but those under whose Government they are.

Letters from Excester, that the Mayor and Justices there, refuse to Execute their Office, and to punish any offenders, perswaded to it by the Ministers, who also inveigh against those that open the Flood-gate of wickedness.

[14.] Order that upon any suit commenced against any Member of Parliament, the Commis­sioners of the Seal, and the Judges, shall certify Priviledge. such Members thereof, respectively, and if after such notice, they shall refuse to answer or plead, according to the usual proceedings of Law:

That then the Commissioners of the Seal and the Judges shall award such process against their persons and Estates, as according to Law is meet; and such Members to have no more priviledge in person or Estate, than any other Commoner.

Referred to the Commissioners of the Seal, and to the Judges in their Circuits, to receive com­plaints against any disaffected Justices of Peace, Iustices of the Peace. and upon proof of the charges against them, to remove them from being Justices of the Peace, as they shall see cause, and to put other well affected persons into Commission in their stead.

A Committee appointed to receive Informa­tions and complaints against such Ministers as in their Pulpits vilify and asperse the Anthority and late proceedings of Parliament, and to proceed a­gainst Ministers. such Ministers according to justice.

Referred to the Council of State to consider of a stamp for the gold, newly brought from Guin­nea, New Stamp. Guinne [...] and for the advantage of the State, and in­couragement of the Merchants.

And to consider how the statutes against trans­portation of gold and Silver may be strictly put in Execution, and how the melting of Coyn here, and selling of Silver for beyond Seas, may be pre­vented.

An Act committed, for appointing of Com­missioners and Treasurers for prize goods, and disposing of all prohibited commodities, for the advantage of the State, and for putting all statutes concerning the same, into Execution.

Referred to the Council of State, a proposition of Colonel Temple, to stop the transportation of Bullion, and all prohibited commodities.

Order that the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, be required to give in the names of such persons, as they conceive will be fit for Judges, to supply the places that are vacant.

[16.] Upon the Death of Sir Francis Pile Knight of the shire for Berks, a Writ issued out for a new election, and the Sheriff returned the Earl of Pem­broke Earl of Pembroke. Knight of the Shire. with all his titles, to be chosen Knight of the shire for Berks, primae impressionis; the House appro­ved of the election, and admitted the Earl a Mem­ber of the House of Commons, and his Lordship attended by many eminent Members was received into the House with great respect.

Referred to a Committee to examine and consi­der the impositions laid upon Corn and Coals, and the ingrossing of Corn, the Earl of Pembroke named of this Committee.

Oxford Petition referred to the Committee for Petitions. regulating the University of Oxford.

Order that none go beyond Seas without li­cence, and an ingagement to act nothing against the Common-Wealth.

A Petition from Colonel Poyer for Mercy.

A Petition often thousand well affected persons of London, Westminster, Southwark, and the Ham­letts, in the behalf of Lilburn, Walwyn, Prince Lilburn. and Overton:

Complaining of the illegal proceedings against them, by power of Souldiers, and undue examinations of them, &c. and prayeth their inlargement from pri­son, and that for the future no person may be censured, condemned, or molested, concerning life, limb, liberty, or estate, but for the breach of some Law first made, and published, and that the Tryals of all such causes may be left to subordinate Magistrates, and ordinary proper Courts of Justice.

That the Execution of Civil affairs, may be wholly freed from the interposition of the Sword; and that Martial Law during the times of Peace, when all Courts are open may not be exercised upon the persons of any, according to Magna Charta, and the Petition of Right.

Nothing done upon these Petitions.

The Inhabitants of Pool subscribed an ingage­ment to adhere to, and assist their Governour by Pool. Authority of the Parliament or the General and to discover all Plots to the prejudice of the Parlia­ment.

Letters from Scotland, that they are raising For­ces to the number of fifteen thousand Horse and Foot.

Letters from Dublin, that the Scots in Ʋlster, are again on Foot with the Govenant, and a [Page] Declaration against the Army in England, which they call the Sectarian Army, that murdered the King; that they have taken in some Towns there.

That Dublin expected to be besieged by Ormond.

That eight of Prince Rupert's Ships went to Scilly, and he with sixteen more went to block up Prince Ru­pert. the Road of Dublin.

[17.] Letters reported by the Council of State, that the Scots in Ʋlster had declared for King Charles the Second; had taken several places, and were set down before London-Derry.

That they demanded the delivery of the Town for the use of the King, and the Governour Sir Ireland. Charles Coot to depart the Kingdom.

That Ormond with a party was come within thirty miles of Dublin. The House referred it back to the Council of State to take speedy care hereof.

An Act passed for the Judges of the Admiralty, and for judging of Prizes at Sea, and for incou­ragement of Seamen.

An Act passed for appointing the Lord Mayor Andrews, Sir John Woolaston, Alderman Dethicke, and Mr. Allen, to be Treasurers for the ninety thousand pounds per mens. Assessment.

Debates about taking away of Tythes, and set­ling Tythes. a sufficient maintenance for the Ministry ano­ther way, as by an Assessment of twelve pence per pound upon Lands, by Deans and Chapters Lands, Impropriations, &c.

Order for ten thousand pounds for Ireland out of the Welch Compositions.

Order to send to the City to summon all the Companies, to meet and consider their own inte­rest London. about London-Dery, to hasten the advance of the Monies for Ireland, and about sending a Mes­sage to the Scots, to withdraw their Siege from London-Derry.

The Council of State had intelligence of new Levellers at S t Margarets Hill, near Cobham in Surry, and at St. George's Hill; and that they Levellers. digged the Ground, and sowed it with Roots and Beans, one Everard, once of the Army, and who terms himself a Prophet, is the chief of them; and they were about thirty men, and said that they should be shortly four thousand.

They invited all to come in and help them, and promised them Meat, Drink, and Cloaths; they threaten to pull down Park Pales, and to lay all open; and threaten the neighbours that they will shortly make them all come up to the Hills and work.

The General sent two Troops of Horse to have an account of them.

[18.] Another Petition on the behalf of Lil­burn, Lilburn. &c. to the like effect with the former, which had a quick answer from the House, and that the Prisoners should be proceeded against according to Laws in force before their crimes committed.

Debate upon the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and several Votes past for allow­ances to Ministers and Scholars out of the Reve­nues of those Lands to the Value of above twenty thousand pounds per annum.

And for the arrears of the Souldiers to be char­ged upon the Parks and Lands belonging to the Crown; and left to the Lord General and Council of the Army to propound six Persons to be ap­proved by the House to joyn with others whom the House will name, as Trustees for disposal of those Parks and Lands for that use, and the At­torney General ordered to bring in a Bill for this purpose.

Upon the Petition of the Lady Capel, referred Lady Ca­pel. to the Committee of Complaints to examine it, and in the mean time, Ordered that the Seque­strators, do forbear to cut down any more Woods or Timber upon the Lady Capels Lands.

Upon a Charge in a Petition against Mr. Ed­ward Vaughan a Member of the House, he was Ordered to attend and answer it.

Letters from Sir Charles Coot, of his being Ireland. straitly besieged in London-Derry, and that without speedy relief he must be forced to sur­render.

Ormond sent a second and more peremptory Summons to Colonel Jones at Dublin.

Letters from the Hague, that since the news of Cromwels ingaging for Ireland, the Prince hath no mind to go thither.

[19.] A Solemn Fast kept by the Commons, the Lord General and Officers of the Army.

[20.] Several Members of the House appoin­ted to go to the Ministers that preached yester­day, and to give them the thanks of the House.

Order for the third of May next to be a ge­neral Fast-days. Fast-day, and a Committee appointed to bring in an Act for dissolving the former Ordi­nance, for a Monthly Fast, and to injoyn the ob­servance of such Fast-days as from time to time shall be appointed by Parliament.

An Act recommitted for discharging poor Poor Debt­ors. Prisoners who are not able to pay their debts, and to compel such as are able to pay, and the Committee to confer with the Judges.

Everard and Winstanly, the chief of those Levellers. that digged at S t George's Hill in Surry, came to the General and made a large Declaration to justi­fy their proceedings.

Everard said he was of the race of the Jews, that all the liberties of the people were lost by the coming in of William the Conquerour, and that ever since, the people of God had lived under Tyranny and Op­pression worse than that of our Forefathers under the Egyptians.

But now the time of the deliverance was at hand, and God would bring his people out of this slavery, and restore them to their freedom in injoying the Fruits and Benefits of the Earth.

And that there had lately appeared to him a Vision, which bad him, arise and Dig and plow the Earth, and receive the Fruits thereof; that their intent is to restore the Creation to its former condition.

That as God had promised to make the barren Land fruitful, so now what they did, was to renew the ancient Community of injoying the fruits of the Earth, and to distribute the benefit thereof to the poor and needy, and to feed the hungry and cloath the naked.

That they intend not to meddle with any mans Propriety, nor to break down any pales or inclosures; but only to meddle with what was common and untilled, and to make it fruitful for the use of man; that the time will suddenly be, that all men shall willingly come in, and give up their Lands and Estates, and submit to this Community.

And for those that will come in and work, they should have meat, drink, and cloaths, which is all that is necessary to the life of man, and that for money there was not any need of it, nor of Cloaths more than to cover nakedness.

That they will not defend themselves by Arms, but will submit unto Authority, and wait till the promised opportunity be offered, which they conceive to be at hand. And that as their Fore-fathers lived in Tents, so it would be suitable to their condition, now to live in the same, with more to the like effect.

While they were before the General they stood with their Hats on, and being demanded the rea­son thereof, they said, because he was but their fellow [Page 384] Creature; being asked the meaning of that place Give honour to whom honour is due, they said, their mouths should be stopped that gave them that offence.

This was set down the more largely, because it was the beginning of the appearance of this opi­nion; and that we might the better understand and avoid these weak perswasions.

The Council of the Army after a solemn seek­ing of God by prayer, cast Lots, which Regi­ments Lots for Ireland. of the old Army should go for Ireland, there were fourteen Regiments of Horse and fourteen of Foot of the established Army, which came to the Lot.

And it being resolved that four Regiments of Horse, and four of Foot should go upon the ser­vice, ten Blanks and four Papers with Ireland, writ in them: were put into a Hat, and being all shuffled together, were drawn out by a Child, who gave to an Officer of each Regiment in the Lot, the Lot of that Regiment, and being in this impartial and inoffensive way, no Regiment could take exceptions at it:

The Regiments whose Lot it fell to go were of Horse, Iretons, Scroopes, Hortons, and Lamberts; of Foot, Ewers, Cooks, Hewsons, and Deans. Se­veral troops of Dragoons, and all the Officers whose Regiments were to go expressed much for­wardness.

Letters from the Hague, that the Swedish Am­bassadour there saluted the King of Scotland, and condoled the death of his Father; and that he King of Scots. and the Danish Ambassadour invited the States to joyn with them in assisting the King of Scots, to gain his birth-right.

[21.] Monies charged upon the Excise, Or­dered to be taken off from that Receipt, and charged upon Deans and Chapters Lands.

Order that the Speaker be Authorised from Speaker. Time to Time, to Sign such Letters as should be agreed on by the Council of State to be sent to the States of the United Provinces.

The General sent an Order for Major General Laughern, Powel, Poyer, cast Lots for Life. Laughern, Colonel Poyer, and Colonel Powell, to draw Lots which of them should die, the other two to be spared their lives. In two of the Lots was written, Life given by God, the third Lot was a Blank, the Prisoners were not willing to draw their own destiny, but a Child drew the Lots and gave them, and the Lot fell to Colonel Poyer to die.

The Commissioners sate in Chancery by seven a Clock in the Morning and heard many motions, because two of the Motion daies in this Term, were disappointed by the Fast-days. After the Motions they heard eleven Causes, then they rose.

[23.] An Act recommitted for setting the Poor People to work and punishing Vagrants.

The Act for punishing Criminal matters by the Court of Admiralty, passed.

The Act passed for repealing the former Act for observation of a Monthly Fast, and requi­ring such to be kept as Fast-days, which should be appointed by special order of Parliament.

Licence given for the French Ambassadour to transport eight Horses and eight Mares Custom Free.

The Amendments passed to the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and Rowland Wil­son Esq was Voted one of the Trustees.

Vote for one hundred pounds per annum for Mounsieur du Moulin out of the twenty thou­sand Du Moulin. pound per annum for Augmentation to Mi­nisters.

Some hundreds of Women attended the House with a Petition on the behalf of Lilburn and the rest, it was reproachful and almost Scolding, and much to the same effect with former Petitions for them. Petition for Lilburn.

An Act passed to authorise the Court of Admi­ralty to proced to Sentence in divers causes, not­withstanding prohibitions to the contrary.

Colonel Popham one of the Admirals was out Navy. at Sea with one Squadron of Ships, Colonel Blake, and Colonel Dean, the other two Admirals, were with another Squadron in the Downs.

A petition to the General and Officers of the Army, for poor Prisoners for debt to be released.

A Flemish Ship bound for Ireland was taken, with sixty Field Officers, and one hundred other Officers Cavaliers.

Letters from Scotland, that the Levies of Soul­diers Scotland. there go on apace, that divers new Insur­rections were in that Kingdom, that their new King was unwilling to put away Montross from him.

The Council of State wrote to Major General Ashton, to disband Captain Bambers Troop by force, and to secure the Officers of it; because they had disobeyed the Orders of the Council, and taken Free-quarter.

[24.] Upon a Petition from Kendal, referred to the Council of State to consider of Convoys for Merchants Ships, and to send to Hamburgh and other parts for Corn to be imported.

A Petition from Colonel Poyers wife for spa­ring Petition. her Husbands life, laid aside.

The Women were again at the House with a Lilburn. Petition in the behalf of Lilburn and the rest, but could not get it received.

Orders for six Commissioners of the Customs, and about other Officers of the Customs.

The King put off his answer to the Scots Com­missioners The King of Scots. with him at the Hague, telling them he was to receive the Sacrament, keep a day of Humiliation, and entertain several Foreign Am­bassadours, and until these things were over, he desired to be excused.

The Prince Elector gave the King a Visit, had P. Elector. a Chair set for him, was desired to put on his Hat, and parted friendly from the King, who sent the Lord Treasurer Cottington, and the Lord Keeper in his name afterwards to give the Prince Elector a Visit.

[25.] Upon a Letter from the Earl of Nor­thumberland, Kings Chil­dren. the House Voted, That the Lady Elizabeth, one of the late Kings Children, should not have leave to go beyond Seas.

That the Kings Children should not be put un­der the tuition of any Member of Parliament.

That Sir Edward Harrington should be intrusted with them, That three thousand pound per annum be allowed to him for their maintenance.

The forms of the new Coyn were agreed on by the House to be thus,

On the one side to be the Arms of England, and NewCoyn. a Laurel, and a Palm on each side, with this inscrip­tion about it, The Commonwealth of England.

On the other side of the Coyn to be the Arms of England and Ireland, with this inscription, God with Ʋs.

Order that the Attorney General bring in In­dentures, and an Act for establishing this form of Coyn.

The Women Petitioners again attended at the Women petition for Lil­burn. door of the House for an answer to their Petiti­on concerning Lilburn and the rest. The House sent them this answer by the Sergeant:

That the Matter they petitioned about, was of an Answer. higher concernment than they understood, that the [Page] House gave an answer to their Husbands, and there­fore desired them to go home, and look after their own business, and meddle with their huswifry.

Order for a Bill to settle the twenty thousand pound for Augmentation to Ministers, &c.

Col. Poyer was shot to death in Covent-Garden, and died very penitently. Poytr.

[26.] Upon a report from the Council of State, that they thought for setling the peace of the Nation, that there should be an Act of Act of O­blivion. Oblivion, the House Ordered one to be drawn up: And Voted,

That the time to be set in the Act of Oblivion, Vote. from which no Action or Suit shall be commen­ced or prosecuted for any thing said or done in the time of War, shall be before the first day of this Term.

Order that such as shall discover any monies rais­ed to be imployed against the Parliament, should have the sixth part of what they should discover: and the remainder to be imployed for the service of Ireland in this Expedition.

Order that the Committee of the Revenue do speedily pay to Colonel Henry Martyn, a Mem­ber Henry Mar­tyn. of the House, three thousand pound, which Sum he had formerly advanced for the service of this Nation.

Order touching the arrears of the Dutchy of Lancaster.

Referred in a special manner to the Commissio­ners of the Seal to relieve according to equity and justice, such persons as have lain under the power of the Enemy, and have been thereby disabled to pay their debts, yet are sued at Law, and liable to great penalties.

Referred to the Council of State, to receive from two Gentlemen a Proposition made by A project for Learn­ing. them for the great advance of Learning and Arts, and to treat with the Gentlemen thereupon, and report their opinions to the House.

Orders touching the Officers of the Customs.

Order for the Barons of the Exchequer, and the Committee of the Revenue to consult together, how the Arrears due by Papists may be collect­ed, and that the Arrears of Fee-farm rents be speedily paid.

Order for the Speaker to sign Letters from time to time, tendered to him by the Committee of the Speaker. Army.

Five Troopers condemned to die by the Coun­cil of War, for a mutiny at the Bull in Bishopsgate-street, Mutiny. refusing to march upon their Colonels Or­ders, and violently fetching away the Colours from the Cornets quarters.

Upon their humble Petition the General par­doned them; but another, one Lockier was executed.

The Levellers were driven away from St. George's Hill in Surry by the Country people.

[27.] Debate of the Act for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

Order for the Committee to meet touching Colonel Pophams arrears.

Sir Edward Harrington desired to be excused from taking the charge of the Kings Children. Kings Chil­dren.

Order for one thousand three hundred pound for Plymouth Garrison.

Mr. Andrews re-admitted a Member.

[28.] The House spent the whole day about perfecting the Act for sale of Deans and Chap­ters Lands.

[30.] The Act passed for Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and ordered to be Printed.

An Act passed giving power to the Commissio­ners to administer an Oath agreed upon, in some cases of the Customs.

Letters from Lancashire of their want of Bread, so that many Families were starved; that there were many Souldiers quartered, pretending for Ireland, shew no Commission, yet make Assess­ments for fourteen shillings a week for a Horse-man, and seize goods for default, and free-quar­ter, and give the seed Corn to their Horses.

Referred to the Council of State, and by them to the General to reduce those in Lancashire.

An Act passed for Justices of Peace for the County Palatine of Lancashire as for other Coun­ties.

By Order of the House, the Speaker sent Let­ters to the Commissioners in the several Counties, for the speedy collecting the Assessment of nine­ty thousand pound per mens. for the Forces in England and Ireland.

Some who counterfeited the Pass of the Coun­cil, and by pretence thereof got Money in Suf­folk (which they said was for the relief of Ire­land) were committed to Peter-house.

Order of the General that no Regiment that is to stay in England, do entertain any of the Forces designed for Ireland.

M r. Lockier a Trooper who was Shot to death M r Lockier. by sentence of the Court Martial, was buried in this manner.

About one hundred went before the Corps, and Funeral five and six in a File, the Corps was then brought, with six Trumpets sounding a Souldiers Knell, then the Troopers Horse came cloathed all over in mourning and led by a Footman.

The Corps was adorned with bundles of Rose­mary, one half stained in blood, and the Sword of the deceased with them.

Some thousands followed in Ranks and Files, all had Sea-Green and Black Ribbon tied on their Hats, and to their Breasts, and the Women brought up the Rear.

At the new Church-Yard in Westminster some thousands more of the better sort met them, who thought not fit to march through the City, many looked upon this Funeral, as an affront to the Parliament and Army; others called them Levellers, but they took no notice of any of them.

Letters from Ireland that Colonel Tothills Ireland. Regiment of one thousand two hundred and fifty was not landed, but beaten back by Tem­pest to Anglesey,

That London-Derry could not hold out the Siege; That Colonel Monk stood off, and did nothing, being, (as he said) not in a capacity.

Letters from Newcastle that many in Cumber­land Famine. and Westmerland died in the high ways for want of bread, and divers left their habitati­ons, travelling with their Wives and Chil­dren to other parts to get relief, but could have none.

That the Committees and Justices of the Peace of Cumberland, Signed a Certificate, That there were thirty thousand Families that had neither Seed nor Bread-corn, nor Money to buy either, and they desired a Collection for them, which was made, but much too little to relieve so great a multitude.

Letters from Berwick, that the Scots troubles in­crease, Scots. that there are among them, five for the King, for one against him; that they are incensed at the death of the Duke and Marquess Huntly, and expect an agreement with the King; That they take divers English Cavaliers into their Army.

May, 1649.

[May 1.] Debate of an Act to make many things Treason in relation to the Common-wealth.

As malitiously to affirm the present Government to be tyrannical, usurped, on unlawful; Or that the Commons in Parliament, are not the Supream Treasons. Authority; or to endeavour to alter the Govern­ment.

Or to affirm the Parliament, or Councel of State, to be tyrannical, or unlawful, or to endeavour to sub­vert them, or stir up Sedition against them.

Or for Souldiers to contrive the Death of their Ge­neral, or Lieutenant General, or others, to endeavour to raise Monies, or War against the Parliament, or to joyn to invade England or Ireland, to counterfeit the Great Seal, or to kill any Member of Parliament, or Judge in their Duty.

An Act committed for settling the Repub­lique.

Letters from General Popham from Faymouth, that he fought with a Squadron of Prince Ruperts Ships, took the Guinney Frigot, which had 34 Guns, and 20 other Vessels.

Letters from Ireland, that Dublyn was in great danger, and that Ormond had totally routed two Regiments of the Parliament Party.

Letters from Bristol, that the Levellers were very active in those parts, and took much with the People. Levellers.

Lilbourn, Walwyn, Prince, Overton published their Agreement of the People to this Ef­fect. Form of Govern­ment.

  • [1] The Supream Authority of this Nation to be a Representative of 400.
  • [2] That 200 be an House, and the major Voice concluding to the Nation.
  • [3] All publick Officers to be capable of Subjection, those of Salary not to be Mem­bers.
  • [4] No Members of one Representative to be chosen of the next.
  • [5] This Parliament to end the first Wednesday in August 1649.
  • [6] If this omit to order it, that the People pro­ceed to Elections.
  • [7] A new Representative to be the next day after this is dissolved.
  • [8] The next and future Parliaments, each to stand for one whole Year.
  • [9] The Power to be without consent of a­ny.
  • [10] They not to make Laws to compel in mat­ters of Religion.
  • [11] None to be compelled to fight by Sea or Land against his Conscience.
  • [12] None to be questioned concerning the Warrs, but in pursuance to Authority.
  • [13] All Priviledges of any Person, from Courts of Justice to be null.
  • [14] Not to give Judgement against any, where no Law was provided before.
  • [15] Not to depend longer upon the incertain Inclination of Parliament.
  • [16] None to be punished for refusing to answer against themselves.
  • (17) No appeal after 6 Months after the end of Representatives.
  • (18) None to be exempted for beyond-Sea­trade, where others are free.
  • (19) No Excise or Custom to be above four Months after next Parliament.
  • (20) Mens Persons not to be imprisoned for Debt, nor their Estates free.
    May.
  • (21) Mens Lives not to be taken away, but for Murder, or the like.
  • (22) Men upon Tryals for Life, Liberty, &c. to have Witnesses heard.
  • (23) Tithes not to continue longer than the next Representative.
  • (24) Every Parish to choose their own Mini­ster, and to force none to pay.
  • (25) Conviction for Life, Liberty, &c. to be by twelve Neighbours sworn.
  • (26) None to be exempted from Offices for his Religion only.
  • (27) The People in all Counties to choose all their Publique Officers.
  • (28) Future Representations to justify all Debts, Arrears, &c.
  • (29) No Forces to be raised, but by the Repre­sentations in being.
  • (30) This Agreement not to be nulled, no Estates levelled, nor all things common.

Montrosse was sent Ambassador into Spain, to Ambassa­dor. declare the Kings sad Condition, the executing of his Father, and keeping him from his Birthright, the like to be to France, Denmark, and Swe­den.

(2) Several Petitions presented from London in Petitions. behalf of Lilbourn, and the rest; from Essex for the same, from Cambridgeshire, about Sea Breaches; from London, for payment of publick Faith Mo­ny, another for Relief of such have been sentenced for adhering to the Parliament; another in behalf of the Commons of Lincolnshire.

Another Petition from Suffolk to the like Ef­fect, with former Petitions for taking away Tiths, &c. and for Liberty of Conscience, the Petitio­ners had thanks for their former good Services, and Present civil Petitioning.

(3) The Publick Fast Day.

One Elliot, a Person towards the Law, and others ingaged Souldiers in the Execution of civil Process, the General declared his dislike thereof, in a Letter to the Lord Chief Justice, and pray­ed his care to punish it.

One Do [...] committed to the Marshal, to be try­ed by a Councel of War, for pretending a Com­mission from the Officers of the Army, to collect Arrears due for Spiritual Livings, and thereby got great Sums into his hands.

Also two more for counterfeiting the Generals Hand and Seal, to Protections, for which they received Mony.

(4) Referred to a Committee to regulate the Ʋniversity of Cambridge.

Upon a report from the Councel of State, or­dered that the Guinny Frigot lately taken, be victualled, mann'd, and set out to Sea.

Referred to the Committee of the Admiralty to consider of the Articles given to the Captain and Seamen upon the taking of that Friget, and whether they may be proceeded against, or not; and touching the Irish Mariners, and the English that revolted.

Referred to the Councel of State to consider how the Mariners and others detained Prisoners in Scylley and Jersy may be relieved and discharg­ed; the like upon the Petition of Mariners Wives.

The Committee ordered to consider of the in­direct dealings in the Sale of Bishops Lands, and removing Obstructions therein.

An Act for discharge of Delinquents in Essex, who have compounded.

An Act passed for settling the Rectory and [Page 386] Glebelands of Burford upon a Member.

(5) Order for the Isle of Anglesey to have the like Benefit for Compounding, as South Wales had.

Order for L. C. Throckmorton to have a con­cealed Estate discovered by him, towards his Ar­rears, he proving it to belong to a Delinquent.

The L. Howard chosen and admitted to be Burgess for Carlisle.

Order for the Speaker to give Passes to those who by the Articles of Pontfract were to go be­yond Sea.

Petition for Payment of Publique Faith Mo­ny.

Order for the Accounts of a Member to be sta­ted, and his Arrears paid out of such concealed Delinquents Estates, as he should discover.

Referred to a Committee to consider of the Petitions and Grievances of all who have not Ar­ticles upon Rendition of Garrisons performed to them.

[7] Order to discharge from Sequestrations the Lady Capels joynture.

Orders for the Arreares of Colonel Rich.

Mr. Francis Pierepoint satisfyed the Commit­tee, and was re-admitted to sit in the House.

Order that the Speaker Sign Letters to forrain Ministers, with a Copy of the Act, for seizing all Ships that have Prince Charles his Commission.

Order that the Ingagements for the Navy may be doubled upon Deanes and Chapters Lands.

Referred to a Committee to consider how the Town of Leverpool may be relieved for Losses.

Upon their Petitions, Orders for Pardon and Inlargement of the L. Goring, C. Owen, Lang­hern, and Powel.

Letters from Berwick, that things in Scotland were bad, that the People increase in Discontent, and Affection to the Royal Party.

The private Souldiers of C. Scroopes Regiment of Horse published their Resolutions not to go for Ireland, till the Ingagements of the Parliament were performed here.

[8] Voted not to continue the Allowance of 12000 l. to the Queen of Bohemia, and that the Committee of the Revenue make a List for the House of all Pensions, and suspend the Payment of them.

The Question whether the Councel of State should pay 1500 l. to the Earl of Rutland, for de­molishing Belvoir Castle, passed in the Negative. Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to send a Writ to the Lord Mayor to cause to be proclaim­ed, the Act touching Prize, Ships and Goods.

Iretons Regiment were in Disorder upon Let­ters from Colonel Scroopes Regiment, to joyn in their Resolution not to go for Ireland, the like of Colonel Reynold's Regiment, and some other Troops designed for Ireland, and they appointed a general rendezvous without their Officers.

Letters from Dublin, that C. Jones sent out a Party under M. Cadogow to surprise Tecroghan, which was hindered by the Fayler of Kildare men, but Cadogow fired above 200 houses in the Town and a great number were killed and burnt, Orders being to kill all but Women and Children, the rest fled into the Castle.

Of Cadogows Men, not one Officer killed, on­ly three private Suoldiers killed, and three hurt, and in his return with 200 Foot and 20 Horse, he fell upon a Party of the Rebels with his 20 Horse only, disordered them, killed 50, and took 30 Prisoners.

Some Towns were delivered to the Rebels by treachery, and sold for Mony by Captain White, and others.

That Ormond was advanced within 27 Miles of Dublin, that by reason of the great Spoil in the Countries, Corn was with them at 8 l. 10 s. the Barrel, and many dyed in the Highways and Streets for want of Food.

[9] An additional Act passed concerning Se­questrations in case of Appeals.

The Business of the great Level of the Fennes, referred to a Committee.

Order for payment of Mony into Weavers-Hall, for satisfaction of Mony lent upon the Publick Faith.

Letters from the Generals at Sea of several Ships taken by them.

Several Paroles granted for exchange of Prison­ers in Scilly and Guernesey.

Letters from Edenburgh. That the Commit­tee of Estates sent to their Commissioners in Hcl­land that they adhere to their Instructions, particu­larly for removal of evil Councellors from the King.

An Order of the General for raising Souldiers in Ireland, and for their March and civil Carriage.

Letters from the Hague that 12 English Cava­leers, in Disguise, came into a room, where Dr. Dorislaus, who was a publick Minister there for Dr. Dori­slaus. the Parliament, was with others at Supper, that they murdered him, by stabbing him in several places, and cut his Throat, and one of them said thus dyes one of the Kings Judges.

That the States declared, that they would not assist either side, in the Difference between the Prince of Wales, and the present Power in England

Captain Cook with his Troop forcibly disband­ed Captain Bambers Troop, and secured the Offi­cers, the Countrey beat out some other Troops who refused to disband.

Letters from the Hague, that the King of Scots remonstrated to the Scots Commissioners the rea­sons why he could not comply with their De­mands, being so very high.

[10] Order for an account to be given to the House, Why the Act against Kingship, was not pro­claimed in the City.

An Act passed for altering the Original Seales of Denbigh and Montgomery Shires.

An Act passed for altering the Nisi-prius Seal of the upper Bench.

Order touching the Mint-Master.

Referred to a Committee to consider of re­forming the Abuses in the Marshals Court.

Order for Money for Lieutenant Colonel Beecher.

An Act past for altering the Seal for the Bo­rough of Southwark.

Order for the Moity of Discoveries of Delin­quents Estates in Dorsetshire by the Irish Officers, to go to them.

Captain Smith's Troop in Oxfordshire met with Levellers. other Troops of the Levellers at Banbury, and there posted up their Declaration.

  • 1. Against the present Parliament, and their proceedings.
  • 2. Against the Councel of State.
  • 3. Against the Councel of the Army.
  • 4. Against the proceedings of the late high Court of Justice.

Captain Tomson was a principal Ringleader of these men, he had been formerly condemned by a Councel of War, but by the Mercy of the Gene­ral was spared; now he marched up and down about 200 Horse, and declared to joyn with those of C. Scroopes, C. Harrisons, and M. G. Skippon's Regiments in their Declaration and Resolution.

He published a Declaration of his own in print intituled Englands Standard advanced, or a Decla­ration [Page 390] from Mr. William Tomson, and the oppres­sed People of this Nation, now under his Conduct in Oxfordshire, for a new Parliament, by the Agree­ment of the People.

[11] The House declared that Tomson, and all that adhered to him, or boar Arms without Au­thority of Parliament, are Rebels, and ordered a Proclamation to this purpose throughout the Na­tion, and a Letter to the General to suppress them; and directions to M. G. Skippon to sup­press all Tumults, and Insurrections, and to pre­serve the Peace of the City, and secure the Parli­ament, as he shall receive Orders from them, or the Councel of State. And that the Militiaes of Westminster, Southwark, and the Hamlets, take Course for security of the Suburbs, from all Tumults and Insurrections.

Order that the Post-Master taken by Tomson, and discharged upon his Parole, should not ren­der himself again to Tomson.

Referred to the Councel of State, to take Or­der for Security of the Parliament and City, and that the Souldiers of the Army joyn with those of the City herein.

Debate of setting a Period to this Parliament, and for electing a new and equal Representative, and ordered to be debated again in a grand Com­mittee.

An Act committed declaring that the People of this Nation, are a free State and Commonwealth.

Mr. Henry Darley re-admitted to sit in the House, having satisfyed the Committee touching his Absence.

Some of Colonel Scroope's Regiment came in to the General, and several other Troopes sent to him, that they would assist him in reducing the Revolters.

[12] Voted that Lilburn, Walwyn, Prince, and Overton should be restrained as close Prison­ers apart, and severally, the one from the other, in several Rooms, and not to resort and consult together, and that they should have no Allow­ance from the State during their Confinement.

An Act passed for taking off free Quarter.

Letters that Colonel Reynolds commanded a Party of about 60 Horse to fall into the Levellers Levellers. Quarters at Banbury, who by some treachery, in the Town had notice thereof, they drew up into a Body, but held up at a Lanes end by Lieutenant Parry and Captain Owen.

They finding it difficult to force Colonel Rey­nolds his men, cryed a Parly, which Parrey and Owen having no Power to do, refused, but would for bear fighting till the Colonel advanced, upon whose coming they were contented to submit.

Upon the delivery of his two Colours he dis­charged the rest, dispersed them to their homes by Passes, but secured two or three of the chief Ringleaders, and such as were Officers in com­mon in this Business.

Tomson the chief, fled upon the approach of Colonel Reynolds unto Banbury, they killed Cap­tain Parrey, and Reynolds might have killed them all, but he forbore it. The General marched af­ter the Levellers, Collonel Whaley's Regiment de­clared to adhere to the General.

[14] The Act passed, declaring what shall be Treason against the State, and present Govern­ment, Act for Treason. and ordered to be sent into all the Coun­tries, and a Copy of it to the General to be read to the Officers and Souldiers of the Army.

And Act passed for making Mr. Scobel Clerk of the Parliament, and referred to a Committee to repair the Losses of Mr Brown Clerk of the Par­liament to the Lords House, and a Person well af­fected to the present Government.

Orders for Provisions for the Admirals at Sea, and concerning the Customes.

Upon a report from the Councel of State of the Examination of three of the Servants of Dr. Do­rislaus, concerning the murder of their Master; Dr. Dori­slaus Order for a Declaration to be published in that Business, and for 200 l. per annum to be given to his Son for life, and 500 l. a piece to his Daugh­ters, and 250 l. for his Funeral.

Upon the Petition of Widdows whose Hus­bands were slain in the Parliaments Service, refer­ed to a Committee to consider of the State of Hos­pitals, and how in them, or otherwise, Provision may be made for the Wives and Children of such, and for maimed Soldiers.

Letters from the Generals Quarters that he was marching towards the mutinous Troops, and sent a Letter to them to Marlborough, requiring their Obedience, and to submit, or else tells them what they must expect.

They sent an Answer, with Expressions of an respect to the General, acknowledged themselves his Souldiers; but as to the Journey for Ireland, they could not go with safe Consciences, being contrary to their Ingagement at Triploe Heath.

They desire according thereunto, that a gene­ral Councel of the Army may be called, consisting of two Officers, and two Souldiers of every Regi­ment, with the general Officers, and in their Judgments they will acquiesce.

Letters from Scotland, that those in London Derry sallied out, and gave a great Defeat to the Besiegers, and that the Committee of Estates in Scotland, published a Declaration against Middle­ton, Ogleby, and the Gourdons as Traytors.

[15.] Debate divers hours in a grand Com­mittee, and afterwards in the House, about put­ting a Period to this Parliament, and referred to a Committee to consider of the settling the Suc­cessions of future Parliaments, and regulating their Elections, present Heads to the House con­cerning the same.

Order that the Lieutenant of the Tower take care that Lilburn, and the rest have necessary Pro­visions for their Subsistence.

Letters that the General marched after the Levellers routed. Mutineers, who were twelve Colours, and attemp­ting to march over Newbridge towards Ox­ford, but were forced back by Colonel Reynolds, then they went over at a Ford, and marched to Burford.

That the General pursued them, and about twelve a clock at night, coming near the Town, sent a Forlorn under Captain Okey. Who drew up a Party of Dragoons, which met with the Mu­tineers Scouts, drove them into the Town, and so fell in with them, and the Generals Regiment of Horse, and other Forces followed.

That the Mutineers made some Resistance, by firing out at the Windows, but the Generals Of­ficers setting the Miseries they would bring them­selves and the Town into, they yielded upon Quarter, which was given to them.

There were taken in the Town near 900 Horse and Arms, and 400 Prisoners, and 12 Colours, being almost their whole Party, and not above 40 that were in the Town escaped.

Letters from the Hague, that the States cause earnest Inquisition to be made after these that murdered Dr. Dorislaus; and promised 1000 Guilders to him that bringeth any of them; and published it death to any who shall harbour any of the Murderers.

That the Danish Ambassador sits with the P. his [Page 388] Councel, the Swedes promise men enough, and Lorraine his Assistance, but that Money is want­ing.

That C. Bard a Baronet was apprehended by Order of the States, and Montross, and the L. Hoptan questioned for the Murder of Dorislaus. Dorislaus.

Orders touching the Imposition upon New-Castle Coales to take off as much as might be of it; and about Provisions for the Garrisons of New-Castle, Tinmouth, and Berwick, and Car­lisle.

Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to issue out a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to try some Mosse Troopers.

Referred to a Committee to consider of bring­ing in Fines and Compositions, notwithstanding Judgments and Extents upon Delinquents Estates.

Order about Collectors Accounts.

Upon a Report from the Councel of State, that Master of the Mint. Sir Robert Harley Mr. of the Mint, refused to stamp any Coyn with any other stamp than for­merly; The House ordered that a Tryal of the Pixe should be made at Sir Robert Harlie's charge, they put him out of his place, and made Dr. Gourdon the Physitian, Mr. of the Mint in his room.

The House approved Sir Arthur Haselrigg his putting Captain Batten out from being Govern­our of the Holy Island.

Letters from the General to the House, of his taking and dispersing the Mutineers, the House gave Captain Bridges, who brought the Letter 150 l. to buy him Horses.

Referred to the Councel of State to examine the Correspondence between some in London, and the Mutineers.

Cornet Dean and Tomson the chief of the Mu­tineers, were by a Councel of War sentenced to die, and Dean was very penitent.

The General sent out his Warrant to all Justi­ces of Peace, to apprehend any of the Mutineers, that should be found in those parts, that they might be brought to Tryal.

[17] Debate all day of the case of Sir John Danvers, and the Lady Gargrave his Sister, about the Will of the Earl of Danby their Brother, the House declared the Will to be void, and referred the matter to a Committee.

A Declaration of C. Whaley and all his Officers and Souldiers, reciting the good Intentions of the Declarati­on. Parliament, and near the effecting, for settling the peace of the Nation, setting out a Fleet to secure Trade, and prevent Invasions, providing for the Pay of the Army, and their Arrears, and taking off free Quarter, and for the Relief of Ireland.

Which are endeavoured to be obstructed by the designs of the common Enemy, to the ruine of that Nation, and dishonour of the Army, and hazard of this Common Wealth.

That divers have wickedly gone about to divide the Army, to perswade those Soldiers, to whose lot it is fallen to go for Ireland, to refuse that Service, and to seek by force to dissolve the Parliament, and Councel of State, and cast off the General.

They disclaim these traiterous Plots and Actions, and utterly abhor them, and resolve to continue their due Obedience to the Parliament, the General, Lieu­tenant General, and others in Authority, and ingage to stand and fall with them.

[18] An Act for establishing of Courts in every County, for the probate of Wills, Admi­nistrations, Marriages, Divorces, &c. was upon the Question rejected, and referred to a Commit­tee to draw up another Act for the same purpose, according to the sense of the House in this De­bate.

Debate touching the taking away of Tithes.

The House declared their Sence of the care of the States of Holland to find out the Authors of the horrid Murder of Dr. Dorislaus, and hoped Dorislaus. that the States would be careful of the Parlia­ments Agent Mr. Strickland now there.

Instructions agreed for the Mr. of the Ceremo­nies for a message to be delivered by him to the States Ambassador here.

The House declared, That the Lives of those Per­sons of the Kings party, who were excepted from pardon, should answer for the Life of Dr. Dorislaus.

The Parliaments Ships brought in Provisions to Dublin.

The Mutineers taken at Burford, were by a Councel of War sentenced to die.

[19] Divers Delinquents complained of the greatness of their Fines, and referred to the Com­mittee of Goldsmiths-Hall.

Divers of the Mutineers at Burford were shot to death, Tomsons Brother was penitent, others dyed desperately.

Upon the penitence of them craving Mercy, and acknowledging their Fault, Cromwel brought them word from the General that only, every 10th. man should die.

Their chief Leader Tomson got Possession of Northampton, and of the Ordnance, Ammunition, Leveller [...] Provisions, and Mony there, with 2. Troops of Horse, and some Levellers out of the Country came in to him.

[21] Letters from the General that Thomson being gone from Northampton to a Town near Wel­lingborow, M. Butler was sent with a select Par­ty of Horse to pursue him, who fell into his Quar­ters, and took his Men, and Thompson himself escaped to a Wood, Butler pursued, beset the Wood, and sent a Party into it, where they found Thomson.

He was well mounted, and though alone, yet he desperately rode up to Butlers Party, shot a Cornet, and wounded another, and then retreat­ed to a Bush, having received two Shots him­self.

When the Party began again to draw near to him, he charged again with his Pistol, and re­ceived another Shot, and retreated, the third time he came up, saying, he scorned to take Quarter, and then a Corporal with a Carabine charged with seven Bullets, gave him his Deaths Wound, that the Lieutenant of an Oxfordshire Troop was likewise slain.

Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to is­sue out Commissions of Oyer and Terminer to fit Persons in Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire for Tryal of the Persons taken in the late Rebelli­on.

Order that the Councel of State, the Lord Major, and the Justices of Peace, and Offi­cers of the Militia in London and Westminster, do take care for appreh ending such as were in the late Rebellion, and that the Attorney General prepare a Proclamation for the apprehending of them in the several Counties.

The Pension of 500 l. per annum to the Earl of Nottingham, ordered to be continued, and by the means of Sir Arthur Haselrigge and White­lock, the Countess his Wife had the other 500 l. per annum ordered for her.

An Act past, for draining the great Level of the Fennes.

Salary of 4000 l. per annum to Dr. Gourdon as Master of the Mint.

A Declaration published of the Parlia­ments ill Resentment of the horrid Murder per­petrated Dorisl [...]us [Page 389] on the Body of Isaac Dorislaus, Dr. of the Laws, their Resident at the Hague.

An Act published, declaring and constituting the People of England to be a Commonwealth and Free State. Comon­wealth.

Letters from Scotland that Lieutenant Gene­ral David Lesley, defeated those in the North of Scotland, for which a day of thanksgiving was ap­pointed, and for the General Deliverances and Successes expressed in a Declaration.

That a Plot of a new Rebellion, and to kill the Marquess of Argyle, and the L. Burlegh in St. Johns Town, was discovered by one of their own Party, and divers of the Conspirators taken and executed.

Letters from Portsmouth that the Levellers be­gan to appear in those Parts, and in Devonshire, but the Army Soldiers whom they expected to joyn with them, were readier to fight against them.

[22] Order for a Letter to be sent from this Parliament to the Parliament of Scotland, for a right understanding and firm League, and Amity between the two Nations, and that Commissio­ners of both Parts, may meet and treat for that purpose.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to prepare Copies of the Act touching free Quarter, to be sent to every Regiment of the Army, with a Letter to the General, to cause it to be obser­ved.

Order for the Committee of Haberdashers-Hall to have power to give Oaths to Witnesses, and for an Act to impower all Committees to do the like.

Upon Mr. Mabbols Desire, and Reasons against Licensing Books. licencing of Books to be printed, he was dicharg­ed of that Imployment.

The General and Lieutenant General, and o­ther Officers of the Army were solemnly welcom­ed, and highly feasted at Oxford, and the Proctor [...]. Zanchey presented the General, and Lieutenant General, Drs. of Laws; and other Officers, Masters of Arts, and divers learned and congra­tulatory Speeches were made to them by the Vice-Chancellor, the Proctors and other Heads, and Officers of the University.

[23] Several Votes of the Committee at Goldsmiths-Hall touching Delinquents, and their Compositions confirmed by the House, and order­ed to be Printed.

Upon a Letter from the General for a Lecture to be set up in Oxford, and for Dr. Renolds, Mr. Carrol, and Mr. Thomas Goodwyn to be Lecturers there, referred to the Committtee of Oxford to have it done.

Visitors added for the University of Oxford.

Upon a Report from the Councel of State, re­ferred to them to take care for repairing the Cast­les of Sandown, Deal, and Wymere.

Some Mariners that revolted, and since were taken by the Parliaments Ships, were tryed by a Councel of Sea Officers, and executed.

Letters from the Hague of great Preparations for the new King of Scotland, to go to Sea, that Montross is to go for Scotland, and to have such Forces as Germany, Sweden, and Denmark afford.

[24] Upon the Desire of the Towns of Sa­rum, Pool, and the County of Devon, who had ad­vanced considerable Summs for the Parliament, Order that they might double those Sums in the purchase of Deans and Chapters Lands.

Order for the D. of Glocester, and the Lady D. of Glo­cester. Elizabeth, the late Kings Children to be under the tuition of the Countess of Carlisle, and 3000 l. per annum allowed for their Maintainance.

Order for Repayment of Mony lent by the Ci­ty for carrying on the Treaty.

Order for 3 pence per pound Salary for the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands.

Order that the Speaker writing to Forraign States, should stile himself William Lental Speak­er of the Parliament of England.

A Committee named, to peruse the Orders of the House after they should be drawn up, and to see that they should be rightly entred.

A Provost Marshal appointed with power to seize upon Malignants, and disaffected Persons.

[26] The Act touching Debts debated, and recommitted.

Order for Mony for poor Widdows, and Wives of Soldiers.

Report by Lieutenant General Cromwel of the suppressing of the Levellers, the House gave him their hearty thanks for that great Service, and ordered one of thir Members to attend the Gene­ral with the hearty thanks of the House for his great Service in that Business, and ordered a ge­neral day of thanksgiving for that great Mercy.

[28] An Act passed for auditing the Accounts of the Soldiery, and securing of their Arrears, particular Care being had of those who shall go for Ireland.

The Act for giving Power to all Committees to give Oaths, reported from the Committee, and upon the Question rejected, and an Act for conti­nuance of the making of Salt-peter as formerly was rejected.

Referred to a Committee to consider how Deeds, remaining with the Records of the Court of Wards, may be delivered out to the Owners.

Referred to a Committee to consider what Powers are fit to be continued to the Committee of Haberdaeshers-Hall, and to examine their Ac­counts.

Orders touching Sequestrations, and Compo­sitions of Delinquents.

The Parliaments Ships took five Officers going for Ireland, in a Ship of the States, and sent them up Prisoners.

Letters from Lancashire of great Scarcity of Corn, and that the Famine was sore among them, after which the Plague overspread it self in ma­ny parts of the Countrey, taking away whole Fa­milies together, and few escaped where any House was visited, and that the Levellers got into Arms, but were suppressed speedily by the Governour.

[29] The Act passed for draining the great Level of the Fennes.

Another past, for the 20000 l. per annum for maintainance of Ministers and Schollars, &c.

Upon a report by Lieutenant General Cromwel of the readiness of the Soldiers to go for Ireland, if Mony were provided for them; several Orders were made for that purpose.

The Petitions of Sir Peter Temple and his Wife, and of his Creditors, referred to a Committee.

Letters from Chester of relief of Dublin with Provisions from England.

Letters from the Hague, that the Prince could not obtain from the States, such an assistance of Shipping as he desired.

The Governour of Jersy invited the Prince thi­ther and put out of the Island all whom he suspect­ed to be well affected to the Parliament.

The Parliaments Ships took two Ships, and thirty Pieces of Ordinance going for Ireland to the Rebels, and many English Officers, Some of them suspected to have had a hand in the Murder of Dr. Dorislaus, were sent Prisoners to Pendennis Castle.

[Page 387] [30] Referred to a Committee to state the Business of the Isle of Anglesey in Relation to their Compositions, and Sir Hugh Owen's Sequestrati­ons discharged upon the Articles of Anglesey.

Referred to the Committee of the Navy to ex­amine the Accounts and Business of Captain Dick and Captain Coningham, in Relation to Ireland, and to bring in an Act for settlement thereof, the like for the Business of my L. Forbes, and concern­ing the Original Contract with the Adventurers for Ireland.

Debate touching the Arrears of the Dutch Offi­cers.

Referred to the two chief Justices, and chief Baron to prepare an Act for settling the business between the Miners in Derbyshire, and the Earl of Rutland.

Letters from Ireland, that the little Quantity of Corn lately brought in thither hath much re­freshed and incouraged the Inhabitants and Soul­diers, and that the Parliaments Ships have cleared that Coast, that the Rebels are in much Division among themselves.

The Act for abolishing Kingly Government, and establishing a Free State, was solemnly proclaimed in London by the Lord Mayor, and twelve Alder­men present with him.

Letters of the General his going to the Isle of Wight to view it, and the Castles there, and his Sir Thomas Fairfax. Entertainment with the great Guns and Feasting, and of his coming from thence to Southampton, where he was saluted with great Guns round the Town, and great Feasting.

That from thence he went to Portsmouth up­on the same business to view the Fortifications, from thence he came to Guildford, the Major and Officers there shewed him all respect, and near the Town he had a rendezvous of the Army.

He spake to the several Regiments exhorting them to Obedience, and shewing them the danger that the late Mutineers might have brought the whole Nation into, if God had not prevented it.

[31] A Committee from the Common Coun­cel of London, brought a Message to the House, to London in­vites the Parlia­ment Dinner. desire them on the day of thanksgiving for sup­pressing the Levellers, to dine with the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Councel at Gro­cers-Hall, and that they might have the favour to Solemnize that Day with the House, at such a Church as they should be pleased to nominate.

Voted that Christ-Church should be the Place of meeting for the Parliament, and City to solem­nize that Day, & that the House did accept of the Invitation from the City, and ordered the hearty thanks of the House to be given them for their constant, and great Affections to the Parliament and Nation.

The Committee of common Councel then in­vited the General and Officers of the Army to the same Feast, which was well accepted of by them, and thanks returned to the City.

Report of proclaiming the Act against King-ship, in the City, and that Alderman Chambers, and Sir Thomas Soames would not accompany the Lord Mayor therein, for which contempt they were ordered to appear at the Bar of the House.

Order for the Accounts of Mr. Rowland Wilson as Muster Master General of the Forces of War­wick and Coventry to be Stated.

Referred to the Committee of absent Members to consider what Members have not appeared in the House Jan. 11th. last, and what Members are, and what Members are fit to be admitted, and what expelled.

Order to get in 6000 l. in the hands of Mr. Gel a Member of the house, Receiver for Derbyshire, unaccounted for.

A Representation of the Officers and Souldiers of Lieutenant General Cromwells Regiment to the Declarati­on. General reciting the great Successes God had given to the Army under his Conduct, and the late horrid and unnatural Defection of some of them from the Parliament and General his Authority. That from their Hearts they disown the having any hand in countenancing the Revolt, and Capitulation of the 12 Troops of the Army, or any others, or the Papers, which have scandalized the Parliament, Councel of State, or Army, and bless God for the General his reducing of them.

They profess to hazard their Lives, and all that is dear to them, for Preservation of this Parliament, and while they are Souldiers, to submit to the General his Authority over them, under the Parliament.

A Declaration came from Portsmouth in Vindi­cation of themselves and others touching the Le­vellers.

June, 1649.

(1) Upon a Report from the Commissioners Judges. of the great Seal, of the Names of fit Persons to be Judges, and Barons of the Exchequer, the house voted.

That Serjeant Nicholas, and Mr. Ask be Judges of the upper Bench.

That Serjeant Puleston, and Peter Warburton Esq be Judges of the Common Pleas.

That Serjeant Thorp, and C. Rigby be Barons of the Exchequer.

And that the Commissioners of the Seal do grant them Patents accordingly.

That Mr. Broughton be Clerk of the Crown of the upper Bench, in the Place of Mr. Ask, he be­ing made a Judge.

An Act passed declaring the Grounds of the next thanksgiving Day.

Upon the Generals desire, the House confirmed what C. Pine had done in Somer setshire, in raising Force there against the Levellers, by Letters from the General, he and Sir T. Wroth had the thanks of the House for what they did.

Sir Thomas Soames being called to the Bar, and Sir Thomas Soames. asked why, having notice of the proclaiming the Act against Kingship, he did not attend the Lord Mayor at the doing of it.

He answered, That it was against several Oaths which he had taken as an Alderman of London, and against his Judgement and Conscience.

Alderman Chambers being asked the same Alderman Chambers Question, answered, That his Heart did not go a­long in that Business.

Sir Thomas was disabled from being a Member of the House, and disfranchised from being an Alderman, or to bear any publique Office. And Alderman Chambers was disabled from being an Alderman, or to bear any publique Of­fice.

(2) An Act passed for sale of the Goods of the late King, Queen, and P. but the sale of the Pictures was respited.

An Act passed for doubling upon the publique Faith, upon Sale of Deanes and Chapters Lands.

Orders for the Commissioners of the Seal to issue out Writs to make Mr. Warburton, C. Rigby and Mr. Ask Serjeants at Law, they being to be made Judges.

Order for the Councel of State to bestow a House and Maintenance for Mrs. Elkinea and her Children.

[Page 391] (4) Upon a Report from the Committee of absent Members, C. Russel, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Fr. Gourdon, Mr. Hodges, and Mr. Ellis, were read­mitted to sit in the House.

Petitions of many poor Prisoners for Debt, that the Act may be passed for their re­lief.

An Act Published of the grounds of the next day of Publique thanksgiving.

A Declaration of the Officers and Soldiers of C. Hortons Regiment, testifying their Adherance to the Parliament, and to the General, presented to his Excellency.

The like from M. G. Skippons Regiment, and from the Town of Portsmouth.

Letters from Scotland, that a Declaration was brought from Ireland thither, against Parlia­ment of England, that at their thanksgiving, the Ministers vehemently preached against the Ma­lignants and Sectaries.

Letters from Chester that Dublin is in a good Condition, that one of the Souldiers, by sentence of the Councel of War, was shot to death for mo­ving one of his Fellows to run away to the Ene­my, and that Prince Rupert and Inchequin are at great Difference, and so are Owen Row and Or­mond.

Letters from Holland that the Danish Ambas­sador desired to borrow of the States a great Sum of Mony for the King of Scotland, and offered the Sundt Security for it.

That at the Diet at Sweden, it was resolved to assist the King of Scotland with Mony.

That the Lord Cottington, and Sir Edward Hyde Ambassadors from the King of Scotland, de­sired audience of his highness Leopoldus, and from thence were to go for Spain.

(5) C. Popham one of the Generals at Sea re­ported to the House the good Service of the Fleet, the Relief of Dublin with Provisions, that Sir George Ascue is left there with some Ships, that 15 of Prince Ruperts Ships are blocked up in Kin­sale, and desired speedy Supplyes for the Na­vy.

The House ordered Supplies accordingly, and thanks to the Generals at Sea, and to C. Jones, and that these Successes at Sea should be re­membred in the Day of thanksgiving.

The Councel of State gave order for Flemish Ships to transport the Horse into Ireland, and for the Regiments to march to Chester and other Ports, and not to stay above one night in a place.

Letters from Sir George Askue, that he had fur­nished Dublin with Provisions, and sent others to Sir Charles Coote, and had blocked Prince Ruperts Ships at Kingsale.

Letters that the L. Rea, and 20 other Prisoners were brought to Edenborough.

(6) A new Mace with the Arms of England and Ireland, instead of the Kings Arms, appro­ved New Mace and delivered to Serjeant Birkhead to be used for the House, and all other Maces for the Com­monwealth to be of that Form.

Vote for 3000 l. to be given to Mr. Blackstons Wife and Children, in respect of his Losses, and 500 l. to his Brother, out of the L. of Newcastles, and L. Widdringtons Estates.

Order for Captain Bishop, Provost Marshal to apprehend suspected Persons, and to have 100 l. per annum Salary, and 12 Men at one shilling per diem a piece.

Order for 1000 l. for a Stock to settle poor People to work.

Upon a Report from the Councel of State, or­dered, that when the Speaker with the House came into the City, the Lord Mayor should deliver up to June. him the Sword, as he used to do to the King, and that at the Feast, the Speaker should sit above the Lord Mayor, and referred it to the Councel of State to Speaker. order matters of Ceremony at the Meeting.

Letters that the Queen of Sweden had furnished the King of Scors with great store of Ammuniti­on.

A Declaration of the Officers and Souldiers of Colonel Reynolds his Regiment, to the same Ef­fect, with those of other Regiments.

(7) The Speaker with the House of Commons the General with the Officers of the Army, the Parlia­ment feasted. L. President, and Councel of State, after the hear­ing of two Sermons, went to Grocers-Hall to dine with the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common Councel, according to their Invitation.

The Speaker sat first, next to him the Lord Mayor, then the Lord General, then the Earl of Pembroke called to Whitelock to sit down, being the antient Commissioner of the great Seal, he desired his Lordship would be pleased first to sit down, and then he would sit by him. With that the Earl spake aloud (as he used to do) that all near him might hear, What, do you think that I will fit down before you? I have given place heretofore to Bishop Williams, to my Lord Coventry, and my Lord Littlet on.

And you have the same place that they had, and as much honour belongs to the place under a Common-wealth, as under a King, and you are a Gentleman as well born and bred as any of them, therefore I will not sit down before you.

With his earnestness, he caused Whitelock to sit down before him, and sat himself the next to him, and then the Lord President of the Councel, and the other Commissioners of the great Seal (the Earl of Satisbury, and the Lord Howard) sate next to the Earl of Pembroke, and after the Com­missioners of the Seal, sate Lieutenant General Cromwel, and other Members of Parliament, and of the Councel of State.

At two Tables on each side of the Hall sate other Members, and at a Table in the middle of the Hall sate M. G. Lambert, and other Officers of the Army; the Judges sate in a Room over the Parlour which was very large, and the Lord May­or, Aldermen, and some Common Councel men at another Table in the same Room.

The Musick was only Drums and Trumpets; the Feast was very sumptuous, no Healths drunk, nor any Incivility passed; and besides the over­plus of the Victuals left at Dinner, 400 l. was given to the poor of London.

(8) An Act past, for settling Maintenance up­on the Ministry of the Nation.

Report touching Relief for maimed Souldiers Widdows, and Orphans of Souldiers slain.

Referred to the Committee of Oxford to pre­fer Mr. Thomas Goodwyn, and Mr. Owen to be heads of Colledges in that University, and that they have the hearty thanks of the House for their Ser­mons yesterday.

Some Members of the House and of the City, ordered to return the hearty thanks of the House to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com­mon Councel for their great Love and Civilities yesterday expressed to the Parliament and Army.

Referred to a Committee to consider what mark of Honour and Favour the Parliament should bestow upon the City, for their real Affection to the Parliament.

[Page 392] Some Aldermen and Common Councel men in the name of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Councel, presented the Lord Ge­neral with a large and weighty Bason and Ewer of beaten Gold, as a testimony of the Affections of the Giny to his Excellence.

They also presented from the City to the Lieu­tenant General Cromwel, Plate to the value of 300 l. and 200 Pieces in Gold.

(9) A long debate touching absent Members, voted that those who gave their Votes for Addresses to be made to the late King, should state their Cases Vote. in Writing by a day, to a Committee for absent Mem­bers, which if they neglect to do, then Writs to be is­sued out for new Elections in the places of those who shall so neglect.

(11) Debate touching the Earl of Chesterfields Composition.

Letters from the Countess of Leicester, and the Earl of Northumberland, for allowance for the late Kings Children, referred to the Committee of the Revenue to provide Monies for them.

Order for demolishing Montgomery Castle, and allowance to the Lord Herbert for his Damage thereby, out of his Fine.

Order for demolishing Winchester Castle, and Reparation for the Damage thereby to Sir Willi-Waller. The like for Belvoir Castle, and for Repa­ration of the Damage thereby to the Earl of Rut­land, referred all to the Councel of State.

The Act passed for relieving Persons compriz­ed in Articles.

Another for altering the Original Seales of Ca­ermarthen, Pembroke, and Cardigan.

Another for altering the Seal of Nisi-prius of the Common Pleas.

Order that the Members of the House, and of the Councel of State, the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, and Judges, do attend the Funeral Dorislaus. of Dr. Dorislaus.

Letters that the Parliament of Scotland took many exceptions to the Letter sent to them from the Parliament of England. That they go on in raising Forces, but the Quelling of the Levellers Scotland. in England did not please them. But they bewaile the suffering condition of their Preshyterian Bre­thren in England.

That in Scotland are many English Officers and Soldiers, who expect imployment when their new King cometh, and are out of Patience, and Mony by his longstay, that the Scots fear a Famine; and Execute very many for Witches.

(12) Order for 6000. Men for the Summer Guard, to be Proportioned to the ships, and 3000 for the Winter Guard.

Referred to the Commitee of the Army, to con­ferre with the Councel of State, touching the number of Forces to be kept up, and the Pay of them.

Referred to a Committee to prepare an Act, up­on Sir. Henry Vane's report touching the Ex­cise.

The new Judges were Sworn in the several Courts; And it came to Whitlock's turn to make the Speech to those who were sworn Judges of the Common-Pleas. Who were Mr. Sergeant Pen­leston, and Mr. Sergeant Warberton.

Wherein (amongst other matters) he told them of their being the first Judges Publickly Sworn in this Common-wealth, and spake to them concerning Judges in general Judges of this Com­mon-wealth, and Judges of this Court. On the second Head he told them, That the Judges in this Common-wealth are of as great Antiquity as is the Law it self. That the Druides were Judges or Interpreters of the Law Amongst the Pritains. And as they studyed the Law 20. Years, yet com­mitted July. nothing to writing. So out Judges spend as much longer time in the same study, and our common Law is Lex non scripta at this Day.

He also intimated to them what he found in In­gulphus, p. 870. and in Seldens Janus Anglorum, of the Division made by King. Alphred, or Allured in Judices, quos nunc Justiclarios vacamus, et Vi­cioomites. And in the sanie Author, that when W. I. upon the suit of the Abbot of Crowland con­firmed the Laws of St. Edward, he proclaimed them to be kept, et Justiciarijs suis commendabat. And then he thus proceeds.

All these are Testimonies of the Antiquity of our Judges, but I hold not this essential to be largely con­sidered, save as it falls in our way. Neither shall I rob you of your time by an elaborate Discourse of the Honour and Respect due to your Place, only you may pardon a few Observations thereupon, and the rather for the particular Relation I have to that Calling. What respect the Sexons had to their Judges appeares in the Etymology of their Word Grave which sig­nifieth a Judge, and an Earl, Sir John Danys Rep.

As in the old Law of the Ripuarians, C. 55. Act 1st. The Title being Si quis Graffionem interfecerit. The Text is, Si quis Judicem Fiscalem, quem Comitem vocant, interfecerit, Seld. Tit. Hon. f. 121. 127. and Haillan. f. 274.

But to come nearer home, we find in the Law of H. 1. This Description of a Judge, Regis Judicos sunt Barones Comitatus, qui liberas in eis tenras habent, villani vero, corsetti, vel ferdingi, vel qui sunt viles, aut inopes Personae, non sunt inter In­dices numerandi.

Whence appears the reason of the Judges of the Ex­chequer, being called Barons Seld. Tit. Hon. f. 347. and 390. Lambert. f. 186. 1 H. 6. f. 7.

Agreeable with this is the Testimony of Bracton, who saith thus, Comites vero, vel Barones, nonsunt amerciandi, nisi per pares suos, et hoc per Barones Scaccarij, vel corain ipso Rege.

Ʋpon which, and the Case of the Earl of Northum­berland under H. 6. Selden observes, that all Judges were held antiently as Barons.

And the Writ by which they were Summou'd to Parliament, is in the same Style, and hath in it the same words with the Writs of Summons of Barons, Consitium vestrum impensuri, Those of the Com­mons being ad faciendum, et consentiendum hiis, quae de communi Confilio ordinari contigeunt.

And in some Entries of Judgments upon Writs of Error in Parliament, the words are ex assensn In­stitiariorum, and the Title of Lord was given anti­ently to all the Judges, as appears in divers of our Books, and Records, and is still given to the Judges of Assize.

They have their Officers, and their Purveyante, as the Barons had, untill taken away by the Statute front both Rot. Parl. 10. E. 2. pt. 2. M. 20. and 2. E. 3. pt. 1. M. 33. and Rot. Claus. 11. E. 1. and this was taken away by the Statute 4. E. 3. C. 3.

Theye be divers Cases, and Records of Punish­ments inflicted on those, who gave any affronts to Judges, and especially that noted Case of Roger Hengham, M. 33. and 34. E. 1. rot. 71. in the Re­ceipt of the Exchequer.

So tender hath the State alwayes been of the Ho­nour of their great publick Officers, and as the State is, so the Judges themselves ought to be very tender of that Honour with which they are intrusted; which is not so much theirs as the Nations Honour, and the Honour of the Law it self.

They are neither to lessen their Honour by a Cari­age too lofty, for most Honour is gained by Courtesy [Page 393] and Humilty. Nor to lessen their Honour by a Port too low, and unbeseeming their Quality. But this point needs no consideration in this place.

I hasten to my last particular, which is concerning Judges of this Court. A high and antient Court, high in respect of the Ʋniversality, and business of it; the Liberties, Franchises, and Property of all the People of this great Nation, are determinable in it.

And concerning the Antiquity of the Court, give me leave upon this Occasion, and for the Right and Honour of this Court, a little to look into an Opinion delivered by great and learned Men, upon that Point.

Not that I presume upon my slender Judgement to controul theirs, but to lay before you their Asserti­on, and what Authorities I have met with in my lit­tle reading to the contrary, that your selves, by com­paring both together, may the better Judge of the difference.

Lambert, Cowel, Serjeant Fleetwood, Sir Tho­mas Smith, and a Manuscript concerning Masters of the Chancery, all of them do affirm, That the Court of Common Pleas was erected by the Sta­tute of Magna Charta, C. 11

The Words are Communia placita non fequantur Curiam nostram, sed sint in loco certo, from hence collect that common Pleus which before were held in other Courts, and followed the Kings House, were not settled in a Place certain, nor the Court of Com­mon Pleas erected til this time.

Of these Authors, Sir Roger Owen in his Ma­nuscript sayeth, They are like unto Ostriches, Birds of great Feathers, yet little Flight, I cannot subscribe to their Opinion, upon these Grounds.

Beda. f. 10. relates that the prime Monarch, with the consent of the States of Parliament, allotted Pleas of the Crown to one Court, Common Suits of Subjects to another, and Matters of Revenew to a third, and this was long before Magna Charta.

They mistake the Words Curiam nostram in this place of Magna Charta, to signify the Kings House, which had not then that appellation; but the Word curia had another signification.

Among the Romans, whose Word it is, Curia sometimes was taken for the 30th. part of the People, into which Romulus divided them: but more fre­quently it signifyed with them an Assembly of Cler­gy-Men, and Lawyers, as Curia Hostilia, Pompeya, Julia, &c.

St. Augustine in his Coment upon the 121 Psalm, sayeth, that Curia improperly is taken for a Tribe, but properly signifies the Courts of Justice in Cities and Countries.

In the same sense, the word is taken with us, and was so before any applications of it to the Kings House, as is plain in the Mirror of Justices. Glan­vil, the Stat. of Marlbridge, 52. H. 3. the Stat. W. 1. 3. E. 1. and W. 2. 13. E 1. and others, and in Walsingham, Ingulphus, Hoveden, Paris, and all our Chief Historians.

In H. 3. time, and after, Hospitium Regis was generally the Kings House, as Maresehallus Hospitii, Senesehallus Hospitii, in their Letters Patents, and Britton calls it Hostel du Roy.

That ground then will fail them, that by the word Curia in Magna Charta, is meant the Kings House, but as Sir Roger Owen, and others conject­ure, by it is meant, the Courts of the Chancery, Kings-Bench, and Exchequer.

The Case 21. E. 3. Fitz. Bre. comes to this, where a Writ de rationabili parte Bonorum was brought in the Kings Bench, the Defendant pleaded this part of Magna Charta, Comunia placita non sequantur Cu­riam nostram, and though he had been at issue, yet the Plantiff would not proceed.

And in 26. E. 1. in the Treasury, one Nicholas de Scotland brought assize for Land, which was reversed for Error in the Kings Bench, where the Judges willed Nicholas to arraigne a new Assize in the Common Pleas, because by the Words of Magna Charta, Common Pleas ought not to follow Ban­cum Regis, and there are no other words (Curiam nostram) in Magna Charta but these.

In the Stat. Articuli super Chartas, it is said, No Common Pleas shall hereafter be held in the Cheq. against the tenour of the great Charter, and there be no words restraining suits of Common Pleas, by the great Charter, but these.

To make it more plain, It is agreed by Hoveden, Paris, and others, and I think not to be denyed, that Magna Charta were the Law of Edward the Con­fessor. And in that Case, 21. E. 3. the Defendant pleaded this part of it, not as an Act of Parliament, but as a common Consent, and Custom.

To this purpose, that is pertinent 26. Assis. p. 24. where the Abbot of B. prescribes to have Cogni­zance of Pleas, and to have an Original out of Court, by usage in the time of St. Ed­ward Kings. And that H. 1. by his Charter, con­firmed all the usages, and that they should have Cog­nizance of all manner of Pleas; so that the Justi­ces of the one Bench, or the other, should not intermed­dle, upon which my L. Cook, Lit. 71. B. Collects, that then there was this Court, and these Judgse.

In the Treasury of the Chequer, are many Re­cords of Pleas of King H. 2. R. 1. and King John, dated in the Court of Common Pleas.

In an antient Roll there is contained the suit be­tween the Abbot of Aniou, and the Abbot of Crow­land, about the Meers of a Marsh, in the Court of Common Pleas in R. 1. and King John's time, and the names of the Justices set down in the Roll thus Justitiaru in Banco residentes, and the Chancellor writes to them by that Name.

Glanvil in his second Book writes of them which would not wage Battle, but have their Matters tryed by a Jüry, f. 14. that they were to be tryed coram Justitiarijs in Banco residentibus.

In Glanvils 4. Book, it is said, that Quare im­pedits. are returnable coram Justitiarijs apud Westmonasterium which they are to this Day.

In his eighth Book he writes, though Fines were levyed in many other Courts, yet still they were in­grossed coram Justitiarijs in Banco residentibus; and so they are to this day.

An Act past for Mr. Broughton to be Coroner of the upper Bench.

Dr. Walker is made one of the Judges of the Admiralty.

A Petition of Mr. Gething for Money, and a Demand of Mony by the Lord Grey of Wark re­ferred to the Commitee to remove Obstructions in the sale of Deanes and Chapters Lands.

An Act past to encourage the Manufacture of Salt.

Order of the Councel for demolishing of Lan­caster-Castle.

Letters from the Parliaments Navy, that divers of Prince Ruperts Seamen came in to them, that the Prince had very few Men, and most of them, such as had been taken Prisoners by him.

Letters from Chester that the Irish Rebels came near to Dublin, and many of the Parliaments Forces ran to them, that Wheat in Dublin was at 55 s. the Barrel.

From Ireland, that Ormond was come with 12000 Foot, and 2400 Horse, within 25 Miles of Dublin, where he had besieged some places, that C. Jones went out with a Party to relieve them. [Page 394] That the Catholicks and old Protestants went day­ly in to Ormond.

(13) Referred to a Committee to consider of some things offered in behalf of the People of New-England.

Raising Mony for lame Souldiers referred to the Committee of Hospitals.

Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to pass several Pardons, upon Certificates of the Judges, for Persons condemned in the Circu­its.

Order that the Earl and Countess of Leicester take care, that no other Ceremony be used to the late Kings Children, than is used to Noble Mens Children of this Nation.

A Declaration of the Officers and Souldiers at Lancaster to the same Effect with those from o­ther Regiments, was presented to the Gene­ral.

The Mayor and divers Citizens of Oxford, pre­sented Whitelock with a Patent, to be High Stew­ard of that City, to which he was unanimously chosen by them in the place of the Earl of Berks.

Upon Lieutenant General Cromwel's Desire, referred to a Committee to take his Accounts of his Expeditions into Wales, and Scotland, and to give him Discharges.

(14) Much time spent upon the business be­tween Sir John Danvers, and the Lady Gargrave, touching the Estate of the late Earl of Danby their Brother, and resolved upon the Question, that Sir John Danvers was deprived of that Estate by the Will of the Earl, for his Affection and adhering to the Parliament. And referred to a Committee to consider how Sir Johns Losses thereby, may be repaired.

Letters from Holland, that Prince Charles was attended from the Hague by the Princess, his Sister, and many Persons of Eminence, and with 40 Troops of Horse to Breda, and from thence to Antwerp, and so to Bruxels, where the Arch Duke Leopold intends to receive and conduct him into France.

(15) Monies ordered for the Lord Lisle, up­on his Accounts, as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Referred to the Councel of State, to order the going of the several Judges in the next Circuits.

Upon Information of the good Service done by Baron Thorpe in the last Norhern Circuit, ordered that he go the same Circuit this Vacation.

Order for Judge Pheasant, to make choice of his Circuit, or to stay at home, being Sickly.

Mr. William Littleton, and Mr. Bulstrode ordered to be Judges of Northwales.

Order for the Commitee of the revenue duely to Pay the Sallaries of the Lords Comissioners of of the Seal, and of the Judges.

Order for an Act to Enable the Judges who ride the Northern Circuit to keep Assize at Durham, for the Bishoprick.

Upon a report from the Councel of State, the House approved of Commissary General Ireton, to go into Ireland, next Commander in chief unto Lieutenant General Cromwell. And that he have presently paid him 2000. l. In part of his Ar­reares.

Letters that store of Provisions of Corn were brought in by Dutch Ships into Lancashire.

An Act past, for transmitting into the Exchequer Bonds forfeited to the Commissioners of Excise, to the end they may be put in suit. And the Com­missioners of Excise were continued till the 25th. of Decemb. next.

Order for an Act to ease the People in Payment of the Excise.

Order that the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands do put their Powers into Speedy Execution.

Upon the Petition of the Widdowes of Slain Souldiers, referred to the Commitee of Haber­dashers Hall, to alow them their Husbands Arreares, out of such concealed Delinquents Estates as they should discover.

Power given to the trustees to sell Deans and Chapters Lands at 10 years Purchase.

The General sent a Letter to the Colonell of each Regiment to give him an account of the tak­ing off of Free Quarter.

(18) An Act passed, for relief of Persons ac­cording to Articles of War.

Upon a recommendation of the General order­ed, that Sir. William Fleetwood, Sir. Edward Sy­denham, Mr. John Carey, Mr. Adrian May, and Mr. Stidolph, shall have the benefit of the Articles of Oxford.

Order for a Writ, for a new Election of a Mem­ber for Abington.

Order for 100. l. For Arrears of Mr. Rowland Wilson as Muster-Master General for the Forces of Warwick Shire.

M. Cobbet dismist of his Command, and Cap­tain Rogers Committed to the Marshall, by order of the General.

Letters that the Inhabitants of Draiton in Shrop-shire, on the last Lords Day, in the night fell upon Captain Thelwels Troop, and disarmed and pil­laged them.

That the reduced Souldiers at York, seised upon some of the Officers who were to pay them their Arrears, and kept them in restraint 4 Hour.

(19) Order for 1000. l. For the Lieutenant President Bradshaw, and referred to a Commitee to consider how 4000. l. per annum Lands of In­heritance may be settled upon him, and his Heirs, and how 1000. l. Per annum may be settled upon M G. Skippon, and his Heires, for their good Services

An Act passed read 3 times this Morning, to inable the Judges that go the Northern Circuit, to hold Assizes at Durham.

A Petition of Mr. Stedman &c. referred to the Committee of Leicester.

Upon a report from the Councel of State, re­ferred to the Court of Admiralty to examine a business touching some Merchants of the enter­course; and certify the House.

Letters from the Generals at Sea that they in­tended as soon as weather will permit to recover King sale Road.

C. Reynolds his Regiment, and C. Okey's Companies were ready to be shipped for Ireland.

The General sent his Orders to every Regimen [...] to permit any of the Regiment that would go for Ireland, and not to entertain any in their Rooms till further order. And to Lieutenant General Cromwell, not to entertain any who have left any Regiment designed for Ireland, and to have their accounts Stated.

Letters from Chester, that C. Jones, and Owen Row were so far agreed, as not to disturb one anothers Quarters.

Letters that the Scots were new modelling their Army, and none to be of it, but those who take the Covenant, that the Comissioners of the Kirk, would have the King further pressed to grant their desires.

(20) Petitions reported by Comissary General Ireton.

Petitions from Kendall referred to the Com­missioners of the Seal, and the Attourney General.

Petition of the Earl of Lincoln for dammage [Page 395] for the demolishing of Tatters Hall Castle refer­ed to the Councel of State.

Order for disposing 1480. l. Taken in a Dutch Ship at Graves end.

Order for satisfaction of losses to Mr. Everard, and others of Essex out of the estate of Butler an Irish Rebel.

Another Petition referred to the Comissioners of the Great Seal.

An Act past for Lessening the Rates in the sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

Dismantling Gotheridge Castle referred to the Councel of State.

Letters that some of Prince Charles his Ships had taken divers fishermen.

The Commitee touching Major General Brown, and other Members, revived.

Order for the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands to put their Powers in Execution, for speedy bring­ing in of Moneys due upon contracts with them; as well against Members of the House as o­thers.

The Commitees to sequester those in default, and divers Orders made to remove obstructions in the sale of deans and Chapters Lands.

(21) Mr. Lenthall, the Speakers son, re-ad­mitted to sit in the House.

Letters, that Ormond was come up with 12000. into the quarters of Dublyn. That Divers from the Town ran away to him. That C. Jones, and C. Monke were preparing to march out to him.

(22) A report from the Councel of State, that Acts. before the house do Adjorn, it will be fit that these Acts be passed by them, viz.

All General Acts concerning Monies for settling the Militia.

For Prohibiting the exportation of Wool, and Ful­lers Earth.

To Prohibit the Exportation of Gold and Sil­ver.

For Punishing revolted Sea Men, and for invest­ing the Judge of the Admiralty with his Power.

For Relieving well Affected Tenants against their oppressing Land-Lords.

For Suppressing all Scandalous and Malignant Pamphlets, and the Authors and Printers of them, and to Prevent as much as may be Printing.

For Punishing Licentiousness and Abuses in Pul­pits.

For repealing the Clause in the Stat. 35 El. con­cerning Sectaries.

For a General Pardon.

For relieving Poor Prisoners for Debt.

For securing the Soldiers Arrears.

For Probate of Wills, Granting Administrations, and investing Ministers in Livings.

The Councel further reported divers things to be prepared during the recesse of the House, for their debate at their next Meeting, viz.

An Act for taking away Tithes, and for setl­ing another maintenance for the Ministers. con­cerning future Parliaments.

For Regulating Proceedings at Law, and what Lawes are fit to be repealed.

The House appointed a day to take these mat­ters into consideration.

The Commission to Lieutenant General Crom­well to command in chief the Forces in Ireland, was read in Latin, and in English, and approved Cromwell. and ordered to Passe the Great Seal, to be in Force for 3 years.

And the Civill and Military Power to be in him for that time.

An Act Passed for Making Robert Bernard Esq Judge of the Isle of Ely.

Order for the Painted Chamber to be Prepared, and hanged for the Commissioners of Articles to sit there.

An Act Passed for Stating the accounts of all Officers and Souldiers.

A Proclamation by the General, forbiding Souldiers to put their Horses into Mowing Grounds.

(23) Upon consideration that the Mony was very little that yet came in by Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands; ordered that the Officers and Souldiers, whose Accounts are audited, may double their areares for Purchase of those Lands.

The desires of the Earl of Denbigh, touching his Arreares for his Ambassy into Italy, and other Arears, referred to the Commitee of the Re­venue.

Referred to a Commitee to consider of C. Hen­ry Martin's Losses, and of his Arrears, and how they may be satisfied.

(25) The Petitions of the Earl of Rutland, and of the Leadminers, referred to Judges of the Nor­thern Circuit.

An Act Past for holding the Assizes for Lan­cashire in Lancaster Castle.

The next Winters Guard for the Seas approv­ed off.

The extraordinary charges of Lieutenant Ge­neral Cromwell for his journey into Ireland, refer­red to a Commitee to consider and report.

Referred to a Commitee to select the Acts fit to be past before the adjournment of the house, and what matters to be debated during the re­cesse.

The Lord Grey's Disbursments and Arrears referred to a Commitee, how he may be satisfied.

An Act for making a Judge of the Admirality and Cinque-Ports rejected.

An Act past giving Power to the Councel of State to grant. Letters of Marque and Repris­al.

An Aditional Act past, for incouragement of Purchasers of Deans and Chapters Lands.

Letters from C. Blake and C. Deane Generals at Sea, that they are again before King-Sale, that P. Rupert and Maurice are there, and have gotten 400 Sea-men from Waterford, that Ormonds Ar­my is 14000.

A Paper of requests delivered to Lieutenant Ge­neral Cromwell for Recruits and Supplyes, for Sir Charles Cootes Forces in the North of Ireland, that they being 3 Regiments of Horse; and 3 of Foot, have had but 8 Moneths Pay in 8 Years, and a Peck of Oatmeale a Weeke. And that Sir Charles Coot may be relieved.

Letters that C. Jones was Marched out of Dub­lyn with 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse upon Or­monds drawing near to the Town, but that Or­mond being with in 5 Miles of him, Jones retreated to secure Dublyn.

Letters from Scotland, that their King had parted Scotland; with Montrosse, had consented to the Covenant, and to the desires of the Kirke, and to confirm what was done by his Fathers Authority, and by the Parlement of Scotland since, and that shortly they expect their King with them.

(26) The Act for relief of Creditors and touch­ing prisoners recommitted.

A proposal by Sir Paul Pindar, and the rest of the old Commissioners for the Customes to ad­vance 100000 for the Parlement, if they might be secured a debt of 300000 owing to them by the late King, was laid aside.

A report for Papists who had not been in Armes, to be admitted to compound, was laid

[Page 396] Captain Young spoyled a Ship in Helford sluce in Holland, being ready to set Sail for the P. And took a Frigot belonging to the P. with 70 Pri­soners, and 10 pieces of Ordinance in her, and a Corn Ship.

Letters that Captain Peacock, upon discovery of 2 Corn Ships taken by one of the P's. Vessels, recovered both the Ships, and brought them to Harbour. And took one of the P's▪ men of War and another Ship taken with 11 Guns and Ammu­nition.

Letters that the P. was at Bruxels, and at a stand what to do, because the Levellers in Eng­land were reduced, that he was expected shortly to be in France.

Letters that a Frigot (of Sir John Greenivile, Governour of Scilly, with 2 Brasse Guns 24, Mus­kets, and 24 Oares, made for Pyracy) coming near Swansy, the Governour of Cardiffe sent out Boats, pursued the frigot from Creek to Creek, and at length took her, and all her Men, except the Captain and some few with him, who got on shoar, and fled away.

(27) Letters from C. Jones of his March out of Dublin, and after some Skirmishes, his retreat, being so much overpowred, and desires re­lief.

Other Letters of C. Jones his March, and that thereby he much streightened the Enemies Quar­ters, and made a very honorable retreat, and in all demeaned himself with great Valour and Wis­dom.

Order touching 350000 l. upon the Sale of Bishops Lands.

Order concerning Compositions and the Ac­counts of Gold Smiths Hall.

(28) Upon a report of Mr. Salwey, further time given for compositions of Delinquents.

Adjutant General Sadler went to Chester to trans­port 3 Regiments for Ireland.

Forces about Pontfract disbanded and many of them listed for Ireland.

Letters that Prince Charles was highly enter­tained at Antwerp at the cost of the Burghers.

(29) The Petition of the Earl of Denbigh for Arreares referred to a new Committee.

An Act brought in by the Councel of State, for repealing the Statutes, 23. El. and 35. El. A­gainst Pretended Sectaries, and the Statute. 1. Jac. Recommitted.

Order for Payment of the Sallaries to the Judges of the Admiralty.

Order to borrow 150000 l. for Ireland.

An Act past for discharge of the Commissioners of the Excise, upon their accounts.

Sir Henry Heyman and another re-admitted to sit in the House.

Upon the report of the L. Commissioner Whit­lock, Baron Gates, by reason of his sickness, was excused from riding the Circuit, and Serjeant Green ordered to go Judge in his place.

Power given to the Commissioners of the Seal to grant Commissions of Sewers, and of Charita­ble uses, as any L. Chr. L. Keeper, or Commssi­oners of the Seal used to do.

Letters that the Enemie had besieged Dublin, that C. Hewson twice beat off their Parties with loss to them, and came off with flying Colours, that C. Jones sent to Chester for Corn.

That the Enemy was within one Mile of Dub­lin, from whence a Party skirmished with them, and took one Captain Duncan Prisoner.

That London Derry was not in a very bad Con­dition.

(30) The Lord Commissioner Lisle, be­ing formerly by the House made Master of St. Cross Hospital, did now voluntarily surrender it to the House again, and they bestowed it upon the Sollicitor G. Mr. Cook, and ordered Aug­mentations of Meanes to the Ministers and poor Brethren, as the Lord Commissioner Lisle had formerly given.

Debate upon the Act for sale of the Kings Houses, Parks, &c.

And Voted that St. James House, and Park, The Kings Houses. Theobalds Park, Windsor Castle, and Little Park, Greenwich House, Castle, and Park, should be reser­ved from Sale for the use of the State.

And referred to the Councel of State, to consider what other Houses should be reserved from Sale.

The New Park near Richmond was given to the City of London, as a Testimony of the Favour of the House to them.

Order for saving the Timber in the Parks, &c. for the use of the Navy.

Letters from Cheshire, that Ormond had besieg­ed Dublin with 14000 Men, and doubted not but to carry it in a short time, and that divers Mini­sters in Cheshire, did pray publickly, for restoring Charles the Second to his Fathers Crowns and Ho­nours.

July, 1649.

(2) A Letter from the Parliament of Scotland in answer to the Letter sent to them from the Letter to the Parli­ament. Parliament of England, in high Language, and invective against the late proceedings in England. but desiring that Commissioners of both King­doms may meet, and treat about a good Corre­spondency between the two Nations.

Referred to the Councel of State how to pro­secute the Desires of the Parliament of England, and to vindicate it from the Aspersions cast upon them by the Parliament of Scotland.

Captain Row who brought the Scots Answer, had 100 l. given him.

Divers Orders for Mony, and Approbation of the Generals Allowance of more than ordinary Pay, in regard of Billet Mony.

A Petition of the Car-men, setting forth the Op­pressions and Exactions of the Woodmongers, and desiring to be made a new Corporation of the Car-men, referred to a Committee.

The 400 l. per annum allowed to Dr. Ʋsher Primate of Armagh continued.

Order for 70 to be of the Life Guard to the Lieutenant of Ireland, and Mr. Owen to go his Chaplain, and his Wife and Children to have 100 l. per annum in his Absence.

Letters that C. Jones put out all the Men Ro­man Ireland. Catholicks out of Dublin, that Ormond took in all the Country about Dublin, and put Jones to great wants, that Sir George Askue secured the Harbour for the Army to land from England, and that most of the English joyned with Ormond.

Letters that five Witches were burnt at Eden­burgh, who had the marks upon them, which they had from the Devil.

The Parliament of Scotland sent a Gentleman to the Queen and Chr. of Sweden, to acquaint them with their Proceedings with England, and their falling off from them, upon their late trans­actions, &c.

That they prepare for new Levies of 15000 Horse, and Foot, to be added to the 5000 now in being.

(3) Debate upon the Act for sale of the Parks, Lands, &c. of the late King; and Officers agreed upon.

[Page 397] Captain Martins Accounts stated, and he or­dered to have 1000 l. per annum. Inheritance in lieu of his Arrears.

The Lord Grey's Accounts passed.

A Pardon ordered for some Prisoners condem­ed in the Circuits.

Referred to the Councel of State, to take care for bringing in the Arrears of Londons Assesse­ment.

Letters from Dublin that C. Jones sent out 12 Horse, who charged 30 of the Enemy, routed them, and took Lieutenant Collonel Duncan Pri­soner, and wounded Captain Dungan mortally, and that Ormond stood within half a mile, look­ing on.

That divers Malignants are imprisoned, and the Papists driven out of the Town, but their Wives and Children stay. That Jones his Men killed a Captain and a Lieutenant of Ormonds Horse, took a Cornet and 4 Horse, and lost a Quarter Master.

That Inchequin wrote to Jones to treat, but he returned a sharp denyal.

Letters that Prince Charles near Antwerp was met by some eminent Persons, and presented by the Arch Duke with a sumptuous Coach studded Prince Charles. with Silver, and six gallant Flanders Mares draw­ing it, and six Saddle Horses of the Neapolitan Race.

That at Antwerp, the Magistrates conducted him to a stately Pallace, where he stayed two dayes, and was entertained as if he had been King of Spain.

Letters from France that the Queen of Eng­lands Pension was lessened there from 12000 Crowns to 7000 Crowns, and no Pension allow­ed to Prince Charles, but what his Mother gives him.

Letters from Scotland, of the strange number of Witches executed there, that the Kingdom was quiet, and in great Expectation of their new King.

(4) The Act passed for sale of the Goods of the late King, Queen, and Prince, part of the Mo­ny to pay some of the Kings Houshold Debts, and 30000 l. for the Navy.

Debate upon a report from the Councel of State for borrowing 150000 l. of the City for the Service of Ireland.

Vote that the Letter from the Parliament of Scotland to William Lental Esq doth disobliege Vote. the Parliawent of England to proceed with Scot­land to a Treaty, and referred to the Councel of State, to draw up a Declaration upon this, and the former Scots Letters.

Letters of 1660 Barrels of Beer, with other Provisions proportionable, ready at Bristol, for the Souldiers designed for Ireland.

Letters that Captain Harris with the Phenix Frigot had rescued divers Prizes taken by the Jersy Men.

(5) Orders for Mony for lame Souldiers, and the Widdows of Souldiers slain.

Mr. Steel was chosen Recorder of London, in the place of Mr. Glyn.

Divers Surveys returned of Deanes and Chap­ters Lands.

The Train of Artillery and Ammunition was shipped for Ireland.

[6] The Account of the Lieutenant of Ire­land approved, and he discharged.

The Lord Commissioner Whitelock did voluntarily surrender the place of Attourney of the Dutchy, which the House had formerly con­ferred upon him, the House approved thereof, and bestowed the place upon Mr. Hall, to hold quam diu bene se gesserit.

An Act passed for altering the Seal of the Dut­chy.

A Woman committed to the Marshal, and ordered to be sent by a Justice of Peace to the House of Correction, for abusing Sir James Har­rington.

Order for a day of Humiliation to seek God for his Blessing upon the Expedition for Ire­land.

Order for the Speaker to give a Pass for the Holland Ambassador to transport 4 Horses into Holland Custome free.

Order for the Attourney General to bring in an Act, to prohibit the transportation of Hor­ses.

Order that Mr. Attourney General, Mr. Steel, and Mr. Hurst, should attend the Commissioners for Articles, as Councel for the State.

An Act passed to settle the Master of the Mint Office.

A Letter from the General to the House, re­commending the Desires of the Grand Jury of Yorkshire. Yorkshire to have Courts of Justice settled in that County, referred to a Committee.

500 l. ordered to the Dutch Officers.

C. Allured made Receiver of Yorkshire.

Letters from Dublin that the L. Mohun, and his Troop ran away to the Enemy: So did Sir William Armstrongs Troop, and Lt. C. Yeomans Troop. That Drogheda, and divers other of the Parliaments Garrisons were besieged, and could not hold out, nor was C. Jones able to relieve them. That C. Trevor, and divers others out of C. Monks Quarters went to the Enemy. That all Markets were hindered, and all Provision very scarce and dear.

Letters from Bruxels that the Scots King was gone for France to salute the King and Queen, and thence to go to the Queen his Mother, who sent to him Piercy and Jermyn, to let him know, it was the Advice of the Councel of France, and Hers, that he agree with the Scots upon any Terms.

Upon Complaint to the States on behalf of the Scots King. That some of the Parliaments Ships destroyed the Antelope in Helford Sluce, the States ordered that the King had Liberty to act the same upon any of the Parliaments Ships in any Harbour within their Dominions.

Letters that a Fleet of English Ships in the Sound fought with the Danish Fleet, about De­mand of Custom, and worsted the Danes, but 7 Swedish Ships coming in, and joyning with the Danes, they worsted the English.

[7] Long Debate upon the Act for repealing several Statutes against pretended Sectaries, and who come not to Church to hear Divine Service, and recommitted.

The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland had leave, be­fore his going away, to present several Petitions to the House for divers Friends which were read, and Orders made upon them.

Letters from Dublin, that Captain Otway beat up Ormonds Horse Guards, killed 50, and took divers Prisoners, that Inchequen besieged Tredah, and was bravely repulsed, and lost many Men.

The Lieutenant of Ireland presented more Pe­titions to the House, upon which Orders were Petitions. made, and divers of them were for Pensions to many Irish Gentlemen and Ladies in Dist­ress.

Orders for stating Sir George Askue's Arrears, and divers others, and for Mr. Knight the Gene­rals [Page 398] Chaplain to have Liberty to double upon the purchase of Deanes and Chapters Lands.

Votes against Ministers preaching and praying seditiously, and against the present Authority, and to promote the Interest of the Children of the late Ministers King, or that disobey the Orders of Parliament, that they shall be Sequestred.

Letters that some Malignants at Preston in Lancashire proclaimed Charles the Second, King, at the Market Cross, and nothing was there done against them.

Letters from Ireland, That Sir Robert Stuart had taken the Castle of Kilmore by Storm, with 14 Guns, and had lost 50 Men.

That C. Jones by a Salley cut off 60 of Or­monds Men, that Sir George Askue kept open the Passage by Water.

That the L. Inchequin sent a Summons to C. Jones to render Dublin to the use of the King. To which he returned a smart Answer, remembring Inchequin of his former Professions and Engagements Ireland. for the Parliaments Cause, and his now assisting the bloody Rebels and Papists against the Protestant English, from which he advised him to desist, least he bring Misery upon his own Family.

(10) Upon a Report of the Councel of State, of the want of Powder, referred back to them to consider of some fit way for the making and providing of Salt-peter.

And upon their Report the Committee was revived to treat with the Common Councel a­bout borrowing 150000 l. for Ireland.

The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland went out of Town in very noble Equipage, with Coaches, and six Horses a piece, his Life Guard of 80, who had all been Officers, and a great number of At­tendants.

A Petition of the Journey-men Taylors to the General for relieving their Fellows by a meet­ing, Taylors. for which they ask his leave.

Letters from Holland that the Scots King was come to Paris; That in all his Journey, he had such Entertainment as never before was given by Catholicks to one of the Protestant Religi­on.

(11) The day of publick Humiliation.

Letters from the Navy of several Vessels taken at Sea, by Captain Harris with the Phaenix Fri­got.

Upon the Lord Lieutenant his going to Ireland, three Ministers did pray, and the Lieutenant himself, and Goff, and C. Harrison, did expound some places of Scripture excellently well, and pertinent to the Occasion.

(12) Long Debate about the Act for sale of the Kings Lands.

The Common Councel provided to lend the Parliament 150000 l. for Ireland.

Letters that three Ships loaden with Corn, were arrived at Dublin from Chester.

A Petition of the Officers ingaged for Ireland, acknowledging the Integrity, and Justice, and La­bour Petitions of the House, and as their last Request, they humbly pray.

That all Drunkenness, profane Swearing, Ʋn­cleanness, Abuses of the Lords Day, &c. may be restrained, not tolerated under their Pow­er.

That Proceedings in Law may be in English, cheap, certain, &c. and all Suits and Differences first be arbitrated by three Neighbours, and if they cannot determine it, then to certify the Court.

That all Mens Lands and Houses may be regi­stred in every Parish with their Incumbran­ces.

That Tithes may be taken away, and 2 s. in the pound paid for all Lands, out of which the Minist­ers to be maintained, and the Poor.

That publick Debts may be payed.

That Receivers may account, and Prisoners for Debts be relieved.

Referred to the Committee to consider what things are fit to be done before the House ad­journ, and the Lord Lieutenant desired to return the thanks of the House to the Petitioners for their good Affections, and for their Engagement for Ireland.

An Account of the Parliaments Navy, that C. Dean with his Squadron lay upon the Western Road, C. Popham between the Downs and Portsmouth; and Blake blocked up Kingsale, Sir George Askue lay in Dublin Road, other Ships Northward, and some to secure the Trans­portation of Corn and Provisions from Chester, Bristol, &c. to Ireland.

(13) The Act for sale of the Lands and Re­venues of the King, Queen, and Prince, and secu­ring thereby the Arreares of the Souldiery, again debated, and Committed.

A Petition from the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Councel of London, acquainting the House, that one of the Members thereof, Alder­man Wilson, was elected one of the Sherriffs, and desired the leave of the House that he might serve according to his Election.

Upon the Question it was voted, to be left to Alderman Wilson, to except thereof, if he should think fit, and that the house would look upon it, as an acceptable service to the Common-wealth if he would serve therein, according to the election, and desire of the City.

Alderman Wilson being very fit for that place, and freely elected to it, and a Conscientious wor­thy Person, considering the Affection of the City, and that God had blessed him and his Father with the gaining a plentiful Fortune in that place, thought it fit for him to spend some of it, and to undergo the Trouble of the place for the Ho­nour and Service of the City.

A Petition of the well affected in Lancashire to the Officers of the Army, reciting the Order of the Councel of State for demolishing Lancaster Castle, shewing the danger thereof to the well affected, praying them to be a Meanes to the Ge­neral, and to the Councel, that it may not be done.

(14) Debate all day upon the Act for sale of the Kings Lands, &c. and Order to meet on Munday, at 6 a Clock in the morning, for the dispatch of this Act, that the Souldiery may see the care of the Parliament for securing their Ar­reares before they go into Ireland.

Order giving further time for doubling upon the purchase of Deanes and Chapters Lands.

(16) An Act passed for sale of the Crown Lands, to secure the Arrears of the Souldi­ery.

Order for allowing 3000 l. to Mr. John Brown, Clerk of the Lords House, for his Losses, and re­ferred to a Committee how to raise it.

Referred to the Councel of State, to examine a Mutiny of the reduced Souldiers at York and to punish the Mutineers.

A Petition from South Wales, that when Col­lonel Horton with his Regiment shall be drawn from thence to Ireland, C. Martin (or who the House shall think fit) may be their Commander in Chief, and they will pay his Forces.

Referred to the General to take care of South-Wales, [Page 399] and the Petitioners had thanks for their good Affections.

Letters that the Fleet before Kingsale took a Vessel of Prince Ruperts of 11 Guns, and in her Captain Leg, and Sir Hugh Windham, Captain Darcy, and 60 Men and Ammunition.

That Captain Ball took a Holland Man of War of 30 Guns loaden with Stuffes and Provisions for Prince Rupert and Maurice, and sent her up to the State.

Letters that Tredah holds out against Ormond, who puts the English into Garrisons, and keeps the Catholicks and the Irish in the Field to fight.

That Captain Jones out of Dublin fell upon Or­monds Quarters, took 200 Horse, killed and took 140 Men, without the Loss of one Man, cut their Tents, and retreated to Dublin, whither 4000 Quarters of Corn were brought in from Chest­er.

That the Lieutenant of Ireland was entertain­ed with great Honour at Bristol, and the Country came in great multitudes to see him, that he lay there for a Wind.

[17] The Act passed touching Coynes.

Upon a Report from the Conncel of State, who had consulted therein with the General, the House Voted.

That when the Councel should see Cause, for the safty of the Common Wealth, they might make an Addition of Forces, both Horse and Foot, to be in readiness to take the Field, and march with the standing Army, and they to have Pay, only while they should be in Service.

Indemnity given to some well affected Justices of the Peace of Surrey, who were sued for some things irregularly done by them.

Orders of Reference to Lords the Commissio­ners of the Seal touching Coynes.

Letters from Scotland, that they resolve to le­vy a considerable Army forthwith, and as they say, for their own Defence.

Letters that Collonel Reynolds Regiment of Horse, and Collonel Venable's, and Collonel Hunks's Regiments of Foot were ready to be ship­ed.

Letters from Dublin, that the Enemy fiercely assaulced Tredah, but were beaten off with the Loss of 2000 Men, that the Governour went forth with a Party of about 200 Horse, and about 1500 Foot into the Enemies Camp, brought a­way Ireland. 200 of their Horse, with some Bread, Beer, Fruit, and Sack, but are in great want of Provisi­ons, and can receive none from Dublin.

[18] Vote to discharge Mr. Abbot from be­ing Register of the Prerogative Court, and Mr. Oldsworth, and Mr. Parker to have Patents for that Office.

Referred to a Committee to consider what to do, concerning Ecclesiastical Offices and Courts.

An Act Passed for a Collection for the Propa­gation of the Gospel in New-England.

Leave given to Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn to visit his sick Wife and Family.

Letters that Sir Charles Coot sent forth Captain St. John, and Captain Taylor out of London Derry, who fell upon the Enemies Quarters, slew divers of them, and took many Prisoners.

A Declaration passed, in answer to the Letter from the Parliament of Scotland, to vindicate the Proceedings of the Parliament of Eng­land.

[19] Order for the Printing and Publishing the Act, declaring what Offences shall be adjudg­ed Treason.

Several Orders passed, relating to particular Persons, and not of publick Concernment.

[20] Order for the Committee of Accounts, to allow the Certificates of the several Sub-Com­missioners for Accounts in the respective Coun­ties.

Referred to the Commissioners of the Seal to consider how Monies may be raised for the Re­pair of Marlborough-Bridge.

Referred to the Committee of the Army to confer with the General, and Officers of his Ar­my, how free Quarter may be totally taken off and the late Act passed for that end be put in ef­fectual Execution, and to give an Account there­of to the Councel of State.

Letters from Bristol, from the Lieutenant of Ireland, about Supplies for his Forces, referred to the Committee of the Army.

Order for 500 l. for Mrs. Farrer of her Hus­bands Arrears.

Mr. Fell made Second Judge of Chester, and the L. President Bradshaw made Chief Justice of Chester.

Order for 4000 l. to be paid to divers, who were Labourers in Scotland Yard to his late Ma­jesty.

Attourney General Prideaux moved the House in the behalf of the Lords Commissioners Whitelock, and Lisle, that they may have the Duke of Bucks House, as a conveniency of their being together, for their Service of the Seal, and that they might have a Lease for 21 Years of that House.

The Parliament very freely ordered what Mr. Attourney desired, and referred it to the Com­mittee of Haberdashers Hall to set the Rent for it, which they did the same day at 40 l. per an­num, and no more, because of the great Charge they should be put to in the repair of it, it being much ruined by the Quartering of Souldiers in it.

(21) Letters from Plymonth of Collonel Leg, Sir Hugh Windham, Mr. Kenton, and others, be­ing brought thither Prisoners, to know the Pleasure of the House concerning them. Order­ed that Collonel Leg be committed in Bristol, Sir Hugh Windham, and Mr. Kenton to the Mount, for High Treason.

Referred to a Committee to bring in an Act for Government of Hospitals, and to receive complaints concerning the same.

Referred to the Committee of Accounts to examine the State of the Accounts of the late C. Thornhaugh, that the Arreares may be paid to his Widdow.

Order to discharge the Sequestrations of the Estate of Sir Trevor Williams.

Debate touching the Accounts of the Officers engaged for Ireland.

The Kings Papers taken at Naseby-Battle, or­dered to be delivered to the Councel of State.

A Plot discovered for the betraying of Port­land, Weymouth, and other places.

The Isle of Man surrendred to the Parliament, and the Earl of Derby admitted to his Compositi­on for 15000 l.

The Lieutenant of Ireland appointed Milford-Haven, for the Generals Rendezvous of the For­ces for Ireland.

Letters of the Surrender of Tredagh to the Lord Inchequin, upon Articles, the Garrison to march out with Bag and Baggage to Dublin.

(23) Vote to re-admit the 11 Members to sit in the House again. [Page 400] Letters from the Lieutenant of Ireland of his Preparations, and Marches in order to his Expe­dition; and desiring Supplies, especially of Mo­ny.

Referred to the Councel of State to take Or­der for the Supplies mentioned in his Letter, and for sending speedily to him 100000 l.

C. Oconelly gave an Account to the House of the condition of Dublin, and of the good Ser­vice of C. Jones, and of Sir George Askue, they gave him 100 l. and ordered thanks to Jones and Askue.

Letters that the Regiments of Collonel Rey­nolds, and Collonel Veneables were shipped, and the rest hastning what they could.

That Dublin was in a good condition, the Of­ficers and Souldiers much incouraged, by distri­buting a great Quantity of Cloth among them, every Field Officer had 5 Yards of fine Cloth, every common Officer 3, and every Souldier clothed from Head to Foot, and that they had plenty of Provisions.

That 200 Foot, and 60 Horse of the Garrison of Tredagh came to Dublin, the rest took Pay un­der Inchequin. That Ormonds Army was enfor­ced to 30000 Men.

The Plot against Weymouth, &c. Was to have cut the Throats of all the Souldiery, and those who adhered to them, as the Governour certified upon Examination of the Prisoners.

Letters of store of Ammunition come to Ber­wick, by Order of the Councel of State, That a Ship of the Parliament took a rich Bark going for Ireland, That the Scots King intended not to stay long in France, but is doubtful whether to go for Scotland or Ireland.

(24) A Report from the Committee of the Navy of the Officers for the Customes in the Port of London, and the Out-Ports, approved by the House, and the Committee ordered to en­crease the Salaries of the Cheque in the principal Ports, not to exceed 20 l. and in the Out-Ports 10 l.

An Act committed for settling 1000 l. per annum upon C. Martin, out of the Duke of Bucks Estate.

The Act for settling 2000 l. per annum upon the Lord President Bradshaw, out of the Earl of St. Albans Estate, and the Lord Cottingtons re-committed, for an exact survey to be had of the Lands.

Letters from Dublin that they are not able to relieve the Garrisons for the Parliament near Ireland. them, That of 700 of C. Monks men, 500 ran a­way to the Enemy, because they have Money there.

That the Lady Meridith, the Lady Weames, and Sir Thomas Armstrongs Family are turned out of Town, because their Husbands were gone to the Enemy, and C. Trevor was revolt­ed.

(25) The young Lady Capels Petition refer­red to a Committee.

Petitions of divers persons for satisfaction out of the Marquess of Winchesters Estate, for Damma­ges done to them by his Lordship, referred to a Committee.

A Letter from the Ministers of Scotland to the Ministers of London, the House would not read it.

Order that no private Business shall be heard in the House for 8 Dayes.

An Act for incouragement of Plantations in the West-Indies, committed.

Petitions of Doctors of Laws, referred to the Committee for Probate of Wills

Orders touching the Rents of Delinquents Estates in Tenants Hands.

[26] A long account given of all the Forces in England and Ireland, in Field and Garrison, with an estimate of their Pay according to the Establishment.

Voted that the Assesment of 90000 l. per men­sem for pay of the Forces, be continued for 3 Months longer, and no alteration to be of the Proportions.

The Committee of the Army ordered to con­fer with the General, about the total taking a­way of Free-quarter.

[27] A Letter to the Speaker reflecting upon some Members of the House, for hindring the passing the Act for Relief of poor Prisoners for debt, referred to a Committee to examine the Writers.

The Act was recommitted, and the Commit­tee ordered to bring in with it, another Act for relief of Creditors, against their Debtors.

The Question whether there should be an Al­lowance for a President of the Councel for the Forces in Ireland, and whether there should be an Allowance for a Lieutenant of the Ordinance, were both resolved in the negative.

The Act passed for New-England.

Letters confirming the Loss of Dundalk in Ire­land by the Treachery of the Parliaments Soul­diers there, and that C. Monk was landed at Chester.

[28] Order for Relief of divers Inhabitants in Cambridge, by the Committee of the Eastern Association, for their Losses, having their Houses pulled down, for the security of the Castle of Cambridge for the Parliament.

An Act committed for transplanting Felons reprived, to the Summer Islands, and other Eng­lish Plantations in America.

An Act past for altering the Dutchy Seal of the Court at Westminster.

An Act past for constituting Sergeant Bradshaw, L. President of the Councel of State, to be Chan­cellour of the Dutchy, of Lancaster, and Bar­tholomew Hall Esq to be Attourney of the Dut­chy.

An Act passed touching the Commissioners of the Customes, and ordered that Alderman Ave­ry, and the rest of the former Commissioners of Customes, shall have the thanks of the House, for their faithful Services to the publick.

Referred to the Councel of State, to imploy such Persons as they shall think fit, to be Agents for this free State, into forreign Parts.

Debate touching the Power of the Trustees for the sale of Deanes and Chapters Lands.

The General published divers Rules and Or­ders to be observed by all the Officers and Soul­diers of his Army, under the respective Penalties therein mentioned, for the taking of [...] of all free Quarter, and Billet in this Nation.

[30] The Act for regulating the Excise af­ter a long debate committed.

The Seals of the Dutchy, delivered to the Commissioners of the Seal.

Referred to the Councel of State to preserve St. James. Library the Books and Medals at St. James's from Imbezil­ment.

After this Order past, the Councel propound­ed it to Whitelock, whether he would take up­on him the Charge and Care of these pretious Medals and Books, and to be the Library Keep­er himself, and to appoint whom he thought fit to look to them under him.

He knew the greatness of the Charge, and con­sidered [Page 401] the Prejudice that might fall out, by being responsible for those rich Jewels, the Imbezelment whereof would be endeavoured by many, and his other occasions would not permit him, to give much Personal attendance on this Business, nor to enjoy much of the delight of perusing them.

Yet he being informed of a design in some to have them Sold & transported beyond Sea, which he thought would be a Dishonour and Damage to our Nation, and to all Scholars therein, and fear­ing that in other hands they might be more sub­ject to Imbezeling, and being willing to preserve them for Publick use.

He did accept of the trouble of being Library Keeper at St. Jamse's, and therein was incourag­ed and much perswaded to it by Mr. Selden, who Swore that if he did not undertake the charge of them, all those rare Monuments of Antiquity, those choice Bookes and Manuscript, would be lost, and there were not the like to them, except onely in the Vatican, in any other Library in Christendom.

The Councel made an Order for him to be Li­brary Keeper of St. Jamses, and to have lodgings in the house belonging to the place, and recom­mended to him Mr. Duery, a German by Birth, a good Scholar, and a great traveller and Friend to the Parliament, to be his Deputy in that place, but at his liking.

He was willing to have a Deputy by their re­commendation, being thereby he should be the less answerable, and he appointed Mr. Duery to have the Keys, to go to Mr. Patricke Young the former Library Keeper to the late King, to in­quire for an inventory of the Books and Med­dalls, and to see an exact one made forthwith of all of them.

An Act past for altering the Seals of the Custome House.

Leave given to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, to transport 60 prisoners out of New-gate, to the American Plantations.

Letters that the Lord Leiutenant of Ireland was ready to take shiping, that a few deserted the engagement, and that Money was much wanting. that 500 Irish were landed at Jersey, designed (as was Imagined) to second the Plot for surprising Weymouth, Portland, and other Garrisons.

Letters of many Pickeroons upon the Northern Coast, who took divers vessels, and much dis­turbed the Coal ships and Fishermen.

Letters, from Scotland that the Kirk party, much Commended their New King, and that his Scotland. coming thither was expected. That they conti­nued a Force of 6000 Men, which in ten dayes they could make up 2000. And perswaded the People that England was sending an Army against them, to be Commanded by Lieutenant General Cromwell.

Letters of a Holland Man of War taken with an Irish Commission, and that had done much mis­chief on the Sea to the English, and taken divers ships from them.

[31] Mr. Lemmon a Member of the House, Cho­sen by the City to be one of their Aldermen al­though he had left the City 17 Yeares since, the House left it to himself whether he would hold to be an Alderman or not.

Order for Mony for Maimed Souldiers, and for the Widowes of slain Souldiers.

An Additionall Act passed for the Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands, and to remove some Ob­structions in the Sale of them.

Upon notice that the Prisoners in the Kings Bench were in some mutiny, some Horses were sent thither to suppress the insurrection, onlyone Woman was Killed by one of the Prison Offi­cers, and another was hurt.

100000 l. went from London to the Lieute­nant of Ireland into Wales.

Letters from Chester that Ormo [...] [...] 40000 strong before Dublin.

That Colonel Monk upon the Enemies ap­proach towards Dundalke sent to Owen Rowe Oneal head of the natural Irish, desiring him in Ireland. pursuance of the Articles between them, to draw his Forces together, and to be in readiness when the Enemy should draw near to them.

This was undertaken by Owen, but he sent word back, that he wanted Ammunition, and be­ing come within 3 Miles with his whole Army, he sent out 1200 Foot and 200 Horse, who re­ceived from Colonel Monk 20 barrels of Powder with Match and Bullets proportionable.

Presently after this, they had information, that Inchequiu was coming against them, which made them speed as fast as they could to their General but they were over taken and routed, 500 killed upon the place, many Prisoners taken, the rest so beateu and scattered that few of them escaped without their deaths wounds.

This News was so terrible to Owen and his Army that they all rose in a Panick Fear, and Fled into the County of Long ford. this defeat was given in the view of the Town of Dundalke, and Inchequin sent the news of it presently to Ormond, who thereupon sent to C. Jones for exchange of Pri­soners, and sent him the news of this defeat given to Owen.

Inchequin the same evening came before Dun­dalke, and summoned it. C. Monke was retreated thither, upon the assurance of all his Officers and Souldiers to stand by him, except one Souldier Monk. who when Monk told them, that if any of them scrupled to fight in this quarel, he might depart, and should have a pass from him.

This one Souldier, only, desired a passe, and said, he could not in Conscience fight in this quarell. Monke gave him a Passe according to his desire, and the rest promised to be Faithful to him.

But when Inchequin came now before the Town all the Faithful Souldiers ran away over the Trenches to Inchequin, Swearing deep Oaths, that they would not Engage with Monk, who entred into confederacy with Owen Row, the Head of the native Irish.

By this and many other Passages both in ours and other Histories, we may observe the strange inconstancy, Lightness, and Irrational Actions of the Common Souldiery, whom for the most part, Mony and avoiding present Danger, car­ryes beyond any other interest.

These Souldiers of C. Monk's, one Day Swore to stand by him, the next every one of them deserted him, Mony was to be had from Inche­quin, none from Monk, with whom if they staid they must Fight, but if they left him, they thought the Danger was over.

They had all engaged under C. Monk, and when he had demanded of them whether they would be faithful to him, and stand by him all but one said, that in Conscience they could not leave him, but would stand by him.

The next Day when Danger approached, then they could not in Conscience stay with him, be­cause he was Confederate with the Head of the Native Irish Rebells, Owen Rowe.

Yet the same Conscience could give them leave to serve under Ormond, who Commanded both the Irish Rebells- Catholickes, and the English Roy­alysts, against the English Protestants.

[Page 402] Monkes Souldiers having thus deserted him, the Town of Dundalke was presently surrendred to Inchequin, upon no other Conditions, but that Monk might dispose of what was his, as he saw good.

That C. Mark Treavor was there a great pur­chaser, and Bought Choice Sheep for 3 Pound a Score, Cowes for 30 Pound a Score, and Horses for 40 Pound a Score, and so made himself up a Regiment, and was made Governour of the Town to Boot.

That this Defeat of Owen, was a great advant­age to Ormond. that in Dundalke were store of Provisions taken. that Owen was so inraged at this defeat, that he Swore he would be Reveng­ed.

That there were Divisions in Ormonds Army, between the English and the Irish, for that Ormond gave the Lands so regained to the English, and put them into Garrisons, but kept the Irish in the Field, in most hardship and danger. that many the of Ministers in Dublin are suspected, and Suspended.

Letters from Scotland, that the Levies there were much prest on by Lieutenant General David Lesley and his party, to consist of about 14000 Foot and 6000 Horse; and that they were in great fear of an Invasion either from England or Ire­land.

August 1649.

[Au. 1] Debate touching Accounrs, and the Assessment of 90000 l. Per mensem continued 3 Monthes.

Letters that C. Reynolds, C. Venables, and their Regiments were Landed at Dublin.

Letters from France that the Prince of Wales was still there, and that the Lord Cottington, and Sir Edward Hyde came to him from Bruxells with a Present of 20000 Crownes from the Arch Duke Leopold.

From Scotland that they are Listing 1400 Auxi­liaries, And that their Forces are 6000 Horse, and Foot; some of them Quartered on the Eng­lish Scotland. Borders that have demanded their Cannon at Berwick, and Carlisle.

That they are troubled they can have nothing from their King, but according to the Councel of the Queen Mother, and those with her, who are all for the Irish Interest, and the Catholicks.

And that they are about a Declaration to re­ceive all to Mercy upon their repentance, and and taking the Covenant, Except a few on­ly.

[2] Order to Refrain Private Business for 8 dayes.

Order touching the Accounts of the Irish O­fficers, and Stating of their Pay.

Debate Touching Excluding all from Offices who shall not subscribe to the Present Govern­ment.

Letters from Ireland that since the Landing of C. Reynolds, and the other Regiments, Ormond drew off his Army further from Dublin and that Trym held out still for the Parliament.

[3] An Act passed to enable the Comittee of In­demnity, to receive Information, and Articles against any Justice of Peace, Maegstrate, or other Acts Officer, touching their Malignity, &c. And to cause Witnesses to be Examined there upon in the Countrey, And to proceed to Sentence against them.

Referred to a Comittee to bring in an Act, to take down, and raze out the Armes of the late King, in all Churches, Chappels and other pub­lick Places, throughout the Common Wealth. August.

Order for allowing 1300 l. to a Member of the House, to be doubled upon the Purchase of Deanes, and Chapters Lands.

Referred to a Commitee to consider of the Ob­structions, in the Sale of the Kings Goods.

Another Member readmitted.

A Letter from Hamborough of wrongs, as to their shipping, referred to the Commitee of the Navy. And referred to the Councel of State, to write to the Governour, and States of Ham­borough touching some Complaints of English Merchants against them.

(41) Debate of an Act for Admitting the 6 Counties of North Wales to a Composition, fra [...] sum in grosse.

Debate of an Act touching Probate of Wills, Administrations, Mariages, Divorces, &c.

Debate of an Act for settling Tythes upon such Ministers, as shall own the present Authori­ty.

(6) Debate of an Ordinance touching Mini­sters, publick worship and Government, by way of a Declaration, The House passed the preamble Debate. declaring their Resolutions, for Propagation of the Gospel, the establishing Presbyterial Government, and the Ministers to have sufficient Maintenance, and upon the Question, whether Tythes should be continued; it passed in the Negative.

Letters that Captain Norwood, one of those Ireland. who Landed last at Dublin, Sallied out of the Town with a Troop of 80, and some additional Horse, upon Sir Thomas Armstrong, who came with part of 4 Regiments to drive away the Cat­tel of the Town.

That Norwood repulsed Armstrong, Killed 30 of his Men, and took some Prisoners, and lost but 4 Men.

That Trym Castle was Surrendred to Ormond, or Inchequin, by the Treachery of Captain Martin.

An Act past, giving power to the Committee of Indemnity, to transmit the Examination against Malignant Magestrates, Officers, or Justices of the Peace.

An Act past for settling the new Comissioners of the Customes.

The Declaration of the General Assembly of Scotland against those that ingaged in the late un­lawful War against England, and such as persevere Scots De­claration. in the like designs to be Excommunicate, and further Punished, and such as repent, &c. to be received to Mercy.

Letters from New-Castle that there were Con­demned by the Judges 29 Moss Troopers, Scots, that Robbed upon the Borders, and other Fel­ons.

(7) Debate upon the Declaration touching Ministers, and Church Discipline, referred to a Commitee to consider of the Debate of the House and to bring it in again with the amendments, with respect to tender Consciences.

Letters of the taking of Trym Castle, and that 3000 in it went to the Enemy, who afterwards took also a strong House near it, belonging to Sir Adam Loftus.

Letters that part of C. Hortons Regiment refused to go with the Lieutenant for Ireland, and dis­banded themselves.

That Major Bethel and other Officers refused to go, that about Chester they feared the Malignants rising again.

[Page 403] Letters from Hamborough, that one Mr. Harring­ton, an English Merchant, came thither, and de­signed to trapan Mr. Crispe, and other English Merchants there, and got on board a Ship, pro­vided for that purpose, to carry them over into England. But by the contrary Winds, the ship being Wind bound, the rest of the English Mer­chants over took the Ships, and rescued their Friends.

(8) An Act passed for taking of the Customes and Navy-Accounts.

Debate upon the Act for poor Prisoners re­commited as to Prisoners, and Creditors; and the Commitee to receive any offers from the Judges, or any others for the good of the Com­mon Wealth therein.

Instructions to the Commitee for bringing in the Form of a Commission, to Passe the great Seal Poor Pri­soners. for relief of those that lye in Prison for Debt, and have nothing to pay, but are like to starve for want of Maintainance.

Letters that a Woman came out of Cleveland to York, and there Preached several times, and was much Admired by some Ladyes, and other Persons of Quality, who heard her: but the Mi­nisters were very Angry with her.

(9) Debate of an Act for suppressing false and Scandalous Letters, Informations, &c. Com­mited.

Another for suppressing Scandalous, and unli­censed Pamphlets, and for Regulating the Press.

Upon the Motion of C. Martin, Ordered that the Regalia of the Crown be delivered up to the Trustees for Sale of the Kings Goods, to raise Money for the service of Ireland.

(10) The Act passed for admitting the De­linquents of North-Wales to Composition for a certain Fine.

Letters from Milford Haven from the Lieute­nant of Ireland, giving the House an Account of his Proceedings, and the Readiness of his Forces.

Upon a report from the Councel of State, and Letters to them from the Lieutenant of Ireland, concerning M. General Monk his making a Peace with Owen Roe Oneal, which the Councel disap­proved, and reported to the House, to know their pleasure therein.

M. G. Monk was called into the House, and Monk question'd. asked several Questions by their Order, which he answered at the Bar of the House touching that business, after a long debate of it the House upon the Qestion passed this Vote, That they did dis­approve of what M. G. Monke had done in con­cluding a Peace with the Grand and Bloody Irish Rebel Owen Rowe Oneal, and did abhor the Vote. having any thing to do with him therein.

Yet are verily perswaded that the making the same by the said M. G. Monk was in his Judg­ment for the most advantage of the English Interest in that Nation. And that he shall not be further Questioned for the same for the time to come.

Order that the report of the Councel of State, the questions demanded of M. G. Monk, with his Answers and the Votes of the House there upon, be Printed and Published.

M. G. Monk was much discontented at the proceeding in this business in Relation to him, especially at some passages highly reflecting upon his honour and fidelity.

And it was the Opinions of Divers, either not at all to have questioned this business, or having once questioned it, not to have imployed him a­ny more in their Service.

But the Major part carried it thus, to beat him, and afterwards to stroak him, which some did think was never forgotten by him.

(11) The House sate not.

Letters from Dublin to the House, and to the Councel of State, that the first of Aug. the Enemy Dublin began his approaches near to the Town, that Or­mond, Preston, and the chief of their Army, were that Night at a work begun Eastward of the Ci­ty upon the Sea, to hinder the landing of the Forces and Supplyes Expected from England; and had Ormond Routed. cut off much of their water, and Forage.

That the 2 August C. Jones, Reynolds, and the rest with him discovered a party of the Enemy drawn to their new Work, about 1500 Foot, besides Horse, they thought fit speedily to remove them, and advanced towards them with the great­er strength 1200 Horse and 4000 Foot, because they were within a Mile of the Camp, from whence they might have what Supplyes, and addi­tion of Force they pleased.

That the Parliament Party soon entred the Ene­mies New Work, yet not without a strong dispute; and most of Ormonds Foot there, were slain, and taken: Their Horse having deserted them af­ter the first charge.

That Jones, and his Party pursuing their ad­vantage, became at last ingaged with Ormonds whole Army, which after 2 houres Fight, they totally routed. That they slew on the place, and in the Chase 4000 And took 2517 Prisoners, most of them Inchequins English, and run-aways. That they got 1 whole Cannon, 3 Demy Cannons, 1 long Gun carrying a Ball of 12 Pound, 1 Saker­drake, and 1 Mortar Peice, all of them of Brasse, some trayn Carryages, and about 200 Draught Oxen for the train.

That the strength of the Enemy was since ac­ledged to be 19000. That Ormond narrowly escap­ed.

That of the Parliaments Party, there were not 20 missing, but many wounded, the greatest losse fell on the Horse, wherein Jones his Regiment did much suffer, which he desired might be con­sidered.

That Jones intended not to have ingaged so far, nor did Ormond expect it, but would have declined it, reserving themselves for the coming up of Clanricard with 3000 Connaught Forces, and of the L. of Ardes with 7000 Scots, all ready for Marching; and of Inchequin with two more Regi­ments from Munster.

That there never was any day in Ireland like this, to the confusion of the Irish, and raising up the Spirits of the English, and restoring their In­terest, which from their first footing in Ireland, was never in so low a Condition, as a [...] that time, there not being any one considerable landing place left for them, but Dublin onely, and that almost lost.

Captain Otwey, who brought this Intelligence to the Councel, and did gallant Service in the Action, did bring other Letters to the same pur­pose, and which did further relate, That Ormond was at Tables in his Quarters, when the first News came of the beating up of his Guard; and answered the Messenger, he wished the Rebels would come, that they might have some Sport with [...], and so went on in his Game.

But a second Messenger bringing news of the routing of his Party, he left his play, and go [...] 2 or 3 Regiments to engage, but they being defeated, he and the rest fled.

That Collonel Reynolds, after he had taken Ormonds Brother, threatned to pistol him, if he would not show him Ormond, which he did at a [Page 404] distance, with about seven Horse in Company.

That Collonel Reynolds, and Captain Otway pur­sued them, and came so near, as to charge them, and brought one of them a French Man, off with them, but the rest with the Marquess, being well horsed, escaped.

That the Plunder of the Field was so rich, that the Camp was like a Fayr; Cloth, Silk, and all manner of Cloaths to be sold, and at Dublin, the Officers did not know their own Souldiers, they were become so gallant, they had good store of Wine, which they drunk in their hats, knocking out the Heads of the Vessels.

That they took Ormonds Cabinet, with his Let­ters and Papers of Concernment and divers Pri­soners of Quality, besides 6 Lieutenant Collonels, 8 Majors, 4 Captains, 58 Lieutenants, 42 Ensigns, and a great number of other Officers, and 2100 common Souldiers.

That the Enemy at their marching off, had quit several Garrisons, That a day of thanksgiving was appointed at Dublin for this Victory, after which, C. Jones and the rest intended to march out again.

[13] The House did not sit.

Letters from Scotland, that the General Assem­bly Scotland. there had published a Remonstrance or De­claration of the Grounds of their late proceed­ings, and of their Intentions for maintenance of the Government, settling Church-Discipline, and keeping good Correspondence with England, &c.

Much Labour was by his Friends, for the clearing Monk. M. G. Monk, from the Reslection upon him, by his cessation with Owen Roe O Neal, for which end, they caused the Articles of that Cessation to be Printed, and published, together with the Rea­sons which induced M. G. Monk to make that Cessation.

Yet all would not serve, but [...]t stuk with ma­ny to his Prejudice, who both suspected C. Monks Fidelity, and sharply inveiged against any Peace made by those of the Parliaments Party, with the bloody and execrable Irish Rebels.

[14] Upon reading the Letters from Dublin in the House, they ordered a day of publick thanksgiving for that great Victory.

That an Act be brought in, for settling 1000 l. per annum Land upon Lieutenant General Jones, and his Heirs, that thanks be sent to him, and the rest for that good Service.

That the Councel of State prepare the Letter of thanks to be signed by the Speaker, and do Jones. take into consideration the Request of Lieute­nant General Jones for continuing Sir George Askue Vice Admiral of the Irish Seas.

That it be referred to the Trustees for Sale of the Kings Goods, to choose 6 of the best Horses in Tilbury Race for Lieutenant General Jones, as a Gratuity from the House.

That 200 l. be given to Captain Otway, who brought the Letters.

The Petitions of the Brewers referred to the Committee of Excise, and they to bring in a new Model for the Excise.

The Act passed for the more speedy collecting of the Excise.

Order for some Pentions to be continued to Souldiers Wives.

And for some scandalous Prmphlets, and their Authors to be examined, and punished, and that Mr. Caughton, a London Minister, now in Prison, be discharged.

Letters from Chester, that Ormond was rallied to 12000 Men, and had taken in some Forts.

Letters from Cardiffes, That divers of the Lieutenant of Irelands Souldiers went away from him.

That C. Cooks Regiment was in a great Muti­ny at Minehed, and many of them went away, but the Captain appeased the Mutiny, and forced his Men on Ship Board.

[15] A Petition of the Earl and Countess of Thommond, touching a debt from the Earl of Pe­terborough, referred to a Committee.

An Act passed for settling 2000 l. per annum up­on the Lord President Bradshaw, another for 1000 l. per annum upon C. Martin out of Eyn­sham.

Another for 2000 l. per annum upon M. G. Skip­pon.

The Act published for the Composition of the Delinquents of North-Wales for 24000 l.

Letters from Ireland, that the Parliament ha­ving sent some Corn, and 200 Souldiers to Lon­don Derry, and two of Sir Charles Coots Brothers, beingcome to him with 700 Horse, he sallyedout of the Town, and scoured the Countrey for 7 Miles on all sides of the City, took many Cows, and Pri­soners, and killed all whom he found in Arms, then returned to Derry.

[16] A Petition from the General and his Petition. Councel of Officers to the House, praying, First, That all penal Statutes formerly made, and late Or­dinances, whereby many Conscientious People are molested, and the Propagation of the Gospel hinder­ed, may be removed.

(2) That it is not their meaning, that the Li­berty desired by them, should extend to the tollerati­on of Popery, Prelacy, the Book of Common Prayer, publick Scorn and Contempt of God, and his Word.

But desire that all open Acts of Profaneness, or Drunkenness, Swearing, Ʋncleanness, and the like, be vigorously proceeded against, and punished in all Persons whatsoever.

(3) That upon the Sense of the late great Mer­cy in Ireland, they would extend Favour to those in restraint, who have formerly served them, and this Nation against the Common Enemy, and for the future, all disturbers of the publick Peace, to be vi­gorously proceeded against.

(4) That speedy Consideration may be had of the great Oppressions, by reason of the multipli­city of unnecessary Laws, with their Intricacies, and Delayes, which tends to the profit of some particu­lar men, but much to the Expence and Dammage of the whole.

C. Goffe, and Pride, and other Officers, who presented this Petition, were called in to the Answer. Bar, and the Speaker by command of the House, gave them thanks for their constant good Affecti­ons, and in particular for this Petition.

Acquainting them that the House had the things desired already under consideration, and that this Petition should hasten the granting the same, with all possible speed and Convenience.

Then it was voted, That all penal Statutes and Ordinances, whereby many Conscientious People are much molested, and the Propagation of the Gospel Votes. hindred, may be removed, and referred to the Com­mittee for bringing in an Act for ease of tender consciences, to bring in the Act according to this Debate.

And referred it to a Committee, who are to bring in an Act of Pardon, to comprize herein the three proposals of this Petition.

And referred to the Committee concerning the Laws of the Land, to consider of the 4th. Pro­posal of this Petition.

[Page 405] The Act passed for paying 3500 l. to the Wid­dow of Mr. Blackstone, a Member of the House.

An Order for Mr. Hall, Attourny of the Dut­chy, to have the priviledge to plead within the Bar.

The like Order was made for Mr. Steel, and also to be freed from his Reading.

Order for Mr. Stevens, a Member of the House and a common Lawyer, to be made Judge of the Admiralty, for which place, he was not very fit.

A Declaration and Narrative past of the Grounds and Reasons, for setting apart a day of publick Thanksgiving.

[17] Debate of the Act for Payment of the Ar­reares of C. Thornhaugh deceased.

Order for the Serjeants Men to disperse the Copies of the Act for the Thanksgiving Day, and referred to the Councel of State to consider how the House may be eased of this trouble for the fu­ture, and to give order for the dispersing of Pa­pers upon the like Occasions.

The accounts of C. Willoughby referred to be audited.

A Petition of Mariners referred to a Commit­tee.

An Act passed for settling 1000 l. per annum upon Lieutenant General Jones.

Order for an Act to settle 500 l. per annum Sir Charles Coot. out of the Irish Rebels Lands upon Sir Charles Coot.

An Act past for the Payment of their Arrears to the English Officers in Ireland, for their former Services in England.

The House adjourned for three Days.

[18] Letters of confirmation of raising the Seige before London Derry by Sir Charles Cootes Brother, in which Service, many of the Enemy were taken Prisoners, and divers slain.

Letters from Chester, That C. Jones was again gone out of Dublin to besiege Drogheda, that Or­mond had dismounted most of the Irish for not fighting, and had turned all the English out of Trym Castle.

That the Lord Lientenant of Ireland was im­barqued with his Army.

The House being adjourned, Mr. Speaker, Commissioner Keeble, Mr. Chute, Mr. Adams, Mr. Steel, and Mr. Whitelock, by appointment, met in the morning at Mr. Attourney General's, where Chancery they conferred together about the making new Rules for Reformation of the Proceedings in Chancery, and agreed upon some general Points, which they referred to some of the Company to draw up into Form.

[20] Letters to the Councel of State of the Irish Let­ters. imbarquing of the Lieutenant of Ireland, on Mun­day last, and of Commiss. G. Ireton on the Wednesday after, with a great Fleet, that never­theless, they left 3 Regiments behind for want of Shipping.

That the English Ships were very forward for the Voyage, and so were the Flemish Bottomes when their Money was punctually paid them.

That no Provision was wanting for the Trans­portation of this Army, and there is a considerable stock of Money, with plenty of Ammunition, That the Souldiers whil'st they were on Shore, beha­ved themselves very civilly, and payed for what they took, and any that were debaucbed, were severely punished, That there was much seeking of God by Prayer for a Blessing on them.

Letters that the Cavaleers endeavoured to raise Differences betwixt the 2 Nations, but since the News of the late Defeat in Ireland, they are very still.

Letters from York, That one Morrice, and one Blackbourn were arraigned before Baron Thort, and Judge Puleston, for levying. War against the Kingdom, they pleaded not guilty, but desired as Morrice and Black­bourn. they were Marshal Men, that they might be tryed by Marshal Law, which was denyed to them.

Morrice at last said, he would be tryed by God and the Countrey, and 17 Witnesses proved foul Crimes against him. He had two Sheets of Pa­per written with Matters of Law, and Statutes, many of which he pleaded, and urged the case of the War betwixt the two Houses of York, and Lancaster, the difference of which, from his case, was shewed by the Judges.

Then he produced a Commission from the King, when he was Prince, the Judges told him that the Prince was a Subject as well as he, and must be tryed by the same Law.

He was found guilty of Treason, and manacled with Irons, at which he said, What, a Martial Man Ironed? the like President was never before known.

He desired to have a strong Guard, saying, Let me be damned if I escape, but it was denyed, so was a Copy of his Indictment, and to have Coun­cel, or to be exchanged.

He and Blackbourn were both condem­ned.

Letters from Chester, That Lieutenant Gene­ral Jones having put Dublin into a good posture, was marched forth with 1000 Horse, and 3000 Ireland. Foot, and sat down before Tredah, That Ormond executed many for Runawayes, That the Markets are full again at Dublin.

Letters from Paris, That Prince Charles recei­ved an account from Ormond of this Defeat given him by Jones, and blamed Inchequins Horse, and others that betrayed him, and ran away, and In­chequin by his Letters to the Prince complained against Ormond, for fighting when he was gone from him with 2000 Horse. That Ormond diswa­ded the Prince from coming into Ire­land.

[21] The House sate, and received Letters from the Lieutenant of Ireland, of his then being Tender Conscien­ces. setting Sail for Ireland, and offering to their con­sideration the Removal of Penal Statutes, that in­force the Consciences of honest conscientious Men.

The House ordered the Committees to make their Reports touching the Ease of tender Con­sciences.

And an Act to be brought in for Commissio­ners to be chosen in all Countries, to make choice of fit and able Men to be made Ministers, that can­not conform to the present Ordinance, for Ordi­nation of Persons to Preach.

Orders about Monies for the maimed Souldi­ers, and about Disbursements for disbanding Souldiers.

The House was acquainted with divers Papers taken in a French Mans Trunk at Rye, discover­ing a popish Design to be set on Foot in England, with Commissions from the Bishop of Chalcedon, by Authority of the Church of Rome, to Popish Priests, and others, for settling the Discipline of the Romish Church in England and Scot­land.

Referred to Mr. Attourney General to make a further Examination of this Business, and report it to the House.

Some sent to seize Books of Lieutenant Collo­nel Lilbourn. Lilbourn, newly Printed, were perswaded by him to look to their own Liberties, and let the Books alone. [Page 406] Letters that the Lieutenant of Ireland was safely landed at Dublin, and all his Men with him, in about 40 Ships.

That Commissary General Ireton with about 60 Ships more, full of Men, Arms, and Provisi­ons, were with a good Wind sailing for Mun­ster.

[22] Petitions of the Miners of Derbyshire, and of the Earl of Rutland, referred to a Com­mittee.

Petition of the City of London for more Houses to set the poor on work, referred to a Commit­tee.

The Arrest of a Member of the House (not one that sate) was referred to be examined by a Committee.

An Act passed touching Plantations about Flo­rida, near Virginia.

Letters of great Complaints of the Taxes in Lan­cashire, and That the meaner sort threaten to leave their Habitations, and their Wives, and Children, to Com­plaints. be maintained by the Gentry, That they can no longer bear the Oppression, to have the Bread taken out of the Mouths of their Wives and Children by Taxes. And that if an Army of Turks come to relieve them, they will joyn with them.

Reasons against the arresting of Mens Persons, were presented to the Members of Parlia­ment.

[23] The Arrears of the Fee-Farm Rents of Carlisle remitted by the House. French Trade.

The King of France had prohibited all Trade with England, the English Merchants took this as a Breach of the League, and thereupon addrest themselves by Petition to the Councel of State, desiring them to report this matter to the House.

The Councel reported the whole matter to the House, who upon long debate thereof, Voted Votes. That no Wines, Wool, or Silk, of the Growth of France, and usually vended in this Nation, shall from thenceforth be imported into any Port thereof, or vended here, upon forfeiture of the Goods and Ship that shall import them.

Upon the Question whether Linnen Cloth should be likewise prohibited? It was resolved in the negative; in regard of the general and ne­cessary use thereof, and they referred it to the Councel of State to bring in an Act according to these Votes.

Letters That when the Lieutenant of Ireland Lieuten. of Ireland. landed at Dublin, he was most Heroically enter­tained, with the resounding Eccho of the great Guns round about the City, and great concourse of People to see him, to whom he made a very grateful Speech with his Hat in his hand, and there was a great cry, that they would all live and dye with him.

That the next day after the raising of the Siege of London Derry, Sir Charlet Coot Summon'd the Garrison that was near to it, in the Possession of the Enemy, and that within two dayes, the new Fort, Slogh Castle, and other Forts were de­livered up to him, with the Ammunition, and Artillery, all upon Quarter.

[24] Order for 20 l. for the buryal of Mr. Powel, a reduced Officer.

A Letter from Sir Charles Coot to the House, That Charles Coot his Brother had concluded a Peace with M. G. Row O Neal, and his Reasons Ireland. for the doing of it were for Preservation of the Garrison of London Derry, and the English Inter­est in those parts.

After reading of the Articles, and a long De­bate, Ordered that a Copy of a Declaration of the House, upon M. G. Monks joyning with Owen, Roe, O Neal, should be forthwith sent to Sir Charles Coot, and in vindication of his Honour, they Voted, That they approved of the Fidelity, Care, Sir Thomas Coot. and Vigilancy of Sir Charles Coot, in Preserving the English Interest in Ireland, and holding out London Derry against the Scots.

They referred it to the Councel of State, to take care for the sending of these Votes to Sir Charles Coot, and for relieving him with Provisi­ons and Ammunition.

Order for 100 l. to Mr. King, who brought the Letters from Sir Charles Coot, for his good Service.

Referred to the Councel of State to examine the Business of Captain Kesar mentioned in Sir Charles Coots Letter, and to send for, and secure him, if they find cause.

[25] By Vote the House declared That all Vote. such English and Scots, and all others that have in­gaged for the Parliament of England in the Na­tion of Scotland, and have revolted from that Service, and all such as have, or shall adhere unto, or joyn with Charles Stuart (eldest Son of the late King) in that Nation, are Traytors, and shall have their Estates confiscate, and their Per­sons proceeded against by Martial Law.

Order for these Votes to be Printed, and Pub­lished, and a Copy of them to be sent to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

Order to forbid proceedings in the Composition of the Earl of Derby, because he holds the Isle of Man against the Parliament.

By two Printed Papers, and three Letters to the Committee of the Army for discovery of Speaker taxed. Criminal Offenders, Mr. Speaker was taxed for an ill Member, and that he had conveyed a great Sum of Money to the King, and Matters of False­hoods, and Breach of Trust are charged on him.

Upon the Order of the General, the Officers of the Army certifyed under their Hands, That Army. they never examined any matter touching the Spea­ker, nor had any Order from his Excellency for that purpose, to authorize it.

That they find the same Business had been Judi­cially heard before a Committee of Parliament, and by them reported to the House, who declared those complaints raysed, and prosecuted, falsely, maliti­ously, and scandalously against the Speaker, and that exemplary Punishment be inflicted upon the Prose­cutors.

The Officers of the Army conclude their Cer­tificates, That they humbly conceive the said Infor­mation raysed, and promoted since the Judgement of the House, as aforesaid, was a practice to bring an Odium upon the Speaker, who hath so highly meri­ted from the publick.

An Advertisement published That if any Coun­tryman be injured by the Souldiers, taking of Free-Quarter, contrary to the Act, that upon Com­plaint to the Judge Advocate of the Army, and Proof thereof made, he shall have Satisfaction out of the Pay of the Souldier, and Protection from the Army.

[27]. The House sate not.

Letters from Dublin to the Councel of State, of some Correspondence betwixt the Governour of Tredagh, and Lieutenant General Jones, and that Ormond came thither with 1500 Horse, and 2000 Foot, That Owen Roe O Neal conceiving that he had merited from the Parliament, desired a Convoy for his Men to serve the Spaniard, but nothing was granted.

Letters that the Scots Army was full of Malig­nants, [Page 407] and the Nation full of Feares, That no­thing will give Satisfaction there, but the Kings putting Malignants from him, and granting the particulars of the Covenant.

Letters from Mr. Peters to the Councel, giving them an account of the Fleets setting sail for Ire­land, &c.

Lieutenant Collonel Morrice, Governour of Pontfract Castle for the King, was executed, ac­cording to the Sentence of the Court Mar­shal.

Letters that 5 Men of War wearing the Scots Colours set upon 5 Ships of the Parliaments, killed 4 of their Men, wounded 18, and did much Prejudice to the Ships.

The Governours of the new Corporation in Poor. London, for setting the poor to work, sent their Warrants, requiring the Church-Wardens, and Overseers of the Poor, in every Parish to return the Names to them of all such as are able to work, and have not meanes to maintain themselves, and of all who are not able to work, and want Live­lyhood.

[28] Order for such as neglect to take out Discharges upon their Compositions for Delin­quency, to be taken into Custody.

The Act passed prohibiting the Importing of any Wines, Wool, or Silk from France, into England or Ireland.

An Act passed for admitting the Purchasers of Bishops Lands, to pay the whole purchase Money by Weavers-Hall Bills.

Another Act passed touching the second 40000 l. charged on the Excise, and Goldsmiths-Hall.

[29] The Publique Thanksgiving day Solem­nized. Proclama­tion.

The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland shortly after his landing at Dublin, published a Proclamation, reciting the great Mercies of God to that City, par­ticularly in the late Defeat given to the Rebels, who incompassed it round about, and finding that not­withstanding the Goodness of God to them, yet by profane Swearing, Cursing, and Drunkenness, his holy Name is dayly dishonoured, and blasphemed, contrary to the Laws of God, and the known Laws of that Land, and to the Articles of War.

He commands the Major and Magistrates of the City, and the Officers of the Army to put in due Ex­ecution the Laws against such Offenders, and that he will punish the neglect and contempt of this Pro­clamation, with the severest Punishment of the Law.

[30] The Act for relief of Prisoners of Debt, was after a long Debate, and difference in Opi­nion, ordered upon the Question to be ingros­sed.

Debate touching Fees, and Salaries of the Officers belonging to the House.

The Arrears of Sir Adam Lostus referred to the Committee for Irish Affairs.

Letters from Holland, That the Prince his Men run away from him for want of Mony, That 2 Irish Frigots brought into Dunkirk 6 Hull Ships for Prizes.

Letters from Dublin, That the English Fleet which came thither with the L. Lieutenant, strikes a great Terrour into the Enemy, That Trumpets came to Jones from Ormond, Inchequin, and others, but he sent them back with this An­swer, That now all Addresses must be made to the L. Lt. Cromwel.

[31] Order that Serjeant Dandey, Serjeant at Arms to the Councel, do proclaim the Act for [...]. prohibiting the Importation of Wines, Wool, and Silks from France.

Debate touching Mr. Warners Case.

An Act passed touching the West-India Islands, and making them subordinate to the Govern­ment of England.

Order for an Act to prohibite the Brewing of Ale, or Beer, above 10 s. the Barrel.

Report by the Councel of a Letter from the Lieutenant of Ireland, giving an Account of his Condition after his safe Arrival, and laying open his necessities for Supplies, and speedy Recruits. Referred to the Councel of State to consider of the Letter and Desires of the L. Lieutenant, and to answer his Expectation, so far forth, as it may not increase the Charge of this Common-Wealth.

Order for Payment of the 200 l. formerly given to Captain Poulton.

Order for 1200 l. for C. Fielder, late Govern­our C. Fielder, of Portsmouth, for his Service there, and 1148 l. for his Arreares, out of concealed De­linquents Estates, to be discovered by him.

Upon a Report from the Councel, of their Opi­nion, That Sir Kenelm Digby is a dangerous Sir K. Dig­by. Person, and to know the pleasure of the House concerning him, they Voted That he was not with­in the compass of the Votes for compounding for his Delinquency.

And that he be injoyned to depart the Common-Wealth within 20 days, and not to return without leave of the House under pain of Death, and con­fiscation of his Estate.

They also voted that Mr. Walter Montague shall depart this Nation within 10 Dayes, and not to return without leave of the House, upon Walter Montague. pain of Death and confiscation of his Estate, and that this Vote be sent to him.

Ordered that the Commissions formerly granted by the King, and his privy Councel to Mr. Mayo and others, for apprehending of con­victed Recusants, be renewed.

The House declared, That if any after the pub­lishing of these Votes shall harbour, or conceal the Bodies of Sir Kenelm Digby, and Mr. Monta­gue, their Estates shall be Sequestred.

Order for these Votes to be Printed, and pro­claimed in the City.

Referred to the Councel of State to take care for the apprehending of Sir John Winter, he having stayed beyond the time formerly granted to him.

This being Fryday, the House adjourned till next Tuesday.

September, 1649.

[Sep. 1] This day the House did not sit.

Letters of some of the Train Horse, and a Re­giment of Foot designed for Ireland, yet behind; and Shipping expected for them.

Letters of a Ship in Weymouth Harbour, that by the late fierce Thunder and Lightning there, had her main Mast rent from the top to the bot­tom in 40 pieces, and the Missen Mast quite hur­led out of its place, and so broken, that if she had been at Sea, it would have sunk her.

[3] Letters giving an account of the Parli­aments Ships before Kingsale, and proposals for a winter Guard, and that Prince Rupert hanged 10 of his Men, for offering to go away from him.

Letters that in Scotland, they are framing new Letters to be sent to their King, putting him in mind of the Covenant, but for his parting with Scots Let­ters. Malignants, a few will serve their turn and if he [Page 408] saitsfy the Kirk, he then becomes a godly Man, That those of their Party are faithful, and none other. That they put no difference betwixt Ma­lignants and Sectaries.

That if the King imploy excommunicated Montrofs, he will be left to himself. That they see it will be impossible to govern these wilder Parts of Britaine, without the Name and Autho­rity of a King.

That more and more Witches were condem­ned to the Fire: 2 that day, 11 the next day, and 25 burnt before.

Letters from Chester, That Ireton was designed for Munster, but after 10 dayes lying at Sea, he was fain to put in at Dublin. That Ormond clear­ed Tredah of all Superfluous Persons, and made it as strong as he could. That the Buffe Coats were in the Pulpits of Dublin.

An Act passed, prohibiting the bringing of Hats, or Hatbands from beyond Seas.

An Act passed for all Officers to take the Oath to be true and faithful to the Common-Wealth of England without King or Lords.

One Summer for counterfeiting the Hand and Seal of the General, and cozening the People thereby, was committed to the Marshal Goal, to be tryed for it by a Councel of War.

[4] Order to renew a Lease for 40 Years of Deanes Lands, for relief of 20 poor People in Lincoln.

The Act past for discharging poor Prisoners for Debt, who are unable to satisfy their Credi­tors. Poor Pri­soners

Letters from St. Germins, That there were great Consultations, what Course should be taken by the Prince of Wales.

Letters that 4 Men of War, Ostenders, took 4 Coal Ships, and sunk 3 of them, gave the 4th. to 40 poor Mariners to carry them home into England, having taken from them all they had.

Letters from Ostend, That there was great En­deavours to draw in Assistance for Prince Charles, pretending that Ormond was possessed of Dublin, and with a very great Army was prepa­ring for England, and that the Prince was going over to take Possession of Ireland.

That there was a Proclamation reciting that by the Mariners there going to the King of Scot­land, in hopes of profit; the King of Spains Na­vy wanted men, and therefore commands that upon pain of Death, no Flemming, or Spaniard do serve in the Ships of the King of England.

[5] Debate of a new Oath, and Ingagement to the present Government.

A Proclamation from the General, forbidding the Souldiers to have Hounds, or Greyhounds, or to kill Deer, or Conyes in any Chases, Parks, or Warrens.

[6] Order for Mr. Hallowes to have his Lease renewed of Lands, which he held of the Duke of Bucks.

Order giving more time to double upon the purchase of Deans and Chapters Lands.

Order touching Compositions.

Sir John Winter disclaimed the Pope, and all For­reign Power, and put himself upon the Mercy of Sir J. Win­ter. the Parliament.

Letters that the Lieutenant of Ireland Mustered 17 Regiments of Foot, and 5000. Horse, in all 15000.

18 Souldiers brought Prisoners for stealing Deer in Surrey.

The Act passed for Oaths to Majors, Justices of Peace, and other Officers in this Form.

You shall Swear that you shall be true and faith­ful to the Common-wealth of England, as it is now established, without a King or House of Lords. You shall well and truly Execute the Office of a Major &c. Oath.

Divers Compositions of Delinquents past.

Letters that C. Popham lost a Vessel, overset with the foul Weather.

Mr. Love was before the Commitee of Plunder­ed Ministers, but the charge against him not pro­ved.

Letters that the Lieutenant of Ireland was Marched forth out of Dublin.

Souldiers appointed to be tryed by a Court Mar­tial, for killing of Deer.

Two Souldiers Sentenced by a Court Martial, one to Ride the Wooden Horse with 8 Muskets at his Heels; and the other to run the Gantlope, for robbing on Orchard, and affronting an Officer of the Army.

Petitions of Maiemed Souldiers for Money.

Another of reduced Officers and Souldiers, for their Arreares, referred to a Commitee.

(17) Several Gentlemen of the House, and of the Army, and others, met with some of those called Levellers, to confer together, and in­deavour Levellers. a right understanding, and Agreement between all Interests.

And for the better, effecting thereof, it was moved that Walwyn, Prince, and Overton, close Prisoners in the Tower, might have the Liberty of the Tower. Which the Councel thought [...]it, and upon their Reports to the House it was assented unto.

A Petition of the Garrison of Plymouth referred to a Commitee.

Allowed to the Earl of Denbigh 1700 l. for his Charges due to him, when he was, Ambassador in Italy.

Order for an Act for 7000 l. for the Town of Taunton out of Sir John Stowells Estate, and ano­ther Delinquents.

The House adjourned.

(8) Letters of some disorder in the Garrison of Oxford, somented by the Levellers, and Cava­leers. The Souldiers proposed to have a new Re­presentative, and this to be dissolved, to have Agita­tors, to maintain the Ingagments at Triplo-Heath, &c.

Intercepted Letters to the L. Cotington, advis­ing the King to a seeming complyance with the Intercept Letters. Levellers, as the likelyst way to do his work, that they have caused the Speaker to be accused by some Discontented Prisoners, and that the best Service the Kings Friends do him, is to set on the Levellers.

C. Thomlinson, and C. Ingolesby sent to Oxon, to quiet the distractions there.

Letters from Dublin that the Lieutenant was marched with 10000 Horse and Foot towards Tredah, to find out Ormond, who, with the L. of Ardes, was very Numerous; But many English came from them to the Lieu­tenant, and such as Ormond took going from him were Presently Executed.

One Mr. Williams sent to Prison for reading the Common Prayer Publickly.

(10) The Councel Ordered both the Gene­ral his Regiments, and Okey's Dragoons, and some other Regiments commanded by M. G. Lambert to march to Oxford, to quiet the distem­pers there.

Letters from Dublin, that the Lieutenant with about 12000 Horse, and Foot, was come near Tredah, which Ormond had victualled for 6 [Page 409] Months, and fortefyed, and put in it 2000 Irish Foot, and 200 Horse, and made Sir Arthur Ash­ton, formerly Governour of Reading for the King, Governour of this place.

That the Lieutenant ordered Ships to stop Provisions from the Town, and to furnish the Be­siegers that he sent 1000 Foot by Sea to Sir Charles Coot, and ordered 500 Horse to march by land to him.

An intercepted Letter from Prince Rupert from Kingsale to Ormond, of the wants of the Fleets, with proposal for Provisions.

(11) The Imposition of 4 s. per Chaldron upon Coales taken off, for the benefit of the Poor.

Captain Wagstaffe gave an account to the House of the particular Passages in the meeting at Levellers. at Oxford Oxford, how they imprisoned their Officers, set Guards, fortifyed New-Colledge, and other Acts of Hostility. That C. Ingoldsby, their C. sent to them from the Parliament, was put under a Guard by them, and how they chose Agita­tors.

That the secured Officers walking near to the Guards, after two dayes, discoursing with the pri­vate Souldiers on the Guard, and some of them not well satisfyed with these Proceedings of their fellow Souldiers, which these Officers foment­ed, and demanded liberty to go away: some of the Guards were fit for it, and others against it, whereupon the Officers forced their way through the Guards, and so past them, and went up to their C. Ingoldsby, and told him how the Mat­ter stood.

He, with his two Men, came to the Guards that were put upon him, and without saying much to them, came through them, and com­manded the Souldiers to march with him, which they did, and came to the Officers in the Street.

One of the Agitators on Horseback killed a Souldier who offered to stop him, and the Guard which the C. brought with him took the rest of the Agitators Prisoners; many Souldiers came in to the C. as he went along in the Streets, and marched with him.

Then he went up to New-Castle, and com­manded the Colours, which were brought to him: He sent for a Party of Horse to Whateley, and placed his own Guards.

The Souldiers generally obeyed him, and ma­nifested great Joy that they were thus disinga­ged.

Referred to the Councel of State to give di­rections to the Attourney General to proceed against the Mutineers at Oxford, by a Commissi­on of Oyer and Terminer for Treason, and to ap­point other Councel to assist him, and a Sollici­tor, and to prepare a Declaration touching this Business.

Order for an Addition to C. Okey's Regiment of Dragoons, to make them up 1000.

A Member of the House chosen Major of Taun­ton, had leave to serve in that place.

An Act passed for relief of Felt-Makers, and Hat-band Makers, against Aliens importing them to the hindrance of English Manufactures.

(12) Instructions against the Accounts of Mr. Hawkins, Treasurer of Ireland.

Order to certify the Accounts of C. Rossi­ter.

Some Delinquents sent for from Norwich.

An Act past, prohibiting to brew for sale, any Ale or Beer, above 16 s. the Barrel, above the Excise.

(13 Recommended to the General, to give his Orders to his Officers of Horse, for securing Septemb. by his Horse, the High-Wayes from Robberies, and to apprehend the Thieves.

Order for a Commission to visit the Univer­sity of Ox [...]ord.

The Act for relief of tender Consciences a­gainst the Penalties of several Statutes read, and committed.

The Troop of Horse in Oxford under Captain Smith, continued for 6 Months.

20 s. per week ordered for the Lady Beau­mont.

Complaints from New-Castle against Tax­es.

Petition of M. G. Mitton, and Arrears, and Losses allowed to several Persons.

The Earl of Salisbury chosen a Member into the House for Lyn.

Letters that the Prince, and Duke of York were landed with 300 Men in Jersy.

Papers intercepted from Ormond to Prince Ru­pert, concerning Provisions, and Necessaries for their Fleet.

Letters that the Duke of York had visited the King, Queen, and Cardinal of France, and was re­visited by them, whom he most humbly beseeched Cardinal Mazarine. to have Compassion on the King his Brother, and to give all Assistance possible for the regaining of his Estate and Kingdom. To which the Cardinal made answer, That it could not possibly be now, but that he might assure himself, and the King his Bro­ther, that when they were in a capacity to serve him, they would spare neither Purse nor Power, and in the mean time desired the Kings Brother to ac­cept of a small present of 100000 Crowns.

Letters that Ormond was but 5000 in the Field, and had put the rest into Garrisons. That the Lord Lieutenant finding the Enemy to give ground, besieged Tredah.

That he did not pursue Ormond, judging it not safe to march too far into an Enemies Country, and leave many of their Garrisons behind him, especially Tredah, which was very strong and would be of singular Advantage to him, both for Sea and Land. The 1000 Foot sent to Sir Charles Coot, were safely landed at Derry.

Major General Lambert, C. Baxter, and other Levellers. Officers went to Oxford to try the Mutinous Soul­diers there by a Court Marshal; those of the Country who joyned with them, are to be tryed by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer.

(14) A Petition of the Countess of Castle-Ha­ven referred to a Committee, who upon proof of the truth of it, are to bring in an Act as the Petition desires.

Sir Kenelm Digbys Petition carryed upon the Question, not to be read.

Letters from Mr. Strickland from Holland, That Strickland. the Provintial States there had given him audi­ence as a publick Agent from this State.

Order that Mr. Speaker write a Letter to ac­knowledge the Respect to their Agent.

Order that a Ship lately taken from the State, and adjudged Prize, should be discharged by the Admiralty, and the Seamen who took her, to be gratifyed otherwise.

Order for Money for such as fled out of Ireland hither, and to inable them to return into Ireland.

Order for 1000 l. for the Countess of Kent, for her dammage by the demolishing of Goodrick Castle.

Order for more Carriages for the Regiments gone for Ireland, and the Councel to bring it into the Establishment.

[Page 410] An Act past Authorizing the Commissioners of the Customes to Impose Fines, and Forfeitures on such as Import Wines, &c. From France, contrary to a late Act.

(15) Letters to the Councel that Jermin, and Percy were imprisoned in France, for holding Cor­respondence with the Spaniard, to the disservice of the French Crown.

Order for Sommerset-House to be the Head Quarters of the Army.

Orders of the Councel for supplyes of Horse, Saddles, Pistols, &c. for the Lord Lieute­nant.

Letters that many of Ormonds Men came in to the Lord Lieutenant. That Sir George Askue sent Irish Af­fairs. Provisions to Dublin, and more to the Leaguer be­fore Tredah.

(17) Letters that the Commanders of the Rebells were in Factions, and that Sir Charles Coot took advantage thereof, to march into their Coun­try, and took in divers small Garrisons.

Letters that the Lord Lieutenant had fixed his Posts, and begun his Batteries before Tredah. That the Garrison often sallyed out upon him, but were beaten back with loss.

That in the Town were 3000 Foot Souldiers, and 500 Horse, and they were victualled for five Months.

That Inchequin commits great wast as far as he dares venture, about Dublin and Tredah, by burning and driving away of their Cattle, and hangs all he can meet with, going in to the Lord Lieutenant.

That Ormond proclaimed, whosoever should men­tion the Covenants Subscription, or that the King should not come in, but upon Conditions, should be se­cured, and his Estate Sequestred. proclama­tion.

That Mr. Peters the Minister, was arrived at Dublin, and that at the beginning of the Troubles in Ireland, he had a Brigade against the Rebels, and came off with honour, and victory, and the like was now expected from him.

That the Lord Lieutenant, for satisfying of Mr. Peters the Country through which he was to march, and that they might not be terrifyed with Fear upon his Approach, set sorth a Declaration of his In­tentions, and to assure the Country that none of them should be injured, behaving themselves peacea­bly, and bringing in their Provisions, &c.

Letters that 14 Sale of English and Dutch Ships were brought into Dunkirk, and Ostend, laden with Corn and other Goods, and after the Goods Sold, the Masters were forced to buy their own Ships.

That 15 small Ships, of four and six Pieces of Ordinance a piece, were manned out of those Ports, with Commissions from Prince Charles to take the English Ships. That the Governour of Dunkirk hath the 10th. part of the Prizes, and the Prince hath the 5th, part.

That one of the Parliaments Ships brought in a New Ostend Frigat of 10 Guns, a Prize; and an Account of the several Convoys. That Mon­trossis with about 5000 Men at Hamborough.

That the Packet-Boat with the Keel of a Ship striking her, by a gust of wind, was sunk, and the Packets all lost, but the Men saved.

(18) For an Honour to the E's of Pembroke, and of Salisbury, and of the Lord Howard of Es­crigge, Members of the House of Commons, or­dered, That they might sit in all Committees of Votes. which they were before the Lords House was dissol­ved.

Allowance of 40 s. a week to an Irish Officers Widdow.

Mr. Noel made sole Treasurer at Weavers Hall.

300 l. allowed to Lieutenant Goddyer for Losses sustained by him, when he prevented the betray­ing of Tinmouth.

An Act past for Tryal of Pyrates, and Robbers at Sea, and of revolted Seamen and Mariners.

An Act past for maintenance for the Alms-Men, and Free-School at Westminster.

A Letter from the Holland Ambassador in be­half of three Vessels loaden with Wines, taken by the Parliaments Ships, referred to the Commit­tee of the Navy.

The Lord Ormond sent Instructions to his Offi­cers to this Effect. Irish In­structions.

(1) That every man who hath submitted to his Majesties Authority be put into Possession of his Estate, he contributing to the maintenance of the Ar­my, and necessary Burdens of the Countrey.

(2) That the Articles of War be put in Execu­tion.

(3) That no Commanders in Ulster do assume to themselves the Nomination of any Military Offi­cer, upon pretence of any late Commission, but leave them to our discretion as in this Kingdom hath ever been accustomed.

(4) Any that speak or act in prejudice of his Ma­jesties Affairs, let him be imprisoned, and his Estate secured, and Information sent up to us, of the Na­ture of his Crime, that we may give further order therein.

And if any Ecclesiastical Person in his Prayer, or Sermon, shall incite the People to Sedition, or disobe­dience, or shall intermeddle with the Managery of civil Affairs, or derogate from the present Govern­ment, or teach that his Majesty is not to be admitted to the Crown, till he hath given Satisfaction to his Subjects, or taken such Oaths or Covenants as are im­posed on him without his consent, contrary to Law, and the Dictates of his own Conscience.

Ʋpon Proof thereof, without further Circumstan­ces, let his Estate be confiscated to the use of the Ar­my, and himself be either Imprisoned, or banished, or tryed for his Life, as the Case shall require.

(5) If there be any whose Loyalty is suspected, let the chief in Command upon the place, Minister to him the Oath of Allegiance, and if he refuse, let them securehis Person, and Estate.

(6) For Inlargement of Quarters.

(7) Touching Forces coming from other Quarters into Ulster.

(8) Let the Siege of Derry be prosecuted by the common advice of the Lord of Ardes, Sir Robert Stuart, Sir George Monroe, and C. Audley Mer­vin.

(19) Orders upon private Petitions.

By Sentence of M. G. Lambert, C. Okey, and Lerellen the rest of the Officers at the Court Marshal at Oxford, two of the late mutinous Souldiers were shot to death, a third was reprieved, and seven ran the Gantlope.

The University entertained the Officers with great Respect, and presented them with Gloves.

That the Schollars offered to assist the Officers against the Mutineers, and not above three of the Townsmen joyned in the Mutiny.

Letters that Sir Thomas Armstrong sallyed out of Tredah upon the Lord Lieutenants Quarters with 200 Horse, but were so entertained, that e­very one of them was enclosed and taken, except Sir Thomas, who escaped by the Goodness of his Horse.

That the Enemy hath 3000 Horse hovering a­bout the Lord Lieutenants Camp, but attempting nothing.

[Page 411] That 35 of the Renegadoes being taken, ten of them were hanged in the Camp, and the rest were sent to Dublin to be executed.

Letters that the English Merchants in Muscovia were commanded by the great Duke to sell all they had there, and to depart his Dominions Duke of [...] within a Year, and not to come thither any more, unless in the King of Englands Name, and by his Patents. So great a dislike did he conceive a­gainst the English, andit was fully fomented by the Dutch, upon the Parliaments proceeding against the late King and Kingship.

(20) Letters from Sir Arthur Haselrigg of want of Pay for his Regiment, referred to the Com­mittee of the Army.

Order for Mr. Genners Sallary.

Upon Debate of a Letter from the Holland Am­bassador resolved not to dispence with the late Act against Importation of French Wines.

The Act past for the Schoole, and Alms-Houses in Westmiuster, and the allowance to Mr. Lambert Osbaldstone.

Debate of the business of the Miners of Derby-shire.

The Act passed against revolted Seamen, and against Pyrates.

Another for suppressing Scandalous and unli­cenced Pamphlets, and for punishing the Authors, Printers, and Publishers of them.

Resolved that the Singing-Psalms be not for the future Printed with the Bible. Psalms.

Confessed by the Mutineers at Oxford, That they exepected 6 or 7000 to joyn with them, out [...]ellers. of Northamptonshire, and those parts, 6000 out of the West, many thousands, and the whole Army to joyn with them, and to have these things done.

  • (1) For Agitators to be set up again at the Head Quarters.
  • (2) That Tithes be taken away.
  • (3) That the Laws be Englished, and another way of Justice to be in the respective Coun­ties.
  • (4) That the Excise be put down.
  • (5) That Prince Charles be brought in.

That they had store of Money promised them. upon the desire of C. Ingoldsby to the General, Some of the Mutineers of his Regiment were par­doned, and some of the Officers were Cashiered, who did not come in to him, when he command­ed them against the Mutineers.

Letters from Scotland, That the Parliaments Successes in Ireland had caused a stop of Affairs in Scotland, That all their Eyes are upon Crom­wel.

That the levying of their new Army did not proceed hastily.

Letters from Ireland, That Sir Charles Coot was marched out of Derry with 1500 Foot, and 400 Horse, and had cleared the Country 14 Miles about, and got into the City great store of Provi­sions.

(21) Order for Mony for poor Widdows, and Souldiers Wives.

The Act past for taking the Account of the Kingdom.

Referred to a Committee to provide some Ac­commodation for the Earl of Denbigh near Derby House, in satisfaction of his right to the Ward­robe.

The House adjourned.

(22) Letters from Leverpool, That the Lord Lieutenant had taken Tredah, and put all to the Sword that were in Arms there, and that 180 of Inchequins Men were come in to the Lord Lieute­ant.

Letters that divers of the levelling Party were taken at Brinnicham.

Twenty Horse of Hinds Company the great Robber, committed fourty Robberies about Bar­net, in two Hours.

Divers Moss Troopers taken.

Letters, but nothing certain, of the taking of Tredah.

Referred to the Councel of State to order the Militia of the Kingdom for the present, till a fur­ther Act of Parliament be agreed upon for it, and an Act ordered to be drawn up according­ly.

(25) Debate touching an Adjournment for certain Dayes, and about a New Representative, but nothing resolved upon it.

An Act for punishing of Crimes committed up­on, or beyond the Seas, ordered to be publish­ed.

(26) Governours named for the School, and Alms-Houses of Westminster, the Earls of Pombroke, Salisbury, and Denbigh, Mr. Prideaux, Lord Com­missioner Whitelock, Lord Commissioner Lisle, Mr. St. John, and divers others.

Letters from the Lieutenant General to the Parliament, giving an Account of the proceedings against the Mutineers at Oxford.

Order for thanks to Major General Lambert, C. Ingoldsby, and the rest of the Officers, for their good Service therein.

Letters that Sir Charles Coot kept the Field, and not any considerable Party of the Enemy gave him Opposition.

The Church of St. Martins in the Fields was robbed, and much Plate and Mony taken out of it, and the Church of Waltham Abbey was also broke open, and robbed.

(27) The Declaration published concerning Declara­tion. a happy Roformation against Malignants, Levellers, and such as would bring in Monarchy and Tyranny again, and that they would have respect to tender Consciences, who go according to the Rule of Gods Word.

Order for speedy bringing in the Fines of De­linquents, and for the 20000 l. Fine upon North-Wales, to be paid to the Committee of the Ar­my, for the Service of the Army.

Referred to the Councel to appoint Persons in every County, with Power to suppress Insur­rections and Tumults.

A Day of Humiliation kept by the Officers of the Army, for the Atheism, and Prophaneness which was crept into the Army. Army Hu­miliation.

The Declaration passed touching the business of Oxford, and other Designs of the Enemy against the present Authority, and of the good Success in Ireland, and in England, and to remit the Crimes of many against the present Authori­ty, by discharging them of Imprisonments, and Prosecution against them, and referred to the Councel of State to consider who are fit to be dis­charged accordingly.

Letters from Mr. Peters thus.

Sir, The Truth is, Drogheda is taken, 3552 of Letters from Hugh Peters. the Enemy slain, and 64 of ours.

Col. Castles, and C. Symonds of note.

Ashton the Governour killed, none spared, we have all Trym, and Dundalk, and are marching to Kil­kenny.

I came now from giving thanks in the great Church. We have all our Army well landed. I am yours,

Hugh Peters.
Dublin Sep. 15 th.

[Page 412] Letters that one Den a Leveller, formerly condemned by a Councel of War at Burford to be shot to death, and afterwards pardoned, hath raised a Tumult in Sturbridge against the Com­missioners of Excise, and got together 300 Men armed with Muskets, Swords, &c. who fell upon Captain Prescot, a Commissioner in his Quarters, shot him in three places, took from him & the rest of the Commissioners and Souldiers, all their Mo­ney, Horses, Arms, and Cloaths.

The General wrote to the Governour of Staf­ford to apprehend Den, and to suppress the Tu­mult.

(28) The business of the Tumult at Sturbridge by Den continued in the hight of it, and they sent into the Neighbouring Towns to come in and joyn with them, and beet up Drums for that purpose, but few came in to them.

(29) Letters from Cromwel.

Sir,

It hath pleased God to bless our Endeavours at Drogheda, after Battery, we storm'd it, The Enemy Letters from Crom­wel. were about 3000 Strong in the Town. They made a stout Resistance, and near 1000 of our men being entred, the Enemy forced them out again. But God giving a new Courage to our Men, they attempted again, and entred, beating the Enemy from their Defences. The Enemy had made three Retrench­ments, both to the right and left, where we entred, all which they were forced to quit, being thus entred, we refused them Quarter, having the day before Sum­moned the Town. I believe we put to the Sword the whole number of the Defendents. I do not think 30 of the whole number escaped with their Lives, those that did, are in safe Custody, for the Barbadoes, since that time the Enemy quitted to us Trim and Dundalk, In Trim they were in such hast, that they left their Guns behind them. This hath been a mar­velous great Mercy. The Enemy being not wil­ling to put an Issue upon a Field Battle, had put in­to this Garrison almost all their prime Souldiers, be­ing about 3000 Horse and Foot, under the Command of their best Officers, Sir Arthur Ashton being made Governour. They were some seven or eight Regi­ments, Ormonds being one, under the Command of Sir Edmund Verney. I do not believe, neither do I hear that any Officer escaped with his Life, save onely one Lieutenant, who, I hear, going to the Ene­my, said, that he was the onely man that escaped of all the Garrison. The Enemy were filled upon this with much Terror, and truely I believe this better­ness will save much effusion of Blood, through the Goodness of God.

I wish that all honest Hearts may give the Glory of this to God alone, to whom indeed the Praise of this Mercy belongs, for Instruments they were very inconsiderable, the Work throughout.

Then he gives an Account of his purpose for Wexford, and concludes. Captain Brandly did with 40 or 50 of his Men very gallantly storm Te­nalis, for which he deserves the Thanks of the State.

O. Cromwel.
Sep. 16th. 1649.

The Councel of State ordered that the Minist­ers in their several Churches, to morrow, being the Lords Day, should acquaint the People. And according to the Order of the Councel of State, the Ministers of London acquainted the People with the great Successes of the Parliaments For­ces in Ireland, and returned Thanks to God for the same.

October 1649. October.

(Octob. 1) More Letters of the Particulars of the taking of Drogheda. Drogheda.

That the Breaches not being made low enough, the Horse could not go on with the Foot, but the Foot alone stormed, and entred the Town, but by reason of the numerousness and stoutness of the Enemy, who maintained the Breach as gal­lantly as ever men did, and by the death of Collo­nel Castle, whose Regiment was one of those that stormed (and he was slain at the Storm) our Men were disheartned, and retreated. Which my Lord Lieutenant seeing, went himself to the Breech, and after a little time, a fresh reserve of C. Evers Men fell on with the rest very couragi­ously, and God abated the Courage of the Enemy, they fled before us till we gained the Town, and they all agreed in the not giving of Quarter, and other particular Passages before mention­ed.

(2) Letters from the Lord Lieutenant of Ire­land to the Parliament, and Councel of State, of the Success at Drogheda more particular­ly.

That Sir Arthur Ashton the Governour, and di­vers considerable Officers got up into the Mill Mount, a very strong Fort in the Town, but Cromwels Men got up to them, and put them all to the Sword; having Command not to spare any that were in Arms in the Town.

That about 140 got into a Tower, and being Sum­mon'd, would not yield, but killed and wounded some of our Men, and when they submitted, their Officers were knocked on the Head, and every 10th. Man of the Souldiers killed, and the rest were shipped for the Barbadoes.

That these People thrust the Protestants out of the great Church, and set up Mass there, and in this ve­ry place; 1000 of them were put to the Sword flying thither for safety; their Fryars and Priests were knocked on the Head promiscuously with the others, who were in Arms.

The Letters said further, That in Sir Arthur Ashtons Pocket were Letters taken from Ormond to him, assuring him of relief in a short time.

That Ormond and Inchequin were at vari­ance.

The Parliament ordered a Day of publick Thanksgiving for the great Successes in Ire­land.

The Inhabitants of Wickloe, being all Roman Catholicks, submitted to the Lord Lieutenant, who marched with his Army to the West, for reducing of Munster.

Letters of more Moss Troopers ta­ken.

Letters from Scotland, That Mr. Windham was Scots. gone to their King with as inviting a Message, as Pen could draw, or People send, promising him Personal Protection, Restauration, &c. and no Con­dition, for so much as subscribing the Cove­nant.

Several Persons apprehended at Lancaster, who raised a tumult to keep a Malignant Person in his Benefice.

(3) Several Votes past, and ordered to be Printed, for Repayment of Money lent upon the publick Faith.

Letters from France, That Prince Charles went from the Court towards Caen in Normandy, and [Page 413] from thence intended to go for Jersy. That his Train was but 60 Horses, and six Coaches with six Horses a piece, and that many of his Servants, and some Gentlemen went on Foot.

That the Prince had but 300 Pistols left him, to defray the Charges of his Journey.

(4) A Letter from the General, with a Peti­tion inclosed from the Officers of the Army, be­ing the humble Desires of the Councel of War, in prevention of the disorderly buying of Deben­ters Petition. of the Souldiers, at inconsiderable Rates. Re­ferred to a select Committee with Power to send for, and conferr with such Persons as they shall think fit, in order to that Business.

The Election of Alderman Fowke to be Lord Mayor of London, and his being presented to the House with a Speech by their Recorder Steel. The House approved the Election.

Letters from Salop of their Ministers preach­ing bitter Invectives against the Parlia­ment.

Letters that Captain Dawkins took a Dunkirk Frigot, with four pieces of Or­dinance, and a Commission from Prince Charles.

Letters that a Minister and his Wife near Edenburgh were lately apprehended for Witches.

Letters that the Lord Lieutenant upon his March towards Wexford, took in several Garri­sons.

C. Scroope was made Governour of Bristol-Castle.

(5) These Acts passed.

To give Liberty of Transporting ungarbled Spi­ces. Acts.

For settling the Accounts [...]f the Common-wealth.

For Redemption of Captives.

Order for a Declaration to be published to the Kingdom, upon sale of the Lands of the late King, Queen, and Prince.

The House adjourned.

Letters that some Aldermen of Wexford were sent out to treat with the Lord Lieutenant ten Miles before he came to the Town.

That Inchequin would surrender up his Forces, and Garrisons, so he might have security of his Life and of his Estate of 1000 l. per annum.

That the Earl of Antrim would surrender four Garrisons upon Condition to enjoy his Life and Estate.

That C. Veneable was made Governour of the North of Ireland.

That most of C. Evers Officers were wounded at the storming of Tredah.

Prince Rupert having been for divers Months blocked up in the Harbour of Kinsale by the Par­liaments Ships, at length by reason of his want of Provisions, and Cromwels being ready to take that Town by Land, the Prince was forced to a Reso­lution to make his way through them.

And with the loss of three of his Ships, he bore out of that Harbour, and with the remainder of his Fleet getting clear of the Parliaments Ships, steered his Course for Lisbon, where he was not only protected, but caressed by the King of Por­tugal; which so much displeased the Parliament, that they commenced a War with that Prince, doing him many great Dammages in the Trade and Navigation wherein the Riches of that Na­tion chiefly do consist.

At the same time that Prince Charles, and his Retinue, about 300 arrived at Jersy, and was there proclaimed King. Some few Forces were landed in the Isle of Orkeney from the Lord Mon­tross, and some came out of Ireland into the North of Scotland, under Sir James Montgome­ry.

Hereupon; and to oppose these Forces, the Scots began to make Preparations, though at the same time they were upon terms of Treaty with their King, for whose Service these Forces were designed.

The Kirk having long before excommunicated Montross, strict Order was now given for suppres­sing a Declaration which he had caused to be pub­lished in Scotland for Justifying of his Proceed­ings.

Mr. Windram Layds of Libberton, though hard­ly drawn to it, was at length dispatched away with a Message to the Scots King, after his arri­val in Jersy, he waited for an audience till an Agent that had come from Ireland was dis­mist.

Then being admitted to the Princes Presence, Scots Over­tures. he presented to him the Desires and Offers of the States of Scotland, which were to this Ef­fect.

(1) That he would sign the Covenant, and pass an Act for all Persons in Scotland to take it, and to ratifyall that had been done there, concerning the same.

(2) That he would pass divers Acts of the Par­liament of Scotland, which were ratifyed by their two last Sessions, as for his approbation of their dis­claiming Dr. Hamiltons Design, for receiving the several Acts made by the English for the Militia, for the Kings of Scotland to have no negative voice in that Parliament.

(3) That he would withdraw his Commissions to Montross, for raising Forces to be sent from be­yond Seas into Scotland, and to give present Order for the stopping thereof.

(4) That he would put away all Papists from a­bout him, and let none be of his Councel but known Protestants.

(5) That he would appoint some place about Hol­land to treat with Commissioners from the Estates of Scotland, wro would send eminent Lords to him, to treat and conclude there, upon all particulars, and from the time he should come into Holland, they would provide for him what should be necessary to make him, and his Train to reside in a Regal man­ner.

(6) That he would give a speedy Answer to their Desires.

These Propositions were much debated by the Prince his Councel, who were of a different Sense concerning them; nor could a present Answer to them be agreed upon, the Priuce having ingaged himself to the Queen his Mother, not to do any thing in matters of Importance, without first ac­quainting her therewith, and having her advice about them. It was thought fit also speedily to acqnaint Montross with this Business.

Some of the Prince his Councel were for reject­ing these Propositions as dishonorable, and dis­advantagious. Others were for accepting them, and a speedy agreement with that Party in Scot­land which was most prevalent, and by whom the Prince had greater Probability of obtaining the Crown, than by Montross his Designs, which were full of hazard, and uncertain­ty.

Letters also came from the Queen, urging, that if the Scots Propositions seemed at present too severe, and insupportable, there might hereafter be opportunity as soon as he had obtain­ed the Kingdom, to free himself, at least, [Page 414] in some measure from the Inconveniences of them.

The main of his Councel tended to this, that according to the Exigence of his Affairs, at pre­sent, it was absolutely necessary to comply with the Kirk of Scotland.

Montross advised the same, and that the Ba­nishment of himself might not hinder it; but to that the King answered, that he had found him so faithful, and to have performed so eminent Servi­ces Montross. both to his Father and to himself, that he could not in Justice, or Honour, leave him, and desired him to urge him no further to it.

In regard the Answer to the Scots Propositions required some considerable time, because it could not be compleated to be returned by the L. of Libberton, Sir William Flemming was sent, as Agent before hand to Edenburgh, from thence to give Advice of the Affairs in Scotland, that there­by the Councel might the better know how to frame the Answer.

Sir John Berkeley, and C. Slingsby were sent into the West of England to sollicite the Kings Friends to rise in Arms for their Prince, and be­ing accidentally discovered by a Country Fellow, were apprehended by the Committee of the County, and sent Prisoners to Tru­roe.

The Prince had Ambassadors with the Empe­rour, the Duke of Muscovia, the State of Venice, Nego­tiation in Spain. the Great Turk, and with the King of Spain, to whom the Substance of the Ambassy was.

(1) That the Parliament of England having been in Arms against his Father, and prevailed against him, and caused him to be put to Death.

(2) That he being Son and Heir to the late King, was yet kept out of his Kingdom by the afore­said Parliament.

(3) That he desired the King of Spain's Neigh­bourly Assistance, and that he would afford him what Aid he could, to Establish him into his Rights and Dignities in the Kingdoms.

To this the King of Spain made An­swer.

(1) That he was sorry for his Fathers ill Success, wishing he had been more prospe­rous.

(2) That he condold with him for his Fathers Death, and was much affected with Sorrow at the manner of it.

(3) That concerning the difference between him and the Parliament, and the Rights on the one or the other Side, they being Matters out of his Territo­ries, and Jurisdiction, he could not take Cognizance of them, nor should he meddle therein. But for any thing within his own Dominions, he should be ready to do him what lawful Favour he could.

November, 1649.

The Princes continuance at Jersy, was by his Councel held not fit to be much longer, upon these Reasons.

(1) Because there was a considerable Fleet of the Parliaments come already to Portsmouth with store of Provisions; and it was necessary to pre­vent Reasons. the danger that might fall upon them in case those Ships should make an attempt upon the Island: which that they would do, was the more probable, because there were already men landed in Jersy.

(2) That if they should lye under that hazard, they knew not where to expect Relief, except all Novemb. other Services should be neglected, and Prince Rupert and Montross called hither; which would be the ruine of their Designs.

(3) That their removal would give great Sa­tisfaction to the Kingdom of Scotland, and be an Encouragement to their Friends in Eng­land.

(4) That thereby they should be the more free from Hazards and Dangers, both as to them­selves, and others, that should make addresses to them.

The Councel of State in England had good In­telligence of all the Transactions of the Prince, Intelli­gence. and of his Councel; which they procured by their Mony, whereof some of the Prince his Servants were needy, and would betray their Master for it.

The times were licentious, and men took strange Liberty, to calumniate all in Authority, and to clamour if they had not what themselves thought fit, respecting themselves, and their pri­vate. Interest, and Concerns, much more than the Rules of Right, and Justice, and the Law it self.

When the King of Portugal could neither by Force nor Intreaties, be perswaded to cast off Prince Rupert out of his Protection, the English Admirals resolved with patience to awaite his coming out, and a long time they kept him in there, till at last, want of Provisions made them retire, and give the Prince room.

Who immediately steered from thence to Ma­laga, Prince Maurice. but in the Voyage perplexed with extraor­dinary Storms, he lost his Brother Maurice, who in the Vice Admiral was never since heard of.

Himself being again followed by the Parlia­ments Generals lost all his Ships but two, which his Pursuers looking upon as inconsiderable, and Prince [...]pert. not worthy their time, and pains to hunt after, returned; and left him Sea room to come with them into France.

The Parliament fearing least now the Scots King should joyn Interest with the Scots (which was now generally talked of) they had good In­telligence of all proceedings in that Business, and provided for a Storm from thence.

They endeavoured to prevent all trouble which might happen in England, by quartering their Army up and down in the several Counties, to be ready to attend all Motions, and to defend themselves from an Invasion of the Scots, they or­dered some Force to lie constantly upon their Borders.

Cromwel proceeded prosperously in his Affairs in Ireland, took in many considerable Places, and Cromwel. Countries there, and gave a constant account of all his proceedings to the Parliament and Coun­cel of State, and in all his Letters, gives Glory to God, to whom 'tis only due.

The Parliament, and the Councel of State by Parlia­ment. their Order, was busy in making Provisions, and Supplies of Men, and Mony for the Service of Ire­land; which caused their business to proceed the more happily, and willinglyon the Souldiers part, who, without Money are without Discipline, and commonly without good Success.

In the Parliament were many Debates about Reformation of things, according to the late Pe­titions, Lawyers. and amongst the rest of particulars, there was a great Peek against the Lawyers. Insomuch as it was again said, as it had been formerly, That it was not fit for Lawyer's who were Members [Page 415] of Parliament, (if any Lawyers▪ ought to be of the Parliament) to plead, or practise as Lawyers, during the time that they sate as Members of the Parlia­ment, which gave Occasion to one of the Members, of that Profession, to speak as followeth.

Mr. Speaker.

I was unwilling again to have troubled you upon this Argument, had I not been again called up, by the mistakes of the worthy Gentleman that spake last, to give you a true account of those Matters; and to vin­dicate the Honour of that Profession, whereof I am an unworthy Member.

The Gentleman was pleased to intimate, That Lawyers were heretofore excluded from being Members of Parliament, but, I suppose, he had not much studyed the Records of that Matter, and there­fore related the Discourses of others by hearsay on­ly.

But for his Conviction, and for the satisfaction of others, I shall acquaint you with the clear passages of what he aimed at, as, I suppose, and as I find them upon Record, which are much more authentick, than some (perhaps) Table talk or Discourses at Ran­dom.

The Statute 23. E. 3. called the Members of Par­liament, the learned Men, whereof many were learn­ed in the Laws, and therefore supposed to have had that Title. But shortly after this, the great Men de­generating in the Old Age of the same King, into se­veral Fastions.

And being much offended with those, who were learned in the Laws, because they hindred their Op­pressions by pleading the Right of Law on the behalf of their Clients. 46. E. 3. petitioned, That

Nul home de ley pursuont busoignes, en le Court­le Rot. Parl. N. 13. Roy, ne Viscount pour le temps que il est Vis­count, soient retournez ne accepteze Chivaliers des Countees. That no man of Law, following Business in the Kings Courts, nor Sheriff be re­turned, or accepted Knights of Shires.

To this the King Answers.

Voet le Roy que Chivaliers et Serjeants des Meaux Vaues du paijs soint retournees desore Chi­valters en Parlements, ep qu'ls soint esteus in pleni Counte.

The King willeth that Knights and Serjeants (that is, Esquires) of the best rank in the Coun­ty be from henceforth returned to be Knights in Parliament, and that they be chosen in full Coun­ty.

After this Ordinance, and pursuant to it, a Clause was inserted into the Writ for choosing Members for Rot. parl. Rot. parl. 2. N. 4. dorse. the House of Commons 5. H. 4. to this ef­fect.

Nolumus autem quod tu, seu aliquis alius Vice­comes Regni nostri, sive aliquis alius homo ad Le­gem, aliqualiter sit electus.

We will not that you, or any other Sheriff of our Kingdom, or any other Man of Law, by any meanes be chosen.

According to this Ordinance and Clause of No­lumus, the Sheriffs have been since excluded from sit­ting in Parliament as Members, during the time of their Shrivalty, the Debate of which point was had, and full of Learning, in a former Parliament, in the Case of a very learned and worthy Person, Sir Ed­ward Cook, whom most of us knew.

He being made Sheriff of Bucks, upon displeasure against him, was chosen Knight of the Shire for Bucks, and sate in Parliament; and I had the Ho­nour then to be a young Parliament Man, in the se­cond Year of the late King.

The Objections against him were the constant usage, not to permit Sheriffs to sit as Parliament Men, their Oath to reside in their Counties, the custody whereof was committed to them and that their Office was but Annual, and so the disability was but for that time on­ly.

But for a man to be disabled from being a Parlia­ment Man, in regard of his being a Lawyer, is to disable him during his Life; or his continuance in his Profession, by which he gaines his livelyhood, and they are not publick Officers, oblieged to another at­tendance on the publick Affairs, as the Sheriffs are.

Yet 'tis true, that in this Parliament which was held 6 H. 4. All Lawyers were excluded, and none of them returned to serve in this Parliament, and perhaps, from some general Discourse hereof by others, the worthy Gentleman is pleased with confidence to vent his Doctrine and Motion.

But in case he did read, and understand the Re­cords of this Ordinance, and of the Clause of Nolu­mus, yet, I suppose, he never looked into the ground of this Business, nor into that which followed thereup­on, wherein I shall hope to satisfy him, and so as to alter his Opinion.

King Henry the fourth, being in great want of Money, Summon'd that Parliament, and caused to be inserted in the Writ, this Clause of Nolumus, to ex­clude the Lawyers, because he doubted that they would oppose the excessive Demands, which he was to make to the Parliament.

Thomas Walsingham sayeth. Hist. Eng. Anno 1404. p. 37.

That all the Lawyers being excluded, the De­mands of the King were by this meanes obtained, and by this Parliament was granted an unusual Tax, and to the People

Tricabilis et valde gravis.

A Tax full of Trouble and very grievous: where­of (the Historian sayeth) he would have set down the manner, h [...]d not the Grantors and Authors of the Ypodi [...] ­ma Neu­striae a [...] 1404. same desired to be concealed for ever to Posteri­ty by causing the Papers and Records thereof to be burned.

Mr. Speaker. This is the precedent intimated by the worthy Gentleman, and this was the Occasion and Issue of that Precedent, the like whereof I presume is not wished by him.

Walsingham Styles that Parliament in the Mar­gent.

Parliamentum Indoctorum.

The Parliament of unlearned Men.

Speed in his History, sayeth, That this Parliament was called the lack learning Parliament, either for the unlearnedness of the Persons, or for their Ma­lice unto Learning.

But God hath blest this Nation with such an Age of learned men at this present, that former times knew not, and we must acknowledge that though the House should lack all their Members who are Law­yers, yet the rest are of so great Abilities, that there would be no lack of Learning.

Yet, Sir, I am sure that the Addition of those many learned Gentlemen of our Profession, hath been, and will be some help in your Affairs, and will not be despised by any prudent Men.

The worthy Gentleman was pleased is [...]ghtly to call them Gownmen who had not undergone the dan­gers and hardships that martial men had done. And truely it might less become the Gentleman that said it, than others to make that Observation, if it had been so.

The antient Romans were Souldiers though Gownmen; nor doth that Gown abate either a mans Courage, or his Wisdom, or render him less ca­pable [Page 416] of using a Sword, when the Laws are silent, or you command it.

You all know this to be true by the great Services performed by Lieutenant General Jones, and Commissary Ireton, and many of the Members, and other Lawyers, who putting off their Gowns when you required it, have served you stoutly, and successfully as Souldiers, and undergone almost as many, and as great Dangers, and Hardships as the Gentleman, who so much undervalues all of them.

But we are now speaking of their Right to be cho­sen, and to sit as Members of the Parliament; which doubtless is as much, and the same with all other, the Commoners of England.

The Historian last mentioned sayeth, That the Commons of England who have liberty in the choice of their Knights and Burgesses, would not be debar­red thereof by the Ordinance of E. 3. nor by the Clause of Nolumus inserted in the Writ by H. 4. But have made a constant choice of some of them, to sewe for them in all Parliaments.

The L. Cook 4. Instit. p. 48. holds, That the Ordinance 46. E. 3. by the general Words of 5. R. 2. Stat. 2. C. 4. and 7. H. 4. C. 15. was re­pealed.

However, we read not of any Parliament (ex­cept that unhappy one 6. H. 4.) in which the Law­yers were excluded: and after not a few considerable Services both Civil and Military performed by some of them for you, it was somewhat an ungrate­ful Motion now to have excluded them.

We may lay aside the Clause of Nolumus, least other Clauses of Nolumus, which we find in the Writs of Summons, do come as near home to others. Sometime Clauses were inserted in the Writs for Election of Commoners, to this purpose.

Nolumus autem quod aliquis de Retinentia Do­mini nostri Regis aliqualiter sit electus.

We will not that any of the Retinue of our Lord the King, in any wise be chosen.

Though, Sir, I acknowledge that worthy Gentle-man, and many others who have been the Kings Ser­vants, and Courtiers, have been very faithful to you, and done you acceptable Services, and so, some of them have done in former Parliaments, and I hope you all do think so. Yet the undervaluing of our Profession to be Members of Parliament, hath less strength coming from such Gentlemen, than from others, because, of them, some from abroad will be apt to say (though scandalously) That Court­ers and Kings Servants used to sit in Parliament rather to promote their Masters ends, than their Countries Rights; but such Objections are now out of Doors.

The like Passage with this we are now debating, is related in the Roman Story, when the Law Cincia was made, whereby it was provided, That for plead­ing of Causes, no man should take either Money or Gift, and this Law was endeavoured upon the like-Grounds, to be set on Foot presently after the Death of Tiberius Caesar.

But when some alleadged, That this would cause the want of Councellors, and Advocates, whereby the Poor would be oppressed by the Rich and Mighty.

That Eloquence did not come by chance, or gratis, without Study and Labour. That the care of a mans own Family was neglected, whil'st he attended other Mens Affaires. That some maintained their Life by War, some by tilling the Earth, yet no man laboured in those Callings, or to attain Knowledge; but for the Comodity arising thereby.

That the meanest of the People endeavoured what they could to better their Estates, and that if the Reward of Studies should be taken away, Studies also would decay, as having neither Glo­ry nor Honour.

Ʋpon these reasons, the Senate thought it not just, and I hope this Senate will be of the same Judgment, to take away the Honorarium of Advocates, but li­mited the same to 1000 Sesterces, which some com­pute to about 781. of our Money.

Neither (sayeth Tacitus Aunal l. 11. did that Law continue, or gaine compliance to it. Neither do I think that such a Law amongst us, would be to any Effect, or have any Compliance to it.

But I hope this honourable English Senate, and that worthy Gentleman, a Member of it, will be sa­tisfyed with the Reasons given in the Roman Se­nate (who were very Wise Men) and not trouble themselves about such new Laws, which will be in­effectual, prejudicial to many, and good to none.

But the Gentleman Objected, and it is much ur­ged in these times against the Profession of the Law, and the Professors of it, that they are the Occasi­on of multiplicity of Suits, and of delayes in them; and therefore, after the Example of some Forraign Countries, not to be permitted.

I have observed to you before, that those in Power have most reason to be displeased with this Professi­on; as a Bridle to their Power: but that the Pro­fession occasions multiplicity of Suits, is as impro­bable, as any other of his Reasons, or his Argu­ments.

Mr. Speaker, the reason of the multiplicity of Suits, and Law Causes amongst us, is the greatness of our Trade, which causeth a multitude of Con­tracts, and those occasion a multitude of Law-Suits.

In those Countries mentioned by that worthy Gentleman, there is not one of his Profession, one Merchant, nor one Contract, for a hundred in Eng­land; that is the Cause, that they have so few Law-Suits, and we so many.

And give me leave Sir, to tell him that in the Netherlands, and Countries where there is much Trade, there are proportionably as many Law Suits, as there are in England.

Another Ground of what I affirm, is that in For­raign Countries, every Mans Estate is disposed of by their Law, after a certain Rule, and Proportion, which the Possessor cannot either by Conveyance, or by his Testament afterwards alter.

As when one dyes, his Estate is thus divided by the Law, his Wife hath a part set out for her, the Eldest Son hath a double Portion, and all the other Sons have equal Portions, and every two Daughters have as much as one Son of the whole Estate of their Father thus divided by the Law.

Whereas with us every Possessor of an Estate, hath Power to dispose of it by his Deed, or by his Will, as he pleases, which must necessarily occasion the more Differences, and Suits at Law, upon Constructions of those Deeds, and Wills, and Contests of Parties claiming, than where the Known Law gives a cer­tain Rule, and Distribution of Estates, which none can alter.

Another Ground of what I say, is the Freedom of our Nation, where every one hath equal Right and Title to his Estate, and there is as full a Propriety to the meanest, as to the greatest Person, which causeth our Countrymen to insist upon their Right, and Pri­viledges, and to contest for them with the greatest Men, or the Prince himself, if right of Law be on their Side.

This occasions many more Law Suits than do arise in those Countries where the Boors and Peasants [Page 417] do wholly depend upon the Will of their Lords, to whom they are Slaves, and dare not dispute any Mat­ter of Right with him; but tamely submit unto their Lords good, or bad pleasure.

And though in some of those Northern Countries, they have no Councellors at Law, as a publick Pre­fession, because the smallness of their Law Business will not maintain them, and the great Lords are oft­times there Parties and Judges themselves.

Yet in Germany, France, Spain, and other Countries, the Doctors, and Professors of the Laws are in great Numbers, and Credit, and gain vast Estates, though by small Fees, yet often taken, and long continuing. Whereof, particularly in France, there are many Precedents.

And if we look so far as the times of the antient Romans, and Graecians, their Lawyers will be found numerous, and of Esteem among them, and when their Common-Wealth enjoyed the greatest Freedom, this Profession was in highest Reputati­on.

Sir, The worthy Gentleman was pleased to menti­on one thing with some weight, that Lawyers were permitted to Councel, and to plead for Men, in Mat­ters touching their Estates, and Liberties, but in the greatest Matters of all others, concerning a Mans Life and Posterity, Lawyers were not permitted to plead for their Clients.

I confess I cannot answer this Objection, that for a trespass of 6 d. value, a man my have a Councellor at Law to plead for him, but where his Life and Posterity are concerned, he is not admitted this Privi­ledge, and help of Lawyers.

A Law to reform this, I think would be just, and give right to People.

What is sayed in defence, or excuse of this Custom is That the Judges are of Councel for the Prisoners, and are to see that they shall have no wrong. And are they not to take the same Care of all Causes that shall be tryed before them?

To that part of the Gentlemans Motion, that Law­yers being Members of the House, should, during that time, forbear their Practise, and pleading, I shall on­ly give this Answer.

That in the Act which he may be pleased to bring in for this purpose, it may likewise be inserted, that Mer­chants shall forbear their trading, Physitians from visiting their Patients, and Country Gentlemen shall forbear to sell their Corn, and Wool, whil'st they sit as Members of this House; which hath the same reason, as to debar Lawyers from their Pract­ise.

But I doubt, Sir, I have held you too long, my Profession, and the Subject matter of the Debate will plead in my excuse, and I hope Sir, that by your Pru­dence, such Motions as these will be less frequent among us.

December, 1649

(Decemb. 1) The Affairs in Ireland went on prosperously, and Cromwells Honour increased with his Successes. The Treaty between the Scots and their King began to grow to some Head, and was very likely to take Effect.

The Parliament went on in their usual way, de­bating Acts, making Reference to the Councel of State for the raising of Money, and providing Supplies for their Forces in Ireland, and for the standing Army, and Garrisons in Eng­land.

A List prefented to the Parliament of divers Regiments, and Garrisons, who have subscribed the Ingagement.

[10] Letters that every Officer and Souldier subscribed the Ingagement, and that it was so The Iri­ment. unanimously done by them, that not one of a thousand did scruple the Signing of it.

[11] The General Councel of the Army, being careful that the Souldiers should not be in­jured in reaping the Benefit of the late Act, for sale of the Lands of the late King, Queen, and Prince, made several Votes.

For a Letter of Attourney, to be sent to the se­veral Regiments, Troops, Companies, and Gar­risons of the Army, and to the Forces in Ireland, and other Forces, not of the Army, who are Ori­ginal Votes. Creditors, and have Interest in the Securi­ty.

That Attournies may be authorized, for the purchasing of those Lands according to the Act, with the Opinion and Advice of the Councel, concerning the Letter of Attourney, to be sent to every Regiment of the Army, and to be Sign­ed by them.

The General, and Officers of the Army met at Somerset-House, according to appointment, to Army. meet every Month, to seek God for a Blessing upon the Army, both in Ireland and here.

Letters from Ireland of the further Successes of the Army there, which were to this Ef­fect.

On the 15th. of November, Our Army march­ed Letters from Ire­land. over the River Barrowe, into the County of Kilkenny towards the Enemy, about 300 of their Men lay at Emstron [...], a Party of the Parliaments Horse and Dragoons were sent thither, in the dusk of the Evening; At first the Enemy vapour­ed over the Wall, but when the Dragoons had set fire to the Gate, it so quasht them, that they presently quitted the Town, and escaped by Boats over the Water, leaving the Town to the Parliaments Men, to plunder and possess it.

The Parliaments Army still advanced towards the Enemies Body, who upon their approach, brake down the Bridge at Thomas Town, and this Winter Season the Foords were unpassable, so that the Parliaments could only have a Sight of the Kings Army, but could not come to joyn Battle with them, nor proceed in [...]heir Designs for Kilkenny. In their March back they took Cnoctofer Castle, and put into it thirty Horse, and twenty Dragoons, but recalled them, the Castle being too far into the Enemies Countrey. On the 19th. Captain Reynolds was sent with a Par­ty of Horse, and Dragoons unto Carrick, a wal­led Town, where is a fair House of the Lord Or­monds, in the Town was a Regiment of Foot, and two or three Troops of Horse. The Dragoons after a little dispute, set Fire to the Gate, and the Enemy both Horse and Foot quitted the place, and escaped over the Water; only some eighty Welchmen, who were in the great House, submitted to Mercy, and took up Arms with the Parliament.

On the 21st. The Army marched to Carrick, to pass over the River, where it is fordable. And 32th. November, the Parliament incamped be­fore Waterford, presently the Lieutenant General with some Horse and Dragoons marched to Pas­sage Town, six Miles below, where there is a strong Fort that secures the River.

The Dragoons fell presently upon the Storm, and in a short time, set fire on the Gate, where­upon the Enemy within called out for Quarter, and upon assurance given by the Lord Lieutenant, that they should have Quarter for their Lives, and their wearing Apparel, they surrendred the Fort [Page 418] to him, where was six pieces of Ordinance, and the Town was of great Advantage to the Parlia­ment.

The Parliament left in Carrick Collonel Rey­nolds with his Regiment of Horse, a Troop of Dragoons, and two Foot Companies. The next day after they marched out of it, Ormond (whom they supposed inclined towards Cromwel) march­ed towards Carrick, and Besieged it.

The Kings Forces made themselves sure of car­rying the Town, and therefore drew a Party of Horse, and Foot over the Water, to prevent the Parliaments escape that way.

The Ʋlster Forces undertook the storm, they came on very resolutely, and made desperate Assaults for the space of four Hours; they set fire to all the Gates, and in one place undermined the Wall, attempting to blow it up with a Bar­rel of Powder.

But through the Mercy and Strength of God, Collonel Reynolds, with the rest maintained the Town very gallantly, and beat off the Enemy with the Loss of about 4 or 500 Men, and wound­ed very many; he loosing not above four of his Men all the while.

God hath prospered Collonel Reynolds very much, he goes out almost upon every Party, and behaves himself with much gallantry and Resolu­tion. The Parliaments Dragoons have done them great Service.

About a Mile from Carrick is a little Castle upon the River, where the Parliament put six or seven Dragoons to keep it, Inchequin Summons them by his Trumpet, none of them could read the Summons, but perceived by the Trumpet what it was, and though they could not write, yet without complement, and in plain phrase, they returned no other answer but this to the Trumpet.

Bid Inchequin go about his Business, and be hanged, for he had nothing to do with them. And thus, though they could not return an Answer in writing, they did in Resolution.

The Parliaments Forces are now before Wa­terford, and make Preparations for a Storm, when their great Guns with other necessaries shall be dispatched to them. Ruisile, and Bandon Bridge are theirs. The L. Broghil, and C. Fair, since their Arrival in Munster, have gained many a Horse, and Foot unto them.

The Lieutenant General and Officers receiv­ed an Order of Parliament for stating the Ac­counts, and giving Debenters to such reduced Souldiers as should ingage for Ireland. In Pro­secution of that Order of Parliament, and accord­ing to the further Direction of the Councel of State, the General sent his Orders and Instructi­ons, for the reducing of Troops to the number of 60, and concerning such so reduced, as shall ingage for Ireland, and such as refuse to go for Ireland, to be dismissed, the rest to be conducted into Ireland, for Recruits for the Forces there, and care taken for their present Pay, and for their Accounts to be Stated, and Debenters given them, to purchase Kings Lands.

(13) Letters from Berwick, That every Of­ficer and Souldier of that Garrison, except two only, signed the Ingagement, That Wheat there was at 10 s. a Bushel, Corn, and other Provisions desired.

From Carlile, of the want of Corn, That the Garrison unanimously subscribed the Ingagement, That they give out in Scotland, that Cromwel was Letters from Scot­land. routed in Ireland; and with four broken Troops escaped to Dublin, which much rejoyced them at Edenburgh.

That they expect the return of the Lord Lib­berton from Jersy.

From New-Castle, of the unanimous Subscrip­tion of the Ingagement by that Garri­son.

That many Witches were apprehended there­about of late, that the Witchtryer taking a Pin, and thrusting it into the Skin, in many parts of their Bodies, they were insensible of it, which is one Circumstance of Proof against them.

From Scarborough, of the Garrisons free sub­scribing of the Ingagement, That they see our Enemies at Sea chase our Ships, desire Care of the Winter Guard.

From Hull, That the Regiments, both Officers and Souldiers signed the Ingagement, not one re­fusing.

(14) Order for Ships to convoy, and trans­port the Recruits for Ireland.

An Account for Leverpool, of about 2000 Soul­diers shipped from thence to Ireland.

From Weymouth, That C. Popham was there with Ships ready to transport C. Coxes Men for Guernsey, and the men also ready.

Order of Parliament for a thanksgiving throughout the City, for the good Successes in Ire­land.

(15) A private Souldier sentenced to be shot to death, for killing a man.

In the Road at Broadway Hills, many were robbed and murdered. A Naylor found dead, with seven or eight Wounds, with 50 s. in his hand, and his Horse loose by him.

Directions given to several Regiments of Horse, to quarter in such places as are most con­venient to scoure the High-wayes of Thieves and Robbers.

Letters from Dover, That the Garrison freely subscribed the Ingagement. That the King of France, and those of Burdeaux were upon Agree­ment. That the States of Holland intended to disband 5000 Horse and Foot, and many of the Commanders purposed to come into England, ho­ping for entertainment.

(17) The G. Councel of the Army, after a long Debate about settling the business for the Sale of the Kings Lands, referred it to a Com­mittee to consult with the Committee of Parlia­ment, for Obstructions in the Sale of the Kings Lands, &c.

Referred to some Officers, to consider of a Course for pay for Captain Harrisons Company of Lancashire men, who marched with Cromwel into Scotland.

One Vaughan a Minister, once a Cavaleer, then turned a Zealot, then turned against the Com­monwealth, and preached that they were guilty of Perjury, &c.

Letters that the Souldiers quartering about Tossiter, and riding abroad in the Night, had frighted away the Thieves from Broadway Hills, and those Parts, to the great contentment of the Countrey.

(18) The Committee of Officers had a long Debate about making the way practicable, of buying the Kings Lands, &c. appointed for the Armies Security.

Mr. Penruddock, an Agent for Prince Charles, was taken, and committed close Prisoner to the Tower.

Letters from York, That there was a Rendez­vous of C. Lilburns Party that are marching for Ireland, about 100 old Blades, stout men, and well horsed, ready for the Service. [Page 419] An Account from Chester of Souldiers Shipped from thence to Ireland.

The Port at Coventry intercepted a Pacquet of scandalous Books, intituled, The Character of K. Cromwell, The Woodstock Skuffle, &c.

Letters, that Montross having sollicited the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein, for Montross. 6000 Men to be levyed in their Dominions for Prince Charles, and for a place of Rendezvous, Denmark. and-Free Quarter in Holstein, and for Shipping, and Money to transport them, was put off by them, without obtaining any of his Requests to them.

That from thence he went to Stock-Holm to Sollicite the Court of Sweden for their Assist­ance.

One Hammond a Trooper, according to the Sen­tence of the Councel of War, was shot to death, for killing one of his fellow Souldiers. He disco­vered matters of concernment to Mr. Knight, the Generals Chaplein, who went with him to the Execution.

(19) C. Bampfield, an Agent for Prince Charles, and that had a hand in the escape of the Duke of York, was apprehended and brought to C. Bamp­field. Whitehall, and examined by the Couucel of State, and by them committed fo the Gate-house.

Letters from Guernsey, complaining of the want of Ships, for securing that Island, and rela­ting the French News.

From Dunstar Castle, That Recruits for Ire­land were raising there by Captain Desbo­rough.

From Scarborough, of a Vessel loaden with Corn from Jerzey, forced in thither by Storm, and se­cured by the Garrison.

From Plymouth, an account of Recruits to be Shipped for Ireland.

From Berwick, That notwithstanding the late Seizures, and Confiscations of Corn, carried by the Scots thither, yet they were stil supplyed for their Money.

The Scots published a Proelamation for re­straining Scots. the Exportation of Victual out of that Kingdom.

(20) Some Stage Players in St. John-Street, were apprehended by Troupers, their Cloaths taken away, and themselves carried to Prison.

Several Returns were made of Subscriptions of Regiments, and Garrisons, to the Ingage­ment.

Letters from Rye, of the dearness of Corn there, it was desired to have a Magazine there, because of the appearance in Arms in France.

[21] The General Councel of the Army made several Resolutions touching the Souldiers Kings Lands. purchasing of the Kings Lands, and sent Instructi­ons about it to the several Regiments and Garri­sons.

Letters from Plymouth, of the Shipping from thence, of Sir Hardress Waller, with his Compa­nies, and other Recruits of Ireland, all which went with great willingness.

From Ireland, that the Lord Lieutenant was still before Waterford, had Summoned them, but they refused to surrender, but the Inhabitants, to Ireland. saveingly comply.

their Estates which are very great, would wil-

That Preparations were made to storm, and 1200 Horse, and Foot came from Cork to assist the Lord Lientenant, that the Enemy avoided fighting, as much as they could, and gave out that the Prince would be shortly with them from Jersy.

[22] At Tyburn, eighteen were executed for Robbery, Burglary, and Murder, one Captain Reynolds, who had been of the Kings Party, as he was going to be turned off the Ladder, with the Rope about his Neck, cryed God bless King Charles, Vive le Roy.

The Commissioners for Articles gave Relief Sir Allen Apsly. to Sir Allen Apsley, Governour of Barnstable, who was sued contrary to those Articles, upon the Surrender of it.

The Cittizens, at the choice of the new Com­mon Councel Men, elected Collonel Pride, and Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn, to be two of the new Common Conncel Men.

[24] The General and his Officers consider­ed which Garrisons were sit to be reduced, to case the Nation in point of charge.

Letters from Portland, that C. Cox with his Men, were under sail for Ireland, with a fair Wind.

From Newcastle, that the Pyrats lay lurking up and down in those Seas, and did great mischief. That one of them went into the River Tees, and took out of a Vessel, as she lay on ground, 200 Firkins of Butter, and went on shore, and took divers Gentlemen, but being pursued by a Par­ty of Foot from Hartlepoole, they left the Gentle-men behind, and got to their Ship.

From Edenburgh. That the Scots will do no­thing, Scotland. till they hear from the Lord of Libburton. That Montross is expected in Scotland, which bred a Jealousy in their Army, which some would have purged.

That Montross by his Declaration, threatens Montross. to invade the North Parts of Scotland, and to be revenged for the Death of the King, and layes it to their Charge that they have sold him.

From Hallifax, That some of the Clergy tam­pered with the Souldiery, not to subscribe to the present Government.

An Account from several places of the Souldi­ers signing the Ingagement, but that divers Mi­nisters refused to sign it.

[25] Christmas-day, the House sate, and Let­ters Victory in Ireland. came from Chester, That from the north of Ireland, they understood that about 4000 Horse and Foot of the Enemy, who came to relieve Car­rickefergus, were routed by Sir Charles Coot, and C. Veneables.

That the Irish were commanded by Monroe, the Lord of Ardes, and the Earl of Claneboy, that 1000 of them were killed, and 500 Horse taken, and but 200 of the Parliaments Forces did fight, that Claneboy was slain, or sunk in a Bog being cor­pulent, and C. Montgomery, and C. Hamilton ta­ken Prisoners.

From Trym, That Mr. Stanly with 40 Horse, set upon 60 of the Enemy, killed about 10 or 12 of them, all Reformadoes, took the L. C. that com­manded them, and one more, and many Horse.

Other Letters of the defeating of the L. of Ar­des, Claneboy, and Monroe, by Sir Charles Coot, and C. Vaneables, that they took all their Arms, Am­munition, Bag, and Baggage, killed C. Henderson, and 1400 more, C. Hamilton, and most of the Foot Officers.

That the Horsemen lost their Horses, and be­took themselves to Boggs, That the English lost but one Corporal, and three Souldiers.

[26] Other Letters confirming the Victory against the Lord of Ardes, and the rest. And [Page 420] that it was done by onely 200 Men, who were sent out as a forelorn, and fell upon the Rear of the Enemy, who fell into disorder; and were wholly routed by those 200 only.

(27) Letters from Hull, that Montross was at Hambourgh, bestirring himself to get Forces for Prince Charles, but had little probability to get Montro ss. any considerable number, or Assistance from the Emperour, the King of Denmark, or the Princes of Germany.

(28) Letters doubting that C. Cox, and his Men in their Voyage for Ireland, being dispersed by Storms, and not heard of since, may be in some danger.

The Act passed for taking the Ingagement by all Persons throughout the Kingdom, with a Pe­nalty upon the Refusers. Those in Office or pub­lick Imployment, to loose their Offices; others, The In­gagement not to have the benefit of Law, to sue in any Court.

The Act passed touching the rates npon the Acts of Parlia­ment. Excise, increasing them, to the intent, to lessen the other Assessments.

The Act passed for continuing the Assessment of 90000 l. per mensem for six months, for the Forces in England and Ireland.

An Act passed for the discharge of poor People out of Prison, who are not able to give Satisfacti­on to their Creditors.

(29) The Messenger that brought the good News from Ireland, had 100 l. given him by the House.

Upon a Petition of the Lord Mayor, and Al­dermen London Pe­tition. of London, touching the late Election of Lieutenant Collonel Lilburn to be a Common Councel Man, the House Voted his Election to be Lilburn void, according to a late Act, disabling the Electi­on of divers Persons into Offices within the City of London.

Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn took the Ingage­ment with a Declaration of his own sense upon it.

Mr. Chetwyn, who procured the Election of Lilburn to be a Common Councel Man, was upon some complaint made against him, imprisoned by the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, and af­terwards by Order of Parliament, committed to Warwick Castle, and an Act ordered to be brought in, to discharge him from being a Freeman of London.

Some Votes passed against other Citizens up­on the same Business. Declarati­on of the Kirk.

Copies sent of the Declaration of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, fent to the King, wherein they reprove him for adhering to the Councel of James Graham, and his Accomplices; and advise him to settle the Presbyterian Govern­ment, and pure Worship in all his Dominions, upon do­ing whereof, they declare he shall have their Assist­ance, but otherwise, all the Blood shed by his Father, will be layed to his charge.

(31) Letters that C. Zanchy had ruined C. Wogans Party who revolted from the Parliament, and that Inchequin was got into Kilmallock against Inchequin. the will of the Inhabitants, to gain Conditions from Cromwel, giving out his Strength to be greater than it is, he having not above 400 with him.

Letters from Exon, that the Ministers preach against the Ingagement, and that most of the Commissioners for the Assessment, discountenance it.

Letters from Dublin, That C. Hewson the Go­vernour, marched out with a Party to relieve Anklow, but the Irish that besieged it run away be­fore he came.

That Waterford pretended to treat for rendi­tion of the Town, and in the mean time took in Janua. 2000 French Men, and then hung out their Flag of Defiance.

That the Lord Lieutenant settled Courts of Judicature at Dublin, for the present to proceed Ireland. in the way of the Chancery.

That Knockfergus was Surrendred upon Con­ditions, and but four of the Garrison would go with the Governour to Charlemont.

That the flaughter in the North was greater than at first reported, That the Earl of Claneboy was not slain, but rendred himself Prisoner to Mercy.

That the Lord Lieutenant left 100 Men in Pas­sage, a small Castle five Miles from Waterford, which C. Wogan, Governour of Duncannon be­sieged with 500 Men. And that C. Zanchy re­turning upon them with four or five Troops of Horse, surprised them, and slew all the Party but two and Wogan, whom they took Prisoner.

That four common Souldiers betrayed the Castle of Briscorfe to the Townsmen for 7 l. And Captain Codde, the Governour and all his Men, were put to the Sword except the 4 Traytors; whom nevertheless the Enemy would not trust

The General sent out his Orders, for his Soul­diers to assist the Collectors, in the gathering the Arrears of the Assessments for the Forces now in Ireland.

January 1649.

(Janu. 1) Divers Returns made of Subscrip­tions to the Ingagement, by several Regiments of the Army and Garrisons.

Letters from Chester of the sad news out of the L. [...] South of Ireland, of that gallant able man, Lieu­tenant General Jones, that he dyed at Dungarvon of a Feaver, and was buryed at Youghall.

Letters that a Trooper being left behind, by a fall from his Horse near Tossiter, some of the Townsmen came out and fell upon the Soul­dier, cut, and wounded him, that he is not like to recover.

The House ordered the Prince, the Mary, and Frigots the Elizabeth, to be prepared for Sea Service; and other names to be given them, and referred it to the Councel of State, to make the Royal Soveraign serviceable.

And to prepare for the next Summers Guard, 44 States Ships, and 28 Merchants Ships, to be manned with 8802 Men for eight Months, and to give Letters of Marque, and to make such further Provisions, that the Merchants may be enabled to preserve their Ships and Goods against wrongs of other Nations.

Order that all the Iron works in the Forrest of Deane, be demolished, and no timber felled there, but presevred for the use of the State.

(2) Jealousies of the Parliaments intent, by putting forth the Ingagement to perpetuate them­selves, and to bind up the hands of future Repre­sentatives. Iealous [...] of the Pa [...] ­liament.

Letters that Ministers in the North, do labour by their Pulpit Advantages, to Preach us out of our Religion and Liberty.

Confirmation of the news of defeating Monroe with 4000 Men, by Sir Charles Coat, and the Sur­render of Knockfergus.

(3) Letters that Montross had freighted 28 Montross Ships from Denmark, with Provisions of War, [Page 421] and Souldiers for Scotland. That the States of Scotland had called in Montross his Declaration, and commanded it to be burnt, by the hands of the common hangman.

Letters that both Ormond and Cromwel had drawn their Forces into Winters Quarters.

(4) Letters much lamenting the death of Lieutenant General Jones, and confirming the de­feat given by C. Zanchy to Wogan at Passage, where Zanchy killed 800 of Wogans men, and took him Prisoner.

Account of Recruits for Ireland.

(5) The Officers of the Army met about re­moving Obstructions in the Sale of the late Kings Lands, and agreed upon some Desires to be made to the Parliament for further time to receive De­benters Obstructi­ons. within the Security, and other matters in order to the Souldiers Satisfaction.

Two Troopers sentenced to death by a Court Marshal, for taking Intertainment Mony for the Service of Ireland, and running away from their Colours, and three Souldiers were sentenced to death at Bristol, for killing of a Towns­man. The Examinations were sent up to the Judge Advocate.

An Act passed for continuance of the Commit­tee of the Army, and the Treasurers at War, with the same Powers they had formerly.

The Act published for subscribing of the In­gagement.

Letters from Ireland, That the Enemy with their whole Army lately stormed Carrick, but C. Rey­nolds Jones. beat them away with the loss of some hun­dreds. And that more execution was done with Swords and Staves, than with Powder and Bnl­let; their Ammunition within being soon spent.

That the dropping weather had made the Ground so moist and rotten, that it would not well bear their Guns, so that the Councel of War advised to rise from before Waterford, and to re­tire into Winter Quarters, to refresh their sick and weak Souldiers.

Letters from Cork to this effect. We had a ve­ry sore and stormy March hither, and that which added to the bitterness of it, was the sickness of the truely noble and ever honoured Lieutenant General Jones, who was taken with a very violent Feaver, of which he dyed at Dungarvon, the 10th. instant. He was a Gentleman very useful in the Army, and is very much lacked, and lamented. His approved constancy and Fidelity to the English Interest was such, and so manifest, that he will very much shine, and be famous for it to Posterity.

His Streights, Hazards, Difficulties, and neces­sities were very many, and I might add Temptati­ons too. Yet he brake through all with unmoved galantry, stedfastness, and resolution. His tem­per and disposition was very sweet and amiable, and oblieging to all. And he had very much love and respect to all that came lately over.

That C. Zanchy at the defeat he gave to Ferrel and Wogan at Passage Fort, took 30 Prisoners more than the number of all his own Party. That they killed all Straglers by the way, That seven Parliament Troopers fell upon thirty Ʋlsters in a house, and killed all of them.

Many Persons were slain, and great mischief done by a sad accident in a Ship Chandlers House, which was blown up with Gunpowder, and di­vers Neighbours houses together with it.

The Speaker and the Lord General were feasted at Blackwall by a Captain lately come from the Streights.

(7) Letters from Carlile, That the Mosse Trou­pers grew very insolent, and committed many Robberies, and Outrages upon the Borders, and were harboured by the Scots, but some of them were taken by the Parliaments Souldiers.

From Berwick, That C. Hamilton, who was the Death of C. Oconelly at the Storm of Trym, was taken. That the Scots went on to purge their Army of Sectaries, and insufficient men, that is, such as never before were in Service.

(8) Letters of the great want of Physitians, for the Parliament Forces and Protestants in Ire­land, so that any of them being sick, were faine to trust themselves in the hands of Papist Doctors, which they write, is more than the Adventures in the Field.

That some chief of the Enemies Army, are ve­ry zealous to make their Peace with the Parlia­ment.

The House ordered the Commissioners of the great Seal to grant out a Commission and Pat­ent, Ireton. for M. G. Ireton to be president of Mun­ster.

Order that Mr. Thomas Goodwyn, be President of Magdelen Colledge in Oxford, and referred to U▪ [...] ­ties. the Committee of the Universities, to consider how the Heads of Houses in the several Univer­sities may be setled, and disposed of without trouble to the House.

Several Orders and References to the Councel of State, and Committee of the Army touching Recruits, and for Supplies of Provisions, Ammu­nition, and Money for the Forces in Ire­land.

(9) Letters from Newcastle, that L. C. Hob­son sent his Warrant to apprehend some Cava­liers, but they and the Moss Troopers joyned to­gether, stood upon their Guard, took away the Warrants by force, secured themselves, and dis­armed the Men, but a greater Party of Souldiers being sent, brought them away Prisoners.

From Scarborough, That there was a Meeting at York of the Commissioners for settling the Militia of that County, where according to the Instructions from the Councel of State, they were to raise 3000 Foot, and 400 Horse for defence of that County, and Service of the Common-wealth.

That the Pirates took away a great Ship within Sight of Burlington Key, and carried her away.

From Dunstar, That the Enemy surprised En­siscoisle Castle in this manner, That some Irish Gentlemen feasted the Garrison Souldiers, and Ireland. sent in Women to sel them Strongwater, of which they drunk too much; and then the Irish fell upon them, took the Garrison, and put all the Officers and Souldiers to the Sword.

That upon hearing of this, the Lord Lieute­nant gave Orders, that the Irish should be put out of all the Garrisons in the Power of the Parlia­ment.

That an Irish Frigot coming a shore for Pro­visions near to Cardiffe, the Governour suspected, and apprehended them, and sent out a Party in small Boats, which took the Frigot, which was richly loaden with plate, and other Commodi­ties.

From Weymouth, That in the night some Persons in Blandford proclaimed Prince Charles King of England, but some of them were appre­hended, and Imprisoned.

From Yarmouth, that sixty Prisoners that were in the Goal did brake Prison, yet all but three of them were again apprehended.

(10) Account of several Companies and Par­ties [Page 422] of Souldiers willing to serve in Ireland, and marched to the Seaside to be transported, and ma­ny undertook the Service very chearfully.

Three Troopers condemned to death for kil­ling a man, but Evidence appearing to extenuate the Crime, the General pardoned them.

The Ship which carried the Souldiers unto Guernsey, returned to the general Rendezvous of the Ships at Stoakes Bay.

Letters of Account of Sea Affairs.

(11) Proposals for a Fleet to be sent into the Streights, to meet with those French, who have lately taken many Merchants Ships of London, and disposing of their Goods, refusing to make any restitution.

Letters that Montross could get but few to joyn in assisting Prince Charles, and those he had, were more by connivance, than by any Act of State.

(12) Several Proposals made to the General, and his Officers, in order to the removing of Ob­structions in the sale of the late Kings Lands.

The Parliament ordered a Letter to be writ­ten by the Speaker to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire­land, and to confer with him concerning further Cromwel sent for supplyes of Men, Money, and Ammunition, and for the settling of the civil Government there.

The ground of this resolution was, That the news of the Kings coming to Scotland became more probable than formerly, and the Scots Reasons. Proceedings in the raising of new Forces, gave an Allarum to the Parliament, and some of their Members, who had discoursed with the Lord General upon those Matters, and argued how requisite it would be to send an Army into Scotland, to divert the War from England, they found the General wholly averse to any such thing, and by the meanes of his Lady (a strict Presbyterian) to be more a Friend to the Scots than they wished, therefore they thought this a sit time to send for the Lieutenant of Ireland, and the rather, his Army being now drawn into Win­ter Quarters.

Order for Relief of some of those who suffer­ed great loss in the late unhappy accident of the Houses in Tower-Street, being blown up with Gunpowder.

Referred to the Councel of State to send a Let­ter into Russia, touching the Trade there.

(14) Letters from Scotland, That in the Pul­pits they preach altogether for the Kings coming in, and yet proceed to purge their Army of all Scotland. Cavaleers, that nothing certain was yet returned from the Lord of Libberton.

Letters that C. Hacker had taken 60 Moss Troopers. That Montross was expected every day in Scotland.

One Coppe an Anabaptist in Prison, a great Swearer and Curser, and held that God could not damn him, yet perswaded many to be of his Religion.

Many were drowned in the great Floods upon the melting away of the Snow.

(15) Letters that the Forces landed in Guern­sey, wanted Accomodations of Beds, &c. and were fain to lye in a Church ever since they were landed.

That two Frigots of the Prince prepared from Jersy to attempt Guernsey, hearing of the Parlia­ments Souldiers landed there, were presently di­verted.

Letters from Oxford, That the Judges sate there upon a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, Ingage­ment. and at the first sitting, they and the high Sheriffe, Under Sheriffe, Officers of the Court, and Grand Jury, all took the Ingagement in the Face of the Country solemnly and cheerfully.

That one of the Prisoners obstinately refusing to plead, was pressed to death in the sight of two others, who refused to plead, upon which one of them pleaded, but the other refusing, was also pressed to death.

An Account of divers of C. Desboroughs Men shipped for Ireland, and of the apprehending C. Slingsby, and another Officer of the Kings in Corn­wall, who were carryed to Prison til further Or­der from the Parliament, or Councel of State.

(16) Divers Surveys returned into Worcester House, of Lands of the late King, Queen, and Prince appointed to be sold.

(17) The General sent his Orders to seve­ral Garrisons to hold Courts Martial, for the Pu­nishment of Souldiers offending against the Ar­ticles of War, provided that if any be sentenced Courts Marshal. to loose Life or Limb, that then they trasmit to the Judge Advocate the Examinations and Pro­ceedings of the Court Marshal, that the General's Pleasure may be known thereupon.

The Commission also from the General gave authority to examine Witnesses upon Oath a­gainst the Offender, and for his Defence.

An Account of Recruits for Ireland, and Re­turns of Subscriptions to the Ingagement from se­veral Regiments, and Garrisons.

(18) Letters that the Mayor and Magistrates of Yarmouth, and all the Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison there did willingly take the Ingage­ment, and that there was great Affection and Unity between them.

That the Commissioners appointed by the Councel of State, were settling the Militia in those parts. That a Danish Ship of twelve Guns was cast away in sight of the Town, who sent out Boats, and saved twelve of her Men, the rest were drowned, and six of her Guns saved.

From Jersy, That the Prince intends to remove back again into France, That his Councel is much divided about what Answer to give to the Lord of Libbertons Message.

From Durham, That a written Paper was fixed upon the Market Cross, of the Title of King Durham. Charles the Second, &c. and that all that opposed him were guilty of Rebellion, which was Treason in the highest nature, and therefore the Authors kind­ly wished all to amend.

(19) Most part of this week was spent in Par­liament upon Debates of a new Act, for regu­lating the Elections of Members for suture Re­presentatives, and upon a Bill for managing, and ordering of the Sequestrations.

Granger, and others were apprehended for counterfeiting Warrants, and receiving great Sums of Money, collected for the Service of the Forces in Ireland.

The Generals at Sea met at Portsmouth, to hasten out the Navy to Sea.

The General and his Officers made several Re­solutions touching the purchasing of the late Kings Lands.

Several other Persons apprehended and Com­mitted to the Marshal General for counterfeit­ing Debenters, and Warrants whereby they re­ceived several Sums of Money from Collect­ors.

(21) The General and his Officers met, and passed several Votes to be presented to the Com­mittee of Parliament, touching the Removal of [Page 423] Obstructions, in the sale of the late Kings Lands, and for the Examination of the Souldiers times of Service, and what Arrears are due to them, &c.

[22] Long Debate upon the Act of Sequestra­tions, to which the House added several Provi­soes.

Letters from Weymouth, about the Pirates in­festing that Coast.

From Newcastle, That the taking of the In­gagement sticks most with the Presbiterians, who pretend Conscience to oppose it, but the Cava­leers in Policy subscribe it.

That the Cavaliers report that Lieutenant Ge­neral Cromwel was sent for out of Ireland, be­cause Reports. he was forced from thence, and could no longer subsist there.

From Edenburgh, That Libberton wrote a Let­ter, only to let them know, that he was safely ar­rived in Jersy, but not one word of the Kings Mind.

That Sir William Flemming came thither from Jersy, to see what Posture they were in. That many Witches were dayly apprehended, and brought to the Fire.

From Hull, That Mr. Strickland the Parlia­ments Agent in Holland, finds there a very fair Comportment as to the Affairs of Eng­land.

From Plymouth, That the Cavaliers have fre­quent and great Meetings. That the Souldiers and Officers there, did willingly subscribe the Ingagement.

[23] In a meeting of the Officers of the Ar­my, with the Committee, for removing Obstructi­ons in the sale of the late Kings Lands, several things were agreed upon, for the Advantage of the Souldiery, in the purchase of those Lands.

C. Desborough and his Court Marshal at Ply­mouth, sentenced ten Souldiers to death for run­ning away, after they had listed themselves, and taken Money for the Service of Ire­land.

Letters that a Ship with 30 Horse, and 120 Foot bound for Ireland, were cast away, and all drowned.

From Kingsale, of Cromwels viewing several Forts, his taking the Mace from the Mayor of Kingsale, and delivering it to C. Stubber, the Go­vernour. That all things were in good Conditi­on in Munster, and that Waterford was upon Trea­ty of Yielding.

The Earl of Pembroke dyed, his Son, who was Pembroke. a Member of the House of Commons before, con­tinued to sit in the House, now being himself an Earl upon the death of his Father.

Letters from Jersy, that the Prince and the Scots Commissioners were upon agreement, That they desired him to go with them into Scotland, but he was advised not to adventure it without good Shipping to carry him safe thither.

That the Prince sent to Dunkirk for some Fri­gots for Jersy, That he gave Commissions to French Runagadoes to take Prizes of all English Merchants, and to bring them to Jersy, That they took a good Ship of Lime.

[24] Divers Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingagement, from several Regiments and Garri­sons.

There was sent from Scotland and published here, the Copy of a Declaration of the general Assembly of Scotland in answer to that of Mon­tross, Scots De­claration. to whom they gave only the Title of James Graham.

Charging the People of Scotland, not to harken to or joyn with him, or draw on themselves the wrath of the most High God, by breach of the Covenant, and gross backsliding, nor hearken to any of his Calumnies and Slanders.

Nor countenance or assist any who shall invade that Kingdom, or raise War therein, under pretence of Commission from his Majesty, or putting him in the Exercise of his Royal Power, before Satisfaction had from him, to the just and necessary desire of that Kirk and Kingdom, concerning Religion and the Co­venant.

[25] The Councel of Officers ordered That Kings Lands. Clarendon, and Bowrod Parks in Wilts, should be Lands set apart for satisfaction of the Contract­ors, Trustees, and Officers, imployed about the sale of the Kings Lands.

Order of the Parliament to sit on Saturdayes and Mundayes, for the future, for the speedy dis­patch of Business, and that no private business be heard in the House, till the first of March next.

Debate upon the Heads of a Bill, for a new Re­presentative, and regulating Elections, and about New Re­presenta­tives. the number of the whole to be elected, and for some particular Counties.

Debate about the Act for the better manage­ing the Estates of Recusants, and Delinquents, and a Proviso added touching the reserving the chief mansion house of Recusants, not having been in Arms, from sequestration, and for re­straining wast in their Timber, and reserving the rights of the Lords of the Manners, to Coppy hold Estates.

Another Proviso was added not to take away the Power of the Committee for removing delinquent Ministers, and Schoolmasters, with other Provisoes.

Referred to the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to take into consideration the Business concern­ing the Souldiery, and Ministers in Lancashire, that such satisfaction may be given them, as may tend to the Service of the Commonwealth, and to take into consideration the Troupe of Horse in Oxfordshire, and to pay it out of the Sequestrati­ons in Oxfordshire, until further order from the House, or Councel of State.

[26] Ordered that the Lord Commissioners of the great Seal do take care that Writs be issued out, and sent down into every County to the se­veral Sheriffs, to proclaim the Act touching the Ingagement.

This Course of proclaiming new Acts of Par­liament, was very antient, and constantly used, (especially in elder times) as appears by the Re­cords, Acts of Parlia­ment proclaim­ed. but of late disused. It was thought fit to have it revived again, that the People might be informed what Acts were passed, which they were not so fully by the Printing, as by proclaim­ing of them at their Markets.

Orders touching the Composition of Delin­quents.

Votes for taking off the additional Exercise upon most of the Commodities mentioned in the last Act touching the Excise.

Letters from Ireland of C. Hewsons taking in some Forts near Dublin.

[28] Letters that the Scots had no Answer from Sir George Windram Laird of Libberton, but that the King would be satisfyed from him, whe­ther his Subjects of Scotland would ingage to E­stablish him in England as King, That he is not yet removed from Jersy, That divers Souldiers came from Ireland into Orkney.

Letters That the States Provincial of Holland [Page 424] have resolved to send an Agent into England, for their better Correspondence with the Parlia­ment.

(29) Letters from Ireland, of taking the Fort upon the Bogg of Allan, of a Dutch Ship of 300 Tun cast away upon that Coast, that the Lord Ireland. Lieutenant had sent to besiege Eniscorsie Castle belonging to Mr. Wallop a Member of the House, which the Enemy had lately surpri­sed.

That the Lord Lieutenant visited all the Eng­lish Garrisons in Munster, and gave Orders to them. That Inchequin was in Kerrcy. That 16 of the Enemies Horse came from Duncannon to the Lord Lieutenant.

(30) Letters from Holly-Head, that a Vessel bound for London Derry with Coals, Cloaths, and other Merchants Goods, was taken by a Scots Man of War, the Mariners and sixteen Passen­gers put on Shore, the Owner and Master carryed away Prisoners. That the Gentlemen and Com­monalty of Ireland do generally submit to the Lord Lieutenants Orders.

From York, That a Minister lately informed that there would be shortly a Massacre of the well affected in the Nation.

From Shrewsbury, That many Cavaliers wear Ribbands with Motto's, God prosper. That the Ministers incourage them, and Preach against the present Government.

They report an Agreement between the King of Scots, and his People of that Kingdom, upon the terms proposed at the Isle Wight, and that the Presbyterians of England will joyn.

From Plymouth, That a Vessel of Dartmouth, Report. was by a storm forced into the Mounts Bay, and wracked, and all lost save one Per­son.

Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingage­ment.

(31) The Town of Pool having warned a ge­neral Sessions to be held, not one Justice came to joyn with them.

The Act giving 10 l. to him that shall appre­hend a Fellon, caused the Countrymen to appre­hend many of the Thieves, and Robbers in all places, and the Mony was duely paid to them.

February, 1649.

(Feb. 1.) Divers People took away by vio­lence from the Owners, Wheat, and other Corn, carrying to Market to Basing-Stoak, and beat the Carters, and some of them being imprisoned for it, the rest brake the Prison, and let out them and other Malefactors.

Letters from Rome. That there an Agent from England; and the English Priests seem very Letters from Rome. confident, that within few Years their Religion would be Established in England.

(2) At a Court Marshal in C. Prides Regi­ment, a Souldier was sentenced to run the Gant­lope, and afterwards to be cashiered for threat­ning to cut his fellow Souldiers throats in case King Charles the Second came in; and for swear­ing and drunkenness.

Another had the like sentence, having been found to have been in Arms against the Parlia­ment, and then came in to them, and at his dis­banding gave out threatning words against the Officers. February

The Parliament Voted that a Book written by one Coppes, intituled a fiery flying Roll, &c. con­tained many horrid Blasphemies, and damnable and detestable Opinions, and that the Book, and all Copies of it that can be found, shall be burnt by the hands of the Hangman.

A Petition from Wiltshire for Propagation of the Gospel, &c. approved by the House, and in or­der thereto, they appointed every Fryday to con­sider al wayes for the better advancing the Gospel Gospel. of Christ.

An Act committed for the better propagating of the Gospel in Wales.

The Parliament ordered touching Negotiati­ons with Forraign Princes and States, That the Stile. Stile and Title to be used by this Parliament in all Negotiations shall be Parliamentum Rei-publicae Anglicae.

And the Style, when any address shall be made to them, The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England,

And no other Title to be used.

Order for an Act to be brought in for the Pu­nishment of insolent Profanations of the Sabbath, and Adultery.

The Parliament upon the hearing Sir Jacob Garrets Business, sentenced three of his false Ac­cusers to stand in the Pillory.

Thus they took upon them, and exercised all manner of Jurisdiction, and sentenced Persons, Secundum Arbitrium.

(4) Letters that Jermin and other Lords, and Courtiers are hastning from Paris to Breda, hear­ing Scotland. that the Scots are sending Money to defray the charges of their King and Court there.

That the Scots are busy in purging their Army, but are startied at the news of the Parliament sending for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, That they report the ground thereof to be, That he is routed in Ireland, and That the Parliament of Eng­land fear new Troubles. Yet the Scots sent an Express into Ireland to know the certain­ty.

(5) Letters of the Losses by Pirates about Scarborough.

From Weymouth, That one Mr. Thomas May was secured by the Governour there, and to be sent up in Custody to London, for raysing false Rumors concerning the Parliament and the Gene­ral.

From Portsmouth, That G. Deane came thither with the Phenix, and informed of several Vessels with Recruits for Ireland cast a­way.

An Act passed for a day of publick Humiliation Humiliati­on throughout England and Wales, to seek God for a Blessing upon the Proceedings of Parliament, and their Armies in England and Ireland.

Debate about an Act for a publick Register to inroll all Deeds, and to find Incumbrances upon publick Register. all Estates and Lands.

An Additional Act passed for removing of Ob­structions, in the sale of the late Kings Lands, &c.

A Petition from Westminster, for settling the civil Government there, referred to the Com­mittee for Corporations.

Debate of an Act for regulating, and erecting a Corporation in Norfolk concerning the Worst­ed-Weavers, and Yarn-Men.

(6) Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingage­ment [Page 425] from several Regiments and Garrisons.

Letters from Taunton, That the Commissio­ners for settling the Militia in that County, had agreed upon Officers of Horse and Foot, to be named to the Councel of State for Commissions. That C. Pine is most Active in this and all other Business of that County.

At a Horse Race near Blackley, there being ma­ny Gallants with Pistols, Swords, and Arms, C. Smith with the Oxfordshire Troop came thither, and disarmed some of the chief, and most suspect­ed of the Company.

The same Captain Smith in 6 Months apprehen­ded 50 Robbers in those Parts, 30 of them were hanged.

Letters from Shrewsbury of the meeting of Ca­valiers in that County, and Suspicions of new Plots.

Account of Troops and Recruits marching to­wards Chester for Ireland.

(8) Letters from Newcastle, That the Cava­liers report generally that the Scots and their King are agreed, and thereupon many of them are gone into Scotland. That course is taken to pre­vent them for the future. That the Ministers in Yorkshire preach openly against the Ingagement. That many Mosse Troopers are dayly ta­ken.

From Yarmouth, That Commissions came from the Councel of State, for the Militia, which the Bayliffes and others are putting in Execution; and Souldiers list themselves, and take the Ingage­ment very willingly. That the like was done in Norwich for that City, and for the County of Norfolk. The like was done in Essex. That the four Ships sent to guard the Fishers, have much advanced the Fishing Trade.

From Cork, That 5 Ships with Souldiers were all cast away coming from Minehead for Ireland, only 20 or 30 men swam to shore.

That the Enemy besieged Captain Barrington in Arklow Castle, and he sallyed out upon them, beat them off, and killed many of them.

That Lieutenant Collonel Axtel, Governour of Rosse, made several Incursions into the Ene­mies Quarters, in the County of Kilkenny, took many Prisoners, and great store of Cattle.

Account of Recruits for Ireland.

Some debauch't Persons in a Tavern, drinking Healths in a Balcone, breaking Glasses, and draw­ing a great deal of Company together, some Soul­diers who saw it, went up to the Gentlemen, and carryed them away Prisonees to Whitehall.

(9) Letters from Dunstar, confirming the sad news of the 5 Ships that went from Minehead to Ireland, all cast away, Captain Ensor, and Cap­tain Whiting, with 80 Horse, and 150 Foot, and all the Seamen drowned, except 20 or 30.

From Ireland, that the Popish Clergy there have agreed to raise 7000 Men by March next, and to pay them, and that Antrim shall command them.

That the Estates of Scotland are setting out a Declaration in answer to Montrosses Declaration, and conform to that of the Kirk.

One Hinderson proclaimed in several Streets of Newark I pronounce Charles the Second of Eng­land, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of Hinderson the Faith, &c. as King of England, although his Father suffered wrongfully; Yet you cannot be Go­verned without a Head, but now you are Governed by a stinking lowsy Committee.

For these words he was apprehended and sent to Prison.

A Petition to the General and his Councel of Officers, in the behalf of 3000 maimed Souldiers, and Widdows, whose Husbands were slain in the Service of the Parliament, the General and his Councel recommended it to C. Rich to move the House therein.

The Councel of State sent three of their Mes­sengers to apprehend one Mercer, who stabbed two of them, that they dyed immediately, and wounded the third, and so escaped from them.

(11) Letters that an Irish Frigot boarded a Newcastle Ship near Hartlepool, which the Go­vernour seeing, caused some of his Guns to be so planted, that they shot the Irish Frigot through and through, and caused her to hasten away, and leave her Prize behind, which came in safe to Hartlepool.

From Scotland, that Libberton was returned Scotland; with a Message from the King, which was read, but nothing done upon it, that he speaks high what the King will do for, and stand by Scotland, yet they go on in purging the Army.

That an English Merchant having a cause to be pleaded there, the Scots Lawyers refused to plead for him, because the business was drawn up in the new way, in the Name of the Councel of State.

About 24 Persons came in the Night to White-Fryars with Muskets as Souldiers, called up the Constable, and required him to go along with them, to apprehend some dangerous Persons, and brought him to the Lodging of Sir Edward Hales, whom they knew to have a great Sum of Money there.

That when they came into the House, they bound the Constable and Sir Edward Hales, and the Master of the House, broke open Trunks, and carryed away with them 100 l. besides Rings, Watches, &c.

Then they locked the Doors after them, left theirMuskets behind them, and got away in Boats, which they had laid ready at White Fryars Stairs, but 7 of those thieves were afterwards appre­hended.

(12) The House named these Persons to be of the Council of State for the Year following, viz.

E. of Denbigh. L. C. Justice St. John. Sergeant Bradshaw. L. Grey of Groby. M. G. Skippon. Alderman Pennington. Sheriffe Wilson. Sir Wil­liam Masham. Lord Commissioner Whitelock Sir James Harrington. C. Hutchinson. Mr. Bond. Mr. Alderman Popham. Mr. Wanton̄. C. Purefoy Mr. Jones. C. Ludlow. E. of Salisbu­ry. Mr. Luke Robinson. L. C. Justice Rolle. L. Ch. Baron Welde. L. G. Fairfax. L. Lt. Crom­wel. Mr. H. Martyn. Sir Gilbert Pickering. Mr. Stapely. Mr. Heveningham. Sir Arthur Hassterig. Mr. Wallup. Sir H. Vano Junior. L. Lisle. Sir William Armyne. Sir Henry Mildmay. Sir Wil­liam Constable. Lord Commissioner Lisle. Mr. Scot. Mr. Holland.

Debate touching meanes of advancing the Gos­pel of Christ.

An Act touching the way of Presentations, and settling of Ministers in Livings committed.

An additional Act for the more severe punish­ing of prophane Swearing, and Cursing commit­ted.

An Act for suppressing, and punishing the abo­minable sins of Incest, Adultery, and Fornication committed.

(13) Letters from the West, That many [Page 426] Presbyterians in their Pulpits, prayed very Zealously for restoring the King of Scots to his Fathers Crown in England.

That a French Vessel which came from the Bar­bado's, was wracked, and 13 of her men lost, and the rest saved.

Sir Bathazer Gerbier set up his Academy in White Fryers, for the teaching of all manner of Arts, and Sciences, a good design if the conduct and Success had been answerable. Academy.

[14] Letters from Scotland, That their King in his Message by Libberton, would have exempted from any benefit of the Agreement, all such as shall be found to have had a hand in the Death of his Father, without mentioning whom, which Scotland. breeds a general Jealousy, that it may reach to all that consented to the giving up of his Father at Newcastle, or joyned in the Covenant with Eng­land.

That the King will only acknowledge the Scots Commissioners to be Commoners of Parlia­ment during the Treaty, or after, as it shall suc­ceed, and private Letters were sent from the King to the Chancellor, and some others.

That they talk much of M. G. Lamberts march­ing Northwards with 7 or 8 Regiments, but have more cause to be troubled at Moniross, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale.

[15] An Account from Chester; That after too long a stay, Ships are ready at length to car­ry the Money ordered by the Councel of State to Leimster, and the North of Ireland.

That the Enemy bend all their Strength North-ward, probably to stress Sir Charles Coot, and gain a place of retreat, or backdoor for Scotland. That care is taken that way by land, and to send some Ships about to that Coast.

[16] The Officers of the Army kept a day of Humiliation, grounded on the dealings of God Army hu­milation. with their Brethren in Ireland, who though he had made them give a glorious Testimony against the bloody Enemies, yet hath afflicted them by the death of many Worthyes. Which chastning of the Lord, they did desire to lay to heart, as also that Affliction, in the Miscarriage of some Vessels sailing from Mine-head, besides the present Condition of this Nati­on.

Upon a Petition of 3000 maimed Souldiers, and Widdows, Resolved that there shall be no abatement of what they have received by way of Pension, in the stating of their Arrears.

The Councel of Officers passed several Votes, and appointed a select Committee touching the purchase of the late Kings Lands.

Letters that the Earl of Castlehaven was chosen General of the Irish Forces. That they intend to cast themselves upon the Spanish Interest, and to lay asice Ormond and Inchequin.

(18) Letters from Newcastle, That the King and the Scots are not like to agree; they being much displeased at his last Message, and that divers of the chief of the State, and Ministers declare their dislike in joyning with him, unless he resign up him­self wholly to their dispose.

That yet they intend to choose Commissioners to go to the King, That they have caused Montross's De­claration to be burnt by the hand of the Hangman, and purge Malignants out of the Army dayly, That 500 more of Montross's Men were landed in Ork­ney, That more Witches were burnt.

From Youghall, That the Lord Lieutenant was marched out of that Garrison, with 1000 Horse and 1000 Foot, That some Ships were cast away upon that Coast.

Several Resolves of the Councel of Officers touching their security by purchase of the Lands of the late King, &c.

(19) An Act passed for providing a Com­petent maintenance for preaching Ministers through­out the Nation.

A Commission issued out under the great Seal, to several Commissioners in the respective Coun­tries, authorizing them to inquire by Juries upon Oath, what Benefices are within each County, and the value of them, and which are fit to be United, &c. And to certify their Proceedings into the Chancery.

The Act for suppressing and punishing Incest, Adultery, and Fornication recommitted.

An Act read for settling the Free Farm Rents.

The Act for relief of Creditors recommit­ted.

Amendments to the Act for removing Ob­structions in the sale of the late Kings Lands, pas­sed and published.

(20) The Subscriptions of the Army to the Ingagement were by the General returned to the Parliament, who upon the General his subscrib­ing of it, as one of the Councel of State in his own sense, The House Voted That his taking of it in that manner, was a taking of it within the late Act Ingage­ment. for subscribing of the Ingagement.

They likewise ordered that the Speaker should send that Vote to the General in a Letter, and to return to him the hearty thanks of the House for his great Care in returning of those Subscripti­ons.

Three Souldiers were sentenced at a Councel of War to go from Whitchall, through Holborn with Halters about their Necks, and so to Tybourn; one of them to have his right Ear nailed to the Pillory, the other two to have six lashes a piece.

The Offence of the first was for being listed for Ireland, and deserting the Imployment, and counterfeiting C. Prides hand, directed to Con­stables, by Colour whereof, he Prest two Horses, pretending himself to be Quartermaster to the Party, and then he and his Companion, running away with the Horses.

The Offence of the other two, was that after he was listed for the service of the State, they run away from their Commanders.

Letters from Ireland, That the Lord Lieute­nant in his march to Kilkenny had several Forts quitted to him, and at St. Thomas Town, the Offi­cers were delivered up to him, together with the Town by the Souldiers.

(21) Letters from Warrington, of a great Meeting to take the Ingagement. That Thieves armed, and 29 or 30 in a company, pretending themselves to be Foot Souldiers, break open Houses, bind the People, and rob them of all their Goods.

From Ireland, That P. Rupert took some rich Prizes from the Londoners, and sent them to Gal­loway and Limrick.

A little Frigot called the Wandring Cavalier, was taken by the Parliaments Ships, loaden with Arms and Ammunition, and brought into King­sale.

(22) Letters that Wogan the revolted per­sideous Fellow lately taken, had escaped out of Prison, and C. Phaires Marshal, in whose custody he was, being corrupted by him, went away with him.

(23) Letters from Milford Haven, of Ships driven in thither from the Irish Coast by fowl [Page 427] weather. That there were 400 Horse of C. Crom­wells, the Lord Lieutenants Son to be transported to Ireland.

From Weymouth, That they were taking the Ingagement, and that none refused it, and that they were busy in settling the Militia.

From Yarmouth, That the Lord Lieutenant had all the Sea Ports in Ireland of any Consequence, except only three.

That the Regiments are full, the Souldiers well recovered, and longing to be abroad against the Enemy.

That a small Frigot of the Parliaments of 12 Guns, maintained fight with two of the Enemies, one of 18, the other of 26 Guns, and at last run herself on Shore, and saved her men, Guns, and Tackle.

Letters that the Heads of Houses, Fellows, and Graduates of the University, and the Mayor, Al­dermen, and Common Councel men of Oxford, had all taken the Ingagement, and all the Officers both of the City, and University.

(25) Letters from Edenburgh, That both the States men, and Kirkmen are full of Jealousy, touching their King, That new propositions are drawing, and Commissioners choosing to be sent Scotland. to him. That more men were landedin Orkney with some Cannon and Ammunition.

That there, it was confidently reported from Ireland, that the Lord of Clenrickard, Ardes, and Armstrong, were marching with 8000 Men near Carrickfergus, and had taken in several Garrisons from the Parliament.

From Berwick, That the King propounds, That the Lord Argyle, the Chancellor, and other the Capital Statesmen of Scotland should come in Person to treat withhim, and that there should be a general Act of Oblivion, without any exception, but the Scots were against both these Propositions.

That C. Hackers Men had taken more Mosse Troopers.

From Beaumoris, of one Robinson, Sir Timothy Fetherston, and others, pyrating at Sea on the Coast, by Commission from the Lord of Or­mond.

That the Army took the Field in two Bodies, Ireland. Collonel Reynolds with about 16 Troops of Horse, and 2000 Foot, ordered to march by the way of Carrick, and M. G. Ireton to follow with a re­serve, That the Lord Lieutenant was to march over the Blackwater, with 15 Troops of Horse, and about 3000 Foot, and accordingly they begun their March, Jan. 29th.

That two days after, he took the Castle of Kilkenny and Cloghern, a strong House belonging to Sir Richard Everard, one of the Supream Coun­cel. From thence he marched to Roghill Castle, which upon Summons was rendred, which gives them Command far into the Country.

That the Lord Broghil took in the old Castle Town, and a Castle of Sir Edward Fittz Harris, And that the Irish sent their Commissioners to Com­pound for their Contribution as far as the Walls of Lymerick.

That the Lord Lieutenant came late in the night, in very tempestuous weather to Fethard, and got into an old Abbey, and some Cabbins, and poor houses in the Suburbs, from whence he sent a Summons to the Town, but they shot at the Trumpet, and being informed that the Lord Lieutenant was with the Party, they said, That it was not a fit time to send a Summons in the night, and shot angerly at the Party, but the Lord Lieu­tenant made not one shot at them again.

In the end, the Governour was willing to send two Commissioners to treat with the Lord Lieu­tenant, and after one night spent in the Treaty, The Town was delivered the next Morning upon Terms, which were the more willingly given them, because the Lord Lieutenant had but few Foot, and no great Guns, nor Ladders, and there were 17 Companies of the Ʋlster Foot within 5. Miles of the Town.

The Enemy quit it in some disorder, and the Soveraign, and Aldermen have since sent to the Lord Lieutenant a Petition, desiring that he would protect them, and he hath made them a Quarter.

From thence we marched to Callar, hearing thar Collonel Reynolds was there with his Party, and we found that he had fallen upon the Ene­mies Horse, and routed them, being about 100 with his Forelorn, he took my Lord of Osseries Captain Lieutenant, and another Lieutenant of Horse, Prisoners, and one of those that betrayed the Garrison of Iniscorthy, whom the Lord Lieu­tenant caused to be hanged.

The Enemy had Possessed three Castles in the Town, with about 120 Men in each of them, and a Troop of Horse besides in ButlersCastle, which was delivered upon Conditions; the other two Castles refusing terms, the Garrisons were all put to the Sword.

From hence Collonel Reynolds was sent with his Regiment to remove a Garrison in the way to Rosse, which he did, and the Army marched back to Fethard and Cashel, where they had good Quarters both for Men and Horse.

(26) An Act passed injoyning all Papists and all such who had born Arms, and assisted against the Parliament, to depart 20 Miles from London, and those under restraint, 5 days after their Inlargement, with an Exception of Inhabi­tants who have compounded.

An Act passed for giving further time for sub­scribing of the Ingagement, and other directions concerning it.

An Act passed for propagating and preaching Gospel. of the Gospel, and for the maintenance of able Ministers, and Schoolmasters in Wales.

The like Act passed for the four Northern Counties.

An Act for providing Maintenance for Preach­ing Ministers, and other pious uses throughout the Nation.

Debate in a grand Committee of the House, upon the Heads of a Bill for equal Representatives, and regulating Elections.

An Act read for the Excise of Ale and Beer brewed in private Houses.

(27) Letters from Pembroke, that C Crom­wel, and C. Veneables were there, waiting for a Wind for Ireland. That the Lord Lieutenant was marched towards Lymricke, and that Preston was chief Leader of the Rebels.

From Chester, That two of the Souldiers that betrayed Eniscorfy to the Enemy, were taken in Werrel, one of them escaped, the other was sent to the Goal.

From Dartmouth, That the Ingagement was willingly subscribed there.

From Weymouth, That many of Prince Rupert Men run away from him to the Parliaments Fleet.

Returns of the Ingagement taken by Ossicers and Souldiers.

(28) A publick Humiliation and Fast was kept this Day.

March, 1649.

(March. 1.) TheContractors for sale of the late Kings Lands, &c. begun to sit and make Contracts.

Letters from Portsmouth, That the whole Fleet did now ride there at Anchor, and that the A­gents to this State from Spain, and Portugal were there ready to go along with the Fleet.

(2) Letters from Chester, That Sir Charles Coot marched towards Belfast, but found no op­position, only a few stragling Troops, and that he hath settled that Country; and Supplyes of Money, and Cloaths were sent to him by order of the Councel of State.

From Leverpoole, of a Tumult by the meaner sort of People at Ormskirk against the Commissio­ners of Excise, who for many hours together, de­fended themselves with their Swords and Pistols against the Rabble, and kept the Inn Door, but at length, the Governour of Leverpool sent some Forces, who dispersed the Ryoters, and appre­hended some of them.

From Portsmouth, of 18 of the Parliaments Ships, which set sail from thence, to be a Con­voy to the Merchants, That when all the Ships meet, they are expected to be 200 Sail.

From Edenburgh, That the Committees of the State, and Commissioners of the Kirk, had agreed upon new Proposals to be treated upon with Scotland the King at Bredah, wherein two points were more insisted on than formerly.

  • 1. The King swearing to the Solemn League and Covenant.
  • (2.) That he seclude from him all Delin­quents.

That 6 Lords, 2 Gentlemen, and three Minist­ers, are to go with these new Propositi­ons.

That 5 Ships with Arms and Ammunition were landed in Orkney, forerunners of Montross.

(4) Letters from Edenburgh, That their Commissioners are ready to go away to the King upon the new Propositions, which are in Effect the same with the former.

From Leverpool, of diversShips gone from thence with Supplyes for Ireland. That the Tumult a­gainst the Officers of Excise, was by gentle meanes and some use of Force, fully quieted. That the Ingagement was there much preached against.

From Shrewsbury, That the Ministers preach much against the present Government, and to in­courage the People to Sedition, and to rise for Preachers their King.

That at the day of the publick Fast kept in one of their Churches, there was another mock Fast kept in the other two Churches, by agreement of Ministers, and two Sermons preached in them purposely to disturb the Fast injoyned by Autho­rity.

(5) The Parliament passed a List of the Cap­tains, to command the Ships ordered to be set out for this Summers Guard, being 48 of the States Ships, and 21 Merchants Ships.

They also past an Act, giving Power to the Councel of State, and to the Admirals at Sea, to impress Seamen for this Years Service, if there [...]ct for [...]eamen. should be occasion, and if there be not Seamen suf­ficient Volunteers, with Proviso's not to press Masters, Gunners, and such as have served an Ap­prentiship to Seamen, or Watermen.

Referred to the Committee of the Navy, to consider of some further Incouragement to be March. given to those that shall voluntarily offer them­selves to serve the State in their Ships, and to pre­sent an Act to the House for it.

Order for the building of more Ships for the service and safety of the Commonwealth.

Upon a Letter from the Mayor of Salisbury, of his seizing some Printed Books, derogating from the Lords Day, and setting up the Jewish Sabboth, referred to the Committee for plundered Minist­ers to peruse the Book, and to state, and report the matter of Fact to the House, and to bring in a Act for the more due observation of the Lords Day.

Order for the Commissioners of the great Seal to pass Pardons of Course for several Persons convicted at the Assise, and certifyed by the Judges to be fit Objects for the Mercy of the Par­liament.

Debate of a way of supplying the Remainder of the Money, for Pay of the Army in England, and Ireland, about the Assessment of 120000 l. per mensem, and to avoid Free Quarter.

Amendments reported to the Bill for the sale of Free Farm Rents.

Debate of an Act of Indempnity for Tenants, and others, who in the late Wars have expressed their good Affections to the Parliament, against the Oppressions of their ill affected Landlords, that have been against the Parliament.

Order that no private Business be heard in the House for a Month longer.

About this time, Alderman Rowland Wilson, one of the Sheriffs of London, dyed. He was son of Mr. Rowland Wilson, a wealthy Merchant who loved to see his Son in that honourable Condition, though but a young man for that imployment, yet he was an Elder in Wisdome and Abilities.

He was a Gentleman of excellent parts, and great Piety, of a solid, sober temper and Judgment, and very honest and Just in all his Actions.

He was a Member of the House of Commons, and of the Councel of State, he had served the Parliament as Collonel of one of the City Regi­ments, not in traynings only, but in the Field a­gainst the Enemy.

He was beloved both in the House, City, and Army, and by all that knew him, and his death as much lamented.

The Members of Parliament, and of the Coun­cel of State, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and di­vers Citizens of London, and many Officers of the Army were invited, and present at his Funeral, and the City Regiment (whereof he was Collo­nel) with other Companies of Souldiers were in Arms to attend the Corps of their Officer to his Grave.

Letters from Chester, of the Ministers in that Country, bitterly exclaiming against the Ingage­ment, Ministirs. and condemning all that take it to the Pit of Hell.

That 11000 l. was put on board for Dublin, and 6000 l. for Carrickfergus; from which Town the Enemy is 40 Miles, and the Country there­abouts free from Troops. Ingage­ment.

(7) From Exeter, Letters of the averseness of the Citizens to the Ingagement. That on the Publick Fast day, all the Ministers went out of Town, and caused the Church Doors to be shut up, purposely because they would not observe it, being appointed by the Parliament, That all the Magistrates, except two Constables, refused to take the Ingagement.

[Page 429] From Dartmouth, That 22 Sail of Ships were ready to set out for Newfoundland.

From Taunton, That the publick Fast day was not kept there. The two Presbyterian Ministers of that Town, being ready to observe the Parlia­ments Orders fer receiving their Tithes and Aug­mentations, Taunton. but not in other matters that they like not, for then they affirm it not to be a Free Parlia­ment.

That a Woman pretnding to Prophesy, with others of her Crew, denyed Christ and the Scrip­ture wholly.

From Pool, That 8 good Ships went from thence to Newfoundland, and two to the Barba does.

From Edenburgh, That the Scots had agreed upon their Commissioners to go to the King, that first they were to go to Capher, and from thence to send to the King, and to the Prince of Orange for a safe Conduct, to come to Breda, and to stay Scots. there.

That they carry with them for the Supply for their King, 40000 Marks Scotch Money, that is 2200 l. English Money. That 1000 Arms, and twenty Cannon are lately landed in Ork­ney.

An Act passed for the Advancement of the Gospel, and of learning in Ireland, and for set­tling upon the Colledge in Dublin, several Lands formerly belonging to the Archbishop of Dublin, and other Ecclesiastical Persons, and for erecting and maintaning a Free School in Dublin.

Order for an Act to abolish the Hierargy in Ire­land, and to forbid the use of the Common-Pray­er Book there.

Debate of an Act for restrayning the killing of flesh Meat, or Poultry, from 14. March to the 15. of April.

Letters that C. Cook, Governour of Wexford went out with a Party, and took in Enniscorfie, formerly betrayed to the Enemy, and upon the Storm, put them to the Sword.

(8) Letters from Ireland, confirming the re­taking of Eniscorfie, and that no Enemy appear­ed to make any Opposition in those parts.

Letters to the same Effect as before, touching the Commissioners agreed upon to go to the King from Scotland.

(9) Several Orders concerning Supplyes of Money, Provisions, and Recruits for Ire­land.

(11) Letters concerning the further Succes­ses of the Lord Lieutenant in Ireland, since his last taking the Field from Yoghall, and that at the ta­king [...]reland. of Castleton by the Lord Broghill, he gave Quarter for Life, and their wearing Apparrel to the private Souldiers, but the Officers to be at his Discretion.

That thereupon by advice, he caused all those Officers to be short to death, to affright those lit­tle Castles from so peremptorily standing out.

That C. Zanchy reduced the Castle of Dundrum, where were two Troops of Horse, and some Foot os the Enemies; Zanchyes Horse charged those without, and the men stormed the Town, which was delivered up to him, leaving their Horse and Arms behind, here Zanchey received a wound in his right hand.

That the Enemy scouting into their Quarters, and taking a Castle 7 Miles from Cork, C. Phayer, the Governour there, pursued them with 16 Foot, and 50 Horse unto a Bogg, where he killed 20, and took 30 of them Prisoners, and the Castle was surrendred to him.

That they have settled themselves in the Heart of the Enemies Quarters, and thereby much hinder them from recruiting, and gather­ing together again in the Spring, and have gained a very rich Country, which by agreement are to give them 1500 l. per mensem.

From Newcastle, that More Mosse-Troopers are dayly taken. That Prince Ruperts Ships were in much confusion, and many of them taken. That the Scots Commissioners are not yet gone to the King, and there is much difference about their go­ing, betwixt the Kirk and the State, That the Forces in Orkney increase dayly.

From Beaumorris, That M. G. Mitton, and o­ther Officers, upon Intelligence that Ormond had given a Commission to C. Robbinson, to Garrison the Isle of Barsey, they sent thither Ensign Aspinal with 30 Men, who three dayes after his landing there, seized upon Collonel Gerrard, Mr. Conwey, and 6 Gentlemen more, who landed there to sur­prize the Island, took their Boat, and sent them Prisoners to Carnarvan, and the Pyrate fled away who had set them on shore, and was an Irish Man.

(12) An Act passed for redress of delayes, and Mischiefs arising by Writs of Error in seve­ral Cases.

Amendments reported to the Act for relief of Creditors, and recommitted.

An Act passed for settling the Freefarm Rents, heretofore paiable to the Crown.

Debate about a Book lately printed, and Vo­ted vote. That the Book asserting the Observations of the Jewish Sabboth, and condemning the Observation of Sabboth. the Lords Day, as the Christian Sabboth, is errone­ous, Scandalous, and prophane, contrary to the Pract­ice of the Apostles, and of all the Christian Churches.

Orders that all the printed Copies of the Book be brought in, and burnt, and referred to the Comittee of plundred Ministers, to take Care for the apprehension and imprisonment of the Au­thors, and for punishment of the Printer and pub­lisher of it.

Order to send over 6 able Ministers to preach in Dublin, and they to have 200 l. per annum a piece out of Bishops and Deanes, and Chapters Lands in Ireland. And in the mean time, the Lord Lieutenant to take care that it be paid out of the publick Revenue, and if any of those Mi­nisters die in that Service in Ireland, that the Parliament will make competent Provision for their Wives and Children.

A Bill committed for preventing, and redress of many injuries done to the Merchants of this Commonwealth, by Ships of the French, and o­ther Nations, under pretence of visiting them, and for recalling and inhibiting the Mariners and Seamen of this Nation, for serving other Princes and States.

An Act for the Indemnity of Tenants, well af­fected to the State.

An Act passed for the better packing of Butter, and redress of abuses therein.

(13) Letters from Chester, That Oneales Ar­my was in great want about Cavan. That as soon as Supplyes should come, Sir Charles Coot intend­ed to take the Field.

That the Plague raged much at Kilkenny. That Inchequin appeared in a Body about Kilmallock, and the Lord Lieutenant sent a Party to look upon him.

From Exeter of the Commissioners proceedings in settling the Militia there. [Page 430] From Harwich, That Captain Goose of the hart Frigot, and all his Officers being on Shore, 28 of the Mariners of the Ship, who agreed together to betray her to the Prince, and to carry her to Dunkirk, took their Opportunity, when the rest of their fellow Seamen were under Hatches, and kept them there.

Those under hatches were 40 Men, who would not joyn in this Treachery, and being now shut in there by the rest, they hoised sail to carry the Ship to Dunkirk.

But being off at Sea, these 28 fell out among themselves, and 17 of them took the Boat to put out to Sea, and were drowned.

The other 11 were not able to carry on the Ship, and seeing themselves pursued, put back in­to Harwich, where they were apprehended, and committed to Prison.

(14) The Trustees sor sale of the Freefarm Rents, published their Intention to begin the sale of them on a day set by them.

One Boutholmey, a Quartermaster, was try­ed Blasphemy by a Councel of War, for Blasphemy, and sen­senced to have his Tongue bored through with a hot Iron, his Sword broken over his head, and to be cashiered the Army.

Letters from Ireland, of more Castles taken in, and that the Lord Lieutenant was wholly become Master of the County of Tipperary, and was upon his march into the County of Lymerick, where he had Intelligence that the Enemy was imbody­ed, that so he might prevent their joyning toge­ther.

That the Sickness was very hot at Lymerick, Kilkenny, and other places.

From Pool, of Tumults about the Excise, espe­cially at Shafton, where they rescued Prisoners, and took away from the Officers, Goods distreyn­ed for the Excise, but they were quieted by a small party of Souldiers sent to them.

(15) Letters that G. Preston was come in­to Waterford with 1500 Men, and that the Lord Lieutenant had besieged Kilkenny.

From Leverpool, of Tumults about the Excise, but quieted.

From Scotland, That the Commissioners were upon going to the King, and that Sir James Smith had advanced 2000 l. upon the business, and was one of the Commissioners for the Treaty at Breda.

(16) From Coventry, of the preaching of one Sal­mon, and of his wicked Swearing, and unclean­ness, Blasphemy which he justifyed, and others of his way, That it was God which did Swear in them, and that it was their Liberty to keep company with Wo­men for their Lust.

That one Wyke, another of his Crew, kissed a Souldier three times, and said, I breath the Spi­rit of God into thee, and many the like abomina­ble Blasphemies spoken by them, for which they were imprisoned till a Tryal for the Crimes.

(18) Letters from Berwick, That the Scots Parliament had sate, and dispatched away their Commissioners to the King for Treaty.

From Cork, That the Lord Lieutenant publish­ed a Declaration, in answer to certain Decla­rations, and Acts, framed by the Irish Popish Prelates, and Clergy.

Letters that Sir Charles Coot had reduced Cast­ledove.

That the Plague was hot in Galloway, and ma­ny principal Actors in the Rebellion perisned by it.

That the Parliament Forces took in a Fort o­ver against Passage, whereby the trading by Sea to Waterford, is wholly stopped up.

That the Tories behaved themselves so bar­barously towards their own Party, that the Priests have excommunicated them.

(19) Returns of Subscriptions to the In­gagement, by divers Regiments and Garri­sons.

An Act for establishing an high Court of Justice in London and Westminster, Committed.

An Additional Act for providing Maintenance Ireland. for Preaching Ministers, and other pious uses, Committed.

Amendments passed to an Act for the better Preaching of the Gospel, and maintainance of Mi­nisters in Bristol.

An Act passed for settling certain Houses upon the Corporation for the poor of London, and for Money for that Work.

An Act for constituting Commissioners, as a standing Councel for the ordering, and regula­ting of Trade, Committed.

Amendments to the Act of Indempnity for Te­nants who have adhered to the Parliament recom­mitted.

Petition of the Inhabitants of Westminster, re­ferred to a Committee.

Petition from Arundel, and another from the Cinque Ports, referred to the Committee of Cor­porations to consider of their Franchises, and re­port them to the House.

From Chester, That the Rebels in Ireland did blow up some strong Castles, and quitted them.

That C. Hewson with 2500 Foot, and 1000 Horse, one Demyculverin, and a Mortar Piece, marched to Bellishannon, where he planted his Guns, and after the Granadoes had flown in among them, killing at one time 14 Men, the Enemy beat a Par­ley, and delivered up the place. That the Lord Lieutenant was before Clonmel, and that the Plague was very hot in the Irish Quarters.

(20) Letters from Ireland, That the Lord Lieutenant is before Clonmel.

That the Plague, which is seldom known in Ireland, was very hot in Lymerick, and Killken­ny.

That the Mayor of Waterford, refused to ad­mit Ormond into that Town, saying, That he was the Kings Lieutenant there. That Ormond, and Muskerry were gone away for France. That much contention was amongst the Irish Officers, and many of them desired to come and serve the King of Spain, which the Spanish Ambassador in Ireland laboured to effect.

That about 80 of the Enemies Foot, and 10 Horse of the Garrison of Clonmel, went forth to fetch in Provisions, but were fallen upon by some of the Parliaments Horse that Quartered near the Town, who killed 23 of them, and took 17 Prisoners, and the Horses.

(21) Letters from Dublin, of the taking of Balisha­non, a strong Fort, and well manned, by C. Hew­son without the loss of one Man.

That there were great differences among the Irish, and between them and the Kings Party, and among the Cavaliers themselves.

(22) Letters that Prince Rupert was yet at Lisbon, and had with him but 6 Ship, and those not well manned.

Letters of many Robberies, and wicked Acti­ons, and of a Butcher of Malton that hanged his Wife, and of a Woman that burnt two of her Children, assoon as she was delivered of them.

An Account of Forces Shipped for Ire­land.

[Page 431] From Scotland, That the Scots Commissioners are gone to Breda, and that the King went from Beauvois to Breda, and parted with the Queen his Mother, who with Jermin returned to Pa­ris.

The Heads of their Propositions to the King were.

That all who continue excommunicate by the Kirk, may be removed from his Person.

That he would declare, that he will by solemn Oath under his Hand and Seal, allow the National Covenant of Scotland, and the Covenant of the three Kingdoms, and ratify all Acts concerning the Cove­nant, Establishing Presbyterian Government, the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith, and the Cateehism in Scotland, as they are approved by the G. Assembly of the Kirk, and by the Parlia­ment there.

That he will consent, that all matters civil, be de­termined by the present, and subsequent Parliaments, and all matters Ecclesiastical by the ensuing gene­ral Assembly of the Kirk, as was formerly agreed by his late Father.

(23) The Army Petitioned the Parliament That such as had Articles upon rendition of Army. Petition. Towns, and paid their Compositions, and were not ingaged in the second War, might not be taken within the late Act of Delinquents, to re­move out of London and Westminster.

Letters that the Lord Lieutenant had taken in Clonmel, and slain 2000 of the Enemy there, and was marched towards Waterford, where Preston Commanded.

From Edenburgh, That Mr. Douglas who preach­ed to the Scots Parliament at their first Meeting admonished them to avoid the two Rocks of the Ma­lignant Ireland. Scilla, and Sectarian Caribdis; and doom­ [...]d both Malignants, and Sectaries, to be Hereti­cal.

That the Scots Parliament sate but two dayes, (as is usual with them) to confirm what work the Cabal had cut out for them, and then adjourn­ed to the 5th of May next.

That the Scots Army were about choosing of a Committee of themselves to purge the Army, but with difficulty it was carryed, to be referred to the Committee of Estates, and they referred it to David Lesly.

25. Letters That the Scots Commissioners were landed in Holland. That a Ship came to Edenburgh from Holland, with many German Of­ficers, expecting imployment there. That the Scots Commissioners have Commission to take up 300000 l. Scots Money to gratify the King, in case there be an Agreement.

Account of Recruits for Ireland, and of pro­claiming the Act for taking of the Ingagement at York, and at Manchester.

From Milford Haven, That the Country there­about, did unanimously take the Ingagement; That Mr. Peters opened the matter to them, and did much incourage them to take it.

26. The Parliament Voted, That the concern­ment [...] of Articles, relating to the late Act for removing Delinquents out of London, &c. be re­ferred to the Commissioners for Articles, to do therein according to Justice.

An Act for impowring Commissioners to put in execution, all the Powers hereto fore given to Commissioners for compounding with Delin­quents, and for managing all Sequestred Estates, and to the Committee of Habberdashers Hall.

Vote, That all who have compounded, and are now beyond Sea without leave, their Estates shall be sequestred, and the Committee of Gold­smiths Hall, to put this Vote in Executi­on.

Vote that the Estate of Sir Christopher Hatton be forthwith sequestred.

Several other Votes touching Compositions of Delinquents.

An Act for such as hold the Estate of any De­linquent by Mortgage, Judgement, or Statute, to compound for the Estate, committed.

An Act passed for the Redemption of Cap­tives.

(27.) An Act passed for establishing an high Court of Justice, and the Commissioners Names, any 12 to be of the Quorum.

Letters from Tossiter, of settling the Militia in that County.

Letters of a Charge given by Judge Nicholas, at the Assizes at Sarum, in vindication of the Pro­ceedings of Parliament and of theirs, and the Peo­ples power, and the Original of it. Judge. Nicholas.

One was indicted for saying there was no Law, and that a company of Rogues had beheaded the King, and therefore there was no Law.

The Indictment was for scandalous words, and he was found guilty, fined 100 l. and imprisoned without Baile till the Fine was paid.

(28) An Act passed touching the way of col­lecting the Excise of Ale and Beer, brewed and spent in private Families.

The Act for erecting the high Court of Justice proclaimed in Westminster Hall.

Letters that the Marquess of Hertford coming from London, in obedience to the late Act for removing of Delinquents, he resided at his House at Netley near Southampton, and the day after he sent to the Governour of that Garrison to give him notice thereof, and to assure him that he would not give any Offence to the Garri­son.

The Governour returned a civil answer to the Marquesse, and that as long as he continued in a peaceable manner, not any from the Garrison should molest his Lordship.

From Daver, That an English Hoy setting sail from Ostend for London, Captain Evans by Com­mission from the Prince, with eight or nine English and Flemmings put themselves into a ship Boat, made up to the Hoy, and boarded her about 2 Miles from Ostend, at which the Governour shot from the Castle at Evans, but could not reach him.

Thereupon he sent 50 Souldiers on board a Fisherman to rescue the Hoy, who after a little skirmish in Dunkirk Road, brought away the Hoy, and stowed Evans and his company in the Hold, upon which two or three French Troops came out from Dunkirk and set upon the Osten­ders.

They, because the Winds were cross, and the French Troops pursuing them, brought the Hoy and Prisoners, and delivered them to the Gover­nour of Dover Castle, who committed Evans and his Fellows to the Marshal.

That the same Hoy was formerly taken by a Irish Man of War under the Fort of Ostend, and by the Governours Order rescued from them, he saying, That he would not indure such things to be done under his Command.

From Pendennis Castle, that C. Slingsby Priso­ner there, was by Order of the Councel of State carried from thence to Exeter, to be tryed by the Common Law, for levying War against the Parli­ament.

An Account of Recruits shipped for Ireland.

[Page 432] (30) From Exeter, of the solemn reception of the Judges of Assize by the Magistrates, and Military Officers, and of the conducting them through the several Counties by the Troops of Horse, and of the great respect shewed by the Souldiery to the civil Magistrates.

From Taunton, That the Commissioners had settled the Militia in that County, C. Popham a Regiment of Horse, and another of Foot, C. Pine, C. Ceely, and C. Gorge Regiments of Foot.

From Scotland, That their Commissioners gone to the King had power to to take up 300000 l. Scotch that is 25000 l. Sterling, to gratify the King it he agreed with them.

That the Kirkmen were generally very zealous for the closing with their King, yet some of them averse to it, and Praying against it.

Aprill, 1650.

[April. 1.] From Newcastle, That very many Cavaliers passe into Scotland, and some of them come out of Norfolk and Suffolk.

From Cork, That the Lord Lieutenant had Ireland. taken in all the three Counties of Tipperary, Lymerick, and Kilkenny, except the three Shire Towns, and had kept the Enemy from drawing together.

That the Lord Broghall beat up the Quarters of three Regiments of Inchequins Horse, most of them English, brought the Officers to Cashel, try­ed C. Claydon, C. Johnson, and Lieutenant Collo­nel Laughern, three of them by a Court Marshal, for betraying their trust, having formerly served the Parliament, and they and M. Sims were sentenced to dye, that three of them were shot to Death, and C. Claudon was pardoned.

That the Enemy burnt and destroyed the Coun­ty of Lymerick, and drove away the Cattle seven or eight Miles round the City.

Letters to a great Man, That there is no rest to be found in the wisest Constitutions and Laws of Men, until they acknowledge the Weak­ness Letters. thereof, and fly to the Infallible, and alsuffi­cient. Wisdom of the Scriptures, to rule Man­kind in the World. The only Magna Charta in this World, is the Holy Scriptures, which give perfect Rules for the Peoples Liberties, and for Rulers Go­vernment, and Authority, and so guide all Judge­ments, that none shall suffer Injury.

That the People will never fix quietly upon any Form or way, till they are brought to the Word of God. London Ad­dress.

(2) A Declaration of the Lord Mayor, and Aldermen, and Common Councel of London re­turning Thanks to the Parliament for their Gift of the New-Park to the City, and of the Houses, and 1000 l. for the Poor, and that they do declare, and resolve (through Gods Assistance) with the ha­zard of their Lives and Estates, to stand and fall with the Parliament against all wicked Practices, and opposite pretended Powers whatsoever. Answer.

The Speaker in Answer to it told them That the House took notice of this their Resolution, and of the Seasonableness of it, that the house kindly accept­ed it, and gave them thanks for it.

Several Orders touching the Forces, and Pay­ment of Monies into Weavers Hall.

An Act for adding some of the Judges, to be Commissioners in the High Court of Justice.

An Act for one to make use of a new Invention to prevent the great Consumption of Coal, and April. New In­ventions. Wood, about Lead, Iron, Copper, Saltworks, &c.

From Dublin, That the Lord Broghil, and Hen­ry Cromwel fell into the Lord Inchequins Quar­ters, killed 160, and took 120 Prisoners, with the L. Broghall Officers, and 150 gallant Horse.

That Collonel Reynolds fell into the Earl of Castlehavens Quarters, routed them, and drove them to a Bogge.

From Coventry, That Salmon and Wyke, Priso­ners there, Preached every Lords Day at the grate of the Prisons, and very many stood in the streets to hear them.

[3] From Portsmouth, That a Ship of Lon­don, of 16 pieces of Ordinance, and her Bills of Lading from the Streights, were of 30000 l. was ta­ken by an Irish Man of War near the Isle of Wight, and another Vessel in her Company run her self on Shore, and thereby lost all, but the Lives of the Mariners.

[4.] A Letter sent from the Diggers and Plan­ters of Commons, for universal Freedom, to make the Earth a common Treasury, that every one may in­joy [...] Food and Rayment freely by his labour upon the Earth without paying Rents or homage to any fellow Creature of his own kind, that every one may be de­livered from the Tyranny of the Conquering Power, and so rise up out of that Bondage, to enjoy the Be­nefit of his Creation.

The Letters were to get Money to buy Food for them, and Corn to sow the Land which they had digged.

[5] From Ireland, That the Lord Lieute­nant was gone near to Lymerick, and that C. Hewson was marching with near 3000 men to him.

That the Spanish Agent had obtained leave of the Lord Lieutenant to send to Spain for Money, Ships, and Instructions, for transporting Irish Of­ficers and Souldiers, who were willing to go into the Service of his Master. Ireland

A Messenger brought Intelligence to the Go­vernour of Kinsale, that Macke Carke, and O Sul­lipht were raising Forces Westward, and that all the Priests were gone to them.

That Inchequin for 20 Miles burnt, and wasted the County of Lymerick, and then retreated over the Shannon with more Cows than Horses, that thereby Kilmallock could get no Forrage for their Horse, and many of them came in to the Lord Lieutenant.

That C. Hewson came to the Lord Lieutenant with 3500 Horse and Foot, that C. Reynolds, and C. Ewers Regiments were sent out as a Forlorn hope, and discovering the Enemies Body of above 3000, attempted to fight, notwithstanding the disproportion, but they had no mind to it.

That the Parliament had there a healthy and gallant Army, all new clothed and well armed, and Money in their Purses, That they have in Ireland 6000 good Horse, and 18000 Foot.

That Ormond came to Clare with six Horse on­ly, and sent Propositions to the Lord Lieutenant. that most of the Irish had left him.

That they have Ships to prevent Commerce, and Sea Assistance.

That eight Ships were come in from Wales and England, loaden with Oats, and 15000 yards of Cloth, and 200 pair of Boots.

From Cork, That the Scots and Irish are at [Page 433] great difference, and the Irish fly to connaght, as their last refuge excepting Spain. That the Ca­tholicks hasten the Prince iuto Scotland, to di­vert the Army from Ireland, if they can possi­bly.

Granger and others, according to the Sentence [...] of Parliament, lost their Ears at the new Pallace Yard in Westminster; and at the Old-Exchange in London for forgeing Warrants, from the Com­mittee of the Army, and Counterfeiting hands to Bill of Exchange, whereby they procured 3000 l. to be paid them, out of the public Treasuries in London, and several Counties.

The high Court of Justice sate.

(6) From Exeter, That the Judges of Assise there, had much settled the People Minds, [...] asto the present Government, in their Charges to the Grand Jury, wherein the Lord Chief Justice Rolles, and Judge Nicholas were very much com­mended.

An Account of Shipping some Troops de­signed for Ireland.

From Tossiter, That the Officers and People in that Country did generally and chearfully sub­scribe the Ingagement.

From Liscard, That the Committee were ve­ry active in settling the Militia, and the Coun­try were ready to come in, and be list­ed.

(8) From Chester, That Kilkenny was sur­rendred [...] upon Articles unto the Lord Lieutenant. That C. Hewson in his return to Dublin, with part of his Brigade, took Scarlough the great To­ry, and divers Priests and Fryars accidentally, and that the Lord Lieutenant besieged Carther­low.

From Scarborough, That the Governour ha­ving notice of a small Man of War belonging to the Prince, he got a Northsea Vessel, and sent Cap­tain Lassels with 50 men in her to see if they could meet with the Pyrate, who lay near to that Harbour.

That the Pirate espying this little Vessel at Seacame out to her & set upon her, her men having Orders to keep close, and not be seen till the word given, and assoon as the Pyrates were ready to board, the Souldiers came forth and fell on them, forced their Men, being 29 under deck, and brought away them and their Ship to Scarborough, six of their Men and one Captain being slain, and all the men in the Pyrates Ship were Papists, and those who had long used this Course of Pira­cy.

(9) An Act and Declaration passed for im­posing Penalties upon such as purchase any Crown Lands, as original Creditors, and pay with assign­ed, or false Bills.

An Additional Act Passed for the furthur ease Orders. and relief of poor Prisoners.

Order that the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal take care that all Indictments, Outlaw­ries, and other Acts against any Person for adhe­ring to the Parliament, remaining upon Record be searched out, taken off the File, cancelled and burnt, as things scandalous and void.

Order that all Patents for granting any Title of Honour to any Person, after the carrying a­way of the great Seal to Oxford, be annulled and made void.

And that they do not take that title to whom it is granted, nor any presume to give it them, and that the Lords Commissioners do prepare an Act for that purpose.

An Act read, for laying an Imposition upon Coals towards the building of Ships.

An Act read against transportation of Gold, and Bullion out of this Nation beyond Seas.

An Additional Act passed for providing Mainte­nance for Ministers by Augmentations.

Vote, That no Merchant or Trader beyond Seas, shall have any Place in the Custome House, during the time that he tradeth.

That the Arms of the King be taken down, in all Ships, and the Generals at Sea to see it done.

That the Arms of the King be taken down in all Churches, and Chappels, and the Justices of Peace, Churchwardens, and other Officers order­ed to see it done.

That the Councel of State have power to remove from London, and 20 Miles distance from thence, all such Delinquents, whose abode there, they shall Judge to be dangerous.

An Act passed impowring Commissioners to put in execution the Powers formerly given to the Commissioners for compounding with Delin­quents, the Committee of Habberdashers Hall. &c.

[10] An Account of transporting Forces for Ireland.

Letters that Ormond is desirous to go out of Ire­land, and Inchequin to come in to the Parlia­ment.

From Lisbon. That G. Blake with the Parlia­ments Fleet, arrived there, and understood that G. Blake. Prince Rupert intended to set sail from thence within two days, whereupon Blake sent to the King of Portugal, for leave to come into the Ri­ver of Lisbon, and coming near with his Ships, the Castle shot at him.

That upon this Blake came to an Anchor, and sent a Boat to know the Reason why they shot at him, the Captain of the great Castle made answer That they had no Order from the King to let them come in.

That the Merchants Ships that came with Blake, seeing this, set sail for the Streights.

After this the King sent one of his greatest Nobles, to congratulate with Blake, and to desire him not to come in except the weather proved bad, whereby he could not ride where he was, it being his Majesties Fear, that he and Prince Ru­peit would quarrel and fight in his Harbour. The Kng also sent to Blake a large present of fresh Provisious for his Refreshment.

That the weather beginning to be foul, Blake came into the Bay of Wyers in the River, two Miles from Prince Rupert, whose men came day­ly from him to Blake, and one of his Ships, the Swallow was coming away, but was discovered, and the Boatswain clapt in Chains, That the Ad­miral had not above 40 Seamen in his Ship, and very few in the rest of his Fleet.

That Captain Molton went on Shore from Blake to satisfy the King of the Falsities of Prince Ru­perts Declaration.

[11] A Scots Vessel taken by an Irish Man of War, was rescued by a Dutchman.

The Commissioners settled the Militia in Cour­wall.

From Chepsto, That at the Assises was as great an appearance of Gentlemen, and Freeholders, as ever was seen in that Country.

One tryed and found guilty there for poison­ing his Wife, and was upon his own words great­ly suspected to have poisoned his four Wives, and three Children.

Orders issued That every Regiment of Foot should be recruited to 1200, the Collonels Company to be 200, the Lt. Collonels Com­pany [Page 434] 160, the Majors 140, and the other seven Companies to be 100 a piece. Scots.

Anno 1650[12] From Scotland, That notice being had of their Commissioners arriving in Holland, the Kirk kept a day of humiliation, to seek God for a Blessing upon the Treaty, and injoyned the like through Scotland.

That many German Officers are there expect­ing imployment when the King comes thi­ther.

That Cromwel granting Liberty of Conscience to the Irish, they will all submit to him.

(13) From Dublin, That the Governour, C. Hewson, after he had taken Lawlinbridge, by order, marched with a strong party, and met the Lord Lieutenant at Gouran, five Miles from Kil­kenny, and March 19. entred the Town without Opposition.

That the Castle stood ont, and after a sharp dispute, upon one attempt to storm, the Common Souldiers (that they might have Quarter for Ireland. themselves) delivered up their Officers, viz. C. Hammon, M. Townly, two Captains, one Quarter Master, one Lieutenant, and a Priest.

(March 22) All the Officers were shot to death ex­cept the Lieutenant, who was spared, for that he joyn­ed with the Souldiers to deliver up the Officers, and the Priest was hanged, The Souldiers that were English took up Arms with ours. Next day our For­ces marched towards Kilkenny, and March 24th. were necessitated to attempt a Storm, to divert Kilkenny. the Enemies Forces from falling upon a Party of ours, who were then attempting another part of the Town, called Irish Town.

Our Men were forced to retreat, but yet the design took effect, for by that means, the whole Strength of the Enemy was held in play, while our other Party gained Irish Town, Captain Hig­ly was slain in the attempt, with about seven or eight of our Common Souldiers.

Then C. Hewson led on the reserve very gal­lantly, and received a slight shot, then the Town beat a Parly, and sent sorth Commissio­ners, and after a days dispute, it was a­greed.

That they should deliver the Town, with all the Artillery, Arms, Ammunition, and Officers, only they should march a Mile out of Town with Colours flying, Match light, and ball in Mouth, and at a Miles end, should deliver up all their Arms, except 100 to defend them from the To­ries, and 190 Horse for the Officers; The Towns-men to have liberty for the three Months to go, or stay, paying 2000 l.

There was a good quantity of Corn in the pub­lick store, with a good number of Arms, Captain Frewen was unhappily killed by a shot, during the Treaty, there being no Cessation. Lieutenant Collonel Axtel is made Governour of Kilken­ny.

The Plague is very hot there, and at Gouran, yet it hath pleased God so to preserve ours, that none of them have perished by it, though fre­quently quartered in the infected Houses.

That Axtel, the new Governour had the Command of the Storm, and received a shot in the back, which pierced his Buffe Coat, and a lit­tle bruised the Flesh.

That Sir Theophilus Jones, Dr. Jones, C. Rey­nolds, and their Regiments with some Dragoons and Foot, were ordered to attend the Earl of Castlehaven, with whom Ferald was to joyn, but there were great Discontents between them.

That the Governour with three Troops of Horse, returned and marched to Castle Dermont, a great part whereof the Enemy had battered the day before, and betook themselves to a strong Tower The Governour caused great store of straw, and other combustible matter, to be put to the Door, and set on fire, which caused these within to cry out for Mercy, and in the Tower were raken Captain Sherlock, who had been a bloody Tory, and three Fryars.

That C. Trevor left the Enemy, and came to Dublin upon Licence formerly granted him by the Governour, and that the Irish had chosen the Earl of Antrim for their General, C. Trevor Lieutenant General of Horse, and Hugh Boyo­neal for Major General.

A Party of our Forces from Trym fell into the Enemies Quarters, killed some of them, and re­turned with 300 Cows, and 40 Garrons.

That the Lord Lieutenant was Quartered in an infected House, and many of his Officers, and Souldiers, lay in the Sick beds of those that dyed in the Plague, and yet not one of them dyed of the Infection.

The Lord Lieutenant returned from Kilkenny to the Siege of Clonmel.

(15) From Berwick, That in Scotland were great Preparations for entertainment of the King.

That at a little Village within two Miles, two Men, and three Women were burnt for Witches, and nine more were to be burnt, the Village con­sisting but of 14 Families, and there were as ma­ny Witches. witches.

That 20 more were to be burnt within six Miles of that place, and all their Goods are for­feited to the King and the Lords.

From Ireland, That the Lord Broghil went with a Party into the County of Lymerick which so terrifyed the Enemy, that they and the Inhabitants fled with their Goods and Cattle over the Shannon into Clare, having set Fire on all their houses na Castles so that the Parliaments Forces were fain to retreat into Tipperary. That the Plague was very hot in Killkenny, Lymericke, and other Places.

Letters from the L. Lt. of the former Passages, and that at the storming of Kilkenny, they lost 30 Men, that it was not performed with the usual Courage, and Successe. That they had made two Retrenchments, or Counterworkes, strongly pallyzadoed, and both of them did so command the Breach, that it was a Mercy, they did not further contend for an Entrance there.

That an Officer attempting to passe over the Bridge into the City, to fire the Gate, which in­deed was done with good Resolution, but lying too open to the Enemies shott, he had 40 or 50 Men killed, and wounded, that the Castle was ex­ceeding well fortefyed, and Capacious.

That he, preparing for a second battery, the Enemy seeing himself thus begirt, sent for a Treaty, and rendred the Town, and Castle upon Articles.

That one Lt. Col. 3 Majors, 8 Capt, being English Welch, and Scotch, with others, were possest of Cantwell, a strong Castle scituate in a Bogge, well furnished with Provisions, and were ordered by Sir Walter Butler Governour of Killkenny, to strengthen that Garrison.

But they sent 2 Officers to the L. Lt. to offer him the Place, and their Service, or that they might have Passes to goe beyond Sea, to serve foreign States, which last was consented to.

That C. Abbot attempted Enisuag, where were gotten a Company of Rogues, who revolted [Page 433] from C. Jones. The Souldiers capitulated for Life, and their 2 Officers were hanged for revolting.

That Adjut. G. Sadler with 2 Guns reduced some Castles in the Counties of Tipperary, and Kilkenny, then summoned Pulkerry, a Garrison under c [...]n [...]ell, battered it, and they refusing to come out, he stormed it, put 30 or 40 of them to the Sword, and the rest, remaining obstinate, were fired in the Castle.

That he took Ballo Poin, the Enemy march­ing away and leaving their Armes behind them. Upon the like terms he took the Granno, and Donkill, considerable Places to Waterford.

Complaints for want of Money, that the Horse have not had one Monethes pay of five he earnest­ly presseth for Supplyes, that not above 2000 are come to them, of the 5000 Recruits ordered.

Concerning his coming over into England, he confesseth he received many private Intimations of the Parliaments pleasure for his coming over and Copies of their Votes, but all these were but private Intimations. That he received not the Speakers Letter till March 22, which was dated Jan. 8. and then supposed the Army to be in Winter quarters, and the Time of the year not suitable for present Action, he concludes thus.

Making this as the Reason of your Command, and your Forces having been in Action, ever since Jan. 29 and your Letter which was to be the Rule of my Obedience, coming to my Hands after our having been so long in Action, with respect had to the Reasons you were pleased to use therein.

And having received a Letter (signed by your self, of the 26 Feb: which mentions not a Word of the Continuance of your Pleasure concerning my coming over, I did humbly conceive, it much con­sisteth with my duty, humbly to beg a positive Sig­nification, what your Will is.

Professing (as before the Lord) that I am most ready, to obey your commands herein, with all Ala­crity. Rejoycing onely to be about that Work which I am called to, by those whom God hath set over me, which I Acknowledge to be you; and fear­ing onely in obeying you, to disobey you.

I most humbly and earnestly be seech you, to judge for me, whether your Letter doth not naturally allow me the liberty of begging a more clear Expressi­on of your Command, and Pleasure, which when vouch safed nnto me, will find most ready and chear­full Observance from Sir,

Your most humble Servant, O Cromwell.
Carrick 2 April. 1650.

Directed to the Speaker.

(16) An Act passed, impowring Commissio­ners for managing Estates under Sequestration.

An Act passed, for the better keeping of the Lords day.

An Act passed, for preventing wrongs and abuses done to Merchants at Sea, and prohibiting Marriners from serving forreign Princes or States, without Licence, and to impower the Councel of State, to issue Commissions under the Seal of the Admiralty, giving Authority to English Ships, to fight with, and take such French, or other forreign Ships, as shall require them to be visited, or disturb them in their Trade, under colour of visiting.

Provided that if they take any forreign Vessels, that after the fight, they shall not kill any Persons therein.

A Declaration passed upon this Act.

An Act for general Commissions of Marque, committed.

An Act for reducing, and bringing in, all the Monies, and revenues, belonging to the Common-wealth into one Treasury, committed.

(17) Upon a Petition from divers of London, Westminster &c. Petition.

The House voted, That the Scope thereof was to bring scandall, and reproach, upon the just, and necessary Laws, and Proceedings of the Parliament, Vote. and to weaken the present Government, to give thereby advantage to the common Enemy, and to raise new Tumults and Troubles in the Nation.

Referred to a Committee to examine by whom, and by what Practices this Petition was contrived, and promoted.

From Pendennis, that the Commissioners settle the Militia there, from Scilly, conjectures of a contest there betwixt the English and Irish

(18) From Poole, of a Man of War of 200 Guns wracked upon that Coast, that she struk Ground about midnight, and could never be got off again, that they fired 8 Guns, but no help came to them, till next day, noon tide; in the mean time the Ship brake in two Parts, and all the People which were in that Part that fell away, were drowned suddenly.

That the other Part stood firm above Water, till the next day about 2 of the Clock in the After-noon, when a Gentleman living near, got a Boat, and brought away about 60 Men, Women, and Boys, and saved their Lives.

That before they were got to Shore, the other Part of the Ship wherein they were, brake to Pieces and sunk down into the Sea, and that in all there were drowned about 50 Men, Women, and Children Passengers, and Goods, Gold, Sil­ver, Pearl, and rich Jewels to a great value.

From Holland, that Montrosse is at Bergen, in Norwey, staying for some Officers, and Men that he left at Hamburgh, that he hath sent 500 Men to Orkeney, that Sir John Cockeram, hath recei­ved some Monyes from the King of Poland, and Montrosse from Dantzick for the Prince that G. King can procure nothing in Sweden.

That the Agent sent by Montrosse into Livonia, Curland, and Lithuania, is come back with little Comfort, that his Frigot with 10 Guns and 40 Men, is gone from Gottenburgh to him into Norwey.

That nothing is done at the Treaty at Breda, the P. of Orange not being yet come thither, and the Kings Counsel are unwilling to resolve any thing without him, because they expect his assist­ance, and to transport them into Scotland.

(19) From Exon, 5 Men secured, for swearing to each other, to be ready for a rising, to cut the Throats of all the Parliaments Friends. &c.

From Chepstow, of a Scotchman, who went about begging, but he went about under that Pretence, to inform the Kings Friends, that there would be shortly a strong Party of Scots in their Country, to joyn with them to set up King Charles the Second.

From Coventry, of the Care of the E. of Denbigh. and other Commissioners for settling the Militia of that County, of 3 Regiments of Horse, and 2 of Foot, besides those of the City, and their being Feasted at the Cities charge.

Complaint of Rudeness of some Troopers, and that they fell out, and 2, or 3 of them were killed.

From Bristol, of a Highwayman that came to the Major, and confessed that he had been a long time in that wicked Course, and was weary of it, and if they would procure him his Pardon, he would discover many Robbers to them, and ac­cordingly he invited his old Companions, to go forth with him, as formerly and when they were [Page 434] together, he had a Party of Soldiers ready, who came and apprehended them.

From Chester, that the L. Lt. having great Of­fers from Inchequin, is hasted to Lymerick, where 100 dye of the Plague weekly.

That Hugh O Neale, cheif in Clonmel, offers to yield the Place for a Sum of Money, so that his Garrison there, may be transported for the Spanish Service.

That Sir Charles Coot, and M. G. Veneables are marched out with 5000 Horse and Foot (as is supposed) towards Catherlowe, which is a very strong hold incompassed with the River Barrowe.

(20) Orders for Compleating of 12 Regi­ments of 600 Horse of the Army, under the L. G. Fairfax, 8 of them to 600 in a Regiment, and four to 80 in a Troope.

Information by C. Shilborne come from Ireland, that Sir Tho. Armstrong having made his Terms to come in, and by agreement being to do some Service at his best Opportunity, he with a Considerable Party of Horse, that were to come in with him, fell upon a Party of the Ʋlster forces, put near 500 of them to the Sword, and brought away some Prisoners.

Thus did Theives and Soldiers betray one an­other and you will see more of the same Nature hereafter according to the old Verse. Nulla Fi­des Pietasque viris qui Castra sequuntur.

The L. Lt. sent this Sir Tho. Armstrong to the Governour of Waterford, upon some Overtures of surrender of the Town upon Terms, the Governour of Duncannon desired 20 dayes to fit his Busines to come off the better, the L. Lt. suspect­ing it as a delay, would give him but 3 dayes onely.

For Waterford, 2 Points were in difference.

  • (1) For G. Preston to have leave to carry away 500 men for Spain, which the L. L. inclined to grant.
  • (2) For a Church, for exercise of publique Masse which the L. Lt. positively denyed.

(22) From Berwicke that Montross and Hur­rey are raising a great Army to march into Eng­land.

From Edenburg, that they are strongly all­arm'd, with Intelligence that Hurrey is landed in the Naas with 1400 men, and that Montross is speedily to follow from Orkney.

That David Lesly is gone out of Town, and the Scots Horse ordered Northward.

From Pendennis, that the Commissioners of the Militia, secured some persons of Quality. That Massey. a Letter was sent to one Courtney, with a De­claration from M. J. Massey, revolted to the Prince.

From Dartmouth, of the Peoples freely ta­king the Ingagement.

From Denbigh, of the Death of the Archbishop of York, and of diverse others of Quality, that the People willingly took the Ingagement.

From Corke, that Mac Charty; and O Sullivant, are 800 Foot, and 200 small Horse, called Garrons.

That the Bishop of Cloher was of late in com­petition for the Title of Generalissimo, and boast­ed to bring 700 Roman Catholickes into the Field, that both he and Ormond, have not above 1200 Horse, and 3000 Foot.

That upon the Rendition of Cantwells Court, a Place near Killkenny, exceeding strong by Nature and Art, 12 Officers of quality, came in to the L. Lt. and had leave to embarque for Spain.

That the riding of the Parliament Ships, in the Mouth of Shannon, blocks up the Lymerick Vessels and Duncannon.

That the Parliament Forces, from a Sick and Languishing Condition, are recovered, the Flux, and Feaver (the two predominant distempers) much abated, and the Garrisons kept clear, and healthy, through the Mercy of God, none ha­ving any Infection.

For the Condition of the Army, and what the L. Lt. and his Officers have brought it unto (which is a good precedent) he thus describes.

Our Foot are in a Gallant Posture, well armed, well cloathed, and for bread Corn, and other things, by the State plentifully provided for.

The Parliament indeed gave full power to the Letter. Councel of State, to take care for supply of their Forces, and the Councel used the greatest Care, and diligence, that possibly could be, That no­thing might be wanting for the carrying on of the Business of Ireland, and for the Forces there, The Letter goes on, The Armies Diligence, Cou­rage, Thankfulness, and Behaviour is such, through the Strict Care, and Providence of our G. and chief Officers, that never men did obey Orders more chearfully, nor go upon all duty more couragiously.

Never did greater Harmony appear, or Resolu­tion to prosecute this Cause of God, than in this Army, such a Consent of Hearts and Hands, such a Sym­pathy in Affection, not onely in a Carnal, but spiri­tual Bond, which lyes faster than Chaines of Ada­mant.

I have often observed (especially in that time and those Actions) a wonderful Consent of the Officers, and Souldiers and indeed of all the Parliament Forces, upon the Ground of doing Service for God, and how miracu­lously they were in all their Actions successeful. The Mind of man being satisfyed and fixed upon God, and that his undertaking is for Gods Glory, it gives the greatest Courage to those Men, and prosperity to their Actions. The Letter sayes further, Our must­ers are strict, here is no free Quarter allowed, nor practised, either they pay or give Ticket, which being demanded by the poorest Irish, is not, dur'st not be denyed by any Officer.

Our Horse have in many Places wanted Hay, but by the supply of Oats from England, have made good Shift with Straw, we have 7000 Horse, and our Foot trebbles that Number, yet are English Recruits of Moneys and necessarys to be continued.

And by this Government of the Army in Ire­land, Cromwell. and the great Successe of it, and the well ordering of the civill Affairs of that Kingdom, Cromwell got a very great Interest, not onely in the Officers of the Army, both there and here, but likewise in the Parliament, and Counsel of State, and with their whole Party; only the Scots and Presbiterians generally were no favourers of him, or his Proceedings.

(23) An Act passed for the better Observa­tion of the Lords Day, days of Thanksgiving, and Humiliation.

Order of the Trustees appointed by Parlia­ment for providing Maintenance for Ministers, and other pious Uses, for those that have Augmen­tations to their Benefices, to make their claimes by a day.

(24) From Edenburgh, that Sir John Hurry is come with 1400 Men, into Cathnesse, and the Reer of his Army is to follow from Montrosse.

This Hurry was an Officer in the Pay, and Service of the Parliament, and revolting from them, he now was an Officer under Montros, He seized a passe.

That M. G. Middleton was sent for by the Estates. He was likewise an Officer in the Service, [Page 435] and Pay of the Parliament, he revolted from the Parliament and was now in Service in his own Country, and backward he was yet to engage in this Businesse not likeing it, and pretending to be ill.

That at Breda, all is private, none can tell what is done, but the King and the Commissio­ners, all Writings being locked up, and Guards put upon the Clarkes. [...]

That the Clergy in Scotland, have procured strict Orders from the Commissioners of the States, for the prosecuting of Sectaries, and have a great Arbitrary Power in proceeding against them, and they are purged out of the Army as well as Malignants.

(25) The Trustees for Sale of the Lands of the late King &c. gave a day for all Debenters to be brought in, for the Souldiers, Arreares, and new Debenters to be given them.

Orders of the Commitee for the Accounts of the Soldiery, touching their Arreares.

(26) The General, and the Officers of the Army, kept a day of Humiliation at Sommerset-House, to seek God for a Blessing upon the pre­sent Undertakings of the Army. Army. Petition.

A Petition to the Parliament from the Offi­cers of the Army, in behalf of themselves, and the Souldiery.

Reciting the Ingagement of the Parliament to satisfy their Arreares, and the transferring the security for 600000 1. for their Arreares, from the Excise, to the Lands, Parkes &c. Of the late King, whereof they hoped to receive the Benefit, for their past faithful Service and future Encourage­ment.

Yet they are informed, that a 5th Part of the Parks are to be allowed for a pretended Interest, of herbage, and pawnage, to those who claime Custodies of those Parks for Lives whereas it were the full value, if they had the Fee simple. and nothing is due to them but their Fee onely, and this course will weaken, if not invalid the intended Security, as dis­content and discourage the Souldiery.

They pray that no such allowances may be made,

And that the Parliament would declare their Re­solutions herein speedily, before the Army marched from hence.

(27) From Edenburgh, That Hurrey and Montross have 3000 Men, and 1000 more coming in to them, whereupon Lieutenant General Lesly, is ordered Northward with most of the Horse, and 1400 Foot, who labours to appease them by his Protestations of Faithfulness to the King, and Perswasion to forbear intestine Broyles, seeing in a little time the King, and they may come to an Agreement, and then go jointly against the Common Enemy, the Sectaries of Eng­land.

(29) From Berwick, That Messengers are to be sent to Montrosses Party, to know their In­tentions, and if the Answer be not satisfactory, then to fight them is the Resolution. That Mon­trosses Party raise all the Country where they go from 16 to 60.

That the Committee of Estates have 7000 Foot, and 30 Troops of Horse which are march­ed Northward.

That one Peter Gourdon having notice of a search for Delinquents, he being a notable one, he took four others with him in a Boat, and boarded a Ship in the Harbour, wherein were 1200 Bushels of Wheat, and twelve Fats of Wine, and carryed them and the Ship to Orkeney.

That the Grandees caused Subscriptions to be Scots Bonds taken, in the way of Bonds, with Conditions to obey the Laws, and preserve the Peace, &c.

(30) Debate upon the Petition of the Of­ficers of the Army, and Voted that for 14 Days, nothing but publick business touching Mony be taken into consideration.

An Act passed for impowring the Commissio­ners for Sequestrations, to examine upon Oath, and to give Acquittances for the Monies they shall receive.

An Act prohibiting the exportation of Coin and Bullion into forreign parts commit­ted.

An Act for sale of the Lands of the Lord Dein­court, Committed.

Debate upon the Act against Incest, Adultery, and Fornication.

Vote that the Carmen be a distinct Company from the Woodmongers, subject to the Govern­ment of the City of London.

May 1650.

(May 1.) From Chester, That M. G. Venea­bles, and Sir Charles Coot kept the Field, and Sir Charles had reduced many small Forts near Car­rickfergus.

From Dublin, That the Irish have got into a great Body near Trym.

From Exon, That most of the late secured Gentlemen, of Cornwall, upon assurance of their peaceable living at home given under their hands, and a negative Ingagement not to act any thing prejudicial to the present Govern­ment, are permitted to return to their own Houses.

From Dublin, That the Parliaments Forces had taken in the strong Castle of Tully, and lost Cap­tain Ireland. Eriffe, and two other Officers. That they fell upon Mac Phaileas Quarters, killed near 200, lost Cornet Puffey. That C. Reynolds with a brave Brigade, attends the Enemies motion.

That the Earl of Castlehaven, and Lieutenant General Farrel mustered all their Forces to a great Body. That Sir Charles Coot had taken in Enis­kellin, and some other Forts.

From Taunton, That the Mayor who was for­merly for the Parliament, now refused to take the Ingagement, was turned out by the Corporation, and they chose a new Mayor.

From Berkshire, That five Drunkards agreed to drink the Kings Health in their Blood, and that each of them should cut off a piece of his Buttock, and fry it upon the Gridiron, which was done by four of them, of whom one did bleed so ex­ceedingly, that they were fain to send for a Chi­rurgeon, and so were discovered.

That the Wife of one of them hearing that her Husband was among them, came to the room, and taking up a pair of Tongs, laid about her, and so saved the cutting of her Husbands Flesh.

(2) From Monmonth of Malignants secured, and one of them, with a Declaration of M. G. Masseyes in his Pocket, and of proclaiming an Act of Parliament at the County Court by order from the Councel of State.

From Scilly, That there are 700 Irish, and 1400 English, and great store of Provisions, that Sir Richard Greenvil is expected with 4000 Men from Cornwall.

[Page 438] That there was a Plot by the Irish to cut off the English, which being discovered, one of the Irish Officers was shot to death, and three sent to Jersy, and English Officers put in the head of the Irish.

From Dublin of a Meeting of Ormond, Castle-Haven, Proposals. the Bishop of Clogher and others, where Ormond proposed, Whether they could make up an Army fit to Engage with Cromwel.

If not, Whether it were not necessary to draw all their strength into these Quarters, and utterly wast Ireland. them, that they might not be able to subsist.

If they were not able to do that, Whether it were not convenient to make Propositions of Peace for the Kingdom?

If not that, then Whether it would not be neces­sary for every man to make Conditions for him­self.

The conclusion was, That they would fall into the Parliaments Quarters and destroy all, both Pro­testants and Papists. But this so distasted the Country Gentlemen, that they put off the Busi­ness till another Councel.

The Governour of Dublin sent to C. Reynolds and Sir Theophilus Jones, who have 3500 men to come to his assistance.

(3) From Pendennis, That divers Vessels of the Dutch were taken by the Irish Men of War, and brought into Scilly, which the Dutch Agent could not get released, and therefore the Dutch had Commissions to take the Irish Ships.

(4) From Dublin, That Ormond and his Councel resolved to fall into the Perliaments Quarters, and to burn and spoil what they can, but Sir Theophilus Jones and C. Reynolds are upon their March with 2000 Horse and 3000 Foot to­wards them, and that notice hereof was sent to Sir Charles Coot, who had taken the Field with 3000 Men.

(6) Letters from Edenburgh, That C. Strang­hans, Montross defeated. C. Griffeth, and part of C. Ker his Forces with two other Troops and 60 Foot, fell upon Montrosses party in Rosse, routed them, and took 500 Prisoners, among them, Hurrey, Napier, and Frenerick and slew 300. That Montrosse him­self hardly escaped, they took his Horse, Pistols, Belt, and Scabbard, and have sent a Party to pur­sue him.

From Barnstable, of Troops Shipped for Ire­land.

(7) Upon a report from the Committee of the Army, Voted That two Months pay be pro­vided for the Marching Army.

Upon consideration of drawing the Forces this Summer (as there may be occasion) into several Parts of this Nation, and that they may have pay wheresoever they come, and the Country be secu­red from Freequarter.

Voted that there be an Assessement towards the Maintenance of Forces in England and Ire­land for 6 Months, after the rate of 90000 l. per mensem for the first three Months, and 60000 l. per mensem for the last three Months.

A Declaration passed concerning the Compo­sitions of Delinquents.

An Act inabling Grantees of Wards Lands, to passe their Grants under the great Seal, and to enjoy their Grants.

Order touching the Charges upon Deanes and Chapters Lands for Pious uses.

A Representation to the Parliament from the Gentlemen Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Durham. County of Durham, delivered by the Grand Jury at the Assises, and sent up by the High Sheriffe to the Parliament to this Effect.

1. That the Courts of Justice amongst them be­ing suspended, and removed to Westminster, they May. cannot sue for any small Debt or summe, but the Cost exceeded the Debt, and Suits are multiplyed to 600 Writs in one Term, and Fines and Recoveries of their Estates are unperfected.

That such an Establishment may be had of Courts of Justice, as the Parliament shall think fit.

2. That the Colledge and Houses of the Dean and Chapter, being now empty, and in decay, may be imployed for erecting a Colledge, School, or Acade­my for the benefit of the Northern Countries, which are so far from the Ʋniversities.

3. That part of the Lands of the Dean and Chapter near the City may be set out to Trustees for pious uses.

Referred to a Committee to state this business, and report their Opinions touching the Desires of the County.

Upon a Letter from the Aldermen, and Com­mon Councel of Bridgewater, of their removing the Mayor, for refusing to take the Ingagement, and choosing another, the House approved there­of.

(8) From Bristol 200 men were apprehend­ed who were Leaders of the Countrymen that fell upon C. Rieves his Souldiers Quartered near the City.

That a Souldier was shot to Death for mur­ther.

Of several Recruits embarqued for Ire­land.

From Yarmouth, of settling the Militia in Nor­folk four Regiments of Foot, and one of Horse, that many of the Cavaleers take the Ingage­ment.

That the General published Orders to be ob­served for the Hospital of Ely House, where the maimed Souldiers were.

(9) A Petition from the Inhabitants of Leeds in Yorkshire against an illegal Patent for incorpo­rating Leeds. that Town, desiring it may be vacat­ed.

From Coventry, of the Militia of that County settled, of 700 Horse, and 1200 Foot.

From Tossiter, of Recruits willingly come in.

From Stafford, of a discovery of a Design for an Insurrection there upon the advance of the Ar­my.

Whereupon C. Sanders, and C. Twisselden se­cured the High Sheriff and other Gentle-men.

(10) From London-derry, that the Lord Pre­sident is marched forth with 3000 Foot and 1200 Horse, by the Lord Lieutenants Desire towards Conaught, but will not be able to make any Con­siderable attempt upon that Province, for want of Shipping to convey his Ordinance and Provi­sions, the ways there being exceeding Boggy, and Mountainous.

Yet this will be gained by marching to the Bor­ders of it (which is the chief thing aimed at by the Lord Lieutenant) That the Forces under Clinriccard will not dare to march out of their own Country to joyn with the Forces under Castlehaven, or with any Brigade of the Ene­my.

From Edenburgh, That Montross his Forces be­ing grown up to about 4000 Horse and Foot, and 2000 more expected, they divided themselves in­to two Parties, and so marched out of Caithness Montress. into Sutherland, having at first taken the strong Castle of Dunbeith, which is near incompassed with the Sea.

[Page 440] In it was taken 1500 l. Sterling, and store of Provisions, the E. of Sutherland fled, and divers Ministers, yet some Ministers were taken, and some joyned with them.

This hot Alarum caused David Lesly to hasten from his Rendezvous at Brechen, and to desire the Rest of his Forces left with Holborn to march up to him, he in the mean while, goes on with what he had, he raising as many as he could by the way, came up to about 3000 Men.

Mentross sends up a Proposal that he might free­ly, with as many as would voluntarily joyn with him, passe into England and he would ingage to do vio­lence to none in his Passage.

But Lieutenant C. Strachan, and the others be­fore mentiond being many miles before therest of the Army (tho the Sectary Troops) ventured to in­gage the Enemy, routed Montrosses whole Army, flew about 300, took 500 Prisoners, among them Renegado Vrrey, and other Persons of Quali­ty.

That the Kirkmen a little before vented in publick, That the Treaty was but a Jugling to de­ceive Kirk. the Godly Party. When (as was believed) they had before heard, that the Treaty was con­cluded, with a full coming up to the Kirks De­mands.

Mr. Lloyd, Chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant, brought Letters from him, That he was set down before Clonmel, and his Guns Planted. That after that business shall be over, he intended to come for England. That two Officers going to view the Town, were taken Prisoners.

That the Enemy in Clonmel are about 2000 Foot and 120 Horse.

(11) Letters that Wogan the Revolter, with 500 Foot came to take Possession of Borough Castle, which the Lord Lieutenants Forces hearing of, marched towards him, but Wogan quitted the Castle, leaving only 14 Men, who upon the ap­proach of the Lord Lieutenants' Forces, yielded upon Quarter.

That Sir Hardress Wallers Forces took Laugher Castle, a considerable Fort within 6 Miles of Lymerick, and an attempt of his to take Kil­mallock, prevented by a discovery, but his Forces Possessed an Abby near the Town.

(13.) From Berwick, That thenews of routing of Montrosses Forces doth much distract the Malig­nants. Montresse.

That the Committee of Estates have given Mr. Straghan 1000 l. Sterling, and a Gold Chain, and to Hacket 1000 Marks Sterling, and to Kissin 50 l. and to the Souldiers ingaged in that Service three Months Pay.

From Holland, That the Scots King went from Breda to the Hague; That the Scots Commissio­ners proclaimed their King at Breda to be King of Scotland, England, and Ireland. And that the Agreement was set up there upon Posts.

(14) The Act passed for suppressing the de­testable Sins of Incest, Adultery, and Fornicati­on.

Upon which Mr. Henry Martyn declared his Opinicn, That the Severity of the Punishment by Adultery Act. this Act, being death, would cause these Sins to be more frequently committed, because People would be more cautions in Committing them for Fear of the H. Martin. Punishment, and being undiscovered, would be im­boldned the more in the Committment of them.

Order for a Bill for the maintenance of the Ministers in Colchester.

An Act passed for securing such summs of Mo­ney as shall be sent for the Service of the Navy, and Army.

Order, for C. Alexander Popham to raise a Re­giment of Horse in Somersetshire, to be a Part of the Militia of that County and to be kept toge­ther for the publique Service, and referred to the Councel of State, to grant him a Commission.

(15) From Chester, That Wexford men have beaten Phelim Birne, killed 4 of his Captains, and 120 of his men, and have taken Fyrnes, und Cor­now from him.

That the Irish Army in Vlster will not fight with Sir Charles Coot, but are withdrawn into their Quarters. That the Lemster Army is re­treated over the Shannon, and the L. Lt. is Master of the Field in all Places.

From Exon, That setling the Militia in that County, they onely appoint Captains, and no other Officers.

From the Hague, That the King and the Scots Commissioners were come from Breda thither, and the Treaty between them agreed.

From the Isle of Wight, That a Ship of 5 Guns, belonging to Sir George Carteret Governour of Jersy, bound for Virginia, with many Passengers, all Sorts of Goods, and tools for Husbandry, for planting an Island, which the P. had given to Sir George, was taken by Captain Green, and brought in thither.

(16) From Litchfield, of one who under the Notion of a Cavalier addressed himself to divers Gentlemen of that Countrey, Acquainting them, that he had Instructions from trepa [...]. the King to desire them to sign an Ingagement which he shewed them, and got many of them to subscribe it, then discovered it to the Officers of Litchfield, who sent for those Gentlemen, and made them Prisoners.

From Taunton, of many Voluntiers listed for the Service of Ireland.

From Hull, that an Irish Frigot brought to Amsterdam 2 great Lords who escaped out of Ire­land, and reported that the King was undone in his Interest there.

That the Governour of Hull renewed a Procla­mation, that no Master or Owner of any Ship coming to Hull, or in the Harbour, should re­ceive in any Passenger to go beyond Seas, or land any coming from beyond Seas, without notice given to the Governour.

A Design was discovered, and the Plotters apprehended. it was to seize Pendennis Castle for the Prince.

Order for a day of Humiliation through the Kingdom.

(17) Letters that Moutrosse was taken 2 or 3 dayes after the fight, 16 Miles from the Place of the Ingagement, in a disguise, and sorely wounded.

From Dublin that the Governour was marched out with an additional strenght to joyn with Sir Theophilus Jones, and C Reynolds; and that they would be about 4000.

That Castlehaven, Clenrickard, and Mac Tho­mas, were joyned in a Body, and that a Spye numbred with them, 25 Colours of Foot, and 10 Colours of Horse.

That Eniskellin was surrendred to Sir Charles Coot, according to the Agreement. That the Irish Army in the North grow strong, and more Forces to be sent to Sir Charles Coot who already marcheth with 2700 Foot, and 1100 Horse.

That Castlehaven, and his Party are retreated towards Connaught.

That the Parliaments Forces in Wicklow, have taken Fernes,, and Carnow, and have killed 120 of Mac Phelims men.

[Page 439] (18) From Edenburgh, the Particulars of Mon­trosses, defeat, that he had but 1100 Foot, and no Horse, yet with them marched 50 Miles into the Country, and would not stay for the rest of his Forces, nor those who were to joyn with him, Montross, but sent to them to come after.

That he would not keep the Hill, where he might have been safe, but marched into the plain Campania, were he had neither Lanes, nor Ditches to favour against the Horse, in which he knew the other Partyes strength Consisted.

That some conceived, Montrosse expected to meet with DavidLesly, who had received his Pro­positions for marching into England, and further Overtures; and did not expect to have met with Stracha [...] and his Sectary Troopes, who fell on him and he haveing no Horse, was the more easi­ly defeated.

From Newcastle that Sir William Fleming, and others were landed at Leith, with Letters from the King, and the Commissioners: that they were agreed of the substantiall Poynts, yet with Reference in some particulars, to a Resolution in Parliament.

From Ireland, that C. Reynolds fell upon the E. of Castlehaven, killed 1200 of his men, and took as many Prisoners, that they were struck with such a Pannick fear that they made no resistancee.

(20) From Berwicke, that in Scotland Montrosse Montross. was sentenced to be quartered, and Preparations for his Execution, before they heard from their King, or he from them, least he should interceed for his Pardon.

That the King and their Commissioners are Scots. unquestionably agreed, but they hold it not fit for him to come thither, till they be in a better Posture, that they kept a Day of Thanksgiving; and the Ministers prayed exceedingly for the Kings coming, as one brought into the Kirk, and therefore to God.

That the D. of Loraine had promised to assist the King with 10000 men.

From the Bath, that 4 Wagons came thither loaden with Sick, and maimed Souldiers, who had good Allowance from the Parliament, to be there, in hopes of some help by those Waters, that a private Gentlemen near that Place sent them 20 l.

(21) An Act passed for a day of publique Hu­militation.

An Act passed for an Assessment for the Forces in England and Ireland for 6 Monthes, at 90000 l. per mensem for the first 3 Monthes, and 60000 l. per mensem for the latter 3 Monthes.

Order that the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal grant a Brief, for a Collection for losses by Fire.

Order for C. Bennet to raise a Regiment of Foot, the like for C. Hayne.

A Letter from the Officers at the Head Quar­ters, to the Collonels, and Governours of the re­spective Regiments, and Garrisons iu England, and Wales.

Exhorting them to Prayer and to Ʋnity, and to Army. joyn in keeping a Day of Humiliation, set apart to seek God, for his Assistance to them in all Services, whereunto they shall be called. And to reform Drunkenness, Swearing, Prophanation of the Lords Day, contempt of the Ordinances of Christ, and all Sins in their several Charges, and to sanctify the Camp.

Order for an honourable Reception of Min heer Scaph An Agent sent from the States of Holland to the Parliament of England.

(22) Letters of Designes against Pendennis Castle, and the Commissioners of the Militia, be­ing very active, and giving great Assistance to them.

(23) From Dartmouth, that two Irish Pyrats Chased a Merchant man into the Harbour, and attempted to Board her at noon Day, but the Governour rescued her.

Certain Proposals were agreed upon to be pre­sented to the Parliament, at a general Meeting of Atturneys and Officers, for Reformation of the Law. Proceedings of Law, whereby they hoped, that the Clyent will be much secured, the Creditor and Purchaser fully provided for, the Charge of Suits greatly abated, and the Processe of Law much short­ned.

(24) From Chester, that Trechohan was quit­ted, and burnt down by the Enemy.

From Leverpoole, report that Clonmel was ta­ken by Storm, and that the Countrymen drawn together by the Bishop of Cloher, were dispersed, and gone home, being not willing to bear Armes.

From the Leaguer before Clonmel that they prepared to storm, that all the Fnglish under Or­mond, had submitted to the Parliament.

That the Enemy had lately two considerable Defeats given them, one in the County of Wex­ford by C. Cook, who routed the Enemy, slew many, and took divers Prisoners.

The other in the County of Corke, by the L. Broghil who slew about 700, and took many Prisoners, and totally routed the Party.

From Dublyn, that they have recovered Dru­mere, and other Forts.

(25) From Hull, that the Ingagement was ge­nerally taken by the Inhabitants of the East ri­ding.

Suspicion of a Plot.

From Coventry, that the Country came in so fast to take the Ingagement that the Commissio­ners could not give it to all of them.

From Edenburgh, that the L. Frendraght, of Scotland Montrosses Party, after his Defeat, for Vexation, starved himself, and that the L. Kenoule was also starved.

That the Presbitery of Orkeney, and Caithnesse, had relaxed Montrosse of his Excommunication.

That Sir William Flemming arrived there with a Letter to Montrosse, to disbandhis Forces; and that he sent a Messenger to disband about 300 in Orkeney under his Bastard Brother.

That the Commissioners Secretary was arrived with the news of a full Agreement with the King.

From Bristol, that Clonmel was surrendred to Ireland. the L. Lt. upon Articles, that they would have made Conditions for Ormond, and Inchequin, but were refused, but passes offered for them to go beyond Seas, which they would not take, but the L. Ardes, and others of Quality took them.

That C. More, and C. Reynolds besieged Te­trogham.

That the Bishop of Rosse being taken in the late Defeat at Kerny, was hanged before a Castle kept by his Forces, who thereupon surrendred it. That this Bishop was wont to say, there was no way to secure the English, but by hanging them. And now came himfelf to be hanged.

That in this Defeat at Kerny, the L. Broghil slew about 700, and took 20 Captains, Lieute­nants, and other Officers, and the Standard of the Church of Munster, it being a Church Army.

That the Horse did the Service before the Foot came up, at such a Passe, where 100 Musquetiers [Page 441] might have beaten back all the Horse in Ireland.

(27) From Edenburgh the Particulars of the Execution of Montrosse. That being brought before the Parliament, the Chancellor made a large Speech to him, telling him, how much formerly he was for the Covenant, and how he had since bro­ken [...] it.

He told them his Cause was good, and that he had not onely a Commission but particular Orders for what he did from his Majesty, whom he was ingaged to be a Servant to, and they also had prefessed to comply with; and upon that Account, however they dealt with him, he would own them to be a Parlia­ment.

That if they would take away his Life, the World knew, he regarded it not. It was a debt that must once be payd, and that he was willing, and did much rejoyce that he must go the same way his Majestie did. And it was the joy of his Heart, not onely to do but to suffer for him.

The Parliament gave Sentence upon him that he should be hanged upon a Gibbet of six Ells and a half high, and after he was hanged, his Head to be severed from his Body, and put upon the Toulbooth at Edenburgh; his right Hand to be cut off, and sent to Glascow, his left to Aberdeen; his right Foot to Saint Johns Towns, and his left to Dundee.

That all the time of his Sentence, and Execu­tion he seemed to be no way altered, but his Speech full of Composure, when they bid him kneel, he told them he would observe any Posture to manifest his Obedience, especially to them, who were so near to a Conjunction with his Majesty: and a Minister attending to offer him Absolution, he refused it from the Minister, but defired him to pray with him; Which the Minister refused, un­less he would take Absolution from him.

He himself prayed very zealously, and suffered with great Meekness, and Courage.

From Leverpoole, That the Ingagement is wil­lingly taken, that some Powder, and Match going to some Cavaliers was seized upon.

(28) A Bill for setling the Militia of the Com­monwealth, committed.

Order for an Act to be brought in, to impower the Militia of London to raise Horse, another for Westminster, another to be, for setting the Poor to work throughout the Nation.

Letters from Clonmel May 10.

This Day we entered Clonmel, which was quit by the Enemy the last Night, after a tedious Ireland. Storm, which continued 4 houres. Our men kept close to the Breach which they had entered, Clonmel. all the time; Save onely one accidentall Retreat in the Storm. We lost in this Storm C. Cul­lum, and some other Officers, with divers private Souldiers, and others wounded.

The Enemy had made many great Preparati­ons within, by a Traverse or Crossework, and to beat our men off as they entred; but after­wards many of them stole out of the Town, and left some few with the Inhabitants, to make Conditions; in the morning our Forces pursued, and killed all they could light upon.

(29) From Newcastle, That the Scots are in dayly Expectation of their Kings landing in some Part of the North, that some Parliament Ships are wafting up and downe on that Coast under Captain Hall.

(30) From Clonmel, That C. Reynolds is wayt­ing upon the Motions of Castlehaven, with 1500 Horse and Dragoons.

That they found in Clonmel, the stoutest Ene­my that ever was found by the Army in Ireland, and that there was never seen so hot a Storm of so long a Continuance, and so gallantly defended, neither in England nor Ireland.

From Portsmouth of a man of War taken with the Commission of Charles the Second.

From Berwicke, That the Scots Commissioners went beyond their Instructions, in promising Scots. their King Assistance against England, that their Ministers pray for the Confusion of the Sectarian Army in England. And that their Army is marching Southwards.

(31) From Coventry, That few or none of the Commonalty of that Countey but had taken the Ingagement.

From Bristol, That the L. Lt. of Ireland was landed there, and that they fired their great Guns thrice over at his Arrival.

From Guernzy, That M. Harrison had besieged the Castle, and made 150 Shot at it. Ireland.

From Dublin, That C. Reynolds was sate downe before Tecroghan, where C. Hewson met him, that they made their Approaches within Pistol Shot of it, without the loss of one man.

That it is a very strong Place, never possest by the Parliaments Forces during all the time of the Rebellion.

That the Titular Bishop of Clogher, G. of the Northern Irish; marching with about 300 Horse, and 4000 Foot, being faced by 1000 of the Parlia­ments Horse, retreated and many of his men dis­persed.

From Scotland, That Montrosse would have nothing to do with the Kirkemen, at the time of his Execution, and that the People shewed much Scotland. sorrow, and regret at his Death.

That the Scots Parliament invited the King thi­ther, and expect his sudden Arrival. That the Lord Argyle (late turned Royalist) and other Lords, are so desirous of his coming, that they postpone the Churches interest thereto.

The L. Lt. of Ireland came to Town, he was Cromwel. met on Hounstow-heath by many Members of Par­liament, and Officers of the Army, and at Hide-parke saluted with great Guns, and a Volly of Shot from C. Barksteads Regiment, and lodged in Whitehall.

June, 1650.

(1) Great Ceremonyes and Appeareances of joy, upon the coming of the L. Lt. of Ireland to London; most of the Persons of Quality, the Mem­bers of Parliament, and Officers of the Army a­bout the Town paid their Visits to him, and congratulated the safe Arrival of his Excellence after so many Dangers both by Sea and Land, where­in God had preserved him, and the wonderfull Suc­cesses which he had given him.

(3) From Edenburgh, That the Ministers are earnest in Prayer for the Kings coming, but so, that he may first condescend to all that is pro­pounded. That they are busie in setling Officers for his Majesties House and in purging the Army.

That Letters came from the King, expressing much sorrow at the Report he hears, that there is some blood of his good Subjects shed of late. But not knowing how it is, desires to understand the business fully. That Sir John Ʋrrey, and C. Spotteswood are forthwith to be beheaded.

From Leverpool, That the Excise was quietly settled in those parts.

[Page 442] A Souldier for Swearing and Blastheaming, and abusing a poor Woman to whom he owed Mo­ney, was sentenced by the Court Marshal

To ride the Wooden Horse an hour three days, with a Gag in his mouth, to run the Gantlope through two Companies of Foot, to have his Sword broken over his head, and to be cashiered the Army.

(4) Visits from the Lord Lieutenant of Ire­land to the Lord General Fairfax; and the Lord Cromwel. Mayor, and Aldermen of London, visited, and complemented his Excellence.

The Lord Lieutenant sate in Parliament, and had the hearty thanks of the House, for his great and faithful Services in Ireland.

Order for Letters to the Commissioners of the several Counties, to hasten the collecting of the Assessement.

An Act passed to impower the Militia of Lon­don to raise 600 Horse.

An Act passed for the better Payment of Aug­mentations out of sequestred in propiations, and Tithes.

An Account to the Parliament from Mr. Strickland, their Agent in Holland, and from Mr. Charles Vane, their Agent in Portugal, of their Transactions.

From Ireland of the taking two Ships with 500 Barrels of Powder bound for Lyme­rick.

That this Town hath sent two Aldermen forth to treat for its surrender. That Kilmallock, and another strong Place, upon the news of Clonmel, were quitted by the Enemy.

From Milford, of Recruits shipping.

From Chester, that Trecoghan holds out, The Castle is much battered, but the Place is reputed inaccessible.

That some of the Forces from Clonmel, are at­tempting Catherlow. That most of the Irish get to a head near Charlemont. That Sir Luke Fitz-geralds Lady defends Trecoghan.

From Pendennis, That there were 2 Dutch men of War, with Commissions to take such Osten­ders, Jersimen, and Scilly men, and Irish men, as had taken Ships belonging to their State.

(5) An Order from the G. forbidding any Souldiers to meddle with matter of title, or hold­ding of Possessions.

From Plymouth, of the Souldiers keeping a Fast day.

From Denbigh, That the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales ejected many Malignant, and Scandalous Ministers.

From Southamton, of a Malignant Lancashire Minister, who being cast out of his Living, came, and preached in those parts, and endeavoured to promote the Princes Cause; prophesying of his Legal Authority, and the Glory of it, and that he shall Govern this Nation with much more Glory than his Father did, and that a great Plague should be this Summer.

(6) From Weymouth of a Fight at Sea close un­der Portland, informed to be between one of the Parliaments Ships loaden with Amunition for the Fleet at Lisbon, and 3 Irish men, but who had the better of it, they could not know.

From Coventry, That C. Pride and his Regi­ment Quartering in the Town, behaved themsel­ves very civilly, and orderly.

From the Fleet before Lisbon of a Designe by P. Rupert to fire the Admiral, by sending a boat with 2 Negros, and an English man in Portugese Habit under pretence to sel-Provisions to the Fleet, and had a Device to have fired the Ship.

But the English man, casting out by chance an English word, they were suspected, and appre­hended; June the English man confessed all the busi­ness, and that P. Rupert promised him 100 l. to effect it.

That P. Rupert standing on the Shoar to see this done, when he perceived it was discovered, and the men apprehended, came to the Water side, where some Seamen were filling Water, and asked them who they were for? they answered for the Parliament. Whereupon the P. with his company, calling them Doggs, fell on them with Swords, and Pistols, killed 2 of them, wounded 2 more, and carryed away 3 of them Prisoners whom they keep in Chains, and have killed, and taken several other Seamen of the Parliaments Fleet there.

(7) From Dublyn That 120 of the Enemy came to relieve Trecoghan, thinking by stealth to get over a Bogg, but C. Hewson having notice of it, sent out a Party of Horse and Foot, who killed 60 of them, and pursued the rest to a Bogg, where they killed 16 of them, and tooke 4 Pri­soners.

That the Souldiers which were in Clonmel, fled to Waterford, and were there denyed entrance, onely Hugh Boy Oneal, and 2 or 3 more Com­manders were admitted.

That the Plague is very hot there.

That the Parliaments Forces in the North re­covered Tuum; which was surrendred through the terrour of a Morter piece, that made onely two Shots, but none of the Shells lighted with­in 40 yards of the Place.

(8) From Edenburgh, That Hamilton, Calander, Louderdale, and other Lords, are forbid to come into Scotland with the King. That Calander offered submission to the Kirk, but it would not do, and he is to depart the Kingdom by a Day, under pain of 100000 l. Scotch.

From Portugal, That G. Blake had taken 5 of Blake. the K. of Portugal Ships, loaden with rich Com­modities from America, and sent Word to the King, that unless he will command P. Ruperts Fleet out from his River, they will endeavour to seize Scotland. upon the rest of his Fleet coming from America.

(10) From Berwick that the Parliament of Scotland, sent a Letter to their King, expressing their Affection to him, and their rejoyceing at the Happy Agreement, desiring him not to be discourag­ed at some seeming Obstacles, as the Death of Mon­tross, &c. they doing nothing therein, but to accom­plish his Interest.

That Hurrey, and Spottswood were beheaded, and an acknowledgement made, That Spottswood (a Bishops Son) was one of those that murdered Dr. Dorislaus in Holland, And that another Scots Man, Prisoner now at Edenburgh, was of his com­pany.

That a French Marquess landed in the North of Scotland to assist Montross, not knowing what was become of him; but the Marquesse was secured, and from him were taken many Letters from the King, and from several Princes and great Men, incouraging him in the business he had un­dertaken.

From York, of a Fast Day kept there by the Officers and Souldiers, and the like at New-castle.

From Dublin, That Hewson from before Tre­coghan writes that Ormond and all the Irish were drawing down towards them to raise the Seige, and he sent for all the Horse of these Quarters.

G. Blake sent a Paper to the King of Portugal, of the grievances declared to his Majesty by the Parliaments Fleet riding in the Bay of Wyers, [Page 453] against Prince Rupert; which themselves and o­thers of their Nation, had suffered; and now de­sire Justice.

(11) The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, gave an Account to the House of the whole state of Cromwel. Affairs in Ireland, in relation to their own Forces in Garrison, and Field, their present imployment and settlement, and of the Forces of the Enemy, and the Garrisons yet in their power.

He left Ireton his Deputy in Ireland to prose­cute the Parliaments Interest there.

The L. Seaph, Agent from the States of Hol­land, had audience with great respect.

An Act passed for settling the Militia of West­minster in the same manner with that of Lon­don.

From Chester, That Sir Charles Coot took from the Ʋlsters 2000 Cows.

That Sir Thomas Armstrong is come into Dub­lin with 250 Horse. That the Lemster Army lay before Trecoghan, and they were upon treaty of delivery.

That Ormond and Inchequin were come in, and undertook that they, and all the English, and Brittish shall joyn with the Parliaments Forces against the Popish Army, and they take 6 Months to make their Peace with the Parliament, or to go beyond Seas.

That a strong Party of the Tories came near to Dublin, and took away much Cattle.

From Coventry, That a Souldier of C. Prides Regiment was sentenced to be tyed neck and heels together, and to be set where the whole Re­giment should march by him, and to be cashiered, for stealing a Hen, and putting it under his Coat in his March: which Justice pleased the Coun­try.

(12) A Letter from the Officers of the Ge­neral his Regiment of Foot, to their fellow Soul­diers, exhorting them to Prayer and Ʋnity, and full of pertinent and wholsom Scripture Expres­sions, and good Councel.

(13) From Chefler, that the Bishop General Macmoghun, a vicious wicked wretch, is in the head of the Northern Irish.

From Newcastle, That in the Marches of Scot­land, they have listed every fourth man. That some of their Forces are marched to Sea Towns, to attend the arrival of their King. That they are much started at the News of the English Ar­mies marching Northwards.

That they will not believe Cromwel to be come to London. That the Kirkmen bid the People not to fear, as the Malignants, even so shall all Secta­ries Perish.

The Solemn Fast kept, the Parliament, Coun­cel of State, G. Fairfax, L. G. Cromwel, and the Judges being all together.

[14] From Edenburgh, That Dalgely of Montrosses Party, being sentenced to be behead­ed, and brought to the Scaffold, ran and kissed the Scaffold, and without any Speech or Ceremony, layed down his Head on the Block, and was pre­sently beheaded.

That they recruite their Army, That they put it to the Vote in Parliament, Whether they should make any more addresses to the King? and it was carryed to send another Letter to him, To desire his speedy coming thither, and they will endeavour Scotland. to set him on his Throne; and will passe by those things contrary tohis Agreement, found in the Let­ters about Montross, if he will now come in and com­ply with them, and they forbid divers great Men to come into Scotland.

From Beaumaris, That Sir Thomas Armstrong, the Lord Moore, M. G. Oneal, M. G. Barry, with divers Officers, and 250 Horse came into Dub­lin.

From C. Reynolds, That few strong Places in Ireland. Ireland remain unreduced. That some of their Ministers Preach Damnation to the Parliaments Army, and to all that Assist them. That the Ar­my and Garrisons there subscribed the Ingage­ment unanimously, so have the Magistrates, and generally the Inhabitants, though not required to do it.

That the Enemy taking Toome, Veneables was sent to reduce them, which he did, and in the mean time, the Enemy got into the Woods be­tween his Party and Sir Charles Coots, that they could not joyn. That in their absence, many Scotch Ministers were sent to debauch the Peo­ple in those parts of Ireland.

That the Enemy are about 5000 Foot besides Horse, yet dare not fight with a much smaller Par­ty of the Parliaments Forces, who are almost na­ked, and full of sickness for want of Cloaths. That they secured some Scotch Ministers.

(15) Letters of a very solemn keeping of the Fast day, at Shrewsbury, and of the Militia set­tled in Herefordshire.

Of a great perplexity in Scotland by the Kings delaying his coming thither; and of Montrosses Brother, designing to sail with his Brothers Fri­got to Norway, the Captain and divers others be­ing on Shore, the rest of the Mariners brought the Ship to Leith, and in it divers Papers of conse­quence, with Subscriptions of Ministers and Lords to the Declaration of Montross.

(17) Letters That the Levyes go on in Scot­land, and that the People cry out upon the Taxes, and they shall be undone if the English Army come into Scotland before theirs be ready. That the Ministers do preach against what their Com­missioners have done.

That the Parliament Army about York is full of Courage and desirous of Service.

That in Holland, Van Trump commanded out all the Men of War to wait on the Prince into Scotland.

The Parliament had a long debate, and passed several Votes about ordering of Monies for the Armies in England and Ireland.

(18) Several Orders about Monies for the Navy, and for Supplies for them, and for the Forces in England and Ireland.

Letters from several Garrisons, to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters, in answer to theirs about the Fast, and which were full of Cou­rage and Piety.

(19.) Letters that the Ʋlsters, about 6000 in a body, [...] dmuch spoyl in Sir Charles Cootes Quarters. That the Clergy about Chester, kept a Fast Day, rather to pray against, than for the Parliament and Army.

Of Recruits ready for Ireland.

That 900 in one Parish near Leverpool willing­ly took the Ingagement.

That divers Gentlemen about Exon were secu­red by the Militia there.

That the Ministers there refused to publish the Fast Day, but the People generally kept it, and shut up their Ships.

That the Ld. G. his Regiment, and the Train were at Nottingham, in their March North-wards.

(20) Letters to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters, from some of their fellow Of­ficers [Page 444] and Souldiers, and it was strange to see in many of those Letters, the wonderful zeal and affection of the Officers and Souldiers to the Par­liaments Service, and with what a Spirit of Pray­er, and Piety not usual in Camps, they were carri­ed on, and incouraged one another. army

Letters that Mr. Ayscam, the Parliaments A­gent to the King of Spain, at his first arrival at Madri, took up his lodging in an Inn there the first night, that the next day a more convenient house was provided for him by his Stew­ard.

That in the mean time Mr. Ayscam and his Interpreter being at dinner in the Inn, with one Footman attending them, six English Men, three of them habited as Merchants, the other three as Ascham Murdered Souldiers, knocked at the door, and being admit­ted because they were English Men, Mr. Ascam rose from the Table to salute them.

As he saluted them, the formost laid hold on his hair, and stabbed him into the Head, whereup­on the Interpreter endeavoured to escape, but was stabbed in the belly, and they both fell down dead immediately.

The Murderers fled for refuge to the Venetian Ambassadors house, but he denyed them entrance, and then they took Sanctuary in the next Church.

Mr. Ayscams Papers and Goods were secured by the Spanish Secretary of State, and a Guard allow­ed to Mr. Ascams Secretary, till his return for England.

Two Troopers sentenced by a Court Marshal for Raunters, and Cashiered the Army.

(21) Letters that 5000 of the Irish were fal­len into the County of Derry, to hinder the joyn­ing of Sir Charles Coot and Veneables.

Of an Hue and Cry sent from the Lords Com­missioners of the great Seal after Captain Dowglas, and that in search of him, another notorious Delin­quent was found, who leaped out of a Window eight foot high, yet was apprehended and sent to Prison.

That since the Forces went from Dublin to Tre­coghan, the Tories fell into those Parts, and drove away many Cows from about Dublin. That a Party of 80 of the Parliaments Horse being sent after the Tories to rescue the Prey, and dispersed to hunt after them, a Party of the Enemies Horse fell suddenly upon them, and took 64 of them Prisoners.

That Mr. White, who formerly betrayed the Bogg of Allen to the Rebeils, coming from them to Dublin, was met with and killed by the To­ries.

That the Lord Deputy Ireton came to the Siege of Catherlow, and sent Collonel Axtel with 1100 Horse and Foot to Tecrohan. That the Lady Fitz-Gerald (whom the Souldiers called Col. Mary, she Lady Fitz-gerald. defending Tecrohan) wrote to her Husband for Supplyes, else that she must be forced to surrender upon Conditions, and that none in the Castle but one doth know her wants.

(22) Letters of much trouble in Scotland, by reason of the Army of English Sectaries marching Northwards.

That one Whitford, another of the Assacinates of Dr. Dorislaus, was executed in Scotland, as one of Montrosses Party.

(24) Letters that the King had left Holland, and either was already, or would shortly be in Scotland.

That a Holland Ship, Loaden with goods for Edenburch was taken by the Parliaments ships and brought to Newcastle. That the Scotch Le­vyes proceed apace, and some Lords are question­ed for having a hand in the Invasion of Mon­tross.

(25) Orders touching the Forces marching Northwards, and about Recruits for Ireland, and for Widdows maintenance, whose Husbands were slain in the Parliaments Service.

An Act passed for continuance of the Commit­tee for the Army, and Treasurers at War.

An Act passed for constituting M. G. Skippon, Commander in chief of all the Forces in London, and the Lines of Communication. acts

The Act touching Articles of War continued for six Months.

Debate of an Act for suppressing Raun­ters.

An humble Acknowledgment to the Parlia­ment from the Gentlemen, and well affected of South-wales. South-Wales with thankfulness and Profession of their future duty and Obedience. And the Speaker gave them the hearty Thanks of the Parlia­ment.

The juncto of the Councel of State with whom Cromwel consulted, having Intelligence of the Iuncto of State. Kings resolution for Scotland, and of the Laws there made, of Forces to assist him in his intended Invasion of England; whereof they had more than ordinary assurance;

They thought it therefore not prudent to be behind hand with their Enemy, nor to be put to Resolu­tion to invade Scotland. an after Game, to stay till they should first invade England, but rather to carry the War from their native Country into Scotland.

As to the Objection that their invading Scot­land would be contrary to the Covenant, they were satisfyed that the Covenant was by the Scots bro­ken and dissolved before; and was not now bind­ing betwixt the two Nations, and the levying of Forces In Scotland, and marchinng some of them to the Borders of England, with the Hostile Acts done by them formerly, were sufficient Grounds for the Parliament to provide for the Security of themselves and Countreymen; the which could not be so effectually done, as by carrying the War which they designed upon us, unto their own Doors.

Upon these and many other weighty considera­tions, it was resolved here, That having a formed Army well provided and experienced, they would march it forthwith into Scotland, to prevent the Scots Marching iuto England, and the Miseries accompanying their Forces to our Conutrey­men.

The Ld. G. Fairfax being advised with here­in, seemed at first to like well of it, but afterwards being hourly perswaded by the Presbyteriam Mi­nisters, Fairfax unsatisfy'd and his own Lady, who was a great Pa­troness of them, he declared himself unsatisfyed that there was a just ground for the Parlament of England to send their Army to Invade Scot­land.

But in case the Scots should invade England, then he was forward to ingage against them in defence of his own Country.

The Councel of State fomewhat troubled at his Excellencies scruples, appointed Cromwel, Lam­bert, Harrison, St. John, and Whitelock, a Com­mittee to confer hereupon with Fairfax; and to endeavanr to satisfy him of the Justice and law­fulness of this undertaking.

The Committee met with the L. G. Fairfax, and being shut up together in a room in Whitehall, they went first to Prayer, that God would direct [Page 445] them in this business, and Cromwel began, and most of the Committee prayed, after which they discoursed to this effect.

Cromwel.

My Lord General, we are command­ed by the Councel of State to conferr with your Excel­lency Confe­rence with Fairfax. touching the present design (whereof you have heard some debate in the Councel) of marching the Army under your Command into Scotland, and be­cause there seemed to be some hesitation in your self as to that Journey, this Committee were appointed to endeavour to give your Excellency Satisfaction in any doubts of yours, which may arise concerning that affair, and the Grounds of that resolution of the Councel for the Journey into Scotland.

Lord General.

I am very glad of the Opportuni­ty of conferring with this Committee, where I find so many of my particular Friends, as well as of the Commonwealth, about this great business of our March into Scotland; wherein I do acknowledge my self not fully satisfyed as to the grounds and justice of our Invasion upon our Brethren of Scotland, and I shall be glad to receive satisfaction therein by you.

Lambert.

Will your Excellency be pleased to favour us with the particular Causes of your Dissa­tisfaction.

Lord General.

I shall very freely do it, and I think I need not make to you, or to any that know me, any Protestation of the continuance of my Duty and Affection to the Parliament, and my readyness to serve them in any thing wherein my Conscience will give me leave.

Harrison.

There cannot be more desired nor ex­pected from your Excellency.

Whitelock.

No Man can doubt of the Fideli­ty and Affection of your Excellency to the Service of the Commonwealth; you have given ample Testimo­ny thereof, and it will be much for the advantage of their affairs, if we may be able to give you satisfacti­on (as I hope we shall) touching the particular points wherein your doubts arise.

St. John.

I pray my Lord, be pleased to ac­quaint us with your particular Objections against this Journey.

Lord General.

My Lords, you will give me leave then withall freeness to say to you, that I think it doubtful whether we have a just cause to make an In­vasion upon Scotland.

With them we are joyned in the national League and Covenant; and now for us contrary thereunto, and without sufficient cause given us by them, to en­ter into their Country with an Army, and to make War upon them, is that which I cannot see the justice of, nor how we shall be able to justify the lawfulness of it before God or Men.

Cromwel.

I confess (My Lord) that if they have given us no cause to invade them, it will not be justifyable for us to do it; and to make War upon them without a sufficient ground for it, will be contrary to that which in Conscience we ought to do, and displea­sing both to God and good men.

But (My Lord) if they have invaded us, as your Lordship knows they have done since the national Co­venant, and contrary to it, in that Action of D. Ha­milton, which was by order and authority from the Parliament of that Kingdom, and so the Act of the whole Nation by their Representatives,

And if they now give us too much cause of suspi­cion, that they intend another Invasion upon us, joyn­ing with their King, with whom they have made a full agreement, without the Assent or Privity of this Commonwealth, and are very busie at this present in raising Forces, and Money to carry on their De­sign.

If these things are not a sufficient ground and Cause for us to endeavour to provide for the safty of our own Countrey, and to prevent the miseries which an Invasion of the Scots would bring upon us, I hum­bly submit it to your Excellencies Judgment.

That they have formerly invaded us, and brought a War into the Bowels of our Countrey, is known to all, wherein God was pleased to bless us with Success against them, and that they now intend a new Inva­sion upon us, I do as really believe, and have as good Intelligence of it, as we can have of any thing that is not yet acted.

Therefore I say (My Lord) that upon these grounds, I think we have a most just Cause to bogin, or rather to return, and requite their Hostility first begun upon us; and thereby to free our Country (if God shall be pleased to assist us, and I doubt not but he will) from the great misery and calamity of ha­ving an Army of Scots within our Coun­trey.

That there will be War between us, I fear is una­voidable. Your Excellency will soon determine whe­ther it be better to have this War in the Bowels of another Country or of our own, and that it will be in one of them, I think it without Scruple.

Lord General.

It is probable there will be War between us, but whether we should begin this War, and be on the offensive part, or only stand upon our own defence, is that which I scruple. And although they invaded us under D. Hamilton, who pretend­ed the Authority of the Parliament then sitting for it, yet their succeeding Parliament disowned that Ingagement, and punished some of the Promoters of it.

Whitelock.

Some of the principal men in that Ingagement of D. Hamiltons, are now in great Favour and Imployment with them, especially in their Army since raised, and now almost ready to advance into England, and I believe your Excel­lency will judge it more prudence for us (who have an Army under your Command ready formed, and experienced Souldiers, whom God hath wonderfully prospered under your conduct) to prevent their coming into England, by visiting of them in their own Coun­trey.

Lord General.

If we were assured of their com­ing with their Army into England, I confess it were prudence for us to prevent them, and we are ready to advance into Scotland before they can march in­to England, but what warrant have we to fall up­on them, unless we can be assured of their purpose to fall upon us.

Harrison.

I think, under favour there cannot be greater assurance or humane probability of the in­tentions of any State, than we have of theirs to in­vade our Countrey, else what means their present Levyes of Men and Money, and their quartering Souldiers upon our Borders? it is not long since they did the like to us, and we can hardly imagine what other design they can have to imploy their For­ces.

Lord General.

Humane Probabilities are not sufficient grounds to make War upon a Neighbour Nation, especially our Brethren of Scotland, to whom we are ingaged in a solemn League and Cove­nant.

St. John.

But (My Lord) that League and Covenant was first broken by themselves, and so dis­solved as to us, and the disowning of D. Hamiltons Action by their latter Parliament, cannot acquit the Injury done to us before.

Cromwel.

I suppose your Excellency will be convin­ced of this clear truth, that we are no longer ob­lieged by the League and Covenant which themselves did did first break,

Lord General.
[Page 456]

I am to answer only for my own Conscience, and what that yields unto as just and lawful, I shall follow, and what seems to me, or what I doubt to be otherwise, I must not do.

Whitelock.

Your Excellence is upon a very right ground, and our business is to endeavour your Satis­faction in those doubts you make, if we shall stay till they first invade us, we shall suffer much misery to come among us, which probably we may prevent by sending first to them; and surely the Law of Nati­ons, if an Ally enter in an hostile manner into his Neighbour Nation contrary to the Allyance, and be beaten out again, that Nation thus invaded may law fully afterwards invade the other, to requite the for­mer wrongs done unto them.

But besides this we cannot but see their present preparations to be against us, for they are in Amity with all others, and their conjunction now with the Kings Party, may plainly enough discover their De­signes against this Commonwealth.

Lord General.

I can but say as I sayed before that every one must stand or fall by his own Consci­ence, those who are satisfyed of the Juistce of this War, may chearfully proceed in it, those who scruple it (as I confess I do) cannot undertake any Service it in.

I acknowledge that which hath been said to carry much weight and reason with it, and none can have more power upon me than this Committee, nor none be more ready to serve the Parliament than my self in any thing wherein my Conscience shall be satisfyed, in this it is not, and therefore that I may be no hin­derance to the Parliaments designs, I shall willingly lay down my Commission, that it may be in their hands to choose some worthier Person than my self; and who may upon clear fatisfaction of his Conscience undertake this business wherein I desire to be excu­sed.

Cromwel.

I am very sorry your Lordship should have thoughts of laying down your Commission, by which God hath blest you in the performance of so ma­ny eminent Services for the Parliament. I pray My Lord, consider all your faithful Servants, us who are Officers, who have served under you, and de­sire to serve under no other Gene. It would be a great discouragement to all of us, and a great discourage­ment to the Affairs of the Parliament for our noble General to entertain any thoughts of laying down his Commission. I hope your Lordship will never give so great an Advantage to the publick Enemy, nor so much dishearten your Friends, as to think of laying down your Commission.

Lambert.

If your Excellence should not receive so much satisfaction, as to continue your Command in the Parliaments Service, I am very fearful of the mischiefs which might ensue, and the distraction in the pulick affairs by your laying down your Com­mission, but I hope that which hath been offered unto you by this Committee, upon your serious considerati­on, will so far prevaile with your noble and pious disposition, and with your Affection to this cause wherein we are so deeply ingaged, as that you will not (especially at this time) leave your old Servants and Officers, and the conclusion of the most glorious cause that ever men were ingaged in.

Harrison.

It is indeed (My Lord) the most righteous and the most glorious Cause that ever any of this nation appeared in, and now when we hope that the Lord will give a gracious is­sue and conclusion to it, for your Excellence then to give it over, will sadden the hearts of many of Gods People.

Lord General.

What would you have me do? as far as my Conscience will give way, I am willing to joyn with you still in the service of the Parliament, but where the Conscience is not satisfyed, none of you (I am sure) will ingage in any service, and that is my condition in this, and therefore I must desire to be excused.

Much other discourse passed between the Gene­ral and the Committee to the same purpose as be­fore mentioned, and none of the Committee so earnest to perswade the General to continue his Commission, as Cromwel and the Souldi­ers.

Yet there was cause enough to believe that they did not over much desire it.

This Committee made report back to the Councel of State of the L. G. his total averse­ness Farfax. Lays down his Com­mission. to march with the Army into Scotland, but that he resolved rather to lay down his Commissi­on.

And the House being made acquainted with it, new endeavours were made to perswade his Lord­ship to continue his Command, but in vain, so he was pleased to lay down his Commission.

(26) An Act paffed for repealing the Ordi­nance and Act, whereby the Lord Fairfax was appointed Commander in chief of all the Forces of the Parliament.

And this being of fo great consequence, and Cromwell made General. which could admit of no delay, it not being safe for the Army to be without a head, Cromwel was presently (by contrivance) named to be General and Commander in chief of all the Parliaments Forces, and upon the Question it was voted nemi­ne contradicente, that he should be Gene­ral.

An Act passed for constituting and appointing Oliver Cromwel Esq to be Captain General in chief of all the Forces raised, and to be raised by Authority of Parliament, within the Common-wealth of England.

All Commissions to Officers of the Army for­merly granted, were continued till Cromwel should renew or alter them.

Great Ceremonies and Congratulations of the new General were made to him from all sorts of People, and he went on roundly with his Busi­ness.

A Souldier for drawing his Sword in a drunk­en Court Marshal mood, quarrelling and abusing some Towns­People, was by a Court Marshal sentenced to stand an hour in the Market place at Plpmouth, to run the Gantlope twice through 4 Companies, to have his Sword broken over his Head, and to be cashiered.

Which was executed, and several other sen­tences, and one adjudged to death for running a­way from his Colours.

Captain Green by letters of Mark brought in three French Prizes. Ireland.

(27) Letters that the Plague rageth much in the Irish Quarters, and sweeping away whole Towns. That it was also in the English Quar­ters. That in Dublin there dyed of it 200 a Week.

That the Irish in the North fet forth a Decla­ration courting the King and the Scots Inter­est.

(28) That the Scots mustered their Army to four Regiments of Horse, and six Regiments of Scots. Foot, their Horse 100 in a Troop, their Foot 120 in every Company, for their new Levyes they go on slowly, and with much discontent, their Intention being, if there shall be occasion, to make of every Troop two, and of every Com­pany two, for which they have already named Officers, and intend for their Field Army to have 8 Regiments of Horse, and 12 Regiments of Foot

[Page 447] That some of the Scots Horse are already mar­ched towards the Borders, and divers other Troops are dispatching towards Carlisle and Berwick That C. Hackers Regiment of Horse are quartered in the Villages bordering upon Tweed, and resolve to fight the Scots, if an Inroad be attempted.

That the Fortification at Berwick are repaired, and about 30 pieces of Ordnance planted. That the Mount upon the Sea Coast, hath 10 brass Pie­ces, and commands the River.

(29) Letters of Recruits Shipping for Ire­land, That the Siege continues at Waterford. That the Plague increaseth at Galloway.

The L. G. Cromwel went out of London towards Cromwel the North, the News of the Parliaments Army marching Northwards, much startled the Scots, who alledge the Covenant and Articles of Pacificati­on, that they ought not to be invaded without three Months warning.

Letters came from their Parlament directed to the Speaker of the House of Commons, but the House being adjourned till tuesday next, nothing could be done upon the Letter.

July 1650

(July 1.) Letters that the King landed in Scotland, 16. of June, but so privately, that it was not known till the 24. of June.

That they have levyed to be immediately at a Rendezvous 10000 Foot and 27 Troops of Horse besides their old Army, and refolve to invade Eng­land, if England do not invade them first,

That 2000 of their Foot are about Leith, which is strongly fortifyed for a reserve. Scotland.

That the Scots give it out that Cromwel hath a Commission to come for Scotland with Fire and Sword, and is to give no Quarter to any Scots Man, and must have all that he can conquer for himself and his Souldiers, this they report, to incense the People against the English.

That some of their Friends in England advised them to write to the Parliament here, to know whether they intend to come into Scotland, and whether the March of their Army Northwards be in an offensive, or defensive way.

That this they have done, and hope, the de­bate of it, will produce some interruption or de­lay of their march. That the Kirk there appoint­ed a general day of Humiliation.

(2) The Parliament published a Declarati­on of the Grounds of their Armies March North-wards.

An Act passed for preventing and suppressing Act a­gainst Swear­ing. the detestable Sins of prophane cursing and Swear­ing.

Every Lord to pay for the first Offence 30 s. Every Baronet and Knight 20 s. every Gentleman 6. s. 8. d. every other Person 3. s. 4. d. the second Offence to be doubled to the 10th. and for that the Party to be bound to the good Behavi­our.

Referred to a Committee to consider what Pub­lick Officers are burdensome to the Common-wealth, and how they may be taken away or re­gulated, for the ease of the People.

Order that Mr. Strickland the Parliaments Resi­dent in Holland, do take the Subscriptions of the English Mercants there to the Ingagements, and such as refuse, to be disabled from having any Vote in the Company.

Order that C. Ludlow be Lt. G. of the Horse in Ireland, and that Commissioners be sent over thi­ther with Instructions from the Parlia­ment.

Letters that the Scots in Ireland contributed to the Popish Forces.

Letters that the Plague was broken out in Shrews­bury.

Letters from the Fleet, before Lisbon, That the Brazile Fleet, consisting of 9 English Ships, and as Fleet. many Portugals and French, coming forth, The Parliaments Generals stopped all the English Ships, and their lading of Passengers and Souldiers, and sent another message to the King of Portugal, to demand the English Ships under Prince Rupert, but he and his Councel answered, that it was an unreasonable demand.

That the English Agent there escaped in a Dis­guise to the Fleet, but the English Merchants at Lisbon, who were Friends to the Parliament were imprisoned by the Kings Order. That they tendred an Ingagement to the rest of the English, to endea­vour the reinthroning of King Charles the Se­cond.

From Barnstable of a design to destroy all the Parliament Party in that Town, and thereabouts, prevented by small means through the Mercy of God, was this day celebrated with great Solemni­ty.

(4) Letters of a Spanish Ambassador landed in the Downs, and of a French Man of War with some English in her, who took small English Vessels near Pool.

Of the Treasure Waggons going Northwards to the Army.

Of a Vessel loaden with Iron under sail from Tsalee in Ireland, newly gone out of the Harbour, when a Party of the Lord Broghils Forces coming thither, haled her to come back, but she being un­der Sail, regarded them not, but made on her way.

Whereupon 20 of the Troopers stripped them­selves, making as if they would swim to her, and storm her, and two of them who could swim well, came uP to her, which so amazed those in the Vessel, that they hoised out their Boat on the other side of the Ship, and got away; leaving the Ship and her loading to the two valiant Troop­ers.

Of the Plague breaking forth near Barnsta­ble.

(5) Letters of the L. Willoughbyes arrival in the Barbadoes, Where he lay concealed eight dayes, untill he had contrived his business with Barbados. some great Delinquents there, and then ap­peared as the chief Governour, and proclaimed King Charles the second.

Of the seizing the Ships bonnd for Brazile from Lisbon by the Parliaments General at Sea, and all the Ammunition and Provisions in them, and some French Ships blocking up that Haven.

(6) Letters of a Message sent from the Scots Message from the Scots. Parliament to M. G. Lambert at the same time when they sent to the English Parliament, to know the reason of their Armys march Northwards and urging That by the large Treaty, no Act of Hostili­ty or Invasion ought to be upon each other, before three Months notice given.

That the Messenger is detained (but not un­der restraint) without answer, till the Pleasure of the Parliament be known.

That Cromwell coming to York, the Lord May­or, Aldermen, and Sheriffs attended him, and in­vited York [Page 448] him and his Officers to dinner, where they were highly caressed.

From Ireland, That the Bishop of Clogher in­terposed between Sir Charles Coot and C. Venea­bles with an Army of 10000 Irish, and caused Sir Charles Coot several times to retreat, but at length Ireland Victory. his Forces took such Courage, that they resolved to fight the Bishop, and after an hours hot dispute it pleased God to deliver that great Army into their hands.

That the Bishop their General received many wounds, and in a few hours after he was taken Prisoner, dyed of them, that their Lt. G. Oneal was slain, with their Quarter Master General, and nine Collonels, inferiour Officers very many, and 3000 common Souldiers.

That the names and qualities of their Officers Slain and taken, were not then known, a mes­singer being dispatched with a General account of the business till they could have time to particula­rize, that some of the Prisoners confest, if they could have given a defeat either to Sir Charles Coot or C. Venables, that the Bishop resolved to draw his Army into Scotland, to promote the Kings affaires there.

(8) Letters that the Scots King was still at Dundee, that they could not agree about his com­ing to Edenburgh, nor about his Coronation, that Scotland. Commissioners from the Parliament, and a Com­mitee of the Kirk were with him about signing the Propositions.

That a party of the Scots Horse were drawn within 20 Miles of Berwick which gave an allarm; and caused the Parliaments Forces thereabouts to be in a ready Posture to receive them; but they came not on.

From Sir Charles Coot, that his party with him being but 600 Horse and 800 Foot, he sent to C. Letters from Sir Charles Coot. Venables to come and joyn with him, but the Bishop of Clogher with his Army being then about 4000 Foot, and 600 Horse fell in between them to hinder their conjunction.

The Enemy incamped themselves on a boggy ground within 2 Musket Shot of our Leaguer, and after a­bout 4 hours, began to draw off with most of their For­ces over a pass, which I perceiving called the Officers together, and it was thought fit to charge the Enemy in the Rear with about 200 Horse, keeping our foot and the rest of the Horse intire.

Our Horse Fell on with a great deal of gallantry, and charged through 2 divisions of their Foot; but their Horse, being quite behind their Foot, Finding our Horse in some disorder, Fell on them, and forced them to retreat.

Whereupon C. Richard Coot advancing with part of his Regiment to relieve our men; the Enemies Horse Faced about, and were beaten back again into their main Body.

We lost only in this conflict Captain Taylor (who dyed most gallantly in the midst of the Rebels Pikes) and 7 Troopers, but took Prisoners a Captain of theirs, and killed at least 6 for one; but they drew off to a pass a Mile below. I Sent Orders to the Country People to remove themselves and their goods, and our Sol­diers secured the passes between them and the Ene­my.

C. Fenwick with 1000. Foot came to us, but with­out any Provisions, and it pleased God to give such courage to our Souldiers, that we Marched up towards the Enemy, who upon sight of our party (they being encamped upon the side of a Mountain inaccessible either for Horse or Foot) drew forth into a piece of Ground, which though extream bad, yet it pleased God to put into our Hearts to advance towards them.

Where we presently ingaged them, and by the bles­ing of God after an hours hot dispute, with great re­solution July. on both sides, we wholly routed them.

Many of them were killed upon the place, and the Execution was 10 or 11 Miles every way that Night. What numbers were slain, I cannot positively say, the Countrey People as well as the Souldiers eagerly pursuing and killing them for two daies af­ter.

But with modesty I may assure you, there cannot be less than 2000. slain, together with their M. G. 5. Colonels, 1. Bishop, with almost all their Officers and their Lieutenant G. Offorrel, as we are inform­ed, though his body be not yet discover­ed,

They lost likwise their Armes, Colours, Baggage, with most of their Horse.

Since my writing thus far, I have received seve­ral Letters from one party in the pursuit, that they have Killed 6 or 700. more of the Rebels. That M. King with 50 Dragoons had taken the Bishop of Clogher Prisoner much wounded, with several other Pensons of Quality, and 200 Horse, and have killed 2 or 300 more of the Enemy, so that I do verily be­lieve, there were at least in all 3000 killed.

Those Officers of ours that were most eminently in­strumental in this great Victory, were C. Fenwick, C. Rich. Coot, Lt. C. Gore, and Captain Duck­infield.

Whom I have presumed to add, because their me­rits have justly deserved this my Acknowledgement, to the end (if your Honours think fit) some mark of Honour may be conferred upon them.

(9) The Parliament ordered a day of pub­lick thanksgiving for the Victory obtained by their Forces under Sir Charles Coot in Ire­land. High Court of Justice.

An Act passed for the Tryal of Sir John Stowell, David Jenkins, Walter Slingesby, Brown Bushell, William Davenant, and C. Gerrard by an high Court of Justice.

Letters of the ceasing of the Plague about Ti­verton.

(10) Letters of the spreading oft he Plague Plague. in Shrewsbury, That the Governour commanded all the Souldiers that were ill, to be in the Field, and all that were well to continue in the Castle, and not to stir out of it.

From Chester, That the Parliaments Forces in Ireland are 4000 Horse and Foot, That Trecog­han with 1700 Foot is taken in.

(11) Letters that the Royal Presbyterians about Exon raised many false Reports to dispa­rage the Proceeding of Parliament; for which some of them were secured till they should pro­duce their Author.

That the Plague was much dispersed in Salop, and half the Inhabitants removed from thence.

(12) Letters that since the taking of Trecog­han, the Army was sat down before Carlowe in Ireland.

And That the Earl of Antrim was come in to the Lord Deputy.

That eight Officers of C. Axtels Regiment riding upon the Highway, were murdered by those bloody highway Rogues called the To­ries.

That a Party sent out by the Lord Deputy fell on some of the Earl of Castlehavens Forces, killed 140 of them, and took twice so many Arms, the rest fled to Carlowe, where they are now besieg­ed.

That Waterford yet holds out, but in great di­stress, the Plague and Famine encreasing much upon them.

[Page 449] (13) Letters of Cromwels being at Durham, and marching 24 Miles-a day.

That the King was at St. Johns Town, and the Committee of Estates had sent back all his Follow­ers, and commanded them to depart the King­dom by a day, upon great Penalties.

That the Scots Horse upon the Borders were there only to forward the new Levies, and are since retreated, and the new Levies go on very fast there.

That Sir Arthur Haselrigg came from New­castle, where he is Governour, to meet the Gene­ral Cromwell at Durham. That seven Ships were taken and brought into Newcastle, one loaden with Arms and Ammunition for Scotland, and in another of them two Purses to carry the Great Seal of Scotland, one very rich for the day of the Coronation, and many Letters from an Alderman of London at the Hague to the King.

That one of the Parliaments Ships going into the Frith of Scotland, the People rose and secured both Ship and men till they drunk the Kings Health upon their knees, and then they were dis­charged.

(15) Letters of the General his coming to Newcastle, where Sir Arthur Haselrigge the Go­vernour entertained him with much Gallantry, Cromwel. and they kept a Fast to pray for a Blessing upon their expedition into Scotland. The next day they agreed upon the Letter to be sent to their Brethren in Scotland in general, to satisfy them of the grounds of their present Ingagement.

That the Scots have chosen a Councel, by whose advice the King is to Govern. That the Nobility and Gentry flock to him.

That the Royalists and Presbyterians in Lan­cashire joyn together to disturb the Parliaments Affairs in those parts against the Army of Secta­ries, as they call it.

(16) An Act passed for setting the Militia of the Common-wealth, with Instructions for the Commissioners.

An Act passed for Sheriffs to appoint Depu­ties to receive and transmit the Acts, Orders, and directions of Parliament and Councel of State, and to make return thereof.

Debate of the business of Treasurer of the Navy.

An Act for bringing down the Prizes of Corn and Grain, and preventing abuses in Meal, and in forestalling, committed.

(17) The Letter from the Parliament of, Scotland, together with the Messenger C. Grey were sent to the General, to be by him with a sufficient Guard sent into Scotland, and also the Answer of the Parliament of England to that Letter.

(18) An Act passed touching the removal of Malignants and Papists out of London, &c.

Letters of the great Levies in Scotland, and multitudes drunk with Carowsing the Kings Health. That the Ministers press the People to serve the King against the English Army of Secta­ries, which they prophesied the Lord would blast, and published may gross mistakes, or un­truths touching the Parliament of England their Affairs, particularly in Ireland.

That the King had given Satisfaction to the Scots in all things they desired of him; and a Pro­clamation was published at Edenburgh, giving the King all his Royal Power, and at that time the Cross was covered with Crimson Velvet, and Cloth of Tissue.

Dr. Lewen a Civilian being apprehended for a Spy, and having found about him divers Com­missions from the Prince to himself, and others, was executed according to a Sentence of the Court Marshal.

(19) Letters of a Man of War of Scil­ly brought in Prize to Plymouth.

Of C. Desboroughs giving the charge at the Adultery▪ Act. Sessions at Exon to the Contentment of the Coun­try, and of a Woman of Taunton condemned up­on the new Act, for adultery with a Priest.

(20) Letters of the General his advance to Scots. Berwick. Of the Armies Declaration sent into Scotland, of the Grounds of their March into that Kingdom, one Copy of it sent to the Scots Gene­ral, another to the Parliament, and a third to the Committee of Estates.

That the Scots Ministers in their Prayers say, That if God will not deliver them from the Sectaries, he shall not be their God.

That the Town of Newcastle feasted the Gene­ral and his Officers.

That the Lord Deputy lies with the Army be­fore Waterford, Duncannon and Carlowe.

(22) Letters that many who formerly served the Parliament of England in their Army, are now in the Scots Army.

That the Earl of Newcastle and some others were sent away out of Scotland.

That Massy is to command a Regiment in their Army.

That an Act passed in Scotland, for all Persons to come into their Armies, and none to stay in the Countries, lest they should relieve the English Army.

That G. Louen Published a Proclamation, That no Malignant should come near his Army till they had submitted to the Parliament.

An Act passed and several Orders touching the Militia of London and Westminster.

An Act passed against Atheistical, Blasphemous, and Execrable Opinions, and the unlawful meetings of such Persons.

A Declaration passed concerning Delinquents Compositions.

An Act passed to prohibit Trade between this Commonwealth and Scotland.

Upon a Report from the Councel of State, the Parliament approved what they had done, in cau­sing those of the Earl of Derbies Family in Lanca­shire to be seized and secured, and a Message sent to the Earl, That if he did continue his harsh usage of the Prisoners he had of the Parliament Party, they would do the like to his Family here; and to demand the Release of those Prisoners.

Of Recruits Shipped for Ireland.

That 800 of the Scots Horse lay upon the Bor­ders, and the rest of their Forces were about Edenburgh. That the General was come to Mor­peth.

(23) New Commissioners named for the Excise.

Letters of a Rendezvous of the Scots Army at Haddington, and that one of the Parliaments De­clarations concerning their Armies Advance for Scotland, was brought to the King whil'st he was at Dinner. That Cromwel's Trumpet was sent with the Declarations of the Parliament and Ar­my of Scotland.

(24) Letters of one man and two women about Boston, committed for Witches, that the Man confest he had a Familiar suckt him at some Paps which he then shewed. That he had signed a Writing to the Devil to deny God and Jesus Christ, and the Familiar drew blood from those [Page 450] Paps, and appeared to him in the Shape of a white Chicken.

That he signed the Devils Covenant with a piece of a Stick, with the same mark he now made at the bottom of his Examination, that both the Women confessed the like.

That Captain Allen took a Ship with 7000 Armes bound for Scotland.

(25) Letters that some Troopers having taken three Scots Men and their Horses, the Ge­neral having notice that they were Countrey Men, checked the Souldiers for meddling with them, commanded their Monies and Horses to be restored, and gave them some of the last Declara­tions to the People of Scotland, to carry home with them.

(26) Letters that the Ministers in the West generally Preach up the Scots Interest.

That the Fairfax Frigot fought with three French Men of War, and thrice beat off the Assail­ants who had boarded her, and came safe to Ply­mouth, but much shattered, and many men kil­led.

Of the Increase of the Plague in Shrewsbu­ry.

That M. G. Desborough visited Taunton, and all the Garrisons from Weymouth to Pendennis Castle, and put them in a Posture of Defence.

That the Militia of the Isle of Wight unani­mously Scotland. declared to ingage against the King, and against all Scots and French.

Of the Rendezvous of the Army with loud ac­clamations of Joy and Love to their General, and to one another.

That they were all drawn into Battalia, and marched 2 or 300 paces, then were discharged and went to their Quarters, and the General to Berwick.

That his Trumpet returned from Scotland with a Letter from that Parliament directed To L. G. Cromwel Commander in chief of the Army march­ing into Scotland. Purporting that they had re­ceived his Letter, and would suddenly send an Answer by a Messenger of their own.

(27) A Captain Lieutenant by sentence of the Court Marshal, was cashiered at the Head of the Regiment for Drunkenness.

Letters that the Scots were all gone with their Goods towards Edenburgh, by Command of the States of Scotland; upon pain of being Sequestred, and declared Enemies, if they did not remove, so that for the most part, all the men were gone.

But the Wives stayed behind, and some of them did bake and brew, to provide Bread and Drink for the English Army. That those imployed by the State of Scotland upon the Borders, tell the People, That the English Army intends to put all Men to the Sword, and to thrust hot Irons through the Woments Breasts, which much terrifyed them, till the General his Proclamations were published among them.

That the Scots did forbear coming to the Mar­ket at Berwick.

(29) A Trumpeter came from Scotland to the English Army, with a Declaration in Answer to the Parliaments and Armies Declarations, which in effect was a Defyance. That upon the Armies entring of Scotland, the Scots fired their Beacons.

A Dragooner was sentenced by the Court Mar­shal to be bored through the Tongue with a hot Iron for Blaspheaming the Name of God in a Blasphe­my. drunken humour.

The General published a Proclamation, through the Army, reciting that several Souldiers had stragled from their Colours, and inforced Victu­als from the Scots without paying for them, and Proclama­tion. frighted some of the People from their Habitati­ons.

He commands all Officers and Souldiers of his Ar­my, That none do go without leave to straggle half a Mile from their Quarters on pain of Death.

Letters that the King of Portugal sent to the Parliament General at Sea for a Treaty, but in Portugal. the mean time exercised great Cruelty towards the English Merchants, and published a Proclama­tion, That none should conceal an English Man on pain of Death.

That Sir John Culpepper arrived in Russia, Am­bassador for the King about the English Trade, and that the Emperour and his Councel ordered Russia. Banishment for the Merchants, prohibiting them trade for the future, and granted to the Ambassa­dor 50000 l. in rich Commodities, to be imploy­ed for the King.

That the Prince of Orange had blocked up the Amsterdam. chief Passages to Amsterdam, and pretended Trea­son in some Burgomasters, as endeavouring to dissolve the Union. They afterwards payed a considerable Summe of Money, and so that busi­ness was concluded.

(30) Order of the Parliament to lay aside all private business for a Fortnight, and no matter to be in debate, but for Money and other publick Affairs.

Several Persons added to the Bill for sale of Delinquents Estates.

Divers Pardons passed of Course upon Certifi­cates of the Judges of Assize.

Letters of the Decrease of the Plague in Ireland, That Inchequins Recruits of new layed Men Ireland. were about 3000, and that the Lord Deputy was gone out to fight them.

That C. Ingoldsby with three Troops of Horse, charged 3000 Horse and Foot of the Irish, routed and killed 900 of them near Lymerick. That there is abundance of Corn upon the Ground, a Sheep good and fat at the Price of 6 s. and a Cow for 20 s.

That the Governour of Carlowe sent to the Lord Deputy to desire a Treaty for Surrender of the Town.

That the L. G. at the Rendezvous made a Speech at the Head of the Army, declaring the grounds of the present expedition, and something in relation to his coming over from Ireland, and Cromwel. the Providence that had designed the Command to him, and exhorted the Souldiers to go on faithful­ly and resolutely, and not to doubt of the Blessing of God upon their Ʋndertakings, and present Ser­vice.

That the Souldiers entertained his Speech with great Acclamations, and Orders being given for the Army to March, they went on Shouting as they entred Scotland.

That the General rode through a great Town of Scotland, and there was not a man to be found in it, only two poor Women, because of the com­mand of Estates of Scotland.

(31) Letters that upon the Parliaments Army entring Scotland, they fired their Beacons, and carryed away all Provisions, so that the Ene­my was forced to lye still, expecting Provisions to be brought to them by their Ships.

That A Trumpet brought a Declaration from Lt. G. Lesly, with a Letter directed to Lt. Gene­ral G. Lesly. [Page 451] Cromwel, which was thereupon refused to be opened, but sent back.

That M. Barber laid down his Commission up­on their entring Scotland.

The General published a Proclamati­on.

That whereas he had lately caused a Proclamati­on Proclama­tion. to be published, inviting those in Scotland (where the Army shall come) who by their Councels or other­wise have not confederated against the Peace of Eng­land, or laid a Foundation of a second Invasion of England, to stay in their own Houses, where they in Peace should enjoy what they have, without the least offer of violence or Injury by any of the Ar­my.

He doth strickly require all Officers and Souldiers, that they presume not to offer any manner of Violence or Injury to the Person or Goods of any in Scotland, not in Arms or belonging to the Enemies Ar­my.

To be proclaimed at the head of each Regi­ment of Horse, by sound of Trumpet, and of each Regiment of Foot by beat of Drum, and to be afterwards read, at the head of each Troop and Company.

From the Barbadoes, of trouble there by a de­sign to banish the Independents, but opposed by Lt. C. Drax, and some others that had the Go­vernour Ba [...]bados. of their part: and their Design was disco­vered by Lt. C. Codrington one of the Councel of the Island, when he was drunk. That C. Wal­rond and Muddiford joyned against the Indepen­dents.

August 1650.

[August, 1st.] One who had been a cruel plundring Souldier of the Kings Party, was now condemned at the Assises at Northampton, for breaking a mans House, in 1644, and stealing and carrying away the man of the House, and eight Horses.

Letters of great refractoriness in the Ministers about Exon, who refused to read the Act for the Thanksgiving.

[2] Letters that the Scots have compleat­ed their Levies to 36000 Men.

That the Plague was broken out in Min­head.

[3] Letters that the General and his Ar­my were advanced to Haddington within 12 miles of Edenburgh. And that the Van of both Armies were within six Miles of each other.

That a new Regiment was formed for C. Monk who commands them.

That the Scots Army did far exceed the English in number, and resolved to meet them at Muscle­borough. Scotland.

That in their March from Berwick to Eden­burgh, the Army did not meet with ten Men.

That one of the Parliaments Souldiers chased ten Scots, and divers of them were taken Prison­ers.

[5] Letters that after the Parliaments Ar­my was come from Dunbarre, the Scots Countrey People rose up in Armes, and cut off Provisions coming to them from Northumberland.

That M. G. Lambert faced Edenburgh with 1500 Horse, and M. Hains had the Forlorn, and faced the Enemies whole Body, within three quarters of of a Mile of their Trenches.

That in all their March they saw not one Scots man under 60 years of age, nor any Scots Youth August. above 6 Years of Age, and a very few Women and Children.

They are all fled from their habitations upon their Ministers telling them, That the English would cut the throats of all between 60 and 16 years old, cut off the right hands of all the Youths under 16, and above 6 year old, burn the Womens Breasts with hot Irons, and destroy all before them.

That as the Army marched through some Towns, poor Women fell on their knees, begging that they would not burn their Breasts, before they destroyed them and Children begging to save their Lives, the People believing what their Ministers said unto them.

That all their Goods and Houshold stuffe were carryed away, except a few Oats and Meal, and a little Beer hid under Coals, which the Souldiers made use of.

That the General drew up the whole Army be­fore Edenburgh, and beat the Enemy from King Arthurs Hill, within a mile of Edenburgh, and possest it, and a Church between Leith and Eden­burgh, and some Houses within twice Musket Shot of the Enemies Trenches.

Yet they would not draw off their Trenches, though they were more in number within them, than the Army without.

That the General intended to have made an at­tempt upon them, but there fell so great a rain, which continued all night, and part of the next day, that he was forced to draw off his Army to Muscleborough to refresh his wearied Souldiers, who had nothing but bread and Water for six days before.

As they drew off, the Scots sallyed out and fell upon the Rereguard, and put them to some di­stress, but Lambert and Whaley relieved them, and beat back the Scots into their Trenches, Lambert was wounded in the Charge with a Lance, and Captain Gladman, but they took two Colours, and divers Prisoners of the Enemy, and the King stood upon the Castle, and saw the Encoun­ter.

That the next morning M. G. Straughan drew out the Kirks Troops consisting of 1500 compleat­ly armed, and having all Lances, Pistols and Swords, and about three a clock in the Morning, lighted upon a party of the Army without disco­very, and cryed gave no Quarter but kill all.

This so enraged the English Souldiers, that pre­sently they fell upon the Front and Rear of the Scots, killed, wounded, and took about 300 of them; M. G. Montgomery, and Straughan were slain, and divers other Officers and Souldiers, and many Officers, and 80 Troopers taken Priso­ners.

That the English Souldiers were the more in­censed, because the Scots refused to give Quarter to one Captain Phine as a Worcestershire Gentle-man, whom notwithstanding they brought off.

That many in the Scots Party were English Ca­valiers, and some of them cryed, God damn me, as they fell down dead.

That two Ministers were in the Scots Party, one of them taken Prisoner, and the Scots Souldi­ers confest that the Ministers did most stir them up to Cruelty.

[6] The Act passed for Advancement of Trade, and Manufactures, and Commissioners ap­pointed to be a standing Councel of Trade.

[Page 452] An Act passed prohibiting all trade between England and Scotland, and the injoyning the de­parture of Scotsmen out of this Common-wealth.

An Act published concerning Mortgages, Ex­tents, and other Incumbrances upon Delinquents Estates.

Letters of the Prince of Oranges failing in his design against Amsterdam.

(7) Letters that the Town of Amsterdam, Amsterdam drowned the Country about them, and after 7 dayes Siege the P. of Orange was forced to draw off his Army.

(8) Letters of Vessels taken at Sea by the Parliament Frigots.

From the Navy before Liston, that a Squadron of their Ships going to victual at Cadiz, the D. of Medina feasted the Captain, Captain Bodilo, and furnished the Ships with all necessaries, and desired their stay for three dayes, whil'st he might Spain. signify the matter to the King of Spain, whereup­on the King of Portugal sent to the English Gene­rals for a Treaty.

(9) Letters that the Lord Deputy was be­fore Waterford and Duncannon, where the Plague and hunger did much rage.

That the Ministers who Preached at the Assises in the West, before the Judges, inveighed against the Proceedings of the Parliament.

(10) Letters that both the English Army and the Scots likewise were in want of Provisi­ons.

That in the last encounter with M. G. Straghan 200 of his Party were slain, and 109 of his Troop­ers taken Prisioners, and 60 Countreymen, that the Parliaments Forces had but 6 killed, and a­bout 40 wounded, who were sent by Sea with a Chyrurgeon to Berwick.

That the General sent the chief Officers of Scotland. the Scots who were wounded and taken, in his own Coach to Edenburgh, and the rest in Waggons, and took Parolles of others.

That the King sent out a Proclamation requi­ring all Gentlemen to depart Edenburgh, in re­gard of the scarcity of Provisions.

(12) Letters that the Scots sent out a great Party of Horse and Foot, and the General sent out a Party to attend their motion, least they should go for England.

That by reason of the great Storms, the Ships with Provisions from London, could not come up to the Army, so that they were in great Streights.

The General and Army sent a Reply to the Scots Answer to the Declaration of the Army, and their insinuating Letter to the under Officers and Souldiers of the English Army was fully answered in a Letter from the General.

(13) An Act passed for explaining a for­mer Act touching the Fee-farm Rents.

An Act passed against Atheistical, Blasphe­mous, and Execrable Opinions.

Several Votes passed by way of Instructions to the Commissioners of Goldsmiths Hall, and Hab­berdashers Hall.

That Captain Wyer with one of the States Ships of 22 Guns, being commanded to convoy four Ships of Hull, was set upon by six Irish Fri­gots, fought with them 12 hours after the four Hull Merchants Ships were run away, and came off from them, though much torn, with the loss of one man.

(14) Letters of Prizes taken at Sea from the French.

(15) Sentences by a Court Marshal, of Souldiers for Mutiny, and Misdemeanours.

Letters of a rich Ship of Hull taken by the Irish and Scots Ships.

That the Plague was decreased in Ireland.

That Charlemont sent to Sir Charles Coot to treat, but he denyed it.

That the General his Coach and Waggons sent with the Scots Prisoners to Edenburgh, were not permitted to come into the Town, because they had not buryed their dead, but they sent Horses for their wounded men to Arthurs Hill, and sent back the Coach and Waggons.

That 10 Scots Prisoners were taken by C. Okey. That the Army retreated to Dunbarre, to meet and take in their Provisions brought thither by Sea.

Upon C. Hackers approach to a House, where a Party of Scots were, they quitted it, and Hacker had in it store of Meal and Provisions.

That the City of Coventry raised a Regiment of 1100 of the choicest Citizens for their Mili­tia.

(16) Letters that C. Ingoldsby with a few of his Dragoons, fell upon a great Party of the Enemy that came out of Lymerick to plunder, kil­led about 20 of them, and pursued the rest to the Ireland. Gates of the City.

That a Party from the Camp before Carlowe fell upon a Party of the Enemies Horse, took a­bout 40 Horse, but the Men fled to Boggs and escaped.

That C. Phayers took in the Castle of Kilmorry, which was surrendred to him upon Quarter for Life, and in it were 82 private Souldiers besides Officers.

That Lymbricke desired some conditions of Newtrality, but C. Ingoldsby denyed them.

That Captain Mildmay had a sharp Fight with one Frigot against three French Men of War, and took one of them, who had 16 Guns, whereof 4 were brass.

(17) Letters that the Army at Dunbarre received their Tents and Provisions from the Ships; and two days were spent in Exhortations to the Army, and in seeking God for his Blessing upon their Action, and then they again advanced Scotland. towards Edenburgh.

That C. Andrews a Lawyer sometimes of the Kings Party, was sentenced by the High Court of Justice, to death.

(19) Letters, that a Trumpet came to the Army from Lt. G. David Lesly, with an Answer from the Commissioners of the General Assembly to the General his last Letter.

Execution of the Sentence of a Court Marshal upon 5 Souldiers for offering violence to a Coun­try man, and his Wife, and Family, and Goods.

That the Inhabitants of Dunbarre were in such want of Provisions, that they pickt the Beanes from the Horses, off the ground, and eat the Scotland. Sheeps Guts which were thrown away by the Souldiers.

That the Countreymen are so inslaved to their Lords, that they cannot get any thing considera­ble of their own before hand, and many of their Women are so sluttish, that they do not wash their Linnen above once a Month, nor their hands and Faces above once a year.

The General caused the Commissioners to di­stribute a great Proportion of Pease, and Wheat to the value of 240 l. of that which was sent from London to the Army, among the poor People of [Page 453] Dunbarre, yet when they can have an Advantage, the Countrey robbed, and killed many of the Souldiers.

That upon the Armies return to Muscleburgh, they found it more forlorn than before, Lesly ha­ving commanded, That the Gude Women of the Town should awe come away with their Gear, and not any stay to brew or bake for the English Army, on pain of death.

That the Ministers in Edenburgh gave God thanks for turning back the Army of Sectaries by the way that they came, and string a Terrour into their hearts, which made them flee when none pursued.

That Captain Bull with the Adventure Frigot, fought with a French Man of War, and sunk her, some of her men saved upon Quarter, about 120 of them killed and drowned.

(20) An Act passed for continuing the Excise H. C. of Justice. for three years longer.

An Act passed for Authorizing Commissioners of the High Court of Justice to issue their War­rant for beheading of Mr. Andrews, according to his Petition to the Parliament, and the like in o­ther Cases notwithstanding their sentence for hanging, drawing and quartering.

Power of naming Fellows and Demies in Mag­dalen College in Oxford, ordered to be left to the then President.

Letters that the Armies returning to Muscle­burgh, the Scots Ministers were ashamed of their Thanksgiving for their running away. Scots.

That Provisions and Tents were distributed to the Horse and Foot. Divers Scots killed and ta­ken at meeting of several Parties.

That a Dutch Ship laden with Goods worth 50000 l. was wracked near Pembroke.

That the Grand Jury at Hereford Assises, pre­sented a Remonstrance to the Judges of their readiness to assist the Parliament against the Scots.

(21) Letters that M. G. Langhern in Wales and other Gentlemen there, and in other places were secured upon suspicion of designs by them against the Parliament.

(22) Letters of some Fights at Sea between the Parliaments Frigots, and some French Men of War, who were soundly beaten.

Mr. Euseby Andrews was beheaded at the Tower-Hill according to the sentence of the High Court of Justice, and died very resolutely.

(23) Letters that the Army marched from Muscleburgh towards Edenburgh, in sight of the City for two or three miles together, and had no opposition in their March, nor so much as a sa­lute from Edenburgh Castle, or Dalkeith, and the General pitched his Tents on Pencland Hills, a convenient place to fight, within view of Edenburgh, but they gave no alarm to the Ar­my. That the Scots in Edenburgh were much streightned for Provisions, by the Armies thus getting behind them.

That all the people fled with their Barns and Goods, where the Army came, being told by their Ministers, That the English would destroy all with Fire and Sword, and when some of the Soul­diers burnt some Furse bushes, they said they fi­red their Houses and Towns.

That the Parliaments Ships attended the Ar­mies March with Provisions.

That a Trumpet came to the General, with a Declaration and Letters from Lt. G. David Lesly, which the General caused to be read to his Offi­cers in the hearing of the Trumpet.

That upon desire and safe conduct of some of the Scots Officers, they and some English Officers Scots Offi­cers. had conferences about a Reconcilement, and the Scots Officers said they were deluded by the Malig­nants and that the King refused to sign the disown­ing of his Fathers actions, and to adhere to the Co­venant, and repent for the Bloud shed by his Father and himself, and that they had thoughts of relinquish­ing him.

That when the English Army drew off from E­denburgh, the King would have sallied out in Per­son upon them, but General Leuen told him, If he did so, he would lay down his Commission.

(24) Letters that the Plague increased, and that there died the last week 797 in Dublin.

That in Wexford, the people are almost all dead of the Plague.

That Waterford, Duncannon, and Carlowe are surrendred to the Lord Deputy. That many Of­ficers and Souldiers were dead of it.

(26) Letters of taking in, and fortifying some Places by the General, to secure Passes to the Army.

That a Sergeant was hanged on Pencland Hills, for plundring a Countreyman's House, and three Souldiers that were with him, and sentenced to die, were pardoned by the General.

That Parties on both sides pickeering, and a Body of 3000 Horse of the Scots being drawn out, Cromwel drew out a Forlorn, and went in Per­son Cromwel. before them, That one of the Enemy fired a Carabine at him, upon which Cromwel called to him, and said to him, that if he had been one of his Souldiers, he would have cashiered him, for firing at such a distance, which the Souldier told to Lt. G. Lesley, and said he knew it was Cromwel.

That some Run-aways from the Army were apprehended at Berwick, and sent back Prisoners to Cromwel, and nine of them were condemned by a Court Marshal.

That the Scots drew out their whole Army out of Leith, being about 30000 Horse and Foot, and retreated without any Ingagement.

That in a full Council of War, all the Officers were unanimously to fall upon the Enemy. That in Pickeering, a Scots Captain was killed, and two Prisoners taken.

(27) Letters that the Lord Deputy sent a Ireland. Summons to Waterford to surrender, but they so [Page 454] much despised the weakness and small number of his Forces before the Town, that in answer to his Summons, they returned, That one of their Gates should be set open for as many of his men as would come in.

That the Lord Deputy smiling at their vain Brags, went on with his Siege, sent for more Forces, and great Guns, and so laid the main Body of his Army between Waterford and Car­lowe, that they might be ready to give assistance to either Party.

That after this the Town sent for a Treaty, but insisted upon high terms of Punctilio's of ho­nour, which the Lord Deputy rejected. And when they heard that Carlowe was surrendred, then they also agreed upon Articles of surren­der.

That 700 Souldiers marched out of the Town, and the Townsmen in Arms were more, and the Town very strongly fortified, and full of Provisi­ons, yet it pleased God to bring them to terms of surrender to a small Party before them, as they had before done at Carlowe.

The Lord Deputy sent a Letter to the Parlia­ment of the particulars, and Copies of the several Articles of surrender of Waterford, Duncannon, and Cartelagh.

The Parliament ordered a day of Thanksgi­ving to be kept for those Successes.

An Act passed impowring the Commissioners of the High Court of Justice to hear and deter­mine any Misprision or Concealment of Trea­son.

(28) An Answer passed to the King's Decla­ration in Scotland.

Letters that the Fairfax Frigot fought with three French Men of War, who got so near the Shore among the Rocks, that the Fairfax could not follow them, and so they escaped.

(29) The Council of State took Order for better securing of Weymouth.

Letters of the decrease of the Plague at Dub­lin.

That M. Blunt fell upon a Party of the Enemy in Wicklowe, fought with them, killed and took many of them, though they were two to one, and had not a Bogg prevented, they had been all kil­led or taken. That he brought away with him 200 Cows, and 120 Horses.

That Charlemont was surrendred upon Condi­tions.

(30) Letters that the Army in Scotland was Scotland. well supplied with Provisions by Sea, and inabled to lie near Edenburgh.

That the Enemy kept close between Edenburgh and Leith, having a Trench before them, and a River behind them, and a strong Castle on the one hand, and a strong Garrison Town on the other hand, and it was impossible to fall upon them, without the apparent hazard of the whole Septemb. Army.

(31) Letters that the Army stormed Red-Castle, a Garrison of the Enemies, about a Mile and a half from Edenburgh, which had about 80 Foot to defend it, and though they stormed it in the sight of the Enemies whole Army, yet they sent out no Parties to relieve it. There were ta­ken 60 Prisoners, and the Place was of great ad­vantage to the English.

That Dunster Castle was slighted.

That four Men out of Somersetshire, pretending Call from God. to have an immediate Call from God, to go and Preach the Gospel in Galilee, sold their Estates, and went to London to imbarque themselves for that Place.

September, 1650.

(3) Letters that Prince Rupert came out Fleer. of the River of Lisbon with 27 Ships, and 20 Carvills.

That the Parliaments Generals with twenty three Ships made up to him, and some Shot were spent between some of them, but Prince Rupert got under the Command of the Castles, and the Parliaments General thought not safe to pursue him thither, the like was done several days after, but the Prince would not ingage in Fight.

That the Duke of York came to Paris, having gotten 100000 l. by Prizes.

(4) Letters of a great Pyrate taken about Dartmouth.

(5) Letters of the Plague increasing in Shrewsbury, yet of about 200 Souldiers there, not one was infected.

(6) Letters that the Scots Army, though Scots. more in number than the English by a great many, and well furnished with Arms, and all accommo­dations in their own Countrey, yet will not fight the English Army.

That in those parts where the Army mar­ched was the greatest plenty of Corn, that they ever saw, and not one fallow Field, and now extreamly trodden down and wasted, and the Souldiers inforced to give the Wheat to their Horses.

That the Scots desired another conference with some Officers of the English Army, to which the General consented, but nothing came of it.

That the Scots Army drew out upon a March, & the English Army drew out to attend them, but could not ingage them, by reason of a Bogg and [Page 455] great ditch between the two Armies, only they discharged their great Guns at one another, by which 21 of the English were killed and wounded, but more of the Scots, who would not come into any other ground to ingage, and the Army stood all night in Battalia, and the next day went back to their Camp in Pe [...]cland Hills.

That being informed the Scots had sent out a Party to take in Muscleborough, and the Places for landing the Provisions that came to the Army by Sea.

Cromwel gave Orders for the Army to march, which they did in a most tempestuous night, and to fight for their Victuals, but by reason of the Storm and darkness, the General stayed their Cromwell. March till the next morning, when they got qui­etly to Muscleborough, but the Enemy got what they had left on Pencland Hills.

That the Parliament lost 6 men, and 28 were wounded.

That whole Files of the Scots Army were ta­ken away by the great Shot, and from the Ships they played upon the Scots Army as they march­ed, and did Execution.

(7) Letters from Cromwel to the Speaker, Victory at Dunbarre. and to the Councel of State, of a great Victory a­gainst the Scots at Dunbarre, the particulars were not then certifyed, but left to the relation of the Messenger, who was an eye witness of the Acti­on.

Who made his narrative to this effect.

My Lord General having a long while stayed with the Army on the West side of Edenburgh, and could no way Ingage the Enemy to fight, on Saturday, Au­gust 31st. marched with the Army to Haddington, and on Sunday to Dunbarre; the Enemy hereupon drew out after us, and marched within distance in the Rear.

The General on Sunday drew out the Army in the Field near Dunbarre, and the Enemy Flankt us upon the Hills on the right hand, where they lay all night, we could not without great disadvantage go up the Hills to ingage them, nor would they come down to ingage us.

Their whole Army consisted of 28 Regiments of Foot, which altogether with their Horse and Dra­goons (as themselves said) were 27000, ours a­bout 12000.

On Munday the Enemy drew down part of their Army, and their Train towards the foot of the Hill, ours stood in Battalia in the Field all the Day; a great ditch was between both Armies, of great dis­advantage to those who should first attempt to pass it.

That night our Army marched as close to the ditch, as possibly they could, and had our Field Pieces placed in every Regiment. We drew out before day that morning a Brigade of three Regiments of Horse, and two Regiments of Foot towards a Pass, that is upon the road way between Dunbar, and Berwick, by which we might with more ease pass over to their Army, and there gave the Enemy a hot al­larm.

The dispute lasted about an hour, at last our men gained the ground, and possessed the Pass. Then the Enemies Horse (being most Lanciers) coming down the hill, charged strongly, ours receiving them as gallantly.

And the Foot of that Brigade coming up, charged them so to purpose, that they put them suddenly to the rout, by this time it was between 5 and 6 in the morn­ing.

Their Foot seeing the rout, and the flying of their Horse, threw down their Arms, and run away; their left wing of Horse also fled, ours had the pursuit of them beyond Haddington.

We killed on the place, and in the Pursuit above 4000 and 10000 Prisoners taken; among them the L. Liberton, Lt. G. Sir Ja. Lundsden, Collonel Sir. William Douglas, the L. Grandison, Sir Jo. Brown, C. Gourdon, 12 Lieutenant Collonels, 6 Majors, 37 Captains, 75 Lieutenants, 17 Cornets, 2 Quartermasters, 110 Ensigns, 15 Serjeants, 200 Horse and Foot Colours, 32 Pieces of Ordnance, small and great, and leather Guns, all their Arms, Ammu­nition, Tents, Bag and Baggage.

We lost not 40 men in the whole Ingagement, and not one Officer but M. Rookesby, since dead of his Wounds, C. Whaley had his Horse shot under him, himself slightly wounded, and Captain Lloyd wound­ed.

The Councel of State ordered the Narrative made by the L. G. his Messenger, to be read in all Churches in London to morrow, being the Lords day, and Thanks to be returned for this great Victory.

(9) Letters that at the Battle of Dunbarre, 15000 were killed and taken.

That the General sent home upon their Paroles 5000 of the Prisoners being wounded, old men and boys, the Men house-keepers forced out of their Houses to take Arms, and 2100 of them dy­ed by the way, the other 5000 were sent Priso­ners to Berwick, and so to Newcastle.

That the M. G. marched to Haddington, and the G. stayed behind with two Regiments to or­der affairs at Dunbar, and so was to march to Edenburgh or Leith, from whence the Enemy had drawn all their Forces, and marched to Sterling, and St. Johns Town, where the King was.

That G. Leuen has [...]ed to Edenburgh, and after Lt. G. Sir David Lesly, who mustered his Horse to 1300.

Letters from C. Blake, and C. Pophan of Prince Ruperts endeavour to get out of the Harbour, but would not fight with the Parliaments Ships, but struck in again.

That they sent home 9 English Ships which they had stayed, going to Brazill from Lisbon, and six French Ships which they had ta­ken.

That Captain Lawson with the Fairfax, came up with twenty French Ships, and took three of them.

(10) Letters from the General to the Par­liament, of the particulars of the Battle of Dun­bar, and an account of the whole march into Scotland, and of all Passages with the Scots.

That the Scots Ministers pressed their Army to interpose between the English in the March, and to fight them, but the Officer's of their Army were against it, and advised to make rather a Bridge of Gold for them to pass home. But the Ministers car­ryed it to fight.

That they expressed great insolency and con­tempt Scots Mi­nisters. of the English Army, to divers of the Pri­soners of the English whom they had taken, as was reported afterwards to the Lord Gene­ral.

The Parliament gave rewards to the Messen­gers of this good news.

Ordered that the Colours which were taken Colours hung in West­minster Hall. from Hamilton at the Battles of Preston, and Dunbarre, should be hanged up in Westminster-Hall, and that Medals of Gold and Silver should be given to the Souldiery, in remembrance [Page 456] of Gods Mercy, and of their Valour and Victo­ry.

Letters that Cromwel was possest of Leith and Edenburgh, except the Castle. That the King was gone to St. Johns Town, and the Forces to Sterling.

Voted to seclude all private business for a Month.

An Act for Incouragement and Indemnity of all such as ingage in the Parliaments Ser­vice.

Letters that the Enemy had quitted Edenburgh and Leith, and left there 24 Pieces of Ordi­nance.

That a Son of Mr. Burgoine, one of the Com­missioners for the Militia, at the Cross in Coven­try proclaimed King Charles the Second, and was apprehended for it, but escaped.

(12) Letters of the settlement of the Mili­tia in several Counties. And Suspicions of De­signs to raise new Troubles against the Parlia­ment.

(13) Letters that the Scots were driven like Turkies by the English Souldiers, and went along cursing their King and Clergy, for insnaring Scots. them in misery.

That a Scots Captain taken Prisoner, told the English Officers, That their Ministers advised them, if they were taken, they should throw away their Bibles, for if the English took any with Bibles, they should have no Quarter.

That the words in most of their Colours were Covenant, Religion, King, and Kingdom, the same when they came in with D. Hamil­ton.

That the day before the Ingagement, they con­sulted of sending Propositions to the English, that they should have leave to pass into England with their Swords drawn, leaving their Ordnance, Armes, and Ammunition behind. And they had thoughts of sending those they should take Prisoners be­yond Sea.

(14) Letters that the English Officers were fain to break the Pikes, and many Muskets they had taken from the Scots, there not being conve­niency to send them for England.

That the Governour of Berwick gave to each Scotch Prisoner for one day three Biskets, and a pottle of Pease, which they said, was more than their own Officers gave them three days toge­ther.

(16) Letters from a private hand, descri­bing the Religion, Laws, and Government of Scotland, both Civil and Military, with a character of their People and manners, not much to their Honour.

That August the 21st. The English shipped near 600 of their Sick men for Berwick, and the Scots observing many boats going off, thought they in­tended to ship away all their Foot and Ammuniti­on, and with their Horse to escape for Eng­land.

Whereupon the Scots pursued the English to Dunbarre, and considered of sending them to the Barbadoes, if they refused such Propositions as they should offer them; and thinking they had the English in a net, did Ingage with them.

That they having taken 20 of C. Prides Men, they killed three of them, and wounded the rest in cold blood.

That the English were in a sad posture, very many of their men sicks, and wanting Provisions, the Enemy having made up the Passes before them the whole Scots Army on the right hand, and the Sea on the left hand of them, and the whole Nati­on of Scotland behind them.

That the Scots having a resolution to fall upon the English, were prevented by the unseasonable­ness of the weather; and Cromwell and his Offi­cers seeing no other way, resolved to fall on them, which was done, and after one hours hot dispute, they were deseated, and quitted Edenburgh and Leith, which was the same day possessed by the English Army.

The Letter sharply censures them to be a Peo­ple who delight to enslave others, yet are of a Servile and slavish condition themselves, a People whose Freedom is Service, whose Mercies are cru­el.

A Kirk whose Religion is Formality, and whose Government is Tyranny, a Generation of very Hip­pocrites and Vipers, whom no Oaths or Covenants can bind, no Courtesies or Civilities obliege.

(17) An Act passed for a day of publique Thanksgiving for the Victory against the Scots.

An Answer passed to the Kings late Declarati­on, and published.

An Act passed against the Electing and Swear­ing Majors, and other Officers upon the Lords day.

Order for Mr. Caryl, and Mr. Owen to go in­to Scotland, according to the desire of the Lord General.

Recruits of 600 drawn out of C. Barksteds Regiment for Scotland.

Rules given concerning Augmentations of Mi­nisters Livings.

Sir John Gell was tryed before the High Court of Justice.

Several Ministers of London appeared before a Committee, for not observing the Thanks­giving day, for the Victory against the Scots.

Letters that the General had settled things at Edenburgh and Leith.

That since his coming to Edenburgh, not a man had appeared out of the Castle.

That upon news of the Victory at Dunbar, brought to the King, He thanked God that he was so rid of the Scots, and said, the Kirk might now see their Errour in prohibiting him to be in Person with their Army, and keeping out the English, and the rest of his Followers. That he is now with the Army about Sterling.

(19) The Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common Councel of London, kept a day of London. Thanksgiving by themselves, for the Victory in Scotland, and invited divers Officers of the Ar­my, Parliament Men, and other Gentlemen to dine with them at Guild-Hall.

That the Ministers about Taunton, would not observe the day of Thanksgiving for the Victory in Scotland, but prayed indirectly to the contra­ry.

(20) Letters of the decrease of the Plague in Dublyn.

That the Lord Deputy in his March through Wicklowe, took from the Rebels 3000 Cows, and advanced towards Athlow. Ireland.

That Money was arrived for the Souldi­ers.

That Sir Hardress Waller was set down before Limberick.

That the Enemy sallyed out of Waterford up­on C. Essex his Quarters, took many of his Troop horses, killed some few of his men, sorely wounded his Lieutenant, and himself hardly esca­ped.

[Page 458] That the Enemy are drawing all their strength together, and give out that they will fight the English.

From Edinburgh, That the G. Marched with his Army and Six days Provision, from thence towards Sterling, having left Forces in Edinburgh and Leith, and cast up a Work cross the Streets of Edinburgh between his Forces and the Castle, and there was little or no Action between them and his Forces.

That the General sent all his sick Souldiers to a Lord's House in Leith, where they had good Ac­commodations, and great Care taken of them.

That the King insists to have the L. Ruthen G. but the Kirk will have none but the L. Lowthian; and the old L. Leuen is laid aside with Disho­nour.

That the Scots are upon Raising new Forces.

That in Edenburgh they took 3000 new Foot-Arms, which the Scots had not time to carry a­way, nor put into the Castle, they were in so great a Confusion.

That in Leith they took store of French-Wines, part of which was spent to refresh the Souldiers, who, for too long time before had drunk nothing but Water; the rest is to be sold for the benefit of the Army.

That about 1500 Foot, and 1000 Horse of Re­cruits were come from England to the Army in Scotland.

That the L. Lowden's Cabinet was taken in the [...]. Fight, and in it Copies of his Letters to the King, and other Papers of consequence, he be­ing Chancellor, but ill beloved of the Scots, and upbraided by them for Whoredom and other Sins.

(21.) A Member of the Army came to the Parliament with Letters from the G. of the Pro­ceedings of the Army, and desiring that the 3000 Tun of French-Wines taken at Leith, might be Custom and Excise-free, and sold and distributed among the private Souldiers, which the House granted; and ordered the Letters found in the L. Chancellor's Cabinet, to be Printed at the end of the Declaration for the Publick Thanks-giving.

(23.) Letters▪ That the Scots were raising new Forces upon the Presbyterian Interest; and That the King was at Dundee with some of his Cava­lier Party, as well as Presbyterians.

That the G. sent to the Governour of Eden­burgh-Castle, that the Ministers with him might return to their Churches, and have free liberty to Preach there; and commanded that none of the Army should molest them.

The Ministers sent Answer, That they found nothing exprest, whereby to build any Security for Ministers. their Persons: and for their Return, they resolved to reserve themselves for better Times, and to wait upon him who had hidden his Face for a while from the Sons of Jacob.

The G. Replied in a Letter to the Gover­nour, to this effect;

Our Kindness offered to the Ministers with Letter from Crom­wel. you, was done with ingenuity; thinking to have met with the like: but I am satisfied to tell those with you, That if their Masters Service (as they call it) were chiefly in their eye, imagination of suffering would not have caused such a Return.

Much less the Practices of our Party (as they are pleased to say) upon the Ministers of Christ in England, have been an Argument of personal Persecution.

The Ministers of England are supported, and have liberty to preach the Gospel, though not to rail; nor under pretence thereof, to o­vertop the Civil Power, or debase it as they please.

No man hath been troubled in England or Ireland for Preaching the Gospel, nor has any Minister been molested in Scotland since the coming of the Army hither.

The speaking Truth becomes the Ministers of Christ. When Ministers pretend to a Glorious Reformation, and lay the Foundation thereof in getting to themselves Power, and can make worldly mixtures to accomplish the same, such as their late Agreement with their King, and hopes by him to carry on their Designs, they may know that the Syon promised, and hoped for, will not be built with such untempered Mortar.

And for the unjust Invasion they mention, time was when an Army of Scotland came in­to England, not called by the Supreme Au­thority. We have said in our Papers, with what hearts, and upon what account we came and the Lord hath heard us, though you would not, upon as solemn an Appeal as any Ex­perience ean parallel.

When they trust purely to the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, which is powerful to bring down strong Holds, and eve­ry Imagination that exalts it self, which a­lone is able to square and fit the Stones for the New Jerusalem,

Then, and not before, and by that means, and no other, shall Jerusalem (which is to be the praise of the whole Earth) the City of the Lord be built, the Syon of the Holy One of Israel: I have nothing to say to you, but that I am, Sir,

Septemb. 9. 1650.
Your Humble Servant, O. CROMWELL,

The Scots Ministers sent an Answer to this Let­ter, and the General another Letter in An­swer to them; and says therein,

We look upon Ministers, as Helpers of, not Lords over the Faith of Gods People, I appeal Another Letter. to their Consciences, whether any denying their Doctrines, and dissenting, shall not incur the Censure of Sectary, And what is this but to deny Christians their liberty, and assume the infallible Chair?

Where do you find in Scripture that Preach­ing is included in your Function? Though an Approbation from men hath Order in it, and [Page] may do well, yet he that hath not a better than that, he hath none at all.

I hope he that ascended up on high, may give his Gifts to whom he please; and if those Gifts be the Seal of Mission, be not envious, though Eldad and Medad Prophesie; you know who bids us covet earnestly the best Gifts, but chiefly that we may Prophesie.

Which the Apostle explains there to be a speaking to Instruction, and Edification, and Comfort, which the Instructed, Edified and Comforted can best tell the Energy and Effect of.

If such Evidence be, I say again, Take heed you envy not, for your own sakes, lest you be guilty of a greater fault than Moses reproved in Joshua, for envying for his sake.

Indeed you err through the mistake of the Scriptures; Approbation is an act of Conve­niency, in respect of Order, not of Necessity, to give Faculty to Preach the Gospel.

[...]our pretended fear lest Error should step in, is like the man that would keep all the Wine out of the Countrey lest men should be drunk. It will be found an unjust and unwise Jealousie to deny a man the liberty he hath by Nature, upon a supposition he may abuse it; when he doth abuse it, judge.

(24) An Act passed for Encouragement and Indempnity of such as voluntarily engaged them­selves in the Service of the Parliament in this time of common Danger.

An Act passed for appointing new Commission­ers for the Excise.

A Vote approving the late Transactions of the Militia of London and Westminster.

(25) Proceedings in the Trial of Sir John Gell before the High Court of Justice.

By the Letters taken in the Cabinet of the L. Chancellor London at Dunbar-Fight, appeared, that the Scots designed to invade England.

Letters that the L. Willoughby and others had Proclaimed King Charles the Second in the Bar­badoes; Barbados. and That the Assembly there had Sen­tenced Capt. Tienman and Lieut. Brandon to be disfranchized, their Estates to be seized, their Tongues cut, their Cheeks burnt with the Let­ter T, and afterwards to be banished; and That they had Fined and Banished most in the Island who were well affected to the Parliament.

(26) Order for the Thanks of the House to be given to the old Commissioners of the Excise for their good Service.

Letters, That the Ministers about Dartmouth would not read any Act or Ordinance command­ed by the Parliament.

Rumors of Hopton's and Greenvile's Landing with Forces in the West, which caused the Go­vernor of Weymouth, and the Militia there­abouts to be in a readiness.

Recruits ordered for Scotland.

Letters That Sir Charles Coot with 600 Horse, and 1300 Foot Marched to the L. Deputy before Athlowe. That there was Difference amongst the Irish, occasioned by their Clergy.

That the E. of Westmeath took in a Castle of the L. Dillon's, and put all in it to the Sword.

(27) Upon the Report from a Committee,

The House Voted, That one Clackson, who made and Published an Impious and Blasphemous Book called The Single Eye, should be sent to the House of Correction, and afterwards be Banish­ed, Blasphe­my. and that the Book be Burned by the Com­mon Hangman.

And That Mr. Rainsborough, a Justice of peace in Middlesex, who countenanced the Book, be disabled from being a Justice of the Peace.

(28) Letters, That the Parts about Milford-Haven Ireland. were infected with the Plague, by the many Passengers that way from Ireland.

That the L. Deputy in his March to Athlowe, received no interruption from the Enemy, who lurk much in the woods, and are relieved by the Countrey, though they are commanded the con­trary on pain of Death.

That the L. Deputy thereupon inclined to burn the Countrey as he Marched, else there could be no end put to the War there.

(30) Letters, That after 6 dayes stay at E­dinburgh and Leith, the G. with his Army, with 7 days provisions marched to Netherish, 6 Miles from Edenburgh,

That the G. came back that night to Leith be­ing Scotland. Saturday Sept. 14.

That he made M. G. Overton Governour of E­dinburgh, with two Regiments, and a Third Re­giment at Leith.

Sunday, The Army marched beyond Linlith­gow, towards Sterling; but by reason of the great Rain and Storms, retreated and quartered at Linlithgow.

That the G. sent a Summons to Falkirke, who returned Answer, That they were all Gentlemen in the Garrison, and would all die before they would yield it up; but if Sterling should be taken or yield­ed to him, that then they would yield also; and in the mean time would not interrupt his March.

That it was once resolved to march up to Ster­ling, and Ladders and Preparations made to Storm it: But upon consideration of the strength of the Place, and Unseasonableness of the Wea­ther, and want of Provisions, that purpose was altered.

That the G. sent a Trumpet with some Pro­positions to those in Sterling, but they refused to receive the Letter, or to let the Trumpet come in.

That afterwards a Trumpet came from Lieu­tenant G. David Lesley, with a Letter to the G. for Exchange of Prisoners, which he denied to receive.

That the G. gave orders for the fortifying of Linlithgow, and he and the Army returned to Edenburgh, where he kept a Day of Humiliation, and the Kirk likewise appointed a Day of pub­lick Humiliation.

The G. published a Proclamation for free and Proclama­tion. safe Trading by the Scots at Edenburgh, who were not in Arms; and liberty to sell their Commodities, and to be free from violence of the Soldiery, and to be protected in their habi­tations.

Sir John Gell was Sentenced by the High Court of Justice, for Misprision of High Treason, to sir John Gell. forfeit his Estate, and to be imprisoned during his Life.

Octob. 1650.

(1) Several Votes passed touching the Com­positions of Delinquents.

An Act passed for Relief of Religious and Peaceable People, from the Rigour of former Acts of Parliament in Matters of Religion.

Vote to consider of publick Business only, till Nov. next, and all private Business excluded till then.

An Act committed touching doubling upon Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

A new raised Regiment in London under M. G. Harrison, of 1660, and two more under M. G. Skippon and Alderman Tichborne, of 2000 in each Regiment.

The Lady Elizabeth, the late King's Daughter died in the Isle of Wight. Lady Elizabeth.

That a Parliament Frigot upon the Coast of Galitia, fought with a Portugal Ship, richly la­den with Plate, &c. to the value of 100000 l. and after a stout Fight, sunk her.

(2) Letters of 12 Sail of Jersey Ships taken by the Parliaments Frigots.

Capt. Ashley was Sentenced by the High Court of Justice to have his Head cut off, and one H. C. of [...]ustice. Benson to be hanged, for conspiring against the Commonwealth, in the Treasonable Engage­ment of C. Andrewes.

(3) Letters that the D. of York was going from France to Holland, and had borrowed of the D. of Orleance 5000 Pistols, to bear his Charges.

(4) An Account of Recruits and Provisions shipped for Ireland.

Letters of the Militia under C. Pine at Taun­ton, declaring their willingness to go into Scot­land, if required, though the Ministers Preached against it.

Letters of the Scots raising new Forces, and of the bitter Invectives of the Kirk against the Scots. English Army.

That they take the Countrey people by force out of their Beds, and compel them to serve in their Army.

(5) Many persons well-affected to the Parlia­ment, Barbados. having their Estates seized, and them­selves driven away from the Barbadoes, came into England, and upon their Petition to the Council of State, and Conference with them by their Committee,

They Reported their Opinions to the Parlia­ment, That it was necessary to reduce those Islands, and a Fleet to be sent thither for that purpose, with Provisions for that purpose. Which the House approved.

(7) Letters that the G. commanded all the Scots Boats, and all other Boats that could be Scotland. got in the Frith, to be brought to Leith; and Order was given for the springing of Mines, for reducing of Edenburgh-Castle.

That the G. and his Officers met at the Great Church in Edenburgh on the Lords Day, where many Scots were, and expressed much Affection to the Doctrine Preached there.

That the G. employed some Scotch Miners against the Castle, and his Soldiers came so near the Works of the Castle, that they brought away one Colours, and 300 Muskets, and other Arms, without loss.

That the Enemy with Granadoes fired two or three Houses near the Castle, yet the Parlia­ments October. Souldiers entred one of them, and got store of Arms and Ammunition there, thought the Castle shot at them all the time.

That the Souldiers found in the High Church at Edenburgh much Arms and Ammunition.

Mr. Benson was Executed at Tyburne, accord­ing to the Sentence of the High Court of Justice; but in regard that Capt. Ashley only subscribed the Engagement, but acted nothing in it, he was pardoned by the Parliament.

(8) The Day of publick Thanksgiving for the Victory in Scotland.

The Act for prohibiting Trade with the Bar­badoes, Virginia, &c.

Votes touching Compositions of Delinquents.

A Committee named to consider of former Laws touching the Poor; and of a New Act to be made for the setting the Poor on work.

Several Majors of Corporations approved by the Parliament.

(9) Letters, That the Tories in Ireland were got into Bodies,

That the Irish were spoiled by the English, if Ireland. they did not pay Contribution to them; and if they did, then the Tories, and other Rebels did ruine their own Brothers and nearest Relati­ons.

A Remonstrance Published by the Irish Clergy, charging the present Government by the Mar­quess of Ormond and his Favourites with Trea­chery to the Nation.

(10) Letters, That 500 Irish in Scilly had a Design to deliver it up to the Parliament Forces, for which some of them were Executed.

(11) An Account to the Council of State of the Militia in Devon, and other Parts, raised to a considerable number; and of the releasing of the Gentlemen secured upon their taking of the Engagement,

That the Grand Jury at the Sessions Presented a Petition to the Justices, to be sent up to the Parliament, That all the Proceedings in Law Petition. might be in English,

That the Ministers in those Parts are dissatis­fied with every thing, unless they may have Do­minion and Lordly Power in effect, though not in name,

That the Ministers about Exon and Taunton, refused to observe the Thanksgiving-Day for the Victory in Scotland.

(12) Letters, Of great Vollies of small Shot, and great Shot from South-Sea-Castle, and the Ships in the Road, upon the Thanksgiv­ing-Day for the Victory in Scotland; and of much kindness between the Civil and Military Officers,

(14) Letters that a Party of the Army sur­prized one of the Out Guards of Edenburgh Scotland. Castle, and the Enemy fled into the Castle, leav­ing 300 Muskets behind them.

That the next day, upon a Search in Edenburgh, they found a good Quantity of Arms and Am­munition.

That the [...]eneral went on with his mining, and approaches to the Castle; which was well stored with Provisions and Ammunitions, and had of late been very lavish of their Powder to little pur­pose.

That they took some Boats, and one Ship of the Scots.

That two Ships were come with Cheese for their Supply, and 1000 of the Sick and wound­ed [Page] Souldiers were come back to Leith.

That divers of the Scots come to hear the Mi­nisters of the Army, and seem to be much con­verted by them, and offer to be imployed by the General.

That their King is discontented at the late carriage of their Clergy, who preached at their Fast, That their late overthrow was their too much complying with the King. That he sent to Orkney to have Ships ready there, for his going away, if he should find cause to depart Scotland.

That a Frigot of the Parliaments called the Liberty, with 50 brass Guns, was cast away by carrying too much Sail, upon the Sands, betwixt Harwich and Yarmouth Road.

(15) An Act passed for Sale of the Man­nors of Rectories, and Glebelands, late belong­ing to the Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, and Chapters.

Letters that 10 of the Parliaments Ships about five Leagues off the shore of Lisbon, met with 23 Portugal. of the Portugese Brazile Fleet, burnt three of them, and as is supposed, took 11 of them, with 8000 Chests of Sugar, and other rich Goods in them, and the rest being smaller Ships, in the fight, got into Lisbon.

That the King of Portugal hearing of this, came down in Person, and caused Prince Rupert and his Fleet, being eighteen in all, to go out to regain the Brazile Ships, which they did, but the Parliaments Fleet were drawn off.

That the Duke of York was come to the Hague.

(16) Letters of the refractoriness of Mi­nistets in several places, and their refusing to ob­serve the day of Thanksgiving for the Victory of Scotland.

(17) Letters of the breaking out of the Plague at Barnstable.

Letters of great difference between the Kirk Kirk. and the King. And that the Lords side with the King, and divers Commanders, with the Kirk, who proceed to purge the Kings Houshold.

That the Earl of Cleveland was to depart Scot­land, for refusing to take the Covenant.

That most of the Cavaliers went to Holland, being the place of their refuge and greatest secu­rity, which they most hated before.

That none are allowed a Residence in Scotland, but the Duke of Bucks, the L. Newburgh, and Sir James Levinston.

(18) Letters that three strong Castles near Limerick, were surrendred to Sir Hardress Wal­ler, Ireland. upon Quarter, and taken in, to prevent Inter­ruption to the Armies besieging Lymerick; and then he sate down again before the City.

That the Dragon Frigot sunk a great Ship of the Enemies near Lymerick, loaden with treasure, and took another loaden with Hides and tallow worth 3000 l.

That the Sickness increased again at Cork, and other places.

That C. Hewson marched out of Dublin with a strong Party, and the Lord Deputy was gone be­fore Lymerick.

That the Plague increased in Shrewstu­ry.

That the Fairfax and other Frigots came into Pendennis Harbour, hearing that there was an in­surrection in those parts, but found it otherwise, and returned to Sea.

That the Minister and Major of Northampton refused to observe the Thanksgiving day, saying, It was a sin to do it.

That the Roman-Catholick, and the Royal Presbyterian were both built upon one politick foundation, supported with one private Inter­est.

(19) Letters that the Parliaments Fleet were in pursuit of Prince Ruperts Fleet.

That the Governours of the Castles near Lyme­rick, lately taken in by Sir Hardress Waller, were the chief Actors in the ruine of his Estate.

Letters that the King is gone away from St. Johns Scots Town, but the Kirk sent after him, and brought him back again.

That all their Forces except 500, were remo­ved from Sterling to St. Johns Town.

That the General and Officers were often in Prayer together.

That the Governour of Edenburgh Castle was very high, and the Clergy with him very despe­rate.

That the Ceneral went on with his Min­ing.

That the Scots Army are full of Factions, one are those whom the Scots laboured to remove out of the Army, as Sectaries, another Faction is the Old Malignants, who would be revenged for the death of Montross, and other Malignants; others are against the Kirk, others are the New Malig­nants.

That David Leslys men plunder, ravish, and kill the Country People, and put to death some of them for refusing to serve in the Army.

(22) An Act passed concerning Corn and Meal.

An Additional Act passed for the more speedy effecting the Sale of the Mannors of Rectories, Gleablands, &c.

Referred to the Lord Major, and the Militia of London, &c. to return the names of such Mi­nisters as refused to observe the Thanksgiving day, for the Victory in Scotland.

Order for the several Committees to tender The En­gagement▪ the Ingagement to the Inhabitants of several Pa­rishes, and to return the names of the Subscribers to the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal.

The like for Stewards of Leets.

The like for the Lord Major and Militia of London, in every Parish to return the Subscribers to the Lords Commissioners.

Referred to the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, to call before them all the Judges, and to take order with them, That none of the Ar­my now in Scotland, receive any prejudice in any cause, wherein they may be concerned during the next Term, and their absence in Scotland.

Referred to the Councel of State to regulate the several Militias, for the best ease and [...]afty of the Nation.

Order touching the Proceedings at Law, and how to regulate them with most ease, and delay to the People.

Divers City Regiments, and of Middlesex, of Trained Bands. the trained Bands, under M. G. Harrison, C. Tichborn, and C. Barksted, and others to the num­ber of 8000 mustered in Hide Park; where the Speaker and Members of Parliament met them, and were received with great Shouts, and Vollies of great and small Shot.

(23) Letters that Captain Mildmay took the Roe-buck one of the revolted Ships, with 55 men in her.

That the Ministers about Plymouth pray and preach against the prosperous Successes of the Parliament.

(24▪) Letters that the Army with ten days [Page 459] Provision was marched Westward towards Glas­cow.

That the King being brought back from his in­tended Journey Northwards, by a Troop of Horse, was guarded as a Prisoner.

That C. Popham, one of the Admirals of the Parliaments Fleet, was come to London with an Account to the Parliament of the Proceedings of the Fleet.

(25) Letters of many Subscriptions to the Ingagement about Exeter.

That the Scots were busy in raising Forces near Carlisle, but the Countrey being backward to take Arms, the Officers took Money, and excused the Men.

A Confirmation that the Parliaments Fleet near Lisbon, had sunk the Admiral of the Portugal Brazile Fleet, taken the Vice-Admiral, and di­vers Fleet. other of their Ships of a great value.

Ordered by the Parliament, That all the Books of the Laws be put into English. And that all Writs, Process, and returns thereof, and all Patents, Commissions, Indictments, Judgments, Records, and all Rules and Proceedings in Courts The Law in English. of Justice, shall be in the English tongue onely, and not in Latine or French, or any other Lan­guage than English.

And that the same be writ in an ordinary legi­ble hand, and not in any Court hand. And that it be referred to a Committee to draw up an Act upon this Vote.

Referred to the same Committee to consider of all Salaries and Fees of Judges, and other Offi­cers, and what Offices or Fees are fit to be taken away, and to consider of delays, and unnecessary charges, in proceedings of the Laws; and to pre­sent a Bill to the House for redress thereof. And the Committee to meet dayly upon this business, till it be dispatcht.

(26) Letters of some Prizes taken by the Parliaments Ships near Pendennis Castle.

That Sir William Godolphins Son was raising Forces for the King, though his Father received much Favour from the Parliament.

(28) Letters that the General had 2000 men dayly at work about the Fortifications of Leith, and went on with the Mines before Edenburgh Scotland. Castle, though the Enemy shot great and small Shot constantly at them, and yet they lost but five or six men.

That the King was slipt away from the Scots, with the Duke of Bucks, and three or four more in his Company, towards the E. of Seaforth (and others of the Royal Party, who were about 2000, as was before certifyed) but was brought back again.

That the General marched with seven Regi­ments of Foot, and nine of Horse to Linlithgow, and sent a Trumpet to the Estates of Scotland to Cromwel. give Security, and to treat for stopping the effusi­on of more Christian Blood.

That he took in a Garrison with 40 men, who laid down their Arms.

That he gave strict Command to his Army, not to offer violence to any of the Scots, who were not in Arms; which was duely observed.

That he marched to Glascow, where he stayed three or four days, and marched on to Leving­ston-House, the weather extream wet, and the Souldiers divers times [...]ain to Quarter in the open Fields.

That the Court at St. Johns Town were in great Distractions, and the Highlanders fell upon the Kirk Party, and killed a Major, a Lieutenant, and some others.

(29) Vote that the Committee for regulating Return of Iuries. the Proceedings in Law, do peruse the Freehold­ers in every County, and consider of a way for the impartial Returns of Juries, and of more in­different Proceedings in Causes.

Order for an Act to take away all Saints days, and other days in Term, not Juridical, and making them Court Days, and for making the 5th. of No­vember no Court day.

A Committee to consider how to regulate abu­ses and misdemeanours of Keepers of Pri­sons.

Order for the Members of the House to bring in by a day, the names of fit Persons to be Sheriffs in the several Counties.

An Act for raising 120000 l. per mensen, for maintenance of the Forces in England, Scotland, and Ireland, read the first time.

An Act passed for settling Convoys for securing the Trade of the Nation.

(20) Letters of several Prizes brought into Plymouth.

(31) Letters that the General sent a Letter to the Committee of Estates by a Trumpet, who was not permitted to carry it further than Sterling; where the Governonr took it of the Cromwel. Trumpet, and promised to send it by a Messen­ger of his own to St. Johns Town, where the Committee then was.

That the General marched to Glascow, the compleatest Town they had been in, and one of their choicest Universities.

That when he entred the Town, many Scots appeared to see him march, but no violence was offered to any of them; the General having given a strict Command for that purpose. And none of the Souldiers entred til he and his Followers were first in their Quar­ters.

That Captain Covel of the General his Regi­ment Blasphe­my. of Horse, was cashiered for holding some Blasphemous Opinions.

That on the Lords day, a Scots Minister in his Pulpit at Glascow, railed foully against the Ge­neral and his Army, and though many Souldiers Scots. heard it, yet no violence was offered to him.

That C. Ker, and C. Straughan were willing to a Treaty of Accomodation, but sent word to the General, That they could not effect it, be­ing hindered by the Lord Wareston, and Sir John Chiesesly, who were sent to them for that end by the Committee of Estates.

That the General marched from Glascow fourteen Miles, and Quartered in a poor Cot­tage.

That Captain Pitson was taken Prisoner by the Enemy.

That C. Vanrusk with a Party of Dutchmen fell upon some Straglers of the Army, and mur­dered them.

That the General returned to Edenburgh.

That some Recruits came from London to the Army, but near half of them ran away in their March, and listed themselves in the Garrisons of New-Castle, and other Garrisons by the way.

Novemb. 1650.

(1) Letters, Of some Dutch Ships loaden with Figs from Portugal, staid at Pendennis, till the pleasure of the Councel of State were known.

That the Commissioners provided Red Coats for all the Souldiers.

(2) Letters, That Prince Rupert was gone to Marseilles, and intended from thence to go to Pr Rupert. the Barbadocs, and to get men there, and in the Islands, and so to go for Scotland.

That there were great Divisions betwixt the Kirks Party and the Committee of Estates. Scots.

That a Lieutenant with a Trumpet came with Letters to the G. from the Committee of E­states,

Letters, That the Mine went on against Eden­burgh Castle. And That two Mortar-Pieces were brought thither from Hull.

That the General sent a Party, who took in a strong House near Dalkeith, and some Arms in it.

That C. Ker, and C. Straughan had sent new Letters about an Accommodation, and had de­clared against the Interest of the King and Lords.

That some of the Royal Party fell upon the Kirk-Party, and killed and took 120 of them; and other great Divisions were amongst them, whilst the English Army was in their bowels.

That at Carlisle, on the Lords Day, in the Great Church, the Governor's Chaplain preach­ed in the Morning, and an Officer of the Army in the Afternoon.

(5) The Day of the Gunpowder-Treason Celebrated.

A further Act passed prohibiting Trade with the Scots by any Foreign Nation.

Referred to the Committee of the Navy to contract for Ships and Provisions to be sent to the Plantations in America:

Order about Monies for Convoyes.

An Act Passed for easing the Charge of Lords of Mannors, and their Bayliffes, in passing their Accounts in the Exchequer.

(6) Letters of some small Prizes brought in­to Plymouth.

That the Prince of Orange was dead of the Small Pox.

(7) Letters, That some Pyrates took three Ships out of Plymouth-Road at Noon-day.

That thousands came in voluntarily to take the Engagement without any Summons.

That the Commissioners for charitable uses at Taunton, found out great Sums of Money due to the poor.

Letters, That the L. Deputy gave a Defeat to the Enemy in Munster. Ireland.

That those in Lymerick refused to Treat for Surrender of the Town; and the L. Deputy pre­pared to build a Fort against it.

That the L. Ormond hanged some Mass-Priests, and thereby lost the Affections of the Irish.

That C. Cooke fought with the Wickloe-To­ries, and took prisoner Shurlocke their great Cap­tain,

That upon the L. Deputies Approach to Athe­low, they quitted the Town, and burnt it, and guarded the Pass over the River to the Castle.

That the Deputy left Sir Charles Coote there, and marched to Lymerick; and in the way took in several Garrisons.

That the Plague was much ceased in Ireland. Novem.

(9) Letters, Of a London-Ship split upon the Rocks near Dartmouth.

That the Royal-Party and the Kirk-Party in Scotland, were reconciled, and all engaged against the English Army.

(11) Letters, That 2000 were daily at work Law-busi­ness. upon the new Fortifications at Leith; and when they meet with a Rock, they boar holes in it, and blow it abroad with Gunpowder.

That Middleton refusing to come in when the King sent for him, was Excommunicated by the Kirk.

That David Lesley's Army have no mind to fight with Middleton's men.

That they being upon the King's Interest only, have, to colour their Pretences, set forth a De­claration, Entituled, A Declaration of the No­blemen in Arms, for Ʋnion in the prosecution of the Cause of God, and Relief of the Kingdoms.

That Middleton, and the rest of his Party re­fused an Act of Indempnity, unless they might be admitted (as others) to Places of Trust; which the Kirk and Estates would not permit; yet all of them are like to agree,

That the Scots prisoners taken at the Battel of Dunbar, at their first coming to Newcastle, got into the Gardens, and fed so greedily upon the raw Cabbage, that they poysoned their Bodies. That 1600 of them died, 500 more of them were sick, and 900 in health, who are set to work there.

(12) The Committee revived to examine some Complaints made against Ranters.

An Act committed for turning all Books of Law into English, and for all Process and Pro­ceedings in Courts of Justice to be in English.

The Act committed for the Assessment of 120000 l. per mensem.

Upon Report from the Councel of State, se­veral Votes passed in order for Reparation to the English Merchants who had been injured by the French.

An Act passed to make Prize of Portugal Ships and Merchandise.

The Parliament named the Sheriffs for the several Shires of England and Wales for the year en [...]ing.

Five of C. Barkstead's Souldiers rode the wood­en Horse in Smithfield, and two of them were whipped, for attempting to rob in Smithfield; and a Trooper condemned to be shot to death, for killing his Fellow-Souldier.

(13) Letters, That a Cook of a Ship of Bremen, upon what Discontent was unknown, did at Lee near Gravesend, mix Mercury with the Pottage, and poysoned the Master and 11 men, being all in the Ship; so that they all died with­in 24 hours after, and the Murderer escaped a­way.

An Account of Provisions shipping from Pen­dennis for Ireland.

(14) An account of many Subscribing the Engagement at Oxon, and of setling the Militia there.

Convoys appointed to be constantly attending upon the Merchants Ships, and they required not to send abroad without them.

An Account of two Ships laden with Provisi­on [...] [...]ent to G. Blake, riding before Lisbon.

Recruits for Ireland, who ran away, and were retaken; one of them was hanged, and others [Page 460] did run the Gantelope, for abusing some Coun­treymen; and the Court-Martial published some Orders for preventing the like Inconveniences for the future.

Other Souldiers were punished for erroneous Tenents and scandalous Prophaneness.

(15) Letters, That the E. of Clanrickard took in two or three little Places Garrison'd by the Parliaments Army.

That the Irish, upon an advantage, fell upon a party of C. Cookes men, and the Dispute lasted Irish. many hours between them; at length C. Cooke routed the Irish, killed three or four hundred of them, and took two Colonels prisoners.

Letters, That some Waggoners of the G. with 36 traine Horses, were surprized in their Scots. Quarters within a Mile of Edenburgh.

That C. Straughan was inclinable to come in, and joyn with the English Army.

That the Laird of Brady, one of the Commis­sioners that brought the King from Holland, into Scotland, came from the Court to the Committee of Estates, and declared his sorrow for having a hand in that Action.

That the King removed to Dumferling, fear­ing to be fetcht away by the Royal Party.

That Middleton was 8000 strong.

(18) Letters, That the Army was quartered in Edenburgh, Leith, and the Villages 8 miles compass about.

That there are great Differences Discharge amongst the Scots; and the King endeavours to reconcile all.

(19) Order of Parliament for Discharge of all Sums due for respit of Homage, and Fines for Alienation, and for all mean Rates, &c.

Referred to a Committee to draw Instructi­ons for the Barons of the Exchequer touching the Poll-Bill, &c.

An Act passed for Regulating the making of Norwich-Stuffs.

Letters, That many came away from Straugh­an to St. Johns Town, and some from David Lesly came to Middleton.

The G. published a Proclamation, That if any Proclama­tion. of his Souldiers were robbed or killed in the Country, he would require restitution, and life for life, of the Parish where the fact should be committed, unless they discovered the Offender.

(20) Letters of a Ship with Goods bound for Ireland, taken by Scilly Pyrates near Min­head.

That the Princess of Orange was brought to bed of a Son.

(21) Letters, Of Ministers rayling in their Ministers. Pulpits in several Counties against the Present Government; and yet that more than were sum­moned came in to take the Engagement.

That the Plague was ceased in Shrewsbury.

Of two Dutch Ships loaden cast away near Dartmouth.

Letters, That C. Monk, with a Party of 1600, was sent to take in Derlington-House, a Nest of the Moss-Troopers, who killed many Souldiers of Moss-Troo­pers. the Army.

That M. G. Lambert came before the House, and cast up their Batteries the same night, so that their great Guns were ready to play the next Morning by the Break of Day.

That their great Shot played, and the fourth Shot of their Mortar-piece tore the inner Gate, beat down the Draw-Bridge into the Moat, and killed the Lieutenant of the Moss-Troopers, so that they called for Quarter.

Which would not be given them; nor would they agree to surrender to Mercy but upon Reve­rence, which was consented unto.

That they took the Governour, and the Capt. of the Moss-Troopers, and 60 Souldiers.

That two of the most notorious of them, and the Captain were shot to death upon the Place.

They took in it many Arms, 60 Horse which they had taken from the English, and released 10 English prisoners, and demolished the House.

That Middleton laid down his Arms upon con­dition Middleton. that the King should be forthwith Crowned, and the Estates and Kirk ordered him to take his Command again.

That Recruits were come from England to the Army.

That the G. and his Officers kept a Fast-day.

The House had a very long and smart Debate, The En­glish Laws. touching the Act for putting all the Books of Law, and [...] Process and Proceedings in Courts of Justice into the English Tongue; in which Debate, some spake in Derogation and Disho­nour of the Laws of England.

For some vindication whereof, and for satis­fying some Mistakes, one of the Members deli­vered his Opinion in the House to this Effect;

Mr. Speaker,

The Question upon which your present Debate ariseth, is of no small moment, nor is it easily or speedily to be determined; for it comprehends no less than a total alteration of the Frame and Course of Proceedings of our Law, which have been establish­ed and continued for so many years.

I should not have troubled you with any of my weak Discourse, but that I apprehend some mis­takes and Dishonour to the Law of England, if passed by without any Answer, may be of ill con­sequence; and having attended to hear them answer­ed by others, who are not pleased to do it,

I held my self the more engaged in the Duty of my Profession, to offer to your judgment (to which I shall always submit) what I have met with, and do suppose not to be impertinent, for the recti­fying of some Mistakes which are amongst us.

A worthy Gentleman was pleased to affirm with much confidence (as he brought it in upon this De­bate) That the Laws of England were introdu­ced by William the Conqueror, as (among other Ar­guments, he asserted) might appear by their be­ing written in the French Tongue.

In his first Assertion, That our Laws were in­troduced by William the Conqueror, out of France, I shall acknowledge, That he hath several both Fo­reign and Domestick Authors whom he may follow therein, The Foreign Authors are Jovius, Aemi­lius, Bodine, Hottoman, Dynothus, Volateran, Berault, Berkley, Choppinus, Uspargensis, Ma­lines and Polydore, who affirm this erroncous piece of Doctrine; but the less to be regarded from them, because they were strangers to our Laws, and took up upon trust what they published it this point.

Of our own Countreymen, they have Paris, Malmesbury, Matthew Westminster, Fox, Co­sins, Twyne, Heyward, Milles, Fulbeck, Cow­ell, Ridley, Brown, Speed, Martin, and some others.

All of them affirm, That the Laws of England were introduced by William the Conqueror: But their Errors are refuted by Sir Roger Owen, in his Manuscrit; who saith, that Roger Wendover, and Mat. Paris were the first Monks that hatched these addle Eggs.

[Page] I shall endeavour to shew you, That the Origi­nal of our Laws is not from the French; that they were not introduced by William the Conqueror out of Normandy: And I shall humbly offer to you my Answer to some of their Arguments who are of a contrary Opinion.

Polydore, Hist. Angl. L. 9. Affirmeth, That William the Conqueror first appointed Sheriffs and Justices of the Peace, erected Tenures, brought in Trials by 12 men, and several other Particulars of our Laws.

For Sheriffs, their Name Scire Reeve, shews them to be of the Saxon Institution. And our Hi­stories mention the Division of Shires by King Al­phred; but in truth, it was much more ancient.

And it is apparent by our Books and Records, some whereof are in the Hustings of London, and in the Tower, that the same things were in use here long before the Time of King W. I.

Sir Roger Owen shews at large, that Livery of Seisin, Licenses, or Fines for Alienation, Daugh­ters to inherit, Trials by Juries, Abjurations, Utlaries, Coroners, Disposing of Lands by Will, Escheats, Gaoles, Writs, Wrecks, Warranties, Catalla Felonum, and many other parts of our Law, and the Forms of our Parliaments them­selves, were here in being before the time of Duke William.

Agreeing hereunto are many of our Historians and Learned Antiquaries.

But it is Objected, That in the Grand Customa­ry of Normandy, the Laws are almost all the same with ours of England, and the form of their Par­liaments the same with ours.

That the Writer of the Preface to that Book, saith, it contains only the Laws and Customs which were made by the Princes of Normandy, by the Counsel of their Prelates, Earls, Barons, and other wise men; which shews the forms of their Parliament to be the same with ours, and the Laws in that Book to be the proper Laws of Normandy, and ours to be the same; therefore they argue that our Laws were introduced from thence by William the Conqueror.

This will be fully answered; If that Grand Cu­stomary of Normandy was composed in our King E. 1. his time (as good Authors hold it was) then it cannot be, that our Laws or Parliaments could be derived from thence.

These Learned men say, That this Customary was a meer Translation of our Law-Book Glan­vill; as the Book of Regia Majestas, of the Laws Scotland, is; and the like of the Laws of Bur­gundy.

They further add, That the first establishing of the Customary of Normandy was in H. 1. his time; and afterwards again, about the beginning of E. 2. his time.

If the Laws in the Customary were introduced there from England, it will then be granted, that the Laws of England were not inoroduced here by William the Conqueror: But I think it very clear that their Laws were brought to them cut of England; and then you will all agree to the Conclu­sion.

Our King H. 1. Conquered Normandy from his Brother Robert, and was a Learned King, as his Name Beauclerk testifies; whom Juo calls An especial Establisher of Justice: Sequerius re­lates, That this King established the English Laws in Normandy.

Herewith do agree Gulielmus Brito Armoricus, Rutclarius, and other French Writers; who men­tion also, that the Laws in the Customary of Nor­mandy are the same with the Laws collected by our English King Edward the Confessor, who was be­fore the Conqueror.

An additional Testimony hereof, is out of Willi­am de Alenson Revile, who, in his Comment upon the Customary, saith, That all the Laws of Nor­mandy came from the English Laws and Nation.

In the Customary, there is a Chapter of Nampes or Distresses, and Decreed that one should not bring his Action upon any Seisure, but from the time of the Coronation of King Richard; and this must be our King Richard 1. because no King of France was in that time of that Name; and the Words Nampes and Withernams were Saxon Words, ta­ken out of the English Laws, signifying a Pawn or Distress; and in the same sence are used in the Customary.

That which puts it further out of scruple, is, that there are yet extant the Manuscripts themselves of the Saxon Laws, made in the Parliamentary Coun­cels held by them here; which are in the Language and Character of those times; and contain in them many of those things which are in the Norman Cu­stomary.

It is no improbable Opinion, that there was a for­mer establishment of our Laws in Normandy, before the time of H. 1. and that it was by Edward the Confessor, who (as all Writers of our History, a­gree) was a great Collector and Compiler of our En­glish Laws.

He lived a long time with his Kinsman Duke William in Normandy, who was willing to please the Confessor, in hopes to be appointed by him to be his Successor; wherein the Dukes expectation did not fail him.

The Confessor having no Children, and finding Normandy without a setled Government, and wanting Laws, advised with his Kinsman Duke William, to receive from him the Laws of Eng­land, which he had collected, and to establish them in Normandy; which Duke William and his Lords readily accepted, for the Good of their People; and thereby obliged the Confessor.

Another Proof hereof is, That such Laws as the Normans had before the time of D. William, were different from those in the Customary, and from the English Laws.

As their Law that the Husband should be hang­ed if the Wife were a Thief, and he did not discover it; The meaner People were as Slaves, and the like: and the trial of Theft by Ordeil, which then was not in England.

Wigorniensis reports, That the Normans who came in with Queen Emma, the Wife of Ethelred, were so hated of the English, for their Injustice and false Judgment, that in the time of King Ca­nutus, they were for this cause banished; and it is the less probable, that they being so unjust them­selves, should introduce so just Laws as ours are.

Between the Conquest of Normandy by Rollo, and the Invasion of England by Duke William, there were not above 160 Years; that of Nor­mandy, was about An. 912. that of England, An. 1060.

It is not then consonant to reason, That those Nor­mans, Pagans, a rough Martial People, descended from so many barbarous Nations, should in the time of 150 Years, establish such excellent Laws among themselves, and so different from the French Laws, among whom they were, and all parts in the World except England.

And such Laws which were not onely fit for their Dukedom, and small Territory, but fit also for this Kingdom, which in those dayes was the second in Europe, for antiquity and worth, by confession of most Forreign Historians.

[Page] If we will give Credit to their own Authors, this Point will be sufficiently evinced by them, these words are in the Proheme of the Customary, which is titled Descriptio Normanniae.

Hucusque Normannicae consuetudinis latorem sive datorem, Sanctum Edvardum Angliae regem, &c.

The same is witnessed by Chronica Chronicorum, That St. Edward King of England gave the Laws to the Normans, when he was long harboured there.

And that he made both the Laws of England and Normandy, appears sufficiently by the conformity of them; for which he cites several particulars, as of Appeals, and the Custom of England, ad proban­dum aliquid per credentiam duodecem hominum Vicinorum, which he sayeth remained in Norman­dy to that day.

Polydore forgetting himself what he wrote in another place, sayeth of King Henry the Seventh, That when a doubt was made, upon the Proposal of Marriage of his Daughter to Scotland, that there­by England night in time be subject unto Scot­land.

The King answered No, and that England as the greater, will draw it to Scotland, being the less, and incorporate it to the Laws of England, as (sayeth the Historian) it did Normandy, though the Owner thereof was Conquere in Eng­land.

And Sir Roger Owen in his Manuscript, affirms, That there is not any of our Historians, that lived in the space of 200 Years immediately after the Con­quest, which doth describe our Laws to be taken a­way, and the Norman Custome introduced by the Con­querour.

Some of them (and not improbably) mention the alteration of some part of them; and the bring­ing in some Norman Customes effectual for the keep­ing of the Peace.

There is yet behind the great Argument most in­sisted on, and often urged by the Gentlemen of ano­ther Opinion, which is the Title of William, who is called the Conquerour, from whence they conclude, That by his Conquest, he changed the Laws and Government of this Nation; and that his Succes­sors reckon the beginning of their Reigns from his Conquest.

To this is answered, that â posse ad esse non valet argumentum: the conquering of the Land is one thing, the introducing of new Laws is another thing, but there is direct Proof to the contrary of this Argument.

Duke William never surnamed himself the Con­querour, nor was so called in his life time, as may appear by all the Letters Patents, and Deeds that he made, wherein he is called Gulielmus Rex, Dux, &c. never Conquestor; and our antient Histori­ans give him the same Titles, and not that of Con­querour.

In the Title of Nubrigensis's Book, he is surnamed William the Bastard.

Malmsbury calls him W. 1. Hoveden, W. the Elder.

Adam de Monmouth sayeth, That 1. E. 3. this word (Conquest) was found out, to denote and di­stinguish the certain Edward, because two of the same name were Predecessors to this King, and to the Conquerour, who claimed the Crown as Heir to Edward the Confessor; but (saith he) we call him the Conquerour, for that he overcame Ha­rold.

Duke William himself, claimed to be King of England, as Successor and adopted Heir of the Confes­sor by his Will, and Harolds renouncing of his Title by Oath.

The Register of St. Albans, Math. Paris, and o­thers attest, that the Barons of England did homage to him as Successor; and he relyed on them in his For­reign Wars, and the check given to him by the Ken­tish men, and the Forces gathered by the Abbot of St. Albans, brought him to ingage to confirm the Laws of the Confessor, and as his Successor by legal right, they admitted him to be their King.

Volaterus writes, That he was made Heir to the Confessor, and was Ʋncle to him.

Another affirms, That Edward by his Will, left England to him, Paulus Aemilius, and Fulgasius are to the same purpose.

Pope Alexander the Second sent him a Banner, as witness, that with a safe Conscience, he mighe expel Harold the Tyrant, because the Crown was due to him by the Confessors Will, and by Harolds Oath.

Agreeable hereunto are Gemiticensis, Walsing­ham, Malmsbury, Huntington, Ingulphus, Paris, Pike, Wendover, Caxton, Gisborn, and o­thers.

The antient Deeds of the Abby of Westminster (which were sometimes in my Custody) do prove this.

King William in his Charter to them, sets forth his own Title to the Crown thus, Beneficio Concessi­onis & Cognati mei gloriosi Regis Edvar­di.

In his Second Charter, dated anno 15. of his Reign, he sayeth, In Honour of King Edward, who made me his Heir, and adopted me to rule over this Nation.

In his Charter dated 1088 of the Liberties of St. Martins the Great, in the Manuscript thereof, are these words;

In Example of Moses, who built the Taberna­cle, and of Solomon, who built the Tem­ple,

Ego Gulielmus dei dispositione & Consangui­nitatis haereditate Anglorum Basileus, &c.

The Charter of H. 1. his Son, to this Abby, In Honour of Edward my Kinsman, who adopted my Father, and his Children to be Heirs to this Kingdom, &c.

In another Charter of Henry. 1. in the Book of Ely, he calls himself the Son of King William the Great, who by hereditary right, succeeded King Edward.

It is true, that as to his pretence of Title, by the Will of the Confessor, Mathew Paris objecteth, That the device was void, being without the consent of the Barons.

To which may be answered, That probably the Law might be so in H. 3. time, when Paris wrote, and was so taken to be in the Statute of Carlisle, and in the case of King John.

But at the time of D. Williams Invasion, the Law was taken to be, That a Kingdom might be transferred by Will.

So was that of Sixtus Rusus, and Asia came to the Romans by the Will of King Attalus, the words by Annaeus Florus are, Populus Romanus bono­rum meorum Haeres esto.

Bythinia came to the Romans by the last Will of their King Nicomedes, which is remembred by U­tropius, together with that of Lybia.

Cicero in his Orations tells us, That the King­dom of Alexandria, by the last Will of their King, was devolved to Rome.

And Prasitagus Rex Icenorum in England, upon his death-bed, gave his Kingdom to the Emperour Nero.

As to Examples in this point at home, this King [Page] William the 1. by his Will, gave England to his younger Son William Rufus.

King Steven claimed by the Will of Henry the first.

King Henry 8. had power by Act of Parliament, to order the Succession of the Crown as he pleased by Will.

And the Lords of the Councel in Queen Marys time, wrote to her, That the Lady Janes Title to the Crown, was by the Will and Letters of Ed­ward 6.

As the Case of Henry 8. was by Act of Parlia­ment, So Duke William, after he had Conquered Harold, was by the general consent of the Barons and People of England, accepted for their King, and so his Title by Will confirmed.

And he both claimed and Governed the Kingdom, as an Heir and Successor, confirmed their antient Laws, and ruled according to them.

This appears by Chronica Cronicorum, speaking of William the Bastard, King of England, and Duke of Normandy, he saith, That whereas St. Edward had no Heir of England, William ha­ving conquered Harold the Usurper, obtained the Crown under this Condition, That he should inviolably observe those Laws given by the said Edward.

It is testifyed likewise by many of our Historians that the antient Laws of England, were confirmed by Duke William.

Jornalensis sayeth, That out of the Merchenlage, West-Saxon-Lage, and Dane-Lage, The Confessor composed the Common Law, which remains to this day.

Malmsbury, who lived in Duke Williams time, sayeth that the Kings were Sworn to observe the Laws of the Confessor, so called (sayeth he) be­cause he observed them most religiously.

But to make this point clear out of Ingulphus, he sayeth in the end of his Chronicle. I Ingulphus brought with me from London, into my Monastery (Crowland) the Laws of the most righteous King Edward, which my Lord King William did com­mand by his Proclamation to be anthentick and per­petual, and to be observed throughout the whole King­dom of England upon pain of most heinous punish­ment.

The Leiger Book of the Abby of Waltham, com­mends Duke William for restoring the Laws of the English Men out of the Customes of their Coun­trey.

Radburn follows this Opinion, and these Laws of Edward the Confessor, are the same in part, which are contained in our great Charter of Liber­ties.

A Manuscript entituled De gestis Anglorum, sayeth, That at a Parliament at London, 4 W. 1. the Lawyers also present, that the King might hear their Laws, He Established St. Edward Laws, they being formerly used in King Edgars time.

There is also mention of the 12 men out of every County, to deliver truely the State of their Laws, the same is remembred by Selden, History of Tithes, and Titles of Honour, and in a manuscript Chroni­cle bound with the Book of Ely in Cottons Li­brary.

One of the worthy e Gentlemen from whom I differ in Opinion, was pleased to say, That if William the Conquerour did not introduce the Laws of Nor­mandy into England, yet he conceives our Laws to be brought out of France hither in the time of some other of our Kings, who had large Territories in France, and brought in their Laws hither, else he wonders how our Laws should be in French.

Sir I shall endeavonr to satisfy his wonder there­in by and by, but first with your leave, I shall offer to you some Probabilities out of the History, That the Laws of England were by some of those Kings carryed into France, rather than the Laws of France brought hither.

This is expressly affirmed by Paulus Jovius, who writes, That when the English Kings Reigned in a great part of France, they taught the French their Laws.

Sabellicus, a Venetian Historian writes, That the Normans in their Manners, and Customes, and Laws, followed the English.

Polydore Virgil contradicting himself in another place than before cited, relates that in our King Henry 6. time, the Duke of Bedford called toge­ther the chief men of all the Cities in Normandy, and delivered in his Oration to them, the many Bene­fits that the English afforded them, especially in that the English gave to them their Customes and Laws.

By the Chronicle of Eltham, H. 5. sent to Cane in Normandy, not only Divines, but English Com­mon Lawyers, by the Agreement at Troys.

So there is much more probability that the Laws of England were introduced into France and Nor­mandy, than that the Laws of Normandy, or any o­ther part of France were introduced in England.

If the Normans had been Conquerours of England as they were not; but their Duke was only conque­rour of Harold, and received as Hereditary King of England; yet is it not probable they would have changed our Laws, and have introduced theirs, be­cause they did not use to do so upon other Con­quests.

The Normans conquered the Isles of Guernsey and Jersy, yet altered not their Laws, which in their local Customes are like unto ours.

The like they did in Sicily, Naples, and Apulia, where they were Conquerours, yet the antient Laws of those Countries were continued.

I hope Mr. Speaker, I have by this time given some Satisfaction to the worthy Gentlemen who dif­fered from me, That the Laws of England were not imposed upon us by the Conqueronr, nor brought over hither, either out of Normandy, or any other part of France, but are our antient native Laws. I must now come to endeavour also to satisfy the won­der, if they were not brought out of Normandy, or some other part of France, how come they then to be written in the French Language?

Sir It is to me an Argument, that because they are written in French, therefore they were not brought in by Duke William the Norman. For the French Tongue was not the Language of Duke William and the Normans.

They had not been then in Duke Williams time, past 4 descents in that part of France, and it is improbable that they in so short a time should loose their native tongue, and take up and use the Lan­guage of another Country, which was conquered by them.

The Normans came from Sueden, Gothland, Norway and Denmark, between whose Languages, and with the High-Dutch, their Neighbours, there is a great affinity; but between these Languages and the French, there is none at all.

Ulphilus holds, That the Dutch Tongue came from the Goths. Jornandus saith, The Goths Tongue came from the Dutch; all agree, that be­tween those Languages and the French, there is no Affinity.

It is so improbable that D. William should cause our Laws to be in French, that when he proclaimed [Page] them (as Ingulphus testifies) he commanded that they should be used in the same Language they were written (in English) to his Justices, and gives the reason, lest by Ignorance we should happen to break them.

But it hath been further Objected, If D. Willi­am did not cause our Laws to be written in French, what then should be the reason that the Grand Cu­stomary of his Norman Laws were written in the French Tongue?

The reason thereof is given, that the Normans being a rough and martial People, had few Clerks among them, but made use of those French among whom they then lived, and whose Language they then began to be acquainted with and to understand.

But when they were in England, they had not so much use of those Clerks, and that Language, but more of the English.

And probably it might be, that the Confessor had been so long in France, that he was more Ma­ster of that Language than of the Norman; and that the Normans understood that Language better than the English; and thereupon the Customary was written in the French Tongue.

But it doth not therefore follow, that D. William must cause the English Laws to be written in the French Tongue; but it is more likely that he might cause them to be continued in their Native Idiom, which was much nearer in affinity to his own Nor­thern Language than the French was.

That the French Tongue was not introduced as to our Laws, and other things, by D. William into England, appears, in that the French was in great use with us here, both before, and some time after his Invasion.

Beda affirms, That in Anno 640. it was the cu­stom of England to send their Daughters into the Monasteries of France, to be brought up there, and that Ethelbert, Ethelwoulf, Ethelred, and other Saxon Kings Married into the Royal Blood of France.

Glabor notes, That before the time of D. Willi­am, the Normans and English did so link together, that they were a terror to Foreign Nations.

Ingulphus saith, That the Saxon Hand was used until the time of Kind Alfred, long before the time of D. William; and that he being brought up by French Teachers, used the French Hand.

And he notes many Charters of Edred and Edgar, written in the French Hand, and some Saxon mixt with it, as in the Book of Doomesday.

That Edward the Confessor, by reason of his long being in France, was turned into the French fashion, and all England with him.

But that W. 1. commanded our Laws to be writ­ten in the English Tongue, because most men under­stood it; and that there be many of his Patents in the Saxon Tongue.

I suppose we may be satisfied that W. 1. did not cause our Laws to be written in French, though the French Language was much in use here before his time.

And if he did not introduce the French Lan­guage into England, the Argument falls, that be­cause they are written in French, therefore he brought them in.

But Sir, I shall offer you some Conjectures, how it came, that our Laws were written in French; which I suppose might be begun in the time of our King Hen. 2. who was a Frenchman born, and had large Territories and Relations in France, many of his Successors had the like, and very much to do in France, and with Frenchmen, of whom great num­bers came into England; and they and the English matched and lived together, both here, and in some parts of France.

Hence it came to pass (as Giraldus Cambrensis notes) that the English Tongue was in great use in Burdeaux, and in other parts of France where the Englishmen were resident and conversant; the like was, when the Frenchmen were so conversant in England.

Matthew Westminster writes, that he was in hazard of losing his Living, because he understood not the French Tongue; and that in King H. 2. and King Stephen' s time, who had large Dominions in France, their Native Countrey, and the number of French, and of Matches with them was so great, that one could hardly know who was French, and who English.

Gervasius Tilsberiensis observes the same, and Brackland writes, that in R. 1. his time, Preach­ing in England was in the French Tongue; proba­bly Pleading might be so likewise: and in King John's time, French was accounted as the Mother Tongue.

There are scarce any Deeds of our Kings in French before H. 2. his time; the most are in E. 1. and E. 2. their time.

That our Laws were pleaded and written in French before E. 3. his time, appears by the Statut. 36 E. 3. c. 15. which recites the mischief of the Law being in French, and enacts that the Law shall thereafter be pleaded in English, and enrolled in Latine.

This is oneGround of the mistaken Opinion of Lam­bert, Polydor, Speed, and others, that D. Wil­lam brought in hither both the Norman Laws and Language, which I apprehend to be fully answered, and the contrary manifested by what I have said before on this Subject.

Polydore's Mistake may appear the more, when he asserts, that by this Statut. 36 E. 3. Matters are to be Enrolled in English, which is contrary to the express words, that they are to be Enrolled in Latin.

Many of our Law-Books were written in Latine, before the Norman Invasion, as appears bp the An­cient Rolls of Mannors, and Courts Baron, and our Old Authors Glanvile, Bracton, Tilesbury, Heng­ham, Fleta, the Register, and Book of En­tries.

The Records at Westminster and the Tower, and other Records yet extant, are in Latine, and many Books of our Law in Latine, were translated into English about E. 3. his time.

Most of our Statutes, from E. 1. his time, till about the middle of H. 7th' s Reign, are Enrolled in French, notwithstanding this Statute 36 E. 3. ex­cept the Statute 6 R. 2. and some others, in La­tine.

R. 2. H. 4. H. 5. and H. 6. used to write their Letters in French, and some of our Pleadings are in French, and in the Common-Pleas to our time.

But Sir, our Law it Lex non scripta: I mean our Common-Law, and our Statutes, Records, and Books which are written in French, are no Argument that therefore the Original of our Laws is from France; but they were in being before any of the French Language was in our Laws.

Fortescue writes, That the English kept their Accounts in French; yet doubtless they had Ac­counts here, and Revenues, before the French Lan­guage was in use here.

My Lord Cooke saith, That the Conqueror taught the English the Norman Terms of Hawk­ing, [Page] Hunting, Gaming, &c. yet no doubt but that these Recreations were in use with us before his time.

And though D. William, or any other of our Kings before or after his time, did bring in the French Tongue amongst us, yet that is no Argu­ment, that he or they did change or introduce our Laws, which undoubtedly were here long before those times; and some of them, when the French Tongue was so much in use here, were Translated, Writ­ten, and Pleaded, and Recorded in the French Tongue, yet remained the same Laws still.

And from that great Ʋse of the French Tongue here, it was, that the Reporters of our Law-Cases and Judgments which were in those times, did write their Reports in French, which was the pure French in that time, though mixt with some words of Art.

Those Terms of Art were taken many of them from the Saxon Tongue, as may be seen by them yet used. And the Reporters of later times, and our Students at this day, use to take their Notes in French, following the old Reports which they had studied, and the old French, which (as in other Languages) by time came to be varied.

I shall not deny but that some Monks in elder times, and some Clerks and Officers might have a Cunning, for their private Honour and Profit, to keep up a Mystery, to have as much as they could of our Laws to be in a kind of Mystery to the Vul­gar, to be the less understood by them.

But the Councellors at Law and Judges can have no advantage by it; but perhaps it would be found, that the Law being in English, and gene­rally more understood, yet not sufficiently, would occasion the more Suits.

And possibly there may be something of the like nature as to the Court-hand; yet if the more com­mon Hands were used in our Law-writings, they would be the more subject to change, as the En­glish, and other Languages are, but not the La­tine.

Surely the French Tongue used in our Reports, and Law-Books, deserves not to be so enviously decried as it is by Polydore, Aliott, Daniel, Hottoman, Cowel, and other Censurers.

But Mr. Speaker, if I have been tedious, I humbly ask your pardon, and have the more hopes to obtain it from so many worthy English Gentle-men, when that which I have said, was chiefly in vindication of their own Native Laws, unto which I held my self the more obliged by the duty of my Profession; and I account it an honour to me to be a Lawyer.

As to the Debate, and Matter of the Act now before you, I have delivered no Opinion against it, nor do I think it reasonable that the Generality of the People of England should, by an implicit Faith, depend upon the knowledge of others, in that which concerns them most of all.

It was the Romish Policy to keep them in ig­norance of Matters pertaining to their Souls health; let them not be in ignorance of Matters pertain­ing to their Bodies, Estates, and all their worldly Comfort.

It is not unreasonable that the Law should be in that Language which may best be understood by those, whose Lives and Fortunes are subject to it, and are to be governed by it.

Moses read all the Laws openly before the People in their Mother-Tongue; God directed him to write it, and to expound it to the People in their own Native Language; that what concerned their Lives, Liberties and Estates, might be made known unto them in the most perspicuous way.

The Laws of the Eastern Nations were in their proper Tongue.

The Laws at Constantinople were in Greek, at Rome in Latine; in France, Spain, Germa­ny, Sueden, Denmark, and other Nations, their Laws are Published in their Native Idiom.

For your own Countrey, there is no man that can read the Saxon Character, but may find the Laws of your Ancestors yet extant in the English Tongue.

D. William himself commanded the Laws to be proclaimed in English, that none might pretend Ignorance of them.

It was the Judgment of the Parliament 36 E. 3. That Pleadings should be in English; and in the Reigns of those Kings, when our Statutes were en­rolled in French and English, yet then the She­riffs in their several Counties, were to proclaim them in English.

I shall conclude with a Complaint of what I have met with abroad from some Military Persons, nothing but Scoffs and Invectives against our Law, and Threats to take it away; but the Law is above the reach of those Weapons, which at one time or another will return upon those that use them.

Solid Arguments, strong Reasons and Authori­ties are more fit for confutation of any Error, and satisfaction of different Judgments. When the Emperor took a Bishop in compleat Armor in a Battel, he sent the Armor to the Pope, with this Word, Haeccine sunt vestes silii tui?

So may I say to those Gentlemen abroad, as to their Railings, Taunts and Threats against the Law, Haeccine sunt Argumenta horum Antino­mianorum? They will be found of no force, but recoyling Arms.

Nor is it ingenious or prudent for Englishmen to deprave their Birthright, the Laws of their own Countrey.

But to return to the Matter in Debate, I can find neither strangeness, nor foresee great inconve­nience by passing of this Act; and therefore if the House shall think fit to have the Question put for the passing of it, I am ready to give my Af­firmative.

The Question being put,

It was unanimously carried, That the Act should pass, for turning the Law-Books, and the Process, and Proceedings in the Courts of Ju­stice into English,

(23) Letters from Scotland, of the Proceed­ings of the Army in Mining Edinburg-Castle, and that part of the King's House there was burnt.

[Page 461] (25) Letters, That the Scots. Officers had sent to break off any Treaty of Accommodati­on, and that they were to have a general Meet­ing for reconciling all Parties.

That among some Tories taken in Scotland, one was an Elder of the Kirk, who confessed Kirk. the killing of some of the English, being instiga­ted by the Ministers.

That C. Monk had taken in the strong Castle of Roswel.

That the Scots were agreed amongst them­selves, and raising Forces to recruit their Army to 30000.

(26) Letters, That C. Axtel, Governour of Ireland. Kilkenny, marched forth with about 800 Horse and Foot to relieve the Parliaments Garrison, and met with 3000 Foot and 300 Horse, under Clenrickard, who had taken some of the Parlia­ments Victory Garrisons, and blockt up a Pass.

That C. Axtel faced a Pass which was strongly C. Axtel. fortified, and manned with Horse and Foot, and a deep River between him and the Enemy; they had an hours Dispute on both sides the River, in which, the Enemy lost 150 Horse Axtel lost but one Lieutenant, and six wounded.

That by reason of the steepness of the Banks of the River, the Souldiers could not get up, and so retreated.

That Axtel having an additional strength, in all 1800 Foot, and 1000 Horse and Dragoons, he advanced towards the Enemy, who were above 4000, and got into an Island, into which there is one Pass, with a Bogg on each side, and the Pass fortified in several places, one behind ano­ther, as Reserves; all which must be gained be­fore one could enter into the Island.

That Axtel's men made an attempt upon the Enemy about an hour before night, and after a small Dispute, gained two of their Guards, and at the third Guard, they came to the Butt-End of the Musket, but Axtel's men forced their Entrance into the Island, and the Enemy were totally routed.

That they lost all their Arms, 200 Horse, all their Waggons, Oxen, Tents, and what was in the Camp of Provisions and Ammunition.

That besides those that were killed, many of the Irish were drowned.

That 500 of them were driven into the Shan­non by a Party of the Parliaments Horse, and were drowned all in one company together.

That not above 300 of their whole Party es­caped, yet Axtel lost but one Captain Goffe, with 8 common Souldiers, and 20 wounded.

That after this Defeat, the Enemy fired and quitted the Garrisons they had taken, and fled, and Axtel returned to Kilkenny.

That the next day he Marched out again, to find out another Party of the Enemy, who infest­ed that Countrey.

That Nenagh Castle was Surrendred to the L. Deputy; who drew off from Limerick by rea­son of the unseasonable time of the Year.

Upon reading of this Letter in the House, they ordered Thanks to be given the next Lords Day, in the several Churches in London, for this Victory.

The Act passed for the 120000 l. Assessment per mensem.

(27) Letters of the refractoriness of the Ma­gistrates and Ministers of Weymouth, to the Par­liaments Orders.

(28) Letters, That C. Cooke with 3000 men, fell upon the Enemy, being 5000, routed and killed of them about 1500 near Limerick. December

That three Ships were wrecked near Ply­mouth by Storms.

(29) Letters, That C. Blake, hearing of a Blake French Man of War lying to take the English Merchants coming out of the Streights, he with the Phoenix and his own Fri got, found out, and fell upon the Frenchman, and after some honrs Fight, took and brought her into Cadiz.

That C. Mildmay took another French Ship laden with rich Commodities.

(30) Letters, That the Jersey Pyrates took two Dartmouth Ships, and three other Ships.

Of the increase of the Plague about Exe­ter.

That by Great Shot from the Castle, eight or nine Persons were killed, most of them Scots; and three Women.

December, 1650.

(2) Letters of an Insurrection in Nor­folk, begun for the King, but soon dispersed by some Troops of Colonel Rich his Regi­ment.

Letters of C. Monk's being set down before Brothwick-Castle, and of a Ship with Arms, come in to the Enemy.

That some Differences were between the Committee of Estates, and the Kirk about their Scots. General Meeting, but over-voted by the Mi­nisters to comply with the King.

That upon the News of the Parliaments Vi­ctory Portugal. in Scotland, the King of Portugal released the English Merchants, and resolved to send an Ambassador into England to the Parlia­ment.

A Souldier Sentenced to death for running away from his Colours upon his March to Scot­land.

(3) An Act passed for Mr. Manby, that no other shall make use of his Invention for boiling of Liquors for 14 years.

(4) Letters of a Minister in Taunton, Sermon. endcavouring in his Sermon to possess the Peo­ple, That the present Magistrates in England, were against Jesus Christ.

(5) That some London-Ships in sight with French-Ships, fired themselves and the French together.

That the French-Ship taken by C. Blake, was worth a Million.

(6) Letters, That Whaley and others to the number of 5000 Men, were marched to­wards Scotland, to joyn with the Army.

That in his March he took in Dalkeith-Ca­stle, the Wall whereof was 13 Foot broad at the top, and in it he took store of Arms, Am­munition and Provisions.

That the English Souldiers married divers of the Scots women.

(7) An Account to the Parliament, by an Officer of C: Rich, who was present at the suppressing the Insurrection in Norfolk.

(9) Letters, That C. Ker attempting to fall on Major General Lambert in his Quar­ters, [Page] his men took the Alarm, incompassed C. Ker's men, being all Horse, killed 100 of them, took 100 Prisoners, and 400 Horse.

That the Kingly Party carried it, to Vote C. Straughan's Declaration to be scandalous, and tending to Division; but questioned none of the Scots. Parties to it: but divers Lords and Ministers protested against this Vote.

That the First of January next the King's Coronation is appointed, and in the mean time two Fasts; one for the Sins of the King and his Family; the other, for the Sins of the Kirk and State.

(10) An Act passed for establishing an High Court of Justice in Norfolk, &c. for pu­nishing the late Insurrections there.

Votes passed touching Additional Pay for the Souldiers, and for preventing of free Quar­ter.

(11) Letters of the Death of the Queen Regent of France.

Of Letters come to the Spanish Ambassador at London, carried first to the Councel of State.

(12) Letters of the Militia setled in seve­ral Places.

Of the ceasing of the Plague in Shrewsbury, and thereupon, that the Markets were as full as ever.

(13) Letters, That in the Pursuit of C. Ker's Men, the C. himself was taken Prisoner, and wounded.

That yet the Scots reported Major General Lambert was taken Prisoner, and all his Party, five Regiments defeated; and a Scotchman swore that he saw Major General Lambert, and twelve Colours carried into Sterling.

That the King is to make his Repentance for his endeavour to escape.

That the purging of the Kirk and State is intended, but no Malignant to be excluded; but those of the Honest Party to be laid a­side.

(14) Letters, That one Levinston, a Mi­nister, one of the Commissioners sent to the King at Breda, came to the Committee of E­states, professing sorrow for his acting as a Com­missioner, and that the Blood spilt at Dunbar, lay upon the Commissioners; that he would retire and repent.

That Captain Hammond was killed from the Castle.

That the Great Guns and a Mortar-piece were come from London to Leith; And,

That the Souldiers were much pleased with the good Bisquet sent them from London.

(16) Letters from the General to the Speak­er of the Results of the Treaties with Colonel Letters from Crom­wel. Straughan, and other Scots Officers; and an Ac­count of the Defeat given to C. Ker.

That there is a great Distraction, and mighty Workings of God upon the hearts of divers Reli­gious People in Scotland, both Ministers and o­thers, much of it, tending to the Justification of your Cause.

A Declaration was published in Scotland, of Declarati­ons. the King and Committee of Estates, concern­ing the Remonstrance of Col. Straughan and his Party.

And another Declaration and Resolution of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scot­land.

(17) An Act passed for continuing two former Acts, touching Elections in London of Commmon-Councel-men, &c.

Vote, That the Fee called Damna Clericorum, or Dammage Cleer, shall be taken away, and an Act to be brought in for that purpose.

An Act passed for the Sale of the L. Dein­court's Lands.

Upon a Report from the Councel of State, H. C. of Justice. of all the Proceedings of the High Court of Justice, upon the Trial of the King, the House Ordered them to be Recorded amongst the Re­cords of Parliament, and to be transmitted into the Chancery, and other Cours at Westminster, and to the Custos Rotulorum of the several Coun­ties.

That an Ambassador from the King of Portugal, to the Parliament, was arrived in the Isle of Wight.

(18) Letters from the Admirals at Sea, Blake. That upon a Letter from the Councel of State, to improve all Opportunities for the Service of the State, he took the French Man of War, and went on in pursuit of P. Rupert.

That Blake pursued the Prince to the Port of Carthagena, belonging to the King of Spain, where the Prince with five Ships, was put in; and Blake sent to the Governor, That an Ene­my to the State of England was come thither.

That he had Orders from the Parliament to pursue him, &c. and the King of Spain being in Amity with the Parliament, Blake desired leave to take all Advantages there against an Ene­my.

To this the Governor returned Answer, That he could not take any Notice of the Difference of any Nations or Persons among themselves, only such as were Declared Enemies to the King his Master; that they came in thither for Safety, and therefore he could not but give them Protection; and that he would do the like to them; assuring them all Safety, if they also did come in, whilst they should stay there.

That Blake sent a Reply, pressing the Gover­nour for leave to fall upon the Prince; and thank­ing him for his Offer to himself: But the Gover­nour sent to the King of Spain, to know his plea­sure herein; and in the mean time Blake waited without the Harbour.

That since the Defeat of C. Ker, they took 100 Horse more about Aire, and Col. Straughan came in to Major General Lambert, with about 60 Horse, many of them Officers.

Jasper Collins was hanged at Charing-Cross, for extorting Money from the Countrey, and o­ther Outrages, as he marched with Recruits to­wards Ireland.

Another was tied by the Thumbs to the Gib­bet, for concealing a Design to betray Walling-ford-Castle, where he was a Souldier.

Two others whipped at the Gibbet for run­ning from their Colours.

(19) Letters, That the Money and Sup­plies sent from the Parliament to the Army, were arrived at Leith.

That three of the Parliaments Souldiers de­fended a weak House three hours together in their Shirts against 100 Moss-Troopers.

(20) Letters, That Prince Rupert came to Malago, and other Ports, and fired and sunk divers English Merchants Ships; and demanded the Master of a London Ship, who had signed the Petition against the Personal Treaty; say­ing, that he would boyl him in Pitch: but the [Page 462] Governour of Malago refused to deliver up the Master to him.

Of a French Ship sent in Prize to Poole, by Capt. Mildmay.

(21) Letters, That Blake fell upon Prince Rupert in Malago Road, sunk two or three of Blake. his Ships, run on Shore, and exposed to Ship-wrack the rest of his Fleet, only two Ships es­caped, wherein it is conceived Prince Rupert, and his Brother Prince Maurice were, and Blake in chace of them.

That when the Great Guns and Mortar-pieces Scotland. played against Edenburgh-Castle, they hung out a Flag of Defiance, but after they had played a while, and some Execution done by them, those in the Castle hung out another Flag for a Trea­ty.

And sent a Messenger to the General, that they might have time to send to their Friends at Sterling, to know by what time they might expect Relief from them, and if their expecta­tion was not answered therein, that then they would treat for Surrender of the Castle.

Or if this should be denied, then they desi­red, that some of the Scots Prisoners with the General, might be permitted to come into the Castle to speak with them, which the General granted.

That the Souldiers in the Castle were many of them sick for want of Water.

(23) Letters, That the Battery went on against Edenburgh Castle, and dismounted three of their Guns, and shattered their Platform in pieces.

Copies sent to the Parliament of the Summons sent by the General to the Governour of Eden­burgh Castle, with his Answer, and the Gene­ral's Replies.

(24) Upon a Petition of the Adventurers for Lands in Ireland, a Committee appointed to consider of it, and to state the Matter of Fact of that Business.

An Act passed, giving power to the Lieute­nant General, Deputy, and Commissioners of Ireland; and declaring several Laws to be in force in Ireland.

Order touching the Trade of Gold and Silver Wyer.

A safe Conduct granted for the Ambassador of Portugal, to repair to London.

Upon Information by the Speaker, That the Spanish Ambassador had been with him, and de­livered Spanish Ambassa­dor. to him a Copy of the Credentials, dire­cted to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, and Signed by the King of Spain, the House Ordered, That the Ambassador should have Audience.

The General sent his Letter to the Command­ers at Chester, Conwey, and and other parts, com­manding, That none of the Souldiers offer to give any Disturbance to Justice in the Case of Cheadle, who had murdered Bulkley.

Letters, That the High Court of Justice at Norfolk had condemned six of the Mutiniers in the late Insurrection, who were Executed at Norwich.

(25) Letters, That Prince Rupert was got on shoar in Spain, and being demanded by C. Blake Blake, the King of Spain refused to deliver up the Person of the Prince, but sent a Messenger to the Parliament about it.

(26) Letters, That Sir Arthur Haselrigg and Mr. Scot, members of the Councel of State were come to Edenburgh. January Scotland.

That the King made a Speech in the Parlia­ment at St. Johns Town, expressing much Joy, that he was the first Covenanted King of the Na­tion.

(27) Letters, That Major General Lam­bert was come to Edenburgh with C. Ker, and other Prisoners.

That after much Execution done by the great Guns, and Mortar-pieces in Edenburgh Castle, and the General denying them to send to the Committee of Estates,

The Governour admitted a Treaty, and the Edenburgh. Castle s [...]t rendred. Commissioners agreed upon the Surrender of the Castle to the L. General Cromwel, with all the Ordnance, Arms, Magazine, and Furniture of War, upon Honourable Articles, and Hostages given to perform them.

That in the Castle were 52 Pieces of Ord­nance, many of them Brass, 1000 Arms, and great store of Ammunition and Provision.

(28) The General published a Proclama­tion for the observation of the Articles for Sur­render of Edenburg Castle, by all the Officers and Souldiers of his Army, on pain of Death.

(30) An Account of the Surrender of E­denburgh Castle, with a Copy of the Articles of Rendition, sent up to the Parliament.

This was related to be the first time that E­dinburgh Castle was taken, being the strong­est, and best fortified, and provided in Scot­land.

The Goods in it were of great Value; but by the Articles, the Owners had liberty to fetch them away.

The taking in of this chief Strength, the Ar­my not being far off, yet affording no Relief, was looked upon as very strange, in relation to them, and very successful, as to the General, and the Affairs of Parliament.

Letters, That the Governour of Carlisle sent a Party of 1000 into Scotland, who took in some small Forts, and divers Prisoners and Goods.

The High Court of Justice proceeded to the Trial of several more Offenders in the late In­surrection in Norfolk.

(31) Upon the General his Letters of the Surrender of Edenburgh Castle, the House or­dered a Day of Thanksgiving for that and the other late Successes of the Parliaments Forces.

January 1650.

(1) A particular Account of the whole Action of G. Blake, in destroying of P. Rupert's Fleet.

Letters of a Ship cast away in the West, and upon the Shipwrack, a Man and a Boy were cast into a C [...]ft, and saved alive, after they had lain there from Tuesday until Friday.

(2) An Examination of a Prisoner, who related the Danger of the Lord Ormond, Inche­quin and others of the King's Party, at Sea, from Ireland. And, That the Popish Clergy had Excommunicated Ormond and all his Adherents.

[Page] That the Irish were got together 7000 Foot, and 1500 Horse.

(3) A Corporal hanged for taking a Mare from a Constable, and beating and wounding him, and making Uproars in the Town, and af­frighting the People.

Another ran the Cantelope for Drunkenness, and being found in bed with a Woman not his Wife.

Others whipped for running from their Colours.

(4) Letters, That the Court at Sterling were much troubled at the Surrender of Edin­burgh Castle. Scots.

(6) Letters, That the Scots are agreed to make use of all sorts of their People in their De­fensive War, and Commissions are given to the Malignants; but divers thereupon have laid down their Commands, and are dissatisfied.

That the Kirk were now as zealous to ad­mit the Malignants, as they were formerly to purge them out of the Army.

That the Kirk have commanded notice to be taken in every Parish of those that speak fa­vourably of the Sectaries, that they may be Ex­communicated.

And That he is called a Sectary, who talks of a Malignant.

That the English Malignants are all received again.

That the High Court of Justice in Norfolk, had Condemned twenty four Persons for the H. C. of Justice. late Insurrection, of whom twenty were Exe­cuted.

(7) An Act passed for setting apart the Day for publick Thanksgiving, and a Declara­tion of the Grounds thereof.

Several Votes passed touching the publick Ac­counts of the Commonwealth, and Augmentati­ons for Maintenance of Ministers.

(8) Letters, That the Irish would have cast Ireland. off their King, because of his agreeing with the Scots, and aiso [...]ning his Fathers ways. But,

That others excused the King, as forced to do what he did in Scotland.

(9) Letters, That some Merchants Ships of England, making a stop at Crock-haven in Ire­land, the Irish came on Board them, and pre­tended that they were weary of the King's Mi­nisters, and would be for the Parliament of England, whereupon, the Masters of the Ships invited them to Dinner on Ship-board, and they again invited the Masters to a Dinner with them on Shoar.

That whilst the Masters were at Dinner with the Irish, they had fitted out some Boats with Men, and went and surprized, and took the Ships, and all the Men left in them.

(10) The Portugal Ambassador had Au­dience in the House, and delivered his Creden­tial Portugal Ambassa­dor. Letters, being rightly directed, Prolocutori Parliamenti Re [...]publicae Angliae, else they would not have received them.

(11) A Committee was appointed to meet with the Portugal Ambassador, who spake to them in his own Language, the Portuguese Tongue, and recounted the ancient Amity be­tween the Crown of Portugal, and the Common-wealth of England; the continuance whereof, he said, was desired by the King his Master.

The Chair-man of the Committee answered, That they would report to the Parliament what his Excellency had said to them. And so, after Ce­remonies, they parted. The Committee came in with the Mace before them, into the Court of Wards Chamber, prepared for the Ambassador, after he was come thither; but the Ambassador went first away.

Letters of the Crowning of the King at Corona [...] at Schone. Schone in Scotland.

(13) Letters of the Ceremonies of the King's Coronation, their Bonfires, scattering of Monies, riding in their Parliament Robes, Healths, and other Solemnities.

That their great Business is to levy new Forces, all are received that will come in against the com­mon Enemy, the English. Two Ministers were imprisoned for speaking against this.

That the South of Scotland do conform to the English Army, pay Contribution, and remain in their Habitations.

That divers of the Souldiers who were in Edenburgh Castle, were imprisoned after the Surrender of it, for Mutiny, and forcing their Governour to yield it up.

That the Scots intend with a new Army to slip into England.

That the Marquess of Argyle, and two of the Clergy put the Crown upon the King's Head, which was Silver double gilt.

Order for 10 l. to be given to any one who shall apprehend a Felon, and the Sheriff to pay it.

(14) An Act passed for continuance of the Committee of the Army, and Treasurers at War.

An Act passed for encouraging the importation of Bullion.

An Act passed to authorize the Lords Com­missioners Gr. Seal of the Great Seal to issue forth Com­missions under the Great Seal to Delegates, to hear and determine the Business of Mrs. Pucker­ing and Mr. Welch, who forced her to speak Words of Marriage to him, and carried her for­cibly out of England to Dunkirk.

And the Commissioners to have power to send for Parties, and to examine all pretended Mar­riages of this Nature; and as they find by the Proofs brought before them, to give Sentence, either to confirm, or make void the said Marri­ages.

An Act passed for taking away Damage-Cleer.

Letters, That the King was appointed Cap­tain Scotland. General of the Scots Army; and Duke Hamilton is to be Lieutenant General, David Lesley to be Major General, and Middleton Lieu­tenant General of the Horse, and Massey to be Major General of the English.

(15) Letters of a Woman hanged at Ox­ford, who was recovered to Life again by the Doctors, and said That she felt no Pain, nor re­membred any thing that was done to her at that time.

(16) Letters, That General Blake sent Blake. in four Prizes; one was a French Man of War with forty Copper Guns, whose Captain being commanded on Bord by General Blake, he asked him if he was willing to lay down his Sword? the Captain answered No.

Then Blake bid him return to his Ship, and fight it out as long as he was able; which he did, and after two hours Fight, he came in and sub­mitted, and kissing his Sword, delivered it to Blake, who sent him and his Ship with the rest into England.

[Page 463] (17) Letters of a Remonstrance of divers Mi­nisters sent to the Commissioners of the Kirk a­gainst their present Proceedings, but the Mini­sters were threatned to be proceeded against un­less they desist.

(18) Letters that the Scots Army was 8000 Horse, and 8000 Foot, and they resolved to bring it up to 50000, and then to give Battle to the English Army.

That C. Fenwick took Possession of Edenburgh Castle, as Governour thereof.

That a Party of Dragoons took a Ship loa­den with Herrings going to the Scots,

(20) Letters that at the Coronation of the King in Scotland, many Speeches were made to him, and the Kirk promised him good Success, if he did hearken to their Councel.

That he gave them fair Answers, and signed the Covenant, and promised to defend them, and maintain their Laws, Government, and Covenant.

That a Party of 800 choice Horse attempt­ed the Quarters of the English at Lithlingow, but were beaten back.

Letters of great Mischiefs, Murders, and Plun­derings by the Tories in Ireland, many of whom the Governour of Dublin had killed and ta­ken.

That the Governour is turning the Papists out of Dublin.

(21) A Pardon granted to four Persons, condemned to dye by the High Court of Justice, for the late Insurrection in Norfolk.

A new Seal for the Parliament approved, and New Seal an Act passed for the use of it, and that it shall be Treason to Counterfeit it.

(22) Letters, That at the Assises at Taun­ton, two men accused a poor Fellow, and prefer­red eight Indictments against him, for stealing eight Sheep, but upon the Tryal, some (being accidentally present) came in as Witnesses, and fully proved that those eight Sheep were stolen by the Accusers themselves, who were Indicted for it, and hardly escaped the Gallows.

Letters That the States of Holland, Zealand, and Groningen did acknowledge the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England.

(23) Letters that one Story a Souldier was hanged by sentence of the Court Marshal for kil­ling a Countreyman, and another Souldier acces­cessary to it, was hanged on the same Gibbet whil'st one walked ten paces, and was then cut down, and recovered to Life again.

(24) Letters that some Conntrey-men Scots were hanged in chains by sentence of the Judge Advocate of the English Army, for killing some of the English Souldiers.

That several Rendezvouzes of the Scots Ar­my were appointed, and the King present at them.

That the Commissioners of the Kirk presented a Remonstrance to the King at St. Johns Kirk. Town.

(25) Letters that the Kirk pressed the King to humble himself, and to quit the Nation of their Enemies, now in the Bowels of the King­dom.

(27) Letters of a Mutiny at Sterling, which David Lesly had much to do to appease.

That the General intends to attempt Hume Castle.

That a Ship loaden with Cloaths and Provisions from London, submitted to a Garrison of the Scots, on the Sea, through the Malignancy of the Master.

That the Kirk set forth an Exhortation to their Brethren at Edenburgh, from Communion February Kirk. with the English, or any that desert the Kirk.

That there were Jealousies between Argyle and Hamilton.

(28) An Act passed for continuing the Act for the Militia.

A Charge of the Grand Jury of Northumber­land, against one Musgrave who had much tradu­ced Sir Arthur Haselrigg, ordered by the Coun­cel of State, and Musgrave committed.

(29) Letters that means are used in Spain by the King and his Councel, to give Satisfaction Aysebam. to the Parliament of England, for the Murder of their publick Agent Mr. Ayscham there, but that the Church opposed the punishing of the Murderers, being fled to Sanctuary.

But the Parliament insisted upon it to the Spa­nish Ambassadour here, to have them punished, or no further Treaty with that Crown.

(30) Letters of divisions among the Irish, by the Popish Clergy:

And Opposition made against Ormond and Inche­quin.

That the Rebels in Kerry being 5000 Foot, and 500 Horse, dispersed the Quarters of C. Le Hunt. And that Major General Waller was gone to fight them.

That divers Robberies and Murders were com­mitted near Tade after, and the Thieves demand­ed of those they robbed, whether they had taken the Ingagement.

(31) Letters of the Kings going about to se­veral Rendezvous and Garrisons to encourage the Souldiers.

That a Party of Horse from Sterling took seven or eight stragling Souldiers of the Parli [...] ments.

February 1650.

(1) The Parliament appointed the Lord Chief Justice St. John, and Mr. Strickland to go Ambassa­dors to the States. Ambassadors extraordinary to the States of the United Provinces. Strickland had been Agent there before, and for his Experience thought [...]it to be sent with St. John, who was Cromwells Crea­ture, and his Disposition suited with such an Imployment, which met with good Abilities, though not much versed in Forraign Affairs or Languages.

Mr. Strickland was an honest rational Gentle-man, and versed in the Dutch Business; but St. John was looked upon as the principal man.

The number of Ships and men agreed upon, for the reducing of the Barbadoes.

A difference between C. Sidney Governour of Dover, and his Officers, referred to the Councel of State.

(3) Letters of an allarm taken by the Ene­my at Sterling, upon notice that the English Army intended a March thither.

That many of their new listed men run away.

That C. Fenwick Summon'd Hume Castle to be surrendred to General Cromwel: But the Gover­nour Hume-Ca­stle. answered, That he knew not Cromwel, and [Page] for his Castle, it was built upon a Rock.

That the General Assembly of the Rebels in Ireland, which they call their Parliament, decla­red their due and perfect obedience to his Maje­sty. Yet that they will insist upon the Articles of Peace, and provide against the violation of them.

And that the King being in the hands of the Scots Presbyterians, who had vowed the extirpa­tion of their Religion, they would receive no Go­vernour from him whil'st he was in this unfree Condition.

(4) Order that the Kings Arms be taken down in all publick places, and the Armes of the Common-wealth set up in the room thereof, and Kings-Armes. the charge of it paid out of the Parish-Rates, and the Justices of Peace, Church-wardens, and o­ther Officers to see this order executed.

An Additional Act passed for the sale of Fee-Farm Rents.

Letters of the Commissioners safe arrival in Ireland.

(5) Letters that the Ministers about Lever­poole refused to observe the Thanksgiving Day.

Of several Prizes brought in.

(6) Letters of an agreement of the Ministers Ministery. of Somerset, and Devon, to refuse subscribing the Ingagement, or observing the Orders of Par­liament.

That C. Pines Militia Regiment of 1200 had a Rendezvous, and shewed great forward­ness.

(7) Letters that C. Fenwick with the great Guns played against Hume Castle, and that the Hume-Ca­stle. Governour sent this Letter to him,

I William of the Wastle
Am now in my Castle.
And awe the Dogs in the Town,
Shand garre me gang down.

Letters of a party pursuing the Earl of Castle-haven in Ireland, And that Corn is extream dear there.

That liberty being given to the Dutch to carry Provisions Custom-free to the Parliaments Ar­my in Scotland, many Dutch Ships are preparing to supply the Army.

(8) Letters of an Ostender refusing to come in to one of the Parliaments Frigots, she sunk the Ostender.

(10) Letters that the Mortar-Pieces had done great Execution against Hume-Castle, and spoiled many rich Goods there, and the great Guns had made Breaches; whereupon C. Fen­wick Fenwick. resolved upon a Storm, and the Officers cast lots who should lead on to it;

But the Governour beat a parley; Fenwick re­fused to treat, unless they would presently sur­render upon Quarter for Life; which they did; and Fenwick appointed some Officers to look to the equal sharing of the Goods among his Souldi­ers, only the Governours Lady had liberty to carry out some of her Goods, and Bedding for her accommodation.

That the Army began their March with eight Regiments of Foot, and nine of Horse towards Sterling.

That there are great Divisions among the Scots.

(11) Vote that [...]he Councel of State should be altered for the year ensuing, twenty one of the Councel of State. old Members to continue in still, and twenty new Members to be chosen in.

This was done by way of balletting.

The old Members which continued were Crom­wel, Bradshaw, Rolles, St. John, Skippen, Sir Ar­thur Haselrigg, Sir Gilbert Pickering, Sir Henry Vane Junior, Sir William Masham, Sir William Armyn, Sir Henry Mildmay, Sir James Harring­ton, Whitelock, Lisse, Lord Grey, C. Purefoy, Scot, Challoner, Walton, Bond, Gourden.

The Names of the new Members were, Sir T. Widdrington, Prideaux, Major General Harrison, Strickland, Lieutenant Ceneral Fleetwood, Sir John Trevor, Sir William Brereton, Sir John Bou­chier, Love, Allen, Salwey, Lister, Thomson, Cary, Fielder, Darley, Say, Cawley, Goodwyn, Lemman.

(12) Letters of a Court Marshal at Plymouth, they began with Prayer, and condemned three Souldiers to dye, for running away from their Court-Marshal. Colours.

(13) Letters of a Ship taken at Poole by the Pyrates, pretending Commission from the King.

(14) Letters that the Scots in a Village called Geddard, rose, and armed themselves, and set upon Captain Dawson, as he returned from pur­suing some Moss-Troopers, killed his Guide and Trumpet, and took him and eight of his Party, and after they had given them Quarter, killed them all in cold Blood.

That the Lord Deputy had scattered the Re­bells, and was returned to Dublin.

(15) Letters that the General marched with his Army three dayes Westward, but by reason Cromwel. of the extream Snow and Storms, they were for­ced to return back to Edenburgh.

That the Enemy were sufficiently allarmed by this March, and fled to Sterling, but none ap­peared against the English.

(17) Letters that the General had been ill in Scotland, and some miscarriages in some of the Souldiers in their late March, which were punish­ed.

And the General set out a Proclamation, That none should buy any Goods of Souldiers, without their Officers hand to attest it.

That General Ruthen was dead. And the Ca­valiers of the deepest dye, hold colour best in Scotland.

That the Presbyterians see how they are decei­ved, and preach against them as much as they dare.

That Tantallon Castle was besieged by C. Monk, and the Town was burnt by the Govern­our.

(18) Letters that Sir Hardress Waller and Cromwell had relieved the English Garrisons in Ireland. Kerry, and taken four from the Irish, and made their Army fly and killed as many of them as they found.

That in the mean time the Irish got together in a Body from several places, imagining the English could not draw forth another Party of any strength to oppose them.

But by reason of Divisions among themselves, the Irish could not have a Conjunction and Body together, above 3 or 4000.

That the English drew all the strength they could against them, but could not attack them.

General Blake had the thanks of the House for Blake. his great and faithful Service.

[Page 464] Instructions and Credentials passed for the Am­bassadors to be sent to the United Provin­ces.

(19) Letters that the Irish being abroad in several Parties, Collonel Reynolds with one Party, and Collonel Hewson with another were out, to attend the motions of the Enemy.

That four Parliament Troopers were taken by the Scots near Carlisle, three of them were killed, and the fourth saved his Life, by swearing he was a Scot.

That the Scots would laugh in the Faces of the English, and take the next opportunity to cut their throats.

(20) Letters of disturbance of the execu­tion of the Militia about Cambridgeshire by some of the Commissioners being Malignants.

(21) Letters of Recruits in Cornwall readi­ly coming to be under Sir Hardress Waller in Ireland.

That the settling of the Militia, and subscri­bing the Ingagement goes on readily in those parts.

That the Scilly Pyrates took a rich Londoner, and several Merchant-men have been taken on the Western Coast by the Jersey Pyrates.

(22) Letters that the Ministers about Northampton, did generally refuse to take the In­gagement.

(24) Letters that a Hoy of Hamborough coming with Cheese for Leith, and brought by stress of weather into the North of Scotland, was there seized on and examined, and shewed Coquets for Haver de gras in France, whereupon he was dismist, and a Scots Man imbarqued with him for Haver de gras.

The Hamburgher having thus got free, brought his Cheese and the Scots Man to Leith.

Mr. Fry a Member of Parliament, being accu­sed by C. Downes another Member in Parliament, Mr. Fryes Book. for a Book written by Mr. Fry, and Mr. Fry ha­ving Printed another Book with all this matter in it.

The House Voted this to be a Breach of the Pri­viledge of Parliament.

They Voted other matters in the Book to be Erroneous, Prophane, and highly Scanda­lous.

That the Book be burnt, and Mr. Fry disabled to sit in Parliament as a Member thereof.

Several Persons executed, for robbing the Charter-house Hospital.

(25) Letters that the Lord Deputy had settled the Customs at Waterford, and those parts, and incouraged the Natives to plow and Ireland. sow their Land; and restrained the killing of Lambs.

That the Plague was broken out at Waterford, whereupon the Lord Deputy removed to Kilken­ny, to be nearer to the Enemy.

That two Troops fell upon the Tories, killed about 50 of them, and took some Prisoners.

That the Souldiers were in great want of Victuals and Cloaths.

Proposals were agreed by the Lord Deputy, and his Commission granted to C. Lawrence for raising a Regiment of 1200 in England, and to transport them to Waterford. The Parliament approved of them, and referred it to the Lord Deputy and the Commissioners in Ireland, to see them executed.

Referred to the Councel of State, to order the Stores and Magazines both for Sea and Land Ser­vice, as they shall think best for the advantage March. of the Common-wealth.

Pardons passed for divers poor Prisoners upon Certificates of the Judges.

Order for an Act to confine Papists, and De­linquents to their Houses.

Letters that the King was active in survey­ing his Garrisons and new Levies.

(26) Letters that two Dutchmen loaden with salt, came to an anchor within half a League of Dartmouth Castle, That presently af­ter two Jersy Pirates came up with them, cut their Cables by the half, and carried them away.

That the Castle shot at them, but could not reach them.

(27) Order by the Parliament, That the Officers for the Recruits for Ireland shall con­stantly attend their Charges, and the Forces to march directly to their Ports, and in their march, to Quarter in Inns and Ale-houses, and to pay for what they have.

Referred to the Councel of State to send this order into the several Counties where the Re­cruits are to pass, to the Commissioners of the Mi­litia, and for the Assessement, and to the Con­stables, that it be observed.

(28) Letters that the Irish having distressed a Party of the Parliaments Forces, another com­manded Party marched from Kilkenny to relieve them, and after five weeks march, in such a sea­son of the Year, into such inaccessable places, they scattered the Enemy, driving them out of many strong Holds, some whereof they had ta­ken from the Parliaments Forces.

That after pursuing them with Fire and Sword, and utterly destroying that part of the Countrey, which was part of the Enemies chief fastness and Refuge, in their return home, the Parliaments Foot ingaged with the Enemies at their own play, and upon their own terms, in such fastnes­ses of Woods, and Boggs, that the Parliaments Horse could not come near.

But God shewing himself, the Irish were not able to abide, but quickly fled, leaving their Ammunition, and store of their Arms behind them: and some hundreds of them, fell by the Sword in this Expedition.

March 1650.

(March, 1) Letters of Jeysey Pyrates very Scotland. bold upon the Western Coast.

That Tantallon Castle in Scotland, after batte­ry, and playing with Granadoes, was surrendred upon Mercy, there being in it 91 Officers and Souldiers, and that this cleared the Passage be­tween Edenburgh and Berwick.

The High Court of Justice sentenced Sir Hen­ry Hide, late Agent for the King in Turkey, to be beheaded for sundry Treasons and Crimes committed by him against the Common-wealth.

(3) Letters that the General and Offi­cers of the Army in Scotland, kept a Day of Hu­miliation, for the Sins of the Army.

[Page] That thirty sale of Ships were lately come in­to Leith, with Supplies from London, for the Army, That one of them was cast away.

That the King went into the North of Scot­land to hasten the Levies, and came to Aberdeen to compose their differences, but the Presbytery there opposed their Proceedings, especially in the receiving of Huntley, and that the Chan­cellours Power is down.

That Faux Castle was surrendred to the Ge­neral.

That the Countrey about Edenburgh sent in 100 Horse for Assistance of the Gene­ral.

That C. Ludlow Shipped with his Men for Ireland. Admirals.

(4) The Parliament ordered a day to be set apart, to seek a Blessing from God upon their Councels at home, and their Forces abroad by Sea and Land.

An Act passed for C. Pophain, and C. Blake, and C. Dean, or any two of them to be Admirals and Generals of the Fleet for the year ensu­ing.

An Act impowring the Councel of State, and the Admirals at Sea, for the pressing of men, as there shall be cause.

Amendments passed to a Bill for a new Inven­tion, in melting down of Metalls with Coal.

(5) No Letters came from Scotland, nor from Ireland.

(6) Letters of several Ships taken by Py­rates of Jersy and Scylly.

Of the willingness of Recruits about Exon, to go for Scotland.

(7) The business of Mrs Jane Puckering, and Mr. Joseph W [...]lch, about his forcing of her to a pretended Marriage, and carrying her beyond Sea to Dunkirk, was heard by the Commissioners appointed for hearing, and determing thereof, by a special Act of Parliament made for that pur­pose.

Letters that a Party of the Parliaments Garri­son at Lithgow, fell upon a Party of Scots, and took 30 Prisoners, and slew a Lieutenant, and three or four of the Enemy.

Several Scots Officers were imprisoned at St. Johns Town, for receiving Money, and not raising their men according to their Commissi­ons.

That the Sea brake in near Yarmouth, and drowned many Cattle, and a great part of the Countrey.

(10) Letters that General Cromwel was sick in Scotland.

Of great Preparations in the Isle of Man to assist the King.

Of Dutch Ships arrived at Dund [...], with Am­munition for the King.

That the Lords Ambassadours, St. John, and Strickland, took Shipping on the Lords day for the low Countries.

(11) An Act passed for continuing the Customes and Book of Rates for a year.

Vote that no Fullers-earth, or Clay, nor Oare of Lead, or Tin, be transported beyond Sea.

Order touching Sequestrations.

Order, That all English and Scots who have been under the Pay of the Parliament in Ireland, and have revolted, and betrayed their Trust, and Revolters have assisted the King, are Traitors and Rebels, and their Estates to be confiscate, and their Persons to be proceeded against as Traitors.

(12) Letters that C. Hewson had taken in several petty Garrisons near Athelow.

That M. Arnup with a Lieutenant, and twenty men were set upon in Wicklow by a Party too strong for him, the Lieutenant & nine or ten of the men were slain, the rest escaped.

(13) The publick Fast Day observed in London and Westminster.

(14) Letters of the Judges of Assise brought into Chard by the Sheriffe and Souldiers of the Militia, with vollies of Shot; many of the Justices and Gentlemen of the Country absent­ing themselves.

(15) Letters, That after the taking of Temptallon Castle, the Garrisons at Calander­house, and Blackness were quitted by the Scots.

Of the want of Frigots upon the Western Seas, to keep in the Jersy and Scilly Pyrats.

(17) Letters that the English Fishermen were taken by the Scots at Sea, and their Ships and Goods carryed away, and their Persons Pri­soners.

And that divers Scots Men of War are set out to the great dammage of Trade.

Of the Jersy and Scilly Pyrates taking several Merchants Ships, and none of the Parliaments Frigots to help them.

That upon C. Hewsons march into Westmeath, the Enemy got together 3000 in the Kings County, and 5000 in Finagh Quartered within ten Miles of Hewson, and had their Fastnesses, yet durst never appear to fight with him, but fled from him.

(18) An Act passed for continuing a former Act for removing all Papists, & all Officers, and Souldi­ers of Fortune, and divers Delinquents from London and Westminster, and confining them within five Miles of their Dwellings, and to incourage such as shall discover Papists and Jesuits, and their Receivers and Abetters.

Order that the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, do grant a Writ of Ad quod damnum touching a Fair to be kept in North Auckland in Durham.

Order that the Record of the Court of Wards be transferred into the Exchequer, to be under the care of Humphry Salwey Esquire.

Order for Mr. John Owen to be Dean of Christ-Church in Oxford.

Debate touching managing of the Treasury of the Common-wealth, for the best advantage thereof, and of providing Money for the For­ces.

Report of the discovery of a dangerous Plot, in the Northern Counties in complyance with the Scots and Malignants, for raising a new War, especially in and about Lancashire.

Vote that M. G. Harrison do forthwith ad­vance with a considerable Body of Horse and Foot, for security of the North.

One Cook apprehended for conspiring to de­stroy Cook. the Parliament, and being brought into the Room next the Gouncel, escaped from thence.

Resolved that whosoever should discover Cook, and return him in Custody, should have 500 pound.

(19) Letters of the Pyracies committed by those of Jersy and Scilly.

(20) An Act passed for the apprehension of Thomas Cooke Esquire, who was lately appre­hended by Warrant from the Councel of State, and made an escape from them.

[Page] The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex to proclaim the Act.

(21) Letters, That one of the Frigots belonging to the Barbadoes Fleet, brought into Plimouth an Irish Prize of the value of 10000 l.

An Account of Recruits ready for Ire­land.

(22) Letters, That the Scots came with 600 Horse to beat up the English Quarters about Lithgow, but were beaten back, and some Prisoners taken.

That the Books and Goods belonging to the King and Register, were taken by the Parliaments Ships, and another Ship laden with Oats, Meal and Provisions going for Fife, and 22 Prisoners taken.

That one Boston of Captain Lloyd's Com­pany was Cashiered for holding some dan­gerous Dange­rous Opi­nions. Opinions; as, That God was Rea­son, &c.

That the Lord President of Connaught did bring out of the Enemies Quarters 600 Cows, without any loss.

That a Bark of Cloaths for the Soldiers, was by the Master betrayed to the Scots.

That the Governor of Leverpool secured several Gentlemen thereabouts, suspected to be in the New Plot.

April 1651.

Lettert, That the Gentlemen who were sent Prisoners to Edenburgh, about a Fort­night Scotland. since, for raising Men, and sending Arms to the Enemy, refused to subscribe to live quietly, being afraid of the Kirks Ex­communication.

That an eminent Lord perswaded the King to be content to be King of Scotland only; but that Advice was husht.

That the Scots had a Rendezvouz of 8000 Horse, and 4000 Dragoons, and the King in the Head of them; and That their Design is supposed to be, to pass by the English Army into England.

That Lieutenant Colonel Crooke's Man was Sentenced to be hanged for killing of a Scotchman not in Arms.

That Middleton was coming up to Ster­ling with 8000 Men.

Letters, That the English Ambassadors English Ambassa­dors. Holland. at the Hague, delivered in a Paper to the States Commissioners concerning the Af­fronts offered to them by Prince Edward, the Palsgrave's Brother.

That the States sent to the Prince to ap­pear before them; but he disputed their April. Authority to send for him, being a stranger-Prince: yet upon a second Summons, he ingaged upon his Honour to come to them, but did not, and went away to his Bro­ther.

That one Apseley, a desperate Cavalier, Apseley. at the Hague, came to the Lord St. John's House, and earnestly desired to speak with him about Matters highly concerning his Safety; and being admitted into his Cham­ber, where divers of his Gentlemen were present▪

Aspeley desired That they might with­draw, that, to avoid Discovery of what he said, they two might be private; where­upon, my Lord Ambassador bid them all withdraw; but Mr. St. John his Kinsman, suspecting Apseley, would not withdraw, but staid in the Room, to observe and watch Apseley.

That Apseley made a long Discourse to the Ambassador of a Plot to take away his Life, but told him no Particulars; and seeing Mr. St. John continue in the Room, he abruptly took his leave, and went a­way.

That his Design was to have strangled the Ambasiador, and for that purpose had a Rope ready wound about his wrist, and a way was contrived for his Escape, after he should have done this Fact (at which he was very dexterous) by getting out of a Window, where divers of his Crew were ready to receive him.

That failing of his Enterprize, when he went away, he spake friendly to one of the Ambassadors Gentlemen to go a little way with him, which he did, and when Apseley had him alone, he threw the Rope over his Head, but the Gentleman strug­ling, his Periwigg came off, and the Rope with it, and so the Gentleman esca­ped.

That the States were acquainted here­with, and ordered Apseley to be apprehend­ed, but he fled away; and one of the Lords came to the Ambassadors to acquaint them what the States had done touching him, and Prince Edward; and That they were both fled: and That the States would be ready to prevent any such Affronts to their Lord­ships.

That the States Commissioners came to the English Ambassadors, to treat with them touching their Proposals, and desired the Amity and League between the two Nati­ons to be continued and renewed; but as to the Words in the Proposals (a more inti­mate and strict Alliance) they have not yet answered.

[Page] Anno 1651 They offered the English Ambassadors to ha vethe States Arms set over their Doors, for their Protection, but the Ambassadors refused it.

(15) An Act passed for continuing the Assessment of 120000 l. per mensem for six Months.

An Act committed for making void di­vers Honours granted by the late King.

Dr. Gourdon and Capt. Lymbrey added to the Councel of Trade, and all of that Coun­cel to take the Engagement.

Letters, That the Army in Ireland had Ireland. not taken the Field for want of Grass for their Horses.

That the Lord Deputy appointed a Fast for three weeks on every Thursday.

That the Lord Deputy gave leave to the Spanish Agent to raise 20000 among the Rebels, and transport them for his Masters Service, some persons being excepted.

That many Recruits were come over.

That more Corn was sown than former­ly, by reason that Liberty was given to any of the English to sow and reap in the Lands of the Irish, who would not sow them.

(16) The Lord Beauchamp, Lord Bel­lasis, and the Lord Chandois were com­mitted by the Councel of State, upon sus­pition of designing new Troubles.

(17) Letters of the Jersey Pyrates taking two Barks laden with Corn and Timber, in sight of Portland.

That Lieutenant Colonel Clarke with Nine Companies of Foot, set Sail from Plymouth for Scilly Islands.

Of Recruits shipped for Ireland.

That Van Trump came to Pendennis, and related, That he had been at Scilly, to de­mand Van Trump. Reparation for the Dutch Ships and Goods taken by them, and receiving no sa­tisfactory Answer, he had, according to his Commission, declared War against them.

That they had 400 Recruits from Ire­land, and had a Colonel, a Captain, and about 14 of the Parliaments Souldiers Pri­soners with them, whom they kept in a Cellar, and as he understood, they intend­ed to starve them.

That there are 25 Men of War belonging to Jersey, Scilly, the Isle of Man, and Gal­loway.

(18) Letters, That the Scots have chosen a Committee of Sixty, to mannage the Affairs of the War with the consent of the Kirk.

Of Recruits come to the English Army, and of four or five Prizes taken by the Par­liaments Ships, and brought into Leith, and one worth 10000 l. with Commanders in her, and one small Vessel taken by the Enemy.

(19) Letters, That the Scots Parlia­ment House raised the value of Coins; as a 12 d. to 13 d, &c.

That their Army was come up to 20000 l.

That Money was come from the Parlia­ment of England to their Army, and flat­bottom'd Boats.

(11) Letters, That a Party of Horse of the Enemy entred Lithgow, but were beat­en back, the Governour was dangerously wounded, and two of his Souldiers kil­led.

That the General had ordered a Rendez­vous of all his Horse at Muscleborough.

That the English Ambassadors at the Hague were freer from Affronts than for­merly, since a Placart published by the States against them, and punishing two or three Offenders.

That a Servant to C. Butler of the King's Party, was apprehended for being one in the late Tumult at the Ambassadors House, and confest his Master set him on. The States ordered six of their Guards to watch every night at the Ambassador's Gate.

That the E. of Oxford and C. Sidney were gone into Flanders to fight a Duel, with Seconds.

An Act passed for pressing 10000 Men, as there should be occasion, within one year.

An Act passed for continuing the Com­mittee of the Army, and Treasurers at War.

[Page] Another for continuing the Jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty.

Letters from the Lord Deputy of the D. of Lorraines Undertakings with the Earl of Clenrickard, for Assistance of the Rebels in Ireland.

That Van Trump lay before Scilley, and declared, That he would assist the English against it.

Of more Prizes taken by the Jersey Py­rates, and of Captain Bennet's fighting with two of them four hours, and came off with the Ships to whom he was Con­voy.

Of a Prize brought in by Capt. Pen.

That Lieutenant General Fleetwood, by Command of the Councel of State, pub­lished a Proclamation for all Officers and Souldiers by a Day to repair to their seve­ral Charges.

(23) Letters of Ships going out from Pli­mouth towards Jersey.

Of Recruits going for Ireland.

(24) Letters of the Fleets Arrival at Scilley, and of the Guns heard from thence.

That the Governour of Weymouth set out a Boat full of Souldiers to couvoy some Pyrates. Vessels, which a Jersey Pyrate espying, came up to them, and the Boat with Soul­diers suffered the Pyrate to lay them on Board, the Souldiers lying unseen; but when the Pyrates men were on Board, the Souldiers appeared, and gave them such a Welcom, that they hasted away, and hard­ly escaped, leaving the Captain and 12 of his Men dead.

(25) Letters of the General and his Army Marching out towards Fife.

That Captain Howard was made Captain of the Life-Guard, and Captain Beak Lieu­tenant.

That the General contributed 50 l. and the Officers of the Army contributed free­ly to the Relief of the Necessities of the Godly People in Scotland.

(26) Letters, That the General quar­tered at Hamilton, and the Army about him.

That his March Allarm'd the Enemy that way; and the Parliaments Ships allarm'd and kept them in Action at Brunt Island, and that way, where they made shew to at­tempt the Island, to amuse them.

(28) Letters of the Armies March to Kirk. Glascow, where the Scotch Ministers railed in their Sermons against the English Army of Sectaries, unjustly invading their Coun­trey, and throwing down all Power both in Kirk and State.

That the General sent for those Ministers, and moderately debated those Matters with them, and shewed them wherein they were mistaken, and thus sought to win them by fair means, rather than to punish them.

That the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland. Ireland, set forth an Order,

That the Lands of some of the Chief Rebels should not be under the Protection of the Parliaments Forces, as the King's County, &c.

And that all Persons, Friends to the Par­liament, should by a Day remove them­selves, Goods and Families from those Places, and the Commissioners are to as­sign them Lands in other Places.

(29) Orders touching Maimed Soul­diers for their Relief.

Letters, That 2000 of the Parliaments Souldiers and Seamen were Landed in the little Isles on the West of Scilly, and That the Ordnance were heard thundring there many hours together.

(30) Letters, That the English Am­bassadors English Ambassa­dors. at the Hague, received from the Councel of State the Votes of Parliament for their Return home, which was sudden and unexpected both to the Ambassadors, and to the States.

The Truth was, That the Lord Ambas­sador St. John was irritated against the States, by the Affronts offered to them at the Hague, and not punished, and he had little hopes of dispatching the Treaty with them, according to his Mind, especially as to his Proposal of Coalition. Coalition.

He therefore sent his Judgment to his private Friends in Parliament, who sway'd the House, and as unexpectedly there, as elsewhere, the House passed their Vote for Recalling their Ambassadors from Holland.

Upon this News, the States sent pre­sently [Page] to the Ambassadors, to know the Certainty thereof, and expressed much trouble and sorrow, That the Ambassadors would return before the Treaty were brought to a Conclusion, and earnestly at several times, by one of their own Num­ber, sent to them, and pressed the Ambas­sadors to stay.

They answered, That they must obey the Order of Parliament: But at length they sent Mr. Thirloe, the Lord St. John's Secre­tary, back with the Messenger to England, to know the further Pleasure of the Parlia­ment concerning their Stay or Return.

That in the mean time the States pro­ceeded in the Business of the Treaty with England, and laid aside all other Affairs, and professed great Desire of a near Amity with England, and said that Time must perfect all things.

That six of the Ambassadors Gentlemen, going up into Germany, to see those Parts, were taken Prisoners by some Lorain Troo­pers, and pillaged, and were to pay 1200 l. for their Ransom.

May, 1651.

[1.] Letters that Major-General Harrison and Collonel Rich were come with their Forces in Lancashire, and an account of Recruits going will­ingly for Ireland.

[2.] That the General was at Glascow, that the Enemies Levyes went on slowly, and the factions of Hamilton and Argile were very high.

Letters, That the Parliaments Fleet at Scilly, had taken Grinsby, after 3 times being beaten off, and that they had taken 2 Irish Frigats of 30, and an other of 24 Gunns.

[3.] Letters of a boat Loaden with Oats, ta­ken by the Scots, That the Parliaments Soldiers at Scilly had taken all the Islands except St. Maries, and had taken 3 of their Frigats, killed 14 of their Men, and taken 120 Prisoners, that of the Parlia­ments Forces 8 were killed and about 20 of them wounded, that they intended to send a summons to St. Maries Island, and if they refused, then to Attempt it.

[5.] Letters of a strange Apparition at Madely in Staffordshire, seen by a Woman and her Maid, the Sun as blood, and dark bodies like men about it, That they seemed to fall down into the Court, and there to fight, and the Moat about the house seem­ed to be all of blood, and Cannons and Holsters in the Court.

That 3 great Birds with Wings like Angels came flying to the Woman and the Maid, and frighted them.

[6.] Referred to the Council of State to con­sider of the business of Securing Mr. Case and other London Ministers, who preached against the Parli­aments proceedings.

Letters of prizes brought into Hull, and of Con­voys for Merchants Ships.

That the chief Ringleaders of those in Holland who assaulted the English Ambassadors house were sentenced to be whipped.

That the Collonel of the Lorraine Troopers who pillaged Mr. Steward, and the rest of the Ambassa­dors Gentlemen in Germany, showed them a Com­mission from the King to him, to take any of the Ambassadors men.

That there was an agreement between the Duke of Lorraine, and the Irish Rebels for him to come over to them, with Forces and Arms to assist them. That the Rebels have accepted him, as their Pro­tector.

That the plague was still at Cork and at Water­ford.

[7.] Letters confirming the taking of all the Isles of Scilly, except St. Maries, and of taking 3 Ships prizes, one of them richly laden, and many Prisoners.

[8.] Letters, That the Parliaments Forces in Ʋlster of 3000 Foot and 1500 Horse were upon their March towards Connaught.

That General Blake, and Sr. George Ascue with Scilly Island. the Fleet at Scilly intended to fall upon St. Maries Island, that the Governour thereof Sr. John Green­vile sent to them for a Treaty, which was agreed but took no effect, and there upon the great Guns played upon St. Maries.

[9.] Letters, That some Scots at Leith fired 2 May. Scots. Stacks of Hay at Lieth.

That they hanged a Scots-man for drowning an English-man in a Cole pit,

That tis to be supposed the Scots intend to get by the English Army, and to make the Seat of the War in England. And that they are 20000 strong, and that the English Army is very desirous to ingage with them.

[10.] Letters that the General and the Army were returned to Edenburgh, and had received a weeks Provisions.

That the Enemy have a Rendezvous every moneth, and their Horse are quartered to keep their Foot from running away. That if it were not for the provisions that come out of England, the Army could not subsist, either Men or Horse.

12.] That a Scots-man who was subject to England, by his relation to Ireland, being sent by the General on a message to the Scots, was by them executed as a Spy.

Upon Examination by a Court Martial, it ap­pearing, that the Lady Kelsith, kept a conrespon­dence with the Enemy, and indeavoured to invie­gle some of the Parliaments Soldiers to be for the King, the General and his Council ordered her House and Goods to be burned.

That Middleton refuseth to take orders from any Scotland. but the King, and would be an Independent Army, and his interest is to be kept up against Lesley's, that they would fain be upon their March for Eng­land, but their friends there have sent them word, they cannot be ready till next moneth.

That a Scots man took a Flemmish Ship prize, and a Parliament Frigat met them, and took them both prizes.

Letters from Sr. George Ascue of the action at Scilly, that Captain Morris behaved himself most Scilly Island. gallantly in the storming of the Island.

That the Scilly Islands are the key, that open a passage to several Nations

Sr. George Ascue desires to know the pleasure of the Council, that he may proceed upon his Voyage to the Barbadoes.

[13.] A Petition to the Parliament from the Petition. Justices of peace, Grand-Jurors and other well affected persons in Cheshire.

Shewing their good affection to the Parliament, their being over burdened in Taxes, wherein they pray relief, and were answered with good words, and the thanks of the House for their good affections.

An Act committed, prohibiting the transport­ing of Lead Oare, Fullers-earth, and Tobacco Pipe clay.

An Act read and committed for Transporting 60 Persons convicted for petty Felonies, into Ire­land, and the English Plantations in America.

That the English Ambassadors in Holland received letters to stay for some longer time there.

That the Cavaliers report the Kings Army in Scotland to be 60000 Men.

[14.] Letters of divers of the Parliaments Of­ficers and Soldiers killed by the breaking of a piece of Ordnance.

[15.] Letters of Recruits and Mony arrived at Dublin, and an account how the Forces there are disposed, and of visiting the Western Garrisons.

[16.] Letters that after the Parliaments Fleet had taken the 2 Islands of Trisco, and Briers, they [Page 466] had a Treaty with Sir John Greenvile by Commissio­ners, which took no effect.

[17.] Letters that the Scots ordered a new le­vy of every 12th man for a reserve, and have orde­red all the English to serve under Massey, who Massey. courts them, and mounted 3 or 4 foot Soldiers that ran away from Cromwel to him.

[19.] Letters of the Armies posture in Scot­land, but little Stirring.

[20.] Letters of Collonel Reynolds, and Sir Charles Coote being upon their march to attend the Enemies motions in Connaght.

[21.] Letters of Sir George Ascues departure from Scilly Islands towards the Barbadoes.

[22.] The Parliament debated several Acts touching the Assessment, putting the publick Trea­sury into a way most for the püblick advantage, and other Acts.

[23.] Letters of the Scots gathering their for­ces Scotland. together to a Rendezvous, and intelligence of their design to slip by the English Army into Eng­land, and so to draw the Seat of the War out of their own Country into England, where they ex­pected many to befriend them.

[24.] Letters of the forces in Ireland upon their march for Connaght, and of Recruits come thither.

[26.] Letters, That the Scots drew up together 8 Regiments of Foot at Sterling, their Horse were in other places, and Middleton with his party stood still at a distance, That they brought Straw 30 miles for their use.

That one of their Collonels said he hoped to see the word in their Colours to be Covenant for Tobac­co, Stong-waters, and Whores.

That Collonel Lidcott fell upon a Garrison of the Enemies with his Horse, and brought away many Prisoners.

That Major Sydenham was dead of his Wounds.

That a party of Collonel Montgomeries fell upon some of the English Dragoons. and surprized about 40 or 50 of them, as they were in the Country ga­thering the Assessment.

That it was conjectured, the Scots would decline any ingagement with the English, but weary them out, and take the first opportunity to get by them into England.

That there was some damp upon the English Army, by the sickness of the General.

From Waterford, That the Army fell upon the Rebels beyond the Shannon, did some execution up­on them, and brought away some booty.

That they rejoyced to hear that the Parliament had sent a Fleet towards Dunkirk, to keep in the Duke of Lorrains Fleet, if they should attempt any thing upon Ireland.

That Prince Rupert was gone to Sea with 5 Ships, and 2 Fire-ships.

That 2 French Ships laden with Silk, were taken by the English.

[27.] The Parliament sent a Message to the General to desire him to retire for his health to Cromwel. some convenient place in England for the fresh Air, and to intrust the Army in the mean time in such hands as he should think fit.

The Parliament discharged all Recognizances, Fines, and Amercements and Process upon them un­till 30 Jan. 1648.

That the General being Sick of an Ague, the Officers of the Army provided to march without him. That several Ships were arrived at Lieth with Provisions for Men and Horse.

That Prince Edward was summoned to appear P. Edward at the Hague to answer his misdemeanor against the English Ambassadors.

That the 6 Gentlemen of the English Ambassadors English who where taken Prisoners by Collonel Hatter the Lorreiner, were carried by him to the Spaw to drink the waters there with him, and there a Gentleman who had received civilities in England, looking ear­nestly upon them, imagined that they were gentle-men in some distress & inquiring of them, was told all the story of their being surprised by Collonel Hatter, upon which the Gentleman raised the English Ambassa­dors. Town, and rescued the English Gentlemen from the Collonel, and brought them from thence in liberty to Lymburgh.

That there the English Gentlemen bragging of their good fortune, and that now they should save 1200 l which they had promised to pay to Collonel Hatter for their ransom;

This coming to the Ear of the Governour of Lymburgh, he kept the English Gentlemen in re­straint, and told them, That seeing they had in­gaged to pay 1200 l to Collonel Hatter for their ransom, and that now they were fallen into his power in Lymburg, that they should pay the same Summ to him, which they should have paid to Collonel Hatter.

That the States sent to the PrincessRoyal, to the Duke of York, and to the Queen of Bohemia, to de­sire them, that none of their trains might be suf­fered to offer any affront to any of the English Am­bassadors company, whom the States had taken into their Protection, and would not regard any great Person that should affront them. That they all pro­mised to conform to the States desire.

That they caused a new Court of Guard to be built at the English Ambassadors door.

That they visited the Spanish Ambassador, who had been very courteous to them, & by their desire, had written to the Governour of Lymburgh (who was under the Spanish Jurisdiction) to set free the Ambassadors Gentlemen in his power, without any Ransom.

That the Dutch inquired much after the Affairs in Scotland, and seemed inclinable to a good Cor­respondence with England.

[29.] An account of Recruits for Ireland.

That the Scots Foot were very poor in Cloaths, and both Men and Horse in great want of Provi­sions.

[30.] Letters, That the Earl of Derby was vi­ctualling and furnishing his Castles in the Isle of Man.

Letters, That the Enemy took some Cows, from the Garrison of Charlemont, which the Lord Cau­field having notice off, lay in the way; and met them in their return, killed about 30 of them, and took 120 Arms, and brought away the Cows.

That another party of the Enemy came into the English quarters, who routed them, and took di­vers of them.

That the Foot at Scilly entred at St. Maries Is­land, and that those in the Castle were in great want of water.

[31.] Letters, That the Country between Edenburgh and Dunbar was full of excellent Corn.

[Page 467] That there were many Ships come into Lieth with Provisions.

A Soldier shot to death for killing his fellow Soldier in a Duel,

June 1651.

[2.] The Parliament ordered 2 Physicians, Dr. Wright, and Dr. Bates to go into Scotland to attend the General and to take care of his health, they being his usual Physicians in London, and well esteemed by him, they were by this time come to Edenburgh.

[3.] Letters of several incounters with the Rebels in Ireland, who in all conflicts were worsted by the Parliaments Forces.

[4.] That the Scots lay still in their Quarters, onely sometimes by parties they fell into the quar­ters of the Parliaments Forces neer them, but were as often repulsed, as they made any Attempt.

[5.] Debates in Parliament, and several Or­ders for Mony and Recruits for the Armies in Scot­land and Ireland.

[6.] An account of Recruits marching, and of some Shipped for Ireland, and others sent by land for Scotland.

[7.] Account of Prizes taken by the Parlia­ments Ships.

[9.] Letters of the General his good recovery of Health again, and that the Doctors were re­turned from him.

Of a Ship loaden with Oats taken from the Scots.

That the Malignants with the King, did some of them cause the Soldiers to plunder some of the Scots. Presbyterians, by whom they had formerly Suffered.

That Major-General Massy had found out new inventions of fire works, and Engines of War.

That Major-General Harison was advanced with his Brigade to the furthest part of Cumberland.

That the Enemy took all the Horses and 20 Men of Captain Wrights Troop, the Horses being at Grass.

That some of the Duke of Lorraines Forces were come down about Dunkirk, but retired upon the coming of General Popham thither.

That the Parliaments Ships chased and forced 3 Dunkerkers to run on Shoar.

Letters from the General acknowledging the Cromwell. favour of the Parliament in sending the Doctors to him and giving him leave to come into England for his health. That he hath unexpectedly been restored to Health by the goodness of God.

[10.] Letters, That the Assembly of the States, Holland. was adjourned for a week, and that they thought the propositions made by the English Ambassadors to be too much for them to consent unto. That Hol­land is more inclinable to an agreement with the Ambassadors, than the other Provinces are.

That fair words are given, and now and then a visit to the Ambassadors by some of the Deputies, who are not gone Home.

That the rest are jealous of Amsterdam, as if they designed to make themselves like Venice, to domi­neer over all the other Towns.

[11.] Letters, That upon intelligence of a Scotland. great party of the Enemy drawn out, upon design to fall upon the English Garrison at Hamilton, the June. General sent Collonel Whaley with 8 Regiments of Horse, to bring off the Garrison, which he did, and slighted the House.

That Major-General Massy was making of Leath­er Ordnance, and Fire-works for the Scots Soldiers to carry on the top of their Pikes, to slaughter his own Country Men.

That the Scots Parliament have nulled the Act of Classis, whereby all Hamiltons, and Montrosses party may be of all Parliaments, and Judicatories; and Argyles party lyes low.

That the Lord Warreston, Sr. James Stuart, and Sir John Chiesly continued with the General at E­denburgh.

[12.] Letters of pressing Men for Ireland.

That Sr George Ascue was not gone for the bar­badoes, Sir George Ascut. but was come into Plymouth with Sr. John Greenvile, and other Prisoners taken at the Isle ofSt. Maries and other of the Scilly Islands, they being all Surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles.

[13.] Letters of a notorious Jersey Pyrate ta­ken by the Parliaments Ships.

That both the Armies in Scotland lay still in their Quarters as in the midst of Winter, attending one anothers motions. That the General was abroad again.

That a Merchant's man was Shot to Death for killing a Soldier.

[14.] Letters confirming the rendition of St. Maries Island to the Parliament.

That there were in the Island 800 Soldiers, some Scilly Island. of them were Shipped for Ireland, others for Scot­land, others for France, and some for England with Sr. John Greenvile.

That there were in it likewise Commissioned Officers enough to head an Army. That Collonel Axtel, Collonel Sadler, and Collonel Le-Hunt, prisoners there were Released. That these I­slands will now be a Shelter to the Merchants, which before were their ruine, and is a Check to the Trade of many Nations.

[16.] Letters, That 5 or 6000 Scots used to beat up the quarters of one Troop of the Parlia­ments Horse, but that they now are quiet.

That the English do but stay their march till they can have Horse meat in the Fields.

That the Provinces of Holland, Zealand, and Ʋ ­trecht are more agreeing than the other Provinces to the Articles proposed by the English Ambassa­dors.

That the Lord Deputy passed the River Shannon, Ireland. and fought with Castlehaven, who was appointed to hinder his passage over that River, whilst Clan­ricard's Army prepared to stop Sr. Charles Cootes pas­sage out of the North, and to fight with him. But Sr. Charles Coote understanding this, marched 30 miles in a Day and a Night, slipt beyond them a­nother way, and joyned with the Lord Deputy, who wholly routed the Lord Castlehaven's Army; that some of the Parliaments Forces are sat down before Galloway.

[17.] Letters from Collonel Hewson of the de­feat given by the Lord Deputy to Castlehaven's Forces, and that the Lord Dillon was reported to be slain.

An account from the Parliaments Commissio­ners in Ireland of the Recruits and Provisions ar­rived there, and how their several Forces are dis­posed, and where they are upon Service in that Kingdom.

[Page 468] [18.] Letters, That the Scots Army was in­closed in Sterling Park, which was their own works, and not to be attempted, but upon great disadvantage. That old Leven continues General under the King, and they have several Major-Ge­nerals. Scotland.

That their Forces are about 28000, and they have hanged 3 or 4 for refusing to bear Arms, & they ex­pect many in England to joyn with them. That their Soldiers have no pay but 2 l. of Meal a day. That there was a Proclamation at St. Johns-Town, that the word Malignant should be forborn, for that all Interests were agreed.

[19.] Letters, That Sr. Charls Coote, and Col­lonel Reynolds had given a great overthrow lately to the Enemy in the North of Ireland, and had kil­led and taken 3000 of them.

That at Exon there was a great quarrel between the Seamen and Soldiers, and many broken Pates, but the Officers made them Friends again.

An account of Prest-men Recruits for Ireland, and 1000 Pioneers Tools safely arrived.

[20.] Letters, That the Lord Deputy was marched to the very Gates of Lymbrick. Here Col­lonel James Whitelock commanded a Forlorn, with whom he marched up to the Enemy, and the charge was so hot, and he so far ingaged, that his Horse was killed under him, his Hat shot through, and his thigh bruised with the But-end of a Musket, but he beat in the Enemy, and killed many of them.

That Collonel Ingolesby finding about 200 Horse grazing neer the City, followed them to the Gates, where those that escaped the Sword, the Shannon devoured; in all they lost about 100 Men, and 150 Armes, and 1000 Cows, Oxen, and Sheep.

That Portumney was surrendred to S. Charles Coote, who also took in several other Forts and Castles.

That 3 Merchant men of London met with a French man of Warr, who fought with them some time, but finding himself too weak, gave over, but meeting with another French man, they both set upon the Merchant men, but could not prevail, and after many killed on both sides, they parted.

[21.] Letters of Allarums given by the Scots Army, but nothing done by them. And that the English Army were quickly in a readiness to bid them welcome.

Mr. Love the Minister was brought to his Try­al before the High Court of Justice in Westminster, Mr. Love. and many Witnesses heard to prove the Accusati­on of High Treason against him.

[23.] Letters, That the King was very active, and rode into Fife to gather together the Horse, Scots. and new Levyes, that they appointed a general Fast, but the Kirk in the West were not pleased with their doings, but refused to publish it, and that all their Speech was for England.

That Massy is in great esteem with them. That their new Committee of States is of Malignants, and a Committee is selected out of them to go along with the Army, to consult about their Affairs,

That they were much disappointed by discovery of the design of rising in Lancashire, and that they heard nothing yet of any rising in Wales under the Earl of Derby.

That some of the Scots Ministers were sent from the Classis of the West of Scotland, to the Classical Presbytery of Sterling, with some Proposals, which where rejected, and Mr. Galaspy, and the rest that brought them, were threatned to be punished.

That a Committee was appointed to examine and punish by con [...]iscation and otherwise, all such as had a hand in the Remonstrance of Ker, and Straughan.

That London, and all England is promised to be divided among the Scots Officers; and Soldiers, if they can conquer it.

That a party of Scots appearing neer to Carlisle, Major-General Harrison sent 2000 Horse and Dragoons towards them to fight them, but they retreated in hast back to Sterling.

That 100 Waggons and Carts with Arms, Am­munition and Provisions were come to New-Castle.

[24.] Letters of a rising in Cardigan Shire of 400 Horse and Foot got together in a Body, and intending to march North wards.

That some Troops of the Parliament quartering there abouts, came up to them, and they fought the Troopers, but after a short dispute, were rout­ed, about 40 of them killed, and 60 taken pris­oners; among whom were some of the chief Conspi­rators.

An account of 4700 prest Soldiers, and 4300 Voluntiers gone for Recruits into Ireland. English Ambassa­dors.

Letters of a Ship of the Parliaments arrived at Helford-sluce, one of those sent to bring back the English Ambassador, which was unexpected and un­welcome News to the States, but the Courts of the Holland. Queen of Bohemia, and of the Princess Royal rejoy­ced at their departure.

That the same Night the States sent to the Am­bassadors (which they had not done in a moneth be­fore) to know if they might not come to the Am­bassadors the next morning to conferr with them about the Treaty: To which the Ambassadors an­swered, That they might if they pleased.

That the next morning the Commissioners from the States were taking the Coach to come to the Ambassadors, but fell out among themselves about the Message they were to bring, and so sent to ex­cuse their not coming that day.

That some of the Provinces disagreed as to the neerer Amity; but whether contrived, for some ex­cuse of their unsufferable delays, was not certain; but that they would fain see the issue of their af­fairs in Scotland, before they come to a Conclusion with the English Ambassadors, is agreed by all.

[25.] Mr. Love the Minister was again be­fore Mr. Love. the High Court of Justice; and confest that the Conspirators met at his house for furthering the Scots designs, and that letters were received, and answers sent from thence &c. but that he did not personally act any thing.

[26.] Letters, That 6 Merchants Ships of Scots. London loaden with Provisions with a Man of War for their convoy, were come into Lieth, but a Ketch loaden with wheat was by the way snapped by the Scots.

That the Duke of Bucks was much taken notice of for his Lasciviousness, and that they called Ba­stards, Buckinghams Birds;

That the General and his Officers kept a Fast, and the General himself expounded a place in Scripture to them.

That the Ships with mony from the Parliament were in sight.

The Ambassadors St. John and Strickland return­ed from the Hague to London,

[27.] Letters, That a party of the Army fell upon, and ruined 300 of the Rebels in the Kings County.

[Page 469] [28.] Letters of a Ship arrived at Lieth with 80000 l. for the Army, and 30 Sail of Ships with Provisions.

That the Scots kept a Fast, and hanged a Corpo­ral of theirs for having a List of their Army in his pocket, because they said it was to give intel­ligence of it to the English.

That a Ketch of the Parliaments went to seise some Boats of the Scots loaden with Meal, but a Scotch Frigat coming into rescue them, fell upon the Ketch, who sailed purposely over a shallow place, and the Scots Frigat pursuing her stuck upon the Sand, in the mean while the English Ketch fell upon the Scots Boats, and sunk them all.

[30.] Letters, That the English Army had 6 weeks pay, and were ordered to be ready for a March, and that the Scots Army were up­on their March, and had their Train ready.

That there was a Mutiny among the Scots for want of Provisions.

That the General lost 40 Dragoon Horses ta­ken by the Enemy.

Letters, That those risen in Cardigan-shire expected great assistance from other Coun­ties, and were assured that the King was within 40 Miles of them, with a great Ar­my, and that all England was up in Arms for him, that if they had not been suppressed in that time, they would have been very trou­blesome.

An Account of the Care taken for Convoying of Merchant Ships, and of two French Ships taken Prizes.

July, 1651.

[1.] Letters of the tendition of Athlow, and all the Garrisons betwixt that and Lymbrick to the Parliament.

That Reynolds desires to be hastened for Scot­land.

That the Lord Broghills Quarters being at­tempted to be beaten up by the Lord of Musker­ries Lord Brog­hill. Regiment of Horse, the Lord Broghill follow­ed them with 100 Horse only, and after 6 Miles march, overtook them drawn up in 4 great divisions, on the other side of a Pass, where but Ireland. 3 could go a breast above 50 yards.

That there the Lord Broghill charged them, and after a handsome dispute gave them an in­tire rout; most of their men were killed and wounded, among which were 16 Officers, the best men they had.

That they got store of Horses and Arms, and the Lord Broghill lost not one Man, and had only 8 wounded, and none of them mortally.

That one of the Prisoners taken, was Cor­net Bronal, who had formerly served under the Lord Broghil in Ireland, and therefore he caused him to be shot to death for a Runaway.

That this was the first time of a Fight of Horse to Horse in these Irish Wars.

That hearing of another party of the Ene­my neer, the Lord Broghil marched up to them with 2 Troops of Horse, and one of Dra­goons, and fell upon a party of 3 Regiments of their Horse, who having the advantage of a Bridge, fought very well, and put 60 of the Lord Broghils Horse to a stand, and indeed to some disorder.

But at length they routed the Enemy, and July. had the Execution of them for 5 miles, so as 'tis thought not ten of them got off, and not above 3 unwounded.

That the Lord Broghil took but 29 Prisoners, most of them Officers or Gentlemens Sons, and he lost but one Man killed, and 6 of his own Troop wounded, and his Cornet who did gal­lantly was mortally shot.

That as he was in this execution, a body of the Rebels Foot and a Troop of Horse ap­peared, whereupon the Lord Broghil rallyed a party together, and went to fight them, but some of their Scouts being killed, they all fled faster than his weary Horse could follow them to the fastness of a great Wood.

That Mr. Love was again before the High Court of Justice, where Mr. Hales his own Counsel was heard to plead for him.

[2.] An account of Recruits landed in Ire­land; and of 5 prizes taken by Pyrats from the Isle of Man, where they harboured.

Letters, That a Parish in Jersey refused to o­bey the Governour Carteret, who committed the chiefest of them.

[3.] Letters of the disorder of 3 Troopers, taking the Swords of some Travailers from them upon the High-way, for which the Troopers were punished.

An account of Recruits who went cheerfully for Ireland.

[4.] Letters, That the Earl of Castlehavens Life-guard (as many of them as were Prote­stants) Ireland. sent before for leave, and came in to the Lord Deputy; and many of the Inhabitants of the Country by leave, went home to their ha­bitations.

That the Lord Deputy made a Bridge over the Shannon, and built a strong Fort which com­manded the River both above and below.

That the Enemy assaulting Collonel Hassells Garrison, was beaten off, and that Captain Gib­bons routed another party of them.

That Collonel Zankey with 1500 Horse and Foot was sent against a party of the Enemy, and that the Lieutenant General with a considera­ble party went within two miles of Galloway, and there took so great a prey, that they were for­ced to leave many of them behind, for want of drivers.

That the Lord Deputy took the Castle at the Weare, having made but one Shot at it, which killed 3 men, and the rest ran away but were taken, and some after quarter promised were killed, for which Justice will be done.

That the Lord Deputy sent a Summons to the Governour of Lymbrick to render it to the use of the Parliament, before the Battery of the Town. That they suspended their an­swer for one day, and then sent for a Treaty for surrender, and for a cessation in the mean time.

That the Lord Deputy consented to a Treaty, but denyed a cessation, that they are much divi­ded in the Town, and the greater part was for a Surrender.

That Clanrickard, and Castle haven were gone to Sea, and their Army broken in peices, and none can tell how.

[Page 470] That the Lieutenant General took in several Castles, and one by storm with his Horse and Dragoons only, and that Collonel Reynolds was with him in those actions, and that Collonel Zankey had relieved a Garrison of the Parlia­ments, and took in several Forts from the Scotland. Enemy.

[5.] Letters, That the Scots Army was drawn out on this side Sterling, and thereupon the General drew out his Army from Eden­burgh, and they lay in the Field to be in a fit posture to receive the Enemy, but the Scots went back, and the English incamped upon Penthland Hills.

That the Camp was in an excellent Martial posture and figure, and the General was in his Tent. That many English Ladies were there to view the Leaguer.

Mr. Love was sentenced by the High Court Mr. Love. of Justice, for the Treasons proved against him, to be beheaded.

[7.] Letters of both Armies in Scotland drawing neerer one to another.

That the Mosse Toopers took 4 Horsmen, and 6 Prisoners.

Of a Prize loaden with Salt brought into Lieth.

That the Governour of Lieth sent a party into Edenburgh to search for Arms, where they found many in private Houses, and brought them away to Lieth,

That the General had in his Army 14 Regi­ments of Horse, 12 Regiments of Foot, and 16 Cromwell. pieces of Ordinance, and that both Armies were within 8 or 9 miles ofone another, and that some of their Scouts have met.

That the English Army saw the Scots Lea­guer. That they were 15000 Foot, and 6000 Horse.

That the Scots have great differences among themselves; That Hamilton carrys all, and Argyle & his party are down; That some Ministers have put out a new Remonstrance against the taking in of some notorious Malignants.

Letters of Alderman Jacksons house near Bri­stol burned with his Children in it.

[8.] The Parliament passed a Vote for put­ting down the Marshals Court in Southwark

An Act passed for keeping the Assizes at Dur­ham.

Officers named in the Bill for sale of some Delinquents Lands.

An Act passed for continuing the Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster.

Letters, That the Ships with Mony and Pro­visions were safely arrived in Ireland.

The Lord Deputy set forth a Proclamation, Ireland. for observing a day of Thanksgiving, for the safe and seasonable Passage over the Shannon.

[9.] Letters, That Major Scot was sent out with a party to discover the Scots Army, and gave them an Allarum, that they drew up their Horses into Bodies.

[10.] Letters of a quarrel between some of the Oxford Shire Troops and some Country Men.

Of prizes brought in, one loaded with 5000 bushels of wheat.

[11.] Letters, That God hath struck such a terror into the Camp of the Enemy, that of all their Field Army, in Ireland, so much boasted of, there was not 1000 Men in a body in any Coun­ty to oppose the Parliaments Army.

That they would all go to the King of Spain, if his Resident with them, could furnish them with Mony; yet he hath agreed for 4000.

That Sr. Charles Coote is sat down before Gal­loway,

That the strong Castle by Lymbrick was sur­rendred upon quarter; and that Collonel Tottel for killing some of the Enemy who had quarter given them, was cashiered by the General.

That Lymbrick is in Treaty for surrender; That Wheat is worth there 7 l. a Barrel.

That Massy wrote a vapouring Letter for exchange of a Prisoner, but the General would not agree to it,

That the General marched towards the Scots Scots. Army lying at Torwood. and there was Pickeer­ing between both parties, the English took 12 of the Scots, and killed divers, they killed none of the English, but one man, and all the Scots as they passed by him, either Pistoled him, or Cut him, or Pricked him with their Rapiers in a barbarous manner.

That the King was in the Field to incourage them; That the first rank of their Troops were Armed compleat. They give out their Army to be 29000, but tis supposed they are 200000, That they had intrenched themselves, and plan­ted great Guns, so that they could not be at­tempted with less danger than Storming a Gar­rison.

That some of the English Pickeering without order, were indangered by the Enemy, but re­lieved by Collonel Okey, who beat the Scots from a Hill they had for advantage. That both Armies drew to their Quarters about a Mile from each other.

That in the night the Enemy drew some great Guns to the top of an hill, from whence they made about 40 Shot early in the morning, and killed two or three of the English.

That the General Cromwel planted 2 Cannons and played upon them, and did some execution, and seeing the Scots would not ingage, but upon their great advantage, the General called a Councel of War in the Field, and by their ad­vice, drew off to the Vale, to see if the Scots would follow them, and forsake their Hills; which they did not, and so the English Army returned back to their former Quarters at Lith­gow.

[12.] A List of the several Regiments of the English Army with their Collonels sent up, being 14 Regiments of Horse, 12 Regi­ments of Foot, and 6 Troops of Dragoons.

4 daies Provision more was delivered out to the Army, for a new March and Design.

[14.] Letters, That Cromwel marched up a­gain Cromwell. to the Scots, but their Foot were intrench­ed, and their Horse lay so, that the English could not ingage them, there being a River and Boggs between them: and though Cromwel came up to the Teeth of them, and viewed all their Bodies, yet they would not come forth.

[Page 471] That the English took 8 Scots Prisoners, and killed divers in Pickeering, and beat them up to their Works, and waited for them about 8 hours, but they kept in, and so the English went to their Quarters; and the Scots followed them with a small party, who were quickly beaten back.

That Athelow and Lymbrick were both sur­rendred to the Parliament.

That 5 English Vessels were taken prize by Boats from Jersey, carrying 4 or 5 great Guns a piece in them.

That the States were sending the Lord Joa­chimi Ambassador to England, to perfect what the English Ambassadors had there be­gun.

An Indictment of Felony at the Assizes in Kent was found against Joseph Welsh, and others, for assaulting Mrs. Jane Pukering, and carrying her to Erith, and compelling her contrary to her will, to say words importing a Marriage &c.

[15.] Mr. Love petitioned the Parliament, Mr. Love. and divers other Petitions were presented on his behalf for pardon of his life; but after much debate upon the question, it passed in the Ne­gative.

On the day appointed for his Execution, a Petition was presented by divers Ministers in Petition. and about London, to the Parliament, earnestly and in the bowels of Jesus Christ, who when we were sinners dyed for us, if not totally to spare the life of our deare Brother, that yet you would say of him, as Solomon of Abiathar, That at this time he should not be put to death.

Upon this Petition the Parliament respited the Execution of Mr. Love for a Moneth.

An Act passed for the sale of the Estates of Several Delinquents named in the Act.

The Fair kept yearly at St. James's put down till further order of Parliament, & not to be held St. James's Fair. in any year hereafter without further Order.

[16.] Letters of the Commissioners for the Militia in Devon', taking an account of all the Arms in the County, and securing them.

Report of the Surrender of Lymbrick and Galloway.

Of a Fast kept by the Officers and Soldiers at Shrewsbury.

[18.] Letters of 2 prizes taken by a Jersey Jersey. Frigat, which had 8 Guns, 24 Oars, and 80 Men, and that there were 12 of these Frigats be­longing to Jersey.

That Galloway had sent to the Lord Deputy, to desire that no Forces might be sent thither Ireland. to avoid blood, and that they would accept of the same terms that Lymbrick did to surren­der.

That the Rebels Armies are all dispersed, and many of them turned Tories, and are very cruel.

That the Army in Scotland marched to Glasco, from whence the Scots Soldiers fled in great hast, and many of the inhabitants with them, be­ing Scotland. told that the English would put all to the Sword, both Men, Women, and Children.

Which they believed, though they had so much experience of the Civility and kindness of the English to them, who had been there several times before.

That Cromwel set out a Proclamation, that no Soldier stould straggle from the Camp above 12 Score, nor use any violence to the People not in Arms, nor plunder, on pain of death. Nor none to go above Musket shot from his Co­lours.

That the English Forces found many Arms, and much Ammunition at Glasco, and took some Prisoners there.

That Major-General Lambart, sent out with 3 Regiments to discover the Enemy, took a house defended against him, and several Arms and Prisoners.

That Major-General Massey with a party of 600 Horse marched within 10 Miles of Eden­burgh, killed 8 of the Parliaments Soldiers, and took 12 Prisoners, and that a party of 40 Horse of the English fought with 60 of the Scots Horse, killed one, and made the rest run.

That 120 Ships were arrived at Lieth with all sorts of Provisions, and with Ammunition.

[19.] That the English again marched up to the Scots Army, but they would not stir out, but kept within their Boggs and Advantages, pla­ces inaccessible.

That Mr. Potter, and one Gibbons, formerly a servant to Mr. Holles, were tryed before the Love. High-Court of Justice, for being conspirators in Mr. Lov's Treason, one of them confessed that he received monies, but he said they were to be bestow­ed in Charitable uses; the proofs were that the mo­ny was to be laid out for raising of Forces against the Parliament. The other submitted himself to the mercy of the Court.

[21.] Letters of the Armies motion in Scotland towards the Enemy.

[22.] Of the Surrender of Galloway to the use of the Parliament, and the Articles of Sur­render sent up to the Parliament.

[23.] Orders about Mony, Recruits, and Provisions to be sent to the Armies in Scotland and Ireland.

Debate of several new Acts of Parliament, and the Bills committed,

[24.] Of the Army in Scotland marching up Cromwell. to the Enemy, who would not come forth to in­gage with them, and there upon, of the Gene­ral his resolution to land a considerable Party in Fife, and to divide his Army; to see if that would bring them to ingage.

[25.] Letters, That no Enemy appeared in Ireland in a Body in the Field, that Galloway had [Page 472] agreed to surrender upon the same terms that should be agreed upon by the City of Lym­brick.

[26.] Letters of a great victory obtained by a party under Major General Lambert a­gainst Lambert. the Scots, on Fife side; they being a par­ty of above 5000, that 2000 of them were slain upon the place, and in the pursuit many Officers and private Soldiers taken prisoners, the parti­culars not yet come to the Parliament.

[28.] Letters from Major General Lam­bert Victory in Scotland. of the late victory in Scotland.

My Lord General having offered the Enemy battel at Torwood, and finding it was their in­tention to delay this War, took Council to ad­venture the landing of some Forces on Fife side, and for that purpose drew forth Collonel Da­niels Regiment of Foot, and as many forth of Lieth as made them 1600 with 4 Troops of Collonel Lidcots Regiment, all commanded by Collonel Overton,

And accordingly attempted landing at Queens Ferry, where almost on 3 sides, the Sea incompas­seth a rocky piece of ground, which with the loss of about 6 men, was effected on Thursday morn­ing, the 17 instant, this done they presently fell to intrenching of themselves, indeed the busi­ness was managed both with discretion and courage.

Whilst this was doing, My Lord General marched close up to the Enemy with his whole Army, that in case they should have marched this way, he might have ingaged their Rear be­fore they could reach Sterling.

The Enemy received the Allarm the same day about 10 of the Clock, and sent a conside­rable Party of Horse and Foot, to beat ours back, upon which my Lord had some thoughts of attempting the Enemy where they lay, which was not thought fit, but resolved to the contra­ry, and in order to the preservation of the For­ces, his Lordship commanded me to march hi­ther with 2 Regiments of Horse, and 2 of Foot.

Upon Saturday very early we came to the waterside, and though I made all possible Speed to boat over it, I could not get over more than the Foot, and my own Regiment of Horse all that Day, and the next Night: about 4 in the afternoon on Saturday I discovered the Enemies body advanced as far as Dumferling within 5 Miles of us, being to my judgment about 4000.

And that night they incamped there, and it seems, hearing more Forces were come over, got a Recruit of 500 Men the next Day.

All Saturday night we laboured to get over our Horse, and before the last came to shoar, on the Lords day, the Enemy was advanced very near us.

We stood upon our own defence till most of ours were come, the Enemy having taken his stand, began to wheel, as if he meant either to march away, or to take the advantage of a Steep Mountain.

Upon this I appointed Collonel Okey to ad­vance with his Regiment, which accordingly he did, and there ingaged his Rear, as he could draw them no further, but there drew up in Bat­talia, and we in the same manner, with as much speed as conveniently we could.

We were more in number in my judgment by at least 5 or 600, but on the other side, the E­nemy had the advantage of the ground, our left wing of Horse being upon a very ill ground, where was a pass, lined by the Enemies Muske­tiers.

Upon consideration whereof, we placed our greatest strength in our right wing, consisting of my own Regiment of Horse, and 2 of Collo­nel Lidcots, and 2 of Collonel Okeys Troops, the charge of that wing being left with him, and in the left only 4 Troops of Collonel Okeys and 2 of Lidcots to whom the charge of that wing was committed.

The Battle consisting of mine, and Collonel Daniels Regiment of Foot, and reserved by Col­lonel West, and Collonel Sylers Regiment, be­ing commanded by Collonel Overton; We con­tinued faceing one another about an hour and half, supposing they would have come to us, being come so far to seek us; but finding they delayed, and having just then received notice from my Lord that more Forces were come from Sterling to their assistance, and that My Lord was upon his march to Lithgow, and by that means, the Enemy at liberty to send more Forces hither.

It was resolved we should climb the Hill to them, which accordingly we did, and through the Lords strength by a very short dispute, put them to an absolute rout, we killed upon the place (as most judge) 2000, and took 1400 Prisoners, and amongst the rest, Sr. John Brown Major-General of their Horse, and Command­er in chief of their Forces; Collonel Buchannan, and divers other Officers were taken, and slain.

The reason why the slain exceeded the num­ber of prisoners, was because divers of them were Highlanders, and had very ill quarter, and indeed I am perswaded few of them escaped without a knock. I think we lost not above 8 men, but divers wounded; thus easy hath the Lord given us this mercy. My Lord is again Remarched towards Sterling.

Upon his advance, I heard the Enemy who were upon their way 5 Miles, with their whole Body towards us on this side Sterling, is drawn back and lieth in Sterling, and there abouts.

My Lord hath since sent me Collonel In­golesby's Regiment, and Collonel Ashfields, with Collonel Lilburns, and Collonel Alureds Regi­ments of Horse, that I judge the Forces with me to be above 7000.

North Ferry. John Lambert. July 22. 1651.

Other letters, That the Scots retreat to Ster­ling was in very great hast, for they left several of their sick Men in their Huts, and a pretty quantity of Powder and Match. That the King and all the English did strongly oppose their go­ing over Sterling Bridge, and would have had them marched directly for Glascow, and so for England.

[Page 473] That at the Battel of Fife, there were 5 of their best Regiments of Horse, and 5 of their best of Foot, and of all these scarce 200 return­ed to them; That the Scots taken Prisoners prove 1500.

That the English Soldiers got good booty, and that night when their Army retreated over Sterling, they lost neer 2000 Men. That the Purple is much among them.

That the Scots are putting forward new le­vyes.

That such was the Gallantry of Major-Ge­neral Lambert, that had it not been for his Armour, he had been lost, a brace of Bullets being found between his Coat and his Armes.

That the King upon the rout of his For­ces called a close Councel, some were sent Northward to press more Men. That some of their own Soldiers plundered their car­riages: That Massy is more in favour than before, but some of the Presbyterian Neu­trals are retired, and have private meet­ings.

That the English fetched in 40 load of Provi­sions out of the Scots quarters in Fife, and lay on both sides of their Army.

[29.] Letters read in Parliament from the Ambassador of Spain, and from the States of Genoa.

An Act passed for relief of maimed Sol­diers.

An Act passed prohibiting the hunting or kil­ling of Deer.

Vote, That former Primers used in the late Kings time, be suppressed and new ones Primers. used.

[30.] Letters, That Cromwel sent more Forces to Lambert, who ranged with his Horse in the Country of Fife, and kept his Soldiers from all disorder. That the strong Fort of E­nisgarwey was delivered to Lambert.

[31.] Letters, That Lymbrick and Galloway are both in Treaty for surrender, but stand up­on high terms.

An account of Recruits and Provisions sent for Ireland. Ireland.

That Sr. Charles Coote took in a Castle, with 20 Barrels of powder, and 8 great Guns, and store of Provisions. That he is sat down before Galloway, and Collonel Reynolds was sent to him with additional Forces.

That the Lord Deputy sent a party to attempt the Island neer Lymbrick, who landed out of their Boats before their Seconds came up to them, and were all drowned or killed, as was supposed, they were slain after quarter given them, or desired.

That the Lord Deputy demanded satisfa­ction, August. and resolved no further Treaty, if they come not down to low conditions.

That Collonel Hewson was burning Wickloe, demolishing some Forts, and fortifying o­thers.

August, 1651.

[1.] That the Treaty for surrender of Lymbrick was broken off, yet their expected re­lief failed them, that the Lord Deputy had pos­sest 2 Forts within Musket Shot of their Walls.

Letters, That in the late Battel of Fife Cap­tain Fise Bat­tle. Augustin the great Mosse Trooper lost his Troop of 200 commanded Men, and himself hardly escaped. That the General commanded that the Sick Scots Soldiers left behind by their fellows, should have Provisions given them, and no injury to be offered to them. And that those left dead in their Trenches should be bu­ried.

That the General shipped the rest of his Ar­my and Train into Fife, leaving only 4 Regi­ments of Horse, and 4 of Foot to secure this side of the Water.

That the Isle of Ingarney was surrendred to Cromwel, the Soldiers to march away with their Swords only, leaving all Arms and Ammuniti­on behind them; and in it Cromwel had 15 pie­ces of Ordnance.

That many of the Scots Prisoners were sent to New castle.

[2.] Letters, That some of the Scots Mini­sters, Ministers. protested against the general Assembly, abetting the Kings design. That a Minister and 2 Students came to the General from An­gus for protection.

That one of them was excommunicated for not answering 2 questions. Questions.

  • 1. Whether Presbyterian Government in Scot­land be not in all things conforme to the Word of God.
  • 2. Whether Cromwel be not Antichristian.

That another was excommunicated for pray­ing with Persons of divers families in pri­vate.

[3.] The Lords day, thanks was given in the Churches in London for the late victory in Fife in Scotland.

Letters That Brunt Island was surrendred to Cromwel upon Articles, and in it 3 Men of war, Brunt▪ Island. and it was an excellent harbour, much better than Lieth Harbour, and in it was 500 Sol­diers.

That many of the Scots Soldiers do run away dayly.

[Page 474] [5.] Letters from Cromwel of the taking of Brunt Island; and in it 30 or 40 great Guns, and 3 little Men of War, that the harbour at an high Tyde there, is a fathom higher then Lieth, and the Town not commanded by any place neer it.

That Major-General Whaley marched along the Sea side, having some Ships to sail by him, and hath taken store of Artillery and divers Ships, that the Enemys Affairs are in some dis­composure.

That they will not adventure all upon one Ar­my, but have sent for the new levyes.

An Account of Monys, Recruits, and Pro­visions gone for Ireland and of prizes taken and brought into Portsmouth.

Of Prizes taken by the Pyrats.

[7.] Letters of much damage done by the Jersey Pyrats.

Of Collonel Hunkin going to be Governour of Scilly with Forces.

That Collonel Hewson was going into Cavan, where the People stood upon their guards, re­fusing to pay contribution.

[8.] Letters, That Sr. George Askue was set sail for the Barbadoes.

That the General was marched with the Army to St. Johns Town, to prevent sup­plies to the Enemy from the North of Scot­land.

That Collonel Fortescue coming to the Ge­neral with a Petition on the behalf of Mr. Mr. Love. Love, the General and the Army would not intermeddle therewith, and the Collonel with a Convoy of 18 Troopers, was set upon by 80 of the Enemies Horse, the Collonel first cryed for quarter, and had it, most of his Convoy were slain, only 4 of them esca­ped.

That 6000 of the Scots are reported to have Run away from them since the last Rout in Scotland. Fife.

In the Armies march towards St. Johns Town, 2 Troopers were executed for Straggling and Plundering.

That some Country People being left to cut down the Bridge between St. Johns Town and Sterling, they ran away upon the approach of the English Army, before it was quite done, and left their tools behind them.

That the General sent a summons to St. Johns Town, that understanding they had no Garrison, that they should immediately Sur­render to him, and he promised to free their Goods from plunder, and their Persons from violence.

The Town denying his entrance, he sent par­ties to attempt it, and some were slain on both sides, but the English gaining upon them, they sent a Drum with a letter to the General to let him know that his Information was not good, and that they had a Garrison, and could do nothing with­out the Governour.

Here upon the General sent a Summons to the Governour who returned no answer, and therefore Cromwel planted his Batteries, and played all night upon them, and the next day the Lord Dasseres the Governour, who came into the Town the day before with 1300 Men, sent to Cromwel for a Treaty and Ces­sation.

That newes was brought to Cromwel. That the Scots Army was marched about to Hamilton, and so intended for England.

That Collonel Fortescue with 28 Men in his Com­pany were taken (some suspected willingly) by the Moss Troopers between Lieth and Berwick.

[9.] Letters, That the Lord Muskerry ha­ving gotten Forces together; to relieve Lym­brick, the Lord Broghil met with them, routed them, killed 500 on the place, besides many that were drowned in the Black-water.

That St. Johns Town was rendred to Cromwel upon Articles.

That he had in it 4 pieces of Ordinance, much Arms, Ammunition and Provision.

That the General left a Regiment of Horse and another of Foot. And 4 Troops of Dra­goons under the Command of Collonel Overton to secure that place and the parts adjacent, and sent Lieutenant General Monke with 4 Regi­ments of Horse, 3 of Foot, and 4 battering pie­ces to beleaguer Sterling.

The General hastened to march after the King, who he had notice was advanced for Ire­land, and that by the way David Lesley summo­ned Bigger, and the Governour returned a reso­lute answer, that he kept it for the Common-wealth of England.

That Argyle and many other Scots Lords were retired to their private Dwellings.

That the King, Hamilton, and Bucks with o­ther Lords are with the Army, which is about 8000, and supposed to be near Carlisle.

That Major-General Harrison with a conside­rable Party was at Berwick, and expects a con­junction of the Forces with him to hinder the Kings march.

That Major-General Lambert was marched after the King.

[11.] Letters from Cromwel to the Parlia­ment, Cromwe [...] of the reducing of St. Johns Town, and of the Enemies march for England, and his follow­ing them, who in desperation and fear, and out of inevitable necessity were run to try what they could doe in this way.

It is our Comfort, that in simplicity of heart, as to God, we have done to the best of our Judgements, [Page 475] knowing that if some issue were not put to this busi­ness, it would occasion another Winters War, to the ruine of your Soldiery, for whom the Scots are too hard, in respect of induring the Winters difficulty of that Country, and being under the endless expence of the Treasure of England, in prosecuting this War.

He shows the reasons why he did not inter­pose more between the Enemy and England, and prays the Parliament to use their courage by such Forces as they have in readiness, and can get togeth­er, to give the Enemy a check till he can come up to them, and doubts not but the desperateness and folly of this Councel of theirs will appear, and puts them in mind of the Scots former invasion, when England was much more unsteady than now, and the success of it not to be forgotten.

It is good to wait upon the Lord upon the earnest of former experiences, and hope of his presence, which only is the life of your cause.

He gives them an account that Major-Gene­ral Harrison, and Collonel Rich and the Forces with them, shall endeavour to keep the Scots together, and impede their march, and to joyn with your other Forces, and that Major-General Lambert marched with a considerable Body of Horse up to the Enemies Rear, and himself was hasting after them, and that he hoped he had left a commanding Force under Lieutenant General Monk in Scotland.

Major-General Harrison gave an account by Harrison. his letters to the Parliament of the Scots coming into England, and of his giving notice to the Commissioners of the Militia of Lancashire, Cum­berland, and other Counties, to raise what For­ces they could to joyn with him, That he had gotten together 3000 Horse, and hoped to hin­der the Enemies march.

He desires some Provision for 4 or 500 Godly men for 2 or 3 Moneths, if he can get them moun­ted, and dated his Letter,

7th. of the 6 Moneth, 1651. at 11. a Clock Forenoon.

Newcastle.

T. Harrison.

That in the success the Lord Broghil lately had against the Lord Muskerry in Ireland the Lord Ireland. Muskerries Army consisted of 1000 Horse and Dragoons, and neer 2000 Foot. My Lord Broghil had but 400 Horse and Dragoons, and under Lord Brog­hill. 600 Foot.

That the charge was very desperate on both sides, the Lord Broghil had 120 Horsemen shot, and 30 killed, he charged him, that led up the Irish opposite wing, and killed him, but the Irish did so overwing him, that his own Troop, that consisted most of Gentlemen Reformadoes, was charged in front, flank, and Rear, both by Horse and Foot, amongst which my Lord was so far ingaged, that they offered him quarter, upon the refusal whereof, they cryed, kill the fel­low in the Gold lace coat.

Which in all probability had been effected, if a Reformado Leiutenant of his Troop, had not come in to his rescue, whose Horse was killed on that account, and himself twice shot, the Lord Broghil got off with a dry Pike, beat­ing by the Pikemen, but his Horse received 3 Shots.

That the Irish lost 600 men, among which many Officers Prisoners, but few were taken, besides some Officers of the Field. That the defeated Army had designed conjunction with the Lemster Forces, and the relief of Lym­brick.

[12.] An Act passed to put the Militia in London and the several Counties into a present London. posture.

An Act passed prohibiting correspon­dence with the King, and his party. And declaring the successes in Scotland, and that the King was fled into England, and that it should be death to give any intelligence, or assistance to them.

[13.] An Act passed to expel Delinquents out of London, and that all give in what Arms they have or know of, and for raising of Forces. And to indemnify all listed Persons, in the Ser­vice of the Parliament.

An Account of Forces shipped for Scilly.

An Account of Forces preparing in Lanca­shire, and Cheshire to joyn with Major-General Harrison,

[14.] Letters That the King marched out of Perith with his Forces, and Major-General Lambert quartered there next night, that they took up many Straggling Scots.

That Major-General Harrison was in the Van Scots in­vade Eng­land. of them, that 16 great Lords of Scotland had de­serted the King for invading England.

[15.] Letters, That the Scots were neer Preston, that Cheshire had sent out 3000 Foot to maintain Warrington Bridge against the King, and Lancashire, was not wanting, that in Coventry 700 Men were got together; and That men were very ready to joyn against the Scots.

Of securing disaffected Persons.

That the Scots Army are supposed to be 12000, besides their Train.

That Major-General Lambert was within half a days march of the King, and Cromwel was not far behind, that the Scots were gone the rea­dy way to Lancashire.

That the English Scouts took a Scots Laird, and some letters to Mr. Crofts.

[16.] Letters, That the Towns in Fife be­gan Co. Alured. to revolt, supposing that all the English were gone out of Scotland, That Collonel Alu­red Stormed and Reduced them again, killed ma­ny and took 200 Prisoners, and took divers Arms, Colours, and great Guns.

That the Scots Army was advanced to Preston, and in great confusion, That Major-General Preston. Lambert with 4000 Horse pursued them, and [Page 476] Cromwel with 10000 Foot followed him, and Major-General Harrison with a considerable body coasted them with 4000 Horse more, and many Forces were ready in the Coun­tries they were to pass to joyn with them, and Vessels were sent with intelligence to the Frigots,

That 3000 Lancashire Foot had undertaken to secure the pass at Warrington, and that Lambert and Harrison were joyned, that Cromwel was within 2 days March with 1000 Foot.

[18.] Letters of the Soldiers to their fel­low Soldiers to incourage them to oppose the Scots.

From Major-General Harrison to the Coun­cel Harrison. of of State, that Lambert and he were joyned, and were about 6000 Horse in the Van of the Enemy.

That the Enemy made some halt on a Moore 4 miles from Lancaster, which some what ama­zed them, but they went on to Preston and designed to get before to the pass at War­rington, where were 3000 Foot to joyn with Lambert and Harrison, who intended to march thither.

That they heard the King was cast down, for that his Subjects came in no faster to him, and did not answer his expectation in persons or number, but divers ran away from him. That Cheshire had been very forward in their Levies, and most of the 3000 Foot came from thence, that he was assured of a glorious issue of this work.

That Cromwel was come into England with 8 Regiments of Foot, and the Train, the Soldi­ers tyred with a long march.

That Newburn carried good store of Provisi­ons to the Soldiers, among whom was not a loud word; or an Oath.

That Collonel Lilburn marched with 1000 Horse to joyn with Lambert.

That the English before Sterling Castle, killed 30 of the Castle Soldiers in one days battery.

From the Governour of Oxford to the Coun­cel, Oxford. that the Vice-Chancellor and Colledges had raised 120 Horse for the Parliaments Service, and had ingaged in the University and City to raise a Regiment of Foot.

[19.] Letters from Lambert and Harrison, That the Scots Army came and pressed to pass at the Bridg and Fort neer it, which we had broken down, and spoyled as well as we could in so short a time, a Company of our Foot were drawn down to the barricadoe of the bridge, who behaved themselves gallantly, and gave the Enemy opposition till we saw cause to draw off, securing their retreat by parties of Horse.

Which we did, because we were unwilling to ingage our Army, where our Horse could not do us Service for the inclosures. The Enemy there­upon hastened over their whole Army, and their King in the Van, if not forlorn, with his own life guard (as some Prisoners told us since) and pressed hard upon our Rear, whereof Col­lonel Rich had the guard, who wheeled off par­ties, and charged them thrice as they came on, and the Lord caused the Enemy every time to fly before us.

Wee killed the Officer that commanded one of their parties, and 2 or 3 Troopers, and some Country men since tell us, that 28 of theirs were slain in the several Skirmishes, and but 4 of ours, that I can hear of there, and at the Bridg.

As they fell on, they cryed, Oh you Rogues, we will be with you, before your Cromwel comes, which made us think they would press to in­gage us with all Speed.

We are drawing up at Knock-forth Moore to wait them; but since we hear they are marched a good part of the night on London Road.

Lambert wrote thus to the Councel.

I sent to you before my thoughts of the unte­nableness of the pass at Warrington, since which, Letters from Lam­bert. the Enemy pressing close after us, came to War­rington Town, before we could get the Bridg broken.

The Enemy pressed hard on us in the lanes, but we came off well, I commanded the rear-guard to charge, which they did, and routed the Enemy, and their own men falling foul up­on their other 2 Bodies routed them also.

We had the pursuit of them at least a Mile, we killed him who commanded the party, and about 8 more, and took 6 Prisoners, besides di­vers wounded, this gave us time to ride 2 miles without any more trouble, and to draw out a new Rear-guard, of Collonel Rich his Regi­ment.

Which having done they again ingaged us, and we charged them with the same Success, killed and took the same number, and after marched quietly to Knock forth Heath, and lost but one man, who was taken Prisoner pursuing a Trooper.

That we endeavoured to amuse the Enemy, and to flank and front them, till the General come up to us, that we have 9000 Horse, and between 3 or 4000 Foot to give them battle, if they force us to ingage.

That not one County in England appeared in the least for the King, but generally they raised Forces against him, yet his Army marched without committing any outrage, or doing any injury to the Country.

The Parliament passed an act to impower the Militias of London, &c. to raise Foot.

That the Earl of Derby was landed but with 250 Foot, and 60 Horse unarmed, that the Enemy seemed to bend towards North- Wales.

[Page 477] The Councel of State, during this action, had almost hourly Messengers going out and returning from the several Forces, carrying advice and directions to them, and bringing to the Councel an account of their motions and designs, and of the Enemies motions.

It could hardly be that any affair of this na­ture could be managed with more Diligence, Courage, and Prudence, than this was, nor peradventure was there ever so great a Body of men so well Armed, and Provided, got toge­ther in so short a time, as were now raised, and sent away, to joyn with the rest of the Forces at­tending the King.

[20.] Letters, That they supposed it would be 8 days before the General could get up to the Enemy.

A Dutch prize brought into Plymouth loaden with Ammunition for the King, and richly guilded.

[21.] An account of Forces raised in Salop, and the Neighbour Countries, and breaking of Bridges, and indeavouring to divert the course of the Scots Army.

That the Governour of Stafford went to Har­rison with 700 Men.

That 4000 of the Generals Foot march in their Shirts 20 Miles a day, and have their Cloaths, and Arms carried by the Coun­try.

[22.] Mr. Love the Minister, and Mr. Gibbons were beheaded at Tower-Hill, accor­ding Mr. Love. to the Sentence of the High-Court of Justice.

The Under-keeper of Newgate having trea­ted for the escape of Mr. Gibbons, and re­ceived 100 l. in hand, and a bond for 100 l. more, after this, discovered it, and secured Gibbons.

Letters from Lambert to the Council, with an intercepted Letter, the Copy whereof he had sent to the General. The Letter inter­cepted was taken from a Scots Prisoner, it was from the King to Collonel Massey, for leaving out a clause in the Letter from the Presbitery in the Army to the Ministers of Lancashire for taking notice of former Malignancy of Per­sons.

That the Scots began to plunder extreamly, and many of them were weak.

[23.] Letters, That the Scots were marched from Nantwich towards Newport, and steered for London. That the General was expected within one day, and That the Scots were come to Litchfield.

That 5000 Country men appeared with Hor­ses at Coventry ready to serve the Parlia­ment. Scots Mo­tion.

That Lambert and Harrison were at Ʋttoxeter, and the Scots at Nantwich, their Foot discon­tented and sick with their long marches, and the King came to them with Cap in hand desiring them to march a little further.

That Harrison and Lambert had sent some Forces to Worcester to secure that place, lest the King should make it a Quarter, or Garrison and that Gloucester was supplyed. That the next day they expected to joyn with the Ge­neral.

That the Governour of Stafford made a Sally upon a party of the Scots, and killed some of them, and gave an Allarum to the whole Ar­my.

That a Declaration was lately published by the King. That the Scots were marched to Whit-Church, the way to Wales.

That they hoped to hinder the Earl of Derby from raising any Forces in Lancashire, and if they make a halt, as tis supposed they must, by reason of the weariness of their Infantry, the Major-General hopes to give a good account of that business.

That Lieutenant-General Monk had the Castle of Sterling surrendred to him, upon Ar­ticles, with all their Ordinance and Ammuni­tion.

[25.] Letters, That Collonel Pintchback had deserted the King, and disliked his way.

That the Highlanders in Sterling Castle, beat Sterling- Castle. a parley without the consent of the Governour, being frighted with the Morter pieces, and threatned to throw the Officers over the walls if they did hinder them, and said they would fight for their King, but not for their Countries geer.

That the Soldiers had broken open divers Trunks in the Castle, and carried out with them most of the best geer. That in the Castle were 40 pieces of Ordinance, 27 of them brass Guns, and Provision for 500 Men, for 12 Moneths, 50 Barrels of Beef, and about 5000 Arms.

That all the Records of Scotland, Chair, and Cloath of State, the Sword, and other rich fur­niture of the Kings, the Earl of Marr's Coro­net, and Stirrops of Gold, with his Parliament Robes, and store of the goods of the Country were in the Castle, which they carried away according to the Articles, little or nothing being imbezelled, but what was by their own Men.

That Sterling was one of the strongest and most magnificent Castles of Scotland, and a pass of the greatest consequence.

That Collonel Okey took some in the West of Scotland who were raising Forces there.

That the Scots came to Worcester, where the Scots▪ Country Forces made a gallant resistance, and beat back the Enemy several times, but the Towns-Men having laid down their Arms, and some of them shooting at the Parliament Soldiers out of the Windows, they removed [Page 478] their Ammunition, while 30 Men only resisted the Enemy, and beat them back, and then with­drew and left the Town to the Enemy, and came to Glocester.

That the King sent a Summons to Collonel Mackeworth Governour of Shrewsbury, inviting him to surrender that Garrison to him, but the Governour returned him a peremptory denial.

That the King sent also Letters to Sir Tho­mas Middleton to raise Forces for him in Mont-gomery-shire, but he detained the Messenger Prisoner, and sent up the Letter to the Parlia­ment.

That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, and Col­lonel Desborough, and other Officers met with Cromwel at Warwick.

Letters, That Lymbrick was in great streits, that the Irish increased in numbers, that they had surprised a Garrison of the Parliaments, the Soldiers being asleep, and stormed Fenagh, but were beaten off with great loss.

The trained bands of London, Westminster &c. drew out into Tuttle-Fields, in all about 14000, the Speaker and divers Members of the Parliament were there to see them.

[26.] The Parliament kept this a day of hu­miliation at St. Margarets Church in West­minster.

A Letter from the King to the City of London, was burnt by the Hangman, and the Parliaments Declaration was Published by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet, pro­claiming all those to be Traitors and Rebels that do or shall adhere to the King and his party.

Letters from Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, That the Scots had left a party in Worcester, and Letters from Fleetwood. had transported their Army over Severne, in­tending to secure the passes, and invite their Friends to them, and to refresh their wearied Army.

That they have Summoned the Country to come in, to repair to the works, and Royal fort at Worcester.

Indeed it is a mercy not to be slighted by us, that though this pretious cause have so many Enemies, yet so few adventure to come in to them.

That their Army is 12000 Horse and Foot effective, and their Foot so much harrassed by often and frequent Marches, that they did importune the King to take pitty on them, who answered, That they should suddenly have refreshment, gave them good words, and told them what assistance he expected from his Friends.

That they have very few English Horse among them, their Foot Highlanders, that Major-Ge­neral Massey marches with a party to Glocester in hopes that upon his approach his old Friends will appear for him.

My Lord General came last night to War­wick, the Foot will be there this night, we shall either this day or to morrow, march neer the Enemy, and not give them the liberty of rang­ing far, and though their confidence be much in their passes; yet I trust we shall not find them and the work so difficult as it seems at a distance both to you and us.

How ever you know hitherto the Lord hath carried us through the greatest streights, before we have attained our desired issue, and if it be so now; it shall▪ be the less strange to us. I shall not further trouble you, save to subscribe my self, Sir

Banbury 25 Aug. 1651.

Your most Faithful and Humble Servant.

Charles Fleetwood.

A Messenger from the Army brought an ac­count that the Lord General, the Lieutenant General, the Major-General, the Lord Grey of Groby met at Warwick.

That Lieutenant General Fleetwood went from them to Banbury to his Forces, that the Lord Generals Foot and train were to be in War­wick, That the Enemy was fortifying Worcester, where they proclaimed their King.

[27.] Letters, That the Militia in Coven­try, and in all the Countries thereabouts, ap­peared very willingly, and numerously against the Scots.

Of Hail fallen about Tossiter as big as Mus­kets Bullets which killed many Birds, and broke many Windows, and such Lightning for 4 hours, as never was seen by any Man alive, which burnt a reck of Wheat in the Field, and did a great deal of hurt to Trees and Gar­dens.

That the Lieutenant-Generals Foot was come up to Warwick, and the Forces marched to Stratford upon Avon, That the Enemy was for­tifying of Worcester very fast, and sent parties of Horse to bring in Provisions; but their Ar­my moves not as yet.

That the Lord Talbot the Earl of Shrewes­buries Eldest Son was come to the King, That the Major of Worcester and a Committee man were Knighted by the King.

One Young that was Treasurer to the Com­mittee, and that had a hand in contriving the Revolt of Worcester, was taken.

That Glocester was in a good condition, and had men enough to defend it, and none of the Scots appeared before it, nor any Summons was sent to it, many of the Country Horse and Foot came in to their defence.

That the Scots intrenched themselves a mile and half West of Worcester in the Fields, the King sent a summons to all between 16 and 60 to come in to him to Worcester, but none came.

[Page 479] That the Scots brought in 16 Cart-loads of Ladders with the Rear of their Army. The Lord General intended to be this night at Evesham within 2 miles of Warcester.

[28.] A Messenger from the General who left him upon his March fron Stratford to Evesham, that the Forest of Dean rose for the Parliament, and many came into Glocester and Hereford to defend those places, whi­ther the Scouts brought word that the Ene­my was marching with some Horse and Foot; and that they had left 4 Regiments in Wor­cester.

That Fleetwood was at Shipton to joyn with the General at Evesham.

That Coventry sent Provisions to the General and his Army very seasonably.

That the Generals Horse faced Worcester, and the Enemies bodies went towards Here­ford.

An intercepted letter, said that the King was come within 30 miles of London with a gallant Army, and that the Earl of Derby was come to him with 4000 Horse, and the Earl of Northum­berland with 4000 Foot.

That Somersetshire had 2 Regiments of Foot under Collonel Pine, and Collonel Kedley, and 2 Regiments of Horse under Collonel Pop­ham.

That the Kings Horse was about 7000, and their Foot as many, that their discipline is very strict, and some Prisoners brought before the King were courteously treated by him, and having kissed his hand, were discharged.

That Collonel Lilburn with a good party was marched towards the Earl of Derby, and the Parliament Ships went after the Earls Frigats, 2 of which Frigats were split coming neer the Shore to land the Soldiers.

That York shire was active in raising Forces for the Parliament, and that the Lord Fair­fax declared to joyn with them in any capacity, to the great incouragement of that Country. That 1300 of their Horse and Dragoons were in Scotland.

[29.] Letters, That after the taking of Sterling, Collonel Okey marched with 1400 Horse and Dragoons to meet with some Lords sent from the King into the West of Scotland, and he took some of them, and frighted a­way the rest, and sined the Towns where they sat.

That one may ride with 200 Horse all over the West of Scotland, that a party met with 14 Scots Ministers, and took them prisoners, they confessed they had been silenced by the Assem­bly of the Kirk whom they opposed, they were there upon dismissed.

That Collonel Lilburn fell upon the Earl of Derby neer Wiggen, who had got together E. Derby. 1500 Men, that the dispute was hot for neer an hour, and then the Earls Forces were routed, the Earl himself wounded but escaped, Lieut­nant Widdrington and 80 Officers and Persons of quality slain, 400 Prisoners taken, whereof ma­ny Officers and Gentlemen, that Collonel Lil­burn had not half their number, and scarce half of them could come up to charge.

That Collonel Lilburn lost but one Offi­cer, and not above 10 or 12 in all. The Earl retreated into Cheshire with about 80 Horse, and a party gone in pursuit of him thither­wards.

That Lieutenant-Collonel Ashurst fled with a few to an house, for his security.

That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood marched with his Brigade within 3 miles of Worcester, where the King was fortifying the place, that they brake down Ʋpton Bridge, and lay as large as Malverne hills.

That some few of the Country come in to them, and they exact Mony or Provisions from the Country, that the General hath sent for Collonel Lilburn, and Collonel Clerk with their Regiments to come to him.

[30.] Letters, That at the routing of the Earl of Derby, were taken prisoners 5 Collonels, the Adjutant General 4 Lieutenant Collonels, 1. Major, 4 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, and slain and dead since they were taken, the Lord Wid. drington, Major-General Sr. Thomas Tiddesly, 1 Collonel, 2 Majors, and divers others of quali­ty. All their Baggage, Sumpters, Arms, and Ammunition taken, and the Earl of Derbyes 3 Cloaks with Starrs, his George and Garter with other Robes.

That Collonel Lilburn took many Commissions of the Kings to several persons in the North to raise Forces for him.

The Parliament ordered 500 l. to Collonel Lilburn. 200 per Annum as a marke of Honour for his faithful service, and 100 l to his Lieute­nant that brought the news from him. And or­dered that the Ministers in the respective Churches in London and Westminster do the next Lords-day give thanks to God, for the surren­der of Sterling Castle, and for the defeat of the Earl of Derby, and pray for a blessing upon the Parliament Forces now neer an Ingagement.

The Parliament ordered to Collonel Macke­worth a chain of Gold with a medal as a mark of their Favour for his faithful and gallant re­fusal of the Kings Summons to render Shrews­bury Castle.

Letters, That the Generals Head quarters were within 2 miles of Worcester, that the Ene­my seemed to be resolved to venture all at Worcester, in and about which place all the Kings Army were, and they had raised a new Fort, that the Parliaments Guards were within Mus­ket Shot of it, and General Fleetwood with his Body lay at Ʋpton.

That the pass at Ʋpton Bridge was taken by Major-General Lambert.

That a party of the Enemy sallyed out of Wor­cester, but the Parliaments Forces beat them back to their works, and killed 14 of their men, [Page 480] that the Country came in freely to the Parlia­ments Army.

That Massey with a Troop of Horse ferried over the Severne between Tewksbury and Glo­cester, and discoursed with some Women there, who say that Masseys Horse was killed under him at Ʋpton, and he wounded in the Hand and Leg.

That the Enemies Horse incamp a mile on the other side of Worcester, and their Foot most part in Worcester.

That Cromwel drew his Army in the face of Worcester, but they would not meet him with their Army, but there was some small pickeering, and Shooting of Muskets behind the Hedges, but nothing considerable at­tempted.

[31.] The Lords-day, the Ministers who were not of the rigid Presbyterian judgment, Ministers. gave thanks in their Churches, for the suc­cesses of the Parliaments Forces in Scotland, and against the Earl of Derby, according to the Parliaments Order, for that purpose. And they likewise prayed to God for his bles­sing upon the Parliaments Forces now neer to an Ingagement with the Enemy.

But some of the more rigid Persons did not think fit to observe that Order, but neg­lected it, and had their private Meetings to pray to God to bless their Brethren of the Prebytery, and their Country-men.

September 1651.

[Sept. 1.] Letters from Major General Lam­bert's Quarters.

That he marched 28. Aug. in the Morning with Worcester. a Party of Horse and Dragoons from Evesham towards Ʋpton, about Ten in the Morning he ap­proached to the Bridge over the Severne, which the Enemy had broken down, all but a Foot Plank. The Dragoons got up upon the Bridge, before the Enemy in the Town (who were about 2 or 300 Horse and Dragoons) took the Allarum; while they fired upon the Bridge against the Enemy in the Town (being within their sight and shot) our Horse partly forded, and partly swam over the River about Pistol-shot from the Bridge: We and the Dragoons advanced withal, and forth­with, by the Major General's Order, took posses­sion of the Church, upon a little Hill, near the Bridge-foot, being about eighteen.

The Enemy drew up, and came to the Church, and shot their Pistols, and thrust their Swords in at the Windows, but the Dragoons gallantly fired upon them, killed three or four of their Men, eight or nine of their Horse, and took one Scot shot in the Arm, Massey's own Horse being killed upon the place, and we are very strongly informed, Massey shot in the Arm.

By this time our Horse were come up in a small Party, at whose appearance the Enemy faced a­bout without charging; our Men had the Pursuit, but not knowing but that the Enemy might be a great Body, forbore.

And Major General Lambert sent for Lieute­nant General Fleetwood with his whole Brigade, (where my Lord Grey is) to make good what they had gained, being four Miles behind.

He presently mounted 300 Foot behind Troo­pers, and hastened to the Bridge, the rest fol­lowing.

Major General Lambert in the mean time using abundance of diligence to make up the Bridge for the Party to march over, and receiving no interru­ption from the Enemy, it was speedily accomplish­ed, so that we marched all over the Passe at night.

Two Guns came to us, and we had a hot but false Allarum that night, Collonel Blundell com­manded the Guard, and at night took the Priso­ner, whose Examination is inclosed.

In the Morning Collonel Blundell sent out ano­ther good Party of Horse and Dragoons, who marched Three Miles toward the Enemy, and had Scouts a Mile and a half further, but disco­vered no Enemy, only being in the sight of Wor­cester, they discovered the General with his For­ces near Worcester, and his Guns playing upon the Town.

Major General Lambert, and Major General Deane, themselves wrought in the making up of the Bridge, and as soon as it was done, the Ge­neral sent to them to come to him then near to Worcester.

Major Mercer carried himself stoutly and gal­lantly in this Business, and indeed Massey brought up the Rear very stoutly, when they turned about, at least forty Carabins were shot at him, within half Pistol-shot, and he was for certain shot in the Hand and Thigh.

This was a very seasonable Mercy, and more advantageous, than can well be expressed, Major Mercer possest Maxfield House betwixt Ʋpton and Worcester, the Enemy quitting it, upon our taking the Passe.

This day the General came to visit us at this Passe, and was entertained with abundance of Septem. Joy, by extraordinary shouting of each Regi­ment, Troop, and Company, as he went to sa­lute them.

That the Enemy lay in and near Worcester on Hereford-shire side, the Lord General on this side, Lieutenant General Fleetwood on the other side at Ʋpton: That the Enemy had burnt down the Suburbs of Worcester to the Walls round a­bout.

That their Grandees are much distracted, and think they were betrayed into this Place, many Sallies they have made, but were beaten back; once they Sallied out with 1000 upon 300 of ours, but they were gallantly repulsed, and seven or eight of them killed, with the Commander that led them.

On Saturday the Lord General was with the Lieutenant General, viewing his Forces, and con­sulting how to carry on the Work when the Boats were ready, that his Train was come to the Lieu­tenant General.

From Scotland of gatherings of the Scots, e­specially Scotland. Highlanders, who plundered the Country People, and then fled up to the Hills, where the Parliament Forces could not follow them.

That the Lieutenant General in Scotland march­ed with a considerable Party, and some Great Guns, towards St. Johns Town, near which the Scots were making new Levies, but they were all dispersed.

That the Lieutenant General sent a Summons to the Town of Dundee, and the Country about, to come in, and submit to the Parliament of England, but they answered, That they were not satisfied in Conscience to do what he required, but would give an Answer to Collonel Overton, who had before sent to them the like Message.

That the Ministers of St. Johns Town refused to Preach, unless they might pray for the King, and their Army in England; the Governour told them, they might Preach the Gospel of Christ, but that would not satisfie them.

That in swimming over the River to come to Dundee, Two or Three Men and Horses were drowned.

Among other Countries Oxford-shire had raised a Regiment of Foot, and Two Troops of Horse, to assist the Lord General before Worcester, and had chosen Collonel James Whitelocke to command both their Horse and Foot; he was the Collonel, Mr. Robert Warcup Lieutenant Collonel, and the Major and Captains were most of them Oxford-shire Gentlemen.

They wrote to Collonel James Whitelocke to ac­quaint him herewith, and to desire him to come into England to accept of this Command, to which the Committee had freely chosen him; he returned thanks for the Honour his Country-men had done him, accepted the Command, and pro­mised to hasten into England, to serve them.

But before he could come over from Ireland, the King with his Army being come into England, and all the new raised Forces being commanded to march to the Lord General towards Worcester, his Lieutenant Collonel Warcup marched with his Regiment of Foot thither.

[2.] An Act passed to enable the Commissio­ners of the Militia, to raise Money, for the pre­sent Service of the Common-wealth.

A Messenger from the Head Quarters informed, Worcester. That the Lord General and Lieutenant General met and viewed their Forces, and consulted about carrying on of the Work, and prepared to receive [Page 482] the Enemy, if he should ingage, who came forth in a full Body, but would not come near to Cromwel. Who thereupon sent out a Party against them, upon whose approach the Scots retreated into the City.

That the Parliament Forces were got within half Musquet-shot of the Enemies Works, and their Canon played daily into the City with good execution.

That the Earl of Derby came wounded into Worcester with about 30 Horse, and no more, of all his Levies in Lancashire, which so distracted the Towns-men, that they began to repent their deserting of the Parliament.

That the King seeing his hopes in the Earl of Derby frustrated, would have marched away with his Horse, upon which his Foot were ready to mutiny, and said, They should both endure the same Fortune; the King and his Officers had much ado by fair words to appease them.

The Parliament voted, That whosoever had the Vote. Kings Declaration in their Hands, should bring it in to the Council, or to the Lord Major of London, or some Justice of Peace, to be burnt by the Hang-man; and those who should not bring it in, or should disperse it, to be punished according to Law.

Twelve Regiments of London, being 1400. Mustered in Finsbury Fields, the Speaker and di­vers Members of Parliament were there, and the Lord Major and Sheriffs of London; the Kings Declaration was burnt by the Hangman at the Head of every Regiment, who gave loud Shouts and Acclamations thereupon.

That Captain Escot, a Parliament Man of War, fetched two Prizes out of the Enemies Harbour in Scotland, and brought them into Lieth, loaden with Corn and other Commodities.

In one of them were divers intercepted Letters of Consequence from the Lord Argyle, Cleveland, and others, to the Lord Jermyn, Captain Titus, the Earl of Newcastle, and others in Holland.

That the same Man of War fought Three hours with another Ship bound for the Enemy, loaden with Wine, Arms, and Ammunition, and at length sunk her, and all her Goods, except Ten Hog­sheads of Wine which were saved, and a few of the Passengers, the rest were drowned.

[3.] Letters, That a Party of the Enemies Horse moved and pulled down Two Bridges of the River Tearne in Hereford-shire, but being flank­ed by a Party of Lieutenant General Fleetwood, supposing they intended to march away, they re­treated.

That a Servant of Masseys came into Cromwels Quarters, and reported, That the wants of the Kings Army were very great, that his Master was shot in the Hand, and the Earl of Worcester wound­ed in the Mouth.

Major Mercer with a strong Party was sent to secure Bewdly Bridge.

From Scotland, That a Party of Collonel Alureds C. Alured. Men being sent out to prevent their new Levies Seven Miles from Dundee, they found old General Leven, and several other great Lords, raising of Forces, whom they apprehended, and brought away Prisoners.

Letters, That Scurlocke, the Famous Tory, took Tory. Two small Garrisons of the Parliaments in Ire­land. That the Garrisons of Lymbrick and Gallo­way Ireland. were much straitned. That 2000 Sallied out of Galloway upon Collonel Russel, (who comman­ded there in Sir Charles Coote's absence) but were repulsed with the loss of 2 or 300 of their Men, and but Six of Russels lost.

That the Remnant with Clanrickard increased in number, but were so full of terror, that upon the advance of Sir Charles Coote, and Collonel Reynolds towards them, they quitted divers strong Passes, and a Castle of Consequence, where the Soldiers had Quarter for Life, the Officers and Protected People left to Mercy, and some of them hanged.

That the Enemy took Raghaera Castle from the Parliament, surprising most of their Men gather­ing Contribution in the Country, who were like­wise cut off. That the Sickness is still in those Parts. That the Commissioners of Parliament ap­pointed a day of Humiliation.

[4.] Letters from Scotland to the Speaker, That after the taking of Sterling, Lieutenant Ge­neral Monk marched to Dundee for the reducing Monk. of that Place, and summoned it; they in answer to his Summons sent him a Proclamation from the King, That whosoever would lay down Arms, and come in to them, should have Mercy.

That this Impudence of theirs was occasioned by the Promise of old Lesley Earl of Leven, with divers other Lords and Ministers Commissioned from the King to raise Forces, whereby he would relieve the Town.

Private Intelligence being given hereof, Collo­nel Alured with a good Party marched to the Place of their Rendezvous, and surprized old Leven, and the Lord Chancellor, with divers o­ther Lords, Six or Seven of their Ministers, and 300 more Persons of Quality.

Letters from Worcester.

Sir, This day hath been a glorious day, this Worcester Fight. day Twelvemonth was glorious at Dunbar, this day hath been glorious before Worcester; the Word was then, The Lord of Hosts, and so it was now, and indeed the Lord of Hosts was wonder­fully with us.

The same Signal we had then as now, which was, to have no White about us, and indeed the Lord hath clothed us with White Garments, though to the Enemy they have been Bloody.

In the Morning 3. Sept. Lieutenant General Fleetwood had order to advance with his Brigade on the other side Severne, and all things being pre­pared for the making of a Bridge, and having cleared our Passages with a Forlorn, we laid a Bridge over Severne, and another over Tame.

Our Foot disputed the Hedges with much Courage and Resolution; the Fight began on the other side Severne, and our Foot from this side began it, they clearing the way for the rest to come over after them.

The Right Wing of Lieutenant General Fleet-woods Forces came over the Bridge of Tame, while the Left Wing disputed the Bridge at Poyke, which Dispute lasted a long time, and was very hot, but the Lord gave our Men to gain ground of the Enemy, till we had beaten them out of the Ground.

While this was doing, the Enemy Rallying, made a very bold Sally out on this side of the Town, and came with great Bodies of Horse and Foot, supposing most of our Army had been drawn out on the other side, they gave our Men a very hot Salute, and put them to a little retreat and disorder.

But in a short while the Lord gave us Victory on this side also; our Foot did very Noble and Gallant Service, and they disputed with them, not only the Hedges, but followed them boldly to the very Mouth of their Canon, which was planted on their Mountain-Works.

[Page 483] At length we gained their Works, and planted their Guns against them in the Town, and we hear that some of our Horse and Foot are in the North and East end of the Town; the night came on so fast, that we could not pursue fur­ther.

Most of their Horse escaped, but my Lord Ge­neral dispatched Major General Harrisons Brigade after them; we cannot yet give an account who are taken or slain, but we conceive the number of their Slain far exceeds the number of the Priso­ners, but I guess the number of the Killed and Taken to be about 8 or 10000.

Tomorrow we shall be able to give you fuller relation.

Our Quartermaster-General and Captain Jones is slain, and Mr. Howard, Captain of the Life-guard is wounded, and Major General Lamberts Horse was shot under him.

Yours to serve you,

Robert Stapleton.

Sept. 3.

1651.

Other Letters came to the same effect.

[5.] Letters of the Militia Troops riding up and down the Counties to prevent Insurrections.

Of a Pinnace of the Earl of Derbies taken by one of the Parliaments Ships.

A Letter from General Cromwel to the Speaker, of the Victory at Worcester, but the Particulars in one following.

[6.] A more particular Letter from the Lord General Cromwel to the Parliament, thus.

I am not able yet to give you an exact Account of the great things the Lord hath done for this Letters from Crom­wel. Common-wealth, and for his People, and yet I am unwilling to be silent, but according to my Duty shall represent it to you, as it comes to hand.

This Battle was fought with various Success, for some hours, but still hopeful on your part, and in the end became an absolute Victory, and so full an one, as proved a total Defeat and Ruine of the Enemies Army, and Possession of the Town, our Men entring at the Enemies heels, and fight­ing with them in the Streets with very great Cou­rage, took all their Baggage and Artillery.

What the Slain are, I can give you no Account, because we have not taken an exact View, but they are very many, and must needs be so, be­cause the Dispute was long, and very near at hand, and often at push of Pike, and from one defence to another.

There are about 6 or 7000 Prisoners taken here, and many Officers and Noble-men of Qua­lity.

Duke Hamilton, the Earl of Rothes, and divers other Noble-men, I hear the Earl of Lauderdale, many Officers of great Quality, and some that will be fit Subjects of your Justice. We have sent very considerable Parties after the flying E­nemy; I hear they have taken considerable num­bers of Prisoners, and are very close in the Pur­suit.

Indeed I hear the Country riseth upon them every where, and I believe the Forces that lay through Providence at Bewdley, and in Shrop-shire and Stafford-shire, and those with Collonel Lil­burne, were in a condition, as if this had been foreseen, to intercept what should return.

A more particular Account than this will be prepared for you, as we are able; I heard they had not many more than 1000 Horse in their Body that fled, and I believe we have near 4000 Forces following and interposing between them and home.

Their Army was about 16000 strong, and fought ours on Worcester side Severne, almost with their whole, whilst we had ingaged half our Army on the other side, but with Parties of theirs.

Indeed it was a stiff Business; yet I do not think we have lost 200 Men; your new raised Forces did perform singular good Service, for which they deserve a very high Estimation, and Acknowledgement, as also for their willingness thereunto.

For as much as the same hath added so much to the Reputation of your Affairs, they are all dis­patched home again, which I hope will be much for the ease and satisfaction of the Country, which is a great Fruit of the Successes.

The Dimensions of this Mercy are above my Thoughts, it is, for ought I know, a Crowning Mercy, surely if it be not, such a one we shall have, if this provoke those that are concerned in it to Thankfulness, and the Parliament to do the Will of him, who hath done his Will for it, and for the Nation; whose good Pleasure is, to esta­blish the Nation, and the Change of the Govern­ment, by making the People so willing to the De­fence thereof, and so signally to bless the Endea­vours of your Servants in this late great Work.

I am bold humbly to beg, that all Thoughts may tend to the promoting of his Honour, who hath wrought so great Salvation, and that the Fatness of these continued Mercies may not occasion Pride and Wantonness, as formerly the like hath done, to a Chosen People.

But that the Fear of the Lord, even for his Mercies, may keep an Authority, and a People so prospered, and blessed, and witnessed to, humble and faithful, that Justice and Righteousness, Mer­cy and Truth, may flow from you, as a Thankful Return to our Glorious God; this shall be the Prayer of, Sir,

Your most Humble and

Worcester

Sept. 4.

1651.

Obedient Servant,

O. Cromwell.

The Parliament ordered a Thanks giving-day, and the Letters of the General to be read by the Ministers.

From Major General Harrison.

We are in Pursuit of the Enemy about 4000, Harrison. we have taken more already of them, 1400 Horse and Foot, many considerable Persons among them, the Lord Cleveland, and the Earl of Derby, they make no resistance when any of ours overtake them, but ride Post, and in great confusion, their King being the foremost.

Mr. Scot and Major Salleway returned from Wor­cester, a particular Account they could not give, because all things were then in confusion, Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, were then plucking out of holes by the Soldiers.

The Common Prisoners they were driving to the Cathedral Church in Worcester, and what with the dead Bodies of Men, and the dead Horses of the Enemy filling the Streets, there was such a nastiness, that a Man could hardly abide the Town. Yet the Lord General had his Quarters in Wor­cester, the Walls whereof he hath ordered to be pulled down to the ground, and the Dikes fil­led up.

[Page 484] The Lord Hamilton's Leg was broken, and he sent to the General for a Chyrurgeon to dress his Wounds; the Militia Forces behaved themselves gallantly, 5000 out of Norfolk and Suffolk came in cheerfully the same night of the Fight, the Lord General dismissed them all home.

The Regiment of Surrey, under Sir Richard Onslow, and the Troop under Captain Walter St. John, marched hard to come up to the Ingage­ment.

Prisoners taken, Three English Earls, Seven Scotch Lords, of Knights Four, of Collonels, Lieu­tenant Collonels, Majors, Captains and other Offi­cers about 640. the Kings Standard, and 158 Co­lours taken, 10000 Prisoners, and above 2000 slain, the Kings Coach and Horses, with rich Goods, and all Arms Bag and Baggage taken.

On the Parliaments part, slain 100 Soldiers, and 300 wounded, Quarter-Master-General Mose­ly, and Captain Jones slain, and no other Officers of note, Captain Howard and another Captain wounded.

[8.] A Particular Account from Lieutenant General Fleetwood of the whole Action at Wor­cester, of 3000 slain, 10000 taken Prisoners, with all their Arms, Bag and Baggage, the Flight, and Pursuit of the Enemy, &c.

Letters from Scotland, That a Party of the Par­liaments from Edenburgh, after an hours Fight, Scotland. took Dumfrice, and the Country, who made op­position contrary to their Ingagement, smarted for it.

That Lieutenant General Monk having received a scornful Answer to his Summons from the Go­vernour of Dundee, he stormed the Town, and Dundee. in a quarter of an hour became Master of it.

That Major General Lumsdain, and 600 of the Enemy, were slain, and there was in the Town good store of Arms, and Ammunition, 11 Pieces of Ordnance, and 60 Sail of Ships in the Har­bour.

From Cheshire, That 1000 of the Kings Horse passing through Sanebarch on a fair day, the Towns-men and Country-men as they passed by, fell upon them with Clubs and Staves, and the Poles of their Stalls, knocked them down, and took about 100 of them.

That the Country rise upon the Routed Scots, and kill and take many of them.

[9.] A Proclamation for the apprehending of the King, and a Promise of 1000 l. to any that shall do it.

Order for a day of Thanksgiving throughout the Kingdom for the Success at Worcester, and an Act to be brought in for an Annual Observation of the third day of Sept.

Letters, That Sir Philip Musgrave, and others raising Forces about Galloway, were taken and killed by a Party from Edenburgh, being in all a­bout 500.

That Major General Massey came into Leicester-shire, but not being able to go further, by reason Massey. of his Wounds, wrote a Letter to the Countess of Stamford, and surrendred himself to the Lord Grey her Son.

That Sir Arthur Haselrigge, Governour of New­castle upon notice of the Defeat at Worcester, and Sir Arth. Haselrigge. the Kings Escape Northwards, sent to the Militia Forces, and to the Sheriffs of the Four Northern Counties, to raise the Posse Comitatus, and to the Lieutenant General Monk and Forces in Scotland, to way-lay those that fled, and went out himself with a Party for that purpose.

The Parliament appointed Four of their Mem­bers to go out of Town to meet the General upon his way from Worcester to London, and to congra­tulate from the Parliament the great Successes that God had given him.

[10.] Letters from Ireland, That the Irish lie Ireland, up and down in small Parties robbing Passengers by the High-way, but meet not in a Body, being divided in their Councels, that Lymbrick and Gal­loway hold out.

That Collonel Zanchey was sent out with 2500 Foot, and 28 Troops of Horse and Dragoons, into Connaght, upon Intelligence of the Enemies gathering to an Head there, to ingage them, or to strengthen Sir Charles Coote about Galloway; but upon his marching, over the Enemy presently dispersed.

The Four Members of Parliament appointed to go out of Town to meet the General, went this day to Alisbury.

[11.] Letters, That a Party of the Parlia­ments Forces marched 40 Miles a day in Pursuit of the Enemy, and at Lancaster fell upon some of them, routed them, killed about 20, and took 200 Prisoners.

That 200 more of them were taken about Shis­nal in Shrop-shire, the Earl of Derby, Earl of Lau­derdale, and divers others of Quality.

That Major General Harrison had taken 2000 of the Scots in the Pursuit, and left but 1000 of them in a Body; That the Countries rose upon them; That a Party of the Parliaments about Warrington fell unadvisedly on their Rear, and lost some Men.

Complaint, That the Countrey are much bur­dened with the Prisoners, there being no allow­ance for them; That five of them were put to death in Cheshire, and five more appointed to be executed the next day.

That at the taking of Dundee in Scotland were Dundee. slain between 7 and 800 Scots, and taken 50 Sail of Ships, 40 great Guns, and Provisions, and that with the Plunder of the Town the Soldiers were grown rich and gallant, a private Soldier hardly to be known from an Officer.

That the Lieutenant General sent a Summons to Monrose near the Highlands.

The four Members went from Alisbury on the way the General was to come, and met him, and delivered their Message to him from the Parlia­ment.

The General received them with all kindness and respect, and after Salutations and Ceremonies passed, he rode with them cross the Fields, where Mr. Winwoods Hawks met them, and the General with them, and many Officers went a little out of the way a Hawking, and came that night to Aylesbury.

There they had much discourse (and my Lord Chief-Justice St. John more than all the rest) with the General, and they supped together.

The General gave to each of them that were sent to him a Horse and two Scots Prisoners, for a Present and Token of his thankful Reception of the Parliaments respect to him, in sending them to meet and congratulate him.

[12.] Letters, That at the Storming of Dundee Dundee. divers of the Parliaments Horse-men went on foot with Sword and Pistol to assist the Foot-men, and got into the Town as soon as the other, and not above Ten Men killed on the Parliaments Part, and 800 of the Enemy.

That it was the richest Town of the bigness in England or Scotland; That some of the English Sol­diers got in the Storm 500 l a piece.

That the Inhabitants of St. Andrews sent to Lieutenant General Monk, That they would [Page 485] submit to his Summons, and deliver up their Arms and Ammunition, which was accepted; but be­cause they refused former Offers, the Lieutenant General fined them 50 l. to the Soldiery.

Cromwel came to London in great Solemnity and Triumph, accompanied with the Four Commis­sioners Cromwel. of Parliament, many chief Officers of the Army, and others of Quality.

There met him in the Fields the Speaker of Parliament, the Lord President, and many Mem­bers of Parliament, and of the Council of State, the Lord Major, Sheriffs, and Aldermen of Lon­don, the Militia, and many Thousand others of Quality.

There was a great Guard of Soldiers, Horse and Foot, and Multitudes of People in the Fields, and in the Streets; he was entertained all the way as he passed to his House, with Vollies of great and small shot, and loud Acclamations and Shouts of the People.

He carried himself with great affability, and seeming humility, and in all his Discourses about the Business of Worcester would seldom mention any thing of himself, but of the gallantry of the Officers and Soldiers, and gave (as was due) all the Glory of the Action unto God.

[13.] A List sent up to the Parliament of many Officers taken in Pursuit of the Scots near Manchester.

That Collonel Gerrard, who fell upon the Rear of the Scots Party in Cheshire, was by them taken Prisoner, and carried four or five Miles, when coming to a Passe, where they saw Clubmen ready to oppose them, Two Majors, Three Captains, and Twelve Soldiers, desired the Collonel that they might be his Prisoners, to avoid the Club-men; which he did, and brought them Prisoners to Chester.

That the King was escaped, but the Earl of Montgomery, and about 80 more, divers of them Men of Quality, were brought Prisoners to Ha­lifax.

That Collonel Lilburne's Regiment took divers Officers of Quality, and 200 Soldiers, and sent them Prisoners to York.

That the York-shire Forces took Lieutenant Ge­neral Lesley, Major General Middleton, many Of­ficers, Gentlemen, and Soldiers.

That Duke Hamilton was dead.

The Scots Prisoners were conducted through the City, to the new Artillery-ground in Tuttle-fields. Scots.

[15.] Letters, That a Party under Collonel Okey took several Houses in the Highlands by Storm; That the Scots threatned to hang all be­tween sixteen and sixty that would not joyn with them, and executed some.

That 80 Women were killed at the Storming of Dundee, 100 Ships Prize in the Harbour.

That about 1000 Scots were brought Prisoners by the Country joyning with the Parliaments For­ces in Lancashire, and that of 2000 Horse of the Enemy that fled from Worcester few or none e­scaped.

[16.] Cromwel sate in the House, and the Cromwel. Speaker made a Speech to him, and gave him the Thanks of the House for his great Services; Lieu­tenant General Fleetwood, and other Officers of the Army, had also the Thanks of the House; Cromwel and most of the Members of Parliament, and divers Commanders of the Army, were Fea­sted by the Lord Major in London.

The Parliament resumed the Debate touching a New Representative.

Debate of an Act of Oblivion and General Pardon, with some Expendients for satisfaction of the Soldiery, and the Ease of the People.

Order for a Fast-day in the House to seek God Fast-day. for Counsel and Assistance for improvement of his great Mercies, and for doing things most to his Glory, and the good of the Common-wealth.

Report to the House from the Committee of the Army of all the Forces in England and Ire­land, and the Monthly Charge of them.

A Committee appointed to receive the Agent from the Common-wealth of Genoa.

Letters, That the Mosse-Troopers killed four of the Parliaments Soldiers, and Two Passen­gers, and indangered the Packet; and that the Forces in the North were on the Borders to meet with the Flying Scots.

That the Commissioners of the Militia in Wor­cester-shire were disbanding the Militia Forces, de­molishing the Works, and securing the Persons and Estates of such as adhered to the King.

[17.] The Scots Prisoners came to London, and among them, who were not discovered be­fore, were the Lord Grandison, Collonel Blague, and others of Quality; the Parliament ordered the Trials of the Earl of Cleveland, Lauderdale, Derby, Major and Sheriffs of Worcester, and o­thers.

[18.] Letters, That Aberdeen was quitted by Scots. the Scots; That divers died of the Spotted Feaver at Lieth, Collonel Hubbold and others, and that Lieutenant General Monk had been dangerously sick.

That the Gentlemen of Fife submitted to the Government of England.

An Account of dismissing Militia Forces, and of the trouble to the Countries by the Scots Pri­soners.

[19.] Letters, That upon the Suit of Gene­ral Leven, Sir Arthur Hasclridgge had given leave for his being Prisoner at his Son-in-law's House, Mr. De la Vale, upon his Parole, and Mr. De la Vale gave Bonds of 20000 l. for his being a true Prisoner.

[20.] Upon the desire of the Guinnee Mer­chants 1500 of the Scots Prisoners were granted to them, and sent on Ship-board to be transported to Guinnee to work in the Mines there, and upon a Quarrel among the Soldiers in the Barges Two or Three of them were drowned.

[22.] Letters, That Lymbrick would gladly accept of the first Offers of the Lord Deputy; That they have Divisions among themselves, That they made a Salley with 1000 Foot upon the Par­liaments Forces, who after an hours Dispute kil­led 80 of the Irish, and wounded many, and had nine slain, and 35 wounded of the Parliaments Soldiers.

The House kept a Private Fast in the House.

Act read for a Thanksgiving-day, and another Act for a yearly Observation of the third day of September in all the Three Kingdoms, with a Nar­rative of the Grounds thereof.

The High Courts of Justice continued for Three Months, by a new Act.

Letters of a Prize taken with 20000 Dollers, and rich Lading.

[24.] The Funerals of General Popham were accompanied from Exeter House by the Speaker General Popham. and Members of Parliament, the Lord General, and Council of State, with great Solemnity, to Westminster.

[25.] Two of the Parliaments Soldiers in Scotland sentenced to ride the Wooden Horse, for seizing and carrying away a Chest of Goods, bu­ried by a Country-man in the Fields; and the [Page 486] Lieutenant General Monk published a Proclama­tion for the better prevention of disorders and plundering in Dundee.

[26.] That the Enemy in Limbrick have made many Overtures for another Treaty, but it would Ireland. not be granted. That the Priests and Friers among them bind them by new Oaths, but they dare not trust one another. That the Lord Deputy is be­fore Clare Castle.

[27.] Letters of the Jersey Pyrates doing mis­chef upon the Western Coast.

The Parliament ordered a Bill to be brought in for setting a time for the ending of this Parlia­ment, and for constituting a New Representative. New Re­presenta­tive.

[29.] The Narrative of the Mercies and Vi­ctories obtained by the Parliaments Forces in Scot­land and England.

The Lord Major and Sheriffs of London were presented at the Exchequer.

[30.] Letters, That Collonel Reynolds had ta­ken in Bellebeg Castle in Ireland, and dispersed Dungans Forces; That whilst Collonel Hewson was Hewson. abroad, the Enemy took in Two or Three small Garrisons of the Parliaments near Dublin, but upon Hewsons return they quitted them.

An Act passed for providing Maintenance for Maimed Soldiers, and Widows of Soldiers.

Order for a Bill for Confirmation of the Sale of Bishops Lands, and the Lands of Deans and Chapters, &c.

October 1651.

[1.] Several new Acts of Parliament Fead and debated in the House.

[2.] Letters of some discontent in Collonel Okey, and his Party, for chat the taking of Ge­neral Leven, and those with him was misrepre­sented Okey. to the Parliament and General; and that right was not therein done to others, as well as to Collonel Alured and his Party. C. Alured.

An Account from Hull of Recruits sent for Scot­land.

[3.] Letters, That in Scotland they report the King to have entred London in Triumph, and to Scotland. be shortly Crowned; and that Middleton was up­on the Borders with 8000. That the Ministers gave Thanks in their Pulpits for the great Victo­ry obtained by their Forces in England.

That they were confident, that the Lord General went not about to Conquer Kingdoms, to attain Titles, or Territories, to propagate his Praise, or Promotion; but the Publick Peace, the Prosperity of the People, and the Praise of God more than the Praise of Men.

That the Soldiers seized a Man of War in the Harbour of Aberdeen.

That the Marquess of Huntley with 600 Horse and 1000 Foot was marched into the Highlands, and that Balcarris had some Forces.

[4.] Letters of four Soldiers in Scotland sen­tenced for robbing a Country-man of 7 l. to be led to the Gallows with Ropes about their Necks, and there to have 30 Stripes, and to be kept in Prison with Bread and Water, till they had re­stored four Fold to the Country-man, and asked him forgiveness on their Knees.

That Evandale Castle was surrendred upon Con­ditions, and that divers Gentlemen returned to their Habitations about Lieth, and ingaged to live quietly, and submit to the Parliament of England.

[6.] Letters, That the Earl of Derby was tryed at a Court-Marshal at Chester, at which were E. Derby. 20 Officers, Captains, and above that Degree, five Collonels, Major General Mitton, and Collo­nel October. Mackworth the President.

That the Earl confessed the Plot for a General Rising of the Presbyterians in Lancashire, to joyn with the King; but it was disappointed by the ap­prehending of Mr. Birkenhead.

That Sir Tho. Tiddesly, Major Ashurst, and Ma­jor General Massey, were principal Actors in that Conspiracy.

He confessed the matters of Treason charged against him, and submitted to the mercy of Par­liament. And for Plea,

1. He alledged he had Quarter given him, and therefore was not to be tryed by a Court-Martial for Life; but this was over-ruled by the Court.

2. He pleaded ignorance of the Act of Treason set forth by the Parliament; which Plea was also over-ruled; and the Court sentenced him to be beheaded for his Treasons at Bolton, where he had killed a Man in cold Blood.

The Earl seemed very desirous of Life, and pe­titioned the Lord General upon the Point of his having Quarter, but had no relief from him.

The Court sentenced Sir Tho. Feverston to be beheaded for the same Treasons; and Captain Benbow to be shot to death.

The Parliament ordered Dr. Drake, and seve­ral Conspira­tors. Ministers and others, to be tryed by the High Court of Justice, for being Conspirators with Mr. Love.

Letters, That the Lord Argyle was fortifying his House and other Places in Scotland; and that Scotland. the Lords and Gentlemen thereabouts came slock­ing home, and were willing to close with Eng­land.

That the Remonstrants Kirk Party damned all that was done by the other Kirk Party, who were for the King.

That Marquess Huntley was much disappointed by the Countries refusing to come in to him; and that now they begin to fear that their Army in England is defeated.

[7.] The Parliament ordered Three Regi­ments of Horse, and Five Regiments of Foot, and 30 single Companies, to be disbanded for the ease of the Common-wealth, and several Garri­sons to be slighted.

The Committee for regulating the Law order­ed to sit de die in diem.

An Act passed for the increase of Shipping, and incouragement of the Navigation of this Nation.

[8.] Letters, That Captain Young, who com­manded the President Frigot, coming to the Isle of Man, summoned it for the Parliament; but the Countess of Derby being there, returned an­swer, Countess of Derby. That she was to keep it by her Lords Command, and without his Order she would not deliver it up, being in duty bound to obey her Lords Commands.

[9.] Orders of Parliament for disbanding se­veral Regiments and Companies, and some to be sent for Ireland, and the Council of State to issue Warrants for Money for those disbanded, and for pay of the Garrisons that are to be dis­mantled.

The Bill committed for setting a time for the ending of this Parliament, and for calling a new one.

[10.] Letters of difference between the Mar­quess Huntly and Argyle.

That the Pickeroons are busie upon the West of England, and that one of Prince Ruperts Fleet that ran from him, was come into Weymouth Harbour.

[Page 487] Letters of 1000 Scots Prisoners shipped out of Shrop-shire; and of Collonel Cobbetts Regiment gone for Scotland.

Collonel Vaughan, Dr. Drake, and Captain Massey, were tryed by the High Court of Justice, for being in the Conspiracy with Mr. Love, and they submitted to the mercy of Parliament

[13.] Letters, That the Earl of Derby at­tempted to escape, and was let down by a Rope E. Derby. from the Leads of his Chamber, but some hearing a noise, made after him; and that he was re-taken upon Dee Bank.

He wrote a handsome passionate Letter to his Lady to comfort her, and advised her, as then matters stood, to surrender the Isle of Man upon good Conditions.

Of divers Castles in Scotland surrendred to the Parliament of England; and that their new Levies go on there very slowly.

[14.] The Parliament sate in a Grand Com­mittee about the Bill, for putting a Period to this Bill for a New Par­liament. Parliament, and appointing a new one, and or­dered to sit every day (except Wednesdays) for 14 days about this Bill.

Order for the Forces reduced out of the Garri­sons to be put into Regiments, and to march for Scotland and Ireland, and the standing Army to be put into Garrisons.

[15.] Several Petitions from Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Case, and others who were in the Conspiracy with Conspira­tors. Mr. Love, by way of humble acknowledgement, and submission.

The Parliament pardoned them all, and order­ed the Commissioners of the Great Seal to pass their Pardons.

[16.] The Lord Major, Aldermen, and Com­mon-Councel of London kept a special Thanksgi­ving-day, for Gods Mercies to the Common-wealth, London. and feasted at Guildhall.

Letters, That divers Scots Ministers were per­mitted Scots. to meet at Edenburgh to keep a day of Hu­miliation, as they pretended, for their too much compliance with the King.

That the Northern Scots were got together 1800, but divided among themselves.

From Ireland, That Collonel Zanchey took 30 Tories Prisoners, and redeemed many English Pri­soners, and another Party took 60 more of the Tories.

That the Irish stormed and took Rosse, but quit­ted it upon approach of the Parliaments Forces; That they lost 20 Men, and killed 15 of the Par­liaments.

[17.] Letters, That Collonel Okey and three other Regiments quartering in the Country about Monrosse, the Gentlemen, finding that all their Provisions would be eaten up, petitioned them to remove, and ingaged to come in themselves, and to bring in the Enemy thereabouts to the Parlia­ment of England.

Whereupon the Forces removed, and a Cornet of Collonel Okey coming to his Regiment with a small Party, was set upon by many Moss-Troopers, Moss-Troopers. who gave seven of them quarter, yet afterwards killed them in cold Blood, and only the Cornet and four more scaped.

That Collonel Heane was shipping with his Men at Weymouth for the design of Jersey.

[18.] Letters, That Captain Benboe was shot to death at Shrewsbury according to the Sentence of the Court-Martial; and that the Earl of Derby was beheaded at Bolton the same day.

That Captain Duckinfield with his Men were shipped for the Isle of Man. E. Derby.

[20.] Letters of the Particulars of the Earl of Derbies Death, who carried himself with stout­ness and Christian-like temper.

[21.] Letters came from Holland, That the Scots King lan­ded in Holland. King was landed there, with the Duke of Buck's, and the Lord Wilmot, and others in Sea-mens Cloaths; and that upon the news thereof, the Princess Royal, and many with her went to Scheve­ling, where they met the King.

That an English Man of War meeting with some English and Dutch quarrel. Dutch Fishermen, demanded of them the Tenth Her­ring, as an acknowledgement of the Sovereignty of England in those Seas; but the Dutch denying it, they fell from words to blows, and the Dutch shooting first at the English, the English Man of War sunk one of their Ships, and all their Men were lost.

Others relate, That the Quarrel began upon the English Man of War requiring the Dutch-men to strike Sail to him, according to the usage, and they refusing it, he sunk one of them.

Of the dispersing of Dungans Forces by Collo­nel Ireland. Reynolds, and his recovery of some Castles, and joyning with Collonel Zanchey.

That Fitz-Patrick stormed Castle-Jorne, and took 30 of the Parliaments Soldiers, and ingaged Col­lonel Hewsons Troop, took 25, and killed 27 of them; That the Irish are numerous and desperate; That Two Congregational Churches were gather­ed in Dublin.

[22.] Debate upon the Bills for a New Repre­sentative, Bills. and on a Bill for propagation of the Gospel, and ordered, that they be considered de die in diem till ended.

Letters of Forces shipped from Chester against the Isle of Man, being 3000 Men, and between 30 and 40 Sail.

Mr. John Sayer condemned by a Court-Marshal at Chester, to be hanged for Treason, but upon his Penitence was reprieved.

That Collonel Venables rose from the Siege of Dundalke in Cavan.

That the Irish attempted Bellinger, but were beaten off with the loss of 40 of their Men, and divers of their Officers and Soldiers wounded.

[23.] Letters of some Endeavours for new Levies in Scotland.

[24.] The Thanksgiving-day observed so­lemnly.

Letters, That the Scots are ready to embrace what the Parliament of England shall require of them.

That divers Ministers confer at Edenburgh, and are permitted.

That Argyle and Huntley are raising Forces, yet have none in a Body but a few stragling Highlan­ders.

That an English Soldier for lying with a Scots Scots Dis­cipline. Woman, was by Sentence of the Court-Marshal, together with the Woman, whipped through E­denburgh, and a Scotch La [...]s that held the Candle to them in the Action, lighted them all the way, and was duck'd with them.

That Augustine the Moss-Trooper took an Eng­lish Sutler, and 60 l. in Money at Monrosse.

That Argyle sent a Trumpet to Sterling to desire a Treaty; and that the Scots generally desired to be governed by the English.

That the Lord Chef-Justice St. John, Sir Henry Commis­sioners for Scotland. Vane jun', Major-General Lambert, Major-Gene­ral Deane, Lieutenant-General Monk, Collonel Fenwicke, Alderman Tichburne, and Major Sallo­wey, were appointed Commissioners for the Af­fairs of Scotland; and being there, it was hoped, they would soon settle the Civil Affairs there.

[Page 488] [25.] Letters, That many of the Scotch Pri­soners, and others at Shrewsbury were dead of a Contagious Feaver.

That there was no certainty of the King of Scots Arrival in Holland; and that upon the Rumor of Holland. it, the States propounded to pass a Decree, That no forreign Prince or Noble-man should come into their Dominions without their Privity.

That Meen heere Scape and Meen heer Parre were nominated Ambassadors for England. Ambassa­dors.

[27.] Letters, That the King of Scots was arrived in France, and got to Paris, met by the way, and conducted thither by the Duke of Or­leans, and visited by the Queen his Mother, and divers of the great Lords; That he told them his Adventures after the Battle of Worcester, to The Kings Escape from Wor­cester. this effect.

That about Six a Clock in the Evening, his Ar­my being in all likelihood beaten, he quitted Wor­cester with a Party of Horse, and marched to­wards Lancashire, being fearful of being pursued, and lest some of the Scots Officers should deliver him up, he with the Lord Wilmot quitted their Horses, and sent the Party of Horse upon their March.

That he and the Lord Wilmot betook themselves the second days march from Worcester into a Tree, where they remained until night, and then march­ed on foot that night.

That the third day they took Sanctuary in a Wood, and night approaching, marched on foot towards Lancashire, where they were received by a Lady, who furnished them with Cloaths for a disguise, and cut off their Hair very short.

Having reposed two or three days, the Lady resolved to endeavour to ship them out of England, to which purpose she riding behind the King, and Wilmot as another Servant by, they went to Bristol.

But finding a narrow and hot Inquiry there, they went to London, where they stayed three Weeks, and the King went up and down in Lon­don, in a Gentlewomans Habit, and at Westminster-Hall he saw the States Arms, and the Scots Co­lours.

That the Lord Wilmot procured a Merchant to hire a Ship of 40 Tuns to transport them, which cost them 120 l. but as soon as the Lord Wilmot was entred the Bark, and the King as his Servant, the Master of the Vessel came to him, and told him, That he knew the King, and in case it should be known, he could expect no mercy; which Saying troubled them.

But at length, what with Money and Promises, they Prevailed, and so set Sail for Haver de gras, and there landed, and from thence went to Rohan, where they were cloathed, and wrote from thence to Paris.

That this Arrival of the King stopped the French King from sending Ambassadors for Eng­land.

That the King sent for the Lords Inchequin, Taffe, and Ormond; That the Lord Taffe had trea­ted with the Duke of Lorrein for his undertaking the Business of Ireland.

That divers Prisoners presented a Petition to the Lord General, reciting, That the Law was the Prisoners Petition. Badge of the Norman Bondage; and that Prisons were Sanctuaries to Rich Men, Prisoners, and Tor­tures to the Poorer sort, who were not able to fee Lawyers and Goalers.

They pray the General, into whose Hands the Sword is put, to free them from oppression and slavery, and to restore the Nations fundamental Laws and Liberties, and to gain a new Representative, and that the Poor may have Justice, and Arrests and Im­prisonments Novem. may be taken away.

[28.] Order for Mr. Goodwyn and Dr. Owen to preach in Oxford, and for Masters of Art to preach in their turns.

Letters, That the Marquess of Argyle studied how to make his peace with England, and Monros could raise but few Men.

That the Garrison at Ludlow were willingly dis­banded, and expressed a great affection one to another.

Of the neglect of the Minister of Taunton, and other Ministers, to celebrate the Thanksgiving-day.

[30.] Letters, That Collonel Heyne with his Regiment, and other Forces, after being beaten back by a Storm, at last anchored under Jersey, and resolved to attempt the Island the next day, Jersey ta­ken. (though the Sea was very rough) because else their Horses would be starved.

That the same night the Storm ceased, and at Three the next Morning, by advice of the Coun­cel of War, they boated their Men, but could not land till about 11 at night, and then ran their Boats on ground, and the Soldiers leaping into the Sea, most of them Neck high, they got to Shoar.

Where they were desperately charged with a Body of Horse for about half an hour; after which the Enemy fled, and the Parliaments Forces took Eight Pieces of Ordnance, and marched a Mile into the Island, finding no Enemy to oppose them.

That the next Morning they marched to several Forts, and found in them Guns and Colours left; That Parties brought in divers Prisoners to them: The next day they drew on a Hill in the sight of Elizabeth Castle, where the Enemy quitted the Fort under the Hill.

They also quitted and surrendred another Fort, and went to Elizabeth Castle, that here they had 14 Guns. That Collonel Heyne sate down before Argyle Castle, and in taking this Island lost but three or four Men, and about 25 wounded.

That Sir George Carteret the Governour had 4000 Men.

[31.] Letters, That the Marquess of Argyle Argyle. Monk. sent a Trumpet to Lieutenant-General Monk, desiring, That some Persons well affected to the good of both Kingdoms might meet and treat about settle­ment, and to prevent the shedding of more Blood.

The Lieutenant-General answered, That he would not treat without Order of Parliament.

That the meeting of the Ministers at Eden­burgh was dissolved without doing any thing.

That Captain Fannes the Governour of Ander­wick was dead.

That the Forces sent against the Isle of Man, were under Sail with a fair Wind.

November 1651.

[1.] Letters, That Sir Timothy Fetherston was executed at Chester according to the Sentence of the Court-Marshal, and used only a few Prayers out of the Common-Prayer-Book.

Letters, That the Parliaments Forces killed 100 Tories in Ireland, took 50, and 500 Arms.

[3.] Letters, That all the Parliaments Forces, Horse and Foot, were landed in the Isle of Man, Isle of Man. that the Islanders sent their Boats to bring them on Shoar, and did secure Bartlet the great Pyrate, and divers others; That the Countess of Derby was retired to Peele Castle.

[Page 489] That the Parliaments Forces sent to Jersey, after much conflicting with Seas, and Winds, and o­ther difficulties, and a short dispute with the E­nemy, landed about 11 a Clock at night.

That the Enemy, after a hot Charge with their Jersey, Horse, fled, and forsook divers small Forts.

That the next day they took the Tower of St. Andrews with 14 Guns in it, which was a Re­fuge to their Ships; That Sir George Carteret the Governour retreated to Elizabeth Castle, which General Blake had blocked up.

The Parliament ordered, That the Ministers of London and Westminster do on the fifth of Novem­ber next, in their several Congregations, give thanks to God for the gaining of Jersey Island.

That the Governour of Bas Island in Scotland was summoned to deliver up the Island to the Par­liament of England, or else, that his Lady, and his Two Brothers in the Town, should be sent up to the Parliament; and that the Lady wrote to her Husband to surrender it.

[4.] The Parliament passed the List of She­riffs for the several Counties of England and Wales.

A List passed of Ships for the next Years Guard, with Instructions to the Council of State, for dis­posing of them.

Letters, That the King of Scots for two days after the Defeat at Worcester, staid in Woods near the Place, and Trees; and that some of [...]. Cromwels Soldiers looked into those Woods, but found him not.

That he cut off his Hair, and wore a Red Per­riwig, and was two or three days in Cromwels Army, as a Boy or Servant to a Gentleman; That he went to Sea in a Marriners Habit, and landed at Diepe, and had not Money to carry them to Paris.

Letters, That a Party of the Parliaments Army stormed Mulick Castle in Ireland, killed 34 of their Men, and took 140 Prisoners, but lost 80 [...]. Men. That Collonel Russel, Commander of the Forces before Galloway, had made strong Works there, which those from the Town attempted to storm, but were beaten off with loss.

That Lymbrick was surrendred to the Parlia­ment; all the Garrison had Quarter for their Lives, only the Town was plundered, and the Army drawn off to besiege Galloway. That Shur­lock the great Tory was slain.

[5.] The Gunpowder-treason-day was so­lemnly observed.

[7.] Letters, That the Marquess of Argyle had summoned a Parliament in Scotland.

That divers Gentlemen in Scotland had a meet­ing to consider of some Propositions to be presen­ted [...]. to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Eng­land, in order to their Submission to them.

Of Recruits come from England to Scotland, and of some Scots taken that fled away from the Battle of Worcester.

That the Lieutenant-General published a Pro­clamation in Scotland, forbidding the raising of the English Coin to an higher rate than it was cur­rant in England.

That there are great Divisions among the Cler­gy in Scotland.

[8.] Letters, That the whole Isle of Man, with all the Forts and Castles in it, were surren­dred to the Parliaments Forces.

That the Parliaments Forces in Jersey had be­sieged Elizabeth Castle, which was very strong situate upon a Rock in the Sea.

[10.] Letters of the Particulars of the ta­king of the Isle of Man, the Summons sent to the Isle of Man. Countess of Derby, and her Soldiers deserting of her, and the Articles of Rendition of it to the Parliament, without a Shot or Blow struck.

That they had there great store of Arms and Ammunition and Ordnance.

[11.] The Parliament spent several days in debate of the Business for a New Represen­tative.

They approved the Articles for the Isle of Man, and ordered a Letter of Thanks to Collonel Duck­enfield, and Collonel Birch, for their good Service in that Action, and gave the Messenger that brought the News 100 l. and referred it to the Council of State to consider of preserving that Island for the benefit of the Parliament.

James Hinde the great High-way-man was exa­mined before the Council of State, and confess'd his serving of the King in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and was sent to Newgate.

[12.] Letters, That the Lord Wareston and others sate privately in a Committee at Edenburgh, Scotland. preparing Proposals to be tendered to the Parlia­ment of England, for their Submission to them.

That they are contented to wave Kingly Govern­ment.

That no Lord shall exceed in Power a Private Per­son. That the Tyrannical Power of the Clergy may be dissolved.

[14.] Letters, That the Lord Argyle had cal­led a Parliament; and that Mr. Alexander Kant, a Minister, said in his Pulpit, That God was bound to own that Parliament; that all other Parliaments were called by Man, but this was brought about by his own Hand.

That the Lord Belcarris, levying Forces in the North of Scotland, his Officers would not allow Men and Horses sent in, though they were very good, but would find fault with them, and de­manded 20 l. for every one, and they would find Men and Horses for 20 l. a-piece themselves.

Whereupon the Countrey rose upon them, kil­led some of them, and made the rest run away.

A Soldier shot to death by Sentence of a Court-Marshal, for striking a Serjeant, who was corre­cting him for a misdemeanour.

That 800 Recruits were landed in Scotland, and more expected.

That the Lieutenant-General sent out a strong Party under Collonel Overton. That the greatest part of the Gourdons had laid down their Arms, and most of the Gentry were willing to comply with the Parliament of England, only the Mini­sters endeavoured to keep up the War.

[15.] Letters, That the Marquess Huntley sent to the Governour of Lieth for a Treaty, as Argyle had done, the Countrey forsaking them, and inclining to submit to England,

That Mount Orgel in Jersey was surrendred to Jersey. the Parliament Forces, and in it 20 Brass and Iron Guns, and 20 Barrels of Powder; and that Ad­miral Blake was in a Treaty for Elizabeth Castle; That a Master of a Ship coming by, saw Boats passing up and down between the Ships and the Castle with Flags of Truce, and many Guns fired.

The Parliament voted, That it was a convenient Votes for Dissolu­tion. time to declare a certain time for the continuance of this Parliament, beyond which it should not sit.

[17.] Letters, That the Gentlemen of Fife, and other Counties, met and prepared Letters and Commissions to be sent into every County for authorizing Commissioners to attend, the com­ing of the Commissioners from England, to make Proposals to them, for setling the Peace of the Kingdom.

[Page 490] [18.] The Parliament voted,

That the time for continuance of this Parliament, beyond which they resolve not to sit, shall be the third day of November 1654.

And that such Scots Prisoners who have been di­sposed of by the Parliament, or Council of State, and any Officers of the Army, if they run away, and go into Scotland without licence, shall suffer death, and be proceeded against by Marshal Law.

Letters from Collonel Heane from Jersey, of his Proceedings there, with the Summons, An­swers, Jersey. and Conditions of the Surrender of Mount Orgeil Castle.

That they had in the Castle 18 Pieces of Ord­nance, four Barrels of Powder, Match and Bul­let proportionable, 1000 Arms, Two Months Pro­visions for 70 Men.

The Parliament confirmed the Articles, and voted Thanks to General Blake, and Collonel Hayne, for their good Service.

[19.] Letters, That at the Surrender of Lym­brick, the Bishop, the Major, and the Deputy-Governour Ireland. were hanged; the Governour was condemned, but reprieved to be sent to the Par­liament.

That the Bishop and Major were hanged for breach of the Articles, in disguising many Friars, Priests, and Bloody Rogues, whereby they esca­ped contrary to the Articles.

[21.] Letters from Lieutenant-General Monk, giving thanks to God for the good news of the Monk. Rendition of Orgeil Castle.

That he appointed some Gentlemen to meet with the Marquess of Argyle, to treat with him, according to his desires; That the Country are expecting the coming of the Parliaments Commis­sioners from England, to settle the Civil Affairs of Scotland.

The Protestation of 28 Ministers given in to the Provincial Assembly at Aberdeen; which the Kirk. Assembly condemned as prejudicial to the Privi­ledges of the Kirk, whose Proceedings they ju­stifie.

[22.] Letters, That the Marquess Huntley was come to live privately at his own House upon a Huntley. Passe sent to him. That one of his Proposals was, That the Lieutenant-General should put him in pos­session of certain Lands which was kept from him by his Cousin the Marquess of Argyle.

That the Earl of Kalander, and others of Qua­lity, were come in.

That some Gentlemen in Scotland have done great Service for the Parliament of England; at which the Kirk are much enraged, and call those Gentlemen Malignants, and inveigh against them, and against the Parliaments Forces.

That the Scots rose against Captain Augustin their Countryman, killed some of his Men, and drave away the rest.

That the Lord Forbes and others were come in to the Parliament of England, and the Country generally desired to be under the Protection of the English Commander in chief in that Kingdom.

[24.] Major-General Massey and others were Massey. brought up Prisoners to London. Massey endea­voured to escape by the way, as he was brought up; having a good Horse to ride on, he set Spurs to his Horse, thinking to ride away from his Convoy, but the Soldiers overtook him, and brought him back.

Letters, That the Enemy in Cornet Castle in [...]uernsey were besieged, and very high; but the Inhabitants of Guernsey Island were generally the Parliaments Friends.

That Collonel Hayne shot with his great Guns Jersey. against Elizabeth Castle, and did very great exe­cution, and Sir George Carteret had much ado to appease the Mutiny of his Soldiers.

That Major-General Sterling was come in to the Protection of the Parliament.

That Argyle and Huntley were to meet with some Persons appointed by the Lieutenant-General to treat with them about their Submission to the Par­liament.

[25.] The Parliament ordered the new Coun­cil Council of State. of State to be constituted for the year ensuing. That 20 of the last years Council should be con­tinued, and [...]1 new ones joyned to them.

The Parliament passed further Instructions to the Council of State.

The Power of the Admiralty was placed in the Council of State.

They ordered, That the Council of State take care that no Meetings should be in Scotland under any pretence of consulting touching Matters of Go­vernment.

Order, That no Chair-man shall continue in the Chair of any Committee above a Year, and this to ex­tend to the President of the Council of State.

Several Votes touching Compositions of Delin­quents in Durham.

Letters, That Major-General Dungan with 600 Horse attempted Rosse in Ireland, and possessed the Ireland. Town, and took Collonel Markham, and killed 12 sick Men in their Beds, and took 13 Prisoners, and plundered the Town, although Irish; upon the coming of Forces from Waterford, they deser­ted the Town.

That Zanchey and others fell upon them, killed 100 of them, and took 50 of them Prisoners.

That 4 or 500 of Lymbrick were dead of the Plague.

That the Lord Deputy had the Castle of Clare surrendred to him.

[26.] Letters, That the Lord Belcarris had disbanded his Forces in Scotland, and was come to his own House to live privately there, and sub­mitted to the Parliament of England; That some of the Isles of Orkney were upon submission to the Common-wealth of England.

[28.] Letters of the particular Passages of the Siege of Limbrick, and the Rendition of it, Limbrick surren­dred. after 15 Months Siege; That it was a very strong Town, the Grafts, Counterscar [...]s, and Bulwarks without the Walls, the Flanking Towers upon them, and the Rampiers round the Irish Town, very strong, and regular, an incredible quantity of Arms and Ammunition were delivered in there.

[29.] The Parliament approved the Articles of Limbrick, gave 100 l. to the Messenger that brought the News of the Surrender of it, and or­dered, that the next Lords day Thanks should be given to God for it.

An Act passed, appointing Dr. Clerke, Dr. Ex­ton, and Dr. Stevens to be Judges of the Admi­ralty.

Letters, That the Scots Parliament met in the Highlands, (where were present only the Lord Scotland. Chancellor, and two or three Lords, and a few Burgesses, who could not agree) but rose without doing any thing.

That the Lord Chancellor, and other Lords of Scotland, were come in to Lieutenant-General Monk; That several Recruits were come from England to the Army in Scotland.

December 1651.

[1.] Letters, That the Parliaments Army in Ireland were setling of their Quarters, and had no Enemy to encounter with, but a few Tories and stragling Robbers.

That the Lord Deputy was gone to Galloway to summon that City.

That in Limbrick there dyed 40 and 50 a day of the Plague.

[2.] Letters from the Lord Deputy to the Parliament, and to the Council of State, of the Particulars of the Surrender of Limbrick, and an account of the great Guns, in all 34, and the Arms and Ammunition taken there, with a Copy of the Articles.

[3.] Letters, That Lieutenant-General Monk intended to have prevented the meeting of the Parliament in the Highlands of Scotland, but could not, by reason of the excessive quantity of Rain, Scotland. which fell at that time.

[4.] Letters, That Captain Pen had taken some French Vessels prize, and that Captain Coxe took a French Ship with 39 Guns, which made stout resistance, and one of the Parliaments Sea-men lost both his Legs with one Shot of a Canon.

That Two of Prince Ruperts Ships were sunk, and himself hardly escaped drowning, at the Jer­cera's.

That Captain Bertlet, the notable Pyrate of Jersey, desired to be received into favour, and to do some Act to merit it from the Parliament.

That Captain Christian, a notable Sea-man in King James's time, was released from being a Pri­soner in Peele Castle, in the Isle of Man, where he had been long detained, and ill used by the Earl of Derby.

That the whole Revenue of the Isle of Man was but 1500 l. per Ann'; That the Countess of Derby was allowed 200 l. in Plate to bear her char­ges into England.

That Three of Prince Ruperts Ships were cast away near to Tercera Island with a great Tem­pest; one of them, the Swallow, which carried 54 Brass Guns, sprung a Leak about the Keel, and was suddenly sunk, and 340 Persons in her drown­ed, the Prince, the Master, the Boatswaine, and Three more in her were only saved.

[5.] Letters, That divers Scotch Lords came in, and submitted to the Parliament of England.

That the third Shot at Elizabeth Castle in Jersey Jersey. fell upon the old Church there, killed and wound­ed 30 Persons, and indangered the Governour, Sir George Carteret, and his Lady, and the chief of the Island; That this made so great an Impression on the Lady Carteret, and the other Ladies, and some few Men, who were afraid to be taken, that the next night they imbarqued for France.

That this Shot spoiled great store of Syder, and other Victuals; That several of their Men made an escape, and some being taken, were forthwith tryed and executed.

[6.] Letters, That Major-General Lambert, and Major-General Deane, were come to Eden­burgh.

[8.] Letters, That many of the Parliaments Soldiers in Ireland were sick, and wanted Accom­modations; That the Country groaned much at Ireland. the burden of quartering, but the Lord Deputy was very tender to them.

Letters, That the Lord Deputy went from Lim­brick to assist the Lieutenant-General at the Siege of Carrick Houlta; but meeting with the Lieute­nant-General at Inch Castle, after conference to­gether, Decem. they both returned to Limbrick.

That the Lord-Deputy having taken cold in his Journey, the Weather being very tempestuous, Ireton dies. and having no Accommodations, he fell sick, and Nov. 17. took Physick, the next day was let Blood, but grew worse and worse every day after till Nov. 26. and then died.

That the Commissioners appointed the Lieute­nant-General Ludlowe to command the Forces in Ireland, till the pleasure of the Parliament should be known, or the Lord-Lieutenant give further order; That his Body was to be carried over into England.

This Gentleman Collonel Ireton, was a Person very active, industrious, and stiff in his ways and purposes; he was of good abilities for Councel, as well as Action, and made much use of his Pen, and was very forward to reform the Proceedings in Law, wherein his having been bred a Lawyer was an help to him.

He was stout in the Field, and wary and pru­dent in his Councel, and exceedingly forward as to the Business of a Common-wealth; he marri­ed Cromwels Daughter, who had a great opinion of him, and no Man could prevail so much, nor order him so far as Ireton could.

His death struck a great sadness into Cromwel, and indeed it was a great loss to him, of so able, and active, so faithful, and so near a Relation, and Officer under him.

Letters, That Clare Castle, and Carrick Calta Castle, were surrendred to Lieutenant-General Ludlowe, and Maso Castle to Sir Charles Coote.

That 22 Men were excepted from the benefit of the Articles for the surrender of Limbrick, of whom Seven were executed; That Hugh O-Neale the Governour was pardoned for Life.

[9.] Upon the News of the death of the late Lord Deputy of Ireland Collonel Ireton, the Par­liament (as a Testimony of their affection for his many eminent Services) ordered a Bill to be brought in for setling 2000 l. per Ann' upon his Wife and Children, of the Lands of the Duke of Buck's, and his Corps to be brought to London to be honourably buried.

A List of 34 strong Holds and Castles in Ire­land taken in by the Parliaments Forces the last Summer.

A Copy sent to the Parliament of the Earl of Clanrickards Declaration or Summons, for an As­sembly of the Rebels.

Letters, That Two Troops of Collonel Wha­ley's Regiment, quartered at Nottingham, had meetings twice a week, where their Officers, and some of their Soldiers did preach and pray; for Preaching. which they were hated and cursed by the Pres­byterians, and their Preachers, who say, They are the greatest Plague that ever did befall that Town.

That the Presbyterians got the Scotch Prisoners there to be released, and sent them home with store of Money, and good Cloaths; but they will give no Countenance nor Relief to any of the Parliaments Soldiers.

[10.] Upon the Defeat at Worcester, Cromwel Cromwel. desired a Meeting with divers Members of Par­liament, and some chief Officers of the Army, at the Speakers House; and a great many being there, he proposed to them, That now the Old Confe­rence. King being dead, and his Son being defeated, he held it necessary to come to a settlement of the Na­tion.

And in order thereunto, he had requested this meeting, that they together might consider and advise [Page 492] what was fit to be done, and to be presented to the Parliament.

Speaker.

My Lord, This Company were very rea­dy to attend your Excellence, and the Business you are pleased to propound to us, is very necessary to be con­sidered. God hath given marvellous success to our Forces under your Command, and if we do not im­prove these Mercies to some settlement, such as may be to Gods Honour, and the Good of this Common-wealth, we shall be very much blame-worthy.

Harrison.

I think that which my Lord General hath propounded, is to advise as to a Settlement both of our Civil and Spiritual Liberties, and so that the Mercies which the Lord hath given in to us, may not be cast away; how this may be done is the great Que­stion.

Whitelocke.

It is a great Question indeed, and not suddenly to be resolved, yet it were pity that a Meeting of so many Able and Worthy Persons, as I see here, should be fruitless.

I should humbly offer in the first place, whether it be not requisite to be understood in what way this Set­tlement is desired, whether of an absolute Republick, or with any mixture of Monarchy.

Crom.

My Lord Commissioner Wh. hath put us upon the right Point, and indeed it is my meaning, that we should consider, whether a Republick, or a mixt Monarchical Government will be best to be setled; and if any thing Monarchical, then in whom that Power shall be placed.

Sir T. Widdrington.

I think a mixt Monarchi­cal Government will be most suitable to the Laws and People of this Nation, and if any Monarchical, I suppose we shall hold it most just to place that Power in one of the Sons of the late King.

Collonel Fleetwood.

I think that the Question, whether an absolute Republick, or a mixt Monarchy, be best to be setled in this Nation, will not be very ea­sie to be determined.

Lord Chief-Justice St. John.

It will be found, that the Government of this Nation, without some­thing of Monarchical Power, will be very difficult to be so setled, as not to shake the Foundation of our Laws, and the Liberties of the People.

Speaker.

It will breed a strange Confusion to set­tle a Government of this Nation without something of Monarchy.

Collonel Desborough.

I beseech you, my Lord, why may not this, as well as other Nations, be gover­ned in the way of a Republick?

Wh.

The Laws of England are so interwoven with the Power and Practice of Monarchy, that to settle a Government without something of Monarchy in it, would make so great an alteration in the Pro­ceedings of our Law, that you have scarce time to rectifie, nor can we well foresee the Inconveniences which will arise thereby.

Collonel Whaley.

I do not well understand mat­ters of Law, but it seems to me the best way, not to have any thing of Monarchical Power in the Settle­ment of our Government; and if we should resolve upon any; whom have we to pitch upon? The Kings Eldest Son hath been in Arms against us, and his Se­cond Son likewise is our Enemy.

Sir T. Widd.

But the late Kings Third Son, the Duke of Glocester, is still among us, and too young to have been in Arms against us, or infected with the Principles of our Enemies.

Wh.

There may be a day given for the Kings El­dest Son, or for the Duke of York his Brother, to come in to the Parliament, and upon such terms as shall be thought fit, and agreeable, both to our Civil and Spiritual Liberties, a Settlement may be made with them.

Crom.

That will be a Business of more than ordi­nary difficulty; but really I think, if it may be done with safety, and preservation of our Rights, both as Englishmen, and as Christians, that a Settlement, with somewhat of Monarchical Power in it, would be very effectual.

Much other discourse was by divers Gentlemen then present upon several Points, and too large to be here inserted; generally the Soldiers were against any thing of Monarchy, though every one of them was a Monarch in his Regiment or Com­pany.

The Lawyers were generally for a mixt Monar­chical Government, and many were for the Duke of Glocester to be made King; but Cromwel still put off that Debate, and came off to some other Point; and in conclusion, after a long debate, the Company parted without coming to any re­sult at all, only Cromwel discovered by this meet­ing the Inclinations of the Persons that spake, for which he fished, and made use of what he then discerned.

[11.] Several Petitions from divers Counties Petitions. were directed to the General and his Officers, and Army, acknowledging with thankfulness their great Services, and setting forth the insupportable burdens upon the Country; for the removal whereof they pray the General and his Officers and Army, to be instrumental.

1. Burden is of Tithes, at first by a Cheat put upon us, for advancement of Popery, and maintain­ing superstitious and idle Persons, whereby a third and fourth part of our Estates is taken away from us, and the Fruit of our Labours, by Priests and Im­proprietors.

And that in so-cruel and tyrannical a manner, as in former times before 2 E. 6. was never practised a­mong Christians, and at present we are not able to get competent livelihood for our Children and Families, leaving them as Slaves intailed to Priests, and Im­proprietors, who, as cruel Task-masters, do tor­ment us.

2. Burden is the managing and unlawful using of the Laws of the Land, through the Number, Pride, Subtlety, and Covetousness of Lawyers, Atturneys, and Clerks, whereby the poor Country-men find the Cure worse than the Malady.

3. Burden is the Excise.

4. The great Assesses upon the Nation.

The Petitioners humbly pray, That (as God hath not put the Sword into your hand in vain) you will mediate for us to the Parliament, that the oppressed People may be eased and setled in freedom, which they cannot be while Tithes continue, and Covetousness executes the Law.

[12.] Letters of Provisions arrived in Scot­land Scotland. for the Army, and of Huntley and the other Lords coming in to the protection of the Parlia­ment of England upon Capitulation, and ingage­ment of the Lords and Gentlemen to disband all their Forces.

That the English Army have no opposition in Scotland, and that only four Castles stand out a­gainst them in all Scotland.

[13.] Letters, That the Marquess of Argyle excused his coming to meet the Commissioners ap­pointed by the Lieutenant-General to treat with him, he being hindered by the Stone, but he pro­mised to come in Person to the Lieutenant-Ge­neral.

That Ashfield's Regiment was marched into Murrayland, which is the most fruitful Country in Scotland, and (the common Proverb is) hath fifteen days more of Summer than any other part of the Nation.

[Page 493] That Three English Soldiers stragling were kil­led near Aberdeen, and Collonel Overton sent for the Gentlemen thereabouts, and told them, That if they did not find out the Murderers, he would fine the Country; whereupon they apprehended three of the Murderers, who were executed.

One Bull, who raised Money from the Country upon pretence of being a Parliament Captain, was pursued, and taken by the Country, and ex­ecuted for it; the Country also brought in Two Moss-Troopers.

The Parliament ordered, That no Beer or Ale should be Exciseable but what was brewed to be sold again.

[15.] Letters, That Collonel Overton hearing of some incivility offered to Mr. Andrew Cant the Minister, the Collonel went over to him at his House, and told him, he was sorry that any in­jury should be offered to him, who he heard was a Friend to the Parliament of England.

Cant replyed, That he was a lying Knave that told him so, for he neither regarded him nor his Party.

A List was sent up of the considerable Per­sons, that came in to the Parliament with Marquess Huntley.

The Admiralty of Amsterdam ordered, That all Ships, of what Nation soever, lying in the Texel, and bound for England, be staid till they hear out of England.

Meen heer Scaep, Catz, and Parre, Extraordi­nary Dutch Am­bassadors. Ambassadors from the States of the United Provinces, landed at Gravesend.

The Swedish Ambassador, Mr. Spiering, was upon his Voyage for England.

[16.] Order for a Commission for the Lord St. John, Sir Hen. Vane jun', Fenwicke, Salwey, Lambert, Deane, Monk, and Tichburne, to go Commissioners into Scotland.

Order, That the Council of State take care for the Reception of the Ambassadors from the States.

The Act read for the Monthly Assessment, and 30000 l. per Mens. abated.

Petition of the Justices of Peace, and of the Grand-Jury of Cheshire, read, and referred to a Committee; the like of the Officers of the Cheshire Brigade.

Petition of the Masters and Livery-men of the Companies of London, referred to the Council of State.

Vote, That no Parties of Soldiers shall march without a Commissioned Officer to conduct them, Votes. nor be quartered in any private Houses, but in Inns, &c.

Order, That the Power of Committees shall be transferred to other Persons, not Members of Parliament, that the Members may attend the House.

Letters, That Scotland is like to come to settle quietly, if the Clergy be kept from having a fin­ger in the Settlement, for that no Nation that e­ver permitted the Clergy (more or less) to in­termeddle, could ever continue long in peace; especially England and Scotland, for there is in the generality of that Coat a rank mixture of Prag­matical Humour, and Spiritual Pride, that besots them in most things.

[17.] The Dutch Ambassadors were brought to London, by the Master of the Ceremonies, in Dutch Am­bassadors. the States Coaches, and other Lords Coaches to attend them, and they were received with much Honour, and conducted to Sir Abraham Williams his House in Westminster, provided by the Parlia­ment for them.

[18.] Letters, That the hard duty of the Soldiers in Jersey had caused much sickness among them, so that they brought themselves to fourth night Duty, both Officers and Soldiers, Horse and Foot.

That Elizabeth Castle held out obstinately, and Jersey. sent many Shot amongst the Parliament Soldiers, but had not killed one Man; that one by a Shot of a Mortar-piece, being in the Church in the Castle, was blown out of the door, having the Hair of his Head and Beard, and his Cloaths singed, but his Body had no harm.

That Jermyn and Greenvile were sent to Paris, to advise about selling of Jersey to the French.

[19.] Letters, That the Parliament Forces marched up into the Highlands, and the Lord Bel­carris came in to them, and Articles of Capitula­tion were signed between him, and Collonel O­verton, and Collonel Lilburne, and they became Masters in Innernesse, which was further than Ju­lius Caesar, or any Invader before, ever went in Scotland.

That some of the Marquess Huntley's disbanded Scotland. Horse got together under Captain Gourdon, and took four of the Parliaments Dragoons, and one Foot Soldier, they intended to murder them, but one of them escaping, they did not meddle with the rest.

But drawing them forth upon a Hill, Gourdon pulled out of his Pocket a Psalm-Book, and made the four remaining Prisoners to kneel down upon their Knees, and swear to be true to the King, and never to take Arms for the Parliament, and so let them go.

[20.] Letters of a Dutch Vessel laden with French Wines come into Dundee Harbour seized a Prize according to the late Act of Parliament. That several English Vessels were come seasonably thither with Provisions.

An Act passed for continuing the Act formerly made touching the Elections of Officers, and E­lectors in London.

The States Ambassadors had their Audience in Dutch Am­bassadors. Parliament, the House had rich Hangings, and Chairs, and Foot-cloaths for the Ambassadors.

Between 10 and 11 a Clock the House sent Three of their Members, the Earl of Salisbury, Sir John Danvers, and Sir Henry Mildmay, to ac­company the Ambassadors from Sir Abraham Williams his House, where they lodged, to the Parliament.

About 11 a Clock the Ambassadors came, ac­companied with those Members, and attended by the Master of the Ceremonies, with about 30 Gentlemen, and 30 Lacquies of their own Reti­nue, to the Inner Court of Wards, where they reposed a little time, and the Parliament sent their Serjeant to bring them into the House.

They came with all their Company into the House, and when they came to the Bar, put off their Hats, and then the Speaker and all the Mem­bers of the House stood up in their places unco­vered, and when they came to the Chairs, the Speaker desired them to take their places.

Being sate down and covered, the Speaker and the Members at the same time sate down and were covered, and after a little Pause one of the Am­bassadors made his Oration to the House in Latin, and the Speaker returned the usual Answer, That he would acquaint the House with what the Ambas­sador had said.

When the Ambassadors were sate down, all the Company (not Members) did withdraw, and the Doors of the House were shut; after the Speech ended, and the Speakers Answer, the [Page 494] Ambassadors rose from their Chairs, and put off their Hats, and saluting the Speaker and Members, who also stood up in their places bare, and an­swered the Salutes, the Ambassadors went out of the House again, attended as before to the Inner Court of Wards, and from thence to their Lodgings; between which and the Parliament were placed a double Row of Pikes and Mus­queteers, and a Troop of Horse drawn up in the Palace-yard.

[22.] Letters, That Sir James Stuart had got­ten a Commission from Major-General Lambert, to get himself to be chosen Provost of Eden­burgh.

Letters of many Ships cast away in the late Storms.

[23.] An Act passed for raising of 90000 l. a Month, for six Months, for pay of the Ar­mies.

Order touching the reception of the publick Minister from the Queen of Sweden.

Letters from Bristol, That upon notice of the Ships coming into that Road with the Corps of the late Lord-Deputy Ireton, the Major sent out Ireton. a Boat, with a Tilt covered with Black, in which they brought the Corps unto the City, where a Hearse of Velvet was provided to put over the Coffin.

The Major, Aldermen, and Councel in their Formalities, and the Governour and his Officers, with a multitude of Inhabitants, attended the Body to the Castle, and the great Guns were fired from the Castle and the Fort.

That many of the chief Rebels in Ireland have made offers to treat about their coming in to the Parliament, and that Galloway hath done so.

[25.] The House sate this day.

A Letter of Advice to the Parliament in these words.

That if they would but grant an Act for all the Advice. profits of the Tithes in all Counties in England and Wales, to be gathered into a Treasury, and the one half thereof may be paid to a competent num­ber of Godly Ministers to preach the Gospel in each County.

And all those drunken, malignant, scandalous, de­linquent, ignorant, whoring, and profane ones, that go under the Name of Ministers, put to work for their livings.

That the Gospel would be better propagated than now it is, and the Lord would be more glorified in the Land, and this present Government better esta­blished.

[26.] Letters, That Elizabeth Castle was up­on a Treaty, but broken off again; That this Jersey. Castle is so seared in the Sea, that they can relieve or send away at pleasure, and when they can keep it no longer, they can leave only the bare Walls.

That since the Siege, they have made no Salley out of the Castle, though they took in with them 400 Foot and 100 Horse; That they have sent di­vers Vessels with Women and Children and Rich Goods over to St. Mallows, and are daily sending more, and cannot be prevented by reason of the Rocks, though the Parliaments Frigots lie there.

That six hours the Tide floats round the Castle, and six hours the Sand is bare, when three Priso­ners stole away by Boat, and came to the Parlia­ment Forces, and informed them, That Carteret had sent his best Horses to St. Mallows, and the poorer Horses he had knocked on the head, and had hanged a Man for endeavouring to come from them.

That few of the Inhabitants speak any English, and most of their drink is Syder.

[27.] Letters of Recruits come to Scotland from England.

Letters, That the Two Major-Generals were gone their Progress, which they intended through­out Scotland, and Commissioners were appointed to settle Assessments for the English Army.

That Elizabeth Castle was surrendred to the Par­liament Elizabeth Castle. upon Articles, and in it 17 Brass Pieces, 36 Iron Pieces, 450 Musquets, 40 Swords, 100 Bande­liers, 64 Barrels of Powder, Match 5000, great Shot 1000, Musquet-shot 100 weight, Lead four Tun, Iron two Tun.

Of Victuals, 60 Hogsheads of Biskets, six quar­ter of Wheat, four quarter of Barley, 20 quar­ter of Mault, 36 bushel of Pease, 50 sides of Pork, 60000 of Poor John, three Hogsheads of French Barley, four Pipes of Spanish Wine, ten Hog­sheads of French Wine, four Tun of Beer, 60 quarter of Salt, six Hogsheads of Beef, with great store of other Provisions.

[29.] Letters, That Cornet Castle in Guernsey Island was surrendred to the Parliament upon Ar­ticles; That in Elizabeth Castle were French, Ger­mans, Danes, Switzers, Scotch, Dutch, Irish, Eng­lish, and the Islanders 340; That it is the strongest Castle in the Parliaments possession.

[30.] Letters, That some Officers of the Ar­my, by Commission from Major-General Lambert, Lambert. did hear and determine Controversies between Party and Party; wherewith the People were much satisfied, for the quick dispatch they recei­ved with full hearing.

That a Soldier for Whoredom was sentenced by a Court-Marshal to be duck'd thrice at High­water, and to be whipped, and turned out of the Town; the Woman had the like Sentence.

That Captain Henry Green, by Letters of Marque from the Parliament, surprized a Ship bound for St. Mallows, loaden with Merchandise of the growth of France, and upon French-mens account, and with it steered for Guernsey to secure his prize, which he went on Board in great storms.

That a Man of War of the States of Holland, meeting with Captain Green, boarded his Prize, and sent all the Guernsey Men in her on drift in the Boat, where they must have perished, had not another English Ship by accident met them, and taken them up.

That the Holland Man of War did cruelly beat Captain Green and his Company, and said he would throw them all over board, as he had Commission to do to all English Ships sent out with Letters of Marque; and what is since become of Captain Green, and the rest of the English with him, is not yet known.

The Parliament Voted, That it be referred to Law. Persons out of the House to take into consideration what inconveniences there are in the Law, and how the mischiefs that grow from the delays, the chargea­bleness, and the irregularities in the proceedings of Law, may be prevented, and the speediest way to re­form the same, and to present their Opinions to such Committee as the Parliament shall appoint.

That a Committee be appointed to consider and present to the House the Names of fit Persons to be employed in this Work, and to receive from them such things as shall be prepared by them, in pursuance of the former Vote.

Several Petitions of Merchants of London, and of other Parts, read and referred to the Council of State.

[31.] A Petition presented to the Parliament from Collonel Philip Carteret, and the rest of the [Page 495] late Officers of Mount Orgyle Castle in the Isle of Jersey.

That according to the Articles upon surrender thereof, an Act of Oblivion may be passed for the Petitioners, which the Parliament ordered accor­dingly, and approved of the said Articles.

The House sate constantly all the time of Christmas.

January 1651.

[1.] Letters, That Sir George Ascue had re­duced the Barbadoes Island to the obedience of the Barbadoes. Parliament of England, but the Particulars thereof were not yet come.

A Copy of an Act of the Lord Willoughby, and the Assembly in the Barbadoes, for sequestring di­vers Delinquents Estates there, was sent over to the Council of State.

[2.] Letters, That 60 Sail of Hollanders lay at Anchor before South-Sea Castle, and might have landed Men there; and that the Works about Portsmouth were in much decay.

An account of Recruits gone for Ireland.

[3.] Letters, That the Marquess of Argyle Scotland. had sent for another Passe to come in to Major-General Lambert, who had summoned Dunbarton Castle, and the Governour answering him with delays, he caused his Estate to be sequestred; That Collonel Lilburnes and Collonel Overtons Men took a Ship in the Harbour of the North.

That the Major-Generals were returned from the West, and had given great contentment in setling business there, and taking off free quar­ter.

The Parliament approved the Articles of Ren­dition of Cornet Castle in Guernsey, and of Eliza­beth Castle in Jersey, and ordered Sir Philip Carte­rets Lands to be restored to him accordingly.

That the Commissioners for compounding do send over some to sequester the Estates of those in Jersey, which are to be sequestred, and that 1000 l. which shall be raised thereof, shall be gi­ven Jersey. to those who were banished out of Jersey.

[5.] Letters, That Dunbarton Castle was sur­rendred upon Articles to Major-General Lam­bert.

[6.] Referred to the Council of State to treat with the Dutch Ambassadors upon a Paper delivered in by them.

Upon a Report of a Paper given in to the Coun­cil of State by the Spanish Ambassador, the Parlia­ment referred it back to the Council, and injoyned them to insist with the Ambassador for Justice for the Murder of Mr. Ayscham, who was Agent there for Ayscham. the Parliament.

An Act passed appointing a Committee for the Army and Treasurers at War.

[8.] Letters advising the Parliament to pass an Act of Oblivion, and to take away Tithes, &c.

[9.] Letters, That Collonel Venables attempt­ed the reducing of Ballinacargy, and beat down the Castle about the Enemies Ears, but for want of Powder and Provisions he was forced to draw off.

Of the Streights Fleet going off from Pen­dennis.

That Captain Chapman maintained a gallant Fight with Three Ships from 11 at noon till night, and sunk one of them, and was much torn in the Fight, and lost Three Men, and Ten Wounded.

The Parliament debated again the Business of regulating the Law, and Proceedings therein.

The Courts of Kings-Bench and Chancery were Januar. by order of the Parliament removed to one side of Westminster-hall.

[10.] That Mr. Eliot was committed to New-gate.

Several Dutch Vessels seised upon by vertue of the late Act of Parliament, upon report of the state of the Case of the East-land Merchants, were ordered to be discharged.

[12.] Letters of a great Meeting of the Mi­nisters and Lay-men at Edenburgh, and their De­bates very high, especially of the Kirk-men.

That a Dutch Ship was taken in the Frith, loa­den with Commodities not of her own growth, contrary to the late Act, and made Prize.

That a Moss-Trooper was sentenced by the Court-Marshal to be whipped, with his Comrade, for entring a Country-mans House by violence; and a Soldier to be tyed to the Gallows and whip­ped for stealing a Sheep, though he restored it again.

Major-General Lambert published a Proclama­tion against a great abuse of differing values of Coins.

Of Two Prizes brought into Yarmouth rescu­ed from the Pyrates, who much infested the North Coast.

Of four Vessels of French Wine taken.

That Prince Ruperts Admiral Ship was sunk, and another wracked, and the Prince and his Brother only saved. That Admiral Pen sent some Ships after the rest of them.

Report of Odwears coming in with 3000 Tories in Ireland to submit to the Parliament.

[13.] Order for an Act to sell all the rest of the Fee-Farm Rents.

Votes for payment of such as lent under 10 l. upon publick Faith without doubling.

Referred to the Council of State to confer with the Lord-General about nominating of a fit Per­son to be Commander in Chief for Ireland, and to report their Opinions to the House.

Debate about the next Summers Fleet to be 120 Sail.

[14.] Letters, That Captain Augustine the great Robber in Scotland, upon disbanding of Scotland. Marquess Huntleys Forces, went into the Orcades, and there took Ship for Norway.

Order not to fortifie Innernesse, because of the great charge, and the poverty of the Town.

That 100 Aegyptians were rambling in the High-lands, and cheating the Country.

That the Regiments in Scotland were very full, above 1000 in a Regiment.

That 1000 Highlanders appeared at the Sum­mons of the Marquess of Argyle, (as was usual) that out of them he might choose 30 to attend him to the Major-General.

That Major-General Lambert and Deane went towards Aberdeen, and were entertained by the way with Vollies of great Shot and Solemnity.

[15.] Letters, That when the Wind is We­sterly few Ships touch at Scilly; That a Ham­burgher Ship was wracked there, and a Coffin ta­ken up out of the Sea, which was in her, having the Body of the Young Duke of Holtsteine in it.

Of a great Earthquake in Scilly Islands.

[16.] Letters, That Sir George Carteret and his Company had but course entertainment at St., Mallows, only himself and nine more suffered to come into that Town, where he staid a short time, and then went to Paris to the King.

A Thanksgiving-day was kept in Jersey for the good success in reducing that Island, and the great Guns were fired.

[Page 496] [17.] That the Major-General courted the Pres­byterians at Dundee; that they with the Lieutenant-General were setling the Affairs of the Country, and to put on the Assessment, and to take off free quarter.

That the Commissioners for Scotland were with their Retinue at Berwick, where they intended to stay three or four days.

That the Lord Major of York feasted them.

Of Recruits and Provisions for Ireland pre­paring.

Debate of Mr. Primates Petition against Sir Arthur Haselrigge and the Commissioners for com­pounding, and about a Book against them, refer­red Haselrigge. to a Committee; but the Proceedings of the Commissioners were approved by the House, and Primate was fined 3000 l. to the Common-wealth, 2000 l. to Sir Arthur Haselrigge for his Damages, and 2000 l. to four of the Commissioners for com­pounding.

The like was voted against Lieutenant-Collonel Lilburne of a Fine of 7000 l. and that he should be banished out of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Petition, and Book, to be burned by the Common Hangman.

[19.] Letters, That the Kirk-men in Scotland Scotland. speak little against the War, or for Peace, but ra­ther foment the War.

That the Lord of Drum being summoned to come before the Kirk-men, [...]he summoned them to appear before Collonel Overton, alleadging that he was under the Protection of the Parliament of England, and could not acknowledge any other Jurisdiction or Judicatory in Scotland.

But if, as private Christians, they required him to purge himself of not being a Papist, he would do it.

Of great pride and insolency of the Presbyte­ries in Scotland.

That the Lord of Drum wrote a Letter of Thanks to Lieutenant General Monk, for relieving those who were oppressed in their Consciences by the Presbyteries, and acquaints him with the Proceedings of the Presbytery of Aberdeen against him, and his Appeal from them.

That Lieutenant-General Monk ordered, That Monke. no Oaths should be imposed by any of the Kirk Officers upon any Person without order from the State of England, nor any Covenant, and if they do, that he will deal with them as Enemies.

And that who shall tender or take any Oath or Covenant so imposed, and against Conscience, without leave of the Common-wealth of England, shall be taken as Enemies; and the Provost and Bailiffs of Aberdeen were to proclaim this.

And all Civil Officers were commanded by the Lieutenant-General not to seize upon, meddle with, or any ways molest, the Persons or Estates of any Excommunicated Person, or any ways to discharge any other Persons whatsoever, to desist from dealing or trading with the said Excommu­nicated Persons, without order from the Com­mon-wealth of England, or their Commissioners.

[20.] Primate received his Sentence from the Parliament at the Bar of the House upon his Knees, and Lieutenant-Collonel Lilburne being brought to the Bar, refused to kneel, the House gave him Lilburne. but Twenty days to depart the Kingdom.

Debate upon, and several Branches passed, of the Act of Oblivion.

Vote, That Mr. Hale, Mr. Steel, Mr. Cocke, Mr. Manby, Mr. Sadler, Collonel Blunt, Sir Hen. Commit­tee of the Law. Blunt, Mr. Berners, Major-General Desborough, Mr. Moyer, Collonel Tomlinson, Mr. Fountaine, Al­derman Fowke, Mr. H. Peters, Major Packer, Sir William Roberts, Mr. Meltwold, Mr. Mansell, Mr. Rushworth, Mr. Sparrow, and Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, be the Committee to take into considera­tion what inconveniences there are in the Law, how the mischiefs which grow from delays, the chargeableness, and irregularities in the procee­dings of the Law may be prevented, and the spee­diest way to prevent the same.

And to present their Opinions to the Commit­tee of Parliament appointed for that purpose, and they or any Seven of them had power to send for any Persons to confer with them in this Business, and for Records.

An Act for compounding with Delinquents, and Sequestrations, and for the Committee of Ha­berdashers-Hall.

[21.] Letters of the ceasing of the Plague in Ireland.

That 300 of the Enemies Horse were taken, since the English came to their Winter Quar­ters.

That the Commanders of such as are yet out, make Overtures of laying down their Arms.

That many of the Rebels are in treaty to submit to the Parliament.

That Galloway offers to treat.

[23.] By a Court-Marshal a Soldier that kil­led Court-Marshal. another, being first struck by him, and highly provoked, was according to Num. 35. 22. ad­judged only to be Imprisoned for two Months, and then to pay 20 l. to the Wife of him that was killed.

[24.] Letters, That the Synod of Aberdeen had excommunicated the Lord Drum.

That the Marquess of Argyle had seised upon a Scotland. House of Huntleys, and put a Garrison into it.

That the Lieutenant General went to meet the Parliaments Commissioners come from England to Scotland.

[26.] Letters, That the Captain of the Suc­cess Frigot, and Ten more of his Company, were cast away at Leith.

That the Commissioners for Scotland sent forth their Summons for fit Persons to come to them to present their desires.

That the Lord Wareston chiefly, and others, were the Grand Sticklers for the Kirk Party.

A Letter intended to be sent from the Kirk to the Lord-General, setting forth the Iniquity of the English Invasion, then they inveigh against the Errors, and Preaching of Troopers.

Against the Incorporating of Scotland with Eng­land, saying, it will draw on a Subordination of the Church to the State in the things of Christ.

Against the gathering of Private Churches, and Toleration, as they call it, and introducing Magi­strates of contrary Principles to the Church.

Against a Civil Headship over the Religious Consti­tutions.

[27.] Vote, That no Fee, Perquisite, or Re­ward, Votes. shall be taken by any of the Judges of West­minster-Hall, or their Servants, but such Salary as shall be allowed them by the State.

That all the Publick Revenue shall be brought into one Receipt.

Instructions passed for ordering and disposing all the Forces, and the Charge of them, not exceed­ing the Establishment of the Army.

A Paper delivered in by the Spanish Ambassa­dor to the Council of State, and by them report­ed to the House, read, and Instructions given upon it.

Letters of Credence from the Queen of Swe­den Sweden. by Peter Spiering Silvereroone, to the Parliament, read, and referred to the Council.

[Page 497] Letters of 2 Ships of Barnestaple taken by Py­rates.

[28.] A Declaration published, and Vindication, of the Poor oppressed Commons of Scotland, in relation to their present sad and Sorrowful condition, wherein they Declarati­on. were brought by that perfidious Self-seeking Party, who did lately wind themselves up, in the Offices of Power and Trust, in that Estate and Army.

Wherein they submit to the Parliament of Eng­land, and pray, that they would put nothing upon them, which may molest their weak Consciences, or imply Per­jury.

2. That they may be governed by the English, and no Scotch-man imployed in any Office of Power or Trust, in Church or State, who have formerly betrayed their trust.

[29.] Letters of a Vision seen at Sea by the River Maze. Sea Vision.

First about a Mans hight above the Horizon, like a Flat land, appeared very many Foot-men and Horse-men out of the North North-East. After that appeared a Fleet of Ships out of the North, and among them a great Ship, which lost her Top-Mast, and was made ready again, and her Flag seemed of 3 Colours, like the Prince of Orange his Flag.

That on the same height appeared a Mighty Fleet of several sorts, coming one against the other, and a thick Smoak like Fighting.

That the Smoak vanished, and the Ships appear­ed again clear. After which, the Ships appeared as if they were sunk, and then clear again.

Then a Mighty great Ship seemed to sink at the Head, and the after part to stand on High, and another Ship to Sail by it. And in the North ap­peared a Lyon, the Vision continued 3 Hours, and the Sea-men were much afraid.

Lieutenant-Collonel John Lilburn, took his Journey from London, and many Friends went with him to the Sea side.

[30.] Letters of a Ship wracked near to Pen­dennis.

That the Parliaments Forces in Ʋlster, met with a Party of Tories, killed and drowned 150 of them.

That the Barony of Burren in Ireland (which [...]. they say hath neither Wood, Water, nor Earth enough, to Hang, Drown or Bury a Man) refusing to pay Contribution, was harrased by Sir Charles Cootes Forces.

That the Commissioners of the Parliament of England for the Affaires of Scotland, sat at Dalkeith, for Setling the business of that Nation.

[31.] The Committee appointed to consider Committee of Law. of the Inconveniences, and Delayes in the Pro­ceedings of Law, met several times, and desired the Judges in their several Courts, to return to them a List of the Officers in their Courts, and what Fees they receive, and what Work and Im­ploymeut they do for the same.

They entred upon several Heads of Inconveni­encies in the Law, in relation to Estates in Tail, and Copyhold Estates, and that for the future they may be made liable to the payment of Debts.

Whitelock was often advised with by some of this Committee, and none of them was more active in this Business, than Mr. Hugh Peters the Minister, H. Peters. who understood little of the Law, but was very Opinionative, and would frequently mention some Proceedings of Law in Holland, wherein he was al­together mistaken.

February 1651. Februa.

[2.] Letters of the Proceedings of the Par­liaments Commissioners at Dalkeith, and the trou­ble of the Kirke Party.

[3.] An Act passed for executing the Judg­ment of Banishment against Lieutenant-Collonel Lilborne.

An Act passed to make void all Titles of Honour, Acts. Dignities or Precedencies given by the late King, since 4 June. 1641.

Referred to the Committee for considering of things of greatest Importance, to take care for as­certaining the Debts on Publick Faith.

Order for constant Pay, and Supplies for the Forces in Ireland.

Order for Moneys for Incident Charges, to be disposed of by the Committee for removing Ob­structions in the Sale of Forfeited Lands.

[4.] One who undertook to cure the Blind and Deaf, took Money before-hand of divers Peo­ple, and then ran away.

[5.] Letters that by the late great Snows and Rain in Ireland, the Waters rose so high, that it drowned and spoiled most of the Corn and Provi­sions, which the Rebels had got into Islands, so that they were in a starving Condition.

That a Party of Collonel Venables men surprised some of the Rebels at their Markets, took 20 Horse, Slew 20 Men, and 120 of them were Drowned.

[6.] Letters that a Petition was presented to the Commissioners at Dalkeith, that Dundee might Scotland. chuse Officers, according to their ancient Custome and Rights, the Commissioners ordered them to bring in their Charter by a day.

A Copy of the Letter sent to Major-Ceneral Lam­bert, and intended for the Lord-General Cromwell, from the Lord Wareston, and other Presbyterians setting forth,

That they made their Addresses to him, because he had charge of those Forces, that had unjustly Invaded that Land, and had shed the Blood of many of the Saints of Scotland. But they confess themselves just­ly punished for their late Treaty with the King, but this doth no way justifie the Instruments.

They charge the Army with divers Errors, counte­nancing of deposed Ministers to Preach, silencing of Mi­nisters that Preach of State proceedings, and suffering Officers to Preach, Scandalizing the Ministers, subor­dinating the Church to the State in things of Christ, which will tolerate the gathering of Churches in Scot­land, as it is in England. Abridging the Assembly of the Kirke, and imposing Magistrates principled against the Government of the Kirke.

They offer compliance in any thing not against their Conscience, and the Liberty of the Kirke, and Intreat the Major-General to imploy his indeavours, with the rest of the Commissioners of England, for the obtaining of their desires.

That the City of Edenburgh had a Commission to choose new Officers, and such as should be chosen, were to take an Oath of Fidelity to the Common-Wealth of England.

Letters, That the Grandees of the Rebells in Ireland, have often meetings to draw up Proposi­tions in order to a Submission to the Parliament of England, but cannot agree.

[7.] Letters, That many of the Commissioners of Shires and Buroughs in Scotland, are chosen to attend the English Commissioners at Dalkeith.

The Committee for Regulating the Law, presented several Results to the Committee of [Page 498] Parliament, appointed to receive them.

[9.] Letters, That the Oath of Fidelity to the Common-wealth of England, much troubled the new chosen Burgesses of Edenburgh.

That there were great Contests in their Presby­teries, and contradictory Orders by them, and Ap­peals to the English Commissioners.

The English Commissioners published another Declarati­on. Declaration, for equal Execution of Justice, and for the present appointed Persons to Administer Justice, till the Judicatories should be Established, and forbid any power under the King, or any other than under the Com­mon-wealth of England.

Letters, That the Army in Ireland was disposed Ireland. into convenient Quarters, to meet with the Ene­my, if they came abroad, and Collonel Reynolds to lye with a nimble Party of 3000 Horse and Foot, to be ready upon any occasion.

A Copy of the Articles, between the Irish and the Duke of Lorraine sent to the Parliament, where­by Lorraine was to have the Lordship.

Spiering Silvercroon, Agent from the Queen of Sweden to the Parliament, dyed in the Strand.

[10.] The Act of Oblivion passed, and some Provisoes to be added to it, debated.

Order for paying Mariners, and for lessening the publick charge.

Order for the Lord-General to send down all the Officers belonging to the Forces in Scotland, which was upon Letters from the Commissioners.

A Declaration of the Inhabitants of Jersey, of Jersey. their Fidelity to the Parliament of England, with praise to God for his Justice, and giving Success to the Parliaments Forces, and beating out the Tyrant Car­teret.

That 3000 Subscribed this Declaration, and took the Ingagement.

Of the opposition of the Presbyters in Devon'.

[11.] An Account of the Frigats on the We­stern-Coast, Dutch. and, that a great Fleet of Dutch-men of War lay there abouts, that the Dutch Captains were rough against the English, and demanded Restitution of some of their Ships taken by the English.

[13.] Letters, That a small Party of Highlan­ders, Murthered five of the Parliaments Soldiers in Scotland. their Beds near Innerness, and another Party stole away some Cattle.

That the Scots Ministers pray for their King, and the Prisoners in England.

That Argyles Countrey refused the Warrants, sent thither for Contribution by the Parliaments Officers.

The English Commissioners published a Procla­mation against entertaining any Scots in their house, without giving up their names to the Go­vernour of the place, and that no Scot have any Armes.

[14.] Letters, That the English Commissioners in Ireland, had settled the Affairs there, and were returned to Dublin.

That Collonel Hewson sent out a Party, who Hewson. killed a whole Troop of Tories, except two only.

That Captain Clerk took 200 Tun of Wheat and Rye, carrying to relieve Golloway.

That Bellitan a strong hold of the Rebels, was Stormed by Collonel Zanchey, and Collonel Ax­tell, and taken, and 4 or 500 of the Rebels killed.

The Parliament ordered their Committee to call together the Adventurers for Ireland, who met and chose a Committee of their own, to make Pro­posals to the Parliament: for Setling that Busi­ness with their Consent.

From Sir George Ascues Fleet, That he had taken Eleven Dutch and One English Ship at the Barba­does. Sir George Ascue. And that Sir George Shot many Pieces at their chief Castle, and they Shot at him and killed one man.

That he took Two more Dutch Ships, loaden with Provisions and Horses, Sugar, &c.

That he sent Summons to the Lord Willoughby, who answered, that he would keep that place for the King. That he was informed the King was near London, and that all the Countrey came in to him, as a Dutch Ship related to him.

[16.] Letters, That Sir George Ascue came within half a Musquet Shot of the Fort at the Bar­badoes, that the Ships he took there, were of great Value.

That his Voyage thither was 10 Weeks and 2 Days, yet none of his Men Sick.

The Commissioners from the Parliament in the Fleet with Sir George Ascue, sent a Declaration to Barbadoes. the Inhabitants of the Barbadoes, to perswade them to submit to the Parliament of England, and to de­sert the Lord Willoughby, and his Party there, that this course they thought fit to take before they used any acts of Hostility against them. And offers them so doing Indemnity.

[17.] Debates in Parliament upon the Provi­soes to be added to the Act of Oblivion, and many of them past.

A Declaration of the Commissioners for the Assesments in York-shire, for equality in rates to all, upon a Survey of the value of every Township, and of the Estate of every Person in each Town, which is liable to the Assessments.

Letters, That divers Commissioners from the se­veral Counties in Scotland, came in to the English Commissioners at Dalkeith, according to Sum­mons.

That a Frigat of the Paliaments came safe into Lieth Road, with 80000 l. for pay of the Forces there. And another with Forty Scots Prisoners released.

Of much Losses at Sea by the Storms.

Of one of the Parliaments Ships Sunk within an hour after the Men in her were Landed.

Major-General Lambert was appointed to go Lambert. Lord-Deputy for Ireland.

A Declaration of the English Commissioners in Declara­tion. Scotland, of the Union of them with England in one Common-wealth, concerning Forfeitures, and Confiscations of Estates, according to several qua­lifications.

That for promoting of Holyness, and the power of Godlyness, all possible care should be used for pub­lishing the Gospel of Christ in all parts of this Land, and maintenance to the Faithful dispencers thereof, and care taken for removing of Scandalous Persons in the work of the Ministry, and placing others fitly qualified with Guifts for instructing the People in their stead. And incouragement be given from all Authority, to such as shall joyn in the Service of God according to the usage of the Church of Scotland, in their Peaceable and inof­fensive exercise of the same.

And others not satisfied with that Form, shall serve and worship God, in other Gospel way.

And that Magistrates and Officers fearing God may be set up to be a terror to Evil doers; and such as shall live peaceably, and yield obedience to the Authority of the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, ex­ercised in Scotland, are capable of, and shall enjoy the respective benefits, and favours held forth in the Par­liaments Declaration.

And all Merchants and Trades-men, and Handy-Crafts-men, not having Estates above 500 l. Sterling, and all other persons not having Estates of above 200 l. not Prisoners or Soldiers, who shall live peaceably and yield obedience to the Parliament of England

[Page 499] Shall be freed from all Forfeitures and Confiscations for any thing formerly done by them in reference to the Wars, and be received into the Protection of the Par­liament, and Injoy the Liberties and Grants, as shall be fit.

Except Moss-Troopers, or others, who have Mur­thered any Soldiers contrary to the Laws of War, or any English People, contrary to the Laws of Scot­land.

[21.] Proceedings of the Committee of Ad­venturers for Ireland, who all assented to the Pro­positions of the Committee, one was for doubling their former Adventures.

A Share of Lands, reserved for the Soldiers.

The Committee for regulating the Law, passed Commit­tee of Law. some Resolutions touching personal Actions.

As that, If the Defendant in a Personal action, be­fore pleading tender satisfaction to the Plaintiff with Costs of Suit, and it appear afterwards at the Tryal, to the Jury, sufficient, and not accepted of, the Plaintiff to lose his own, and pay the others Costs in the Suit.

That Summons be the first Process in all personal Actions, with the true date when sued forth, and Exe­cuted upon Oath: and returnable within 15 Days af­ter the Service, the Defendant to have a Copy from the Original under Seal, given or left at his House, and the Cause of the Suit set down in the body of the Writ, that upon default of appearing, a further Process be granted to Arrest the Party, till he appear, or give Warrant.

And in case of Non-Appearance, the Defendants Lands and Goods to be distrained to a certain value, till he appear, or give Warrant.

[23.] Letters, That the Kirkists in Fife, re­fused Scotland. to let the Summons of the English Commis­sioners be read, but as a Committee of War, ap­pointed Two of their Company to come to Dal­keith by virtue of old powers.

That the Ministers speak loudly against the De­clarations of the Parliament and of their Commis­sioners.

That Collonel Cooper with the Parliaments Fleet Landed 800 Men at Orkney, and Collonel Overton arrived there, and possest it for the Parliament of England.

Commissioners for some Counties in Scotland, were dismissed by the English Commissioners, having power only to Treat, and not to con­clude.

Other Commissioners had a Paper delivered to them.

  • 1. To consent to be Incorporated with the Common-wealth of England.
  • 2. To declare a Submission to that Government, which should in the mean time be established.
  • 3. That they be ready to present such matters, as may conduce to the putting those particulars into practice.

To which particulars, those Commissioners gave their free assent in writing, as they were desired.

[24.] The Act of Oblivion, and general Par­don, with the Provisoes, passed.

Letters of Credence from the Burgomasters, and Kens Town. Senators of Lubeck, Bremen and Hamburgh, for themselves, and in the name of the rest of the Hans Towns, unto Lion of Aisema their Resident, were read.

Order for an Act to give 5 l. to any who shall apprehend Robbers or Burglars.

Letters, That a Party of about 80 of the Enemy came privately into the Parliaments quarters about Galloway, and took a prey of 100 Cows, and 200 Sheep, but as they returned, a party of the Parlia­ment rescued the Prey, killed 60 of the Enemy, and took an Ensign Prisoner.

That the Chief Gunner of Galloway came out to Ireland. the Parliaments Forces, and informed them, that there was a high Mutiny in the Town, and Preston durst not appear to quiet them.

That Collonel Zanchey and Collonel Axtel, took the advantage of the Frost, and gained a pass over a Bog to Fitz-Patricks quarters, but he was march­ed away the day before, Zanchey and Axtell took his strong hold in the Bog, and put all to the Sword.

That about the Fort was an Irish Town, which the Rebels named Dublin, for its Strength and Ri­ches, it consisted of 800 [...]abbins, which Zanchey and Axtell fired, and put 500 to the Sword, and in it found good plunder, Silver, Strong-water, 30000 Bushels of Wheat, 200 Cows, and 80 Horse.

That all parts of Scotland are within the power of the Parliament of England, except some few pla­ces in Argyles Country, and about the Highlands, of no consequence, who sent for a pass to come to the English Commissioners.

A Petition was presented to the Parliament, in Petition. the name of divers well Affected in the Northern Counties, telling them.

That there remains yet to be done by them, the take­ing away of Tithes, and Law, (as now it stands) the most antient badges of Ecclesiastical and Civil Ty­ranny.

What else can be expected from such swarms of Law­yers, Attorneys, Sollicitors, and nourished with the bread of Oppression, by long and tedious Suits.

What hope of Justice, when the greatest stress of mens causes in all Courts, depends chiefly upon those men, who are more sensible of the money (which oft makes the Case) than of the Justice of the Cause, which they never or seldom take to heart.

A general and great Grievance, also Papal imposi­tion of Tithe [...], (fitter for a Levitical or Romish Priest­hood, than for Ministers of the New-Testament, to whom it proves either a snare or Scandal, hardening of people, and hindring the power and success of the Mini­sters.

Eating out part of the sweet and benefit of other mens Labours, secretly impoverishing, and discouraging the endeavour of the Husbandman

They pray ease of these pressures.

That we may have justice given, not bought; Courts of Justice in all Counties, so established and maintained at the publick Charge, that all matters of meum & tu­um, may be heard and determined free, yet by a written Law.

Clerks of all Courts and Committees may do their Du­ties without wicked delays, or taking any thing above their set Pension; that Justice every where, may come down like a mighty Stream, free for the poorest to resort unto, too strong for the richest to divert.

And that the hand of the Labourer may be strength­ened to his work, every man reaping what he Sows, and not another.

Every one eating the Fruit of his own Vineyard, with joy and gladness of Heart, praising the Lord. And a more honourable way of maintenance ordered for the Ministry, which easily might be effected.

The Parliament told the Petitioners that some Answer. of the Particulars mentioned in their Petition, were al­ready under the consideration of the House, and gave the Petitioners thanks for their good Affections.

Letters, That Collonel Venables went out with a Party, 30 miles into the Enemies Countrey in Ireland, and brought away 400 Cows.

That, Galloway was upon Overtures of a Trea­ty.

That the Sheriffs in Scotland sent in their Depu­ties to the English Commissioners very slowly, who ordered, That they send in their Deputies by a day, and sent for Argyle to come in to them.

[Page 500] [28.] Letters, That the Parliaments Forces landed in Orkney, were civilly entertained by the Inhabitants.

That the Declaration of the Commissioners of England, for nulling Kingly Power, and Prerogative Scotland. Courts of Justice, was proclaimed at the Market-Cross of Dundee, by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet, and the Magistrates of the Town at­tended all the time.

March 1651.

[1.] The Act of General Pardon and Obli­vion was published, with the Exceptions and Qua­lifications therein.

Letters, That the Meetings with the English Com­missioners at Dalkeith, by the Deputies of the Shires, were at an end.

That some of the Deputies, especially from the Boroughs, had two Commissions, one signed to please the Ministers, that nothing be done prejudicial to the Covenant, the other full and ample, to do all things conducible for the setling of the Nation.

That several of the Great ones are in much per­plexity what to do, and press their Tenants for a years Rent before-hand.

The English Commissioners made a further De­claration; That whereas the Deputies of Shires and Boroughs have consented to the Proposals made to them from the Parliament of England.

The Commissioners declare, That those Shires and Boroughs are taken into the special Protection of the Parliament of England, and all Officers and Sol­diers and others are commanded not to injure them, but they are to have all favour and incon­ragement in the Union with the Common-wealth of England.

The Deputy-Governour published a Procla­mation against Butchers ingrossing of Provisions to sell again in the Town of Lieth.

[2.] An Act passed for the better discovery of Thieves; and that the respective Sheriffs shall pay 10 l. to every one that shall apprehend such Thieves.

An offence of Collonel Gill in matter of doub­ling, and reproaching the Parliament, was con­fessed by him, and his offence pardoned.

Report from the Committee of the Creden­tials, and Oration of the Agent from the Hans Hans Towns. Towns; and particular Credentials from the Town of Hamburgh to the same Person; the House re­ferred to the Council of State to treat with the Agent, and report to the House.

Report of the Transactions of the Council with the Ambassador of the King of Spain.

[3.] The Committee for regulating the Law proceeded in that Business, and had great Debates, but little done in it.

[4.] The Committee appointed by the Coun­cil of State to treat with the Agent of the Hans Towns, attended that Business; the Agent was a discreet sober Person, and spake good Latin.

[5.] A Petition to the Committee for regu­lating the Law, for Fines upon Copyholds to be made certain, &c.

Letters, That the Deputies of the Shires and Boroughs to the Parliaments Commissioners come in very uncertain.

A Placart of the States of the United Provin­ces, of their stopping Ships going out of their Holland. Harbours, and their Intentions to set forth a strong Fleet the next Summer for their Fishing.

[6.] The Adventures for Ireland made seve­ral Propositions to the Committee of Parliament, and assented to their Proceedings, and sent in 2 d. March. in the Pound for incident Charges.

[8.] Advice touching the settlement of Af­fairs in Ireland.

[9.] Papers from the Dutch Ambassadors.

Credentials to the Agent of the King of Den­mark.

An Act for the better settlement of the Affairs of the Admiralty and Navy.

General Blake continued General of the Seas for Blake. Nine Months.

[10.] Letters, That notwithstanding the Par­liaments Kirk. Declaration, yet the Kirk Judicatories proceed as formerly, and are very high against the Parliament of England and their Army; and Mr. Cant perswades his Auditory to prepare for Suffer­ings, and presseth the Covenant; and that when Parents bring their Children to be Baptized, he causeth them to engage to bring them up in the Cove­nant. Covenant.

A Letter written to the Lord of Drum by di­rection from the Presbytery of Aberdeen, That they were resolved to excommunicate him, unless he submit to them, and rescind his Appeal.

He is exhorted to prevent this dreadful and direful Judgment.

That Presbytery is the Lords Ordinance, 1 Tim. 4. 14.

That Religious Swearing is not only lawful, but com­manded and practised by God himself.

The Lord Drum in his Answer to this Letter saith to the Moderator,

That he expected from their severity to be excom­municated summarily for his Appeal to Collonel O­verton.

That he can neither in point of Conscience, nor Ho­nour, grant the Conditions they require; and yet that he doth humbly submit himself to Gods Will.

That many others have spoken more freely than he against the usurped Tyrannical Power, and Supremacy of your Presbyterian Inquisition, to which they impute the cause of all these miseries which have befallen this Nation.

Yet none are persecuted by you but I and my Fami­ly, whereby it is notoriously known that the only cause of your unparallel'd severity against me, is my Appel­lation to Collonel Overton, wherein I imitated St. Paul, who did appeal from the Cruelty of the Phari­sees to Caesar, a civil Judge, and no Christian.

Which I have the more reason to do, seeing I found all your Questions to be matters of your own inven­tion, which yet you urge as necessary and Gospel Truths, and because all your Indifferences, Prayers, and Preachings have been, and are, more for advancing your own Interest and Factions, to hinderance of a blessed Peace betwixt the Two Nations, than for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I therefore upon these Principles, do not at all fear that which ye call the dreadful Sentence of Excommu­nication.

For either ye are infallible in your Proceedings and Judgments, or ye are fallible, the first I think you will not arrogate to your selves, for that were the highest Point of Popery, albeit ye often practise in Deeds, what ye deny in Words.

And your so frequent Changes will prove it to be evidently false.

If ye be fallible, I am not much afraid of your fal­lible Sentence, since I have so great reason to think, ye actually erre by urging me to swear,

That Presbyterian Government (as ye use it) is the only Government which Christ hath established in his Church.

So that of late ye have made it the 3d Mark of the true Kirk.

[Page 501] I acknowledge and receive those words of our Saviour which ye act; Tell the Kirk, and if he will not hear the Kirk, let him be to thee as a Heathen.

But I do not approve your Interpretation and Appli­cation of them; for by this means ye assume unto your selves the Name of the whole Kirk, as if all others, who did not approve your Discipline, were false Kirks, and thereby ye furnish too strong an Argu­ment to the Papists, against Luther, and other Refor­mers, who would not hear, nor obey the Papistical Kirk, albeit there was no other Kirk nor Congregation then setled.

Therefore I care no more for your Excommunica­tion, than you care for the Popes.

And whereas ye pretend to shew, that Presbyterian Government is established by the Word of God, citing 1 Tim. 4. 14.

May not I as justly cite to you, the Chapter imme­diately going before, where the Apostle speaks of the Office and Duty of Bishops, and to give you Two for One.

He resumes also the same words, in the first to Ti­tus, which if they be taken according to the words, may be as strong an Argument for the Bishops; but such Arguments as these are meer Logomachies, every one throwing the Word of God to their own Sense and Interest.

And because ye find the word of Presbytery once in the Scripture, ye think ye have won the Point, which would make no more for you, than for the Pa­pists, who call their Priests Presbyters, and the Con­gregation of their Presbytery.

Ye turn the word Presbyter an Elder, and in your Presbytery (which should be turned Eldership, as it is in my own House Bible printed Anno 1630. as being derived from Presbytery) ye admit only Ministers, whereas according to the Word they should be all El­ders.

By which it may appear, that ye could only act, that one place for your selves in the whole Word of God, which makes more against you than for you.

I do not question about Names, I doubt only about the thing ye intend by it, for I can see no Authority, neither in the Word of God, nor in the practise of any Kirk, as ye use it, nor in any approved Author; and if you did esteem so much of the Kirk, as ye would have me do of your Presbytery, ye ought not to have given me such ensample, by protesting against the late National Assembly, which is the Supream Represen­tative Body of the Kirk in this Land.

Whereby your selves are liable to censure as Schis­maticks, and therefore have no power to censure me.

I acknowledge God is honoured by Oaths, yet that must receive some limitation, they must be taken in Judgment, in Truth, and upon necessity.

Now I appeal to your own Consciences, whether you have observed these Conditions, in your urging so many dreadful Oaths upon this miserable Nation, these years by-past, not only in the Covenant, but in your So­lemn League with your Presbyterian Brethren of Eng­land. Whereby ye inforced all Men to swear, to e­stablish by Arms that Tyranny there, as ye had done here; how many have ye inforced by threatning and execution of your Kirk-Censure? and the severity of the Civil Law falling upon them, depriving Men of their Estates to swear and subscribe to all ye enjoyned, or could invent, albeit ye knew them to be of far con­trary Judgment.

Wherein ye did imitate that feigned and false Mo­ther, who before Solomon was contented to have the Child divided, by which her Hypocrisie was found out by that most wise Prince.

By which means, ye have made this Nation guil­ty of horrible Perjury, besides many other heynous sins.

I wish to God ye had remembred, or would yet re­member, how much ye cryed out against the Tyranny of Bishops, when they were urging some of your num­ber, who were refractory to Episcopacy, that there should be had some regard to tender Consciences, which were of another Judgment.

But so soon as ye got the Power into your hands, neither Minister nor Laird, Man, Woman, nor Child was spared, nor no regard had unto them, what­ever Quality or Condition they were of, all were for­ced not only to obey you, but (which is the greatest Point of Tyranny over Mens Consciences) they were made to swear that they thought as you would have them, albeit to your own knowledge many thought the contrary.

But there was no regard, you would have it so, to satisfie your ambition and crooked ends.

Ye abhorred and detested the Title of Lords in the Bishops, but ye have usurped without the Name, the Power of Popes, which was so much the more inconse­quential in you, that professing and shewing your selves so often fallible, yet ye exacted one infallible Obe­dience.

Wherein if you have observed Christs Rule, which commands, That whatsoever we would that Men should do unto us, we should do the same to them, ye have reason to look to it; and if ye had reason to complain of the Bishops, I, and many others, have had much more reason to complain of you, for your little finger hath been heavier than all their hands, as woful Expe­rience hath shewed.

I wonder that ye should write, that Presbyterian Government is established by Law in England, and that, which ye call Independency, is only tolerated and connived at; this is a matter of Fact well known, that Presbyterians have no power of censuring, or forcing Men to swear, as ye do assume to your selves.

The Common-wealth of England will never permit such a Tyramy to be established, for that were to in­volve themselves in a greater slavery of Conscience, than they were in before under the Bishops.

Both Reason amd Experience plead against you in this matter, and therefore you must pardon me, if I do not give credit to your bare Relation, without some more proof.

Whereas you accuse me of Blasphemy, for calling your Summons Libels and Pasquills, &c. because in them ye cited the Word of God, I wonder much of your rashness in Judgment, that you cannot discern between your own word and the Word of God. I do most humbly reverence and honour the one, and what censure I made was only on your words, which would involve me in Perjury, by a forged interpretation of Gods Word, to swear that your Government, as ye use it, is only Jure Divino, which I can see no rea­son to believe.

If any Blasphemous Heretick, such as Arrius was, would cite the Word of God for his Blasphemy, as he did, and write Books in defence of it, would any be guilty of Blasphemy for calling such Books (as they cited the Word of God) Pasquells and Libels? I suppose no Man of Judgment can be guilty of such grosness.

I do not apply this to you, of whom I have a Cha­ritable Opinion, only I intend to clear my self of Blas­phemy, with which ye unjustly charge me.

I entreat you to abstain from your Spells and Di­vinations ye have used against me, as a Ring-leader of Novelty, lest these Judgments ye presage will befall me, light heavy upon your selves, for the many false glosses ye have put upon the Word of God, and your deceiving the poor and ignorant People, and enforcing others, who saw evidently your deceits, and for your [Page 502] cruel and bloody Practises for maintaining your own private and perverse Interests.

I do not take you for Prophets; or that you have any extraordinary. Divine Revelations; the whole Country now see by experience, that many, if not all your bragging Prophecies, concerning the Prosperity and setting up of your Presbyterian Court, which you would have all Men to adore as an Idol, have proved very false.

So that it may justly be said of you, what God saith by the Prophet Hosea, c. 8. against Samaria and Its Idol Calfe. The Calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces, they have sowed the Wind, and shall reap the Whirl-wind, it hath no Stalk, the Bud shall yield no Meal, if so be it yield, the Stranger shall swallow it up.

Which words, I think, agrees now most evidently to you and your Calf, which you did equal to the Word of God, and pressed it much more; and for which ye your selves spent only much wind, albeit ye made other's spend much Money, of which I have found as doleful Experience, as any one in this Nation, but now by Gods just Judgment ye have reaped a Whirl-wind.

Your Prosperity did blind you, and it was ever the strongest Argument ye used (except Pike and Mus­quet) that did shut your Bowels against Compassion. I pray God now your Eyes may be opened, and that ye may make good use of your Humiliation, lest it be said of you that ye are humbled, but not humble.

I shall not wish, that ye be used with the same mea­sure of rigor wherewith ye have used others, which yet were just with God to render to you; for I think in that case we should see few patient Sufferers, al­beit we have found many great Professors and zealous Persecutors.

I do not desire your persecution; the greatest evil I wish you, which indeed is good for your own Souls, that ye be not suffered to have any more power to pre­sent others, who without your disparagement, are as good Christians as your selves, however you are plea­sed to have them all nick-named, and esteemed Papists or Godless Persons.

For the tenderness of the Presbyteries good will towards me, whereof you make mention in the end of your Letter, I willingly accept it, for there is none who shall overcome me in kindness; but I wish ye had not used me so harshly heretofore, when ye had Power both of Kirk and State in your hands, which I trust in God ye shall never have again, by enforcing my Ser­vants, when all other means failed, to prove your vain Inquisition, to reveal upon their Oaths, what they knew, saw, or heard within my House, which was an incomparable Point of Severity, to give it the best word.

I suppose, never was Spains Inquisition arrived to that height, I am sure they could not go beyond it.

Now if ye will desist from your rigorous Proceedings against me, and my Family, I shall rest contented for all that is past, for I intend to offend none, but to defend my self; but if you will yet proceed upon your former Principles, which I think in Conscience ye cannot do, I am not resolved to buy your Friendship at so dear a rate, as the Perjury of my Soul.

Only I shall strive to let my Innocence be known, where­by your cruelty will the more appear and be abhorred.

And now to conclude, I wish you as a friend to spend this Saturday next in better Meditations than you did the last, wherein you did put in practise your great Presbyterian Maxim, borrowed from Michael, forti­ter calumniare, against him who is, Sir,

Yours, if you walk in the Truth,

Drum,

Jan. 20.

1651.

A. Irving.

[12.] A Sutler for having two Wives was sentenced by the Court-Marshal to be whipped at the Gallows, and turned out of the Army.

The Number of Shires in Scotland summoned Scotland. by the English Commissioners to send in their De­puties, were 31, the Number of Boroughs 56, Stewarties p. The Number of Shires whose Deputies have appeared and assented to the Union were 18, the Number of Boroughs who assented were 24.

Many others attended, but their Commissions being defective, they were disinissed, who yet pe­titioned for new Summons, and come in daily with Assents to the Union.

[13.] Letters to the Parliament from their Commissioners in Ireland, of the state of their Affairs there.

That the Earl of Clenrickard had sent for a Trea­ty Ireland. to come in to the Parliament, and to put a pe­riod to the War there, Sir Charles Coo [...]e sent Co­pies of the Earls Letters to the Parliament; That the Town of Galloway, with the Nobility and Clergy, requested the Earl of Clenrickard to send for a Treaty for the settlement of the Nation.

That if a Treaty were not granted, and a safe Conduct for the Earl his Commissioners, they re­solve to stand upon their defence, to the utmost hazard of their Lives.

The Letter was directed to the Commander in Chief of the Parliaments Forces in Ireland.

That Collonel Reynolds marched into Caterlogh, where the Enemy had all the Country thereabouts in their power, and three Garrisons.

That upon his coming near to them, they quitted two of the Garrisons, and the next day surren­dred the Third, a Place of great importance, and the only Passe over the Shannon in those Parts.

That the Collonel had there 400 Barrels of Corn, and Forage for some Horse which were in great necessity; a Captain, a Lieutenant-Collo­nel, and some other Officers, were taken Priso­ners, and 30 of the Enemy slain by the Parlia­ments Forces.

That Sir Theophilus Jones had taken a Castle, put some Men to the Sword, and 13 Priests (being therein) having with them 2000 l. in Money.

That Captain Clark in the Bay of Galloway had sunk a great Dutch Ship loaden with Provision, by forcing her upon the Rocks, and had taken another.

[15.] Letters, That Sir George Ascue had sent Barbadors taken. in a third Summons to the Barbadoes to submit to the Parliament of England, which being refused, he formed a Regiment out of the Ships of 600 Men, whereof 170 were Scots.

The Enemy having notice four hours before of their coming, made opposition at their landing with nine Companies of Foot, and three Troops of Horse, who made a gallant Charge.

But the Parliaments Forces having received the on-set, immediately fell in upon the Lord Wil­loughby's Forces, and wholly routed them, and their Commanders ran away, and left the Foot in­gaged; after which the Parliaments Forces pur­sued the Enemy to their Fort-Royal, and stormed it, with the loss of nine Men, some hurt, as Col­lonel Morrice, his Major, and others.

That 50 of the Enemy were killed, and 100 Pri­soners taken, all their Ordnance dismounted, and many of their Houses burned by the Parliaments Forces, the Place being not tenable.

That soon after Sir George Ascue sent a Trumpet to the Lord Willoughby, which produced a Treaty, and Hostages being given, Articles were con­cluded [Page 503] between them, for the surrender of the Barbadoes, and the rest of the Islands, to the obe­dience of the Common-wealth of England.

That the Lord Willoughby, Collonel Walrond, and divers others, should have protection for Lord wil­loughby. enjoyment of their Estates in England, or else­where.

That the Inhabitants be protected from the fury of the Sword, and to enjoy and live peaceably in their own Habitations, acting nothing prejudicial to the Parliament.

Sir George Ascue was very courteous to my Lord Willoughby, and gave him very good Terms upon his rendition of the Island, and did great service in it for the Parliament.

That Collonel Pointz, Governour of St. Chri­stophers, seeing the Inhabitants of that Island ge­nerally well affected to the Parliament, quitted that Island, and went to Virginia.

That Sir George Ascue, by reason of Prince Ru­perts being near him, his Fleet having watered and ballasted, he sailed towards Virginia to prevent Prince Ruperts getting that Place.

Letters from Lieutenant-General Ludlow con­cerning the Earl of Clenrickards Letters; That the Ireland. Lord of Muskerry was in treaty with the Lord Broghill, and Collonel Fitz-Patrick with Collonel Reynolds. That Collonel Axtel fell upon the Ene­my, killed 100; took 300 Horse; That Captain Gilbert took Lieutenant-Collonel Farrel, a Major and Two Captains; Major Meredith drove 30 of the Enemy into a Bog; and put them all to the Sword.

That Captain Cotterel slew another Captain, Major Bolton killed and took 25 of the Enemy with their Horse, and endangered Scurlocke; Cap­tain Preston took a Captain Prisoner, and killed 16 of his Men; Captain Staffe fell upon the Enemy in Thomond, and was shot, yet his Party routed the Enemy, and killed their Two Officers.

That Collonel Renolds took in the Collowe, and garrison'd a Fort there.

A Vessel taken by Captain Church, attempting to go into Galloway with Corn, and bulged on a Rock; another Vessel taken loaden with Wheat for Galloway.

Three Companies of the Enemy at Dingel rout­ed, and all their Arms taken.

That the Synodal Assembly at Edenburgh emitted a Declaration, for every one of their Congrega­tion [...]ts. to subscribe any thing tending to an Union, and desire every one to do what is publickly com­manded, in reference to Quarter and Assess­ments.

That Sir James Stuart protested against the act­ing of the English Commissioners, and of the Scotch Deputies, and left Edenburgh.

That Argyle wrote to all of his Name (though some of those Gentlemen lived 100 Miles from him) to attend him to Dunbarton, to meet the English Commissioners; That he hath a consi­derable part of the Highland in League with him.

[16.] Sir Hen. Vane and another of the Par­liaments Commissioners sent into Scotland, return­ed, and gave an Account to the Parliament of their Commissioners Proceedings in Scotland; and what had passed between them and the Deputies of the Scots; That 20 Shires and 35 Boroughs had assented to the Union. Union.

A Petition presented to the House by divers Merchants, and Sea-men, Ship-Carpenters, &c. Petition.

Answered, That the Parliament did accept well of the Petition, and gave the Petitioners thanks for their good affections.

An Act passed for impressing of Sea-men.

Reports from the Committee appointed to re­ceive the Danish publick Minister.

That he, after a short Preamble, delivered his Danish Minister. Letters of Credence from the King of Denmark his Master, with Papers of what he delivered by word of mouth, which were read, and referred to the Council of State, to hear the Danish Agent, and to treat with him.

Reports touching the payment of small Debts owing upon publick Faith, Votes upon it.

Reports and Orders upon them touching Com­positions of Delinquents.

[17.] Letters, That Major-General Deane was gone to treat with the Marquess of Argyle. That the Country People followed their Husbandry. That the Cavaliers in Scotland were most forward Scotland. to submit to the Parliament of England.

[19.] Letters, That Galloway was reported to be surrendred; that the Rebels wanted Vi­ctuals, and were much divided, so that Collonel Venables had intelligence from their Provincial Council.

[20.] Letters from Orkney of great dangers passed by the Parliaments Forces in going thither, and the Inhabitants willingness to submit to the Parliament of England.

That Deputies from more Countries came in daily to the Parliaments Commissioners in Scot­land, and a fair compliance was expected.

They desire a general meeting to comply and carry on the general Union. Union.

That the Provost of Edenburgh by the Parlia­ments Authority convened a Minister, for preach­ing against the Ʋnion, but the Minister said, That he knew better what to preach than the Provost could instruct him.

That the Isles of Orkney and Sheathland, sent their Deputies to the English Commissioners, and consented to the Union.

That the Commissioners ordered a Cittadel to be built at St. Johns Town, to hold 500 men.

The Parliament ordered an Act to be brought in, to Incorporate Scotland, one Common-Wealth with England.

[22.] Letters, That the Treaty was begun with Argyle, in relation to his coming in, and for the good effect thereof, the Presbytery daily meet, and fast, and pray. That the Hollanders called away their Ships from Scotland, and some of their Ships hung out the Scots Kings Colours.

That a considerable Fleet was come into Leith with Corn and other Provisions, very Seasonably, there being before Some Scarcity.

That many, formerly refractory, came in daily, and a face of Peace was upon the whole Nation, the bitterness of Some Spirits began to asswage, and the Union with England desired,

Severall persons desired the inlargement of their Friends, the Scots who are prisoners of War in England, and offered sufficient bayle for their ap­pearance when required, and in the mean time to live peaceably, and submit to the Parliament, and to subscribe the Ingagement.

Letters of great divisions among the Irish Re­bells Ireland. most of them being for a Treaty, but the Priests, had inflamed the rest, especially those of Galloway against it. That they have sent severall ex­presses of Dean King, into France, for relief, else they cannot hold out any longer. That the Tories doe much mischief.

To prevent which, and other inconveniences, the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland published a Declaration, excepting severall places from the protection of the Parliament, from which all [Page 504] friends to the Parliament are to remove their Per­sons, Families, and Goods, and those that remain in those places shall be taken as Enemies, slain and destroyed. And all Intelligence forbid with them, and that those who shall remove from those places shall have other Wast-lands assigned them, and pla­ces for their habitations.

[23.] Dr. Walker and Dr. Turner added to the Committee, for regulating the Law.

Order for an Act for Confiscation of the Estates of several persons in Scotland, and for pardoning of the rest.

An additionall Act passed for Sale of the remain­der of Fee-farm Rents.

Referred to the Councel of State, to nominate Persons for Administration of Justice in Scotland.

Order for an Act to prevent the Mischiefs and Robberies upon the Borders, and for settling of the Fishing upon Tweed.

Report from the Committee for regulating the Law, of an Act for Marriages to be made before Ju­stices of the Peace.

That Committee presented to the Committee of Parliament, to be reported to the house, the Bills. draughts of Several Acts, viz. For taking away Fines upon Bills, Declarations, and Original writs.

Against Customary Oaths, of Fealty and Homage to Lords of Mannors.

For taking away common Recoveries, and the unne­cessary charge of Fines, and to pass and charge Lands intailed, as Lands in Fee-Simple.

For ascertaining arbitrary Fines upon discent, and alienation of Copy-holds of Inheritance.

For the more speedy recovery of Rents.

Touching Pleaders and their Fees.

For the more Speedy regulating and easie discovery of debts, and damages not exceeding 4 l. and under.

[24.] Letters, That the new chosen Magistrates of Edenburgh, had Subscribed their Assents to the Union. Union with England, and taken the same Oath, that the Mayors of Cities and Towns in England do take, and that other Burghs in Scotland sue for Licence upon the same terms to chose new Magi­strates.

That in many parts of Zealand, the people are so mad against England, that it is dangerous for an English man to be among them, but in other places, they are in a better temper.

[26.] Letters, That Captain Pen, came to Pen­dennis with his Squadron and 5 Prizes, which they had taken in the Streights.

That Prince Rupert with 3 or 4 Ships was upon the Coast of Barbary, but his Ships so much eaten out with Arckes, that they were not able to keep the Sea.

Of Recruits Shipped for Ireland.

[27.] Letters, That Major Salloway was re­turned from meeting with the Marquess of Argyle, Scotland. which was with much seeming Love, and Kindness. None were present at the Treaty, but the Mar­quess, and one of his Kinsmen, and Major Salloway, and Major-General Dean.

That 40 Sail of Ships were come into Lieth Harbour, with Provision and Merchandise from England, so that the Deputy-Governour published a Proclamation, That no Ship or Vessel should have any Fire or Candle in them, but at a certain time of the day.

That one English Frigot went up to 3 Dutch-men of War, who refused to strike Sail to her, and with Frigots. a Broad-side of above 20 Guns, perswaded them all to strike to the English Frigot.

[29.] Letters, That there is no doubt of a fair Compliance by the Marquess of Argyle, with the Commissioners. Argyle.

He insists upon Protection, and Freedom for April. himself, and his Tenants and their Estates, and pay­ment of the Debts owing to him from the Parlia­ment of England.

Proposals were tendred to the Committee for propagating the Gospel, for Supply of all Parishes with Able and Godly Ministers, for settling of right Consti­tuted Churches &c.

An account of the Forces come away from Jer­sey, and of Recruits for Ireland Shipped.

That the States of Holland sent an express, for all the Captains of their Men of War, forthwith to Dutch. go down to their Ships, and to stay all Shipping going for England, which Imbargoe raiseth thoughts that they intend a War against England.

[30.] Reports to the Parliament; from the Commissioners for Scotland, of the Form of con­sent, of the Deputies of the Shires, and Boroughs of Scotland, to the Ʋnion with England into one Union. Common-wealth, without a King, or House of Lords, and to live Peaceably in the mean time with submission to the Authority of the Parliament of England.

With their Petition for New Magistrates to be chosen, of such as consent thereunto, and that Course may be taken with the Ministers who preach against this Ʋnion.

April, 1652.

[1.] Letters of Recruits Shiped for Ireland.

A Letter Signed by Gerald Fitz-Gerald, in be­half of an Assembly of the Irish, in the Province of Ireland. Leinster, to the Parliaments Commissioners for Ireland, setting forth the Calamities of War, and the blessings of Peace, and the good inclinations of the Com­mon-wealth of England to give reasonable Conditions to those that shall submit to them.

He desires a safe Conduct for the Inhabitants of the several Provinces, to meet and choose Commissioners to Treat with and Propound such things to Commissioners to be appointed to meet with them, as may conduce to the Peace and Settlement of that Kingdom.

The Commissioners in Ireland, published a De­claration in answer to this Letter.

That they cannot in Duty and Honour own that of Gerald Fitz-Gerald for an Authority, but declare,

That the settlement of the Affairs of Ireland, doth of right belong to the Common-wealth of England, the consideration whereof is at present before them.

2. That in the Settlement thereof the Parliament will make distinction of such Persons as have lived Peaceably, or having been misled, have since submitted to their Authority, and those who have acted, or abet­ted the Murders, and Massacres of the Protestants, and such as adhered to them the first year of their Re­bellion, or such as continue in Hostility.

3. That to grant safe Conducts to such as are in Ho­stility against the Parliament, to meet and consult toge­ther, is an Act to which the Commissioners cannot in Prudence consent.

4. That for such as are now in Arms, and are willing to lay them down, and submit to the Parliament upon timely application to the Parliaments Ministers here for particular places and persons, such moderate Terms will be consented unto, as men in their condition can in rea­son expect.

Lieutenant-General Ludlow, by advice with the English Commissioners, and Field Officers of the Army, returned answer to the Earl of Clanrickards Letters.

That the power of ordering the Affairs of Ireland, Lieute­nant-Ge­neral Lud­low. belonged to the Parliament of England, who would not capitulate with those in Arms against them, but upon Application of particular Persons, such favour would [Page 505] be shewed to them, as they should deserve, and should be reasonable.

Anno 1652 The Commissioners from the Rebels presented another Paper to the English Commissioners, for a safe Conduct to such as should be appointed Com­missioners by the Provinces to attend the Parlia­ment.

To this, the Parliaments Commissioners made Answer.

That they do not hold it fit or reasonable to lay open their power, but such as shall submit, they have suffici­ent Power to receive them into the Parliaments Fa­vour.

As to the granting Passes to any to go to the Parlia­ment, they hold it not fit, to such as contrary to their Duty are in Hostility against them.

[2.] Letters, That the Basse was delivered up to the Parliament, and in it all the Kirke Records, which much troubled the Clergy.

An Act passed for continuing Serjeant Bradshaw Chancellour of the Dutchy, and Bartholomew Hall Esq Attorney-General of the Dutchy.

[3.] An Act passed for removing Obstructi­ons in the Sale of the Kings Lands, &c.

Letters, That the Dutch Ships had orders, if they met any English Ships, to bring them into their Harbors.

[5.] Letters of a Petty Rising of some High-landers, but their Commander, and a few of them being knockt down, the rest of them ran away.

That a Bloody Moss-Trooper was Condemned to be Hanged, and another by the Court-Martial to be Shot to Death, for killing a Scotch-woman.

That some English Troopers being pursued by some Moss-Troopers, who said they were of Col­lonel Okey's Regiment, and Friends, and so they put up their Arms again, and rode on together, when suddenly the Moss-Troopers drew out their Pistols, and killed one of the Troopers, wounded another of them, and took the rest Prisoners, and afterwards in cold blood murdered Three of their Prisoners, and the Fourth miraculously escaped.

[6.] Letters of the low condition the Irish were brought unto; of John Fitz-Patrick an emi­nent Rebel admitted to his submission to the Par­liament; and of Clanrickards Letter for a Na­tional Treaty; of the good service of Collonel Reynolds, and the other Officers and Soldiers in Ireland.

Of the Forces of the Parliament about Eniscortly, burning the Corn, and every Morning, the Hou­ses Ireland. they quartered in the night before, killed and took many Irish; That he was an idle Soldier, who had not a Veal, Lamb, Pig, Poultry, or all of them for his Supper; That they destroyed as much Provision, as would have kept many Thousands of the Irish till next Harvest.

That they took about 200 Garroons, 300 Cows, and 400 Sheep and Goats, and many Horse-men.

Of Contests between the Towns-men of Gal­loway, and the Soldiery, the Earl of Clanrickard taking part with the Soldiery, and perswading the Town not to submit but to a National Treaty; the Town insist upon a Treaty for themselves.

Of Assents of more Shires and Boroughs in Scotland to the Ʋnion with England, transmitted to the Parliament.

The House passed Instructions about the Earl of Argyle, to the Council of State.

The Cracovian Catechisme reported to the Cracovian Cate­chisme. House, and Voted by them to contain matters that are Blasphemous, Erroneous and Scandalous.

That all the Printed Copies of that Book be burned.

Mr. Primate upon his Petition was discharged.

Order for 4000 l. to Repair Dover Pear and Harbour.

That Commissioners were in Treaty about the Surrender of Galloway.

The Dutch Imbargoe taken off from the English Ships.

Of the Dutch great Preparations for the Seas.

[7.] Letters, That Blackness was not thought fit to be made a Garrison. That Dunbarton Castle, was one of the Strongest holds in the 3 King­doms.

That Argyle in his Treaty with Major-General Kirk. Dean, and Major Salloway insisted much for the In­terest of the Kirke. That the Parliaments Forces fortified Ayre, a strong Town, and convenient Harbour.

[9.] Letters of the meetings of the Ministers in Scotland, who do threaten interdiction, and communication to complyers with the Parliament, and that the Highlanders fall upon them.

Of an Eclipse in Scotland, that put the Inhabi­tants to a great Astonishment.

[10.] Letters, That the Dutch Ships in Pen­dennis Harbour hasted away from thence, fearing an Imbargoe by the Parliament.

Of 6 English Colliers taken by the Dutch, and rescued again by an English Frigot.

That Collonel Cook was Slain, and no other of his Party, in a Skirmish with the Rebels.

[12.] Letters from Collonel Zanchey to the Lord-General, and read in Parliament, of all the Ireland. proceedings of his Party the Winter past, where­in among others, he mentions the good Service of Captain Whitelock.

That they killed above 400 of the Irish, and took 350, 110 whereof he sent for Spain, that they took many Hundreds of Cows and Garrons, and 300 Troops of Horses, and a great quantity of Arms. That about 400 of them upon their Petition and Security given, have been received into the Parlia­ments Protection.

That they hanged above 50 of the Irish accord­ing to the Lord-General his Orders. That he had not lost above 5 men, nor any officers but Captain Ball. He mentions the Sollicitation of many of the Irish, for a Treaty, wherein he was doubtful what to do, not knowing the mind of the Parlia­ment therein, towards those bloody Rebels, but that to Collonel Odvery (who had been very Civil and kind to the English who were Prisoners with him, and very just in Performance of all his In­gagements) he had granted a safe Conduct and Treaty, to be confirmed or annulled as the Parlia­ment should think fit, and sent a Copy of the Ar­ticles.

From Leith, that March 29 was so dark, that they could not see to write without a Candle, and it caused great fear upon all Men.

[13.] The Act read for Incorporating Scot­land into one Common-wealth and Free-state with Union. England, and for abolishing the Kingly office in Scotland, and committed.

A Letter assented unto, to be sent to the King of Denmark, and ordered to be sent.

Upon a report from the Councel of State, of the abuses in Cloathing, and Transporting of Wool, and Fullers-Earth, a day was appointed to debate it.

Order to exclude all private Business for 14 Dayes.

Order for an Act, to settle the Lincoln-shire Fens.

[15.] There was a smart debate between the Dutch Ambassadors, and the Parliaments Commis­sioners, Dutch Am­bassadors. wherein the point of the Right of Fishing in [Page 506] the Narrow-Seas, and the Soveraignty of those Seas, to be in the Nation of England, was touched upon, and by Whitelock more than others, to the distast of their Excellencies the Lords Ambassadors.

[16.] Letters, That the Forces of Dublin had kined about 100 Tories, and taken much Cattle, That many Irish had made Conditions with the Eng­lish Commissioners for a Submission, that Collonel Fitz-Patrick had made Terms for 5000 men to go beyond Sea.

[17.] Letters, That most of the Countries, by their Deputies had consented to the Ʋnion of Scot­land Union. with England, and had chosen divers Officers of the English Army for their Deputies.

Of Ship-wracks near Scilly.

[19.] Letters, That Galloway had agreed to Surrender upon Articles.

That Collonel Reynolds had taken in 2 Garrisons of great Consequence, bordering upon Ʋlster.

That the Ministers of Scotland inflame the Peo­ple against England, and damn all their Brethren and Scotland. People, who are not of their opinion. That the Lord of Drum had bid them defiance.

That Argyle dallied, and doubled with the Eng­lish Commissioners.

[20.] Letters, That a party sent to Ayre, were received of the Garrison of the Castle of Arran upon conditions.

That Ships were come to Leith with Provisions and horse meat.

A Petition of the Eastland Merchants residing Merchants at Dantzicke, submitting and commending the late Act of Navigation, which they do pray may be ob­served, and remedy of abuses in their Trade.

Votes, That all Wools brought into England, shall be Excise-free.

That an Act be brought in to prevent the Expor­tation of Scotch Wools, Woolfells, or Leather.

Referred to the Councel of State, to consider and prepare an Act touching the Adventurers for Ireland, and the qualifications touching Ireland for­merly Ireland. read in Parliament, and that they be im­powred to transport such of the Irish, as they shall think fit into Forrein parts, and about Trans­planting of the Irish from one part of the Nation to another.

And to consider of Satisfaction to such Officers, and Soldiers, as shall be disbanded in Ireland.

Letters of the Surrender of Galloway to the Par­liaments Forces, with a Copy of the Articles, and several Letters between the Parliaments Commis­sioners and Sir Charles Coot in Ireland about that Business, referred to the Councel of State.

Vote, That the Committee for the Universities, and the Committee of Indemnity do sit no more, Vote. and the House appointed a day to consider of fill­ing the House with new Members.

[23.] Letters, That the Isle of Arran in Scot­land, and Duke Hamiltons House, the Castle there, was upon Summons Surrendred to the Parliaments Hamilton. Forces, the Island is 8 miles over, and 24 miles in Length, and those in the Castle told the Com­mander of the Parliaments Forces, that if they could have kept the Castle against him, they would not have Surrendred it, but being they could not defend it, that he and his Soldiers were welcome to it.

That the Inhabitants shewed much distast to Ar­gyle, but the Civil Carriage of the Parliaments Sol­diers did much ingage them.

[24.] Letters of several Ships come into Leith Road, loaden with Hay, and others with Merchan­dize. That the Ship which brought the Money for the Army, lost her [...]udder at Yarmouth Road, and so was hindered of her Voyage.

That Argyle was preparing of Forces, and yet gave good words to the English Commissioners. That great depredations were committed by the Highlanders. That the Chancellour sought to come in, and the Ministers in the West were busie in de­signing against England.

That Sir George Ascue had taken in the Barbadoes; the Letters from him, with the Articles read in Parliament, and the Messenger had 100 l. given Sir George Ascue. Barbadon. him by the House.

Debate upon Regulating of the prizes of Wine.

[26.] Letters, That Sir George Ascue landed but 200 at first under Captain Morris, who beat up one of the Enemies Quarters, and took from them a little Fort with 4 Guns, which they spiked up without any Loss.

That the Virginia-Fleet came in thither, but ve­ry weak, and their Men sick, yet Sir George took the advantage of the appearance of that Fleet, and sent a new Summons to the Lord Willoughby.

But he refusing to submit, Sir George modelled 400 into a Regiment, and landed them at night, and were gallantly received by the Lord Willough­byes men, but being night, they thought the Assay­lants more than they were, and the Seamen with great Shouts running upon the Enemy, they were so amazed, that after a short dispute they all ran away;

Leaving a place, where in a manner, they were intrenched, and 4 great Guns.

That this party thus routed were 1200 Foot, and a Troop of Horse, and Sir George lost but 7 or 8 men, whereof one was Lieutenant-Collonel Allen, of the Enemy were 100 Slain, and 80 Prisoners.

The success was nothing towards the gaining of the whole Island, the Enemy having then about 5000 Horse and Foot in Arms.

That the Virginia-Fleet after 7 days went away, and then Sir George upon Information of Collonels Muddifords interests in the Island, and Affections to the Parliament, Sir George sent to him and his Friends by giving them honourable Conditions, and he joined with Sir George, and made up 2000 Foot, and 100 Horse.

That the People came in hourly to Sir George, who went on Shoar to Collonel Muddiford and his Company, and gave them full satisfaction of his Commission, and the Parliaments intentions, whereupon they engaged to live and dye with the Parliament.

That the Lord Willoughby understanding this, marched up to them, with all the Force he could make, and one of Sir George his great Guns Shot in at the Door, where the Lord Willoughby and his Councel of War were, and carried away the Sen­tinels head.

That this night the Enemy marched 2 Miles from Sir George his men, who had many designs but were hindred by the Rains for 3 or 4 daies to­gether, and before they could March, the Lord Willoughby sent for a Treaty, and in regard his strength was much the greater, and to avoid the de­struction of that goodly Island, which was already much wasted,

Sir George sent his Commissioners to meet with the Lord Willoughbys Commissioners, and they a­greed upon Articles, and it was surrendred to the Parliament.

The truth was that the Lord Willoughby was forced to this surrender, knowing that his men would not stand to him but dayly did desert him, and most of the Islanders took in with C. Muddiford against my Lord.

Letters that the Frigot with the Mony was safely arrived at Leith, narrowly escaping the Sands, on [Page 507] which she struck six times upon the Coast of Yar­mouth, but was delivered by the breaking of her Rudder.

That Argyle and his Clans agreed to oppose the Parliament of England, and that he had gotten Scotland. 10000 Arms.

That the Kirk began to piece again, but the Peo­ple were inclinable to the Union.

[27.] Votes touching the payment of Debts upon publick Faith.

Referred to a Committee to consider how the Poor may be set to work and relieved, and not suffered to beg; and to review all the Acts touch­ing the Poor, and report the defects of them; and to receive Proposals for the City of London, or others, touching the Poor.

An Act passed for the further ease and relief of poor Prisoners for Debt.

Letters, That the Scots King was ingaged in mediating a Peace between the King of France and the Princes, wherein he alledged his own condition, and that of his Father, and the King of France thanked him for his good Intentions, France. and desired him to make the like Proposals to the Princes,

Which the Scots King did; but the King of France refused to put away the Cardinal, who offered to go away, rather than to be a cause of continuing the miseries of France; that the Prin­ces doubled their Guards, and the People were enraged against Cardinal Mazarini.

[29.] Letters of the reducing of the Barba­does to the same effect as before.

The Revolt of Collonel Muddiford, and Let­ters from my Lady Willoughby to my Lord her L. Wil­loughby. Husband, that the Kings Forces were defeated at Worcester, and of the condition of the Affairs in England, with her advice to him to submit to the Parliament upon good terms; and Letters to the same effect from other Friends; were the cause of his surrender of the Island.

[30.] Orders for Recruits from Pendennis Castle for Ireland; and six weeks pay for them before they were transported out of England.

May 1652.

[1.] Letters, That the Declaration of the Parliament of England for the Union of Scotland with England, and their sending of Members to the Parliament of England, was proclaimed with great solemnity at Edenburgh Cross, but the Scots shewed no rejoycing at it.

[3.] Letters justifying the Proceedings of the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales, written by Mr. Vavasour Power a Minister there.

[4.] Referred to the Committee to consider, how a competent Maintenance for Godly Mini­sters may be setled in lieu of Tithes.

Order for relief of maimed and sick Sol­diers.

Mr. Weaver, one of the Commissioners of the Parliament in Ireland, came into the House where­of he was a Member, and gave them an account of the State of their Affairs there.

Letters of Credence of the Queen of Sweden, Sweden. to the Noble Hareldus Applebone her publick Mini­ster, Conde. to the Parliament of England, were read; and Letters from the Prince of Conde to the Par­liament, read, and both of them referred to the Council of State,

Letters, That Argyle did again solicit for some Argyle. singular Act of Favour from the Parliament of May. England, but his ways were known.

That Three Judges were come from England, to administer Justice to the Scots in Scotland.

[5.] That some Travellers upon Hunsloe Heath saw a strange Apparition of the Sun about sixth Clock in the Evening, &c.

[6.] Letters, That the Ministers of Scotland were as bitter as ever against the Interest of Eng­land.

Of more Counties and Boroughs accepting the Ʋnion with England; and that Argyle had agreed Union. to Terms to come in to the Parliament of England, but they were not published.

That the Lord Chief-Justice St. John, Mr. Sal­loway, and Alderman Tichburne, the Parliaments Commissioners in Scotland, went away for Eng­land.

That the Deputies of Argyle Shire had consent­ed to the Ʋnion.

[7.] Letters, That the Magistrates of Mussel­borough had taken the Ingagement of the Parlia­ment of England.

Of a Pyrate who took several English Vessels to the Westward; of Recruits Shipped from Pen­dennis for Ireland.

That the Irish begged for Conditions to come in to the Parliament, and some of them were ad­mitted.

[10.] Letters of Preparations to reduce Din­noter Castle in Scotland.

That the new Judges sent into Scotland, were very busie in setling of new Judicatories there.

That Ireland was wholly reduced, and had no other refuge but Bogs and Woods; that the Plague was much abated there.

That Commissary-General Reynolds had gotten most of the Provisions of the Rebels, and killed and taken many of them, and prevented their fortifying.

That he setled Three considerable Garrisons upon Passes in Kings County; took in the strong Forts in those Parts upon Quarter for Life only.

[11.] The Scots Commissioners returned, and were in the Parliament.

The Committee revived for setting a Period to this Parliament, and providing for future Repre­sentatives. Represen­tative.

[12.] Debate upon Qualifications of such Persons as shall be received into the House as Members.

Letters, That Captain Howe, a Young Gentle-man, Captain How. who had done gallant Service for the Parlia­ment in Ireland, being assaulted in his Quarters by a Party of the Tories, he at the first Charge rout­ed them; but then they came on again with a fresh Party, and routed Captain Hows Party, who en­deavoured to make good his Soldiers Retreat, and himself charged Three times, and came off well, but upon a Fourth Charge he was unfortunate­ly slain, and his Death was very much lamen­ted.

[13.] A Duel between the Lord Chandoys, and Mr. Compton, and the Lord killed Mr. Compton.

[14.] The knocking of a Link near some Reeds set the Reeds on fire, and they fired a House in Redriffe, and Two Ships lying near the Shore, and burnt them at low water, when no Boats could come to help them, nor could they get Water.

Letters, That the Inhabitants of Virginia wil­lingly submitted to the Government of the Par­liament.

[Page 508] [15.] That the Army in Scotland was taking the Field.

Of the refractoriness of the Ministers.

That the Judges sent out of England published a Proclamation at Edenburgh, That they would Judges in Scotland. sit at the usual place for administring of Justice.

[17.] Letters from the Commissioners in Ire­land to the Parliament, giving an account of the Affairs there; of the Provisions received, and ac­knowledging the great care of the Parliament therein, and how they had disposed thereof to the Forces.

Of the Ports in Kerry fit for a Forreign Enemy to land in. That Clenrickard and others were gone Ireland. to Ʋlster to joyn with Phelim O-Neale. That in some places the Enemy have made some Incur­sions in small Parties, and taken some prey and Dragoon Horses; but upon their return, they being 250 Horse, and 500 Foot, they were met by Lieutenant-Collonel Throckmorton with 140 Horse, and 400 Foot, who had no Pikes, and the Horse at first made some retreat.

But at length, after a sharp Dispute, the Eng­lish Horse routed the Irish, and killed 200 of them on the place and in the pursuit, and took and kil­led divers Officers, and had but twenty one kil­led, and 100 Soldiers wounded.

That the Irish Clergy have excommunicated Collonel Fitz-Patrick for submitting to the Par­liament, and the Laity published a Declaration against him, and all that joyned with him, and some of his Party were cut off by the Irish, who also cut off the Ears of some whom they took Prisoners.

That Fitz-Patrick met with some of them.

That Shipping was wanting to transport those who are to go beyond Seas, 2000 of Fitz-Pa­tricks Party, 1000 of O-Dwyers Party, and 4000 more.

Of many Applications made by divers chief Of­ficers of the Irish to come in to the Parliament, and Commissioners were sent with Instructions to give the same Terms which Collonel Venables was authorized to give to those in Ʋlster.

That Sir Charles Coote explained the Articles of Galloway, which he yielded to, to prevent charge to the Parliament, and to get the posses­sion of that City.

[18.] Letters of a Squadron of the Parlia­ments Ships meeting with Three Dutch Men of War, and Seven Merchants, that the Dutch Ad­miral Fleet. came under the Lee of the Parliaments Ships, and kept his Flag up; whereupon the English Ship sent a Boat to him to acquaint him Dutch Flag. that they had received Orders from their General to cause those Ships they met to take down their Flags; and presently the Dutch Admiral took down his Flag, and saluted the English Ships with Three Pieces of Ordnance, and the English did the like to him.

After the Admiral came the Vice-Admiral of the Dutch, but came to the Windward of the English, contrary to the custom in the Narrow Seas, and saluted the English with 13 Shot, but took not down their Top-Flag.

The English called to them to take it down, but they refused, and still sailed on with it up; so the English filled their Sails, and hasted all they could after the Dutch Vice-Admiral, and ordered their Boat to go on Board them, to perswade them to take their Flag; but he in stead of taking it then down, gave a cross Answer, and said, he would not, and that we should come and take it down our selves.

Upon advice, the English addressed themselves to prepare to fight the Dutch; but before they began, there was come up with them a little Fri­got of 24 Guns, which did instantly let go Three Guns at the Dutch Rear-Admiral for them to strike, but he did not fire again, only pleaded, That they durst not take down their Flag so long as their Vice-Admiral kept up his.

Whereupon that Frigot spake with their Ad­miral, and desired to know the reason, why the Vice-Admiral did not submit to take down his Flag; to whom the Admiral answered, That he thought they were drunk; the Captain of that Fri­got propounded to the Admiral, whether he would side with him in his standing out, and he answered No, but said, as they brewed so they should bake.

Hereupon the English Ship came up to the Vice-Admiral, and gave him a Broad-side, and salu­ted him with 19 Guns, which did good execu­tion; and they likewise gave the English a Broad-side, and they had for a time a hot Dispute, in which one of the English was hurt, and another wounded, and one slain, and the Dutch had a greater loss.

But afterward he took down the Flag, and the Admiral and other Vessels gave the English such loving Salutes, confessing their faults, and so they parted good Friends.

[19.] The House sate in a Grand Committee for setting a time for the ending of this Parlia­ment.

Referred to the Council to take care about the Reception of the Two Ambassadors come from the King of Denmark.

A Letter of Count D'Ognion to the Parliament was read.

Vote, That no Commission be granted to any Lieutenant of Ireland, after the expiring of the Ireland. present Commission to the Lord-Deputy Lambert, and referred it to the Committee touching the Adventurers for Ireland, for encouraging English Protestants to plant there,

Letters of a Body of the Irish together intend­ing for the Lagan.

[21.] Letters of Recruits for Ireland.

Of a Ship fired by a Barrel of Powder, but her Men saved, and she mended and put to Sea again, and was taken by a Ship with Commission from the King of Scots; another Ship taken by a French Pyrate.

That Scurlocke the Arch-Tory met with some English, pretending a Treaty to come in, but upon the advantage they had, they fell upon the English, and disordered them; but another Party of English coming in, routed the Rebels, killed 300 on the place, and took many Prisoners.

Letters to the Parliament, That Van Trump the Van Trump. Dutch Admiral sailing in the Downs, with an un­usual Fleet of 45 Men of War, being demanded the reason of it, said, That he was forced in by Tempestuous Weather, and had no design to prejudice the Common-wealth of England.

This being held a slight Answer, and that there had been no stormy weather, and his slight beha­viour towards the English confirmed a jealousie of him, and notice was given of it to the Council, and to the English Admiral.

Who coming thither, saluted the Dutch Fleet with a single Gun, to require them to strike Sail to ours, they being within the Territories of this Common-wealth, the Honour whereof our Navy was bound to maintain.

But they refusing, a Second Gun was fired, and a Third, which Van Trump answered with a Broad-side, by which our Admiral discerning [Page 509] their intention to fight us, singled out himself from the rest of the Fleet, to treat with Van Trump about that Point of Honour, and to endea­vour to prevent the effusion of Blood, and National quarrel.

But when our Admiral came near Van Trump, he and the rest of his Fleet, contrary to the Law of Nations, coming upon a Treaty, fired upon our Admiral with many hundreds of Shots.

Yet the Admiral, though for some time he fought alone against the whole Dutch Fleet, after four hours fight he forced the Dutch to flight, the darkness of the night not permitting us to follow; we took two of their best Ships in the Fight, and one of them sunk as we brought her to shore, and the Dutch Fleet fled Westward, and ours did cast Anchor in the same Sea where they did fight.

We lost 15 Men, most of them out of the Ad­miral; the loss was great the Dutch had, but the Particulars not known; the Sea-men from the Shore came out in little Boats to assist us.

[22.] A Guard was set upon the Dutch Am­bassadors Dutch Am­bassadors. where they were at Chelsey: The Lieu­tenant-General and many of his Officers went to Dover.

[24.] Letters of the Particulars of the Fight at Sea betwixt the English and the Dutch; That the English Admiral had their Master and others wounded, and received 1000 shot, her Main-Mast Fight in the Downs. shot away, all her Rigging torn, shot between Wind and Water; that they took one of the Dutch of 36 Guns, and sunk another.

That General Blake was sent to by Major Bourne, and came in to the Fleet; and that Van Trump came near to our Fleet when there was no occasion for it, and coming near to General Blakes Ship, he shot Two Guns at Van Trumps Flag, but without Ball, to call to him to strike, and Trump shot on the averse side of his Ship, which was in high dis­dain of the English.

That then Van Trump hung out a Red Flag, which some of his Officers, being Prisoners, confessed was their Signal, and gave a Broad-side to Gene­ral Blake, and so the Fight began between them, and Major Bourne came in to the Ingagement with Eight Ships more, and the Fight continued four hours.

That the next Morning the Dutch Fleet was Four Leagues from ours towards the Coast of France; That General Blake had Six of his Men slain, Nine or Ten desperately wounded, 25 more in danger, and the Master, and one of his Mates; That he received 70 Shot in his Hull, and Masts, and in his Sails and Rigging without number, and sometimes alone fought with the whole Dutch Fleet.

[25.] Letters of an Agreement by Articles between the Officers of the Parliaments Forces Lieutenant-General Ludlow, &c. and the Earl of Ireland. Westmeath, and the grand Tories and Forces in Munster, Connaght and Lemster, for their submissi­on to the Parliament.

Of great differences among the Kirk-men in Scotland.

[26.] The Ambassadors from the King of Denmark had Audience in Parliament.

The Lieutenant-General Cromwel setled the bu­siness of the Fleet at Dover, and returned to London. General Blakes Fleet was re-inforced; the Dutch appeared with 70 Sail, but attempted nothing.

The Act read for continuing the Monthly As­sessment for the Armies.

A Committee appointed to consider in what places, and on what days Markets are fit to be June. kept.

Referred to the Commissioners of the Great Seal to issue out a Commission, and take care for the visiting of the Charter-house Hospital near Kingston upon Hull.

[27.] Letters, That Lieutenant-Collonel Throckmorton met with Duncan, who had 500 Throckmor­ton. Foot, and 400 Horse near Wexford, who had ta­ken all the Cattle, and left not a Cow to give Milk; That at the first Charge the Irish behaved themselves gallantly, and put the English to some disorder, yet the Irish did not pursue, till the English had rallied, and upon the Second Charge the English beat up the Irish to their Horse, and so put them to the rout, killed 200 of them, and many Officers Prisoners, and lost but 30 Men, and 60 wounded.

[28.] Letters, That the Judges at Edenburgh Judges Scotland. met and heard a good Sermon, and then sate in the Court of Justice, and Mr. Smith one of them, made a Speech to the Company, of the occasion of their meeting, and to take off some aspersions cast upon the Parliament by the Ministers, as if they countenanced Heresies and Blasphemies.

Then they caused the Act of Parliament against Heresies to be read, and concluded; That he doubt­ed not but they should give satisfaction to the People of Scotland in the due administration of Justice to them.

Then a List of the Fees of Officers was read, and the Auditory seemed to be much contented.

Of Recruits shipped for Ireland, and of some Vessels taken by Pyrates.

[29.] Letters of the Arrival of Sir George Ascue and his Fleet at Plymouth from the Barbadoes, with 36 Prizes.

[31.] Of the Siege of Dunotter Castle in Scotland, and the high Terms they astand upon; That the High-Sheriffs appointed in Scotland went to execute their Offices.

Of differences among the Ministers in Scotland, and the Lord Wareston and others consulting a­gainst Scotland. the Assembly of the Kirk.

That the People questioned divers great Men before the new Judges, for former injuries and oppressions.

That Collonel Dungan wrote a civil Letter to Lieutenant-Collonel Throckmorton; That since he was Master of the Field, by a fair Dispute, he desired a civil usage of the Prisoners he had taken, and a List of them, and whether Ransomes would be taken for them.

June 1652.

[1.] Letters, That the Holland Fleet was bat­tered, and made unfit for fight.

That the Plague was at Leverpoole.

The Parliament ordered a day of publick Hu­miliation and Fast through England and Wales, and appointed a Committee to prepare a Declara­tion of the grounds of the Fast.

Order for preserving Books and Manuscripts at Winchester.

Report of a Paper from the Agent of the Queen of Sweden, and another from the Ambassador of the King of Denmark read in the House, and An­swers to them agreed upon.

Votes, That nothing in the Articles of Rendi­tion of Limbrick shall extend to any Toleration of the Popish Religion.

[2.] Debate in Parliament, how some Re­trenchment may be made of the charge of the [Page 510] Common-wealth with safety, and how the Reve­nue of the State may be improved, and a Com­mittee was appointed to consider thereof.

Vote, That all Annual Salaries to Officers, for sale of Lands of Bishops, and of Deans and Cha­pters, be suspended till further order.

[4.] Letters, That the Hollanders took into their Ships many Pick-axes, Spades, Shovels, and Barrows, which caused a suspition of their intent to land.

That there was an Imbargo put upon the Dutch Ships in Scotland.

That the English Forces before Dunotter Gastle in Scotland playing with their Guns as it, and ha­ving Dunotter Castle. shot in about Twelve Granadoes, which broke into their great Tower, and killed Seven Men; those in the Castle, notwithstanding their high terms before, yielded upon Conditions, only to march out half a Mile with their Arms, and then to lay them down.

That this was the last Garrison in Scotland unre­duced.

That the Fleet under General Blake was much Blake. encreased in Ships and Men; That he with his Of­ficers and Sea-men kept several days of Humiliati­on in the Fleet,

Of another Ingagement between Captain Moul­ton with some Ships against some of the Dutch, who were beaten by the English.

[5.] Letters, That Prince Rupert took an English Merchants Ship with 39 Guns, and made her his Rear-Admiral, and put in her French and Dutch Mariners, and used the English Mariners very hardly; who consulted among themselves, and one of them, a Carpenter, took his advantage to single out the Captain, and the rest took to single out an outlandish Mariner to each of them.

And thus they subdued and brought away the Vessel into Plymouth, with the Captain and Officers of the Ships Prisoners.

The Parliament order a Reward to these Mari­ners, and an Act to be brought in to encourage o­thers upon the like occasion.

That Prince Rupert met with a Merchant from Guinny richly laden.

[7.] Letters, That great Riches were in Du­notter Castle, the Sword, Scepter, and Crown, but they could not be found.

Divers Highlanders submitted to the Parlia­ment. The Sails of the Dutch Ships were brought on shore at Leith.

A Petition to the Parliament from the Owners and Commoners in Lincoln-shire Fens, for satisfa­ction for Injuries formerly done to them.

An Additional Act passed for sale of Fee-farm Rents.

[9.] The Parliament kept a Solemn day of Humiliation.

[10.] Order for the Reception of Meen heer Paw, Ambassador Extraordinary from the States-General.

A Narrative was published of the late Engage­ment between the English Fleet and Van Trump.

The former publick Minister of the States pre­sented a Paper to the Council of State; Dutch Pa­per.

Taking God, the Searcher of Mans Heart, to wit­ness, that the most unhappy Fight of the Ships of both Common-wealths, did happen against the Knowledge and Will of the Lords States-General of the Ʋnited Netherlands, and that with grief and astonishment they received the fatal News of that unhappy rash Action.

That they did consult and endeavour to find out what remedy chiefly may be applied, to mitigate that raw and bloody Wound; to which end they have writ­ten to gather a Solemn Meeting or Parliament of all the Provinces, whereby they do not doubt but an help will be found out for those troubles, and a better hope of our Treaty in hand; which thing being now most earnestly agitated by our Lords, for the common good of both Nations, to shun that detestable shedding of Christian Blood, (so much desired, and would be dearly bought by the Common Enemies of both Nations, and of the Reformed Religion:) We again do crave this most Honourable Council, and beseech you by the Pledges both of the Common Religion and Liberty, mean while to suffer nothing to be done out of too much heat, that afterwards may prove neither revocable nor repairable, by too late idle Vows and Wishes; but ra­ther that you would let us receive a kind Answer with­out further delay upon our last request.

Signed,
  • J. Catz,
  • G. Schaep,
  • Vanderpeere.

To this the Parliament gave this Answer. Answer.

That calling to mind with what continued Demon­stration of Friendship, and sincere Affections, from the very beginning of their intestine troubles, they have proceeded towards their Neighbours of the Ʋni­ted Provinces, they

Do find themselves much surprized with the unsui­table returns that have been made thereunto, and espe­cially at the Acts of Hostility lately committed in the very Roads of England, upon the Fleet of this Com­mon-wealth; the matter of Fact where of stated in clear proofs, is hereunto annexed.

Ʋpon serious consideration of all, and of the seve­ral Papers delivered in by your Excellencies to the Council of State, the Parliament thinks fit to give this Answer.

As they would be willing to make a Charitable Con­struction of the Expressions used in the said Papers, endeavoring to represent the late Ingagements of the Fleets to have happened without the knowledge, and a­gainst the mind of your Superiours; so when they con­sider how disagreeable to that Profession the Resolu­tions and Actions of your State, and of their Mini­sters at Sea, have been, even in the midst of a Treaty, offered by themselves, and managed here by your Ex­cellencies.

The Extraordinary Preparations of 150 Sail of Men of War, without any visible occasion, but what doth now appear a just ground of jealousie in your own judgments, when your Lordships pretended to excuse it, and the Instructions themselves, given by your said Superiours to their Commanders at Sea, they do find too much cause to believe, that the Lords the States-General of the Ʋnited Provinces have an intention by force to usurp the known Rights of England in the Seas, to destroy the Fleets that are, under God, their Walls and Bulwarks, and thereby to expose this Common-wealth to Invasion at their pleasure, as by this late Action they have attempted to do.

Whereupon the Parliament conceive they are obliged to endeavour, with Gods assistance, as they shall have opportunity, to seek reparations of the wrong already suffered, and security that the like be not attempted for the future.

Nevertheless with this mind and desire, that all differences between the Two Nations may (if possible) be peaceably and friendly composed, as God by his Providence shall open a way thereunto, and Circum­stances shall be conducing, to render such Endeavours less dilatory, and more effectual, than those of this kind hitherto yet have been.

[11.] Letters, That the English Commissio­ners in Scotland published Two Acts for the regu­lating Scotland [Page 511] of the Ministers, and of the Universities in Scotland, and for the Proceedings in Courts of Justice.

[12.] The Dutch Ambassador Meen heer Paw had Audience in Parliament, with the usual So­lemnities, Dutch Am­bassador. and was to make his further Addresses to the Council of State, with the other Ambassa­dors from Holland.

Letters from General Blake of another Fight at Sea, between Captain Peacock and Captain Taylor, with Two of the Parliaments Frigots, and Two of the Hollanders, upon the Coast of Flanders, upon the same account as the former, for refusing Fight at Sea. to strike their Top-Sail; that after a short Dispute, the English boarded one of the Holland Ships, and took all her Officers and Mariners; but she was so torn in the Fight, that she presently sunk, though all means were used to save her, and the other Dutch Ship ran her self upon the Sands to avoid being taken.

The Parliament sent a Letter of Thanks to Captain Peacock and Captain Taylor for their gal­lant Services.

[13.] The Lords day.

Letters from General Blake, (which occa­sioned the Council of State to sit this day) that Blake. he having notice of a Fleet of Hollanders near the Downs, he sent out a Squadron of Men of War to discover them, and they were 26 Sail of Merchant-men laden, with Three Men of War for their Convoys; all which the Squadron brought in to General Blake, who had before stayed Ten more of the Holland Ships.

[14.] The Commissioners in Scotland sate for regulating the Ministers.

A List sent up to the Parliament of the Dutch Men of War and Merchants Ships taken by the Parliaments Fleet, being in all taken 36.

[15.] Letters, That the Connaught and Ʋlster Rebels being joyned, took Ballyshannon in Ireland Ireland. by surrender; but the same day the Lord-Presi­dent of Connaught marched on the other side of the River, which caused the Rebels to go away, leaving a Regiment in Ballyshannon, who surren­dred the Town to the President of Connaught as soon as he came before it.

That they marched over inaccessible Bogs; ma­ny of them took protection and came in; that they had but Eight Barrels of Powder left; that they lost 30 Commissioned Officers at Ballyshannon, and 300 slain, and 1200 more are since come from them.

That the Castle of Drumah was rendred to the Lord Broghill, and a strong Party was sent into Kerry against Rosse.

That the Rebels took another Castle, and were pursued; that many submitted to the Parliament, to whom their Commissioners gave an account of their Affairs, and pray the speeding of Re­cruits.

[16.] Vote, That the Act of Parliament con­stituting Oliver Cromwel Captain-General, and Vote. Commander in Chief of the Armies and Forces raised Cromwel. by their Authority within England, shall extend to the Forces in Ireland, as if Ireland had been therein par­ticularly named.

That the Lord-General be required to appoint such Person as he shall think fit to command the Forces in Ireland, and to Commissionate him accordingly.

Referred to the Council of State to consider what Commission and Powers are fit to be given to such as shall have the Civil Power in Ireland, and the Names of fit Persons to be Commissioners there for that purpose, for the Parliaments ap­probation.

The Military Commissions in Ireland to conti­nue in force, till the Lord-General shall give fur­ther order.

This Vote of putting the Command of the For­ces in Ireland into the Lord-General Crom­wel, was contrived by his Friends, and to satisfie his ambition; but it began the distast and grudge Lambert distated. betwixt him and Major-General Lambert, who being formerly named by the Parliament to be Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and now in effect, that Vote by this repealed, he thought himself highly dishonoured, and affronted by the Lord-General and his Party.

Upon the other Vote for Commissioners to be named to have the Civil Power in them in Ireland, it was propounded and urged to Whitelocke to be Whitelocke. one of them, and the chief of them; and the great Command and Honour of that employment, with considerable profit, was used as an Argument to perswade him to accept of it.

This was suspected to be a design of some ill­willers to him, who would have him sent out of the way, and rid him from his Place of Commis­sioner of the Great Seal, and some believed that Cromwel under hand might be forward in it, not liking his non-complyance with his pleasure in some things, and particularly in some Chancery Causes.

But he excused himself from undertaking this Service, being no advancement in Honour or Pro­fit, and that he did not like the Country; and with some resoluteness of denial he got himself off from being named.

[17.] The General perswaded Whitelocke to accept of the Employment for Ireland, and high­ly Ireland. commended the Country, and the Honourable Employment; but Whitelocke made the same ex­cuses to him as he had done before.

[18.] Letters, That when the Rebels stormed Ballyshannon Castle, 300 of them were slain, though but 60 Men were in the Castle; and at the re-ta­king of it by the Parliaments Forces within Ten days after, they took 1000 Prisoners, and 8000 Cows.

[19.] Letters of Preparations to invade the Highlands with Three Brigades marching several Scotland. ways.

That a Convention of the Kirk was held at Dalkeith, and dissolved by the Women of the Town.

That 50 of the Parliaments Men of War went from the Downs Northwards.

[21.] Letters of a Debate in the Synod at Edenburgh, about drawing up of a Paper, stiled, A Testimony against the present incroaching of the Kirk Pre­rogative. Civil Power upon the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, which they took from the Proclamation concerning the Committee for Visitation of the Universities, and declaring, That they will remove scandalous Mini­sters; which hath highly incensed them, those Pro­ceedings being special Flowers of their Kirk-Pre­rogative, that ought to be managed only by them­selves; and they concluded their Declaration.

That in the Synod in Fife they made a Prote­station against the publick Resolutions of the Civil Power.

That Two French Frigots took Two or Three English Ships upon the Scots Coast.

That the King of Scots was transacting with the Dutch about their fishing in the narrow Seas, and had offered them large Priviledges.

That Sir George Ascue came with his Fleet of Sir George Ascue. 11 Men of War from Plymouth into Dover Road, and after he had saluted General Blake with all his Guns, and the whole Fleet returned him the like [Page 512] Salutation, Sir George came aboard the General and all his Captains, and dined with him.

These Salutes of the Guns gave the Country an Alarme, so that they flocked to the Sea side ex­pecting a Fight. that the Parliaments Navy was a­bove 100 men of War.

Two Regiments Shipped on Board the Navy.

That the Dutch Ships forbear to come through the narrow Seas, but put into Ports of France, and go home by Land.

[22.] An Act passed for transferring the powers of the Committee of Indemnity, to the Committee for compounding.

A Petition touching Registring Conveyances, Register. upon which, an order, for bringing in the Bill for that business.

[23.] It was particularly given to Whitelocke in charge, to prepare for the debate with the Dutch Ambassadors upon the Treaty, for main­taining the right of the Common-wealth, in the Dominion of the British Seas.

[25.] Letters of the Synods meeting at Perth, Kirk Tu­mult. and citing the Ministers and People, who had ex­pressed a dislike of their heavenly Government, that the men being got out of the way, their Wifes re­solved to answer for them.

And on the day of appearance, 120 Women with good Clubs in their Hands came and besieged the Church where the Reverend Ministers sat.

They sent one of their number to Treat with the Females, and he threatning Excommunication, they basted him for his labour, kept him Prisoner, and sent a party of 60, who routed the rest of the Clergy, bruised their bodies sorely, took all their Baggage, and 12 Horses.

That one of the Ministers after a miles running, taking all Creatures for his Foes, meeting with a Soldier fell on his knees for Quarter, who knowing nothing of the matter, asked the Black-Coat what he meant.

That these Conquerors having laid hold on the Synod Clerk, beat him till he forswore his Of­fice.

That 13 of the Ministers rallied about 4 Miles from the place, and voted, that this Village should never more have a Synod kept in it, but be accursed; and that although in the years 1638 and 39, the Godly Women were called up for stoning the Bishops, yet now the whole Sex should be esteemed wicked.

[26.] Letters, That a Pinnace of 40 Tun be­ing to be Launched, was by the Seamen and Soldi­ers drawn 6 miles over Land.

That the Lieutenant-General was sat down be­fore Rosse in Ireland, that the Connaught and Ʋlster Forces were very numerous, and Collonel Reynolds and Venables in pursuit of them.

[28.] Letters of the great Fire in Glascow, which burned most part of the Town, and the Mi­nisters Preached, that this was for their complyance with the Sectaries.

That by Thunder and Lightning on the last Lords-Day at Church-Lawton in Cheshire, Eleven Persons during the Sermon were struck dead in the Congregation.

Much hurt was done at Greenwich by Storms, and a strange kind of Hail, and a Ship coming up the Storm. River there had her Mast quite taken away, and her Sails and Tackle torn, several Boats were turned over, and many People drowned.

The Thunder and Lightning burnt a Barn in Essex, and the Steeple and much of the Church, and melted the Lead and Bells at Okenden.

[29.] A Petition to the Parliament signed by Petition. many Thousands, setting forth the miseries of the War indured by them, in hopes that their Rights and the Fundamental Laws (formerly corrupted by the King, with his Instruments the Clergy, Lawyers, and Statesmen) would be restored, as was promised, by the Parliament and Army, whereupon they were invited to assist them, They pray,

1. That no man be attached, &c. But according to the old Law of the Land, and whatsoever hath been done contrary thereunto, by Committees, Courts-Mar­tial, High Courts of Justice, or the like may be abo­lished.

2. That no man be put to his defence, but by pre­sentment of faithful Men, and lawful witnesses face to face.

3. That no man be compelled by Oath to answer a­gainst himself.

4. That all Suits may be determined without Appeal by a prefixt time, in the Hundred, or County Courts by Juries, and no more tedious Travelling to London, nor vexation, and consumption of mens Estates, by the Chan­cery and other Courts of Westminster, nor further at­tendance upon Committees, nor long Imprisonments, that Malefactors may have speedy Tryals, that Bail may not be denied, where it ought to be taken, that food and neces­saries may be provided for Prisoners, at the Common Charge, and no Fees taken by Goalers, that all proceed­ings in Law, may be free from the Parties to the Offi­cers.

5. That punishments may be proportioned to the of­fences, that nothing be deemed Treason, but what tends to the Subversion of Fundamental Liberty; and that in Criminal causes the parties damnified may be satisfied out of the Estates of the Offenders, and not confiscate to the Common-wealth, and that Witnesses may be Sworn for the accused, as well as for the Prosecutor.

6. That none be questioned or molested for matter of Conscience or Religion, the grounds of implacable trou­ble, and the very spawn of Tyranny and Superstition, and that Tithes sprung from the same Root, and tending to the same ends, and to the obstruction of Tillage and Industry may also cease, and no inforced maintenance imposed, in the place thereof.

7. That Copyholds and the like, and the Court of Wards, and unjust descents to the Eldest Son onely, the principal remaining Badges of the Norman Conquest, and main support of Regal Tyranny, may be taken a­way.

8. That there be no Imprisonment for Debt, but all Estates be made liable to make satisfaction, nor the rich turn Prisons into places of Protection.

9. That none be pressed for War, the power of Coun­ties being sufficient to suppress all Insurrections and for­rein Invasions.

10. That Trade be free, and exempt from Monopo­lies, and disburdening Customs, Excise, and all Char­ges, and all publick Monies to be equally raised.

11. That all Sheriffs, Justices, Coroners, Consta­bles and the like, be annually chosen by those of the place.

12. That all Laws contrary to these Fundamentals, be repealed.

13. That Parliaments or Common-Councels of Eng­land, may be returned to the old course to be annually elected, and satisfaction given to the Nation in point of Accounts, and the publick Faith satisfied, arrears of Soldiers paid, Juries duely chosen, Registers appointed to ascertain all Mortgages and Sale of Lands, care taken of the Poor, and wast places assigned for them, the Printing Presses set at liberty.

The Parliament debated the Business of the Votes in Answer to Dutch Pa­per. Dutch Ambassadors, and passed these resolutions to the Ambassador in answer to his Papers.

  • 1. That the Lords the States General do pay to this Common-wealth, the charges and dammages they have sustained, by their attempts.
  • [Page 513] 2. That upon payment or securing thereof, shall be a Cessation, and their Ships, and goods released.
  • 3. This being assented to, and put in Execution, the security for the time to come, to be a firm amity, and interest of the 2 States for the good of both.

The Parliament received another Paper from the Dutch Ambassadors, that they were commanded Home, and desired Audience to take their leaves, which was appointed to morrow.

A Letter from the King of Denmarks Ambassa­dors for Audience, they were appointed to have it the next day but one.

[30.] The Dutch Ambassadors had Audience in the House, with the usual Ceremonies. The Lord Dutch Am­bassadors. Paw made a Latine Oration, which he gave in writing to the Speaker, with a Petition from the Merchants of the Intercourse, they went all away this Night.

Letters from Amsterdam, That the Dutch are very high against the English; and for a War with them.

The Ambassadors having received the last Re­solutions of the Parliament of England, demanding satisfaction for all their Damages, it gave such a dis­tast to their Excellencies that they presently resol­ved according to their Instructions to return Home, and went to Graves-End this day, and ma­ny Letters came from Holland, mentioning the great Preparations there made for the War at Sea.

July 1652.

[1.] Much discourse was upon the departing of the Dutch Ambassadors, some Members of Par­liament being unsatisfied with the dismission of them, and that so high Terms were insisted on by the Parliament.

[2.] Letters of 800 Irish come in, and many Thousands of them stand out because they cannot be pardoned for their Murders.

From Collonel Hewson of his Proceedings, and that, an ambush being laid by the Irish, for a Cap­tain Hewson. of the English and Collonel Pretty, he escaped, Ireland. and a party sent out by Collonel Hewson killed 4 of them, released their Prisoners, and took divers Rebels and 16 Horses.

That another party sent out by him killed 40 of the Rebels, and took 30 good Horses. That Col­lonel Hewson denied to give or take any quarter with them.

That Slego was surrendred, and that Sir Thomas Jones killed 2 Collonels, 10 Captains, and 300 of a party of 3000 of the Rebels, and took all their Horse.

[3.] Letters of the English Forces gotten into the Highlands, of Ships come into Leith with pro­visions.

Of several late Successes in Ireland.

That the Enemy burnt Portumney Town, and Collonel Ingolsby relieved them, and routed all their Horse, and Surrounded their Foot in a Bog.

That the Irish were in the Field with about 4000 Men. That the Lord Broghill did good Execution upon the Irish, and pursued them 4 miles, took 100 Horse, and rescued a prey of 200 Beefs.

That the Lord Muskerry was come in to the Par­liament with his Forces.

That General Blake with a gallant Fleet went Blake. Northwards, and left Sir George Ascue to com­mand the rest of the Fleet in the Downs, who took Ascue. 5 Dutch Merchant-men, and General Blake took 2 July. Men of War, and 2 Merchant men. 500 Soldiers sent on Board Sir George Ascue.

That after this Sir George Ascue and the Fleet with him met with 40 Dutch Ships, took 7 of them, and burnt 4, and about 24 of them ran on ground on the French Shoar, and he pursued the rest, and this Fight was gallantly performed by him, after so long a Voyage, which his Ships had gone, and were very foul.

[5.] Letters from the Parliaments Commis­sioners in Ireland, That Sir Charles Coote, and Col­lonel Ireland. Reynolds had reduced Slego. That the Lord Clanrickard had sent for a Treaty, and that the Lieutenant-General had routed a party of the Ene­my, and marched towards Rosse. That the Lord Muskerry sent for another Treaty, that the Lord Broghill took 80 Horse, killed about 50, took Lieu­tenant-Collonel Supple, and 2 Colours and Arms, yet the Irish were double his Number, and he re­gained 200 Cattle.

Of Recruits come into Ireland.

[6.] A Declaration past concerning the diffe­rences of England, with the Netherlands.

Letters from Sir George Ascue, of his Fight with Ascues Sea Fight. the Dutch, who were 40 Merchants, and 4 men of War; he took 7 of them, and burnt 3, and few that ran on Shoar escaped, that the French defended them from the English, yet coming on board their Ships plundred them.

That Captain Wright made a gallant Fight with one of them, and forced him on Shoar and burnt him, and Captain Wright lost 8 men, and above 20 wounded, and Captain Wright himself lost his Leg with a great Shot, and few or none of his Officers but were wounded.

That of those Irish who submitted, not a 4th man laid down their Arms.

[9.] Letters of Recruits sent for Ireland.

That some of the Parliaments Forces were Highlands. marched 20 Miles into the Highlands, where the Country of the Fraziers all (except one inconside­rable Person with a few people) came in, and sub­mitted to the Parliament.

That General Blake with a Fleet of 60 Sail, pas­sed in Sight of Dunbar towards the North, to at­tend Blake. the Holland Busses, and sent for the Frigots and Parliaments Vessels in those parts, who went to him.

That the Scots reported the Dutch to have taken 25 Sail of the Parliaments Ships in a Fight there.

That divers Barks were come in to Air, with provisions for the Parliaments Forces, and 4 Fri­gots, and several small Vessels come thither for their Assistance.

[10.] Dr. Winston a Physitian, in the begin­ning Dr. Win­ston. of the late Troubles, by leave of the House of Lords, went over into France, and there continued till very lately that he returned into England, in his Absence none being here to look after his Busi­ness for him, his Estate was sequestred, as if he had been a Delinquent, and his place and lodgings (as Physick Professor in Gresham Colledge) were taken from him, tho he had never acted any thing against the Parliament, but had been out of England all the time of the Troubles, whereupon applications be­ing made to the Committee of Sequestrations, an order was procured for his being restored to his place and lodgings in Gresham Colledge, and the Sequestration of his Estate which was 500 l. per annum was also taken off.

Letters of the Dutch preparations for Sea, and the Petitions of many of their people, to have Let­ters of Marque against the English.

[Page 514] That about 60 Sail of their men of War showed themselves to Sir George Ascue's Fleet, but at­tempted nothing.

[12.] Letters, That some eminent Scots in the Highlands, have submitted to the Parliament of England.

That there wants English Ministers in Scot­land.

From Yarmouth, That the Hollanders have 180 Busses at Sea, and 60 men of War for their Guard, that General Blake was near them.

That Van Trump was seen in the Downs with a­bout 100 Sail of Ships, nearer to Sir George Ascue.

That Meen heer Schaep sent to the Parliament, thanks for their civility to him, and that the States sent to forbid their Fleets from taking any more of the Ships of the Parliament.

[13.] Upon a Report from the Councel of State, the Parliament voted,

That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, do Com­mand in Chief the Forces in Ireland, under the Fleetwood. Lord-General, and that he be one of the Commis­sioners for the Civil affairs of Ireland.

Votes concerning the Satisfaction of Publick Faith monies, by taking Lands forfeited in Ire­land.

Referred to a Committee to consider what Ca­thedrals are fit to stand, or what to be pulled down, and how such as shall be pulled down, may be ap­plied to the payment of the Publick Faith.

Debate upon a Bill for Sale of Forfeited Lands, and upon another Bill touching Receivers, &c.

Letters, That the Dutch appeared with a Fleet of 102 Sail of Ships, and 10 Fire-Ships, near Sir George Ascue, intending to Intercept some Ships Ascue. coming to him out of the River, to whom Sir George sent to stay there, that a Squadron of 40 of the Dutch Ships came up to Sir George, within a League of him.

That 2 Plat-Forms were planted by Deal Castle, to fall upon the Enemy if they came near, but up­on changing of the wind, they all steared away again.

Many debenters forged, upon which Purchasers were cheated. That the charge of the Survey of a Ireland. Mannor came to 255 l. 12 s. being 226 Sheets of Paper, and the value of the Mannor but 300 l. per annum, and a life allowed upon it, so at 6 years purchase, the Reversion came to but 1800 l. where­of half was in doubled money; and that with Fees and Charges of Conveyances &c. took off 3 parts of the purchase money.

[16.] Letters of the Agreement by the Lieu­tenant-General Ludlow with the Lord Muskerry, and the Forces in Munster to submit to the Parlia­ment, and Rosse to be surrendred to them.

That the Earl of Clanrickard, and the Lord Mus­grove were come in, that the Lord Slain, was taken the last week by Collonel Stanley, and most of those with him killed, and not a considerable party of them left, and none of them have quarter given them.

[17.] Letters, That the Fleet could get no fur­ther than Aberdeen, by reason of the contrary winds.

That Collonel Overton with his Regiment, and 3 Troops of Horse, and 2 Troops of Dragoons, Scots. Sailed to Ostold, and took in a strong Castle in Argyles Country.

That the Grandees and chief Gentlemen round about the Highlands, were come in to the Parlia­ment of England, that many of the Soldiers were severely punished for stragling and plundering.

That General Blake had taken 3 or 4 of the Dutch Busses, and one man of War, and sent them up.

[19.] Letters of several Garrisons settled for the Parliament of England in the High-lands, that 600 High-landers were up in Arms. That the Lord Glencarne, and divers of the Chief of the Clans were come in to the Major-General, that the People generally speak Irish, go in their pladdes about their middles both Men and Women, & their Houses (except a few of Stone) are onely of Earth and Turfs.

That the English Forces in the Highlands, were careful to do no wrong to the Inhabitants, nor to their Corn, most of them went from their Houses, as they use to depasture their Cattle, and return not till harvest, that the English could get nothing from them for their money.

That the Holland Fleet were exactly numbred to 92 Ships, whereof 6 were Fire Ships, and 3 Galli­ot Dutch Fleet. Hoyes, and about 10 small Frigots about 8 or 10 Guns a piece, about 20 of them were good and firm Ships of about 30 or 40 Guns, the rest Ships of a middle Size, that four Ships more were come to them out of Zealand.

That upon the North of Whitby; the Dutch Fleet was met of about 107 Sail, and that they said they lay to find out the English Fleet.

That 20 Dutch men of War, were plying up and down by Southwold Bay, and 80 more of the Dutch discovered.

Letters pretended from Van Trump to his Friend at Rotterdam, that the English Fleet, being assaulted by him, some threw their Guns over-board, o­thers cut their Cables, and all fled, and that he had taken 40 of them.

That new Letters of Marque were granted by the States against the English.

[20.] An Act past for relief of double As­sessments.

Debate upon the Act for Sale of Forfeited Lands.

[23.] Letters of Pyrats from France infesting the Coast about Scilly.

That Sir George Ascue with his Fleet of 50 Sail Ascue. went from the Downs Westward, to attend the Dutch Fleet, That Van Trump was about Newcastle, and chased 2 English Ships, who ran themselves on ground to avoid being taken by the Dutch, one of which they fired, and the other they waited for till the Sea came in, and carried her away.

Of the difficulties passed by the English Forces in the Highlands, the extremities there both of Heat Highlands. and Cold, at this time, scorching of the Sun, and yet snow upon the mountains to cool them, that the Inhabitants faced them continually, that Veni­son is plenty there, though Mutton be dear, and the Springs better than Sack at Leith.

That the Horse-men are apt to ride over the tops of their Houses.

That the Army had 400 Baggage Horses led by the Country-men, loaden with Bread and Cheese, that they guarded their Horses from the Corn.

[24.] Letters, That General Blake had taken Blake. 100 of the Holland Busses, and in them 1500 men, the rest secured themselves in Bressies Bay in Scot­land.

[26.] Letters of a Declaration presented to the Kirke Assembly at Edenburgh. Of the Lords Kirke. dispensations towards that Land.

That the Ordinances of Jesus Christ have been pro­stituted to a Prophane mixt multitude, the Church im­pure.

That none should be admitted Members of a Church, but such as with a profession of truth, join such a blame­less and Gospel-like behaviour as they be esteemed in a rational judgement of Charity, believers and their Chil­dren, that such were the Churches formed by the Apo­stles.

[Page 515] 1 Rom. 7. Beloved of the Lord called Saints, and Rom. 5. 8. and 1 Cor. 6. 18. to the whole Church, and v. 19. and 20. the exhortation is to all the Church, and their faults were Sins incident to Saints though justly reproveable, and 2 Thess. 3. 15. yet are they to be esteemed Brethren.

3. Math. compared with the 7 Lu. 30. Shew that John the Baptist would not admit the Pharisees to be Baptized.

That we are under a snare by our Sinful mixture, 1 Cor. 10. 16. 17. and 2 Cor. 6. 17. touch no un­clean thing v. 14. 15.

No hope of purging the Ministery, Elderships, or Presbyteries.

Nor can a Rule for it be agreed upon.

That the Congregational way comes nearer to the pattern of the word, than the Classical form, and that the Congregation hath full power of judging in them­selves. Matth. 18. 15. 16. 17. 18. power of binding and loosing.

The Elders with a Congregation or without cannot be called a Church.

Act. 15. 22. 23. and Act. 14. 23. acceptation of the Word Elders.

The Church Congregational is the first Judicatory, and have the power of binding and loosing. The power of Elders onely is dogmatical.

That for the first 300 years the Church was partly Aristocratical.

Take heed lest ye be snares to the people of God in the Land, and do not censure us for following our own light and Consciences in this great matter of Concern­ment to us.

[27.] Letters, That the English Soldiers in the Highlands. Highlands were healthful, and civilly Treated by the Inhabitants upon Command of the Marquess of Argyle, who also entertained the Collonels with much State.

That the Country is very Mountainous, yet the Vallies rich, the People simple and ignorant in the things of God, and some of them as Brutish as Heathens.

That some of the Inhabitants did hear the Eng­lish Preachers, with great Attention and Groan­ing.

That the Holland Fleet was still off about New­castle about 105 Ships, not many of those strong Dutch-Fleet. and serviceable, but weakly man'd, their men dye fase, their Victuals short, already at half allow­ance.

That the Dutch took several English Vessels, and made their men serve under them.

[28.] Order for the Commitment of the Earl of Worcester, being come into England with­out Licence, and for bringing him to his Tryal.

Referred to the Councel of State to take care for prevention of breaches of the Peace.

Letters from the Queen of Sweden to the Par­liament, read, wherein She Subscribes her self, Q. Sweeden

Vestrabona Amica, Christina.

Referred to the Committee of the Army, to re­ceive any Propositions, for easing the Charge of the Common-wealth, and to report them to the House.

[29.] Letters, That the Dutch Fleet seised di­vers English Fishermen and other small Vessels, and forced their men to serve in the Dutch Fleet.

Letters, That the Presbyterian Spirit in Scot­land, blows higher, and equally storms against the Scots Pres­byterian. Papists and Sectaries. That the Independents en­deavour to settle a freedom there from the Tyran­ny of the Presbyterian Classes, and Prelatical High Commissioners not excluding moderate dissenters from Church Government, from a Share in the advantages of Government.

[31.] That no intelligence could come from General Blake, being so far to the Northward, and Blake. the Dutch Fleet between him and home, but by letters from Holland to several Merchants, and to Mr. Strickland, the Parliaments late Agent there, they write,

That General Blake had fallen upon the Convoy to their fishing Busses, which were 12. men of War, and had sunk 3 of them, taken the other 9. seised upon their fishing Busses, and unloaden what fish they had taken, but afterwards dismissed their fish­ermen, and sent them home.

That he had taken 3 Dutch Merchant men richly laden coming from the East-Indies.

That General Blake having dispersed and dimist the Dutch Fishermen, was upon his return home­wards, and neer the Dutch Fleet, ready to ingage with them.

That Sr. George Ascue went to the Westward Ascue. with his Fleet to convoy and bring to Plymouth▪ 5 of the English Merchants East India Ships, which he did; and nothing was attempted against him by the Dutch.

August, 1652.

[2.] Letters, That the Lord Argyle kept his word in the entertainment of the Parliaments For­ces in the High-lands.

That some of the Brotherhood in Scotland, were, up in Arms, and gainsayed the Major-General in his approaches to them.

Of Several places in the High-lands Garrison'd by the Parliaments Forces.

A Protestation of divers Ministers in Scotland, Kirke. to the Ministers and Elders met at Edenburgh, de­siring a Conference about reconciling differences, and against insufficient Scandalous and corrupt Ministers in the Kirke.

From General Blake to the Parliament with a Blake. List of the Dutch men of War taken by him, who were to convoy the Fishermen, in all 12 Ships, two of which were since Sunk.

From the Commissioners in Ireland, That of the Lord Muskerryes party 3000 Foot, and 700 Horse-men mounted, 300 unmounted have brought in their Horse and Armes, and the Lord Muskerry himself intends to go for Spain, and to carry with him 1000 Men, and to return again, if he can ob­tain any considerable Command.

That a party of Rebells is still in Kerry against Ireland. whom Sir Charles Coote is marched, That the Earl of Clanrickard and the Forces under him, being bea­ten from their fastnesses by Sir Charles Coote, and Collonel Reynolds and Collonel Venables, and by planting some Garrisons, and securing some passes, could not continue longer in a body together, so that the Earl and his party have come in and Sub­mitted, and have leave to Transport 5000 Men.

An acknowledgement by the Officers of the Ar­my, of the Parliaments care in sending provisions to them.

[3.] Letters of a Conference of the Commis­sioners with the Officers of the Army, about re­ceiving some of the Irish into Protection.

[4.] The Act past for sale of Lauds forfeited, with the names of the Persons, whose Estates were to be sold.

Letters, That General-Blake was coming South­wards, and had sent 6 of the 12 Dutch men of War Blake. to attend Major-General Dean in Scotland, that di­vers Dutch were Slain and wounded, and some of [Page 516] the English, and 900 Dutch Prisoners, That Gene­ral Blake had but 8 Frigots in this action, against 12 Dutch.

That Lieutenant Mathews was robbed by his own Servant of 300 l.

[5.] That Sir Thcophilus Jones, sent out to get some Provisions, was met with by a far greater Ireland. Party of the Enemy, who ingaged with him, but Sir Theophilus killed 300 of them, took some Pri­soners; and a Collonel, a Lieutenant-Collonel, 2 Majors and 8 Captains, besides Inferior Officers were Slain, and he lost not one Officer, one Lieu­tenant was wounded, and 60 common Soldiers with Sword, but not one man of the English Slain.

That Collonel Venables rescued many Cattle, pur­sued a party of 60 Tories, left but 6, or 8 of them, and drove others to the Mountaines, that the Ʋl­sters desired a Treaty.

[6.] Letters of a Soldier executed for running away from his Colours.

Of pirates on the Western coast, and not a small Vessel escapes them, that they have 36 Oares.

[7.] That the Scots could not agree at Eden­burgh.

That divers gentlemen in the High lands, sub­scribed to act nothing prejudicial to the Common-wealth of England, and submitted to it.

[9.] Letters, That the Major-General had found out a Vale, between the Marre and Athole which would keep 1500 Horse for 14 daies, and Highlands. therefore would stay longer in the High lands, and had sent a summons to Clankerry and his forces a­bout 2000 men to come in to him.

That Van Trump with 125 Sail of Ships, was upon the Coast of Aberdeen, and took an English Van Trump. Ship worth 2000 l. and detained all the men, that he had 5 fire Ships, 5 Gallies for Intelligence, and 115 men of War.

That General Blake was come near to Van Trump.

That the Earl of Glencare, and divers Gentlemen were with the Major-General, who punished di­vers Soldiers for pillaging.

That the French had taken an English Ship of 300 Tuns.

That Sir George Ascue took 4 Prizes French and Dutch, and brought in 4 English Ships. Ascue.

That Zealand and Amsterdam Petitioned the States, to give Commissions to Prince Rupert and his Fleet.

[10.] Order of Parliament for a day of Pub­lick Humiliation.

A Bill read for the Settlement of Ireland.

An Act passed to inable the Judges of the Nor­thern Circuit to hold Assizes at Durham.

Referred to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Justices of Peace of London, to examine what Lead St. Pauls. had been taken off from St. Pauls Church, and to prevent the taking away any more.

Letters, That General Blake was off at Sea near Scarborough, and that 44 Dutch Ships were near Rye in Sussex.

That the new Committee of Sequestrations in Hertford Shire, make void the former Leases of Sequestred Lands, contrary to right.

[11.] Letters, That Trump by a Storm at Sea, Van Trump. had the greatest part of his Navy lost, and spoiled, and came home with but 40 Ships, 60 men of War missing, and Two of their East-India Ships cast away.

[12.] An Act passed for settling the Affairs of Ireland, for satisfaction to the Adventurers and Soldiers out of Lands there, and for Provision of maimed Soldiers, and for the Widows of Soldiers slain in the Parliaments service there, and a List of August. the Persons excepted from pardon.

[13.] A Petition from the Officers of the Army Pe­tition. Lord-General his Army, reciting that they had often sought the Lord, and desire these particulars to be considered.

1. That speedy and Effectual meanes, may be used for promoting the Gospel; Prophane and Scandalous Ministers be outed, good Preachers incouraged, main­tenance for them Provided, and Tithes taken away.

2. For regulation of the Law, and what the Com­mittee for it, have propounded, may be debated, and in­couragement given to them.

3. That Prophane, Scandalous and Disaffected Persons in all places of Authority may be removed by Act of Parliament, and well affected Persons put in, and all to be such as fear God and hate Covetousness.

4. To redress abuses in the Collecting and Manage­ing of Excise.

5. That publick Faith Debts be justly Satisfied, and firct to the poorer sort, and before any more of the pub­lick Revenue be given away to particular persons.

6. For stating the Accounts and satisfying the ar­reares of Soldiers, and care for maimed Soldiers, and Widdowes and Children of Soldiers slain.

7. That all Articles of War given to the Enemy, may be made good.

8. That the publick Revenue may be brought into one Treasury, with Officers to be appointed by Parliament, and their receipts and disbursement published half yearly.

9. That a Committee may be appointed out of the House, to consider of unnecessary Offices and Salaries.

10. For setting the Poor to work, punishing beg­gars, and providing for the impotent.

11. For liberty in Corporations, for those who have served the Parliament to use Manual occupations.

12. For qualifications of such as shall sit in future Parliaments.

The Speaker from the Parliament returned to Answer. the Petitioners the hearty thanks of the house, for their great care and love to the publick.

Many were unsatisfied with this petition, look­ing Cromwel. upon it, as improper, if not arrogant for the Officers of the Army to the Parliament their Mas­ters, and Cromwel, was advised, to stop this way of their petitioning by the Officers of the Army with their swords in their hands, lest in time it may come too home to himself. But he seemed to slight or rather to have some design by it in order to which he put them to prepare way for him.

Letters of the Ships come with Armes, Ammu­nition, and men, which were feared to have been lost.

That the Major-General was retreated to St. Johns Town, wanting provisions to continue the pursuit of the thievish Highlanders.

Of the Highlanders generally submitting to the Parliament of England.

That the Hart Frigot fought with 3. Dutch ships, but was taken by them.

[14.] Letters, That the Dutch fleet that ap­peared neer the Goodwin Sands caused the Kentish men to be up in armes, lest they should land.

That a Portugal Ambassador was arrived at Ply­mouth.

From General Blake to the Councel, that he was Blake. safely arrived with his Fleet from the Northward.

Of a Dutch private man of war taken after a Sharp fight, sunk by two English Catches.

[15.] Letters to the Councel of State, of Ge­neral Blakes standing off to the coast of Holland to looke after the Dutch fleet, who were gone off from the Coast of Sussex.

[16.] Letters, That the Commissioners for the several Counties in Scotland were to meet at Eden­burgh, [Page 517] to choose Commissioners to attend the Par­liament of England.

That the Assembly of the Kirke at Edenburgh, a­greed upon an Act and Overture of the general As­sembly, for the peace and Ʋnion of the Kirke. With Kirk. a letter to the Nobility and Gentry, and all other wise and pious persons to promove the same.

[17.] Vote for transportation of all Commodi­ties to the Parliaments quarters in Ireland custom-free.

Referred to the Councel of State to send over Preachers into Ireland and to give them Salaries.

Referred to the Commissioners in Ireland to provide for maimed Soldiers and Widowes there.

Addition of names to the Bill for sale of for­feited lands.

Letters of a Fleet of Dutch Ships upon the Sus­sex coast, who took and plundered some English Fishermen; that the Country thereabouts fired their Beacons.

[18.] That 42 of Trump's scattered Ships were safe at Shetland, and the Two East-India Ships sup­posed to be lost.

That Sir George Ascue and the Dutch Fleet were ingaged about Plymouth, and there had passed be­tween Ascue. them 2 or 3000 Shot.

[19.] Letters, That Argyle promised to go and submit to the Parliament of England.

[20.] Letters, That Sir George Ascue was in­gaged Fight. with 80 Sail of the Dutch near Plymouth, as Captain Packe related, who was brought off in a Ketch, having his Leg shot off; that 200 Men went from Shore chearfully in their Boats to re­lieve Sir George Ascue.

That the Hollanders lost Two Ships, one sunk, and the other burnt, and got away to the French Shore; that the Fight was very hot, and the Eng­lish lost some precious Men; the Fight continued four Hours, and the night parted them.

That Sir George Ascue lost 12 Men, and received 60 Shot in his Hull; that the Dutch had 55 Men of War and 15 Merchant-men in this Ingagement, and Sir George Ascue much fewer.

[21.] Letters of Fishermen taken by the Dutch, and some cleared by the Admiralty of Am­sterdam.

That Sir George Ascue continued Three days fighting with the Dutch; that 100 of his wounded Men were sent into Plymouth, and 500 Men went from thence to recruit his Fleet.

[23.] Letters of divers Clans in the High-lands come in to Collonel Overton.

That some Highlanders way-laid Captain Powel in a narrow Pass, but he brake through them, and the Country rose upon others, took their Captain, and brought him to Collonel Morgan.

[24.] An Act passed for stating the Accounts of the Officers and Soldiers in Ireland.

A Commission past for managing the Affairs in Ireland, the Committee were the Lord-Ge­neral Commit­tee for Ireland. Cromwel, Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, Lieutenant-General Ludlowe, Mr. Corbet, Collonel Jones, and Mr. Weaver.

Letters, That Sir George Ascue, by advice of his Council of War, went after the Dutch Fleet to the Ascue. Coast of France, and there engaged them, who were 90 Sail of Ships, 30 of them Merchant-men, who left their Fleet upon the beginning of the In­gagement.

That Sir George had but 38 Sail, and four Fire-ships, and four Scouts; that he, and four others, charged through the whole Body of the Enemies Fleet, and received many Shots in their Hulls, Masts, Sails, and Rigging, the Enemies design being to spoil them; but Sir George tacked a­bout, and weathered them, and charged them all again, and so continued ingaged till dark night.

That he lost but one Fire-ship, which set her self on fire, being ready to sink, and saved her Men, and turned her among the Enemy. That the Dutch Admiral was sunk. That the next day the English Fleet kept sight of the Dutch Fleet, but would not ingage upon the French Coast, but went to the Northward to repair their Ships.

[26.] Letters of some Ships with Coal come into Yarmouth for London.

That General Blake was sailed towards Sir Blake. George Ascue, and had taken two Dutch Ships loaden with Victuals, and Sir George had taken Two more loaden with Salt and Strong-water.

[27.] Letters, That the Commissioners from the Shires in Scotland had chosen 21 Men, 14 for Scotland. to represent the Countries, and Seven the Boroughs to attend the Parliament of England.

Of Forts made in the Highlands by the English Soldiers, who wrought hard in them; of Two Chiefs of the Clans standing out there, and of the obstinacy of the Kirk-men.

Of strange Apparitions in the Air at Dalkeith, shapes of Men clashing together as in a Skirmish, a great Light in a Circle.

[28.] Letters of [...]ive Pyrates about the Lands-end, who have taken many English Vessels Prizes.

That Captain Hinde the famous High-way Rob­ber was condemned at the Assizes.

That General Blake had taken Six Dutch Prizes, Blake. and was commanded back to the Downs, and had sent Six Frigots to Sir George Ascue.

That General Blake took Two more Dutch Pri­zes; one of them fought single with Captain Stoakes Three hours before she did submit.

Of another rich Prize taken in Wales.

Order for an Act for payment of Debts by publick Faith, and for another to prevent mischiefs to Persons barred from relief in Equity, by plead­ing Outlaries.

A Committee appointed to receive Petitions, and consider which of them are fit for the House, and which propet for Courts of Justice.

[29.] Letters to the Council from Captain Pen this Lords day, of his taking Six Dutch Ships Pen. Prizes, richly laden, one of them 30 Guns, yet none of them struck a stroak to defend them­selves.

[30.] Letters, That the Major-General in Scotland resolved to turn every Stone, rather than to strike, to get in the Highlanders.

That about 40 Sail of Dutch Men of War on the Scotch Coast, took some English Vessels; That Five of their Men of War were cast away by a late Storm, and Two East-India Ships lost their Masts.

Complaint of corrupt Magistrates, and of igno­rant and scandalous Ministers, abounding in Here­ford-shire, Compalint and other places, that the Lord will de­story the Parliament Party, (as the Writer fears) by permitting a Combustion within their own Bowels, and letting in a Forreign Enemy, and do his work by others more honest.

That the Scouts sent out to discover the Dutch could not find any of them.

[31.] Articles of Surrender of the Planta­tion of Virginia into the Hands of the Parliament, Virginia. read and confirmed, and an Order for a Patent to be granted to them.

An Act passed for setting apart a day of publick Humiliation.

September 1652.

[1.] Letters of many English and Dutch go­ing on foot to London, their Ships taken by Gene­ral Blake, or by Van Trump.

[2.] Order for all the Members of the House to meet to morrow to keep the Thanksgiving-day.

An Act for calling home Sea-men from Forreign Service, ordered.

Order to reserve from sale Scilly Islands, and Chatham Dock, &c.

The Committee met for receiving Petitions, and considering which were proper for the Parlia­ment, and which for Courts of Justice and other places, that things might move in their right Channels; and to take off particular Causes from Parliament.

[3.] Letters, That the Major-General had concluded amicably with the Marquess of Argyle, and the English were returned from the Highlands Highlands. of Scotland, and in their march, the Highlanders a­bout 1500 were got together at a Passe where they stood upon Rocks, and inaccessible ground, and the English could only file over.

That they pretended to enquire whether the Marquess of Argyle were Prisoner, though they knew he was not; the English advanced one by one over the Passe, and the Scots stood every way pre­pared to take their advantages upon them, yet had not the power or spirits to do it.

That the English drew up close to the Scots, till all their Rear-guard was passed over, and then marched and incamped a mile from them, and heard no more of them till they came to Dunbar­ton; and there the Major-General came to them, and told them, that since their march away, the Scots had surprised Two of their Garrisons in the Highlands.

That the Highlanders took in Turbet Castle (which was yielded to them by Lieutenant Gillot) Ten Barrels of Powder, with Match and Bul­let, 5000 weight of Cheese, and 26 Baggs of Bisket.

That they seised upon 40 English Foot, pretend­ing that they did it, because their Marquess of Argyle was carried away Prisoner, which they knew was not so, but they used the Prisoners very civilly.

[4.] Letters, That the Six Frigots sent from General Blake to Sir George Ascue, were fitted to go to him, and that Sir George was ready to set to Sea again.

That the Dutch have 50 Sail more of Ships to joyn with their Fleet; that they took Three English Dutch Fleet. Ships near the Zound, one of which was re-taken by a Parliament Frigot; that 18 of their Frigots were appointed for Guard of the Northern Coast.

[6.] Letters of setling the Winter Quarters, and delivering out Provisions to the Forces in Scotland.

Of a Regiment of Foot disbanded in Scotland, and some Troops ordered for England, to lessen the Charge.

That Van Trump desired to be excused from going to Sea, and that De Wit was appointed by the States to command in chief their Navy; De Wit. that they had not half Men enough to man-their Fleet.

That upon a Petition of the English Merchants at Elsenour, the King of Denmark received them Denmark. into his protection; that 14 of the English Ships going away, the Dutch followed them into Elsnour Septem. Road, and took away one Ship and a Catch of the English there; another English Ship got under the Castle; that the Dutch-man coming back with his Prize from the Baltick Sea, by the Zound, the Eng­lish Ship, who had formerly escaped him, stood off, and rescued his Fellow again.

That the Dutch-man attempted again to board the English Ships, but the King of Denmarks Ca­stle defended them, and shot the Dutch Ship through and through, and she stole away in the night.

[7.] An Act passed for allowing the Deben­ters of the Northern Officers, and for securing them out of the Kings Lands.

Order for Sir John Winter, Prisoner in the Tower, being sick, to have his Liberty upon Se­curity to be taken by the Council.

The Bill for sale of Forfeited Lands, re-commit­ted upon Debate.

A Committee to consider how obstructions of Trade from Germany may be removed.

The Act passed for constituting Commissioners for Ireland. Ireland.

Letters of a strong Fort of the Rebels surren­dred upon Articles to Collonel Zanchey, who lost 300 of his Horses by sickness.

That several of the Irish Commanders were shipped away with 1005 Men.

Of the Plague in Ʋlster, and great Sickness a­mong their Horses.

That General Blake took Seven French Men of Blake. War, supposed to be bound for relief of Dun­kirk; that 40 Dutch Ships were seen near the Nesse Point.

[9.] Letters, That since the Act for propaga­ting the Gospel in Wales, there were 150 good Wales. Preachers in the 13 Welch Counties; most of them preached Three or Four times a week.

That in every Market-Town there, were pla­ced one School-master, and in most great Towns Two School-masters, able, learned, and Univer­sity Men.

That the Tithes were all employed to the uses directed by the Act of Parliament.

  • 1. To maintain Godly Ministers.
  • 2. School-masters.
  • 3. The fifth part to the Wives and Children of the ejected Clergy.
  • 4. To pay Taxes.
  • 5. To pay the Officers.

Of divers of the Rebels submitting to the Par­liament.

That the Irish, though double and treble in num­ber, Ireland. would not fight with Collonel Venables, but got into Bogs and Fastnesses, and were full of di­visions among themselves; that his Horse being tired out, he consented to a Treaty, but it broke off, because Collonel Venables would not consent to pardon Murder and Robbery.

[10.] Letters of a Danish Ship come in to In­nernesse loaden with Deale, and related, that a great part of the Dutch Fleet was cast away by storm up­on the Coast of Shetland.

That some thousands of the Highlanders were up in Arms in the Lord Argyles Country, yet he pretended ignorance thereof; that Relief was sent by Sea, to the Parliaments Garrisons there.

That the Judges newly made, and sent from [...]udges [...]rcuits in Scotland. England, went their Circuits in Scotland.

[11.] Order, That the Council of State do send home all the French Prisoners lately taken in their Ships by our Fleet, to such Ports of France as they shall think fit.

[Page 519] An Act for prohibiting all correspondence with the States-General and People there, com­mitted.

Orders about Compositions of Delinquents.

Letters, That the Six Frigots sent by Ge­neral Blake, were fitted and come to Sir George Ascue.

[13.] Letters of 14 Letters of Marque sent from the Parliament into Scotland; and that many Holland Free-booters were upon that Coast.

That the Highlanders sent a Letter to Major-General Deane, excusing their late Actions through Highlands. mistakes, and that they would shortly send one of their own number to him to satisfie him. He answer­ed, That he would be ready to hear what they had to offer, requiring them in the mean time to restore all things to their former state, and to forbear all acts of Hostility.

That the Gentlemen in Argyle-shire sent a very submissive Letter and Complement to the Major-General, promising to send Two Commissioners fully impowered to give him all the satisfaction that can be required.

Of a Garrison of the Parliaments in the Highlands surprised whilst the Soldiers were gone a nutting.

That the last Summers Expedition had cost the Dutch. States 200000 l. which was hardly raised, and Sol­diers sent to gather it, and the States met to set another Tax of 200000 l. and that the Sea-men cry aloud for Gelt, and the People are against the War.

[14.] An Additional Act passed for sale of Fee-farm Rents.

Letters from the King of Denmark read in Par­liament, and referred to the Council of State, and a Letter from the Queen of Sweden referred to the Council.

Vote, That Mr. Rogers be Major of the Town of Hull for a year, and that the Town shall re­ceive no prejudice thereby in their Liberties.

Referred to a Committee to consider how Corporations may be so setled, as would be most suitable to the Government of a Common-wealth.

An Alderman of Hull discharged, and a new one named in his place by the House.

A Bill for setting a Period to this Parliament, Bill Parl. and providing for succeeding Parliaments, com­mitted.

Referred to the Council of State to cause a con­venient place in Westminster to be provided for the Scotch Commissioners.

Letters of a Fleet of Dutch appearing near Deale Castle of 70 Sail, and that they passed Westward, some of a very great force, bigger than any they had before.

That Three French Prizes and a Hollander of 350 Tun were brought into Plymouth; That Ge­neral Blake passed by there, and sent for Sir George Ascue, who came to him, and they sailed West­ward.

[17.] That one Sikes was imprisoned by the Judges at York, for publishing a kind of Procla­mation against Tithes; and One Man and Three Women sentenced for Quakers, for saying, That all who preach for hire are Thieves and Robbers.

Order for 1000 l. out of the Excise for maimed Soldiers.

Referred to the Council to appoint a time for the Portugal Ambassadors coming to London.

Letters of the Sickness in Dublin.

Of Pyrates in Chester Road.

That a Fleet of about 50 Dutch came near Scilly, that some Ketches made towards them, supposing they had been Sir George Ascues Fleet; but they came back again, though pursued.

Of Mischief done by the French Men of War.

That General Blake was in the Channel, and had Blake. taken 16 Prizes, Dutch and French Merchants, before the Storm parted his Fleet, and Ten more taken since.

[18.] Letters, That the Dutch Fleet met with some Merchants, some of them ran a-ground, and the others got safe under Dover Castle.

That St. Maloes Men seised the Ships and Goods of the English there, because Blake had taken some of their Ships. That the French Ships took seve­ral English Vessels; that 100 Colliers were gone with a Convoy to London.

[20.] Letters of the persidiousness of the Highlanders in Arms, against whom the Country complain, and disown them.

That the Commissioners of the General As­sembly proclaimed a Fast, with their Reasons for it.

That many of the Dutch Fleet were lost by storm, and 13 of them in the Texel; that their Sea-men coming on shoar, demanded their Pay; Dutch Mu­tiny. and being answered, that they must go on Board a­gain, and they should have half pay, this so inraged them, that they got together, and left their Ships, and were in a high mutiny.

That the States sent out their Land Forces, who fell upon the Sea-men, killed divers of them, and dispersed the rest, and hanged up Two of the chief Mutineers, to see which Execution, a mul­titude of People flocked together, so that the Lords feared a new Mutiny, and caused the Sol­diers to fire upon the People, who killed Eight of them, but the Sea-men were more inraged.

[21.] Letters from Blake, That the Dutch Fleet avoided fighting with him, and slipt from him, though more in number than he was, and so he sailed Westward.

Letters, That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood, and all his Company, were safe landed at Waterford in Ireland.

[22.] Letters, That a Moss-Trooper at New-Castle was sent from the Assizes to be tryed in Scotland by a Councel of War.

Of several Apparitions of Horse-men, &c. in the Air.

[23.] Letters of a Fleet of about 60 or 70 Sail of tall Ships near Scilly, by which they passed West South West, and were the Dutch Fleet, who glean­ed up their scattered Ships.

[24.] Letters of the Cheshire Channel so infe­sted with Pyrates, that it hindered the intercourse with Ireland; of Provisions shipping at Chester for Aire in Scotland. Scotland.

That both the Northern and Western Highlan­ders were revolted.

That they invited 30 of the Parliaments Offi­cers and Soldiers to a Feast, and took them Priso­ners, and killed Ten of them.

That 600 Indictments were preserred to the English Judges. English Judges in Scotland.

[25.] Letters, That General Blake with his Fleet of 108 Sail, passed by Weymouth to the East-ward, upon an Information, that the Dutch Fleet had given him a go-by.

That Four or Five of the Dutch Fleet fell upon the Assurance Frigot, but she got off from them, and came to General Blake, who immediately Blake. hoised sail after them, but they escaped him, who ordered his Fleet to sail from the English to the French Coast side by side within Gun-shot of one another, whereby they scoured the whole Chan­nel.

[Page 520] From Captain Stoaks, That he made up to two Ships, and found them to have Swedish Colours, but coming aboard them he discovered them to be Guinnee Ships, laden with gold oare, and Elephants teeth, and letters directed to Amsterdam and other parts of Holland.

That the Captain believing the Ships to belong to the Dutch brought them into Plymouth, that their loading was worth 80000l.

That 4 English men of War, and 4 Merchant men, were in [...]ight with 9 Dutch men of War neer Genoa.

That General Blake and Sr. George Ascue with their Fleets, in all 140 Sayle, were come into the Downes, 20 of them Merchant Ships which he sent to London.

That 3 English fishermen brought to Yarmouth 3 Dutch Busses.

That the Scouts brought news to General Blake in the Downes of a great fleet of Hollanders, and he presently weighed to be in pursuit of them.

That his Fleet had got the wind of the Dutch Fleet, and a speedy Ingagement was expected.

[27.] Letters of animosities among the Ministers in Scotland, and that their fast day was not observ­ed, and their divisions brought them near to fight­ing in the Church. That the Scotch Commissioners were gone for England.

Of the two Guinnee Ships taken by Captain Stoakes, 50000l in gold in one of them, and Elephants teeth worth 10000l.

Command from Blake for all Seamen to come on board, on pain of death.

Letters, That De Witt was on the back of the Goodwin sands, with 50 or 60 saile of Ships, and Blake neer him.

That Blake called a Councel of War who thought not fit to put out to Sea, it being neer night. That the Dutch were all out of sight the next day before noon standing over towards their own Shore. Which day proved so soul that Blakes fleet could not goe to them, that they are to convoy 200 of their Merchant men.

That a Private Man of War took 3 Dutch Pri­zes.

That the Portugal Ambassador was brought with 50 Coaches into London.

[28.] Letters from the Portugal Ambassador to the Speaker read, and his Audience appointed.

Referred to the Councel of State to take order for the building of 30 new Frigots.

Order that the Scaffolds about Pauls be taken down, and sold towards payment of publick faith debts.

Letters from the Duke of Venice read, and re­ferred to the Councel of State.

Referred to the Councel to draw up letters of D. Tuscany. thanks to the Duke of Tuscany for his civil usage of the English Merchants.

An Act passed for relief of persons upon Arti­cles of War. Portugal Ambassa­dor.

[30.] The Portugal Ambassador had his audi­ence in Parliament, and went in greater state than any Ambassador, that came yet to the Parliament, he presented his Credentials, which were refer­red to the Councel of State.

Mr. Dennis, formerly of the Kings party, being chosen Major of Barnstaple the Towns-men petiti­oned against him, and an Act was committed for disabling such persons to be elected, or to be ele­ctors of any to publick Offices.

Letters of Coal Ships sayling towards London, having 200 Ordnance among them.

October 1652. October.

[1.] Letters of overtures made by the Mar­quess of Argyle, for composing the late business in the Highlands.

Of the Sickness abated in Ireland, and that all the Tories there, except 500 in the North, had laid down Arms.

That a great Councel of Officers from all parts there, was called to consult with Lieutenant-Ge­neral Fleetwood now come to them.

Letters, That General Blake was making what hast he could to ingage about 70 Sail of the Dutch, by the Goodwyn.

[2.] Letters of Captain Bodiloe near to Le­gorne, Dutch Fleet. with the Phaenix, and other Ships fought with 10 of the Dutch men of War near 3 days, that 4 of their best Ships surrounded Captain Bo­diloe, and fought him very stoutly above 4 hours, but he forced them to fall off, and leave her, many were shot and wounded on both sides.

That the Captain of the Phaenix fought with a Dutch Ship and boarded her, and the Phaenix being empty of men, who were plundering the Dutch Ship, in the mean time, another Dutch Ship came by, and boarded and took the Phaenix, and regain­ed their own Ship likewise.

That the English and Dutch Fleets were in Fight near the Downs.

That Blake on Tuesday last when the Fight be­gan, took 3 of the Dutch men of War, and disa­bled 3 more, and chased them all Wednesday, and part of Thursday, and that the Fight was very hot.

[4.] Letters, That 60 Persons Men and Wo­men, Witches. were accused before the Commissioners, for Administration of Justice in Scotland, at the last Circuit, for Witches, but they found so much Ma­lice, and so little proof against them, that none were Condemned.

That Argyle had undertaken to bring in all the Highlanders, and to release all the English Priso­ners there.

Of a Ship loaden with Malt and Hops come in to Leith.

[5.] Letters of the last Ingagement with the Sea fight. Dutch Fleet, thus.

Since the return of our Fleet out of the West upon the 14 of September, Sir George Ascue with his Barbadoes Fleet, set Sail out of the Downs, himself for Chatham, and the rest for London.

September 25. The Holland Fleet appeared on the back side of the Goodwyn, but that night were driven back by a Storm.

26 September, they appeared again, but were for­ced away by another Storm.

27 September, they appeared the third time.

Upon first appearance it was agreed upon by a Councel of War, that afternoon, to set Sail the next morning.

But in the interim the Weather proved so te­dious, that we could not with safety weigh till the 28, and then the General with the Fleet got under Sail, having a fresh Gale at W. by N.

At noon we discovered the Dutch, and about 3 in the Afternoon, the General not having above 3 of his Squadron up with him (the rest of our Fleet being a League or 2 a stern) onely Vice-Admiral Pen, with most of his Squadron was near him.

Who demanded whether he should leave the General, and bear up among the Enemy, it was answered, that we should bear in all together, so soon as some more of our Fleet should come up.

[Page 521] In this time, De Witt who commanded the Dutch Fleet, consisting of about 59 all Men of War, and some small Vessels, left his own Ship of 40 Guns, and went aboard the biggest of the India Ships of 56 Guns.

About 4 a Clock most of our Fleet being come near, they gave some single shot in a bravadoe, to our General who bore in among them, and the Vice-Admiral fil'd to bear after him.

But it pleased God to disappoint us, being grounded upon a Sand, called the Kentish Knock, under which they placed themselves, that we might be necessitated to mischief, in case we indeavoured the weather gage; and heaving the lead over-board, we found we had not 3 Fathom of Wa­ter.

Our General Sailing to Windward of their Ad­miral, was on ground, the Soveraign was near Musket shot without us, and struck several times, so did the Resolution, as also the Vice-Admiral even as they were ingaged, and the Andrew.

But it pleased God to deliver them, that they got off immediately without any harm, and he turned it to our advantage, because being forced thereby to Tack our Ship to clear our Selves of the Sands, it fell out better for doing execution upon the Enemy, than we could have cast it our selves.

For as the Dutch Fleet cleared themselves of our General, he standing to the Northward, and they to the Southward, we fell pat to receive them, and so staid by them, till night parted us.

What damage we did them cannot be exactly known, and what they did us (blessed be God) was not much.

Three of their Ships were wholly disabled at the first brunt, having lost all their Masts, and a­nother as she was towing off the Rear-Admiral was taken by Captain Mildmay, and the 2 day they were many less in number than the first.

The Rear-Admiral and 2 other Captains are Prisoners, who say, they conceive by the striking of De-witts antient, and the putting forth another of a blew Colour, that he is slain.

We have not above 40 slain in all our Fleet, whereof one Officer Captain Jervis, and not many wounded, we lost not one Ship or Frigot, nor did any Vessel shrink from their work, the Merchant-Men of War fell to it to purpose, and a great Spirit of Resolution and Gallantry possessed our whole Fleet.

Our Tackle and Masts were somewhat shatter­ed as is usual in such Disputes, at first our Enemies appeared very Resolute, having placed themselves in a Fighting posture, before our Ships came up, divided into 3 Squadrons, and behaved themselves very stoutly, but seemed to Flag towards the lat­ter end. And I believe if providence had allowed us one hour more, we had made a total end of them.

After this they abode all night (as we perceiv­ed by their lights) at a small distance to Leeward of us, which made us suppose they would have fought us next morning. But then as the day broke, we saw them North-East, more than two Leagues off us, we bore up to them, but the wind coming contrary so that they had the wind of us, we could not get up to them.

Our General commanded our Frigots to plye up to them as neer as they could, and keep firing at them, while the rest of us, did our best to get neer them. Some shot was spent, but they hoysed all their Sailes, and ran for it.

September 30. By day-light they were as far as we could discern them at top Mast head, we pur­sued them, as far as in sight of West Gabel in Zea­land, and saw them run into Goree. Whereupon it was concluded by a Councel of War, seeing we were so neer their Shallowes, and some of the Fri­gots wanting Victuals, to return to the Downs.

We were commanded not to fire till we came close to them, and our Artillery did great Execu­tion.

That Captain Mildmay took the Dutch Rear Admiral, and another Vessel in sight of their fleet, took the Reare Admiral, 2 Captains, and 80 Pri­soners, and left the Ship, with the dead in her, sink­ing in the Sea.

That 3, or 4 other of their Ships were seen to sink, the whole Fleet was the choycest of all their Ships.

Referred to the Councel to Treat with the Por­tugal Ambassador, and to report his proposals to the House.

Order touching Delinquents to be put into the Act of Confiscation.

[8.] Letters of the sickness increasing much at Dublyn, of much peace in Ireland, and that the Ireland. inhabitants generally come in, and sit down quietly in their houses. No formed troopes but in some boggs in Ʋlster, which Reynolds and Waller are pursuing, and Garrisons planting for the safety of that Country.

That the Parliament have 500 Garrisons there, which fetter the Rebels on all sides.

Of a mutiny among the English Soldiers at Lieth, for abating 12 d. a week out of their pay towards a store, 4 of them were sentenced by a Council of War, but the Governour upon their Petition or­dered them to cast lots, and it fell upon one of them who was the most Seditious.

Of the great respect shewed to the Commissio­ners for Administration of Justice in all places in Scotland, where they came.

[9.] Letters of great Guns heard at Falmouth to go off, and of 2 French Prizes brought thi­ther.

Of French and Dutch Pikeroons taking many English Fishermen, and other small Vessels upon the Western Coast.

That Captain Stoner met with a Dutch Mer­chant man loaden with Gold and rich Commodi­ties worth 60000 l. who fought stoutly till she begun to sink, and some of the English Marriners leaping aboard her for greediness of plunder, sunk with her.

[11.] Letters of the proceedings of the Com­missioners for Administration of Justice in Scot­land.

Of great contests in the Kirke there, between the Assembly and the Protestors.

That the Advice Frigot (it is feared) is lost, that the Dutch were Frighted with the Soveraign, and call her the Golden Divel.

That the Dutch Ambassador in Denmark presseth Storm. for Ships there against the Enemies of the Dutch. That when the Dutch Fleet were last upon the Coast of Scotland, they lost 7 of their Ships by storm, and without saving the life of any but one Boy.

[12.] An Act past touching Claimes.

An Act past to disable Delinquents from bear­ing any Office, and to have Vote in any Electi­ons.

The Bill for uniting Scotland into one Common-wealth Union. with England, referred to a Committee to meet with the Deputies come from Scotland in the House of Lords.

Order about setling Courts of Judicature in Scotland.

Letters, That General Blake examined some de­faults, about the not sufficiently charging the Guns Blake. [Page 522] of the Soveraign in the late Fight, and the want of courage in one Captain.

That the General sent some Ships towards Hol­land Coast, and many up and down scouting.

From Amsterdam, that 2000 wounded men were brought to Shoar, that De Witt complained of ma­ny of his Captains that ran away, and that the Eng­lish were more in number than he.

That the King of Denmark hath ordered the Eng­lish Merchants in the Zundt to be brought under his Denmark. Castle at Elsenour, intending to confiscate them, and hath joined 5 of his Ships with the Dutch.

[13.] The day of publick Fast solemnly ob­served by the Parliament

[15.] Letters of a Lamprus Fish taken near Leith, as big as a London wherry.

That not above 30 or 40 Irish appear together, who are pursued by the English Garrisons.

Of Frigots to keep the Irish Coast.

That at the Assizes at Chester, there were but 3 Causes, whereas there used to be 100.

Of Recruits Shipped for Ireland.

[16.] Of a free booter taken in the West, and of a Holland Busse taken, but run upon an Anchor at Dartmouth, and was bulged, and another sunk.

[18.] That De Witt's Fleet was gone into Go­ree, and he went to the Hague to excuse himself, De Witt. and laid the blame upon some of his Captains Cowardice, and the States appointed Commissio­ners to examine the matter.

That the 18 English Men of War sent to the Sound were arrived there, and the Dutch sent more Denmark. thither, and the King of Denmark staid the Eng­lish Merchant men there, and offers the Dutch, the Sum of mony which he is bound to furnish them with in time of War, and to prohibit the English to pass the Zundt during their War with the Dutch.

That the English Merchants were protected at Porta Longone against the Dutch there.

Of a High Court of Justice prepared at Kilken­ny for Tryal of the Chief of the Irish Rebels.

That the English Fleet took Ten Dutch Ships in the Narrow Sea.

Of an Insurrection in Flushing against those that were for the War with the English, and some wo­men Dutch. whose Husbands were slain in the War, were with them, that the English Frigots Cruise to and fro in the Channel, and take many Ships.

[19.] Letters, That Captain Ball lost his Ship the Antelope of 54 Guns, upon the Coast of Shet­land, onely himself and Company saved.

That the English men in the Merchants Ships at Elsenour, when they saw no hopes of those Ships to Denmark. be discharged by the King of Denmark, they all came away to the English Fleet sent thither.

That this Fleet in their return from Denmark lost the Antelope (one of their number) run a Shoar on the Coast of Jutland. That the rest took 16 Dutch Ships on the Dogger-b [...]nk, and a Dutch free booter.

[20.] Committee for the Scots Union, met the Commissioners for Scotland, and they had a Union. Solemn debate about that business.

[21.] Letters, That the King of Scots was complemented by the French Court, and the Lord Digby made Governour of the Bastile at Paris.

[22.] Letters, That Captain Mutlo fell upon the Highlanders, killed divers of them, and burnt their Corn and Houses.

Of a strong Convoy sent to bring the Ships from thence with Coal for London, and that the Colliers were well provided for defence.

[23.] Letters of 3 Dutch men of War brought in Prize to Yarmouth, that were free booters.

Of 15 Dutch Ships loaden with Pitch, Tarr, Masts, &c. and 2 men of War their Convoy, after a short dispute taken by some English men of War.

[25.] Letters of the Town of Edenburgh, troubling the English Merchants for Trading there, unless they be free of the Town, and will live there.

That the High Court of Justice sat at Kilkenny, in the same state as it had done in England.

That 7000 Irish were landed in Spain, to serve Ireland. that King, and as many more ready to be Shipt for Spain.

That the Irish were wholly subdued, and not a­bove 6 or 700 of them left in Arms, whereof, and of the Affairs of Ireland, Lieutenant-General Fleetwood by his Letters gave an account to the Parliament.

[26.] An Act past for continuing the Com­missioners of Scotland.

An Act past for continuing the Commissioners for compounding.

The Petition of the Lord Muskerry referred to the Councel of State.

A Pamphlet against the Parliament referred to be examined by the Councel. And Mr. Lillye's Book of Astrological Predictions referred to the Committee of plundered Ministers.

Order for Audience for the King of Denmark's Ambassadors.

A Letter from the Duke of Vendosme, referred to a Committee.

Votes against Delinquents.

Of a Holland Ship of 100 Tuns taken. Alderman Fowk.

[27.] Alderman Fowke was presented to the Parliament, for Lord Mayor of London for the next year, the Recorder made a Speech to the House thereupon, and in commendation of the Al­derman, and Mr. Speaker by command of the House made a Speech in answer of the Recorder's, and approved of the Choice.

[29.] The Danish Ambassadors had Audience, and took their leave of the Parliament.

Order to exclude private Business for Fourteen dayes.

Order for a Bill to Confiscate some Persons Estates in Scotland, and for an Act of Grace to others.

Order for maintenance for Ministers to be put into Livings in Scotland.

Letters, That the Commissioners for Admini­stration Kirke. of Justice in Scotland, sat at Edenburgh, and had many Criminal matters brought before them, 60 in a day for Adultery, Incest, &c. in the Court, and proof against few of them, and the Malice of People against one another so great, that they brought accusations for facts done 20 years past, and the greatest proof against them, was a forced Confession before the Kirke.

That some accused for Witches, had been Tor­tured Witches. to make them Confess, by tying their Thumbs behind them, and then hanging them up by their Thumbs, while two Highlanders whipped them; after which, they set lighted Candles to the Soles of their Feet, and between their Toes, then burned them, by putting light Candles into their Mouths, and then burning them in the Head.

That 6 of them were accused, of whom 4 of them dyed of the Torture. The Judges resolved to examine the business, and to find out these Scots Tormentors, that another woman being accused for a Witch, was kept 28 days with only Bread and Water, and stript naked and laid upon a cold Stone, with onely Hair Cloath over her, that among the Accused, others had Hair Shirts dipped in [Page 523] Vinegar, put over them, to fetch off the Skin.

That the Marquess of Argyle had procured the release of the English Prisoners in the Highlands, and used them very civilly.

[30.] Letters of some Dutch men of War ap­pearing near Yarmouth, but upon sight of one of the Parliaments Frigots, they got away.

That the Dutch Free-booters, had taken 3 Eng­lish Vessels, near Newcastle.

That one of the Parliaments Frigots near Ply­mouth, fought 2 hours with 2 Dutch men of War till night parted them.

Of 2 Prizes taken by a private man of War, one Dutch and the other a French Vessel laden with Wine and Salt.

Of a Holland Prize brought into Falmouth by a Parliament Frigot, and was laden with considera­ble goods.

November 1652.

[1.] Letters of a little unruliness in the Regi­ments lately come to Scotland for Recruits; but 2 of them being Sentenced by a Court-Martial, the rest were quiet.

That at the Assizes in Scotland 1000 appeared be­fore the Judges, accused for Adulteries, and o­ther Scotland. Crimes committed 20 and 30 years past. No Lords or Lairds brought in.

That since the Parliaments Convoys came on the North Coast, no Dutch men of War appeared. That above 100 Colliers were ready to set Sail for London with them.

Of 7 Dutch Ships loaden, taken by one of the Parliaments Frigots upon the Western Coast, but pretend themselves Hamburgers.

Of 3 Dutch Vessels taken near the Lands end.

[2.] Debate upon the Delinquents Bill, and divers Voted to be inserted, and others left out.

Order for the Education of the Children of Sir Christopher Nevil, out of his Estate.

Letters from Amsterdam of their Fleet ready to Dutch. come forth, being 120 Sail, whereof 20 Fire Ships, Trumps design being to Convoy their Merchants being 200 Sail. That the King of Denmark was forward to assist the Dutch, who promised to save him harmless, that Sweeden refused to assist the Dutch.

Of 3 Ships taken by the Pelican, and 2 great Dutch Ships taken by the Non-such, which had in them 700000 Dollars, the one pretends to be a Lubeker, the other an Hamburger, and 2 more brought into the Downs.

That the English Ships at Porte Longone, were beset with the Dutch, who had leave to come into the Harbour upon pretence to bury some of their Officers slain in the late Ingagement with the Eng­lish, and both lay quiet there.

That the Governour planted his Guns, and doubled his Watch, resolving not to permit them to Fight.

A Petition from the Merchants in Scotland, agreed upon to the Parliament, that those in Leith, Petition. and other places, may not be forced to go to Eden­burgh, and live there under their Slavery.

That a Town of English being there will be much for the safety of the Parliaments Affairs in Scot­land.

[3.] We came to some agreement of Propo­posals to be presented to the Parliament, from the Union. Committee for the Scotch Union.

[4.] Letters of the 7 Ships taken, who pre­tended Novem. to be Hamburgers, but had Holland Co­lours up, and letters to Amsterdam.

[5.] Letters, That the few Irish yet standing out, were pent up in an Island, and make the Sea their Shelter and Defence.

Of Pickeroons upon that Coast.

That the Ʋlster Irish were agreed upon the Arti­cles to lay down Armes.

Of 200 Collyers set Sail for London.

[6.] Letters of Dutch Free-booters taking Fish from Fishermen, and so let them go.

That a Merchant Ship of 400 Tun, was by foul Weather cast upon the Kentish Shore where she stuck, and the Lord of the Mannor, and People thereabouts, took her Lading to the value of 40000 l.

[7.] Letters, That in the Levant Seas, a small Dutch. Fleet. Fleet of the English men of War Convoying cer­tain Merchant men from Scandaroon, were una­wares assailed by 11 Sail of Dutch men of War, who having great advantage of the English, and much over-powring them in number, took and blew up about 5 of the English Ships.

Several other Letters touching Prizes taken by the Dutch from the English, but many more from the Dutch by the English; and of Mischief done by the Pickeroons on the English Coasts, and of the pursuit and taking of some of them by the Parlia­ments Men of War.

That the business in Ireland was almost finished, and the Enemy there in effect wholly subdued; and many of the Irish Transported beyond Seas, not a body of them considerable to be met within the Field.

That the Forces under General Monk in Scotland had great success there, taking in divers strong places, and giving many defeats to the Kings For­ces in the Highlands.

The debate upon the Bill for the Scotch Ʋnion, Union. and for an Act of Oblivion there, was so far pro­ceeded in by the Committee, that they ordered the Report thereof to be made to the Parliament.

It was about this time, that the Lord-General Cromwell meeting with Whitelock, saluted him with Cromwell. more than ordinary courtesie, and desired him to walk aside with him, that they might have some private discourse together, Whitelock waited on him, and he began the discourse betwixt them, which was to this effect.

Cromwell.

My Lord Whitelock, I know your Whitelock. faithfulness and ingagement in the same good Cause with my self, and the rest of our Friends, and I know your ability in Judgment, and your particular Friend­ship and Affection for me, indeed I am sufficiently sa­tisfied in these things, and therefore I desire to advise with you in the main and most important Affairs rela­ting to our present condition.

Whitelock.

Your Excellency hath known me long, and I think will say that you never knew any unfaith­fulness or breach of trust by me, and for my particular Affection to your Person, your Favours to me, and your publick Services, have deserved more than I can mani­fest, onely there is (with your Favour) a mistake in this one thing, touching my weak judgment, which is unca­pable to do any considerable service for your self, or this Common-wealth; yet to the utmost of my power, I shall be ready to serve you, and that with all diligence and faithfulness.

Cromwell.

I have cause to be, and am without the least scruple of your Faithfulness, and I know your kindness to me your old Friend, and your abilities to serve the Common-wealth, and there are enough besides me that can testifie it: and I believe our Ingagements for this Common-wealth have been and are as deep as [Page 524] most mens, and there never was more need of advice, and solid hearty Counsel, than the present State of our Affairs doth require.

Whitelock.

I suppose no man will mention his par­ticular ingagement in this cause, at the same time when your Excellencies ingagement is remembred, yet to my capacity, and in my station, few men have ingaged further than I have done, and that (besides the good­ness of your own nature and personal knowledge of me) will keep you from any jealousie of my Faithfulness.

Cromwel.

I wish there were no more ground of Suspition of others, than of you, I can trust you with my life, and the most secret matters relating to our business, and to that end I have now desired a little private discourse with you; and really (My Lord) there is very great cause for us, to consider the dange­rous condition we are all in, and how to make good our station, to improve the Mercies and Successes which God hath given us, and not to be fooled out of them again, nor to be broken in pieces, by our particular jar­rings and animosities one against another, but to unite our Councels, and hands, and hearts, to make good what we have so dearly bought, with so much hazard, blood, and treasure, and that the Lord having given us an en­tire Conquest over our Enemies, we should not now hazard all again by our private Janglings, and bring those Mischiefs upon our selves, which our Enemies could never do.

Whitelock.

My Lord, I look upon our present danger, as greater than ever it was in the Field, and (as your Excellency truly observes) our Proneness to destroy our Selves, when our Enemies could not do it. It is no strange thing for a gallant Army (as yours is) after full conquest of their Enemies, to grow into Fa­ctions and Ambitious designs, and it is a wonder to me, that they are not in high Mutinies, their Spirits being active, and few thinking their services to be duely re­warded, and the emulation of the Officers breaking out daily more and more, in this time of their vacancy from their imployment; besides the private Soldiers, it may be feared, will in this time of their Idleness, grow into disorder, and it is your excellent Conduct, which under God, hath kept them so long in discipline, and free from Mutinies.

Cromwell.

I have used and shall use the utmost of my poor endeavours to keep them all in order and obe­dience.

Whitelock.

Your Excellency hath done it hitherto even to admiration.

Cromwell.

Truly God hath blest me in it exceed­ingly, and I hope will do so still. Your Lordship hath observed most truly the inclinations of the Officers of the Army to particular Factions, and to murmurings, that they are not rewarded according to their deserts, that others who have adventured least, have gained most, and they have neither profit, nor preferment, nor place in government, which others hold, who have un­dergone no hardships nor hazards for the Common-wealth, and herein they have too much of truth, yet their insolency is very great, and their influence upon the private Soldiers works them to the like discontents and murmurings.

Then as for the Members of Parliament, the Army begins to have a strange distast against them, and I wish there were not too much cause for it, and really their pride, and ambition, and self-seeking, ingrossing all places of honour and profit to themselves, and their Friends, and their daily breaking forth into new and violent parties and factions,

Their delays of Business, and design to perpetuate themselves, and to continue the power in their own hands, their medling in private matters between party and party, contrary to the institution of Parliaments, and their injustice, and partiality in those matters, and the Scandalous Lives of some of the chief of them, these things (My Lord) do give too much ground for peo­ple to open their mouthes against them, and to dislike them.

Nor can they be kept within the bounds of Justice, and Law, or Reason, they themselves being the supream Power of the Nation, lyable to no account to any, nor to be controuled or regulated by any other power; there being none superior, or coordinate with them.

So that unless there be some Authority and Power so full and so high, as to restrain and keep things in better order, and that may be a check to these exorbitancies, it will be impossible in humane reason to prevent our ruine.

Whitelock.

I confess the danger we are in by these extravagancies and inordinate powers, is more than I doubt is generally apprehended; yet as to that part of it which concerns the Soldiery your Excellencies power and Commission is sufficient already to restrain and keep them in their due obedience, and blessed be God you have done it hitherto, and I doubt not but by your wisedome you will be able still to do it.

As to the Members of Parliament I confess the greatest difficulty lies there, your Commission being from them, and they being acknowledged the Supream Power of the Nation, subject to no controls, nor allow­ing any appeal from them.

Yet I am sure your Excellency will not look upon them as generally depraved, too many of them are much to blame in those things you have mentioned, and many unfit things have passed among them; but I hope well of the Major part of them, when great matters come to a decision.

Cromwell.

My Lord, there is little hopes of a good settlement to be made by them, really there is not; but a great deal of fear, that they will destroy again, what the Lord hath done gratiously for them and us; we all forget God, and God will forget us, and give us up to confusion; and these men will help it on, if they be suffered to proceed in their wayes; some course must be thought on to curb and restrain them, or we shall be ruined by them.

Whitelock.

We our selves have acknowledged them the Supream power, and taken our Commissions and Authority in the highest concernments from them, and how to restrain and curb them after this, it will be hard to find out a way for it.

Cromwell.

What if a man should take upon him to be King?

Whitelock.

I think that remedy would be worse than the disease.

Cromwell.

Why do you think so?

Whitelock.

As to your own person the Title of King would be of no advantage, because you have the full Kingly power in you already, concerning the Militia, as you are General.

As to the nomination of Civil Officers, those whom you think fittest are seldom refused: and although you have no negative Vote in the passing of Laws, yet what you dislike will not easily be carried; and the Taxes are already setled, and in your Power to dispose the money raised. And as to Forrain Affairs though the Cere­monial Application be made to the Parliament, yet the expectation of good or bad Success in it is from your Excellency; and particular Sollicitations of Forreign Ministers are made to you only;

So that I apprehend indeed less Envy and Danger, and Pomp, but not less power, and real opportunities of doing good in your being General, than would be if you had Assumed the Title of King.

Cromwell.

I have heard some of your Profession ob­serve, that he who is actually King (whether by Ele­ction, or by descent, yet being once King all Asts done by him as King are lawful and justifiable, as by any King who hath the Crown by Inheritance from his Fore-Fathers: and that by an Act of Parliament in H. 7. [Page 525] time, It is safer for those who act under a King (be his Title what it will) than for those who act under any other power.

And surely the power of a King is so great and high, and so universally understood and reverenced by the People of this Nation, that the Title of it might not only Indemnifie in a great Measure those that Act un­der it, But likewise be of great use and advantage in such times as these, to curb the Insolencies of those whom the present powers cannot Controul, or at least are the persons themselves who are thus insolent.

Whitelock,

I agree in the general what you are pleased to observe as to this Title of King, but whether for your Excellency to take this Title upon you, as things now are, will be for the good and advantage either of your self and Friends, or of the Common-wealth I do very much doubt, notwithstanding that Act of Par­liament 11 H. 7. which will be little regarded, or ob­served to us by our Enemies, if they should come to get the upper hand of us.

Cromwel,

What do you apprehend would be the danger of taking this Title?

Whitelock.

The danger I think would be this, one of the main points of Controversie betwixt us and our Adversaries, is whether the Government of this Na­tion shall be established in Monarchy, or in a Free State or Common-wealth, and most of our Friends have en­gaged with us upon the hopes of having the Government setled in a Free-State, and to effect that have under­gone all their hazards and difficulties.

They being persuaded (though I think much mista­ken,) that under the Government of a Common-wealth, they shall enjoy more Liberty and Right, both as to their Spiritual and Civil concernments, than they shall under Monarchy; the pressures and dislike whereof are so fresh in their Memories and Sufferings.

Now if your Excellency shall take upon you the Title of King, this State of your Cause will be thereby wholly determined, and Monarchy established in your Per­son; and the question will be no more whether our Go­vernment shall be by a Monarch, or by a Free-State, but whether Cromwell or Stuart shall be our King and Monarch.

And that question, wherein before so great parties of the Nation were ingaged, and which was Ʋniver­sal; will by this means become in Effect a private Con­troversie only; before it was National, What kind of Government we should have, now it will become par­ticular, Who shall be our Governour, whether of the Family of the Stuarts, or of the Family of the Crom­wells.

Thus the State of our Controversie being totally changed, all those who were for a Common-wealth (and they are a very great and considerable Party) having their hopes therein frustrate will desert you, your hands will be weakned, your Interest streightned, and your Cause in apparent danger to be ruined.

Cromwell.

I confess you speak reason in this, but what other thing can you propound that may obviate the present dangers and difficulties wherein we are all In­gaged.

Whitelock.

It will be the greatest difficulty to find out such an Expedient, I have had many things in my private thoughts upon this Business, some of which perhaps are not fit, or safe for me to Communi­cate.

Cromwel.

I pray (my Lord) what are they? you may trust me with them, there shall no prejudice come to you by any private discourse betwixt us, I shall never betray my Friend, you may be as free with me as with your own Heart, and shall never suffer by it.

Whitelock.

I make no scruple to put my Life and Fortune in your Excellencies hand, and so I shall if I impart these Fancies to you; which are weak and per­haps may prove offensive to your Excellency; therefore my best way will be to smother them.

Cromwell.

Nay I prethee, my Lord Whitelock, let me know them, be they what they will, they cannot be offensive to me, but I shall take it kindly from you; Therefore I pray do not conceal those thoughts of yours from your faithful Friend.

Whitelock.

Your Excellency honours me with a Title far above me, and since you are pleased to com­mand it, I shall discover to you my thoughts herein, and humbly desire you not to take in ill part what I shal say to you.

Cromwell.

Indeed I shall not, but I shall take it (as I said) very kindly from you.

Whitelock.

Give me leave then first to consider your Excellencies condition. You are environed with secret Enemies: upon your subduing of the publ [...]ck Enemy▪ the Officers of your Army account themselves all Victors, and to have had an equal share in the Con­quest with you.

The Success which God hath given us hath not a lit­tle elated their minds, and many of them are busie and of Turbulent Spirits, and are not without their designs how they may dismount your Excellency, and some of themselves get up into the Saddle, how they may bring you down, and set up themselves.

They want not Counsel and Incouragement herein, it may be from some Members of the Parliament, who may be jealous of your power and greatness, lest you should grow too high for them, and in time over-master them; and they will Plot to bring you down first, or to Clip your Wings.

Cromwell.

I thank you that you so fully consider my Condition, it is a Testimony of your love to me, and care of me; and you have rightly considered it, and I may say without vanity, that in my condition yours is involved and all our Friends, and those that Plot my ruine will hardly bear your continuance in any Condition worthy of you.

Besides this, the Cause it self may possibly receive some disadvantage by the struglings and contentions among our Selves. But what Sir are your thoughts for prevention of those Mischiefs that hang over our Heads.

Whitelock.

Pardon me Sir in the next place a lit­tle to consider the Condition of the King of Scots.

This Prince being now by your Valour, and the Success which God hath given to the Parliament, and to the Army under your Command, reduced to a very low Condition; both he, and all about him cannot but be ve­ry inclinable to harken to any Terms, whereby their lost hopes may be revived of his being restored to the Crown, and they to their Fortunes and Native Coun­trey.

By a private Treaty with him you may secure your self, and your Friends, and their Fortunes, you may make your self and your Posterity as great and perma­nent to all humane probability, as ever any Subject was, and provide for your Friends. You may put such Li­mits to Monarchical Power, as will secure our Spiritu­al and Civil Liberties; and you may secure the Cause in which we are all ingaged, and this may be effectually done, by having the power of the Militia continued in your self, and whom you shall agree upon after you.

I propound therefore for your Excellency to send to the King of Scots, and to have a private Treaty with him for this purpose; and I beseech you to pardon what I have said upon the occasion, It is out of my Affecti­on and Service to your Excellency, and to all honest Men; and I humbly pray you not to have any Jealousie [Page 526] thereupon of my approved Faithfulness to your Excel­lency and to this Common-wealth.

Cromwell.

I have not, I assure you, the least di­strust of your Faithfulness and Friendship to me, and to the Cause of this Common-wealth; and I think you have much reason for what you propound; but it is a Matter of so high importance and difficulty, that it de­serves more time of Consideration and debate, than is at present allowed us.

We shall therefore take a further time to discotuse of it.

With this the General brake off, and went to other Company, and so into Whitehall, seeming by his Countenance and Carriage displeased with what hath been said; yet he never objected it a­gainst Whitelock in any publick meeting after­wards.

Only his Carriage towards him from that time was altered, and his advising with him not so fre­quent and intimate as before; and it was not long after that he found an Occasion by an honourable Imployment to send him out of the way (as some of his nearest Relations particularly his Daughter Cleypoole confessed) that he might be no obstacle or impedimemt to his ambitious designs; as may appear by the process of this story.

December, 1652.

About the beginning of this Month, General Blake himself was Ingaged with the whole Fleet Blake. of the Dutch, but having great disadvantage in the numbers, and the wind not favouring him, tho his Squadron Fought very gallantly, and did much harm to the Dutch, yet he came off with the loss of the Garland and Bonaventure, two good Ships, and some other of less Force.

Many Letters and Intelligences came of further Successes in Scotland by the Forces under General Monk. Monk in the Highlands. Others, of several Prizes taken by the Parliaments Ships from the Dutch, and of losses of some English Ships taken by the Dutch, and Transporting some Irish to the Ser­vice of the King of Spain.

The Parliament were very busie in debate of several Acts of Parliament under Consideration, but very little was brought to effect by them..

The Soldiers grumbled at their delayes, and there began to be ill blood between them. The Parlia­ment. General and his Officers pressed the putting a Pe­riod to their Sitting, which they promised to do, but were slow in that business.

January, 1652.

The Preparations for the Navy, and the War at Sea with the Dutch, went on with great Vigor; Navy. and the Parliament were quick in it, and referred it to the Councel of State to take care of it.

And they were diligent in their Business, and cautious to have money in readiness for it, and to settle Amities with Forreign Princes, and such Correspondences that there might be the less As­sistance to their Enemies, or joyning with them.

Intelligences came of the continuance of their Success in Scotland, and of the peacable condition Scotland. of their Affairs in Ireland.

The Kings of France and of Spain, and the Queen of Sweden, sent hither their Ambassadors Forreign Ministers. and publick Ministers to treat for the Settling of Leagues, and Trade.

Upon a Report from them, the Parliament passed several resolutions for the Encouragement Seamenin­couraged. of Seamen in their Service. As for advancement Februa. of some to Pay to them before-hand, and to leave some subsistance to their Families during their Ab­sence.

That for every Ship taken, which should be ad­judged good Prize, they should have 40 s. per Tun and 6 l. for every piece of Cannon taken or found in the Prize Ships, to be equally distributed ac­cording to their Qualities, and that they should have 10 l. for every Cannon which should be taken abord of any Ship which they should sink or Fire.

That whoever should inroll themselves within 40 dayes in the Parliaments Service, should, as a gratuity, receive a Moneths pay not to be passed to account, That Hospitals should be erected at Dover, Deal and Sandwich, for Sick and wounded Sea men brought on Shoar, and a stock settled for Maintenance of them and of other Sick and wounded Men, who by reason of their Diseases and Wounds could not be brought on Shoar.

These, and other Encouragements caused the Seamen to come Flocking into the Service of the Parliament: and although the Hollanders had pro­hibited Placard. the Importing, of Pitch Tar, Hemp, and o­ther Materials of Navigation by any Nation what­soever into England, a Placard of sufficient Inso­lency; yet the Councel of State had provided suffi­cient stores, and had prepared and equipped a Gallant Navy.

In the Levant Captain Bodely coming from Port-Longone to the relief of Captain Appleton, who was blockt up in the Mole of Legorn, the Dutch there set upon Bodely, and destroyed two or three of his Ships.

February, 1652.

The Parliaments Fleet at Sea had great Success Sea Fight. this Moneth in a Fight with the Dutch, between Portland and the Isle of Wight about the Twenti­eth of this Moneth; In which Battle both the Of­ficers, Mariners and Soldiers of both parties be­haved themselves with great Courage and Gallan­try.

But it pleased God so to favour the English, That after a sharp and bloody Fight the Dutch were wholly routed and overcome; and had a sore and terrible loss both of their Ships and Men; the English lost likewise many Men, but came off with a very great Victory.

Several Letters also came of the Successes of the Army in Scotland, and the submission of more of the Irish Rebels. All these passages conduced to the raising up not only of the Reputation, but with it of the Spirits and Ambition of Cromwell, and the Officers of the Army.

And they now began to assume to themselves all the Honour of the past Actions, and of the Con­quests Cromwell. and Army against Parlia­ment. by them atchieved; scarce owning the Par­liament and their assistance, and Provision for them; but taxing and censuring the Members of Parliament for Injustice, and delay of Business, and for seeking to prolong their Power, and promote their private Interest, and to satisfie their own Ambition.

With these and many others the like Censures they endeavoured to Calumniate the Parliament, & Judge them guilty of those Crimes whereof them­selves were faulty; not looking into their own Actions, nor perceiving their own defaults; yet censuring the Actions and proceedings of the Par­liament very opprobriously.

March 1652.

The drift of Cromwell and his Officers was to put an end to this Parliament, which many won­dred at, and sought to disswade him from, upon all opportunities, as far as was thought conveni­ent, and that they might not appear desirous to continue their own power, and sitting in Parlia­ment; whereof they had Cause to be sufficiently weary.

Neither could it clearly be foreseen, that their design was, to rout the present Power, and so set up themselves; against the which they were advised, as pulling down the Foundation of their own Interest and Power, and the way to weaken themselves, and hazard both their cause and Persons.

Yet still they seemed zealous upon their com­mon Pretences of Right and Justice, and publick Li­berty, to put a period to this Parliament, and that if the Parliament would not shortly do it them­selves, that then the Soldiers must do it.

Some who earnestly declared their Judgment against this, as the most dangerous, and most ungrate­ful thing that could be practised, by this freedom, gained no favour with Cromwell and his Officers.

But there wanted not some Parliament Men, perhaps to flatter with them, who soothed them in this unhandsome design, and were complotting with them, to ruine themselves; as by the conse­quence will appear.

Letters of Dutch Free-booters, and French Picke­roons infesting the Coast, and that in Brittain they were building new Ships of War to infest the English.

That Prince Rupert with 3 Ships only was come into Nantes, that he could give no account of his Prince Ru­pert. Brother, and his Ships which were seperated from him by a Hurricane in the Indies; and he believed they were cast away.

From Legorn, that the Duke by the instigation of the Dutch, demanded restitution of the Phaenix recovered by a bold adventure of the English; and the Duke sent to Captain Bodiley, that he having refused to restore the Phaenix to the Dutch, it was Captain Bodiley. his Highnesses pleasure that all the English Ships should depart the Port within 10 dayes, and Bodi­ley prepared to depart accordingly.

That the Dutch Admiral sent a Protest on shoar by 4 of his Captains, that if his Highness would not restore the Phaenix, they would fall upon the English Ships in the Mole, and they warned other Ships to withdraw.

Thereupon the Dutch were commanded to re­tire out of Shot of the Castles, and their Consul on Shoar was sequestred, a guard put upon his House, and all the Dutch clapt into hold.

[22.] An Act passed, for continuing the im­position upon Coals, towards the building and maintaining of Ships.

Another passed for Continuance of the Cu­stoms.

Instructions debated in the House for the Lord Viscount Lisle to go Ambassador extraordinary Lord Lisle. from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to the Queen of Sweden.

The Speaker acquainted the House, that he re­ceived Letters from the States of Holland and West Friezland; the House referred to some of Holland. their Members to examine the Messenger, and ap­pointed a day for debate of the Letters.

The Fairfax Frigot, of 50 Guns, was in Cha­tham March. burned by accident of a Candle, or snuff of Tobacco.

A Proclamation was published in St. Maloes, that no eatable Provisions, nor Pitch, Tarr, or Cordage should be exported, on forfeiture of the Vessels and Goods.

From Edenburgh that some Clans in the High-lands Scots. had meetings, and rendezvous, and that they have meetings in the Low-lands, and that the ge­neral Assembly and the Remonstrators, or dissenting Brethren, meet in several places, and carry on a different Interest.

That Commissary Grey, and others of the High-land Party, were taken by the Parliaments Ar­my.

From the Hague, the Victory is now confest to Dutch. be of the English side in the late Ingagement at Sea; they having seen the names of their Ships that are lost, and finding their Hospitals crowded with Sea-men, and the number of them aboard Lessen­ed.

That they wonder at the sudden and great prepa­rations of the English Fleets, and are discontented that their trade is gone; that in a late mutiny a­bout pressing of Seamen there, 30 were killed.

That the States told the People, that some were coming from England to offer terms of Peace.

That the States had sent a Letter to the Parlia­ment, lamenting the bloodshed of Protestants by this unhappy difference, and how much better it would be to have an Ʋnion and Amity.

Upon the Debate of the Letter from the States, the Parliament referred it to the Councel of State to prepare an answer to it.

From Edenburgh, that the dissenting brethren Scotland. have ordered some particulars concerning Kirk Af­fairs, as for the more orderly and frequent Admini­stration of the Sacrament, and excluding of prophane Persons from it.

From Jersey, that in a Fight at Sea between an Ostender and a Barque of Jersey, she was taken by the Ostender, and they were met with by a Parliament Frigot who brought them both into England.

From Weymouth, That since the last Northerly Winds, the Fisher-men fish nothing but Ship-wrack and dead men, and that the French are un­willing to believe that the English did beat the Dutch in the late Ingagement.

That the French Rovers, and the Dutch do much harm upon the English Coast.

Letters from the Officers and Soldiers at Eden­burgh, Army. in answer to some Letters from the Army in England, wherein they all agree to join for the re­formation of things amiss, and that Justice and liber­ty may have a free passage.

This was but in effect a proceeding in their con­trivances to pull down the Parliament, and to set up themselves.

A Letter passed in the House in answer to the Letter from the States, and setting forth, the Parlia­ments Holland. readiness, as formerly to have prevented these Wars, and to prosecute a fit way, to close up the same, and to settle amity, peace, and a mutual confidence be­tween the 2 Nations.

Of discontents among the Dutch, missing many thousands of their Friends since the late Ingage­ment, but the Lords tell them, that the men are safe in the Ports of France; that they threaten to block up the Thames.

That they cry up the King of Scots Interest, and that he hath offered to serve them at Sea in Person, but that Holland will yet give no ear to it.

That they murmur at a new Tax and some re­fuse to pay it, of 2 Dutch Ships taken Prize.

[Page 528] Of 3 Declarations of the Scots Presbytery, pub­lish'd. 1. Against the Malignant Assembly for es­pousing Anno 1653. Scots De­claration. the Kings Interest. 2. Against the English for breach of Covenant and Toleration of Sects. 3. A­gainst the new Scots Dippers.

Particulars of the Fight in the Streights be­tween the Dutch and Captain Bodeley. That the Bonadventure one of his Ships was blown up, and all Sea Fight. her men lost but seven; That the Sampson an other of his Ships was laid on board on one side; by a Dutch man of War, and fired on the other side by one of their Fireships, but most of her men hoped to be saved by getting aboard the Mary, that other of their Ships 3 in number were taken by the Dutch.

That 6 great men of War were sent from the Texel, to lye in the mouth of the Elbe, to search and examine all Ships bound for England.

April, 1653.

[1.] Letters from Ireland, of several Irish Transplanted by agreement. Irish.

That Major Wallis and Captain Nelson ingaged a Party of the Irish at great disadvantage, yet rou­ted them, and killed above 50 of them, and 3 of their Captains dead upon the place.

Of differences amongst the Remonstrators in Scotland, wherein the Lord Wareston was very Scotland. active, to justifie their proceedings, and that all they did was well.

[2.] Of mischiefs done upon the English Tra­ders by some of the Dutch and French Pickeroons and Free-booters.

[4.] Of a Holland Free-booter taken.

Letters, That when Captain Appleton was taken by the Dutch in the Streights, he privately com­manded Captain Appleton. the Gunner to blow up the Ship; but he and the Gunner were laid hold on by the Compa­ny, suspecting some such thing, and by force hin­dred from doing it, and the Captain was taken Pri­soner by the Dutch.

That the Dutch set the English Marriners whom they had taken, on shore but kept the Captains Prisoners.

[5.] Ordered by the House, that a certain num­ber of Ministers, and others be appointed to sit in every Ministers. County, to examine, Judge, and approve all such Per­sons as shall be called to preach the Gospel.

The Fine set upon the Lord Howard remitted, and Sir John Gell pardoned.

Order for the Garrison and Castle of Bristol, to be dismantled.

A publick Minister came from Sweedland and an other from Switzerland. Sweden.

[6.] Upon discourse with Cromwell, he was found still in distast with the Parliament, and haste­ning Cromwell. their dissolution.

[7.] Some meetings and proposals were made for a Treaty of Peace with the Dutch, but little hopes to effect it.

[8.] An Act passed for probate of Wills, and granting Administrations.

A Fleet of Colliers with a Convoy of Ten Men Colliers. of War, put into Scarborough for fear of a Dutch Fleet descryed at Sea, and sent word thereof to the 3 Generals at Portsmouth, whereupon Vice-Ad­miral Pen with 40 Men of War went Northward for their assistance.

[10.] Letters of 300 Sail of Colliers with their Convoy, which put in at Scarborough for fafety from the Dutch were sired upon by the Dutch but defended by the Castle, and the Dutch Fleet went off again.

Some Irish Commanders made an agreement April. Irish. with Commissary General Reynolds to lay down their Arms, and be Transported to Spain or any other place in amity with England, with an excep­tion of those who were guilty of any Massacre, Murder, or Robbery, and their Priests not to exe­cute their Function in the English Quarters.

[11.] That some of the Irish Rebels having a design to possess and fortifie Durs Island were pre­vented by the English.

[12.] Kept a day of Thanksgiving.

A Proclamation at the Hague, that whosoever shall discover the Author of a Scandalous Pam­phlet, Pamphlet. called Rotterdams discourse between a Mer­chant, and a Citizen, and a States-man, shall have Holland. 500 Gilders, and he that discovers the Printer to have 250 Gilders.

The States gave to Van Trump, a Gold Chain to the value of 2000 Gilders, and to Everson, and Ruiter, to each 1500 Gilders; and other gratui­ties to other of their Commanders of that Facti­on.

Of English Vessels taken by the Dutch Ca­pers.

That the Assembly and Remonstrating party in Scotland do not only swell into high words, but Scots. end in blows to the scandal of some of their Par­ty.

[13.] Divers Scots pressed, and sent into Eng­land to serve in the Fleet.

That Captain Edwards with a small man of War of 6 Guns brought in a prize of 200 Tun richly laden.

[14.] Of several Prizes taken.

[15.] That the parts about Scilly are much in­fested with Free-booters, French, Dutch, and I­rish.

That one Crichtoun, at Edenburgh before the Ju­stices, confessed that he was a Jesuite, and had said Mass in several places in that Nation, Justified his own opinion, and declared a readiness to suffer what should be inflicted upon him; affirming that the worst measure he could receive from them, would tend most to his advantage?

Of strange Fishes taken in the Harbour at Soals Bay, of 10 or 11 Foot in Length; and none of the like sort seen before.

Of the Coast near Jersey much infested by the Pickeroons pretending Commissions from the Scots King.

That divers of Prince Rupert's Men stole away from him, and came to England.

Of the Fleet of Colliers arrived.

The Parliament gave moneys to divers Wi­dows, whose Husbands were Slain in the late Sea-Fight.

Order for Hampton-Court, and the 3 Parks there to be kept from Sale.

[16.] Order for a Seal for the probate of Wills, and granting Letters of Administration.

[18.] 600 l. in Gold was taken on board the Pacquet-boat going for Calais.

That 7 Dutch Captains were imprisoned at the Van Trump. Hague for not doing their Duty in the late Ingage­ment with the English at Sea; that they were to be tryed by Van Trump and 11 more Sea Officers.

The Lord Applebone, Resident for the Crown of Sweeden, had audience of the States, and offered a mediation of Peace betwixt them and England, as the Lord Lagerfield had done to the Parliament.

That there was a Mutiny in De Witts Ship, but appeased again.

[19.] That the Queen of Sweeden had 50 stout Ships Men of War at Sea.

[Page 529] [20.] Yesterday there having been a great meeting at Cromwells Lodgings in Whitehall, of Parliament Men, and several Officers of the Army, sent to by Cromwell to be there, & a large discourse and debate having been amongst them touching Cromwell. some expedient to be found out, for the present carrying on of the Government of the Common-wealth, and putting a period to this present Par­liament:

It was offered by divers, as a most dangerous thing to dissolve the present Parliament, and to set up any other Government, and that it would nei­ther be warrantable in conscience or wisdom so to do; yet none of them expressed themselves so freely to that purpose, as Sir Tho. Widdrington, and Whitelock then did.

Of the other opinion, as to putting a period forthwith to this Parliament, St. John was one of the chief, and many more with him; and general­ly all the Officers of the Army; who stuck close in this likewise to their General.

And the better to make way for themselves, and their ambitious design of advancing them to the Civil Government, as well as they were in the Mi­litary power:

They and their Party declared their opinions, that it was necessary the same should be done one way or other, and the Members of Parliament not permitted to prolong their own power.

At which expression Cromwell seemed to reprove some of them; and this conference lasted till late at Night, when Widdrington and Whitelock went home weary, and troubled to see the indiscretion and ingratitude of those Men, and the way they designed to ruine themselves.

Therefore these came early again this morning according to appointment, to Cromwell's Lodging, where there were but few Parliament Men, and a few Officers of the Army;

A point was again stirred, which had been de­bated the last night; whether 40 Persons, or about that number of Parliament Men, and Officers of the Army should be nominated by the Parliament, and im­powred for the managing the Affairs of the Common-wealth, till a new Parliament should meet, and so the present Parliament to be forthwith Dissolved.

Whitelock was against this Proposal, and the more, fearing lest he might be one of these 40; who he thought would be in a desperate condition after the Parliament should be dissolved; but o­thers were very ambitious to be of this Number and Councel, and to be invested with this exorbi­tant power in them.

Cromwell being informed during this debate, that the Parliament was sitting, and that it was hoped they would put a period to themselves; which would be the most honourable Dissolution for them;

Hereupon he broke of the meeting, and the Members of Parliament with him, left him at his Lodging and went to the House, and found them in Debate of an Act, the which would occasion o­ther meetings of them again, and prolong their Sitting.

Thereupon Collonel Ingoldsby went back to Cromwell, and told him what the House were do­ing, who was so inraged thereat, expecting they should have medled with no other business, but putting a period to their own sitting without more delay;

That he presently commanded some of the Of­ficers of the Army to fetch a party of Soldiers, with whom he marched to the House; and led a File of Musquetiers in with him; the rest he pla­ced at the Door of the House, and in the Lobby before it.

In this manner entring the House, he in a furi­ous manner bid the Speaker leave his Chair, told the House, That they had sate long enough, unless they had done more good, That some of them were Whore­masters looking then towards Henry Martyn, and Sir Peter Wentworth.

That others of them were Drunkards, and some cor­rupt and unjust men, and scandalous to the profession of the Gospel, and that it was not fit, they should sit as a Parliament any longer, and desired them to go away.

The Speaker not stirring from his Seat, Collo­nel Harrison who sate near the Chair, rose up, and took him by the Arm, to remove him from his Seat, which when the Speaker saw he left his Chair.

Some of the Members rose up to answer Crom­well's Speech, but he would suffer none to Speak but himself.

Which he did with so much arrogance in him­self, Parlia­ment turn­ed out of Doors. and reproach to his fellow Members, that some of his privadoes were ashamed of it.

But he, and his Officers, and party, would have it so, and among all the Parliament men of whom many wore Swords, and would sometimes brag high, not one man offered to draw his Sword a­gainst Cromwell, or to make the least resistance a­gainst him; but all of them tamely departed the House.

He bid one of his Soldiers to take away that fools bable, the Mace; and stayed himself to see all the Members out of the House, himself the last of them, and then caused the doors of the House to be shut up.

Thus was this great Parliament, which had done so great things, wholly at this time routed by those whom they had set up, and that took their Commis­sions & Authority from them; nor could they in the least justifie any action they had done, or one drop of blood they had spilt, but by this Authority.

Yet now the Servants rose against their Ma­sters, and most ingratefully, and disingeniously, as well as rashly, and imprudently, they dissolved that power, by which themselves were created Officers, and Soldiers: and now they took what they de­sign'd, all power into their own hands.

All honest, and prudent indifferent men, were highly distasted at this unworthy action.

This occasioned much rejoycing in the Kings party, who now daily expected the destruction of Cromwell and his party, and Army, yet made great applications and congratulations to him; and those of the Parliaments party were at a stand, di­vers Fierce men, Pastors of Churches, and their Congregations were pleased at it; and generally the Officers and Soldiers of the Army; so that one of them did not stick to say to the Father be­ing a Parliament man, and the Son a Captain in the Army, that this business was nothing but to pull down the Father, and to set up the Son; and no more but for the Father to wear worstead, and the Son Silk stockins; so sottish were they in the apprehensions of their own risings.

Thus it pleased God, that this Assembly famous through the World for its undertakings, actions, and successes, having subdued all their Enemies, were themselves overthrown, and ruined by their Servants; and those whom they had raised, now pulled down their Masters.

An example never to be forgotten, and scarse to be paralled in any Story, by which all persons may be instructed how uncertain and subject to change all Worldly Affairs are, how apt to fall when we think them highest.

[Page 530] How God makes use of strange and unexpected means to bring his purposes to pass.

[21.] Of differences among the Kirke party in Scotland.

Cromwell and his party were busie in consultation Kirk. Cromwell. to find out a new Government and Governours for their Common-wealth.

[22.] Letters from Holland, that they had sur­prized the English Colliers, and their Convoy; Holland. which kind of news was usually a fore-runner of good success to the English.

Cromwell and his Officers ordered that all courts of Justice should sit as formerly, and the Com­missioners sate for Probate of Wills, and granting of Administrations.

Cromwell and his Councel of Officers set forth a Declaration of the Grounds and Reasons for their Declarati­on. Dissolving of the late Parliament, and that all Ci­vil Officers, do proceed as formerly in the execu­tion of their Offices, and all persons to give obe­dience to them.

The Commissioners did not proceed in the busi­ness of the great Seal, till after this Declaration, Great-Seal and then considering that they had their Authori­ty from the Parliament, they did proceed.

[25.] The Generals and Captains at Sea, pub­lished a Declaration of their resolutions notwith­standing Sea Cap­tains. the late change, to proceed in the perfor­mance of their duties, and the trust reposed in them against the Enemies of this Common-wealth.

The Shires in Scotland being persuaded by their Ministers, did not meet according to Summons Scotland. about the Ʋnion.

Letters from a Scotch Minister that the Hollan­ders had wholly defeated the English at Sea, and had blocked up the River of Thames, with sundry Dutch. other Fictions to persuade the people their way.

[26.] Of an English Cloth Ship taken by the Dutch.

That the Royal interest was cast out by the States of Holland.

That the Dane joined with them.

A Messenger brought Letters from the States of Holland, in answer to the Letters from the Parlia­ment to them.

[27.] Some Business was recommended to the Commissioners of the Great Seal from Cromwell and his Councel of Officers which was proceeded in.

[28.] Of 50 Sail of Ships bound for Ireland with Provisions, which were stayed at Scilly by contrary winds.

[29.] Of a Soldier in Scotland, who had stollen Cloaths and coming up to the Centry was shot, and dyed with the Cloathes under his Arms, other Soldiers were Sentenced for stealing Cloaths, Boots, &c. out of the Stores.

[30.] That Holland were much inclined to have peace with England; but that Zealand was Holland. averse to it.

Of an English Man of War who Fought with 2 Pickeroons 4 hours, and many men being Slain on both Sides they parted.

Of several Ships from Stockholm, Gottenburgh, Hamborough, Dantzick and other places arrived in the Thames with Hemp, Pitch, Tar, and the like Commodities.

That the English Fleet now out at Sea, and join­ed together, were an Hundred and more Gallant Fleet. Men of War, well provided, and manned for Ser­vice.

Cromwell and his Councel of Officers made a Committee to examine the Grievances and Oppres­sion, committed by Sir John Lenthal in managing the Prison of the Upper Bench both as to the May. Debtors and Creditors, and how the same may be redressed.

May 1653.

[2.] Upon Letters from Cromwell and his Councel of Officers to Vice-Admiral Pen, and the Officers and Sea-men under his Command, they returned an answer of Submission to their Orders, and of their readiness to joyn with them.

An acknowledgment and owning of the Disso­lution Durham. of the late Parliament sent up from many in Durham, and their ingagements to stand to Crom­well and his Councel of Officers.

[3.] Letters, That Captain Bodiley in the Streights, took a very rich Ship of the Dutch, a Mer­chant man, and a Man of War besides; and that he met and fought the great Pyrate Chevalier de Fer­rier, and killed, and sunk 600 of his men.

Of a Dutch Man of War burned by accident in the Texel.

Of the English Fleet being come near to the Dutch Fleet.

The Committee touching the Prison of the up­per Bench.

Ordered the Debtors there to shew Cause, why their Estates should not be sequestred, for pay­ment of their just Debts, for which they were in Prison.

[4.] Many acknowledgments of the Justice of Acknow­ledgments. the late action in dissolving the Parliament, were sent up to Cromwell, and his Councel of Officers from several parties of the Army, and from others in several Counties with ingagements to stand by them.

An Ostender brought 2 Prizes to Jersey, and set their Men there on Shoar, to get moneys for their redemption.

[6.] Soldiers in Scotland for coyning new half Coynen. Crowns of Pewter were Sentenced by a Court Mar­shal, to have 40 lashes on their bare backs, and to march through the High-street of Edenburgh, with a counterfeit half Crown, nailed to each of their Ears, and that pieces of their Ears should be cut off with the half Crowns, and nailed to the Gallows.

[7.] A Letter from the Officers of the Eng­lish Cromwell. Army at Edenburgh commending Cromwell and his Councel for the late action of Dissolving the Parliament and ingaging to stand and fall with them.

A Messenger of the Councel of State brought Fleet. news, that the English Fleet consisting of about 100 Sail was so near the Dutch Fleet being about 70 Sail, that he saw the headmost of the English Fleet Fire upon the Sternmost of the Dutch Fleet, and that the Dutch hastened what they could to es­cape.

An other Messenger brought word to the Coun­cel Dutch. of State, that the Dutch Fleet fled away to the Texel, and were pursued by the English Fleet who took 40 or 50 of their Dogger-boats from them; that the people in Holland earnestly cry out for a Peace with England.

Letters that 300 Dutch Merchant-men, who Sailed round about by Scotland to get home, 6 of them were taken up by some English Ships there.

[9.] The Committee touching the upper-Bench Prison, gave in a List of 399 Prisoners in Kings-Bench Pri­son. that Prison, and the Rules, and that their Debts amounted to above nine Hundred Thousand pounds.

A Remonstrance from the Town and Garrison Army. of Leith approving the late action of Dissolving [Page 531] the Parliament, and ingaging to assist Cromwell and his Officers.

The Commissioners for the Affairs of Ireland, upon the Declaration of Cromwell and his Councel of Officers about the Dissolving the Parliament Ireland. set forth a Declaration in Ireland, that all Officers, and Soldiers, and others, should proceed in the Execu­tion of their several Charges, and Trust, that the Ene­my might not take any advantage of the late change in England, and they ordered a day of publick Humi­liation.

The Queen of Sweden offered to the States their mediation of Peace betwixt England and them.

Of divers Fisher-men taken by the English Ships.

[10.] The English Fleet Sailed by the Texel along the Dutch Coast to the Northward, and took 54 Busses going a Fishing.

[3.] Captain Bodiley returned from the Streights with 8 Men of War, and 8 Merchant-men Bodiley. to the Downs.

A Frigot took 2 private Dutch men of War.

[11.] A Remonstrance of the General Coun­cel of Officers at Dalkeith, in behalf of themselves and the Forces in Scotland shewing their Concur­rence Army. with Cromwell, and his Councel of Officers at White-Hall, in dissolving the Parliament.

[12.] That Prince Rupert went little abroad in France, and was very sad that he could hear no­thing of his Brother Maurice.

[13.] Letters, That some of the Kerns in Ire­land having got together in Arms, Collonel Nel­son Ireland. with a party fell into their Quarters by break of day, killed about 300 of them, took 900 Cattle, and 2 Garrons.

40000 l. sent to the Soldiers in Ireland.

That Captain Barrow took O Ronies Island in Ire­land, and put 80 there to the Sword.

[14.] The Councel of State ordered new Treasurers for the Excise, and a Committee to consider how all the Treasuries of the Common-wealth may be best managed.

Of a Bark of Jersey taken by a Dutch Man of War and a French man, by Commission from the Scotch King.

Of much sickness amongst the Dutch Prisoners at Southampton, whereof many of them were dead.

[16.] Letters from the Fleet, that they were in pursuit of Van Trump, and his Fleet to the North-ward, and came upon the Coast of Scotland, that divers Dutch Marriners Prisoners at Tinmouth were by the Governour distributed into the Colliers Ships, and their names taken: this was to avoid the charge of keeping them.

[17.] A private Soldier was Sentenced to be shot to death for killing a man in Holborn.

That the English Fleet were at Aberdeen in Scot­land.

That the Sweeds had 20 Men of War at Sea.

The Lord Chandois, and Count Arundel were tryed in the Upper-Bench for Killing Mr. Compton D [...]al. in a Duel, and were found Guilty of Man-Slaugh­ter by the Jury.

One Faulkener who was Witness against the Lord Craven upon his Sequestration, was tryed in the Upper-Bench for perjury in the Tryal: it was proved, that at Petersfield in Sussex, Faulkener kneeled down upon his knees in the middle of the Town, and drank a health to the Devil.

[18.] Letters, That the Dutch much rejoiced at the Dissolving of the Parliament, hoping for Dutch. some disabling of the English Fleet thereby, but be­ing disappointed thereof the common people were earnest for a Peace with England.

That the King of Denmark stood off, expecting the issue of the Business betwixt England and Hol­land, and fearing the danger of Sweden. Dan [...]s.

That Monsieur Burdeaux was Arrived Ambassa­dor French Ambassa­dor. from the French King to the Common-wealth of England.

That the Generals of the Fleet sent Orders from Aberdeen for all English Ships in the Service of the State upon the Coast of Scotland, to follow and joyn with them.

[19.] Letters from the Fleet, that they were Fleet. still in pursuit of the Dutch Fleet, upon the Coast of Scotland, but had no other Intelligence of them, than what they had formerly given to the Coun­cel.

[20.] Collonel Jones, and Collonel Ryley a­greed upon Articles in Ireland, for pardon of some Ireland. of the Rebels, and for Indempnity and Transpor­tation of them.

[21.] Letters, That the Captain of Clanran­nold Highlands. one of the chief Clans in the North Highlands, had taken the tender, to be faithful to the Common-wealth of England; and desired a Commission to set out a private Man of War against the Dutch.

That Captain Diamond brought into Pool 8 Dutch Merchant Ships prizes.

[23.] That Collonel Atkins took a Dutch Pac­quet-boat, with some Letters of Concernment from Holland to Van-Trump.

Letters from the Forces in Scotland under Col­lonel Army. Lilburne directed to Major-General Lambert, to be communicated to the Army in England, high­ly approving of the action of Dissolving the Parlia­ment, and ingaging to live and dye with Cromwell, and his Councel of Officers in the further prosecution of this cause, and for procuring of Justice and Righteousness, and freedom to be settled to this Nation.

[25.] That the Holland Merchants, who went Dutch. round about by Scotland, had slipped by the Eng­lish Fleet, and were returned safe into their Har­bour with their Convoy Van Trump and his Men of War, which raised the Spirits of the States and their People.

[26.] The Rebels in Cork and Kerry lessened, Ireland. their General O Sullinan Beer fled to France, and the remaining Collonels sent to the Lord Broghill for terms of submission.

A young Conspiracy to bring in Charles 2d. dis­covered at Yonghall, and the Conspirators appre­hended.

[27.] Cromwell and his Councel of Officers re­solved Cromwell. to Summon select Persons to be nominated by themselves out of every County, who should be as a Representative of the whole Nation.

[28.] Cromwell and his Councel of Officers sat close this week about choosing Persons to sit in the next Representative.

They also published a Declaration for continu­ing the old Commissioners for Assessments in the several Counties, and the present Tax for 3 months longer.

They appointed a Committee to consider how the Receipts of the Customs, and excise might be best managed and brought into one Office.

Van Trump came with his Fleet into Dover Road, having Convoyed home all the Merchants, he dis­charged Van Trump. many Shots against the Town of Dover whereby some Houses were prejudiced but no per­son Slain, the English Fleet were to the North of Scotland.

That Dover Castle and the Forts playing upon Van Trumps Fleet, they tacked about, and stood to the Southward; that they took three small Vessels of the English bound from London to Rohan.

[Page 532] [30.] Several Aldermen and others of London made an Address to Cromwell for reinvesting the late Parliament, whereupon divers others of London made an Address to Cromwel testifying their dislike of, and dissent from the former, and their resolution to London Addresses. adhere to Cromwell.

To Cromwell and his Councel of Officers came the humble acknowledgment, and Congratulation of the Radnor. Churches of Christ, and other well affected Persons, to their proceeding, in the County of Radnor.

Two Dutch Prizes loaden with Wines taken by two of the English Frigots.

An Account of several Ships of War going to the Fleet, and of a guard of Ships appointed to ply Fleet. to the North Foreland, for security of the Fisher-men.

[31.] Of a single English Man of War, who met with several Dutch Fleets of above 300 Mer­chant men with their Convoys, some from Russia, some from France, and the English Ship putting up the Danish Colours, and setting only some Danes on the Deck, which they had on board their Ship, they came off cleer from the Dutch.

Letters from the Hague that Trumps design in going out towards the Downs was to Fire such Van Trump. English Ships as he should find there, or in their Harbour, or upon the English Coast, before their grand Fleet should return.

June 1653.

[1.] The General of the English Fleet being returned near the Texel, called a Councel of War, and sent orders for all Men of War in the River, and other parts that are ready to Sail to come and join with them.

An Account that Van Trump was at Goree with 120 Men of War, and expected more to join with him.

[2.] Letters, That the English Fleet was at Yarmouth, and the Dutch Fleet at the back of the Goodwin.

[3.] Letters of differences among the Remon­strators in Scotland, about the point of Jus divinum Scots Jus divinum. of their Government of the Kirk.

That upon the English Fleets appearing near the Texel, divers rich Men of Roterdam, and other parts fled into the Country, and left their Houses, that the People cry out for Peace with England.

Of a Dutch Prize taken near Plimouth.

That a private English Man of War, of about 8 Guns took 3 rich Dutch Prizes.

Letters and Messengers from the Fleet, did bring the news, That yesterday about noon, the Sea Fight. English Fleet ingaged the Dutch about the North Foreland; and the Ingagement continued very hot and sharp till near night; in which time one of the Dutch Admirals was blown up, and 3 or 4 Sunk but not one of the English Ships lost; only Gene­ral Dean on the first on-set, was slain by a great shot. Dean.

This day 'twas observed that the Fleets were in­gaged again, and the report of the great Guns were heard in London, and other places remote from Sea.

[4.] Letters from General Monk of the Fight at Sea, with the Dutch; that for 3 hours the dispute Monk. was very sharp on both sides, which continued from 3 to 6 in the Evening; at which time the Enemy bore away right before the wind, and little more was done, only the Frigots gave chase so long as there was light. One of the Dutch Admirals was blown up, and 3 or 4 Sunk, General Dean slain.

A Messenger brought News from the Fleet, that June. they had taken 20 of the Dutch Men of War, and fired and sunk many more of them.

[6.] Letters from the Generals at Sea, to Cromwell: and they to the Councel of State, of the first days Fight with the Dutch at Sea; and of the second days Fight with them, which continued 4 hours; after which they endeavoured to get away from the English as fast as they could, the particu­lars were not fully known what Ships were taken, and sunk, and what men Slain, but a List was sent to the Councel of such as were then known.

An Act of the Councel of State, touching the adventurers for Lands in Ireland.

An Address from Cumberland approving the Cumberland Address. actions of Cromwell, and his Army, and resolving to stand by them, and assist them.

[7.] Letters from Scotland that the 2 great Scotland. Fleets missed one an other, to the admiration of all men; that the Malignants report the Dutch to be 150 Sail of Men of War.

That there continues great feud betwixt the As­sembly and Protesting Party, about placing and displacing of Ministers.

That the Lord Wareston is angry at every thing but himself, and at that too, sometimes.

Intelligence that about 20 of the Dutch Fleet were taken, burnt and sunk, 3 Fire-Ships taken, Sea Fight. one Vice-Admiral, and 2 Rear-Admirals, one Rear-Admiral towed by the Entrance, being far bigger than her self, having 14 Guns on a Tire, and of 1200 Tun.

But 126 men Slain in the English Fleet, none of note but General Dean; and one Captain, no English Ship lost.

[8.] Letters were sent from Cromwell to the several persons, called to take upon them the trust of the Government of the Common-wealth, and Cromwells Summons. were to this effect.

For as much as upon Dissolution of the late Parlia­ment, it became necessary that the Peace, Safety, and good Government of this Common-wealth should be pro­vided for; and in order thereunto divers persons fear­ing God, and of approved Fidelity, and Honesty are by my self with the advice of my Councel of Officers nomi­nated, to whom the great Charge and Trust of so weigh­ty Affairs is to be committed. And having good as­surance of your love to, and courage for God and the Interest of this Cause, and of the good People of this Common-wealth:

I Oliver Cromwell Captain-General, and Com­mander in chief of all the Armies and Forces, raised, and to be raised within this Common-wealth, do hereby summon and require you (being one of the Persons no­minated) personally to appear at the Councel-Chamber at White-Hall within the City of Westminster, up­on the 4th day of July next insuing the date hereof, then and there to take upon you the said Trust unto which you are hereby called, and appointed to serve as a Member of the County of Bucks, and hereof you are not to fail.

Given under my Hand and Seal the 8th day of June, 1653.
O. Cromwell.

Further Relations of the late Fight at Sea with the Dutch, but to the same effect with the former; and that the English Fleet were still in chase of the Dutch Fleet, towards their own Coast. Fleet.

[9.] Letters of 2 Dutch Ships taken by the Warwick Frigot, that as soon as the Dutch discover­ed her to be one of the States Men of War, they presently submitted to her.

[Page 533] [10.] Of a Tumult lately in Linlithgow in Scotland, the people refusing to receive a Minister whom the Presbit'ry would have imposed on them, and some of the Kirk-men were soundly beaten in the scuffle.

A Ship of Jersey taken by the French.

[11.] Of a private Man of War of Captain Williams, who brought to Pendenuis 3 prizes, whereof one had store of money; but how much it was the Marriners took course it should not be discovered.

An other private Man of War brought 3 Dutch Prizes into the Isle of Wight.

That the English Fleet was before the Brill and other Dutch Harbours, blocking up their Ships, and that thereupon the Dutch People were in very great confusion.

[13.] A party of Soldiers being sent into the Highlands to gather the Sess there, a Company of Highlan­ders. Highlanders got together in Arms, and followed the Soldiers 8 Miles, who making a hault fired upon the Highlanders, and slew their Captain: and thereupon all of them fled distractedly, and left di­vers of their Company dead upon the place, those that ran away were too nimble for the English Sol­diers to pursue them; eight Men of War of the English Fleet brought into Leith Road 20 small Dutch Vessels, Busses, and other Prizes.

[14.] The General and Councel of State pub­lished Declara­tion. a Declaration, to invite all the good People in these Nations to thankfulness and holy rejoycing in the Lord, for the late great Victory at Sea against the Dutch, and appointed a Day for meeting of himself, and his Councel of Officers to praise the Lord.

This took the more with many People because it was not a command, and imposing upon Men, but only an Invitation of them, to keep a day of pub­lick thanksgiving.

Collonel John Lilburn arriving at London, sets forth an Address to Cromwell under this Title, The Lilburn. banished Mans suit for Protection, to his Excellency the Lord-General Cromwell, being the humble Ad­dress of Lieutenant-Collonel John Lilburn.

This was written from his Lodging in little More-fields; where by Warrant of the Councel of State, he was taken into Custody, and Committed to Sherriff Ʋnderwood's House.

[15.] The English Fleet were plying to and Fleet. again betwixt the Texel and the Ʋly, to hinder Ships coming out from thence, to joyn with that part of the Dutch Fleet now at the Weilings, and to stop up their Trade and Fishing.

[16.] Lieutenant-Collonel Lilburn being Pri­soner in Newgate, now published another Address Lilburn. to Cromwell and the Councel of State for repealing the Act of the late Parliament, for his banishment, for which he gave divers reasons, because it was a Judgment against him by the Parliament according to no law in being.

That the Act is a Law made after the Fact done to ordain a punishment for that Fact, which was never ordained or heard of before.

That the Parliament which made that Law being now dissolved, the Law ought to be of no Force.

He prays the Suspension of any proceedings against him upon that Law, till the Justice of the matter and manner of it, be legally examined.

Two small Vessels of Scilly Loaden with Provi­sions for the Island, were taken by the Brest Picka­roons.

One of Prince Rupert's Men in a mad humour, leaped over-board into the Sea, and was drowned, and another of them in a bravado killed himself with his own Pistol.

[17.] The Highlanders in Scotland began to gather together in Arms, upon Commissions they received from the King of Scots. Highlan­ders.

The English Fleet were upon the Dutch and French Coasts.

[18.] Captain Steiner brought into Lee Road Dutch. 12 prizes Dutch Men of War, taken in the late Fight, and of Dutch Prisoners 1350, who were brought to London and secured in Chelsey Colledge.

An Agent came from Holland with Letters to Cromwell about their Ambassadors coming hither to Treat for Peace; Cromwell received and carri­ed the Letters to the Councel of State.

[20.] The last week arrived in England Mnr. Bevering, a Commissioner from Holland, and had Audience before the Councel of State, and made a short Speech in French for amity between the two Common-wealths, this day arrived 3 more, New-port, Van Dorpar, and Yongstall Commissioners from the United Provinces.

Lieutenant-Collonel Lilburn made a 3d Address to Cromwell and the Councel of State.

A Petition in the names of 5000 Citizens of London on the behalf of Lilburn presented to the Councel of State.

Several of the English Frigots plyed before the Texel and the Fly, as near as they could to the Har­bours mouth.

A Dutch Prize brought into the Fleet, two more escaped, and some Frigots were sent after them, more Men of War came into the Fleet with sup­plies of Provisions and Ammunition.

[21.] An Order and Declaration of the Coun­cel of State concerning the determination of se­veral claims depending before the Commissioners for removing of Obstruction.

The Commissioners from Holland came over with a white Flag, to Treat for Peace, and were saluted by the English Ships as they passed by them.

The English were used uncivilly in Holland, the Dutch prepared for War.

Trading with them was dead, Corn dear, their fishing prevented, and the people very unquiet; they compute their loss in the late Fight to be 5000 Men.

Three Dutch Prizes taken by the English Fri­gots.

Three English Ships taken by five Pickeroons near the Coast of Sussex.

[22.] Judges nominated by Cromwell and the Councel of State, for the Summer Circuit.

Draughts brought to the Commissioners of the Great Seal. Great-Seal, for passing Commissions touching the Lands in Ireland for the Adventurers.

Soldiers sent to the Fleet.

[23.] Cromwell and the Councel of State kept Thanks-giving. this a day of thanksgiving for the Victory at Sea against the Dutch, and it was generally kept throughout the City.

[24.] The Funeral of General Dean was so­lemnized, Dean's Fu­neral. his Corps was carried in a Barge from Greenwich to Westminster, attended with many Barges, and Boats in mourning Equipage, and ma­ny great Shot discharged as he passed by from Ships, and the Tower, and Guns placed in the way, and he was Interred in the Abbey.

Mr. Thurloe sent to many persons Notes by di­rection from the Councel, to desire them to be present at the Funeral, where they were according­ly, and a very great Company of Soldiers, and o­thers; and Cromwell himself was there.

The sickness increased at Dublin.

Some small Vessels upon the North of Ireland were taken by French Pyrates.

[Page 534] Some great Lords met in the Highlands upon a new design which they kept secret, and pretended a Commission from their King.

A Prize brought into St. Maloes not admitted by the Town, being resolved to maintain a free Trade Highlands. with England.

[25.] The Dutch Ambassadors pressed for a speedy Treaty of Peace.

The English Fleet were still plying before the Dutch Harbours.

[27.] An Address from the Forces of Jersey Jersey. to Cromwell and his Councel of Officers, that they will stand and fall, live and dye with them.

That a small party of the English Horse in Ire­land, routed a party of the Rebels 4 times more Irish. than themselves in the County of Kerry, killed 60 of them, and took divers Prisoners. The English were but 30 Horse, and 2 Files of Musketiers, the Rebels were about 400.

The States of Holland strengthened their Garri­sons, Dutch. armed the Boors by the Sea Coast, and march­ed some Land Forces into the Towns near the Sea; being allarmed by the English Fleet, and their People were very unquiet, and apt to Tumults and Sedition.

The Fleet before the Texel took a Vessel going with Instructions to their Fleet, coming in with young Van Trump, that they and their East-India Fleet, and other Merchants, should go to Norway and the Sound.

Three Merchants Ships taken by the English Fleet.

A rising of some People in Holland for the Prince of Orange.

[28.] A Petition of many Thousand Prisoners Petition. to Cromwell and his Officers for Liberty. That Magna Charta may be in force, and no arrests for Debt, &c.

Printe Rupert going to Swim in the River of Seine, was in danger of drowning, but saved by the Company.

[29.] Cromwell and the Councel of State pass­ed Fens. an Order forbidding all riotous Assemblies in the great level of the Fenns, and the throwing down of Fences and Inclosures there.

Hamborough sent Supplies of Ammunition, Guns, &c. to Holland.

[30.] Prince Rupert in mean Condition with a few Men in France.

July, 1653.

[1.] An Address to Cromwell and his Councel Address. of Officers, from the Commission-Officers of Lymericke, and Clare in Ireland, of Joyning with him.

Some prizes taken upon the Scotch Coast by Cap­tain Rudlee.

[2.] Some 50 Dutch Merchants from the S [...]u [...]d, Convoyed by 12 Danish Men of War for Holland.

William of Nassan coming to Amsterdam upon Nassaw. a design to suprise that Town, hardly escaped with his life from thence.

Letters, That the English Fleet had taken 5 Ships loaden with Masts, Pitch, and Tar; two from Stockholm, which besides other rich goods, had 200 Copper Guns in their hold, 3 Ships loaden with Corn, 2 others from Denmark and 2 from the Streights, one loaden with Oyl, and the other with Silkes.

[4.] The persons Summoned by Cromwel to take the Supream authority, appeared in the Cromwel, New Su­pream Au­thority. Councel Chamber at Whitehal, about 120 of them; and being set round the Table, Cromwel and the Officers of the Army standing about the middle July. of the Table, Cromwell made a Speech to them: Shewing the cause of their Summons, and that they had a clear call to take upon them the Supream Authority of the Common-wealth; and he urged di­vers Scriptures to admonish and incourage them to do their duties.

Then Cromwel produced an Instrument in writ­ing, under his own hand and Seal, whereby he did with the advice of his Officers, devolve and intrust the Supream Authority and Government of this Common-wealth into the hands of the Persons then met.

And that they or any 40 of them, are to be held and acknowledged the Supream authority of the Nation, unto whom, all persons within the same, are to yeild obedience and Subjection.

That they should not sit longer than the 3d. of November 1654. and 3 moneths before their Dis­solution to make choice of other persons to Succeed them; who are not to sit longer than a year, and to be left to them to take care for a Succession in government.

Then Cromwel and his Officers withdrew, and the persons met did adjourn themselves to the next day in the Parliament-house, and appointed to keep a Fast there, to seek God for his Direction and Blessing.

It was much wondered by some, that these Gen­tlemen, many of them being Persons of Fortune and Knowledge, would at this Summons, and from these hands, take upon them the Supream Authority of this Nation: considering how little Authority Cromwell and his Officers had to give it, or these Gentlemen to take it, but it was accepted by them.

An Address to Cromwell from many well affected Address. in Lincolnshire to stand by him, &c.

[5.] The Summoned Gentlemen met in the New Su­pream Au­thority. House and kept the Day in Humiliation and Prayer.

After which ended, they resolved, that Mr. Rouse should sit in the chair for a Moneth, and that Cromwel Lambert, Harrison, Desborough and Tomlinson do sit in the house as Members, and that Mr. Scobel should be their Clark.

A list of 20 Dutch prizes brought into Lee Road by Captain Wright.

Cromwel and the Councel of State ordered the continuance of the powers of the Commissioners of Indemnity.

[6.] The new Supream authority met in the Parliament house and resolved, to take the name of Parliament, then they appointed a day of Pray­er in the House.

[7.] The Highlanders had a rendezvous, but few of them appeared, the aid they expected from the Dutch failing them.

The Warwick Frigot exchanged a broad side with a Dutch Man of War, who thereupon got a­way from her; Divers French Pickeroons infested the coast of Jersey.

The King of France proclaimed down his mo­ny, a penny in a Lewis, to the prejudice of Jersey where there is little other mony.

[8.] An East India Merchants Ship was en­countred near Falmouth by 2 Dutch Free-booters, who left the English Ship after some shot exchanged between them, and two English Men slain.

The Orange Party gathered heart in Holland, and Orange. carried on their design, to make the young Prince their Captain General as his Father was. Dutch.

[9.] The People in the United Provinces were full of discontent by reason of the War with Eng­land, and apt to fall into Sedition.

[Page 535] The English Fleet still continued plying before their Harbours.

[11.] The Parliament kept a day of Humilia­tion and Prayer in the House.

The Highlanders had a Rendezvous, and fell upon some of the English Forces, what the issue thereof was, the newes was not come.

[12.] The Serjeant at Armes Birckhead; at­tended Parlia­ment. the Speaker of this Parliament, with the Mace, in like manner as he had attended former Speakers.

[13.] The Parliament passed a Declaration to stir up the Godly of the Nation to seek God for a blessing upon their proceedings.

They debated the business of Tithes.

Leiutenant Collonel Lilburn was Arraigned at the Sessions in the Old-Bayly, upon the late Act for Lilburn. his Banishment.

A Petition from Hertfordshire, in the behalf of him.

[14.] Lieutenant Collonel Lilburn was brought again to his Tryal, but he urged for further time, in regard that the Councel assigned him, refused to appear for him, onely Serjeant Maynard, who was sick; and he had an order for a Copy of his In­dictment.

[15.] The house debated the business about Tithes. taking away of Tithes, and the difficulty was to find an expedient for satisfying Improprietors therein, and for providing some maintenance for the Ministry.

The question was put whether the question should be put that Tithes should continue till November next and it was resolved in the Negative.

The Judges in Causes Criminal in Scotland sat and adjudged some to be Hanged for the Murder Scotland. of some Troopers of Collonel Okey's Regiment; and some to be whipped for robbing Houses.

A mad man in Shrewsbury proclaimed King Charles. 2.

[16.] The Towns of North Holland after the example of Enchuysen declared for the young Prince [...]. Orange. of Orange, desiring that all Forces might be raised in his Name and Authority.

The English Fleet lay before the Texel and the Ʋly.

Some French Pickeroons infested the Coast.

The House debated the business concerning the Tithes. Propriety of Tithes, whether it was in the State, or in particular persons.

Lieutenant-Collonel Lilburn was again brought to his Tryal, but nothing done in his business.

[18.] The Parliament appointed a Commit­tee to consider of the Claims and Propriety of all persons interessed in Tithes.

The Highlanders in Scotland stole from the Lord Beclarris, who was in Arms to joyn with them, two of his best Horses.

The Dutch had 110 Men of War ready to En­gage the English Fleet, and to drive them off from Dutch. their Coast, and the Orange Party hoped that most of the Fleet would declare for the Prince, and though they were beaten, yet th [...]r Spirits were up still against the English.

They were high upon the right of their Fishing at Sea, and to be equal Sharers with the English in the Dominion thereof, and the English with them blow up their humours.

Tromp was going forth to draw the English from their Coasts, that in the mean time their East-In­dia Fleet might slip in, which had 800 bales of Persian Silk, besides many other Rich Commodi­ties.

That none knew the time of their return, but 6 of the East-India Company, who were under an Oath of Secrecy, and had power to send advice and Instructions to them, for their Security.

The Queen of Sweden had an Army and Navy Sweden. ready, and the Dutch feared that She would fall upon their Confederate the King of Denmark, She having claimed a Property in the Sound, and de­manding satisfaction for some goods of her Sub­jects in the English Ships seized by the King of Denmark.

[19.] Captain Bun of an English Frigot took 3 Dutch Vessels Loaden with Corn, and sent them to Lieth.

[20.] The Parliament made several Com­mittees, Commit­tees.

  • 1. To consider matters touching the Law.
  • 2. Touching Prisoners and Prisons.
  • 3. For inspection into Treasuries, and easing pub­lick Charges.
  • 4. For Ireland.
  • 5. For Scotland.
  • 6. For the Army.
  • 7. For Petitions.
  • 8. To consider what shall be offered, about publick Debts, publick Fraud, and breaches of Trust.
  • 9. For regulating Commissions of the Peace, and for making provisions for the Poor.
  • 10. For advance of Trade.
  • 11. For advancement of Learning.

A Commotion was at Bergen ap Zoom for the Prince of Orange.

A List of several Ships taken by the English from the Dutch.

A List of many Persons Condemned and Execu­ted for Murder, by Sentence of the High Court of Justice in Ireland.

[21.] Collonel Cobbet with several Ships of War, prepared for a design to reduce Lewis Island in Scotland, to hinder the Dutch Fishing, and for securing the Scotch Trade.

[22.] The Parliament referred it to a Com­mittee Laws. to consider of the Laws, that hinder the Pro­gress of the Gospel, and for repealing of them.

Referred to a Committee to consider of a way for Marriages.

The Greyhound Frigot brought into Leith 5 Prizes taken by her near the Sound, 2 Danes, and 3 Dutch Busses.

The little Falcon brought in 3 Prizes to Leith from Norway.

[23.] Three English Frigots took two great Merchants Ships of Zealand richly laden with fine Goods.

Letters from the Fleet that they were 2 Leagues off the Texel, and that the Dutch were much divi­ded Fleet. in their Counsels, and not ready to come out.

[25.] The general Assembly of the Kirk being met at Edenburgh, as soon as the Sermon was done, Kirk. and they gone to the Assembly House, and entred upon their business, Lieutenant-Collonel Cotterel [Page 542] went in to them, and standing upon a Bench, with a loud Voice, proclaimed that no Judicatory ought to sit, that had not Authority from the Parliament of England.

And so causing them to depart, he conducted them with a Troop of Horse and a Company of Foot, out at the West-gate, then bidding them to close in a round Circle, environing them with his Horse and Foot, he blamed them for their bold meeting, took in their Commissions, required them not to meet three together in a Company, and by 8 a Clock that Morning, to quit the City, and repair every one to his own home.

Great distractions were in Holland and fear of Holland. Tumults for want of Trade, yet were they very high in their discourses and in preparations for the War.

The Committee for Petitions ordered that the Petitions. Petitions to be brought in to them, be Subscribed by some Member of the Parliament, who serves for the County or City, from whence the Peti­tion comes, or otherwise by any Member of the House.

[26.] A Ship of Stockholm loaden with Tar and Iron, brought into Falmouth.

The English Fleet were within a League of the Holland Coast, plying between the Texel and the Ʋly.

The Spanish Ambassador took his leave of the Queen of Sweden at Stockholm, and she appointed one of her Ships of 70 Brass Guns to carry him to Gottenburgh.

[27.] A Petition presented to the Parliament, by the Title of the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, from several well affected Persons in the County of Essex.

Owning this Parliaments Authority, and pray­ing them for Christ's sake so to manage it, as those that are set for a Terrour to evil doers, and the praise of those that do well.

The Phaenix Frigot brought into Harwich a Frigot. Dutch Man of War, whom they supposed to have Sunk an English Colliers Ship and killed her men, there being many English Mens cloaths found in the Dutch Ship, therefore her Men were sent Prisoners to Colchester.

[28.] Letters of the Troubles in France raised by the Prince of Conde, and the hopes of the King to reduce Bourdeaux.

[29.] Some ragged Forces were raised in the Highlands. Highlands in Scotland, the Lord Glencarne to be their General, and they were promised great as­sistance from the King, and assured that the Dutch had gotten a very great Victory lately at Sea, a­gainst the English, bread was very scarce with them.

The Commander in Chief in Scotland of the Proclama­tion. English Forces, published an Order at the Market-Cross at Edenburgh, by beat of Drum and Sound of Trumpet, That he taking notice of the great concourse of People to Edenburgh, which might hazard the di­sturbance of the Peace;

It was therefore ordered, that all Lords, Lairds, Ministers and others, that had not their constant resi­dence there, or a publick call thither, or suits of Law of immediate dependency, should depart the Town in 24 hours.

100 Sail of Dutch Merchant Men were riding in New-haven Road, waiting an opportunity to get home.

Two English Ships Fought with two Dutch Ships near Leghorn, and after a sharp Fight took them.

The Treaty betwixt the King of Denmark, and the States-General was ratified, and the King re­paired his Forts near Sweden.

[30.] The States promised extraordinary pay to their Seamen; which brought in many.

The Dutch took some English Coal Ships and other Vessels Prize.

An English Merchant Man boudn for Malago, ly­ing at Graves-end, some of her Men going into the Hold with a Candle, and being careless the Candle took hold of some Oakam, which immediately set the Ship on a Flame, and consumed it as far as the Water would suffer.

August 1653.

[Aug. 1.] Letters of one hundred Hollanders in the sight of the English, who ingaged with themabout six a Clock in the Afternoon, and fought until about twelve at night. The dispute being very hot at that time, what the issue was, it could not then be known, but the English had the wind of the Dutch at the beginning of the Engagement.

Referred to the Commissioners for the inspecting the Treasuries, and regulating Officers, and Salla­ries, to consider how the Excise may be brought in, with the greatest ease to the people, and how the oppressions and burdens which have been in the managing of that business, may be redressed for the future.

And to consider of the grievances in granting of Wine Licenses; and the title of those, who take upon upon them to grant those Licenses. An Act passed for the taking away of Fines upon Bills, Declarations, and Original Writs.

A Petition from the Apprentices of London, on [...] the behalf of Lieutenant Collonel John Lilburn, which gave such offence to the House, by the Language of the Petitioners, and the manner of presenting, that the Petition was Voted Scanda­lous; and the six young Men who presented it were ordered to be imprisoned.

[2.] Referred to the Council, to examin the business of the Apprentices Petition.

Ordered that Mr. Lilburn be kept close Prisoner.

Mr. Rowse to continue Speaker for one Month longer.

Letters of Two Dutch Prizes, taken before the Vly.

Of Robberies done by the Highlanders.

That Argyle endeavours to prevent any joyn­ing with them, by those in his Country.

That the Scots Ministers are angry among themselves.

[3.] The Commander in chief in Scotland, dissolved the Assembly of the Kirk there.

Letters, to the Parliament.

That July the twenty ninth about nine in the [...]. Morning, having weighed Anchor the night be­fore, the Dutch Fleet was discovered by our Scouts a-head, which within two hours after appeared to be the Dutch Fleet, come from the Waylings, consisting of ninety seven Ships, or thereabouts, whereof Ninety were Men of War, whereupon we made what Sayl we could after them, fitting our Ships, in the mean time, for an Ingagement. But the Enemy tacked about, and stood off from us, as soon as they perceived what we were; so that it was five a Clock in the Evening before any of our Friggots could come up to Ingage them, which they did.

And this forced them to make a halt, whereby in the Evening, at Seven of the Clock, the Re­solution with as many Ships, and Frigots, as made up Thirty Sayl, Ingaged with them, the rest be­ing a stern could not get up, however we fell to work, and continued Fighting, till night parted us, which was about Nine a Clock.

After which being dark, all hands were at work to bring some new Sayles to the Yard, and mend the Rigging, wherein we had suffered very much, in so short a time; there were killed ontright Sixteen, and Twenty Five wounded, of whom Fourteen dangerously.

The next day little was done, as to any Ingage­ment, both Fleets finding it work enough to get off from a Lee-shore, the wind blowing hard, with hick, and dirty weather, which was the worse for us, being in an Enemies Country, and in the August. Evening it began to clear up.

This morning being fair, and little wind, both Fleets prepared for a new Ingagement, the Enemy bore in upon us, having the wind of us; to this time, the Lord seemed to incourage the Enemy, by laying the Scale, as it were, in the Ballance; so that neither could tell which had the better.

About Seven in the Morning, their great Ships from the Texell, being Twenty Five in number, had made a conjunction with them and there begun a very hot dispute, which continued till one, in the Afternoon; the Enemy having the wind of us all the while, whereby he had the op­portunity of taking all advantages.

Yet by this time the Lord had so daunted the spirits of the Enemy, that they begun to bear a­way from us, making all the Sayl they could with the remainder of the Fleet, being not above Sixty left of their whole number.

So far as I could discern, there cannot be less than Thirty or Fourty sunk, taken, and destroyed; we are now in pursuit of them, some of our best Sayling Frigots, being almost up with them, and our expectations still are great.

The Enemy had Nine Flag Ships, when we first Ingaged, and now but one left, some of them I know are sunk.

In this Ingagement, we had but Two Ships of ours fired by them, One of them is the Oak, her Men were saved, most of them; the other had not any of her men saved. The Worcester Frigot took the Garland, which had been formerly taken from us by the Dutch, but our Men were forced to fire her.

Trumps Flag was shot down in the Morning, and could not be made stand all the day after.

The Parliament spent a day in their House, in praising God for this great Mercy, and praying for a right improving of it.

[4.] Letters from General Monck, aboard the Fleet, to the Parliament, of this Fight, to the same effect with the former.

[5.] A Petition from Kent to the Parliament, Petition from Kent. for taking off the Tythes, and the Speaker told them, the House was satisfied of their good affection to the Parliament, and for the matter of their Petition, part of it was under consideration, and that the Parliament would do, as the Lord should direct them.

After a long debate of this day, and yester­day, Court of Chancery. the House Voted, That the Court of Chancery should be taken away, and the Committee of the Law to bring in an Act accordingly, and an other, for the Causes now depending, and for future relief in Equity.

Whereas the Parliament appointed a Com­mittee, to consider of such Petitions, as are di­rected to the Parliament; and to Present such of them only to the Parliament, as are proper to the Legislative power, or not relievable elsewhere, and to examin Witnesses upon Oath, if they shall see cause, and state the matter of Fact, and Re­port to the Parliament, and their Opinions touch­ing Oaths, for the Persons unjustly molested.

And this Committee having in their hands a­bout Two Hundred and Fourty Petitions, which according to the said Order, they are to consider of, and examin. They resolved to re­ceive no more Petitions for one Month, except for lives, or publick concernment, whereof all are to take Notice, and not to put themselves to unnecessary attendance.

Several Murderers condemned by the High [Page 544] Court of Justice in Ireland. That the Enemy there was so wholly vanquished, that not a Tory, or a Wood-Kern, was to be met with.

That a great part of the Army there, was re­duced, Eleven Regiments of Foot, and Four Re­giments of Horse, besides all new Regimented Troopers, and Foot Companies, all of them re­duced, being Five Thousand Foot, and Three Thousand Horse.

A special regard taken of all the Field Officers, and other Officers, That the Accounts of the Ar­my, were audited, and care taken for the satis­faction of all, and to give them possession of Lands for their Arrears.

[6.] That Seven Thousand Tories were march­ing to the Sea side, in order to their Tran­sportation for Spain.

That an English Merchant Ship, by storm, and Fog, fell in among Eight Dutch Ships, yet got away from all, to Plymouth.

Letters of the Highlanders plundering the Low-lands, and taking some Horses.

That Captain Drew broughr in Three Dutch Prizes, their Scout Vessels, sent to give advice to their East India Fleet, to put in at Norway, or the Sound, because the English had a strong Guard upon the Northern Coast.

Letters from General Monck, and Vice Admi­ral Pen, of the late success against the Dutch, to The Dutch beaten. the same effect with the former; and that we had sunk Thirty of the Enemies men of War, taken One Thousand Prisoners, whereof Vice Admiral Ever­son (one of their most Valiant and best Sea men) was one.

That we lost Two Hundred and Fifty Men slain, and Seven Hundred wounded, Captains of ours slain, were Graves, Cox, Chapman and Peacock, and Captains wounded were Stokes, Seaman, Rouse, Holland, and Cubi, and that the Enemies loss is by conjecture about Three▪ Thousand.

[8.] The Commissioners for Administration of Justice in Scotland, published a Proclamation, for re­viving some antient Laws, and for prevention of the Exorbitancies of broken Highlanders, Border­ers, and such as disturb the peace.

Order for a Day of Thanksgiving for the late good success at Sea, with a Narrative to be pub­lickly Gold Chains for the Officers. read.

Order for several Gold Chains to be given from the Parliament, to General Blake, General Monck, Vice Admiral Pen, and Rear Admiral Lawson, and to the Four Flag Officers, and im­mediatly to be bestowed among the Officers of the Fleet, as Marks of the Parliaments Favour, and good Acceptance of their service.

An additional Act passed for Stating and De­termining the Accounts of the Officers and Sol­diers in Ireland.

Much Debate upon the Act for Marriages, and the Registring thereof, and of Births, and Burials.

That a private man of War of Scilly, took a a Prize, which was again taken from him, by Two Dutch men of War, and retaken again by the Pre­sident Frigot.

That the Dutch have gotten again about One Hundred and Fourty Sayl of Ships, besides Fire-ships, That Three of their States are to go in the Fleet; and advise; and they have proposed a Reward to those, who shall take any of the Three English Admirals, and the benefit of their Ships. That Tumults were amongst them, but pacified. Great Guns were heard off at Sea.

[10.] Two of the Dutch Deputies to the Parlia­ment, went away upon the news of the late Vi­ctory.

Upon the Petition of Lieutenant Collonel Lil­burn's Wife, the Vote for his close Imprisonment was taken off, and he Ordered to be Tryed at the Sessions in the Old-Bailey.

[11.] That the King of Scots was sick of a Feavor at Paris.

The Dutch supprized Four English Ships, in the East-Indies, Traders for Port to Port.

Lilburn's Trial proceeded at the Sessions House.

[12.] Letters that the Highlanders in Scotland were gotten into a considerable body.

That a Declaration was Published by the Com­missioners, for visiting Universities in Scotland, and placing, and displacing of Ministers, which did much astonish the Kirk-men.

Of Pyrates upon the Coast of Jersey, who were socoured, and assisted by the French, who would not permit a Vessel of the Parliaments to have fresh water in their shoar, and a Bristol Merchant man taken by the Hart Frigot, which was lost to the Dutch, and now manned out by them.

[13.] Letters of two Dutch men of War that came into Burlington Bay, to surprize Ten Barques there, which cut their Cables, and went into the Peer, and so were preserved.

That the Parliaments Ships, on the North Coast, brought in a Danish Ship of great value, and se­veral other Ships Prizes, and cleared that Coast of Pickeroons.

That Prince Rupert was gone to Nants, to make the best of his Robberies.

That many thousands of the Irish, were tran­sported Old Van Trump dead. for Spain.

That old Van Trump was dead, killed with a Cannon shot, in the late Fight with the English, and that many others of Note were slain.

Upon Information of designs in hand against the Parliament,

Order for an Act, for Erecting a High Court of Justice.

That a Standard was set up for the King of Scots in the Highlands, and Middleton was among them, and some landed out of Ireland, and came to them.

[15.] Letters that the Highlanders were up in a body of Four Thousand, Glencarn their General, Middleton, and some other English Officers, and the Earl of Argyles Son was with them.

Of the Refractoriness of the Scots Ministers.

That the Hollanders endeavoured to lessen their losses in the late Fight; that the States keep Guards in several places, to prevent tumults, and give it out that the English were beaten in the late Fight; that twenty five of their Ships carried themselves as Rogues, and kept without Cannon shot.

[16.] The Act passed touching Marriages. The Mar­riage Act passed.

A Committee appointed for Trade, and to re­ceive Informations, touching the good of the Common-wealth.

Order for an Act touching Publick Debts.

Votes concerning the Publick Revenue.

Mr. Lilburn's Trial at the Sessions proceeded.

[17.] Order for a Grand day of Thanksgiving for the success against the Dutch; and the Declarati­on, and Narrative of that business was passed.

[19.] Several Persons secured by the Com­mander in Chief in Scotland, for having intelligence with the Highlanders.

That Argyle set out a Proclamation, declar­ing all those to be Traitors, who joyned with his Son.

That the King of Scots his Standard was set up in the Highlands, and they were raising more Forces, to joyn with Glencarn, in the Lowlands.

[Page 545] That Middleton was landed in the Highlands, with Arms and Ammunition.

[20] Of three Dutch Prizes taken by the French.

A Charge against Sir John Lenthall referred to a Committee.

Order for an Act for Redress of Grievances, touching Prisons and Prisoners.

A Committee to consider of a new body of Law.

Orders touching Arrears of some Officers in Ireland; and for Sale of some Delinquents Lands, to defray publick Charges.

About twenty Dutch Vessels taken by Lawson, who had Fifty Sayl upon the Holland Coast, and more going out to him.

The Jury found Lilburn not Guilty, he pleaded Lilburn acquitted. long for himself.

Vice Admiral Lawson, with Sixty Ships, was up­on the Coast of Holland, before the Dutch had got out.

Letters from Holland, acknowledging Their loss in the late Fight to have been Twenty Seven Ships; and of Men slain, drowned, wounded, and prisoners, Six Thousand. That the English Merchants there, left the Country, for fear of the rage of the People; that at the Hague they began to be sensible, that they had not a Victory. That the Dutch labour to get France to them. That the States clapt up Three English Men, pretending they had Correspondency with England, one of them they Rackt, and threw the other Two into the Dungeon. They appointed a day of publick Fasting, and Prayer.

[23] The House was called, and the absent Members appointed to Attend by a day.

Orders upon Reports from the Committee of Petitions.

Order for an Act to take care of Ideots, Luna­ticks, and Infants.

Order for Hampton Court, and the Parks there to be sold.

An Act passed touching Marriages, and the Re­gistring of them, and of Births, and Burials.

[25] The Solemn day of Thanskgiving for the Victory against the Dutch.

[26] Letters that Collonel Morgan marched Highlan­ders dis­perst. with some Forces to Innerness; but the Highlanders being about Seven Hundred in a body, and Three Hundred Horse; would not force the English near­er than two miles distance, and that upon the news then coming to them, of the Victory at Sea a­gainst the Dutch, they presently dispersed them­selves.

[27] Vessels chased into Plymouth, and Falmouth, being Merchant Men. A Convoy appointed for them.

[29] Lilburn marched towards the Highlands, to suppress any Commotions in those parts.

The Ministers in Scotland published their Rea­sons against the Declaration of the English Com­missioners, and in Justification of their pray­ing for the King; and the Answer to those Reasons.

[30] An Act passed for the bringing in the Ar­rears of the Excise.

Referred to the Council, to examine, and take order to punish a Riot, lately committed in Staf­fordshire, in pulling up the Fences of some inclo­sures, and laying the Grounds unto the Common fields again.

Vote for all Occupyers of Deans and Chap­ters Lands, yet concealed from the State, to dis­cover the same by a day, on pain of Sequestra­tion.

Order of the Committee of Petitions, for Peti­tioners in private Matters, to set the Matters down in Writing in particular, and the Witnesses names to each particular. S [...]pi [...]mb [...]

[31] Letters of a Fleet of twenty Sayl of Hollan­ders gone towards the Orkneys, and an express sent thither from the English Fleet.

That the Highlanders in Commotion in Scot­land were dispersed.

September, 1653.

[Septemb. 1.] Upon Information to the Council of the escape of divers Dutch Prisoners, and their be­ing Shipped, and transported again into Holland; they Prohibite any to Transport them, unless they have Certificates, from the Parliament, of their Discharge from their Imprisonment.

[2] Many Ministers did forbear to Pray for the King by name; but Prayed for all in Distress, from the highest to the lowest.

A Petition to the House from the Lord Mayor, Petition. Aldermen, and Common-Council of London, where­in they Pray—

That the pretious Truths of the Gospel may be pre­served in Purity, and the Dispensers thereof, being ap­proved, to be Learned, Godly, and void of offence, may be sent forth to Preach the Gospel.

That their setled maintenance by Law, may be confirmed, and their Just properties preserved.

That the Ʋniversities may be zealously coun­tenanced, and incouraged.

The Petitioners had thanks for their good af­fections, and were desired to continue their care of the Peace, and safety of the City.

[3] Orders touching Compositions of Delin­quents.

The Ship Love, from Surat, richly laden, was followed by Seven Dutch Ships, who viewing her posture, and strength, did not make any attempt upon her.

The Parliaments Frigots lying before the Ʋlye, took Eighteen Dutch Vessels, some of them Fish­ermen, and some Busses, and sent them to Yar­mouth.

[5] Long Papers sent up to London, of Answers to the Scotch Ministers Papers of Reasons, why they ought not to be troubled for Fraying for the King.

[6] Letters that near Mallaga, an English Ship brake through a whole Squadron of the Dutch, and by all their Shot at her, had not one Man killed, or wounded.

Many Freebooters upon the Coast of Falmouth.

That the Lilly Frigot had taken two Freeboot­ers of the French.

And Order given by the Council of State, to the Admiralty for the Trial of them, because they had a Commission from the King of Scots.

[7] Particular Letters of the business of the French Freebooters.

[8] Letters of Seventeen Sayl of the Dutch Ships in the Streights, disturbing that Trade, and that they had taken One English Vessel.

That the Highlanders were all quiet.

Messengers sent to Collonel Lilburn to clear some Countries from any suspition of assisting the Highlanders.

That the Lord Lorne, with one hundred and twenty Horse, came near some of the English quar­ters, and the Soldiers coming out upon them, the Lord Lorn retreated; and that his Father the Marquiss of Argyle, hath cast him off.

[9] That the chief of the Hebriedes had sent to the English Commander, for Protection for Them­selves, and their People, under the Parliaments Government.

[Page 546] [10.] Of thirty sive Dutch Prizes brought into Yarmouth, and thereabouts, Laden with French Wines, Fish, and other Commodities.

That the foul weather drove the English Fleet from the Holland Coast, upon which, De Witt got out with Sixty Men of War, to Convoy their East-Country Fleet, and to fetch home their East-India Ships from Copenhagen.

[12.] That the English were in possession of Lew­es-Island, a Place of great Consequence, for the En­glish affairs, particularly as to the Highlanders.

That the Lord Lorn with his party, killed and wounded twenty of the English, but were driven away.

Of Six Prizes taken by the Frigots from the French.

That the Dutch East-India Ships were at Co­penhagen.

That the Lilly Frigot was cast away by a violent storm, near Weymouth, four of them drowned, as they endeavoured to get on Shoar upon the Mast, and Planks of the Ship; the Captain, and twenty eight others, who stayed in the Ship, after the Ship was sinking, were saved, by Boats sent from Weymouth.

[13.] Order for a Bill to dispose two Parts of Papists Estates for publick uses. Several Orders.

And for an other, for Sale of the Forrest Lands.

And an other, for Sale of some Houses, and Lands of the late King, formerly exempted from Sale.

And an other, for the Sale of the remainder of Dean and Chapters Lands.

Referred to the Council to take Order for sup­pressing Forged Briefs, and Patents, and for punish­ing them.

Letters that the Fleet was safe after the late great storms.

That Eighty Dutch Ships belonging to the Merchants, were got through the Channel safe in­to Ireland, and [...] with Sixty Men of War, was gone East-ward, to Convoy two hundred Merchant Men, Trading to the East-Country.

[14.] Complaints from Cornwall against the Free-booters of France, who took many English Ves­sels, and of the want of Convoys for Trade on that Coast.

Order for Thanks to God within the House, for the Preservation of the Fleet.

Vote that the Lord Whitelock shall go Ambas­sador from this Common-wealth, to the Queen of Sweeden, and Referred to the Council to prepare Instructions for him.

Debate for Ease of the publick Charge, by mul­tiplicity of Officers, and unnecessary Charges.

[16.] Letters of a Defeat of some few of the Highlanders, of three Dutch Prizes brought in.

Petition of Purchasers of Sir John Stowels Estate, Ordered to enjoy their Purchases quietly.

The Act passed for the Relief of Creditors, and poor Prisoners.

An Act passed for Continuance of the Jurisdi­diction of the County-Palatine of Lancaster, in Serjeant Bradshaw, and Mr. Fell.

[17.] Of a Ship richly Loaden belonging to Hambrough, Wracked near to Plymouth.

Leters of the King of Seots, being again fallen sick at Paris.

That a Hurrican in the Barbadoes, cast away thirteen Ships there of the English.

Of Shipwracks at the Severn-mouth, and at Mine-head, that the storms beat in the Pyrats, and two of them were cast away at Anglesey.

[19.] Letters from Collonel Lilburn, Command­er in Chief, of the Parliaments Forces in Scotland.

Of the conveniency of the Harbour in Lewes-Island, of Fortifications appointed there.

Of a quarrel between the Lord Lorn, and Glen­corn.

Of great Shipwracks upon the Northern Coast of the English Vessels.

Petition from the Town of Sudbury, Deplo­ring Petition. the want of Fruitfulness for Mercies, and own­ing Instruments of good, and fearing the Judgment of Elies House: they Pray, That burning Lights may be placed in all parts of the Land, and maintenance provided for them.

That ignorant and Scandalous Preachers may be ejected, and not readmitted, and the un-Gospel-like power of Patrons may be taken away.

[20.] Referred to a Committee to consider how to Sell Forrest Lands.

Order for a Bill to have Probats of Wills in all Countries.

Order for the House to Sit in a Grand Com­mittee to Rectifie the inequallity of Taxes.

Proposalls touching Guernsey, and Jersey, and touching a Mine of Coals in the New Forrest.

Letters of surprisal of the Town of Enchusen by the States, for their Riotous, and Mutinous carriage.

Orders of the States for Trial of the Dutch Captains, who neglected their Duties, in the late Ingagements with the English at Sea.

[21.] Orders for Farming of the Excise.

Orders for a Bill for the Sequestring the Estates of Delinquents since January, and a Sixth part of their Estates to be given to the Discoverers.

[23.] Letters of Murders committed by the High-landers upon English Soldiers, under pretence of Friendship, and Treacherously, and the Mur­derers applauded by the Scots for it.

Ministers Accused, and Committed for Praying for the King.

Of Prizes taken by the English Ships, and sent into Yarmouth Road.

[24.] Letters of Part of the Fleet come into the Downs, and the Resolution, and others come into Chatham.

Of the French Pyrats increasing, and having Commission from the King of Scots.

[26.] Of the Irish Pyrats taking English Vessels.

Of the bitter Enmity of the French, especially at Brest, against the English, and their entertain­ment of the Dutch, and the King of Scots Ships joyning with the Dutch.

That the Lord Lorn went to his Fathers Te­nants in the Highlands, to rise with him, or else that he would take them for Enemies.

[27.] The Act passed for the Adventurers in Ireland.

The Bill passed for Relief of Creditors, and poor Prisoners.

Order to Admit the Countess of Derby to Com­position.

[28.] The Recorder of Winchester, Mr. Hooper, and others brought into the House, a Petition from the well affected in Hampshire, in behalf of the Hamp-shire Pe­tition. the Ministers, against taking away of Tithes, being above Five Hundred Years growth, Confirmed by Magna Charta, &c. The Petitioners had Thanks for their good Affections.

That Mynheer Opdam, had accepted the Com­mand of Lieutenant-Admiral of the Dutch Fleet.

[29.] Letters that Colonel Cobbet had landed Eight Companies in Mula Island, and gave Notice to the Inhabitants, of the Cause of his coming; they with the consent of the Marquiss of Argyle, submitted to the English Government.

Of a Ship cast away on the Coast of Scot­land, [Page 547] wherein were the provisions for the Army, and another, wherein 60 men were drowned, and but one saved.

Of Colonel Cobbet's subduing divers Castles in the Highlands, the Inhabitants and Soldiers flying away, and making no resistance, and at last came to an Engagement, to act nothing prejudicial to the Parliament of England, and to pay S [...]sses, as other Countries.

[30.] The Lord Taffe sent to the Highlanders, in answer to their Message to the King of Scots.

Letters of Dutch Prizes sent into Aberdeen, and of six Dutch Prizes sent into Leith.

October 1653.

[Octob. 1.] Frigots sent Westward.

All the Parliaments Frigots repaired, and sent out again to Sea.

An Act passed, for the Probat of Wills in the several Counties.

[3.] The Hambrough Fleet safely arrived with Masts, Deal, Gunpowder, &c. Convoyed home with four Men of War, though [...]2. Dutch Men of War were sent out to interrupt them.

Letters that De Witt was arrived at Copenhagen with 300 Merchantmen, and 40 Men of War, and was to Convoy home their East-India Ships, and other Merchantmen put in there, and in Norway, for security.

A Petition to the Parliament of the Godly Party in Salop, to the effect with former Petitions.

Referred to the Committee of Petitions, to re­port to the House, &c.

[4.] Votes passed for taking away some Offi­ces, and reducing of Salaries, for the ease of the Common-wealth.

Tho: Bulstrode, and others, continued Commis­sioners of the Excize.

Order for a Letter to be sent to the Cantons of the Switzers.

Order touching the Customs, and to prevent Abuses therein.

[5.] Letters that Argyle shewed great Civility Parliament-Forces at Mula Island.

That Captain Minnes in the Elizabeth Frigot, off about Diep, getting the Windward Gage of thirty Minnes. Sail of Ships, found three of them to be Dutch Men of War, which engaged, and after some dis­pute, he forced them to bear away clear from him, but could not pursue them, both his Masts being shot quite through, but he fell in among the Mer­chantmen, and brought twenty of them into the Downs, who pretend to be of Hamburgh and Lubeck.

[6.] Letters that the Emperor had sent to the States, to demand the Imperial Towns, which was of great consequence in respect of England.

[7.] Letters of some Commotions of the High-landers, and their killing of two English Soldiers, and taking three Prisoners; that Middleton was solli­cited by the Dutch, to attempt some of the Nor­thern Harbours.

Of an English Ship taken by a Dutch Pickeroon

That two days after the Hambrough Fleet came away, the Dutch came with thirty Men of War to have surprized them.

[8.] The Commissioners for Prisoners, impowred Commit­tee for Prisoners. to inquire the causes of Commitment of all Prisoners for Criminal Matters, and to send for the Copies of all Mittimus's, and Records, that the Abuses may be rectified, in Committing Persons for their Judg­ment, or Conscience, or for Malice.

Alderman V [...]ner presented to be Lord Mayor of London, approved by the House.

An Act passed to call all Persons to Accompt for Publick Debts, and Commissioners were named for October. discoveries of Money, or Land concealed, belong­ing to the State.

[10.] Petition from Congregational Churches in the North, the House Voted, That there shall be a Declaration, giving fitting liberty to all that fear God, and for the preventing the Abuses against Magi­strates, and for Preservation of such as fear God, among themselves, without imposing one upon the other, and to discountenance Blasphemies, damnable Heresies, and licentious Practices.

General Blake came into the House, whereof he was a Member, and received the thanks of the House, for his great and faithful Services.

Vote for Regulating the Publick Revenue.

Letters that the King of Denmark had promised to send some of his Ships to Convoy the Dutch Mer­chants home.

[11.] Letters that Captain Hayton in the Saphire, came up to Eight French Ships of War, and shot twice at their Admiral, who gave him again a Broad-side; that Hayton endeavoured to board the Admiral Hayton beats the French Fleet. but she got away, and then Hayton being between their Admiral and Vice-Admiral, he fired both sides at them, and the Vice-Admiral called for quarter, and the Admiral ran; that he took the Vice-Admi­ral, and afterwards another of them in the Chace; and in conclusion their Rear-Admiral also, rich Prizes, and many of their men slain, and lost four men only, and some wounded.

Of more French Prizes taken, and divers Dutch Ships.

That Captain Welch, a Private Man of War, took a Pacquet-Boat of the Dutch with Letters, and next morning took a Dutch Ship of 300 Tuns, la­den with Iron, Shot, and Guns, and Copper, and two more Ships of three hundred Tuns a piece, laden with Clapboard, and a Dutch Buss loaden with Herrings.

[12.] Vote for Wills to be sealed by Colonel Zanckey Seal-keeper, if the Wills were of a date be­fore the New Act.

[13.] An Act passed touching Ideots, and Luna­ticks.

An Act passed for Confirmation of the Purcha­sers of Sir John Stowel's Estate.

[14.] Letters that the Highlanders increase in their numbers, and take many Horses, and divers debauched and beggarly Fellows come in to them.

The Commander in chief of the Army in Scot­land, published a Proclamation, reciting former Pro­clamations, Proclama­tion. against Vagabonds, and masterful Beg­gars, and such as commit Murders, Thefts, and Rob­beries, and join with the Highlanders, requiring such to be apprehended, &c. That none do relieve or assist them, on pain to be adjudged Enemies to the Common-wealth; and those who shall discover, or apprehend them, to be rewarded.

[15.] Letters of an Attempt of Captain Darcy, to take the Hart Frigot, in which were fifty men, but he had with him only twelve men, and the Hart Frigot was forewarned of the Attempt: Yet Darcy fright­ed the Captain of the Frigot overboard, and fought three hours; some of his Men forsook him, and others leaped overboard, he, and five or six more killed, and wounded sixteen of the Frigots Men; but the rest of the Men in the Frigot, which were Darcy's old Friends, for sook him, though they had engaged their Lives to stand to him in that Enterprize. Darcy had quarter six or seven hours, and afterwards the Captain killed him, in cold blood, with his Pistols, and ran his Sword through him three or four times, then cut him in pieces, and pulled out his heart.

[Page 548] Of seven St. Malloes Men brought in Prizes to Plymouth, and of nine more of them taken and brought in.

The House sate in a grand Committee to debate the business of the inequality of Taxes, and to consider of some means to rectifie it, and passed se­veral Votes thereupon.

Order for the House to sit in a grand Commit­tee, Union of Scotland. to consider of the Act for the Union of Scotland to the Commonwealth of England.

[17.] Letters of Two Prizes brought into Ports­mouth, by Captain Plumbley, and another by Captain Hawks.

Of the Highlander Tories increasing, incouraged by the Ministers.

That De Witt with Fourteen Men of War, and a great number of Merchantmen was gone out of the Sound Westward; that the Danes were generally perswaded, that the Dutch had wholly vanquished the English at Sea.

Ordered to suspend the hearing of Causes for a Moneth in Chancery; and a Bill for a way of deter­mining the Causes now depending in Chancery.

[18] Letters from Captain Green of a States Man of War, who fell among five Dutch men of War, that one of them laid him on board, but broke his Boltsprit, and so went off again; the like was done by another of them whose Boltsplit was also broken.

That Seven Sail of English Merchant-men were near him all this time, yet would give no assistance to him, but he came off without the loss of one man, only two wounded, and got a French Prize.

A long Debate in a grand Committee about the equal proportioning of Taxes.

That Middleton was labouring to get Assistance of the States, for the King of Scots, and was offered it by them, in case a Peace with England did not suc­ceed.

[20] Advice of the French Pickeroons Design a­gainst the English Fleet coming from Newfoundland.

Of the Highlanders running away from their Officers; that one of them, Kenmorett, marched with a Runlet of strong waters before him, which they called Kenmoretts Drum.

Of Ships daily arriving at the Texel from the Northward.

That the States resolved upon a new Treaty of Peace with England, and appointed Min Heer. New-port, and Joungstal, to be added Commissioners for the Treaty of Peace, with their other two Com­missioners, now in England.

That the Queen of Sweden shewed extraordinary kindness to the Spanish Ambassadour with her, and was held to be a friend to the English.

[21] Letters that upon the March of the English Party into the Highlands, they Retreated into their usual fastnesses amongst inaccessible Hills and Rocks; That some Vessels came into Leith Road london with Fish and other Commodities, and Pro­visions.

[22] Letters that the late Easterly wind, for a fortnight together, kept the Pickaroones from the English Coast.

Of the Speaker Frigot, and Ten more of the Men of War gone out from the Downs to the West­ward.

[24] Instructions passed for Administration of Justice in Scotland, and Officers.

Letters of Kinninores Insurrection in the High-lands; that Argyle advised the Commander of the English Forces not to Advance further against them.

That Holland resolved to renew the Treaty of Peace with England, and in the mean time to pre­pare for War. That the Swedes had given Letters of Marque against the Dutch.

[25] The House sate in a Grand Committee for the Bill of Union for Scotland with England.

A Petition from the Common Councel of Lon­don against the Lord Mayor Fowke, referred to a Petition a­gainst the Lord Mayor. Committee.

An Act past for the discovery and prosecution of Thieves and Highway-men.

The Lords Newport and Youngstal, came to Lon­don to joyn with the other Two Deputies of the State, to Treat with the Parliament for a Peace.

[26] Order for an Act against solliciting Mem­bers of Parliament for any Places, and to disable such as shall do it.

That the Queen of Sweeds Agent came to the House to take his leave; and that the Lord Am­bassadour Whitlock was ready to go for Sweedland within two or three days.

Letters, that Captain Sparling, and another of the Parliaments Frigots, had taken a Ship with Twelve hundred thousand pieces of Eight in her; she pretended to be an Ostender.

Divers Seamen Armed, and in a Tumultuous Seamen Tumultu­ous. manner demanded at the Prize Office, their shares of some Prizes taken, and were so uncivil with the Commissioners, that they were forced to send for Souldiers to appease them; one of the Seamen was slain, and divers were wounded on both sides.

Afterwards the Seamen came to Whitehall, where they carried themselves more civilly, and had good words given, and were made sensible of their Er­rour, and promised satisfaction, and so they depart­ed quietly.

[27] The Seamen more in number than before, and better Armed, came down again Tumultuously to White-Hall, but was met with by the General his Life-Guard and soon dispersed.

Orders for the Reduced Officers in Ireland, for their Arrears.

[28] Letters of Two Prizes brought into Leith.

Of Two Sea-Rovers put out of France, pretend­ing to have Commissions from Prince Rupert, in the Name of the King of Scots.

That Argyle was raising Forces against his Coun­trymen Highlan­ders. the Highlanders, but was not able to bal­lance their Power. That upon the approach of the Parliaments Forces towards them, the Highlanders retreated to their Fastnesses.

Upon the Tumults of the Seamen, the Council Proclama­tion. published a Proclamation, Declaring that Exem­plary Justice shall be done upon the chief. Authors, or Ringleaders in the Mutiny, and Sedition; some whereof are in Custody, and commanding that no Sea-men, or others, on pain of Death do meet in a Muti­nous, or Seditious manner, and that the accounts shall be Stated, and just payment made of all dues unto the Seamen.

The Parliament passed an additional Article to the Law of War; and Ordinances of the Sea, for punishing Mutinous Seamen.

[29] Upon a Report from the Council of State, the House conferred several Gratuities, to the Widdows and Children of those slain in the late Sea Fight.

The House approved the number, and charge of Ships for this Winter Guard, and Ordered Moneys for them.

The Lord-Ambassador▪ Whitlock received his Commission, and instructions for Sweedland, from the hand of the Speaker in the House, and is sud­denly to go for Sweedland.

[31] Upon the Petition of the Water-men, Water-men Peti­tion. and antient Coach-men in London, against the Ex­orbitancy, and Multitudes of Hackney Coach-men; Order for an Act for Redress thereof.

Votes for rewarding the Commissioners for Ad­ministration of Justice in Scotland.

[Page 549] Upon a Report from the Council,

Order for Dr. Cox to be Master of St. Kathe­rines-Hospital.

The Spanish Ambassador had audience in the House.

The Four Dutch Deputies met with the Com­missioners of the Council, about the Treaty for Peace.

Two of the Tumultuous Seamen were Con­demned at a Council of War, one of them was Mutiners Condem­ned. Hanged, the other Whipped under the Gallows.

A Petition of many who suffered by the delay of Justice, in granting, and allowing Writs of Error Petition a­bout Writs of Error. after Verdict and Judgment, praying Remedy.

An Act passed for continuing the Powers of Commissioners for Compounding, for advance of Moneys and Indempnity.

Letters of the Queen of Sweeds return to Stock-holm; and the Spanish Ambassador Piementel with her.

November 1653.

[Nov. 1.] The House chose a new Council of State, whereof Sixteen of the old Council con­tinued, A New Council of State. and Fifteen new ones were added.

Order to consider of the business of the Law, upon every Friday.

Order for a Bill to take away Holy-days, and days not Judicial.

The Commissioners of the Council, and the Four Dutch Ambassadors met upon the Treaty.

Divers called Quakers, apprehended in the North.

That the business of Transplanting, went on difficultly in Ireland.

[2.] The House passed New Instructions for the New Council of State for Six Months.

The Lord Commissioner Whitlock, Ambassa­dor to the Queen of Sweeden, set forwards with a Gallant Retinue from London to Gravesend, to take Shiping there.

Letters that Captain Blagg took Prize, a Ship of two hundred Tun, and another Frigot took a French-Man of twenty Guns.

That young Trump, being seen with Eight Ships off the Lizard, The Frigots at Portsmouth being Seven, weighed Anchor, and put to Sea after him.

Of two other Prizes brought into Plymouth, and the Channel cleared of the Pyrats.

[3.] Of a Fight at Sea on the Spanish Coast, by four Dutch Men of War against one Merchant Man who run her self on shore, and kept off the Dutch, and got off from the shore again.

Letters that the Commissioners in Ireland had disarmed all the Irish, and forbid any of them to have Fire-Arms, or Ammunition.

[4.] Letters that Argyle finding his Country men would not follow him, by reason his Son the Lord Lorn was with the other party; he left the Highlands.

That De Wit convoyed home to the Texel from the Sound, the East-India Ships, with 375 other Merchantmen, and that about thirty Sail from Norwey were come home.

That young Trump was got home with his Mer­chantmen, through the Channel; That the En­glish East-India Ships, and other Merchantmen, were safely arrived with their Convoy two Men of War, and came in sight of young Trump, who had Eight men of War, yet did not exchange one Shot with them; that a great Fleet of Colliers were come into the Thames

[5.] An Act passed for Repealing part of a former Act, that enjoyns the subscribing the En­gagement, before one shall have the benefit of the Novem. Act of Repeal. Law.

A Bill committed for the taking away the High Court of Chancery, and Constituting Judges, and Commissioners, for hearing Causes now de­pending To take a­way the Chancery. in Chancery, and future matters of Equi­ty, and for Reforming Abuses in the Common Law.

[7.] Letters of the Cruelty, and Insolency of the Highlanders under Kinmore. That a Ga­rison of the Parliaments, took divers of them Pri­soners, and many Horses, and Arms.

Of the preparations in Holland for one hundred Sayl of Men of War.

[8.] Debate of the Bill of the Assesments, and the House Ordered the Rates to continue as before.

An Act passed concerning the Determination of certain Claims depending before the Commis­sioners of Obstructions.

[9.] A Committee sate upon the Petition of Alderman Fowk late Lord Mayor of London.

[11.] Of a Synode in Scotland, among whom was great differences of Opinion, with long, and Synode in Scotland. sharp Debates.

Of two French Prizes brought into Plymouth, and an other pretending to be an Hamburgher.

Of a Frigot sent to Jersey for twenty Brass Guns, and for two Companies of Soldiers.

Of two Dutch Prizes more brought into Al­borough.

Sheriffs Nominated for the Counties of England and Wales.

[12.] Letters of two Dutch Prizes brought into Burlington Bay.

That by great storms at Sea the Dutch lost twen­ty of their Ships driven a shore, most of them Men of War. And that De Wit was not returned. That in the late storm two thousand Dutch Men were lost, and four hundred and seventy Pieces of Cannon. That in the storm fifteen breaches were made in the Banks of that Country, and some Castles, and whole Villages drowned.

[14.] Letters of the French Capers doing much mischief to the English Merchants, and cruel­ly using their Men, and that they make Brest ano­ther Algiers. That the great loss of the Dutch by the late storm at Sea, hindred their Admiral Opdam from going forth with the Fleet.

Order of Parliament, touching the Redemption of the Captives of Algier.

Letters from the States of Lubeck, and Ham­burgh, to the Parliament of England, read in the House.

[15.] The House Nominated some Sheriffs, and Debated the Bill of Assesments.

Letters of a Party of the Highlanders falling up­on a small Party of the English, of whom, they kil­led one, and wounded three of them. That Cap­tain Watson fell upon a Party of the Highlanders, and did them much damage.

Of thirteen Dutch, and French Prizes brought into Plymouth, most of them pretending to be Hamburghers.

[16.] Orders touching claims for Moneys due upon Publick Faith, and touching some Sheriffs of Counties.

[17.] The Council of State published an Or­der, Order of the Coun­cil of State. Reciting the Trust reposed in them by the Par­liament for this purpose, they declare that the Coun­cil will protect all the good People of these Na­tions.

That no disturbance shall be offered to any such, in their peaceable Assemblies for the Worship of God.

[Page 550] It is expected, and required of all Ministers of Justice to proceed against the offenders therein, as disturbers of the publick peace, and all other persons to take notice thereof.

Order for a Lottery for Provinces and Counties in Ireland, as to claims of land there.

[18.] Letters that Kenmores party increased, and took many Horses from the Lowlands, who were generally their Friends. That they plun­dered the Country, and took some Prisoners, that they received a Letter from their King, that he could not assist them, which discouraged them.

That by the late Inundation in Holland, Am­sterdam was damaged one hundred thousand l. That their Fleet being seventy two Men of War riding in the Texel, were much shattered by the late violent winds, sixteen of them lost, and fourteen driven on shoar, not above six left that were serviceable.

That the Seamen there, are discontented, that General Monk was gone down to the Parliaments Fleet.

[19.] Debate of the power of Patrons in Presenting Ministers, and the inconveniencies Presenta­tions. thereof, and Orders for an Act to take away Pre­sentations.

An Act passed for setling Lands of the late Earl of Darby, upon the present Earl his Son.

Order for a Bill touching the Excise; and, de­bate upon the Bill of Assesments.

That the Pickaroons of Bulloign, took an English Merchant Man.

[21.] That the Highlanders Garisoned se­veral Houses, that a Party of them took two Cap­tains of Collonel Overtons Regiment, going with their Wives to Glascow; and took two Soldiers of Colonel Tomlinsons. Regiment, and that they plundered the Lord Warestons House.

An Act published for Establishing of a High Court of Justice.

A great Insurrection and Tumult, was at the New Exchange, between the Portugal Ambassadors Brother, and some of his Company, and Collonel Tumult of the Portu­gal Am­bassador's Brother, &c. Gerrard, an English Gentlman: who hearing the Portugueses discoursing in French, of the Affairs of England, told them in French, That they did not represent those passages aright. Whereupon one of the Portugueses gave him the lye, and they all three fell upon Collonel Gerrard, stabbing him in the shoulder with a Dagger, but being rescued out of their hands, by one Mr. Anthuser, they retired home; and within one hour, returned with twenty more, Armed with Breast-Plates, and Head-pieces, but after two or three turns, not finding Mr. An­thuser, they returned home that night.

[22.] Letters, that two thousand Dutch Pri­soners of War in England, were discharged, and come home into Holland.

That young Trump was come home safe, and so was the Dutch Ships from Bergen in Norwey.

The Portugal Ambassadors Brother returned a­gain to the New Exchange with his Company, and walking there, they met with Colonel Mayo, whom they supposed to have been Mr. Anthuser, and shoot­ing off a Pistol, as a warning, Fifty Portugueses came in, with drawn Swords, and leaving some to keep the Stayers, the rest went up with the Am­bassadors Brother, and fell upon Colonel Mayo, who gallantly defending himself, received seven dangerous wounds, and lies in a dying condition: And then they fell upon Mr. Greenway of Lincolns-Inn; who was walking with his Sister in one hand, and his Mistriss in the other; and Pistol'd him in the head, whereof he dyed immediatly; they brought with them several Jars filled with Gunpowder in their Coaches, stopped with Wax and filled with Matches; intending (as it seemed) to have done some mischief to the Exchange, had they not been prevented.

The Parliaments Horse at the Mews, taking the Allaram, apprehended some of the Portugueses, and the rest of them ran to the Ambassadors House; whether Collonel Whaley pursued them, and beset the Ambassadors House with his Horse, acquainted him with the Murder, and Insolency, committed by his followers, shewed him some of them whom he had taken Prisoners, and required the chief of the rest to be delivered up to the hand of Justice.

The Ambassador insisted upon his priviledge, as Ambassador, but seeing nothing else would satis­fy, he at length, delivered up his Brother, and one of the Knights of Malta, and some others, and promised to secure the rest to be forth com­ing. After which the Ambassador made his Ad­dress to the Lord General, and chiefly for his Bro­ther; but the General told him the business did concern the publick; and therefore his Excellencies Address must be to the Parliament, and the Council of State.

[23.] Letters that upon the complaints of the Merchants at Stockholm to the Queen of Sweed­land, of the Abuses they had received at Sea, by the Holland Men of War, the Queen clapt up two Dutch Merchants into Prison, and seized upon all Dutch Mens Estates, till She should be further sa­tisfied.

The Brother of the Portugal Ambassador, and his Company, who committed the Murder at the Exchange, were Examined by the Lord Chief Ju­stice Rolles; and the Ambassadors Brother, and four others, were Committed to Newgate, in order to their Trial.

[24.] Letters, That a Knight of Malta, Commander of a Man of War of France, took an English Merchant man in the Streights.

That the French Pickaroons did much mischief on the Coast, near Jersey. That Captain Chain­berlain an old Pyrate, sent a Letter to Colonel Hean, Governour of Jersey, That if the Jersey Men would not contribute toward his maintenance, he Swore by the Heavens, that he would throw as many of them, as he did meet with, into the bottom of the Sea.

[25.] Letters of the Insolencies committed by the Highlanders.

That the Marquiss of Loignac, travelling be­tween Brussels, and Dunkirk, was murdered by Thieves, and all his Company, only the Post-boy hardly escaped.

[26.] Letters of Merchant Ships arrived at Dartmonth safely, and of some English Vessels taken by the Pickaroons of Brest.

Of a Prize brought into Plymouth, which pre­tends to be a Sweedish Ship.

[28.] Orders touching the account of Offi­cers, and Souldiers, and Stating their Arrears, and for paying, and securing them, out of forfeited Lands in Ireland.

Letters that Eight Dutch Men of War in the Streights, had taken Fifteen Merchantmen of Lon­don, and Bristol, Trading from New-found Land with Fish to the Streights, and two more of them were taken by a Brest Pickaroon at the Lands end.

Of divers Witches Examined, and sent to Pri­son, some of them called Black Witches; who killed Men, Women, and Children, and Cat­tle, by their Witchcrafts; and others of them called White Witches, who healed them that were [Page 551] bewitched by the other; and that this was Con­fessed by them.

[29] Letters that Mounsieur Chanute, late Am­bassadour from France to Sweden, was now come Ambassadour Extraordinary to the States General, and came with a very great Train.

The Dutch Deputies meet daily with the English Commissioners at White-hall, about the Treaty of Peace.

[30] Letters of great Preparations in Holland to recruit their Navy.

That Middleton hath leave from the States to Transport what Armes and Amunition he pleased to Scotland.

That the Emperour had declared for the Scots King against the Commonwealth of England.

December, 1653.

[1] Letters that the Queen of Sweden had seized upon the Persons and Estates of some Dutch in Sweden, which caused the Dane to fear her clo­sure with England.

That the King of Denmarks Fleet of Fourteen Men of War, met with several English Merchant-men, and Examined them, and finding that they were English, let them pass quietly.

[2] Of mischiefs done by the Highlanders.

Of harmes done by the French Picaroons, and Dutch Freebooters upon the Western Coasts.

[3] Of many Merchants Ships staying in Deal Road for Convoyes, and that the Parliaments Fleet were, most of them, yet at Tilbury-Hope, whither the rest of the Frigots were falling down to them, as fast as they could get to be ready.

[5] Letters, that the Barons of Athol refused to assist the Highlanders; who thereupon took some of the Barons Prisoners, and others of them fled to one of the English Garrisons, and that this caused much discontent in the Country.

That the further Highlanders Plundered all that come in their way, and every Two Men among them devour a Sheep in one day: that when they have got Plunder, they run home.

That they depend much upon Kenmores Party, consisting of Scots, Irish, French, and English, that they will not Ingage with the English.

[6] General Blake, General Monk, General Desborough, and General Pen, made of the Com­mittee of the Admiralty and Navy, with divers others, by Act of this Parliament for Six Months.

Letters, of Sixteen Private Men of War at Brest, of Four Prizes brought into Plymouth, and of Three more great Ships taken.

[7] Orders taken for the Relief of Marlebo­rough, upon a Collection for the loss, by the late Fire there.

[8] Letters, of preparations for One hundred and twenty Ships to go forth from Holland in the Spring; that the Lords there are close and silent.

That Middleton had great favour there.

Of several Frigots in Plymouth made ready to put to Sea.

[9] Letters, of a Ship set upon by the Dutch at Leghorn-road, but rescued by the Castle.

Of two Dutch Ships brought in Prize to Pool, by Private Men of War; that divers Dutch Pirates joyned with those of Brest.

That the Earl of Athols Men left him in the Highlands, and his Tenants refused to pay him Rents, of other small Parties in other places of Scotland.

[10] Of the Mischiefs done by the French Pickaroons, and an English Frigot coming near them, they hasted away. Decemb.

That General Monck set Sail from Tilbury Hope with all the Ships then ready.

[12] Of differences between Glencarn, and Glengary, who shall be Superiour in Command of the Highlanders. That the Gentlemen in those parts were summoned by the Commander in Chief of the Parliament Forces, and most of them Sign­ed an Engagement, to be faithful to the Common-wealth of England, and not to Assist the Highlan­ders.

That the Queen of Sweden was gone from Stock-holm to Ʋpsale.

[13] Upon a Report from the Committee Report of a Com­mittee for Tithes. touching Tithes, That the Commissioners be sent into all Counties, divided into Six Circuits, Three Commissioners into each Circuit from London, and Four or Six of every County.

The Commissioners to have Power to eject all Ministers who are not of good behaviour, and holy in Conversation; or not apt, and able to teach, or hold not forth the faithful Word, or be not diligent, or labour not in the Word and Doctrine, nor be greedy of filthy lucre.

And that they be impowred, to settle Godly and able Persons, to settle the Gospel in all void places, and to unite two or three Parishes together, so that none be above three Miles from the Publick meeting place; and Commissioners named in the Report; that such, as shall be approved for publick Preachers, may enjoy the maintenance set by Laws, and such further, as the Parliament hath, or shall allow.

That where any scruple the payment of Tithes, the neighbour Justices, to set a value on those due, which the owner of the Land to pay; or else the Minister may sue for them. That Committee held, That the Incumbents, Impropriators, &c. have a Right and Pro­priety in Tythes.

The House upon Debate of this Report, the first part of it, upon the question, passed in the Negative.

It was moved in the House, that the sitting of this Motion for this Parlia­ment to re­sign, &c. Parliament any longer, would not be for the good of the Common-wealth, and that it would be fit for them to resign up their Powers to the Lord General: this motion was seconded by several other Members, and then the House rose.

And the Speaker, with many Members of the House, with the Mace, went to Whitehall, where they did, by a Writing under their hands, resign to his Excellency the Powers; and Mr. Speaker attended with the Members, did present this Re­signation of their Powers to his Excellency accor­dingly.

The General with his Councel of Officers met, where somethings were transacted, in order to the settlement of the Government of this Nation.

Letters of Malignants in the North, who bought up Horses and went with them towards Scot­land.

Of Sixteen Horse within five miles of Berwick, who seized some Gentlemen, and others, going to Berwick Fair, and took their Horses, Money, and Clothes, and then let them go. That they seized upon two Soldiers, and disarmed them, and then dismissed them, and took many Horses.

The Portugal Ambassadours brother made an Escape out of Newgate, but was retaken.

The Councel of State Published a Declaration, A Decla­ration. against the late Tumult at the New Exchange; and forbid all persons of what quality soever, to do, or abet the like in any Publick place of trade, or resort, upon pain to be dealt with as disturbers of the Publick Peace, whereof a strict account shall be taken; and [Page 552] all Osficers to perform their duty for apprehending such Offenders, and to prevent the like tumultuous Acti­ons.

[14] Letters of Three prizes sent into Ply­month.

That the Sussex Frigot was blown up with her own Powder, and about Fifty of her Men at Plymouth.

That there was an agreement for the Duke of Lorain to exchange his Country for Ireland: That the Prince of Conde was to be King of Scotland; and King Charles to be King of England onely.

That Middleton was Transporting from Holland great store of Arms and Ammunition to the High-lands.

[16] Letters of the Highlanders Levys of Men, and Glencorns sending Warrants to adjacent Towns for Cloth, Shoes, Provisions, and Money for his Soldiers, or else he will exact it by force.

That Four of them met an Englishman going to gather up Money, and killed him.

That the Highlanders are One thousand Foot well Armed, and Five hundred Horse.

Of two Prizes brought into Pool by a private Man of War, Captain Green.

That General Monck with his Squadron of Ships was in the Downs.

The late Parliament having resigned their Pow­ers into the Lord Generals Hands, by a Writing under their Hands, and Seals,

The Lord General called a Councel of Officers, Council called. A Council of Officers and advised with them, and with other persons of Interest in the Nation, How this great burthen of governing England, Scotland, and Ireland with the Armies therein, and the Navy at Sea, should be Born, and by whom. They, after several days seeking of God, and advising in this Matter, Re­solved, That a Councel of Godly, Able, and Dis­creet Persons, should be Named, consisting of twenty one; and that the Lord General should be chosen Lord Protector of the Three Nations.

His Excellency the General, about Three in The Pro­tector In­stall'd. the Afternoon, came from Whitehall to the Chancery Court, in this Equipage.

First went the Commissioners of the Great Seal, then the Judges, and Barons in their Robes, after them the Counsel of the Commonwealth, then the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Recorder of Lon­don; after them, the Lord General, attended with the chief Officers of the Army; a Chair of State was set in the Chancery Court, and the General stood on the left hand of it uncovered; till a large Writ­ing in Parchment was read, Containing the Power with which his Excellency was invested, and how he was to Govern the Three Nations, and the Oath to be taken by him. His Excellency subscribed this Writ­ing in the face of the Court; and had the Oath given him by the Lord Commissioner Lisle: and after this, his Excellency sate down in the Chair covered, then the Commissioners delivered up the Great Seal to him, and the Lord Mayor his Sword and Cap, the which his Excellency returned im­mediatly again to him; then the Court rose, and they went back to Whitehall; the Lord Mayor him­self uncovered, carrying the Sword before the Lord Protector: and coming into the Banqueting House, Mr. Lockier made an Exhortation to them, and so the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Judges departed.

The Instrument which his Excellency Sub­scribed was in these Words,

The Government of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

I. THat the Supreme Legislative Authority of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging, shall be, and reside, in One Per­son, and the People assembled in Parliament; The Style of which Person shall be, Lord PROTEC­TOR of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

II. That the Exercise of the chief Magistracie and Administration of the Government over the said Coun­tries and Dominions, and the People thereof, shall be in the Lord PROTECTOR, assisted with a Coun­cil; The Number whereof shall not exceed Twenty one, nor be less than Thirteen.

III. That all Writs, Processes, Commissions, Patents, Grants, and other things, which now run in the Name and Style of the Keepers of the Liberty of England by Authority of Parliament, shall run in the Name and Style of the Lord PROTECTOR, from whom, for the future, shall be derived all Magistra­cie and Honors in these three Nations; and shall have the power of Pardons, (except in Case of Murder and Treason) and benefit of all forfeitures for the Publick use. And shall govern the said Countries and Dominions in all things by the Advice of the Council; and according to these Presents, and the Laws.

IV. That the Lord PROTECTOR, the Parlia­ment sitting, shall dispose and order the Militia and Forces both by Sea and Land, for the peace and good of the three Nations, by Consent of Parliament; And that the Lord PROTECTOR, with the Ad­vice and Consent of the major part of the Council, shall dispose and order the Militia for the ends afore­said, in the Intervals of Parliament.

V. That the Lord PROTECTOR by the Ad­vice aforesaid shall direct, in all things, concerning the keeping and holding of a good Correspondencie with forreign Kings, Princes and States; and also with the Consent of the major part of the Council have the power of War and Peace.

VI. That the Laws shall not be altered, suspended, abro­gated, or repealed, nor any new Law made, nor any Tax, Charge, or Imposition laid upon the People, but by common Consent in Parliament, save only as is ex­pressed in the Thirtieth Article.

VII. That there shall be a Parliament summoned to meet [Page 553] at Westminster upon the third day of September, One thousand six hundred fifty four; and that successively a Parliament shall be summoned once in every third year, to be accounted from the dissolution of the pre­ceding Parliament.

VIII. That neither the Parliament to be next summoned, nor any successive Parliaments, shall, during the time of Five Months, to be accounted from the day of their first meeting, be adjourned, prorogued, or dissolved, without their own Consent.

IX. That as well the next, as all other successive Par­liaments, shall be summoned, and Elected in manner hereafter exprest: That is to say, The Persons to be chosen within England, Wales, the Isles of Jersey and Guernsey, and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed, to sit and serve in Parliament, shall be, and not exceed, the Number of Four hundred. The Persons to be chosen within Scotland, to sit and serve in Parliament, shall be, and not exceed, the number of Thirty. And the Persons to be chosen to sit in Parliament for Ireland, shall be, and not exceed, the number of Thirty.

X. That the Persons to be Elected to sit in Parliament from time to time for the several Counties of England, Wales, the Isles of Jersey and Guernsey, and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed, and all places within the same respectively, shall be according to the Propor­tions and numbers hereafter exprest, That is to say,

  • For the County of Bedford, six; viz.
    • For the Town of Bedford, one.
    • For the County of Bedford, five.
  • For the County of Berks, seven; viz.
    • For the Borrough of Abingdon, one.
    • For the Burrough of Reading, one.
    • For the County of Berks, five.
  • For the County of Bucks, eight; viz.
    • For the Town of Buckingham, one.
    • For the Burrough of Alisbury, one.
    • For the Burrough of Wiccomb, one.
    • For the County of Bucks, five.
  • For the County of Cambridg & Isle of Ely, eight; viz.
    • For the Town of Cambridg, one.
    • For the University of Cambridge, one.
    • For the Isle of Ely, two.
    • For the County of Cambridge, four.
  • For the County of Chester, five, viz.
    • For the City of Chester, one.
    • For the County of Chester, four.
  • For the County of Cornwall, twelve, viz.
    • For the Burrough of Dunishwet, otherwise Laun­ceston, one.
    • For the Burrough of Truro, one.
    • For the Burrough of Penryn, one.
    • For the Burrough of East-low and Westlow, one.
    • For the County of Cornwal, eight.
  • For the County of Cumberland, three, viz.
    • For the City of Carlile, one.
    • For the County of Cumberland, two.
  • For the County of Derby, five, viz.
    • For the Town of Derby, one.
    • For the County of Derby, four.
  • For the County of Devon, twenty, viz.
    • For the City of Exeter, two.
    • For the Burrough of Plymouth, two.
    • For the Burrough of Dartmouth, Clifton, and Harderness one.
    • For the Burough of Totness, one.
    • For the Borough of Barnstable, one.
    • For the Borough of Tiverton, one.
    • For the Borough of Honyton, one.
    • For the County of Devon, eleven.
  • For the County of Dorset, ten, viz.
    • For the Borough of Dorchester, one.
    • For the Borough of Weymouth, and Melcomb-Re­gis, one.
    • For the Borough of Lyme-Regis, one.
    • For the Town and County of Pool, one.
    • For the County of Dorset, six.
  • For the County of Durham, three, viz.
    • For the City of Durham, one.
    • For the County of Durham, two.
  • For the County of York, twenty two, viz.
    • For the City of York, two.
    • For the Town of Kingston upon Hull, one.
    • For the Borough of Beverly, one.
    • For the Borough of Scarborough, one.
    • For the Borrough of Richmond, one.
    • For the Town of Leeds, one.
    • For the Town and Parish of Hallifax, one.
    • For the County of York, fourteen, to be chosen distinctly by the three Ridings: That is to say, for the West-riding six, for the East-riding four, for the North-riding four.
  • For the County of Essex, sixteen, viz.
    • For the Borough of Maldon, one.
    • For the Borough of Colchester, two.
    • For the County of Essex, thirteen.
  • For the County of Gloucester, and County of the City of Gloucester, nine, viz.
    • For the City of Gloucester, two.
    • For the Borough of Tewksberry, one.
    • For the Borough of Cirencester, one.
    • For the County, and the County of the City of Gloucester, except the said City, five.
  • For the County of Hereford, six, viz.
    • For the City of Hereford, one.
    • For the Borough of Lempster, one.
    • For the County of Hereford, four.
  • For the County of Hartford, seven. viz.
    • For the Town of Saint Alban, one.
    • For the Borough of Hartford, one.
    • For the County of Hartford, five.
  • For the County of Huntingdon, four, viz.
    • For the Borough of Huntingdon, one.
    • For the County of Huntingdon, three.
  • For the County of Kent, eighteen, viz.
    • For the City of Canterbury, two.
    • For the City of Rochester, one.
    • For the Borough of Maidstone, one.
    • For the Port of Dover, one.
    • For the Port of Sandwich, one.
    • For the Borough of Quinborough, one.
    • For the County of Kent, eleven.
  • For the County of Lancaster, eight, viz.
    • [Page 554]For the Borough of Preston in Anderness, one.
    • For the Borough of Laucaster, one.
    • For the Borough of Leverpool, one.
    • For the Town and Parish of Manchester, one.
    • For the County of Lancaster, four.
  • For the County of Leycester, six, viz.
    • For the Borough of Leycester, two.
    • For the County of Leycester four.
  • For the County of Lincoln, sixteen, viz.
    • For the City of Lincoln, two.
    • For the Town of Boston, one.
    • For the Borough of Grantham, one.
    • For the Town of Stamford, one.
    • For the Town of Great Grimsby, one.
    • For the County of Lincoln, ten.
  • For the County of Middlesex, six, viz.
    • For the City of Westminster, two.
    • For the County of Middlesex, four.
  • For the City of London, six.
  • For the County of Monmouth, three.
  • For the County of Norfolk, sixteen, viz.
    • For the City of Norwich, two.
    • For the Town of Lynne Regis, two.
    • For the Town of Great Yarmouth, two.
    • For the County of Norfolk, ten.
  • For the County of Northampton, eight, viz.
    • For the City of Peterborough, one.
    • For the Town of Northampton, one.
    • For the County of Northampton, six.
  • For the County of Nottingham, six, viz.
    • For the Town of Nottingham, two.
    • For the County of Nottingham, four.
  • For the County of Northumberland, five, viz.
    • For the Town of Newcastle upon Tyne, one.
    • For the Town of Berwick, one.
    • For the County of Northumberland, three.
  • For the County of Oxford, eight, viz.
    • For the City of Oxford, one.
    • For the University of Oxford, one.
    • For the Borough of Woodstock, one.
    • For the County of Oxford, five.
  • For the County of Rutland, two.
  • For the County of Salop, eight, viz.
    • For the Town of Shrewsbury, two.
    • For the Borough of Bruges alias Bridgenorth, one.
    • For the Borough of Ludlow, one.
    • For the County of Salop, four.
  • For the County of Stafford, six, viz.
    • For the City of Lichfield, one.
    • For the Town of Stafford, one.
    • For the Borough of Newcastle on the Line, one.
    • For the County of Stafford, three.
  • For the County of Somerset, sixteen, viz.
    • For the Borough of Taunton, two.
    • For the City of Bath, one.
    • For the City of Wells, one.
    • For the Borough of Bridgewater, one.
    • For the County of Somerset, eleven.
  • For the City of Bristol, two.
  • For the County of Southampton, fourteen, viz.
    • For the City of Winchester, one.
    • For the Town of Southampton, one.
    • For the Town of Portsmouth, one.
    • For the Isle of Wight, two.
    • For the Borough of Andover one.
    • For the County of Southampton, eight.
  • For the County of Suffolk, sixteen, viz.
    • For the Borough of Ipswich, two.
    • For the Borough of Bury St. Edmonds, two.
    • For the Borough of Dunwich, one.
    • For the Borough of Sudbury, one.
    • For the County of Suffolk, ten.
  • For the County of Surrey, ten, viz.
    • For the Borough of Southwark, two.
    • For the Borough of Gilford, one.
    • For the Borough of Rygate, one.
    • For the County of Surrey, six.
  • For the County of Sussex, fourteen, viz.
    • For the City of Chichester, one.
    • For the Borough of Lewis, one.
    • For the Borough of East-greenstead, one.
    • For the Borough of Arundel, one.
    • For the Borough of Rye, one.
    • For the County of Sussex, nine.
  • For the County of Westmorland, two.
  • For the County of Warwick, seven, viz.
    • For the City of Coventry, two.
    • For the Borough of Warwick, one.
    • For the County of Warwick, four.
  • For the County of Worcester, seven, viz.
    • For the City and County of the City of Wor­cester, two.
    • For the County of Worcester, five.
  • For the County of Wilts, fourteen, viz.
    • For the City of New Sarum, two.
    • For the Borough of Marleborough, one.
    • For the Borough of the Devizes, one.
    • For the County of Wilts, ten.
  • For the County of Anglesey, two.
  • For the County of Brecon, two.
  • For the County of Cardigan, two.
  • For the County of Carmarthen, two.
  • For the County of Carnarvon, two.
  • For the County of Denbigh, two.
  • For the County of Flint, two.
  • For the County of Glamorgan, three, viz.
    • For the Town of Cardiffe, one.
    • For the County of Glamorgan, two.
  • For the County of Merioneth, one.
  • For the County of Montgomery, two.
  • For the County of Pembrook, three, viz.
    • For the Town of Haverfordwest, one.
    • For the County of Pembrook, two.
  • For the County of Raduor, two.

The distribution of the Persons to be chosen for Scotland, and the several Counties, Cities, and Pla­ces within the same, shall be according to such pro­portions and number, as shall be agreed upon, and de­clared by the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council, before the sending forth Writs of Sum­mons for the next Parliament. The distribution of [Page 555] the Persons to be chosen for Ireland, and the several Counties, Cities, and places within the same, shall be according to such proportions and number, as shall be agreed upon, and declared by the Lord Protector, and the Major part of the Council, before the sending forth Writs of Summons for the next Parliament.

XI. That the summons to Parliament shall be by Writ under the Great Seal of England, directed to the Sheriffs of the several and respective Counties, with such alteration as may suit with the present Govern­ment, to be made by the Lord Protector and his Coun­cil, which the Chancellour, Keeper, or Commissioners of the Great Seal, shall seal, issue, and send abroad by Warrant from the Lord Protector. If the Lord Protector shall not give warrant for issuing of Writs of Summons for the next Parliament, before the first day of June, one thousand six hundred fifty four, or for the Triennial Parliaments, before the first day of August in every third year, to be accounted as afore­said; That then the Chancellour, Keeper, or Commissi­oners of the Great Seal for the time being, shall, with­out any Warrant or direction, within seven days after the said first day of June, One thousand six hundred fifty four, Seal, Issue, and send abroad Writs of Sum­mons (changing therein what is to be changed as afore­said) to the several and respective Sheriffs of Eng­land, Scotland, and Ireland, for summoning the Par­liament to meet at Westminster, the third of Sep­tember next; and shall likewise within seven days af­ter the said first day of August, in every third year, to be accounted from the Dissolution of the precedent Parliament, Seal, Issue, and send abroad several Writs of Summons, changing therein what is to be changed, as aforesaid, for summoning the Parliament to meet at Westminster the sixth of November in that third year. That the said several and respective Sheriffs shall, within ten days after the receipt of such Writs as aforesaid, cause the same to be proclaimed and pub­lished in every Market-town within his County, upon the Market-days thereof, between Twelve and Three of the Clock; and shall then also publish and declare the certain day of the week and moneth for choosing Members to serve in Parliament for the Body of the said County, according to the tenour of the said Writ, which shall be upon Wednesday five Weeks after the date of the Writ; and shall likewise declare the place where the Election shall be made; for which purpose he shall appoint the most convenient place for the whole County to meet in, and shall send Precepts for Elections to be made in all and every City, Town, Borough or place within his County, where Elections are to be made by vertue of these Presents, to the Mayor, Sheriff, or other Head Officer of such City, Town, Borough, or place, within three days after the receipt of such Writ and Writs, which the said Mayors, Sheriffs and Officers respectively are to make publication of, and of the cer­tain day for such Elections to be made in the said City, Town or place aforesaid, and to cause Elections to be made accordingly.

XII. That at the day and place of Elections, the Sheriff of each County, and the said Mayors, Sheriffs, Bay­liffs and other Head-Officers within their Cities, Towns, Boroughs and places respectively, shall take view of the said Elections, and shall make return into the Chancery within twenty days after the said Elections of the per­sons Elected by the greater number of Electors, under their hands and seals, between him on the one part, and the Electors on the other part; wherein shall be contained, That the persons Elected shall not have power to alter the Government as it is hereby setled in one single Person and a Parliament.

XIII. That the Sheriff, who shall wittingly and willingly make any false return, or neglect his duty, shall incur the penalty of Two thousand Marks of lawful English Money; the one m [...]ity to the Lord Protector, and the other moity to such person as will sue for the same.

XIV. That all and every person and persons, who have ayd­ed, advised, assisted, or abetted in any War against the Parliament, since the First day of January, One thou­sand six hundred forty one (unless they have been since in the service of the Parliament, and given signal Testi­mony of their good Affections thereunto) shall be dis­abled, and be uncapable to be Elected, or to give any Vote in the Election of any Members to serve in the next Parliament, or in the three succeeding Triennial Parliaments.

XV. That all such, who have advised, assisted, or abetted the Rebellion of Ireland, shall be disabled and unca­pable for ever to be Elected, or to give any Vote in the Election of any Member to serve in Parliament; as also all such who do or shall profess the Roman Catholick Religion.

XVI. That all Votes and Elections given or made contra­ry, or not according to these Qualifications, shall be null and void: And if any person who is hereby made uncapable, shall give his Vote for Election of Members to serve in Parliament, such person shall lose and for­feit one full years value of his real estate, and one full third part of his personal estate; one moity thereof to the Lord Protector, and the other moity to him, or them who shall sue for the same.

XVII. That the persons who shall be Elected to serve in Par­liament, shall be such (and no other then such) as are persons of known Integrity, fearing God, and of good conversation, and being of the age of One and twenty years.

XVIII. That all and every person and persons seized or possessed to his own use, of any Estate real or personal, to the value of Two hundred pounds, and not within the aforesaid Exceptions, shall be capable to Elect Members to serve in Parliament for Counties.

XIX. That the Chancellor, Keeper, or Commissioners of the Great Seal, shall be sworn before they enter into their Offices, truly and faithfully to issue forth and send a­broad Writs of Summons to Parliaments at the times, and in the manner before exprest; And, in case of neg­lect or failer to issue and send abroad Writs accordingly, he or they shall for every such offence be guilty of High Treason, and suffer the pains and penalties thereof.

XX. That in case Writs be not issued out, as is before ex­prest, but that there be a neglect therein, fifteen days after the time wherein the same ought to be issued out by the Chancellor, Keeper, or Commissioners of the [Page 556] Great Seal, that then the Parliament shall, as often as such failer shall happen, assemble and be held at West­minster, in the usual place, at the times prefixt, in man­ner and by the means hereafter expressed; That is to say, That the Sheriffs of the several and respective Counties, Sherievedoms, Cities, Boroughs and places aforesaid, within England, Wales, Scotland, and Ire­land, the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the Ʋni­versity of Oxford and Cambridge, and the Mayor and Bayliffs of the Borough of Berwick upon Tweed, and other the places aforesaid respectively, shall at the several Courts and places to be appointed as aforesaid, within Thirty days after the said Fifteen days, cause such Members to be chosen for their said several and re­spective Counties, Sherievedoms, Ʋniversities, Cities, Boroughs and places aforesaid, by such persons and in such manner, as if several and respective Writs of Sum­mons to Parliament under the Great Seal had issued and been awarded, according to the Tenor abovesaid: That if the Sheriff, or other persons authorized, shall neglect his or their duty herein, That all and every such She­riff and person authorized as aforesaid, so neglecting his or their duty, shall, for every such offence, be guilty of High Treason, and shall suffer the pains and penalties thereof.

XXI. That the Clerk, called The Clerk of the Common-wealth, in Chancery for the time being, and all others, who shall afterwards execute that Office, to whom the Returns shall be made, shall for the next Parliament, and the two succeeding Triennial Parliaments, the next day after such Return, certifie the Names of the several persons so returned, and of the places for which he and they were chosen respectively, unto the Council, who shall peruse the said Returns, and examine whether the persons so Elected and Returned be such as is agree­able to the Qualifications, and not disabled to be Elect­ed: And that every person and persons being so duly Elected, and being approved of by the major part of the Council to be persons not disabled, but qualified as afore­said, shall be esteemed a Member of Parliament, and be admitted to sit in Parliament, and not otherwise.

XXII. That the persons chosen and assembled in manner aforesaid, or any Sixty of them, shall be, and be deem­ed the Parliament of England, Scotland and Ireland; and the Supream Legislative Power to be and reside in the Lord Protector and such Parliament, in manner herein exprest.

XXIII. That the Lord Protector, with the advice of the major part of the Council, shall at any other time than is before exprest, when the necessities of the State shall require it, summon Parliaments in manner before ex­prest, which shall not be Adjourned, Prorogued, or Dissolved without their own consent, during the first three Months of their Sitting: And in case of future War with any Foreign State, a Parliament shall be forthwith Summoned for their Advice concerning the same.

XXIV. That all Bills agreed unto by the Parliament, shall be presented to the Lord Protector for his consent; and in case he shall not give his consent thereto, within twenty days after they shall be presented to him, or give satisfaction to the Parliament within the time li­mited; That then, upon Declaration of the Parliament, That the Lord Protector hath not consented nor given Satisfaction, such Bills shall pass into, and become Laws, although he shall not give his consent thereun­to; provided such Bills contain nothing in them con­trary to the matters contained in these Presents.

XXV. That Philip Lord Viscount Lisle, Charles Fleet-wood Esquire; John Lambert Esquire; Sir Gil­bert Pickering Baronet, Sir Charles Wolseley Ba­ronet, Sir Anthony Ashley-Cooper Bar. Edward Montague Esq John Desborough Esq Walter Strickland Esq Henry Lawrence Esq William Sydenham Esq Philip Jones Esq Richard Ma­jor Esq Francis Rous, Philip Skipton Esqs; or any Seven of them, shall be a Council for the purposes ex­prest in this Writing; and upon the Death, or other re­moval of any of them, the Parliament shall nominate Six persons of Ability, Integrity, and fearing God, for every one that is dead or removed, out of which the major part of the Council shall Elect two, and pre­sent them to the Lord Protector, of which he shall Elect one: And in case the Parliament shall not nomi­nate within Twenty days after notice given unto them thereof, the major part of the Council shall nominate Three as aforesaid to the Lord Protector, who out of them shall supply the vacancy; And until this choice be made, the remaining part of the Council shall exe­cute as fully in all things, as if their number were full: and in case of corruption, or other miscarriage in any of the Council in their Trust, the Parliament shall appoint Seven of their numbers, and the Council Six, who, together with the Lord Chancellor, Lord Keeper, or Commissioners of the Great Seal for the time being, shall have power to hear and determine such corruption and miscarriage, and to award and inflict punishment, as the nature of the Offence shall deserve; which punishment shall not be pardoned or remitted by the Lord Protector: And in the interval of Parlia­ments, the major part of the Council, with the consent of the Lord Protector, may, for Corruption, or other Miscarriage as aforesaid, suspend any of their number from the exercise of their Trust, if they shall find it just, until the matter shall be heard and examined as aforesaid.

XXVI. That the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council aforesaid, may at any time before the meet­ing of the next Parliament, add to the Council such persons as they shall think fit; provided the number of the Council be not made thereby to exceed One and twenty, and the Quorum to be proportioned according­ly by the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council.

XXVII. That a constant yearly Revenue shall be raised, setled and establisht for maintaining of Ten thousand Horse and Dragoons, and twenty thousand Foot, in England, Scotland and Ireland, for the Defence and Security thereof, and also for the convenient number of Ships for guarding of the Seas; besides Two hundred thou­sand pounds per annum for defraying the other necessa­ry Charges for administration of Justice, and other Expences of the Government: Which Revenue shall be raised by the Customs, and such other ways and means as shall be agreed upon by the Lord Protector and Council, and shall not be taken away or diminishe, nor the way agreed upon for raising the same altered, but by the consent of the Lord Protector and the Parliament.

[Page 557] XXVIII. That the said yearly Revenue shall be paid into the Publick Treasury, and shall be issued out for the Ʋses aforesaid.

XXIX. That in case there shall not be cause hereafter to keep up so great a Defence at Land or Sea, but that there be an abatement made thereof; the Money which will be saved thereby, shall remain in Bank for the Publick Service, and not be employed to any other use but by consent of Parliament; or in the intervals of Parliament, by the Lord Protector and major part of the Council.

XXX. That the raising of Money for defraying the Charge of present extraordinary Forces both at Land and Sea, in respect of the present Wars, shall be by consent in Parliament and not otherwise; save only that the Lord Protector, with the consent of the major part of the Council, for preventing the Disorders and Dangers which may otherwise fall out both at Sea and Land, shall have power, until the meeting of the first Par­liament, to raise Money for the purposes aforesaid, and also to make Laws and Ordinances for the Peace and Welfare of these Nations where it shall be necessary, which shall be binding and in force, until Order shall be taken in Parliament concerning the same.

XXXI. That the Lands, Tenements, Rents, Royalties, Ju­risdictions and Hereditaments which remain yet un­sold or undisposed of by Act or Ordinance of Parlia­ment, belonging to the Common-wealth, (Except the Forests and Chases, and the Honours and Manors belonging to the same; the Lands of the Rebels in Ire­land lying in the four Counties of Dublin, Cork, Kil­dare and Katerlaugh; the Lands forfeited by the People of Scotland in the late Wars; and also the Lands of Papists and Delinquents in England, who have not yet compounded) shall be vested in the Lord Protector; To hold, to him and his Successors, Lord Protectors of these Nations, and shall not be aliened, but by consent in Parliament: And all Debts, Fines, Issues, Amerciaments, Penalties and Profits, certain and casual, due to the Keepers of the Liberties of En­gland by Authority of Parliament, shall be due to the Lord Protector, and be payable into his Publick Re­ceipt, and shall be recovered and prosecuted in his Name.

XXXII. That the Office of the Lord Protector over these Nations, shall be Elective and not Hereditary; and upon the Death of the Lord Protector, another fit Person shall be forthwith Elected to Succeed him in the Government, which Election shall be by the Council; who, immediatly upon the death of the Lord Protector, shall assemble in the Chamber where they usually sit in Council, and having given notice to all their num­ber, of the cause of their Assembling, shall, being Thirteen at least present, proceed to the Election; and before they depart out of the said Chamber, shall Elect a fit person to succeed in the Government, and forthwith cause Proclamation thereof to be made in all the three Nations, as shall be requisite: And the Per­son that they, or the major part of them shall Elect as aforesaid, shall be, and shall be taken to be Lord Pro­tector over these Nations of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging [...] Pro­vided that none of the Children of the late King, nor any of his Line or Family, be Elected: to be Lord Protector, or other chief Magistrate over these Na­tions, or any the Dominions thereto belonging. And until the aforesaid Election be past, the Council shall take care of the Government, and administer in all things us fully as the Lord Protector, or the Lord Protector and Council are enabled to do.

XXXIII. That Oliver Cromwel Captain General of the For­ces of England, Scotland and Ireland, shall be, and is hereby declared to be Lord Protector of the Com­mon-wealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging, for his life.

XXXIV. That the Chancellor, Keeper, or Commissioners of the Great Seal, the Treasurer, Admiral, Chief Governors of Ireland and Scotland, and the Chief Justices of both the Benches, shall be chosen by the approbation of Parliament; and in the intervals of Parliament, by the approbation of the major part of the Council, to be afterwards approved by the Parliament.

XXXV. That the Christian Religion, contained in the Scri­ptures, be held forth and recommended as the publick Profession of these Nations; and that as soon as may be, a Provision, less subject to scruple and contention, and more certain than the present, be made for the Encouragement and Maintenance of able and painful Teachers, for instructing the People, and for discove­ry and confutation of Error, Heresie, and whatever is contrary to sound Doctrine: And that, until such Provision be made, the present Maintenance shall not be taken away nor impeached.

XXXVI. That to the publick Profession held forth, none shall be compelled by penalties or otherwise, but that endea­vours be used to win them by sound Doctrine, and the Example of a good Conversation.

XXXVII. That such as profess Faith in God by Jesus Christ (though differing in judgment from the Doctrine, Worship, or Discipline publickly held forth) shall not be restrained from, but shall be protected in the pro­fession of the Faith, and exercise of their Religion; so as they abuse not this liberty, to the civil Injury of others, and to the actual disturbance of the Publick Peace on their parts: Provided this liberty be not ex­tended to Popery or Prelacy, nor to such as, under the profession of Christ, hold forth and practise Licentious­ness.

XXXVIII. That all Laws, Statutes, Ordinances and Clauses in any Law, Statute and Ordinance to the contrary of the aforesaid Liberty, shall be esteemed as null and void.

XXXIX. That the Acts and Ordinances of Parliament, made for the Sale or other Disposition of the Lands, Rents [Page 558] and Hereditaments of the late King Queen and Prince, of Arch-bishops and Bishops, &c. Deans and Chapters, the Lands of Delinquents, and Forest Lands, or any of them; or of any other Lands, Tenements, Rents and Hereditaments belonging to the Commonwealth, shall no way be impeached or made invalid; but shall remain good and firm: And that the securities given by Act and Ordinance of Parliament for any sum or sums of money, by any of the said Lands, the Excise, or by any other Publick Revenue; and also the Secu­rities given by the Publick Faith of the Nation; and the engagement of the Publick Faith for satis­faction of Debts and Damages, shall remain firm and good, and not be made void and invalid upon any pretence whatsoever.

XL. That the Articles given to, or made with the Enemy, and afterwards confirmed by Parliament, shall be per­formed and made good to the persons concerned therein. And that such Appeals, as were depending in the last Parliament, for relief concerning Bills of Sale of De­linquents Estates, may be heard and determined the next Parliament, Any thing in this Writing, or other­wise to the contrary notwithstanding.

XLI. That every successive Lord Protector over these Nations, shall take and subscribe a solemn Oath, in the presence of the Council, and such others as they shall call to them, That he will seek the Peace, Quiet, and Welfare of these Nations, cause Law and Justice to be equally Administred, and that he will not violate or infringe the matters and things contained in this Writing; and in all other things will to his Power, and to the best of his understanding, govern these Nations, according to the Laws, Statutes and Customs.

XLII. That each person of the Council shall, before they enter upon their Trust, take, and subscribe an Oath, That they will be true and faithful in their Trust, ac­cording to the best of their knowledge; And, that in the Election of every Successive Lord Protector, they shall proceed therein impartially, and do nothing there­in for any promise, fear, favor or reward.

The Oath taken by His Highness Oliver Cromwel, Lord Pro­tector.

WHereas the Major part of the last Parliament (judging that their sit­ting any longer, as then constituted, would not be for the good of this Common-wealth) did Dissolve the same, and by a Writing under their hands, dated the Twelfth day of this instant December, resigned unto Me their Powers and Authorities; And where­as it was necessary thereupon, That some speedy course should be taken for the settle­ment of these Nations upon such a Basis and Foundation, as, by the Blessing of God, might be lasting, secure Property, and an­swer those great ends of Religion and Liber­ty, so long contended for; And upon full and mature Consideration had of the Form of Government hereunto annexed, being sa­tisfied that the same, through Divine Assi­stance, may answer the Ends afore-menti­oned; And having also been desired, and ad­vised, aswell by several Persons of Interest and Fidelity in this Commonwealth, as the Officers of the Army, to take upon Me the Protection and Government of these Nati­ons in the manner expressed in the said Form of Government, I have accepted thereof, and do hereby declare My acceptance ac­cordingly. And do promise in the presence of God, That I will not violate, or infringe the matters and things contained therein, but, to My power, observe the same, and cause them to be observed; and shall in all other things, to the best of My under­standing, Govern these Nations according to the Laws, Statutes and Customs, seeking their Peace, and causing Justice and Law to be equally administred.

O. Cromwel.
Oliver Cromwell, Captain General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth, and now declared Lord Protector thereof, did this Sixteenth day of December, One thousand six hundred fifty three, Sign this Writing, and solemnly pro­mise, as is therein contained, in pre­sence of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England, who Admini­stred the same Oath, and of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London, divers of the Judges of the Land, the Officers of State and Army, and many other persons of Quality.

The Writing mentioned in the Oath was in these Words,

December, 12. 1653.

UPon a Motion this day made in the House, that the sitting of this Parliament any longer as now Constituted, will not be for the good of the Commonwealth; And that therefore it was requi­site to deliver up unto the Lord General Crom­wel, the Powers which they received from him, These Members whose Names are underwritten, have, and do hereby resign their said Powers to his Excellency.

The same Day the Council did set forth this Proclamation.

BY THE COUNCIL.

WHereas the late Parliament Dissolving them­selves, and resigning their Powers and Au­thorities, The Government of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by a Lord Protector, and Successive Trienial Parliaments, is now Establish­ed; And whereas Oliver Cromwell, Captain-Gene­ral of all the Forces of this Commonwealth, is decla­red Lord Protector of the said Nations, and hath [Page 561] accepted thereof: We have therefore thought it ne­cessary (as we hereby do) to make Publication of the Premises, and strictly to Charge and Command all, and every person and persons, of what quality and condition soever, in any of the said three Nations, to take notice thereof, and to conform and submit them selves to the Government so established. And all Sheriffs, Majors, Bayliffs, and other Publick Ministers, and Officers, whom this may concern, are required to cause this Proclamation to be forthwith Published in their respective Counties, Cities, Corporations, and Mar­ket Towns; To the end, none may have cause to pre­tend ignorance in this behalf.

Given at White-Hall, this sixteenth day of De­cember, 1653.

[17] The new Lord Protector observed new and great State, and all Ceremonies, and respects were paid to him, by all sorts of Men, as to their Prince.

[19] Letters that the Highlanders dispersed themselves for their Levys, and intended to force unreasonable Contributions.

That some of them near Durham, robbed the Post Boy, took away his Letters, Horse, Coat, and Twenty pence in money.

That Major Murryhead was taken Prisoner by a Party of the English, he being on his Journey to the Highlanders.

That Captain Lisle with a Party of the English Army, fell into the Enemies Quarters, and took Two Captains, one Cornet, one Quarter-Master, a Corporal, and twenty private Souldiers, and about forty Horse, and some Armes, fired the House, and killed three Men, and lost not one Man, and but one wounded, in the Thigh.

That by Order Captain Lisle met with Collonel Morgan, and they marched seven Miles into the Highlands, fell into the Lord of Kinoules Quarters, took seven or eight Prisoners, and about twelve Horse, killed one, rescued the Lord of Egles She­riff, dispersed the Regiment, and the Lord of Kinoule hardly escaped.

The Lord Protector was Proclaimed by sound of Protector Proclaim­ed. Trumpet, in the Pallace yard at Westminster, at the Old Exchange, and several other places in Lon­don; divers of the Councel, and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in their Robes, with three Serje­ants at Armes, with their Maces, and the Heraulds attending: And command to Publish the same Proclamation in all Counties.

[20.] Letters of a Dutch Prize, taken by a Pri­vate Man of War, and brought to Hull.

[21] A Proclamation Published by his Highness the Lord Protector, with the consent of his Coun­cel for continuing all Persons being in Office for the Execution of Publick Justice at the time of the late change of Government, until his Highness further direction, in these Words,

OLiver, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, consider­ing, That whereas the exercise of the chief Magi­stracy, and the Administration of Government with­in the said Commonwealth, is Invested and Establish­ed in his Highness, assisted with a Council, and lest thereupon the setled and ordinary course of Justice in the Commonwealth (if remedy were not provided) might receive interruption, his Highness in his care of the State, and publick Justice thereof, (reserving to future consideration the reformation and redress of any abuses by misgovernment, upon better knowledge taken thereof) is pleased, and doth hereby expresly signifie, declare and ordain, by and with the advice and consent of his Council, who have power until the meeting of the next Parliament to make Laws and Ordinances for the Peace and Welfare of these Na­tions, where it shall be necessary, which shall be bind­ing and in force until Order shall be taken in Parlia­ment concerning the same, that all persons who on the Tenty day of this instant December, were duly and lawfully possessed of any place of Judicature, or Office of Authority, Jurisdiction or Government, within this Commonwealth, shall be, and shall so hold them­selves continued in the said Offices and Places respe­ctively, as formerly they held and enjoyed the same, and not otherwise, until his Highness pleasure be fur­ther known; And all Commissions, Patents, and other Grants, which respect or relate unto the doing and exe­cuting of Publick Justice, and all Proceedings of what Nature soever in Courts of Common Law, or Equity, or in the Court of Admiralty, or by Com­missioners of Sewers, shall stand and be in the same and like force to all Intents and Purposes, as the same were on the said Tenth day of this instant December, until further Order given by his Highness therein; And that in the mean time (for preservation of the publick Peace, and necessary proceedings in matters of Justice, and for safety of the State) all the said Persons, of whatsoever Place, Power, Degree, or Con­dition, may not fail, every one severally according to his respective Place, Office, or Charge, to proceed in the performance and execution of all Duties there­unto belonging, as formerly appertaining to them and every of them, whilst the former Government was in being.

Given at White-Hall this 21st. of December, in the year of our Lord, 1653.

[22] Letters that the States of the Netherlands keep from their People the knowledge of the Offers of England for coalition, and Peace with them. Coalition.

Of great Preparations for the Sea against the Spring, of above One hundred Sayl of Ships of War.

[23] Letters of the Highlanders dividing them­selves in several Territories, that they often re­move their Quarters, and are in want of Provisi­ons.

That a Party of the English killed three, and a Captain of the Lord Lords.

[24] Letters of two Dutch Prizes brought in by a Private Man of War.

That the Dutch about the Lands-end took an En­glish Ship which came from New England.

That some French Wines were taken, and brought into Deal.

That the Highlanders make so high Demands from the Country, that they are not able to supply them.

[26] Letters that Captain Hart about Dumfrize with a Party of English pursued some of the Ene­mies by the tract of the Snow, and fell upon them, took Sixty five Horses, sixteen Prisoners, and ma­ny Armes, and four of them slain; they fought very Resolutly for a while; Captain Hart lost but one Man, and sixteen Wounded.

That the late Change of Government in England was well Resented by the Army in Scotland, and they were unanimous to obey the Lord Prote­ctor.

That some Gentlemen about Ruthen Castle in Scotland, sent to Captain Hill the Governour, to know if an Enemy should come into those Parts, whether he would give them leave to furnish the Enemy with Provisions, &c. to rid them out of the Country; to which he answered, That if any did [Page 562] so, they should forfeit their Lives, and Estates.

Then he showes them the Power of the State of England, and their kind dealing with the Peo­ple of Scotland, under their Power; and the in­considerableness of those in Armes against the State of England, concludes with an absolute for­bidding of them to give any Assistance to the Ene­my, and to pay in their Sesses.

Letters from Swedland of the safe Arrival of the Lord Ambassadour Whitelock, and of his gallant Reception there.

[27] The Lord Protector, and his Councel passed several Ordinances. Ordinan­ces.

For continuing the Excise, and the Commissio­ners.

For the continuing the Act for Redemption of Captives.

For alteration of several Names and Formes, used heretofore in Courts, Writs, Grants, Patents, Com­missions, &c. and setling Proceedings in Courts of Law and Equity.

Divers Prizes taken by Captain Newberry, be­tween the Isle of Wight and the French Coast, and several other Prizes taken, and brought in by others of the Parliament Frigots.

[28] An Order Published of the Protector and his Counsel, for reviving of a former Act for the Probat of Wills, and granting Administrati­ons.

Letters that Chanut Ambassadour from the French King, with the States, did freely offer to them, an Alliance and Assistance from his Master, if they would break with Spain and England.

That Captain Crispin pursued some French Vessels into Conquet Road, where he Anchored, and the Town and Country came down to assist the Pickaroons, and Dutch there; and Crispin made Two hundred and thirty great Shot into the Town, and did much spoil to the Ships, which got close under the Houses.

[29] The Lord Protector and his Councel, sate very close, in Ordering their dispatches to the seve­ral Forces in England, Scotland, and Ireland, and to their Publick Ministers abroad.

[30] The Lord Protector with his Councel, and the Officers of his Army, kept a Day of Humilia­tion at Whitehall.

That the Lord Protector was Solemnly Proclaim­ed at Plymouth, the Magistrates present in their Robes, the Trumpets sounding, and Guns firing, the Bells Ringing, and Shouts and great Acclama­tions of Joy of the People.

Of Two English Ships loaded with Masts, &c. coming from New England, taken by three Dutch-men of War, and carryed into Brest.

Of the like Solemn Proclaiming of the Lord Protector at Weymouth, Bristol, Shrewsbury, Exeter, Yarmouth, and many other places.

[31] That the King of Scots was present with the King of France and the Cardinal at Evening Prayer in one of the Jesuits Convents: and the Dukes of York and Gloucester were with them.

That the Highlanders were grown up to the Num­ber of at least Three thousand; that some of them over-powring in number a Party of Collonel Thom­linsons Men, killed Two of them.

That they imprisoned some Heritors in those parts, for refusing their Levys, and denying their Orders, and giving out, That whosoever shall not conform to their commands, shall be proceeded against with Force, and compelled to a Submissi­on.

January, 1653. January.

[Jan. 2.] The Instrument of Government by the Lord Protector and His Council, was Published for the View of all Persons, together with the Oath Publickly taken by him.

[3] Letters of the Enemies increasing in Num­bers in the Highlands, who meeting with Four of Collonel Morgans Dragoons, near Edenburgh, Bar­barously Murdered them, and the adjacent Houses would not Protect them; some of them were kil­led by a Party of the English.

[4] Letters of several small bickerings between Parties of the Highlanders, and of the English Ar­my.

That the Highlanders threaten sorely, and seize the Persons of divers, who refuse to assist them in their Levys.

The Dutch Ambassadors took their leave at a Conference at Whitehall, and went to Gravesand for Holland.

Of General Monks Riding with his Squadron in the Channel, and sending Frigots abroad.

[5] The Protector and his Councel had several Applications and Addresses made to them, from divers considerable places, acknowledging his Pow­er, and Government, and promising Obedience to it.

[6] Letters that Judge Bulstrode came with a Commission of Goal-delivery to Warwick, and in the Execution thereof gave great satisfaction to the People, commended the present Government, and charged the Grand Jury to bring to Justice any disturbers of it.

Of the Lord Whitelock his Arrival and Honoura­ble reception at Gottenburgh.

[7] Letters of an English Ship Cast away near Weymouth, and all her Men drowned except the Shipman, and Two Passengers; and of Picaroons coming into the mouth of Severn, and taking some Vessels there.

That the Dutch Ambassadors remained at Graves­end, and from thence made a further Application to his Highness, and his Councel.

Of great Thunder about Amsterdam, Lightning, and Tempest, which destroyed about Five hundred Houses, and about Forty Merchants Ships sunk in the Texel.

[9] Collonel Lilburn Published a Proclamation, for all the Scots to bring in their Horses to the next Garrison to them, to prevent the Enemies taking of them, or being sent to them, and that for the Horses so brought in, the owners shall have satis­faction, or may keep their Horses in the Garri­sons.

That a Commanded Party of Collonel Rich's Troop, routed a Party of the Lord Kinoules Men, and took his Lordship Prisoner, and Fourteen more all Wounded, and Thirty five Horse, killed three of them, and lost but one Man, and five Wound­ed.

[10] Letters of a Lamentable Fire at Amster­dam, which burnt Six hundred Houses there.

That Captain Welch, after he had Landed the Lord Ambassador Whitelock, of whose Squa­dron of Ships, he was one; took Two Holland Ships Riding at the Seah, one of Four hun­dred, Captain Welch. the other of Three hundred and fifty Tuns, loaden with Corn, Wool, and Plancks, which he took, and brought away with him, and by Storm was forced to come a little way within the Port of Gottenburgh, but without the Command of the Fort.

[Page 563] That the Lord Ambassadour Whitlock was ear­nestly pressed, to send for the Captain, and to dis­charge the Prizes; but he answered, He conceived it to be a matter not appertaining either to himself or to the Queens Officers to meddle with, and that he believed the Queens Ports would not be denyed to any English-man, who had Commission by Authority of Parliament, coming thither to shelter himself against Storms.

That the Conflict had been upon the High Seas, be­twixt the English and the Dutch, who were Enemies: for these reasons his Excellency refused to do any thing in it.

Some of Captain Welch his Men coming to Got­tenburgh were stayed, and brought before the Lands-Here, who examined them; and sent his Major to the Ambassadors, to know, whether he would own the Captain? whereto he Answered, He did own him as one that had a Commission by Authority of Par­lioment, and one of his Fleet: whereupon the Men were dismissed.

That the English have the more trouble there, and the less favour, because the Queens Vice Admiral was a Hollander.

[11] That the Lord Protector and his Councel sate very close, and all things seemed to favour them, both at home and abroad.

[12] Divers Forein Ministers came over, to the Lord Protector, and acknowledged his Power; Foreign Ministers. Courted him, and gave him his Title of High­ness.

[13] Letters of Six months Pay brought to the Forces in Scilly Islands.

Of Prince Ruperts Arrival at the French Camp be­fore Beffort.

[14] Letters that a Frigot chased a French Man of War, till he forced him on Shore, and shot at him so fiercely, that some of the French coming down to the Sea-side, Four of them were killed with the Shot from the Frigot.

That the Highlanders continued Stealing, and Plundering their Countreymen, who would not joyn, and Rise with them, or not Pay their Tax­es.

That the Scots chose rather to be Destroyed by the Highlanders, than to give any Intelligence of them to the English, when they Marched near them.

That some of the English Fleet plyed about the Lands-end, and others between that, and the Downs; and others upon the French Coast.

[16] Copies of Letters sent up, from Glen­carry to Captain Hill Governour of Bagnoth Castle, courting him, and informing him of the unsetled­ness in England; and Answering his Letters to the Gentlemen of Bagnoth; and affirming, divers to be up in Armes in England for the King, with other the like stuff: and perswading him to Return to his Fidelity to the King.

Also the Answer to the Earl of Glencarnes Let­ter by Captain Hill, full of stoutness, and hand­some Expressions, and also his Letter to the Gen­tlemen of Bagnoth.

[17] Letters that the Dutch did exceedingly Dutch [...]. desire a Peace with England, and the States sate of­ten about it; and that the People in Holland were not so high as formerly, in speaking against Eng­land; and that their Neighbour Princes, feared, and indeavoured to hinder a Conjunction between the Two Common-wealths.

That the Supply from England came to their Forces in Scotland.

That the Highlanders were very Active, and great Men flock to them, as young Montross, and the Lord Gourdon.

That Lieutenant General Fleetwood, and the Com­missioners in Ireland appointed to try the Lord Muskerry; and sent some Parties against some To­ries.

An Agent came from Hamburgh to congratulate the Lord Protector.

Of many Protestants coming by Boat from Cha­rington after Sermon towards Paris, the Boat was cast away, and about Sixty drowned.

Orders touching Claims upon the Bill for Sale of Delinquents Estates.

[18] The Tryal of the Portugal Ambassadors Brother put off till the next Sessions, upon the Petition of the Portugal Merchants.

An Address of the Army to the Lord Protector, congratulating his Access to the Government, and Address. promising their Obedience and Faithfulness to his Highness, and Service to him, in the Station wherein God hath placed him.

Of a Discontent between Glencarn, and Lorn; and they divided, and Warrants were sent to Ap­prehend the Lord Lorn.

[19] Letters, that the States were likely to agree to the English Propositions for Peace.

Of a Prize loaden with Three thousand Cheeses, brought in by the Hector Frigot, and another Dutch Ship taken by a Private Man of War.

[20] Letters of the Enemies Levies in the Par­liaments Quarters, but that they dare not come to Execute their own Warrants, Coppies of them sent up to the Protector.

These Warrants were forbidden by Collonel Cooper to be Executed, under pain, that any who obey them, or correspond with the Earl of Glen­carn, or any of his Party, shall be proceeded against as Enemies.

Of Prizes taken upon the Coast of Norway.

A Day appointed for drawing Lotts for Lands in Ireland.

Of Mischiefs done by the Tories in Ireland, who were beaten back to their Boggs:

That the Plague continues in some places there.

[21] Letters, that the Tories in Ireland in­deavoured to get into a Body, but were preven­ted.

Of Two Dutch Prizes brought in.

That Seventeen Dutch Ships were Arrived in Scotland, with One thousand five hundred Forrei­ners, and some Armes.

That in France an Imbargo was to be put upon all English Ships and Goods.

[23] An Ordinance Published by the Lord Treason. Protector and his Council, declaring what Offences and no other, shall be adjudged Treason, within the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Another Ordinance touching the Ingagement, repealing all former Acts touching the same.

Of Two Prizes of French Wines brought in by a Frigot.

[24] That Collonel Morgan was drawing to­gether the English Forces against the Highlanders.

That Collonel Wogan was thought to be Slain.

That Lorns Revolt startled the Enemy.

[25] That the Lord Athol was Sick.

That Captain Cressey fell into the Quarters of a­bout Forty of the Enemies Horse, Killed Two, took Prisoners, and Sixteen Horse.

That a Party of the English, being but Thirty Horse, fell upon another Party of the Enemies, and Routed them; but the Enemy having Two hundred Men in Ambush, fell upon the English, slew the Lieutenant, and Cornet, and Seven of the Troo­pers, and the rest made a difficult Retreat.

Cheats went about in the names of the Earl of Cleaveland, and Lord Grandison, to borrow monys [Page 564] of divers persons of Quality, for the said Lords, whereas, the Lords employed none such, as knew any thing thereof.

[26] That Myn Here Beverling, one of the Dutch Gommissioners that lately returned from England, was returned back from Holland thither, and had Audience of the Lord Protector.

He affirms, that the Province of Holland have agreed to the Articles of Peace with England; and that the other Provinces will shortly do the same.

Mr. Feak, and Mr. Simpson were examined be­fore the Council, for Preaching against the Lord Protector, and his Government.

[27] Letters of the Honourable Reception and Audience of the Lord Ambassador Whitlock at Ʋp­sale, and the Queen shewed extraordinary respects to him.

A part of Pauls Church fell down.

[28] Letters, that in the late Ingagement near Vaummond, Captain Carr, and another Scotch Com­mander of quality was slain, and divers Prisoners taken, and the rest driven to the Mountains.

Letters of Twenty Sail of Brest Men of War, out at Sea, which took some English Vessels in the Channel.

Of the Queen of Swedens Answer to the Lord Ambassadour Whitelocks Speech to her, and her fa­vours to his Sons, and some of his Gentlemen, and of the Complements of her Ministers to him, and his returnes, and of her great civility to him.

And the relation of the Senators who supped with him, and their forbearing to begin a health to him. And of his sending to Visit the Spanish Resident there, of his Visit to Whitelock, and of Whitelocks Private Audience with the Queen, and of the Visits of Great Men to him, with his Re­turnes to them, an account of them to the Pro­tector.

Of a Defeat given to the Highlanders, and the taking of a Town near Blair, Fourteen killed, seven Prisoners, and fifty Horse taken; and many wound­ed.

That Captain Carr, and Captain Kilsmores Lieu­tenant, fired at each other, at four yards distance, and both of them fell from their Horses and dy­ed.

Mr. Feak and Mr. Sympson sent Prisoners to Windsor Castle.

That Captain Minns Ingaged four hours together with four Brest Men of War, and saved some Eng­lish Vessels from them, and rescued another Ves­sel of Plymouth, taken by a Brest Man of War, and took in her Seventeen French Prisoners.

[31] Letters of the Officers of the Army in Scotland, sending up their Addresses to the Lord Protector, owning his Government.

Of Two Dutch Prizes brought into New Castle, Dutch Capers, in each Fifty Prisoners.

February, 1653.

[Feb. 1.] An Ordinance by the Lord Protector and his Council, appointing a Committee of the Army, and Treasurers at War, as formerly.

Order by the Lord Protector and his Council to add some persons as Commissioners for the Assess­ments.

Upon invitation of the Lord Mayor and Alder­men of London, the Lord Protector appointed a Day to dine with them.

Five stout Men of War gone out to Sea, and twenty more going out to add to the English Fleet.

A Declaration, and Address of the General at Sea, and Officers of the Fleet, owning his Govern­ment, February. and promising Obedience to the Lord Pro­tector.

[2] Letters, That the Ʋnited Provinces, rejoyce in the Agreement and Peace between them, and England.

[3] Orders for the drawing of Lots by the Ad­venturers for the Lands in Ireland.

Divers intercepted Letters from the Cavaliers sent up.

That the People in the North set upon the Quakers Quakers. and beat them, and the Quakers prayed to God to forgive them, which so convinced the people, that they fell out among themselves, and were sorry that they had beaten the Quakers.

That the English Fleet was gone out to Sea, di­vided into Three Squadrons, but not so far distant, but that by their Scouts they had quick Intelligence and Correspondency.

[4] Letters of the French Pickaroons, who fly to their own Coasts when any of the English Frigots appear.

Of a Bickering between the English and High-landers.

[6] An Ambassadour from the Great Duke of Ambassa­dours from the Duke of Tuscany Omerland. Tuscany to Congratulate the Lord Protector.

And Two Agents from the Lords of the Isles of Omerland in Holland, desiring to be esteemed as Neutrals, and brought in the Number and Marks of all their Ships, and desired to be accounted as a free State.

The Frigots about the Lands-end rescued many English Vessels from the French Pickaroons.

That Glencarns Captain Lieutenant and Seven­teen of his Men were taken by a Party of the En­glish, and they fell into divers of their Quarters, and took many Prisoners.

[7] Letters of a chase of a French Ship, which ran on ground.

Of a Dutch Ship of Three hundred Tuns brought in Prize.

That the Brest Men of War took Two Vessels of Milford.

Of all the Ʋnited Provinces but Friezland agree­ing Hollanders incline to Peace. to the Articles of Peace with England.

That the French Ambassadour in Holland labou­red to continue the War between England and Holland, and offered to bear half the Charge of it, but the States would not consent unto it, that nevertheless the States go on with their preparati­ons for the Sea-war.

That there will be a great distraction and trou­ble among the People, in case the Peace with Eng­land be not concluded.

[8] The Lord Protector Dined in London with Lord Pro­tector fea­sted by the City. the Lord Mayor and Common Council, by their in­vitation, at which the Recorder made a Speech to his Highness.

The Intertainment was in a Magnificent manner, the Streets Railed on both sides, and the Rayls co­vered with Blew-cloath, Twelve Lacquayes in rich Liveries, the Field Officers bravely Mounted, the Guards, &c.

The Lord Mayor and Aldermen met his High­ness on Horseback in their Robes, and his High­ness Knighted the Lord Mayor when he went a­way.

[9] The Lord Protector appointed certain days to hear Petitions from the Masters of the Requests: the Lord Protector made several Serjeants at Law.

[10] Letters that the Irish had a general Fast, and that some of the Tories took Twelve Sur­veyors of the Lands, as they were Travelling.

Of a Dutch Pyrate brought into Burlington Bay.

[Page 565] That some small bodies of the Irish were got together.

That a Private man of War brought in a Dutch Ship, and a French Ship, Prizes; and of fifteen other Dutch Ships brought in Prizes.

[11] Of the Highlanders burning Corn and out­houses, and doing much mischief to the Scots, who would not afford them Supplyes, and help their Leavys.

[13] A Servant to Myn Here Beverling, the Dutch Ambassador in England, brought News, That all the Ʋnited Provinces had assented to the Arti­cles of Peace with England.

Letters of the general inclinations of the Peo­ple in the Netherlands to have a Peace with Eng­land, for that another Summers War, and their loss of another years Free Trade, and Fishing, would hardly be born by the Multitude.

That all the Orange Party, and Cavaliers are a­gainst the Peace, and discontented at it; That Mid­dleton was going with about Two hundred Cava­liers, towards the Highlanders.

[14] Letters of a Party of the Enemy that came to Dunbarton; and but Twelve of the Horse got ready, and Charged them very shoutly, they being Twenty five Horse, and took their Lieute­nant that Commanded them, and Two more, and Wounded all the rest.

From Ʋpsale, that the Change of Government in England was well resented in Sweden, and the Lord Ambassadors Credentialls from the Lord Pro­tector were well received by the Queen of Sweden.

The Commissioners for Accounts being infor­med, that some, pretending Authority from them, do summon People in the several Counties to pla­ces where they meet, to draw up Accounts and Claims, and exact unreasonable Fees for the doing it.

The Commissioners declare, that they gave no such Authority to any person, but leave the Peo­ple to their own liberty and conveniency, and will see those abuses punished.

[15] The Council of the Protector sate close, and had got Intelligence from the Army in all pla­ces, and from the Fleet.

[16] Letters that the Lord Protector was Pro­claimed at Dublin, but not so soon, and so chear­fully, Protector Proclaim­ed at Dub­lin. as he was in the North.

The Articles were agreed to transplant the Munster-Tories into Flanders.

[17] That Kenmore with a Body of Two thou­sand Men, lay quiet, expecting the issue of the Dutch Treaty.

That Collonel Wogan was dead, and most of his Party sought to get out of Scotland again.

That an English Lieutenant, with Twelve Dra­goons, took Four of Glencarns own Troop, and Eight Horse.

That Glencarn by Proclamation, threatned Fire and Sword to all that did not supply him.

That six English Souldiers were set upon by Fifty Highlanders, who took Three, and killed Two of them, and the other escaped.

That Collonel Drummond was got to the High-landers with Instructions from the King, and to see whether they were in such a posture, as that the King might adventure to come to them.

[18] Eleven Persons were sent Prisoners to the Tower, and some of them examined about a Plot against the Lord Protector and the present Govern­ment.

A Private Man of War from the Holy Island, brought in two Prizes loaden with East-Country goods.

[20] An Address to the Lord Protector from the Minsters of Leistershire.

Two Ordinances of the Lord Protector and his Council Published, one for the Monthly Assessment of Twelve hundred thousand pounds for six Months, to be continued: the other, for an Ex­planation of a former Ordinance touching Trea­sons.

[21] Letters, that Collonel Morgan with a Party of Twelve hundred Horse, Foot, and Dragoons, fell upon [...], and Kinmores Army, being Two thousand, and Routed them totally, and pur­sued them Seven miles into the Hills.

That Captain Moltlows fell upon a House in Ar­gibeshire, and took it, with all the Men; Armes, and Ammunition in it, and fired the House.

That Lieutenant Collonel Co [...]rel Marched from Glascoi [...] to Reduce the Garrison of Ross Dew, but before he came near it the Enemy ran away, and left word, they had no orders to Fight.

[22] That Captain Foster with the Phoenix Fri­got brought in a Swedish Ship for Prize, having Prohibited Goods on Board her.

That Captain [...] with the Amity, in company of Captain Fostur [...] fought with a Zealand Man of War, and Killed and Wounded most of her Men, yet She would not yield till Captain Foster came in to the Amity.

[23] Letters of Credence [...] Monsieur Bour­deaux, to be Ambassadour Extraordinary from the Ambassa­dour from the French King. French King to the Lord Protector.

The King of Scots was to go from Paris, upon the Peace with England.

The Dutch Admiral Prohibited all their Mer­chant-men from going to Sea; till the Cessation of Armes came from England.

That the S [...]a [...]es are sending Ambassadors Extra­ordinary to the Lord Protector, to Sign the Peace with England.

Of English Merchants Ships taken by the Brest Men of War, and rescued by the English Frigots.

[24] Letters, that Collonel Daniel with One thou­sand men, took in the Lord Athols House by Storm, killed only three of the Enemies, the rest cryed for Quarter, and had it; Collonel Daniel lost but one Man, and took in the House Two Lieutenants, one Ensign, two Serjeants, two Cornets, and one hundred and nineteen Souldiers; eighty Musquets, some Fire-locks and Swords, sixteen pound of Pow­der, and twenty five Troop Houses. That there was in the House much more Meat, Mault, and Oaes, which Collonel Daniel could not carry away; and therefore he set fire to a barrel of Powder, and those Provision, and blew up them and the House together.

[25] That one of the late Collonel Wogans Men, with Three of his best Horses, ran away to an Eng­lish Garrison.

That Collonel Morgan in his late Ingagement with Glencarn and Kinmore, killed One hundred and twenty of their men, took Twenty seven Prisoners, with all their Ammunition, and most of their Arms, and Eighty Horse.

That the business in Sweden goes on very hope­fully, the Lord Ambassadour has great great Repute with the Queen and the Grand Chancellour, and his New Credentials are very well accepted of by them.

That the Ambassadors were Landed from Holland with Power to ratifie the Articles of Peace with England.

The Lords, Newport and Youngshall, Ambassa­dours Extraordinary from the States General, Ar­rived with Eighty Persons in their Retinue, and very Gallant.

[28] An Ordinance of the Lord Protector and his Council, Published for the Reviving of the Juris­diction [Page 566] of the County Pallatine of Lancaster, and for holding Assize there.

Letters, that Athol, Glencarn, Glencary, and Kin­more, were drawing all their Forces together, about Four thousand, to be Revenged of Collonel Morgan. That they have taken off all their Garrisons, and intend a flying Army, and to Lodge their Ammuni­tion in Woods.

Of a Scotch-man, who in a Vision was warned to go to their General, and tell him, That because Vision. of their wicked living, the Judgments of God would light on them. The Scot not going to the General, was warned in a Second Vision, to go to him, or else that the Judgment of God would fall upon him, and was presently struck Dumb, and declared all this by Writing, and his Resolution to go to their Ge­neral, and to declare this to him in Writing.

March, 1653.

[March 1.] A Publick Minister from the Arch-Duke Leopoldus had Audience from the Lord Pro­tector. Leopaldus.

The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Recorder of London, attended the Lord Protector and his Council, about the business of a Corporation to the City of Westminster.

That the Lord Ambassadour Whitlock goes on ve­ry hopefully in Sweden, but they are a little stum­bled at the detention of Swedish Ships in Eng­land.

[2] Letters that the Duke of Lorain was seized upon, and secured by the Arch-Duke Leopold.

[3] Letters that many of Athols Men forsook him, and that his Levys did take little Effect, the Country being grown weary of his Oppressions.

That one of Collonel Daniells Men running away to Athol, was taken again, and Hanged. That others ran away from Collonel Daniels Regement.

That Major General Lamberts Regiment of Horse, and Commissary General Whaleys were come near to the Highlands.

That the States Ambassadors came in great state through London in Coaches.

[4] Letters, that the English Fleet Road at St. Hellens Point, near the Isle of Wight.

The Dutch Ambassadors had Audience of the Audience of the Dutch Ambassa­dors. Lord Protector in the Banqueting House at Whitehall, which was richly hanged, and a Chair of State for the Lord Protector, and Chair, for the Ambassadors, and a great multitude of people.

They acquainted his Highness, That all their Provinces had consented to the Articles of Peace, and had Impowred them to Ratifie the Articles; and they desired a Cessation of Arms in the mean time.

An Ambassador was Landed from the King of Ambassa­dours from Denmark. Denmark, to the Lord Protector.

[5] That Lieutenant Hellin with Six Troopers, charged six of the Enemies ten miles into the Hills, and took them, their Horses and Arms, and one of them being an English-man refused Quarter, and was killed.

That Major Bridge with a Party took Six of the Enemy, and seven Horses.

That young Montross had like to have killed the Lord Lorn.

[7] Of English Seamen Pressed for the Fleet.

Of an English Barque taken by a Dutch Man of War, who restored Her, and secured Her from a Brest Man of War.

Of an English Ship brought in Prize, into the Texel, by a Dutch private Man of War.

[8] An Ordinance for Approbation of Mini­sters, by Commissioners.

That six Members of the Lord Protectors Coun­cil were appointed Commissioners to meet with the March Dutch Ambassadors to Sign the Articles of Peace with them.

That still both the English and the Dutch prepa­red to increase their Navies.

[9] Orders by the Lord Protector for all to re­pair to their Charges in Scotland.

[10] Of Barques taken by the Dutch Free-booters in the North.

Of one hundred and forty Dutch Ships Arrived at the Ʋlye from the East Country.

That Middleton was gone for Scotland, with two small Men of War, and a little Ammunition, and some Arms, and about Three hundred Volun­tiers.

[11] Letters that Middleton was Landed in the Highlands.

That the Lord Protector went on amain in his Preparations for the Sea, and caused divers Mar­riners to be Pressed, and drew out some Land. Soldiers to put aboard the Ships.

[13] Letters that the Highlanders, upon Mid­dletons Middleton coming to them, give out that he brought with him Two thousand five hundred Foot, and five hundred Horse, whereas he had under Three hun­dred in all.

That Captain Witter sent out a Party to skirmish with Captain Johnson before Blair Castle, and John­son, and one more were killed.

That Captain Masons Troup, and Captain Pal­mers Troup, about Dunfrize, fell soul upon one another, by occasion of one of their Centries, who was a Scotchman, and thinking they had been Ene­mies, six of them were killed, and many wounded, before they knew the mistake.

[14] Letters that Monsieur Chaunt the French Inclinati­ons of France Ambassadour, with the States, labours to put on the Interest of his Master, and to have him Com­prehended in the Peace, betwixt the two Common-wealths.

That an East-land Fleet of One hundred and fifty Sail, had brought to the Netherlands, the necessary Commodities for Shipping that were wanting in those Countries.

That the King of Scots was still at Paris, but had no encouragement to stay in that Court, who much desired Peace with the Lord Protector.

[15] The Lord Protectors Commissioners met with the Dutch Ambassadors at their Lodgings, to examine Papers, and to compare the Articles of Peace agreed upon, with the ingrossment of them.

That the Portsmouth Frigot, and the Constant Sea-fight Warwick, met with Beach the Admiral of the Brest Pyrates, and pursued him till night, when the Two Frigots were parted. Beach roaving to and again in the Night, chanced to light again upon the Con­stant Warwick, and thinking she had been a Mer­chants Ship, came up to her to Board her.

The Captain of the Warwick demanded who it was, and Beach answered, he was the Portsmouth Frigot, but the Warwick suspecting him, bad him stand off; then Beach perceiving his mistake, made away; but the Warwick being a good Saylor made after him and kept him company all the Night.

That about Six in the Morning, Beach begun the Fight, firing Three Guns, which were answered by the Warwick, and the Fight lasted till Two in the Afternoon, when Beach and his Men called for Quarter and had it.

That Beach had five Foot Water in the Hold, when he yielded.

That he had Two hundred Men in his Ship, whereof Twenty were killed in the Fight, That his Ship was a Gallant New Vessel of Forty two [Page 567] Guns, whereof Thirty were Mounted.

Anno 1654 That there were taken with him Nine Captains, besides himself, and divers Gentlemen; That this Beach was the chief Ring-leader Pyrate: That he lived at Brest like a Prince, and had done much Mischief to the English Merchants.

[16] Letters that the Queen of Sweden and the Chancellor are desirous to see what will be the Issue of the Treaty, between England and the Dutch, before they come to a Conclusion with the Lord Ambassador Whitelock; who is often in conference with the old Chancellor Oxenstiern, and hath great respect from him, and from the Queen.

That Middleton Commanded the Sheriff Guther­land to Act no more in the Name of the Lord Pro­tector, but said, he would give him a Commission to Act as Sheriff under the King.

That he laboured much to raise men for the King.

[17] That Middletons Son when he Landed, had Middleton but a few Reformadoes with him, One hundred and fifty Barrells of Powder, and Arms for about One thousand Men; some say in all, that he brought Five thousand Armes, and two great Guns, and that Grafort had got together Six hundred of his Men to meet Middleton, and the rest had appointed a Rendezvous, to shew their Forces to him.

That Collonel Morgan was Marched that way to wait upon them and their Motions.

[18] Letters of a French Vessel brought in Prize by a Private Man of War.

That Captain Potter, after Captain Beach had yielded to him, and came on Board the Warwick, Beach demanded of him the performance of Arti­cles, to be set on Shore in France; Potter told Beach that he never heard of any such Articles, and told Beach, if he would, he might go on Board his own Ship again, and Fight it out; but, Beach would not do so. That the Fight between them lasted Eight hours. That Beach had Thirty nine Guns, and Two hundred Men; whereof he lost twenty. That Potter had but Thirty two Guns, and One hun­dred and thirty Men, and lost but two of them. That Captain Potter brought Beach and his Ship and Company into Plymouth.

An Order passed by the Protector and his Council, appointing of Commissioners for approving of Mi­nisters.

Another passed for disposing of Forfeited Estates in Scotland.

Two other Ordinances passed, for setling the Customs, and Excise.

Of a Dutch Ship loaded with Pitch, Tarr, &c. taken Prize, by a private Man of War.

[20] That the Lord Protector passed a Declara­tion, inviting the People of England, and Wales to a day of Solemn Fasting, and Humiliation, and shewing the ground thereof.

Letters of a great Fleet gone from New Castle, for London; and Ten more going forth after them, and without a Convoy, were set upon by the Capers, and though they ran themselves on Ground, yet af­ter their Men were got out, the Capers got off Five of the Ten Sihps, and the other Five were lost; that in a Fortnight the Capers had taken Twenty two Coal Ships.

[21] The Ordinance Published for continuing the Excise for one Year, and the Rates of the Ex­cise.

That the Country that fail to send in their Le­vies to the Enemy, expected Fire and Sword from them.

That a Party of Collonel Okeys Regiment took a Cornet and Four Troupers, and Eleven Horses, from the Enemies.

[22] Several meetings by the Dutch Ambassa­dours, and by the Lord Protector's Commissioners about the perfecting the Articles for the Peace. April.

Report of a Match between the King of Scots, and the Duke of Lorains Daughter; and that the King was to have Four Millions, and the Dukes Assistance for his Restauration.

[23] The Ordinance for Approbation of Mini­sters published, with the Names of the Commissi­oners, some of them being not Ministers, and the greatest number of them Eminent Ministers.

[24] Kept by the Lord Protector and his Coun­cil, a Solemn day of Humiliation, and they had Three Sermons at White-hall.

[25] An Ordinance Published for continuing the Imposition upon Coals, for the Building of Ships.

Another for passing Custodies of Ideots, and Lunaticks.

Another for continuing an Act for Pressing of Seamen.

Letters, that there wanted People in Ireland for Manuring the Ground; that the Tories were near destroyed, and if they heard of any Party of the English abroad, they presently fled to the Woods and Boggs.

That the Highlanders had a Rendezvous, and gave out, that they were Seven thousand Men, but have no Monys; that the Duke of York was ex­pected to come to them.

The Post, with the Dutch Letters, was seized up­on by Thieves at Southwark, and the Letters open­ed and thrown away.

That Monsieur Burdeaux was to be brought in State through London, as Ambassadour Extraordi­nary from the French King, to the Lord Protector.

[27] Monsieur Burdeaux made his Entry in Lon­don as Ambassador Extraordinary, attended with Sixty Coaches.

Upon Letters from the Dutch Ambassadors in England, to their Superiours, That the Treaty of Peace with England was not yet concluded, the States sent to their Admirals, and Chief Sea Offi­cers to repair to Amsterdam, and to take care, that the Fleet should be in readiness.

A List of divers Prizes lately taken.

[28] That the old Natives about Lewis in Scot­land joyned with the English, against Seafort and his Men, and killed many of them.

That the English Commander in Chief, confined some persons, for Corresponding with the Ene­my.

[29] The French Kings Ambassadour, Monsieur Burdeaux, had Audience by the Lord Protector in the Banquetting House at White-Hall.

New Frigots Launched for the Lord Protector.

[30] An Ordinance passed for Relief of Per­sons that have acted in Defence of the Common-wealth.

Letters of the Resignation of her Government Resignati­on of the Queen of Sweden. by the Queen of Sweden, to her Cousin the Prince Palatine; and of her Knighting of the Count de Montecuculi General of the Horse to the Empe­rour.

An Act passed for suspending the Act for Relief of poor Prisoners and Creditors.

Towns in Scotland fined by the Court Martial for harbouring the Enemy, the Houses to be razed to the ground.

April, 1654.

[April, 1.] Letters, that Collonel Cooper with a Party falling into the Enemies Quarters, took [Page 568] Thirty five Prisoners, and Killed Twelve, and took sixty Horse and some Armes.

That about Three thousand Tories were ship­ped to be Transported out of Ireland.

Of a Dutch Prize brought in, and a Ship of Ʋlushing taken after five hours Fight.

[3] Addresses to the Lord Protector from York and of the City, and the Grand Jury of the Coun­ty, acknowledging his Government, and promi­sing Obedience thereunto.

Letters of a Captain of Middletons, and Six Souldiers taken.

Ofa Vessel surprized by Seafort with Boats, She was loaden with Armes and Ammunition.

That the Enemy were cruel in Plundering and Burning when the Country did not obey their War­rants.

The Portugal Ambassadour had Audience of the Lord Protector.

The Committee for Approbation of Ministers be­gan to Sit.

[4] An Ordinance Publisted for Probate of Wills, and granting Letters of Administration.

Another Prohibiting making of Cock Matches.

The Agent from the Queen of Sweden had Au­dience.

Letters of an English Ship of One hundred Tuns taken by the Brest Men of War.

Of another Ship of Two hundred and fifty Tuns, and forty Guns, taken by a Flushinger, worth Five thousand pound; and most of the best Ships of Weymouth taken by the Brest Men.

[5] The Lord Commissioner Lisle, and Sir Tho­mas Great Seal Widdrington were Sworn Commissioners of the Great Seal, before the Lord Protector, and his Coun­cel; and the Lord Ambassadour Whitelock, now in Sweden, is to be the other of them.

The Articles of Peace were signed by the Dutch Peace with the Dutch. Ambassadour, and by the Commissioners of the Lord Protector, and to be Ratified by the Principals in fourteen days; and to be publickly Proclaimed in England, and the Low Countries, and a Messenger sent to the States for their Subscription within that time.

[6] An Ordinance Published, for repairing the High-ways.

Letters, that in sight of Legorn, was a Fight be­twixt a Dutch Man of War of Thirty two Guns, and an English Ship Loaden with Currans, which lasted Six hours, and then night parted them, and both the Ships sunk, but most of the Men were saved.

That a French Man of War, took an English Ship of great value, upon the Coast of Apulia, in Naples.

[7] An Ordinance published, for Adjourning part of Easter Terme.

A Dutch Prize taken in the North.

Of the Preparations and Forces of Middletons Party, and of Collonel Morgans March towards them.

Of a Prize brought into the Cows by a private Man of War.

[8] Of a Man of War gone with an Express to Holland for Ratification of the Treaty.

That the English Fleet were One hundred Sayl of Men of War out at Sea well accommodated.

That Denmark was taken into the Treaty with Holland, and the losses of the English Merchants to One hundred and fifty thousand pound referred to Two English and two Dutch Merchants, to determine those Demands within twenty days; and the busi­ness of Amboyna referred to Eight Commissioners, and if they agreed not within Six Months, Umpiers were nominated.

Letters that the French laboured hard to be com­prehended within the Treaty. Monsieur Chanute their Ambassadour at the Hague in the Assembly of the States General, Spake to this Effect,

HAving understood by the Deputies of this State Speech of Chanute the French Ambassa­dour. in England, who visited me after their Return by order of their Superiours, that their Negotiations hath brought the Treaty of Peace to Equitable Condi­tions, I come in the Name of the King my Master, to Congratulate with your High Puissances, and to wish, that this great Affair may be readily Determi­ned, to the Honour and Advantage of your Provin­ces.

I am also to thank your High Puissances for the constant and faithful Communication which hath been given of this whole Negotiation to the Ministers of the King, in England, by your Deputies to Monsieur de Bourdeaux, Neuf Ville, and to me in this Court, by your High Puissances your selves; which hath not been done as a simple Complement, but because of the Community of Interests in this Peace, and to make known to the King the Care which the Lords Depu­ties have had according to their Instructions to Com­prehend France within the Pacification.

I doubt not, but your High Puissances will persist to Effect, in this good intention, and to obtain a point so easie, since the instances of your Deputies have re­duced unto Commodious termes a great number of the most difficult Articles, so that it seems, this only point is reserved to your High Puissances, to the End that the Honour of this Great Office rendred to a Potent King, your old Ally, may be by the whole Body of your State.

I therefore desire you, in the Name of his Majesty, so to carry on this business, that he may be comprised in the Treaty of Peace with England; and forthwith to do that your selves, which you gave Instructions to your Deputies to do; nevertheless, the Affection of his Ma­jesty to this State is such, and so pure, that for his own Interest alone, he would not have made this Request, if it had not been equally advantageous to the good of these Provinces.

But since there is nothing more desirable to your High Puissances than an Ʋnion with France and England; If it should be otherwise, it were Impossible that the Trade of the State should not be extreamly interrupt­ed, being to pass daily through a streight Channel, between two Powerful Nations, Enemies, and Armed, one against the other. That the free Trade with France (which spends more of Forreign Commodities, than any other part of Europe, and furnisheth more of her own to Strangers) would not be beneficial to your Subjects, if it should be no Peace, but a kind of Lan­guishing, Ruinous, Carelessness; and that thereby the freedom of Trade should not be destroyed. These are the open, and manifest propositions upon which I am to rely.

But these are Reasons above the Consideration of Profit, and which render the Inclusion of France in this Treaty to be, as it were necessary.

The Peace will unarme the States, because your Sub­jects, wearied with the War, would fain enjoy rest, and the fruits thereof, and be discharged of the burdens occasioned by the expences of the War.

It is not altogether so here at this time, as in En­gland, where the Protector constantly entertaineth a Powerful Land Army, and also Sea Forces; where as always when a State lays down Arms to enjoy Peace, they must provide, instead of Arms, strong and Pow­erful Alliances, as cautions of their Peace. Where­upon their High Puissances may judge of two things, First, in what condition shall France be to Assist you, if there should be need, having much ado to keep her self from Civil Wars, keeping so many Forces in the mean [Page 569] time, and alone sustaining the whole Weight of the Great House of Austria; She may be also Attaqued by England on one side; And in the Second place, some thoughts may come into the mind of his Maje­sty, if he know that his Interests are so little regarded in these Provinces.

There are likewise many things to be observed touch­ing the security of the Peace, on the part of the State of England, without entring into the discussion of the Rights of People, and of Soveraigns, whereof Stran­gers are not Judges; for it is true, that the force and the subsistance of the present Government consisteth in the Authority and Industry of one man only: It is true also, that jealousie of Trade hath chiefly occasioned the differences of the Provinces with England, and that the desire of drawing to themselves the Trade, will not be ended by the Peace. It is also true, that there is great difference of humour between the two Nations, and in fine it is known, that there remain certain pretences of Superiority, which are not cleared, but continue dissembled.

In the midst of all these Circumstances, who can promise a long and sure Peace? and is it not necessary to ingage Friends, and to interest them in this Treaty, without expectation that France, being weakned with many Wars at once, and these Provinces disabled by the interruption of Trade, become not in a condition to yield mutual Assistance one to another?

Your High Puissances are also too just to give the World cause to say, that you regard not your Friends, but in the Moment when you have need of them; and that you neglect to give them like succour as you expect from them. What will all the Neighbourhood judge of such proceedings, that while these Provinces are Treat­ing in England, they let it be known, that at the same time, they are Negotiating Alliance in France; and the Treaty in England being brought near to Effect, they speak no more of the Alliance of France.

One would expect, that these two Treaties should March with an equal pace, it will be seen, that one is advanced, and the other stands still. If that of Eng­land be concluded, and no mention made of that of France, will it not rather be suspected, that an Alli­ance was proposed at Paris, to obtain an advantageous Peace at London? But it will not fall out so, these distrusts have not entred into the Council of the King, the Alliance will proceed, and if in the Project which the Commissioners of his Majesty have given to the Ambassadour of your High Puissances, there be any thing that requires a temperament, it will be done with justice, and equality: Since France will be free from misunderstanding with England; otherwise, there would be too much difference in the condition of the Contractors; Your High Puissances finding your selves in full Peace with Spain, and England: And France being overcharged with New Troubles from England, besides the War which She sustains against Spain.

The same justice, to procure for France the accomo­dations with England, appears clearly in the Design which your High Puissances discovered, when you re­solved to Treat an Alliance with France: for they, thereupon gave Instructions to their Ambassadors, in two Cases, the one of the Peace, the other of the War with England; desiring in the last Case, that the King should Imploy his Forces for their Succour; and it is Equity, that you should include in the Peace him, whom you would have ingaged in the War; otherwise you would reap all the benefit to your selves, and put all the bazards upon your Friends.

These Conditions are so natural, and pressing, that they may surmount the greatest obstacles, if you shall include France in the Peace of your High Puissances with England. But if you do not, or be found slack [...]herein, it cannot be said here, as in other Treaties, That France would not have Peace, for She demand­eth it instantly.

It cannot bo alledged, what was said to your Depu­ties on the behalf of the King of Denmark,

That that Prince did not at all appear by his Mini­sters; France hath hers at London. The English are offended with Denmark; No such thing appears against France. It cannot be objected, that our differences are of long discussion, and mingled with divers pre­tensions; Nor that there is any great War to be deter­mined, or long Animosities to be extinguished.

It is not a War, nor is it any hatred, but these diffe­rences between us, and England, may rather be named Disorders in the Commerce of particular Persons, and are principally upon such Matters, as make Application to the Office of Friends, to prevent the Mischiefs of War, before they be Declared. The thing then is easie of it self, but much more easie in the condition you are in.

England is willing to have a Peace with you, and without searching into the Reasons wherefore they desire it, it appears sufficiently, that they are willing to have it, parting with so many pretentions which were put forth in the beginning; it is not credible that they would loose the occasion of this Accommodation with the Pro­vinces in the present Constitution of Affairs, for this only Circumstance, the including of France; they would the rather have Peace with your High Puissan­ces, if they saw you streightly Ʋnited with France: And if it should fall out otherwise, it would necessarily be believed, that England had higher, Designs, that it were joyned with Spain, and that the Peace presented to the United Provinces were but a blind, to disunite them from their ancient Friends, and to ruine them with joynt Forces of the Spaniards, when they had separated them. But I have no such Opinion, I esteem England to treat sincerely with your High Puissances, and hope that after you have well considered this In­clusion which I demand of you, in the Peace, what profit it will bring, how necessary for your Trade, and to the Security of a reasonable Treaty among Friends, just between Allies, and easie to be obtained; you will not lose the favourable occasion, to perform one of the best Actions that hath been done, since the Foundation of your State; promoting a Peace to a great Kingdom, doing a good Office to a powerful King, and making known to all the World, what they may expect from your Friendship.

Hereupon, I shall attend the Answer of your High Puissances, to make it known unto the King my Ma­ster.

The Ordinance published for adjourning part of Easter Term; that in the mean time course might be taken for reforming the Abuses and Cor­ruptions in the proceedings of Law.

A Congratulation to the Lord Protector from the Town of Newcastle.

Letters that Cornet Kennet with Twenty Men going to Collect an Assessment about Dumfrize, were set upon by Forty of the Enemy, received their Charge, and then charged through the Re­bells, routed them, killed four, took six, and had only four of his Party Wounded.

That Lieutenant Hickman, with another party fell upon Sixty of the Enemy, took six, and about twenty Horse.

That another Party under Cornet Keys, and Lieutenant Young, with about forty Horse and thirty Foot, fell upon a Party of the Enemy, being sixty Horse, and sixty Foot, Routed them, and Killed a Captain and twelve Souldiers, took seve­ral Officers, and forty Soldiers, and twenty Horse, and lost but one Man, and another Wounded.

That Major Bridge took two Prisoners, and six Horses, which he restored to the Country from whom the Scots had taken them.

[Page 570] That Lieutenant Hickman had routed the Ene­my, and taken some Prisoners, slew three, and pur­sued them to the Hills.

[11] Letters that the Ratification of the Arti­cles of Peace with England, was Signed by most of the States.

[12] An Ordinance passed touching Surveyors of the High-ways.

Another, forbidding Planting of Tobacco in England.

Another for the Union of Scotland with Eng­land in these words,

His Highness the Lord Protector of the Common-Wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, &c. ta­king into consideration how much it might conduce to the glory of God, and the peace and welfare of the people in this whole Island, that after all those late unhappy Wars and Differences, the People of Scotland should be united with the People of England, into one Commonwealth, and under one Government; and fin­ding that in December one thousand six hundred fifty and one, the Parliament then sitting did send Commissioners into Scotland to invite the People of that Nation unto such an happy Ʋnion, who proceeded so far therein, that the Shires and Borroughs of Scot­land, by their Deputies convened at Dalkeith, and again at Edenburgh, did accept of the said Ʋnion, and assent thereunto. For the compleating and per­fecting of which Ʋnion, Be it Ordained, And it is Ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging, by, and with the advice and consent of his Council, That all the Peo­ple of Scotland, and of the Isles of Orkney and Zethland, and of all the Dominions and Territories belonging unto Scotland, are and shall be, and are hereby Incorporated into, Constituted, Established, Declared, and Confirmed one Commonwealth with England; And in every Parliament to be held, Suc­cessively for the said Common-wealth, thirty persons shall be called from, and serve for Scotland.

And for the more effectual preservation of this Ʋni­on, and the freedom, and safety of the People of this Common-wealth so united, Be it Ordained, And it is Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That all the people of Scotland, and of the Isles of Orkney and Zethland, and of all the Dominions and Territories belonging unto Scotland, of what Degree or Condition soever, be discharged of all Fealty, Homage, Service and Allegiance, which is or shall be pretended Due un­to any of the Issue, and Posterity of Charles Stewart, late King of England and Scotland, or any Claiming under him; or that Charles Stuart, Eldest Son, and James, called Duke of York, second Son, and all other the Issue and Posterity of the said late King, and all and every person and persons, pretending Title from, by, or under him, are and be disabled to hold or enjoy the Crown of Scotland, and other the Dominions thereunto belonging, or any of them, or to have the Name, Title, Stile, or Dignity of King, or Queen of Scot­land, or to have and enjoy the Power and Dominion of the said Kingdom and Dominions, or any of them, or the Honours, Mannors, Lands, Tenements, Possessi­ons and Hereditaments belonging or appertaining to the said Crown of Scotland, or other the Dominions aforesaid, or to any of them, any Law; Statute, Ʋsage, Ordinance or Custom in Scotland to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstanding.

And it is further Ordained by the Authority afore­said, That the said Office, Stile, Dignity, Power and Authority of King of Scotland, and all right of the Three Estates of Scotland, to Convocate or Assem­ble in any General Convocation or Parliament, and all Conventional and Parliamentary Authority in Scot­land, as formerly Established, and all Laws, Ʋsages, and Customs, Ordaining, Constituting, or Confirm­ing the same, shall be, and are hereby, and from henceforth abolished and utterly taken away, and made null and void.

And that this Ʋnion may take its more full Effect and intent, Be it further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That the Arms of Scotland, viz. a Cross, commonly called Saint Andrews Cross, be received into, and born from henceforth in the Arms of this Common-wealth, as a Badge of this Ʋnion; and that all the Publick Seals, Seals of Office, and Seals of Bodies, Civil or Corporate, in Scotland, which heretofore car­ried the Arms of the Kings of Scotland, shall from henceforth instead thereof, carry the Arms of this Commonwealth.

And be it further Ordained by the Authority afore­said, That all Customes, Excise, and other Imposts for Goods transported from England to Scotland, and from Scotland to England, by Sea or Land, are, and shall be so far taken off, and discharged, as that all Goods for the future shall pass as free, and with like Priviledges, and with the like Charges and Burdens, from England to Scotland, and from Scotland to Eng­land, as goods passing from port to port, or place to place in England; and that all Goods shall and may pass between Scotland, and any other part of this Commonwealth, or the Dominions thereof, with the like Privileges, Freedom, Charges and Burdens, as such Goods do, or shall pass between England, and the said parts, and Dominions, any Law, Statute, Ʋsage or Custom to the contrary thereof in any wise notwit­standing. And that all goods prohibited by any Law now in force in England to be transported out of En­gland to any Foreign parts, or imported, shall be, and hereby are prohibited to be transported or import­ed, by the same Law, and upon the same penalties, out of Scotland to any Foreign parts aforesaid, or from any Forein parts into Scotland.

And be it further Ordained by the Authority afore­said, That all Sesses, publick Impositions and Tax­ations whatsoever, be imposed, taxed, and levyed from henceforth proportionably from the whole people of this Commonwealth so united.

And further, to the end that all Dominion of Te­nures and Superiorities importing Servitude and Vassa­lage may likewise be abolished in Scotland, Be it fur­ther Declared and Ordained by the Authority afore­said, That all Heritors, Proprietors, and Possessors of Lands in Scotland, or the Dominions thereunto be­longing, and their Heirs, shall from and after the twelfth day of April, in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred fifty and four, hold their respective Lands of the respective Lord and Lords by Deed, Charter, Patent or Enfeoffment, to be renewed upon the death of every Heritor, Proprietor, Possessor (as now they do) to his Heir or Heirs, by and under such yearly Rents, Boons, and Annual Services, as are men­tioned or due by any Deeds, Patents, Charters or En­feofments now in being, of the respective Lands there­in expressed, or by vertue thereof enjoyed, without ren­dring, doing or performing any other Duty, Service, Vassalage or Demand whatsoever, by reason or occasi­on of the said Lands, or any the Clauses, or Cove­nants in the said Deeds, Charters, Patents or Enfeoff­ments contained, saving what is hereafter herein and hereby particularly expressed and declared, that is to say, Heriots where the same are due, Fines (cer­tain where the same is already certain, and where the Fine is uncertain, reasonable Fines) upon the Death of the Lord, and upon the Death or alienation of the Tenant, or any of them, where the same have usually been paid, which said Fine (not being already cer­tain) shall not at any time exceed one years value of the Lands, and also doing suit and service to such [Page 571] Court and Courts Baron, as shall be constituted in Scotland, in such manner as is Ordained by one other Ordinance, Entituled, An Ordinance for Erecting Courts Baron in Scotland.

And be it Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That all and every the Heritors, Proprietors, and Possessors aforesaid, and their Heirs, are and shall he from henceforth for ever discharged of all Fealty, Homage, Vassallage and Servitude, which is, or shall be pretended due from them, or any of them, unto any their Lords or Superiors whatsoever, claiming Domi­nion or Jurisdiction over them, by vertue of the said Patents, Charters, Deeds or Enfeoffments, and other rights thereof, or of any Clauses or Conditions there­in contained, other than as is before Declared and Ordained. And that all the said Superiorities, Lord­ships, and Jurisdictions (other than as aforesaid) shall be, and are hereby Abolished, taken off, and dis­charged; and that all and every the said Deeds, Pa­tents, Charters, and Enfeoffments in that behalf, be, and are hereby declared, and made so far void and null; And particularly, that all and every the He­ritors, and others the Persons aforesaid, and their Heirs, are and shall be for ever hereafter freed and discharged of, and from all sutes, and appearing at or in any their Lords or Superiors Courts of Justiti­ary, Regality, Stuartry, Barony, Bayliary, Heritable Sheriff-ship, Heritable Admiralty, all which, together with all other Offices heritable, or for Life, are hereby abolished and taken away; and that all and every the Heritors, and persons aforesaid, and their Heirs, are and shall be for ever hereafter freed and discharged of, and from all Military service, and personal at­tendance upon any their Lords or Superiors in Ex­peditions or Travels, and of all Casualties, of Wards Lands formerly held of the King, or other Superiors, and of the Marriage, single, and double avail there­of, Non-entries, Compositions for Entries, and of all Rights and Casualties payable, if they be demanded, only or upon the committing of any Clauses irritant. And that the said Heritors and persons aforesaid be now and from henceforth construed, reputed, adjudg­ed, and declared free and acquitted thereof, and of and from all and all manner of holding sutes, duties, services personal or real, and demands whatsoever, (other than is before declared and Ordained) not­withstanding the present Tenor of any their Deeds, Patents, Enfeoffments; or any Clauses, Articles, or Covenants therein contained or mentioned to the con­trary in any wise; And that in time to come all and every Clause, Covenant, Article, Condition or thing to the contrary hereof, shall be omitted out of all such Deeds, Patents, Charters and Enfeoffments.

And be it further Ordained, That all Foreitures, Escheats, simple, or of Life, Rent Bastardy, and last Heir, which heretofore escheated, forfeited and fell to the King, Lords of Regality, or other Superiors, shall from henceforth fall, escheat, and forfeit to the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth for the time being.

[13] The Highlanders grew numerous, and were about Three thousand strong, and Collonel Morgan was Marched near them.

[15] That the Pyrates of Brest took several English Merchants Ships, and came into the very Mouth of Severn.

That the Enemy had a general Rendezvous, and were ill Armed; That they had Orders from Lieu­tenant General Middleton, who had in his Party but Two hundred Horse.

[14] That the Fleet Rid in Stoaks Bay.

That the States of Holland had fully Ratified the Peace in every Part, with great rejoycing. Peace with Holland.

[17] The Ratifications of the Peace Signed and Sealed by all the States of the Ʋnited Provinces came to their Ambassadours here, and was by them pre­sented in a Silver Box to the Lord Protector.

One Rogers taken at Lieth, with several Com­missions from the King to raise Forces.

Eleven Dutch Men of War set upon an English Merchant Man, and took her.

That Collonel Morgan with Eight hundred and Morgan fifty Horse, and One thousand six-hundred Foot, had beset the Enemy, who were Eight hundred Horse, and Three thousand Foot.

An Holland East India Ship of Eight hundred Tun, outward bound, loaden with Seventy five Tun of Goods, and four Chests of Silver, was taken by Captain Stayner, and Captain Smith.

That three Frigots met with a Fleet of Forty Frigots eight Sayl of French Ships, fell in among them, Shot their Admiral, Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral, and spoiled them; and the Rear Admiral sunk, another of them sunk, and they took another of them, and lost not a man, and afterwards they took four more of them.

[18] Commissioners sent to Treat with the Lord Ambassador Burdeaux at his House in London, touching the Peace with France.

An Ordinance passed for continuing the Impo­sition on Coals.

Order of the Council touching the improve­ments of Forrests.

Letters from Ʋpsale of the Passages there, about the Treaty, and the Queens Resignation to the Prince Palatine.

[19] The Ambassador from the Duke of Gel­ders had Audience with the Lord Protector.

An Ordinance Published, for suspending Pro­ceedings upon a former Act for Relief of poor Pri­soners and Creditors,

[20] Of one Darcy made a Colonel, and Knight­ed in France by the King of Scots.

[21] That Lieutenant Hunt, fell upon a Party Scots. of the Scots in the Highlands, took Seven Prisoners, eleven Horse, twenty Cloaks, and many of their Cloak-bags, and rescued two Prisoners.

That the Enemy were Four thousand Horse and Foot, and Collonel Morgan but Two thousand five Morgan. hundred, and near one another.

That the Parliaments Garrisons in the High-lands were stored and supplyed with all manner of Provisions and Ammunitions.

[22] Letters of a Frigot that Convoyed Am­munition and some Merchants Ships to Lieth, in her return was set upon by Eight Dutch Men of War, and after a hot Skirmish, Boarded, and ta­ken.

That Captain Potter brought in another Brest Pyrate.

An Express sent to the States of the Ratification of the Treaty by the Lord Protector.

[24] Divers Dutch Prizes taken.

The Ordinance Published for the Uniting Scot­land Scotland. into one Commonwealth, and under one Go­vernment with England.

Another Ordinance Published of grace and Par­don to the People of Scotland.

An Order Published touching the Peace with Hol­land.

[25] Letters of Collonel Morgan's March af­ter the Highlanders, and a quarrel amongst them about Plundering a Kinsman of the Lord Mon­tross, and other quarrels among their Officers.

Of Prisoners taken by the English Garrisons.

A Proclamation by the Commander in Chief of Proclama­tion. the English Forces, to the Effect as formerly, for­bidding Correspondence with, or harboring of the Ene­my.

Letters from the Dutch Ambassadour in England [Page 572] to the States, That the Peace was fully Concluded, and that the States were to be Responsable for One hundred and forty thousand pound for the Damage done by the Danes to the English; that the Ships detained in the Sound were to be resto­red. Peace with the Dutch.

The States Sealed and Signed the Articles, and sent away the Ratification to England, and the Lord Protector also Ratified them.

[26] The Peace between England and the Ʋni­ted Provinces was solemnly Proclaimed, by sound of Trumpet in White-Hall Court, in the Presence of his Highness and his Council, afterwards by the Heralds, Serjeants at Arms, and other Officers, who were received by the Lord Mayor at Temple Bar, there it was Proclaimed, and then at the old Exchange.

An Account of the Negotiation of the Lord Ambassadour Whitelock in Sweden.

[27] Letters of a Dutch Ship taken, of rich Va­lue, by a Private Man of War.

The Lord Protector Feasted the Dutch Embassa­dor, at White-Hall very sumptuously.

[28] Letters of the Numbers of the Enemy in­creasing, Scotland. and of some of their Party gleaned up by the Parliaments Soldiers.

That the Enemy was to the North of Collonel Morgan, so that they must ingage with him, or else they cannot pass Southward by him.

[29] Letters of the Tories in Ireland narrowly pursued, and suppressed.

Of Mischiefs done by the Pyrates on the West­ward Coast, and about Bristol.

That the Fleet Rid in Stoakes Bay.

May 1654.

[May 1.] Letters that Captain Rogers who was Agent with Glencarn from the King, was Executed at Edenburgh upon sentence of the Court Martial for a Spye.

That General Monck was Arrived at Lieth.

That a Scotch Gentleman with six of his Men defended a little Tower against the Highlanders, and killed four of them.

A Letter Signed by all the Officers of the Army in Ireland acknowledging the Lord Protector. Army.

[2] A Proclamation by the Lord Protector for Proclama­tion. a Cessation of all Acts of Hostility between the Commonwealth of England and that of the Ʋnited Provinces, and for Restitution of Ships and Goods, taken after the time mentioned in the Articles of Peace.

An Address from the Justices of the Peace, Ma­gistracy, Officers, and Grand Jury of Shropshire, to Address. the Lord Protector, acknowledging his Govern­ment.

[3] Ships sent out from the Texel to call in the Dutch Freebooters.

That the Lord Ambassador Whitelock pressed for a Conclusion in his business in Sweden, and that the Queen had discharged most of her Servants, in order to her Resignation.

[4] That the Lord Protector and his Council, did not sit so frequently as formerly, and all things went according unto their desire.

[5] Letters that Collonel Morgan saw the Enemy but could not Engage them for want of Boats, to Morgan. pass the Water, and therefore retreated to his Quarters.

That General Monck was making preparations to visit the Enemy.

[6] Letters that Middletons numbers did de­crease, and sometimes increase.

Of Five French Ships taken by a Frigot, and of an English Ship taken by a Private Brest Man of May. War.

[8] Letters that General Monk had meetings with the Officers of the Army, and they resolved to go to Collonel Morgan.

That the Peace with England was Proclaimed in Holland, and a Day of Thanksgiving appointed for it.

[9] An Address to the Lord Protector from the Town and County of Pool, to the same Effect as others were.

Letters that the Lord Ambassador Whitelock made a firm Alliance with Sweden, and was ex­pected at Hamburgh in few days.

An Ordinance Published, touching the further Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands.

[10] A Declaration of the Lord Protector for a Day of Thanksgiving, for the Peace with Hol­land, and for the late seasonable Rain.

[11] Of a Discovery, made by an Indian to an English Ship, of a Plot against them.

Of a Council of Officers about the dividing the Ireland. Lands in Ireland.

A Congratulatory Letter sent from the Army in Ireland to the Lord Protector.

Of the Solemn Reception of General Monck at Edenburgh, and the Proclaiming the Lord Protector Scotland. there, the Feasting of General Monk, and the Fire-works.

That the Highlanders expected the King amongst them, and received Supplies of Men, Armes, and Money, by Two Ships from Dunkirk.

[12] Letters that in Ireland there wanted men to Till the Land, That few Tories were left there. That Two Brest Men of War came near to Lever­pool.

Letters that in Holland there sticks one particu­lar, which hath occasioned some trouble at the Hague; to witt, his Highness, and the Two Am­bassadors here who serve for the Province of Holland, viz. Beveningk and Newport, (the other knowing nothing of it,) agreed a Secret Article, Secret Ar­ticle. That the Province of Holland should not of themselves ever consent, That the States General should make the Prince of Orange, or any of his Line Stadtholder, or Captain General of their Forces, by Sea or Land.

After the Generality had Ratified the Treaty, this was propounded in the Assembly of the States, every one before having sworn secrecy; upon the propounding of it great dissatisfaction arose a­mongst them, but at last they past it, being Dissen­ters, Four Noblemen, and four Soveraign Towns; of the Nobles that agreed to it were Bredrode General of their Forces, Opdam Admiral of their Fleet, Notwithstanding the Secrecy, it came the next day to the States General.

The other six Provinces have protested against it, and Accuse the Two Ambassadors, as having done, not only beside, but against their Instructions. But Holland will carry it through all, though I ve­rily believe, they have great difficulties to contest with, the Animosities and Jealousies, which are occasioned by this, will not easily be Extinguished.

His Highness hath not yet received the Ratifica­tion of this Article from Holland, but expects it daily; although all endeavours will be used to per­swade his Highness to go from it.

There is included in this Peace besides Denmark, the Suissers Hans Townes, Count of Oldenburgh, the Duke of Holstein; and Alliance with Sweden being made, there will be a good understanding be­tween most of the Protestant States; and oppor­tunities may, through Gods Blessing, arise from thence to promote that Interest. All the questi­on [Page 573] is, what is to be done with the Two Crowns of France and Spain? They both seek our Friend­ship, and Alliance, but nothing is yet done with ei­ther of them. I trust God will lead to such an Interest, as will be for his Glory, and the good of this State.

The Denmark Agent Rosenwing had his Publick Audience, since which he hath offered nothing, so that the Advertisement concerning him, in refe­rence to the Isles of Orcades, came in very good time.

The Treaty with Portugal is not yet come to any Agreement, the business of his Brother yet sticks; his Highness hath now ordered his Tryal by a spe­cial Commission of Oyer and Terminer. The Com­missioners are my Lord Rolles, Justice Atkins, Ser­jeant Steel, Doctor Zouch, Doctor Clerk, Doctor Turner, Sir Henry Blunt, Mr. Lucy, and Alderman Tichburn.

[13] Letters that the French Pickaroons did much trouble the Fishermen about Rye.

[15] That the Enemy will not come near to Collonel Morgan.

A Proclamation by the Commander in Chief in Scotland for Pardon of those in Rebellion, who shall come in by a Day. And for their Parents and Relations if they shall come in; And Imposing a Fine upon every Parish and Presbytery, whereof any one continueth in Rebellion, if they do not disco­ver him; and rewards to those that shall Appre­hend any of the Rebels, and their Principal Com­manders, or kill them.

Order of the Justices of Peace of Wales against Licences to Drovers, &c.

[16] The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of Lon­don Dined with His Highness the Lord Protector.

[17] An Ordinance for suspending the Proceed­ings of the Judges, touching relief of poor Priso­ners, and Creditors.

[18] Mounsieur Burdeaux the French Ambassa­dour, had Audience by the Lord Protector.

[19] An Ordinance Published concerning the better repairing of the Highways, and another for relief of Debtors in Scotland, in some Cases of Ex­tremity.

That the Lord Ambassador Whitclock having happily Concluded his business with the Crown of Sweden was upon his Journey homewards. Sweedland

That Preparations were made for the Queens Resignation, and for Crowning the King Charles.

[20] That Ireland was setled in as much Peace, as it was before the Rebellion.

That General Monk was Marching Northward, and Middleton and his Party were raising new For­ces. Monck.

That Middletons Brother was taken, and five or six Officers more; that General Monk had hanged Two of them for Spies; and had burnt an Inn in Muscleborough for harboring them.

That the Governour of Saint Maloes in France, upon some English coming ashore from their Ships to get fresh water, took an Allarum, killed di­vers of the Seamen, and shot at the Ships, but they got off, and then he seized the Goods, and turn­ed the English out of the Town.

That the Peace with Holland is entertained here with all satisfaction, but is not so on the other side, especially, because of the Secret Article, which Ex­cludes the House of Oranges Family from being Stadtholder of the United Provinces, or any of them.

Besides the Protestation which the other six Pro­vinces made against Holland, as to this, Remon­strances have been put forth, pro and con; and but that the Orange Party fears the Protectors joyning with Holland, it is more than probable, that they had been in Arms one against the other by this time; what the Issue will be, time will shew. June.

Indeavours are used to perswade the Protector to remit the Article, but in vain.

[22] Letters that a Party of Twenty two En­glish Dragoons, met with Sixty Scots, routed them, Killed their Captain, Two Cornets, and Six more, and took divers Horse and Men.

The States General Published a Proclamation, for prevention of disturbances, or Breach of the Peace betwixt England and them.

That the Spanish Ambassador in Sweden at his taking leave had a present from the Queen, worth Eight thousand Rix Dollars.

[23] Observed as a Day of Publick Thanks­giving for the Peace with the Dutch.

That some English Men of War meeting with Strike Say [...] Dutch Merchantmen, the Dutch struck Sayl, and acknowledged the Soveraignty of England in the Seas, and were very civil to the English.

Of some French Ships taken Prize.

[24] Divers Apprehended on suspition of a Plot Plot. and Conspiracy against the Lord Protector and his Government, and to raise a new War. Where­upon the Lord Protector set forth a Proclamation Proclama­tions. for a List to be brought in of all Lodgers, and of all Inhabitants, and of suspected persons in Lon­don, Westminster, and the lines of Communication, the List to be delivered into the Council at White-hall.

[25] Another Proclamation Published by the Lord Protector touching some parts of the Agree­ment, and Peace with the Dutch to be observed.

Order of the Lord Protectors Council, touching the Moneys Collected for Relief of those who suffe­red by the late Fire at Marlborough?

[26] Letters of some Pyrates upon the Northern Coasts, pretending Commissions from the King of Scots.

That Middletons Men ran away from him, and fed upon Horse-flesh, for want of Provisions.

[27] That General Monck was Marched to­wards the Hills, to observe the Passes, and to ingage the Enemy if possible he can.

[29] An Ordinance Published for preservation of the works of the great Level of the Fenns.

Debate of a further Act for ejecting Scandalous, Prophane, and ignorant Ministers. Ministers. Lilburn.

Lieutenant Collonel Lilburn moved by his Coun­cil in the Kings Bench for a Habeas Corpus, but in regard he was a Prisoner in Jersey where the Go­vernment is distinct from the Law of England, the Habeas Corpus was not granted.

[30] Letters that General Monck was March­ed unto the Hills in Scotland.

The Commissioners for Arbitration of the losses and damages sustained by the English from the Danes, met and began their business.

[31] One of the Prisoners Committed for the Plot, against the Lord Protector, made his escape through a House of Office near the Thames.

Three Frigots of the English Fought with Twen­ty French Bankers, and came off without any da­mage to them.

June, 1654.

Bonfires and Fireworks made in the Low-Coun­tries, Bonfires. for Celebrating the Peace with England, and great rejoycing by the People there, for the Peace and happy Union with England, which gave them great and general Contentment.

[2] Three new Judges made, Serjeant Pepys, Serjeant Newdigate, and Serjeant Windham. [Page 574] Letters of a French Prize taken.

That the Lord Argyle meetting the Lord Glen­carns Trumpet and Cook, seized upon them, and sent them Prisoners to his House; and then met with General Monck, who had four Regiments of Foot, and Eighteen Troops of Horse: and Argyle had a considerable number of Men in a Warlike equipage.

[3] That Vice Admiral Lawson, and other Ships were in the North; Nine Frigots by the General sent to the Westward.

[5] Letters that Captain Hilliar with Twenty four Dragoons, Routed Sixty of the Enemy, killed nine, and wounded twelve of them, and took many Armes and Horses.

[6] The General caused Two Ferry Boats to be sunk neer the Highlands, to prevent the Ene­mies passing.

That Cashel in Ireland was burnt down to the Fire. ground wholly in an hour, except some few houses in the midst of the Town, where the English lived, miraculously preserved.

An Address to the Lord Protector from Warwick, congratulating his access to the Government, and pro­mising obedience to it.

[7] Upon the examination of the Plot against Plot. the Lord Protector and his Government, it ap­peared, that the Conspirators intended to assassinate the Protector, and some chief persons in the Go­vernment, and to proclaim the King, with pardon to all except Three persons.

Sir Gilbert Gerrard, and Two of his brothers, Collonel Ashburnham, Mr. Joseph Ashburnham, with several others, were under Custody for it. An addition made to the Guards at the Tow­er.

An Address to the Lord Protector from the Town of Berwick to the effect with former.

[8] The Protector and his Councel were very busie, and sate day and night upon examination of the late Plot against His Highness and His Go­vernment.

[9] The Writs for choosing Members to sit in Par­liament Parlia­ment. appointed to be held the third of September next, were prepared by warrant from the Protector and the formes of Indentures between the Sheriffs and the Electors, were ordered to be Printed, and sent down to the several Sheriffs.

Letters that General Monck sent forth small par­ties, Monck, who met with some of the Enemies about Douglass-Castle, and took eight of them in one Place, and twelve in an other place, and twen­ty four Horses.

That Collonel Morgan gave the Enemies a hot Scotland. Allarm in the Highlands, but could not ingage them, That divers of Middletons men running away from him, and some of them brought back again, were put to throw dice, and the Tenth Man of them were Hanged or Shot.

That Montrosses men marching through the Country of Athol did so plunder them, that the peo­ple rose upon them, beat them, and took eighty Horse from them.

[10] Letters that the Marquess of Argyle was raising men, and was reconciled to his Son the Lord Lorn, and both of them joyned with the English.

That the Enemy turned the Countess of Souther­land out of her House in a Snowy Stormy Night, she being weak and sickly, and would not suffer her to take any thing out of her house, but the Cloaths upon her back.

[12] Gourdon, a cheif Commander of the Enemy, came in upon Articles to Captain Swayn.

[13] An Ordinance past for reviving the Judg­es at Salters-Hall, and for releif of Creditors, and poor Prisoners, which formerly was in force, and for some time laid aside, by Ordinance of the Lord Protector and his Councel. Poor Pri­soners.

[14] An Ordinance published for an Assesment to be continued for six Months at 120000 l. for maintenance of the Armies and Navy, for the three first Months, and at 90000 l. for the three last months. An Ordinance to inable Judges to keep Assizes at Durham.

[16] A privy search made through out the Plot. Town, for persons suspected to be in the Plot against the Lord Protector and his Government, and di­vers Examinations taken, and an Ordinance pub­lished for an high Court of Justice to try the Conspirators.

[17] Letters of two Troupes, newly leavied by the Enemy, routed by the English; that Lieute­tenant Moor took a Captain and seven of another Party; another took a Captain and eight more, and Captain Daniel took thirteen of another Party, and killed divers.

[19] Letters that the English in Parties had sometimes in one Day marched Sixty Miles after the Enemy, and killed and taken many of them.

That Collonel Daniel took Four hundred Men and Horse from them, going to a Rendezvous.

[20] The Earl of Oxford, and other Persons Earl Ox­ford. were Apprehended, as Conspirators in the late Plot against the Lord Protector.

An Ordinance past for Continuance of the Com­missioners of the Admiralty.

Of Two Brest Men of War assaulting a Fleet of Fleet. English Vessels, loaden with Coals, and other Com­modities, which were rescued by Captain Gawden, who had a small Ship with Four Guns only, yet Fought singly with the Brest Pyrate, and made them Flye.

That the English at Saint Maloes in France French were abused by the French, without any Provoca­tion, and beaten by them in Tumults, and one En­glish Man thrown by them over the Key, of which he dyed. The like insolencies offered by the Pa­pists to the Protestants, at Rheimes.

[21] An Ordinance past for bringing the Pub­lick Revenue into one Treasury.

Letters of the Insolencies and Drunkenness of the Enemy in Scotland.

[23] An Ordinance past, for giving further time for Approbation of Publick Preachers.

Letters that since the Peace with England, Trade was much revived in the Netherlands, and that Eight hundred Vessels were from divers Parts come into the Port of Rotterdam, besides those come into their other Harbours.

That General Monck was come into the High-lands, and sent a Summons to a Garrison of the Monck. Enemies in Lough Tay, and the Governour Answer­ed, He would keep it for the King to the last drop of his Blood, He being perswaded, that the English would not get over the Water to him; but per­ceiving them to make a passage over with Planks, his Courage abated, and he yielded the Garrison upon terms proposed by General Monck: the place was very considerable.

[24] Letters that General Monk passed by some Garrisons of the Enemies, and would not spend time to Besiege them, but left them to be reduced by some English Garrisons near them.

Of a Party sent from Edenburgh which slew Three Tories, and took twelve Prisoners, and ma­ny Horse from them.

[26] Letters that Collonel Morgan was Marched into the Highlands in Scotland, to indeavour to ingage Montross before his Conjunction with Mid­dleton.

[Page 575] That Lieutenant Collonel Bryan was Landed with a Party from Ireland to assist the Highlan­ders.

From Dublin that all things were well there, only some interruption for want of the new Authority, Ireland. and that they had sent some of their Forces into Scotland to assist General Monks Provisions, Shipped from Chester, for the North of Scotland.

That in Ireland they were reducing Supernume­raries, and had Armes come for them, which they were to have for their security in their Plantati­ons.

An Ordinance Published for further incourage­ment of Adventurers for Ireland, and of the Sol­ers and Planters there.

[27] The High Court of Justice Sate, the Lord High Court of Justice. Commissioner Lisle was President.

Order of the Lord Protector and his Councel, about the Election of Members for the Parliament.

Letters of the Lord Ambassador Whitelocks Jour­ney in Germany, and the Caresses made to him at Lubeck, and at Hamburgh.

[29] An Ordinance published for distribution of the Election for Scotland.

The like for distribution of the Election of Mem­bers Election of Mem­bers. in Ireland, for the next Parliament in England, they to be also thirty, and they to have Vote with the Members in the Parliament of England, as those thirty from Scotland also are to have their Votes.

A Romish Priest who was formerly condemned, and pardoned and banished, and now returned a­gain, was Hanged, Drawn, and Quartered.

[29] That the King of Scots and his two Bro­thers went to visit the Jesuit's College at Chantilli, and were entertained with divers Speeches, extra­ordinary respects and compliments, and with a sumptuous Collation.

[30] An Ordinance Published against Duels, Challenges, and all Provocations thereunto.

The High Court of Justice sate in the Chance­ry prepared for them, and first, Mr. Somerset Fox High Court of Justice. was brought before them, who Confessed much of that which was charged against him, by Mr. Attor­ney Prideaux, Mr. Solicitor Ellis, and Mr. Serjeant Glyn the Protectors Council.

Then Mr. John Gerrard, and Mr. Vowel were brought before them, and charged for a Conspira­cy to Murder the Lord Protector as he should be going to Hampton Court; to seize the Guards, and make themselves Masters of the City, and Tower, and Magazines; and to proclaim the King, with other Treasons, all which they denyed, and several Witnesses were heard, to prove the charge against them, and then the Court Adjourned.

July 1654.

[July 1] Letters that Colonel Morgan upon sight of the Highlanders went out with a party to en­gage them, but they sted.

That Captain Goodfellow with a party took Ten Scotch Prisoners, and 60 Horse, the Captain Scots. was Killed, much Provision taken from them.

That 40 English, with their Swords naked, did Swim over to an Istand that stood out against them, and took it, and many Provisions, Plate, money, and other goods in it.

[3] That Argyle joined with the English.

Letters of General Monck his taking of Fosse, and Lough-Gery in the Highlands.

That Colonel Bryan with the Forces which he brought from Ireland, Killed divers of the High-landers, and among them three Commanders of great Note were slain.

[4] The High Court of Justice sat and Ad journed. July.

A Conference with the French Ambassador, about a Treaty of Peace.

[5] The Portugal Ambassador's Brother, and Portugal. Ambass­dor's Bro­ther. two other Portuguises, were tried before Com­missioners of Oyer and Terminer in the Kings-Bench. He pleaded, That he was not onely the Am­bassador's Brother, but had a Commission to him­self, to be Ambassador when His Brother should be absent, and that by the Law of Nations he was pri­viledged from his Trial, and he demanded Councel.

The point of priviledg of Ambassadors by the Common Law, and by the Civil Law, and by the Law of Nations, was long debated by the Court, and the Lord Protectors Councel, and the result of the Court was, That by all those Laws, the proceedings in this Case were justified; And that no Councel could be allowed to the Ambassador's Brother, in matter of Fact, but if in the proceedings of his Trial he should desire Councel, as to matter in Law, it should be allowed him.

After much persuasion, he and the rest pleaded Not Guilty, and to be Tried by God and the Coun­try; and a Jury was called of half English and half Foreigners, Adjounred till the next day, for their Trial.

An Ordinance published, impowring the Com­missioners of the Customes and others, by persons under them, to suppress drunkenness, prophane Cursing, and Swearing.

[6] An Ordinance published, prohibiting Horse-Races for Six Months, because of the late Plots.

The Portugal Ambassador's Brother was again brought before the Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer in the Upper Bench, and Tried by a Jury of six Denizens, and six Aliens, he pleaded his ignorance in the Laws of England, and desired to have Councel Assigned him, but the Court told him; That they were of Councel equal to him, as to the Commonwealth; and upon hearing of the Witnesses, the Jury found the Ambassador's Bro­ther, and Four more, Guilty of Murder, and Fe­lony. The Lord Chief Justice Rolls gave Sentence against them to be Hanged, and a day appointed for Execution, but by the desire of the Prisoners, it was respited two days.

The Lord Commissioner Lisle, President of the High Court of Justice, made a long Speech to Fox, Gerrard and Vowel, to convince them of the wick­edness of their Design, and then the Sentence of the Court was read against them severally.

That upon mature consideration of the Treasons and Murders Plotted, and Contrived by them against his Highness the Lord Protector, and the Common-wealth, and raising a Bloody War in the same, the Court did adjudge them to be Hanged.

Mr. Gerrard moved that he might be Behead­ed, or shot to death like a Soldier, and petitioned the Lord Protector to that purpose.

This day Whitelock gave account to the Protector White­lock's Em­bassy. and his Councel, of his Embassy in Sweden, and spake to this effect:

May it please your Highness.

I Attend, by your Command, to give an account of the discharge of that great Trust and weighty Burthen which (through the Assistance of God) I have undergone in my Imployment to Sueden, with the Success of that Negotiation; wherein I shall not waste much of your time, for which you have other great Af­fairs: but in as few words as I can, I shall with clear­ness and truth acquaint your Highness, and this Ho­nourable Councel, with those matters which I appre­hend most fit and worthy of your knowledge.

[Page 576] After the Receipt of my Commission, and Instructi­ons from the Parliament thensitting, to go Ambassador unto Sueden, I neglected no time, how unseasonable so­ever, to Transport my self unto that Countrey. Ʋpon the 5th of November I Embarqued at the Hope, and after ten days Voyage, through many Storms, Enemies, and Dangers, it pleased God, on the 15 of Novem­ber, to bring me in Safety, with all my Company, into the Port of Gottenburgh.

The next day I dispatched two of my Servants to the Court, with Letters to Prince Adolphe the Grand Master, and to the Ricks Chancellor of Sueden, to advertise them of my arrival, and to desire their Ad­vice whither I was to direct my Journey, to attend the Queen.

In the City I received many Civilities and Testi­monies of respect to the Commonwealth, from the Ma­gistrates, Officers, and others there; and a small Con­test I had with a Dutchman, a Vice-Admiral of her Majesties, about our War with his Countreymen, and about some Prizes brought in by me, wherein I took the Liberty to justifie the proceedings of this State, and after submission, I ordered the Release of a small Dutch Prize taken by one of my Ships.

Having refreshed my self and Company some days in this place, I began my Land-Journey the last day of November; the Military Officers accompanied me out of Town, the Citizens and Garison Souldiers stood to their Arms, and with many Volleys of great and small shot, the Bullets making somewhat too near Complements, they gave me an honorable Farewell.

In our Journey we met with extream hardships, both in the weather, and want of necessary accommo­dations. In the greater Towns where we quartered, the Magistrates and Officers shewed great respect to our Commonwealth; onely in one Town, a little Af­front was given in words by a Pr [...]tor, who acknow­ledged his Fault, and it appeared to proceed more from Drink, than Judgment.

In all places the Officers took great care to furnish me with what the Countrey would afford, which I wanted; the ways were repaired, Wagons and Horses brought in, and all done that could be, by the special Command of Her Majesty.

After twenty one days in our Land-Journey, near Four hundred Miles from Gottenburg up into the Countrey, in that Climate, in December, through all our Difficulties, it pleased God to bring us safe to Upsale upon the twentieth of December.

About half a League from the Town, the Master of the Ceremonies, and after him, two of his Ricks Senators, with the Queens Coaches, the Spanish Re­sidents, and divers of the great Officers, met me, and with more than ordinary Ceremonies conducted me to an house in the Town, by the Queens order ta­ken and furnished for me.

Divers Complements passed from the Queen her self, and many in that Court, expressing mu [...]h re­spect to this Commonwealth, in the person of your Servant.

By favour I obtained my first Audience from the Queen on the twenty third of December, the particular passages whereof, as of most other matters which I have to mention, were in my Letters im­parted as they fell out, to Mr. Secretary Thurloe, and by him, I presume, unto your Highness and the Councel.

Two or three days after this, I procured a pri­vate Audience from Her Majesty, when I shewed her my Commission, and appointed to wait on her again with my Proposals.

The Spanish Resident Don Piementel, expressed very high respect to this Commonwealth, and particu­lar affection to me, who knowing his great favour with the Queen, I contracted an Intimacy of Friend­ship with him; I had the like with Mr. Woolfeldt, the King of Denmark' s Brother in Law, and grew into good acquaintance with Grave Wrangel, Grave Tot the Queens Favourite, Grave Leonhagh, Baron Bond, Baron Vanderlin, and several other Se­nators, and great men; especially I got into the favor and affection of the old Chancellor Mr. Lagerfeldt. Secretary Canterstein, Mr. Ravins, and several others were usesul to me; and of my Countreymen, I had the Assistance of General Major Fleetwood, a faithful Servant to England; and my noble friend, Colonel Hambleton, the Lord Douglas, Mr. Bloome, and some others gave me their Assistance. Having thus given your Highness some account of persons, I come now to the matter of my Negotiation, where­in these persons were exceedingly useful. By Piemen­tel' s advice, I made my applications to the Queen her self, and as much as I could, put the business upon her personal determination, which she liked, and proved very advantagious. She her self objected the unsettledness of our Commonwealth, the present peace of her Kingdoms, and we involved in a War; which arose, upon my presenting to her all my Articles at once, except three reserved, the Ar­ticles proposed a League offensive, and defensive, which inforced the objection; to which I gave the best Answers I could, that her Kingdom could not long continue in peace, and would have as much need of our assistance, as we of theirs; and our War and success against Holland, was an Argument that our Friendship merited acceptance; that I hoped our Commonwealth was now setled, yet that Leagues were between Nations, not Governments.

This debate was very large with her Majesty, who seemed to be satisfied with my Answers, and appoint­ed her Chancellor to treat with me; who much more insisted on the unsettledness of our Common-wealth, and the same objections that the Queen had made; to whom I gave the same Answer, and they proved much the more satisfactory after they receiv­ed the News of your Highness accession to the Go­vernment, which made the Wheels of this Treaty move the more freely.

I had often and long disputes with the Chancellor upon the Article touching English Rebells not to be harbored in Sueden; most of all touching Contra­band Goods, and about repairing the losses of the Suedes taken Prizes in our War with the Dutch, besides many other objections, whereof I have for­merly given a particular Account.

The Chancellor being sick, his son Grave Erick was Commissionated to treat with me in his Fathers stead, and was much more averse to my business, and more earnest upon the objections, than the old man; who being recovered, I found him the more moderate, yet we could not agree one way or other; and when I prest for a Conclusion, both the Queen and her Chancellor did ingenuously acknowledge, that they desired first to see whether the Peace would be made between us and Holland, before they came to a de­termination upon the Treaty with me. I could not but apprehend reason therein, and as soon as the news came that the Peace between your Highness and the Dutch was Concluded, I urged a Conclu­sion of my Treaty, and what the Chancellor and I differed in, the Queen her self was pleased to recon­cile; and so we came to the full Agreement contained in this Instrument, signed and sealed by the Queens Commissioners, which I humbly present unto your Highness, and this honorable Board; and which I hope, through the goodness of God, may be of ad­vantage to this Commonwealth, and to the Protestant Interest in Christendom.

I cannot but acknowledge the great goodness of [Page 577] God to me in this Transaction, in my preservation from attempts against my person, raysing me up such eminent Friends, giving me so much favour in the eyes of Strangers, and giving this good success unto my business, notwithstanding the designs and labours of the Enemies of this Commonwealth to the contrary.

The treaty with me being thus finished, the busi­ness came on of the Queens Resignation of the Crown, wherein she was pleased to express a wonderful con­fidence in a Stranger, by imparting it to me many weeks before, whereof I took the boldness to certifie your Highness. The Prince who was to succeed the Queen, was sent for to Upsale, and their Ricksdagh or Parliament was to meet him there in the beginning of May.

Your Highness will believe that your Servant had longing desires of returning, and had advice that your Frigots were in the Elve staying for him, yet judging it might conduce to your service to salute the Prince, and have his approbation of this Treaty, I stay'd till his Entry, which was in great State into Upsale, where I saluted him from your Highness, and acquainted him with my Negotiation, which he well approved. And to testifie his great respect to your Highness, and this Commonwealth, he came in Person to visit me at my House, and used such extraordinary Ceremonies and Favors towards me, as never the like had been done by him to any Ambassador before. We had several Con­ferences at large, and much discourse of your Highness, and this Commonwealth, the Particulars whereof I shall acquaint you with at your better leisure.

The time of the Queens Resignation being near, I thonght it not convenient for me to be upon the place at the time of it, but removed, with my Company, to Stockholme, where I was, when the Resignation was with great Solemnity executed.

The Magistrates of this City expressed good respect to your Highness, and this Commonwealth, by their Civilities to your Servant. From hence I imbarqued the first of June in a good Ship of the Queens, to cross the Baltick Sea; She sent one of her Vice-ad­mirals to attend me, and after a hazardous Voyage, and bad Weather, the Lord gave us a safe arrival at Lubeck on the 7th of June. There some of the Ma­gistrates with their Sindick, bid me welcome to their City, and expressed good affection to your Highness, and made some requests by me to this State. From thence I travailed over Holstein, and Lunenberg, and came on the 10th of June to Hambourgh, where I was also saluted by the Sindicke, and some of the Magistrates; and most of them afterwards came to me, and indeed they testified an extraordinary respect and service to your Highness, and this Com­monwealth.

My Countreymen, the Company of Merchant ad­venturers there, showed much kindness to me, and lodged me in their house, and principally Mr. Brad­shaw, your Highness's Resident there.

I departed from thence the 17 of June, and imbar­qued in your Highness Frigots near Gluckstadt. We were detained for some dayes in the Elve by cross winds, and in some dauger, but more when we came into the open Sea; and above all, the Lord was pleased to appear for us on the 28 of June, when our Ship stuck upon the Sands about 12 Leagues off from the Coast of Yarmouth; and when there was no help or means of men left for our Escape, but we expected every moment to be devoured by the Waves, then it pleased our God to shew his Power and free mercy, by his own hand, to de­liver us, and after two hours expectation of death) to reprieve us, and to set our Ship on Float again, and to bring us all in health and safety unto your Highnesse's presence, and to our dear Countrey and Relations.

The Queen, and the now King, were pleased to ho­nour me with their Pictures set with Diamonds; and in recompence of my Horses, I received a Present of Copper from her Majesty, I having refused to sell them, as a thing uncomely for my condition in the service of this Commonwealth.

Thus, Sir, I have given you a clear and full Ac­count of my Transactions; as I must justifie my own diligence and faithfulness therein, so I cannot but Condemn my many weaknesses, and failings, for which I can only say, They were not willful: and make an humble demand to your Highness, and this honourable Councel, that I may obtain your Par­don.

[7] Letters that the Highlanders lying in Ambuscado, fell upon some of Colonel Bryan's men that came from Ireland, and were careless, and that the Highlanders killed Eighty of them, and two Lieutenants.

[8] Mr. Bond was sent to the three condemned Prisoners in the Tower, to advise them touching the state of their Souls, but they were obstinate, except Mr. Fox, who was penitent.

The Portugal Ambassador's Brother was Re­prieved.

[10] The Portugal Ambassador's Brother en­deavoured an Escape, but was prevented.

The English Boy who was in the Murder with the Portugal Ambassador's Brother, was Hanged at Tyburn; Mr. Vowell was Hanged at the Meuse-gate; Mr. Fox was Reprieved; Mr. Gerrard was Behead­ed at Tower-hill.

The Portugal Ambassador's Brother was con­veyed from Newgate to Tower-hill, in a Coach and six Horses in mourning, with divers of his Bro­thers Retinue with him.

On the Scaffold he spake something to those that understood him, in excuse of his offence, laying the blame of the quarrel and murder upon the English in that business. After a few private words and passages of Popish Devotion with his Confessor, he gave him his Beads and Crucifix, laid his Head on the Block, and it was chopt off at two blows. The rest condemned for the Murder, were all Re­prieved.

The Articles of Peace were signed by the Portu­gal Ambassador, who thereupon went out of Town.

Letters that those of Zealand and Friesland, were discontented at an Order made by the States of Holland, That the Prince of Orange, nor any de­scending from the late King of England, should be Ad­miral of Holland, or have power over the Mi­litia.

But upon a Letter to them from the Lord Pro­tector, they were pacified.

[11] Letters, that a Party of Fourty English fell upon two hundred and twenty Highlanders, routed them, killed twelve of them, one Captain, and two Cornets; wounded thirty, and took thir­ty Prisoners, and thirty two Horses.

That Captain Hilliard took of the Highlanders a Major, two Captains, and fifteen Prisoners, and as many Horses. Another met with a Cornet and nine Men, and took them all.

That General Monk built a Fort at Lough­haber.

Order that the Sheriff, making an undue Re­turn of any Parliament Election, shall forfeit one hundred Marks, and the Returns to be examined by the Councel.

Letters from Sweden, That upon the thirtieth day of May, the Queen at Ʋpsale, made a Solemn [Page 578] Resignation of her Crown and Government; in this manner:

About nine a Clock in the Morning, the Queen being Attyred in Her Royal Robes and Apparel of Purple Velvet, with Her Crown upon Her Head, and Attended by Her Officers, and Ser­vants, came into the Room prepared for that oc­casion, where was a Table, with a rich Carpet, and five great Cushions laid upon it; most of the Grandees, and Officers of the Court and Army were present.

Upon one of the Cushions was laid the Sword of State, upon another of them was laid the Scepter, upon another the Ball, and upon the fourth Cushi­on was laid the Keys.

The Queen being come into the Room, after a little pause, made a short Speech to the Compa­ny, acquainting them with Her Resolution to Re­sign the Crown and Government of this King­dom to Her Cousin the Prince Hereditary of Sweden, there standing by Her, to whom She wished all Happiness, and good Success in the Ma­nagement of the publick Affairs of this Nation; that upon Her earnest desire, the Ricksdagh not sit­ting, after long Debate, and much Sollicitation on her part, had at last, though unwillingly, given their Assent to this Her Resolution; and that now She was come to put the same in Executi­on before all those Honorable Witnesses there present.

Then She desired that some of them would take the Crown from off Her Head, but none of them would do it; She Her Self laid down the Scepter upon one of the Cushions on the Table, and the Ball on another Cushion, but seeing none of them stir to take the Crown from off Her Head, She called to Grave Tot, and the Barron Steinbergh, and expressy commanded them to do it; who, af­ter some backwardness, being again commanded by Her, they took the Crown from off Her Ma­jesties Head, and laid it down upon the fifth Cushi­on on the Table.

After that was done, some others by Her, came and took off the Royal Robes, wherewith She was Cloathed, and laid them down upon the Ta­ble. Then the Queen (having thus resigned the Crown, and Devested Her Self of Her Royal Ap­parrel, Crown and other Ensigns of Royalty) making a Cursey to Her Cousin the Prince, and to the rest of the Company, She retired into Her own Chamber; not making any show outwardly of Repentance, or Reluctancy for what She had done; but with the like Behaviour, and Confi­dence as at other times, betook Her Self to Her own particular Occasions.

For this Act of the Queens Resignation, they had no president. For the Solemnity of the Kings Coronation they had many, from which the Coronation of this King was not much dif­ferent; and was in short thus:

After the Queen was withdrawn to Her pri­vate King of Sweden Crown'd. Chamber, the Ricks Officers and Senators humbly desired the Prince, that He would be pleased to walk to the Cathedral Church, in Ʋp­sale, where the Archbishop and other Prelates were ready to attend His Royal Highness, and to perform the Solemnities of His Coronation. The whole Company went thither in this Or­der:

The Officers and Servants of the Court went first, in a very great Number, together with ma­ny Officers of the Army, and other Gentlemen; after them came the Nobility, Gentlemen, Barons, and Earls, Members of the Ricksdagh, then fol­lowed the Ricks Senators, two and two in Ranks, after them the sive Ricks Officers, first the Ricks Scatz Master or Treasurer, who carryed the Keys, next him the Ricks Chancellor, who carried the Globe, after him, the Ricks Admiral, who bare the Scepter, then one in the place of the Feld­there or General who carried the Sword, and after him the Ricks Drotsett or Chief Justice, who carried the Crown.

Next to him came the King Himself, in His or­dinary Habit, with a huge Troop following Him, and the Streets and Windows full of Crowds of People, with the Guards, and Souldiers in their Arms, as they past by. Being thus come to the Cathedral-Church, at the Door stood the Arch-bishop, with a Horn of Oyl in his hand, accom­panied with other Bishops and Clergy-men, he received the Prince at the Church-Door, and con­ducted him to the High Altar, where they had Prayers, and there the Archbishop Anointed the Prince with the Oyl; then they put upon Him the Royal Robes, and put the Crown upon His Head, the Scepter in His Right Hand, and the Ball in His Left Hand; and so He was Invested into the Roy­al Dignity, and Declared with all His Titles King of Swedes, Goths, and Vandals, &c. Drums, Trumpets, and loud Acclamations of the People were added to the Proclaiming of their new King; all of them expressed their high Joy that it was done; not many days since they earnestly Labour­ed to hinder the doing of it, now they Shout for Joy because it is done: thus are the minds, this is the practice of the Multitude, whom nothing pleaseth long, nothing more than Novelty. The Cere­monies being performed at the Cathedral, the New King, with all His New Subjects and Ser­vants returned back from thence unto the Castle, in the same Order as they came thither, and by the way He was Saluted by the People, with their Loud Shouts of God save the King. Thus com­ing to His Court, the Abdicated Queen, as He en­tred, looks out of the Window, and with a cheer­ful Countenance and Voice, heard by the Com­pany, wisheth Her Cousin Joy of His Crown and Government.

He retires for a while to His private Chamber, then is called forth to a Sumptuous Feast, where most of the Senators and Nobility did Atend upon Him and rejoyce with Him.

[13] An Order of the Commissioners for set­ling the differences according to the Treaty with the Dutch, between any of the Subjects of those Common-wealths.

[14] Letters, of ten Days constant march of the English Army in the Highlands, burning the Houses, and Corn as they marched. That they Traced the Enemy four days, but could not meet with them, nor with any Intelligence of them, all the People removing before the Army, and all their Goods and Cattle carried away.

That Middleton got away by water, and lost one hundred Horse in his march, but would not En­gage with the English.

[15] Letters, of a Brest Man of War taken.

Of a French Banker brought in Loaden with Fish, and of eight more of them got away.

Of two French Prizes brought into Plymouth.

Of some Tories still abroad in Ireland.

[17] A List sent in, and published, of the Names of those who were Elected in the several Shires, Cities, and Burroughts in England, and Wales, to Serve in the next Parliament.

[18] Letters, of the Armies March in the Highlands, where in fourteen Days they saw nei­ther Man, Woman, or Child, and those they saw afterwards, hardly to be called Men, or Women, by reason of their mishapes.

[Page 579] The Description of the strange bad Country of Loquaber, and Kintal, and the Mountains of Admannoth, the difficult passages, and the almost continual Fog and Rain there.

Of the Queen of Swedens private coming to Sweden. Hamburgh.

[18] Letters, of the King of Swedens pro­ceedings in his Government, and of his Brother Prince Adolphus his coming to Hamborough, in his travail toward France.

[19] Letters, that the English Army could by no means Engage the Forces of the Enemy in the Highlands in Scotland, but after a most tedious and difficult march, and being in great want of Provisions, were returning back.

[20] A Ship Loaden of one hundred Tun, near London Bridge, was set on Fire by a Pot of Pitch heating upon the Decks, and burnt, with all her Lading; and divers of her Men, and some looking on her were slain with Pieces of her Tim­ber blown up, by the Gunpowder in her, and much harm done to St. Olaves Church, and to Houses near her.

[21] An other Ship Loaden with Oyl, and other Goods, had her Powder set on fire, and all the Goods in her were burnt, and sunck, di­vers Men in her slain, and some wounded, and much damage done to the adjacent Houses.

Letters, of the Brest Men Freebooters again upon the Western Coast.

[22] Letters of Middletons Forces being about Scotland. Dunkel in Scotland eight hundred Horse, and twelve thousand Foot, much discontented, complaining of the King, and that, amongst them, four Horses Shooes were Sold for 15 d.

That the English Army are still marching in pur­suit of the Enemy.

[24] The French Ambassador, and the three Ambassadors from the States of the United Pro­vinces had Audience of the Lord Protector.

Letters, that Middleton intended to dismount most of his Horse, and to make use of his light Footed Highlanders, to provoke the English to follow him in the Bogs, and to prolong the War.

That Writs were received in Scotland for Ele­ction Elections in Scot­land. of Members in that Nation, to Serve in the Parliament of England.

That a Party of Collonel Okeys Men fell upon the Earl of Atholls Men, drove them up to their main Body, killed three, and took four of them, upon which Allarum the Enemy fled, and the En­glish being tired could not pursue them, nor gain intelligence where they were.

That the King of Scots, the Princess of Orange, the Queen of Sweden, and Prince Adolphus were to meet at the Spaw in Germany.

[25] Letters of the great meeting at the Spaw with the Queen of Sweden, and very many great Persons, and Nobility, upon which some English Design was expected.

[26] Mr. Sympson was enlarged from his Im­prisonment, and had liberty to Preach any where, ten Miles from London.

The Lord Protector Sate very close with his Councel, and gave Audience to several Ambas­sadors.

[27] Letters of some Tories in Ireland break­ing out again into a Rebellion. That one hundred Ireland. thousand were come into Conought and Clare, to be Tenants to particular Persons, but refuse to become Tenants to the Common-wealth.

[28] Letters, that divers of Middletons Forces left him, that the English Vant Guard fell upon their Rear, and did much Execution upon them till night prevented further dispute of them.

That General Blake went out of the Downs with a gallant Fleet as Admiral, and Captain Lawson his Vice-Admiral.

[29] The Dutch sent seventy thousand pound in­to Dutch Peace. London, for satisfaction of the Losses sustained by the English at the Sound in Denmark, according to the late Articles of Peace. A. C. came Post from Scotland, with Letters from General Monk, and from Collonel Morgan, of the Routing of the Forces under General Middleton, by Collonel Morgan, divers killed and taken, and his whole Body broken and dispersed. Several Scots Offi­cers of Quality taken Prisoners.

[31] Letters from General Monk to the Lord Middleton Routed. Protector, of the particulars of the Routing of Middletons Army to this effect.

The Enemy having marched off in a very scat­tered posture, upon our pursuit of them in Ar­gyle, and they bending Northwards, I held it much necessary, in regard that both Horse and Foot with me were much Beaten out with continual Marches, to attend their motion slowly, having sent to Collonel Morgan with his fresh Party to pursue them, as he had Intelligence. Who march­ing out of Baquenorth to Loughgary, where he intended to quarter that night, he fell upon Mid­dletons Body of Horse who had also appointed that same place for their Quarter, after a little resistance, the Enemy ran, and the pass being nar­row and boggy, quit their Horses, and disperst themselves, what Execution is done I have not yet Notice, but by divers Prisoners who endeavoured to escape this way, I am assured, that their whole Body of Horse is routed totally, so that they will not be able to get any considerable numbers together, among those Prisoners taken, there was one brought in by Cornet Baker, Lieutenant-Col­lonel Hay, who lately escaped out of Edenbrough Castle, and Captain Graham.

I also sent out Major Bridge with a Party of Horse and Dragoons,, who fell upon some of their scattered Horse and Foot under Macgrig­ger (who was left to bring the straglers after the Foot to Loughaber, these after some resistance ran away.

The Major took some Prisoners with divers of their tyred Horses with Baggage, and amongst the rest, the Earl of Athols Portmantue, wherein were these inclosed Papers, which I thought it my Du­ty to send to Your Highness, as also the inclosed, directed into Ireland, which was Letters intercep­ted.

Camp near Weems Castle. July 21. 1654.

I remain Your Highness most humble Servant, George Monk.

The Letter from Collonel Morgan was this.

Sir Upon the nineteenth instant, about six or Letters from Mor­gan. seven at night upon our march toward Rannaough, our Scouts discovered a Party of the Enemy, which afterwards proved to be Middleton with all his Force, to the number of eight hundred.

They were on the North-side of Loughgarry, Major Knight and my self, being at the head of our Forlorn, perceiving them to face about, we made to them with all speed, and sent back or­ders for the rest of our Horse to march up after us, we presently put them to the rout, pursued them about six Miles, and forced them to di­sperse three ways, so that Major L [...]sle, Captain Ducket, and my self followed them one way, Ma­jor Knight, Captain Pockley, Captain Day, Cap­tain [Page 580] Merryman another, and Captain Legg, and Captain Ginuel the other; we killed and took ma­ny of the Rogues, and near three hundred Horses taken, Middleton was dismounted, and very much wounded, as some of the Prisoners affirm, his charging Horse was taken by one of my Servants with Gallant Furniture, and a Rich Case of Pi­stols. One of Captain Babingtons Troop took his Sumpter, wherein was Rich Apparel, his Com­missions, and Instructions, with divers other Let­ters to him.

One of Collonel Riches Troop took Kinmoors Charging Horse; Mideleton, and Kinmoore, with divers others, were fain to use of their Heels over the Bogs, and if the Night, and the Bog had not prevented us, I believe we had left but very few of them undestroyed.

But those that escaped are Totally disenabled, they had twelve hundred Foot, within five Miles of them: which I hear are much dispersed and gone towards their Homes; their intentions (as the Prisoners Inform me) were to March to Caith­ness, where they expected the Arrival of some Ships with Men, Arms, and Ammunition. In all this Action the Lord was pleased to appear for us, for we had not above four Men wounded, none kil­led, and two Horses Shot.

I am your affectionate Servant, Thomas Morgan.
From the Camp, near Badinas July. 22. 1654.

One of Gerrards Conspiracy, that had escaped through a House of Office, was retaken in Nor­wich, where he practised Physick.

Letters that the Scots King arrived at Lieg, and went from thence to the Spaw.

August, 1654.

[August 1] The Protector and his Councel passed two Ordinances, one touching the Adventurers for Lands in Ireland, the other for Regulating the Jurisdiction of the Chancery.

The Dutch Ambassadors had Audience of the Dutch Ambassa­dors. Protector, and Informed him, That in Order to satisfy the Losses sustain'd in Denmark, their Su­periours had sent over some Treasure in Plate, Bullion, Dollers, and other Coyn, which was or­dered to secured, and Coyned in the Tower.

They also Congratulated his Highness for the Victory over the Forces under Middleton.

The Commissioners sent to Denmark, brought back the English Ships detained there. And re­port the Plague to be hot in those Parts.

The Province of Friezland declared for the Prince of Orange.

Middleton after his Defeat in the Highlands Scotland. went South, and Monk after him, the Scots pre­pared for new Leaveys, Monk designed to drive Middletons Party towards Collonel Morgan. He and Middleton having both ordered to Quarter the same Night at Loughgarry, the Enemy look­ing only back towards Moak, thought not of Morgan, who met them, and Engaged them, but they soon fled, and lost many of their Horses, and some Men.

Middleton one of the first that ran away, and Manroe, their Foot are thereupon dispersed.

Captain Beke, and Major Bridg took divers of them, and in some Portmantles several Letters, and Papers from the King to the Earl of A­thol. August.

[2] Other Letters of the former Defeat of Middletons Forces, and of many of his Men taken by the Parliament Forces, and by the Country.

[3] Orders of the Commissioners touching the Sale of Bishops-Lands, and the Lands of Deans and Chapters,

[4] The Protector and his Council appoint­ed Commis­sioners. Commissioners for the Exchequer, the three Lords Commissioners, Whitelock, Lisle, and Wid­drington, Chief Justices Rolls, and St. John. Collo­nel Sydenham, Collonel Mountague, and Mr. Mask­am.

Of Middletons Horse three hundred were taken, Midleton. and one hundred were Bogged. He had two Horses Shot under him, his Sumpter Horse taken, and therein his Commissions, and Instructions from the King.

[5] The Province of Gelderland, and four other Provinces, chose the Prince of Orange to be their General and Admiral.

The Portugal Ambassador at Gravesend, in his Portugal Ambassa­dor. Voyage homewards, was Arrested by some Mer­chants of London, to whom he owed great Sums of Money, which they had Lent him here, and they stopped his Journey.

Five English Frigots met with the Fleet of French Laden with Salt for the Kings Store-Houses, and sunk the two Convoys, and carried away the other Ships with their Lading into Plymouth.

[7] Middleton got together as many as he could of his scattered Horses, and had but one hundred, whereas before he had eight hundred. Glencarn gathered others, Morgan went out to prevent their Joyning; many came in to Collonel Fitches, and submitted to the Parliament, divers of them were rifled in the Country.

An Ordinance of Indempnity passed for the En­glish Protestants in Ireland.

[8] More of Middletons scattered Forces ta­ken up by the English.

[9] A Swedish Ship and a Hamburger taken for Prize, because they were bound for France.

The Queen of Sweden Arrived at Antwerp in Mans Apparel, and the next day went abroad drest in Womans Apparel.

[10] The Queen of Sweden highly extolled in Letters for her Parts and Learning.

[11] Orders of the Committee of Adven­turers in Ireland.

The Protector and his Councel passed an Addi­tional Ordinance for Relief of Creditors, and Poor Prisoners.

[12] General Monk marched after Glencarn, who desired to Capitulate. Three French Prizes brought in.

[14] Middletons Brigade was lesned from fourteen hundred, to one hundred. Two hun­dred Prisoners Shipped for the Berbadoes.

General Monk Fired the Houses in Glencame­rons Monck. bounds, they being in Arms against the En­glish, they Murdered sixty English Soldiers in cold blood, whom they surprized.

Violent Storms in the Highlands, drove down the Hill five hundred Cows, and Goats, and Sheep into the Glen, where General Monk Quartered, which his Souldiers made use of.

In a March of three days, the English saw only one Scoth Man, and two Women.

In their March to Brawling, for eight Miles the way was so Boggy, that one hundred Bagage-Horses were left behind, and many others were Boged, and Tired, the People said, That never any Army Marched there before.

[Page 581] The Scots Fired the Houses of their Neighbors as they Marched, and Besieged the Marquiss of Argyle, till upon the Approach of General Monk they fled, and left behind them many Horses and Portmautnes; and some of their Soldiers hid themselves under the Rocks, but were taken, the Scots. English could not pursue them, by reason of the Boggy Hills, but Middletons Forces dispersing, were Reduced from four thousand, to two thousand Men.

[15] A Recognition from Ely, presented to the Protector, wherein they desired, that M [...]n Recogni­tion. fearing God might be put into the Commission of the Peace, and Supernumerary Ale-Houses Suppressed, Prophaness, Sabath breaking, Swearing and Drunk­ness Prohibited, and Virtue and Piety Advanced, to which he gave a pleasing Answer.

[16] Returns of Parliament Men Examined by the Councel.

An Ordinance passed for Reforming abuses up­on the River of Thames.

Another passed Authorizing Commissiones to appoint Magistrates, and Councels for the Bo­rough in Scotland.

Another passed for Moneys for General Blake.

Members for Ireland, Returned to Serve in Par­liament of England.

The Hollanders complained of wrongs done them by the French Pyrates.

[17] General Monk continued his pursuit of the Highlanders, and gave Orders to Collonel Morgan to follow them another way, yet to be near him.

[18] Middletons and Glencarns Forces upon the Approach of General Monk fled further into the Hills.

[19] Great working in Holland to Receive the young Prince of Orange, for their General and Prince of Orange. Admiral.

[21] The English Army in the Highlands, burnt the Houses, and destroyed the Corn of those who were in Arms against them, or refused to pay their Sesses.

The Election of Members in Scotland to Serve Elections. in the Parliament of England went on slowly, yet some were chosen, and Returned.

One Humphrey Marston, who had killed two of the Sergeants Men, who came to apprehend him by a Warrant of the Councel, and fled upon it beyond Sea, returned into England, and betook himself to Coyning, for which he was taken, and Hang'd before the Doors, where he killed the Ser­geants Men.

Divers Coyners of Money, Clippers, and Sellers were Apprehended.

[22] A Committee of the Councel sate for Examining the Elections of several Members for the Parliament.

An Ordinance passed for the Regulating the Jurisdiction of the Chancery.

Another passed, Appointing Commissioners to Survey the Forrests, &c.

Several Ordinances passed for discharge of Se­questrations, and for Payment of Moneys.

The French Ambassador, Monsieur Burdeaux had Audience of the Protector. French Ambassa­dor.

[23] An Ordinance passed for Naturalizing William Hanmor, Son of Sir Thomas Hanmor.

Another passed for Stating the Arrears of Ge­neral Monk, and to have them out the Rebels Ordi­nances. Estates in Ireland.

Another passed for Repealing the Powers of the Commissioners for Managing the Affairs of Ireland.

Another passed for Appointing Salaries for the Councel in Ireland.

General Monk got a Considerable pass from Middleton.

The Moss-Troopers fell upon some good Peo­ple when they were at Church, and Receiving the Scrament, and carryed away their Horses, &c.

[24] Deputies in Hollond, about the Young Prince of Orange his Commands.

Many Scots submitted to Mercy.

The Members Chosen in Ireland to Serve in the Parliament of England, Returned to the Irish Members. Councel.

[25] A Mutiny of the Keelmen at Newcastle, for increase of Wages.

Twenty nine Moss-Troopers sent to Ber­badoes.

Letters that Middleton and several other Per­sons of Note, had Shipped themselves to go be­yond the Sea, and divers others were taken Pri­soners.

[26] Some Prisoners on Bord a Ship, Muti­ned, and put the Officers and Seamen under the Deck, but another Ship coming up to them, and giving them a Broad-side they submitted.

The Brest Men of War troubled the Bristol Merchants. Three French Bankers brought thi­ther for Prizes.

[28] Letters from Collonel Morgan to the Protector, That he had Gleaned up most of Mid­dletons Men, and that his Foot were gone Home. Glencarn and Montross sent to General Monk, that they might be received upon Terms of life.

A House of the Enemy taken and burnt by Col­lonel Twisleton. An Ensign and six Soldiers sur­prized by the Highlanders, and two more killed by them after Quarter given, and the Command­er told them whilst they were Murdering of them, that they had no Barbadoes to send them to, but would send them to Heaven or Hell.

Five Sheriffdomes, in Scotland Returned, that Scotland. not one sit to be a Parliament Man, was to be found within their Liberty.

[29] The States of Hosland and Zealand, sent a Letter to the Protector, directed, To the most Screne, and High Lord, Oliver, Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ire­land. Dutch.

It was in Answer to a Letter they received from him, and they made great Professions of their sincerity in the Inviolable Observation of the late▪ Treaty of Peace between the two Common-wealths.

[30] Several Ordinances passed concerning private Businesses.

An Ordinance passed for Ejecting Scandalous, Ministers. Ignorant, and Insufficient Ministers, by Commissi­oners appointed in each County.

Another passed for the calling to Account the Commissioners upon the Act, for Propagating the Gospel in Wales.

Another passed for the Sale of four Forrests.

An Order for Relief of well affected Persons in Cheshire and Lancashire, Tenants to the Popish and Delin [...]uent Landlords.

[31] The Ordinance published for Regulat­ing the Jurisdiction of the Chancery, and the Ta­bles of the Officers Fees, Printed.

September, 1654.

[Sept. [...]] Athell with his two Scots Regiments submitted to General Monk. And Glencarn was [Page 582] upon Treaty of Submission. There were not one hundred Scots left together in a Body.

The Queen of Swedens intention to come into England was made known to the Protector; but he would not give her any Encouragement, he put it all upon the ill Example she would give here by her Course of life.

[3] The Lords day, yet the day of the Par­liaments Parlia­ment. meeting, the Members met in the After-noon at Sermon in the Abby Church at Westmin­ster, after Sermon they Attended the Protector in the Painted-Chamber, who made a Speech to them of the Cause of their Summons, after which, they went to the House, and Adjourned to the next Morning.

[4] The Protector Rode in State from White-Hall, Cavalcade to the Abby Church in Westminster, some hundreds of Gentlemen and Officers went before bare, with the Life-Guard, and next before the Coach, his Pages, and Lacquayes richly Clothed, on the one side of his Coach went Strickland, one of his Councel, and Captain of his Guard, with the Master of Ceremonies, both on Foot; on the other side went Howard, Captain of the Life-Guard. In the Coach with him, was his Son Henry, and Lambert, both sate bare.

After him came Claypole, Master of the Horse, with a Gallant led Horse richly Trapped, next came the Commissioners of the Great Seal, and of the Treasury, and divers of the Councel in Coaches, and the Ordinary Guards.

He Alighting at the Abby Door, the Officers of the Army, and the Gentlemen went first, next them four Maces, then the Commissioners of the Seal, Whitelock carrying the Purse, after Lambert carrying the Sword bare, the rest followed: and his Highness was Seated over against the Pul­pit, the Members of the Parliament on both sides.

After the Sermon Preached by Mr. Thomas Good­wyn, his Highness went in the same Equipage to the Painted-Chamber, where he was Seated in a Chair of State set upon steps, and the Members Protectors Speech. upon Benches round about sate all bare; all being silent, his Highness put off his Hat, and made a Large, and Subtle Speech to them.

He told them the Danger of the Levelling Prin­ciples, and of the Fifth-Monarchy-Opinions, and of the Form of Godliness, and the great Judgment that had been upon this Nation of ten Years Civil War.

That the two Pretensions, of the Liberty of the Subject, and of Conscience, (two as Glorious things, and as much to be contended for, as any Gift God hath given us,) were brought in, to Patronize their Evils.

These Abominations swelled to that height, that the Axe was laid to the Root of the Ministry, as Antichristian, and Babylonish; and as the Extremi­ty was great before, that no Man, though well Ap­proved having a good Testimony, might Preach, if not Ordained: so now, on the other hand, they will have Ordination put a Nullity upon the Calling.

I conceive in my very Soul, that many of the Fifth-Monarchy-Opinion have good meanings, and I hope this Parliament will (as Jude says, Reckoning up the Abominable Apostasies of the last times) pluck some out of the fire, and some others with fear, ma­king those of peaceable Spirits, the Subject of their encouragement; and saving others by that Discipline, that God hath Ordained to Reform miscarriages.

The danger of that Spirit being not in the Notion, but in its proceeding to a Civil Transgression, when Men that come into such a Practice, as to tell us, that Liberty and Property are not the Bodys of that King­dom, and that instead of Regulating Laws, Laws must be Subverted, and perhaps the Judicial Law Imposed, or some Fancy instead of it, (for that was Septemb. Good and Honourable in the Institution, though now by some misapplyed,) especially when every Stone is turned to bring in Confusion, this will be a Considera­tion worthy of the Magistrate.

Whilst these things were in the midst of us, and the Nation Rent and Torn, from one end to the other, Family against Family, Parent against Child, and nothing in the Hearts and Minds of Men, but Over­turn, Overturn, a Scripture very much abused, and Challenged by all Men of discontented Spirits.

That common Enemy in the mean time sleeps not, swarms of Jesuits come over, and have their Con­sistories abroad, to Rule all the Affairs of England, and the dependences thereof, in the mean time visible en­deavours are used, to hinder the work in Ireland, to Obstruct the Work in Scotland, Correspondencies; and Intelligences are held to incourage the War in those places.

And withal, we were deeply ingaged in a War with Portugal, whereby our trade ceased, and not only so, but a War with Holland, which consumed our Treasure, as much as the Assessment came to. At the same time we fell into a War with France, or rather we were in it; and all this fomented by the divisions amongst us.

Which begat a confidence, we would not hold out long; and the Calculation had not been ill, if the Lord had not been gracious to us.

Besides, Strangers increased in the manufacture, the great staple Commodity of this Nation.

In such an heap of confusion was this poor Nation; and that it might not sink into a Confusion, from these Premises a Remedy must be applied. A Remedy hath been applied, this Government.

A thing that is seen and read of all, and which, (let men say what they will, I can speak with Com­fort before a greater than you all, as to my inten­tion, and let men judge out of the thing it self) is Calculated for the Interest of the people, for their interest alone, and for their good, without respect had to any other interest.

I may with humbleness towards God, and modestly before you say something in the behalf of it.

It hath indeavoured to reform the Laws, and for that end hath joyned persons (without reflection upon any) of as great integrity, and ability, as any other, to consider how the Laws might be made plain, short, and easy, which may in due time be tende­red.

It hath taken care to put into Seats of Justice, men of the most known integrity, and ability.

The Chancery hath been reformed, and I hope, to the just satisfaction of all good men.

It hath put a stop to that heady way, for every man that will, to make himself a Preacher, having indeavoured to settle a way for approbation of men of Piety and fitness for the work, and the business committed to persons both of the Presbyterian, and Independent Judgment, men of as known ability, and integrity, as (I suppose) any the Nation hath; and, who (I beleive) have laboured to approve them­selves to God, and their own Consciences, in appro­ving men to that great Function.

It hath taken care to expunge men unfit for that work, who have been the Common scorn and reproach to that administration.

One thing more, it hath been instrumental to call a free Parliament, blessed, be God, we see here this day, a free Parliament; and that it may con­tinue so, I hope is in the heart of every good man of England, for my own part, as I desired it above my life, so to keep it free, I shall value it above my life.

[Page 583] A Peace is made with Sweden (wherein an Ho­norable Person was instrumental) it being of much importance, to have a good understanding with our Protestant Neighbours.

A Peace is also made with the Danes, and a peace there that is honorable, and to the satisfaction of the Merchants.

The Sound is open to us, from whence, as from a Fountain, our Naval provisions are supplied.

A Peace is made with the Dutch, which is so well known in the consequences of it, and the great advan­tages of a good understanding with Protestant States.

I beg that it may be in your hearts, to be Zealous of the Protestant Interest abroad, which if ever it be like to come under a Condition of suffering, it is now; many being banished, and driven to seek refuge among Strangers.

A Peace is made with Portugal (though it hung long) of great concernment to Trade; and the people that Trade thither, have freedom to enjoy their Con­sciences, without being subjected to the Bloody Inqui­sition.

A Treaty with France likewise is now depending.

It may be necessary in the next place for you to hear a little of the Sea Affairs, and to take notice of the great Expence of the Forces, and Fleet; and yet 30 000 l. is now abated of the next three months As­sessment.

These things which I have before mentioned, are but entrances, and doors of hope; you are brought to tho edge of Canaan, (into which, many that have gone before, could not enter) but if the blessing and pre­sence of God go along with you in management of your Affairs, I make no question, but he will enable you to lay the top-stone of this work.

But this is a Maxim not to be despised, Though Peace be made, yet it is Interest that keeps Peace, and further than that, Peace is not to be trusted.

The great End of calling this Parliament, is, That the Work of God may go on, that the Ship of this Commonwealth may be brought into a [...]afe Harbor.

I shall put you in mind, that you have a great work upon you, Ireland to look to, that the beginning of that Government may be setled in honour.

That you have before you, the considerations of those Foreign States, with whom Peace is not made, who if they see we manage not our Affairs with prudence, as becomes men, will retain hopes, that we may still under the disadvantages thereof, break into confusion.

I shall conclude, with my persuasion to you, to have a sweet, gracious, and holy understanding one of another, and put you in mind of the counsel you heard this day in order thereunto.

And I desire you to believe, that I speak not to you, as one that would be a Lord over you, but as one that is resolved to be a Fellow-servant with you to the interest of this great Affair.

Then he wish'd them to repair to their House, and exercise their own liberty, in the choice of their Speaker.

After he had done, the Members went to their Speaker Chosen. House, and chose the old Speaker, Mr. Lenthal, Master of the Rolls, to be their Speaker, and Mr. Scobel to be their Clerk, and Mr. Berkshead to be the Sergeant at Arms to attend them.

Then they appointed a Day of Humiliation, the 13 of September, to be kept by the Parliament, City, and Parts adjacent, and the 4th of October to be kept in all other Parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, and the 13 of November in Ireland, and so they ad­journed till the next day.

[5] The Parliament sate, and called over their Members; the House appointed a Committee of Priviledges, and ordered, That no Petition con­cerning any Election should be received after three Weeks.

[6] An Ordinance published, For Ejecting Scandalous, Ignorant, and Insufficient Ministers and Schoolmasters; and Commissioners appointed in the respective Counties for that purpose.

Some Considerations was had in the House tou­ching the Priviledge of the Parliament in their freedom in debate. Then the Lord Protector's Speech to them was taken into consideration; and, amongst the Particulars thereof, the Foreign Nego­tiations were mentioned, and particularly that of Swedeland.

Which caused Whitlock to make the following Relation.

Mr. Speaker,

I Held it my Duty, though the present Occasion Negotiati­on with Sweden. had not been offere, to give a clear Account to this Honourable House of that Negotiation wherein I had the Honour to serve the Common-wealth lately in Swedeland, with the general Tran­sactions and Issue thereof, and the great Respects testified to this Commonwealth in those places, and by those Princes and States beyond the Seas, where I had occasion to be during this my Imploy­ment, that you may judge of the success and ad­vantages thereof.

I shall not mention the great difficulties and op­position which I met with from some in that Court, and from the Danish and Dutch Publick Ministers, and Party there, whose high interest it was to hinder your Alliance with that Crown.

Neither shall I Particularly insist upon, and ac­quaint you with the great dangers both by Sea and Land through which it pleased God to bring me, and to preserve me, lest I should seem to magnifie (that which was but my Duty) to undergo any Hazards or Perils for your Service.

Only Sir, you will give me leave not to forget the goodness of God to me, and my company, in our great deliverances, which the Lord was plea­sed to vouchsafe to us, and which I hold my self obliged to remember, with all thankfulness, to his immediate hand of goodness to us.

Sir, Your Servants had extraordinary Respect and Civility manifested to them both by the Offi­cers and People of that Countrey, in their long Journey, and upon their safe arrival at the Court at Ʋpsale, by all sorts of People, of inferior rank, and of the greatest Ones, and by the greatest of them, the Prince Heretier, and by the Queen her self, who sought to make appear her Affection and Regard to this Nation, by her Favors to your ser­vant, which did much exceed those which she usu­ally allows to others of the like condition.

In our Ceremonies, wherein that Nation are very punctual, I confess I was somewhat refracto­ry to their Expectations, out of my Zeal to keep up the Honour of my Nation, and even those things have such a signification in such Affairs; but they were well past over, and then we fell to our business, wherein I found those with whom I discoursed and treated, to be full of Experience, Abilities, and Wisdom, and some of them full of subtlety, and too much inclining to use delays for their particular advantage, which you will pardon those to take the more notice of, who were at so great a distance from their Countrey and Rela­tions.

I thought it behoved me, for the service of my Countrey, and she better performance of the Trust that time reposed in me, to acquaint my self by the best means I could, with the nature of [Page 584] the People, their Government, the Quality of their Governors, their Religion, Strength, and Trade, and other matters relating to them.

This I did not only by studying of Books, but of Men also in the Conversation and Treaties which I had with them, and wherein I endeavored to gain information of these things from them, added to my own observations on the place.

I found the People hardy and stout, and the more inured to it, by the sharpness of their Climate, which renders them the more able for Military Service.

They are obedient to their Rulers, but amongst their Equals too much addicted to Quarrelling and Drinking, that ferments the other.

They are yet very Courteous to Strangers in their travaling, and sojourning, not making a Prey of them, nor deceiving them, nor deri­ding them in their ignorance of the Co [...]ntrey or Language, but affording them all accommo­dations for their money which they expect.

Their Governours are wise, expert, and po-Iitick, keeping their distance, and the rules of justice; but they will hardly Pardon any neg­lect, the omission of a Ceremony, or not return­ing a Visit, is enough with some of them to break off a treaty of the greatest Consequence.

Though they Practice much delay when they judge their interest to require it, yet they ob­serve honourably their Capitulations; and though both Rulers and people regard their particular Interest in the first place, yet it is not with the excluding of justice and honesty.

Their Government is by Municipal Laws and Customes, and by Acts of their Supream Coun­cel, which hath the Legislative power, and is the same in effect, if not the original of our Parliament; They have inferior and ordinary Courts of Justice, not unlike to ours in many par­ticulars. The King hath a great power, and the Senators under him, and by them the Affairs of the State are managed.

Though their Government have great affinity with ours, yet the People do not enjoy the like Rights and Liberties, as (Blessed be God) we do in England; They are in more subjection to the Will of their Lords, and their Lords to the Will of their Superiors, though they have more power over their Tenants, and nearer Neighbors, than the English have.

Their Laws are clear and few, nor are they covetous to multiply them, which they hold an Er­ror in Government, and cause of Contention; nor do they allow Debates in Council of any other matters, than what are proposed to them from the King.

The paucity of Law-suits amongst them, is, because of the distribution of Estates by a Rule of Law to all Children, or Heirs, upon the death of every Ancestor; so that they have seldom a Question upon any Will or Conveyance.

And by reason of the smalness of their Trade, their Contracts are few, and Consequently their Law Suits; nor will they afford Maintenance for a Profession of Lawyers, or large Sallaries for Officers; in general their Government is Wise, Just, and Peaceable.

Their Religion is punctually Lutheran, both in Doctrine and Discipline, and they are so Severe in it, that they will hardly admit a Papist, or Cal­vinist to live among them, except in some few Places, where they permit Calvinists to reside for Trades-Sake.

They have a Liturgy much to the same Effect in Words and Ceremonies, with that which was in the English Church, nor will they part with any of the Responsals, Ceremonies, and Rites ex­tracted out of the Mass-Book, or with the Images in their Churches, though so little different from those used in the Church of Rome.

Their Bishops, and Superintendants who have the same Power, have the like Juris­diction in Ecclesiastical, but not in Temporal Mat­ters, as the English Prelates had, so have their Inferiour (as they also call them) Spiritual Courts, and Judicatories.

They allow but slender Maintenance to their Clergy, their Metropolitan Archbishop of Ʋpsale, hath not above two thousand Rix Dollars, which is not five hundred Pound of Yearly Revenue; and one hundred Rix Dollars per annum is an Extraordinary Benefice.

Their Diocesses and Parishes are very large, and Sermons are a rarity in them, but the Liturgy must not be omitted every Sunday, and on their many Holydaies.

They have a good way upon every Avoydance to Supply their Churches, the Inhabitants of every Parish where their Minister dyed, or is re­moved, do meet, and Choose three Deacons, whom they present to the Bishop or Superintendant, who Chooseth one of the three, and Ordains him a Priest, and Institutes him into the Bene­fice that is void.

Their strength is confiderable both at Land and at Sea, at Land it consists chiefly in the Bo­dies of their Men, and in their Arms, and For­tifications. Their Men are strong, and the more Enured to hardship, by the Coldness of their Climate; and to War, by their frequent Expe­ditions abroad, and they want no Courage, nor Obedience to their Superiours.

Their Arms are made at Home, as Good and Useful as any Country hath; they want not Ma­terials of Copper, Steel, and Iron, both for their greater and smaller Guns, and Swords; and have Skilful Workmen and store of Powder.

Their Fortifications are not many, except in Frontier Towns, and Havens; some whereof are strongly and regularly Fortified, fully Garrison'd, and provided with Copper great Guns upon their Works.

They have a standing Militia of fifty thousand Men, twelve thousand Horse, and thirty eight thousand Foot, and all these maintained at a ve­ry small Charge to the Crown, and with no Bur­den to the Country; whereof I shall be ready to give you a particular Account, when you shall command it.

These may be drawn together in ten days, and out of these they write forth Souldiers, upon any Foreign Design; which Designation is wholly left to the respective Landlords, and gives them no small awe, and subjection from their Te­nants.

Their strength by Sea surpasseth their Neigh­bours, they have many Ships which carry eighty, and some one hundred Copper Guns, well and substantially built, but not after our excellent way of Frigots, nor so Nimble at Tacking, or Fight­ing, or the Chase, as our Men of War.

They are not inferiour in their strength at Sea to any Prince or State in these Parts, except the English, and our Neighbours the Netherlands; the greatest defect and want in their Naval Force is as to the Number of their Ships, and Mar­riners.

For their Trade, it is not great, but they take a course dayly to improve it; they understand, better than they did formerly, the Conveniencies [Page 585] and Advantages they have of Timber for Masts, and building of their Ships, of Iron to fit them, of Copper for their Guns, of the cheapness and plenty of Pitch and Tar, necessary for them, and to be had in their own Country, and sufficient Cor­dage near them, with their good Harbours on both sides the Baltique Sea, and at Gottenburgh.

They are sensible that the increase of Trade increaseth their Marriners and Shipping, which increaseth their Trade; and not only their Merchants, but their great Men engage in a way of Trade, for the Incouragement of it, and find­ing the Sweetness and Profit in it.

They already send Ships, and Plant in the West-Indies, and have began a Trade with their Native Commodities to most parts where Trade is to be had, and will in a short time become considerable for Trade; and the more by the plenty of their Copper, Iron, Deal, Pitch and Tarr, which now they Export themselves, and know how necessary they are for other Nations, and how profitable it is for them to be their own Merchants.

I have thus shortly, and weakly, given you In­formation of what I Learned upon the place touching this Nation of the Swedes, and Goths, in relation to themselves.

Give me leave Sir, now to Acquaint you with what I observed concerning them, as they may have Relation to an Alliance with this Common-wealth, and to conclude with an Account in Ge­neral of my Negotiation there, and with the re­spects I met with to this Nation, both from them, and others, whilst I was abroad.

I look upon them as a Nation in a perfect di­stance, and Scituation, to be the best Friends and Allies to you; they are neither so near to us as to cause Jealousies from us, nor so far distant, but that they may give a timely Assistance to us.

They profess the same Protestant Religion with us, in the Fundamentals they agree with us, and in their Aversness to Popery, and the Hierarchy of Rome; and are the more likely to keep a firmer Union with us.

There is great similitude between their Man­ners, Laws, Language, and Disposition of the People, and the English, and the like Gallantry of their Gentry and Souldiery, Industry of their Merchants and Artificers, and Laboriousness of their Husbandmen. They are generally much like the English, and the more likely to Corre­spond, and Agree in Amity with us. They have store of Men, Arms, and Shipping to join with us upon any occasion, and whereby both you and they may be strengthn'd against your Enemies, and be the more considerable through­out the World.

They are Just, and Faithful in their Actions, and Undertakings, as the English are, and Hono­rable in their Performances; nor are they En­gaged to any of our Enemies, or such as you may have Cause to suspect; but their Differences and Contententions have rather been with those who have contended with you, and therefore they are the more likely to observe their Alliance with you.

They first sought to his Highness, and this Common-wealth for an Amity with us, and sent several Persons of Honour, as publick Ministers hither, for that purpose; and their Queen, and the present King, have Testified great affection to this Nation, and justly expected some return of it from you again.

These, and many other Motives, grounded upon Reason and Wisdom of State, persuaded those who sate at the Helm here, to judge it fit to send from hence an Ambassador to that Crown, to conclude an Amity with them, for the Advan­tage of Trade, and mutual Assistance of one another.

Herein their Judgment did not fail them, it was very requisite to send an Ambassador thither, but perhaps you may see a Failer of their Judg­ment in the Choice of a Person so unfit for so Weighty an Imployment.

Yet they would not excuse him; you will be­lieve that he had no Ambition for such a Service, and at such a time, but he obeyed the Commands of those whom he served, undertook the Imploy­ment, and can say without Vanity, performed his Duty therein to the utmost of his Capacity with Diligence, and Faithfulness, and God was pleased to own him in it.

I pass over the Dangerous Voyage by Sea in November, through your then Enemies, and the cold Journey by Land in December, and come to the Court at Ʋpsale, which was Splendid, and High; replenished not only with gallant outsides, but with Persons of great Abilities within, both of the Civil, and Military Condition.

Upon my first Ignorance of their Ceremonies, I fell into some dislike with several of their Grandees, who thought me not enough submis­sive; others thought the better of me, for insist­ing upon the Right of my Nation, Vindicating their Honour, and not sneaking to those with whom I had to do.

I followed my own Reason, and what pleased God to direct me for your Service, and in order to the Good of the Protestant Interest. In my Treaty, I applyed my self upon all occasions to the Queen Her Self, and never to the Senate, wherewith Her Majesty was not distasted.

In the Transactions of my Affairs, I Endea­voured to gain the best Intelligence I could from Home, and from that Court, and spared no cost to gain it; the one made me the more consider­able there, the other was of great Advantage to me in my Negotiation.

But Sir, I was to Incounter with great difficul­ties, and opposition; the King of Denmark's Ambassador, the Holland Resident, with all their Party and Friends (some of the most Considera­ble in the Court, and Army, and of great Num­bers) opposed me, and endeavoured to Affront me and my Company; but by that, were no Gain­ers.

The French, Polish, and German Publick Mini­sters, as much as they could covertly, sought to hinder me; but on the other side, I found the Spanish publick Mister there (who was a Person of great Ingenuity, and in much Favour with the Queen) a great Friend and Assistant to me.

Several great Officers of the Army, as General Wrangell, Grave Horn, Grave Wittenburge, Grave Bannier, Grave Leenhough, and divers others, were Friends to me; and of the Civil Officers, and other Senators, the Baron Bundt, Steinlorke, Grave Tot, the Rix Droit, or Chief Justice, the Grave Braghe, and Chiefly the old Chancellor Oxen­stiern was my Chief Friend, and helper in my Business.

Prince Adolphe the present Kings Brother, was no ill Willer to it, the King that now is, a great Friend to it, and manifested more parti­cular Respect to you in the Person of your Ser­vant, than he was ever known to do any of the like Quality, or to any State whatsoever.

And the Queen her Self was resolved to have [Page 586] the Business done, so much had I gained of her Favour, and satisfied her of your Interest, and Respects to her.

But above all, some of my own Countrymen were fierce against me, especially those of the Scots Nation; both of the Army, and Traders, whom I little considered, yet knew their humors, and that they would rayl at me in the Morning, and afterwards come to my Table to Dinner, and I caused my Officers to welcome them accord­ingly.

To Counterwork these, I was not without Friends of my own Nation, whereof divers were of the like Condition; and Eminent amongst them was the General Douglas, a Scotch Gentle-man, who was very Civil to me.

So was a true English Gentleman, General Major Sir George Fleetwood, a Person of great In­terest and Respect in those Parts, and with all that know him; he Testified extraordinary Respect and Affection to you, and to your Servant; and was very Courteous, and helpful to me.

Those who opposed, or indeavoured to affront me in your Business, I forbear to name, not for their sakes, but least it might be prejudicial to your Friends there, and to your own future oc­casions.

But Sir, we ought to look higher, than to the greatest and wisest of Men; it was the Goodness and Mercy of God who gave a Blessing to your Proceedings, and a desired Success to this Treaty; which we ought to acknowledg with humble Thankfulness; and the weaker the Instruments were, the more his Power and Goodness appears in it.

He was Pleased to give Success to that Nego­tiation under my hands; and (after many De­lays, and Debates, and all the Opposition that could be made) to give a Conclusion to it. I made an Alliance betwixt the Common-wealth and that Crown, Ratified by the then Queen, and the present King under their hands, and under their Great Seal of Sweden.

The Instrument thereof I presented to His Highness, and His Councel at my Return home; who caused a strict Perusal and Examination thereof to be made, and finding it punctually ac­cording to my Instructions, did approve of it, and of my poor Service in it; and His Highness Ratified the other part of the Treaty, to which the Great Seal of England was affixed; the tran­script whereof, with the Original of the other, are at your Command to be produced.

I shall not presume to Judg of the Advantages by this Alliance, to this Nation, and to the Pro­testant Interest through the World, this ‘Hono­rable House are best able to Judge thereof, and of the Duty of their Servant, and his performance thereof; who submits all to their Wisdom and savourable Construction.’

And being now in my Return homewards, give me leave Sir, to acquaint you with some pas­sages of Respect to this Common-wealth in my Journy both in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.

The Magistrates and People of Stockholm, were very Respectful to your Servants, and General Wrangel, and General Major Fleetwood with Here Lagerfelds, and others, Accompanied me Fourty English Miles to their Chief City.

There they freely showed me not only the Stately Castle, Town, Haven, and Ships, but their Works, Magazines, Arsenal, Work-Houses for Arms, and Shipping which were very strong and Considerable.

There I had two Ships provided for my Tran­sportation over the Baltique Sea, and in that where I went on Board, a Vice-Admiral was sent to Command, being a point of great Honour, and the Ship was Richly Furnished, and Accommoda­ted for the Voyage.

After we had passed this deep and rough Sea, through great Tempests and Dangers, and were Arrived near to the Hans Town of Lubeck, they hearing of it by our Guns, sent their Coach and Officers to conduct me to their City, where some of the Chief of their Lords with their Syndick, or Recorder, came from the rest to Salute me, and in the Latine Oration made to me, gave me all welcome to the Place, and highly expressed their Valuation of this Common-wealth.

I Received also Civil Complements, and Salu­tations from the Dukes of Saxony, Holstein, Cur­land, Lunenburgh, and other free Princes of Ger­many, full of Respect, and Honour to you.

Here I received likewise Respect and Cere­monies from the English Company at Hambourgh, two days Journy from this City, who sent Mes­sengers to invite me to their House in Hambrough, and expressed all Duty, and Respects to you, as their Superiours:

In my Land-journey which was not without hardship, and want of Conveniencies, where the Armies had been in their late Warrs betwixt these two Hans Towns of Lubecke and Hambourgh: About two Leagues before I came to Hambourgh, my Countrymen of the English Company there, met me upon the way with about Fifty Coaches, and about Two hundred Horsemen, to welcome me to those Parts.

They Treated me Nobly by the way, and Con­ducted me into Hamburgh, where the Streets were so Crowded with People, that we had a difficult passage through them, and generally both in their words and carriage, they expressed all civility and respect unto this Commonwealth.

The same Evening that I came hither, the Lords of Hamburgh sent four of their Senators with their Syndicke to Salute and welcome me to their City, and presented me nobly with Provisions of Fish and Flesh, Wine and Beer, for my Hospitality.

They Congratulated the success of your Treaty with Sweedland, and expressed very high regard to our Commonwealth; they invited me to Col­lations, and did me the Honour to come to my Table, and appointed one of their Chief Military Officers to shew me the Works, and Ammunition of the Town, and others of their own Number, to accompany me to their Town-House, and to inform me in Matters relating to their Judicato­ries.

Indeed their Fortifications are very strong, and regular, and they have great store of Armes, and Ammunition, and give therein a good Pattern for others; as also, for Provisions for their Ship­ping.

Sir, I must do this right to them, that both at my coming thither, and during my stay there, (which was about ten days,) and at my departure from thence, they did upon all occasions manifest as great an esteem and respect for this Common-wealth, as any whom I have met with in Forreign Parts.

Sir, it pleased God to stop our Voyage by con­trary Winds, and to stay us upon the Elbe near Gluckstade, a Town of the King of Denmarks, who hearing of my being there, sent one of his Sena­tours Grave Rossen-Cross, Vice Roy of Holstein, to invite me to his Court.

The Vice Roy came with many Attendants, and not without great danger by the stormy Wea­ther, [Page 587] on Board my Ship, and highly Complement­ed this Commonwealth from his Master; but I knowing the course of Treatments in those Parts, excused my self with the best Civility I could, from going on Shore.

Alledging (what was a truth,) That no per­son having the Command of your Ships (as I then had,) and being on Board them, ought to go from them, without leave, until his Voyage were fini­shed; and that this was my condition at that time.

I had much ado to satisfie the Vice Roy, but he was well pleased with this Treatment, and promi­sed to make my Apology to his Master, and to do all good Offices with him, to testifie his Service to this Commonwealth.

After an extream dangerous, and strong passage betwixt Hambourgh and England, wherein the hand of God appeared wonderfully in the preser­vation of your Servants, we all came in safety to our dear Country.

Thus Sir, I have given you an Account of the whole Transactions of this business, and for any Errours or Miscarriage of mind in the Negotiation, or in this Account I have given you of it, I humbly ask your Pardon.

After he had spoken, the House gave a general Applause, and divers of them stood up, and moved, That he might have the Publick Thanks of the House for the good Service done in this hazardous and Important Business of his Ambassie.

Then the Lord Broghil spake much in commen­dation of the Treaty, and of the Ambassadour, and seconded the Motion, that he might have the Pub­lick Thanks of the House for his good Service.

He added, That there was a considerable Sum of Money due to him, for the Expences of his Am­bassy, and no Gratuity or Reward given for his hazardous and Great Service done for this Com­monwealth.

And further moved, That two thousand pound might be ordered by the House to be paid, in satis­faction of all Arrears due to him, and as a mark of favour from the House.

Others, who were well acquainted with the bu­siness, informed the House, That there was near Two thousand pound Arrears due to him, and that there would be very little of the Two thou­sand pound (if they should order it for him) which would be a Testimony of their Favour and Reward of his Services.

The House unanimously ordered, That two thou­sand pound should be forthwith paid out of the Publick Treasury, in satisfaction of all his Expen­ces in his Ambassy not yet paid, and of all Arrears due to him; and the Speaker according to the or­der did solemnly give him the Thanks of the House for the great Service preformed for this Common-wealth in his Ambassy in Sweden.

[7] Six English Vessels at several times were ta­ken upon the Western Coast, and carried into Brest, and other Havens of France by the Pickeroons.

[8] The States of Holland sent their Command to the Governour of Breda, That if the Queen of Sweden came thither, he should entertain Her ac­cording to the Quality of so great a Princess.

Much Division was amongst them concerning the young Prince of Orange.

[9] Most of the great Commanders of the High-landers came in to the English upon Articles.

[11] The House all the three last Days, and this Debates about the Govern­ment. Day debated upon the Articles of Government.

An Ordinance was Published, to enable such Soldiers as had served the Commonwealth in the late Warrs, to Exercise any Trade.

[12] Oliver being acquainted, that the Debates of the Parliament grew high touching the New Government, and entertaining a Jealousie (to which he was addicted) that this Parliament would either too far invade it, or indeavour to overthrow it, he sent for the Members to meet him in the pain­ted Chamber, where he spake to them to this effect.

That when he met them few days since, and de­livered Protectors Speech. his mind unto them, he did it with much more hopes and Comfort than now; that he was ve­ry sorry to find them falling into heats, and divi­sions. He opened to them the miscarriages of the former long Parliament, and by what means he came to the Government, together with the consent that the people had many wayes given thereunto.

That the other day when he told them they were a free Parliament, he did also consider, there was a Reciprocation: For that the same Government which made them a Parliament, made him Protector; and as they were intrusted with some things, so is he with other things. That there were some things in the Government Fundamental, and could not be al­tered.

1. That the Government should be in one Per­son, and a Parliament.

2. That Parliaments should not be made per­petual; which would deprive the people of their suc­cessive Elections; nor that the Parliament should be always sitting: that is, as soon as one Parliament is up, that another Parliament should come and sit in their places, the very next day; that this could not be, without subjecting the Nation to an Arbi­trary Power in Governing, because Parliaments, when they sit, are absolute and unlimited.

The Third Fundamental was in the matter of the Militia, and therefore for the preventing the two afore­mentioned inconveniences, The Militia was not to be intrusted in any one hand or power, but to be so dis­posed, that as the Parliament ought to have a Check upon the Protector, to prevent excesses in him; so, on the other hand, the Protector ought to have a Check upon the Parliament; in the business of the Militia, to prevent excesses in them; because if it were wholly in the Parliament, they might, when they would, perpetuate themselves.

But now the Militia being disposed as it is, the one stands as a Counterpoiz to the other; and ren­ders the ballance of Government the more even, and the Government it self the more firm and stable.

The Fourth was about a due Liberty of Conscience in matters of Religion; wherein, Bounds and Limits ought to be set, so as to prevent persecution.

That the rest of the things in the Government, were Examinable, and Alterable, as the occasion, and the state of Affairs should require.

That as for a Negative voice, he claimed it not, save onely in the foresaid particulars.

That in all other things he had onely a deliberative power, and if he did not pass such Laws as were presented to him within twenty days after their pre­sentment, they were to be Laws without Consent.

Therefore he told them, that things being thus, he was sorry to understand, that any of them should go about to overthrow what was so setled, contrary to their Trusts received from the people, which could not but bring on very great inconveniences; to pre­vent which, he was necessitated to appoint a Test, or Recognition of the Government, which was to be signed by them, before they went any more into the House.

The Recognition was in these Words; The Re­cognition.

I A. B. do hereby freely promise and Ingage my self to be true and faithful to the Lord Protector and the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and shall not, (according to the tenour of the Indenture whereby I am returned to serve in this [Page 588] present Parliament) propose, or give any Consent to alter the Government as it is setled in one single person, and a Parliament.

This being Ingrossed inparchment, was placed on a Table near the House Door, for the Mem­bers to peruse and sign it; and about 130 of them subscribed it, and took their places; and the House Adjourned for one day, to give time for the rest to sign it.

Major General Harrison was secured by a Par­ty Harrison Secur'd. of Horse, by the Lord Protectors Order.

[13] The Solemn Fast was kept.

An Ordinance passed to give Liberty to car­ry Milstones, Timber, Stones, &c.

[14] Many more of the Members subscribed the Recognition.

The House voted and declared, that the Recog­nition, Vote. did not Comprehend, nor should be con­strued to Comprehend therein, the whole Govern­ment, Recogniti­on. consisting of Forty two Articles, but that it doth onely include what concerns the Govern­ment of the Commonwealth by a single Person, and successive Parliaments.

An Ordinance Published touching Fines

The University of Oxford acknowledge the re­spect Oxford. of the Protector to them, in continuing their Chancellor, and bestowing on the Publick Libra­ry there twenty four Manuscripts in Greek, and for muificently ordering an Hundred pound per Annum to a Divinity Reader.

[15] A Ship from Saint Lucar came into the Downs, and in her 100000 l. in Plate, besides o­ther Rich Goods.

Some Barks were cast away near Pool, laden with Linnen.

[16] After a sharp Conflict with Sir Arthur Forbes in Scotland, he was taken Prisoner and his Scotland. Forces dispersed.

Cornet Peas with twenty five horse, set upon Montross, who had 200 horse and Foot, and Killed five, took eight Prisoners, and twenty seven horse; Montross and his Officers hardly escaping, and took divers Commissions and Instructions from the King.

[18] The Parliament passed a Declaration, to which the Protector assented, for a Fast to be kept in the three Nations.

The Parliament Passed these Votes.

That all persons Returned, or who shall be Returned Votes. to serve in this present Parliament, shall (before they be admitted to sit in this House) subscribe the Recognition. That those Subscriptions shall be taken in the presence of any two Members, who have subscribed the Recogni­tion.

[19] The Parliament sat in a grand Committee, and ordered so to sit de Die in Diem, to debate the Act of Government, till they have gone through the Act of Go­vernment. Forty two Articles.

They Voted, that the Supream Legislative autho­rity Votes shall reside in a Lord Protector and the People as­sembled in Parliament, and that the present Lord Pro­tector shall continue during life.

The Lord Lorn, the Earl of Argyle's Son, took a essel Loaden with Provisions, that was going to his Father, and took her men Prisoners.

Fleetwood was Proclaimed Lord Deputy in Ireland. Ireland.

[20] The Parliament debated, in a grand Com­mittee, upon the articles of Government, as they Debates. did dayly.

[21] Still the debates continued in a grand Com­mitee, upon the Articles of Government, and se­veral Votes were passed by the Committee.

[22] Collonel L. F [...]ester in Scotland, sub­mitted Scotland. upon Articles to the English Commonwealth, and no enemy appeared in Scotland.

The English Commissioners appointed Magistrates and Councels, for the several Burgs in Scotland. October.

[23] Divers Noblemen and others of Scotland, who had Fines imposed on them, by an Ordinance of the Protector and his Council, came into the English Commissioners, to offer what they could for Remission of those Mulcts.

[25] Debate about the Ordinance for ejecting Scandalous Ministers. Scandalous and Ignorant Ministers, and ordered that the Members for the several Counties do bring in the names of fit persons to be Commissioners in this Act in the respective Counties.

[26] An Ordinance of the Protector and his Coun­cel, made a little before the Parliament sat, was now Published, appointing Commissioners to survey Fo­rests, Mannors, Lands, &c. of the late King.

Another for the taking an Act of moneys upon the Act for Propagation of the Gospel in Wales.

Another for bringing in several branches of the revenue under the management of the Commissioners of the Treasury and Exchequer.

Three small Prizes brought in.

[27] The Lord Louden late Chancellor of Scot­land, Lo [...]don. was seized upon by some of his own Party, intending to make their Peace by him, but he got off from them, receiving a shot in his Neck.

Collonel Morgan came out of Scotland for En­gland, and Collonel Overton was sent into the north of Scotland to Command in his place.

Bremen sent Commissioners to the States of Hol­land, to desire their assistance to repel the Swede.

Count William of Nassau went from one good Prince Orange. Town to another in Holland, feasting the Magi­strates and people, to gain their affections t [...] the Prince of Orange.

M. Howard Son to the Earl of Arundel, slew one Mr. Holland in the passage going to the Star-Cham­ber, where a Committee sat.

[28] The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Com­mon Councel of London, Published their Order, in pursuance of an Ordinance of the Lord Pro­tector and his Councel, for restraint of Hackney Coaches.

[29] A new Lord Mayor of London chosen, Al­derman Pack.

The new Sheriffs of London were Sworn in the Exchequer.

[30] The Grand Committee of Parliament Debate [...] ▪ debated the Articles of Government, and came to some further Results and Votes upon several parts of them, which they ordered to be Repor­ted to the House forthwith.

October, 1654.

[Oct. 2] The Marquess of Montross and his party in Scotland came in upon the like Articles, as the Earl of Athol had done.

Those of Bremen were much put to it by the Swede.

[3] The business betwen England and the States of Holland, in relation to their East-India Company, was concluded by Commissioners on both parts, to their Contentment.

Commissioners met to reconcile the differences betwixt the Sweeds and Bremen.

[4] A French Prize was brought in, and seven more French Prizes, Bankers, sent in.

[5] Much Endeavour in Holland for setting up the Orange Party.

[6] The Parliament being resolved into a Grand Recogniti­on. Committee sat every day upon the Articles of Government. Three Hundred Members of the House had subscribed the Recognition.

Letters of the Death of the Old Chancellor of [Page 589] Sweden, Oxensterne, and that his Son Grave Erit Oxensterne, was to succeed him.

[7] Middleton ranged up and down in Ar­gile Countrey in Scotland, with about 40 Horse, and some Foot, but few came in to him to add Middleton to his Numbers.

[9] Twelve French ships taken by Captain Gethings, and four more of the English Fleet.

Some more Parliament men were chosen in Scot­land.

[10] Divers Members returned for several pla­ces where they were Elected, made their Elections in the House, for which of those places they would serve; and new Writs issued for Electing Mem­bers in the Places waved by them. Elections.

Questions about some of the Elections of Par­liament men for Scotland, were heard at the Com­mittee of Priviledges. In regard of the Plenty of Corn, butter and Cheese, which God gave us this year, It was referred to a Committee to consider how some incouragement may be had for the trans­portation thereof, and the Statutes in force against Ingrossers.

A Committee appointed to consider of the Ordinances made by the Protector, and his Coun­cel.

[11] The Solemn Fast kept.

[12] The House sat in a Grand Committee about the Government. The Go­vernment.

[13] The Highlanders in Scotland having stollen 100 Cattle from the Low-lands, a Party of the English Army routed them, killed a Lieutenant Collonel, and one or two others, and routed the rest.

[14] Lawson defeated the French in Caneda, and took their Forts from them.

[16] Sir Mungo Murray taken Prisoner in the Highlands by Captain Elsemore, and his Party routed.

[17] The Inhabitants of Ireland, being very sensible of the mischiefs done to them by the To­ries, Ireland. made head against them, slew divers, and brought their heads into Kilkenny.

The business of transplanting distasted the Irish more than any other thing.

At Delfe in Holland a Magazine of 700 barrels of Powder was casually set on Fire, burnt about 300 Houses and a great Number of People, and in the Hague 3 miles distant, their glass windows were beaten down with the blow.

Four French Vessels sent in Prizes.

[18] Working in the Netherlands for advance­ment of the Party of the Prince of Orange.

[19] The House sat this day, and the three The Go­vernment. former days in a Grand Committee about the Government, and had much debate whether it should be Elective, or Hereditary, as to the sin­gle person, the Protector of the Common-wealth.

[20] The Inhabitants of Edenburgh were ve­ry cross to the Parliaments Souldiers quartered among them.

[21] The Parliament continued sitting in a Grand Committee upon the Articles of Govern­ment.

[23] Four more French Prizes brought into Plimouth.

[24] Hammond, one of the Parliaments Com­missioners, died at Dublin.

Two English Souldiers brought to the Gallows in Edenburgh for Robery, one was hanged, and the other saved by Lot; and more Souldiers were then Scourged at the Gallows Foot for the same offence.

The Clergy in Scotland refused to observe the Scotland. Fast-day ordered by the Protector, it being their Principle, Not to receive any directions for the kee­ping Fasts from the Civil Magistrate. Novem.

A Party of the Scots taken, and killed in the Highlands, by a small party of the English For­ces.

[25] A Committee appointed to bring in a Bill, for the relief of Creditors, and poor pri­soners.

The Committee for Religion sat, and the Com­mittee for regulating of the Chancery.

The Parliament approved, and Confirmed the Parlia­ment. present Lord Deputy of Ireland, the present Lords Commissioners of the great Seal of England, the Commissioners of the Treasury, and the two Chief Justices.

[26] The Parliament continued the considerati­on of the Government.

[27] Don Antonio Piementelle appointed to go Ambassador extraordinary from the King of Spain to the King of Sweden.

At Delph in Holland by the late fire 500 per­sons were Killed, 250 wounded, and 500 houses burnt to Ashes.

[28] Brest Pirates took four English Ships, and Barques.

[30] The new Lord Maior of London, Alder­man Packe, took his Oath before then Baronsof the Exchequer.

In a great Fire in Edenburgh the English Souldiers were so active to stop it, that thereby they gained much upon the affections of the Citizens, and 30 of them, and of the Inhabitants, were Slain by the fall of Timber, and Houses on fire upon them.

Some small Skirmishes were between little par­ties of the Highlanders, and the Parliaments For­ces.

[31] Voted by the Parliament that any Na­tives of the Commonwealth may transport Wheat when the Price shall not exceed six and thirty Corn Transpor­ted. Shillings the quarter, paying Four-pence the Quar­ter Custome.

And Rye, when it exceeds not Four and twen­ty shillings the Quarter, paying three pence the Quarter Custom.

And Barly or Mault, when the Price of it ex­ceeds not twenty shillings the Quarter, paying two pence the Quarter Custom.

And Pease, not being above four a [...]d twenty shillings the Quarter, paying three pence the quar­ter Custom.

And Beans, not being above four and twenty shillings the Quarter, paying three pence the Quar­ter Custom.

The Corn to be transported in Vessels of this Commonwealth.

Butter to be transported, when it is not above six pence the pound. A Bill to be brought in for this purpose.

November, 1654.

[1. Nov.] The Officers of the Army met at St. James's to keep a day of praying together.

The Resident of the Duke of Guelders had Audi­ence Duke of Guilders. of the Protector, declaring the late decease of his Master, and the acknowledgment he made upon his death bed of the Favours and Protection he had receiv'd from the Protector, desiring the continu­nuance of his Favour and Protection to his Son.

[2] The Lord Lorn the Marquls of Argiles Son, continued in Rebellion against his Father.

Collonel Hammonds Funeral solemnized at Dub­lin with much State.

[Page 590] [3] The Parliament sat upon the Articles of Government, and voted the forfeiture of Lands for Treason, and Delinquency.

[4] Petitions of the Lord Craven, Sir John Sto­well, and others, referred to several Committees.

[6] Debate about the Bill for Ejecting Igno­rant and Scandalous Ministers and School-Masters; and Voted, That in the mean time the Ordinance for Ejecting them, passed by the Protector and his Coun­cel, shall not be suspended.

Order for Accounts to be brought in, of the value of all Customs, and Receipts in several Offi­ces.

Petition of the Doctors of the Civil Law in be­halfe Civil Law. of themselves, and their profession, was re­ferred to a Committee.

A Committee of Ten persons appointed to con­fer with His Highness, about stating the Point of Liberty of Conscience.

[7] Order to examine, and punish the Authors, Pamphlets and publishers of a Scandalous, and Treasonable pamphlet, entituled. Collonel Shapcots speech in Par­liament, and the Sergeant at Arms to seize the Copies.

[8] The Protector and his Councel considered of the Nomination of new Sheriffes in the seve­ral Counties.

[9] Long debate by Councel at the Committee for the Lord Cravens, and Sir John Stowells Pe­titions.

[10] Debate in Parliament upon the Articles Govern­ment. of Government, That the Supream Legislative pow­er shall be in one Person, and the People assembled in Parliament, being the first Article.

And upon the 24 Article, That if the Protector consent not to Bills presented to him within twenty days, that they shall pass as Laws, without his con­sent.

This Letter came from Seldon to Whitlock.

My Lord,

I am a most humble Suitor to your Lordship, that Selden. you would be pleased that I might have your pre­sence for a little time to morrow or next day. Thus much wearies the most weak hand and body of

Novemb. 10. 1654. White Fryers
Your Lordships most humble Servant J. Selden.

Whitlock went to him, and was advised with about settling his Estate, and altering his Will, and to be one of his Executors. But his weakness so encreased, that his intentions were prevented. He dyed the last of this Month. He lived at the Countess of Kents house in the White-Fryers. His mind was as great as his learning. He was as hospitable and generous as any man, and as good Company to those whom he liked.

The Primate of Ireland preached his funeral Sermon in the Temple Church, and gave him a great and due Eulogie.

[11] The Parliament agreed upon the first and 24th Articles of Government, with little altera­tion.

[13] A Petition of the Purchasers of the Lord Cravens Estate, referred to the former Committe, likewise a Petition of Sir John Stowell.

The King of Swedens Marriage was solemnized Sweden. at Stockholm the 14th of October last.

[14] Prince William of Nassaw received by the Province of Over-Issell to be Governour there, du­ring the minority of the Prince of Orange.

[15] The House proceeded in the debate of the Articles of Government.

They considered of an Assesment for the pre­venting of free Quarter.

The Lord Lorn sent parties into his Fathers Coun­trey to steal Cows.

[16] The Parliament voted His Highness to be Lord Protector, &c. during his life.

They debated about the business of the Militia by Sea and Land.

[17] A List published of the several Sheriffs for England and Wales, agreed on by the Protector and his Councel.

Much debate at the Committee concerning the Lord Cravens, and Sir John Stowels business.

A Fire in Amsterdam quenched, by casting Sand upon it.

Some few of Middletons party in Scotland roam­ing up and down were routed by the Parliaments Forces.

The Funeral of the Protectors Mother Solem­nized at Westminster Abby.

[20] The Parliament sat Forenoon and after-noon Govern­ment. upon the Government, and agreed fully up­on the first Article, and the 24th.

[21] Vote for an Assesment of 60000l. a month, for three months, to be laid on England.

Petition concerning Sir Peter Vanlores Estate, referred to a Committee.

Some small Skirmishes were in the Highlands.

[22] A Committee appointed to consider of the Accounts of the Kingdom, and who have any publick moneys in their hands.

The King of Scots was at Colen, and the Queen of Bohemia went to Flanders, to visit the Queen of Sweden.

[23] The House in the Forenoon upon the Government, and in the Afternoon upon the Assess­ment.

[24] Five Hundred Irish were landed in some Middleton Isles of Scotland, to joyne with Middleton, and Seaford, 160 horse more were to joyn with them, and to force the Clans to rise with them.

The Parliament voted, That no Law should be Votes. altered, or repealed, nor new Laws made, nor any Tax imposed, but by assent of Parliament.

[25] The Parliament voted, That a new Par­liament should be summoned to meet upon the third Monday of October 1656.

They called for a Report from the Committee Chancery. for Regulating the Chancery.

Seven English Ships, and divers Forreign Ships cast away by a storm near Dover.

[27] The Parliament passed several Votes, touching Qualifications of persons to be chosen to serve in Parliament, and for the Electors. Elections.

Vote that a new Parliament shall be every third Votes. year, and not to sit above six Months, but by Act of Parliament with the Protectors Consent, and that to be but for three Months longer.

That the Protector may Summon Parliaments with­in the three years, if he see Cause, to sit for three Moneths, and the Summons to be by Writ according to Law.

The Chancellor or Commissioners of the Seal to issue Writs of Summons, without the Protectors War­rant, if he issue not his Warrant for it by a time limited in the Vote, and how the Elections shall be made.

Order for a Bill against drinking of Healths, Drunck­ards. and the same penalties to be imposed on Drunk­ards, as are by the Act upon Swearers, and for a Bill to supply the defects in the Acts against Swearing and Gaming.

[Page 591] The Ordinance for Regulating the Chancery, suspended for a time.

No private business to be taken into Conside­ration for a Moneth.

That the publick Accounts be taken.

A Committee made to inquire of forged De­benters.

[28] The Lord Ambassador Bourdeaux from the King of France had audience of the Prote­ctor.

A Committee made to confer with His High­ness about Retrenching the Forces of the Com­mon-wealth.

[29] The House sat in a Grand Committee up­on the Bill of Assessment.

Don Antonio Piementelli arrived at Bruxells with some Presents from the King of Spain to the Queen of Sweden.

[30] Count William of Nassaw carried on his design with all the interrest he could make, for setting up the Prince of Orange, but it was fruitless.

The Parliament sat every day Forenoon and Govern­ment. Afternoon, about the Government.

Much debate was had and time spent at the Committee for the Lord Cravens business.

December, 1654.

[Decemb. 1.] Seven or Eight English Vessels taken by the Brest Pyrates.

A Ship came from Guinnee with much Gold in her.

[2] A Ship laden with rich Goods from Smyr­na, was the day after her Arrival in the Thames Fired by Accident, and the Ship and Goods burn­ed.

[4] That a Party under Captain Lisle and Lieu­tenant Heylin routed a greater Party under the Scotland. Lord Kenoull and the Lord Oudop, and took both the Lords Prisoners, and 82 Officers and Souldiers, and all their Arms.

[5] Votes of the Parliament for choosing suc­ceeding Protectors, and their Councel, and the form of an Oath, to be taken by the Councel.

The Act past for the Assessment.

That the Assesment for Scotland shall be for Assess­ment. 8000 l. per Mensem, and the like Sum upon Ire­land.

[6] The Parliament voted that the Protector for Pardon. the time being should not have power to pardon Mur­der or Treason.

Letters from Major Sedgwicks, of the taking of divers Forts, from the French in the West-Indies.

[7] Major General Overton was careful in sup­plying the Garrisons in the Highlands in Scotland.

[8] The Parliament had a long debate upon a Clause of Liberty of tender Consciences.

The City of Bremen could not come to an a­greement with the King of Sweden, by reason of the Divisions of the Citizens, the Lutherans a­gainst the Calvinists.

[9] General Blake with his Fleet was come up into the Streights.

[11] The Parliament Voted That the true, Re­formed; Protestant, Christian Religion, shall be Pub­lickly Vote. Professed, and Maintained. Religion.

A Committee named to Consider of a way for a Compleat allowance for Ministers out of Impro­priations, or otherwise where it was wanting.

That to Bills touching Liberty of Conscience, the Protector shall have a Negative, But not to Bills for suppressing Heresies.

That Damnable Heresies in the Bill shall be enu­ [...]erated:

A Petition from Poor Publick Faith lenders.

At the Marriage of the King of Swedland with Decemb. Sweden. the Princess of Holstein, by the Arch-Bishop of Ʋpsale, Grave Erit Oxenstierne Chancellor, made an Oration, in Commendation of the Queen, and the Alliance; all the great Guns and small shot in Stockholme were discharged, and the Ships gave 5000 shot, and there were great Triumphs, and Solemnities.

[12] The Parliament Voted two Books, Printed Biddle. under the name of John Biddle, to Contain many Impious and Blasphemous Opinions against the Deity of the Holy Ghost; and that the Books shall be burnt Holy Ghost. by the Hand of the Hangman, and named a Commit­tee to Examine and find out the Authors, Printers, and Publishers of these Books.

General Blake before Cadiz Road received great Blake. respect and Civility from the Spaniards, and from the English and Dutch Ships in the Road, in their Saluting him; and a Dutch Admiral there would not wear his Flagg whilst General Blake was in the Harbour.

In the Streights Mouth one of his Victualling Ships was separated from the Fleet by Storms, and taken by the French Admiral with seven men of War, who Examined the Captain of the Victu­aller where General Blake was, and drank to him, with five Guns, and discharged the Captain and his Ship.

De Wit, and other Dutch Ships struck Sayl to him in the Streights.

The Governour of Gibraltar Feasted some of his Company who went on shore there, and shewed great Honour and Civility to them.

The Argiers men, when they meet with any Sally men of War that have any English in them, cause them to surrender, and brought the Captives to General Blake, and were very kind to his Fleet.

[13] Mr. Biddle brought to the Bar of the house [...] Biddle. owned his books, and was Comitted to the Gate-House.

The Lord Lorn went into a little Island not ha­ving above Four or Five men with him.

[14] The Prince of Conde went to Antwerp to to Visit the Queen of Sweden.

The Parliament had long debates upon the point Debates. of Liberty of tender Consciences. But came to no Result.

Divers Fundamentals in Religion were proposed by Ministers to be established by them.

[15] Divers Merchants Ships richly laden from several Foreign parts, arrived safely in the Port of London.

[16] The House sat on the Government.

[18] The Parliament Voted, That without the Consent of the Lord Protector and Parliament, no Vote. Laws shall be made for the Restrayning of such tender Consciences as shall differ in Doctrine, worship and Tender. Conscien­ces. Discipline from the Publick Profession, and shall not abuse this Liberty, to the Civil Injury of others, or the Disturbance of the Publick Peace.

And that the present establishment as to the Govern­ment. standing Forces of the Nation shall be 20000 Foot, and 10000 Horse, and Dragooners, and the Asses­ment Standing Army. of 6000 l. per Mensem for their Maintenance.

A Committee Named to Consider, how a stan­ding Court of Judicature may be setled at York, York. for the five Northern Counties.

And how the probate of Wills, granting Ad­ministrations, and Recovery of Legacies, may be setled throughout England, and Wales, and Ire­land.

A Petition of the Owners of Fen-Lands referred to a Committee.

[19] Divers Commanders of the Highlanders [Page 592] came in to Major General Overton and Middleton had left with him but Forty men.

A Revenue of 200000 l per Annum Voted to be setled upon the Lord Protector, and His Suc­cessors, for defraying Publick Charges, and to Revenue. maintain the Dignity of his place.

[20] The Parliament agreed that all Sales of the Kings Lands, and of Bishops, Deans, and Parlia­ment. Chapters Lands, should stand good, and vallid; and that all Securities for Moneys should stand good, and Debts upon Publick Faith should be satisfied.

And that Articles given to the enemy should be Confirmed.

They passed on Oath to be taken by the Lord [...] Protector, and His Successors, for the due calling of Parliaments, for the good Government of the Nation.

That the Councel shall be Sworn before the Council. Parliament when they sit, and in the Intervals of Parliament, before the Comissioners of the great Seal.

That Whitehal, Saint Jameses, the Mews, Sum­mer [...]et Whitehall. House, Greenwich, Hampton Court, Wind­sor, and the manner of York, be kept unsold for the Protectors Use.

That all Moneys be brought into the Exche­quer, and all Publick Debts [...]ued for, in the Pro­tectors name.

[22] Storms in Scotland destroyed many hun­dred of Cattle.

More came in to Major General Overton, and di­vers others of his Party.

The Bill touching the Articles of Government, Read the First time.

Dr. Walker appointed to be of Council for the Commonwealth in the business of the Lord Cra­ven.

[23] A Petition of Disbanded O [...]ficers for their Arrears, referred to a Committee.

A Petition from the University of Cambridge, referred to a Committee.

The Bill for settling the Government was Read [...]. the Second time; and the House Sate Forenoon and Afternoon in the Debate of it.

[25] The House sate, though it was Christmas-Day, and proceeded in their Debates touching the Government.

[26] Arguments before a Committee, concern­ing [...]. Craven. the Lord Cravens Business, on his part, and for the Purchasers of his Estate; the Lord Cravens Council shewed Presidents, That Judgments against a Party unheard have been Reversed in Succeeding Parliaments; The Purchasers Council insisted on the Credit of the Act of Parliament, which per­swaded them to buy his Lands.

[27] Letters of Solemnities at Stockholm upon the Marriage of their King.

[28] The House proceeded in their Debates Govern­ment. touching the Government.

[29] The Government by the Protector was still the subject of the Houses Debate.

[30] A Quaker came to the door of the Parliament, and drawing his Sword, fell to slashing those near him, and knocked at the door aloud; he was laid hold on, and Committed to Prison.

January, 1654.

[Jan. 1.] The House Debated the Matter of Electi­on of Members for succeeding Parliaments.

[3] The Quaker, being Examined by a Commit­tee why he drew his Sword, and hurt divers at Quakers. the Parliament door; answered, That he was inspi­red by the Holy Spirit, to Kill every man that sate January. in the House.

The House Debated the Point of Liberty of Con­science upon the New Government, and agreed to give it to all who shall not maintain Atheism, Pope­ry, Prelacy, Prophaneness, or any damnable Heresie, to be enumerated by the Parliament.

[7] The Parliament continued their Debates Govern­ment. touching the Government, wherein many things were spoken, which gave great Offence to the Pro­tector and his Council; and cause of Suspition that no good was to be expected from them.

[8] The Parliament continued not inclinable to the Protectors desires.

[11] The Parliament made what haste they could to finish their Debates.

[16] The business of Parliament was not like­ly to come to a good Issue.

[17] The Protector advised about sending a Fleet to the West-Indies.

The Protector began to be weary of the Parlia­ment, and to have thoughts of Dissolving it. He was advised to the contrary, upon Experiences of former inconveniences upon the Dissolution of Par­liaments, which ever caused ill blood; however not to Dissolve it till after the time was past that they were to Sit by the Instrument of Government, but the Protector seemed not to be very Sollicitous thereof, and was resolute to part with them; and some of his Councel were not backward to promote what they perceiv'd he was inclin'd to have done.

[19] Much Debate was at Whitehall about Dis­solving of the Parliament.

[22] The Protector Dissolved the Parliament, having first made this Speech;

Gentlemen,

I Perceive, you are here as the House of Par­liament, by your Speaker, whom I see here, and by your faces, which are, in a great measure, known to me.

When I first met you in this Room, it was, to my apprehension, the hopefullest day that ever mine eyes saw, as to considerations of this World: For I did look at (as wrapt up in you, together with my self) the hopes and the happiness of (though not of the great­est, yet a very great, and) the best People in the World; and truly and unfeignedly I thought so; as a People that have the highest and the clearest pro­fession among them, of the greatest glory (to wit) Religion; as a People that have been like other Nations, sometimes up, and sometimes down, in our honour in the World, but yet never so low, but w [...] might measure with other Nations; and a People that have had a stamp upon them from God, God having (as it were) summed all our former Glory and Ho­nour, in the things that are of Glory to Nations, in an Epitomie, within these 10 or 12 Years last past; so that we knew one another at home, and are well known abroad.

And (if I be not very much mistaken) we were arrived (as I, and truly, as I beleive, many others did think) at a very safe Port, where we might sit down, and contemplate the dispensations of God, and our mercies, and might know our mercies not to have been like to those of the Antients, who did make out their Peace and Prosperity, as they thought, by their own endeavours; who could not say, as We, That all Ours were let down to Ʋs from God him­self, whose Appearances and Providences amongst Ʋs are not to be out-matched by any Story.

Truly this was our condition, and I know nothing else we had to do, save as Israel was commanded, [Page 603] Anno 1655 in that most excellent Psalm of David, Psal. 78. v. 4, 5, 6, 7. The things, which we have heard and known, and our Fathers have told us, we will not hide them from their Children, shewing to the Gene­ration to come the praise of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works which he hath done; for he established a Testimony in Jacob, and appointed a Law in Israel, which he commanded our Fathers that they should make them known to their Children, that the Generation to come might known them, even the Children which should be born, who should arise and declare them to their Children, that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his Commandments.

This I thought had been a Song and a Work wor­thy of England, whereunto you might have happily invited them, had you had Hearts unto it.

You had this opportunity fairly delivered unto you; And if a History shall be written of these times, and of Transactions, it will be said (it will not be denied) but that these things that I have spoken are true.

This Talent was put into your hands, and I shall r [...] ­cur to that which I said at the first, I came with very great joy, and contentment, and comfort, the first time I met you in this Place: But we and these Nations are, for the present, under some disappointment. If I had purp [...]sed to have plaid the Oratour, which I did never affect, nor do, nor I hope shall, I doubt not but upon [...]asie suppositions, which I am perswaded every one among you will grant, we did meet upon such hopes as these.

I met you a second time here, and I confess, at that meeting I had much abatement of my hopes, though not a total frustration. I confess, that that which dampt my hopes so soon, was somewhat that did look like a Paricide. It is obvious enough unto you, that the management of Affairs did savour of a not-owning, too too much savour I say of a not-owning the Authority that called you hither; but God left us not without an Expedient that gave a second possibili­ty; shall I say, a Possibility? it seemed to Me a Pro­bability of recovering out of that Dissatisfied Con­dition, we were all then in, towards some mutuality of Satisfaction, and therefore by that Recognition, suiting with the Indenture that returned you hither, to which afterwards also was added your own Declara­tion, conformable to, and in acceptance of, that Ex­pedient, whereby you had (though with a little Check) another opportunity renewed unto you to have made this Nation as happy, as it could have been, if every thing had smoothly run on from that first hour of your meeting.

And indeed, (you will give me liberty of my thoughts and hopes) I did think, as I have formerly found in that way that I have been engaged as a Souldier, That some affronts put upon us, some disasters at the first, have made way for very great and happy Suc­cesses.

And I did not at all despond, but the Stop put upon you, would in like manner have made way for a blessing from God, that that Interruption being, as I thought, necessary to divert you from destructive and violent proceedings, to give time for better Delibera­tions; whereby, leaving the Government as you found it, you might have proceeded to have made those good and wholsome Laws, which the People expected from you; and might have answered the Grievances, and settled those other things proper to you as a Parli­ament, and for which you would have had thanks from all that intrusted you.

What hath hapned since that time, I have not taken publick▪ notice of, as declining to intrench upon Parli­ament Priviledges: For sure I am, you will all bear me witness, that from your entring into the House upon the Recognition, to this very day, you have had no manner▪ of Interruption or Hindrance of mine, in proceeding to that blessed issue the heart of a good man could propose to himself, to this very day.

You see you have me very much lockt up as to what you transacted among your selves from that time to this, but some thing I shall take liberty to speak of to you. As I may not take notice what you have been doing, so I think I have a very great liberty to tell you, that I do not know what you have been doing▪ [...] do not know whether you have been alive or dead, I have not once Heard from you in all this time, I have not, and that you all know If that be a fault that I have not, surely it hath not been mine.

If I have had any Melancholy thoughts, and have sate down by them, why might it not have been ve­ry lawful to me, to think that I was a Person judged Unconcerned in all these businesses? I can assure you, I have not reckoned my self, nor did I reckon my self Unconcerned in you, and so long as any Just pa­tience could support my expectation, I would have waited to the uttermost to have received from you the issues of your Consultations and Resolutions; I have been careful of your Safety, and the Safety of those that you represented, to whom I reckon my self a Servant.

But what Messages have I disturbed you withall? What Injury or Indignity hath been done or offer­ed, either to your Persons, or to any Priviledges of Parliament, since you sate? I looked at my self, as strictly obliged by my Oath since your Recognizing the Government, in the Authority of which you were called hither, and sate to give you all possible secu­rity, and to keep you from any Unparliamentary interruption.

Think you I could not say more upon this subject, if I listed to expaciate thereupon? but because my Actions plead for me I shall say no more of this.

I say, I have been caring for you, your quiet sit­ting, caring for your Priviliges (as I said before) that they might not be Interrupted; have been seek­ing of God, from the great God, a bessing upon you, and a blessing upon these Nations; I have been con­sulting, if possibly I might in any thing promote, in my Place, the real good of this Parliament, of the hopefulness of which I have said so much unto you.

And I did think it to be my business, rather to see the utmost issue, and what God would produce by you, than unseasonably to intermeddle with you. But as I said before, I have been caring for you, and for the Peace and Quiet of the Nations, indeed I have, and that I shall a little presently manifest unto you.

And it leadeth me to let you know somewhat that I fear, I fear will be through some interpretation [...]a little too justly put upon you, whilest you have been imployed as you have been, (and in all that time ex­pressed in the Government, in that Government, I say, in that Government) brought forth nothing that you your selves can be taken notice of with out infringment of your Privileges.

I will tell you somewhat, that (if it be not news to you) I wish you had taken very serious conside­ration of; If it be news, I wish I had acquainted you with it sooner: And yet if any man will ask me why I did it not, the Reason is given already, be­cause I did make it my business to give no Inter­ruption.

There be some Trees that will not grow under the shadow of other Trees; There be some that chuse (a man may say so by way of allusion) to thrive under the shadow of other Trees: I will tell you what hath thriven, I will not say what you have cherished under your shadow, that were too hard. [Page 594] Instead of the Peace and Settlement, instead of Mercy and Truth being brought together, Righte­ousness and Peace kissing each other, by reconci­ling the honest People of these Nations, and settling the woful Distempers that are amongst us, (which had been glorious things, and worthy of Christians to have proposed) Weeds and Nettles, Briars, and Thorns, have thriven under your shadow, disset­tlement and division, discontentment and dis-satis­faction, together with real dangers to the whole, has been more multiplied within these five Moneths of your sitting, than in some Years before.

Foundations have been also laid for the future re­newing the Troubles of these Nations by all the Enemies of it abroad and at home; Let not these words seem too sharp, for they are true, as any Ma­thematical Demonstrations are or can be; I say, the Enemies of the Peace of these Nations abroad and at home, the discontented humors throughout these Nations, which I think no man will grudg to call by that name, or to make to allude to Bri­ars and Thorns, they have nourished themselves un­der your shadow.

And that I may be clearly understood, they have taken the opportunities from you Sitting, from the hopes they had, which with easie conjecture they might take up, and conclude, that there would be no Set­tlement, and therefore they have framed their De­signs, preparing for the execution of them accor­dingly.

Now whether (which appertains not to me to judg of on their behalf) they had any occasion ministred for this, and from whence they had it, I list not to make any scrutiny or search, but I will say this, I think they had them not from me, I am sure they had not; from whence they had it is not my business now to discourse, but that they had, is obvious to every mans sense.

What preparations they have made to execute in such a season as they thought fit to take their op­portunity from, that I know (not as men know things by conjecture but) by certain demonstrable knowledg, that they have been (for some time past) furnishing themselves with Arms, nothing doubting, but that they should have a Day for it; and verily believing, that whatsoever their former disappointments were, they should have more done for them by and from our own Divisions, than they were able to do for them­selves. I do not, and I desire to be understood so, that in all I have to say of this subject, you will take it that I have no reservation in my mind to min­gle things of Guess and Suspition, with things of Fact, but the things I am telling are of Fact, things of evident demonstration.

These Weeds, Briars and Thorns, they have been preparing, and have brought their Designs to some maturity, by the advantages given to them,, as afore­said, from your Sitting and proceedings; but by the waking eye that watched over that Cause that God will bless, they have been, and yet are disappoint­ted. And having mentioned that Cause, I say that slighted Cause, Let me speak a few words in behalf thereof (though it may seem too long a digression) Whosoever despiseth it, and will say it is Non Cau­sa pro Causa, the all-searching Eye before mention­ed will find out that Man, and will judg him, as one that regardeth not the Works of God, nor the operations of his hands, for which God hath threat­ned that he will cast men down, and not build them up; that because he can dispute, and tell us, He knew not where the Cause begun, or where it is, but mo­delleth it according to his own intellect, and submits not to the appearances of God in the World, there­fore he lifts up his heel against God, and mocketh at all his providences, laughing at the observations made up not without Reason, and the Scriptures, but by the quickning and teaching Spirit, which gives life to the other, calling such observations Enthu­siasms. Such men, I say, no wonder if they stumble and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken by the things of which they are so maliciously and wilfully ignorant. The Scriptures say, The Rod hath a voice, and he will make himself known, and he will make himself known by the Judgments which he executeth; and do we not think he will, and does by the providences of Mercy and kindness which he hath for his People, and for their just Liberties, whom he loves as the Apple of his Eye? Doth he not by them manifest himself? And is he not thereby also seen, giving Kingdoms for them, gi­ving men for them, and People for their lives? as it is in the 43. of Isaiah. Is not this as fair a Le­cture, and as clear speaking, as any thing our dark Reason, left to the Letter of the Scriptures, can col­lect from them. By this voice has God spoken very loud on the behalf of his People, by judging their Enemies in the late War, and restoring them a li­berty to worship with the freedom of their Consci­ences, and freedom in their Estates and Persons, when they do so. And thus we have found the Cause of God by the Works of God, which are the Testi­mony of God, upon which Rock whosoever splits, shall suffer shipwrack.

But it is Our Glory, and it is Mine, if I have any in the World, concerning the Interest of those that have an Interest in a better World; It is My Glory, that I know a Cause, which yet we have not lost, but do hope we shall take a little pleasure rather to lose our Lives than lose. But you will excuse this long digression.

I say unto you, whilst you have bin in the midst of these Transactions, that Party, that Cavalleer Party, (I could wish some of them had thrust in here to have heard what I say) the Cavalleer party, have bin designing and preparing to put this Nation in blood again with a witness; but because I am con­fident there are none of that Sort here, therefore I shall say the less to that; onely this I must tell you, they have been making great preparations of Arms, and I do believe, will be made evident to you that they have raked out many thousands of Arms, even all that this City could afford, for divers Moneths last past.

But it will be said, May we not arm Our selves for the Defence of our Houses? will any body find fault for that? No, for that, the reason of their do­ing so hath been as explicite, and under as cleer proof, as the fact of doing so, for which I hope by the Justice of the Land, some will, in the face of the Nation, Answer it with their lives, and then the business will be pretty well out of doubt.

Banks of Money have been framing for these, and other such like uses; Letters have been issued, with Privy Seals, to as great Persons as most are in the Na­tion, for the advance of Moneys, which have been discovered to Us by the persons themselves; Com­missions for Regiments of Horse and Foot, and Com­mand of Castles, have been like wise given from Charles Stuart, since your Sitting; and what the general insolencies of that party have been, the ho­nest people have been sensible of, and can very well testifie.

It hath not been only thus; but as in a Quinzey or Pleurisie, where the humour fixeth in one part, give it scope, it will gather to that place, to the ha­zarding of the whole, and it is natural to do so, till it destroy nature, in that Person on whomsoever this befalls.

So likewise will those diseases take accidental Cau­ses of aggravation of their distemper; and this was [Page 595] that which I did assert, that they have taken Acci, dental Causes, for the growing and encreasing of those Distempers, as much as would have been in the natural body, if timely remedy were not applyed. And indeed, things were come to that pass (in respect of which I shall give you a particular account) that no mortal Physician, if the Great Physician had not stept in, could have cured the Distemper.

Shall I lay this upon your Accompt, or my own? I am sure I can l [...]y it upon Gods Accompt, that if he had not stept in, the Disease had been mortal and destructive; and what is all this? Truly I must needs say, a company of men still, like Bryars and Thorns, and worse if worse can be, of another sort than those before mentioned to you, have been, and yet are, en­deavouring to put us into Blood, and into Confusion, more desperate and dangerous Confusion than England ever yet saw.

And I must say, as when Gideon commanded his Son to fall upon Zeba and Zalmunna, and slay them, they thought it more noble to die by the hand of a Man, than of a Stripling; which shews, there is some con­tentment in the hand by which a man falls; so is it some satisfaction, if a Common-wealth must perish, that it perish by Men, and not by the hands of per­sons differing little from Beasts; That, if it must needs suffer, it should rather suffer from rich men, than from poor men, who, as Solomon says, when they oppress; they leave nothing behind them, but are as sweeping Rain,

Now, such as these also are grown up under your shadow. But it will be asked, what have they done? I hope, though they pretend Commonwealths Interest, they have had no encouragement from you, but that as before, rather taken it, than that you have admi­nistred any Cause unto them for so doing, from De­lays, from hopes that this Parliament would not settle, from Pamphlets, mentioning strange Votes and Resolves of yours, which I hope did abuse you. Thus you see, what ever the Grounds were, these have been the Effects. And thus I have laid these things before you, and others will be easily able to judge how far you are concerned.

And what have these men done? they have also laboured to pervert where they could, and as they could, the honest meaning people of the Nation, they have la­boured to engage some in the Army; and I doubt, that not onely they, but some others also very well known to You, have helped in this work of debauching and divi­ding the Army; they have, they have; I would be loth to say, who, where, and how, much more loth to say, they where any of your own Number, but I can say, Endeavours have been to put the Army into a Distemper, and to Feed that which is the worst hu­mour in the Army, which though it was not a ma­stering humour, yet these took their advantage from delay of the Settlement, and the Practices before mentioned, and stopping the pay of the Army, to run Ʋs into free Quarter, and to bring us into the inconveniences most to be feared and avoided.

What if I am able to make it appear in Fact, That some amongst you have run into the City of London to perswade to Petitions and Addresses to you for reversing your own Votes that you have pas­sed? Whether these practices were in favor of your Liberties, or tended to beget hopes of Peace and Settlement from you; and whether debauching the Ar­my in England, as is before expressed, and starving it, and putting it upon free Quarter, and occasio­ning and necessitating the greatest part thereof in Scotland to march into England, leaving the remain­der thereof to have their Throats Cut there, and kindling by the rest a fire in our own Bosoms, were for the advantage of Affairs here, Let the World judge.

This I tell you also, that the Correspondency held with the Interest of Cavalleers, by that Party of men, cal­led Levellers, and who call themselves Common-wealths­men; whose Declarations were framed to that purpose, and ready to be published at the time of their Common­rising, whereof We are possessed, and for which We have the Confession of themselves, now in Custody; who confess also they built their hopes upon the assurance they had of the Parliaments not agreeing a Settlement; Whether these humours have not nourished themselves under your Boughs, is the subject of my present discourse, and I think I say not amiss if I affirm it to be so.

And I must say it again, That that which hath been their Advantage, thus to raise Disturbance, hath been by the loss of those Golden opportunities, that God hath put into your hands for Settlement. Judge you whether these things were thus or no, when you first sat down, I am sure things were not thus, there was a very great Peace sedateness throughout these Nations, and great expectations of a settlement, which I remembred to you at the beginning of my Speech, and hoped that you would have entered upon your business as you found it.

There was a Government in the possession of the People, I say a Government in the possession of the Peo­ple, for many Moneths, it hath now been exercised neer fifteen Moneths; and if it were needful that I should tell you how it came into their Possession, and how willingly they received it; How all Law and Justice were distributed from it, in every respect, as to life, liberty and estate; How it was owned by God, as be­ing the Dispensation of his Providence after twelve years War, and sealed and Witnessed unto by the Peo­ple, I should but repeat what I said in my last Speech made unto you in this place, and therefore [...] forbear.

When you were entred upon this Government rave­ling into it (you know I took no notice what you were doing) if you had gone upon that foot of Account, To have made such good and wholsom Provisions for the good of the People of these Nation, for the Settling of such matters in things of Religion as would have upheld and given Countenance to a Godly Ministry, and yet would have given a just Liberty to Godly men of dif­ferent Judgments, men of the same Faith with them that you call the Orthodox Ministery in England, as it is well known the Independents are, and many under the Form of Baptism, who are sound in the Faith, on­ly may perhaps be different in Judgment in some l [...]sser matters, yet as true Christians both looking at Salva­tion, only by faith in the Blood of Christ, men pro­fessing the fear of God, having recourse to the Name of God, as to a strong Tower; I say you might have had Opportunity to have setled Peace and Quietness amongst all professing Godliness, and might have been instrumental, if not to have healed the breaches, yet to have kept the Godly of all Judgments from running one upon another, and by keeping them from being over­run by a Common Enemy, rendred them and these Na­tions, both secure, happy, and well satisfied.

Are these things done? or any thing towards them? Is there not yet upon the Spirits of men a strange itch? nothing will satisfie them, unless they can put their fin­ger upon their Brethrens Consciences, to pinch them there. To do this, was no part of the Contest we had with the Common Adversary; for Religion was not the thing at the first contested for; but God brought it to that issue at last, and gave it into Ʋs by way of Re­dundancy, and at last it proved to be that which was most dear to us; and wherein consisted this, more than in obtaining that Liberty from the Tyranny of the Bishops, to all Species of Protestants, to worship God according to their own Light and Consciences? for want of which, many of our Brethren forsook their Natives Countries, to seek their Bread from Sran­gers, and to live in Howling Wildernesses; and for which also, many that remained here, were imprisoned, [Page 596] and otherwise abused, and made the scorn of the Nation

Those that were sound in the Faith, how proper was it for them to labour for Liberty, for a just Liberty, that men should not be trampled upon for their Consci­ences? had not they laboured but lately under the weight of persecutions, and was it fit for them to sit heavy upon others? is it ingenuous to ask liberty, and not to give it? what greater Hypocrisie, than for those who were Oppressed by the Bishops, to become the greatest Oppressors themselves, so soon as their yoke was removed? I could wish that they who call for Liberty now also, had not too much of that Spirit if the power were in their hands.

As for Prophane Persons, Blasphemers, such as preach Sedition, the Contentious Railers, Evil Spea­kers, who seek by evil words to corrupt good manners, persons of loose Conversations, punishment from the Civil Magistrate ought to meet with them; because, if these pretend Conscience, yet walking disordily, and not according, but contrary to the Gospel and even to natural light, they are judged of all, and their Sins being open, makes them subjects of the Magistrates Sword, who ought not to bear it in vain.

The Discipline of the Army was such, that a man would not be suffered to remain there, of whom we could take notice he was guilty of such Practices as these: and therefore how happy would England have been, and You, and I, if the Lord had led you on to have set­tled upon such good accounts as these are, and to have discountenanced such practices as the other, and left men in disputable things free to their own Conscien­ces, which was well provided for by the Government, & Liberty left to provide against what was apparently evil

Judge you, whether the contesting for things that were provided for by this Government hath been Pro­fitable expence of time for the good of these Nations? by means whereof, you may see you have wholly elapsed your time, and done just nothing.

I will say this to you in behalf of the long Parliament, that had such an Expedient as this Government been proposed to them, and that they could have seen the Cause of God thus provided for, and had by Debates been enlightned in the grounds by which the Difficulties might have been cleered, and the reason of the whole inforced, the circumstances of Time and Persons, with the Temper and Disposition of the People, and Af­fairs both Abroad and at Home, when it was underta­ken, well weighed, (as well as they were thought to love their Seats) I think in my conscience that they would have proceeded in another manner than you have done, and not have exposed things to those Difficulties and Hazards they now are at, nor given occasion to leave the People so dissetled as now they are, who I dare say, in the soberest, and most judicious part of them, did expect, not a Questioning, but a doing things in persuance of the Government, and if I be not mis—informed, very many of you came up with this Satisfaction, having had time enough to weigh and consider the same.

And when I say, such an Expedient as this Go­vernment is, wherein I dare assert there is a just Li­berty to the People of God, and the Just Rights of the People in these Nations provided for, I can put the issue thereof upon the Cleerest Reason, whatsoever any go about to suggest to the Contrary.

But this not being the time and place of such an Averment, for satisfaction sake herein, enough is said in a Book, entituled, A True State of the Case of the Common-wealth, &c. published in Jan. 1653. (And for my self, I desire not to keep it an hour longer than I may preserve England in its Just Rights and may Protect the People of God in such a just Liber­ty of their Consciences, as I have already mentioned) And therefore if this Parliament have judged things to be otherwise than as I have stated them, it had been huge Friendliness between persons that had such a Reciprocation, and in so great Concernments to the publick; for them to have convinced me in what particulars therein my errour lav, of which I never yet had a word from you. But if instead thereof, your time has been spent in Setting up somewhat else upon another bottom than this stands, that looks as if a laying grounds of a Quarrel had rather been designed, than to give the People Settlement; if it be thus its well your Labours have not arrived to any maturity at all.

This Government called you hither, the Consti­tution whereof being so limited, A single Person and a Parliament, and this was thought most agreeable to the General sense of the Nation, having had ex­perience enough by trial of other Conclusions, judg­ing this most likely avoid the extremes of Monar­chy on the one hand, and Democraty on the other, and yet not to found Dominium in gratia. And if so, then certainly to make it more than a No [...]ion, it was requisite that it should be as it is in the Govern­ment, which puts it upon a true and equal Ballance. It has been already submitted to the Judicious ho­nest People of this Nation, whether the Ballance be not equal, and what their Judgment is is Visible by Submission to it, by acting upon it, by restraining their Trustees from medling with it; and it neither asks nor needs any better ratisication. But when Trustees in Parliament shall by Experience find any evil in any parts of the Government, referred by the Govern­ment it self to the Consideration of the Protector and Parliament (of which time it self will be the best Discoverer) how can it be reasonably imagi­ned, that a Person or Persons coming in by Election, and standing under such Obligations, and so limi­ted, and so necessitated by Oath to Govern, for the Peoples good, and to make their love, under God, the best under-propping, and his best interest to him, how can it, I say, be imagined, that the pre­sent or succeding Protectors will refuse to agree to alter any such thing in the Government that may be found to be for the good of the People, or to recede from any thing which he might be convin­ced casts the ballance too much to the single Per­son? And although for the present, the keeping up, and having in His Power the Militia seems the most hard, yet if it should be yielded up at such a time as this, when there is as much need to keep this Cause by it (which is most evident at this time impugned by at all the Enemies of it) as there was to get it, what would become of all? or if it should not be equally placed in Him and the Parlia­ment, but yeilded up at any time, it determines his power, either for doing the good he ought, or hin­dering Parliamens from perpetuating themselves, or from imposing what Religions they please on the Consciences of men, or what Government they please upon the Nation, thereby subjecting us to Dissettlement in every Parliament, and to the despe­rate consequences thereof; and if the Nation shall happen to fall into a blessed Peace, how easily and certainly will their charge be taken off, and their Forces be disbanded, and then where will the dan­ger be to have the Militia thus stated?

What if I should say, If there should be a dis­proportion or disequality as to the power, it is on the other hand, and if this be so, wherein have you had cause to quarrel? What Demonstrations have you held forth to settle Me to your opinion? would you had made me so happy as to let me have known your Grounds. I have made a free and inge­nuous confession of my Faith to you, and I could have wished it had been in your hearts to have a­greed that some friendly and cordial debates might have been towards mutual Conviction; was there none amongst you to move such a thing? no fitness [Page 597] to listen to it? no desire of a right understanding? if it be not folly in Me to listen to Town-talk, such things have been proposed, and rejected with stiff­ness and severity, once and again; was not likely to have been more advantagious to the good of this Nation? I will say this to you for My self, and to that I have my Conscience as a thousand Witnes­ses, and I have my comfort and contentment in it, and I have the Witness of divers here, that I think truely scorn to own Me in a Ly, that I would not have been averse to any alteration, of the good of which I might have been convinced although I could not have agreed to the taking it off the Foundation on which it stands, viz. The accepta­tion and consent of the People.

I will not presage what you have been about, or doing in all this time, or do I love to make Con­jectures, but I must tell you this, That as I under­took this Government in the simplicity of my heart, and as before God, and to do the part of an ho­nest man, and to be true to the Interest which in my Conscience is dear to many of you (though it is not always understood what God in his wisdom may hide from Us, as to Peace and Settlement) So I can say, that no particular Interest, either of my Self, Estate, Honour, or Family, are, or have been prevalent with me to this Undertaking.

For if you had upon the old Government offered to me this one thing I speak, as thus advised, and before God, as having been to this day of this opi­nion, and this hath been my constant Judgment, well known to many that hear me speak, if this one thing had been inserted, that one thing, that this Government should have been, and placed in my Family Hereditary, I would have rejected it, and I could have done no other, according to my present Conscience and Light; I will tell you my reason, though I cannot tell what God will do with Me, nor you, nor the Nation, for throwing away precious opportunities committed to US.

This hath been my Principle, and I liked it when this Government came first to be proposed to me, That it put Us off that Hereditary way, well look­ing, that as God had declared what Government he had delivered to the Jews, and placed it upon such persons as had been instrumental for the Con­duct and Deliverance of his People; And conside­ring that promise in Isaiah, That God would give Rulers as at the first, and Judges as at the beginning, I did not know, but that God might begin, and though at present with a most unworthy Person, yet as to the future, it might be after this manner, and I thought this might usher it in. I am speaking as to my Judgment against making it Hereditary, to have men chosen for their Love to God, and to Truth, and Justice, and not to have it Hereditary; for as it is in Ecclesiastes, Who knoweth whether he may beget a Fool or Wise, honest or not, what ever they be must come in upon that account, because the Government is made a Patrimony.

And this I do perhaps declare with too much Earnestness, as being my own Conternment, and know not what Place it may have in your Hearts; and of the good people in the Nation, but how­ever it be, I have comfort in this my truth and plainness.

I have thus told you my thoughts, which truly I have declared to you in the fear of God, as know­ing he will not be mocked, and in the strength of God, as knowing and rejoycing that I am kept in my speaking; especially, when I do not form or frame things without the compass of Integrity, and Honesty, that my own Conscience gives me not the Lye to what I say, and then in what I say I can rejoyce.

Now to speak a word or two to you, Of that I must profess in the name of the same Lord, and wish that there had been no cause that I should have thus spoken to you, and though I have told you, that I came with Joy the first time, with some regret the second, that now I speak with most regret of all.

I look upon you, as having among you many persons, that I could lay down my life individu­ally for, I could through the Grace of God, de­sire to lay down my life for you; So far am I from having an unkind or un-Christian heart towards you, in your particular capacites.

I have that indeed as a work most incumbent upon Me, I consulted what might be My Duty in such a Day as this, casting up all Considerations. I must confess, as I told you, that I did think occa­sionally this Nation hath suffered extremely in the respects mentioned, as also in the Disappointments of their Expectations of that Justice that was due to them by your si [...]ting thus long; and what have you brought forth?

I did not, nor cannot apprehend what it is, (I would be loath to call it a Fate, that were too Pa­ganish a Word) but there is somthing in it, that we have not our Expectations.

I did think also for my self, that I am like to meet with Difficulties, and that this Nation will not (as it is fit it should not) be deluded with pre­texts of Necessity in that great business of raising of money, and were it not that I can make some Dilemma's upon which to resolve some things of my Conscience, Judgment, and Actions, I should sinck at the very prospect of my Encounters; some of them are general, some are more special, sup­posing this Cause, or this Business must be caried on, either it is of God, or of Man, if it be of Man, I would I had never touched it with a finger; if I had not had a hope fixed in Me that this Cause, and this Business is of God, I would many years ago have run from it. If it be of God, he will bear it up. If it be of Man, it will tumble, as every thing that hath been of man, since the World be­gan, hath done. And what are all our Histories, and other Traditions of actions in former times, but God manifesting himself that he hath shaken and tumbled down, and tr [...]mpled upon, every thing that he hath not planted? and as this is, so the all-wise God deal with it.

If this be of human Structure, and invention, and it be an old Plotting and Contrivance to bring things to this Issue, and that they are not the births of Providence, then they will tumble. But if the Lord take pleasure in England, and if he will do Us good, he is able to bear us up; Let the diffi­culties be whatsoever they will, we shall in his Strength be able to encounter with them. And I blefs God I have been inured to Difficulties, and I never found God failing when I trusted in him; I can laugh and sing in my heart when I speak of these things to you, or elsewhere. And though some may think it is an hard thing without Parlia­mentary Authority to raise mony upon this Notion; yet I have another Argument to the good people of this Nation, if they would be safe, and have no better Principle; whether they prefer the having of their Will, though it be their Destruction, ra­ther than comply with things of necessity; that will excuse me, but I should wrong my native Country to suppose this.

For I look at the People of these Nations, as the blessing of the Lord, and they are a People blessed by God. They have been so, and they will be so, by reason of that immortal seed, which hath been, and is among them, those regenerated ones in the Land, of several Judgments, who are [Page 598] all the Flock of Christ, and Lambs of Christ, though perhaps under many unruly passions, and troubles of Spirit, whereby they give disquiet to themselves and others; yet they are not so to God, as to Us, he is a God of other patience, and he will own the least of truth in the hearts of his Peo­ple, and the people being the blessing of God they will not be so angry, but they will prefer their safety to their passions, and their real secu­rity to forms, when necessity calls for supplies; had they not well been acquainted with this Prin­ciple, they had never seen this day of Gospel-Li­berty.

But if any man shall object, It is an easie thing to talk of necessities when men create necessities; would not the Lord Protector make Himself great, and his Family great? doth not He make these ne­cessities? and then he will come upon the People with this Argument of necessity.

This were somthing hard indeed, but I have not yet known what it is to make necessities, whatso­ever the Judgments or thoughts of men are. And I say this, not only to this Assembly, but to the World, that that man liveth not, that can come to me, and charge me that I have in these great Re­volutions made necessities; I challenge even all that fear God; And as God hath said, My glory I will not give unto another, Let men take heed, and be twice advised, how they call his Revolutions, the things of God, and his working of things from one Period to another, how I say, they call them necessities of mens creation, for by so doing, they do vilifie and lessen the works of God, and rob him of his Glory, which he hath said, he will not give unto another, nor suffer to be taken from him. We know what God did to Herod when he was applauded, and did not acknowledg God; And God knoweth what he will do with men when they shall call His Revolutions, human Designs, and so detract from his Glory, when they have not been fore-cast, but sudden Providences in things, whereby Carnal and Worldly men are inraged, and under, and at which many I fear (some good) have murmured and repined, because disappointed of their mistaken Fancies; but still they have been the wise disposings of the Almighty, though Instruments have had their passions and frailties; and I think it is an Honour to God to acknowledg the necessities to have been of Gods imposing, when truly they have been so, as in­deed they have, when we take our sin in our actings to our selves, and much more safe, than judg things so contingent, as if there were not a God that ruled the Earth.

We know the Lord hath poured this Nation from Vessel to Vessel, till he poured it into your Lap, when you came first together: I am confi­dent, that it came so into your hands, was not judged by you to be from Counterfeited, or feigned necessity, but by Divine Providence and Dispensa­tion. And this I speak with more earnestness, be­cause I speak for God, and not for men; I would have any man to come and tell of the transactions that have been, and of those periods of time, wherein God hath made these Revolutions, and find where they can fix a feigned necessity.

I could recite particulars, if either My strength would serve Me to speak, or yours to hear; if that you would revolve the great hand of God in his great Dispensations, you would find that there is scare a man that fell off at any period of time when God had any work to do, that can give God or his work, at this day, a good word.

It was, say some, the cunning of the Lord Pro­tector (I take it to my self) it was the craft of such a man, and his plot that hath brought it about. And as they say in other Countries, There are five or six cunning men in England that have skill, they do all these things: Oh what Blasphemy is this! because men that are without God in the world, and walk not with him, and know not what it is to pray, or believe, and to receive returns from God, and to be spoken unto by the Spirit of God, who speaks without a written Word somtimes, yet according to it: God hath spoken heretofore in divers man­ners, let him speak as he pleaseth. Hath he not given us liberty? nay is it not our duty to go to the Law and to the Testimonies, and there we shall find that there have been impressions in extraordinary cases, as well without the written Word as with it, and therefore there is no difference in the thing thus asserted, from truths generally received, ex­cept we will exclude the Spirit, without whose concurrence all other Teachings are ineffectual; He doth speak to the Hearts and Consciences of men, and leadeth them to his Law and Testimonies, and there he speaks to them, and so gives them double teachings, according to that of Job, God speaketh once, yea twice; and that of David, God hath spoken once, yea twice have I heard this. Those men that live upon their Mumpsimus and Sumpsimus, their Masses and Service-Books, their dead and car­nal Worship, no marvel if they be strangers to God, and the works of God, and to spiritual dispen­sations, And because they say and belive thus, must we do so too? we in this Land have been otherwise instructed, even by the Word, and Works, and Spirit of God.

To say that men bring forth these things, when God doth them, judg you if God will bear this. I wish that every sober heart, though he hath had temptations upon him of deserting this Cause of God, yet may take heed how he provokes, and falls into the hands of the living God by such Blas­phemies as these, according to the tenth of the Hebrews, If we sin wilfully after that we have re­ceived the knowledg of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sin (It was spoken to the Jews, that having professed Christ apostatized from him) what then? nothing but a fearful falling into the hands of the Living God.

They that shall attribute to this or that person the contrivances and production of those mighty things God hath wrought in the midst of us, and that they have not been the revolutions of Christ himself, upon whose Shoulders the Government is layed, they speak against God, and they fall un­der his hand without a Mediator; that is, if we deny the Spirit of Jesus Christ the glory of all his works in the world, by which he Rules Kingdoms, and doth adminster, and is the Rod of his strength, we provoke the Mediator; And he may say, I'le leave you to God, I'le not interceed for you, let him tear you to pieces, I'le leave thee to fall into Gods hands, thou deniest me my Soveraingty and Power committed to me, I'le not interceed nor mediate for thee, thou fallest into the hands of the living God. Therefore whatsoever you may judg men for, and say, This man is cunning, and poli­tick, and subtile, take heed, again I say, how you judg of his revolutions, as the products of mens in­ventions.

I may be thought to press too much upon this Theme, but I pray God it may stick upon your hearts and mine; the worldly minded man knows nothing of this, but is a stranger to it, and because of this his Atheism and murmurings at Instruments, yea, repining at God himself; and no wonder, con­sidering the Lord hath done such things amongst us as have not been known in the world, these [Page 599] thousand Years, and yet notwithstanding is not owned by us.

There is another necessity which you have put up­on us, and we have not fought; I Appeal to God, Angels, and Men, if I shall raise Money according to the Article in the Government which had pow­er to call you hither, and did, and instead of seaso­nable providing for the Army, you have laboured to overthrow the Government, and the Army is now upon Free Quarter, and you would never so much as let me hear a tittle from you concerning it, where is the fault? has it not been as if you had had a purpose to put this extremity upon us and the Nation? I hope this was not in your minds, I am not willing to judge so; but this is the state unto which we are reduced: By the Designs of some in the Army who are now in Custody, it was Designed to get as many of them as could, through discon­tent for want of money, the Army being in a Bar­ren Countrey, near Thirty weeks behind in pay, and upon other specious pretences, to march for England out of Scotland, and in discontent to seize their General there, a faithful and honest man, that so another might head the Army and all this op­portunity taken from your delays, whether will this be a thing of feigned necessity? What could it signifie but that the Army are in discontent already, and wee'l make them live upon Stones, wee'l make them cast off their Governours and Discipline? What can be said to this? I list not to unsaddle my self, and put the fault upon others backs; Whe­ther it hath been for the good of England, whilest men have been talking of this thing or the other, and pretending liberty, and a many good words, whether it hath been as it should have been? I am confident you cannot think it has, the Nation will not think so. And if the worst should be made of things, I know not what the Cornish-men, or the Lincolnshire-men may think, or other Counties, but I belive they will all think they are not safe. A tem­porary suspension of caring for the greatest Liber­ties and Priviledges (if it were so, which is deni­ed) would not have been of that Damage, that the not providing against Free Quarter hath run the Nation upon. And if it be my Liberty to walk abroad in the Fields, or to take a Journey, yet it is not my Wisdom to do so when my House is on Fire.

I have troubled you with a long Speech, and I believe it may not have the same resentment with all that it hath with some: but because that is un­know to me, I shall leave it to God, and Conclude with that, that I think my self bound in my Duty to God, and the People of these Nations, to their safety and good in every respect; I think it my Du­ty to tell you, That it is not for the profit of these Nations, nor for Common and Publick good, for You to continue here any longer, and therefore, I do De­clare unto you, THAT I DO DISSOLVE THIS PARLIAMENT.

February, 1654.

[Feb.] The Protector who was usually positive in his own Judgment and Resolutions having Dissolved the Parliament, because he found them not so pli­able to his purposes as he expected; this caused much discontent in the Parliament, and others, but he valued it not; esteeming himself above those things. And now he Sate close with his Council, to frame some Ordinances whereby he might sweeten the generality of the People, particularly, by ta­king off some Burdens and inconveniencies (as they held them) in the proceedings of Law, and in other matters. February

He was also busie with his Council in the Exa­mination of a Plot discovered, wherein several of the Kings Party, and some of the Levelling Party were Engaged against him, and his Government; whereof having formerly had some inkeling, he affirmed that to have been a chief Motive to him for Dissolving the late Parliament. Divers of the Kings Party who were in the Conspiracy were Ap­prehended, and Committed to Prison, and enough was proved against them.

[13] The Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Recorder, and Sixty of the Common-Council of London by the Protectors Order came to him to White-hall, where he acquainted them with the danger of the Conspiracy, the Conspirators and what they had Discovered; wished them to be careful to preserve the Peace of the City, gave them a Commission for a Committee of Militia in London, and to raise for­ces to be under the Command of their old faithful Major General Skippon.

The Conspiracy was generally laid to bring in the King; and the Design so far took Effect, that in several Counties small Armed Parties began to gather into a Body. In Shropshire, Sir Thomas Har­ris with a Party Endeavoured to surprize Shrewsbu­ry Castle, but was prevented, and taken Prisoner: Others were prevented at Chirke Castle, endeavour­ing to Surprize it; and the like was in other Places, This Design, the Protector had a jealousie was coun­tenanced by the Parliament, and he gave out that to be a cause of the Dissolving of them.

In Scotland, Middleton and others of his Party the principal Men sent Proposals to the Parliaments Commander there, upon which they offered to lay down Armes.

The Kings Party were very Active, and had ma­ny meetings about New Castle, some of their Let­ters were intercepted, and sent to the Protector.

Some Quakers at Hasington in Northumberland, coming to the Minister on the Sabbath day, and speaking to him, the Country People fell upon the Quakers, and almost killed one or two of them; who going out fell on their Knees, and prayed God to Pardon the People, who knew not what they did; and afterwards, speaking to the People, so convinc­ed them of the evil they had done in beating of them, that the Country People fell a Quarrelling among themselves with those who occasioned it and beat one another more than they had before beaten the Quakers.

The Brest Men of War did much damage to the English Merchants in the Western Seas, which were not well guarded by the States Ships, whereof Com­plaint was made, yet two of them were taken.

A great Fire happened in Fleet-street next door to the Red Lyon Inn, and both Houses were burnt.

Letters of several Scots Commanders of the Kings Party taken by the English Forces in Scotland.

Major John Wildman was seized upon by a Party of Mr. Butlers Horse, and carryed Prisoner from Exton near Marlborough where he was taken, unto Chepstow-Castle. They found him in his Chamber (the Door being open) leaning upon his Elbow, and dictating to his Man, who sat Writing by him. They seized the Papers, that which the Man was writing, was sent up to the Protector, it was thus Entituled, and Written.

The DECLARATION of the free and well-affected People of England now in Armes against the Tyrant Oliver Crom­wel Esq.

BEing satisfied in our Judgment and Consciences of the present necessity to take up Armes for the De­fence of our Native Rights and Freedoms, which are wholly invaded and swallowed up in the Pride and Am­bition of Oliver Cromwell who calls himself Lord Protector of England, and hath rendred all English-men no better than his Vassals, we expect to be branded with the infamous Name of Rebells and Traitors, or to be mis-represented both to the Army, City, and Country as common Enemics, disturbers of the publick Peace, arbitrary Cavaliers, Levellers, or under some other odi­ous Notion, that may provoke the Army and People to endeavour our Destruction; but if we may prevail to be heard before we be Condimned and Executed, we shall submit our cause and righteous End we seek, to the judgment of the Army and every honest English-man; and if the Army it self according to their many Engagements will undertake (and their strength be suffi­cient) to Redeem us from our present Slavery, and settle that Right and Freedom, unto which our Birth gave us Title, we shall readily lay down our present Arms.

The whole Christian World knows, that our English Earth hath been Drunk with Blood these Twelve years through the great Contest for Right and Freedom, and the whole Treasure of the Nation exhausted in that quarrel; how then can any Man, whose hand or heart hath been ingaged in that bloody Contest, either acquit himself to God, his Conscience, or his Country, in yield­ing up tamely and silently, all the Laws, Rights, and Liberties of England into an Ʋsurpers hand. We have for many years pattently born all kinds of Oppressi­on, Arbitrariness and Tyranny, and suffered under such heavy burdens of Exercise and Taxes, as England ne­ver knew in former Ages, having been fed by him that now calls himself Lord Protector, and his Army, with specious pretences, and most alluring Promises (second­ed with many appeals to God for their Integrity of heart in them) that true English Liberty should be set­led and secured, impartial Justice provided for, Arbi­trary Powers Abolished, and every Yoak of Oppression broken, and every Burden eased: And we did believe (as they told us.) That our present sufferings were only like a rough stormy Passage to the Haven of Justice, Right, and Freedom; we could not suspect these Ambi­tious Designs in Cromwell and his Confederates, that are now Proclaimed to the World: we could not think it possible, that a Man of such a mean Quality and Estate, as he, should Aspire to make himself an absolute Lord and Tyrant over Three Potent Nations; but above all, his pretended Zeal for God and his People, his high pro­fessions of Godliness, Simplicity, and Integrity; his hypocritical Prayers and days of Fasting to seek the Lord; his dissembled humility and meekness, and his frequent compassionate Tears, upon every occasion: we say, these things, together with his Engagements pub­lick and private; his most solemn Protestations, with Imprecations of Vengeance upon Himself and Family, if he Dissembled, and his most frequent Appeals to God for the truth of his Professions and Declarations; that he design'd nothing but securing the Liberties of Gods People, and Administration of Impartial Justice, and sought no Power, Honour, Riches or Greatness to him­self or any particular Party or Interest: we say, these things rocked us so asleep with the pleasant Dreams of Liberty and Justice, until he hath made a Sacrifice of all our Laws, Liberties and Properties unto his own Ambition, and now is not afraid to own what he before disclaimed and declared against: He that formerly Protested before the dreadful God, and to the long Par­liament, That He and his Army should be wholly Sub­ject to their Civil Authority, and that whosoever should attempt any violence against them, should make his way through his Blood; he now owns the breaking them in pieces with scorn and contempt: He that declared so much Humility and Self-denial, claims and owns a Power Supream to Parliaments, and exerciseth an Ab­solute Dominion over the Laws and Estates of Three Nations: He that seemed so Zealous for Liberty, now dares own every private English-man his Vassal, and their Parliaments his Slaves: He Publisheth in his Printed Speeches to his Parliament, That the benefit all English-men have in the Execution of any Laws amongst them, is from him; and the Authority that their Parliaments have, and shall have, is wholly derived from him; He hath Published to the whole World, that he hath dissolved all Civil Government, and that he had in himself an Absolute, Ʋnlimited, Arbitrary Power, with­out check or controul, until he put some limits upon him­self; if he may be believed in his paper of Government. Now what Patroon in Argeire ever claimed more Ma­stery over his Slaves bought in the Market, than this Claim of Cromwells extends unto over us? If we have the benefit of the Execution of no Laws but from him, then all the Right, Priviledges, and Estates we have, are enjoyed by his Mercy only: without the Ex­ecution of Laws, no man hath more right to Lands or Goods than another; nor is any mans Life under any security, if another be stronger than he. So that Cromwel owns and professes, that the Bread that every man eats, is by his mercy: and if his Power was with­out limit (as he says) until he had put some bounds, then 'tis of his grace and favour only that all English-men have now a seeming Right in their Wives, Chil­dren, Servants, Lives and Estates, if his own limits of his Power gives any such right, and if he please to throw away, (or burn by the hand of the Hang-man) his limit in his Paper of Government, who can con­troll him? he may do what he list with things of his own making, 'tis the old English Proverb, He that can bind, can loose: and he may do what he list also with the Authority of Parliaments, if it be as he says, of his own giving: Now wherein doth a Patroons Power over his purchased Slave exceed this, which Cromwel owns over us? The Patroon can but give the Slave his Laws, his Cloathes, his Meat, his Life; and all those Crom­wel owns to have given to us, only he speaks it in such Language as sounds not so harshly.

Now after the Expence of so much precious Christi­an Blood, for the setling the Rights and Liberties due unto us as Men and Christians, when he that was trusted with an Army for that purpose, hath so unworthily be­trayed his Trust, spilt innocent Blood like Water, fal­cified all his Declarations, Promises, Protestations and Oathes; and assumed to himself such a Dominion over our Country, as is Destructive unto all Right and Li­berty, and renders us and our Posteritys Slaves to him and his Successors, with the Payment of a Fifth or there abouts of our Estates certain in Taxes, to be In­tailed upon our Posterities, besides other burthens, we appeal to the conscience of every honest Man, whether a present necessity and an incumbent duty be not upon us to Arm our selves in defence of our Ancient Laws, and dearest Birth-rights against the present Imposter and Ʋsurper; and we hope most of the present Army have not extinguished their love to their Countrys free­dom [Page 601] (although Cromwells hypocritical Professions, Prayers and Tears, have much deluded them) but that they will readily concur with us, and other honest En­glish-men in our present attempt by Force of Armes to Redeem our Country out of the Ʋsurpers bonds, and to seek those righteous ends, which we do hereby De­clare to be those, for which we now hazard our Lives, and with which we shall rest satisfied, and return to our homes in Peace; and they are those following, viz.

1. That all assumed and Ʋsurped Powers and Au­thorities over our Countrey may be utterly Abolish­ed.

2. That the Government may be setled upon a just Basis, with due bounds and limits to every Magi­strate.

3. That the ancient Liberties of England, setled by Magna Charta, the Petition of Right, and other Laws, may be secured inviolably: That no Mans Person may be Molested, Imprisoned, Restrained, or touched, with­out a Legal Cause shewn in the Warrant, whereby he is molested or restrained, and that also in a due Course of the Laws, known Proceedings, without Conntermands from the will of any man; whereas now mens Persons are troubled and restrained at will, and destroyed by long Imprisonments, no man knows for what. And al­so, that no Mans Estate may be liable to any disposal or prejudice, but by the known Laws of the Land, and the lawful Judgment of his equals.

4. That free Successive Parliaments may be setled, with times of their beginning and ending, and with their ancient Power and Priviledges.

And that the Jurisdictive Power which Parliaments have taken upon them to Exercise in these times of War Distraction, by taking upon them the Judgment of par­ticular Causes concerning Mens Persons and Estates, sometimes by their Committees, and sometimes by them­selves, contrary to the known Proceedings of the Law, that such Power (we say) may be Declared against, and Provision made against the same, that thereby Par­liaments may be free from the temptations of Profit, Friendship, and all private Interests, by which only they can be corrupted.

5. That the Militia of the Nation may be so dispo­sed, that no man may be able to be Master of Parlia­ments: and also, that secure Provision may be made, that no Parliament shall make it self perpetual, and in­slave the people to them.

And that such a settlement may be made of Right and Freedom, and these our ends obtained, and a peace firmly established, we know no means under God but a truly free Parliament.

Now for the Defence of these our Rights and Liber­ties we are resolved to expose our Lives to the utmost hazards, and we shall neither wrong nor oppose any man, who doth not joyn himself to the present Ʋsurper, to destroy or prevent these our Righteous ends; and though we have reason to believe, that no person fearing God, or of Conscience, Honour, or Reason, can satisfie himself to shed our innocent blood for seeking these things; yet however we shall commit our selves and our just Caus to the tu [...]tion of the rightcous God, and hope in his mer­cy, that our endeavours may procure Justice, Freedome, Peace, and Settlement unto this distracted Nation.

Many who viewed this Declaration, knew there was too much of Truth in it, and had not the De­sign been nipt in the Bud, and timely Discovered, and Prevented, it might have caused some distur­bance to the Protector, and to the Peace of the New-Government; but by the Commitment of the Chief Conspirators, their Plot was crushed, and the Peace not interrupted. Divers wondred most, that Wild­man, and others of his Party who had served the March Parliament, should now joyn in this Design with those of the Kings Party; but they alledged the strengthening of themselves, and their Power af­terwards, to suppress the Cavaliers, or any other who should oppose their Ends: but divers suspected their Designs, at the bottom of it, to intend the bringing in of the King; because they conclude in their Declaration for a truly free Parliament; which was the way for the Kings Restauration, and that began now to be held fit, and requisite by many so­ber and faithful Patriots, who were distasted at the private Ambition of some, and their Domineering; and feared the Faction daily increasing, that would prevent a firm Settlement of our Peace.

The Protector was jealous of many of his former Friends to be this way inclin'd, and of Whitelock in particular; which was thought one main reason of his sending him out of the way to Swedland, and of his not taking him in to be of his Council.

March, 1654.

The Protector, and his Counsel were very busie in framing New Ordinances to please the People. Amongst them, they had one in Consideration for regulating the Proceedings in Chancery; which cau­sed doubtful thoughts in the Commissioners of the Seal, who knew the Authority of that Court was design'd to be lessened, and they were not consulted Chancery. in this Matter, yet they took no notice of it, but went on in the Ordinary course of their Proceed­ings.

Upon the Lords Day, March 11. a Party of a­bout Two hundred of the New Conspirators came into Salisbury at Midnight, seized upon many Hor­ses, and took away the Judges Commissions, (be­ing Crook. then in their Circuit in that place) and they Marched from thence Westward; whereof Captain Ʋnton Croke, having timely Intelligence, pursued them with his Troops, and at South Molton in De­von overtook them, and after a sharp Conflict, Routed them, took Captain Penruddock, Jones, and Grove, and Five hundred common Persons Pri­soners; Sir Joseph Wagstaff, then Chief Comander, hardly escaping.

There were other Risings in Northumberland and Slingsby. in Yorkshire, of whom Sir Henry Slingsby was taken Prisoner and others; and Sir Richard Moleverer Maleverer hardly escaped. Many of the Conspirators were tryed by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, at Salsbury and Exeter; Mr. James Decoy was Clerk to the Commissioners, and did some service to Sir. Hen­ry Moor, Sir George Browne, and others, who were of that Plot, in helping to favour them; for which I suppose they were not ungrateful.

Penruddock, and Grove were Beheaded, Lucas Penrud­dock. of Hungerford, and others were Executed, and the Prisons were filled in those parts.

Letters from Scotland informed, That Middle­ton Scotland. was said to be Landed there again with new Sup­plies from the King, who was also expected to come thither shortly with a great Force, and store of Mony; and his Brother the Duke of York to come a little before him. Upon this News former Trea­ties were broken off; and in divers Parts New Le­vies began to be made for the King.

The Protector and his Council Publish'd an Ordi­nance, Ordinan­ces. Appointing Commissioners for Approbation of Publick Preachers.

[Page 602] Another for passing Custodies for Idiots and Lu­naticks.

Another for continuing the Act for Impresting of Seamen.

He and his Councel, and Officers, kept a day of Solemn Humiliation and Fasting, the which was also observed throughout London and Westmin­ster. Fast-day.

Brest men did much mischief to the Merchants of Bristol, and the Western parts, who complained thereof.

The Parliaments Commander in Scotland appre­hended divers of the Kings party.

The Lord Mayor, and the Militia of London, attended the Protector with their fuit to him to give leave to revive the Artillery Company in Lon­don, for the better exercising of the Citizens in Artillery Company. Arms, and they undertook that none but well af­fected persons should be admitted into that Com­pany: to which the Protector assented.

Letters that Collonel Hacker had apprehended several of the Conspiratours in Notinghamsh [...]re, Leicestershire, and those parts, and kept them all Conspira­tors. in awe.

Captain Howard had given to him the Command of Collonel Rich his Regiment.

An Agent from Portugal brought the Ratificati­on of the Treaty between England and Portugal. Portugal.

Several Examinations were taken about the late Risings and Plots.

The Duke of Lenox dyed at London.

Letters from Scotland that they were in a quiet condition.

The Protector by the advice of one Gage, a Mi­nister, who had been long in the West Indies, set West-In­dies. Expediti­on. forth a gallant Fleet under the Command of Vice-Admiral Pen, with a great party of Land-Soldiers under the Command of Vinables; many were very eager to ingage in this design, being given out, in general to be very rich, and that it was for the West Indies: but it was kept very secret till the Fleet had been gone along time, which arrived at the Barbadoes in this month, and the thirtieth day of it set sail from thence, and steered their Course to­wards H [...]spaniola, one of the fairest and richest H [...]spaniola Islands in America, under the King of Spains Do­minions.

Who, having some inkling of this design, sent the Marquis of Leda his Ambassadour to the Pro­tector, and the Marquis, finding how things went, quickly returned to his Master.

April, 1655.

April, 1655. The Protector and his Councel is­sued many Orders for the apprehending of several persons suspected to be in the late Plot, and they Plot. were brought to White-Hall, and there examined by the Protector, and Secretary Thurloe; some of them were discharged, but more of them were Commit­ted.

Collonel Birch, and others were secured in He­reford-shire, and divers in Northumberland.

Letters that the Brest Pirates took some English Ships, and that General Blake was gone from Tu­nis Blake. to Maltha, to demand satisfaction for some Pi­racies done there upon English men. The Pro­tector feasted the Commissioners for approbation of Cromwel. Ministers, he sate at the Table with them, and was chearful and familiar in their Company, and by such kind of little Caresses, he gained much upon many persons.

The King of Sweden sent a Letter to his Highness Sweden. Lauder­dail. the Lord Protector, in behalf of Lord Lauder­dale, and his Brother Laundie.

And the Lord Douglas writ likewise from Stock-holm into England, For the release of his poor Kins­man; April. not doubting but that his Highness, as a Gratious Prince, might be moved to compassion; having no power­ful, or any opposition at all in any of the three King­doms. For since it hath pleased the Lord of Hosts to bless his actions in such a height, that by his val [...]ur his Highness has not only subdued superior, and all other power, that was against him, but also by pru­dent Conduct of Affairs hath Established himself and these three Nations in one Peaceable Estate, What could that augment to his greatness, to let his good­ness and compassion be made known to the world, that he shews upon those whose Lives and Fortunes he has in his hands.

Upon this Letter, and the recommendation from the King of Swedland, favour was procured from the Protector to the Lord Lauderdale, and his Brother, and considerable services were done for them, but when the times altered, they, Scots like, remembred nothing of it, nor ever returned the least kindness, or gratitude for all the good Offices were done them.

Letters from Scotland of new designs and en­deavours of the Enemy there to raise Forces.

The Protector sent Letters to the Justices of the Peace in York-shire, and in most Counties, for the watching, and apprehending suspitious persons, as to the new designs on foot against the Peace of the Common-Wealth; and the matter of the Let­ters was carefully executed.

Letters were sent to the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal to attend a Committee of the Coun­cil at the Council Chamber. They attended ac­cordingly, and were acquainted with this Order.

Monday, 23. April, 1655. At the Council at White-Hall,

Ordered by his Highness the Lord Protector and the Councel, That the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, do proceed according to the Ordinance Chancery. of his Highness and the Councel, Intituled An Ordinance for the better regulating, and limiting the Jurisdiction of the High Court of Chancery.

Henry Scobel, Clerk of the Councel.

The Chair-man told them. That this Ordinance was made upon good deliberation, and advice, and his Highness was persuaded that it would much con­duce to Publick good to have it duely executed, which this Order did require, which he delivered to Whitelocke, and said his Highness did not doubt of their ready compliance therein.

Whitelocke spake, as antient, and told the Com­mittee, That they had not the honour to be advised with upon the making of this Ordinance, and that they were under an Oath, and as far as they could, they should readily comply with the pleasure of his High­ness and the Councel, and desired some time to peruse and consider the Ordinance. Some debate in general there was about it, and the Master of Rolls spake most resolutely against it. The Committee would not enter into a Debate about it, but gravely ad­monished the Lords Commissioners to be careful not to oppose his Highness intentions for the common good, and so they dismissed them.

After this the Commissioners of the Seal, and the Master of the Rolls had several meetings, and consultations about the execution of this new Or­dinance. The Commissioner L'Isle was wholly for the execution of it, Sir Thomas Widdrington, the Master of the Rolls, and Whitelocke, were not satisfied for the execution of it, and declared their reasons against it, and observations of inconveni­encies in it, which are as followeth.

[Page 603] The Commissioners and Master of the Rolles are by this Act of Regulation made instrumental to deprive several persons of their Freehold without Offence or Legal Tryal, which reflecting upon the Great Charter, and so many Acts of Parliament, they humbly desire Reasons. they may have the opinion of all the Judges of Eng­land in point of Law therein.

The fourth Rule of the Ordinance is, that the first process in Chancery be a Subpaena, which shall be open, and that as many Defendants as the Plain­tiff doth desire, be inserted into the same, paying no more but one shilling six pence for every Subpaena thus to be distributed, six pence for the Seal, and twelve pence to the Office.

Ʋpon serving the Subpaena open, the abuse, now too frequently used, will be much increased by Forgery of Names, Pers [...]ns, and Dates.

5 That no Subpaena be sued out until a Bill be Filed, and a Certificate thereof be brought unto the Subpaena Office, under the Hand of the Chief Clerk, or his Deputy, for which Certificate the chief Clerk shall receive no fee.

The Exhibiting a B [...]ll before a Subpaena will draw an unnecessary expence and trouble in many Suits, which would end upon the bare service of the Subpaena, as is found by dayly experience: and is mischievious to the people in many particulars ready to be expressed, and only profitable to Lawyers, and Attornies.

6. That in default of appearance, upon Oath made of due service, or in default of answer within due time (security being put in as is provided) an Attachment with Proclamation shall Issue to the Sheriff who shall cause the same to be Proclaimed at the door of the Defendants dwelling House, Lodg­ing, or last abode between Ten and Two by the Sheriffs Bayliffs, or special Bayliffs; and the Bay­liffs shall have power for the apprehension of the party (if need shall be) to break open any House or Door, where the party is, in the day time, provi­ded that if the Warrant be to special Bayliffs, they shall not break up any House or Door but in pre­sence of a Constable; who upon the shewing of such Warrant is required to be assisting unto the Bayliffs, and if the Defendant cannot be ap­prehended, nor shall appear by the return of the Writ, the Plaintiff may return the Attachment as often as there shall be cause, which Attachment shall be in Lieu of a Commission of Rebellion, and Serjeant at Arms.

This seems to advance the Jurisdiction of the Chan­cery upon a mean Process, beyond an exemption at Law, to break open, not only the parties, but any other persons House, without notice, or request made to be admitted; which may be used to the Robbing of Houses, and taking away Evidences, and other great abuses; it being far different from the awarding the Sergeant at Arms, who is a known, and Responsible Officer, and Acts only by special Order in open Court, upon satisfaction of the heighth of the contempt; and his Warrant is under the Hands and Seals of the Com­missioners, and he is also answerable to them for his miscarryage, if any be: and the other Process is is­sued by Clerks of course; which reflects upon the Li­berty, and safety of the people of this Nation, where­in every Ordinary Clerk hath power to do more, then all the Judges of England; and how safe it is for Judges to award such process is left to considera­tion.

7. The Defendant shall not be compelled to an­swer, until the Plaintiff, with one Surety at least, hath acknowledged a Recognizance before a Master of the Chancery in Ordinary, or Extraordinary, (the sum not to be under twenty Marks) conditi­oned to pay such Costs to the Defendant in that Suit, as the Court of Chancery shall award, if they see cause to award any, for which Recognizance he shall be paid twelve pence only, and no more; and such Master of the Chancery shall for as much Certi­fie, every such Recognizance, into the Office of the Petty-bag, in Chancery, to be there Filed, and the Officer there shall give a Certificate thereof to the Plaintiff or his Attorney, upon request; and for the Filing such Recognizances, making Certifi­cate, and keeping an Alphabet thereof, he shall receive twelve pence and no more, but where the Plaintiff shall be admitted in Forma Pauperis, there no Security is to be required.

By this the Defendant is not bound to answer with­out the Plaintiff gives Security by Recognizance, which will be an incumbrance upon his Land, so long as that Suit endures; which will hinder Commerce, and disa­ble Infants, and persons Non Compos Mentis to Sue, and is of great delay, and five times the former ex­pence, before the Suit can have an answer, and the dis­charging and Suing Recognizances will increase moti­ons, Suits, and Expences, and if the Suits never proceed, it will be difficult to have it dicharged, and cannot be but by Orders, albeit the parties consent, and the Rule it self is uncertain, not expressing to whom the Recognizance shall be given: and doth no more than what may be done upon an Order for Costs, without so much expence, which is only of advantage to Lawyers, Officers, and Clerks.

8. That where a Defendant might answer by Commission in the Country, he shall not now be forced to take a Commission but may answer upon Oath before a Master of the Chancery in the Coun­try, in like manner and by such time as if a Com­mission had issued, and that the Lords Commissio­ners for the Great Seal do take care for that pur­pose there be in every County a convenient num­ber of such of the Justices of the Peace resident in that County, as they shall judg to be of the greatest Ability and Integrity, appointed to be Masters of the Chancery Extraordinary, and that such Master or any Master in Ordinary, after the answer so sworn before him, shall sign the same and give it in­to Court himself, or being sealed up, deliver it to some person, to deliver the same into Court, and to make Oath that he did receive the same from the hand of such Masters of the Chancery and that since the receiving thereof the same hath not been opened, or altered.

It is very dangerous to rely upon answers as this Rule directs; for the Defendant may go into any Coun­try, and never call any person thereunto, that knows him to be the same person.

9. That upon delivering in the answer, the At­torney for the Defendant do take care that he be provided with names of persons for Commissio­ners to be given by him upon a Rule given to re­joyn.

It is not possible until the Defendant doth know into what County the Plaintiff will take his Com­mission.

10. When an answer is put in, the Plaintiff shall reply within eight days if the answer were in Term time, otherwise within four days after the beginning of the next Term, unless the Plaintiff shall within eight days after the answer come and put in exceptions thereunto, or promise the Cause to be set down for hearing on Bill, and another to be heard the next Term, otherwise the Cause to be dismissed without motion, which Costs to be taxed by the chief Clerk.

This cannot be observed without great mischief that may happen, in case where all the Defendants have not answered, which may be the loss of a Cause, where the Plaintiff hath occasion to put in a special Replicati­on, it cannot be known to his Councel, or Attorney, but [Page 604] by the Plaintiffs Information; and experience hath found great inconvenience to confine the Plaintiff to such short time; and it is the Cause of many Motions to enlarge it, and the execution of this Rule is of no advantage to the Defendant, as is conceived, unless it be to surprise the Plaintiff from making the truth of his Case appear.

12. That in case the Plaintiff think fit to except unto the answer for insufficiency, the Plaintiff shall deliver the exception in writing, to the Defendants Attorney within eight days after the answer Filed, and shall enter the Cause with the Register; and in the same order as they are entred, the same shall be heard by the Master of the Rolles, who shall appoint one or more days in the week for that purpose, and at every sitting shall appoint his next day of sit­ting, and how many of the said Causes shall be then heard upon exceptions, in the same order as they are entred, which days the parties shall attend at their peril. And the Master of the Rolles upon hearing thereof shall give such Costs as be fitting.

This hinders the Defendants liberty to amend his an­swer without further delay or expence.

13. That if a Defendant doth appear and an­swer insufficiently, and it be so Ruled, or shall plead demur, and the same be over Ruled, than if upon a Rule given, he shall not answer within eight days, the Plaintiff may proceed in such sort as is be­fore directed, in case the Defendant had not ap­peared.

This, together with the sixth Article, imposeth up­on any person that lives remote, without any notice or default in him, to have his House broke open, or any other House wherein he is, and to be taken in con­tempt.

[14] That after an Answer, If it appear at any time to the Court, that no part of the matter of the Plaintiffs Bill is then proper for relief in that Court, the Court shall dismiss the Bill with full Costs upon a Bill to be allowed by the Chief Clerk, but if some particular part of the Bill be thought sit by the Court to be proceeded in, the Court then shall direct the Examination, and proceeding upon that particular point, and the Defendant not to be inforced to proceed to Examine upon any other Matters.

This will create a multitude of Actions, and Ex­pence, and in implicated Causes of fraud, and trusts, will be dangerous to break or cut them off, and to give Judgment upon them before a Hearing; and is of no advantage to either side, but what the Court may thereby provide for at the hearing, if any thing be unnecessarily Examined.

[15] The Plaintiff the next day after the Sup­plication Filed, or the same day if he will, shall cause a Rule to be Entred for the Defendant to Re­joyn and Joyn in Commission, which if the Defen­dant shall not do within eight days, the Plaintiff may take a Commission Exparte, and the Defen­dant shall have no new Commission in that Cause.

This will be a means to surprize many persons in their just Defence, without any provision against sickness, or any other Accidents, and if this be in­forced as a Law, all special Rejoynders, for which there may be just Cause, are taken away; and it will destroy many a just Cause, leave the party remediless, and encourage false dealing.

[16] That no Witness shall be examined in Court but by one of the Examiners themselves, but in case of sickness: and that one of the Examiners shall examine the Witnesses of the Plaintiffs party, and the other the Witnesses of the Defendants party, if any be produced to be examined in Court, and that no Clerk of that Office shall be a Solicitor upon pain of loosing his place.

No provision is made but that an Examiner, being a Party, must examine his own Witness, or his Ad­versaries.

[17] That all Commissions for Examination of Witnesses shall be open.

The same will be in this, as in the case of Subpoenas, Patents, and many more.

[19] That the Commissioners for Examination of Witnesses shall take an Oath before Execution of any Commission, to Execute the same faithfully and impartially; which each Commissioner is impowred to Administer to other. And the Clerk or Clerks attending such Commissioners, shall take an Oath, which is to be Administred by the Commissioners, to write down the Depositions of Witnesses truly, and indifferently, without partiality; and a Clause shall be in the Commission for that purpose.

The Commission is a Writ in the Register, and it is not mentioned or provided, what the Form of the Oath, or Clause to be inserted shall be, nor by whom inserted; and if this be extended beyond a Rule, and taken for a Law; any Plaintiff who shall loose his Commis­sion, shall loose his Cause, and so of any other acci­dent, though never so unavoidable.

[21] That there shall be no more than two Commissions at the most for examination of Wit­nesses in any one Cause to be Executed in England or Wales, unless where one shall be suppressed; and in case either party have any Witnesses in Scotland, or beyond the Seas to examine, setting down the names of such Witnesses, and delivering them to the Attorney of the other side, he may take out a Commission within the time before limited, wherein the adverse party may joyn, if he will, within four days after notice, or otherwise the Commission shall Issue Ex Parte, provided that the parties or ei­ther of them (and Court see cause) may have se­veral Commissions unto several Counties of the same date.

This is mischevious for the reasons before, and if this be extended beyond a Rule, not to be dispensed withall, as reason may require upon accidents, many Plaintiffs will loose their Causes, especially Merchants, who cannot by that time know where their Witnesses are.

[22] That after the Execution of one Commis­sion, no second Commission shall be taken out, but by order of the Court, and upon Affidavit, that some material Witnesses, whose names shall be therein expressed, have been discovered since the Execution of the former Commission, or that some of the Witnesses intended to be examined at that Commission, and which are material, could not be found, or by reason of sickness, or like just cause, could not attend that Commission, in such case only those Witnesses which shall be named, shall be exa­mined by such second Commission, and the same shall Issue and be Executed at the charge of the party praying the same, unless the other side shall also desire to Examine any Witnesses by any such second Commission, and then he shall likewise set down their names.

This is like as before.

[23] That after the return of a Commission Ex­ecuted, or Witnesses examined in Court, there shall be but one Rule for Publication, within which time, if the other side do not shew unto the Court good cause to the contrary, Publication shall pass, &c.

This Rule doth not express after what Commission, nor what Witnesses, whether all, on either side, or not; and will surprize the parties before they can move, or be heard by the Court, why publication should not pass, and increase motions to the advantage of Lawyers and Sollicitors.

[Page 605] [24] That from and after the twenty second of October, 1654 no order or direction concerning any Cause depending in Chancery to be made or given, but upon motion in open Court, that then both parties concerned, or their Council, may be heard.

The Rule of the Court already being, that no Order shall be made upon Petition, upon the Merits or Body of the Cause, or to controul an Order in open Court; if that be further extended, as a Law, then many of the Suitors of the Court may loose their Causes, and be ruined, and there will be a failer of Justice, and great mischief ensue, as by dayly experience is found.

[27] That no Injunction be granted but upon motion in open Court, satisfying the Court in such matter which may induce the Court in Ju­stice to grant the Injunction; but the Defendants taking a Commission, or sitting an Attachment only, shall be no sufficient ground for an Injuncti­on.

This is so general, that it extends to all Injunctions, and so in cases of Waste, Timber may be felled, Houses pulled down, Meadows and ancient Pastures ploughed up, to the irreparable loss of the Plaintiffs, and the Common-Wealth, before an Order can be procured to stay, in case the Defendants will not answer; and if no Injunction be granted upon an Attachment, or delay of answer; a Defendant although not worth a penny, may stand in contempt, get an Execution on the Plaintiffs Estate, and make it away, and no reparation can be had.

[29] That no Injunction granted after a Plea, pleaded at Law, or Rules given, shall stop a Tryal at Law, or any Pleading, or proceeding preparatory to a Tryal.

It seems much against Equity, that if the Defen­dant shall by answer confess the whole Debt to be paid, to suffer him to go to Tryal at Law, which will be but a vain expence to the parties, and only profitable to Lawyers.

[30] That from and after the twenty second of October, 1654. no Injunction be granted to stay the Mortgagee from his Suit at Law, till the final hear­ing of the Cause; but an Injunction may be granted to prevent the Mortgagees pulling down Houses, cutting Trees, or making other Waste or spoil up­on the Mortgaged Lands.

This is very mischevious where there is equity for an Injunction in this Case, as well as upon Bonds, or other Securities; the mischief being greater to the Mort­gagor (who shall be turned out of possession) then to the Obligor in a Bond, and the Mortgagee is also in better condition than the Obligee, by reason of his Se­curity by Land, and yet the Court is not barred to stay proceedings upon Bonds, and all other Securi­ties, but are restrained in cases of Mortgages.

[31] That all differences touching irregularities in proceedings, or upon the Rates or Course of the Court, shall be determined by the said chief Clerks, or any two of them, on whom the Attorneys on both sides are to attend: and in case either side shall not rest satisfied with the Judgment therein, they may Appeal to the Master of the Rolles, who upon Hearing the Attorneys on both sides (and the Chief Clerk who made the Certificate) if he see cause, shall settle the same, and give Costs where he finds the fault.

This deprives the Commissioners of all power upon the Rules, and Course of the Court; and these very Rules upon which they are to Judge, and be answera­ble, as they are Judges of that Court; and gives power to the Chief Clerk to be Judge even of these Rules.

[32] All other References shall be determined by the Masters of the Chancery in Ordinary, which shall be only six in number, to be now, and from time to time, appointed by the Protector for the time being; of which six, there shall sit dayly at some certain publick place three, so long as any Refe­rences do depend; and shall have a Sworn Regi­ster to attend them, who shall in presence of them and the Counsel, read the Notes taken in each Cause, upon any Order made, or Report agreed; and the same being Read, shall be subscribed by the Masters then present, or any two of them; and afterwards the Report shall be drawn up by the Register, and subscribed by the same Masters, and certified: and that after the twenty second of October, 1654. no other person or persons shall ex­ercise the Office of a Master of the Chancery in Or­dinary.

This seems to give the Masters power finally to de­termine without any Appeal to the Court, without any Provision concerning Merchants Accompts, and other References of that Nature, which they cannot so pro­perly determine; and concludes the Court from making any Reference, though the parties desire it; whereby the Cause may receive an end by indifferent friends.

[38] That from and after the twenty second of October, 1654. every Attorney shall keep all and every Affidavit, whereupon he shall make forth any Writ or Process in his own custody, and shall shew the same to the Attorney on the other side, and suffer him or other person, to take a Copy there­of, if he shall require it; and that the Senior Regi­ster shall appoint a Clerk of Honesty and Integrity to attend the Court, and at the Rolles and all Seals, who shall take an Oath before the Lord Chancellor, Keeper, or Commissioner of the Great Seal, to be faithful in his Employment; and shall receive into his Custody, all and every Affidavit, which shall be made in Court, or upon which any Order shall be grounded, and shall dayly File the same, and keep an Alphabet thereof; and in Case the Party at whose instance such Affidavit was made, shall have cause to have a Copy thereof, he shall pay unto the said Clerk for the same, four pence for the Filing, and three pence for every side for a Copy thereof; and the other side, or any other person desiring it, may also have a Copy at the same rate, and the Re­gister shall have for Examining and Signing such Copy, six pence and no more.

It is conceived, by the Clerks keeping the Affidavit, it may be in his and his Clients power to alter or retract it, after it is sworn, as is found by experience hath been done.

[40] That all Causes shall be set down for Hear­ing in Order as they were published, without pre­fering one Cause before another, and shall be pre­sented by the Chief Clerks, without taking any Fee for the same; and the Causes being so set down, shall be heard in the same Order.

This Rule is very prejudicial in Cases (which are many) that depend upon the lives of the persons, and also of Merchants, where one gets the Estate of ano­ther into his hands, and goes beyond Seas; and to deny him a Hearing in such Cases as occasion shall re­quire, is all one as to deny them Justice, if this be en­forced as a Law, and if cause be to advise with Judges, or any other accident, the Court cannot put off the Cause for half an hour.

[41] That every Cause shall be heard the same day on which it is set down for Hearing, and for that purpose the Lords Commissioners. if there be cause, shall sit for Hearing such Causes in the After-noon, as well as in the Forenoon, except upon Satur­days.

[Page 606] This is impossible to be done; for Causes of Equity depend upon so many circumstances in cases of frauds, and trusts, that three or four days is not sometimes sufficient for the orderly hearing of one Cause; and the sitting of the Commissioners upon the R [...]lls days can­not consist, by reason of Councel, and Sollicitours, who cannot do their duty at both places, and if this be imposed as a Law upon the Judges of that Court, they are enjoyned thereby to act an impossi­bility.

The like objections were made to all the rest of the Articles, and particulars of the new Ordinance touching the Chancery; which though they would not prevail to stay the exemption of it, as to the Lords Commissioners who seemed to doubt the power that made it (which the makers would not endure) yet they were the means that it was not exacted from their Successors; but they were con­nived at in the not execution of it, wherein they could not have satisfied themselves, having taken an Oath which they scrupled would be broken, ei­ther in the admittance of this Ordinance for a Law; or if admitted, in neglecting the performance of any part thereof.

May, 1655.

[May] The Protectors Commissioners for visiting Visitors. the Universities, Colledges, and Schools in Scotland, set forth a Proclamation, Prohibiting Ministers to Pray for the King, or to excite the people to new trou­bles, prohibiting all persons from paying any main­tainance to such Ministers.

News of the death of the Queen Dowager of Sweden, who after she had been long sick of a Quar­tain Ague, it was followed by a strong Rhume that fell on her Breast till she dyed.

Old Oxenstern Chancellor of Sweedland was bu­ryed, and the King and Queen at his Funeral.

Letters from Vice-Admiral Pen, That his Fleet Pen. was safe at the Barbadoes, where they had taken in four or five thousand men, and within few days intended to set sail from thence upon their de­sign.

Letters of the continuance of the cruel persecu­tion against the poor Protestants of Piedmont, by the Duke of Savoy.

A Proclamation published for the execution of Jesuits. the Laws against Jesuits, and Priests, and for Con­viction of Popish Recusants, against which White­locke declared his opinion, at this time, when there was not a fixed settlement, and so great pretences for Liberty of Conscience.

Baron Thorpe, and Judg Newdigate were put Judges put out. out of their places, for not observing the Protectors pleasure in all his Commands.

This Order was sent from the Protector and Councel to the Commissioners of the Seal.

Tuesday, May, 1. 1655. At the Councel at White-Hall.

Forasmuch as the naming and settling of the At­tornies Chancery. in the Court of Chancery, and the disposing of the Records in such manner as is directed by an Ordinance of his Highness by, and with the con­sent of his Councel, Entituled, An Ordinance for the better regulating and limiting [...] the Jurisdiction of the High Court of Chancery, Hath been omitted by those who are intrusted with the doing thereof, and that great delay in Justice will necessarily fall out, in case all proceedings in Chancery should be suspended, untill all the said Officers and Records be settled; for prevention thereof, It is Ordered by his Highness the Lord Protector by the advice of his Councel; that the Lords Commissioners of May. the Great Seal, and Master of the Rolles do pro­ceed in the business of the said Court, notwith­standing the said Officers have not been nominated, and the Records disposed of, as by the said Ordi­nance is directed: which his Highness and the Councel expect should be done with all speed, by those who are concerned therein: and that in all other things they proceed according to the directi­on in the said Ordinance.

HENRY SCOBELL Clerk of the Councel.

This Order was made to put a further tryal upon the Commissioners, and a command to execute the new Ordinance; and the default in this particular, was in the Master of the Rolles, who was more positive than any other, in denying as yet to ex­ecute the Ordinance; but afterwards, his profit and fear to offend over swayed all other condera­tions.

At one of their meetings, Widdrington, Len­thal and Whitelock, agreed upon this Letter to be subscribed by them, and sent to the President of the Councel.

My Lord,

WE have seriously and duely considered what we received from his Highness concerning the Execution of the Ordinance touching the Chancery, and have strictly exa­mined our own Judgments, and Consciences, having with all submission sought to God therein, yet cannot give our selves satisfaction, so as to be free to proceed upon that Ordinance, wherefore, and in regard of the near approach of the Term. We hold it our duty to represent the same unto his Highness, together with the great trouble of our own thoughts, in our unhappiness in this dis­satisfaction; and desire the favour from your Lordship to acquaint his Highness herewith we remain,

My Lord,
your Lorships very humble Servants,
  • B. Whitelock,
  • T. Widrington,
  • W. Lenthal.
May, 1. 1655.

This Letter was not delivered to the President of the Councel till some time after the date of it, the next day they received this Order, or Warrant from the Protector.

Oliver Protector,

RIght trusty, and right well beloved, We greet you well, Whereas by an Ordinance, En­tituled, An Ordinance for the better regulating, and limiting the Jurisdiction of the High Court of Chan­cery, It is, among other things, Ordained, that the Masters of the Chancery in Ordinary, shall be only six in number, to be now and from time to time appointed by the Lord Protector for the time being, We according to the said Ordinance do appoint William Lenthal, Esq Master of the Rolles, John Sadler, Nathanael Hubart, Arthur Barnar­diston, Thomas St. Nicholas, and K [...]bert Ald­worth, Esq to be the six Masters of the Chancery in Ordinar; and do hereby signifie unto you our plea­sure, that they be sworn and admitted according­ly; given at White-Hall this second day of May, 1655.

[Page 607]To our Right trusty, and Right well be­loved Sir Bulstrode Whitelocke, Knight, Sir Thomas Widrington, Kt. and John L'Isle, Esq Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England.

Upon Receipt of this Warrant, they gave the Oath to the six Masters of the Chancery named in the Order, it being the old Oath, and they pro­ceeded in ordinary business of the Court, accord­ing to the former course.

Letters from the Barbadoes of some Dutch Ships Pen. there Trading, seized upon by Pen, and his Fleet ready to sail from thence, but whither the Officers knew not. That they only waited for more stores from London, which were not yet come to them. That Pen had here recruited his men, and sent some Forces to the Leeward Islands. That the English here love to Trade more with the Dutch then with Barbadoes. their Country men. That Pen, and Venable settled in the Barbadoes a Court, by Commission to levy what should appear to be owing there to the Dutch, and to make seizures of all Dutch, who should Trade there. That they were now six thousand Land­men, and five thousand Sea-men, and intended shortly to set Sail upon their design.

Letters of the Duke of Savoys cruel persecuting the Protestants in Piedmont, by taking away their Goods, and Estates, and putting them in Prison, Piedmont. and carrying away of their Children; using all means with violence to make them forsake their Re­ligion, and the purity of the Gospel; which when they could not do, the Priests persuaded the Duke to send an Army against them, to force them to Conformity, who sent eight thousand men against these poor quiet people, and Loyal Subjects; the Army fell upon them, slew many of them with small loss, and took many Prisoners, whom they used with all cruelty, and then put them to death. Others of them, with their Wives and Children, fled unto the Mountains, whilst the Soldiers plun­dered their Houses, and then fired them, and their Churches.

A Solemn Fast was kept throughout London, and Westminster.

During this Easter Term, the Commissioners of Chancery. the Great Seal proceeded in Chancery according to the former course of that Court, and did not ex­ecute the Protectors new Ordinance, which was in­formed to him, but he could not disturb them till the Term was over; and then was quick with them for their disobedience.

June, 1655.

Divers sollicitations were made to Whitelocke by sundry persons, whose interest lay that way, that he should recant the Letter he had subscribed with Widdrington, and Lenthal, that he was not satisfied to execute the Protectors New Ordinance concer­the Chancery, and that he would promise to do it, and to Conform to his Highness pleasure, and that then he should be continued in the place of Commissioner of the Great Seal, otherwise he must expect to be put out of that good and great Office.

Whitelocke answered them, that no worldly con­siderations could prevail with him to do any thing contrary to his Judgment and Conscience; for then he knew he should offend a greater Protector and better Friend than my Lord Protector could could be. That he had taken an Oath to execute the place of Commissioner of the Great Seal Le­gally, and Justly; and for him to execute this Or­dinance as a Law, when he knew that those who made it, had no Legal power to make a Law, could not be justified in Conscience; and would be a June betraying of the Rights of the people of Eng­land, and too much countenancing of an illegal Au­thority.

That as long as he should continue a Commissio­ner of the Great Seal, he would execute that place according to Law, and do right to the parties in Court, after the best of his Judgment, and Consci­ence; but to do an Illegal Act, and to execute such an Ordinance, as he knew not to be agreeable to Law, and would be an occasion of Injustice to ma­ny, because he would thereby keep himself in the place of a Commissioner, he thought was not ac­cording to good Conscience, nor honesty, and there­fore he resolved to give himself satisfaction, ra­ther than any other, and further than this, he could not be persuaded.

This Order was brought to the Lords Commissi­oners.

To the Right Honorable the Lords Commissio­ners of the Great Seal.

My Lords,

I Am commanded to signifie unto your Lordships, his Highness and the Councels pleasure, That your Lordships do attend his Highness with the Great Seal, at six of the Clock this Evening. I am

My Lord,
your Lordships most humble Servant, Henry Scobell.
White-Hall, June, 6. 1655.

As soon as this Letter came to them, they under­stood the meaning of it, and attended with the Great Seal at the time appointed, at the Councel-Chamber, and were after a little waiting called in The Protector gravely told them, ‘That he was sorry some of them could not satisfie their own Consciences, to execute the Ordinance concerning the Chancery, which they were informed had much good in it to the publick, but he confessed that every one was to satisfie himself in matter to be performed by him, and that he had not the worse opinion of any man for refusing to do that where­of he was doubtful; but in this particular the Affairs of the Common-Wealth did require a Conformity of the Officers thereof, and their Obe­dience to Authority, and (being some of them re­fused to execute this Act, as was enjoyned) they were compelled thereby to put this charge of the Custody of the Great Seal into the hands of some others, who might be satisfied, that it was their duty to perform this Command, and to put the Ordinance in Execution.’

Whitelocke, being the antientest of the Commissi­oners, told his Highness, ‘That their scruple was not upon the Authority of his Highness, and the Councel, as to the Command of all matters con­cerning the Government of the Common Wealth, but only as to the effect of this Ordinance, to be Executed as a Law, the which they apprehended (and had formerly given their reason for it) would be of great prejudice to the Publick, and would be contrary to what they had formerly by their Oath promised; and being yet unsatisfied therein, was the ground of their scruple,’

Sir Thomas Widdrington spake somwhat to the same purpose, and then the Protector spake to them to lay down the Seal, which they did; and then they were desired to withdraw; and so this great Office was voluntarily parted with by them, upon terms of Conscience only.

[Page 608] People past their censures upon them, as their affections led them, some commended what they had done as a Conscientious Act, some of larger Principles blamed them for parting with so great and profitable an employment, upon a nice scruple, which probably themselves would have swallowed, although it had been never so great. But they held themselves accountable to none but God for what they did.

Lenthal, who seemed most earnest against the Lenthal. Execution of this Ordinance, and protested That he would be hanged at the Rolles Gate before he would execute it, yet now, when he saw Widdrington, and Whitelocke put out of their places, for refusing to do it, he wheeled about, and was as forward as any one to act in the execution of it, and thereby restored himself to their favour.

The Protector kept the Seal in his own custody for some days, and dispatched some business of Sealing in his Chamber, where the Officers attended, till he had resolved upon the persons to whom he after­wards committed the custody of it.

June 8. The Great Seal was thus parted with by Whitelocke and Widdrington, and June 15. It was delivered to Collonel Fiennes, and Major L'Isle, their late Brother, who was for all Assays; and L'Isle. these two were Commissioners of the Great Seal, the one of them never had experience in matters of this Nature, and the other had as little knowledg in them, till by accompanying the late Commissioners he gained some; and now he carryed the business very high, and superciliously.

Letters that General Blake demanding at Tunis Reparation for the losses of the English from Turkish Blake. Pirats, the Dye of Tunis answered him with scorn, and bid him behold his Castles, whereupon Blake Sayled into the Harbour within Musket shot of the Castle, and though the shoar was planted with Great Guns, yet he set upon the Turksh Ships in the Haven, fired nine of them, and came off with great Ho­nour.

About the latter end of this month the Lord Willoughby of Parh [...]m, and the Lord Newport were committed to the Tower upon suspition of Treason.

July, 1655.

The Protector being good Natured, and sensible of his harsh proceedings against Whitelocke and Commi­ssióners of the Trea­sury. W [...]ddrington, for keeping to that Liberty of Con­science which himself held to be every ones Right, and that none ought to suffer for it; He now in­tending to make some recompence to them, put them in to be Commissioners of the Treasury, together with Collonel Mountague, and Collonel Sydenham, with whom they had fair. Quarter, theit Sallary one thousand pounds apiece per ann. and Mr. Sher­wyn, an able man in the business of the Exchequer, was Secretary to the Commissioners.

Letters from the Fleet under General Pen and Venables, whereby the ill success and miscarriage Venables. of Venables was ill resented by all, and the Protector was much offended at it, and indeed it was indis­creetly managed by Venables, who might have Lan­ded Hispanio­la. his men near Sancto Domingo, from whence the Inhabitants fled into the Woods, and left a great booty in the Town.

But Venables Landed his men ten Leagues West­ward, who were so tired with a long and hot March, and so sick with it, that the Enemy returned upon them, and slew Major General Hains, who fought stoutly, and six hundred English, besides those that were slain stragling, and this was done by about sixty of the Enemy, who chaced the English to their Ships.

The rest of this Naval Army Sayled to an Island called Jamaica, in the West Indies, of which they July. Jamaica. Possest themselves, where they found a Tollerable Habitation; and in the beginning of this Month Major Sedgwick was sent with Twelve Ships, and Collonel Humphries with his Regiment with Sup­plies to those in Jamaica; so careful was the Protector, to lose no advantage of what he had got Footing in.

Gra [...]f Hannibal Sesthead, and a Lord of Denmark Denmark. who had married the Kings half Sister there, and been Vice-Roy of Norway, but afterwards grew out of Favour of his King, came into England to see the Protector, and made his Applications to White­lock, whom he had been acquainted with in Ger­many.

Who brought him to the Protector, and he used him with all Courtesie; he Dined with him several times, and the Protector was much taken with his Company: he was a very Ingenuous Man, spake ma­ny Languages, and English perfectly well, and had been Employed in several great Charges, and Am­bassies; but he was a very Debauch'd Person; which when the Protector knew, he would not admit him any more into his Conversation; and not long af­ter, he departed out of England.

The Swedish Ambassadour, Graef Blunt being Swedish Ambassa­dour. Landed, and making his Entry into London, the Council made this Order,

Friday July 27. 1655. At the Council at White-hall.

Ordered, That Mr. Strick­land, Collonel Montague, and the Lord Whitelock, or two of them, be desired to receive the Lord Ambassadour Extraordi­nary from the King of Swe­den, and Conduct him to his Lodgings, at the Lady Willi­ams her House, to Morrow.

Henry Scobel Clerk of the Council.

August, 1655.

The Commissioners of the Treasury had Treasury. a Seal from the Protector, and his Council for every great Sum, and they then Order­ed under their Hands the Payment of every particular Sum accordingly; and all these were entred in their Books, so that the State could not be cozened, and they had not the hard ways of the usual Course of the Ex­chequor, but yet they did not take off that Course, as to the Constant Form of it.

[Page 609] The last Moneth Whitelock and Strickland received the Swedish Ambassadour at the Tower, by order of the Protector, with his Coaches, and near a Hundred others, with Swedish Ambassa­dour. Six Horces a piece; they met the Ambassa­dor at the Water-side; Whitelock bid him welcome in the Protectors Name, and after Ceremonies, took Coaches; the Ambassa­dor and Whitelock, Strickland, the Master of the Ceremonies, and Graef Hohento, a Ger­man, Reception. and Cousin to the King of Sweden in the Protectors chief Coach.

At their first setting forward, there was strife between a French Ambassadors Coach which he sent with some of his, Gentlemen to meet the Swedish Ambassadour, and the Swedish Ambassador's own Coatch, which should go first, The French Lacquaies and the Swedish Lacquaies drew their Swords, and some slight hurts were given, and a great Tumult in the Street, But Whitelock and Strickland sent the Protectors Laquaies to quiet them; with Order, that the Swedish Ambassadors Coach should go first, he be­ing present in Person, and the other only sent to wait on him; which Order was ob­served. They came by Torch-light through London, to Sr. Abraham Williams his House at Westminster, where the Ambassadour was Feasted, and Entertained Nobly at the Pro­tectors Charge, three days. Whitelock and Strickland usually Dined with him: He ask­ed, why Whitelock who was no Privy Coun­sellor had the Precedence of Strickland, who was a Privy Counsellor? Whereas in his Country, the Counsellors (who are called Senators) have Precedence of all other Sub­jects of what Degree or Office soever they be; and the Reason was given him, Because in his Country the Counsellors are Senatoris Regni: here they are only Consiliarii Protecto­ris, not Regni.

The Third day of his Entertainment he had his Audience, the Protectors Coaches and Audience. a great Number of other Coaches, most of them with Six Horses, came, and took up the Ambassador, and his Company, and those appointed to wait on him, with Sir Oliver Flemming, Master of the Ceremonies; and brought them into the Court at Whitehall, where he alighted, and his Gentlemen and Servants went all bare before him.

There were of his Company Five Swedish Barons, (the Custom of their Country be­ing, that every Son of a Baron hath the Title of a Baron) and about Thirty other Gentle-men of Quality, about Four Pages, and Ten Lacquies, his other Servants made up the Number of Two hundred Persons; general­ly proper handsom Men, and fair Hair'd; they were all in Mourning, (very gentile) as the Ambassadour himself was, upon the August. Death of the Queen Mother of Sweeden.

His People went all bare, two and two before him in Order, according to their Qua­lities, the best Men last; and next to him, the Master of the Ceremonies next before him, Whitelock on his right hand, and Strickland on his left hand; they made a handsome shew in this Equipage, and so went up to the Council Chamber, where the Ambassa­dour repos'd himself, about a quarter of an hour, and then word being brought, that the Protector was ready in the Banqueting-House, he came down into the Court again, and in the same Order they went up into the Ban­queting-House. Whitehall Court was full of Soldiers in good Order, the Staires and Doors were kept by the Protectors Guards, in their Livery Coats, with Halberts, the Rooms and passages in very handsome Order. The Ban­queting-House was richly hung with Arras, Multitudes of Gentlemen in it, and of Ladies in the Galleries. The Ambassadors People were all admitted into the Room and made a Lane within the Railes in the midst of the Room. At the upper end upon a Foot pace and Carpet, stood the Protector with a Chair of State behind him, and divers of his Coun­cil and Servants about him.

The Master of the Ceremonies went be­fore the Ambassador on the left-side, the Ambassador in the middle betwixt White­lock and Strickland, went up in the open lane of the Room; as soon as they came within the Room, at the lower end of the Lane, they put off their Hats. The Ambassadour a lit­tle while after the rest, and when he was uncovered, the Protector also put off his Hat, and Answered the Ambassadours three Sa­lutations in his coming up to him, and on the Foot pace they saluted each other as usu­ally Friends do: And when the Protector put on his Hat, the Ambassadour put on his, as soon as the other.

After a little pause, The Ambassadour put off his Hat, and begun to speak, and then put it on again; and whensoever in his Speech he named the King his Master, or Sweden, or the Protector, or England, he moved his Hat, especially, if he mentioned any thing of God, or the good of Christendom, he put off his Hat very low; and the Protector still answered him in the like Postures of Civillity.

The Ambassador spake in the Swedish Lan­guage, and after he had done, being but short, his Secretary Berkman did Interpret it in La­tine, to this Effect.

[Page 610] That the King of Sweeden his Ma­ster having a very great Affection, and Respect to his Highness, which he had formerly in some sort Testified, Ambassa­dours Speech. when a Noble Person now present was Ambassadour from your Highness to that Crown.

His Majesty, the King my Ma­ster, since his coming to the Crown, hath Ratified the Treaty made with your Highness, and commanded me to repair hither to Salute your High­ness, which I do with all Respect and Reverence in his Majesties name, and Congratulate the happy access of your Highness to the Government of this Common-Wealth, wishing you all prosperity therein.

The King my Master hath im­powred me to propound unto your Highness some other matters in order to the perfecting of some things left to a further Determination in that Treaty, and to a farther, and more strict Union and Alliance between the two Nations, tending to the Glory of God, and to the advantage of the Protestant Interest in the World, and to the benefit of both Nations in point of Trade, and other interest; which I shall be ready particularly to de­clare unto your Highness, or such as you shall appoint for that pur­pose.

Many other passages of Complement and Civility were in his Expressions; and after his Interpreter had done, the Protector stood still a pretty while, and putting off his Hat to the Ambassadour, with a carriage full of Gravity and State, he answered him in Eng­lish to this effect.

My Lord Ambassadour, I have Protectors Answer. great reason to acknowledg with thankfulness, the Respects and good Affection of the King your Master towards this Common-Wealth, and towards my self in particular, where­of I shall always retain a very grate­ful Memory, and shall be ready up­on all occasions to manifest the high Sence and Value I have of His Ma­jesties Friendship and Alliance.

My Lord, You are very welcom into England, and during your abode here, you shall find all due Regard and respect to be given to your Person, and to the Business about which you come.

I am very willing to enter into a nearer and more strict Aliance and Friendship with the King of Sweedland, as that which in my Judgment will tend much to the Honour and Com­modity of both Nations, and to the General Advantage of the Protestant Interest, I shall nominate some per­sons to meet and Treat with your Lordship upon such particulars as you shall Communicate to them.

The Protectors Speech was not Interpre­ted, because the Ambassadour understood English, and after it was done, the Ambas­sadour gave Copyes of his Speech in Sweedish and in Latin to the Protector, and then de­livered unto him his Credential Letters; a Copy whereof had been sent to him before; then the Ambassadour spake in English to the Protector, and after some short Comple­ments between them, The Ambassadour took his leave, returning in the same order as he came, and was by the same Company conducted back to his Lodgings in Westmin­ster.

The next day the Ambassadour removed with his Family to Dorset-House, which was taken up and furnished for him at his own charge.

About the beginning of this Month the Ambassadour was highly Feasted and Enter­tained, with most of his Followers, by the Protector at Hampton Court.

September 1655.

General Pen returned to England with a part of the Fleet from Jamaica, the greatest part of it General Pen. [...] stay'd behind, and not long after him came Gene­ral Venables, who upon Examination by the Pro­tector Venables. and Councel of his Management of that Affair, was committed to the Tower, but being judg­ed that he failed rather through his Imprudence than any ill Intent, he was at length released.

The Princess Royal, and her Brother the Duke of Gloucester, went to the King of Scots to Colen, and they went together to the Fair at Franckford; through every Princes Countrey where they past, the Chief Officers of State were sent to comple­ment them, and the great Guns saluted them from their Forts; the Elector of Mentz entertained them sumptuously three dayes.

The King hearing the Queen Christiana of Swe­den Queen of Sweden. was coming that way in her Journey to Italy, sent one of his Lords to her, to Salute her in his Name, and to express his desire to wait upon her Majesty at what place she would appoint; She named Coningstein where they met, and had private discourse together, and amongst other things (as the King afterwards related) there was some men­tion of Whitelock, and of his Ambassage in Sweden, wherein the Queen spake with high Favour and Respect of him; and told the King that in all the Conferences that she had with him at that time, she never heard him speak a dishonourable word of the King.

The Duke of Savoy having Committed great Piedmont. Cruelties, and a Barbarous Persecution of the poor Protestants in Piedmont, the Protector appointed a Solemn day of Humiliation to be kept, and a large Contribution to be gathered throughout the Nation for their Relief, which was very well re­sented by the Protestants beyond the Seas.

October, 1655.

The Protectors Councel in Scotland, published a Declaration for the Election of Magistrates Scotland. there; which was observed, so great a power had he then in Scotland.

Notice by a Ship arrived in the Isle of Wight from Bilboa, that the Imbargo continued there, upon English Goods, and in all Spain; and the Eng­lish Spain. Factors were confined to their Houses there, and at Malaga the People were in disorder for the loss of their Trade with the English.

The Councel at Whitehall ordered,

That no Person presume to publish in Print, any matter of publick News or Intelligence, with­out News. leave and Approbation of the Secretary of State.

Many Lords and others Prisoners, were released upon Security given by them for their Peaceable Demeanour.

Letters of the success of the Swedes in Poland and Lithuania.

Some Bickerings at Sea between General Blakes Blake. Ships and the Enemy; but little done, some of them returned home wanting Victuals.

Audience given to the Venetian Ambassador.

Some Spanish Ships assaulted some of General Blakes Fleet, but they came off.

Stop of English Ships in Flanders.

A French Ship taken, that had been Fishing at New-Foundland.

Letters of the Miseries of the poor Protestants Novem. in Piedmont.

Orders for Accommodations for Mr. Feake and Mr. Rogers Prisoners.

A Declaration by the Admiral of France for the clearing of all English Ships and Goods in any Ports of France.

Injuries to the English at Dunkirk.

Letters of the State of the Island of Jamaica, and of the English Forces there.

Order of the Protector and Councel, for those that bought Delinquents Estates, to pay in forth­with all Arrears of the Purchase Money.

Letters of the Swedes Victory against the Mus­covites.

Order of the Protector and Councel, against Printing Unlicensed and Scandalous Books and Pamphlets, and for regulating of Printing.

Orders touching the Ministers of Scotland.

The Protestant Cantons of Switzerland acknow­ledge the Protectors zeal and care for Pied­mont.

The Spaniards took an English Man of War by Treachery.

Proclamation against Coiners, and advice that none receive their false Money.

Order of the Protector and Councel command­ing all that have been of the Kings part, to depart out of the Lines of Communication.

Major-Generals appointed by the Protector and his Councel in the several Counties.

The Articles of Peace between England and France, signed here October 24.

General Pen was released from his Imprison­ment.

This Moneth the Ambassador was full of ex­pectation, Swedish Ambassa­dor. that Commissioners should be appointed to Treat with him, but by reason of the great and unsettled Affairs of this Nation, and for that the Councel judged other Affairs which they had in hand (though perhaps mistaken) to be of greater Consequence than this Treaty.

No Commissioners were yet appointed, though the Ambassador had been several times with the Protector, and desired his business might be pro­ceeded in, and was promised that it should.

November, 1655.

Letters of the miserable Condition of the Poor Protestants in Dauphine, oppressed by the Duke of Savoy, and left Sick, and without Covert, Food, or Cloathing, and many of them Dead with Cruel­ty.

A Day of Thanksgiving in Dublin, for their De­liverance Ireland. from the Rebels, the Courts of Justice Established there, the Soldiers many of them turn­ed Planters.

One who called himself William Smith, a Mini­ster in Cornwall, apprehended for having Seven Wifes together.

General Venables was released from his Impri­sonment.

The Swedish Ambassador had Audience.

Letters of Reprisal granted to divers English against the Spaniards.

The Protector and Councel appointed a Coun­cel Commit­tee of Trade. of Trade, to consider how to improve, order, and regulate the Trade and Navigation of the Common-wealth; upon which Letters were sent to several Persons in this Form.

Sir,

His Highness considering of how great Impor­tance it is to this Nation, that the Trade and Com­merce thereof be by all good wayes and means ad­vanced, and duely regulated, hath by the Advice of his Councel thought fit to appoint a certain number of Persons (whose Abilities and Experi­ence have qualified them to be Serviceable to their Countrey herein) to be a Committee for Trade, Impow'ring them to take into Consideration, the Trade and Navigation of this Common-wealth, and in what manner, and by what wayes and means the same may be Encouraged, Improved, Or­dered and Regulated. And having named you to be one of that Committee, have thought fit to sig­nifie the same unto you, to the end you may be present at their first meeting, which is appointed to be on the 27 of this Instant November in the Painted Chamber at Westminster, not doubting of your readiness to joyn with the rest of the Com­mittee, in contributing your best assistance to a Work so highly tending to the Publick good.

Whitehall the 2 of November, 1655.
Signed in the Name and by the Order of his Highness and the Councel. Hen. Lawrence, President.

This was a business of much Importance to the Common-wealth, and the Protector was earnestly set upon it.

A Declaration of the Protector and his Coun­cel, of the reasons for raising additional standing New rai­sed For­ces. Forces of Horse in every County, to preserve the Peace thereof, from the New Plots and attempts of the Enemies of the Common-wealth, upon whom he resolves to put the Charge of these New Forces, which they have occasioned, and not upon the honest party who have already so much suffer­ed.

Letters from Ireland commending their Gover­nour the Lord Lieutenant Cromwell, and his Coun­tenancing Ireland. Orthodox Ministers, and frequenting the publick Ordinances.

The Sweeds had good Success in Poland, and in Muscovia.

Collonel Harvey committed to the Tower.

The Swedish Ambassador had Audience, and re­lated to the Protector his Masters successes.

A Paper of the Special Commissioners for Chari­table uses read in the Churches in London inviting discoveries.

Cracovia was Surrendred upon Articles to the King of Sweden.

The Major-Generals and their several Commis­sioners, met in several Counties to execute their Commissions.

The Protector and his Councel referred to Sir William Roberts, and others, the Examination of the Accounts of Collonel Harvey, and Collonel Lang­ham upon which they stand Committed.

The Ratification of the Treaty with the King of France, returned by Monsieur de la Bastile the Kings Ambassador under the Kings hand, and then the Protector ratified it, and it was Sealed with the Great Seal of both Parties.

A Declaration for a publick Fast.

A Commission for appointing Justices of the Peace in Scotland.

Major Rolt arrived in Poland, Envoy from the Protector to the King of Sweden.

A Declaration for a New Assessment.

The Peace between England and France pro­claimed Decem. in London.

The French Ambassador by Invitation dined with the Protector.

The Swedish Ambassador having often solicited Swedish Ambassa­dor. the Protector, that Commissioners might be ap­pointed to Treat with him, and none being yet appointed, he grew somewhat impatient, and the more because none of the Grandees would vouch­safe to visit him by reason of a former Order of the long Parliament, prohibiting the Conversing with Forreign Ministers, neither were they will­ing that the Ambassador should come to them; at which he wondred, being so contrary to the Pra­ctice in his Countrey.

December 1655.

Instructions published by the Protectors Coun­cel in Scotland, for the Justices of Peace in that Scotland. Kingdom, and for Constables; and they Order the former Great Seal, and Privy Seal there to be brought in.

The Tories in Ireland brought in the Copy of a Letter from Queen Christiana to the King of Swe­den, Queen Sweden. of her declaring her self to be of the Roman Catholick Religion; and some Complements to the King.

Divers Ministers sent for by the Protector, Jews. whom he acquainted with the Proposals made by Manasseth Ben Israel the Jew, and referred them to the Consideration of the Ministers and o­thers.

A Day of Fast publickly kept.

The French Ambassador went away.

A Brest Man of War with Commission from the Duke of York, brought in the Queen Christianaes Absolution from the Church of Rome.

A French Man of War sunk by one of the Eng­lish Fleet, the Peace not being yet known.

Instructions to the Majors-General to take Se­curity of all who had been in Armes for the King, for their Peaceable demeanour and obedience to the Protector.

Audience to the Envoy of the Duke of Branden­burgh.

A Conference with Manasseth Ben Israel about Jews. admitting the Jewish Nation to Trade in Eng­land.

The Swedish Ambassador had audience.

The Protestors in Scotland Petitioned with Rea­sons against the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Church matters, as contrary to Law and Scrip­ture.

The Queen Christiana of Sweden Honourably received at Ferrara.

Additional Instructions to the Major-Gene­rals.

Letters of Mr. Mannings being put to death by Manning. King Charles at Duynwald, for holding Correspon­dence with those in England. He was a Servant to Sir Edward Hyde, and shot to death.

Audience to the Venetian Ambassador.

No Commissioners being yet come to the Swe­dish Ambassa­dors. Ambassador, he grew into some high expres­sions of his Sense of the neglect to his Master by this delay; which was excused, and the Protector made acquainted with it; who thereupon promi­sed to have it mended, and to send suddenly to the Ambassador.

Mr. Meadow, by Command of the Secretary of State, Translated the Sweedish Treaty made by Whitelock.

January 1655.

An Arch-Rebel in Ireland taken.

A Committee appointed for the business of Piedmont; most of the Protectors Councel were of it.

Orders by the Protectors Councel in Scotland, touching Delinquents payment of their Fines.

The Committee for Piedmont, were very careful Piedmont. of the poor Protestants there, to send relief to them.

The Envoy of the Elector of Brandenburgh had private Audience with the Protector.

Letters of the King of Sweden's prosperous Suc­cesses.

The Major-General and Justices of the Peace in Shropshire, made strict orders for the suppressing of Drunkenness and Disorders, and of Ale-Hou­ses.

Players taken in New-Castle, and whipt for Rogues.

The Sheriffs of the Several Counties declared.

Popish Books burnt in London.

The King of Sweden had a Son born at Stock-holm, he was Baptized Charles.

Donnah o Derry the Arch- Irish Traytor, who had Murthered many English was Hanged at Dub­lin. Dish.

Letters of a Gallant action performed by the English in Jamaica, against the Spaniards in the In­dies. Jamaica.

An agreement made between the King of Swe­den, and the Elector of Brandenburgh.

The Lord Deputy Fleetwood, and Collonel Syden­ham told Whitelock, that his Highness and the Swedish Ambassy. Council had appointed them to acquaint him with a Business of very great importance; which is, that they considering the present Condition of Affairs, did hold it necessary forthwith to send an extraordinary Ambassy to the King of Swedeland, about a business of the greatest Consequence and Honour that could be; and most conducing to the good of the Protestant cause; which was the uniting of that Interest, & preventing the differen­ces that were likely to fall between that King, and the Ʋnited Provinces, and the Elector of Branden­burgh; for which ends they had thoughts of White­lock and Sir Christopher Pack to go to the King, as Ambassadors from his Higness.

Whitelock thought he had enough of Danger and Trouble in his former Ambassy, without the least reward or acknowledgment of his Service therein; but instead thereof, and notwithstanding the Suc­cess which God gave him, yet at his return home, he found Neglects and Slightings, and was remo­ved from his place of Commissioner of the Seal, and was 500 l. out of Purse upon his Accounts.

These Considerations stuck with him, and made him endeavour by all handsome pretences to be excused that Service. And when Collonel Syden­ham spake in commendation of Sir Christopher Pack, Whitelock replyed, that they might send Sir Christo­pher alone, for he did not apprehend a necessity of sending two Ambassadors together.

They both to that said, that the intention of sending Sir Christopher Pack, was to manifest the Engagement of the City in this business; and in it to put an honour upon them.

Whitelock alledged also, that the King of Swe­den's Ambassador here might probably conclude upon the Business intended, without sending one from hence to him.

The Lord Deputy said, that the Ambassador Januar. here had no Instructions for it. Whitelock told him, the Ambassador here (he believed) had in­structions sufficient, or might have them, before Ambassadors could go from hence to Sweden. And that to send him now who had been so lately with the same King, would give an alarm to all the Po­pish Princes, and hasten an Union amongst them; which would put a disadvantage upon the business that all good Men did so much desire might be effected.

The Lord Deputy answered that he did believe the Business could not be effected here by this Am­bassador; And that the Pope was now at Work to unite his Interest amongst all the Popish Princes, and particularly betwixt Spain and France.

To which Whitelock said, that the sending of an Ambassador hence would hasten that union: where­as if our Business might be done with the Ambassa­dor here, no Notice would be taken of it.

[23.] Upon discourse with the Swedish Am­bassador concerning the Uniting of the Protestant Interest, which he had propounded to the Pro­tector at a Secret Audience, he seemed to like it very well; And said, the Difficulty would be what to propound in order to it, and where to begin; for it would be a long business to endeavour to bring in all the Protestant Princes and States to­gether: but he thought the best way would be for the King his Master and the Protector to joyn to­gether first, and then to draw in the rest after­wards; And such of them as should refuse to joyn, to be taken as Enemies. Which would be quick and resolute, and make the Popish Princes look about them.

The Ambassador also took Notice, that he heard of the Protectors intentions to send Ambas­sadors from hence to his Master about this busi­ness; And said, he believed it might be done as effectually and more speedily here as to the gene­ral and foundation of it, than by sending to his Master. And that when he propounded the busi­ness to his Highness, he desired to know from him, what particulars he thought fit to be taken into consideration in the first place hereupon; And told him, That when he should know his mind therein, he would forthwith send an Express to the King to receive his farther directions; that he had already given his Majesty an account of the business in general, and did expect within a few days to hear farther from him about it, and hoped to receive such further Instructions from him, as will be for the good carrying on of this great bu­siness.

He intimated likewise, that the King might think it a little strange, that whilst his Ambassador is here with the Protector, the Protector should send his Ambassadors to the King; which is not usual. He said, That he Confessed he had done little since his coming, but it was not his fault; And that it would be now time for him to think of returning.

It was answered, That the Multitude of our great occasions here, had been the only cause of his delay; And the great Successes of the King in Poland might give some alteration of Affairs, and many things thereupon might fall into considera­tion touching matter of Trade in relation to Po­land and Prussia, which at his Excellencies coming hither were not thought upon.

This the Ambassador acknowledged to be true; and said farther, That he hoped within a very few days there would be an Agreement between the King and the Elector of Brandenburgh, or else that the Business would be put to a speedy issue [Page 620] the other way: And then there would be the less occasion of sending from hence to prevent that difference; And that would certainly make the Dutch quiet.

The Elector (he said) had received about 15000 l. from the Dutch of their money to assist him against the King.

[24.] Sir Charles Wolsey of the Council, did not approve of the joyning Sir Christopher Pack with Whitelock in this Ambassy; nor the timing of it; for he said, He heard the King of Sweden had made an Order to desire all Forreign Publick Mi­nisters to forbear for a time, their coming to his Camp; because he was in the midst of his Military Affairs.

[25.] The Protector sent to Whitelock, and earnestly pressed him to undertake the Ambassy to Sweden; recommending it as a business of the greatest Honour, and of the highest Concern­ment to the Protestant Interest: but upon White­lock's Discourse and Reasons against it, the Pro­tector seemed to be moved, and said he would take the business into further Consideration with the Councel.

[28.] An Order of the Protector and Councel, whereby the Lord Fiennes, Mr. Strickland, Sir Gil­bert Pickering, and Whitelock, or any two of them, were appointed Commissioners to Treat with the Swedish Ambassador; and they were desired to meet at the Councel-Chamber with Secretary Thurloe, to confer together about the Articles.

[30.] According to order they met at White-hall, and were told of the Ambassadors impati­ence, that in so long time as since he had given in his Articles, he could not obtain any answer to them, nor have any Commissioners to Treat with him. In order thereunto they now perused the Articles, and advised together upon them.

[31.] The Ambassador seemed much unsatis­fied with divers parts of the Articles, and said, That he had no Commission to Treat of any mat­ter concerning the Ʋnited Provinces to be includ­ed, and was much Nettled at that business. In discourse touching a general Union of the Prote­stant Interest, he said, it would be a difficult work; And for his Masters falling upon the Emperor, he said, that they in Sweden did not wish it to be so, because they doubted that then Sweden would be neglected. He declared his opinion to be, not to meddle with the great business of the Protestant Union; Nor to have to do with the Ʋnited Pro­vinces in this or any other Treaty: But he said, That they might send to the King his Master at their pleasure, and have a fitting Answer.

February, 1655.

Some Gentlemen added to the Committee of Trade.

Letters of the Sweeds Successes in Poland.

An Address presented from South-Wales and Monmouth-shire to the Protector, Recognizing him, Addresses. and his Government.

An Order for continuing the Committee of the Army published.

Mr. Fell appointed Commissioner or Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster; and Mr. Bartholomew Hall continued Attorney of the Dutchy.

One who Shot a Soldier that was to guard him being a Prisoner, was arraigned at the Upper Soldiers. Bench, but the Jury found him guilty only of Man-Slaughter; the Foreman was disabled from being a Juror hereafter.

Soldiers in Ireland Condemned for Robberies, Februa. the Councel there Sate about Transplanting some of the Irish.

An Order of the Lord Mayor of London, for the Punishment and suppression of Common-Beg­gars.

Letters, That the Indians near New-England, Indians. had burnt many Houses of the Dutch, and taken many Men, Women, and Children Prisoners; but such as they found to be English, they released: the reason thereof was, because the English had been just and kind to them.

Some little stirs in Scotland, the Justices there according to the order of the Protector and his Scotland. Councel, and after the course in England, pro­ceeded to the Administration of Justice in Scot­land, where it was submitted unto.

A Dunkirk Man of War taken Prize.

The Peace ratified betwixt the King of Sweden, and the Elector of Brandenburgh personally.

Order of the Sessions of Middlesex, for suppres­sing disorderly Innes and Ale-Houses.

[7.] The Lord Commissioners Fiennes, Strick­land and Whitelock went to the Sweedish Ambassa­dors Sweedish Ambassa­dor. House as Commissioners from the Protector to Treat with him, where they had a long debate touching Levies of Soldiers, and hiring of Ships in one anothers Dominions, which had been pro­pounded by the Ambassador; and certain Cauti­ons Cautions. put in by the Counsel here, as to be only in such places and Ports, as the Chief Governour of the Coun­trey where it was to be done should approve, and not to be employed against the others Friends.

Against those Cautions the Ambassador offered Reasons, That it would then be in the power of him in whose Countrey these were to be hired or levyed, to make it wholly Fruitless, by appointing inconvenient places, as by his Master in Finland, or by the Prote­ctor in Ireland, or the like.

To which the Commissioners answered, That the Chief Governour of the Countrey knew best the Con­dition of it, and the State of Affairs there, which might be much endamaged, if the stranger should have the appointment of the places; and then if either had a mind to break the Treaty, It would not be difficult to find an occasion for it; And that in these cases there must be a mutual considence in the Justice and Honour of each other.

After much debate this Expedient was pro­pounded Expedi­ent. and not held unreasonable, That the chief Governour of the Countrey, where the Soldiers were to be levyed or Ships hired, In Case he should not think fit to consent to the place desired, he should then appoint some other convenient place for the accommoda­tion of the party desiring it, and as near as might be to the place which he desired.

As to the not Imploying the Soldiers or Ships against the Friends of the Party in whose Coun­try they were had, it was propounded by the Ambassador and not opposed by the Commissio­ners, That the Soldiers might be employed defensively, as in Garrisons, but not offensively against the others Friends.

But concerning Ships, the Ambassador insisted upon a Liberty to imploy them against the others Friends, if those Friends attempted any distur­bance of the Seas or Trade of him that hired the Ships; and both parties instanced in case of the Kings of France, or Denmark; but neither instan­ced in case of the Hollanders, though they were most intended.

The Point was left to further Consideration, and there were other debates concerning the Form of Passports for Ships, pursuant to the Treaty made by Whitelock in Sweden, to which they refer­red [Page 621] it; and also that point of the disturbance of Navigation; after long debate such Passports they held would occasion deceipt, and hardly be so framed as to avoid it.

In discourse with the Dutch Ambassador, he was passionate even to indiscretion, blaming the neg­lect Dutch Am­bassador. of sending to the King of Sweden from the Protector, and urging the Necessity of yet doing it speedily. Being asked for what End; he an­swered, Concerning Trade, and to prevent the doing of that which would be a hinderance to it, intimating the Kings great Successes. From the discourse it might plainly be Collected, that he laboured to get an Ambassador sent from hence to Sweden, chiefly for the advantage of their Trade.

Collonel Nappier being in France, and in good repute there, sent his Brother into England to pro­cure Irish. leave to Transport some Irish from Ireland into the Service of France as a Recruit to his Re­giment there. But the Protector was not willing to suffer the Irish to go into the Service of France.

[9.] The Sweedish Ambassador received new Sweden. Advices from the King his Master, concerning the great business of Uniting the Protestant Interest; and owned that he had sufficient Instructions to conclude upon the General; but that particulars could not so soon be determined, nor so well as upon the place; That it would be a difficult mat­ter to Unite the several Protestants who have dif­ferent Interests, and that it would prove a long business: Therefore his opinion was, That it was not a Seasonable time for a general Ʋnion of the Pro­testant Interest. But that if the King of Sweden and the Protector made a Conjunction first, they might fall upon the Emperour and the House of Austria, which would be of great advantage to England, especially now they had War with Spain: and that some Supply of Money and Men afforded to the King upon such a design, would be of more benefit to the Protector than the sending out of great Fleets to the Indies, and to the Coast of Spain; which would return no benefit to this Nation. But it was answered, That notwithstand­ing the vast Expences of our Fleets at this time, yet a War being begun with Spain, it must be maintained, and the War prosecuted with Vigor; the People of England being ever contented to bear the Burden of their Taxes, rather than the Injuries, and Insolencies of their Enemies.

The Opinion of the Swedish Ambassador was plainly to be collected, not to admit the Dutch to be Joyned in a Treaty with us; affirming, That if we would have the Dutch to be equal with us in point of Trade, he thought it the way to over­throw the Trade of England; The Dutch being able to Sell at under rates, trading with less charge both for Ships, Men and Victuals, than the English could; with this, That the King his Master did not look upon the Duke of Briganza or the King of Portugal, but upon the Salt that came from thence; nor upon the King, or Parliament, or Protector of England, but upon the Cloth and Na­tion; acknowledging a due Civility to whomsoe­ver they found Chief in the Government. That it was the same reason for the Dutch to follow their Trade in the Baltick Sea, as they might, whether the Commodities thereof were in the hands of King Cassimere or of his Master. It was objected, That if they were all in one Hand and Power, unreasonable Gabels might be required, He answered, That when that was, they might com­plain; but he believed, it would not be at all.

[13.] Fiennes, Scrickland and Whitelock pro­ceeded in the Treaty with the Sweeds Ambassador at his House; they had long debates touching Contrebanda Goods, in which list was inserted by the Councel, Corn, Hemp, Pitch, Tar, Money and other things. The Ambassador said, That if they would likewise add Copper, and Iron, it would take in all the Commodities of his Masters Dominions, and he might insist upon Cloath to be added, which was as necessary for Soldiers, as Corn and Money.

They answered, That the particulars added were most usefull for War, especially for our present Enemy the Spaniard, and it was our Interest to debar him thereof.

The Ambassador said, that in the Enumeration of Contrebanda Goods, the present Condition of Affairs was not to be looked upon but how they were when the Treaty was made with Whitelock in Sweden, by which the Enumeration was to be made within 4 Months then following; And that as Hemp, and Pitch were necessary for Ships of War, so they were also for Merchandise, which was not intended to be barred.

Whitelock then gave them an account of the Debates. Treaty made with him, and how that agreed the Enumeration to be; and what debates were in Sweden with him about it, but referred by him to an after Enumeration.

It was alleadged also, That Contrebanda Goods were such as were ready for present use of War; Not such as were Materials for Preparation; and they urged, that they had made the like Enumera­tions in other Treaties, and a saving of Corn to be no Contrebanda Goods, else it had been includ­ed; and they said, that there was no certainty what Goods were or were not Contrebanda, but as was agreed by Stipulation.

This was referred to a further Consideration, and a more full Answer to be given to it.

They had likewise debate touching the Form of a Passport in pursuance of Whitelock's Treaty, at which the Commissioners did stick, and offered their Objections as formerly they had done, but could not come near to an Agreement. At length the Ambassador propounded, That a free Ship should make Free goods, and Free goods a free Ship, which was not held unreasonable.

At their parting the Ambassador also propound­ed to take into Consideration at their next meet­ing, the giving of satisfaction for the Losses sus­stained by either part, in the late Wars between England and Holland; with the rest of the parti­culars in Whitelock's Treaty referred to a future Consideration and Treaty; whereof Whitelock gave them an Account.

[20.] The Swedish Ambassador kept a Solem­nity Sweden Birth-day. this Evening, for the Birth of the young Prince of Sweden.

All the Glass of the Windows of his House which were very large being new built, were taken off, and instead thereof painted Papers were sitted to the places with the Arms of Sweden in it, and in­scriptions in great Letters testifying the rejoycing for the Birth of the young Prince; in the inside of the Papers in the Rooms were set close to them a very great number of Lighted Candles, glit­tering through the Papers, the Arms and Colours, and writings were plainly to be discerned, and shewed glorious in the Street; the like was in the Stair-Case, which had the Form of a Tower.

In the Balconies on each side of the House were Trumpets, which Sounded often 7 or 8 of them together. The Company at Supper were the Dutch Ambassador, the Portugal and Brandenburgh Residents, Coyett Resident for Sweden, the Earls of Bedford and Devon, the Lords St. John, Ossery, Bruce, Ogleby, and 2 or 3 other young Lords, The Count of Holac a German, the Lord George Fleet-wood, [Page 622] and a great many Knights and Gentlemen, besides the Ambassadors Company.

[25.] The Swedish Ambassador went to visit Whitelock and told him, That now the Business of sending an Ambassador from hence to Sweden Ambassa­dor. was over, and there was at present no occasion for it; for this, their reasons he alledged were, a Peace concluded betwixt the King of Sweden and the Elector of Brandenburgh; And the proceeding of the Treaty here. Intimating, that he was suf­ficiently Impowered to conclude what was at pre­sent requisite between his Master and the Prote­ctor; and that there was no likelyhood but there would be also a good understanding between the King of Sweden and the Ʋnited Provinces.

[28.] Some of the Swedish Ambassadors Gen­tlemen had a little Quarrel with two Fidlers in a Fidlers. Tavern, and beat them for calling the Gentlemen Swedish Dogs, and other foul Language, and ill carriage of the Fidlers who were drunk; yet Al­derman Tichburn bound over the Gentlemen to the Sessions, being apprehended by a Constable; and the Fidlers in actions of Battery against one of the Gentlemen, had a Verdict for Forty pounds Da­mages. The Ambassador was highly exasperated at this afront, and as he called it, breach of the Pri­viledge of an Ambassador, and complained of it; upon which his Servants had no further Trouble; which gave full Contentment to the Ambassador.

[29.] Fiennes, Strickland and Whitelock went to the Swedes Ambassadors House, where they pro­ceeded Ambassa­dors de­bates. in the Treaty, and had much debate upon the Article of Restitution, which the Ambassador pressed as pursuant to Whitelock's Treaty, and in­stanced in several Cases wherein his Masters Sub­jects had received great Injury and Damage by the Capers of England in time of the War betwixt them and the Ʋnited Provinces.

Whitelock acquainted them with his proceedings upon this point in Sweden, that it was there de­manded to have Restitution made to the Swedes; which he denied upon these grounds.

1. Because such an Article would seem to admit a wrong done to the Swedes by the English, and that Justice could not be had for the same.

2. Because such Injuries were relievable in the Or­dinary Course of Justice in England, as in the Admi­ralty Court, and upon Appeals.

3. Because no Restitution could be expected, untill the damage and wrong were first made to appear, which could not then and there be done, and was not to be admitted without proof.

At length this Epedient was agreed on there, That Restitution should be made to either part for dam­mage Sustained; and, as it is in the Article.

After long debate, and many Complaints now made by the Ambassador, wherein the Admiralty Admiral­ty. Court here was much reflected upon, and the de­laies and Injustice of that Court by him opened, and not spared: it came to this Close.

The Ambassador was desired by the Commissio­ners, that his Secretary might prepare Abstracts of such particular Cases as he thought fit to insist up­on to be presented to his Highness and the Coun­cel; who would thereupon cause an Examination to be made of the particulars, and would give Or­der that right should be done as the Cases should require.

It was now also agreed, That at the next meet­ing they should proceed to a perusal of all the rest of the Matters remaining to be Treated on, that af­ter a view of the whole they might come to parti­cular Resolutions, and Agreements.

March 1655. March.

The Mayor, Aldermen, and divers of the Com­mon Councel of London, being sent for came to Major-Ge­nerals. the Protector who told them the reasons of his appointing Major-Generals in the several Coun­ties, as a means to preserve the Peace, to suppress wickedness, and to encourage Goodness, and have­ing found the good effects hereof in the Counties, he thought fit to appoint Major-General Skippon for the same end in the City; And that all care should be had of their Immunities, and Govern­ment.

Orders published of the Sessions in Middlesex, for the punishment of Rogues.

Intelligence of the King of Sweden's Successes in Poland.

That Bishop Goodman of Glocester dyed a Pa­pist.

A Declaration for a Fast-Day.

Some Prizes taken of Ostend.

A Soldier that killed a Gentleman in Lincolne, was sent to the Goal.

The Queen of Sweden imbarqued with 5000 new raised Foot to carry to her Husband into Prussia.

Letters from Scotland of Popery increasing there.

From Ireland of new designs of Rebellion: care taken for prevention of both.

The Articles of Peace published between the Protestant and Papist Cantons of the Switzers.

The Plague swept away many thousands of the Irish.

Monsieur Bordeaux the French Ambassador arri­ved in England, March, 26.

New Commissioners for the Customs appoint­ed.

News of the King of Sweden's Successes in Prus­sia and in Poland.

Of the King of Scots Conference with the King of Spains Officers.

Letters from Scotland, that all there was quiet.

Mr. Meadow was going for Denmark, Agent for the Protector.

Fiennes, Strickland and Whitelock went to the Swedish Ambassa­dor. Swedish Ambassadors House, and proceeded in the Treaty with him; The debates were upon mat­ters of Trade; The Ambassador thought the de­mands not equal, that the English should pay no greater Impositions in the King of Sweden's Ports, than his own Subjects paid; and said, That the former Articles were reciprocal, and that herein nothing was offered for the Swedes priviledge in the Ports of this Common-wealth.

The Commissioners answered, That, this being granted to the English, would cause them to fre­quent the Kings Ports, to bring a great increase of Trade thither, to have Ships there in a readi­ness to be hired for his Majesties Service, if he should have occasion, and that they were better fitted for War than any other Merchants Ships in Europe: and that if his Excellencie should think fit to propound any thing on the behalf of the Swedes, the same would be taken into due Conside­ration.

The Ambassador replyed, That Neither the English, nor any other Nation did afford equal pri­viledge to Strangers in point of Impositions, as to their own people, but made a difference as to the persons; only in Sweden the difference was not made as to the persons of Swedes, but as to Swedish [Page 623] Ships; whosoever brought any goods in them paid less Impositions than others, which was done to increase their Shipping, and to prevent the deceipt of Strangers Consigning their Goods to Swedes names, that thereby they might Pay the less Cus­tom.

Whitelock told them, that this was the Work of the wise old Chancellor, whereby they did, not only increase their Ships, but likewise were provid­ed of Mariners for those Ships, which was the greatest want in Sweden as to their Navigation; and the deceipts of Strangers venting their goods in Swedes names, was also thereby prevented.

This Matter was referred to further Considera­tion, and they proceeded to the demands for Set­ling the Trade and Priviledges of the English Mer­chants in Prussia and Poland, wherein Whitelock ob­served to them the injustice of the Sealing the Eng­lish Cloaths at Dantzick and the Not confirming of the general pact of Prussia, agreed to be done for­merly in relation to the English by the King of Po­land, who had not kept his word therein.

The Ambassador answered, That his Mr. was but newly Mr. of Poland and Prussia, which he hoped (by the blessing of God) to keep; That he was not Mr. of Dantzick; and prabably he may have granted and confirmed to those Towns that had submitted to him their ancient Priviledges: And that he could not grant to the English there any thing con­trary to those Priviledges of the Townes, which he had confirmed; and this was thought reasonable, and not to be pressed further than might stand with the Confirmation of priviledges which the King had granted to the Townes that were come in to him.

The Ambassador then propounded, That the English might have all the Trade of Russia brought down the River Volga into Narva the King of Sweedes Port upon the Balticke Sea, and by that meanes save the going about to Archangel; which voyage can be made but once in a year, but to Nar­va may be made 3 voyages in a year.

Whitelock informed them of much discourse be­tween the old Chancellor and his Son, and him a­bout this Matter; and the Ambassador having his Mapps there, Whitelock shewed them the great difference of the Voyage going about by Norwey and the frozen Sea to the Archangel, and going through the Balticke Sea to Narva; He shewed them likewise that there was a probability of hav­ing the Persian Silks and Commodities from the Caspian Sea to the River Volga, and from thence to be brought to Narva; and thereby to save that vast voyage which Merchant-Men now take of going to Persia the usual way.

But Whitelock objected now as he had done for­merly to the Chancellor, That it would be difficult to procure the Russes Commodities to be brought down to Narva, and to satisfie the Empe­rour of Russia that he should be no looser in respect of his Customs, which he now received at Archan­gel; and the goods being brought to Narva, the Customs would be payable there to the King of Sweeden.

To which the Chancellor then answered, That the people of Russia would be more willing to bring their Commodities to Narva, than to Arch-Angel, because it would be done at a less Charge almost by the halfe, and that the Emperor would be no looser as to his Customs; for the same Cus­tom which was now paid at Arch-Angel would be paid at Blesgo a Town of the Emperors whither the goods must be brought before they came to Narva; and that notwithstanding the payment of Custom twice, yet the Commodities would be afforded at easier rates than they are at Archangel, by reason of the cheapness and conveniency of bringing them to Narva.

All this was agreed unto by the Ambassador, who inserted a Story of a Dutch-man who observ­ing the Boats passing upon the Volga to be manned with 300 Men in a boat, who in a Storm and high Wind held the bottom of the Sayls down, this Dutch-man offered to the Emperor that he would shew him a way how with 30 Men in a boat they should be as well Manned as now they were with 300 men in a boat, and so the Charge to be lessen­ed; but the Emperor called him Knave, and asked him if a Boat that now went with 300 Men, were brought to go but with 30 Men, how then should the other 270 Men get their living.

After long debate upon this and the other par­ticulars of the Treaty, they were deferred unto a more full Answer upon further Consideration, and a new Meeting.

[5.] The Commissioners were summon'd to meet at Whitehal with Thurloe, to look over to­gether the several matters which had been treated on with the Swedish Ambassador, and to consider how farr it was fit to go on to an agreement, and wherein not to consent, that so they might come to some conclusion with the Ambassador.

The Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common Council of London were with the Protector.

[11.] The Commissioners were with the Swedish Ambassador, and most of the Articles, for Levies of Men, and hiring of Ships, and for the Passe-ports and Contrebanda Goods, were near a­geed between them; The Articles for Trade, and restitution for Damages in the time of War be­tween England and Holland, were not concluded, but deferred to another time; In the mean while the matters agreed upon, were ordered to be drawn up in Form.

[13.] The Swedish Ambassador did very ear­nestly press that his business might be brought to a Conclusion, because he had long attended, and the King his Master grew very Impatient of his long stay here, and had commanded his return, and looked upon the neglect to his servant, as reflecting upon his own honour. The Delay was excused, and some occasion of it alleaged to be the Lord Fiennes his absence, who was gone into the Coun­try.

[31.] The Council voted, That Pitch, Tarr, Hemp, and Flax, should be taken as Contrebanda goods, during the War betwixt us and Spain.

In case the Treaty here with the Swedish Am­bassador came to a good conclusion, The Lord George Fleetwood had commissions to Levy for the King of Sweden 2000 men more than the 4000 al­ready granted, and designed to form those 2000 into two Regiments, and to be Collonel of both those Regiments himself.

The Commissioners of the Treasury had a con­stant weekly account of all the Receipts and dis­bursement, of that great Revenue; which being so often taken, made it the more easie, and gave them the more opportunity of ordering the same to the best advantage of the Common-wealth; and as they received this account from the Officers under them, so they gave information to the Pro­tector how it was from time to time, with their advice concerning the same.

April, 1656.

Letters of great appearances of the Country at the assizes, and that the Gentlemen of Greatest Quality Served of the Grand Juries; which is fit to be observed.

Mr. Rolt whom the Protector sent an Envoy to the King of Sweden, returned from him from Po­land.

Order for Letters to be written from the Pro­tector and Councel to the Judges to be Sparing in granting Prohibitions to the Admiralty; and o­thers Prohibiti­ons. to the Judges of the Admiralty not to enter­tain any Suites in their Courts belonging to the Jurisdiction of the Common Law.

Some of the Council were against these Letters, and advised rather to confer with the Judges a­bout it; who being upon their Oaths must observe them; and Justice ought to run in a free, and legal Course.

Letters, of the Scots full of Complyance with the Government established there by the Protect­or, Scots. which was more Conformity than ever they yeilded to any before.

Order by the Protector and Council for the founding and Indowing of a Colledge at Durham, Durham. out of the Dean and Prebends Lands there.

Some were apprehended and Imprisoned by warrant from the Protector for being ingaged in a Duel.

The Preacher in Whitehal Chappel was disturbed in his Sermon by a Quaker, whom the Protector Quaker. Ordered to be carried to a Justice of Peace to be proceeded with according to Law.

One pretending a Message to him from God for that End, denounced his Judgments against the Protector and his Councel, and against all Sorts of people, Cavaliers and others.

Order, That the Corporation of Host-men in New-Castle do permit the Trade of Coals till their Complaints may be heard and determined.

Letters, That the King of Scots had been at Brux­els in consulation with the Spanish Officers.

Order to call to account all Officers and Receiv­ers of the publick Revenue, which was upon a Re­port from the Commissioners of the Treasury.

The Queen of Sweden imbarqued at Colmar to go to her Husband in Poland.

Intelligence that some of the Plate Fleet were got home into Spain.

A Solemn Day of Thanksgiving in Dublin for the preservation of that City from the Rebels.

Letters of a Quaker in Colchester who starved himself to death, upon a presumption that he could fast 40 days.

Letters of some new Plots in Scotland.

The Protector and his Council kept a day of private Fasting, and Seeking God for a blessing up­on their Affaires.

The Swedish Ambassador had been at Whitehall, and was much discontented because he waited a­bove an hour before the Protector came to him, which brought the Ambassador to such Impatience, that he rose from his Seat and was going home again without speaking with the Protector; And said, That he durst not for his head admit of such dishonor to his Master, by making him so often, and so long to attend for his Audience.

But Sir Oliver Fleming the Master of the Cere­monies, did earnestly Interpose with his persuasi­ons: and prevailed with the Ambassador to stay a little longer, and went himself to the Protector, and plainly told him how unfit it was, and how ill taken, to put the Ambassador to such attendance, April. and brought him to the Ambassador. In the dis­course between the Protector and the Ambassador, when the matter of a nearer Alliance, was mention­ed, his Highness answered, That he was willing in case of a nearer Alliance, or of an Union concern­ing the Protestant Interest, to have our Neigh­bours and Allies the Low-Countries Included therein; and that he thought it did become him, to have a particular care of them, and to take them into any such Treaty or Alliance; and that he was not willing to do any such thing without them.

These Expressions of his Highness did a little startle the Ambassador.

It was afterwards offer'd to his Highness Judg­ment, whether it were not fit in all things that might stand with our Interest, to give Content­ment to the King of Sweden, being a Wise and Po­tent Prince, and God having given him great suc­cesses; And that the Dutch being greatly for their own Interest as well as other States, in case there should not be a nearer Alliance betwixt us and Swe­den, might possibly slip in and make a nearer Al­liance betwixt themselves and Sweden, without taking much care to have us Included therein.

The Protector sent to the Swedish Ambassador to excuse his long stay before he had his Audience, and to assure him that there was not the least In­tention of reflecting upon the Kings Honour, or of any disrespect to him, but only the omission of the Protectors Servants in their Duty. Wherein care should be taken for the future, and that it should be amended: And that his Highness had a very great affection for the Ambassadors Person, and as great a respect for the King his Master, as for any Prince in Christendom. With this the Ambassador seemed fully satisfied, and desired to return his Service to the Protector, and his most humble Thanks.

But yet the Ambassador was very much trou­bled, apprehending that at his last Audience his Highness mind was somewhat alter'd from what it seem'd to be formerly; and that now there was nothing to be done without the Dutch.

He much wondered why the Protector should seem so forward heretofore for a nearer Alliance and Conjunction with his Master, and now seemed to be more cold in that matter, and wished that he might have known his mind at first; for he had already given the King an account of the Prote­ctors willingness to have a nearer Alliance with his Majesty, who thereupon had dressed his Councels accordingly; and now he must acquaint the King that he perceived his Highness mind to be changed as to that point, which would cause the King very much to Marvel; and would put him to Inconve­niencies.

That in his Countrey when a man profess'd Sincerity, they understood it to be plain and clear dealing; That if one were desired to do a thing, if he meant to do it, he would say, Yea, and do it ac­cordingly. But if he did not intend to do it, then he would at the first, desire to be excused, and not seem at one time to be willing to it, and at another time to deny it.

That if the Protector had not the same Inclina­tions as formerly for the great cause, and for a nearer Alliance with his Master; he must be con­tented; that yet he hoped the matters left to be done upon Whitelock's Treaty, might be dispat­ched, and he be enabled, to return to his Master speedily as he was commanded; That he should have been contented, if he might have had the Honour to have laid the Foundation of that great [Page 625] Business for the Glory of God, to Unite the Pro­testant Interest; and the Particulars thereof to have been left to a new Treaty with the King, by an Ambassador from the Protector, when there might be full time to consider all grounds and cir­cumstances thereof.

Anno 1656 The Ambassador was told, That the Protector's Inclinations were the same now as at first, in rela­tion to a new Union with the King of Sweden, and to that great and common Interest of the Prote­stants, for the Glory of God; which no Prince did more desire to promote than the Protector did; But the reason why he would have the Dutch In­cluded in that near Alliance, was, because of the Treaty which he had formerly made with them, and which he was careful not to Infringe, as he was obliged in honour and Justice.

The Ambassador replyed, That in case England should not enter into a nearer Union with Sweden, perhaps the Dutch would provide for themselves, and presently make a nearer Alliance with the King of Sweden, without taking much care to have the Protector included with them, if they could get advantage by leaving him out, which matter of ad­vantage the Dutch very well like. That they were now upon very good terms with his Master, and he did not believe they had any designs against him, or to the Baltick Sea. That he had good Intelligence from Holland, and it was true, that they were Equipping 28 Ships of War.

But he said, he could not Imagine that they should be intended for the Baltick Sea, because 5 or 6 Men of War would serve as well for a Convoy for their Merchants that way, as 28; and if they should have any design against the King of Sweden, they had no Port to friend them; for the King of Denmark would do nothing to displease the King of Sweden, and all the Ports round the Baltick were now his, except one or two of small conside­ration; and that his Ports were well guarded, therefore he could not believe that they had any design that way. But he offered to considerati­on, whether, now that the English Fleets were al­most all of them sent abroad to other parts, that our Neighbours of Holland, who were not all of them yet our Friends, might not have some design this way.

[4.] Letters that Prince Adolphus the King of Sweden's Brother, broke his Leg in a Fight.

[5.] Fiennes, Strickland, and Whitelock, met by order at Whitehall to confer about the Swedish Trea­ty; They perused the Vote of the Conncel, That Hemp, and Flax, and Pitch, and Tar shall be accounted by that Treaty Contrebanda Goods during the War be­tween us and Spain. The Commissioners wished that this Vote of the Councel had not been past, because they believed it might tend to a hinde­rance of a good conclusion of the Treaty, with the Swedish Ambassador, and doubted that he would not consent to it; and that it seemed to be a departing from what they as Commissioners had formerly done, in being Inclinable to wave it; and they thought it best not to carry this Vote to the Ambassador, till the Council were further advised with about it, who perhaps would not Insist upon it; and in the mean time Whitelock to go to the Ambassador to excuse the delay, which was to the end to give him the better satisfaction; which his Highness agreed to, and order'd Whitelock to go to the Ambassador, and to discourse with him about the Protestant Union; and appointing Commis­sioners for Restitution of Damages, and other Points.

[7.] According to the direction from his Highness, Whitelock went this morning to the Swedish Ambassador, and delivered to him what he was directed from the Protector, as much to his Highness advantage as he could Improve it; and Endeavour'd to satisfie the Ambassador, That his Highness Intentions and Inclinations, as to a near­er Alliance with the King of Sweden, were the same still as at first, and that he had a very good Inclination to it, and was really desirous of it.

The Ambassador answered, That perhaps, his Highness had no great mind at the First to a nearer Al­liance with the King of Sweden, and so might have the same Intentions still. That he could not but won­der, that his Highness should heretofore express himself so well inclined to that nearer Alliance, and at his last Audience to be so cold in it; and of another opinion than he was before; which would make him seem to his Master either negligent as to his Service, or not at all thought worthy of regard here; but he desired to know a certain answer I, or No, whether he would do it or not; and If he had no mind to it, that then there might be a dispatch of what was left to be done upon the Treaty made by Whitelock, and so he might kiss the Protector's hand, and return to his Master.

Whitelock seeing him in such a humor of discon­tent, sought to divert him, and to satisfie him that the Protector was still very well Inclined to the Point of a nearer Alliance with the King of Sweden, but found it difficult to make him to be of that persuasion; yet thought fit to demand of him what those Propositions were which he delivered to the Protector concerning the nearer Alliance. Whereupon the Ambassador shewed him the Pro­positions he had delivered in to that purpose, which were. To have a League Defensive contra omnes gentes, and Offensive as to the maintenance of the Treaty of Ausberge; That the Protector should contribute 200000 l. per annum to that design, when undertaken; and the King would have 30000 Foot, and 6000 Horse in Service upon it. Whitelock asked why his Excellency put the business upon maintenance of the Treaty of Ausberge, whereto England was no Par­ty; and why rather it might not be against the House of Austria, whereof the Emperour was one branch, and the King of Spain another; and said, As to the Con­tributing of money, he knew the Protector was not in a Condition at this time to spare money, having such vast occasions of Expence at present, for maintenance of his Navy, and by occasion of the War with Spain. The Ambassador replyed, That he did believe the Pro­tector was at present in no Condition to part with much money, and that there would be some time before this design could be set on foot; by which time probably the Protector might be better able to spare money than now he is; and that he thought it would be better Hus­bandry for England to spare 200000 l. a year for this War, which would be a good Diversion, and trouble the King of Spain more, than now we do, by spending two Millions a year upon our Fleets, and in sending to Jamaica. That it was true, the Treaty of Ausbergh was not concerning the English Nation, but the Pro­testants of Germany were highly concerned in it, and consequently of all Christendom; and the Emperour having broken that Treaty in many points, there was a just ground thereby of falling upon him; and the rea­son why he mentioned the maintenance of that Treaty was, because France was already oblidged in a Treaty with Sweden for the maintenance of the Treaty of Ausbergh; and England joyning likewise therein, France would be Engaged with them; and that Crown was a good Ballance. Whereas if the Ʋnion with the King of Sweden should be against the House of Au­stria, and the King of Spain, It would cause the Peace which was so much Endeavour'd between France and [Page 626] Spain to be brought to Effect; and France would hard­ly be brought into such an Ʋnion against the House of Austria, because it would seem as too much against the Papists in General, wherein France would be shy to Joyn.

Whitelock made a doubt what great advantage would be to England by the King of Sweden's falling upon the Emperor, which would but little con­cern the war between us and Spain, as to give us advantage thereby against Spain. To which the Ambassador alledged, That Spain was somuch con­cerned in any thing relating to the Emperor, that he must support him, to support himself; and whosoever fell upon the Emperor, made Spain his Enemy, and hindred from him the supplyes which he constantly had, especially of men out of Germany, and did ne­cessitate Spain to a charge of supplying and assisting the Emperour; whereby would be caused a diversi­on, of great advantage to England; and Spain once appearing (as undoubtedly they would) for the Emperour, Sweden and they presently became Ene­myes; and all the Commodities of the King of Sweden, which were of necessary use to Spain would be restrained from them, without which they could not subsist; and that there would be no need of Specifying Pitch, and Tar, and Hemp, to be Con­trebanda Goods.

Whitelock replied, That Germany was a great distance from England within the Land, and we could have nothing to do with them by Sea; that if the Emperor should be set upon by the King of Sweden, probably Spain would as­sist him, but so covertly and craftily, that Swe­den nor England could take publick notice or advantage thereof: That in case the King of Sweden should travail towards Flanders, that would make the King of Spain look about him Indeed.

To this the Ambassador said only, That there was a Large Countrey to pass over before they could come to Flanders. But that in time something might be done; he said, that France had gained well by that Treaty of Ausbergh, and so had all Countries that had been in Alli­ance with the Crown of Sweden.

Whitelock said, That he was sufficiently sa­tisfied of the Honour and Justice of that Crown in those publick Transactions, and that the Pro­tector was as careful to preserve his own Ho­nour, and the Faith of the Nation in those Treaties which he had made with other Prin­ces and States, and that was the reason which caused him to be so careful that the Dutch might be Included in such Treaties as he should make with others, because there was an Arti­cle to that purpose in the late Treaty made with them; which he was careful to observe as all other Treaties; and that might the more satis­fie the Ambassador of a just performance of what was, or should be agreed upon with his Master. To which the Ambassador replyed, That he did believe as much; but was of opinion that the Article which was mentioned in the late Dutch Treaty, did not restrain the Protector from making the nearer Alliance with Sweden without them; but when it should be made, then they were by that Article to be admitted into such new Treaty if they pleased. And thereupon they read over together that Arti­cle of the Dutch Treaty, which seemed to car­ry the sence that was observed by the Am­bassador; who said further, That there was no intention of excluding the Dutch, or the King of Denmark, or any other Protestants out of this intended Ʋnion, but that they should be admitted, and invited into it; and he be­lieved, they would be the sooner brought into it, if they first saw Sweden and England joyn­ed together; whereas to have a general meeting and Treaty first would be very difficult, if not Impossible to be effected; That several Interests would draw several ways; But if they saw the King of Sweden and the Protector once conjoyn­ed, it would be the strongest argument in the World to persuade the rest into the same Ʋni­on; and such as would oppose ought to be taken for Enemies. That the King of Denmark was now upon a Treaty with the King of Sweden whom he would not disturb; and had not yet concluded by reason of England; desiring first to hear from the Protector about it. That the Emperour had now no fear of the King of Swe­den's troubling him, as might appear by his send­ing at this time 15000 Men into Flanders for the King of Spain. Which Body of Men he would not have now sent out of his own Country, if he had doubted the King of Sweden's falling upon him; and that no Prince in Christendom had offered the espousing of the Protectors In­terest as his Master had done. Which deserved to be regarded by him.

Whitelock answered, That the same was much regarded by the Protector, and deservedly, and that no Nation in Europe was of so much consideration to the King of Sweden as England, especially in regard of their Men and Ships; altho they had not Money to spare at this time, it was not because of any Poverty of the Nati­on, but by reason of their present and Extraor­dinary occasion of great Expences about their Publick Affairs, especially of their Navy, where­by the strength of the Nation was increased.

They had likewise discourse concerning Commissioners to be appointed on each part, to consider of Damages sustained in the last War with the Dutch, and to give just Resti­tution.

Wherein Whitelock proposed, That it might be convenient for those Commissioners to have likewise a power if any Ships on either part were brought in to examine the matter speedily; and if any wrong were done, to award satisfaction, and cause the Party that had done it to make amends, and the Admi­ralty Court (of which his Excellency had so much complained) not to be troubled with those matters, but in cases of difficulty, or [Page 627] matters of Law, which could not well be de­termined by the Commissioners.

This the Ambassador seemed to like well, and said, He would consider of it. They had much other discourse of Passes, and Contre­banda Goods, and other particulars of the pre­sent Treaty, wherein the Ambassador held himself to the same grounds, he had formerly insisted on.

In the Afternoon Whitelock came to White-hall to have given an account of this discourse to the Protector, but he was gone abroad, and thereupon he found out the Lord Fiennes, in the Lobby by the Council Chamber. Who sent for Mr. Secretary Thurloe, and they three had a long discourse and debate toge­ther about this business.

Whitelock told them, That he had excused to the Ambassador the Commissioners not coming to him on Saturday as they intend­ed, and gave them a full and clear account of the discourse between the Ambassador and him in the Morning. And desired them to observe, That the King of Sweden was willing to take in with the Protectors particular Inte­rest, as well as with the Interest of our Nati­on; and he thought nothing more considerable as to the security thereof, and of the present Go­vernment, than a Conjunction with Sweden. That the Dutch had not the like affection there­unto, but most of them were Enemies in heart to the Protector, and did but watch for an oc­casion to show it. That their present prepara­tions of a Fleet of 38 Men of War was not to be slighted, especially when the Emperour had sent 15000 Men into Flanders. That they were at present Friends with our Enemies of Spain, and if an opportunity should be offer'd now when we had few Ships of War at home, whereby they might bring a considerable advantage to them­selves, They would be apt enough to lay hold on it.

And he did advise, as a thing (in his Judg­ment, at the distance he stood) most fit, not to send away the Swedish Ambassador with any just cause of discontent to him, and his Master; but to comply with him as far as stood with their own Judgments, and with the Interest of our Nation; wherein both of them seemed to agree, and the Lord Fienns more Inclinable to the particulars of Satisfaction, than the other. And concerning Pitch, and Tar, and Hemp and Flax, to be Contrebanda Goods during the War with Spain, The Secretary held it reasonable, but Whitelock differ'd from him therein, especially because at the time when Contrebanda Goods were to be agreed upon, and specified, we had then no War with Spain; and they were the great Com­modities of the King of Sweden; The Secre­tary said, That tho he should be restrained from carrying or vending them to Spain, yet he might to any other Nation, and there would be beside vent enough for them. Which Whitelock ob­served as an Argument for the contrary, be­cause other Nations would certainly supply Spain therewith, altho the Swedes were forbid to carry them. The Secretary replied, That in whose Ships soever they were taken they should be Prize, Whitelock answered, That the Lu­beckers, Hamburgers, and Dutch would pre­tend to be bound for Lisbone, and then when they were past our search, would carry them into Spain. This the Secretary laid hold on as an argument against the Passes, and White­lock answered, That it would not be more or less by reason of Passes, but he thought it just that the form of Passes should be agreed on, be­cause it was so with other Nations, and the thing agreed on by the Treaty formerly made.

The Lord Fiennes said, That they had it in their power to agree on no other form, but what should signifie little or nothing to the Swedes advantage; which Whitelock said would not be Honourable for them to do; and he thought more advantage to come to the English by those Passes than to the Swedes, because the English did so much exceed them in number of Mer­chants Ships, to which the Secretary said, That they would be of use to us only in the Bal­tick Sea, but to the Swedes in all their Voya­ges Southwards.

Upon the same reason they were of opini­on against that proposition, That a Free Ship should make Free Gods, which the Secretary said would Encrease their Ships exceedingly, and other Nations would Sell, or build them Ships to colour the carrying of Contrebanda Goods to our Enemies.

Whitelock answered, That greater advan­tage would be to us than to them at present; but that we could not carry Goods to their Ene­mies, Poland now having no Harbour at all, and in Germany the Emperour hath none at any time, but for what might fall out hereafter no judgment could be now given.

They had debates upon several other par­ticulars to the like effect, as is here before set down.

[8.] The former Commissioners went in the afternoon to the Swedish Ambassador's House, where Mr. Jessop one of the Clerks of the Councel by their direction, read the new Articles in English, as they were drawn up according to the last Resolves of the Coun­cel; after they were read, The Ambassador said, That he desired to be excused if he should mistake any thing of the Sence of them they be­ing in English, which he could not so well un­derstand, as if they had been in Latin, which they must be put into in conclusion; but he did [Page 628] observe on the suddain amongst other things that the specification of Contrebanda Goods did contain in it Pitch, and Tar, Hemp, Flax and Sails; these were the great Commodities of his Masters Countries, and to be restrained from a Trade with them to Spain, or any where else, would be of very dangerous Consequence to his Master: that they were never yet in any Trea­ty made with Sweden allowed as Contrebanda Goods, and if they should be now allowed so, it would be to the extraordinary prejudice of the Crown of Sweden; and if allowed in this Trea­ty with England, then other Nations would ex­pect the like. And that in the Treaty with the Lord Whitelock at Upsale, it would by no means be hearkened unto, as he very well knew; and he did see a Paper which was given to Mnr. Boneale the Kings Commissioner here of Contre­banda Goods, wherein these particular Goods were not Inserted; and that he did think the King would be very hardly drawn to consent to any such thing.

The Lord Fiennes answered, That the Ar­ticles were brought in English for the saving of time, and they should be put in Latin when his Excellency should desire; That concerning the specifying these Goods to be Contrebanda, It was upon a great Debate of the Council, who could not satisfie themselves, but that it was fit to be Insisted upon during our War with Spain; and there could be nothing of greater advantage to our Enemy, or prejudice to us, than by fur­nishing him with those Goods which were of so necessary a use for his supply; and without which he could not carry on his War against us, which was a Naval War; and therefore the Council thought it reasonable to hinder him from those Supplyes as much as might be, and that in case the King of Sweden should have any thing to do with the Emperour, that It would be his advantage likewise not to afford those Supplyes unto the King of Spain, who had want of nothing more than of those Commodi­ties.

Whitelock said, That at Upsall when men­tion was made by him of those Commodities to be Contrebanda Goods, both the Old Chancel­lor and his Son the now Chancellor, would by no means debate on that Point, saying, It was not to be mentioned; which was one of the Reasons why he thought fit to refer the specifying of them to the Council here, and said, That he was of the Committee of Parliament who Trea­ted with Mnr. Boneale, and it was true, that in the List of Contrebanda Goods given in to him, these Commodities were not expressed, nor was any mention to the contrary; but the Coun­cil of State, whereof he was then a Member, did reserve that Particular to their own Judg­ments; and that if they took any Ships what­soever carrying such Goods to the Dutch, their Enemies at that time, they did make bold to bring them in, and to prevent that Supply to their Enemies.

The Ambassadour said, That surely If the then Council had been of Opinion that such Goods were Contrebanda Goods, they would not have omitted them out of the List given to the King of Sweden's Commissioners; And said, That Cloth was necessary for the Souldiers of every Army, Yet If he should Insist upon Cloth to be Contrebanda Goods, that none should be car­ried to the King of Poland's Army, or to any of his Enemies, he did believe, that it being the great Commodity of England, that we should hardly be drawn to consent unto it, and the same occasion was for Pitch, and Tar, and Hemp, being the great Commodities of his Countrey.

The Lord Fiennes answered, That Cloth was no weapon for Souldiers to offend withall, nor could be made use of for that purpose; That Corn was as necessary, and other Victual for the Souldiers as Clothing, and yet we had not spe­cified that to be Contrebanda Goods, no more than Cloth; That he never saw the List deli­vered to Mnr. Boneale, and therefore could say nothing to it, but now we were upon a particu­lar agreement what Goods should be said to be Contrebanda Goods, and If we did permit these Commodities to be free, The Council were of Opinion, that It would be much to our prejudice in this War with Spain.

Mnr. Coyett then spake in Latin, That Pitch, Tar, and Hemp, were not in their own nature, nor by the Law of Nations Esteemed Contre­banda Goods; and that they were of use for men in Civil things, and Other uses which were not Military, but for the well-being of men, and were also useful for Merchandising, as well as for Ships of War, and therefore not to be accounted nor ever were esteemed Contrebanda Goods.

The Lord Strickland said, That Guns were also useful to kill Birds, and yet were Esteemed always to be Contrebanda Goods.

Whitelock answered Mnr. Coyett in Latin, That he did not know of any Law of Nations at all, properly so called, and binding universally; but that certain things were generally admit­ted, and received by most Nations, and parti­cularly relating to Treaties, to Merchandize, to Matters of War, and to Sea Affairs; That he had not found, or heard of any Law which did define Contrebanda Goods, nor any that naturally might be called such; but that they were to be Esteemed such, or not, according to particular Stipulations. That the word Con­trebanda came of the old French word Ban, which signifies an Edict, or Proclamation, as Ban, Arriereban; and Contrebanda is as much as to say contra Edictum, vel Proclamationem, which is agreed upon by the Nations concerned; [Page 629] and according as their Interest leads them upon the occasion presented; and he thought that these Commodities could not so properly be termed Contrebanda or not, of their own nature; but the denomination must be given by agreement, and not otherwise.

The Lord Fiennes said, That certainly Con­trebanda Goods were only such as were agreed to be so; and that sometimes a Nation in War with another would by publique Proclamation forbid the bringing of such Goods as they thought fit to be forbidden, to be brought to their Enemies; and that in our late Wars with the Dutch, they did by publique Proclamation forbid the bringing of these, & other Commodities to England; and did seize upon them, If they found any bringing hither to us; and If we should permit these Commodities to be carryed by the Swedes to Spain, The Dutch would expect the like Liberty, and so our Enemy would be sup­plyed by our consent.

The Ambassadour said, It was true that the Dutch did make such a Proclamation as is remembred in the time of our War with them, but that no Nation did ever acknowledg the same to be binding, and that the Swedes at that time in spight of their Proclamation did bring those Commodities into England, and sup­plyed us in our greatest want of them; and that it would be hard now to restrain the People of Sweden from Trading to Spain, or elsewhere, with those Commodities which were never here­tofore reputed Contrebanda Goods.

Whitelock said, That he had formerly per­used most of the Treaties which England had made, and had three Books Manuscript of Trea­ties, and Transactions between England and Sweden, and between England and Den­mark, and other Northern Parts, which the Old Chancellor had looked into with much de­light; That he could not charge his Memory with particulars of those Treaties, because since his Service was not held useful in matters of that nature he had wholly laid them and the thoughts of them aside; but that he did much forget, If in some of those, Especially with Den­mark, Pitch and Tar, and Hemp, were not Enu­merated among the Contrebanda Goods; and If his Excellency thought it might be of ill consequence to be now put into the Treaty, there might be a private Article for that only.

The Ambassadour said, That If there should be a private Article for it, yet all the People of Sweden must know it, and be forbid the car­rying of those Commodities; and possibly they might be named Contrebanda Goods in a Trea­ty with Denmark, because they had little of those Commodities in their Country.

Whitelock said, That they had great store of Firre in Norway, and wheresoever was Firre, they might make Pitch, and Tar.

The Ambassadour said, They might make it in Norway, but the Country was so Mountai­nous, that it could not he carried to any Port to be transported abroad; and, that in this busi­ness he did believe tho these Commodities were not taken to be Contrebanda Goods, yet such course would be taken that our Enemies should not be supplyed with them from the Ports of the King of Sweden, where only they were to be had, especially Hemp out of Livonia, and those Parts; and that he knew no other Expedient in thus business but what he had privately said to my Lord Protector.

The Lord Fiennes said, That we were tied up to Insist as we did upon the Treaty, and If his Excellency had proposed any thing to his Highness by way of Expedient, that he might be pleased to speak with him again about it; and he hoped that a good Issue would come of it.

There was also Debate at this time con­cerning Passes. The Ambassadour saying, That he observed nothing to be mentioned of them in that which was read.

The Lord Fiennes said, That the Council had had it in debate, and did find much diffi­culty to agree upon a Form of Passes; But that the same would be lyable to be counterfeited, and much prejudice thereby to England, espe­cially in this time of our War with Spain; That they had thought of another way which they desired might be propounded to his Excellency, that the Commissioners which were to be appoin­ted for restitution of Damages, might also be Impowred that when any Ship were brought in, to Examine whether she had any prohibited Goods or not; and if any Injury or Damage were done to the Party so brought in, that those Commissioners should have power forthwith to award Restitution and Satisfaction out of his Estate, that did the wrong: and If he had not Estate sufficient, then the Commonwealth to make Satisfaction, and not to have proceedings in the Admiralty Court, but only in matters of Law, or of great difficulty; and this was appre­hended to be the best way for avoiding deceits in counterfeiting Passes, and colouring of pro­hibited Goods, and the readiest means to obtain Satisfaction where any Injury should be done.

The Ambassadour said, That the Lord Whitelock knew it was much Insisted upon at Upsale, that there should be Passes, and the Form should have been agreed upon within 4. Months; That it was Impossible to avoid for­mer Wrongs, and such usage as had been here­tofore, without Passes; and that altho some might counterfeit hands, yet they could not counterfeit Seals; and If any were taken that did counterfeit, let them be hanged; and for Commissioners they could not tell how to judge but by the Passes, and they must have Rules to go by.

[Page 630] The Lord Fiennes said, That there were many that could counterfeit Seals as well as Hands; and that the Seal of the Council it self here had been counterfeited; that he be­lieved after some few Examples made for bring­ing in Ships without cause, and sound damages given, that very few would be troubled, nor any adventure, but upon Just ground to hinder any Ship in her Voyage; and that some Commis­sioners might Reside at Dover, and another Sett of them at Plimouth, and so in convenient Ports in the King of Sweden's Dominions, That no Ship should be brought far out of her Way, and have a speedy dispatch; and three Commission­ers being English, and three other Swedes, there could be no doubt but that Justice would be done to each Party.

Whitelock acknowledged, That the Passes were much Insisted upon at Upsale, and that he was very glad he had not there agreed upon a form, seeing the Council here did find it so difficult a matter; That he was there acquainted with many Complaints against the proceedings in the Court of Admiralty here, and that he thought no way better to prevent the like Com­plaints hereafter, than by having such Commis­sioners of both parts, as was mentioned by the Lord Fiennes.

Strickland said, That if we agreed to Passes for the Swedes Ships, that the Dutch would Expect the like, and that would bring great In­conveniences to this Nation.

Mnr. Coyett said, That It would be Impos­sible to preserve Terms of Amity, and to prevent doing of Injuries, unless Passes were agreed up­on; and that it was so with other Nations, and he did not comprehend the Inconveniences of it.

The Ambassadour said, That the Case was not the same to the Dutch as to the Swede, be­cause these were the Native Commodities of the King his Masters Territories, as Cloth was of England; and that the Dutch had little store of any Commodities of their own Countrey. That there had been too much cause of Complaint a­gainst the proceedings in the Admiralty Court of England, and he thought that such Commis­sioners might be some means to prevent the like cause of Complaints for the future; That he de­sired a Copy of those Articles now debated, and If they pleased, that he might have it in Latin, which he would consider of, and return a more particular Answer at the next meeting.

This was promised to be sent unto him within a day or two; and after some discour­ses upon other parts of the Articles, as con­cerning Levies of Souldiers, and Hiring of Ships of War, and of their Resort into each others Ports, and some other Particulars wherein there was not much debate, nor dis­agreement, but only upon the great Questi­ons, which is before at large related, The Commissioners came away.

To his Highness the Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, The Humble Petition of Jacob Momma of London, Merchant.

THat your Petitioner not above 9. Months Coppar Manufa­cture. last past hath used the Trade by himself and his Agents of making Lattin Wyer, and Black Lattin of all sorts out of Coppar; a Trade of much advantage to this Commonwealth, whereby many Hundreds of poor People may be set on work, and the Brass which is tinned out of the Coppar by melting is increased, above a third part in weight exceeding the Coppar, out of which it is made; The Improvement whereof is very useful in this Nation for casting of Ord­nance.

But so it is, may it please your Highness, That your Petitioner beginning his said Trade, The King of Sweden, out of whose Dominions the Coppar is brought, for Encouragment of the Makers of Brass, Lattin Wyer, and all sorts of Black Lattin, and for Keeping the Manage­ment of that Trade within his own Country, hath lately raised his Customs there upon Cop­par from thence Exported, from 7 s. to about 27 s. sterling per hundred weight; whereas not above 3 s. sterling per hundred weight, is paid there for Lattin Wyer, and all sorts of Black Lattin thence Exported; which will not only be the destruction of your Petitioner's said Trade, but also the ruine of several Families which have dependance on your Petitioner in the managing thereof, If some speedy Remedy be not taken therein.

Now for that your Petitioner' s said Trade is chiefly carried on by the use of a Native Commodity called Callamy, without which Coppar cannot be turned into Brass, which is altogether otherwise useless; And that the said Callamy may prove a Staple Commodity in this Common-Wealth, which will never be want­ing therein.

His humble Suit therefore is, That Your Highness would please to be a Means that the Custome upon all sorts of Black Lattin, and Lattin Wyer Imported from any Parts into this Common-wealth, may be rays'd as in your High­ness's Wisdom shall be thought most fit, and pro­portionable to the late raised rates in Sweden upon Coppar Exported thence, whereby your Petitioner may receive Encouragement to pro­ceed in the Management of his said Trade.

And he shall pray, &c.

[Page 631] His Highness is pleased to refer this Petition to the Committee for Trade.

15th Jan. 1655.
Jo. Thurloe.

[15.] His Highness having referred this Pe­tition to the Committee for Trade, they ordered Whitelock to attend them: And they enquired the Reason of the Inhauncing the Impositions upon Cop­par in Sweden, and what Course might be found out to reduce that Imposition to the former Rate, and to keep up the Manufacture of Lattin Wyer here.

Whitelock told them that he supposed the Rea­son of Inhaunsing the Imposition by the King of Sweden upon his Coppar, was his extraordinary oc­casions for Money, especially in this time of his Wars; and that he was a free Prince, who might lay what Impositions he did think fit upon the Commodities of his own Countrey.

That for the Reducement of those Impositions to the former, or any lower Rates than they were at now, he knew no way but either upon the pre­sent Treaty with the Swedish Ambassador here to see what might be done by way of ascertaining those and other Impositions, or by buying up all the Coppar at certain Rates to be agreed upon.

That it had been usual in former times upon Treaties between England and Spain, and with France, and other Nations, that the State here did agree what Impositions should be paid by the Eng­lish upon the Commodities which they brought from those Countreys; and thereby Trade was much encouraged, the Merchant was upon a Cer­tainty for payment of his Customs beyond Seas; and the State here, knowing what the Merchant was to pay beyond Seas, (as particularly for Wines) did thereupon use to set the prices upon Wines here.

And concerning the buying up of the Coppar of Sweden he told them, it would be, in his poor Judgment, of very great advantage to England if it might be compassed upon reasonable Terms; and that it might be compassed, he had the more Reason to believe because that himself had some Conference about it when he was Ambassador in Sweden with some there; and since with some of the Swedish Ambassadors Company here, and did perceive them inclinable to such a bargain; and they had heretofore made such a Contract with the City of Lubec in Germany, who gained great Wealth thereby: for they became sole Merchants of the Coppar, and had the Manufacture likewise within themselves of making it into Brass, and of the Commodities made thereof, which they vented at their own prices in all parts of Christendom; and some of them they vended back again into Sweden it self. That the late King Gustavus Adol­phus, finding the inconvenience and loss to Sweden hereby, would not permit the Lubeckers to enlarge their time of that Contract, but got the Manu­facture of Brass within themselves, and vented their own Coppar to the several Merchants who resorted thither for it.

That England hath a great advantage herein more than other Countreys, by reason of the plen­ty of Lapis Calaminaris here, by which the Coppar is turned into Brass; and that there is not in any Countrey of Europe so great store of that Mineral as here; that he knew of none but in Bohemia, which was so great a Journey by Land to any Port, that it would hardly quit the Cost of the Carriage of it.

That in case England could have the sole vent­ing of Coppar and Brass, they might make their own Rates of it, they might furnish themselves, and whom else they pleased, and none other with Brass Ordnance; which are of far better use, es­pecially for Shipping than those of Iron. That it would bring the Manufacture of Lattin Wyre, and all other Manufactures of Brass solely amongst us, and be of great Consequence, both as to matter of Profit, and of security to us.

He told them further, That he had some thoughts himself of being a Merchant for it, if he could have procured others of Value to have joined with him therein; but they found great difficulties for particular Persons to go through with such a business without the State; especially in Relation to the Casting of Ordnance.

That he had acquainted some of the Councel with this business, as a matter fit for my Lord Pro­tector and the States Consideration, but he found that their leisure would not admit them to think further upon it, and therefore having made known his own poor Judgment therein, as he conceived did become his duty, and nothing being thought fit to be done in it, he submitted to the Judgment of others who, he supposed knew the business, or the reasons of publick matters better than him­self; but now having received the commands of this Committee to attend them in a business which had relation to that matter of the Coppar, he thought it his Duty to represent his thoughts at large to them, to whose consideration he conceived it to be very proper.

Some of the Committee asked Whitelock what quantity of Coppar might belong to the King of Sweden, and what to his Subjects; and what payments might be expected for it, and what the Terms might be in a contract for all their Cop­par.

He answered that the King of Sweden had the Propriety, in Right of his Crown, of the most part of the great Mountains where the Coppar Mines were; That all the Coppar digged out of those Mountains whereof the Soil or Royalty be­longed unto him, was his Majesties particular goods. That of all the Coppar belonging to any of his Subjects, and digged out of their particular Mines, in their several grounds and soil, yet a Tenth of all that is paid unto the King; and by a late Composition for Customs, Impositions, and o­ther duties they have agreed to pay a Fifthteenth, or thereabouts of all the Remainder to the King; so that a very little quantity remains but what is in his Majesties dispose, and the quantity of the whole he guessed might come to about 250000 l. or 300000 l. yearly in value or thereabouts, as he could guess.

That the way there is to make their Carriages in the Winter time by Sledds upon the Ice, The Summer being so hot that they cannot Travail, nor their Cattle work; and the Frost so strong that the wayes are then best, and then they bring all the Coppar to the Port-Towns, where it lies ready for the Ships by the Spring, when the Ice is gone, and that they can come into those Seas. That he was told they would expect one half of the money to be agreed upon before the Coppar were [Page 632] taken into Ships when it was ready for them, and the other half of the money at the Arrival of the Ships here; and would be contented to take Bills, or the payment of the Money at Hamburgh or Lu­bec, or some of those Towns not far from the Baltick. But what conditions they would now ex­pect he knew not, the business having slept for some time. The Committee generally expressed themselves with great approbation of the Proposi­tion of buying all the Coppar, saying they never heard any thing more to the Honour and Profit of the Nation than this seemed to be; they desired White­lock to write down both the Propositions, which he then did.

[17.] Bishop Ʋsher the late Arch-Bishop of Usher's Fu­neral. Armagh was this day buried in Westminster Abbey, 200 l. was given by the Protector to bear the charges of his Funeral.

[18.] The Committee of Trade Sat in the Morning, and unanimously Voted the two Propo­sitions, And that the same should be drawn up in Form of a Report from the Committee to his Highness, to be presented to him this Afternoon, and Whitelock was Voted to present it to the Pro­tector, and the Gentlemen of the Committee de­sired to accompany him with the Vote to the Court in the Afternoon.

Accordingly Whitelock met at the place appointed this Afternoon, and found there all the Members of the Committee, who had been present at the debate, about 14 or 15 ready to go with him to the Protector; which was a greater number than had been observed to attend the like occasion be­fore.

When they were come to Whitehall, they were sent for into the Protector's Bed-Chamber; After they were all entred, Whitelock told him that those Gentlemen and himself Members of his Highness Committee of Trade were commanded by that Committee humbly to present to his Highness a Report from them. Upon a Reference which he was pleased to make to that Committee of the Pe­tition of one Momma, which was annexed to the Report, and Whitelock offered to read the Report, But my Lord Protector took it, and read it him­self and then said, my Lord Whitelock, you are one of the Commissioners to Treat with the Swe­dish Ambassador, and therefore I hope you will take care of that particular of your Report in the Treaty with the Ambassador; and as to the buy­ing of the Swedish Coppar the Councel shall be ac­quainted with that Proposition; who will take it into their Consideration, and advise with some of the Committee of Trade about it, and do therein what they shall find to be convenient. That it seemed to be a business of Concernment, and would require good advice and deliberation.

Whitelock took occasion from the Protector's words to acquaint him with the great Concern­ment of the business in relation to this Nation, and to the Trade thereof, and to the Increase of Manufactures of Coppar, and Brass, which by this means would be solely in England, and also in Re­lation to our safety, for hereby we should much increase our Brass Ordnance, which were of great Consideration as to his Highness Navy, and as to the furnishing of such of our Neighbours only therewith, as we should think fit.

As to Manufacture that no Nation in Europe had such Conveniencies for it as England, by reason of the great quantities of Lapis Calaminaris here, which was not found in other parts of Europe, ex­cept some Quantity in Bohemia, which by reason of the long and Chargeable Carriage of it by Land, did discourage the Merchants for Medling with it; but the Transportation of the Coppar hither by Sea was very Convenient. And the Lapis Calami­naris at home made it very commodious for this Nation more than for any other.

He likewise informed his Highness of the for­mer contract of the City of Lubecke, and the Passa­ges thereof, with the other particulars concerning this Matter, which had been before mentioned at the Committee.

His Highness seemed very much satisfied with this discourse, and said again to Whitelock, That he should take the Care of it in the Treaty, and himself would acquaint the Counsel with it; and so they came away.

The Copy of the Report here followeth.

April 1656.

Friday 18th. of April, 1656. At the Committee for Trade and Naviga­tion.

In Pursuance of your Highness Reference of the 15th of January 1655. whereby the Humble Peti­tion of Jacob Momma of London Merchant is re­ferred to this Committee, We having taken the said Petition into our Consideration, do humbly present, and certifie unto your Highness our ad­vice thereupon.

VIZ.

First, That in the present Treaty with the Swedish Ambassador there may be consideration had of the Imposition upon Coppar in Sweden, and lately greatly Enhaunsed there, viz. From 7 s. to about 27 s. in the Hundred weight (as we are in­formed) to the utter destruction of the Manufa­cture of Lattin Wyer, and other Manufactures of Coppar and Brass here; And that in the present Treaty the Imposition may be moderated, and as­certained, which being likewise done for other Commodities in this and other Treaties will tend very much to the advancement of the Trade of this Common-Wealth.

Secondly, That his Highness be moved to take into Consideration the buying up of all the Cop­par of Sweden at certain Rates, and upon certain Propositions to be agreed upon between his High­ness and the King of Sweden, which was in Propo­sition with the late English Ambassador there; and in case his Highness shall not think it expedient for the State to be engaged in that Bargain that he would be pleased to give Encouragement to parti­cular Persons or Companies to proceed therein which may be a great advantage to this Nation.

[28.] Letters of the King of Sweden's death in Poland, but Counterfeit, and afterwards confuted.

May, 1656.

[3.] This day the Protector gave the ho­nour of Knighthood to Mnr. Coyett, The King of Swedens Resident here, who was now Sir Pe­ter Coyett; and gave him a fair Jewel with his Highness Picture; and a rich gold Chain, it cost about 400 l.

The Lord-General Fleetwood told Whitelock, that he had some Enemies at Court, that were Whitelock. willing to keep him from being of the Council; The objections they had against him were two: first, that in the Treaty which he made with the Crown of Sweden he had consented unto Passes for Ships, which the Council here said would be very inconvenient for our Affairs, especially now that we had War with Spain; and that he had con­sented to the specification of Contrebanda Goods, which would also be very Inconvenient in Rela­tion to our War with Spain; and the other objection against Whitelock was, That he was a Lawyer; and they would show that the Coun­sels might be carried on without the wise­dome of Lawyers; which would but trouble and interrupt their proceedings by telling them what was Law upon every occasion; and their Affairs would not permit to tye up themselves to those Rules of Law.

Whitelock answered, That as to the matter of Passes, it was in his Judgment reasonable, and fit, and such as was between other Nations: and the Form left to the Council to be here agreed on, which they might make as strict as they pleased; and tho we had now War with Spain, yet we had none with them when this Article was made; nor could it be divined at Ʋpsall that we should have War with Spain two years after this Article agreed on: But if it were thought inconvenient; why then was it confirmed amongst the rest by the Protector, and his Council, and that not suddenly, but af­ter a strict and neer disquisition, and examina­tion by a Committee of the Council, of every Article of the Treaty, and comparing them with the Powers & Instructions given to White­lock when he went Ambassador: and that Com­mittee having made Report to the Council, That they found nothing done by Whitelock contrary unto, but pursuant and according to the Instructions given him, and to the advantage of the State,

The Council, and the Protector confirmed unanimously the Treaty by Whitelock made at Ʋpsall, and afterwards his Highness sent an express Envoy, namely his own Kinsman Mr. Rolle; with the ratification of this Treaty un­der the great Seal of England to his Majesty the King of Sweden; and now after two years, there falls out a War between Spain and Eng­land begun by us, which was in our power to have forborn, and one or two Articles in the Treaty made so long before may prove Incon­venient as to this War; This will not be found by indifferent Men any objection of much weight against the Treaty, nor Cause to lay blame upon the Ambassador who made it.

The Article of Contrabanda Goods is upon the same grounds to be excused as that of Passes, alike left to the Council to specifie the parti­culars; and after an Examination alike confir­med; with this, That seldome any Treaty is May. made without the Specification of them, and the late Council of State did give in a Paper un­to Mnr. Bonele the Queen of Swedens Commis­sioner here, specifying Contrebanda Goods in the time of our War with the Low Countries; which was a Precedent and Warrant for White­lock to do the like.

As to the 2d. objection concerning his be­ing a Lawyer, he said he accounted his Proces­sion his greatest Honour, and that it did not make him the less capable of serving his Coun­try; as the late Long Parliament thought, by whom he was constantly elected to be of the Council; and former ages had the like good opinion of his Profession, but if the present age were wiser than our Ancestors, it was because they had 200000 Men in Arms to prove them so; and if they disliked the profession of the Law, It was because the Law is the only oppo­ser of unlimited will, and Arbitrariness, which did not love to be curbed.

And he thought it was no great unhappi­ness to him to be out of those publick transacti­ons of this time, which he conceived might not prove, in case of another change, wholly free in themselves from all manner of objections; and perhaps in some particulars, wherein the trou­ble of being informed that they were contrary to the Law of England would not have been to the prejudice either of the Actors or of their Acti­ons; but in time it will be understood that the Law was a good Bulwark for the defence of the rights of the People of England.

[6.] The Swedes Ambassador again com­plained Swedes Ambassa­dor. of the delays in his business, and that when he had desired to have the Articles of this Treaty put into Latine, according to the cu­stom in Treaties, that it was 14 dayes they made him stay for that Translation; and sent it to one Mr. Milton, a blind man to put them into Milton. Latine; who he said must use an Amanuensis to read it to him, and that Amanuensis might pub­lish the matter of the Articles as he pleased; and that it seemed strange to him there should be none but a blind Man capable of putting a few Articles into Latine. That the Chancellor with his own hand penned the Articles made at Ʋp­sall, and so he heard the Ambassador Whitelock did for those on his part. The Imployment of Mr. Milton was excused to him, because several other Servants of the Council fit for that Im­ployment were then absent.

[8.] Upon Summons, the Lord Fiennes, Strickland, Whitelock, and Secretary Thurloe met at the Council Chamber and they spent about an hour in considering the several particulars of the present Treaty with the Swedish Ambassa­dor, his proposals of alteration in some points formerly treated on with him, and the Coun­cils Votes therein; they went from thence to the Ambassador all but the Secretary, and Com­plements being past they fell to their business, and most of the alterations propounded by the Ambassador, being but difference of Expression only, were agreed.

The main things upon which they differed Contre­banda. were, Whether Pitch, Tarr, Hemp, &c. should be Contrebanda goods, or not. The Ambassador was earnest that they should not, and remembred [Page 634] his former Arguments, and Reasons upon this point, and said that his Master could not consent unto it for Examples Sake to others.

The Lord Fiennes urged the vote and resolu­tion of the Council upon great debate and rea­son, during the time only of our War with Spain who could not subsist without the Com­modity; and if we should permit it to be no Contrebanda goods with the Swedes, the like would be expected by the Dutch, and other Na­tions, and thereby we should give way to the furnishing of our Enemies with that which they most wanted, and where-with they could most offend us.

The Ambassador alleadged the inconvenience to their Trade, if it should be admitted, that it was their Native Commodity and not of any other Na­tion, that the Swedes had little Traffick with Spain: that other Nations would supply them if the Swedes did not, That in the list of Contrebanda goods given in by the former Council of State to Mur. Bonele these Commodities were omitted, and so he hoped would be now; and the rather because it was agreed at the Treaty at Upsale that they should be specified within 4 Moneths; and it was then taken for granted as the Lord Whitelock knew well, that these Commodities should not be taken for Contre­banda.

Whitelock answered, That at the Treaty at Up­sale the General was only agreed, that there should be a Specification within 4 Moneths, in which time none was here on the part of Sweden to agree to a denomination of particulars; That it was left to the future Agreement to Specifie them, and no par­ticulars agreed upon at Upsale, that sinee that time there was a great Change both in our Affairs, and in those of the King of Sweden, which must necessarily be regarded in the Specification of Contrebanda goods; and our War with Spain did require a Spe­cial Care not to suffer them to be furnished with such Commodities with which they would most offend us, as the Lord Fiennes had declared; that if the Swedes had little Traffick to Spain, his Excellency might with the less prejudice to them agree that these Commodities should be Contrebanda, That the Paper given to Mnr. Bonele was when we had no War with Spain, or any other Nation, & perhaps the Commodities not then in debate. Strickland men­tioned the Low Countreys prohibiting these Commodities to be brought to us, in our War with them.

Mnr. Coyett said, That was never submitted un­to by any Nation, that could be strong enough to withstand it.

The Ambassador said, he could tell them a plea­sant Story, which was nothing, but of the Hol­landers releiving with provisions, and powder a Town, while it was besieged by the States, and so he said, other Nations would supply the Spa­niard, if they did not.

The Lord Fiennes proposed the former design of our Merchants to buy up at a certain Rate all those Commodities from the Swedes.

The Ambassador said, That would require a long time, to alter the Factors, and Assignations, and places of Shipping, and the price; and many other particulars, which could not easily, nor quickly be done: and that those goods were most in private hands of Merchants.

Whitelock said, the same goods at the same places of Shipping, and at a certain price all to be vended, he thought, would be quickly agreed upon by private Men being for their advantage. Nothing was concluded upon this point.

Then the Ambassador excepted against the words in the Specification of Contrebanda goods viz. (Instrumenta Bello inservientia) saying that this did take in all things what soever, for they might serve for War: and he desired the words might be (Instrumenta Bellica) as words less capacious than the other; this to please him with his own expressions, was consented unto.

The next great debate was upon the point of Passes, which the Ambassador said were neces­sary to be had and agreed upon, or otherwise the people of his Master must be still great Suf­ferers, and be highly oppressed as they had been in the time of our War with the Dutch; and he grated much upon those Injuries which could not be prevented, but by Passes, which were ex­presly agreed upon by the Treaty of Upsale.

Whitelock said, That in England, and other Countries people were apt to loose their sight in their own Cases, and that when both sides were heard the same appeared to be true; and he did believe the like would appear when both parties came to be heard in those Cases, whereof so much Complaint had been made by one party only to his Excellency. And that the Article for Commissioners on both sides to be appointed both for past Injuries, and for the future, to give a just Satisfaction, he did believe would prevent the like hereafter, and be of great ad­vantage to both Nations.

That what was agreed at Upsale did appear in the Articles of that Treaty, which as to Passes did Consent that there should be such, and the Form on­ly referred for a future Agreement; and there is nothing else but the Form to be agreed on; and that seems difficult enough, to avoid the deceits in Counterfeiting of them, and under pretence of them to have other Nations carry prohibited Goods to our Enemies; and by reason of the Change of Affairs since that general Agreement, there must of necessi­ty be a greater Care to avoid Inconveniencies which may arise by those Passes.

That the Proposition of giving power to the Commissioners on both sides, to hear and deter­mine all differences upon the bringing in of any Ship suspected justly to have a false Pass, or prohibited Goods in her, will prevent the delayes and Injuries complained of, and be a means to pre­serve the Amity of both Nations the better.

The Ambassador with some quickness reply­ed, That by the Treaty of Upsale (and of necessity it must be so) A Ship showing her Pass was not to be troubled any further, nor to be brought in at all, but permitted to proceed in her Voyage without any vi­siting, or examination.

Whitelock said, That by the words of the Arti­cle of Passes in that Treaty, the Ship showing a true Pass was to be permitted to proceed in her Voyage, but if there were a just suspition of a Counterfeit Pass, or having Prohibited Goods, no words of that Article did forbid the bringing in of such a [Page 635] Ship, but provided that such should be punished; which could not well be without an Examination; nor can the matter be examined unless by bringing in the Parties concerned before the Judges, which are to examine them; and it will be more for the advantage of both parties to be brought only to Do­ver, or Plimouth, or Hull, or other Convenient Port Townes; and before Commissioners whereof some are their own Countrey-men, rather than to the Court of Admiralty, against whom they have made so many Complaints before.

The Lord Fiennes seconded that proposal, of Commissioners to determine all Matters of this Nature. And said, that the Article of Passes in the Treaty of Upsale could not be understood that Ships showing a Pass although Counterfeit, or having Prohibited Goods should nevertheless be free from Examination; Neither did the words of that Article import any such Sence, but agreed those to be punished, who should do any thing contrary to that Articles, And that having a Counterfeit Pass, or Prohibited goods, would be contrary to that Ar­ticle.

The Ambassador said, That if any Ship were brought in upon such a Suspition, if it did not prove true, the Parties would suffer great Injuries by being brought up.

The Lord Fiennes and Whitelock said, That the Commissioners in such Cases were to be impowred to give satisfaction out of the Parties Estate, who should do the wrong; and if that were not sufficient then the State to make it good.

The Ambassador went off from this point, and mentioned the Forfeiture for having Prohi­bited goods, proposed by the Councel to be those goods, and the Ship also where they were found, which he said, was unreasonable, and would ruine their Trade, if consented unto; nor was it ever done in any Treaty that he had seen: but he proposed, that the Prohibited goods only should be forfeited, and no other goods in the Ship; nor the Ship in any Case.

The Lord Fiennes said, That if the Forfeiture should be so small, as the Prohibited goods only, it would encourage People to adventure to carry those Goods; and that the Forfeiture of the Ship, would cause the Master of it to take care that no Prohi­bited Goods should be taken aboard his Ship, and he might have security of the Merchants, which would prevent any damage to him, or to the Ship, or Trade.

Several other Matters were debated amongst them; but it growing late, they came to no Conclusion, but each insisted upon their own opinions, and little was agreed, but only to meet again the next Tuesday.

[13.] Tuesday. The Commissioners went to the Ambassador of Swedens House about 5 a Clock this Evening, where they had a long de­bate with his Excellency upon the former points not agreed on; First about the Enumerating amongst the Contrebanda Goods, Pitch and Tar, and Hemp, &c. To which the Ambassador would in no wise yield; and dilated upon the same Arguments he had before urged on this Mat­ter, adding this, That it was known to the Lord Whitelock That in Finland it was their Chief Commodity, which if they should not vend yearly, having great quantities of Pitch and Tar, the Coun­trey could not subsist; nor would the Commodity last above one year in the Vessels; but by reason of the great strength of it, being kept longer, it would break the hoopes of the Vessels, and be lost, and if the least Restraint should be put upon the vending of it to any place, the Inhabitants of Finland would think them­selves undone; and it would be a great prejudice to their Trade; besides if it should be forbidden to be carried to Spain, it would cause the Spaniard to seek out elsewhere for Pitch and Tar, and possibly it might be had in America, and if that should come to pass it would wholly overthrow the Trade of Fin­land.

Further he said, That in case the Spaniard should want their Pitch and Tar, that yet he had the Oyl of a certain Fish, which he could make use of instead of Pitch and Tar, which might turn to the great prejudice of his Masters Subjects.

The Lord Fiennes answered as formerly these Arguments, and said, That if the Swedes had so little Trade with Spain, the forbearing of it during our War would be the less prejudice to them; that the restraint would be only as to Spain, not as to any other Nation, and but for a time, during our War with Spain.

Whitelock said, That the Pitch and Tar from Finland was to be had in great quantities, and bet­ter and at a lower rate than it would be had from America, and so long there would be no danger to the Trade of that Countrey, and for the Oyl of the Fish, which the Spaniard might make use of, it was perhaps in case of Necessity, when they could get no Pitch and Tar which was so much to be preferred before that Oyl, that the Oyl would never be made use of if they could get the other.

Whitelock also seconded a Proposition made formerly by the Lord Fiennes, That some Decla­ration should be agreed on, that Pitch and Tar was not determined one way or other, as to Contreban­da Goods, but left to know the Kings pleasire a­bout it: and in the mean time it should not be taken to be omitted as not Contrebanda Goods; which last part he thought might be left out of the Decla­ration, this was thought worthy Consideration by the Ambassador, and from thence they went to the point of Passes.

Wherein the same Arguments were used as formerly on both parts, the Ambassador much enlarging himself in the Repetition, affirming also that both this matter of Passes, and that of Contrebanda Goods, were once agreed upon as now he desired, and as he could prove, though now the War between us and Spain had occa­sioned us to stand upon these alterations on our part.

The Lord Strickland mistaking the Ambassa­dor, and very ready to know any thing which might reflect upon Whitelock, demanded if these things were agreed in the Treaty of Upsale.

Whitelock answered, That he supposed that Treaty had been perused, and no such matter would be found to be agreed in it, but the general only that there should be a specification of Contrebanda goods, and a Form of Passes to be agreed upon here.

[Page 636] But Whitelock understood these words of the Ambassador to reflect upon him; and upon a Letter which Whitelock by direction here had written to Mr. Laggerfeldt., to this effect, That he had presented the Form of Passes and the list of Contrebanda goods, which was delivered to him at Upsale, unto the Councel here, and he did not doubt but that there would be a good Agreement upon them; But Whitelock not having any Copy of his Letter to Mr. Laggerfeldt, nor any writing, or order to Warrant his Letter; and the Re­flection upon it by the Ambassador not being plainly expressed, nor observed by his Fellow Commissioners, he thought it best not to take notice of it himself, nor to draw it in question, but insisted upon the Treaty of Ʋpsale in the Answer to it; and again mentioned the former proposition of Commissioners to be appointed for restitution, who might also have power to de­termine the difference upon the bringing in of any Swedish Ship hereafter in a Summary way, and to be resident at convenient Ports near the Sea. But this the Ambassador did not think good to assent unto, and this brought in the de­bate concerning these Commissioners. Where­in the Ambassador insisted to have rules given to the Commissioners for restitution, which he had set down in writing, and were to this Ef­fect, That these Commissioners should give damages to such Swedes whose Ships had been brought in, and questioned here, during our War with the Low-Coun­tries, if those Swedes should bring before the Com­missioners Certificates from Port Towns, or Gover­nours of the King of Swedens Territories, that those Ships so brought in were then belonging to the Kings Subjects.

The Lord Fiennes said, That this seemed not to be reasonable, to give Rules now, for that which was done before the Rules were given, That here and in other places it was no difficult thing to obtain Certi­ficates from Towns upon Misinformations, or upon particular Affection, and this might prove to the great prejudice of England; That in our Treaties with France, Denmark, and Holland wee had an Article appointing Commissioners for Restitution, and in none of them were any such Rules given; yet they proceeded to determination of the differences secundum aequum, & bonum, and there was a ve­ry good Issue of it.

Whitelock said, That Laws, and Rules were not to be made to look back: that the particular Cases which should come before the Commissioners were to be considered according to such Circumstances only as were then in question, when the business was for­merly under Examination; and to bring Supple­mental Proofs now, and to procure subsequent Passes, and Certificates, might be a means not only to give Restitution to all Swedes, but to the Dutch also.

The Ambassador answered, That the Treaties with Denmark, and Holland upon the point of Restitution were in single Matters, as that of seising our Ships at one time in the Sound, and that of Amboyna, But in this Treaty, it was upon many particulars.

They agreed it being very late to have a De­claration drawn up, as was moved concerning Contrebanda Goods, as to Pitch, and Tar, and Hemp, &c. and to meet again this day Seven­night.

[20.] Tuesday. The Commissioners accord­ing to the former appointment met at the Swe­dish Ambassador's House this Evening, where the Lord Fiennes did acquaint his Excellency, That since the last Meeting, those Matters which remained yet in difference, and were not fully a­greed upon were tendred to the Councel, who upon serious debate and Consideration thereof, were of opinion that they would in no wise depart from the former Resolution. But thought it very reasonable to be insisted on, that Pitch and Tar and Hemp, should be accounted Contrebanda goods during our War with Spain, and his Highness and the Councel being of this opinion, and understanding that there was but little Trade between Sweden, and Spain, and therefore the inconvenience to have them Contrebanda Goods would be the less to the King of Swedens Subjects; but on the other side it would be so great a prejudice to England, to have the Spaniard at this time to be supplied with those Commodities which they had need of, His Highness and the Councel did hope that the Am­bassador would consent to have them specified a­mongst the Contrebanda Goods, and that the Declaration by way of Expedient drawn up, and sent by his Excellencie to the Lord Fiennes, being considered by the Councel, they were of opinion that the same did determine the question that they should not be accounted Prohibited goods, and afterwards Referred them to a future determination; and in the mean time it might occasion differences and quarrelling upon that point between the People of both the Nations.

The Ambassador endeavoured to maintain the reasonableness of that Declaration, and said, That he would not agree to have Pitch, &c. to be specified among the Contrebanda Goods, and repeated his former Reasons, and Arguments at large upon that Subject, and in the conclu­sion said, that it was once approved of here after the Lord Whitelocks return from Sweden, that they should be lest out of the number of Contreban­da goods as he could make it appear. And then called to his Secretary for a Paper; which be­ing given him. Whitelock did imagine to be a Letter that he had written to Mr. Laggerfeldt, and thereupon thought fit to mention it first himself, and said, that he had observed now, and at former debates that the Ambassador did glance at a Letter which he had formerly writ to Mr. Laggerfeldt, and lest more might be apprehended of it than the Letter it self would bear, he thought fit himself to acquaint what it was which he did ima­gine the Ambassador intended by those expres­sions.

He told them, That after his Arrival in Eng­land, and an account given by him to his Highness and the Councel of his Negotiation in Sweden, and the same throughly looked into and approved, His Highness and the Councel thought fit to Con­firm the Treaty made by him at Upsale, and there having been some debate concerning the Articles of Passes, and of Contrebanda Goods; the same were also ratified with the rest, That this being done, Whitelock thought fit to certifie Mr. Lagger­feldt thereof, which he did by Letters not long af­ter; and the Ambassador having before intimated something of these Letters, Whitelock thought good to look out the Copies of them amongst his Pa­pers, and found nothing in them to this purpose; but only that his Highness and the Councel had ra­tified the Treaty made by him at Upsale, and had [Page 637] agreed that there should be a list of Contrebanda Goods, and a Form of Passports which was part of that Treaty, but nothing was said in that Letter of the Form of Passports, or list of Contrebanda Goods given in to him by the Queens Commissioners at Upsale, nor that those were by Whitelock deli­vered in here, or that those were agreed upon by his Highness and the Councel.

‘That he had not the honour to be of his Highness Councel, and that his Commission of Ambassador was then ended, and that he wrote this Letter as a private Man; and if it had been as a publick Person, yet nothing of Weight, as to this Matter, could be collected out of it, the words being as he related.’

To this the Ambassador made no Reply, but gave back the Paper again and said, he believed that the Lord Whitelock when he was at Upsale would not have insisted that Pitch, and Tar, and Hemp should be accounted Prohibited Goods.

The Lord Fiennes said, he perceived that there was much debate at Upsale concerning these Points which occasioned the Lord Whitelock to refer the determination of them to the Lord Protector and his Councel to be determined by them here.

Whitelock said, ‘That indeed there was much debate at Ʋpsale concerning these Mat­ters, especially about Passes, and he thought fit to refer the determination thereof to His Highness and the Councel; and was glad he had done so, and the more because of the dif­ficulty now made here about them, he did in­genuously Confess that when he was in Swe­den, England being then in War with the Dutch, his Judgment was not to insist upon the having of Pitch, &c. to be Contrebanda Goods, but rather that they should not be esteemed so; and his reason was because the Dutch could have them notwithstanding, by small Vessels, which should take them in at Hamborough, or have them brought from Lu­beck most part of the way by Water (except about 20 miles by Land) to Hambourgh, and from Hambourgh in those Vessels they could bring them down the Elbe, and from thence by the Flats which are shole Waters full of Sand, on the Coast of Bremen, and so along to Holland without going at all into the open Sea, or coming within the danger of our Ships which could not come among those Flats, nor hinder the Dutch from having of those Commodities. But on the other Side they could not be brought to England but through the wide Sea, where they were subject to the danger of being intercepted by our Enemies, and if he should then have agreed to have them Contrebanda Goods, he conceived the same would have hindred England's being sup­plied, and not have hindred our Enemies having of them. But now, he said, our War with Spain had made a great difference as to that Matter, because they could not have them but through the wide Sea where they must be brought by us, and we should watch the Conveyance of them.’

The Lord Fiennes then fell upon the point of Passports, and said, that if his Excellency did Passes. not approve of the Proposal for the Commissioners for restitution to examine, and determine all dif­ferences upon the bringing in of Ships for the fu­ture, that then a Form of Passports should within a few dayes be sent unto him, which the Ambassa­dor seemed to acquiesce in.

Then the Lord Fiennes said, That his Highness and the Councel had likewise considered the Rules which his Excellency had proposed for the Commissioners for Restitution of Damages to walk by, and did apprehend the same to be very unequal, to make Rules now for Cases that had been formerly adjudged, and to give such Regard to Certificates to be now procu­red for Matters long since past, and said that ei­ther from some place in Sweden, or Denmark, or some of those Parts, a Counterfeit Pass had been procured as was proved, and confessed.

The Ambassador seemed to be Nettled at the mention of a Counterfeit Pass procured from his Country, and said, they did so highly value their Honour, that if any should do such a thing, he would not be received in any honest Company after­wards, and said that in his Countrey they esteemed Certificates from good men, or from Magistrates of Towns far better Testimony than Witnesses upon Oath, if they were not of great Quality, who did testifie upon Oath; and he much insisted upon the having of those Rules, and urged the same Arguments, as formerly.

Whitelock said, ‘That to give these Rules to the Commissioners were to make a Law with a Retrospect, and to judge the Cause beforehand, but it would be more equal to leave the Commissioners to judge upon all Circumstances, and the whole Matter to be before them, which would not be if they were tied up by Rules, nor could they then proceed secundum aequum, & bonum.’

The Ambassador replied somewhat impatiently, ‘That he should be glad to know whether his Highness and the Councel did intend, or not (as he hoped they did) that restitution should be made to those who had suffered Damage being our Friends during our War with the Dutch, and that without some rules to be given to the Commissioners for restitution, it would be impossible ever to expect any Sa­tisfaction for their Damages.’

The Lord Fiennes said, That it did appear that his Highness did really intend that a just sa­tisfaction should be made for any wrongs done, or else he would never have consented to this extraordina­ry way of Referring it to Commissioners, whereof the one half were to be Swedes, to determine those Matters, when he might have left those Matters to the ordinary Judicatory of the Nation, the Admi­ralty Court for a final determination.

Whitelock said, That the Admiralty Court here did proceed according to the Law used amongst most Nations in Europe in Maritime Affairs, and was the Judicatory, which both the English themselves, and their Friends were to submit unto; if they had done any wrong the same would be now examinable before the Commissioners, and the Lord Protector had shewed a very real desire to give Sa­tisfaction to the King of Sweden, and to his Sub­jects by consenting to have Commissioners to deter­mine these Matters which he might have left, if he had pleased, to the Ordinary Judicatory of his own People in the Court of Admiralty.

[Page 638] The Ambassador had some other touches a­bout Contrebanda Goods, and the Lord Fiennes said, That they were informed, that by the Civil Law Pitch and Tar and Hemp were accounted Contrebanda Goods; wherein Whitelock was not so fully satisfied, as to second him in this point.

The Ambassador said,

That he wished he might have had the happiness to have known the mind of his Highness and the Councel in these Matters 4 or 5 Moneths agone, that then he might have returned to his Master, and not to have staid so long a time here to no purpose. That he could not now stay so long as to send to his Master (as the Lord Fiennes moved) and to have his Answer con­cerning these Commodities as to Contrebanda Goods.

He likewise desired to be excused that he could not consent to a proposal on our Part that Rebels goods, and prizes being brought into each others Harbours should be seized upon; and all taking Commissions from Charles Steward, or from any Prince or Per­son who was not in Possession of any Territo­ries should be taken for Pirates.

Whitelock said, ‘That there was a clear difference between Enemies, and Rebells a­greed by Grotius, and the antienter Civilians; that where there is an Allegiance there to take up Arms is Rebellion, where there is no Allegiance there they are Enemies.’

The Lord Fiennes proposed to leave out the words Charles Steward, and to let the Article go generally of taking Commissions from any who had no Territories, and agreed the difference be­tween Rebels, and Enemies.

The Ambassador said, ‘They were all one that were in Arms against them, that he could not Consent to any part of this Arti­cle, That if he should, it would make many to be their Enemies which now were not, and those of Dunkirk and Ostend would fall upon their Ships, That Sweden had never medled with the differences amongst us in England, That whatsoever was reasonable in this kind was already sufficiently provided for as a­gainst Rebels and Traytors, by the Treaty made by the Lord Whitelock at Ʋpsale.’

The Commissioners came away appointing to meet with the Ambassador again on Tuesday next.

June 1656.

[14.] The Swedish Ambassador was now in hopes that they should agree, having had Audi­ence of the Protector, and received much kind­ness from him, and had some discourse with the Protector about the great business of the Pro­testant Interest, and hoped that some thing might be done in it.

[19.] Letters that the Peace between us and Portugal was now lately confirmed there; Portugal. and the Mony paid according to the Treaty.

July, 1656. July.

[10.] The full Ratification of the Treaty with Portugal was this day presented to his Highness.

The Lords Commissioners of the great Seal, sitting at the Temple, sealed the writs of Sum­mons Parlia­ment. for a Parliament to meet the 17th. of Sep­tember.

The Protector by Warrant to Sr. John Bark­stead Lieutenant of the Tower discharged Mrs. Lucy Barlow from Imprisoment; she had a Mrs. Bar­low. young Son with her, which she publickly decla­red to be King Charles his Son, and that she was his Wife. The Officers found a Grant when she was apprehended signed Charles R: by which she had an Annuity or yearly Pension of 5000 Livres granted to her for her life, with an Assu­rance to better the same when it should please God to restore him to his Kingdoms; and it was subscribed by his Majesties Command Edward Nicholas.

[17.] The Lord Fiennes, Strickland, and Whitelock met at the Swedish Ambassador's house where they signed and sealed the Treaty agreed on both parts; and concerning the carrying of Pitch, and Tar, &c. to Spain, during our War with them, there was a single Article that the King of Sweden should be moved to give Order for the prohibiting of it, & a kind of undertaking that it should be done. It was very late before they had done signing of them, The Protector gave a Commission under the great Seal to the Lord Fiennes, Whitelock, and Strickland, to Treat and Conclude with the Ambassador, which Com­mission was then read at the signing of the Ar­ticles; as was the Commission of the King of Sweden under the great Seal of Sweden to the Ambassador, giving him power to Treat and Conclude.

[25.] The Swedish Ambassador having ta­ken his leave of the Protector received great ci­vilities and respects from him, and afterwards dined with him at Hampton Court, and Hunted with him. The Protector bestowed the digni­ty of Knighthood upon one of his Gentlemen Sr. Gustavus Du Vale, the Mareschal.

August 1656.

[13.] The Ambassador of Sweden dined at Sr. George Ayscough's house in Surrey, where they Sir Georg [...] Ascue. had very noble Entertainment, The House stands Environned with Ponds, Motes, and Water like a Ship at Sea, a fancy the fitter for the Masters humour, who is himself so great a Seaman; there he said, he had cast Anchor; and intended to spend the rest of his life in a pri­vate Retirement.

The Ambassador understanding the Abilities of Sr. George in Sea affairs, did (according to his custom) endeavour to improve his own know­ledge by his discourses and questions to the Company, according to their several capacities, and abilities, he therefore found many questions to demand of Sr. George, and had much dis­course with him about Sea matters, and particu­larly [Page 639] concerning our English Frigots; he was very Inquisitive to know of Sir George whether he esteemed them the best of any sort of Ships for fight; Sr. George answered freely, that he did not esteem them the best Ships for fight, but held the old fashi­oned English Ships of the biggest rate best for fight, and being asked his reason, said because they were stronger than the Frigots, would endure the shaking of their own Guns, and the blows of the Enemies Guns better than the Frigots could, and were firm and like a Castle in the Sea, and not so easy to be boar­ded, as the Frigots, being higher built.

The Ambassador replyed that they themselves could not so easily board another Ship being so high built; Sir George answered, that when they came to boarding, they that assailed had not so great a trouble of going down their own Ship, as going up to the Enemies, and the high building was no hindrance to their boarding of another but was the better defence for themselves.

The Ambassador also objected, that they could not so easily come about and fetch up another Ship as the Frigots could: Sr. George answered, that they could easily enough tack about upon any occasion in fight, but confessed, that they could not so soon fetch up another Ship, nor take or leave as the Frigots could, which, he said, was rather an Inducement to cowardise than courage, and some Captains when they knew they could leave an Ene­my as they pleased, would ingage in the fewer blows, whereas the old built Ships must stand to it, and the men knowing that there was no running away, would have the better mettal to fight it out.

The Ambassador asked, which would last longest, the Ships built after the old fashion, or the Frigots, Sr George answered, that the old buil­ding was more strong, and substantial, than the building of the Frigots, which were made long and light for sailing, and therefore could not last so long as the other; and they carrying many Guns, and being thus made, their own Guns did much shake and wear them more than the Guns of the others did.

They had much discourse of this nature, which added pleasure to the entertainment. in his return home, the Ambassador went into Hampton Court to take his leave of the Lady Elizabeth Cleypoole, and her Sisters, where he was received with much state.

[16.] Letters came to the Swedish Ambas­sador Sweden. of his Masters great Victory, obtained against the King of Poland.

[20.] The Swedish Ambassador designed to have gone away this day, but his Jewel & o­ther present of twelve hundred pounds worth of white Cloth which the Protector gave him, not being ready, he was well contented to stay for them; and they were now resolved to be bestowed on him, since the news of his Masters great Victory against the King of Poland.

[23.] The Ambassador having been ye­sterday to take his last leave of the Protector, who gave him his present, and complements sufficient besides, and an ample pass under his Highness own Hand and Seal, than which nothing more could be demanded or expected, the Ambassador was this day to go to Graves-End, and the Lord Strickland, and Sr. Gilbert Septem. Pickering were appointed by the Council to accompany the Ambassador to the Water-side; the Protectors Coaches and many other Coach­es were appointed to conduct him in State to the Tower wharf, where the Protectors Bar­ges were attending upon him. the Ambassa­dor wore the rich Jewel which the Protector gave him, tyed with a blew ribbon to his but­ton-holes; The Jewel was his Highness Picture in a case of Gold, about the bigness of a five shillings piece of Silver, set round the case with sixteen fair Diamonds, each Diamond valued at 60 l. in all worth about 1000 l.

September 1656.

[3.] The Protector and his Council kept a solemn day of thanksgiving for the 2 victories obtained at Dunbar, and Worcester on this day of the month.

[4.] Sir William Davenant printed his Opera; notwithstanding the nicety of the Times.

[17.] This being the day appointed for Parlia­ment. the meeting of the Parliament, the Protector and the members of Parliament came to the Abbey Church at Westminster, where they heard a Sermon preached by Dr. John Owen Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford. After Sermon His Highness and the members went to the Painted-Chamber, where he made a Speech to them, and then they went to the House; upon their going in, the Members received Certificates in this form.

County of Bucks.

THese are to Certifie, That is returned by Indenture one of the Knights to serve in this Present Parliament for the said Coun­ty, and approved by his Highness Council.

17 Sep. 1656.
Nath. Tayler Clerk of the Common-wealth in Chancery.

Sir Thomas Widdrington was chosen Speak­er.

[18.] The House resolved to keep a Fast day on Wednesday next, and they appointed a Committee to prepare a Declaration for a General Fast throughout the three Nations.

They appointed Grand Committees, for Commit­tees. Elections, Religion, Grievances, Courts of Justice, and for Trade.

A Bill was read for renouncing, and disanulling the pretended Title of Charles Stuart.

[19.] The same Bill was read the second time.

[22.] Some amendments to this Bill for renouncing, &c. were reported to the House from the Committee, and agreed: and the Bill ordered to be Ingrossed.

A Report being made to the House from the Council of the Reasons why some Persons [Page 638] [...] [Page 639] [...] [Page 640] returned for Members were not admitted into the House, upon the Question, It was Resolved, That those persons should make their application to the Council for approbation.

Upon which several of the Members that were chosen to serve in Parliament and not approved by the Council, published a Re­monstrance in these words.

WHen our worthy Ancestors have been Met in Parliament, and have found Oppression and Tyranny supported by such strong hands, that they could not pre­vail to secure their Countries, Lives, and Li­berties by wholesome Laws, They have often made their Protestations against the Inju­stice and Oppression; and forewarned the People of their danger. To omit other In­stances, so did the Commons in Parliament in the Third and Fourth year of the late King, when he Challenged a Power to take Tonnage and Poundage without the Peoples Consent in Parliament, they made their Protestation, * That whosoever should Counsel or Ad­vise See the Parlia­ments Journalls on Monday March. the 2d. 1628. the leavying of Tonnage and Poun­dage for the King, not being granted him by the Parliament; or should act, or be an Instrument therein, should be reputed a Capital Enemy to the Kingdom and Com­mon-wealth: And also that whatsoever Merchant or other Person should volunta­rily yield or pay Tonnage or Poundage, not being granted by Parliament, should be reputed a betrayer of the Liberties of England, and an Enemy to the same.

In like manner We who have been duely Chosen by the People to be Members of the Parliament that should now have Met, and have an undoubted right to Meet, Sit, and Vote in Parliament although we are oppres­sed by force of Arms, and shut out of the usu­al place of Parliaments sitting, yet having Hearts sensible of that highest Trust reposed in us, and being filled with cares for the Church and Common-wealth, which with grief of Heart we behold bleeding, We do hold our Selves bound in duty to God and our Coun­trey, to declare unto the People of England their and our woful Condition, and the most evident Danger of the utter Subversion of Religion, Liberty, Right, and Proper­ty.

We believe the Rumour is now gone through the Nation, that armed Men imploy­ed by the Lord Protector have prevented the free Meeting and Sitting of the intended Parliament, and have forcibly shut out of Doors such Members as he and his Councel supposed would not be frighted, or flattered to betray their Countrey, and give up their Religion, Lives and Estates to be at his will, to serve his lawless Ambition. But we fear that the Slavery, Rapines, Oppressions, Cru­elties, Murders, and Confusions that are Com­prehended in this one Horrid Fact are not so sensibly discerned, or so much layed to Heart as the Case requires; And we doubt not but, as the Common practice of the Man hath been, the name of God, and Religion, and formal Fasts, and Prayers will be made use of to Co­lour over the blackness of the Fact, We do therefore in faithfulness unto God, and our Countrey hereby Remonstrate.

First, That whereas by the Fundamental Laws of this Nation, the people ought not to be bound by any Laws but such as are freely Consented unto by their Chosen Deputies in Parliament, and it is a most wicked Ʋsurpa­tion, even against the very Laws of Nature, for any Man to impose his will or Discreti­on upon another as a Rule, unless there be some Pact, or Agreement between the Par­ties, for that Intent. And whereas by the Mercy of God only in preserving this Funda­mental Law and Liberty, the good People of England have beyond Memory of any Record preserved their Estates, Families, and Lives, which had otherwise been destroyed, at the will of every wicked Tyrant; and by keep­ing this only, as their undoubted Right, they have been kept from being bruitish Slaves to the Lusts of their Kings, who would other­wise have despoiled them of their Persons, Lives, and Estates by their Proclamations, and the Orders of themselves, and their Cour­tiers as they pleased: and by Virtue of this their undoubted Right the People have com­monly disputed, resisted, and made void the Proclamations of their Kings, and the Or­ders of their Councel Table, where they have crossed the Laws unto which they have con­sented in their Parliaments.

Now the Lord Protector hath by force of Arms invaded this Fundamental Right and Liberty, and violently prevented the meet­ing of the People chosen Deputies in Parlia­ment. And he and his Councel boldly de­clare, That none of the Peoples Deputies shall meet in Parliament, unless they agree to the measure of their Fantasies, Humors, or Lusts; They now render the People such Fools, or Beasts, as know not who are fit to be trusted by them with their Lives, Estates, and Families. But he and his Councel that daily devour their Estates, and Liberties, will judge who are fit to Counsel and Ad­vise about Laws to preserve their Estates and Liberties: Thus doth he now openly assume a power to pack an Assembly of his Confidents, Parasites, and Confederates, and to call them a Parliament, that he may thence pretend that the People have consent­ed to become his Slaves, and to have their Persons and Estates at his discretion. And if the People shall tamely submit to such a Power, who can doubt but he may pack such a [Page 641] number as will obey all his commands, and consent to his taking of what part of our Estates he pleaseth, and to impose what Yoaks he thinks fit to make us draw in.

Secondly And whereas the Parliament of England, consisting of the Peoples chosen deputies, always have been, and ought to be the Ordainers, and creators of Dignities, Offices, and Authoritys in this Nation, And have always of right exercised the power of disposing even the Kingly Office, and autho­rity of Inlarging and Restraining the Kingly power, and of Questioning,-Making void, or Confirming all Commmissions, Proclamations, Charters, and Patents of any of our former Kings; And have Questioned, Censured, and Judged even the Persons of our Kings for a­busing their Trusts, and invading the Peo­ples Laws, Rights, and Libertys; And by this means the highest Officers, and the Kings themselves have acknowledged their power to be only trusted to them for the Peoples welfare; And they have always dreaded the Peoples Parliaments who could call them to an Account for any Injustice, or Violence done upon the Person, or Estate of any Man; And hereby the People were secured under the Laws from the Rapine, and Oppression of the highest Grandees, and Courtiers; Even the Kings themselves, fearing the Peoples Com­plaints in their Parliaments, and well know­ing the Peoples custom to choose for their De­puties the most known Champions for their Liberties, against the Arbitrary powers, and Injustice of the Kings and their Courtiers; And none of the most wicked Kings in their highest hope to Erect a Tyranny, ever da­ring since Members were sent to Parliaments by Elections, to throw aside by force as many of the chosen Members as they thought would not serve their Ends; They knowing it to be the undoubted Right of the people to trust whom they think fit, and as much the Right of every man duely chosen and trusted to meet and vote in Parliament without asking their leave or begging their Tickets. And al­though here hath been frequently secret designs for many years to subvert Religion, Liberty, and Property in this Nation, and to that end the designs of Tyranny have attempted to destroy, sometimes the being, and sometimes the Power, Priviledges, and Freedom of Parliaments, yet the mercy of God hath al­most Miraculously preserved the being, Privi­ledges, and Authority of Parliaments, and therein Religion, Liberty, and Property, un­till the time of the Lord Protector.

But now he hath assumed an absolute Ar­bitrary Soveraignty (as if he came down from the Throne of God) to create in himself, and his Confederates such Powers, and Au­thorities, as must not be under the Cogni­zance of the Peoples Parliaments. His Pro­clamations he declares shall be binding Laws to Parliaments themselves, he takes upon him to be above the whole body of the Peo­ple of England, and to Judge, and Censure the whole Body, and every Member of it, by no other Rule or Law than his pleasure, as if he were their absolute Lord, and had bought all the People of England for his Slaves. Doubtless if he would pretend on­ly to have Conquered England at his own expence, and were there as much truth as there is falsehood in that pretence, yet he could not but know that the Right of the Peoples Deputies in Parliament to their an­tient Powers and Priviledges would remain good against him, as against their publick Capital Enemy, whom every Man ought to destroy, untill by some Agreement with the Body of the People in Parliament, some sort of Governing power in him were submit­ted unto, that hereby he might cease to be a publick Enemy, and Destroyer, and become a King or Governour according to the Conditi­ons accepted by the People, and if he would so pretend, he could not be so discharged from his publick Enmity by any Conditions or Agreement made with a part of the Peoples chosen Deputies, whilest he shut out the other part, for no part of the Representa­tive body are trusted to Consent to any thing in the Nations behalf, if the whole have not their free Liberty of Debating, and Voting in the Matters propounded. If he would pre­tend no higher than to be our Conqueror, who for Peace and his own safety sake was content to cease from being a publick Enemy, and to be admitted a Governour, he could not compass those ends by forcibly exluding (as now he hath done) whom he pleased of the Representative body of the People, who were to submit to him in the Peoples behalf; therefore either takes upon him to be such a Conquerour as scorns the Peoples acceptance of him by their Re­presentative as their Governonr, and fears not to remain a publick Enemy, or else he takes himself to be such an unheard of Sove­raign that against him the People have no Claim of Right, or Property in themselves, or any thing else; for he hath now declared that the Peoples choice cannot give any man a Right to Sit in Parliament, but the Right must be derived from his gracious will, and pleasure with that of his Councellors; And his Clerks Ticket only must be their Evi­dence for it. Thus hath he exalted himself to a Throne like unto Gods, as if he were of himself, and his power from himself, and we were all made for him, to be commanded, and disposed of by him, to work for him, and serve his pleasure and ambition.

Seeing therefore this total Subversion of all Law and Right, and the Distractions, Mi­series, Blood, and Confusions that will be the most certain Consequences of it; And withal [Page 642] remembring the late Effusion of Blood upon no other Account than to secure Religion, Liberty, and Property, and the freedom, Power and Priviledges of Parliaments, as the Bulwarks thereof; and that by those ve­ry hands who now overturn the very Founda­tions of all Liberty, Right, and Property, and of the beings of Parliaments; and our very Souls trembling at the loud Cries of that Sea of Blood, and at the horrid Cla­mours of the many falsified Oaths and Promi­ses made upon the same Account.

For the acquitting of our own Souls, in the Faithful discharge of our Duties to our Countrey, in such manner as we are capable under the High oppression, We do hereby most Solemnly Remonstate and Protest unto all the good People of England.

First, That the violent exclusion by any Governour, or pretended Governour, of any of the Peoples chosen Deputies, from doing their Duties, and executing their Trust free­ly in Parliaments, doth change the State of the People from freedom unto a meer Slave­ry: And that whosoever hath advised, as­sisted, or adhered unto the Lord Protector in so doing, is a Capital Enemy to the Common-wealth; And our Ancestors have so declared, and adjudged the Advisers of some of our Kings to attempts not so destructive, or dan­gerous, as this of his; In the 11th year of Richard the Second; Chief Justice Tresilian, See and compare the 11th Rich. 2d with 21 of Rich. 2. chap. 12. And the 1 H. 4. ch. 3. 4. and Justice Blake were Condemned of High Treason by the Parliament, and executed at Tyburn, chiefly for advising the King that he might when he pleased dissolve the Par­liament, and command the Members to depart under the penalty of Treason. And we believe every Man can discern how much it is more mischievous for a King, or any other to command 100, 200, or 300 of the Mem­bers to depart, and to call the rest a Parlia­ment, to give Countenance to his Oppression.

If our Kings might have Commanded away from the Parliaments, all such Persons of Conscience, Wisdom, and Honour, as could not be corrupted, frighted, nor couzened by them to betray their Countrey, our Ancestors could not have left us either Liberties, or Estates to defend.

Secondly, We do further likewise pro­test, That all such chosen Members for a Par­liament as shall take upon them to approve of the forcible exclusion of other chosen Mem­bers, or shall Sit, Vote, and Act by the name of the Parliament of England, while to their knowledge many of the chosen Members are so by Force shut out, We say such ought to be reputed Betrayers of the Liberties of Eng­land, and Adherents to the Capital Ene­mies of the Common-wealth.

Thirdly, We do hereby further protest, That the present Assembly at Westminister is not the Representative Body of England, and also that they sit under the daily awe, and terror of the Lord Protectors armed Men, not daring to Consult, or debate free­ly the great Concernments of their Countrey: nor daring to oppose his Ʋsurpation, and Op­pression; And that therefore until there can be a free Parliament, we do protest against all such Votes, Orders, Ordinances, or Laws as shall be pretended to be made, or Enacted by the present Assembly at Westminster, as being Null, and Void in themselves, and of no legal Effect, or power. Neither can any of them according to the Laws of God, or the Fundamental Constitutions of our Countrey, be imposed upon any Man, neither can Tax or Tallage be justly, or lawfully raised by them.

And to avoid all further vain pretences of a necessity at present to act in extraordi­nary ways for present Safety, we do further declare, That a free Parliament is the only Judge of such dangers, and necessities of this Common-wealth, as may warrant any extra­ordinary acting besides or against the Laws; and if the Kingly power that was in Eng­land, were lawfully settled in the Lord Pro­tector, yet he had no colour of Right to Judge of the Cases of necessity, that should make it lawful for him to transgress the known Laws; But by the known Judgment of Par­liaments, those that should so advise him were guilty of High-Treason.

We do therfore Appeal unto God, and all the good People of England for Assistance, and Protection in their service, hereby decla­ring our readiness, and earnest desires to at­tend upon our Countreys service, Expose our Lives and Estates to the uttermost hazards therein, to prevent the ruin and Confusion that now threatens it; if it shall please God to Enable them to redeem themselves from the present oppession, That their chosen De­puties may meet and Consult how to advance the Glory of God, promote the true Religion, and provide for the Safety, Liberty, Peace and Happiness of the Common-wealth. And in the Interim we shall endeavour to pour out oursad Complaints before the Lord against our powerfull Oppressors, humbly hoping that he will come forth speedily, to redeem his people out of the hands of wicked and de­ceitful men.

Arthur Haslerig, Thomas Scot, Her­bert Morley, John Bulkley, John Birch, George Fenwick, Anthony Earby, Tho­mas Lyster, Thomas Birch, Thomas Saun­ders, Henry Darly, John Weaver, Alexan­der Popham, John Goodwyn, Francis [Page 643] Thorpe, Anthony Ashley-Cooper, John Southby, Richard Greenhill, Thomas A­dams, Richard Browne, Richard Darly, Thomas St. Nicholas, William James, John Boyse, Charles Hall, John Jones, William Wolley, Richard Radcliffe, William Sa­ville, Theophilus Biddolph, Henry Mild­may, Harbottle Grimstone, William Wel­by, Charles Hussey, Edmund Harvey, John Sicklemore, William Doyly, Ralph Hare, John Hubbard, Oliver Raymond, Jeremy Bentley, Philip Woodhouse, John Buxton, William Bloyle, William Gibbs, Thomas Southerton, Thomas Bowes, Ed­ward Harloe, John Hanson, Clement Throckmorton, Daniel Wall, Henry Worth, Richard Luey, John Witrong, George Courthop, Samuel Got, John Buck­land, Robert Long, John Northcott, John Young, John Dodderida, Henry Hunger­ford, Salisbury, Edward Yooker, William Morris, John Hale, Edward Turner, Chal­loner Chute, Daniel Shatterden, Thomas Styles, Richard Beale, John Scylliard, Wal­ter Moyle, Walter Vinsent, John Gell, Hen­ry Atlington, Henry Tempest, James Cla­vering, John Stanhop, Peneston Whaley, Abel Barker, Samuel Moore, Thomas Mi­ners, John Bowyer, Samuel Jones, John Aston, Richard Hinton, Andrew Lloyd, Edward Hooper, Richard Wyren, John Fagg, Thomas Rivers, Henry Peckham, Charles Lloyd, John Thurlane, William Fisher, John Gore, Rowland Litton.

[23.] The House ordered, that no Private Petition should be read in the House for a month, and that no Petition presented to the Parliament be printed before it is read in the House.

[24.] The fast day.

[26.] The Bill Intituled, An Act for Re­nouncing and disannulling the pretended Title of Charles Stuart &c. was read the Third time, and passed.

[29.] Several members being absent, the House ordered, That all persons that have been or shall be approved, do attend on Mun­day next.

Alderman Tichburn was chosen Lord Mayor of the City of London.

October, 1656.

[1.] Upon consideration of the business of the Spanish War, the House resolved, That the War against the Spaniard was undertaken upon Spanish War. just, and necessary grounds, and for the good of the People of this Common-wealth, and the Parliament doth approve thereof, and will by Gods blessing assist his Highness therein; and appointed a day to consider of the manner of carrying on that War.

A Petition of one Aged Ninety Six Years, Novem. For arrears of Wages due to him as Servant to the late King James, and King Charles.

[2.] A Letter from Captain Stayner to General Blake, and General Montague, sent by them to the Protector, wherein was an Account of the Ingagement with the West In­dia Spanish Fleet, that the Vice Admiral and Plate-Fleet. one more were sunk, and two Burnt, and one taken, and that the Captain saith she hath in her two millions of Silver, and that it was believed the Vice Admiral had as much, That the Ply­mouth Frigot chased another of the Spanish Ships, who ran a shore between St. Peters and Cape Degar.

A Thanksgiving day appointed for the success.

The Lord Willoughby moved the Protector Lord Wil­loughby. for his Inlargement out of Prison, and for leave to go to Surrinam.

[6.] The French Ambassador had audi­ence.

[11.] The House approved the Lord Commissioner Fiennes, and the Lord Commis­sioner L'isle to be Commissioners of the great Great-Seal. Upper-Bench. Seal, and the Lord Cheif Justice Glynn to be Chief Justice of the Upper Bench.

[31.] James Naylor and others being in James Nay­lor. prison at Bristol, and accused for Blasphemies, and other great misdemeanors, a Committee was appointed to send for them, and to Exam­ine the matter and Witnesses.

November, 1656.

[1.] Letters, That care is taken to bring the Silver from Portsmouth that was taken in the Spanish Gallion.

[4.] Upon General Montague's coming General Mountague. into the House, the Speaker gave him the thanks of the House for his great and good Services done for this Common-wealth at Sea.

[12.] Debates to take away the Court of Union. Wards, and for the Ʋnion of Scotland, and Eng­land.

[15.] Debates touching Registring of Marriages, and Burials.

[17.] Proceedings upon the Bill for the Ʋnion of Scotland, and England.

[27.] The Protector came to the Painted Protector. Chamber and sent a Serjeant at Arms to give notice to the House that he was come; the Speaker and the whole House went to the Paint­ed Chamber where his Highness in the pre­sence of the Lord President and the rest of the Council, The Lords Commissioners of the great Seal, The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, The Lords Chief Justices of the Benches, The Master of the Rolls, and the rest of the Judges, gave his consent to these following Bills.

[Page 644] An Act, That passing of Bills shall not determine this present session of Parliament.

An Act, for renouncing and disanulling the pre­tended Acts. Title of Charles Stuart &c.

An Act, for the security of his Highness the Lord Protector his Person, and continuance of the nation in Peace and Safety.

An Act, for taking away the Court of Wards and Liveries.

An Act, for the Exportation of several commo­dities of the Breed, Growths and Manufacture of this Common-wealth.

December, 1656.

[1.] Applications to several members by the Spanish Merchants, in the business of their trade.

[2.] Applications by the Doctors, and o­ther Civilians, for keeping up their Profes­sion.

[4.] The Earl of Abercorne sollicited upon his petition in Parliament.

[6.] James Nayler was sent for and heard James Nay­lor. at the bar of the House, it was thought by ma­ny that he was too fiercely prosecuted by some rigid men.

[8.] The House resolved, That James Nayler is guilty of horrid Blasphemy, and that he is a grand Impostor, and a great Seducer of the People.

The Bill to take away purveyance and ano­ther for Navigatiou were read.

[13.] Several members spake to make an end of the business of James Naylor, which had taken up too much of their time.

[17.] Mr. Speaker by order of the House Mr. Spea­ker. pronounced Judgment against James Naylor to stand in the Pillory two hours at Westminster, to be whipped by the Hangman through the Sentence. streets from Westminster to the Old- Exchange, and there to stand in the Pillory two hours more, and that his Tongue be bored through with a Hot Iron, and that he be stigmatized in the forehead with the lettter B. And that he be afterwards sent to Bristol, and conveyed through the City on a Horse bare ridged, and his face backward, and there likewise whipped in the Market-place.

And that from thence he should be brought to London, and committed to Prison in Bride­wel, and there to be restrained from all Com­pany, and kept to hard labour till he shall be released by Parliament, and during that time to be debarred from the use of Pen, Ink and Paper; and to have no relief but what he earns by his labour.

[23.] The House were debating how to provide mony for the War with Spain, whilst some Members took liberty of absence.

[24.] A Bill for probate of Wills, and Januar. granting of Administration read.

[25.] A Bill for preservation of the Tim­ber in the Forrest of Dean, ordered to be Ingrossed.

[31.] The House voted that all absent Vote. Members that should not attend on that day fortnight should forfeit 20 l. to be paid before they come into the House.

January, 1656.

[2.] The Parliament was adjourned for two days because the Speaker was ill.

[5.] The Speaker continued ill, and yet came to the House,

[6.] A Bill touching the publick Re­venue.

[9.] The Parliament kept a Fast day with­in the House.

[12.] The Speaker was not well able to perform the business of his place by reason of his ilness.

The House resolved into a Grand Com­mittee Union. upon the Bills for Uniting Scotland to England, and for uniting Ireland to Eng­land.

[19.] Discovery of a Plot of Sindercombe, Sinder­comb. and others, to kill the Protector, and set on fire Whitehal.

A Thanksgiving day appointed for this discovery.

The House resolved to waite on the Prote­ctor to congratulate the Mercy and Delive­rance.

[24.] The Peace between this Common-wealth and Portugal proclaimed.

[27.] Mr. Speaker being come to the house and the House taking notice of the weakness of his body, it was resolved by the Parliament that, in respect of Mr. Speakers present Indis­position of body, the Lord Commissioner Whitelock be desired to take the Chair to supply the Speakers place during his absence. Speaker.

The Lord Commissioner Whitelock was brought to the Chair by Collonel Sydenham, and Major-General Howard, and being there set, desired, since the House was pleased to Com­mand his service in that place on this occasion, that they would be pleased to construe with all Candor his words and actions therein; and that they will give him a freedom of minding them, and keeping them to the orders of the House, for the service and Honour of the House.

Resolved, That those ceremonies and repects Resoluti­ons. that were used to the former Speaker, shall be used to the present Speaker,; and that he have the profits due to the Speaker.

[Page 645] [30.] The House resolved, That the summ of 400000 l. shall be raised for the carrying on the War with Spain.

February, 1656.

[6.] There was a great meeting of Learn­ed men at Whitelocke's house at Chelsey, by an order of the House made before Whitelock was Speaker. The order was thus.

Jan. 16. At the Grand Committee for Religion.

Ordered, That it be referred to a Subcommittee to send for and advise with Doctor Walton, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Castle, Mr. Clerk, Mr. Poulk, Doctor Cudworth, and such others as they shall think fit, and to consider of the Translations and Impressions of the Bible, and to offer their opinions Bible. therein to this Committee; and that it be especially commended to the Lord Commissioner Whitelock to take care of this business;

This Committee often met at Whitelocke's house and had the most learned Men in the O­riental tongues to consult with in this great bu­siness, and divers Excellent, and Learned ob­servations of some mistakes in the translations of the Bible in English; which yet was agreed to be the best of any translation in the world, great pains was taken in it, but it became fruit­less by the Parliaments dissolution.

[7.] Appointed for the reading of private Bills, in favour of Whitelock the present Speaker.

[9.] Syndercomb was tryed at the Upper Synder­comb. Bench Bar, found guilty, and condemned to be Hanged, Drawn, and Quartered. The Court declared that by the Common-Law, to compass, or imagine the death of the chief Magistrate, by what name soever he was called, Whether Lord Prote­ctor, or otherwise is High-Treason, and that the sta­tute 25 Ed. 3 was only declaratory of the Common Law.

Application touching the reformation of Cloathing.

[16.] Many private Bills were passed.

Dr. Walton published the Polyglot Bible.

[18.] Sr. Thomas Widdrington being inform­ed Ployglot. of the great favour of the Parliament to Whitelock their Speaker during his absence, and the Interest he had gained in the House, and that several private Bills were ready to pass, and particularly for naturalizing of many Strangers, and every one of them was to pay 5 l. to the Speaker for his fee, which Whitelock would re­ceive in case Sr. Thomas Widdrington did not take his place again before the passing of those Bills; he being desirous of the mony, tho to the hazard of his life, came again to the House, and took his place, tho very weak, and feeble.

Whitelockes friends were apprehensive of the hard measure he had in being thus defeated, and they were sensible of his pains and dexte­rity Februa. in managing the business of the House, wherein he had given them great content, and they said, that in the short time of his being Speak­er, by his holding them to the points in debate, They had dispatched more business than in all the time before of their sitting; They moved the House on the behalf of Whitelock, and these votes were Votes. unanimously passed.

Resolved upon the question by the Parlia­ment that the Lord Whitelock have the thanks of the House for his great and faithful service in the business of this House as Speaker during the ab­sence of the present Speaker.

Then some of his friends acquainted the House that Whitelock had not yet received 500 l. part of the arrears due to him upon his Ambas­sy to Sweden, nor any reward at all for that great and honourable Service which was so much to the benefit of this Common wealth, whereupon Votes. these Votes were also unanimously pas­sed.

Resolved upon the question by the Parlia­ment that the summ of 500 l. Expended by the Lord Commissioner Whitelock in his Ambassy in­to Sweden, over and above what he hath received shall be forthwith paid unto him.

Resolved upon the question by the Parlia­men that the summ of 2000 l. be paid unto the Lord Commissioner Whitelock over and above the said 500 l. in respect of his great and faithful Ser­vice to the publick in that Ambassy.

Ordered by the Parliament, that the Lords Commissioners for the Treasury be required to pay the said several Summs accordingly.

Resolved upon the question by the Parlia­ment that the Lord Commissioner Whitelock have the thanks of this House for his great service in that Ambassy.

The Speaker by Command of the House did give him (standing in his place) the thanks of the House, for his great and faithful Service in that hazardous Voyage, undertaken by him as Ambassador to Sweden, and likewise for his readiness, and faithfulness in the service of this House as Speaker, in the absence of the present Speaker.

The mony was accordingly paid to Whitelock not long after, tho, when the same was voted by the former Parliament he received no part of it; but the Protector, and some of Whitelockes Illwillers about him were not pleased with this extraordinary favour of the Parliament to him; yet he attended with the Speaker and the Mem­bers of the Parliament at Whitehal upon his Highness after the Sermon, and was with the rest nobly Entertained by him at Dinner upon the day of Thansgiving, for his Highness de­liverance from the intended Murther of him, by Syndercombe, and his Associates.

[23.] Indeavours to promote the great bu­siness of Settlement of the Nation, and a Fast ap­pointed to be kept within the House.

March, 1656.

[1.] Applications in Sr. Francis Wortly's business in Parliament, and in the business touching Recusants, and about making of Salt, and in the case of Mr. Hanson a Merchant of London.

[9.] Applications in the behalf of the Civilians, to be the Judges of the Admiralty, and for Probate of Wills.

[10.] Applications about the Church of the Walloons in Norwich.

[12.] Applications about Visitors of the University of Oxford.

The Bill for setling the Company of Mer­chant Bills. Adventures.

[13.] A Bill for a Market in Lincoln's-Inn Fields, and the Bill for mitigating the Forrest Lawes, and preservation of the Timber in the Forrest of Dean.

[14.] An Account prepared for the House of the whole years disbursements for the Land and Sea Forces, and Government.

[15.] Applications touching the Earl of Bedfords Buildings in Covent Garden.

[19.] The great business of the Setlement of the Nation.

[20.] A Charter granted for the Town of Marleborough in the County of Wilts.

[26.] A Bill for prices of Wines.

[27.] An Act of Indemnity.

[31.] A Bill to buy in Impropriations to maintain Ministers.

April, 1657.

Anno 1657[2.] Application in a business in Parlia­ment by the Lord Fitz-William.

[3.] A Bill for the maintenance of Mini­sters in Bristol.

[4.] The Parliament had been long about the Setlement of the Nation, and had framed a Writing which they stiled The Humble Petiti­on and Advice of the Parliament of England, Scot­land and Ireland to his Highness, The first business of it was for the Protector to have the title of King, This Petition and Advice, was presented to his Highness by the House; and he desired that a Committee might be appointed to conferr with him about it; which was named, and Whitelock, being one of the Committee, was made Chair-man. When the Committee attended his High­ness, Whitclock spake to him upon the point of the Title of King, giving reasons why he should Title of King. accept of that title; The Protector urged his reasons against it, and Whitelock replyed. The whole debate in Print.

[5.] This day Whitelock reported to the April. House the passages when their Committee at­tended his Highness.

[6.] Referred to a Committee to consider what was fit further to offer to the Protector in the great business; this was the former Com­mittee; They attended his Highness, and he appointed the next day for them to come again to him.

[9.] A Plot discover'd by the vigilancy of Plot. Thurlo, of an intended Insurrection by Major-General Harrison, and many of the fifth Mo­narchy-Men. Harrison.

[11.] Whitelock reported to the House the Committee's waiting upon the Protector, but that the new discover'd Plot hindred their proceedings at that time.

[12.] Applications by the Officers in be­half of the Army in Ireland.

[13.] Applications in behalf of the Com­pany of Vintners.

The Committee offer'd their reasons to the Protector in the great business.

[14.] Whitelock acquainted the House with the passages yesterday betwixt his High­ness and the Committee about the title of King.

[16.] Whitelock moved the House for their Committee to meet again with his Highness, which was ordered, they attended but the Pro­tector being busy in Examining the new Plot, they were put off to another day.

[20] Upon Whitelockes motion the Com­mittee were ordered again to attend his High­ness. The Protector was satisfied in his pri­vate Judgment that it was fit for him to take upon him the title of King, and matters were Title of King. prepared in order thereunto; but afterwards by sollicitation of the Common wealth's Men, and fearing a mutiny and defection of a great part of the Army in case he should assume that Title, and Office, his mind changed; and ma­ny of the Officers of the Army gave out high threatnings against him in case he should do it; he therefore thought best to attend: some Title of King re­fused. better season and opportunity in this business, and refused it at this time, with great seeming Earnestness.

[21.] Whitelock acquainted the House that his Highness had some things to offer to the Committee in a paper, and desired them to meet him this afternoon; whereupon the House adjourned till to morrow, and the Com­mittee met his Highness.

[22.] Whitelock reported to the House the Committees attendance upon his Highness yesterday, who offer'd to them a paper of par­ticulars touching several things in the humble Petition and Advice; and that the Committee are preparing a Report of the whole business; there­upon the House adjourned till to Mor­row.

[Page 647] [23.] All the Members in Westminster be­ing sent for into the House, Whitelock made the report of the whole proceedings of the Com­mittee with his Highness touching the title of King, with the Protectors answers, and Papers given in by him to the Committee; which Whitelock read, and afterwards the Clerk read them again, and the debate of this great busi­ness was adjourned.

[27.] The House were busy in debating the last report made by Whitelock in the business of the title of King.

[28.] They proceeded in the same de­bate.

[29.] They came to some resolutions in in that debate, which were not all pleasing to his Highness.

May, 1657.

[1.] The Committee of Parliament where Whitelock had the Chair, according to the or­der of the House attended the Protector, and Petition and Ad­vice. acquainted him, that the House had now per­fected their answer to the papers formerly de­liver'd by his Highness to the Committee, who now attended him with the Parliaments an­swer; His Highness told the Committee that he would take the particulars of this answer into consi­deration, and as soon as might be, he would return his answer,

Whitelock declined the first delivery of the Petition and advice to the Parliament, not li­king several things in it; but Sr. Christopher Packe, to gain honour, presented it first to the House: and then the Lord Broghil, Glyn, White­lock and others put it forward.

[2.] The Protector often advised about this and other great businesses with the Lord Protector. Broghil, Pierepoint, Whitelock, Sr. Charles Wol­seley and Thurlo, and would be shut up 3 or 4 hours together in private discourse, and none were admited to come into him; he would sometimes be very chearful with them, and lay­ing aside his greatness, he would be exceeding familiar with them, and by way of diversion, would make verses with them, and every one must try his fancy; he commonly called for Tobacco, Pipes and a Candle, and would now and then take Tobacco himself; then he would fall again to his serious and great business, and advise with them in those affairs; and this he did often with them, and their Counsel was ac­cepted and followed by him, in most of his greatest affairs.

[3,] The Sieur Phillipi Passerini being sent by the Queen of Sweden to the Protector with Letters Credential, and to inform his Highness Q. Sweden. of some Secret affairs; he by the Queens In­structions addressed himself first to Whitelock, with Letters to him from the Queen, desiring Whitelock to bring her Secretary (this Gentle-man) to the presence of his Highness, and to pro­mote his business; Whitelock acquainted the Protector therewith, and read to him the Queens letters to Whitelock which were in French; The Protector desired Whitelock to read them again to him in English, which he May. did, and the Protector said he would consider of the business. Upon advice with his Council about it, some of them to shew their Extraor­dinary care of his person suggested, that this Messenger being an Italian, (who were skilful in the art of poysoning, and ready to be hired for such a purpose) might bring poyson with his Letters to the danger of his Highness; and therefore diswaded him from receiving of this Messenger, or permitting him to come into his Highness presence.

The Protector smiling acquainted Whitelock with this cautious Counsel, who convinced the Protector of the folly of it, and the high dis­stast that would be taken by the Queen in case her Secretary should be denyed audience; The Protector replyed that the Messenger desired to deliver his Errand in private to the Protector, and none to be by but one more, whom the Protector should appoint, and that person, his Highness said, he intended should be Whitelock, who said that if he were by when the Gentleman delivered his letter, he would first receive it of the Gentle-man, & hazard the danger of being poy­soned by it, at which the Protector laughed, and appointed a day for the Gentlemans audi­ence.

At that time Whitelock only was present with the Protector, and the Gentleman offering to deliver the letter to his Highness, Whitelock took it first from the Gentleman, and then he delivered his secret Message to his Highness, which Whitelock interpreted from the French, and it was a particular account of the causes why she ordered her Servant, the Italian Marquis, to be put to deathin France; and he also propounded to his Highness several matters in order to alliances with foreign Princes, which were of great conse­quence, and probable advantage to England; and the Protector seemed well pleased with it.

Whitelock procured a civil treatment of the Gentleman whilest he was here, and a respect­full answer to his business, and dismission of him; her Majesty had satisfaction in it, as well as her Secretary.

[5.] Whitelock having as Chairman dis­patched Petition and Ad­vice. the great point of the humble petition and advice, touching the title of King, which was now laid aside, he absented himself as much as he could from the Committee, that some other might be employed in the other points relating to the Petition, and the Master of the Rolls Lenthal, reported from the Committee that his Highness had appointed them to attend him this afternoon; which the House ordered.

[6.] The Committee attended his High­ness, who desired that the house would give a meeting to morrow.

[7.] The Master of the Rolls reported this to the House, and that since that appointment, his Highness had sent for some of the Committe, and desired that the Committee would meet him this afternoon; and that the meeting of the House with him this day might be put off, which the house ordered.

[8.] Whitelock reported their attendance upon his Highness, and that he desired, the [Page 678] House would meet him this morning, and they presently adjourned to the Painted Cham­ber.

[11.] The Bill for the Adventurers in Ire­land read.

[15.] The House debated the Protectors answer to the Petition and Advice.

[19.] The House resumed the debate upon the Protectors answer to the Petition and Advice, and voted his Title to be Lord Protector, and re­ferred Lord Pro­tector. it back to the Committee to consider it.

[22.] The Committee reported to the House the Bounds and Limits of the Title of Lord Protector, and the House agreed to it.

[25.] A Committee named to attend the Petition and Ad­vice. Protector to know what time the House should wait on him about the Petition and Advice; and this afternoon being appointed by his Highness, the House waited on him, and presented it to him, and desired his consent thereunto.

The Petition and Advice was in these words,

To his Highness the LORD PROTECTOR of the Com­mon-wealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto be­longing;
The humble Petition and Advice of the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses now Assembled in the Parliament of this Common-wealth.

WE the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses in this present Parliament Assembled, taking into our most serious Consideration the present State of these Three Nations, Joyned and Ʋnited under Your Highness Protection, cannot but in the first place with all Thankfulness acknowledge the won­derful Mercy of Almighty God, in delivering us from that Tyranny and Bondage, both In our Spiri­tual and Civil Concernments, which the late King and his Party designed to bring us under, and pur­sued the effecting thereof by a long and Bloody War; And also that it hath pleased the same gracious God to preserve Your Person in many Battels, to make You an Instrument for Preserving our Peace, al­though environed with Enemies abroad, and filled with turbulent, restless and unquiet Spirits in our own bowels, that as in the treading down the Com­mon Enemy, and restoring us to Peace and Tran­quillity, the Lord hath used You so eminently, and the worthy Officers and Soldiers of the Army (whose Faithfulness to the Common Cause, We and all good men shall ever acknowledge, and put a just value upon.) So also that he will use you and them in the Settlement and Securing our Liberties as we are Men and Christians, to us and our Posterity after us, which are those great and glorious ends which the good People of these Nations have so freely, with the hazard of their Lives and Estates, so long and ear­nestly contended for: We consider likewise the con­tinual danger which your Life is in, from the Bloody Practices both of the Malignant and discontented Party (one whereof through the Goodness of God, you have been lately delivered from) It being a re­ceived Principle amongst them, That no Order being Setled in your Life time for the Succession in the Government, nothing is wanting to bring us into Blood and Confusion, and them to their desired ends, but the destruction of Your Person; And in case things should thus remain at Your Death, we are not able to express what Calamities would in all humane probability ensue thereupon, which we trust Your Highness (as well as we) do hold Your Self obliged to provide against, and not to leave a People, whose common Peace and Interest You are intrusted with, in such a condition as may hazard both, especially in this Conjuncture, when there seems to be an opportunity of coming to a Settlement upon just and legal Foundations: Ʋpon these Considerations, We have judged it a duty in­cumbent upon us, to present and Declare these our most just and necessary Desires to Your Highness.

I. That Your Highness will be pleased by and un­der the Name and Stile of Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto be­longing, To hold and exercise the Office of Chief Magistrate of these Nations, and to Govern ac­cording to this Petition and Advice in all things therein contained, and in all other things accor­ding to the Laws of these Nations, and not other­wise; That Your Highness will be pleased during Your Life time, to Appoint and Declare the Per­son who shall immediately after Your De [...]th, Succeed You in the Government of these Nations.

II. That Your Highness will for the future be pleas­ed to Call Parliaments consisting of Two Houses (in such manner and way as shall be more particu­larly afterwards agreed and Declared in this Peti­tion and Advice) Once in Three Years at furthest, or oftner, as the Affairs of the Nation shall re­quire, That being your great Council, and in whose Affection and Advice, Your Self and this People will be most safe and happy.

III. That the ancient and undoubted Liberties and Priviledges of Parliament (which are the Birth-right and Inheritance of the People, and where­in every man is interessed) be preserved and main­tained; And that You will not break or interrupt the same, nor suffer them to be broken or inter­rupted; And particularly, That those persons who are legally chosen by a Free Election of the Peo­ple to serve in Parliament, may not be excluded from sitting in Parliament to do their Duties, but by Judgment and consent of that House whereof they are Members.

IV. That those who have Advised, Assisted or A­betted the Rebellion of Ireland, and those who do or shall profess the Popish Religion, be disabled and made uncapable for ever to be elected, or to give any Vote in the Elestion of any Member to sit or serve in Parliament; And that all and every per­son and persons who have Aided, Abetted, Advi­sed or Assisted in any War against the Parliament since the First day of January, One Thousand six hundred forty one (unless he or they have since born Arms for the Parliament or Your Highness, or o­therwise given signal Testimony of his or their good. [Page 657] Affection to the Commonwealth, and continued faith­ful to the same) And all such as have been actual­ly Engaged in any Plot, Conspiracy or design a­gainst the person of Your Highness, or in any In­surrection or Rebellion in England or Wales since the Sixteenth day of December, One thousand six hundred fifty three, shall be for ever disabled and made uncapable to be elected, or give any vote in the Election of any Member to sit or serve in Par­liament. That for Scotland none be capable to e­lect, or be elected to sit or serve in Parliament, who have been in Arms against the Parliament of Eng­land, or against the Parliament in Scotland before the first day of April, One thousand six hundred for­ty eight, (except such as have since born Arms in the Service of the Parliament of England or Your Highness, or given other signal Testimony of their good Affection) Nor any that since the said First day of April, One thousand six hundred forty eight, have been in Arms, or otherwise Aided, Abetted, Advised or Assisted in any War against the Par­liament of England or Your Highness, except such as since the First day of March, One thousand six hundred fifty one (old style) have lived peaceably, and thereby given Testimony of their good Affection to the Parliament and Your Highness.

Provided, That nothing in this Article contain­ed, shall extend to put any Incapacity upon any English or Scotch Protestants in Ireland, either to elect or be elected to serve in Parliament, who before the First day of March, One thousand six hundred for­ty nine, have born arms for the Parliament or Your Highness, or otherwise given signal Testimony of their good Affection to this Commonwealth, and continued faithful to the same; That all Votes and Elections, given or made contrary, or not according to the Qualifications aforesaid, shall be void and of none effect; and that if any person or persons so uncapable as aforesaid, shall give his or their Vote for Election of Members to serve in Parliament; All and every such person and persons so Electing, shalllose and forfeit oneYears value of his and their re­spective real Estates, & one full third part of his and their respective personal Estates. The one Moyety thereof to Your Highness, and the other Moyety to him or them who shall sue for the same in any Court of Record by Action of Debt, Bill, Plaint or Infor­mation, wherein no Essoign, Wager of Law, or Pro­tection shall be allowed. And that the Persons who shall be Elected to serve in Parliament, be such, & no other than such, as are persons of known Integrity, fearing God, and of good Conversation, and being of the Age of Twenty one Years, and not such as are disabled by the Act of the Seventeenth Year of the late King, En­tituled, An Act for disenabling all persons in Holy Orders, to Exercise any Temporal Ju­risdiction or Authority, nor such as are Publick Ministers or publick Preachers of the Gos­pel. Nor such as are guilty of any of the Offen­ces mentioned in an Act of Parliament bearing Date the Ninth of August One thousand six hundred and fifty, Entituled, An Act against several Athe­istical, Blasphemous, & Execrable Opinions dero­gatory to the honour of God, and destructive to humane society; No common scoffernor reviler of Re­ligion, or of any person or persons for professing there­of, No person that hath married or shall marry a Wife of the Popish Religion, or hath trained or shall train up his child or children, or any other child or children under his tuition or government, in the Popish Religion, or that shall permit or suffer such child or children to be trained up in the said Reli­gion, or that hath given or shall give his consent that his son or daughter shall marry any of that Re­ligion; No person that shall deny the Scriptures to be the Word of God, or the Saecraments, Prayer, Ma­gistracy and Ministery to be the Ordinances of God; No common prophaner of the Lords Day, nor prophane Swearer or Curser, no Drunkard or common haunter of Taverns or Alehouses. And that these Qualifications may be observed, and yet the Priviledge of Parliament maintained, We de­sire that it may be by Your Highness consent Or­d [...]ined, That Forty one Commissioners be appoint­ed by Act of Parliament, who, or any fifteen or more of them shall be Authorized to Examine and try whether the Members to be Elected for the House of Commons in future Parliaments be capable to sit, according to the Qualifications mentioned in this Pe­tition and Advice; And in case they find them not qualified accordingly, then to suspend them from sit­ting until the House of Commons shall upon hearing of their particular Cases admit them to sit; which Commissioners are to stand so Authorized for that end, until the House of Commons in any future Par­liament shall nominate the like number of other Com­missioners in their places; and those other Commis­sioners so to be nominated in any future Parliament, to have the same Powers and Authorities. That the said Commissioners shall certifie in writing to the House of Commons, on the first day of their meet­ing, the Causes and Grounds of their Suspensions of any persons so to be elected as aforesaid: That the Accusation shall be upon the Oath of the Informer, or of some other person, That a Copy of the Accusation shall be left by the party acusing, in writing under his hand, with the party accused, or in his absence at his house, in the County, City or Town for which he shall be chosen, if he have any such house, or if not, with the Sheriff of the County, if he be chosen for a County, or with the Chief Magistrate of the City or Borough of which he is chosen: And that the number of persons to be Elected and chosen to Sit and serve in Parliament, for ENGLAND, SCOTLAND and IRELAND, and the distribution of the persons so chosen within the Coun­ties, Cities and Boroughs of them respectively, may be according to such proportions as sholl be agreed up­on and Declared in this present Parliament.

V That your Highness will consent, That none be cal­led to Sit and Vote in the other House, but such as are not disabled, but qualified according to the Qualifications mentioned in the former Article, being such as shall be nominated by your Highness, and ap­proved by this House; and that they exceed not Se­venty in number, nor be under the number of Forty (whereof the Quorum to be One and twenty) who shall not give any Vote by Proxies; and that as a­ny of them do dye, or be Legally removed, no new ones be admitted to Sit and Vote in their rooms, but by consent of the House it self: That the other House do not proceed in any Civil Causes, except in Writs of Error, in Cases adjourned from Inferior Courts into the Parliament for difficulty, in Cases of Pe­titions against Proceedings in Courts ef Equity, and in Cases of the Priviledges of their own House: That they do not proceed in any Criminal Causes whatso­ever, against any person criminally, but upon an Im­peachment ef the Commons assembled in Parliament, and by their consent: That they do not proceed in any Cause, either Civil or Criminal, but according to the known Laws of the Land, and the due course and Custom of Parliament: That no final Determi­nations or Judgments be by any Members of that House, in any Cause there depending, either Civil, Criminal or Mixt, as Commissioners or Delegates, to be nominated by that House; But all such final [Page 658] Determinations and Judgments to be by the House it self, Any Law or Ʋsage to the contrary notwith­standing.

VI. That in all other particulars which concern the calling and holding of Parliaments, your Highness will be pleased, That the Laws and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept; and that no Laws be Altered, and Suspended, Abrogated or Repealed, or new Law made, but by Act of Parliament.

VII. And to the end there may be a constant Revenue for Support of the Government, and for the Safety and Defence of these Nations by Sea and Land; We declare our willingness to Settle forthwith a Yearly Revenue of Thirteen hundred thousand Pounds, whereof Ten hundred thousand Pounds for the Navy and Army, and Three hundred thousand pounds for the Support of the Government, and no part thereof to be raised by a Land Tax; And this not to be altered without the consent of the Three Estates in Parliament: And to grant such other Temporary Supplies, according as the Commons As­sembled in Parliament shall from time to time ad­judge the necessities of these Nations to require; And do pray Your Highness, That it be Declared and Enacted, That no Charge be laid, nor no person be compelled to contribute to any Gift, Loan, Benevo­lence, Tax, Tallage, Aid or other like Charge with­out common consent by Act of Parliament, which is a Freedom the People of these Nations ought by the Laws to Inherit.

VIII. That none may be added or admitted to the Privy Council of your Highness or Successors, but such as are of known Piety, and undoubted affection to the Rights of these Nations, and a just Christian Li­berty in matters of Religion, nor without consent of the Council to be afterwards approved by both Hous­es of Parliament, and shall not afterwards be re­moved, but by consent of Parliament, but may in the Intervals of Parliament be suspended from the Ex­ercise of his Place by your Highness or your Succes­sors and the Council for just cause, and that the number of the Council shall not be above One and twenty, whereof the Quorum to be Seven, and not under; As also that after Your Highness death, the Commander in Chief under Your Successors, of such Army or Armies as shall be necessary to be kept in England, Scotland or Ireland, as also all such Field-Officers at Land, or Generals at Sea, which after that time shall be newly made and Constituted by Your Successors, be by consent of the Council, and not otherwise; And that the standing Forces of this Commonwealth shall be disposed of by the Chief Magistrate, by consent of both Houses of Parlia­ment, sitting the Parliament; and in the Intervals of Parliament, by the Chief Magistrate by the Ad­vice of the Council; And also that your Highness and Successors will be pleased to Exercise your Go­vernment over these Nations by the Advice of your Council.

IX. And that the Chancellor, Keeper or Commissio­ners of the Great Seal of England, the Treasurer or Commissioners of the Treasury there, the Ad­miral, the Chief Governour of Ireland, the Chan­cellor, Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal of Ireland, the Chief Justices of both the Benches, and the Chief Baron in England and Ireland, the Com­mander in Chief of the Forces in Scotland, and such Officers of State there, as by Act of Parliament in Scotland, are to be approved by Parliament, and the Judges in Scotland hereafter to be made, shall be approved of by both Houses of Parliament.

X And whereas your Highness out of your zeal to the glory of God, and the propagation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, hath been pleased to encou­rage a Godly Ministry in these Nations, We ear­nestly desire that such as do openly revile them or their Assemblies, or disturb them in the Worship or Service of God, to the dishonour of God, scandal of good men, or breach of the peace, may be punished according to Law, And where the Laws are defe­ctive, that your Highness will give consent to such Laws as shall be made in that behalf.

XI. That the true Protestant Christian Religion, as it is contained in the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, and no other, be held forth and as­serted for the publique profession of these Nations; And that a Confession of Faith to be agreed by your Highness and the Parliament, according to the Rule and Warrant of the Sciptures, be asserted, held forth, and recommended to the people of these Nations, That none may be suffered or permitted, by opprobrious Words or Writing, maliciously or contemptuously to Revile or Reproach the Confession of Faith to be agreed upon as aforesaid: And such who profess Faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ his Eternal Son, the true God, and in the Holy Spirit, God coequal with the Father and the Son, one God blessed for ever; and do acknowlege the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, to be the Revealed Will and Word of God, and shall in other things differ in Doctrine, Worship or Disci­pline, from the Publique Profession held forth; En­deavours shall be used to Convince them by sound Doctrine, and the Example of a good Conversation: But that they may not be compelled thereto by Penal­ties, nor restrained from their Profession; but pro­tected from all Injury and Molestation in the pro­fession of the Faith, and exercise of their Religion, whilest they abuse not this Liberty to the Civil In­jury of others, or the Disturbance of the publique Peace; So that this Liberty be not extended to Po­pery or Prelacy, or to the Countenancing such, who publish horrible Blasphemies, or practise or hold forth Licentiousness or Prophaness under the profession of Christ: And that those Ministers or Publique Prea­chers, who shall agree with the publique Profession aforesaid in matters of Faith, although in their Judgment and Practice they differ in matters of Worship and Discipline, shall not onely have prote­ction in the way of their Churches and Worship re­spectively; but be esteemed fit and capable, not­withstanding such difference (being otherwise duly Qualified and duly Approved) of any Trust, Promo­tion or Imployment what soever in these Nations, that any Ministers who agree in Doctrine, Worship and Discipline with the Publique Profession aforesaid are capable of; And all others who agree with the publique Profession in matters of Faith, although they differ in. matters of Worship and Discipline as aforesaid, shall not onely have protection as afore­said, but be esteemed fit and capable (notwithstand­ing such difference, being otherwise duly Qualified) of [Page 659] any Civil Trust, Imployment or Promotion in these Nations: But for such persons who agree not in matters of Faith with the publique Profession afore­said, they shall not be capable of receiving the pub­lique Maintenance appointed for the Ministery. Provided, That this Clause shall not be construed to extend to enable such Ministers or publique Preach­ers, or Pastors of Congregations; But that they be Dis-enabled, and they are hereby Dis-enabled to hold any Civil Imployment, which those in Orders were or are Dis-enabled to hold, by an Act, Entituled, An Act for Disenabling all persons in Holy Orders, to Ex­ercise any Temporal Jurisdiction or Authority. And that Your Highness will give Your consent, That all Laws, Statutes, Ordinances and Clauses in any Law, Statute or Ordinance, So far as they are contrary to the aforesaid Liberty, be Repealed.

XII. That all Acts and Ordinances of Parliament made for the abolishing of Arch-Bishops and Bishops; and for the abolishing of Deans, Deans and Chap­ters, Cannons, Prebends, and other Offices and Titles, of, or belonging to any Cathedral, or Collegiate Church or Chappel; and for the sale or other dispo­sition of the Lands, Rents, and Hereditaments, unto any or either of them belonging; or for the sale or other disposition of the Lands, Rents, and Heredi­taments of the late King, Queen, or Prince; or of the Lands of Delinquents, Fee-Farm, or other Rents, Forest-Lands, or any of them, or any other Lands, Tenements, Rents, or Hereditaments, lately belonging to the Commonwealth, shall no way be im­peached, but that they do remain good and firm. And that the security given by Act and Ordinance of Parliament, for any Summe or Summes of monies, by any of the said Lands, the Excise, or by any other Publick Revenue; and also the Securities given by the Publick Faith of the Nation▪ and the Engage­ment of the Publick Faith for satisfaction of debts, may remain firm and good, and not be made void by any pretence whatsoever.

XIII. That all and every person and persons, who have Ayded, Abetted, Advised, or Assisted in any War against the Parliament, since the first day of Janua­ry, 1641. (unless he or they have since born Armes for the Parliamint, or your Highness, or otherwise given signal testimony of his or their good affection to the Commonwealth, and continued faithful to the same) and all such as have been actually engaged in any Plot, Conspiracy, or Design, against the Person of your Highness, or in any Insurrection or Rebellion, in England or Wales, since the sixteenth of De­cember, 1653. And for Scotland, that all and e­very person and persons, who have been in Armes against the Parliament of England, or against the Parliament in Scotland, before the first day of April, 1648. (except such as have since born Arms in the service of the Parliament of England, or your Highness, or given other signal testimony of their good affection) and every person or persons, that since the said first day of April, 1648. have been in Armes, or otherwise Aided, Abetted, Advised, or Assisted in any War against the Parliament of Eng­land, or your Highness, (except such persons who having been in Armes, or otherwise Abetted, Ad­vised, or Assisted in any War against the Parlia­ment of England, or your Highness, since the first day of April, 1648. and were not in Armes against the Parliament of England, or against the Parlia­ment of Scotland, before the first day of April, 1648. and have since the first day of March. 1651, (Old stile) lived peaceably, and thereby given tes­timony of their good affection to the Parliament, and your Highness, be made uncapable for ever, of hol­ding or enjoyning of any Office or Place of Publick Trust, in these three nations, or any of them.

Provided, that nothing in this Article contained, shall extend to put any incapacity in this Article mentioned, upon any English or Scotish Protestants in Ireland, who, before the first day of March, 1647. have born Armes for the Parliament, or your Highness, or otherwise given signal testimony of their good affection to this Common-wealth, and continued faithful to the same.

XIV. And that your Highness will be pleased to consent, that nothing in this Petition and Advice conteyned, nor your Highness assent thereto, shall be construed to extend to the dissolving of this present Parliament; but that the same shall continue and remain, until such time as your Highness shall think fit to dissolve the same.

XVI. And that nothing conteyned in this Petition and Advice, nor your Highness consent thereunto, shall be construed to extend to the repealing or making void of any Act or Ordinance, which is not contrary hereunto, or to the matters herein conteyned; but that the said Acts and Ordinances not contrary here­unto, shall continue and remain in force, in such man­ner as if this present Petition and Advice had not at all been had or made, or your Highness consent thereunto given.

XVII. And that all Writs issued out of the Chancery, and all Writs and Patents of the Justices of the one Bench, and of the other, Barons of the Exchequer, Commissions of Oyer and Terminer, Goal-delivery, and Justices of the Peace, And all other Commissions, Patents, and Grants, made and passed under the great Seal of England, Scotland or Ireland, shall stand good and effectual in the Law, notwithstanding this Petition and Advice, or your Highness assent thereunto, or any Law, Statute, or Custome to the contrary; And that all Writs, and all Commissions, Indictments, or Informations, Process, Actions, Suits, Bills, or Plaints, taken out, or now depending in any Court of Record, at Westminster, or any other Court of Record, in England, Scotland or Ireland, or in the Town of Berwick upon Tweed; And all Process, Pleas, Demurrers, Continuances, and Pro­ceedings, in every such Writs, Indictments, Infor­mations, Actions, Suits, Bills, and Plaints shall be retornable, stand good and effectual, and be prosecu­ted and sued forth, in such manner and form, and in the same state, condition and order, the Style and Teste of Proceedings, after passing of these presents, being made conformable thereunto, this present Peti­tion and Advice, or your Highness assent thereunto, or any Law, Custome or usage to the contrary there­of in any wise notwithstanding; And that any va­riance that shall be occasioned by reason thereof, touching any the said Writs, process; or proceedings in the Name, Style, Teste, or otherwise, shall not be in any wise material as concerning any default or er­rour to be alledged or objected thereunto.

XVIII. And that your Highness and your Successors, will be pleased to take an Oath, in such form as shall be [Page 660] agreed upon by your Highness and this present Par­liament, to Govern these Nations according to the Law.

And in case your Highness shall not be satisfied, to give your consent to all the Matters and Things in this Humble Petition and Advice, that then nothing in the same be deemed of Force, to oblige the People of these Nations in any the particulars therein con­tained.

And these our desires being granted by your High­ness, we shall hope (through the rich mercy and good­ness of God) that it will prove some remedy to those dangers, distractions and distempers which these Na­tions are now in, and be an effectual means to remove those jealousies and fears which remain in the minds of many men concerning the Government of this Common-wealth; And thereby we shall be enabled and encouraged with all chearfulness, to the setling of such things, which shall be further necessary for the good of these Nations, and be most ready to joyn with You in promoting the work of Reformation, happily begun by your Highness, the regulating Courts of Justice, and abridging both the delaies and Charges of Law Suits, and apply our selves to such other Courses and Councels as may be most like to heal our breaches and divisions, and to restore these poor Na­tions to a Ʋnion and consistencie with themselves, and to lay a foundation of further confidence between your Highness and them, to the rejoycing of the hearts of our friends and terror of our Enemies.

His Highness answer thereunto (after a so­lemn Speech to them) Read by the Clerk of the Parliament in these words, The Lord Protector doth consent.

[26.] Further consideration of the Settle­ment of the Nation by the Parliament.

[28.] A Letter from the Protector to the House with a Petition inclosed from the Army in Ireland, which the House referred to the Committee for Ireland.

June 1657.

1. A Bill for maintenance of Ministers in the City of Bristoll.

3. A Day of Thanksgiving for the success of General Blake against the Spanish Fleet, at Sancta Cruz.

4. A Bill for the better choosing of persons into places of trust.

9. The House went to the Painted Chamber when the Protector met them, and made a solemn Speech to them, in Answer to the Speech of the Speaker to him, and passed these Bills following.

An Act for an Assessment upon England, at the rate of 60000 l. by the Month, for three Months, from the 25th day of March 1657, to the 24th day of June then next ensuing.

An Act for limiting and setting the Prices for Wines.

An Act for the taking away of Purveyance, and Compositions for Purveyance.

An Act against Vagrants, and wandring idle disso­lute persons.

An Act giving licence for transporting Fish in fo­reign Bottoms.

An Act for three Months Assessment in Ireland, for the maintenance of the Spanish War, and other Servi­ces of the Common-wealth.

13. The humble additional and explanatory Peti­tion and Advice debated in the House.

19. A Bill for the surveying of some Forests, and a Bill for ascertaining the Publick Faith Debts.

20. Much Debate was upon the Bill for restraint of new Buildings in and about London.

Letters from the Protector to the Speaker, for putting off the Adjournment of the Parliament for four or five days.

22. A Bill for Importation of Bullion.

23. A Committee to prepare an Oath to be ta­ken by the Lord Protector, and for the solemniza­tion Oath. and publishing of his Highness acceptance of the Government, and touching the settlement of his Highness Council.

An Act of Indempnity.

24. Upon a Report from the Committee, and some Amendments, the House agreed to the Form of an Oath to be taken by the Protector; and to an­other Oath to be taken by his Council; and an Oath was agreed to be taken by the Members of Parliament; and they agreed to a Paper touching the summoning such persons before the next meet­ing of Parliament; and who are to serve as Mem­bers in the other House of Parliament, according to the humble Petition and Advice; and they agreed Other House. touching the Solemnities of his Inauguration.

A Committee appointed to acquaint the Pro­tector with these Votes, and to shew him the Oaths, and to desire him to appoint times for the execu­tion of them, and for his consent to the Bills pas­sed the House.

25. Sir Harbottle Grimston published the Reports of Judge Croke.

26. The Parliament ordered the Master of the Inaugura­tion. Ceremonies to give notice to foreign Ambassa­dours and Ministers of the Inauguration of the Pro­tector.

Order for the Commissioners of the Seal with ad­vice of the Judges to prepare and frame a Writ for summoning the Members of the other House of Par­liament, to meet at such time and place as shall be appointed by his Highness; and the Commissi­oners are to seal such Writs, and to issue them out to such persons as his Highness under his Sign Manual shall direct and appoint.

A Bill passed for adjourning the Parliament from this 26th of June, to the 20th of January next.

A place being prepared at the upper end of Westminster-Hall, in the midst of it was a rich Cloth of State set up, and under it a Chair of State, upon an Ascent of two Degrees, covered with Carpets; before it a Table and a Chair by it for the Speaker; on each side of the Hall were Seats built one above another, and covered for the Mem­bers of the Parliament; below them, Seats on the one side for the Judges, and on the other side for the Lord Mayor, and Aldermen of London.

About Two a Clock in the Afternoon, the Pro­tector met the Parliament, and gave his consent to some Bills; then the Speaker and Members went to their places in Westminster-Hall, and the Judges and Aldermen took their places: A little time af­ter this his Highness came attended with his own Gentlemen, and with the Heralds, Serjeants at Arms: The Officers, Commissioners of the Seal, and of the Treasury, and his Council: The Earl of Warwick carried the Sword before him, and the Lord Mayor of London carried the City Sword.

His Highness standing under the Cloth of State, the Speaker in the Name of the Parliament pre­sented to him,

1. A Robe of Purple Velvet, lined with Ermine, which the Speaker assisted by Whitelocke and others, put upon his Highness; then he delivered to him the Bible richly gilt, and bossed; after that the Speaker girt the Sword about his Highness, and de­livered into his hand the Scepter of massie Gold, and then made a Speech to him, upon those se­veral things presented to him, wishing him all prosperity in his Government, and gave him the Oath; and Mr. Manton by Prayer recommended his Highness, the Parliament, the Council, the For­ces by Land and Sea, and the whole Government and People of the three Nations to the blessing and protection of God.

After this the people gave several great shouts, and the Trumpets sounding: the Protector sate in the Chair of State, holding the Scepter in his hand; on his right side sate the Ambassadour of France, on the left side the Ambassadour of the Ʋ ­nited Provinces: Near to his Highness, stood his Son Richard, the Lord Deputy Fleetwood, Claypole Master of the Horse, his Highness Council and Of­ficers of State; the Earl of Warwick held the Sword on the right side of the Chair, and the Lord Mayor of London held the City Sword on the left hand of the Chair; near the Earl of Warwick stood the Lord Viscount Lisle, general Mountague, and Whitelocke, each of them having a drawn Sword in their hands.

Then the Trumpets sounded, and an Herauld proclaimed his Highness Title, and Proclamation [Page 662] was made, and loud Acclamations of the People, God save the Lord Protector: The Ceremonies be­ing ended, His Highness having his Train carried by the Lord Sherwood, Mr. Rich, the Earl of War­wick's Grandchild, and by the Lord Roberts his Son, accompanied by the Ambassadours. and attended as before, went in State to Westminster-Hall Gate, where he took his rich Coach.

In the upper end of it himself sate in his Robes, in the other end sate the Earl of Warwick, in one Boot sate his Son Richard and Whitelocke, with a drawn Sword in his hand, and in the other Boot sate the Lord Viscount L'Isle, and General Moun­tague, with Swords drawn in their hands, Cleypole led the Horse of Honour in rich Caparisons, the Life Guard and other Guards attended the Coach, the Officers and the rest, followed in Coaches to White-hall.

The Speaker and members of Parliament went to the House, where they passed some Votes, and orde­red them to be presented to his Highness. Then according to the Act of Parliament, the House adjourned it self till the twentieth of January next.

The Bills passed by his Highness, this Parlia­ment besides those mentioned before were,

An Act, for the preventing of the multiplicity of Buildings, in and about the Suburbs of London, and Acts. within ten miles thereof.

An Act, for quiet enjoying of sequestred Parsona­ges and Vicarages, by the present Incumbent.

An Act, for discovering, convicting, and repressing of Popish Recusants.

An Act and Declaration, touching several Acts and Ordinances made, since the twentieth of April, 1653. and before the third of September, 1654. and other Acts, &c.

Instructions agreed upon in Parliament, for Jo­seph Aylloffe, Thomas Skipwith, Jeremy Banes, Adam Ayre, Esq James Robinson, and William Marr, Gent. Commissioners for surveying the Forrest of Sher-wood, Robert Frank, John Kensey, Thomas Wats Esq and George Sargeant, Gent. Commissioners for surveying the Forrest or Chase of Need-wood, James Stedman, Robert Tayler, Thomas Tanner, Esq and John Halsey, Gent. Commissioners for survey­ing the Forest or Chase of Kingswood, Henry De­well, William Dawges, Joseph Gamage, Esq Richard Johnson, Gent. Commissioners for surveying the Forrest or Chase of Ashdown, or Lancaster great Park, John Baynton, Hugh Web, Esq Major Rolph, and Nicholas Gunton, Gent. Commissioners for sur­veying Enfield Chase, in pursuance of an Act of this present Parliament, Intituled, an Act and Declara­tion, touching several Acts and Ordinances, made since the twentieth of April, 1653. and before the third of September, 1654. and other Acts, &c.

An Act, for punishing of such persons as live at high rates, and have no visible Estate, Profession or Calling, answerable thereunto.

An Act, for Indempnifiing of such persons as have acted for the service of the publick.

An Act, for the better observation of the Lord's Day.

An Act, for raising of fifteen thousand pounds Ster­ling in Scotland.

An Act, for an Assessment at the rate of five and thirty thousand pounds by the month upon England, six thousand pounds by the month upon Scotland, and nine thousand pounds by the month upon Ireland, for three years, from the twenty fourth of June, 1657. for a Temporary supply towards the mantainance of the Ar­mys and Navys of this Common-wealth.

An Additional Act, for the better Improvement and advancing the Receipts of the Excise, and new Impost.

A Book of Values of Merchandize imported, ac­cording to which, Excise is to be paid by the first Buyer.

An Act for continuing and establishing the Subsidy of Tonnage and Poundage, and for reviving an Act for the better packing of Butter, and redress of abuses therein.

An Act for the better suppressing of Theft upon the Borders of England and Scotland, and for discovery of High-way-men, and other Felons.

An Act for the improvement of the Revenue of the Customs and Excise.

An Act for the assuring, confirming, and settling of Lands and Estates in Ireland.

An Act for the Attainder of the Rebels in Ireland.

An Act for the settling of the Postage of England Scotland, and Ireland.

An Act for the Adjournment of this present Par­liament from the 26th of June, 1657, unto the 20th of January next ensuing.

The humble additional and explanatory Petition and Advice, in these words.

TO HIS HIGHNESS THE LORD PROTECTOR OF THE Common-wealth of England, Scot­land, and Ireland, and the Domi­nions and Territories there­unto belonging.
The humble Additional and Explanatory Petition and Advice, of the Knights, Citizens, and Bur­gesses now assembled in the Parliament of this Common-wealth.

WHereas upon the humble Petition and Advice of the said Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, now assembled in the Parliament of this Common-wealth, lately presented and consented unto by your Highness; certain Doubts and Questions have arisen, concerning some particulars therein comprised: for explanation whereof, May it please your Highness to declare and consent unto the Additions and Explanations hereafter mentioned, and may it be declared with your Highness Consent;

In the fourth Article.

That such person and persons as invaded England, under Duke Hamilton, in the year 1648; Or ad­vised, consented, assisted, or voluntarily contributed [Page 663] unto that War; and were for that cause debarred from publick trust by the Parliament of Scotland, be uncapable to Elect, or be Elected, to sit and serve as Members of Parliament, or in any other place of pub­lick trust, relating unto the fourth and thirteenth Ar­ticles in the Petition and Advice, excepting such as since have born Arms for your Highness, or the Parlia­ment, or have been admitted to sit and serve in the Par­liament of this Commonwealth, and are of good life and conversation, or such as shall hereafter be decla­red by your Highness, with the advice of your Coun­cil, to have given some signal testimony of their good affection and continuance in the same.

That the Proviso in the said fourth Article, be ex­plain'd thus, viz. That such English and Scotish Prote­stants, who (since the defection of the Earl of Ormond, and the Lord Inchiquin, and before the first day of March, 1649.) have born Arms for, and ever since continued faithfull to the Parliament, or your Highness, or have otherwise (before the said first day of March, 1649.) given signal testimony of their good affection to this Common-wealth, and have ever since continued faithfull to the same, shall not be debarred or deemed un­capable of electing, or being Elected to serve in Parlia­ment.

And whereas in the said fourth Article Publick Mi­nisters, or Publick Preachers of the Gospel, are disabled to be Elected to serve in Parliament; It is hereby ex­plained and declared to extend to such Ministers and Preachers only, as have Maintenance for Preaching, or are Pastors or Teachers of Congregations.

In the said fourth Article.

That in stead of Commissioners to be appointed by Act of Parliament to examin and try whether the Members to be Elected for the House of Commons in future Par­liaments, be capable to sit according to the Qualifications mentioned in the said Petition and Advice, there shall be the Penalty and Fine of a 1000 pounds laid and inflict­ed upon every such unqualified Member (being so adjud­ged) by the said House of Commons, and imprisonment of his Person until payment thereof.

And that the ensuing Clauses in the said Article, viz. We desire that it may by your Highness Con­sent be Ordained, That forty and one Commission­ers, be appointed by act of Parliament, who, or five, or more of them, shall be Authorized to exa­mine and try whether the Members to be Elected for the House of Commons in future Parliaments, be Capable to sit according to the qualifications mentioned in this Petition and Advice, and in case they find them not qualified accordingly, then to suspend them from sitting, until the House of Com­mons shall, upon hearing their particular Cases, ad­mit them to sit; which Commissioners are to stand so Authorized for that end, until the House of Commons in any future Parliament, shall nominate the like number of other Commissioners in their places: And those other Commissioners, so to be nominated in any future Parliament, to have the same Power and Authority. That the said Com­missioners shall Certifie in writing to the House of Commons, on the first day of their meeting, the cause and grounds of their suspensions of any person so to be Elected as aforesaid; That the Accusati­on shall be upon Oath of the Informant, or of some other person. That a Copy of the Accusation shall be left, by the party accusing, in writing under his hand, with the party accused, or in his absence, at his house in the Country, City, or Town, for which he shall be Chosen, if he have any such House, or if not, with the Sheriff of the County, if he be chosen for a County, or with the chief Magistrate of the City, or Burrough, for which he is chosen; shall not be put in Execution, or made use of, but shall be void, frustrate, Null and of none effect, and shall be so construed and taken to all intents and purposes whatso­ever, anything contained in the said Petition and Ad­vice to the contrary notwithstanding.

In the fifth Article.

That the Nomination of the Persons to supply the place of such Members of the other House, as shall die, or be removed, shall be by your Highness and your Suc­cessors.

In the seventh Article.

That the monies directed to be for the supply of the Sea, and Land Forces, be issued by Advice of the Coun­cil, And that the Treasurer or Commissioners of the Treasury, shall give an Account of all the said money to every Parliament.

That the Officers of State, and Judges, in the Ninth Article of the said Petition and Advice mentioned, shall be chosen, in the [...]ntervals of Parliament, by the Consent of the Council, to be afterwards approved by Parliament.

That your Highness will be pleased, according to the usage, of former Chief Magistrates in these Nations, and for the better satisfaction of the People thereof, to take an Oath in the form ensuing.

I do in the presence, and by the Name of God Almighty, promise and swear, That to the utter­most of my power, I will uphold, and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Christian Religion, in the purity thereof, as it is contained in the Holy Scrip­tures of the Old and New Testament, to the utter­most of my power and understanding, and incou­rage the Profession, and Professours of the same; and that to the utmost of my power, I will endea­vour, as chief Magistrate of these three Nations, the Maintenance and Preservation of the Peace and safety, and of the just Rights and Privileges of the people thereof; And shall in all things, according to my best knowledge and power, govern the people of these Nations according to Law.

That your Highness successors, do, before they take upon them the Government of these Nations, take an Oath in the Form aforesaid.

That all such persons who now are, or shall hereafter be of the Privy Council of your Highness or Successors, before they, or either of them, do act as Counsellors, shall respectively take an Oath, before persons to be authorised by your Highness and Successors for that purpose, in the Form following.

I A. B. doe in the presence, and by the Name of God Almighty, promise and swear, That to the ut­termost of my power, in my place, I will uphold, and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Christi­an Religion, in the purity thereof, as it is contain­ed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Te­stament, and encourage the Profession and Professors of the same; And that I will be true and faithfull to His Highness the Lord Protector of the Com­mon-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging, as Chief Magi­strate thereof, And shall not contrive, design, or at­tempt any thing, against the person or lawfull Au­thority of his said Highness, and shall keep secret, all matters that shall be treated of in Council, and put under secrecy, and not reveal them but by Com­mand or consent of His Highness, the Parliament, or the Council, and shall in all things faithfully per­form [Page 664] the trust Committed to me as a Councellor, according to the best of my understanding, in or­der to the good Government, Peace and Welfare of these Nations.

That the same Oath be taken by the members of your Highness Council of Scotland, and Ireland.

That every person who now is, or hereafter shall be a Member of either House of Parliament, before he sit in Parliament, shall, from and after the first day of July, 1657. take an Oath before persons to be Authorised and appointed by your Highness and Successors for that pur­pose, in the form following.

I A. B. doe in the presence, and by the name of God Almighty, promise and swear, that to the ut­termost of my power in my place, I will uphold and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Christian Religion, in the purity thereof, as it is contained in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testa­ment, and encourage the Profession and Professors of the same, and that I will be true and faithfull to the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of Eng­land, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belo [...]ng, as Chief Magi­strate thereof; And shall not Contrive, Design, or Attempt any thing against the Person or lawfull Authority of the Lord Protector, and shall endea­vour as much as in me lies, as a Member of Parlia­ment, the preservation of the Rights and Liberties of the People.

That your Highness would be pleased in convenient time, before the next meeting of this Parliament, to cause several summons in due form of Law, to be issued forth to such persons as your Highness shall think fit (being qualified according to the Humble Petition and Advice of the Parliament, whereto your Highness hath consen­ted) to sit and serve as Members in the other House of Parliament; by which summons the said persons shall be respectively commanded to be, and personally to appear at a certain place and time, to be appointed by your High­ness, to give their Advice and Assistance, and to do such things concerning the Great and Weighty Affairs of this Common-wealth, as to the other House of Parlia­ment doth appertain, by the said Humble Petition and Advice.

That the Persons so summoned and Assembled toge­ther, shall be, and are hereby declared to be the other House of Parliament; and shall, and may without fur­ther Approbation of this House, from such time of their meeting, proceed, to do and perform all such matters and things, as the other House of Parliament ought to do and perform, and shall and may, have and exercise, all such Privileges, Powers and Authoryties, as the other House of Parliament ought, by the aforesaid Humble Petition and Advice to have and Exercise; the said Humble Petition and Advice, or any thing thereincontained, to the contrary thereof notwithstand­ing.

Which Petition being presented the 26 day of June, 1657. His Highness answer thereunto was read by the Clerk of the Parliament in these words, The Lord Protector doth consent.

July, 1657.

1. The Protector was proclaimed in the City, with great solemnity.

16. Letters of the Victory obtained against the Moscovites, by Grave Magnus de la Garde, in Lief­land.

August, 1657. August.

10. News of the Death of General Blake, on Ship-board, in his return from the Spanish coast in Blake's death. Plimouth sound, he was a man of as much Gallantry and Sincerity, as any in his time •, and as suc­cessfull.

11. Vice-Admirall Bodiley dyed. Bodiley dyes.

13. News of the War proclaimed by the King of Denmarke, against the King of Sweden.

15. News of the engagement between the Swedes and Danes in Schonenland, and that the Swedes had the better.

18. Order of the Protector and Council for re­leasing Spirits. Children taken up and put on Ship-board, by such as are called Spirits, and for punishment of such persons.

24. New Plots against the Protector, discove­red.

28. Applications about farming of the Cu­stoms and Excise, and reasons given against it.

29. Colonel Jephson, was sent by the Protector, Colonel Jephson. as a publick Agent to the King of Sweden.

31. Mr. Meadow, (one of Thurlow's Secretaries) went a Publick Agent from his Highness, to the King of Denmarke.

September, 1657.

2. The Portugal Ambassador had audience.

4. The Funeral of General Blake, which was per­formed with great solemnity.

14. The Protector advised with Whitelocke, a­bout the besieging of Dunkirke, by the English and French Forces, which were now drawn near to it.

16. The Lord Ambassador of France, had au­dience of the Protector.

17. News of the King of Sweden's driving the Danish Forces out of Jutland, and his advancing Sweden. near Scagan.

24. The Lord Fairfax his Daughter and Heir, was married to the Duke of Buckingham. Duke of Bucking­ham. Mardike.

25. Letters of the taking of Mardike, by the English and French Forces.

29. The Protector discoursed with much plea­sure, about the taking of Mardike.

30. News of the Sea fight, between the Swedes and Danes, and that the Swedes got the bet­ter of it.

October, 1657.

11. Whitelocke, was desired to meet the Commit­tee for Ejecting scandalous and insufficient Mini­sters, Scanda­lous Mini­stry. but he liked not the work.

13. Warrants sent to Whitelocke to sign, for one hundred thousand pound, per. ann. for the expences of his Highness House-hold, and for one thousand pound for Mardike.

25. The Provost of Eaton College, Mr. Rous be­ing [Page 665] dead Whitelocke had some thoughts, and was ad­vised by some friends to endeavour to have the place of Provost, a thing of good value, quiet and honourable, and fit for a Schollar, and Whitelocke was not wholly uncapable of it, he therefore made applications to his Highness, concerning it, but found him Ingaged, or at least seeming to be so for another, Whitelocke's service was past, and there­fore no necessity of a Recompence, but this was re­served as a Bait for some others to be imployed by his Highness.

30. The Protector advised about incouraging the Fishing Trade.

News of the Enemies attempt to regain Mar­dike, and how gallantly they were repulsed by Sir Mardike. John Reynolds, and the English in the Fort, and that the King of Scots was with them.

November, 1657.

3. Applications from Sir Charles Wolseley, for his salary of one thousand pounds, per. ann. to be paid as a Counsellor.

In favour of the poor Lord Ruthen, it was procu­red, that his Petition should be referred from his Highness to the Council, for relief of the Lord.

The Commissioners of the Treasury, with many Grandees, were present at the Tryal of the Pixe in the Tower.

5. Mrs. Mayerne, Daughter and Heir of Sir Theodore Mayern, the great and rich Doctor of Mayern. Physick, made Applications to the Protector, a­bout matters of her Estate. This Young and weal­thy Lady was afterwards married to a French Mar­quess of Mountpellion, who had hopes to make up his small fortune by this Ladies great Estate.

This Marquess came into England, with Letters from the King of France, and from the Marshall Turene, to the Protector, in favour of the Marquess, who earnestly sollicited the Protector about it, and Sir John Colladon, Doctor of Physick, with all the Interest that he could make, as earnestly oppo­sed the Marquess, claiming a Title to part of the Estate, by Sir Theodore Mayern's Will, if his Daugh­ter dyed without Issue.

The Protector would doe nothing in this busi­ness, without Whitelocke's advice, and his Highness did very justly determine what belonged to him to do in it.

8. Souldiers were shipped for the service of the King of Sweden, which was furthered by Whitelocke's advice to the Protector.

20. The Commissioners of the Treasury, made several reports to the Protector, and Council of Arrears, of money due to the state, and upon ad­vice with them, his Highness and the Council, made several orders for the Collecting and bringing in of those Arrears.

December, 1657.

1. News of the King of Sweden's proceedings in the Isle of Funen.

3. The distaste between the Protector and Brad­shaw, was perceived to increase. Bradshaw.

6. Order for the prosecution of some persons who had committed very great wasts and spoils in Forests.

7. The Protector was perswaded to take to heart, and to further the relief of the poor persecuted Protestants in the Vallies of Piedmont, and to send Novem. Piedmont. an Agent to the Duke of Savoy, to negotiate for favour to them, as other Princes had done.

11. Writs of Summons under the great Seal were sent to divers persons to sit as Members in Other House. the other House of Parliament: The Form of the Writs was the same with those which were sent to summon the Peers in Parliament. They were in all sixty; among whom were divers Noblemen, Knights, and Gentlemen of ancient Families, and good Estates, and some Colonels and Officers of the Army. Their Names were as followeth:

  • The Lord Richard Cromwell the Protectors eldest Son.
  • The Lord Henry Cromwell his other Son, Lord De­puty of Ireland.
  • Nathaniel Fiennes, John Lisle, Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal.
  • Henry Lawrence Lord President of his Highness Privy Council.
  • The Lord Charles Fleetwood.
  • Robert Earl of Warwick.
  • Edmund Earl of Mulgrave.
  • Edward Earl of Manchester.
  • William Viscount Say and Seal.
  • Lord John Cleypole, Master of the Horse.
  • Philip Viscount Lisle, eldest Son to the Earl of Lei­cester.
  • Charles Viscount Howard.
  • Philip Lord Wharton.
  • Thomas Lord Fauconbridge.
  • Lord John Desborough, Lord Edward Mountague Generals at Sea.
  • George Lord Eure.
  • The Lord Whitelocke.
  • Sir Gilbert Pickering.
  • Colonel William Sydenham.
  • Sir Charles Wolseley Baronet.
  • Major General Philip Skippon.
  • Lord Strickland.
  • Colonel Philip Jones.
  • Sir William Strickland.
  • Francis Rous, Esq
  • John Fiennes, Esq
  • Sir Francis Russel Baronet.
  • Sir Thomas Honnywood Knight.
  • Sir Arthur Hasilrigge Baronet.
  • Sir John Hobart.
  • Sir Richard Onslow Knight.
  • Sir Gilbert Gerard.
  • Sir William Roberts Knight.
  • John Glyn, Oliver St. John. Lords chief Justices.
  • William Pierpoint, Esq
  • John Jones, Esq
  • John Crew, Esq
  • Alexander Popham, Esq
  • Sir Christopher Pack.
  • Sir Robert Tichborn.
  • Edward Whalley, Esq
  • Sir John Barksted, Knight, Lieutenant of the Tower of London.
  • Sir George Fleetwood.
  • Sir Thomas Pride.
  • Richard Ingolsby, Esq
  • Sir John Hewson.
  • James Berry, Esq
  • William Goffe, Esq
  • Thomas Cooper, Esq
  • Edmund Thomas, Esq
  • George Monk Commander in chief of his Highness Forces in Scotland.
  • [Page 666] David Earl of Cassils in Scotland.
  • Sir William Lockart.
  • Sir Archibald Johnston of Warriston.
  • William Steele Lord Chancellour of Ireland.
  • The Lord Broghil Brother to the Earl of Corke in Ireland.
  • Sir Matthew Tomlinson.

16. Colonel Sir John Reynolds who commanded the English Forces that joyned with the King of France, was in a Pink coming over with Colonel White and others from Mardike for England, and upon Goodwin Sands the Pink was cast away, and all their men in her were drowned: Among them was one William de Vaux a young man, a good Scho­lar, and very ingenious, and being in a great storm in a former Voyage, he vainly said, That if ever he went to Sea again, he would be contented that God should let him be drowned. And now being again at Sea, the Judgment imprecated by him, did fall up­on him, and he was now drowned.

24. The Commissioners of the Treasury pre­pared the business of the Contract with Commis­sioners for the Excise and new Impost.

25. Some Congregations being met to observe this day, according to former solemnity, and the Protector being moved that Souldiers might be sent to suppress them, he was advised against it, as that which was contrary to the Liberty of Conscience so much owned and pleaded for by the Protector and his friends; but it being contrary to Ordinances of Parliament (which were also opposed in the passing of them) that these days should be so so­lemnized, the Protector gave way to it, and those Meetings were suppressed by the Souldiers.

January, 1657.

1. Whitelocke having lent Mr. Rushworth some Manuscripts, he attended Whitelocke to shew him his Historical Collections as his Highness had or­dered.

3. A Meeting of the Gentlemen of the County of Bucks at Merchant-Taylors Hall, where they had a great Feast.

9. The Lord Willoughby petition'd the Protector Lord Willoughby. for his Highness Order to go into the Country to dispatch some necessary business in relation to his Estate, and promising to return to Prison: which Petition the Protector granted.

12. The Protector resolved to have a Collection for the poor persecuted Protestants of Piedmont. Piedmont.

20. The Parliament met according to their Adjournment, and the Members of the other House Parlia­ment. summoned by Writ met, and sate in the Lords House, as the Lords used to do formerly. The Protector came thither, and the Speaker with the House of Commons, being sent for by the Black Rod, came to the Lords House, where the Protector made a solemn Speech to them, but was short by rea­son of his Indisposition of health; and after him, the Lord Commissioner Fiennes spake to them more at large.

My Lords and Gentlemen of both the most honourable Houses of Parliament.

AMongst the manifold and various Dispen­sations of God's Providence of late years, Fiennes's Speech. this is one; and it is a signal and remarkable Providence that we see this day in this place, a Chief Magistrate and two Houses of Parlia­ment. Jacob speaking to his Son Joseph, said, I Bristoll. had not thought to have seen thy face, and lo, God hath shewed me thy seed also: Meaning his two Sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. And may not many amongst us well say some years since, We had not thought to have seen a Chief Magi­strate again amongst us; and lo, God hath shewn us a Chief Magistrate in his two Hou­ses of Parliament.

Now may the good God make them like E­phraim and Manasseh, that the three Nations may be blest in them, saying, God make thee like these two Houses of Parliament, which two like Leah and Rachel, did build the House of Israel.

May you do worthily in Ephrata, and be fa­mous in Bethlehem: May it be your great bu­siness to procure the peace, the safety, and the prosperity of these three Nations, and these things too; not for themselves only, but in or­der yet to greater and higher ends, the advance­ment of the Kingdom of Christ amongst us, and the Glory of God in the good of all men, but espe­cially of the Churches of God amongst men; which as they are God's most precious Jewels, and his chiefest care, so must they also hold the choicest place in the eyes and in the hearts of all those that act under him, and are cloathed with his power and authority.

In order to the great and glorious end, you may please in the first place, to reflect upon the Posture that the three Nations at the present are in; a Posture (God be praised) of Peace, as within our selves, a quiet posture, a posture looking towards a settlement, a perfect settle­ment, and the blessed fruits thereof, Justice and Piety, Plenty and Prosperity. If we take care not to abuse the latter to the destruction of the former, surely we ought with all thankfulness to own and acknowledge the outgoings of God for good unto us: Hitherto we ought to consider how far, through the good hand of God, upon the Endeavours of his Highness and the Parlia­ment, before its Adjournment; We are already advanced in this Way and Work.

After you may please to foresee and avoid the dangerous Rock which we may fall upon in our course, which may not only stop it, but cut it short; and totally disappoint us of ever arriving at the desired Port.

In the next place, you may consider the op­portunities and advantages you have at this time in your hands, by what the Parliament hath already done, that you may improve them.

And lastly, you may cast your eyes upon the Difficulties we lye under, and the Impediments which lye in our way, that you may endeavour to remove them.

These things I can only speak to cursorily and generally; the full and through consideration of them will be, the work of your many and serious Debates and Consultations, and will exercise [Page 667] not only your wisdom and industry, but also your faith and patience, which it may please the Lord to accompany with his presence and assist­ance, and in the end to crown with his blessing and with success.

Into what condition the late Wars and di­stractions had brought these Nations, and what a cloud of darkness had covered the whole face of the Government (being void, and in a man­ner, without form) we all know, and the three Nations sadly felt, and were sensible of those further Confusions that might have ensued. But it pleased God that Light sprung up amongst us, and things began to move towards something of Order and Consistency.

But as yet the Earth and the Water were in one Mass together: Then were the Waters be­neath the Firmament divided from those above the Firmament; there was constituted a Chief Magistrate and a Parliament, the one distinct from the other, that each one from his proper place might the better put forth its influence and usefulness for the good of the whole.

After it pleased this Parliament, by their humble Petition and Advice, to distinguish the Parliament also into two Houses; and that great and noble Body of the Waters retiring into their own Receptacle, the dry Land appeareth.

And what now remains, but that by the sweet Influence of that powerful Spirit that mo­ved upon the Waters, every Herb should bring forth Seed according to its kind, and every Tree bring forth fruit according to its kind: And that the Sun, Moon and Stars, the Ordi­nances of Magistracy and Ministry should shine brightly in the Firmament of Heaven, in their greater and in their lesser Lights, according to the proportion that God hath dispenced to each one: And that Fish and Fowls should multiply in the Waters and in the Air, and Beasts and Cattel of all sorts increase in the Earth; that all Trades, all Professions, all Ranks and De­grees of Men, might be subservient to that sound Adam and his Spouse, Christ and his Church, that they may be formed and set up amongst us, and placed in a Garden of Eden with all freedom without fear or disturbance; they may enjoy all spiritual delights, and have communion with one another, and with God; which though last in execution, I hope always was, and always shall be the first and chiefest in our intentions.

The Holy Angels of God, when the Foundati­ons of the Earth were laid, did not say, here is a rude Mass of earth and water, here is indeed a little light, but where is Heaven, Sun, Moon and Stars, Nay, where is Man made after the Image of God? But on the contrary, as is witnessed from the mouth of God himself, when the Foundations of the World were fastened, and only the corner stone thereof laid, the Morning Stars sang all together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy, From whence we may discover one, and that a most dangerous Rock, which if not heeded, we may split upon, It is a Spirit of discontent, and dislike of the present January. dispensations of God, because all things are not perfect in an instant, and such as is to be wished they were, and such as possibly in God's due time they may be.

If the present Parliament at their first meet­ing, had given way to such a Spirit as that, and had not (God assisting them so to due) on the con­trary, put on a Spirit of Patience, and Resoluti­on to rectify, as far as in them lay, what was a­miss, to improve what was good, and to make the best of what God laid before them, pressing on to settlement and perfection, as God should open them a way, without attending either to Rumours or Humours of any sort, as there were enough of all kinds to have discouraged them, and divert­ed them in their worke: I say, if they had gi­ven way to such a Spirit as that, I know not where we might have been by this time. But now bles­sed be God, we know where we are in some mea­sure, and that we are in a hopefull way of settle­ment, safety and prosperity. You did run well, let no man hinder you; I doe not know that it would be an uncharitable wish, to wish them even cut off that shall trouble you, and trouble the Peace of the Nation? But I am sure it is a Christian wish and prayer, to bid you God speed in your way, and in your work, for the further settlement of these Nations; being confident that the Child unborn, will have cause to bless you for what you have already done, and what by God's grace, you may yet further doe for their good.

Those that create new troubles in a Nation, seldom attain either the ends held forth in their goodly pretensions, or indeed aimed at in their good intentions (if any such they have) but usual­ly something falleth out, in the end of the Trage­dy, much contrary to their expectation; and or­dinarily something of greater mischief and con­fusion than ever they felt before. Those that throw fire upon a House, cannot say, when the flame is once broken out, that it shall go so far, or so far and no further; the fire, when once broken forth, will after take its own course, or such a way as boystrous and tempestuous wind shall cary it. Those that shall pluck up the flood-gates of the great deep, and let in the surging and raging Waves of War into a Nation, cannot stop them, and bound them when and where they please; He only can doe-that, who first set bounds and doors unto them, and said hitherto shalt thou come, and no further, and here shall thy proud Waves be stayed. Let us therefore beware of the craf­ty devices of that Subtle and malicious Serpent, that he beguile us not, and that there arise not in any of us an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from our stedfastness, and from our fixed Resoluti­on to seek peace and ensue it.

There is an evil Root, and it is one and the same Root, though two different and contrary fruits spring from it, but both tending to one and the same end, which is to overthrow our great end, the Peace and quiet of these Nations; and [Page 668] the blessed fruits that grow upon them, more precious than the Peace it self, though that be a great blessing of, and in it self.

This Root is a Root of bitterness, and discon­tent at the present dispensations of God; the different fruits thereof, are a restive and a restless Spirit. The former causeth men, because they cannot have all that they will, and when they will, to throw up all in a discontent, and refuse to go God's way, and God's pace, because they can­not go their own; The other Spirit causeth men to be alwaies restless, to be alwaies digging up Foundations, to be turning and overturning, and disliking all things.

As to the first sort, if they would but consider the example of the great workman, and Creator of this bountifull Ʋniverse, in the order and man­ner of his Creation thereof, they might therein behold as in a Mirrour, the perfect Idea of the method and manner of his working also, in the continual course of his Providence, in the Preser­vation and Government of the World, and might be taught how to order their thoughts and them­selves in Relation to the gradual Dispensations of God, and learn their own duty, as they are called to act under the same, and in subserviency thereunto. Not only God's rest, but also his work­ing was exemplary; As God rested the seventh day, so must men, as God wrought the six days, so must men, as well those which are to work with the head, as with the hand, as well rich as poor, as well high as low, none are too high to imitate the most high, none must be idle, but every one must serve God and his Country, according to his calling. And that call cannot but be warrant­able which is necessary, and that is necessary which God by his Providence so orders, that a man must act by it, or not at all. And that he should not act at all, is neither agreeable to God's Commandment, nor his example.

Thus as to the substance of God's working, but the very order and manner of it hath also a teach­ing in it.

No doubt if it had seemed good to the Divine Wisdom, that powerfull breath, which called some­thing out of nothing, could in the same breath, and in the same instant, have given it its whole and entire beauty and perfection; but he was pleased to create it by degrees, and to proceed from one measure of perfection to another: When he had drawn the first line thereof, he did not dislike his own work, and throw it up, though the Earth was void and without Form, and darkness was upon the Face of the deep, but went on to create light, and though it was still mixed with dark­ness, even before he had divided the darkness from the light, he saw it was good; and so at e­very Period of his work, he owned the good that was already in being, and then went on till he had perfected the whole; and when he had viewed all his works together, he then saw they were all very good. What should this teach us, but that we should thankfully own and receive every degree of good which God reacheth forth unto us; and with Faith and Patience wait upon his footsteps, following him from one step of perfection to ano­ther, till we arrive at the end of his works, and then as we found the parts thereof good, we shall find them all together very good; and if God, who could have made his works perfect in an instant, yet was pleased to perfect them by degrees, surely he would have us learn, not to quarrel at the works of men, if they are not all perfect in a day; Nay if we will take God for our Pattern (as all the excellency that is in the Creature, is so far forth as there is found in it some shadow and resem­blance of its Creator) though there be not only, defects, but also real Evils in things; yet men ought not to sit still, and let them take their course but to endeavour to amend them if they can, or otherwise to draw good out of them if they may, for although to doe evil that good may come of it is a Doctrine of Devils, yet to draw good out of Evil is an high imitation of God.

As to that other sort of Spirit that is overbusie, and is alwaies turning up Foundations, I might have forborne to say any thing of it to you, unto whom I address my Speech, as in Relation to your selves; for that either you your selves have advised the setling that Foundation we now stand upon, or else are laid upon it, or at least are or should be all sworn to it; And as to others who would build upon contrary Foundations, or upon no certain Foundation, departing from, and not perfecting that, which is already so well laid, (which may be equally destructive to our great and good end of settlement) I need not say much to them neither; for those which conceit either Utopia's of I know not what kind of imaginary Common-wealths, or Day-dreams of the return of I know not what Golden-age with the old Line. Their Notions are rather bottomed in conceit, than in reason, and must rather be worn out by ex­perience, than argued down by Reason; for when they come to be put in practice, they presently dis­cover their weakness and inconsistency, and that they are altogether unpracticable, and infeasi­ble, or of very short durance and continuance; as hath appeared so often, as they have been assayed or attempted: Nay, as to the latter, there seem­eth to be [...] aliquid divini to the contra­ry, there having been so constant and strong a current of Providences against it, that whoso­ever have attempted to stem that Tide, have not only been carried violently back again, but also driven upon Rocks, whereupon they have Shipwrackt themselves in the attempt, not un­like to those Jews, whom Julian, the Apostate, in despight of Christ, set to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem, upon its Old Foundations; out of which Balls of Wild fire issueing forth, affright­ed and destroyed the Work-men, and made them desist from their work. Indeed our Author (and that party amongst us doth the like) being a Heathen, and a great friend of Julian, would not acknowledge the Hand of God in it, but imputed it to a strange accident, to the Pertinacy of the Element, Pertinacia Elementi crebris insultibus terruit operarios, but yet it made them desist from their work: so will not that party amongst us, [Page 669] no Demonstrations of God's Hand against them, will prevail with them, but surpassing in Obsti­nacy the very Jews themselves, they will not leave off their work, but are as hard at it, even at this Day, as ever, What shall we do with these men that will never be quiet? Aeger in­temperans crudelem facit medicum; & imme­dicabile vulnus ense recidendum.

There is another Rock, and it is also a dange­rous one, it is a Rock, upon which many have split themselves in our view, and it hath lying right over against it, a Quick-sand no less dangerous, w ch hath swallowed up many in our sight. The Rock is a Spirit of imposing upon mens consciences, where God leaves them a Latitude, and would have them free; The Quick-sand is an abomi­nable licentiousness to profess and practise any sort of detestable Opinions and Principles. For the former, the Prelates and all their Adhe­rents, Nay, and their Master and Supporter too, with all his posterity have split themselves upon it. The bloudy Rebels in Ireland, that would endure no Religion but their own amongst them, have split themselves upon it, and we doubt not but that the Prince of those Satanical Spirits under whose banner, being cast out from hence, they are now retired, as unto their Belzebub, will in God's good time, split himself also upon this Rock, and be brought down to the ground, together with his bloudy Inquisition, which therefore hath acquired the Sirname of the Spanish Inquisi­tion.

But as God is no Respecter of Persons, so neith­er is he any Respecter of Forms, but in what Form soever this Spirit appeareth, he hath, he will te­stifie his displeasure against it, though it be not of so deep a Dye, as that I have spoken of before. If men, though otherwise good men, will turn Ce­remony into Substance, and make the Kingdom of Christ to consist in Circumstances, in Disciplines, in Formes (though these things also may have their use, as to Order and Decency, so they be strained no further, and not carried beyond their line and measure) But I say, if Ʋniformity in these things shall dissolve Ʋnity among Bre­thren, and especially if it grow to such a height of Animosity, and so high a degree of Asperity, that if one say but Siboleth instead of Shiboleth, it shall be accounted Ground enough to cut his Throat, though one of his Brethren. If any men shall account all as Heathens, and no Christi­ans, that are not under such or such an Ordinance, all men Devils that are out of such a Circle, such a Form, and all men the Seed of the Serpent, that will not Father such or such an Opinion (it may be but fancies too when all his done) such Principles, such Practices, men cannot bear, God will not endure; and in vain do they protest against the Persecution of God's People, when as eagerly persecuting all others, they make the Definition of God's People so narrow, that their persecution becometh as broad as any others; and usually more fierce, because ordinarily edged with a sharper temper of Spirit. It may be that many amongst these shall by God's mercy meet together in Heaven, but certainly had they pow­er at Will, they would not suffer one another to live upon the Earth. Therefore blessed be God, who in mercy to us and them, hath placed the power in such hands as make it their business to keep peace amongst them, and to hinder them from biting and devouring one another. Nay; he is pleased sweetly to influence some amongst them­selves of more moderate Spirits to ballance the rest, and to keep them in Peace at present, and not without hopes, by God's blessing upon their Perswasions and Examples, to bring them at length to a nearer Conjunction of Hearts and of Minds. And if those that are more earnest a­mongst them, would be but a little jealous over their own Spirits, would but observe the Rebukes of God upon all that have been transported unto those extreams, and trace the footsteps of his Indignation against them (whereof he hath left several Prints in all the three Nations) it might be a good help to reduce them to that Golden­mean, which certainly is the right way, which undoubtedly is God's way. God was not in the Whirle-wind, nor in the Earthquake, nor in the Fire, when he came to Eliah on the Mount of God, but he was in the still and small voice. There must be a voice, but it must be a small and still voice; enough to hold forth a certain and di­stinct sound, but not to make so great a noise, as to drown all other voices besides. It is good, it is usefull to hold forth a certain Confession of the Truth, but not so as thereby to exclude all those that cannot come up to it in all points, from the Privileges which belong to them as Christians, much less which belong to them as men.

For that other extream, that Gulf and Quick-sand, whereupon so many wretched Souls have made Shipwrack of Faith and a good Con­science, abandoning themselves to all looseness of Opinions, Principles and Practices, denying and Blaspheming the Lord that bought us, and the Holy Spirit that sanctified us, making a mock of Scriptures, of Heaven and Hell, and of all the Fundamentals of our most Holy Faith; I need not speak more to it, there is Testimonium rei in the Case, the things themselves speak loud enough to all sober Consciences, that they are intolera­ble.

Between these two, that Rock, and this Quick-sand, the Parliament, in their humble Petition and Advice, have most wisely and most Christian­ly steared their course; wherein if they shall constantly persevere, all good men in City, in Coun­try, in Army, and every where, nay, God himself will stand by them, and own them in it. And not only in matters of Religion, but also in our civil concerns and liberties, we have a very fair way traced out unto us by the Parliament, to set­tle and secure them both, and make the three Nations happy thereby, if some therein would but rectifie their Opinions, and bring them to things as God would have them, and not strive to bring things with so much hazard and difficulty to their Opinions; like one that being scorched with standing too near the fire, rather than stir an [Page 670] Inch from the place where he hath set down his foot, casts about for Masons and Work-men to pull the House down, that so he may set the Chimney further off from him. Give me leave to speak one word more in this familiar way of ex­pression, in the dialect, and to the sense and ex­perience of every plain Countrey-man.

The late Wars and Confusions had so trod and trampled down the Quick-wood, whereby the Hedge was made to fence in our Laws and Liber­ties, that there is a necessity of setting it over again.

Now some will admit of no other way, but to set the very same Old Plants in the very self same Old Bank, others run so far to the extream on the other side, that they will have none of the Old Sets, none of the Old Bank, no Bank at all, but will have their fence set upon a Level, and upon the plain Ground.

A third sort like a middle way, as on the one side not to meddle with the Old dry, and dead Bank (for that upon often Essays and Treaties it hath been found the Sets will not take in it) so on the other side, not to set them upon the Plain Ground, least the Beasts, and the Herds and Flocks should tread them down at every turn as they pass to and fro, according as their food or fancy leads them; but to place the Sets in two Tables upon a Bank raised up as before, but of a fresh and live Mould, and to make use of all Plants both Old and New, that will take to the fresh Ground and thrive in it; the Country-man finds this no ill Husbandry in his way, and we may find the like no ill Policy in our way; and truly if it please the Lord to water our new set Plants, with the Dews of Heaven, and that (by our own discord among our selves falling one from another, and from the Bank we stand upon) we do not open gaps for them, who would make a breach in our Mould: We have great opportunities and advantages by what the Parliament hath alrea­dy done, to settle a firm and lasting fence about our Liberties, both Civil and Spiritual; and such a one as no Beasts of the Field, neither great nor small, no Persons whatsoever neither high nor low, shall be able to pass through it, or get o­ver it, or tread it down.

But then we must beware and take heed of the subtle devices of such, who designing to de­stroy it, judge (and not without reason) they have no such time to compass their purpose, as to disturb and distract our settlement in the Infancy thereof, before the two Rows of Sets have taken deep root in the Bank, and before they be grown up together, and are interweaved and plashed one into the o­ther; for then they fear it will be too late to doe it: the Fence will be grown strong like a triple Cord which cannot easily be bro­ken, unless they can untwist it, and unravel it again; which after some time and conti­nuance, and the mutual intercourses of love and experience of each others usefulness to one another, and to the Commonwealth, it will not be easie for them to do.

Therefore we must have an Eye not onely to the wild Boars of the Forest, that they root not up our Fence, but also to the Foxes, those little Foxes which spoil the Vines, for our Vine hath tender Grapes. Let the chief Magistrate and the two Houses of Parliament esteem each other as bone of their bone, and flesh of their flesh; let them be of one heart, and like the form and figure of an heart, which though triangular, is but one heart. Let there be one Mind, one Soul, and one Spirit, that may act and animate the whole, and every part, and be whole in the whole, and whole in every part. Let one and the same good blood run in and through them all, and by a perpetual Circulation preserve the whole and every part in perfect unity, strength, and vigour.

This Constitution of a chief Magistrate and two Houses of Parliament, is not Pageantry, but a real and well measured advantage to it self, and to the Commonwealth; and so con­sonant to reason, that it is the very Emblem and Idea of Reason it self, which reasoneth and discourseth by a Medium between two Extreams. If there be two Extreams, and the one vary from the other, how shall they be reconciled, if there be no Medium to bring them together? Where one cannot prevail with one, two may with a third. Where one foot slippeth, indeed the other may help the bo­dy from falling, but if both be tript up, and it fall, what shall retain it, if there be not a third to put forth the hand to help it up a­gain? If one be assaulted, will not the other be concerned in it, and run to its de­fence? But if both be attempted and exposed to violence, will they not stand in need of a Protector? If some hazard must be run in popular Elections to preserve the Peoples Free­doms, may there not be some help therein, by the Election of the chief Magistrate, that it turn not at any time to its own prejudice? If any thing inconvenient should chance to slip out at one door, must it not pass two more be­fore it come abroad to the detriment of the People? How exact and of how great respect and authority will be all your Acts, Laws and Resolutions, when as after they have passed the Examination of that great Body which sees with the Eye of the three Nations, and is acquainted with the condition, and sensible of the necessities of every individual part there­of, they shall then pass a second scrutiny and be polished and refined by such, as during life shall make it their business either to fit them­selves for, or to be exercised in things of that [Page 671] nature; being also assisted by all the Reve­rend Judges of the Land, and other Learned Persons of that Robe, so oft as there shall be occasion to require their Advice; and when as after all this they must pass also the judg­ment and assent of the chief Magistrate, who is placed on high as upon a Watch-Tower, from whence he may behold at one view, and dis­cover the state of the whole Body-Politick, and every part thereof, and see not only near at hand, but also a far off, how it standeth in relation to foreign States, as well as to its own parts within it self.

I might enlarge much more upon this sub­ject, and it is not to be forgotten, that each House taking a more special care of what is most proper for it, and it most proper for, whilst the Representative of the Commons pro­videth and strengtheneth the Sinews of War, to preserve the Commonwealth from destructi­on in gross, by publick force and violence; the other House will preserve it from destru­ction by Retail, through the due administra­tion of Justice, suppressing particular Wrongs and Oppressions, which would soon break out into open Flames, and publick Rapines, if they were not prevented by the Courts of Judica­ture, whereof the highest and last resort is there. But I shall leave what is omitted in this Point to Time and Experience, which I am confident will speak more fully and more effectually, and convincingly, that the Tongue of any man can set forth.

And so I pass on to the last Point, and shall briefly touch upon some Difficulties and Impediments which we may meet with in our way. And the first that some may be in dan­ger to stumble at, is the apprehension of No­velty in this Constitution, because it is not in every Point agreeable to what was before. For removal hereof, let us consider, that nei­ther is the Condition of the Nation at pre­sent, as it was before; and it may be, it is not good it should be so, or at least, that it is not God's will it shall be so: it is rather little less than a Miracle, that after so great shakings and confusions, it should so soon come to that state that it is already in. And if we well and wisely consider how great variety of humours and judgments, and what different Interests and Powers these Wars have raised amongst us, and how differently placed and lodged from that which was before, it is no wonder if every one cannot have what he thinks best in his judgment to be done, but ought ra­ther to content himself with what he may think next best, to that which is first in his judgment, which probably may be best of all in its self; for that every one is a partial Judge as to that thing which hath taken the first impression in his mind, and so passed into a prejudicate opinion. But above all, we must have the peace and settlement of the Nations, Quacunque datâ viâ, as a Pole-Star before our Eyes, steering our course thereby, without giving Ear to the inchanting Songs of any Syrens, and without giving way to any sug­gestions of indignation, which proud flesh may assault our minds withall: But with generous resolutions press on to settlement, conquering our Temptations, and subduing our own Spi­rits, if in any thing at any time they shall rise against this work, whereby we shall gain more true honour before men, and before God, than if we had subdued a City, than if we had conquered a Nation; and indeed we shall doe no less thereby than preserve three Na­tions.

Another Difficulty ariseth unto us from the dissatisfaction of some of our ancient Friends, who have been, and might still be usefull to us in the Work which we have now in hand; which if it be not a greater difficulty unto us, than that of our secret and open Enemies (of whom I shall speak anon) it is a greater trou­ble and grief to us, because that we love them so much, and fear the other so little; not that they are not a formidable Enemy, but now by the conjunction of our late inbred E­nemy, with that old Enemy of our Nation and Religion, and of God himself, (who is our hope and chiefest help:) We shall have God a greater and a closer Friend unto us, because we have to doe with his greatest Enemies. But for those of our Friends who content themselves with their Privacy and Country Retirement in these great Difficulties of the Commonwealth; For the divisions of Reuben there are great thoughts of heart. Why abidest thou among the Sheepfolds to hear the bleating of the flocks? Surely for the divisions of Reuben there are great searchings of heart. How shall we bind up the wounds we receive in the house of our friend? What shall we doe for our sister that hath no breasts? That will afford no milk? If she be a Wall, we will build a palace of silver upon her; and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards of Cedar. If they will give to us any Foun­dation to work upon, we will build upon it, we will improve it; we will multiply Obliga­tions upon them, we will heap Coals of Fire upon their heads: If they will not let us fol­low them, let them follow us, we will either lead or follow in the work of God.

And if our Words cannot convince them, we will endeavour that our Works may doe it; and what we cannot doe our selves, we will pray to God to doe for us, and to find out ways which we cannot, to reunite our hearts and hands who have been engaged together in the same Cause, and are still imbarqued in the same Bottom, and must sink and swim, must run the same hazard and fortune together; I mean the same issue and event of God's Providence towards us, whether it be for good, or whether it be for evil. As to [Page 672] our Enemies both secret and open, they are con­tinually plotting and contriving to create us all the trouble that they can, and want not means for to effect it, our home-bred Enemies being now in conjunction with that our great foreign Enemy, who vaunt themselves of their King, that he possesseth more Riches, more Crowns, and more Dominions than ever any Christian Prince did, and that his Empire is ten times greater than that of the Great Turk, and larger than ever was that of the Romans; and that he might more justly than the Per­sian King, style himself King of Kings, Bro­ther of the Sun and Moon; and that the Sun never sets upon his Dominions, and the like. And yet to all these Riches, to all this Power, to all these Titles, we are not afraid to op­pose the One single Name of, The Lord, Our God; and if it do not diminish our Difficulty, yet it doth not a little ease our Minds, that all our Enemies are reduced unto that Head which professeth himself to be the Head of that Antichristian Faction which opposeth all the Christian Churches in the World, and would keep them and bring them under the Iron Yoak of his bloody Inquisition; and eve­ry blow that we shall level at that Head in way of defence or offence, will in some propor­tion redound to the advantage of all good Chri­stians throughout the World.

And now it would be very strange if all good men should not see, and be convinced what Thread it was that run all along through our Quarrel in the late Wars; and though at first it was more finely spun, and more closely wrought, that it could not so easily be discerned, yet now that it is unravelled to its Bottom, it more clearly discovers its Rise, by its Resort: And if the Interest of that Party shall be again en­throned amongst us, and brought in upon the Wings of that double-headed black Eagle, (or rather Vulture) What will become of the poor Lambs of Christ? What can we expect (but according to the agreement between them) a Toleration of Popery in England and Scot­land, and a Profession and Protection of it in Ireland, with an inundation of Looseness and Prophaneness on the one side, and of Tyranny and Oppression on the other.

We ought then to believe, and we have good ground to rest our Faith upon. But cum Deo movenda est manus, we ought so to believe, as though we had made no Provision at all; and yet we ought so to make Provision, in sub­serviency to Gods Providence, as if we did not believe at all. And his Highness doth ac­knowledge the great care and provision of the Parliament, for the carrying on of this War, in pursuance of their most Christian and truly English Spirit and Resolution, in owning that Quarrel against that old Enemy of their Re­ligion, and of their Nation. Yet I must ac­quaint you, That the Supplies granted have fallen short of the Commonwealths Necessities, because indeed they have fallen short of the Parliaments own expectations, according to the lowest estimate that they were reckoned at: Especially that of the New Buildings, wherein what have been the particular Obstructions, and what may be the proper Remedies; as also the full and perfect state of your Revenue, you will particularly understand from the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and such other Persons as his Highness will appoint to inform you therein, which cannot be expected at this time from me, who have already held you too long, and spent too much of your time, and tired out your patience, which you will have occasion enough to make use of to better pur­poses. This only I shall add before I conclude, That though I shall not, I must not, I dare not flatter Man in the presence of God (and his presence is more than ordinary in such Assem­blies as this) yet you all know, and the three Nations know, and all the Nations round a­bout us know, that the Quiet, Peace, and Wel­fare of these Nations, doth at present in great measure, under God, depend upon his High­ness life: And therefore with hearts and hands lifted up to Heaven, let us pray for the con­tinuance of it, and of the Influences of God's gracious Spirit upon his Mind and Heart, for the Weal and good Government of these Nations.

And, Sir, what ever you are, or shall be, what ever you have done, or shall doe, and what ever Abilities you are, or shall be en­dowed with, are not from, nor for your self, but from and for God, and for the good of men, and especially of God's people amongst men. To which ends, that you may lay forth your self and them, and improve all the Op­portunities, and employ all the Power which God hath put into your hands, is the Hope, is the Prayer of all good men. And in so doing, you shall have Comfort, you shall have Honour, and we shall have Safety, and we shall have Happiness; that happiness to see Truth and Peace, Justice and Mercy kiss each other, and Christ set upon his Throne in these Lands; not in that litteral and carnal way, which hath so much intoxicated the Brains and Minds of ma­ny in these our days, but in Spirit and in Truth; and more conformable to that which Christ himself hath pronounced, That his king­dom is not of this world. And yet must all the Kingdoms of the World be subservient to that World which is to come, to that Kingdom which is above. Whereupon having our eyes fixt, let us bend our course that way, with our faces thi­therward, discharging every one his duty in his place diligently and faithfully, and finishing the work which God hath appointed us to doe in this life, that in the life to come we may hear that sweet and blessed voice directed unto us, Come good and faithfull servants, enter into your masters joy.

[Page 673] 21. The House of Lords appointed a Commit­tee for Privileges, and a Committee for Petitions, and Anno 1658. Commit­tee. sent to the House of Commons for a Day of Humilia­tion to be appointed. The Messengers were two of the Judges, who all sate Assistants as formerly in the House of Lords.

25. Upon a Letter from the Protector to the Speaker of the House of Commons; they met his High­ness Protector. in the Banquetting-house, and he exhorted them to unity, and to the observance of their own Rules in the Petition and Advice; and gave them a state of the publick accounts, and good counsel.

27. Both Houses kept a Day of Humiliation with­in their own Walls.

28. The House of Lords sent a Message to the House of Commons three days past, by Judge Wind­ham, and Baron Hill; the House of Commons put off the Answer to that Message: Sir Arthur Hasilrigge and some others not allowing the House of Lords, and fomenting by their dissatisfied Spirits, a diffe­rence Divisions. betwixt the two Houses. This day they again put off their Answer to the Message, which caused distaste in the other House and Protector, and was contrary to what themselves had at their last Meet­ing assented unto.

30. The House of Lords taking into considera­tion the state of Affairs relating to foreign Princes and states, and particularly to Sweden; Whitelocke gave them a full account of his Negotiation in Sweden, and of the Interest of this Nation in rela­tion to Sweden; with which account the House seemed greatly satisfied.

The House of Commons again put off their An­swer to the Lords.

February, 1657.

2. The Debate of the Answer of the House of Commons to the Message of the Lords House was again adjourned.

3. The House of Lords sent another Message by two Judges, to the House of Commons, who told them they would send an Answer by Messengers of their own: And then the House of Commons (as formerly) took in Debate what Appellation they should give to the other House; many were a­gainst Other House. the calling of them the House of Lords; some were against the having of such another House, per­haps because they were not thought fit to be Mem­bers of it; and others were against it upon other fancies, and upon a Spirit of contradiction, and some spake reproachfully in the House of Com­mons of the other House.

All these Passages tended to their own destructi­on, which was not difficult to foresee. The Pro­tector looked upon himself as aimed at by them, though with a side-wind, and testimonies of their envy towards him; and he was the more incensed, because at this time the Fifth Monarchy-men began Fifth Mo­narchy-men. again their Enterprizes to overthrow him, and his Government by force; whereof there were clear discoveries: he therefore took a resolution sud­denly Parliament Dissolu­tion. to dissolve this Parliament.

He was disswaded from it, and told the danger of frequent dissolving of Parliaments, the streights it would bring him into for money, which he could not raise, without the highest discontent; except it were given by them: that a little time would cool these heats, and bring the Parliament into a better temper; but some fierce men, and flatterers to comply with him, advised the dissolving of them.

4. The Protector came to the House of Lords in the Morning, and caused the Usher of the Black April. Rod, to go to the House of Commons and acquaint them, that his Highness was in the Lords House, and there expected them. Thereupon the Speaker and the whole House came to the Lords House, where his Highness made a Speech to them, decla­ring several urgent and weighty Reasons, making it necessary for him, in order to the publick peace and safety, to proceed to an immediate dissolution of this Parliament. And accordingly his Highness dissolved the Parliament.

Some were troubled at this, others rejoyced at the troubles, and were suspected to be Assisters of the new Designs of Insurrection.

Divers were imprisoned upon the new Plot, and Plot. the Protector and his Council were busie in the Examinations concerning it: And Thurlo did them good service; Major General Harrison was deep Harrison. in it.

12. Divers seditious Books taken of the Con­spirators.

News of the King of Sweden's success in Lief­land against the Poles, and that by the Frost he mar­ched Sweden. his Troops of Horse over the Ice, cross an Arm of the Sea, and got by that means into the Isle of Fuenen, which he gained; that he lost only one Troop which was sunk by the breaking of the Ice, whilst the Troop were marching upon it.

16. The Contract was confirmed by the Coun­cil, touching Tonnage and Poundage, and the Ex­cise wherein the Commissioners of the Treasury took pains.

19. Whitelocke was much retired, and not satis­fied with the publick transactions.

March, 1657.

1. Applications from a Scotch Lord to the Pro­tector, to restore this Lord to a place in Scotland, from which he had been unjustly removed.

16. The Funeral of Alderman Wright.

17. The Cavalier Party were again at work up­on a new Design, whereof the Protector had In­telligence Plots. from abroad, and from some of the Ac­tors here; about this he advised, and sent for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, and ac­quainted them with it, and desired their care to put the City into a posture of defence.

18. A Petition and Representation was deli­vered to his Highness from the City of London, of their faithfulness and duty to him.

19. Divers the like Addresses were made from Addresses. General Monk's, and other Regiments, and his Highness answered them with thanks.

20. News of the Peace concluded between the Kings of Sweden and Denmark.

24. The Protector ordered 200 l. to be paid out of the Treasury to Manasseh Ben Israel the Jewish Rabbi.

April, 1658.

11. A Collection for the persecuted Protestants in Poland, and in Bohemia. Protest­ants.

[Page 674] 12. The Protector by Letters Patents made four Baronets.

17. The Protector advised about setting up a High Court of Justice, for tryal of the Conspirators now in Prison, he was advised rather to have High Court of Justice. them proceeded against in the ordinary course of Tryals at the Common Law: but his Highness was too much in love with the new way, and thought it to be the more effectual, and would the more terrifie the Offenders.

19. Several Addresses were made to the Pro­tector Addresses. from Regiments of the Army, and from the Forces in Mardike, with professions to adhere to him. The Protector in his Answer to some of them did impart to them, The present designs of the Enemy, that Commissions were sent over hither from the King of Scots, and that he had 4000 men in Flanders ready to be Imbarqued into England to joyn with his Party here, and Ships ready to transport them; and therefore it be­hoved all honest men to provide for a defence, and to joyn heartily together.

22. Thus the Protector's Party were full of unquietness and alarms, and yet it pleased God to keep up their Spirits from being daunted.

24. Whitclocke and the rest of the Commissioners of the Treasury, the Recorder of London, and the Masters of the Requests, or any two of them ap­pointed by the Council, a Committee to hear Ap­peals from Guernsey and Jersey, and to report their opinions therein to the Council.

27. The Commissi [...] of the Seal and of the Trea­sury, the Judges and many others were nominated Commissioners under the great Seal, for the tryal High Court of Justice. of the present Conspirators against the Protector and Governour; and Whitclocke was one of them, but he never sate with them, it being against his judgment.

May, 1658.

1. Serjeant Maynard was by Patent made his Highness Serjeant at Law.

13. Sir Roger Mostyn was secured, and a Prisoner to Colonel Carter at Conway.

15. Sir Roger Mostyns liberty was procured upon his Paroll, to be at his own house at Mostyn, enga­ging to doe nothing prejudicial to the present Govern­ment.

17. Sir John Borlace, and several others were secured at this time.

20. News of the Progress of the English and French Forces before Dunkirk.

21. Thirty Apprentices Prisoners in the Tower upon the new Plot were examined: It was advised that Lenity should be used towards them.

25. The Tryal of Dr. Hewet before the new Dr. Hewet. Commissioners of the High Court of Justice, this day; the Doctor did not carry himself prudently.

June, 1658.

5. Mr. Mordant one of the great Actors in the new Conspiracy, had favour from the Commissi­oners.

6. News of the total Defeat given to the Spanish Army which came to relieve Dunkirk, and of the July. Dunkirk. gallant Service performed by the English, wherein the Lord Ambassadour Lockart gained much ho­nour; 1200 Spaniards were slain, and 2000 taken prisoners; the English and French did gallantly.

8. Sir Henry Slingsby and Dr. Hewet were be­headed at Tower-hill.

9. Sir Humphrey Bennet being to be tryed for the new Conspiracy, Applications were made by his friends to the Commissioners of the High Court of Justice for favour to him, and his life was saved; but the kindness of his friends not remembred.

15. Audience to the Duke of Crequi and Mon­sieur D. Crequi. Mancini, sent from the King of France and from the Cardinal Mazarine to the Protector, to congratulate the Success of the King's and the Protector's joynt Forces, and to complement his Highness, who answered their Complements, and expressed like affection to the alliance with his Majesty of France.

21. Intelligence of the surrender of Dunkirk, and Dunkirk taken. that the King of France, the Cardinal, and General Lockart entred the Town with their Forces, and Lockart was put into the possession and command of it.

23. Whitelocke having been formerly employed by the Protector, together with Mr. Bond, and no others about a Proposal for betraying this Town, by the then Spanish Governour of it, unto the Pro­tector for money, which the Protector then refu­sed as a dishonourable Action; some Overtures were made to Whitelocke to be Governour of that place, upon Lockart's Imployment in other Servi­ces; but Whitelocke was not satisfied to undertake it, though it was a Command very honourable and profitable: nor was he ambitious of that Prefer­ment, or endeavouring to obtain it.

24. News of the taking of Bergen by the English and French.

26. Sir Thomas Widdrington was made Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer.

30. According to Whitelocke's former advice to the Protector, wherein Thurlo agreed, divers others of the new Conspirators were referred to be tryed at the Ʋpper Bench Bar, after the course of the Common Law.

July, 1658.

2. Several of the new Conspirators tryed, and found guilty.

6. Several of them were executed in London, and at Tyburn.

8. Mr. Hugh Peters related the Passages of Mar­dike and Dunkirk, where he preached to the Soul­diers.

14. Upon a Report from the Commissioners of the Treasury, the Protector and Council made se­veral Orders for bringing in money in arrear to the State.

17. Mr. Ryley the Herald, and Clerk of the Re­cords Records. in the Tower, promised great Service about the Calendring of the Records.

[Page 675] 18. The Protector was at Hampton Court, and his Council there with him.

21. The Protector kept a day of Thanksgiving for the Successes in Flanders.

24. News of the Siege of Gravelin by the English and French Forces.

August, 1658.

6. A general meeting of the Adventurers for Ireland.

7. News of the death of the Lady Elizabeth Cley­pole yesterday at Hampton Court; she was a Lady of Lady Cley­pole. excellent Parts, dear to her Parents, and civil to all persons, and courteous and friendly to all Gen­tlemen of her acquaintance; her death did much grieve her Father.

12. The Protector was ill at Hampton Court.

13. The Attorney Prideaux, and the Sollicitor General, were made Baronets. Baronets.

16. Mr. Robinson had a project to raise money for the Publick.

17. Sir John Winter had a Project of charking of Sea-coal, whereby it became as sweet Fuell as Wood or Charcoal, and he sent some of it with a Projects. new fashion'd Grate to several great men for a Tryal; but it came to nothing.

21. A Bill signed by his Highness for a Patent to make Whitelocke a Viscount, and in Secretary Thurlo's hand to be passed; but Whitelocke did not think it convenient for him.

22. Gravelin was delivered up to the French up­on Articles.

24. The Duke of Buckingham was apprehended D. Bucks. and committed to the Tower.

26. The Protector was sick at Hampton Court, as some thought of an Ague.

28. The Earl of Mulgrave, one of his Highness Earl Mul­grave dies. Council, died in the way as he was coming up to London.

September, 1658.

3. This day about Two a Clock in the After-noon, the Protector died at Hampton Court, the Protector dies. same day that he had before obtained the Victories at Dunbar, and at Worcester, he now went to rest in the Grave; after his many great Actions and Troubles, he now died quietly in his Bed: some were of opinion that he was poysoned.

Immediately upon his death the Council assem­bled, and being satisfied that the Protector in his life-time, according to the Petition and Advice, had declared his Son Richard to be his Successour, the Council caused the same to be proclaimed in a so­lemn Richard proclaim­ed. manner in London and Westminster; and they went the same day to Richard to acquaint him with it, and sent a Committee of the Council into the City to inform them hereof.

The Proclamation of Richard to be Lord Pro­tector, was made in London in the following words:

Whereas it hath pleased the most wise God in his Providence to take out of this world the most serene and renowned Oliver, late Lord Protector of this Common-wealth: And his Highness having in his life-time, ac­cording Septem. to the humble Petition and Advice, decla­red and appointed the most Noble and Illustrious, the Lord Richard, eldest Son of his said late Highness, to succeed him in the Government of these Nations; We therefore of the Privy Council, together with the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of London, the Offi­cers of the Army, and numbers of other principal Gen­tlemen, do now hereby with one full voice and consent of Tongue and heart, publish and declare the said No­ble and Illustrious Lord Richard, to be rightfull Pro­tector of this Common-wealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories there­unto belonging: To whom we do acknowledge all fide­lity and constant obedience according to Law And the said humble Petition and Advice, with all hearty and humble affections, beseeching the Lord, by whom Princes rule, to bless him with long life, and these Na­tions with peace and happiness under his Government.

  • Richard Chiverton, May­or.
  • Henry Lawrence, Presi­dent.
  • Nathaniel Fiennes, C. S.
  • John Lisle, C. S.
  • C. Fleetwood.
  • P. Lisle.
  • John Desbrough.
  • E. Mountague.
  • Gilb. Pickering.
  • C. Wolseley.
  • Philip Skippon.
  • William Sydenham.
  • Wal. Strickland.
  • Phil. Jones.
  • Jo. Thurloe.
  • Fauconberg.
  • Edw. Whaley.
  • W. Goff.
  • Tho. Cooper.
  • Oliver Flemming.
  • John Clerk.
  • Tho. Pride.
  • Edm. Prideaux.
  • Tobias Brigde.
  • Edw. Salmon.
  • Jo. Biscoe.
  • Waldine Lagoe.
  • John Mill.
  • E. Grosvenor, &c.
God save his Highness Richard, Lord Protector.

The Council gave the Oath to Richard, and with his consent another Proclamation was published for all that were Officers in his Father's time, to continue in their places.

8. The Master of the Ceremonies by Order of the Council, acquainted all foreign Ministers with the death of the late Protector, and the Succession of his Son Richard.

9. Letters of the Proclaiming of Richard to be Protector, in several of the chief Cities and Towns in England.

10. Of the Proclaiming of Richard Lord Protec­tor at Dunkirk.

Richard and his Council kept a Day of humilia­tion, and ordered the keeping of it at another time in London.

11. News of the King of Sweden's besieging of Copenhagen.

17. Mens minds were troubled at this change, and feared the consequences of it.

20. News of the surrender of the Castle of Cro­nenberg, by the Danes; to the King of Sweden.

25. Several Addresses came to the new Protec­tor, Addresses. declaring satisfaction in his succession, and reso­lution to adhere to him.

[Page 676] 28. News of good Service performed in Lief­land, by General Douglas; and of the King of Sweden's Successes in Denmark.

October, 1658.

2. An Address from the Sea-Officers, acknowledg­ing Richard, and protesting to stand by him; and from General Monk and his Officers in Scotland.

4. News of the taking of Ipre by the English and French in Flanders.

5. Addresses to Richard from Portsmouth.

6. An Address from the French, Dutch, and Ita­lian Churches in London.

7. The Gentlemen and Freeholders of Bucking­hamshire, having framed an Address to Richard, wherein most of the principal Gentlemen were en­gaged: When they had got it signed, they pitched upon Whitelocke to present it; whom a great num­ber of them accompanied to Richard with the Ad­dress, Richard. and were quickly admitted to his presence: Whitelocke with a short Speech presented it to him, and Richard made a very good prudent Answer, and thanked the Gentlemen for their affections.

10. Letters from Bergen ap Zoam, of the news of those parts, and of their great Fleet, and as­sisting the King of Denmark against the King of Sweden.

23. Mr. Fell died, he was a good Lawyer and a good man, he served the Parliament as a Souldier, and they made him Commissioner of the Seal for Lancaster, and second Justice of Chester.

15. Several Addresses to Richard from the Con­gregational Churches, and from divers Cities and Counties.

18. Audience given by Richard to the French French Ambassa­dour. Ambassadour, when Richard did carry himself dis­creetly, and better than was expected.

19. An Envoy from the King of Sweden to Ri­chard, to congratulate his Succession, had Audi­ence, and from him news of the continuance of the Siege of Copenhagen.

22. By advice of the Commissioners of the Trea­sury, order was taken for the bringing in of money for the Souldiers.

24. Several other Addresses were made to Ri­chard.

27. A general Address to Richard from Berk­shire.

28. Addresses from the Sea-Officers and Ma­riners.

Novem. 1658.

3. An Address to Richard from Oxfordshire.

8. News of the Fight at Sea, betwixt the Swedes and the Dutch, who came to relieve Copenhagen, Sea-fight. Admiral Wrangell behaved himself very gallantly; and the Swedes had much the better in the Fight: but whilst the Swedish Ships were engaged, the Mer­chantmen got by, and brought the desired Relief to Copenhagen.

13. Sr. Gustavus du Val, Envoye from the King of Sweden, had Audience, and took his leave of Novem. Richard.

16. Addresses to Richard from the Officers of the Army, presented by Desborough.

18. Whitelocke constantly attended the business of the Treasury, and the Lord chief Baron with him; but the Commissioners, General Mountague and Col. Sydenham were often absent, by reason of their attendance upon the Council.

20. The Officers of the Army attended Richard, and made large professions to him of their obedi­ence and faithfulness; and he courted them at a high rate.

23. The Funeral of the old Protector was cele­brated Oliver's Funeral. with great Solemnity; The Officers of State, the Council, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, the House of Lords, the Officers of the Army, the Servants of the Protector, the Judges and Officers of Law, the Citizens of London, the Souldiers in their Troops and Companies, the or­dinary Guards, and an infinite number of Specta­tors within the Rails of the Streets, and in the Windows. At this Solemnity were also present the foreign Ministers and Ambassadours.

25. More Addresses were presented to Richard from several Counties.

26. Richard knighted General Morgan, a very gallant person.

27. Serjeant Windham and Serjeant Nicholas were made Judges, and Mr. Archer was made a Serjeant.

29. Several Audiences were given by Richard to foreign Ministers sent to him from neighbour Prin­ces and States, to condole the death of his Father, and to Congratulate his Succession to the Govern­ment.

December, 1658.

4. Richard by advice of his Council resolved to call a Parliament to meet on the 27th day of Janu­ary next.

6. Richard knighted Captain Beke.

9. More Addresses were made to Richard.

19. New Addresses to Richard.

January, 1658.

21. Letters from the Mayor and Aldermen of Oxford, for assistance to suppress some unruly per­sons Oxford. in the City.

27. The Parliament met.

30. Whitelocke met about the business of the Great Seal, whereof he was now again made a Gr. Seal. Commissioner. Richard had a particular respect for him, and upon the 22th day of this Month, by advice of some near to him, without any seeking for it by Whitelocke, he was sent for to Whitehall, where he met the two Lords Commissioners of the Seal, Fiennes and L'Isle, and they together being called in to the Council-chamber, the Great Seal was delivered to his Highness sitting in Council, [Page 677] and his Highness presently delivered it to Fiennes, L'Isle and Whitelocke, as Keeper of the Great Seal of England.

This passage was wondred at by many, and some thought that Fiennes desired it, finding L'Isle not so capable of executing that place as was expected, and his want of experience in that business, and multitude of other occasions, and his attendance on Richard, and the Council, made him willing to have Whitelocke's help in the business of the Seal.

31. Mr. Challoner Chute was chosen Speaker of Parliam. Speaker. this Parliament, an excellent Orator, a man of great parts and generosity; whom many doubted that he would not join with the Protector's Par­ty, but he did heartily.

The Members of the House of Lords took their places, being summoned by the like Writ as they had before, according to the Petition and advice.

February, 1658.

3. Order for the Commissioners of the Treasu­ry to give an account to the House of the State of the publick Treasure.

4. A Fast Day kept in both Houses.

8. The House of Commons debated the Bill of Recognition of his Highness to be Lord Protector; Recogni­tion. and some were very cross in that business, which caused doubts of the good issue of this Parliament.

9. The Members returned for Scotland and Ire­land to serve in this Parliament, appeared very full.

10. The House voted several Members unca­pable to sit, because they had been in Arms a­gainst the Parliament.

11. Mr. Tussel an Attorney, was shot into the Head with a brace of Bullets from the other side of the Street, as he fate in his Chamber, and died presently, who did it, was not known.

11. Letters from the Earl of Stamford to White­locke, complaining of his being put out of Commission of the Peace, and the like done to other persons of Quality, and of mean men being put into Commission, who insult over their betters; and desiring Whitelocke, now being restored to the custody of the Seal (for which all good men rejoyced) to consider of, and amend such things.

16. The House were busie in debate upon the Act of Recognition, Mr. Sherwyn, who was a Mem­ber of the House was ordered to bring in the state of the account of the publick Treasure, delivered to him by the Commissioners of the Treasury.

17. Mr. Sherwyn delivered in this account, which was very exact, the Commissioners of the Treasury, and Mr. Sherwyn having taken great pains about it.

19. Vote of the House of Commons to take in­to consideration the constitution of the Parlia­ment in two Houses.

This caused much discourse and doubts of many, Divisions. least a disagreement should follow; and some of the Court and Relations of Richard were not back­ward to promote a difference.

22. The bounds and limits of the other House Other House. were debated, and the debate adjourned.

25. Whitelocke had fair Quarter with Fiennes and L'Isle in the business of the Seal, but the greatest April. burden of the place lay upon Whitelocke.

26. Several Addresses were made to Richard, from several Towns and Places, during the sitting of the Parliament.

March, 1658.

1. The Commons voted the question to transact with the persons now sitting in the other House, as an House of Parliament, should be debated.

4. Debate, touching the other House.

8. The Commons voted that their debate about transacting with the other House, should be no bar to such Peers as have faithfully served the Parlia­ment.

9. The Speaker Mr. Chute being ill, Sir Lillisbone Speaker. Long was chosen to supply his place in his absence.

10. Several Addresses to Richard from Regi­ments of the Army.

16. Sir Lillisbone Long the Speaker pro tempore not being well, Mr. Bamfield was chosen Speaker pro tempore.

Sir Lillisbone Long died, a very sober discreet Gentleman, and a good Lawyer.

19. Some Members of the House by order, went from the House to visit their Speaker Mr. Chute which was a great Honour to him; and he had so much gained the affection of the House, that he swayed much with them.

23. Letters of the Peace betwixt the Kings of Sweden and Denmark.

26. Letters, that in the Countrey the News was that the Parliament should be dissolved, and that Troops of Horse were met marching to London.

Vote of the Commons to restore Major General Brown to his places in London.

28. The Commons voted to transact with the persons sitting in the other House, as an House of Parliament, saving the right of the Peers, who had been faithfull to the Parliament; this gave hopes to some of an agreement, against which many la­boured.

29. A Bill for taking away the Excise, and Tun­nage and Poundage, after the Protector's death, which stumbled his Friends.

30. The Commons voted a Day of Humiliation to be kept in the three Nations.

April, 1659.

Anno 1659 5. The Title of the Declaration for the Fast, Title. was voted to be of the Protector and both Houses of Parliament.

Haslerigge, and Henry Nevil, and their Flock were a great cause of disturbance in this Parlia­ment.

The Commons voted, That in all messages to, and Other House. Conferences with the other House, equal Ceremonies should be used, and no other respect observed by the Members of this House, than what is observed by the Members sitting in the other House.

[Page 678] 6. The Dutch assisted the King of Denmark, and the English assisted the King of Sweden.

14. On the sixth of this Month, a Representati­on was signed by all the Officers of the Army, and afterwards presented to his Highness, setting forth their want of pay, the insolencies of the Enemies, and Army. their designs, together with some in power, to ruin the Army, and the good Old Cause, and to bring in the E­nemies thereof, to prevent which, and to provide against free quarter, they desire his Highness to advise with the Parliament, and to provide effectual remedy. Now there being yet nothing done hereupon, the Soul­diers began to speak high and threatning.

This was the beginning of Richard's fall, and set Richard. on foot by his Relations; Desborough who married his Aunt, and Fleetwood who married his Sister, and others of their Party; and the Parliament disputed about the other House, but took no course to provide money, but exasperated the Army, and all those named of the other House.

The Commons sent up the Declaration for a publick Fast to the other House, who answered that they would take it into further consideration; and the Lord Commissioner Fiennes and the rest, went to the Bar to receive the Message.

The Speaker Mr. Chute died, an eminent man in Chute dies. his profession. Mr. Bamfield was chosen Speaker.

The Quakers delivered a Paper to the Speaker, Quakers. seconding the Representation of the Army, and adding to it; and the Houses answer was, that they disliked the scandals therein cast upon the Magistracy, and Ministry, and ordered them to resort to their Ha­bitations, and apply themselves to their callings, and submit to the Laws and Magistracy of the Nation.

17. His Highness sent for the Officers of the Army, and had conference with them.

The Commons sent up to the other House seve­ral Votes derogatory to that House, and distast­full to the Army.

20. A Representation from the Officers of the trained Bands of London to his Highness, of the danger from the publick Enemy, and seconding the Representation of the Army.

21. The Parliament grew into heats, Haslerigge and Nevil, and their party laboured to overthrow the Government by a Protector and two Houses of Parliament, and pretended to have a free Com­monwealth, divers Officers of the Army joyned with them; Desborough, Fleetwood, Sir Henry Vane, Berry and others, endeavoured to lessen Richard's power, and some of them were for al­tering the Government, and Lambert who had been discontented, closely wrought for that end.

Richard advised with the Lord Broghill, Fiennes, Thurloe, Wolseley, Whitelocke, and some others, whether it were not fit to dissolve the present Par­liament, Dissoluti­on Parliam. most of them were for it, Whitelocke doubted the success of it, and wished a little lon­ger permission of their sitting, especially now they had begun to consider of raising money, whereby they would engage the Souldiery; but most were for the dissolving of the Parliament, in regard of the present great dangers from them, and from the Cavaliers who now flocked to London, and un­der hand fomented the Divisions.

22. By Commission under the Great Seal, to Fiennes and others, this Parliament was dissolved; and a Proclamation issued to declare it dissolved; which caused much trouble in the minds of many honest men, the Cavaliers and Republicans rejoyced at it. May.

Richard and his Council sate close to consult what was fit to be done, and among them were many Enemies to Richard and his Government.

23. Many were much troubled at these changes and unsettledness.

24. A Proclamation for all Papists and Cavaliers to depart twenty miles from London.

27. Lambert and other Officers of the Army, Lambert. consulted how they might again bring in the old Members of the Parliament, whom themselves had before thrust out.

May, 1659.

3. Richard was abused and betrayed by his near Relations, and those of his Council; Whitelocke was wary what to advise in this matter, but de­clared his judgment honestly, and for the good of Richard, when his advice was required.

4. The Souldiers and their party grew high in Army. their imagined designs, that some could not for­bear their Scoffs.

5. News of Sir George Ayscoughs favour with the King of Sweden.

All matters were at a stand, the Army had thoughts of raising money without a Parliament, Money. but upon advice, they durst not adventure upon it, they thought it a safer way to restore the Mem­bers of the long Parliament.

The Great Officers of the Army were advised to consider better of their design of bringing in the Members of the Old Parliament, who were most Long Par­liament. of them discontented for their being formerly broken up by Cromwel, and did distast the procee­dings of the Army; and whether this would not probably more increase the Divisions, and end in bringing in of the King; but the Officers had resolved on it.

6. Fleetwood, and the General Council of the Fleetwood. Officers of the Army published a Declaration, inviting the Members of the long Parliament, who continued sitting till April 20th, 1653. to return to the exercise, and discharge of their trust.

The Declaration was as followeth.

THE publick concernments of this Commonwealth Declarati­on. being, through a vicissitude of dangers, delive­rances and backslidings of many, brought into that state and posture wherein they now stand, and our selves also contributing thereunto, by wandring di­vers ways, from righteous and equal paths; and al­though there hath been many essays to obviate the dan­gers, and to settle these Nations in peace and prospe­rity, yet all have proved ineffectual; the only wise God in the course of his providence disappointing all endeavours therein.

And also observing to our great grief, that the good Spirit which formerly appeared amongst us, in the carrying on of this great work, did daily decline, so as the Good old Cause it self became a reproach; We have been led to look back and examine the cause of the Lords withdrawing his wonted presence from us, and where we turned out of the way, that through mercy we might return and give him the glory.

And among other things, call to mind, that the long Parliament consisting of the Members which continued there sitting untill the 20th of April, 1653. were emi­nent [Page 679] Assertors of that Cause, and had a special pre­sence of God with them, and were signally blessed in that work, (the desires of many good people concurring with ours therein) we judge it our duty to invite the afore­said Members to return to the exercise and discharge of their trust, as before the said twentieth day of A­pril, 1653.

And therefore we do hereby most earnestly desire the Parliament consisting of those Members who conti­nued to sit since the Year 1648. until the 20th of April 1653. to return to the exercise and discharge of their Trust, and we shall be ready in our places, to yield them, as becomes us, our utmost Assistance to sit in safety; for the improving present opportunity, for setling and secu­ring the peace and freedom of this Commonwealth, pray­ing for the presence and blessing of God upon their en­deavours.

Signed by direction of the Lord Fleetwood, and the Council of Officers of the Army. Tho. Sandford Secretary.
May 6. 1659.

[...]ambert, Berry, Cooper, Haslerigge, Lilburn, Ash­field, Salmon, Zanchey, Kelsey, Okey, Blackwell, Haynes, Allen, Packer, and Pierson, went to the old Speaker Lenthal with this Declaration to the Rolls, Lenthal. and presented it to him; and divers of the Mem­bers of the long Parliament came thither afterwards to advise with the Speaker, and declared their willingness to meet again; which they appointed to Morrow-morning in the Painted-Chamber.

7. They met accordingly, and in a body went together to the House, Lambert guarding them Long Par­liament. with Souldiers. Then they passed a Declaration touching their Meeting, and their purpose to secure the Property and Liberty of the people, both as Men, Declara­tion. and as Christians, and that without a single Person, Kingship, or House of Peers, and to uphold Magistra­cy and Ministry.

8. A Sermon was Preached in the House by Dr. Owen.

9. The House appointed a Committee of Safety, most of them Souldiers, except Vane and Scot; and Commit­tee of Safety. ordered, that all Officers should be such as feared God, and were faithfull to the Cause.

Letters of General Monk to Fleetwood, of the Monk. Concurrence of the Army in Scotland, with the Army at London.

Letters ordered to be sent to the particular Mem­bers of this Parliament to come and discharge their duty.

11. An Act passed for the continuing of Sheriffs, Justices of Peace, &c. in England, and in Scotland, and Ireland.

12. An Address to the Parliament, with their Addresses. Desires in it, from many in and about London, and their Protestation to stand by this Parliament.

The like Address to this Parliament from the Officers of the Army.

These Passages gave the more hopes to many, that this Parliament thus restored, might be bles­sed of God, for settling the Peace and Liberty of the Nation; and the more because they were upon the first right & foundation of that long Parliament, which had done so great things: and therefore di­vers were the better satisfied to go on with them.

13. The Parliament named a Council of State, Council of State. and several Gentlemen, not Members of the House, were also of it: their Names were as followeth.

Thomas Lord Fairfax, M. G. Lambert, Col J. Des­borough, Col. James Bury, John Bradshaw Serjeant at▪ Law, Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, Sir Horatio Townsend, Sir Arthur Haslerigge, Sir Henry Vane, L. G. Ludlow, L. G. Fleetwood, Major Salwey, Col. Morley, Mr. Scot, Mr. Wallop, Sir James Harrington, Col. Wanton, Col. Jo. Jones, Col. Sydenham, Col. Sydney, Mr. Nevil, Mr. Thomas Chaloner, Colonel Downes, Lord chief Justice St. John, Col. Thompson, Lord Commissioner Whitelocke, Col. Dixwell, Mr. Reynolds, Josiah Barners, Sir Archibold Johnson, Sir Robert Honywood.

14. An Act for a new Great Seal, different from Gr. Seal. that whereof Fiennes, L'Isle, and Whitelocke were Commissioners; and so their Office ceased.

15. Newdigate, Atkins, Archer, and Parker were made Judges, and Easter Term was continued.

16. An Act passed appointing Judges for Pro­bate Acts. of Wills. Applications from Mr. Nathaniel Bacon and his Brother, about the payment of their Salary, as Masters of the Requests to the Protector, and Serjeant Lynne about his Arrears of his Salary.

Votes passed for Pay of the Army and Navy, and for Sale of Whitehall and Somerset-house. Votes.

17. Address to the Parliament from the Army in Scotland.

Right honourable,

THat a Nation may be born in a day, is a truth which this days experience witnesseth unto us a­gainst all the dictates of humane Reason; and that a glorious Cause, whose Interest was laid low (even in the dust) should be in one day restored to its life and lustre, when almost all the Asserters of it had so mani­festly declined it by a defection of many years, cannot be imputed to less than the greatest and most powerfull manifestation of the Arm of God, that ever this, or former Generations saw, or heard of.

In the sense of this. (the greatest of our Temporal Mercies) we now come to address to your Honours, as those whose presence we have so long wanted, that had you staid but a little longer, it might have been left to be enquired what England was; we mean, what was become of that People, by whom God for so many years filled the World with so much admiration and ter­rour. But though this great Work be (as most justly it ought to be) wonderfull in our eyes, yet when we consider its Author, who calls things that are not, as if they were, bringeth down to the Pit, and raiseth up again: we see that nothing is difficult to Faith and the Promises of God are sure and stable, even then, when in the eye of man no less than impossible

We cannot but acknowledge to our exceeding great sorrow and shame, that our selves (though we hope most of us, through weakness and frailty not out of design) have very much contributed to those Provo­cations, which have caused God to depart from our Israel; and we could hear [...]ily wish that even amongst those that help to make up your own number, there had not been an helping hand to this sad and deplorable work: But we see when God's hour is come, and the time of his people's deliverance (even the set time is at hand) he cometh skipping over all the Mountains of sin and unworthiness that we daily cast in the way.

We are not willing to detain your Honours too long upon this subject; and therefore besecching the God of all our Mercies, to heal the backslidings of his people, and not to charge unto their account, in this his day of their deliverance, their miscarriages, whilst they were [Page 680] wandering in dark and slippery places, after the i­maginations of their own hearts: we with all bumi­lity and affection in the first place congratulate you in this your happy hestauration to the Government of these Nations, which God was pleased once so to own in your hands, as to make you both the praise and won­der of the Earth, the glory and rejoycing of his People, and the terrour of your Adversaries; and we acknow­ledge it a singular condescention in you, in this day of [...] great difficulties, to take upon you so heavy a bur­then. And sceing his late Highness hath been pleased to manifest so much self-denial and love to his Country, in appearing for the Interest thereof against his own; we humbly intreat that some speedy care may be taken for him and his family, (together with her Highness Dowager) that there may be such an honourable Pro­vision settled upon them, and such other Dignities as are suitable to the former great Services of that Family to these Nations.

And in the next place we cannot but humbly beseech you, now you have an opportunity, than which a fitter your hearts did never pray for, to finish the work of Re­formation that hath been so long upon the wheel, and met with so great Obstructions; that you would not heal the wound of the daughter of God's people slightly, but make so sure and lasting provision for both their christian and civil Rights, as that both this and future Generations may have cause to rise up, and call you Blessed, and the blackest of Designs may never be able to c [...]st dirt in your faces any more; and as helpfull to these two great Concernments, Religion and Liberty, we humbly propose unto your mature consideration these two Desires.

First, That you would be pleased to countenance God­liness, and all the sincere Professors thereof, encourage an able and laborious Ministry, and suffer no other Yoak to be imposed upon the Consciences of God's people, than what may be agreeable to the word of God; and that you would be a terrour to all impious, prophane, and licentious people whatsoever.

Secondly, That you would so vindicate and assert the Native [...]ights and Liberties of these Nations, in and by the Government of a Free State, that there may not be the voice of an oppressed one in our Land, but that all may enjoy the blessed fruits of your righteous and peaceable Government. And for the prevention of all possibility for ambitious Spirits ever to work their ends against you; we humbly desire you to be very carefull, as well what persons you entrust with the management of the Armies and Navies of this Commonwealth, as of the measure of that Power and Authority you depart with to them, or substitute in them. Touching the qualifications of the Persons, we desire they may be truly godly and conscientious. Touching the measure of their Authority, that it may be adequate to the nature and being of a Commonwealth. And whilst you are thus pleading and asserting the Interest of God and his People, you may rest assured with greatest confidence, that we shall appear in your defence, and the vindica­tion of your Authority, against the opposition of all Ar­bitrary Powers whatsoever.

And to that blessed and All-powerfull God, who is able to spirit you for this great work; you are, and shall daily be recommended in the prayers of,

Your most loyal and most Obedient Servants,
  • George Monk.
  • Thomas Read.
  • Ralph Cobbet.
  • Tim. Wilks.
  • Robert Read.
  • John Cloberry.
  • Abra. Holmes.
  • Henr. Dorney.
  • Dan. Davison.
  • Rich. Heath.
  • Mi. Richardson.
  • J. Hubbelthorn.
  • Tho. Johnson.
  • P. Crisp.
  • He. Brightman.
  • Phil. Watson.
  • Tho. Dean.
  • Jerem. Smith.
  • Will. Davis.
  • James Wright.
  • Jos. Wallinton.
  • Will. Helling.
  • Ethelb. Morgan
  • Rob. Winter.
  • John Paddon.
  • Anthony Now­ers.

18. Order to refer it to the Members of the House of the Council of State, or any five of them, to consider of the Union between Scotland and Eng­land, and to prepare an Act for it. Whitelocke was Scotland. by the Council particularly desired to take care of Union. this business.

VVhitelocke had private Intimation from Fleet-wood, that Scot had Intelligence that Whitelocke kept a Correspondence with the King of Scots, or some Scot. of his Ministers; and that Scot intended to charge Whitelocke with it at the Council: and therefore Fleetwood did advise Whitelocke, that if it were so, that he should forbear coming to the Council, and Fleetwood would take care that nothing should be further done against him; but if that Whitelocke were innocent, he might use his discretion.

Whitelocke wondered at this, knowing his own innocency, and therefore he did not absent him­self from the Council; but Scot in a cunning way represented his Intelligence to the Council, from Intelli­gence. one of his Spies beyond Sea, who wrote him word, That Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper and Whitelocke Sir Anth. Cooper. had Correspondence with Sir Edward Hyde beyond Seas: And this Intelligencer was a beggerly Ir [...]sh Fryar.

Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper made the highest pro­fessions that could be of his Innocency, denying that ever he had any Correspondence with the King, or with Sir Edward Hyde, or any of the King's Ministers or Friends; and his Expressions were so high, that they bred in some the more sus­picion of him: but at this time he was believed, and what followed afterwards is known.

Whitelocke positively denied any Correspondence with the King, or with Hyde, or any of the King's Party, and desired no favour, if they could prove any such thing against him, and moved to know his Accuser; but that was waved, and Whitelocke admitted in his Imployment of one of the Council of State.

19. The House appointed Judges of the Admi­ralty for six weeks.

20. Order for a Day to be kept of publick Hu­miliation.

Letters that the Jews were destructive to our Trade.

21. Votes of the Parliament for a free Common-wealth, Votes. without a single Person, Kingship, or House of Pears: And for maintaining Magistracy and Mi­nistry, and regulating of Law and Equity.

23. Vote for the Speaker Lenthall to be Keeper of the Great Seal for eight days. Gr. Seal.

24. An Ambassadour had publick Audience in the House, in great solemnity.

25. The House having sent a Committee to Ri­chard, Richard. to know whether he would acquiesce in the pre­sent Proceedings; and that they would provide for the payment of his Debts, and an honourable subsistence for himself and his family. They returned with his An­swer under his hand, That he would acquiesce: and sent a List of his Debts.

26. Several Addresses were made to the House, and they referred Matters touching the Forces, and Addresses. the Navy, and the Prize-goods to the Council of State.

27. Reference to the Council of State to pro­ceed in the Treaty with the Dutch.

[Page 681] 28. An Address to the Parliament from Bucks.

The House considered of settling the Offi­cers of Fleetwood's Regiment; this began to give some distaste to the Officers of the Army, that the Parliament should not trust them in this business, Army. but do it themselves.

A Committee named to prepare an Act of In­demnity and Oblivion.

29. Letters of the present state of Affairs in Ire­land, Ireland. from the Lord Broghill, and of my Lord's joyning with this Parliament.

30. Addresses from the North to Fleetwood and the Army.

The House proceeded upon the Act of In­demnity.

31. Votes for addition of Pay to the Souldiers about London.

Order for sequestring the Profits of the Keeper of the Great Seal, for the use of the Common-wealth; Gr. Seal. and that the Chancery be throughly re­formed and regulated.

June, 1659.

1. The Council of State ordered Whitelocke to draw a Letter to General Mountague, about the busi­ness of the Navy.

The House proceeded about the Act of Indem­nity.

An Address from the Common Council of Lon­don to the Parliament, who gave them thanks for London Address. their good Affections.

3. Bradshaw, Tyrell and Fountain, were voted to be Commissioners of the Great Seal for five Gr. Seal. Months.

4. An Address from the County of Kent, ans­wered with thanks.

An Act past for constituting of Bradshaw, Tyrell and Fountain, Commissioners of the Great Seal, and the Oath was administred, and the Great Seal deli­vered to them in the House.

It was reported that Whitelocke, Fiennes and L'Isle, were not continued Commissioners of the Seal, be­cause the House Resolved, That the Commissioners should not be Members of the House.

Vote for Fleetwood to be Lieutenant General of the Forces. Fleetwood.

5. At the Council of State Whitelocke, and Colo­nel Sydney, and Sir Robert Honywood, were named to go Commissioners to the Zound, to mediate a Peace Zound. Sweden and Den­mark. between the Kings of Sweden and Denmarke; White­locke was not willing to undertake this service, espe­cially to be joyned with those who would expect precedency of him, who had been formerly Ambas­sador Extraordinary to Sweden alone; and he knew well the overruling temper and height of Colonel Sidney, he therefore endeavoured to excuse himself, by reason of his Old Age, and Infirmities, but the Council pressed it upon him.

6. Vote, That all Commissions to Officers of the Ar­my, be signed by the Speaker; And this distasted the Army. Army. The like for the Officers of the Navy. Votes.

Vote, That this Parliament shall not continue longer than May 7th, 1660.

7. Referred to the Council of State, to take care for the next Circuits.

Votes for Commissioners for Ireland, and recal­ling of Colonel Henry Cromwell.

8. Colonel Hacker and his Officers had their Commission given them by the Speaker at the June. Table in the House, and likewise several of the Sea Captains.

9. Upon a Letter from Bradshaw, the House dis­pensed with his attendance as a Commissioner of the Seal, during his Indisposition of health.

Fleetwood and other Officers had their Commissi­ons in the House.

An Address from the Town of Aylesbury.

10. Referred to the Council of State, to put in Colonel Fitch Lieutenant of the Tower, this was Ha­slelrigg's Haslerigge. Creature, and to put him in that place of­fended the City.

11. Lambert and his Officers took their Com­missions from the House.

Reference to the Council of State, to treat with the Ambassador of the States.

13. Order for the Council to bring in names for Judges for next Circuit, and for them to prepare Instructions for Lockart, to go Ambassador into Lockart. France.

Commissions given in the House to more Of­ficers.

14. A Committee named to give audience to an Agent from Hamburg.

More Officers had their Commissions in the House, and an Address was presented from Bed­fordshire.

16. The business of the Agents of the Hans Towns in Germany, referred to the Council of State.

Judges voted by the House for this Summers Cir­cuit, and Tyrell, Fountain and others Voted to be Serieants at Law.

Divers Officers received their Commissions in the House.

17. Vote to send a Publick Minister into Holland, and the Council to prepare Instructions.

Colonel Sydenham and other Officers, took their Commissions from the Speaker.

18. Reference to a Committee, touching a Grant to Colonel Overton, of five hunder pounds, per ann. Overton. out of the Earl of Levens Estate.

20. Judges Voted for this Summers Circuit, and referred to the Council to take care, that the People be not wronged by Bayliffs and Juries.

Order for a Bill to reform abuses in Clerks, At­turnies, Sollicitors and Lawyers; and many Orders for monies.

21. Several Addresses to the Parliament. Addresses.

Letters of high complement from General Monk Monk. to Whitelocke, and that the conduct of the Ʋnion be­twixt England and Scotland being left to Whitelocke, he wished he might see him there.

22. Addresses to the Parliament.

Sea Officers took their Commissions from the Speaker.

Whitelocke got excused from going one of the Commissioners to the Zound.

Letters from Colonel Henry Cromwell in Ireland, of his Submission to this Parliament; and an Ad­dress from the Army there.

[...]
[...]

[Page 682] 23. The business of the Envoy from the King of Sweden, and the other of the Dutch, referred to the Council.

24. Whitelocke, Sir Henry Mildway, and Sir John Trevor, appointed to attend the French Ambas­sador to his audience to morrow. French Ambassa­dour.

Divers Addresses to the House, and Divers Officers took their Commissions from the Spea­ker.

25. Vote that the Speaker be Custos Rotulorum of Oxon and Berks.

27. Upon a Petition against Tithes, the House vo­ted, Tythes. That for the Incouragement of a Godly Preaching, learned Ministry throughout the Nation, the payment of Tithes shall continue as now they are, unless this Parlia­ment shall find out some other more equal and comfortable maintenance both for the Ministry and satisfaction of the People.

Addresses from Ireland to the House.

Some Friends to the Commissioners of the Seal propounded that all might take out a General Par­don.

28. Instructions voted for the Plenipotentiaries Zound. going to the Zound.

30. Mr. Downing voted to go Agent into Hol­land.

Several Commissions given in the House to Offi­cers of the Army.

July, 1659.

1. Vote for Steel and Corbet to be Serjeants at Law, and the Instructions agreed for the Commis­sioners for Ireland.

Several Officers received their Commissions.

2. The Publick Ministers of the Kings of Sweden and of Denmarke, and of the Duke of Holstein re­ferred to the Council of State for their audience.

4. Vote, to exempt Richard Cromwell from all Ar­rests Richard. for Debts.

5. Order for clearing of White-hall from any Lodging there, except Members of Parliament and Council of State.

The Bill of Indemnity still in debate.

6. Vote, to stop the Sale of Hampton Court. H. Cromwel

Henry Cromwell gave an account to the Council of State of the condition of Affairs in Ireland.

7. Colonel Desborough and other Officers, recei­ved their Commissions in the House.

9. Colonel Alured, appointed Captain of the C. Alured. Life-guard, to the Parliament and Council.

Several Officers took their Commissions.

Mr. Hugh Windham, made a Judge.

11. Several Officers took their Commissions.

12. Audience for the Portugal Ambassador.

13. Commissions received in the House.

14. Act of Indemnity published, and several Acts Indemnity for several Militia's in London, and in Counties.

Sir John Gore, suspected to be in a Plot against the Parliament.

15. More Officers received their Commissions in the House, and the House settled the Militia in July. Richard' s debts. several Counties.

16. Order for a way to pay Richard Cromwells Debts being in all, 29640 l. and referred to a Com­mittee to provide a comfortable maintenance for him.

18. Orders to suppress Riots in Enfield Chase.

Lieutenant General Ludlow and other Officers, had their Commissions in the House.

19. The House was busie in settling the Militia, and giving Commissions to Officers, and receiving Addresses, and appointing Judges of the Admi­ralty.

21. Addresses to the House. Addresses.

Order for Serjeant Bradshaw to take his Oath as Bradshaw. Commissioner of the Seal.

22. Order for Letters to be sent from the Spea­ker to the Members of Parliament that are absent, to attend the House.

Bradshaw took this Oath in the House, To be Oath. true, faithfull, and constant to this Commonwealth, with­out a single Person, Kingships or House of Peers.

23. The House proceeded in settling the Mi­litia.

25. Letters from the Duke of Tuscany to the Parliament, referred to the Council of State.

Power to the Council to issue money for the publick affairs.

Several Officers approved.

26. Days of publick Humiliation appointed.

The Bill past for the Militia.

27. Address from Dunkirk Forces.

Letters to the Parliament from the King of Sweden.

An Address from Scotland, and several others to Addresses. the Parliament.

28. Referred to the Council of State to draw an Answer to the King of Sweden's Letter: This was Sweden. put upon Whitelocke, and all other matters relating to that Crown, and those parts.

Divers Officers received their Commissions.

29. Referred to the Council to take security of the Duke of Bucks, to be faithfull to this Government: D. Bucks. which they did.

Order for the monies gathered for Piedmont and Piedmont. Poland, to be paid into the Exchequer; which White­locke opposed.

30. Whitelocke brought into the House the Bill of Ʋnion of England and Scotland. Union.

General Monk and divers other Officers ap­proved.

The Lady Mary Howard, the Earl of Berkshire's Daughter and others, were examined by White­locke President of the Council; and the Parlia­ment ordered them to be brought to Tryal for Treason.

Information of new Plots of the Cavaliers, to Plots. bring in the King.

31. Many persons were examined by the Coun­cil, about a new Conspiracy, which was evidently proved. The Council sate all day, and almost all night, for a good while together.

[Page 683] Letters from Sir Robert Howard about his Horse being seized, and protesting his Resolution to be quiet, and not to joyn in the present Conspira­cies.

August, 1659.

1. A Day appointed to consider of the Regula­tion Law. of the Law, and Courts of Justice.

Divers Officers received their Commissions.

2. The House was in a Grand Committee upon the Bill of Ʋnion of England and Scotland. Union.

The Parliament were busie in the treaties with the Dutch, and between the Kings of Sweden and Poland.

Many Commissions given in the House.

3. The Fast Day kept in the House.

Letters of the Insurrections in several parts of the Nation.

Letters that Colonel Massey was taken in Glouce­ster-shire, Massey. and mounted before a Trooper to take care of him, and to bring him Prisoner to Gloucester, but riding down a steep Hill, the weather being wet, and dark night, in a great Wood, the Horse slipt and fell down (which Massey caused by checking of him) and in the fall, Massey got away into the Wood, and being dark crept into a Bush, and the whole Troop could not find him out, but he escaped and got the next Morning to a Friends House, where he was concealed about a fortnight after.

Intelligence of the great Insurrection under Sir George Booth in Cheshire. Sir George Booth.

4. The Council of State were full of perplexity upon the several Intelligences of risings in Divers parts of the Nation; and gave out their Orders for the Forces of the Parliament to meet and oppose them, all which passed under Whitelocke's Hand, it being his turn at this time to be President of the Council.

5. Skippon, and the rest of the Officers of the Militia of London, approved by the House.

Letters of the Insurrections in the Worcestershire Circuit from the Judges, referred to the Council.

The Parliament were busie in ordering Militia Forces.

More Intelligence of Sir Geor. Booth's heading the Insurrection in Cheshire and Lancashire, and divers Principal Gentlemen joyning with him; particu­larly Major Brook a Member of this Parliament, and the Earl of Derby appeared with divers others in Lancashire, they set forth a Declaration, but did not name the King in it. The Presbyterian Ministers did labour to further this rising.

The Council of State with great care and Vigilan­cy, sent away Major General Lambert, with three Regiments of Horse, one of Dragoons, and three Regiments of Foot, and a Train of Artillery, and ordered other Forces to meet and joyn with him, for the suppressing of Sir George Booth and his par­ty, who were about four thousand strong.

6. Lambert marched forth, and the Council orde­red Lambert. messengers to bring Intelligence from him twice or thrice a day.

Several risings in other parts, were defeated by the Parliaments Forces which were near them, all the Letters were brought to Whitelocke, and divers at midnight, yet he in his bed directed answers by his Secretaries and sent them away forthwith, when the Council could not meet.

7. The House was called, and the absent Members fined, Mr. Bunch 100 l. Mr. Brook, 100 l. and the rest 20 l. a piece, the House August Members fined. proceeded in their usual business.

8. Whitelocke being President of the Council, Voted by the House, That the President have power Vote. by Warrant under his Hand and Seal, to commit any of those that should be brought to him, for a fortnights time.

9. The House debated upon the Government, they ordered the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London. London, to attend the Council of State this day.

A Proclamation past and was published, decla­ring Proclama­tion. Sir George Booth, and his adherents to be Rebels and Traytors.

10. The Congregational Churches desired leave to raise three Regiments for the Parliament, and had their willing consent to it.

The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, being with the Council of State, the President declared to them by command of the Council, The designs of the Enemy, the care and Vigilancy of the Parliament and Council, the taking some of the Conspirators, and defeating their designs, their intentions of destroying all that had been of the Parliaments party, and to bring in the King.

Then he caused the Proclamation to be read, it not being then published, and after the reading of it, he in the name of the Parliament and Council, gave thanks to the City for their good affections, and faithfull adhering to the Parliament, wherein their own, and the whole Nations safety, and Peace was con­cerned, and desired them to persitd therein.

News that Lambert was advanced to Lichfield, where all his Forces were to Randezvous.

11. Orders touching the Militia Forces, and a Petition read of the Lord Craven.

12. The House proceeded in approving of Offi­cers and giving their Commissions, and received Letters from Lambert of his march. The Council Council of State. had intelligence every two or three hours from their Forces now that they began to draw near to the Enemy, and they sate foorenoon and afternoon, and very late at night; and when they were not sate, the President had power to receive all Letters, and to break them open, which he did many times in his bed, and returned present answers to such as he might answer, and if they were of extraordinary Consequence, he sent the messengers to summon the Members of the Council to meet with as much speed as could be, so that Lambert had orders and directions without any delay, and all Provisions ne­cessary.

13. The House proceeded in the business of the Ʋnion with Scotland, they gave many Commissions Union. to Officers.

Several Lords, as the Duke of Bucks, de la Ware, Oxford and Falkland were aprehended upon sus­spicion, to be in the present Plot, they were sent Plot. to Prison, all, except the Duke of Bucks.

News of Insurrections in several other places, but defeated by the Parliament Forces.

15. Letters to the Parliament from their Forces, they approved Officers and gave Commissions.

16. Letters from Lambert from Stafford, and from others.

Sir William D [...]venant was released out of Pri­son.

[Page 684] 17. Letters that the Moorlanders and others in Staffordshire, were in Arms for the Parliament.

That Colonel Croxton held out the Castle of Chester against Sir George Booth.

An Insurrection in Surrey was suppressed.

18. Audience appointed for the French Ambas­sadour, Bourdeaux.

Letters of Sir Arthur Haslerigge's Son, active in Lancashire for the Parliament.

19. Letters from Lambert to the Parliament, Lambert. with one inclosed sent to him from Sir George Booth for capitulation, with Lambert's Answer and refusal of it, which the Parliament approved.

In the Evening a Messenger came from Lambert to the Parliament, with a Relation, That the Par­liament Forces followed Sir George Booth so close, that he could not avoid fighting with them, and after a smart contest, Lambert gave a total rout to Sir George Booth's Forces, pursued them a great way, and killed and took many of them; the par­ticulars were not yet exactly known.

Mr. Prideaux the Attorney General died; a ge­nerous Prideaux. person, and faithfull to the Parliaments In­terest. A good Chancery-man.

20. The Messenger sent by Lambert declared in the House the good news of defeating Sir George Booth and his Forces;

And the great courage of the Officers and Soul­diers Booth. of the Parliament.

Two Regiments from Ireland under Colonel Zankey and Axtell, came over to joyn with Lambert.

22. Letters to the House from Lambert and o­thers, and Captain Brown sent up by him, related in the House the good success against Sir George Booth: The House voted a Reward for Brown, and Letters of thanks to Lambert.

The House agreed to a Letter to be sent to the King of Sweden, drawn by Whitelocke, in Answer to the King's Letter to the Parliament.

A Seal for the Speaker agreed.

The French Ambassadour had his Audience very solemnly in the House, and after it the House re­ferred it to the Council of State to confer with him.

23. Letters from Lambert of the Surrender of Lambert. Chester to him, and Letters from him to the Coun­cil, and Letters from Waring.

Order for a Jewel of a thousand pounds value to be bestowed on Lambert, and a Letter of thanks to him, and for a Thanksgiving Day to be kept.

Captain Spilman sent from Lambert, made a full relation to the House of all Lambert's pro­ceedings.

24. Reward ordered to Jo. Roden who took the Earl of Derby Prisoner.

An Act for sequestring the Estates of the last Re­bels passed.

Letters from the Parliaments Plenipotentiaries at the Zound. Zound.

An Account given to the House by Mr. Gibbes Minister of Newport Paganel in Bucks, of the ap­prehending of Sir George Booth, whither he came Booth taken. with four Servants, and behind one of them him­self rode in the habit of a woman, but acting that part not well, he was suspected, and being appre­hended and examined, he confessed himself to be Sir George Booth, and was sent up to London, and by the Parliament committed to the Tower: He made applications to many of the Parliament and Council by his friends for favour.

The Earl of Derby was taken in the habit of a Serving-man. Colonel Shawcrosse and others were Septemb. E. Derby. taken.

25. Referred to the Council of State to give further Instructions to the Plenipotentiaries in the Zound. Zound.

26. The Grand Committee sate upon the Bill of Ʋnion. Union.

Leverpoole surrendred to the Parliament.

27. Letters from Lambert of the surrender of Chirke Castle.

The Examination of Sir George Booth taken by Haslerigge and Vane, referred to the Council of State.

29. Orders touching the Militia's.

Applications from the Lord Say and others, to save the life of Sir George Booth.

30. Several Officers of the Army approved by the House; a List of Prisoners sent to them.

31. A Report to the House of the Examination of Sir George Booth.

September, 1659.

1. The House made Provision for sick and woun­ded Souldiers, and for the Wives and Children of those that were slain.

2. Letters from the Zound, and from Lambert.

Order for Ireton to continue Lord Mayor for an­other year.

3. Votes touching the Pay of commissioned Of­ficers for the Militia, and touching Sequestrations, and for an Engagement to be taken by the Offi­cers, in these words; viz.

I A. B. do hereby declare, That I do renounce the Ingage­ment. pretended Title of Charles Stuart, and the whole Line of the Late King James, and of every other person as a single person, pretending to the Government of these Nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging: And that I will by the grace and assistance of Almighty God, be true, faithfull, and constant to this Commonwealth, against any King, single Person, and House of Peers, and every of them; and hereunto I subscribe my Name.

Order for Mordant, Brown, &c. to come in by a day, or else to be taken as Traytors.

5. The House were busie in debate of the Go­vernment to be settled in the three Nations.

7. List of the Prisoners at Chester.

8. The House discharged James Nailer from his James Nailer. Imprisonment.

9, A Committee for the Government in Scot­land.

A Representation from the Ministers of Lei­cester.

Letter of thanks to Colonel Zanchey.

10. General Mountagne returned from the Zound.

12. The House were upon the Bill of Assess­ment, [Page 685] the neglect whereof was ill taken by the Souldiery.

13. Mr. Brooke a Member of the House, at the Bar confessed his joyning with Sir George Booth, for S. G. Booth. which he was disabled from being a Member of Parliament, and sent to the Tower for high Trea­son.

14. Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper, voted Not guilty of Sir Anth. Ashley Cooper. the Accusation against him, of having correspondence with the King. The question was not brought a­gainst Whitelocke for the same matter, there being no ground for it, as there was for the other.

Some service was done for the Lady Mary How­ard at the Council, which was ill requited by her, and her Father afterwards.

15. Debate about the Irish Adventurers.

16. Letters from the Commissioners at the Zound, with an account of their Treaty, referred to the Council of State to draw answers. Zound.

The Lord Ruthen petitioned for maintenance. Ruthen.

17. Vote to dissolve the Corporation of the City of Chester, and that the County be no more distinct. Chester.

18. Orders for the Winters Guard of Ships, and divers Officers approved.

20. Order for the poor Knights of Windsor.

Lambert returned to London.

21. Private business excluded.

Debate about Commissioners for the Treasury.

22. The House being informed of an intended Address to them from the Army, wherein were Army. Addresses things unacceptable to them, imposing on them, and contrary to the privilege of Parliament, they or­dered Ashfield, Cobbet and Duckenfield, (in whose hands the Original Paper thereof was) to bring it into the House in the afternoon; this discontented the Officers of the Army, especially Lambert, and those who were with him in the defeat of Sir George Booth, who heightened by that success, where the Promoters of this Address.

In the afternoon a Letter was delivered into the House, signed by many Officers of the Army, su­perscribed to Ashfield, Cobbet and Duckenfield, by whom it was desired, that the Paper and the Letter might be presented to Fleetwood, and after to the General Council; The Paper was entitled, the Pe­tition and Proposals (to the Parliament) of the Offi­cers under the Command of Lambert, in the late Nor­thern expedition.

23. A Vote passed contrary to one of the Armies Proposals, That to have any more General Officers in Vote. the Army, than are already settled by the Parliament was useless, chargeable, and dangerous to the Common-wealth. This Vote was opposed, as tending to cause greater Divisions among them; and that it was not Prudent to exasperate those who had so lately done such great service for the Commonwealth, by denying them a matter not of great Consequence, and which for the present, only would satisfie them, but the House ordered this Vote to be Communica­ted to Fleetwood. And Haslerigge, Nevill and their Friends, drove it on eagerly.

24. A Petition from London, in some things not Petition. pleasing.

Report of the examination of Sir George Booth, S. G. Booth. with Letters from the King to him; with ingage­ments of the King's Part, and other examinations. October.

A Day of Publick Thanksgiving appointed.

Fleetwood Communicated to the Officers of the Army, the Parliaments Votes, touching their Petition and Proposals to them; and they ap­pointed Army. some to draw up a writing, to be presented to the Parliament, to testifie their adherence to them.

Colonel Brook and others, and some Ministers, brought to Prison, being in Booth's Conspiracy.

26. Power to the Council of State, to send the Lord Falconbridge and others, to the Tower. Falcon­bridge.

Orders about money.

27. Officers of the Army approved, and the Army. Speaker to give them their Commissions.

28. Left to the City of London, to choose their Mayor and Officers.

The Field Officers of the Army met, and consi­dered of the Paper for their adherence to the Parliament.

29. Serjeant Shepherd made a Judge in Wales.

Order for a pay of the Militia Forces.

Letters of Complyance from General Monk, and Monk. some of his Officers approved.

30. The Bill of Ʋnion proceeded. Union.

All business set by, but matter of money, and the Government.

The House was called.

October, 1659.

1. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London, London. invited the Parliament to dinner at Grocers-Hall, upon the Thanksgiving Day, and the House accep­ted their Invitation.

The City also Invited the Council of State, and the Officers of the Army to dinner the same day.

The Officers of the Army agreed upon the Pa­per for their adherence to the Parliament.

Debate, touching the filling up of the House with Members.

Proposals Communicated to the Council, touch­ing the raising of money.

3. A Committee to consider of qualifications, and distribution of Members for Parliaments.

4. Power continued to the Council of State to issue monies.

Votes for money for the Army and Navy.

The Chapel at Somerset-House, where the French meet, excepted from being sold.

Orders for maimed Souldiers.

5. Petitions from divers of the Prisoners.

Monk would have had Whitelocke one of the Com­missioners Monk. for Scotland, but Whitelocke did put it off; and others were reported from the Council to the House.

Letter agreed from the House to General Monk, taking notice of his faithfulness to the Parliament.

Order for Seals for Scotland and Ireland.

Desborough and other Officers of the Army, in Desborough the name of the General Council of the Army, pre­sented to the House a Petition and Representation, in Petition. which were several matters displeasing to the House, as infringing their Privileges, and seeming to impose upon them: But the House did return [Page 686] thanks for their good expressions, and appointed a day to consider of it.

Orders for Provision for maimed Souldiers, and for monies for the Army.

6. The Members of Parliament, and of the Coun­cil, and the Officers of the Army, after solem­nizing London: the Thanksgiving, dined together with the Feasting. Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-council, at Grocers Hall where the City highly feasted them; and there were many mutual expressions of respect and love among them.

7. Order for thanks to the City for their En­tertainment.

Several Addresses to the Parliament. Addresses.

Order for the Council to examine the account of the Monies for Piedmont.

Letters from publick Ministers.

8. Resolved, That no Officer of Profit or Trust be Vote. passed the same day that he is propounded.

A new Act of Sequestrations.

Debate upon the Representations of the Officers of the Army.

10. A Vote for liberty of Conscience.

Answers to some parts of the Armies Represen­tation, Answers. Army. and in justification of those Members of the House, who informed somewhat against the Offi­cers.

11. Answers to others of the Proposals in the Ar­mies Representation, somewhat reflecting upon the Officers and to allay them again.

Votes were past for pay for the Army, and for Votes. respect to those in the late Expedition under Lam­bert, and for relief for wounded Souldiers, and for the Widows of Souldiers slain.

Haslerigge and his party being jealous that the Souldiers might break them, and raise money with­out Jealousies. them, past an Act against raising any money without consent of Parliament. And this raised jea­lousies in the Souldiers, especially being enacted High Treason.

12. Debate upon the Armies Representation, and a Letter directed to Colonel Okey, reflecting upon Army. the Parliament; and a printed Paper of the Armies Representation, and the Parliaments Answers: which being read, the Parliament discharged Lambert, Lambert. Desborough, and seven or eight more principal Of­ficers of the Army, who had subscribed the Letter from their Military Imployment; and ordered, and past an Act for putting out Fleetwood from be­ing Lieutenant General of the Army; and appoin­ting him, and Ludlow, Monk, Haslerigge, Walton, Morley, and Overton, to be Commissioners to go­vern all the Forces.

This further exasperated Lambert and his party, and most of the old Officers of the Army, then in London; and rashly added to the then Divisions.

Order for the next Officers to succeed those put out, and the Serjeant to carry the Orders of the House to them.

13. These proceedings of the Parliament netled the Officers of the Army, especially those who had performed so late and good Service, and caused them to consider what to do for their own Interest; and of these Lambert, Desborough, Berry, and the rost who were outed of their Commands, were the chief.

This Morning the Souldiers drew out of Scotland Yard, part of them to Westminster, and possessed themselves of the Hall, the Palace Yards and A­venues; and these were such as Haslerigge, Morley, and their Party had to declare for the Parliament, and to be Guards to them.

Evelyn who commanded the Life-guards of the Parliament, marching forth with his Troop to doe his Service, was met by Lambert at Scotland-yard Gate; and Lambert commanded Evelyn to dis­mount, who thought it safest to obey; and though Lambert were on foot, and none with him, yet Evelyn at the head of his Troop, dismounted at his command, and his Troop also obeyed Lambert; who drew together some other Forces, and placed them along in Kings Street, and near the Abbey Church and Yard, and when the Speaker came by in his Coach, they stopped him, and caused him to return back; and so the House did not sit.

The Council of State sate, where were both Parties Council of State. of the opposite Souldiers, Lambert, Desborough, and Haslerigge, Morley, and others; and they had a long and smart debate. Some of the Members had got into the House, but the Speaker was kept from them, and most part of their Members. Those in the House were sent to from the Council of State, and consulted with about an Accommodation; and in the mean time, the several parties of the Souldi­ers kept their stations, expecting Orders to fall on.

But the Council of State so managed the business, and so perswaded with all parties, that at the last they came to an Accommodation, to save the effu­sion of blood; and the Parliament was not to sit, but the Council of Officers undertook to provide for the preservation of the Peace, and to have a form of Government to be drawn up for a new Parlia­ment to be shortly summoned, and so to settle all things.

This being agreed upon (and it could not be obtained otherwise) the Council of State in the Evening sent their Orders, requiring all the Soul­diers of each Party to draw off, and to depart to their several quarters; which was obeyed by them.

14. The Officers of the Army met, and had ma­ny Army. Debates about a settlement: they declared Fleetwood to be their Commander in chief.

On the other side, Haslerigge and his friends Haslerigge. consulted what to do to restore themselves, and to curb the opposite Officers of the Army who had thus affronted them and the Parliament; and they had some hopes of Monk to be their Champion. Monk.

15. The Council of State seldom met, but some few of them in private.

17. The Council of Officers sent one of their Company to Monk, and another into Ireland, to acquaint the Officers of those Forces, of the pro­ceedings here, and to desire their concurrence therein.

They suspended from their Commands the Offi­cers of the Army who appeared against them.

They nominated a Committee of ten of the Commit. of ten. Council of State, Fleetwood, Lambert, Whitelocke, Vane, Desborough, Harrington, Sydenham, Berry, Sal­wey, and Warreston, to consider of fit ways to carry on the Affairs and Government.

At a General Council of Officers, they agreed upon Articles of War; they declared Fleetwood to be Fleetwood. Commander in chief of all the Forces, and Lambert to be Major General of the Forces in England and Scotland; and this discontented Monk.

They appointed Fleetwood, Lambert, Vane, Des­borough, Lambers. Ludlow and Berry, to be a Committee to nominate Officers of the Army: and they kept a day of Humiliation in Whitehall Chapel.

[Page 687] 19. Letters from the Zound that the Dutch and Danes Fleet were retreated.

21. Whitelocke had notice that he was named among the Officers of the Army to be one of that Zound. Council which they intended to set up to carry on the great Affairs of the Commonwealth; but he was not desirous of that Imployment, especially at such a time as this.

22. The Council of Officers agreed upon the names Council of Officers. of 23 persons to be of this Council

26. The General Council of Officers agreed upon these persons to be intrusted with the management of publick Affairs; Fleetwood, Lambert, Desborough, Steel, Whitelocke, Vane, Ludlow, Sydenham, Salwey, New Council. Strickland, Berry, Lawrence, Harrington, Wareston, Lord Mayor Ireton, Tichburn, Brandrith, Thomson, Hewson, Clerk, Lilburn, Bennet, Holland; and gave them the same powers that the Council of State had, and more.

A printed Letter was published, as sent from General Monk, signifying his dissatisfaction with Monk. the proceedings of the Forces in England.

And another Letter was published as from divers of Monk's Officers, signifying their concurrence with the Officers in England.

Care was taken for government of the Army in England, and to prevent Insurrections.

27. The General Council of Officers agreed to call Commit. of Safety. the new Council, The Committee of Safety; and that Letters should be sent to the several Members of it, to undertake the Trust.

The Letter to Whitelocke was this.

For our honoured Friend Bulstrode Lord White­locke.

Sir,

Ʋpon consideration of the present posture of Affairs of this Commonwealth, the General Council of Officers of the Army, have thought fit to appoint a Committee of Safety for the preservation of the Peace, and manage­ment of the present Government thereof; As also for the preparing of a Form of a future Government for these Nations, upon the foundation of a Commonwealth or free State: And your self being one of the persons nominated for that purpose, we do by their direction, hereby give you notice thereof, and desire you to repair tomorrow morning at Ten of the Clock, to the Horse Chamber in Whitehall, in order to the Service afore­said. We rest,

Whitehall, 27. Octob. 1659.
Your faithfull Friends and Servants,
  • Zankey,
  • Packer,
  • Salmon,
  • Milles,
  • Allen,
  • Ashfield,
  • Kelsey,
  • Biscoe,
  • Creed,
  • Clerk,
  • Gough,
  • King.

Whitelocke was in some perplexity what to do upon this Letter, and had much discourse with his Friends about it; Desborough and some other great Desborough Officers of the Army, and Actors in this business, came to him, and made it their earnest request to him to undertake this Trust, and told him, That some of this Committee, as Vane, Salwey, and others, had a design to overthrow Magistracy, Ministry, and the Law; and that to be a balance to them, they had chosen Whitelocke and some others, to oppose this De­sign, and to support and preserve the Laws, Magi­stracy, and Ministry in these Nations.

That they knew their Abilities to do it, and de­pended much upon them; and that if Whitelocke Novem. should deny to undertake this Charge, it would much trouble the General Council of Officers, and be of great prejudice to the intended settlement: and therefore they most earnestly desire him to accept of this Imploy­ment. And Fleetwood perswaded Whitelocke to the same purpose, and many other Friends were of the same opinion, and earnest with him not to de­cline it.

28. The Committee of Safety were to meet, White­locke had revolved in his mind the present state of Affairs, that there was no visible Authority or power for Government at this time, but that of the Army; that if some Legal Authority were not a­greed upon and settled, the Army would pro­bably take it into their hands, and govern by the Sword, or set up some Form prejudicial to the Rights and Liberties of the People, and for the particular advantage and interest of the Souldiery, more than would be convenient.

That he knowing the purpose of Vane and others to be such, as to the lessening of the power of the Laws, and so to change them, and the Magistracy, Ministry, and Government of the Nation, as might be of dangerous consequence to the Peace and Rights of his Country: To prevent which, and to keep things in a better order and form, he might be instrumental in this Imployment. Upon these and the like grounds, as also by the ingagement of divers of the Committee to joyn with him therein, he was perswaded to undertake it, and did meet with them at the place appointed; where he was received by them with all respect and civility.

The Instructions of the Committee of Safety, were presented to them.

29. The Committee sate all day.

The Armies Declaration was published of the Declara­tion. grounds of their late proceedings.

A Letter came from General Monk to the Offi­cers of the Army here, of the dissatisfaction of him­self, Monk. and some of his Officers, in the late proceed­ings of the Army here.

Persons were sent to him for his better informa­tion.

He secured Berwick for himself.

Lambert was appointed to command the Forces Lambert. in the North, and to have more Regiments with him.

31. Bradshaw died of a Quartan Ague, which Bradshaw dies. had held him a year, a stout man, and learned in his Profession: No friend of Monarchy.

November, 1659.

1. The Committee of Safety appointed Fleetwood, Whitelocke, Vane, Ludlow, Salwey, and Tichburn, a Committee to consider of a Form of Government for Form of Governm, the three Nations, as a Commonwealth, and to present it to the Committee of Safety.

Whalley and Goffe, and Caryl, and Barker, Mini­sters, were sent to Monk to perswade him to a right Monk. understanding of things, and to prevent effusion of blood.

This Order was made at the Committee of Safety, Thursday, Novem. 1. 1659.

At the Committee of Safety at Whitehall.

The Committee of Safety taking into consideration the necessity of disposing of the Great Seal, so as the Gr. Seal. [Page 688] same may be made use of for the publick service, and the administration of Justice.

Ordered, that the custody of the Great Seal of Eng­land be committed to the Lord Whitelocke, as Com­missioner and Keeper of the said Great Seal, until fur­ther Order. And the same was accordingly deli­vered to his hands by the Lord President. And ordered, That an Entry of the delivery of the Great Seal to the said Lord Whitelocke, as Com­missioner and Keeper of the said Great Seal, be made in the close Roll in Chancery, and in the Office of Pet­ty Bagge.

William Robinson, Clerk of the Commit­tee of Safety..

2. A new Letter was sent to General Monk from the Officers here.

The Lords, Northampton, Falkland, Castleton, Lords re­leased. Herbert, Howard, and Bellasis, were discharged from Imprisonment upon security to live peace­ably; and this was to ingratiate with the Cava­liers.

Letters from Edenburgh, that General Monk and many of his Officers had declared for the Parlia­ment, against the Officers of the Army in Eng­land; and that General Monk had imprisoned Monk. some of his Officers, who were of a different judg­ment, and put others out of their Command; and was preparing all things in order to restore the Parliament.

Letters from Colonel Pearson who dissented from Col. Pear­son. Monk; and that many of his Officers and Souldiers would not joyn with him against the Army in Eng­land.

3. The Commissioners of the Militia of London wrote to Monk to perswade him to an Accom­modation. London.

Lambert went towards the North. Lambert.

4. Letters from Ireland of the Forces there con­curring with those here.

An Answer Agreed upon to a Letter from Monk.

Fleetwood, Whitelocke, Desborough, and Tichburn, went to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen in London, and acquainted them with the proceedings London. of Monk; and with the danger of a new Civil War to the City and Kingdom; and advised them to take special care for the prevention of it, and for securing the City.

5. New Commissions ordered for raising of new Forces, to Vane, for a Regiment of Horse, and an­other New Commis­sions. to Whitelocke for a Regiment of Horse, and other Commissions to others.

The General Council of Officers kept this a day of Fast. fasting.

Letters from Scotland, that Monk had secured Monk. several of his Officers, and resolved to march into England. That divers of his Officers and Soul­diers were discontented.

Other Letters that Monk was entered England with some Regiments, but retreated.

An Address to Fleetwood from the Officers of Address. the Northern Forces, of their resolution to joyn with the Forces here.

7. The General Council of Officers met and received Letters from the North.

8. An Answer to Monk's Letter agreed upon by the General Council of Officers.

Fleetwood, Whitelocke, Desborough, and divers principal Officers of the Army went to the Com­mon Council in London, and represented to them the proceedings of Monk; and that the bottom of his London. design was to bring in the King upon a new Civil War: They shewed the danger of it to the City and Nation; and counselled them to provide for their own safety, and to joyn for the safety of the whole Nation, and for pre­servation of the Peace. The Common-council re­turned thanks to them, and resolved to follow their advice.

9. Letters from Scotland of the probability of a friendly Accommodation: The like from several per­sons in the North.

Letters from the Officers of the Fleet, to Monk Fleet. and his Officers, to incline them to an Accommo­dation; to this effect.

THE deep sense we have of the Duty incumbent on us, in this day of Englands fears, tryals, and tem­ptations, puts us upon this Application to your Honour; unto whom not long since, most of us had a more imme­diate relation, and the experience we had then of your readiness to receive and grant our just desires; gives us encouragement to believe this present tender will have the like resentment.

As private Members of this Commonwealth, we can­not but take notice of, and in secret bewail before the Lord, the intestine divisions that are amongst us at this day; and the dreadfull consequence likely to ensue thereupon, when duly pondered, do exceedingly afflict and even break our hearts.

All the force that the common Enemy (whilst in his strength) was able to muster up against the good people of this Nation, either at home, or from abroad, could never raise such Clouds of fears, nor impress those terrours on our hearts, as we now lie under from the apprehension of that evil which attends that distance which is between you and the Army in England: which being manifested to us by a Declaration lately sent from Scotland, and published by your command and resolu­tions therein expressed, of your vindicating the late Parliament, in opposition to the general proceeding of the General Council of Officers here; we have taken the boldness, not only as private Christians, but in our pub­blick capacity, as Officers of the Fleet, to beseech you (in the bowels of mercy and compassion to this your Na­tive Country, and especially to all the Lord's people therein, whose interest we remember hath formerly been precious to you) seriously to consider:

1. Whether the undertaking you are ingaged in, will not make the hearts of the righteous sad, whom the Lord hath not made sad, and strengthen the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way. It being obvious to us where ever we come, that few or none take pleasure in your proceedings, but the Cavaliers, who make their boast of you, and place their confidence in you; which as it is irkesom to us to hear, so we trust, and shall pray, that the Lord will preserve you from such a defection, as knowing that never any prospered that helped them.

2. Whether this suddain resolution against your Brethren of the Army, on account of their late Trans­actions, have not some proportion with what the Isra­elites intended against the Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half Tribe of Manasseh, when they had built an Altar of Memorial on this side Jordan: And whe­ther the same means (if used by you for information of matter of fact as by them) might not through the Lord's blessing have the same effect, and thereby not only blood-shed be prevented, but the work of Reformation car­ried on.

[Page 689] And truly, though we shall not undertake to justifie the Army in their late Actions, as being very un­able to judge of such important Affairs (not having been of the Council) yet we hope that in the integrity of their heart, and innocency of their hands, they have done this thing which we apprehend to be the ground of your dissatisfaction. And on this occasion we crave leave to remind you, That as you were satisfied with the former Dissolution of this very Parliament, in the year 1653. and were pleased to continue your Command, at Sea in that juncture, (when as the undertaking of the late Lord General Cromwell was not so clear to others) and through the blessing of God obtained two signal Victories against the Dutch, even in that Inter­regnum; so we earnestly desire you will hearken unto, and receive satisfaction from the Officers of the Army, in what they have to offer in this particular.

3. We humbly offer to consideration, Whether in your own observation, it be not apparent, that this Ar­my have in their actings hitherto, cordially designed the advancement of God's glory, and the promoting and encouragement of godliness and vertue, though in per­sons of different judgments and perswasions? And whether the Cause of God and his people hath not here­by been preserved and maintained against all oppo­sition.

4. Whether by such undertaking (if prosecuted) the common Enemy in Scotland will not soon recover strength, and become as obnoxious to England, as in former times; though of late through your singular Prudence, Industry, and Care, they have been kept under.

And whether the espousing of an Interest (distinct from your Brethren of the Army in England, as is reported) contrary to those righteous Principles that have hitherto been contended for, will not (instead of purchasing our desired Liberties) render the good people of these Nations to a condition of perfect thraldom and bondage.

The state of Affairs being such in our weak appre­hensions, we have taken this freedom to unbosom our hearts to your Honour; and shall earnestly pray they may take some place with you, in order to the begetting of a good understanding and agreement between your self and your Brethren here, that both you and they, as also our selves, in our several stations by Land and Sea, may with one heart and consent, be found doing the Lords work in this present Generation, in opposition to all corrupt Interests whatsoever: In attending where­unto, a blessing may be expected from the Lord. In him we are,

Novem. 4. 1659.
Your Honour's humble Servants,
  • Richard Stainer,
  • John Lambert,
  • Tho. Bunn,
  • John Bourn,
  • Robert Clark,
  • Tho. Sparling,
  • Bartholom. Ketcher,
  • Charles Wager,
  • Will. Goodson,
  • Anthony Earning,
  • Rich. Newberry,
  • Henry Fen,
  • Franc. Allen,
  • Nath. Brown,
  • Peter Bowen,
  • John Stoakes,
  • Robert Story,
  • Henry Pack,
  • John Grove,
  • Edw. Witheridge,
  • Richard Haddock,
  • Christoph. Myngs.
Commissions granted to raise Voluntiers.

10. Letters to Monk and his Officers to the same purpose, from the Forces in Ireland. Ireland.

It was agreed that three Commissioners of Monk's part should treat with three Commissioners on Fleetwood's part.

11. Monk's three Commissioners coming to York, discoursed there with Lambert, and so far satisfied him of the reality of Monk's Intentions for Peace, that Lambert sent Orders to stop his Forces from Treaty. marching further Northward: This being infor­med to the Committee of Safety, it was moved to write to Lambert, to advance with all his Forces speedily to Monk, to indeavour to attaque him before he should be better provided; and it was said by some, that they suspected the reality of Monk's In­tentions Monk sus­pected. for Peace, but believed rather that he sought delays.

This advice was not taken.

The Committee of Safety made this Order.

Whereas this Committee have thought it necessary for the better management of the publick Revenue of this Commonwealth, to appoint several persons to be Com­missioners of the Treasury; and have directed a Com­mission, Treasury. giving them powers in that behalf, to be engros­sed to pass the great Seal of England; These are there­fore to authorize you to pass the said Commission under the said Great Seal accordingly: For doing whereof this shall be your Warrant; Given at the Committee of Safety at Whitehall, the 11th of Novem. 1659.

Signed in the Name and by order of the Committee of Safety. A. Johnson President.
To Bulstrode Lord Whitelocke, Keeper of the Great Seal of England.

They also made this Order.

Whereas this Committee have found it necessary for preservation of the peace and safety of the City of Lon­don, to appoint several persons to be Commissioners for the Militia of the said City and Liberty thereof, and have directed a Commission in that behalf to be en­grossed, Militia. to pass the Great Seal of England: These are therefore to authorize you to pass the said Commission under the said Great Seal accordingly; for doing where­of, this shall be your Warrant:

Given at the Commit­tee at Whitehall, this 11th day of November, 1659.
Signed and delivered as the other.

12. An account of their Forces given by the Mi­litia of London, and other Militia's to the Com­mittee of Safety.

Monk's three Commissioners arrived to Treat.

16. The Treaty proceeded with the three Com­missioners Treaty. of Monk, and three of Fleetwood's; and they agreed upon some Articles.

They agreed, that a Committee of Nineteen Commit. of 19. should be appointed; Five for England not Mem­bers of the Army, which were Whitelocke, Vane, Ludlow, Salwey, and Berry; and Five for Scotland, St. John, Wareston, Harrington, Scot, and Thompson; the rest for England, Scotland, and Ireland, to be Members of the Army: They to determine of the qualifications of Members of the Parliament.

That two Field Officers of every Regiment, and one Commissioned Officer of every Garrison, and ten Officers of the Fleet, shall meet as a General Council, to advise touching the Form of Go­vernment.

16. This Argument was concluded.

[Page 690] Letters from the Commissioners in Ireland, of the quiet posture there.

17. Monk gave more cause of the suspicion of his design. Ireland.

18. Fleetwood was advised not to be too credu­lous of Monk's pretences.

19. Monk's Commissioners sent away to him Monk. the Agreement made here by them, according to the Powers which he gave them; and expected his confirmation thereof.

Letters, that Grave Rantzow was to come Am­bassadour hither from the King of Denmark.

That General Monk had summoned a Conven­tion in Scotland of two Persons for each Shire, and one for each Borough.

The Committee of Safety holding it convenient Commit. of Safety. and necessary for divers weighty Reasons to ad­journ the remaining part of the present Term, from Saturday the 19th of this instant November, until Term ad­journed. the first day of the next Term; to prevent the dis­continuance of any Process, Suits, or Causes now depending, or any inconvenience to the people thereby: Ordered that Writs be issued and passed under the Great Seal of England, in usual form for that purpose.

20. Letters, that when Captain Pool moved to send into England, to be truly informed of the proceed­ings here, Monk clapt him up in prison, where he yet continues. And that many of Mank's Soul­diers were dissatisfied. Mr. Barker and Mr. Caryl, Monk. Ministers, sent to Monk, could perswade nothing with him; nor have any but general and uncertain Answers from him.

21. That many of Monk's men were dissatis­fied; and that Mr. Collins (his Chaplain) had left him.

22. The General Council of Officers of the Army made choice of Commissioners to agree upon the qualifications of the Members for the next Par­liament, Qualifica­tions. or Supream Delegated Authority; and desired them to meet in the Horse-Chamber at Whitehall.

23. Letters from the North, of Lambert's being at Newcastle; and that many of Monk's Officers and Souldiers came in to him.

A Letter from Monk was delivered to the Com­mon-council of London, which was not relished well by them.

25. Monk's three Commissioners that were here, were very confident that he would approve what they had agreed; which was fully according to his Instructions.

Some Members of the former Council of State gave out Commissions sealed by them for raising Council of State. of Forces. Morley, Walton, Reynolds, Scot, Hasle­rigge, Nevil, and others of them met often.

Monk had a Convention in Scotland, to whom he propounded:

1. That he having a Call from God and Man to Proposals. march into England to settle the Peace there, that in his absence they would preserve the Peace in Scot­land.

To this they answered, That they could not en­gage for it, wanting Arms; but they would endea­vour it.

2. That if Troubles did arise, they would assist him to suppress them.

To this they answered, That they were incapable to do it, and it would be imprudent in them to engage in Decem. these new troubles.

3. He required money of them, which they pro­mised to levy.

Monk caused an Engagement to be signed by the Horse: And Major General Morgan was forward Morgan. to assist Monk.

26. The Committee proceeded in preparing a Form of Government, wherein Vane was hard to be Form of Governm. satisfied, but did much stick to his own appre­hensions.

28. Letters of Monk's March from Edenborough towards England with Bag and Baggage.

29. Order to seal a Commission to Mr. Sadler, Mr. Taylor, and others for Probate of Wills.

30. Letters from Monk to Fleetwood, full of com­plements Monk. and expressions of his earnest desire of a speedy settlement of the present Differences: And be­cause he perceived in the Agreement signed by Fleet-wood, that there are some things remain there un­treated of, and unagreed upon; it was the resolution of him and his Officers to add two more to the number, to have conference with the like number to be appointed here, to put a final end to the business, which he desired might be as soon as possible.

Upon consideration of this Letter, some of the Committee declared their opinions, That this was only a delay in Monk to gain time, and be the better prepared for his design to bring in the King, and to bring the Army here and their Party into more streights for want of Pay, which he had got for his For­ces. And therefore advised to fall upon Monk pre­sently, to bring the matter to an issue, before his Soul­diers were more confirmed, and Fleetwood's Party dis­couraged. But this advice was not taken, but a new Treaty consented to by Commissioners on each part to be at Newcastle.

The Committee of Safety set forth a Proclama­tion, prohibiting the subscribing of Papers under colour of Petitions, for the promoting of designs Petitions. dangerous to the Peace of the Commonwealth.

They ordered, that there be a Committee ap­pointed to receive an account of Mr. Downing's Downing. transactions, as a publick Minister for this Com­monwealth, with the States General of the united Provinces of the Netherlands. And what other things he hath to offer in relation to this affair. That the Lord Whitelocke, Mr. Strickland, Alder­man Ireton, General Desborough, Colonel Berry, and Mr. Holland, or any two of them, be a Com­mittee to receive the said Account from Mr. Down­ing to morrow.

December, 1659.

1. The Lord Fanshaw was released from his Im­prisonment.

3. Several Commissions of the Militia were sea­led for Westminster and Essex.

Order of the Lord Mayor for preservation of the Peace of the City.

An Address to Fleetwood from the Officers under Lambert, for expediting the Treaty with Monk.

4. Some of the Forces about London began to be discontented for want of Pay, and to favour the Army. proceedings of Monk, for restoring the Parlia­ment, an inchanting word: And the Forces in the North were not well settled.

[Page 691] 5. Upon some disturbances in London, some For­ces marched into the City to keep the Peace, and were there affronted by the multitude; whereupon two of the rabble were killed, and the rest were dispersed. Tumult.

Intelligence that Colonel Whetham, Governour of Portsmouth, and the Garrison there had declared for Portsmouth the restoring of the Parliament, and that Colonel Morley, a Parliament man, was there with them to incourage them therein, whereupon the Committee order a party of Horse and Foot to march thither to reduce them.

6. The General Council of the Armies of the three Nations met at White-hall, to consider of a Form of Government. Form of Govern. London.

A Committee of Aldermen of London came to the Committee of safety, and excused the late tumult in the City, and that they had no Hand in it.

7. The General Council of the Officers, conside­red of the Government. The Committee of safe­ty took care about the Militia.

Intelligence that Colonel Zankey, with his Irish Brigade, obeyed the orders of Monk, and that Ber­wick Irish Bri­gade. was his Head Quarters.

8. Great perplexity about the Publick Affairs.

9. Sir George Booth, was released upon security. Booth.

A Petition was delivered to the Common Coun­cil from many Citizens, desiring to have such a Par­liament Petition. as was, 1642. The Petition was laid aside, as a design to bring in the Common Enemy; And they sent a Committee to Fleetwood, to conferr with him, who met at White-hall.

10. Intelligence that Haslerigge, Morley and Wal­ton, were in Portsmouth, that Colonel Norton refused to engage with them, and that the Armies Forces streighten the Town.

The General Council of Officers of the Armies, and Fleet of the three Nations sat dayly, they vo­ted, That a Parliament be called before February next, Parliament to sit and act according to such Qualifications, as are or shall be agreed upon, and may best secure the just rights, liberties and privileges, both Civil and Religious of the People of this Common-wealth.

11. Intelligence of attempts of Insurrections in Sussex, but defeated. So was a design to surprize the Tower.

A Commission was sealed to Whitelocke, and seve­ral other Gentlemen of Bucks, for the Militia in that County.

12. Intelligence that Monk was come to Berwick, and that he wrote to Lambert, for a Pass for his three Commissioners to come thither to him, which caused suspicion of his further delay.

13. The General Council of the Officers, a­greed upon seven Articles.

  • 1. That there be no King-ship.
    Articles.
  • 2. No single person as chief Magistrate.
  • 3. That an Army be continued.
  • 4. No Imposition upon conscience.
  • 5. No House of Peers.
  • 6. The Legislative, and Executive powers to be in distinct hands.
  • 7. Parliaments to be Elected by the People.

The Resolutions were committed to a commit­tee of the Common Council.

14. The Council of Officers signified their Opi­nions Officers. to the Committee of safety, that the best way to satisfie and appease the present distractions, would be to have a Parliament forthwith summoned, without a King, or House of Peers. Thereupon the Committee agreed upon a Proclamation to be issued declaring, That a Parliament should be summoned to meet Parliament January next, according to Qualifications. And the Proclamation was sealed, which gave satisfacti­on to many.

Orders by the Common Council of London, for preserving the Peace.

Intelligence of Alarms taken by Monks Forces; Monk. and that he had taken many Scots into his Army. And that Newcastle was resolute for Fleetwoods par­ty, that they suspected Monk's design to be, to bring in the King.

15. The Proclamation for a Parliament was so­lemnly published, Whitelocke did much further it.

At the General Council of Officers of the Ar­mies, when they considered of Qualifications of the Members, and way of Electing them, Whitelocke in­formed Whitelocke. them that some things propounded were ex­presly contrary to the Law, and to the Oath which he had taken, as Keeper of the Seal. And there­fore if those things should be insisted upon, he could not without breach of his Oath, and Duty, Seal Writs for a Parliament after that manner. Some of the Officers said, That if Whitelocke would not do it, they would Seal the Writs themselves. Whitelocke replyed, that he was ready to deliver up the Seal to them, and that it was there ready for them, if they pleased to take it from him.

Another Officer said, That it could not be well, when in such a time as this, a Lawyer should be intrusted with so great a charge as the keeping of the Great Seal; And that it were more proper for some who had endured the dangers of the War, and adventured their Lives for the service of the Common-wealth to have the keeping of the Seal, than for a Lawyer to have it, who had not un­dergone dangers as others had. Whitelocke replyed again, that the Gentleman who disparaged Law­yers, might remember the services done by Ireton, Reynolds, Jones, and other Lawyers in this War, and that Whitelocke had been in such dangers in the ser­vice of the Common-wealth, particularly in his Swedish journey, as the Colonel had never been in; and therefore desired that such reproachfull lan­guage might be forborn. Fleetwood and others, ju­stified Whitelocke and his Profession, and silenced the Colonel.

16. The General Council of Officers of the Ar­mies desired the Committee of safety, that Writs might be issued out for Election of Parliament men.

17. Lawson and his Officers set forth a declara­tion, Lawson. that the long Parliament should sit again; whereupon Vane and others were sent to him, to inform him better.

The Forces lay still about Portsmouth, some de­signs of an Insurrection at Bristoll, were prevented. Insurrecti­ons.

18. The like designs of the King's party at Col­chester, were prevented.

19. No quiet was enjoyed by any party, all were Distracti­ons. at work, and the King's party very active. And every man was guided by his own Fancy and Inte­rest, [Page 692] those in employment were most obnoxious to trouble.

20. Many wished themselves out of these dayly hazards, but knew not how to get free of them, the distractions were strangly high, and dayly in­creasing.

A design of a rising in London, laid by the King's party, but discovered and prevented, and many of the Conspirators taken.

21. Letters, that several of the Forces which Fleetwood sent to reduce Portsmouth, were gon into the Town and joyned with them, some of Colonel Rich's men, and others.

22. That the Isle of Wight was come in to the Parliament party.

Letters from Vice-Admiral Lawson and his Offi­cers Lawson. to the City, and others to the Militia of Lon­don, declaring for restoring the Parliament.

And from Haslerigge, Walton and Morley, from Portsmouth to the City, acquainting them with their success there.

Most of the Souldiery about London, declared Souldiers. their judgment to have the Parliament sit again, in Honour, Freedom and Safety; And now those who formerly were most eager for Fleetwood's party, be­came as violent against them, and for the Parlia­ment to sit again.

These passages perplexed Whitelocke, as well as others, if not more, he al [...] along suspecting Monk's design. The Lord Willoughby, and Alderman Robin­son, M. G. Brown, Mr. Loe and others, came to him, and confirmed his suspicion in this particular: and propounded to him to go to Fleetwood, and to ad­vise him to send forthwith to the King at Breda, to offer to bring him in upon good terms, and there­by to get before hand with Monk, who questionless did intend to bring in the King; Whitelocke upon Whitelocke and Fleet-wood. serious thoughts of this, went to Fleetwood, and they had a long private discourse together, wherein Whitelocke told him, That by the desire of his Brother, Sir Will. Fleetwood, and of the Lord Willoughby, M. G. Brown, Alderman Robinson, Mr. Loe and o­thers, he was come to discourse freely with him about their present condition, and what was fit to be done in such an exigency, as their Affairs were now in. That it was more than evident, that Monk's design was to bring in the King, and that without any terms for the Parliament party; whereby all their lives and fortunes would be at the mercy of the King and his party, who were sufficiently enraged against them, and in need of repairing their broken fortunes.

That the Inclinations of the Presbyterian party gene­rally, and of many others, and of the City, and most of the Parliaments old friends, were the same way, and a great part of the Souldiery.

And that these here were revolted from Fleetwood, as those in the North under Lambert, and those at Portsmouth and other places.

That Monk would easily delude Haslerigge, and the rest of the old Parliament men, and that all the incensed Lords, and secluded Members would be, and were active in this design, so that Whitelocke said, the coming in of the King was unavoidable, and that he though (being that must be) that it was more Prudence for Fleetwood and his friends to be the-Instruments of bringing him in, than to leave it to Monk.

That by this means, Fleetwood might make terms with the King for preservation of himself and his friends, and of that cause in a good measure, in which they had been engaged, but if it were left to Monk, they and all that had been done, would be left to the danger of destruction.

Whitelocke therefore propounded to Fleetwood to do one of these two things, Either to give order for all his Forces to draw together, and himself and his friends to appear in the head of them, and see what strength they could make, that would stand by them; and accordingly to take further resolutions, if they found their strength but small (as Whitelocke doubt­ed) then with those few he had, to go to the Tower and take possession of it: And to send to the Mayor and Common-council of London, that they would joyn with them to declare for a free Parliament; which, he thought, the City would willingly do, and furnish him with money for his Souldiers; which would encrease their numbers.

Fleetwood asked Whitelocke, If he would go with him into the Field, and to the Tower. White­locke said, he would. Fleetwood then asked, What was the other way that he had to propound to him in this Exigency? Whitelocke answered, It was this;

That Fleetwood should immediately send away some person of trust to the King to Breda, to offer to him his and his friends service to the restoring of the King to his Right; and that upon such terms as the King should agree upon. And for this purpose to give Instructions to the Party, whom Fleetwood should send upon this Affair.

Fleetwood then asked Whitelocke, If he would be willing to go himself upon this Imployment? Who an­swered, That he would go, if Fleetwood thought good to send him. And after much other discourse to this effect, Fleetwood seemed fully satisfied to send Whitelocke to the King; and desired Whitelocke to go and prepare himself forthwith for the Journey: And that in the mean time Fleetwood and his friends would prepare the Instructions for him; so that he might begin his Journey this Evening, or to Mor­row morning early.

Whitelocke going away from Fleetwood, met Vane, Desborough, and Berry, in the next Room coming to speak with Fleetwood; who thereupon desired Whitelocke to stay a little: And Whitelocke suspected what would be the issue of their Consultation: And within a quarter of an hour, Fleetwood came to Whitelocke, and in much passion said to him, I cannot do it, I cannot do it. Whitelocke desired his Reasons why he could not do it? He answered, These Gentlemen have remembred me; and it is true, that I am engaged not to do any such thing without my Lord Lambert's consent.

Whitelooke replyed, That Lambert was at too great a distance to have his consent to this business, which must be instantly acted.

Fleetwood again said, I cannot do it without him: Then Whitelocke said, You will ruine your self and your friends: He said, I cannot help it. Then White­locke told him, he must take his leave; and so they parted.

23. Whitelocke sealed some Writs for the sum­moning of a new Parliament, and sent one to the Lord Mayor, and another to the Sheriffs of London.

Colonel Ingoldsby, and his Son in Law Mr. Lee, Ingoldsby. and Colonel Howard came to Whitelocke, and dis­coursed of the change like to be; and intimated Whitelock's condition to require his going to the King with the Great Seal: but he not consenting to their Overtures, they left him, and provided for themselves.

Some of the Members of the old Council of State then in Town, together with the old Speaker Len­thal, by advice together, finding the revolt of the Souldiers from Fleetwood, gave out Orders for the Forces about the Town, to rendezvous to Morrow in Lincolns-Inn-fields, under Colonel Okey and Alured.

[Page 693] Intelligence that Haslerigge and the Forces at Portsmouth intended speedily to come to London.

24. The Souldiers were drawn out, and march­ing through Chancery-Lane, made a stand at the Speaker's House, who came to them in the Street, and the Officers spake to him in the name of the Souldiery, being sorry for the late Defection; and resolving for the future to adhere to the Parliament. The Souldiers gave loud shouts, and the Speaker gave out Orders for their disposall, and gave them the Word.

The Speaker, with Cooper, Reynolds, Weaver, and Bernors, went to the Lord Mayor, and discoursed with him and the Sheriffs, touching the Parliaments Parliament meeting again speedily, and found them to like well of it; from him they went to the Tower and secured that.

News from Ireland that the Forces there had de­clared Ireland. for the Parliament, who a little before had declared for Fleetwood; and Jones and Corbet were secured there.

Lawson wrote to the City, and to the Militia of London, and declared for the Parliament: So did Lawson. the Regiment of Desborough, who was so active Desborough against the Parliament. And the like was done by Zanchey's Brigade: And Orders were sent to the Zanchey. Forces under Lambert, to obey the Parliament.

Letters from Newcastle, that there was no hope of any further Treaty with Monk.

25. More Letters from Lawson to the same effect with the former; and yet against the King.

26. The Speaker and Members of Parliament then in Town, met at Whitehall, and from thence walked together to the Parliament-house in the Evening; the Souldiers shouted as they passed by, Parliament who not long before by force kept them from sit­ting.

They passed some Votes for pay of the Army; and appointed Colonel Popham, Thompson, Scot, Okey, Cooper, and others, to direct and order the Forces.

27. Whitelocke saw how things passed, and that Whitelocke. the old Parliament were now met again, who, he knew, would be severe against him for acting in the Committee of Safety; and being informed that Scot and Nevill, and others, had threatned to take away his life: And Scot said, That he should be hanged with the Great Seal about his Neck: And he knew Scot's malice to him upon some former con­tests, about Elections to Parliament; this made Whitelocke to consider how to provide for his own safety.

The Parliament released Mr. Chaloner and others, Chaloner. committed by Fleetwood; and made several Com­mittees.

They appointed 5. Jan. next, to consider the ca­ses of absent Members.

The Speaker sent a Letter to Whitelocke, requi­ring Whitelocke. his attendance in the House; whereupon he went to the Speaker, and made his Objections, that some in the House seeing him there, might move against him, and get him sent to Prison. The Speaker said, He believed no such thing would be mo­ved, but they would take it as an owning of their Au­thority, if he sate with them.

Upon this he went to the House, and found ma­ny of his old acquaintance, as Reynolds, Nevill, and others very reserved to him: And some of his friends advised him not to be in the House at the day when they had appointed to consider of the absent Members.

Order for Letters of thanks to be sent to Monk, Lawson, and the Commissioners at Portsmouth.

Letters from Monk of an Obstruction in the Treaty, for that Haslerigge, Walton, and Morley, Monk. acted at Portsmouth by the same authority, and as equal Commissioners with Monk. And that Lam­bert had denied a Pass for Monk's Messenger to go to them: But this was not now thought to be of much effect.

28. Colonel H. Ingoldsby reported to the Parlia­ment, that he and Major Wildman, with three hun­dred Windsor Castle. Voluntier Horse came before Windsor Castle, and the Governour, Colonel Whitchcoat, surrendred to them for the use of the Parliament. Whitelocke Whitelocke. doubted lest this might bring his Name in question, he being Constable of that Castle; and Wildman having been imployed with him by Fleetwood, to consider of a Form of Government of a free State, Wildman. wherein they two, and none else, had gone far: Whitelocke now feared lest Wildman had discovered this; and the more, because Wildman had before offered to bring three thousand Horse to White­locke to be commanded by him, if he would keep Windsor Castle, and declare for a free Common-wealth: But Whitelocke saw no likelihood of effect in this; and Wildman carried himself prudently and faithfully, and nothing was said of Whitelocke. And Ingoldsby had the thanks of the House for his good Service.

Several Votes for Money; and for an Act of Indemnity.

29. Desborough sent an humble Letter to the Desborough House, acknowledging his fault, and promising to be obedient to them.

The Militia Souldiers of Westminster drew toge­ther Militia. and met the Speaker, and with shouts decla­red their adherence to the Parliament.

Sir Arthur Haslerigge, Walton, and Morley, came Haslerigge. into the House in their riding habits; and Hasle­rigge was very jocund and high. The House or­dered thanks to be given them; and to Wallop, Love, and Nevill, for their good service at Portsmouth.

The House approved of the placing and dis­placing of Officers by Monk; and ordered a Let­ter Monk. of thanks under the Seal of the Parliament to be sent to him for his fidelity and great services.

They also approved what had been done by the Members of the Council of State, during the Inter­ruption: And thanks to the Speaker; and to Law­son and his Officers; and to Col. Whetham and his Officers.

A day of Humiliation appointed.

Thanks to Colonel Rich, and Mr. Bremen and their Officers.

The House began to name a Council of State.

Whitelocke went to visit Haslerigge at his Lodg­ings Haslerigge. in Whitehall, and to bid him welcom to Town, and to find how his Inclinations stood: He found with him H. Nevill, and they were both very re­served to Whitelocke, and ranted high against the Committee of Safety.

30. Orders about Moneys, and for managing of the Army.

A great sharpness in the House towards all those who had acted during the Interruption, was obser­ved by Whitelocke: And he being informed of a de­sign Whitelocke. of some in the House to question him, and to have him sent to the Tower, to be out of the way, he retired to a friends house in the Country.

[Page 694] 31. The House agreed upon the Members of Parliament to be of the Council of State.

They read an Act of Indemnity for Officers and Souldiers: appointed a Committee to confer with the Lord Mayor and Aldermen about the Peace Parliament of London. Appointed Haslerigge, Walton, and Morley, for the present to name Officers of the Regiments, and Colonel Dixwell Governour of Dover. C. Dixwell.

January, 1659.

2. An Act past for the Council of State.

Order for a Bill to renounce the Title of Charles Stuart, and of the Line of King James, to be ta­ken by all Members of Parliament.

Orders touching Money for the Army.

Report of Vice-Admiral Lawson's concurrence with the Parliament; and of the City's obedience City. to the Parliament: and that they would take down the Posts and Chains lately set up.

An Act of Indemnity past for the Officers and Indemnity. Souldiers of the Army, who should submit to the Parliament by a day; and Lambert to be included in it.

3. Several Letters to the Parliament, one from Colonel Lockart, of his concurrence with the Par­liament, and resolution to obey them. He had Lockart. thanks ordered to be sent to him, and Provisions for his Garrison of Dunkirk.

Order for Writs to fill up the Parliament.

Whitelocke before his going out of Town, had left order with his Wife to carry the Great Seal to the Speaker, which she did, lockt up in a Desk, and Gr. Seal. gave the Key of it to him.

4. The House kept a Day of Humiliation, and afterwards read some Letters, and made some Re­ferences.

Letters from Monk in Scotland, of the good con­dition Monk. of his Army, and resolution to adhere to this Parliament, and to march to reduce Lambert's Forces, in case they did not conform to the Par­liament.

The Messenger related that he met Lambert with Lambert. about fifty Horse at North-Allerton; that all his Forces and himself, and the Lord Fairfax and his Forces, and York, had all submitted to this Parliament.

5. Order to send for Ludlow and the Commissi­oners Ludlow. out of Ireland; and referred to the Council of State to consider of settling the Civil Power, and the Army there.

Vote to confirm the discharge of the Members in 48, and 49.

6. Letters from Monk to the Parliament, own­ing Monk. his former prevarications in the Treaty with Fleetwood, for the Service of the Parliament, and promising obedience and faithfulness to this Par­liament.

Order for a Letter of thanks to Monk for his high deservings, and to desire him to come up to London as speedily as he can.

Letters from the Lord Fairfax, and Sir Henry Lord Fairfax. Cholmley, and Arthington, of their raising Volun­tiers for the Parliament; and of their taking in of York for the Parliament: and complaining of Lambert's Assessments upon the Country. Thanks ordered to be sent to them.

Letters from Lambert of submission.

7. Order for observation of the Lords-day.

For the maimed Souldiers, and for Money.

Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper admitted upon his E­lection A. Cooper. to sit in Parliament.

Colonel Morley made Lieutenant of the Tower.

Letters from York of Colonel Lilburn's decla­ring for the Parliament.

A Conference between the Committee of Par­liament, and a Committee of London, about the London. safety of the City.

9. Letters from Monk from Weller.

Order for selling the Estates of those who were with Sir George Booth. S. G. Booth.

Orders about the Admiralty.

Lawson was brought into the House, and at the Lawson. Bar received the thanks of the House, for his good Service in the late Interruption of Parliament; and the House approved the Officers placed by him.

A Committee to consider of fit Persons to be Commissioners of the Seal, and Judges. Gr. Seal.

Sir Henry Vane being sent for, came and took Vane. his place in the House, and was questioned for his acting during the late Interruption: to which he made an ingenious Answer. And it was voted, That he should forthwith repair to his house at Raby, in the County of Durham, and remain there during the pleasure of the Parliament. And he was discharged from being a Member of this Parliament.

Lambert, Decborough, Ashfield, Berry, Kelsey, Officers confined. Cobbet, and Creed, were confined to their several Houses furthest off from London: And the Council of State ordered to send for and confine other Of­ficers of the Army, who had acted against the Par­liament in the late Interruption.

10. Order to consider this Day seven-night of the Members of Parliament against whom Matters are objected.

11. Scot made Custos Rotulorum of Westmin­ster. Scot.

Ʋnton Crook made Colonel of Berry's Regiment; Crook. Walton of that late Colonel Morley's; and Sir An­thony Ashley Cooper of that Regiment of Horse late the Lord Fleetwood's.

Letters, that Monk was come as far as York with Monk. about 5000 men.

12. Letters from Monk from Newcastle, brought by Mr. Gumbell, who had a hundred pounds given him.

Order for the Speaker to seal a Commission of Oyer and Terminer for London.

Thanks sent to General Morgan for his good Service.

Letters of submission from Ludlow and Corbet, from Ireland.

Lists of Officers brought in.

13. The Speaker being sick, had leave to absent for ten dayes; and Mr. Say was Speaker pro tem­pore. Speaker.

The Great Seal delivered to the Speaker Len­thal, till further order of the House.

14. Order for the Council to secure the Officers formerly confined, or any other that do not repair to their Houses in the Country to which they are confined.

Order for Scot to be Secretary of State. Scot.

Letters of Monk's advance to Newark, with six­ty six Companies of foot, and two and twenty Troops of Horse.

[Page 695] 16. Flattering Letters of Monk's carriage in Scot­land when there.

Alderman Bunce, and others, released out of Prison.

Mr. Scot and Mr. Luke Robinson, ordered to go to meet Monk, and to congratulate from the Par­liament Robinson. Monk. his great Services and good success, and his repairing towards London, and to let him know that the House would provide money for his For­ces.

17. The House proceeded against Colonel Sy­denham, Col. Syden­ham. for acting against them during the Inter­ruption; and after his Answer, discharged him from being a Member of this Parliament.

Then they proceeded against Major Salwey, and Salwey. voted him to be suspended from sitting in Parlia­ment, and to be sent to the Tower during the Par­liaments pleasure.

Downing was sent Agent to the States of the Downing. Netherlands.

Widdrington, Tyrrell, and Fountain, Voted to be Commissioners of the Seal. Gr. Seal.

Newdigate to be chief Justice; Hill and Nicholas Judges of the Ʋpper Bench: St. John chief Justice; Judges. Windham and Archer Judges of the Common Pleas: Wilde chief Baron; Thorpe and Parker Barons of the Exchequer.

19. Officers out of Ireland brought into the Ireland. House, gave an account of Affairs there, and brought Letters from Sir Hardress Waller, Sir Charles Coote, Sir Theophilus Jones; with Articles of Treason against Ludlow, Corbet, Jones, and Thom­linson, former Commissioners there. The Powers formerly granted to them were suspended by the House: And they appointed new Commissioners for Ireland, Sir Hardress Waller, Mr. Weaver, Ro­bert Goodwyn, Sir Charles Coote, and Colonel Mar­kham.

Order for Ludlow and the rest to attend the House, to answer to the Articles of Treason a­gainst them.

The Officers of Ireland had thanks.

The Great Seal was delivered in the House to Widdrington, Tyrrell, and Fountain.

Commissioners given in the House to several Of­ficers of the Army.

A Letter to Monk to congratulate him, sent by Monk. three of the City.

21. Letters from Monk of his approach near London, desiring the Order of Parliament how to dispose of his Forces for their Service, and pro­testing all faithfulness and obedience to them.

Letters from Monk to Overton, about the secu­rity Overton. of Hull, and their adhering to this Parlia­ment: to which Overton the Governour made an ingenious Answer, that reflected upon Monk, as to the secluded Members, and a single Person.

23. Commissions given out to Officers.

The House agreed upon a Declaration.

Letters of a Tumult in Excester, the people de­claring for a free Parliament, quieted.

Letters, that Monk and his Forces were com­plemented in their march, and Addresses made by some for the secluded Members, by others for a free Parliament: That Monk gave the hearing to Free Par­liament. all, but declared his purpose to none. That Hull is for this Parliament.

24. Order, That Colonel Charles Fleetwood, the L. Whitelocke, Mr. Strickland, and Mr. Holland, do attend the House this day sevennight.

Order, That Papers of the Committee of safety, Commit. of Safety. and Council of Officers, be brought in to the Clerk of the Parliament, and Mr. Scobell to attend the House, and all Members to attend the House this Day sevennight, on pain of 20 l.

Order for the Members to name Justices of Peace.

The People of Berks met at Abbington upon a false rumour, that a Knight of the Shire was to be chosen.

25. Orders about monies, and touching the Mi­litia Forces.

Sir Robert Pye, and Major Fincher, commit­ted Sir Robert Pye. to the Tower, for delivering a seditious Pa­per to the Speaker.

Letters, That Scot and Robinson, the Parliaments Scot and Robinson. Commissioners to Monk, went out to meet him six miles from Leicester, and the Forces with Monk Monk. gave Vollies of shot, and the Bells rang where Monk came, and many Gentlemen of the Countries came and saluted him; Monk alighted from his Horse, to salute the Parliaments Commissioners, and went with them in their Coach to Leicester, and there supped with them in their Quarters: multi­tudes of People came to see them, and Monk expressed the height of respect to the Com­missioners. The Mayor and Aldermen, ban­quetted Monk.

The Officers of the Army in Ireland, wrote to Ludlow, to surrender the Fort of Duncannon to the Parliament.

26. The House was busie about the assess­ment, and sate all Day.

Order about discoveries of monies due to the Commonwealth.

Order for an Act, to justifie the proceedings of Monk; he was made Custos Rotulorum of De­von.

Letters from Monk and from the Commissioners with him; who highly extoll his respects to the Par­liament, and his faithfulness to them, and his civili­ties to their Commissioners.

Mr. Gomble, Monk's Chaplain, recommended by Mr. Gomble the House to be a fellow of Eaton College.

Lambert confined to Holmeby.

27. Order about a suit between Mr. Nevil, and the High Sheriff, concerning a return of his Ele­ction.

Votes about the Committee of the Army, and a­bout the Admiralty.

And divers Officers of the Army approved.

28. Letters of Monk's coming to Northampton Monk with the Parliaments Commissioners, that a hundred Gentlemen presented a Paper to Monk, desiring him to be instrumental for the secluded Members, or for a free Parliament, to which he answered, Free Par­liament. That he was but a servant to the Parliament in a Mili­tary capacity, and these things of great and civil con­cernment were to be left to the Parliament, and he than­ked them for their respects to him.

Four thousand pounds seized upon, as money to be sent to the King.

Addresses to Monk, in his march from the Addresses. Gentry of several Countries, to the same effect with that in Northamptonshire. He came to S. Albans, and the High Sheriff of Hertford-shire met him, he expressed all Duty and Obedience to this Parliament.

The L. Richardson, Sir John Hobbert, and Sir Ho­ratio Townsend, brought an address from Norfolk to the Parliament, for the secluded Members to be re-admitted, or a free Parliament.

[Page 696] Lawson and his Officers courted Monk.

30. Upon Letters from Monk from S. Albans, the House agreed to the quartering of his Forces, as he propounded.

This Day, the business appointed touching Fleet-wood, Whitelocke, Strickland and others, was put off for a week longer.

Orders for money for the Forces of Monk.

31. Officers approved, and a Bill committed for approving the actions of G. Monk.

An Address to the Parliament from the Water-men, protesting their fidelity and joy. Water-men.

February, 1659.

1. Dr. Clargies made Commissary G. of the D. Clargies. Musters.

Letters from Monk to the Parliament, and Monk Monk. made Keeper of S. Jame's Park.

Order for Sir Henry Vane, to be taken into cu­stody, Vane. and sent to Raby.

Order for the Souldiers in and about London to march forth, to make room for Monk's Soul­diers.

Divers Addresses made to Monk, and great re­sort to him.

Addresses to the City of London, to the same ef­fect, Addresses. as to Monk from some Counties.

2. Several Commissions given by the Speaker to Officers of the Army.

Votes for money for the Army.

Votes touching the Admiralty.

3. Commissions delivered to Officers of the Ar­my, and Letters to bring in the Assessments.

Referred to the Council of State to examin the business of the tumult Yesterday in London, which was for a free Parliament. Tumults.

4. Commissions delivered to Officers of the Ar­my, and a Sheriff named.

Order that Commissioner G. Monk do attend Monk. the Parliament, to receive their sense, in relation to his signall and faithfull services; and Scot and Robin­son to accompany him.

Debate upon Qualifications of Members to sit in the next Parliament.

Letters of a Declaration of Kent for the seclud­ed Kent. Members, and a free Parliament, but hearing that Monk had declared to submit to the settlements which this present Parliament should make, they desisted.

Some of the Foot Souldiers who were to march out of Town, to make room for Monk's Souldiers fell into a mutiny, and kept Somerset-house as a Gar­rison; Mutiny. but being assured of a months Pay, and by the care of their Colonel Sir John Lenthall, they were quieted, and marched out.

Another tumult of Apprentices declaring for a free Parliament was suppressed by a party of Horse of the Army, and many of the mutineers imprison­ed.

Monck marched into London in all State, with his Monk. Horse and Foot, and came to White-hall, where his quarters were provided for him.

The Speaker met him in the Strand, and Monk a­lighted, and the Speaker came out of his Coach, and they embraced each other with extraordinary signs of kindness.

This Evening Monk was at the Council, and visi­ted by all the Members of Parliament, against whom he was come, and by the Grandees in Town.

Cockerams Regiment at Graves-end in a Mutiny, Monk sent some Troops of Horse to reduce them. Febr. Mutiny.

6. Divers of the King's party came from beyond Sea into England, and talked very high, and that they were sure that the King would be in England very shortly.

Orders for the Lent Circuits, and about the Ad­miralty, Orders. and for the profits of the Office of Custos Brevium to be for the Navy. And so for the Pro­fits of the Court of Admiralty, and of probate of Wills; and Orders about the Ingagement, and the Government of Scotland, and for money for the Army.

Commissions delivered to Officers.

Scot reported that Monk was come to attend the Monk in Parlia­ment. House, and was in the Court of Wards. The Ser­jeant at Armes was sent for him; and brought him into the House accompanied with Scot and Robinson, after his obeysance, a Chair of Velvet being set for him on the Left Hand within the Bar, the Speaker Speaker. desired him to sit down, but he desired to be excu­sed, and stood behind the Chair, whilst the Speaker made a Speech to him, magnifying his service and merits, and giving him the hearty thanks of the House.

Monk answered him, extolling the mercy of their Answer. restitution, and acknowledging the goodness of God to him, in making him instrumental therein, which was but his duty, and deserved not the Honour they had done him. He told them of the many Addresses to him in his journey for a free and full Parliament, and that this Parliament would determine their sitting.

That as to the secluded Members, he answered them, that this Parliament had already given their judgment, in which all ought to acquiesce; and that no Parliament had admitted new Members to sit without a previous Oath or engagement, and he now saith it to the Parlia­ment, that the less Oaths and engagements are imposed, the settlement will be the sooner attained, and he hoped the Parliament would be carefull that neither the Cava­lier, nor Phanatick Party have yet a share in the Civil or Military Power.

Then he spake of Ireland, and of Scotland, who feared nothing more than to be over run with Phanatick Notions; and he desired a settlement there, and their favour to that Nation.

Part of his Speech troubled and amused some of his Masters of the Parliament, and how himself pursued what he pretended, will afterwards appear.

7. Orders for a great Seal for Scotland, and ano­ther for Ireland.

Commissions delivered by the Speaker.

An Additional Act of Sequestrations passed.

And an Order to take into consideration on Tri­day next, the Cases of the Members of Parliament against whom matters have been obiected.

8. Lists of Officers approved.

Debate of Qualifications of future Members of Parliament.

Letters of a great tumult in Bristoll, for a free Tumult. Parliament, but quieted, by promising an Address to the Parliament for it.

The Mutineers of Colonel Cockram's Regiment at Gravesend reduced, and some of them taken.

The Dutch Ambassadour had audience at the Council of State.

9. The Council of State finding the City of London generally inclined to the bringing in of the London. King; or to have forthwith a free Parliament for that end, and suspecting that they might disown [Page 697] the Parliaments Authority, and set up for them­selves, and that the Presbyterians there, and in the Countries joyned with the Cavaliers herein, the Council made some Resolutions, which they report­ed to the Parliament, and were approved by them, and Votes passed.

That the Commissioners for government of the Army, Votes. do appoint Forces to be in London, for preserving the Peace thereof, and of the Commonwealth, and for re­ducing of the City to the Obedience of Parliament. And that the Commissioners take care that the Posts and Posts and Chains. Chains in London be taken away, and that the Gates of the City be forthwith destroyed.

And that the Commissioners of the Army do seize some Officers who have not consined themselves according to former Order; and they approved what they had done in securing divers Citizens.

An Address of Divers Citizens, presented by Mr. Praise God Barebones, of adhering to this Parlia­ment. Barebones.

Upon a Letter from Monk the Parliament orde­red to send to him the Resolves of the House, That the Gates of the City of London and the Port-Cullises be destroyed, and that he be ordered to put the said Votes in Execution.

Monk was not well satisfied, that this Order was before directed to the Commissioners for Govern­ment of the Army, and himself not named therein, but left out as a Cypher; but upon advise with his Friends, he this Day Executed their Order, and in the sight of the Citizens, took down their Port-Cul­lises and Gates, and took away their Posts and Posts and Chains. Chains; many lookers on admired at it, but none offered any Opposition. And this night Monk and his Forces quartered in the City, where he had many visitants of the chief Citizens and of the secluded Members, and others.

To these he minced and excused this action: and assured his confidents that it was still in Order to his and their great design, and hardly gave the same ac­count to two men, but the thing was done, and many amazed that he did it.

The Parliament finding the Common Council of London to be against them, Common-Council.

Ordered that it should be discontinued, and an Act brought in to constitute a new Common Coun­cil; They sent thanks to the Lord Mayor for his discreet carriage in this business.

They debate the Qualifications.

10. Commissions delivered to Officers, and Lists approved.

Orders about prize goods.

A Bill read for appointing Commissioners for the Army, which was held no great Policy nor Courtship in Relation to Monk.

Orders for money for the Souldiers, and for the Militia of London, and about Trade.

Reference to the Council, to consider what is further to be done for the fafety of the Parliament and City, and to suppress seditious meetings.

11. Commissions delivered to Officers.

Orders for Judges for next Circuit.

Upon a Letter from Monk and his Officers, the House ordered thanks to him for securing the City, and in answer to their desire for filling up the House, they said they were upon the Qualifications. Scot and Robinson ordered to carry this answer to him; Scot and Robinson. and they much boasted of their intimacy and fa­vour with him.

The passed an Act to appoint Monk, Haslerigge, Walton, Morley, and Alured, Commissioners for Go­vernment of the Army, at which, Monk was noted Commissi­oners of the Army. to be discontended, and many judged it an Act of no great present Policy; but Haslerigge especial­ly did drive on furiously. The House adjourned till Monday.

12. Monk drew up his Forces in Finsbury, dined Monk. with the Lord Mayor, had conference with him and the Court of Aldermen, retired to the Bull-head in Cheapside, and quartered at the Glass-House in Broadstreet; multitudes of People followed him, congratulating his coming into the City, making loud shouts, and Bonfires and ringing the Bells: he heard a Sermon at Pauls, with the Lord Mayor: Okey was sent with his Regiment to quiet Bristoll.

13. Intelligence from Tork, of an Address from York. the City and the Country to the Parliament, for the secluded Members, and a free Parliament.

Order for the Serjeant at Armes to carry Sir Henry Vane to his House at Bellew in Lincoln-shire.

A Proclamation for Lambert, to render himself by a Day, or to be sequestred.

Order for the Members of Parliament who act­ed in the Committee of Safety to attend this day Commit. of Safety. sevennight, and the Serjeant at Arms to summon them accordingly. The Papers of the Committee of safety ordered to be brought in.

Orders for money for the Army.

Debare about the Qualifications.

The engagement agreed upon, to be true and faith­full Engage­ment. to the Commonwealth of England, and the Govern­ment thereof in the way of Commonwealth and free State, without a King, single Person, or House of Lords.

14. Order for money for Monk's Forces that came out of Scotland with him, as he shall order.

15. Letters from Overton from Hull, with a De­claration Overton. for the secluded Members, or a free Par­liament, and a Letter to Monk with it, referred to the Council of State.

A scandalous Paper against some Members of Par­liament, referred to a Committee.

Qualifications agreed upon for future Members Qualifica­tions. of Parliament, and an Order for Writs for new Elections to fill up the House.

An Address to Monk from Oxford-shire, for read­mitting the secluded Members, and that no Previ­ous Secluded Members. Oaths or Engagements might be imposed on any that should be Elected Members of Parliament, to this Monk answered, That the Parliament had these matters under their present consideration, and he wished these Gentlemen and all others to acquiesce in their de­termination.

Monk removed his Quarters to Alderman Wale's House, where he was visited and consulted by the chief Citizens and Ministers; and he gave them plausible hopes of their Design being compassed.

An Address from the North for the secluded Members, or a free Parliament, and no Taxes Address. till then.

By Monk's Order many were disarmed in the City.

16. Order for the Committee of plundered Ministers to sit, and many added Commissioners for the Assessments.

Mr. Attorney General Reynolds reported Com­missions for the Judges of the Admiralty, and for Probate of Wills, which passed.

Amendments agreed to the Qualifications.

17. Additions to the Commissioners of Assesse­ments.

[Page 698] A Form of a Writ agreed on for Elections of Members of Parliament.

18. The Act of Qualifications past.

Several Addresses to Monk to the same effect with the former.

Two Souldiers hanged for disorders. Other Soul­diers were whipped, their Offences were Mutiny and Robbery.

Some Members of the Parliament now sitting, and about twelve of the secluded Members met at Secluded Members. Monk's Quarters by appointment, and had confe­rence about readmitting the secluded Members.

And here began the great turn, and the design of Monk to take place, to the regret of Haslerigge, Scot, &c.

A Tumult at Bury appeased.

It pleased Monk that the secluded Members should Monk. sit again; and neither Scot nor Robinson, nor Ha­sterigge, nor Nevil, nor any of that Party could prevail with him to the contrary, nor durst any to oppose him; and the Spirit of the people ge­nerally, especially of the Presbyterians, ran that way, and the Cavaliers agreed to it, as the way to bring in the King.

19. Other meetings of the secluded Members be­ing had, it was agreed, That they should take their places in the Parliament on Tuesday next.

21. The secluded Members came into the House, several of the old Members absented themselves. Secluded Members restored.

The House being thus changed, made a great change in the public Affairs.

Several Votes were now passed without much debate, to vacate all the Votes made by the Votes. House, 1648, and 1649. against the secluded Mem­bers, and to set all matters right again in relation to them; and a Committee made to consider what other Votes were fit to be vacated.

Then to please their Patron, they voted Monk to be General of all the Forces in England, Scot­land, Monk. and Ireland.

Lawson was voted to be Vice-Admiral, and the Powers given to the Commissioners for government Lawson. of the Army, were repealed.

Sir Robert Pye, Fincher, and others released of their Imprisonment. All Orders of the Council of Pye. State, or Commissioners of the Army concerning the Forces, are to be communicated to Monk, and not to be proceeded upon without his approbation. The Powers given to the Council of State to be ta­ken away, and a new Council to be chosen.

Order to restore the Common Council of London, to their liberty, and for the City to set up again Common Council. their Posts, Chains, Gates, and Portcullises. The Members of Parliament ordered to attend the House; the imprisoned Apprentices released by Order, and the cause of the Imprisonment of Sir George Booth, Col. Brooke, the L. Crawford, L. Lou­derdale, and Lord St. Clare, to be certified to the House.

22. More former Votes vacated.

M. G. Brown restored to his place in Parliament. Sir G. Booth released upon security, and his Seque­stration stopped.

Order for a new Parliament to be summoned to New Par­liament. meet, April 25. 1660.

A Committee named to prepare Qualifications for it.

The City returned thanks to the House for their favour: and the House sent to borrow money of them.

Monk took up his Quarters at S. James's House.

23. Divers imprisoned for Addresses to the for­mer House, were released; and ordered that no private business be admitted during the sitting of this Parliament.

All Powers granted for the several Militia's re­pealed, and an Act to be for new settling of them.

The Vote repealed that Scot be Secretary of State.

The City sent a Congratulation to the Parlia­ment City. for their Restauration, and consented to lend them 60000 l. for pay of the Forces, and petitioned for settling their Militia in such hands as the City might confide in, and named in a List Commissi­oners for their Militia, which the House approved.

A Day of Thansgiving appointed.

The Council of State named.

Several Sheriffs appointed.

Vote to discharge Mr. Bulstrode from being a New Offi­cers. Commissioner for the Excise; this Gentleman Whitelocke had put in formerly to be a Commissi­oner of the Excise; and although he had faithfully served the Parliament, yet that was not now consi­dered, but he was set by; and perhaps the rather, because of his kindred to Whitelocke, to make way for another: The like was done to others, and several new Officers made.

Order for a Bill to dissolve the present Parlia­ment.

25. The Act passed for constituting George Monk Monk. Esquire, Captain General and Commander in chief under the Parliament, of all the Land For­ces in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

An Act passed for constituting the Council of State, with a Repeal of the Act for the former Council.

An Act past for continuance of the Excise and Customs; and Votes about those Customs.

The Lent Circuits put off, and a Commission of Oyer and Terminer to be issued forth in the several Counties.

Several persons discharged of their Imprison­ments and Sequestrations.

A Pardon past for divers reprieved persons.

A Declaration from the Officers of the Army in Ireland, for the secluded Members, and for a free Free Parl. Parliament.

Sir Hardress Waller opposed by Coot and others.

The City advanced money for the Parliament. They entertained Monk and his Officers at Dinner Monk. on the Thanksgiving Day.

Monk visited the Speaker at the Rolls.

Ingoldsby sent by Monk with Forces to quiet the Regiment at Bury.

Colonel Morley Lieutenant of the Tower concur­red with Monk.

27. Votes to make void all that was done in Parliament, against those of Sir George Booth's Sir George Booth. Party, and against Chester. This was sufficient to cause men to suppose what was intended.

The Speaker made Chamberlain of Chester.

An Oath past for the Officers of the Council of State.

A Proclamation for the Officers of the Army to continue with their Souldiers.

Vote for the Council, that they may secure any persons, though they be Members of Parliament, to prevent publick danger.

John Thomson and John Thurloe, Esquires, voted to be Secretaries of State.

Vote for Dr. Clargies, Monk's friend, to have the Hamper Office.

Letters from York, that by Monk's Letters to the Monk. [Page 699] Forces there, he had given them so full satisfaction of his joyning against the Old Enemy, and that Family, that they concurred with him; but if he should do otherwise, they would oppose him.

29. A Committee to examine matters touching sequestred Ministers.

Debate of security for money to be lent by the City, and Votes touching the Militia of the City, and other Militias,

A few Arms seized in the Houses of L. Colonel Kiffin, and others.

Monk made Mr. Carew Ralegh, Governour of Jer­sey.

Colonel Ʋnton Crook and his Regiments concur­rence with Monk declared by them, and the like by other Regiments.

March, 1659.

1. Sir George Gerrard, voted to be Custos Rotulo­rum of Middlesex.

Order for maimed Souldiers, &c. and for the poor Knights of Windsor.

Order about the Publick Revenue and the Assess­ment and for wounded Seamen.

Vote that this Parliament be dissolved at or be­fore the fifteenth day of this instant March.

A Message to the City for money.

2. The Confession of Faith of the Assembly of Divines agreed unto by the House, except the 30, Assembly of Divines. and 31 Chapters, which are touching Church cen­sures and synods.

Monk and Mountague voted to be Generals at Sea; both fit for the intended design.

Orders touching the Militias, and for maimed Souldiers, &c. and about the settlement of Ireland.

Repeal of former Votes against Hollis, and of two late Acts of Sequestrations.

3. The Question betwixt Dr. Reynolds and Dr. Owen, about the Deanry of Christ-Church, refer­red to a Committee.

The Earl of Crawford, and Lauderdale, and the Lord Sinclere released from their Imprisonment in Windsor Castle.

Orders about the Admiralty, and Navy, and Prize Goods; Dr. Walker put out from being Judge Advocate.

Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper's Regiment declared for the Parliament and for Monk.

Courting Addresses to Monk from Northampton-shire and Nottingham-shire.

Intelligence of the Death of the King of Sweden, King of Sweden dies. a Gallant, wise, just, and valiant Price. The Pro­testant Interest lost a great Patron.

A Souldier hanged for murther.

Monk was feasted by several Companies in Lon­don.

5. An Act passed for the publick confession of Faith.

Divers Sheriffs of Counties named.

Orders for a Proclamation to put the Laws in execution against Papists.

Orders for the Militias, and for Justices of Peace.

Order for Printing and setting up in Churches, the Solemn League and Covenant.

6. Some Sheriffs named.

Lambert committed to the Tower, and Haslerigge ordered to attend the House. Lambert.

Overton discharged from being Governour of Hull, and a Colonel. Overton.

Divers Commissions for the Militia passed, Per­sons and Arms apprehended. March.

7. The House approved the committment of Colonel Rich, by the Council of State, though he C. Rich. was a Member of the House, and referred his fur­ther examination to the Council; His crime was for perswading his Souldiers to obey the Parliament, and to stand against Charles Stuart.

The like Approbation of what the Council had done in the case of Haslerigge, and his further exa­mination Haslerigge. referred to the Council.

Letters that Overton perswaded divers Officers to Overton. stand against having a single person in the Govern­ment, the Council reported this, and referred to them.

Letters from Sir George Ascue, of the King of Sweden's Death, of a Feaver at Gottenburg.

Lambert committed to the Tower, by the Council of State.

Letters that the King went from Brussels to Ca­lais.

8. Votes touching the Militias.

A Proclamation for executing the Laws against the Papists.

9. Votes touching the Assessment.

The Bill for calling a new Parliament, 25 of A­pril New Par­liament. committed, and the Committee to consider of Qualifications.

10. Orders touching the Militia of London, and other Militias in a generall Bill.

Letters from Overton to Monk, and to the Coun­cil, Overton. wherein he submits to their commands, and pro­tests his faithfullness in defence of his Countries rights against any Arbitrary or Kingly Innovation. He was discharged of his command.

In his Letter to Monk he fears running back to the Old Bondage of Kingship, and puts Monk in mind of his former Declarations for a Commonwealth.

Letters from Lawson, and his Officers Resoluti­ons Lawson. to acquiesce in the Determinations of Parlia­ment and his Excellency, the like of other Forces.

Sir Peter Killegrew made Governour of Pendennis Peter Kil­legrew. Castle by Monk, and Mr. Maurice made by him Go­vernour of Plymouth.

Meetings of some Persons of Quality with Monk, Monk. and his Officers about bringing in of the King.

Colonel Fairfax made by Monk, Governour of Hull, and Overton obeyed.

Order to take off from the File, the examination of Sir George Booth and his Lady. S. G. Booth.

Orders touching the Trinity House.

The Act past for the Proclamation to put the Laws in execution against Popish Priests and Recu­sants.

Hollis made Custos Rotulorum of Dorset. Hollis.

The Act past for the Militia of London.

The Act of the Militia past, with a clause that Militia. every Commissioner before he acted, shall acknow­ledge and declare, That the War undertaken by both Houses of Parliament, in their defence against the Forces raised in the name of the late King, was just and lawfull, and that Magistracy and Ministry are the Ordinances of God.

13. The engagement to be true and faithfull to the Engage­ment. Commonwealth without a King or House of Lords, vo­ted to be discharged, and all orders for taking it ex­punged, Serjeant Mainard, Prinne, and others to see it done.

Vote to discharge Dr. Owen, from being Dean of [Page 700] Christ-Church, and Dr. Reynolds, to be put into that place.

Orders for maimed Souldiers.

14. An Act passed for Approbation of Mini­sters.

Vote to disable those who had assisted in the Irish Disabling Vote. Rebellion, or are Papists, to serve as Members of Parliament, and of those who have been in the War against the Parliament, to serve as Members of the next Parliament.

Sir George Gerrard made Chancellour of the Dut­chy of Lancaster, and Mr. Lechmore Attorny of the Officers. Dutchy, and the Speaker Lenthall, Chamberlain of Chester, Serjeant Waller, Chief Justice of Chester, Serjeant Seys and Mr. Jones, Judges of North-Wales, Mr. Foxwist to judge in Chester, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Hos­kins, Judges. and Mr. Manley, Judges in Wales.

Power to the Council of State to issue forth Pro­clamations, as they shall find cause, till the sitting of the next Parliament.

Monk God-Father to Lenthal's Son.

Monck feasted at Cloathworkers-Hall.

The Publick Minister of Sweden had audience at the Council of State, and declared the King's Death.

Monk chosen M. G. of the City Forces, and ad­vised them to disarm dangerous persons, and to keep Guards.

15. Resolution of the House that Prizage Wines ought to to pay no customs. Almost 10000 l. given to M. G. Brown, secured, and 20000 l. given to Monk.

An Act to put in suit securities taken in the Pro­tectors name.

Orders touching monies.

The Registers Office in Chancery, granted to Mr. Registers Office. Corbet, and Mr. Goodwin, the grant of it to them was vacated, and the difference about that Office betwixt Mr. Walter Long and the Lady Jermin, re­ferred to Hollis and Grimstone.

A Bill passed, giving powers to the Council of State in the intervall of Parliament.

Credentials from the King of Sweden, and Cre­dentials Sweden. to Philip Sidney, and Sir Robert Honywood to that King, referred to the Council of State.

A Bill passed for the Courts of Justice in Ireland.

Order to release Lambert, upon his Parole.

Dr. Wren discharged of his Imprisonment, and the Council impowered to discharge such others as they think fit.

Order to stay felling woods in the L. S. John's, L. Craven's Estates.

The Act for the Militia in England and Wales, passed.

16. An Act for conferring 20000 l. upon Monk, read thrice this day, and passed, and to make him Steward and Keeper of Hampton Court.

An Act past for setling Incumbents in sequest­red livings.

A Letter from Monk, about the Bill of the Mili­tia, shewing himself unsatisfied in some clauses of it; Monk. but upon a message to him by some of the Members, he seemed satisfied, but some thought this Interposi­tion by him too high.

The Act passed for dissolving this Parliament with a Proviso, not to infringe the Rights of the House of Peers.

A Day of Humiliation appointed to seek God for a blessing upon the next Parliament.

The Form of the Writ agreed for Elections for the next Parliament.

Thus this Parliament having from this day dis­solved themselves, every one departed to their par­ticular occasions. April.

17. Several Proclamations issued by the Council, for preservation of the Peace.

19. Many made their Applications to the King The King. at Brussels, and some obtained good Rewards from him, who never merited any thing of him; others obtained Pardons.

20. A Declaration from the Lord Broghill and his Officers in Ireland, for a free Parliament.

Colonel Berry committed by the Council; Hasle­rigge, Desborough, and Kelsey passed their words to Desborough the Council to submit to the Government, and to be peaceable.

The Common-council invited the Council of State and Monk, for their own Safety, to reside in the City till the sitting of the Parliament, but they with thanks to the City did not accept it. City.

Much sollicitation was in all parts to get to be Parliament-men.

24. The French Ambassadour visited General Monk, whom he found no accomplished Courtier or States-man.

26. Several Elections of Parliament-men were certified, fit for the intended business.

30. Letters that the King of Denmark refused the Peace mediated between him and Sweden.

31. Proclamations issued out by the Council, in order to the preservation of the Peace.

Mr. Praise-God Barebones signed an Engagement Barebones. to the Council of State, not to act any thing in di­sturbance of the Peace.

Mr. Scot did the like, and his great friend Monk Scot. began to be more reserved towards him than formerly.

April, 1660.

Anno 1660 2. News of several Elections of Parliament-men in several places.

3. The Officers of the Regiments of Lon. came London. to Monk, and in an Oration made by Alderman Robinson, they sufficiently magnified him, and de­clared their resolutions to adhere to him, and to the Council of State, and to the next Parliament.

4. The Council, Monk, and his Officers were feasted at Skinner's Hall.

7. Several returns of Elections for the next Par­liament.

9. The Council discharged Needham from wri­ting Needham the Weekly Intelligence, and ordered Dury and Muddiman to do it.

The Council approved divers Officers of the Militia in several Counties and Cities.

An Address to Monk from the Officers of the Army, of great conformity and obedience to him and to the Council, and to the Parliament when sitting.

Monk and his Officers, and the Council enter­tained Monk. at Goldsmiths-Hall with a Dinner, an Enter­lude, and a Banquet.

The Council published a Proclamation for Lam­bert Lambert. who had escaped out of the Tower, to render [Page 701] himself within 24 Hours, and that none entertain or harbour him.

11. Commissioners of the Militia approved by the Council several returns of Parliament-men.

12. Monk chosen one of the Knights for De­vonshire unanimously.

Monk and the Council were feasted at Vintners-Hall.

13. They were feasted at Fishmongers-Hall.

The City kept up their Chains and Guards eve­ry Night.

14. Commissioners sent into Scotland to manage the Civil Affairs there.

A Letter of great Courtship from the King of Denmark to Monk, magnifying his merits.

A Proclamation of the Council that they intend not to abate any of the Souldiers pay, but to pro­vide Proclama­tions. it for them.

Allen and Courtney committed, and Captain Rainsborough, Colonel Packer, and Captain Wolley secured.

16. A Proclamation by the Council, forbidding the Subjects of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to make use of any Sea Commission to disturb the Merchants of the three Nations, or our Allies.

Several Addresses of Colonel Ʋnton Crook's Re­giment, Colonel Smithson's Regiment, the Officers Addresses. of Carlisle, and of the Army in Ireland, declaring their obedience to Monk, the Council, and Par­liament.

17. Several Elections of Parliament men returned.

18. A Muster appointed of the Forces in Lon­don, and Monk desired to be in the field.

The Treaty between England and Portugall sign­ed in the Council-chamber by the Portugall Am­bassadour. Portugall.

A Mutiny at Hull prevented and punished.

Several Officers of the former Army imprisoned.

An Address to the like purpose as the other, from the Army in Scotland.

Commissioners sent from Scotland to England, to represent the desires of that Nation.

Letters from Monk to his Officers, to apprehend Lambert.

21. A Proclamation declaring Lambert, and all that joyned with him to be Traytors. Lambert.

Intelligence of some endeavours in Ireland to alienate the Souldiers from their Officers disco­vered.

The like attempts at York discovered.

Intelligence that Lambert intended to rendezvous his Party at Edgehill; Monk intended to march out against Lambert, but hearing that his Party was inconsiderable, Monk altered his purpose.

23. Order of the Council forbidding Stage-Players to Act.

Officers of the Militia approved by the Coun­cil.

Colonel Ingoldsby being set out with a Party against Lambert, and having his own Regiment and Colonel Ingolsby. three other Troops of Horse, and Lambert having but four Troops of Horse in all, they met about two miles from Daventree, where Captain Hasle­rigge, Son to Sir Arthur Haslerigge, led his Troop towards Ingoldsby's Forlorn, and was taken Pri­soner (as some said) willingly, and was dismist again upon his Paroll, and promise to bring over his Troop to Ingoldsby, which was presently done.

This and Barker's Troop coming over to In­goldsby, did much dishearten Lambert and his Par­ty, yet one of his Officers desired leave of him to charge Ingoldsby, assuring himself that there­upon, many of Ingoldsby's men would come over to Lambert, who would not permit it, but desired a Parley, and moved that Richard might be resto­red to the Protectorship, and some conditions agreed upon.

Lambert was answered, That he himself was one of those who pulled down Richard, and now would set him up again; and that they had no Commission to dispute, but to reduce him and his Party. Yet Lam­bert would not fight, nor permit his Officers that desired it, to fire a Pistol, and himself prayed In­goldsby to let him escape.

One of Lambert's Troopers fired a Pistol at Ingoldsby, but there was no fighting. Alured's Troop came in also to Ingoldsby, and Lambert's wonted courage failed him, neither could he es­cape, but Ingoldsby took him Prisoner. Others took Cobbet, Creed, and others of his Party Pri­soners; Oakey, Axtell, and others escaped, and some Troopers with them.

Several Addresses from several Officers of the Ar­my to the same effect as the former.

25. Several dissaffected Officers of the Army se­cured.

Letters from Mountague, that the Fleet joyned Mountague Fleet. with those of the Army, and resolved to obey the Parliament. This Gentleman one of the Generals at Sea had engaged the Officers of the Fleet, and had made his own terms with the King by a Kins­man of his, who was in the Fleet with him for that purpose, Mr. Edward Mountague eldest Son of the Lord Mountague of Bolton.

This Gentleman went often to the King, and made terms for G. Mountague and others, which were honourably performed, but he himself was not so well requited for his Services, as those for whom he acted.

The Souldiers generally and the Seamen were Souldiers. quite altered from their former Principles and Ma­sters; and where any were suspected to be waver­ing from, or disaffected to the present intentions, they were forthwith secured and prevented, and the appointment of their meetings and risings were diligently discovered, and Forces sent to hinder them.

The City Forces mustered in Hide-Park, and made a gallant shew, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen were present, many Tents were in the Field, and much good Cheer and Wine.

The same day Lambert, Cobbet, and Creed, were brought up Prisoners to London, and after exami­nation by the Council, were committed close Pri­soners to the Tower.

The L. Falkonbridge made Colonel of Haslerigges Lord Fal­conbridge. Regiment by Monk.

Both Houses Lords and Commons met at S. Mar­garets Westminster, where Dr. Reynolds preached to Parlia­ment. them, and after Sermon they went to their several Houses; the Commons chose Sir Harbottle Grim­stone for their Speaker.

A Day of publick Humiliation moved by the Lords, and agreed by the Commons.

Many Members of Parliament came to visit and consult Monk.

26. Committee of Privileges named.

Order for a Day of Thanksgiving for raising up Thanksgi­ving. [Page 702] Monk and other Instruments in delivery of this Na­tion from thraldom and misery.

Order for thanks to Monk for his eminent and unparallel'd Services, and for thanks to Colonel Ingoldsby.

27. Orders about Returns of Elections.

Colonel Ashfield, and Lieutenant Colonel Miller discharged upon their Engagement, not to act any thing against the present Power.

M. G. Harrison and others secured.

Prisoners of Lambert's Party brought to Lon­don.

Divers disaffected Souldiers secured.

28. Divers Souldiers and Agitators apprehended in several places.

May, 1660.

1. Sir John Greenvile, of the Bed-Chamber to the King, brought from Breda his Majesties Letter Letter from Bre­da. and Declaration to the House of Lords. His message and declaration to the House of Commons. His Letter and Declaration to Monk to be communica­ted to his Officers. And His Majesties Letter and Declaration to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of London.

By the Declaration, The King grants a free gene­rall pardon to all that shall lay hold of it within forty Declarati­on. daies, except such as the Parliament shall except, and a liberty to tender Consciences, and that none be questioned for difference of Opinion in matters of Religion, which do not disturb the Peace of the Kingdom.

That differences and all things relating to grants, sales and purchases, shall be determined in Parliament, and he will consent to Acts for that purpose, and for sa­tisfaction of the Arrears to Monk' s Officers and Soul­diers, and they to be received into His Majesties Service and Pay.

These things being read in the House of Com­mons, Mr. Luke Robinson, formerly a most fierce man, did now first magnifie his grace and goodness. Luke Ro­binson.

The Lords House gave thanks to Sir John Green­vile, and declared, That according to the ancient and Lord's House. fundamentall Laws of this Kingdom, the Government is, and ought to be by King, Lords and Commons. And the Lords desired that some way may be considered how to make up the Breaches, and to obtain the King's return again to his people.

They voted a Committee to joyn with a Com­mittee of the House of Commons, to consider of an answer to His Majesties Gracious Letter and De­claration, and to prepare something in order to this business.

The King's Letter and Declaration to the House of Commons was read and his Letter to Monk, and Commons. they named a Committee to prepare an answer to the King's Letter, expressing the joyfull sense of the House of His Gracious offers, and their humble thanks for them, with profession of their Loyalty and Duty to his Majesty, and that they will give a speedy answer to His Gracious Proposals.

The House resolved to present 50000 l. to the King, and the Committee ordered to go to the Ci­ty to advance it upon security and interest, and to treat about raising a further summ for the Army.

Order for Monk to communicate his Letter from the King, to the Officers and Souldiers, and to re­turn an answer to the King; which Monk did accor­dingly, and it was received with great joy. Order to enter the King's Letter in the Journall Book.

The Commons agreed with the Lords Vote of Government, by King, Lords and Commons, and appointed a Committee to search the Journals, what Acts or Orders there had been made inconsi­stent herewith. May.

An Assessment agreed of 70000 l. per mensem for three months.

Bonfires and ringing of Bells, and great Guns fi­red Bonfires. in joy of these resolves.

2. An Address to Monk from the Officers of the Army, rejoycing in his Majesties offers of Indemnity, of Liberty of Conscience, satisfaction of Arrears, and con­firmation of purchases, read in Parliament.

Dr. Clerges a Member of the House, had leave to go to the King from Monk.

Sir John Greenvile, that brought the King's Let­ter, had the thanks of the House, and 500 l. orde­red for him to buy him a jewell.

The City had leave to send an answer to the City. King's Letter to them.

Letters that Lambert's party were all discharged and dispersed.

The City agreed to lend 50000 l. to the House of Commons.

3. Orders touching returns of Elections.

The Lords agreed upon some of their Members, six to be sent to the King, and the Common Council of London did the like, and gave 300 l. to the L. Mordant, and Sir John Greenvile, who brought the Letters from the King, to buy each of them a Ring.

4. The Commons agreed to an Order of the D. of Buks. Lords for favour to the D. of Bucks, for restoring his Estate.

The House gave leave to the Members of the Common Council named by them, to go to the King; and resolved to send twelve of their own Members to His Majesty.

Dr. Clerges with others, went to the King with Dr. Clerges. Monk's answer to the King's Letters to him; and the Address of the Army.

5. Orders touching returning of Elections.

An Opinion being discoursed abroad, That the Long Parliament could not be dissolved but by them­selves, and the King's and Lords consent, which was not had for their dissolving, and another Opinion being given out, That if the Long Parliament were dissol­ved, Disputes. then the Trienniall Parliament was to take place, and no other, by that Act of Parliament.

The Commons thereupon passed a Bill for remo­ving of disputes touching the sitting of this Parlia­ment. And they passed a Declaration for adjourn­ing part of next Easter Term; to which the Lords concurred, and the Commons agreed, that the E. of Manchester be one of the L. L. Commissioners for the Great Seal. Great Seal.

G. Mountague at Sea, to whom the Letter to Monk was also directed from the King, upon the re­ceipt General Mountague. of it, and of the Declaration; he called to­gether the Officers of the several Ships, and com­municated the Letter and Declaration to them, who expressed great joy and satisfaction therein, and de­sired Mountague to represent the same with their humble thanks to his Majesty.

Then Mountague fired the first Gun himself, and all his Ships answered it round, with loud Acclama­tions as their General had done, crying God bless the King; and the General gave two Pipes of Ca­nary to his men.

7. Order of the Common Council, that at his Majesties return, the new Park which Oliver had gi­ven them should be presented to the King; and he assured that the City had only kept it as Stewards for his Majesty. City.

[Page 703] The Commons gave leave to General Mounta­gue, to return an answer to the King's Letter to him.

Resolved by both Houses, that the King be pro­claimed to morrow, King of England, Scotland, Proclama­tion. France and Ireland; and a Committee of both Houses to consider of the manner of it.

A Declaration against tumults, and to con­tinue Justices of Peace, and other Officers in their places.

The King's Statue again set up in Guild-Hall, and the States Armes taken down, and the Kings Arms King's Arms. set up in their place.

Monk removed his Guards out of the City, Col­lonel Salmon discharged upon security. New Flags, and Standards, and Paintings ordered for the Ships.

8. Resolved by the Commons, That the King be desired to make a speedy return to his Parliament, and to the exercise of his Kingly Office.

A Committee appointed to consider of the man­ner of his Majesties return, and to prepare things necessary for his Reception.

The King was solemnly proclaimed at Westmin­ster King Pro­claimed. Hall-Gate, the Lords and Commons standing bare by the Heralds whilst the Proclamation was made. Then he was proclaimed in the several u­sual places in the City, the Lord Mayor, Recorder, and Officers, being present in their formalities; and the Militia Forces being there also, and the People gave loud Acclamations and shouts, the Bells rang, the great Guns and small shot gave many Vol­lies, and the City was full of Bonfires and joys. Bonfires.

9. Several Addresses to Monk from Officers of the Army, and from those of Dunkirke, of their Submission to the King and his Government.

Order for all Ministers to pray for the King, and the Duke of York publickly, and to give thanks Prayers. to God, for the King's Letters and Declaration.

10. The Day of Thanksgiving solemnly kept, Common Prayer was read before the Lords.

After Sermon both Houses sat, and the Com­mons voted 5000 l. to the Duke of York and 5000 l. to the Duke of Glocester, as a present from them.

Order to stop felling Woods, and committing wast in the King's Lands.

One committed for speaking treasonable words against the King.

The Commissioners for Ireland desired, that in re­gard his Majesty in his Declaration, had taken no notice of Ireland, almost destroyed by the Rebelli­on, that the Parliament would give their assistance Ireland. for the calling of a Parliament there, which both Houses agreed to offer to his Majesty.

The Commons voted 5000 l. more, in all 10000 l. for a present to the Duke of York.

Both Houses declared the continuance of all Of­ficers of the revenue, and of the Navy.

Order about the monies collected for the Prote­stants of Piedmont and Poland.

Order for all Lodgers in Whitehall, to quit their Lodgings, except Monk and his family.

An Act of Oblivion under consideration by the Commons, who heard the proceedings at the King's Tryal read.

The Earl of Winchelsea made by Monk, Gover­nour of Dover.

Major Holmes committed.

Some Phanaticks neer Portsmouth, quelled by Colonel Norton.

Letters, that the Spanish Ambassadour, and other Colonel Norton. Publick Ministers congratulated the King at Breda, and the States presented him with 6000 l. and invi­ted him to the Hague, that Dr. Clarges, was long with the King.

14. Letters from Ireland, of their proclaiming the King there.

22. Order for two new Maces.

Monk had leave to attend the King at his landing.

23. Mr. Philip Howard, the Earl of Berks Son brought a Letter to the House of Lords from the Hague.

The Commons received a Letter from their Commissioners at the Hague.

Letters of the King's Reception at the Hague, many Knights made by him.

Letters of proclaiming the King in several Ci­ties and Places in the Kingdom, with great appear­ances of joy.

Order for two Declarations, one prohibiting any Declarati­ons. Irish Rebels to enter into lands there, and the other against Papists.

Monk received another Letter at Rochester from the King.

25. The 50000 l. for the King not yet advanced by the City.

Divers Maids of the City, petitioned to the Lord Mayor, for leave to meet the King in White Clo­thes.

Letters to the City from their Commissioners of High Commendation of the King.

The Lords agreed upon a congratulatory Letter to be presented to the King at his landing.

A Bill for taking away the Court of Wards com­mitted, Court of Wards. and a Vote passed to give the King 100000 l. per an. in lieu of it.

Letters from General Mountague, of the King's approach to England, and Letters congratulatory ordered to be presented to him at his arrival.

26. Order for relief of maimed Souldiers, Wi­dows and Orphans of Souldiers.

Mr. Clement one of the King's Judges, commit­ted to the Tower, and ordered to seize the goods of all that sat as Judges upon the late King.

The King Knighted the Commissioners sent to him from the Parliament and those of the City, and the Ministers sent with them had discourse with the King; and were much satisfied with him.

The States highly entertained and presented the King at the Hague.

Letters, that yesterday the King and the Duke of York, and the Duke of Gloucester, landed near Do­ver, where Monk met them, and the King kissed and embraced him; and walked with him to his Coach, and Monk rode in the Coach with the King and the Dukes; and that night they came to Can­terbury.

27. The King staid at Canterbury, and heard Ser­mons.

28. He sent to the Lords, that he would be at Whitehall to Morrow.

29. An Act past for continuance of process and judicial proceedings.

This Day the King made his solemn entry into London. King's en­try.

At S. G's Field, the L. Mayor and Aldermen recei­ved him; the Lord Mayor on his Knees, delivered the Sword to the King, and the King gave it back to him, and Knighted him; and after a short repast [Page 704] in the Lord Mayor's Tent, the King proceeded in his Entry.

The Streets were railed in, the Windows and Balconees hung with Tapestry, the Militia Forces on one side of the Streets, and the Companies in their Liveries, and with their Streamers on the other side, to Temple Barr, and from thence to Whitehall, by the Militia Forces and several Regiments of the Army, and Gentlemen and former Officers of the King's Army, on both sides of the Streets.

First marched a Troop of about three hundred Gentlemen in rich Clothes, after them, another Troop of about two hundred in velvet Coates, with footmen in Liveries, then several other Troops, with Trumpets and Lacques in Liveries, then Trumpets, and the Sheriffs men in red Clothes with silver lace about seventy nine of them, then the Companies of London with their Streamers, and e­very one of them wore a gold Chain about 600.

Then rode twelve Ministers, after them, the Knights of the Bath, with their Esquires in their habits, then Kettle Drumms, and Trumpets, and the King's Life-guard, then the City Marshall Offi­cers and Aldermen, the Maces and Heralds, then the Lord Mayor bare, carrying the Sword, then Monk and Buckingham bare, then the King between the Dukes of York and Gloucester.

After them, a Troop bare with White Colours, then Monk's Life-guards, and after them, five Regi­ments of the Army Horse, and lastly two Troops of Noblemen and Gentlemen, and thus they mar­ched to Whitehall, where Monk was invested with the Garter, and sworn of the Privy Council, and Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper was also made a Privy Counsellor.

Foreign Ambassadors, especially of Sweden, made great Testimony of their joy, for this restitu­tion of the King; and this day was his Birth Day.

FINIS.

THE INDEX.

A
  • ABbot Archbishop 8, 17.
  • Abbot 399, 434.
  • Abercorne Earl 644.
  • Abercromway 1 [...].
  • Abergavenny Lord 292.
  • Abington 22.
  • Acts of State 10.
  • Acts proclaimed 423.
  • Act for Mrrriages 504, 544.
    • Swearing 446.
    • Adultery 440, 449.
  • Action at Bramford 62.
  • Adams 256, 273, 301, 405, 643.
  • Addresses 55, 62, 257, 271, 288,, 378 432, 530, 532, 533, 563, 565, 572, 574, 620, 673, 674, 675, 676, 677, 679, 680, 681, 682, 685, 695, 696, 697, 698, 701.
  • Admiralty 138.
  • Adolphus PrinCe 587, 625.
  • Agitators 249, 255, 271, 276, 277, 278, 279, 411.
  • Agreement of the people 279, 280, 282, 283, 355, 356, 357, 360, 363, 364, 378, 381.
  • Ailburton 323, 325, 526.
  • Ailsbury 153.
  • Aires 169, 290, 324, 325.
  • Alcoran 380.
  • Aldvin 235.
  • Aldridge 73, 132, 360.
  • Allegiance Oath 359, 375.
  • Allen 249, 474.
  • Allen 116, 138, 158, 160, 184, 235, 383, 522, 671, 679, 681, 693.
  • Allured 397, 488, 491, 498, 502, 674, 684, 689, 693.
  • Ambassadours Poland 17. France 66, 71, 72, 73, 74. Holland 85. France 91, 93, 100. Holland 113, 129, 136, 142. Por­tugal 149. Russia 188, 214. France 219, 221, 242. Holland 371, 376, 385, 414. Spain 462. Portugal 462. Eng. to Holl. 463, 567, 468. Holl. 493, 505, 506, 509, 510, 513. Portug. 520. France 531. Hol. 549. Tuscany 564. Fr. 565. Hol. 566. Denmark 566. Hol. 580. Fr. 684. Portugal 701.
  • Ambassy in Sweden 575, 583.
  • Ancram 252.
  • Anderson 68, 110.
  • Andover Lord 119, 315, 325.
  • Andrews 139, 383, 384.
  • Ankeril 200.
  • Annesley 193, 207.
  • Antell 157.
  • Anthuser 560.
  • Antrim Earl 93, 99, 138, 225, 231, 232, 353, 413, 425, 434, 448.
  • Anstruther Sr. Robert 14.
  • Appeal of Treason 16.
  • Applebone 523, 544.
  • Appleton 542, 544.
  • Apprentices of London 33, 62, 243, 247, 261, 262, 263, 267, 298, 543, 696.
  • Apseley 419.
  • Apseley 477.
  • Apsley 96, 167, 207.
  • Archbold 189.
  • Archer 668, 671, 687.
  • Ardes Lord 403, 408, 410, 419, 427, 439.
  • Argyle Earl 27, 49, 62, 85, 99, 101, 120, 127, 151, 167, 218, 309, 331, 332, 334, 335, 338, 389, 427, 441, 472, 473, 481, 483, 486, 490, 498, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 508, 511, 513, 514, 515, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 631, 533, 534, 536, 539, 553, 556, 557, 558, 559, 582, 583, 589.
  • Arles Lord 134.
  • Armagh Bishop 45, 72, 131, 208, 275, 285, 288, 341, 632.
  • Arminianism 1, 10, 12, 16.
  • Armstrong 294, 330, 397, 400, 402, 410, 427, 436, 443.
  • Army 29, 33, 43, 44, 45, 126, 127, 132, 240, 244, 246, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 278, 279, 280, 283, 284, 286, 287, 288, 290, 292, 333, 340, 342, 343, 347, 250, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 363, 365, 378, 388, 406, 411, 412, 417, 426, 431, 435, 439, 444, 516, 526, 527, 530, 531, 572, 591, 678, 681, 685, 686, 691, 692, 697.
  • Arthington 686.
  • Arnup. 476.
  • Array 57, 58, 59, 80, 101, 118.
  • Articles against Bristoll 4. against Bucking­ham 5, By the Commons 5, 6. of Pa­cification 29. against Finch 38. against the five Members 50. Surrender 90. Oxford 215, 216. Irish 224. Of Faith 297. Government 431, 691. Secret. 572.
  • Arundel Earl 6, 7, 24, 28, 29, 40, 48, 352.
  • Arundel Count. 547.
  • Arundel 88, 224.
  • Ascham 444, 473, 511.
  • Ascugh 191, 312, 363, 378.
  • Ash. 167.
  • Ashburham Col. 582.
  • Ashburnham Joseph 582.
  • Ashburnham 44, 120, 128, 189, 191, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 251, 279, 280, 282, 305, 315, 319, 322, 334.
  • Ashfield 488, 508, 671, 677, 679, 686, 694.
  • Asley Lord 145, 146, 198.
  • Ashley 10, 34, 44, 98, 107, 110, 130, 163, 197, 204, 207, 294, 459.
  • Ashton 76, 89, 94, 231, 309, 332, 333, 338, 384, 409, 411, 412.
  • Ashton Lord 187.
  • Ashurst 235, 246, 290, 495, 502.
  • Askwith 228.
  • Ask 362, 390.
  • Askue 191, 312, 363, 378, 391, 396, 397, 398, 400, 404, 410, 481, 482, 483, 490, 511, 514, 518, 519, 522, 525, 527, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 638, 670, 691.
  • Aspinal 429.
  • Assembly Divines 68, 94, 105, 106, 107, 109, 117, 124, 130, 133, 134, 158, 160, 163, 189, 202, 210, 233, 248, 282, 297, 300, 306, 334, 699.
  • Associated Counties 82, 84, 96.
  • Aston 66, 154, 380, 643.
  • Athol Earl 561, 571, 573, 574, 587, 589, 595.
  • Atkins 104, 169, 185, 372, 381, 547.
  • Atkins Justice 581, 671.
  • Atkinson 13.
  • Atlington 643.
  • Aubigney Lady 212.
  • Aubery 201.
  • Audeley 355.
  • Awdley Lord his tryal 16.
  • Augustine 506, 511.
  • Ayloffe 134, 236, 654.
  • Ayre 654.
  • Axtel Col. 328, 354, 425, 434, 444, 448, 469, 514, 515, 519, 676, 693.
  • Axtel 483.
B
  • BAbington 588.
  • Bachus 139.
  • Bacon 237, 271, 372.
  • Bacon Nathan. 671.
  • Bag 3.
  • Bagot 207.
  • Bagshaw 31, 81, 88, 160.
  • Bainam 90.
  • Baker 88, 165, 587.
  • Balcarris Ld 209, 502, 505, 506, 509, 55 [...].
  • Balfour 10, 44, 61, 81, 98, 104, 120.
  • Ball 253, 296, 399, 521, 538.
  • Ballard 116.
  • Balmerino Lord 22, 120.
  • Bamber 384 386.
  • Bambridge 341.
  • Bamfield 75, 139, 419, 677, 678.
  • Banes 654.
  • Bankes 32, 65, 75, 91, 184.
  • Barbadoes 458, 495, 498, 502, 506, 507.
  • Barber 451.
  • [Page] Bard Lord 145.
  • Barebones 689, 692.
  • Barker 142, 679, 693.
  • Barkley 119, 120, 122, 144.
  • Barkley Lord 271.
  • Barkstead 375, 441, 456, 460, 462, 638, 657.
  • Barley 287.
  • Barlow 144, 167, 638.
  • Barnardiston 152, 328.
  • Barnold 158.
  • Barrington 59, 192, 425.
  • Barrow 184, 192, 547.
  • Barryl 240.
  • Barry 443.
  • Bartlay 106.
  • Bartlet 504, 507.
  • Barton 241.
  • Basket 280.
  • Basset 92, 98, 201.
  • De la Bastile 618.
  • Bastwick 21, 24, 25, 36, 102, 339, 340.
  • Bates 483.
  • Batten 129, 130, 133, 141, 195, 211, 225, 229, 238, 249, 250, 268, 273, 303, 304, 305, 342, 388.
  • Baxter 148, 165, 288, 409.
  • Bayley 136, 138, 139, 327.
  • Baynbrigg 135.
  • Baynes 88, 97, 269, 270.
  • Baynton 68, 85, 270, 654.
  • Reach 574, 575.
  • Beake 479, 588, 668.
  • Beal 207, 643.
  • Beard 159.
  • Beard 200.
  • Beauchamp Lord 478.
  • Beaumont 377.
  • Beaumont Lady 409.
  • Becham Lord 87.
  • Beck 291.
  • Beddingfield 190, 228, 238, 244, 337, 343, 351, 371.
  • Bedford 104, 621, 646.
  • Bedford Earl 14, 31, 35, 58, 60, 67, 75, 90, 137.
  • Beecher Sir Will. 37.
  • Beecher 386.
  • Beer 94, 101.
  • Bell 191.
  • Bellasis 59, 82, 185, 208, 210, 478, 680.
  • Belford 330.
  • Benbow 502, 503.
  • Benevolence 7, 9, 33.
  • Bennet 73, 162, 300, 666, 679.
  • Bennet 300, 439, 479.
  • Bense 138, 234, 318.
  • Benson 242, 459.
  • Bentley 643.
  • Berkley 91, 98, 132, 196.
  • Berkley 24, 31, 39, 45, 69, 104, 105, 133, 279, 280, 282, 287, 414.
  • Berry 198, 200, 327, 657, 670, 671, 678, 679, 681, 682, 684, 686, 692.
  • Bernard Lord 169.
  • Bernard 340, 395.
  • Berners 512, 671, 685.
  • Berkshire Earl 24, 59, 394.
  • Berwis 154, 292, 382.
  • Best 196, 198, 204, 205, 263.
  • Bestworth 205.
  • Bethan 332.
  • Bethel 80, 153, 154, 166, 228, 245, 304, 331, 333, 358, 402.
  • Bettisworth 161.
  • Bevering 549, 572, 573, 580.
  • Beza 28.
  • Bibles 85, 161, 202, 229, 456, 645.
  • Biddle 270, 271, 598.
  • Biddolph 643.
  • Bill of Attainder 43.
  • Billeting Souldiers 8, 9, 133.
  • Billingsley 44.
  • Bingham 200.
  • Bingley 81.
  • Birch 102, 157, 169, 190, 191, 205, 206, 207, 211, 223, 245, 256, 258, 262, 274, 290, 351, 505, 642.
  • Birch Tho. 642.
  • Birchead 195, 264.
  • Birkead 391, 551, 591.
  • Birkenhead 502.
  • Bird 335.
  • Biscoe 667, 679.
  • Bish 229.
  • Bishop Sir Edward 75.
  • Bishop 391.
  • Bishops 4, 22, 25, 31, 39, 45, 51, 52, 250, 336, 351.
  • Blackwell 671.
  • Blackbourne 405.
  • Blackston 391, 405.
  • Blagg 67, 220, 221, 222, 559.
  • Blague Coll. 501.
  • Blake 107, 121.
  • Blake 90, 91, 102, 141, 161, 208, 236, 375, 395, 398, 433, 442, 455, 462, 469, 470, 472, 474, 476, 481, 505, 506, 516, 525, 526, 527, 529, 530, 431, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 542, 554, 557, 561, 587, 598, 617, 643, 653, 656.
  • Blake 384.
  • Blasphemy 153, 196, 302, 430, 450, 459.
  • Blaney Lord 47, 214, 218.
  • Bloom 584.
  • Bloyle 643.
  • Bludder 316.
  • Bludwell 100.
  • Bluet 484.
  • Blundell 136, 186, 201, 290, 497.
  • Blunt 512, 581.
  • Blunt 137, 196, 257, 267, 454, 512.
  • Bodiley 452, 535, 542, 543, 544, 546, 547, 656.
  • Boles 156.
  • Boles 110, 132.
  • Bolton 190, 244, 379, 519.
  • Bond 193, 357, 376, 425, 474, 585, 666.
  • Boneal 633, 634.
  • Booker 161.
  • Booth Sir George 675, 676, 677, 683, 686, 690, 691.
  • Booth 96, 189.
  • Booth 308.
  • Borlace Sir John 45, 86, 169, 186, 195, 290.
  • Borlace 666.
  • Boswell 97, 117, 246, 247, 250.
  • Boston 477.
  • Boteler 77.
  • Bouchier 474.
  • Bourn 525, 681.
  • Boutholmey 430.
  • Bowes 643.
  • Bowen 681.
  • Boynton 63, 67, 158, 161, 320, 322.
  • Boys 243, 643,
  • Boyoneal 434, 442.
  • Brabson Lord 124.
  • Bradbury 119.
  • Bradshaw 101, 228, 242, 244, 258, 337, 361, 362, 363, 372, 376, 380, 394, 400, 404, 425, 474, 521, 556, 657, 671, 672, 673, 674.
  • Bragg 193.
  • Brain 267.
  • Brainford Earl 92.
  • Brampston 24, 25, 103, 238, 241, 244, 248.
  • Brandley 127, 278, 412.
  • Brandon 458.
  • Brandenburgh 618, 619, 620, 622.
  • Bray 280, 284, 380.
  • Breederode 580.
  • Bremen 685.
  • Brent 88.
  • Bret 198, 248, 312.
  • Brereton Sir Will. 66, 69, 73, 75, 76, 77, 85, 87, 96, 97, 99, 100, 101, 105, 114, 121, 126, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 136, 138, 140, 141, 142, 167, 187, 188, 189, 194, 195, 196, 197, 202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 210, 218, 220, 221, 228, 474.
  • Brereton Lord 222.
  • Bridges 388, 667.
  • Bridges 68, 72, 126, 140, 158.
  • Bridgeman 56, 120.
  • Briggs 186.
  • Bright 117, 158, 334.
  • Brightman 672.
  • Bristoll Earl 4, 5, 35, 37, 107, 220.
  • Britton 267.
  • Brocket 248.
  • Broghill 93, 203, 207, 208, 212, 218, 418, 427, 429, 432, 434, 439, 447, 485, 490, 491, 519, 527, 529, 547, 595, 647, 658, 670, 673, 692.
  • Bronal 485.
  • Brooke 247.
  • Brooke 675, 677, 690.
  • Brooke Lord 35, 37, 65, 96.
  • Brooke Sir Basil 75, 76, 126.
  • Brooke 69.
  • Brooks 360.
  • Brookbar 76.
  • Brough 336.
  • Broughton 100, 146, 237, 390, 393.
  • Brown 67, 73, 105, 106, 117, 251, 387, 398.
  • Brown Sir John 488.
  • Brown 75, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 99, 115, 116, 117, 119, 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 147, 159, 160, 161, 162, 170, 185, 186, 195, 197, 201, 209, 237, 238, 313, 314, 333, 354, 356, 382, 395, 455, 643, 669, 676, 684, 690, 692.
  • Brown 147, 151, 152, 372, 676, 681.
  • Brown 140, 251, 312, 329, 337, 343, 351, 366, 369, 374.
  • Brown Bushel 128, 301, 380, 448.
  • Bruce Lord 96, 621.
  • Bruce 189.
  • Bryan 583, 585.
  • Buchannan 28, 222, 488.
  • Buchurst 186.
  • Buckingham Duke 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
  • Buckingham Duke 231, 246, 271, 275, 313, 314, 316, 318, 319, 378, 399, 400, [Page] 460, 461, 484, 490, 503, 656, 667, 674, 675, 694 696.
  • Buckland 643.
  • Bulkeley Lord 333, 335.
  • Bulkeley 285, 321, 324, 329, 471, 642.
  • Bull 453, 509.
  • Bullen 1.
  • Bullenbrooke Earl 35, 67, 73, 219.
  • Buller 83, 110, 141.
  • Bulstrode Col. 62, 73, 116, 186.
  • Bulstrode 394, 557, 570, 690.
  • Bun 551, 681.
  • Bunce 273, 295, 301, 687.
  • Bunch 675.
  • Burchet 93.
  • Burdeaux Lord 575, 579, 581, 589, 598, 622.
  • Burgoigne 456.
  • Burghill 221.
  • Burgess 74, 310, 330.
  • Burley 290, 291, 364.
  • Burley Lord 389.
  • Burn 268.
  • Burroughs 64.
  • Burton 24, 36, 37.
  • Bury 671.
  • Butler 89, 98, 101, 198, 201, 243, 252, 259, 268, 298, 313, 316, 336, 356, 388, 395, 478, 599.
  • Butler Sir Walter 599.
  • Buxton 643.
  • Byron 53, 60, 61, 74, 75, 76, 78, 96, 100, 118, 121, 185, 188, 196, 202, 208, 210, 213, 322, 333, 335, 343, 350.
C
  • CAdogow 386.
  • Calendar Earl 84, 85, 93, 94, 95, 101, 309, 442, 506.
  • Call from God 454.
  • Calvin 27.
  • Cambel 82.
  • Cambridge Earl 371, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379.
  • Cambridge 7, 159.
  • Campion 140, 308.
  • Canfield Lord 482.
  • Cannon 135.
  • Canoul Lord 87.
  • Cant 40, 403, 500, 509, 516.
  • Canton 378.
  • Capel Lord 120, 128, 189, 202, 208, 227, 307, 308, 310, 311, 312, 314, 317, 319, 323, 326, 327, 329, 336, 339, 343, 371, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 383.
  • Lady 380, 400.
  • Carr 572.
  • Carbury Earl 115, 198.
  • Carey 195, 394, 474.
  • Carew 68, 107, 109, 116, 208.
  • Carlton 44.
  • Carlisle Earl 79, 140, 380, 389.
  • Carnagy Lord 333.
  • Carnaby 92.
  • Carnworth Earl 92.
  • Carrol 389.
  • Carter 206, 235, 307, 308.
  • Carteret 510, 511.
  • Carteret 250, 307, 380, 440, 485, 504, 505, 506, 507, 510, 511, 666.
  • Case 161, 170, 481, 503.
  • Cassils 411, 412, 658.
  • Castle 645.
  • Castlehaven Earl 409, 426, 432, 434, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 448, 483, 485.
  • Castleton Lord 680.
  • Cave 250.
  • Cavendish 92.
  • Caughton 404.
  • Cawley 474.
  • Ceely 86, 102, 432.
  • Ceremonies 22.
  • Cesar 509.
  • Chalcedon 405.
  • Chaloner 66, 272, 474, 671, 685.
  • Chambers 11, 13, 131, 238, 390.
  • Chamberlain 333, 560.
  • Chamberlain Sir Tho. 7.
  • Champernoon 121.
  • Chancery Reform'd 405, 543, 590, 602, 603.
  • Chandois Lord 85, 478, 523, 547.
  • Chanute 561, 570, 574, 576.
  • Chapman 269, 289, 337, 511, 554.
  • Charles Proclaimed King. 1. His Espou­sals. 1. desires to change his Style. 1. His first Parliament. 1. his Coro­nation. 3. Letters to the Speaker. 3. Progress to Scotland. 18. At York. 29. Answer to the Lords Petition. 35. Return from Scotland. 48. Enters the House of Commons. 50. Leaves the City. 52. At York 55. Newcastle 290. Holmeby 242, 253. Hampton Court 270. Wight 280. Hurst Castle 353. Tryal 359, 360, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370.
  • Prince Charles 14, 131, 132, 133, 167, 187, 203, 303, 304, 316, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 325, 328, 330, 333, 342, 243, 375, 378, 379, 380, 397, 398, 408, 410, 411, 394, 395, 396, 381, 382, 383, 384, 386, 412, 413, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 424, 425, 435, 441, 447, 454, 456, 548, 551, 562, 578, 694, 695.
  • Charles II. Proclaimed 703.
  • Charlton Sir Dudley 6.
  • Cheadle 471.
  • Cheesly 122, 268, 270, 340.
  • Cherbury Lord 100.
  • Chesterfield Earl 243, 298, 392.
  • Chetwyn 420.
  • Cheynel 301.
  • Chicheley 191.
  • Chichester Earl 120, 191, 215.
  • Chiesley 461, 483.
  • Chidley 66, 88.
  • Child 305.
  • Chiverton 667.
  • Cholmeley 61, 63, 79, 100, 102, 128, 327, 339, 340, 341, 342, 381.
  • Cholmly 315, 686.
  • Chowney 21.
  • Christian 507.
  • Church 45, 120, 163, 194, 200, 208, 275, 402.
  • Chute 73, 238, 244, 261, 375, 405, 643, 669, 670.
  • Clackston 458.
  • Claneboy Earl 419, 420.
  • Clanrickard Earl 403, 427, 438, 440, 463, 469, 479, 483, 485, 498, 507, 518, 519, 520, 521, 524, 529, 530, 531.
  • Clare Earl 14, 67, 75, 76, 90, 137, 262, 690.
  • Clarke 506, 581.
  • Clarke 89, 146, 244, 260, 268, 293, 299, 318, 319, 478, 514, 518.
  • Clargies 688, 690, 694, 695.
  • Clavering 643.
  • Claydon 432.
  • Cleaveland Earl 103, 104, 134, 220, 224, 225, 288, 289, 325, 330, 460, 498, 499, 501, 571.
  • Clement 695.
  • Clergy 16, 37.
  • Clerk 340, 378, 645, 667, 679, 681.
  • Clerks 196.
  • Cleypole 590, 653, 654, 657.
  • Lady 542, 639, 667.
  • Clifton 191.
  • Cloberry 672.
  • Cloher Bishop 436, 438, 439, 441, 448.
  • Clotworthy 100, 240, 247, 249, 256, 268, 270, 290, 308, 310, 330, 356, 382.
  • Clubmen 131, 133, 149, 151, 154, 158, 159, 162, 165, 166, 167.
  • Clutterbock 101.
  • Coat and Conduct money 1.
  • Coalition 464, 561.
  • Cobbs 117.
  • Cobbet 204, 284, 394, 503, 551, 556, 557, 672, 677, 686, 693.
  • Cockain 160, 162, 357.
  • Cocke 512.
  • Cockeram 62, 141, 292, 435, 688.
  • Codd 420.
  • Codrington 451.
  • Coffes-worth 212.
  • Cole Sir Will. 46.
  • Colladon 657.
  • Collins 682, 470.
  • Combat 16.
  • Commission of Excise 9, 10, 11.
  • Committees 215, 234. Of Safety 255. Of Grievances 287. Of Danger 294, 295, 297, 298. Of Heresies 312. Of Law 496, 497, 499, 504. Of Trade 618. Of Safety 687, 690, 693, 697.
  • Committees 535, 547.
  • Common Fame 3.
  • Common Prayer 25.
  • Commonwealth 389.
  • Communion Table 18, 24, 33.
  • Compton 123, 523, 547.
  • Con Nuntio 31, 291.
  • Conde Prince 552, 562, 5 [...].
  • Coningham 65, 222, 389.
  • Conference▪ King, Hollis and Wh. 108. Essex Chr. of Scotland, &c. 111. Fair­fax 444. Officers 492. Crom. and Wh. 523. Fleetwood and Wh. 692.
  • Congrave 83.
  • Constable 61, 78, 79, 100, 243, 287, 288, 291, 306, 376, 425.
  • Constantine 68, 91, 92.
  • Conventicles 263.
  • Convocation 32, 33.
  • Conway Lord 4, 5, 34, 82, 137, 214.
  • Conwey 251, 291, 429.
  • Conyers 53, 68, 97.
  • Conyers 337.
  • Cook Sir Edward 2, 10, 22.
  • Cook 384, 386, 396, 404, 429, 439, 462, 463, 469, 521, 476.
  • Cook 232, 242, 290, 361, 365, 366, 376, 378.
  • [Page] Cook 113, 134, 154, 189, 190, 193, 198, 237, 308, 323.
  • Cook Clement 3, 4.
  • Cook Secretary 9.
  • Cooper Sir Anthony Ashley 94, 105, 116, 185, 237, 496, 512, 515, 571, 575, 643, 657, 667, 671, 677, 685, 686, 691, 693, 694, 696, 704.
  • Coot 418.
  • Coot Sir Charles 233, 254, 261, 277, 286, 361, 362, 383, 391, 395, 404, 405, 406, 409, 410, 411, 419, 420, 426, 428, 429, 430, 436, 437, 438, 440, 443, 444, 448, 452, 458, 462, 482, 483, 484, 486, 489, 498, 500, 507, 513, 518, 522, 524, 529, 531, 687, 690.
  • Copp 422, 424.
  • Copley 93, 140, 141, 184, 245, 271, 354, 356, 382.
  • Cork Earl 78, 237.
  • Corbet 83, 269, 294, 334, 533, 674, 685, 686, 687, 692.
  • Cornaby 184.
  • Corselles 325.
  • Cosens 12.
  • Cousens 260.
  • Cotterel 519, 551, 573.
  • Cottington Lord 32, 36, 39, 41, 44, 139, 142, 215, 226, 340, 384, 391, 400, 402, 408.
  • Cotton 14, 160, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368.
  • Covel 461.
  • Covenant 26, 66, 68, 69, 70, 74, 78, 106, 126, 127, 140, 189, 220, 226, 236, 240, 241, 267, 298, 303, 339, 340, 441, 444, 456, 496, 500.
  • Covenanteers 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, 35.
  • Coventry 2, 22, 23, 31, 326, 391.
  • Coventry 206.
  • Council at York 35.
  • Council of Officers 552, 686, 687, 691.
  • Council of State 376, 380, 425, 463, 490, 549.
  • Court high Commission 15, 21. Martial 48. Wards 167, 199, 277. High Court of Justice 363, 364, 365, 371, 446, 453, 458, 461, 462, 463, 468, 575, 674. Mar­tial 422, 446, 463, 496.
  • Courthop 643.
  • Courtney 436, 693.
  • Coward 137.
  • Cox 418, 419, 420, 507, 554, 559.
  • Coyet 621, 628, 630, 633.
  • Coyn 383, 384.
  • Cracovian Catechism 505.
  • Craford Earl 71, 84, 104, 111, 331, 690, 691.
  • Craford 121, 129, 130, 131, 132.
  • Craven Lord 25, 547, 597, 598, 599, 675, 692.
  • Cranford 144, 155.
  • Cranley 124.
  • Creed 679, 686, 693.
  • Crequi Duke 666.
  • Cressey 571.
  • Creswell 271, 337, 372.
  • Crew Sir Randall 8.
  • Crew 103, 118, 120, 122, 237, 242, 329, 657.
  • Crisp 402.
  • Crispin 570.
  • Critton 380, 544.
  • Crocker 66, 243.
  • Crofts 325, 491.
  • Croker 206.
  • Crokey 203.
  • Cromwell Oliver 12, 68, 72, 78, 81, 84, 89, 99, 104, 111, 129, 131, 132, 133, 134, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 159, 160, 166, 167, 169, 170, 184, 185, 188, 191, 193, 195, 198, 201, 207, 212, 219, 239, 246, 249, 250, 252, 257, 258, 260, 266, 271, 274, 279, 280, 281, 286, 293, 294, 302, 303, 305, 306, 309, 312, 316, 319, 321, 322, 324, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, 335, 336, 338, 340, 341, 342, 343, 347, 352, 353, 355, 357, 370, 376, 377, 380, 381, 382, 383, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 394, 395, 401, 412, 413, 414, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 423, 425, 434, 436, 438, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 449, 450, 451, 453, 455, 456, 471, 473, 474, 476, 486, 487, 489, 490, 491, 492, 494, 496, 498, 499, 501, 505, 507, 508, 513, 525, 527, 532, 533, 539, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 568, 599, 618, 620, 647, 648, 653, 654, 657, 658, 667, 668, 675, 676.
  • Cromwell Lord 186, 286.
  • Cromwell 353.
  • Sir Oliver 300.
  • Cromwell Richard 653, 654, 657, 667, 668, 669, 670, 674. Proclamed Prote­ctour 675.
  • Cromwell Henry 427, 432, 590, 618, 657, 673, 674.
  • Crook 13, 24, 37, 45, 54, 477, 686, 691, 693.
  • Crow 226, 298.
  • Crowther 300.
  • Croxton Coll. 676.
  • Crysp 69, 71, 137, 139, 206, 283, 672.
  • Cubi 554.
  • Cudworth 645.
  • Cullam 273, 441.
  • Culmoor 140.
  • Culpepper 59, 120, 122, 167, 187, 202, 206, 319, 320, 338, 351, 450.
  • Cumberland Earl 59, 61.
  • Curriton 12, 279.
  • Cuts 255.
D.
  • DAcres 355.
  • Dalbier 10, 11, 61, 62, 81, 141, 174, 185, 186, 205, 206, 257, 315.
  • Dalgely 443.
  • Dalison 160, 340.
  • Dallenses 86.
  • Danby 388, 394.
  • Dandey 407.
  • Daniel 163, 488, 573, 574, 582.
  • Danvers 207, 220, 363, 376, 388, 394, 509.
  • Darcy 399, 557.
  • Darcy 579.
  • Dare 292.
  • Darley 73, 94, 387, 474, 642.
  • Darnel 360.
  • Dasseres Lord 490.
  • Davenant 448, 639, 675.
  • Davenish 76.
  • Davis 672.
  • Davison 672.
  • Dawges 654.
  • Dawkins 413.
  • Dawson 474.
  • Day 587.
  • Dean 357, 375, 384, 388, 395, 398, 424, 476, 497, 503, 507, 509, 511, 519, 520, 521, 531, 535, 548, 549.
  • Declaration 7, 26, 27, 28, 51, 54, 56, 59, 60, 133, 256, 265, 272, 288, 352, 356, 386, 388, 389, 402, 411, 420, 423, 454, 497, 498, 514, 528, 530, 533, 600, 678, 679. Breda 702.
  • Deering 77.
  • Deincourt 210.
  • Deincourt Lord 437, 470.
  • De la Gard 656.
  • Delaware 191.
  • Delaware Lord 252, 254.
  • Delaval 235, 501.
  • Dell 218, 234, 295.
  • Den 412.
  • Denbigh Earl 8, 10, 68, 75, 85, 87, 88, 92, 100, 106, 109, 118, 120, 134, 153, 187, 191, 237, 238, 250, 290, 291, 376, 395, 396, 408, 411, 425, 435.
  • Dendy 362.
  • Denham 24.
  • Denham 195, 197, 269.
  • Dennis 536.
  • Denton 78, 102, 136.
  • Denny Lady 235.
  • Derby Earl 99, 202, 399, 406, 449, 482, 484, 492, 493, 495, 496, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 507, 560, 675, 676.
  • Derby Countess 189, 502, 504, 505, 505, 556.
  • Derry 619.
  • Desborow 153, 159, 189, 208, 332, 419, 422, 423, 449, 450, 494, 508, 512, 561, 657, 667, 670, 671, 674, 677, 678, 679, 680, 682, 684, 685, 686, 692.
  • Dethick 383.
  • Devaux 658.
  • Devereux 83, 121, 146, 167, 170, 184, 247, 255.
  • Devon. Earl 184.
  • Dews 114.
  • Dewel 654.
  • De Wit 534, 536, 537, 538, 544, 556, 557, 558, 559, 598.
  • Diamond 339.
  • Dick 390.
  • Diggs Sir Dudley 5, 6, 13, 250.
  • Digby Lord 36, 37, 39, 41, 42, 43, 52, 64, 98, 99, 115, 132, 184, 185, 186, 187, 189, 202, 209, 220, 224, 234, 250, 283, 340, 342, 407, 409.
  • Digby Sir Kenelme 31.
  • Digby Sir John 75, 156, 191, 199.
  • Dillon Lord 291, 458, 483.
  • Dingley 188, 189, 207, 316.
  • Dissenters 116, 189.
  • Ditton Lord 45, 47.
  • Dives 72, 105, 159, 160, 162, 163, 289, 370.
  • Divine Right 33, 94, 106, 123, 233, 532.
  • Dixwell 671, 686.
  • Dobson 119.
  • Dockra Lord 235.
  • Dodd 385.
  • Dodesworth 232.
  • Dodderida 643.
  • Dodderidge 355.
  • Doddington 94, 184, 340, 342.
  • D' Oignion 524.
  • Dorchester Marquess 191.
  • [Page] Dorislaus 299, 362, 386, 387, 388, 389, 392, 442, 444.
  • Dormer 59, 78.
  • Dorne 671.
  • Van Dorpar 549.
  • Dorset Countess 141, 154, 159, 165.
  • Dorset Earl 141, 186, 191, 215, 275.
  • Doucet 309, 312, 329.
  • Douglas 31, 377, 431.
  • Douglas 444, 455.
  • Douglas Lord 584, 594, 668.
  • Dowdeswell 130.
  • Dowet 97.
  • Downes 77, 475. Lord 186.
  • Downing 674, 682, 687.
  • Doyley 145, 160, 161, 269, 643.
  • Drake 88, 141, 234, 235, 502, 503.
  • Drax 451.
  • Drew 554.
  • Drum Lord 512, 516, 522.
  • Drummond Col. 573.
  • Duck 239, 330.
  • Duckenfield 286, 303, 448, 505, 677.
  • Ducket 587.
  • Dudley Sir Robert 14.
  • Duery 401.
  • Duet 113, 148, 188.
  • Du Moulin 275.
  • Dunbar 197.
  • Duncan 396, 397, 525.
  • Dunch 139, 161, 162.
  • Dundas 120, 198.
  • Dunferlin Earl 30, 31, 47, 250, 254.
  • Dungan 397, 506, 525.
  • Dury 692.
  • Dutch 22, 23, 24. Ambass. 76, 79. Di­vines 79. Amb. 90.
  • Dutton 91.
  • Du Vale 638, 668.
E
  • EArl Sir Walter 37, 40, 41, 74, 197, 220, 234, 237, 252.
  • Earl 122, 137, 337, 355.
  • Earby 642.
  • Earnly 71, 77.
  • Earning 681.
  • Eastwick 248.
  • Eden 137.
  • Edgar 332.
  • Edmonds Sir Tho. 14.
  • Edward 197, 226.
  • Edward Prince 477, 482.
  • Edwards 391.
  • Edwards 544.
  • Egerton 156.
  • Egles Lord 569.
  • Eglonton Earl 86.
  • Prince Elector 17, 23, 25, 30, 78, 81, 96, 97, 103, 139, 140, 158, 165, 207, 219, 245, 265, 277, 301, 305, 368, 376, 378, 380, 383, 384.
  • Elizabeth Lady 389, 459.
  • Elkenhead 304.
  • Elkenhead 244, 300, 340, 378.
  • Elkinea 390.
  • Elliot Sir John 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 238.
  • Elliot 57, 156, 157, 187, 385, 511.
  • Ellis 312, 391, 583.
  • Elliston 226.
  • Elsemore 596.
  • Elsing 359, 360.
  • Emmerson 110.
  • Ennerton 160.
  • Ennis 94, 130, 268, 327.
  • Ensor 425.
  • Ennyon 71.
  • Episcopacy 27, 28, 29.
  • Ermyn 64, 73, 151, 154, 191, 376, 427, 474.
  • Erskins 106, 120.
  • Es [...]ot 494.
  • Essex Earl 15, 23, 29, 31, 35, 45, 51, 52, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 66, 68, 69, 70, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 83, 84, 85, 89, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 101, 103, 113, 116, 120, 134, 137, 138, 141, 155, 165, 188, 191, 226, 227, 229, 233, 250, 287.
  • Essex Col. 61.
  • Essex 456.
  • Estwick 117.
  • Evans 328, 431.
  • Evelyn 62, 68, 78, 133, 137, 222, 234, 235, 287, 355.
  • Evelyn 678.
  • Everard 301▪ 302, 383, 395, 427.
  • Eure Lord 657.
  • Ewers Col. 301, 303, 352, 353, 356, 384.
  • Ewer 412, 413, 432.
  • Exton 299.
  • Exton Doctor 505.
  • Eyre 280.
  • Eynod 268.
F
  • FAgg 643.
  • Fairfax Lord 59, 106, 117, 296,
  • Sir Will. 100, 238.
  • Fairfax Col. 691.
  • Fairfax Lady 366.
  • Fairfax Sir Tho. 63, 69, 72, 77, 82, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 97, 119, 120, 121, 124, 127, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 165, 166, 167, 169, 170, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 214, 215, 218, 219, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227, 228, 231, 232, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 242, 243, 244, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251, 253, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 175, 276, 283, 287, 295, 296, 305, 306, 307, 310, 317, 325, 326, 328, 329, 332, 338, 353, 376, 379, 380, 381, 425, 436, 442, 443, 444, 446, 495, 656, 671, 686.
  • Falconbridge 92, 256.
  • Falconbridge Lord 657, 677, 693.
  • Falkland Lord 59, 79, 675, 680.
  • Fane 83. Fannes 504.
  • Fanshaw 78, 88, 93, 99. Fanshaw L d 682.
  • Farre 308, 329. Farrel 437, 519.
  • Farrer 399. Farrington 253.
  • Fauconberg 667. Faulkner 547.
  • Feake 572, 617. Featley 71.
  • Fell 399, 556, 620. Felton 11. Fen 681.
  • Fenwick 116, 143, 253, 268, 291, 293, 310, 313, 330, 341, 448, 473, 474, 503, 509, 642.
  • Ferald 434. Fern 341. Ferrel 421.
  • De Ferrier Chevalier 546.
  • Fetherston 427, 504. Feverston 502.
  • Fielder 407, 474. Fielding 66, 117, 142.
  • Fielding Lord 61. Fiennes 657.
  • Fiennes 61, 66, 75, 103, 128, 138, 139, 140, 146, 148, 287, 620, 621, 622, 625, 628, 630, 633, 634, 635, 636, 638, 643, 657, 658, 667, 668, 669, 670.
  • Fifth-Monarchy men 673.
  • Fight Edge-hill 61. Newberry 70. Nant­wich 77. Winchester 81. Copredy-bridge 88. Marston-moor 89. Newbury 103. Naseby 145. Longport 152, 153. Tor­rington 198, 199. Maidston 305. Pre­ston 327. Dunbar 455. Fife 472. Wor­cester 483.
  • Finch 18, 19, 21, 24, 32, 37, 38.
  • Fincher 103, 313, 357, 687, 690.
  • Fines 312. Fingale Earl 268.
  • Fisher 190, 643. Fitch 673. Fitches 588.
  • Fitz Gerald 442, 444, 520.
  • Fitz Harris 427.
  • Fitz Patricke 503, 519, 521, 522, 524.
  • Fitz Simons 100. Fitz Williams 646.
  • Fleet 2, 23, 24.
  • Fleetwood Sir Richard 77.
  • Fleetwood Sir Will. 208.
  • Fleetwood Sir Geo. 584, 594, 621, 633, 657.
  • Fleetwood 83, 102, 105, 109, 132, 135, 143, 151, 169, 186, 199, 203, 205, 206, 208, 219, 232, 249, 260, 393, 302, 394, 474, 479, 497, 498, 500, 501, 508, 530, 533, 535, 536, 538, 571, 619, 653, 657, 667, 670, 671, 673, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688.
  • Flemming 142, 238, 294, 298, 302, 414, 423, 439.
  • Flemming Sir Ol. 624, 667.
  • Fletcher 99. Fogg 85, 106.
  • Forbes 119, 130. Forbes Lord 390, 506.
  • Forbes Sir Arthur 595.
  • Ford 75, 132, 279. Forester Col. 595.
  • Form of Government 385, 387, 388, 399, 590, 591, 592, 687, 689, 690, 691, 693.
  • Forster 75, 91, 134, 139, 188, 232, 236.
  • Forth Earl 77, 78, 81, 92, 104.
  • Fortescue 47, 119, 132, 195, 225, 243, 245, 252, 284, 300, 490.
  • Foster 573.
  • Fountain 60, 124, 185, 186, 191, 207, 512, 673, 687.
  • Fowk 63, 156, 159, 248.
  • Fowke 297, 413, 512, 538, 358, 559.
  • Fowlis Sir David 14. Fox 364.
  • Fox Sommerset 583, 585. Fox 364.
  • Foxle, 357. Foxwist 692.
  • Francis Lord 315, 316.
  • Franke 654. Franklin 228.
  • Fraziers 529. Freeman 243.
  • Frendaght Lord 439. Frenerick 438.
  • Freschevil Lord 161. Frewen 434.
  • Frost 139. Fry 475. Fussel 161.
G.
  • GAge 119. Galaspee 306, 484.
  • Gamm 129, 130. Gamage 654.
  • Gardiner 43, 56, 99, 120, 130, 309.
  • Gargrave 388, 394. Garland 382.
  • Garret 424. Gascoigne 328.
  • Gates 337, 371, 372, 396. Gaudy 233.
  • Gawden 582. Gayer 273, 295, 300.
  • Gell 66, 78, 82, 91, 93, 146, 147, 161, 185, 192, 223, 276, 390, 456, 458, 544, 643.
  • Genner 411. Gerbier 426. Gerling 18.
  • [Page] Gerrard Lord 105, 141, 185, 343.
  • Gerrard Sir Geo. 691, 692.
  • Gerrard John 583, 585, 588.
  • Gerrard 201, 252, 294.
  • Gerrard 315, 319.
  • Gerrard 429, 448, 501, 560.
  • Gerrard Sir Gilbert 562, 657.
  • Gething 393.
  • Gethings 596.
  • Gibbs 267, 328.
  • Gibbes 676.
  • Gibbes 643.
  • Gibbon 305.
  • Gibbons 485, 487, 493.
  • Gibbons 208, 314.
  • Gibson 47, 77, 320.
  • Gifted men 275.
  • Giffard 320.
  • Gill 516.
  • Gilbert 519.
  • Gillot 534.
  • Ginuel 588.
  • Girlington 105.
  • Gladman 451.
  • Glamorgan Earl 202, 220, 224.
  • Glanvile 6, 32, 75, 91, 92, 167, 244, 319.
  • Glencare Earl 532.
  • Glencarn Lord 530, 552, 554, 556, 561, 562, 571, 572, 573, 574, 580, 582, 588, 589.
  • Glengary 561, 571, 574.
  • Glenham Sir Thomas 61, 91, 149, 167, 189, 200, 210, 215, 225, 299, 300, 303.
  • Glocester Duke 33, 222, 358, 389, 617, 695, 696.
  • Glover 261.
  • Glyn 214.
  • Glyn 37, 40, 41, 42, 51, 56, 82, 101, 106, 151, 184, 252, 256, 259, 270, 287, 291, 300, 306, 329, 337, 397, 383, 643, 647, 657.
  • Godbolt 249.
  • Goddyer 410.
  • Godolphin 237, 461.
  • Goffe 287, 298, 404, 469, 657, 667, 679.
  • Goffe Minister 679.
  • Goodale 240.
  • Goodfellow 583.
  • Goodman 38.
  • Goodman Bishop 622.
  • Goodson 681.
  • Goodwyn 56, 59, 76.
  • Goodwyn 260, 285.
  • Goodwyn 151, 190, 220, 235, 255, 290, 294, 315, 389, 391, 421, 474, 504, 590, 642, 687, 692.
  • Goose 430.
  • Gore 448, 643, 674.
  • Gorge 432.
  • Goring Lord 60, 62, 76, 77, 78, 84, 89, 95, 98, 103, 104, 118, 121, 129, 130, 133, 135, 139, 140, 144, 149, 150, 152, 153, 154, 156, 159, 161, 162, 163, 165, 170, 185, 187, 192, 197, 305, 306, 307, 308, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 316, 319, 325, 326, 329, 333, 336, 339, 343, 371, 374, 375, 376, 378, 379, 386.
  • Goring 295.
  • Gormanstone 47.
  • Goss 279.
  • Gouge 70, 249.
  • Gould 343.
  • Gourdon 140, 152, 391, 474.
  • Gourdon Earl 99, 246, 276, 571.
  • Gourdon Doctor 388, 478.
  • Gourdon 387, 437, 455, 505, 509, 582.
  • Grady 221.
  • Grafort 575.
  • Graham 587.
  • Graham 420, 423.
  • Granger 422, 433.
  • Grandison 320, 455, 501, 571.
  • Graves 132, 139, 140, 141, 161, 205, 252, 254, 259.
  • Green 137, 185, 320, 321, 440, 446, 510, 558, 562.
  • Green 396.
  • Greenvile 56, 61, 67, 79, 93, 94, 98, 97, 101, 119, 120, 121, 133, 138, 144, 150, 158, 165, 192, 196, 201, 340, 342, 396, 458, 481, 482, 483, 509, 694.
  • Greenvile 437.
  • Greenhill 643.
  • Greenway 560.
  • Grelley 162.
  • Grey of Groby 71, 91, 312, 350, 351, 354, 355-356, 376, 377, 425, 494.
  • Grey of Wark 63, 68, 70, 76, 84, 89, 99, 105, 162, 264, 265, 271, 295, 296, 299, 327, 328, 332, 356, 364, 369, 376, 393, 395, 397, 474, 497, 500.
  • Grey 102, 136, 143, 192, 206, 222, 283, 285, 326, 449, 543.
  • Grievances 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 12, 36, 48, 52.
  • Griffith 143, 438.
  • Prince Griffith 82, 127.
  • Griffith 141.
  • Grimes 94, 206.
  • Grimstone 56, 59, 252, 308, 310, 311, 329, 643, 653, 692, 693.
  • Grove 301, 667.
  • Grosnover 301, 667.
  • Guelders Duke 596.
  • Gumbell 686, 687.
  • Gunton 654.
  • Gunter 66.
  • Gutherland 575.
  • Gybs 77, 162, 187.
H
  • HAbeas Corpus 8, 9, 11, 13, 37, 187, 362.
  • Hacker 104, 105, 124, 143, 364, 369, 370, 422, 427, 447, 452, 673.
  • Hacket 440.
  • Haddington Earl 34.
  • Haddock 681.
  • Haiman Sir Peter 8.
  • Hains 111, 193.
  • Hakewell 249.
  • Hale 512, 643.
  • Hales 73, 261.
  • Hales 305, 375, 425, 485.
  • Halford 160.
  • Hall 292, 397, 400, 405, 441, 521, 620.
  • Hall 643.
  • Hallingham 225.
  • Hallowes 408.
  • Halsey 654.
  • Hambleton Col. 584.
  • Hamilton 193.
  • Hamilton 413.
  • Hamilton 15, 16, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 35, 49, 73, 74, 75, 288, 306, 309, 316, 317, 318, 320, 326, 327, 328, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 351, 370, 371, 379, 419, 421, 442, 455, 456, 472, 473, 481, 483, 486, 490, 499, 500, 501, 522.
  • Hammond 419, 596.
  • Hammond 434, 470.
  • Hammond Sir Peter 238.
  • Hammond Doctor 283, 288.
  • Hammond 92, 102, 145, 166, 170, 195, 196, 206, 207, 243, 245, 246, 247, 259, 260, 266, 270, 280, 282, 287, 288, 291, 292, 310, 315, 316, 324, 326, 329, 332, 333, 352, 353, 361, 364.
  • Hampden 24, 31, 37, 39, 50, 51, 54, 56, 59, 61, 66, 238, 285.
  • Hancock 189.
  • Hanmor 589.
  • Hanson 643, 646.
  • Harcourt 66, 73, 74, 76.
  • Harcourt 136, 315.
  • Hardresse 305, 306, 307.
  • Hare 124, 643.
  • Harehill Lord 277.
  • Harley 102, 139, 158, 209, 245, 256, 285, 325, 388.
  • Harlow Sir Robert 45.
  • Harlow 643.
  • Haerman 77.
  • Harper 85.
  • Harrington 102, 237, 274, 376, 397, 403, 425, 474, 678, 679, 680.
  • Harrington Sir James 671.
  • Harrington 384.
  • Harris Lord 161.
  • Harris 197, 287, 289, 397, 398.
  • Harris 599.
  • Harrison 68, 114, 154, 169, 170, 208, 239, 249, 253, 260, 280, 327, 358, 386, 398, 418, 441, 444, 459, 460, 474, 476, 481, 483, 484, 490, 491, 492, 493, 499, 500, 508, 545, 595, 646, 665, 694.
  • Hart 569.
  • Hartop 81.
  • Harvey 68, 73, 81, 121, 189, 368.
  • Harvey Col. 618, 643.
  • Haselrig 50, 81, 170, 188, 286, 303, 304, 313, 324, 326, 336, 338, 340, 341, 371, 376, 388, 411, 425, 449, 471, 473, 474, 500, 501, 512, 642, 657, 665, 669, 670, 671, 673, 676, 677, 678, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693.
  • Hassell 485.
  • Hastings Lord 139.
  • Hastings 69, 74, 79, 89, 93, 94, 100, 101, 104, 124, 161, 194, 200.
  • Hatcher 69, 73, 151.
  • Hatfield 318.
  • Hatter 482.
  • Hatton 120, 337, 340, 431.
  • Hawkes 558.
  • Hawkins 90, 409.
  • Hawly 102. Lady 157. Lord 185.
  • Hay 587.
  • Hayne 439, 503, 504, 506, 671.
  • Hayton 557.
  • Heal 184, 187, 225.
  • Heath 13, 32, 75, 91, 137, 188, 340, 672.
  • Hellin 574, 672.
  • Henderson 26, 69, 70, 120, 122, 123, 127, 225, 419.
  • Henderson 425.
  • Henley 203.
  • Henningham 146, 376.
  • Henrietta Maria Princess 67, 211, 212, 214, 222.
  • Hepbury 103, 114.
  • Hepley 203.
  • [Page] Herbert 6, 52.
  • Herbert Sir Edw. 18.
  • Herbert 93, 187, 202, 209, 219, 290, 293, 304, 680.
  • Herbert Lord 102, 110, 129, 165, 184, 245, 392, 608.
  • Hereford 226.
  • Herle 93, 221, 241.
  • Hern 73.
  • Heron 169.
  • Hertford Marquess 35, 44, 58, 60, 123, 191, 215.
  • Hevenningham 425.
  • Hewes 304.
  • Hewet 666.
  • Hewson 247, 281, 307, 324, 384, 396, 420, 423, 430, 432, 433, 434, 441, 442, 460, 475, 476, 483, 489, 490, 502, 503, 514, 529, 679.
  • Hewson Sir John 657.
  • Heycock 85.
  • Heylin Doctor 18.
  • Heylin 598.
  • Heyman 396.
  • Heyward 37, 118.
  • Hicks 307.
  • Hickman 577, 578.
  • Hide Sir Nicholas 8, 13, 16, 37.
  • Hide 18, 48, 56, 59, 107, 120, 121, 122, 153, 202, 298.
  • Higgins 113.
  • Higly 434.
  • Hill 137, 184, 207, 241.
  • Hill 569, 571, 689.
  • Hilliard 582, 585.
  • Hind 411, 505, 533.
  • Hinderson Sir Alex. 133, 139.
  • Hinton 643.
  • Hippesley 62, 220, 236, 273, 321, 324.
  • Hix 85.
  • Hoast 325.
  • Hobert Sir John 7, 12, 687.
  • Hobert 244.
  • Hobert Sir Miles 14, 16, 238.
  • Hobson 421.
  • Hoby 126.
  • Hodges 237, 379, 391.
  • Holborn 24, 118, 119, 120, 132, 133, 309.
  • Holcroft 337.
  • Holder 370.
  • Holland 315, 425.
  • Holland 554.
  • Holland 595, 679, 682, 687.
  • Holland Sir John 58, 63, 64, 102, 188, 237, 250.
  • Holland Earl 9, 29, 30, 31, 32, 54, 58, 62, 63, 67, 73, 83, 90, 138, 190, 266, 313, 314, 315, 316, 31, 9325, 343, 370, 372, 376, 378, 379.
  • Holles 12, 13, 14, 37, 38, 39, 50, 54, 61, 81, 82, 83, 92, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 113, 118, 120, 122, 124, 137, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 188, 191, 238, 252, 256, 259, 260, 261, 268, 270, 290, 306, 329, 342, 353, 354, 487, 691, 692.
  • Holmes 672, 695.
  • Holstein Duke 419, 580.
  • Holstein Princess 598.
  • Honywood 190, 307.
  • Honywood Sir Robert 671, 673, 692.
  • Honywood Sir Tho. 657.
  • Hoogan 133.
  • Hooker 113.
  • Hooper 556, 643.
  • Hopton 61, 66, 74, 81, 90, 91, 93, 131, 133, 144, 156, 158, 159, 167, 187, 196, 198, 199, 200, 202, 204, 319, 320, 388, 458.
  • Hopton 286, 297.
  • Horton 298, 301, 303, 304, 305, 327, 384, 391, 398, 402.
  • Hoskins 235, 692.
  • Hotham 55, 56, 57, 59, 67, 69, 77, 91, 103, 110, 113, 114, 116, 117.
  • Houghton Lord 161.
  • How 523.
  • Howard 35, 158, 314.
  • Howard Lord 76, 80, 137, 188, 265, 386, 391, 410, 544, 657, 680.
  • Howard Ph. 695.
  • Howard Arundel 595.
  • Howard 479, 499, 500, 590, 684.
  • Howard Lady Mary 674, 677.
  • Howard Sir Robert 675.
  • Hoyl 96, 99, 101.
  • Hubbard 643, 657.
  • Hubblethorne 672.
  • Hubbold 501.
  • Huddleston 96, 102.
  • Hudson 211, 212, 114, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 306, 307.
  • Huet Sir John 157.
  • Hughs 127.
  • Hughes 645.
  • Hume Earl 261.
  • Humphreys 286.
  • Hundesden Lord 371.
  • Hungerford 86, 102, 169, 322, 643.
  • Hunkes 399.
  • Hunkin 490.
  • Hunt 59, 80, 147, 195.
  • Huntington Earl 200.
  • Huntington 248, 321, 323.
  • Huntley 13, 15, 82, 84, 231, 246, 381, 384, 476, 502, 503, 505, 506, 508, 509, 511, 512.
  • Hurst 397.
  • Husbands 305, 324, 330.
  • Hussey 643.
  • Hutchinson 75, 85, 138, 148, 376, 425.
  • Hutton 24, 164.
  • Hyde 391, 402, 618.
  • Hyde 475.
J
  • JAckson 130, 151, 486.
  • James 643.
  • Janizaries 9.
  • Jaylor 316.
  • Jeffrys 102.
  • Jenkins 239, 250, 258, 282, 292, 293, 304, 342, 380, 448, 503.
  • Jennings 194, 360.
  • Jephson 94, 101, 118, 121, 159, 161, 167, 194, 206, 210, 297, 656.
  • Jermyn 55, 197, 258, 337, 343, 351, 372, 397, 410, 424, 431, 498, 509.
  • Jermyn 692.
  • Jermy 291, 319.
  • Jervis 537.
  • Jesuits 31.
  • Jessop 627.
  • Jews 618.
  • Islery 298.
  • Impeachment 37, 38, 271, 272, 273, 277, 273, 285.
  • Impropriations 15.
  • Incendiaries 90, 111, 132, 300, 301.
  • Inchequin 76, 91, 93, 94, 119, 157, 187, 200, 203, 207, 212, 225, 233, 242, 250, 251, 256, 269, 270, 272, 273, 274, 278, 283, 286, 290, 293, 296, 197, 298, 300, 383, 391, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 407, 410, 411, 412, 413, 418, 420, 424, 426, 429, 432, 433, 439, 443, 450, 471, 473, 504.
  • Independants 151.
  • Indulgence 276.
  • The Ingagement 408, 417, 420, 421, 426, 427, 428, 458, 684, 694, 699.
  • Ingolsby Col. 132, 144, 204, 253, 305, 341, 408, 409, 411, 450, 452, 484, 488, 529, 245, 657, 684, 685, 690, 693, 694.
  • Insurrection 683, 691.
  • Instrument of Government 552.
  • Joachimi 487.
  • Johnson 220, 319, 432, 654, 672, 681.
  • Johnson Captain 578.
  • Johnston 658, 671.
  • Jones 130, 134, 167, 169, 186, 219, 244, 245, 246, 256, 261, 263, 264, 268, 272, 274, 275, 276, 277, 279, 280, 281, 284, 286, 291, 292, 293, 294, 298, 312, 333, 340, 376, 378, 381, 383, 386, 391, 393, 395, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 420, 421, 435, 683.
  • Jones 13, 24, 37, 85, 99, 109, 130, 425, 533, 643, 657.
  • Jones 499, 500, 547, 685, 687.
  • Jones 692.
  • Jones Phil. Col. 657, 667.
  • Jones Sir Theophilus 434, 438, 440, 518, 532, 687.
  • Jones Doctor 434.
  • Jones Sir Tho. 529.
  • Jones Sam. 643.
  • Jones John Col. 671.
  • Joyce 253, 255.
  • Ireland 22. Rebellion 45, 46, 47, 49. Ad­venturers 54. Cessation 71, 72. Propo­sals 74. Cessation 78, 297. Peace 381, 384, 398, 401, 403, 410, 412, 417, 419, 427, 433, 434, 438, 448, 504.
  • Irish 79, 81, 91, 194, 244.
  • Ireton 140, 145, 162, 166, 188, 206, 207, 208, 245, 249, 253, 257, 258, 260, 286, 293, 307, 321, 338, 356, 375, 378, 384, 386, 394, 405, 406, 408, 421, 427, 443, 444, 507, 510, 683.
  • Ireton 676, 679, 682.
  • Judges their Resolutions 12. Letter to the King 13. Message to them 15. Their opinion 16. Questions to them 16. Their opinion of Ship money 24, 91, 169, 367, 372, 374, 389, 392, 431, 433, 496. In Scotland 508, 509, 518, 519, 700.
  • Junto of State 444.
  • Juxton 23, 44, 364, 368, 369, 370.
K
  • KAnt 505.
  • Keble 244, 337, 374.
  • Kedley 495.
  • Keeble 405.
  • Kelsey 251, 671, 679, 686, 692.
  • Kelsith Lady 481.
  • Kemish 200, 303, 304, 316, 338, 346, 357.
  • Kemp 285.
  • [Page] Kempson 290.
  • Kendrick 248, 249.
  • Kenedy 120, 122.
  • Kenmorret 558.
  • Kennet 577.
  • Kenoule Lord 439, 569, 570, 598.
  • Kensey 654.
  • Kent Earl 74, 219, 265, 285, 287, 294, 295, 296, 299, 350, 351, 364, 409.
  • Kenton 399.
  • Ker Col. 140, 191, 192, 206, 438, 461, 462, 469, 470, 471, 484.
  • Kerle 101, 103.
  • Kern 102, 198.
  • Kertlington 130.
  • Kesar 406.
  • Ketcher 631.
  • Keys 577.
  • Kiffin 363, 440, 691.
  • Kildare Earl 262, 330.
  • Kilketto Earl 225, 283.
  • Killegrew 75, 119, 120, 121, 134, 192, 220, 235, 237, 239, 251, 257, 323, 327, 328, 329, 330, 339, 691.
  • Kilsmore 572.
  • Kimbolton 50, 64.
  • King 92, 406, 435, 697.
  • King 82, 94, 166, 193, 207, 213, 233, 237, 241, 339.
  • Kings Armes 463.
  • Kings Evil 248.
  • Kingly Office abolished 380.
  • Kingston Earl 68, 82, 120.
  • Kinninore 558.
  • Kinmore 559, 560, 561, 573, 574, 588.
  • Kirk 220, 226, 236, 263, 420, 435, 439, 440, 443, 456, 458, 461, 490, 496, 500, 505, 507, 511, 512, 514, 515, 517, 522, 530, 532, 535.
  • Knight 333, 397, 419.
  • Knight 587.
  • Knighthood money 2, 33▪ 45.
  • Knightley 252.
  • Knelles 363.
  • Knox 28.
  • Kolketoth 249.
L.
  • LAgerfield 544, 584, 594, 636.
  • Lago [...] 667.
  • Lamb Doctor 10, 17.
  • Lambert 103, 120, 127, 131, 147, 219, 247, 257, 260, 267, 268, 271, 272, 274, 275, 277, 286, 295, 303, 305, 307, 309, 310, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 322, 324, 330, 331, 332, 334, 339, 341, 342, 343, 353, 357, 363, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 384, 391, 408, 409, 410, 411, 426, 444, 447, 451, 452, 463, 469, 470, 471, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 497, 499, 503, 507, 509, 510, 511, 513, 514, 524, 527, 547, 574, 590, 670, 682, 683, 675, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 671, 673, 685, 686, 687, 689, 691, 692, 693, 694.
  • Lambert 681.
  • Lane 39 43, 85, 120, 215.
  • Laney 120.
  • Langdale 61, 95, 129, 130, 131, 133, 137, 144, 145, 146, 184, 185, 302, 303, 305, 306, 307, 309, 310, 315, 316, 317, 318, 322, 327, 328, 342, 377, 426.
  • Langham 273, 295, 301, 618.
  • Langley 269.
  • Lannerick 275, 331, 332, 335, 339.
  • Lapis Calaminaris 630, 631.
  • Lassells 331, 333, 433.
  • Laud 2, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 41, 71, 73, 76, 79, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 91, 92, 93, 97, 101, 104, 105, 106, 117, 118.
  • Lauderdale 247, 257, 270, 325, 334, 442, 499, 500, 501, 690, 691.
  • Laughern 82, 84, 119, 130, 135, 136, 137, 141, 160, 161, 162, 167, 185, 186, 187, 191, 194, 198, 200, 212, 223, 237, 238, 146, 257, 258, 286, 290, 293, 297, 298, 304, 305, 306, 312, 316, 325, 343, 379, 383, 384, 406, 432, 453.
  • Law reformed 439, 458, 459, 460, 494, 569.
  • Lawyers 415.
  • Lawrence 126, 198, 325, 475, 618, 657, 667, 679.
  • Lawson 455, 554, 555, 582, 587, 683, 684, 685, 686, 688, 690, 691.
  • Lay 7.
  • Layfield 267, 293.
  • Layton 269.
  • Leak 67, 191.
  • Lee 139, 243, 289.
  • Lee 346, 684.
  • Leg 44, 55, 135, 142, 167, 282, 305, 329, 399, 588.
  • Le Hunt 473, 483.
  • Leicester Earl 18, 44, 45, 48, 88, 137.
  • Leicester Countess 392, 394.
  • Leigh 100.
  • Leighton Doctor 14.
  • Lemmon 401, 474.
  • Lenox Duke 110, 114, 189.
  • Lenthall 73, 74, 76, 162, 166, 264, 389, 395, 397, 546, 555, 591, 671, 684, 686, 688, 692.
  • Leopold Archduke 251, 391, 394, 402, 574.
  • Leppington Lord 191.
  • Lesley 34, 64, 78, 82, 83, 86, 88, 99, 101, 161, 163, 165, 166, 167, 169, 186, 209, 231, 249, 251, 272, 332, 333, 389, 402, 431, 437, 440, 450, 452, 453, 455, 458, 460, 462, 472, 473, 481, 490, 498, 501.
  • L'Estrange 114, 116, 117.
  • Letchmore 692.
  • Letters 79, 80, 82, 89, 94, 99, 147, 188, 190, 191, 194, 195, 196, 197, 204, 209, 211, 213, 214, 223, 239, 347, 250, 251, 255, 259, 261, 266, 279, 281, 284, 288, 335, 396, 408, 412, 432, 458, 494.
  • Levellers 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 408, 409, 410, 411, 432.
  • Leven 86, 89, 95, 104, 126, 138, 147, 158, 159, 161, 184, 188, 190, 192, 211, 219, 222, 233, 234, 235, 237, 239, 240, 241, 242, 244, 291, 306, 332, 335, 338, 449, 453, 455, 457, 484, 498, 501, 502, 673.
  • Leviston 460, 470.
  • Lewen 449.
  • Lewis 148, 149, 151, 244, 256, 268, 290, 291, 379.
  • Lexinton Lord 110.
  • Leymouth Lord 134.
  • Leyton 200.
  • Libberton Lord 413, 414, 418, 419, 422, 423, 425, 426, 455.
  • Libertines 430.
  • Lidcot 170, 222, 361, 482, 488.
  • Liddel 198.
  • Lichfield Earl 169.
  • Lightfoot 43.
  • Lilburn 312, 313, 315.
  • Lilburn 324.
  • Lilburn 80, 160, 162, 186, 219, 227, 246, 247, 252, 253, 254, 263, 269, 270, 272, 276, 279, 280, 282, 284, 285, 289, 290, 321, 326, 329, 330, 357, 360, 376, 378, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 387, 399, 405, 418, 419, 420, 488, 492, 495, 501, 509, 511, 512, 513, 547, 549, 551, 553, 554, 555, 556, 570, 581, 671, 679, 686.
  • Lilly 144, 329, 332, 538.
  • Limbrey 478.
  • Lincolne Bishop 2, 3, 8, 25, 37.
  • Lincolne Earl 228, 271, 283, 394.
  • Lindsey Earl 23, 26, 40, 59, 61, 67, 107, 108, 145, 146, 208, 218.
  • Lingen 223, 318, 325.
  • Lion of Aisema 515.
  • Lisle 54, 145, 328, 329.
  • Lisle Lord Viscount 87, 137, 194, 196, 198, 205, 210, 235, 239, 243, 246, 247, 248, 249, 376, 394, 425, 474, 527, 543, 551, 653, 654, 657, 662, 667, 675.
  • Lisle 569, 587, 598.
  • Lisle 148, 149, 285, 287, 374, 396, 399, 411, 425, 552, 562, 568, 576, 583, 588, 643, 657, 667, 668, 671.
  • Lister 474.
  • Littleton 13, 32, 39, 52, 54, 56, 57, 65, 67, 166.
  • Littleton 391, 394.
  • Littleton 244.
  • Littleton 337.
  • Littleton Sir Thomas 83, 110.
  • Litton 63, 643.
  • Livesey 132, 306, 314, 320.
  • Lloyd 116, 190, 208, 235, 302, 440, 455, 477, 643.
  • Lloyd 643.
  • Loan 2, 7 8, 9, 33.
  • Lockart Col. 658, 666, 673, 686.
  • Lockier 384, 562.
  • Loe 43, 684.
  • Lofius 235, 402, 407.
  • Loignar Marquess 560.
  • Lollards 2.
  • London 17, 33, 73, 75, 76, 81, 82, 83, 84, 86, 93, 103, 106, 110, 129, 130, 140, 143, 152, 189, 204, 212, 213, 235, 237, 254, 255, 258, 260, 263, 264, 265, 267, 270, 272, 273, 275, 283, 299, 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, 307, 308, 311, 313, 315, 320, 321, 322, 323, 330, 353, 358, 389, 391, 420, 432, 522, 545, 564, 683, 685, 686, 690, 696, 697, 698, 700.
  • Londonderry Bishop 92.
  • Long 14, 74, 85, 132, 238, 256, 259, 268, 270, 290, 294, 308, 643, 692.
  • Long 669.
  • Lonnerick 74.
  • Lords of the Articles 29.
  • Lorne Lord 555, 556, 559, 571, 574, 595, 596, 597, 598.
  • Lorrain Duke 439, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 504, 514, 562, 574, 575.
  • Lort 297.
  • Louden Lord 18, 30, 31, 32, 111, 120, 122, 131, 457, 458, 595.
  • Love 195.
  • Lovelace Lord 76, 352.
  • [Page] Love Minister 123, 408, 474, 484, 485, 486, 487, 490, 493, 502, 503.
  • Love 283, 355.
  • Love 685.
  • Loughborough L d 146, 319, 329, 343, 370.
  • Louthian 121, 167, 169, 186.
  • Louthian Lord 457.
  • Low 91.
  • Lower 119, 197.
  • Lucas 59, 316.
  • Lucas 197.
  • Lucas Sir Charles 89, 151, 169, 302, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 314, 317, 323, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330.
  • Lucas Lord 191.
  • Lucy 581, 643.
  • Ludlow 90, 100, 105, 117, 174, 376, 425, 447, 476, 507, 519, 520, 525, 530, 533, 671, 674, 678, 679, 681, 686, 687.
  • Luke 122, 140, 143, 161, 238.
  • Lumsden 234, 500.
  • Lunsden 455.
  • Luther 148, 149.
  • Lydcot Col. 52.
  • Lynne 671.
  • Lyster 642.
M.
  • MAbbold 389.
  • Mac-art 304, 432, 436.
  • Mac-grigger 587.
  • Mac-Mahon 46.
  • Mac-Moghun 443.
  • Macquier 461, 108, 120, 124, 126, 128, 270.
  • Macquier and Mac Mahon 95, 100, 101, 103, 106, 107.
  • Macro 271.
  • Mackworth 59, 92, 95, 211, 359, 494, 495, 502.
  • Magna Charta 9, 10, 11, 13.
  • Major 163.
  • Major Generals 622.
  • Maitland 69, 106, 107, 120, 334.
  • Malbon 372.
  • Maleverer 101, 275, 288.
  • Mallet 102, 188.
  • Malton 430.
  • Manasses Ben Israel 618, 665.
  • Manby 512.
  • Manchester Earl 32, 67, 68, 69, 72, 75, 77, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 92, 93, 97, 99, 100, 101, 104, 110, 118, 134, 188, 191, 265, 657, 694.
  • Mancini 666.
  • Mandevil 35.
  • Manfield 187.
  • Manly 469, 692.
  • Manning 90, 618.
  • Mansel 512.
  • Manterent 201.
  • Manton 653.
  • Mainwaring Doctor 8, 20, 11, 12.
  • Manwaring 63, 170, 236, 250, 251.
  • Marckam 130, 200, 506, 687.
  • Marre 157, 493, 654.
  • Marrow 90, 96.
  • Marshall 118, 119, 122, 123, 220, 237, 240, 241, 247, 254, 267, 285, 287, 293, 295, 336.
  • Martial Law 1, 7, 318.
  • Martin 118.
  • Martin 10, 14, 68, 192, 226, 269, 324, 332, 362, 371, 376, 384, 395, 398, 400, 402, 403, 404, 424, 440, 545.
  • Mary Princess 17.
  • Mash [...]m 308, 309, 312, 315, 319, 322, 376, 425, 474.
  • Maskam 588.
  • Mason 13, 170, 206, 307, 574.
  • Masque of the Inns of Court 18, 19, 20, 21.
  • Massey 503.
  • Massey Col. 61, 64, 68, 72, 77, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 91, 93, 94, 99, 100, 101, 102, 113, 114, 129, 130, 133, 136, 137, 139, 141, 142, 143, 144, 147, 149, 150, 153, 156, 157, 158, 159, 162, 165, 169, 184, 201, 209, 211, 214, 215, 220, 221, 223, 229, 230, 232, 233, 246, 247, 256, 262, 264, 265, 270, 290, 354, 356, 363, 436, 437, 449, 472, 482, 483, 484, 486, 487, 489, 493, 494, 496, 497, 498, 500, 502, 506, 675.
  • Mathews 85, 211, 532.
  • Maurice 352.
  • Maurice Prince 60, 86, 89, 93, 98, 109, 117, 119, 120, 129, 130, 133, 139, 140, 145, 184, 185, 189, 215, 218, 219, 220, 260, 395, 399, 414, 471, 547.
  • Maxwell Lord 104.
  • Maxwell 39, 128.
  • May 394, 424.
  • May Sir Humphrey 10, 14.
  • Mayerne 657.
  • Maynard 37, 40, 41, 48, 56, 79, 111, 184, 199, 275, 666, 691.
  • Maynard Sir John 256, 270, 271, 277, 290, 291, 292.
  • Maynard Lord 106, 271.
  • Mayo 407, 560.
  • Mazen 92.
  • Meadow 618, 622, 656.
  • Meers 197.
  • Meldrum Sir John 59, 75, 78, 93, 100, 127, 128, 133, 135, 141, 143, 241.
  • Meldrum 121.
  • Meltwold 512.
  • Melvin 11.
  • Mercer 304, 425, 497, 498.
  • Mercy 94.
  • Meredith 92, 230, 400, 519.
  • Merlay 103, 105.
  • Merryman 298, 588.
  • Mervin 410.
  • Message 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 32, 92, 447.
  • Metcalf 230.
  • Meyrick Sir John 60, 62, 111, 236.
  • Middleton Sir Tho. 73, 74, 75, 88, 90, 94, 96, 97, 99, 100, 102, 116, 119, 132, 137, 140, 143, 170, 494.
  • Middleton 318.
  • Middleton 204, 246, 276, 309, 376, 387, 436, 462, 463, 472, 477, 481, 482, 501, 502, 554, 555, 557, 558, 561, 562, 573, 574, 576, 579, 580, 581, 582, 586, 587, 588, 589, 596, 597, 599.
  • Middlesex Earl 271, 321, 323, 329.
  • Midhup 277.
  • Mildmay 76, 102, 103, 235, 291, 308, 310, 376, 425, 452, 460, 469, 471, 474, 509, 537, 643, 674.
  • Militia 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 124, 125, 127, 128, 162, 191, 192, 203, 263, 270, 278, 313, 317, 356.
  • Mill 667.
  • Milles 679.
  • Miller 694.
  • Milton 633.
  • Miners 643.
  • Ministers 72, 99, 131, 187, 207, 300, 346, 383, 420, 428, 441, 442, 455, 458, 459, 461, 463, 471, 480, 486, 545, 551, 581, 588, 590.
  • Minn 86, 94, 232.
  • Minnes 557, 572, 681.
  • Mitton 76, 78, 86, 87, 116, 118, 129, 134, 140, 170, 186, 197, 198, 203, 206, 208, 210, 213, 218, 219, 221, 222, 224, 229, 231, 245, 246, 247, 250, 252, 284, 286, 290, 307, 321, 333, 335, 409, 429, 502.
  • Mobbot 329.
  • Mohun 165, 202, 241, 397.
  • Molineux Lord 72, 96, 195.
  • Molton 433.
  • Momma 630, 632.
  • Mondy 380.
  • Monk 77, 89, 206, 231, 248, 275, 277, 291, 293, 302, 304, 322, 333, 334, 335, 336, 381, 384, 395, 397, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406, 451, 463, 469, 474, 490, 491, 493, 498, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 506, 507, 509, 510, 539, 542, 548, 553, 554, 560, 561, 562, 570, 580, 581, 582, 583, 585, 587, 588, 589, 657, 665, 668, 671, 672, 673, 674, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696.
  • Mounmouth Earl 138.
  • Monopolies 29, 37.
  • Monroe 96, 214, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, 335, 336, 378, 410, 419, 420, 504, 588.
  • Montecuculi Count 375.
  • Montgomery 413, 415, 419, 482, 501.
  • Montross 35, 84, 88, 94, 127, 134, 136, 137, 138, 142, 151, 154, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 185, 186, 194, 197, 207, 212, 221, 223, 382, 384, 385, 388, 389, 395, 408, 410, 413, 414, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 425, 426, 428, 435, 436, 437, 439, 440, 441, 443, 444, 460, 483, 579.
  • His Son 571, 574, 582, 589, 595.
  • Montruel 201, 221, 223.
  • Moody 314.
  • Moor Lord 47, 48, 50.
  • Moor 7, 89, 160, 167, 169, 188.
  • Moor 582.
  • Mordant Lord 694.
  • Mordant 666, 676.
  • More 439.
  • Morgan General 8.
  • Morgan Col. 131, 147, 151, 160, 170, 184, 185, 190, 200, 204, 205, 106, 207, 211, 212, 214, 221, 223, 291, 533, 555, 569, 570, 571, 573, 574, 575, 576, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 587, 588, 589, 595, 668, 682, 686.
  • Morgan 672.
  • Morley 142, 344, 642, 671, 678, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 689, 690.
  • Morly 74, 87, 99.
  • Morrice 239, 382, 405, 407, 418, 481, 522, 643, 691.
  • Morton Bishop 74, 136, 211, 275, 286.
  • Mostyn 74, 207, 666.
  • Motlow 573.
  • Moulin 384.
  • Moulton 92, 208, 361, 363, 526.
  • Mounson 210, 211, 230.
  • Mountague Walter 31, 71, 126, 284, 379, 407.
  • [Page] Mountague Col. 588.
  • Mountague Lord 196, 237.
  • Mountague 132, 166, 184, 643, 653, 654, 657, 667, 668, 673, 676, 691, 693, 694, 695.
  • Mountague 693.
  • Mountague 135.
  • Mountague Richard 1, 2, 11.
  • Mountain 382.
  • Mountgomery 214.
  • Moyer 512.
  • Moyle 643.
  • Muddiford 451, 522, 523.
  • Muddiman 692.
  • Mulgrave 271.
  • Mulgrave Earl 35, 132, 231, 250, 265, 376 657, 667.
  • Murray Sir Mungo 596.
  • Murray Earl 28.
  • Murray 280.
  • Murray 197, 198, 203, 206, 223, 236.
  • Murryhead 569.
  • Muschamp 160.
  • Musgrave 88, 99, 299, 303, 500, 530.
  • Muskerry 430, 485, 490, 491, 519, 529, 530, 531, 538, 571.
  • Mutiny 126, 127, 134, 232, 280, 282, 287, 293, 384, 696.
  • Mutlo 538.
  • Mynns 236.
N.
  • NAppier 272, 438, 621.
  • Naylour James 643, 644, 676.
  • Neal 10.
  • Neast 136.
  • Needham 147, 197, 246, 285, 311, 692.
  • Nelson 544.
  • Nevil 61.
  • Nevil Henry 669, 670, 671, 677, 682, 685, 690.
  • Nevil 539.
  • Newarke Earl 59.
  • New Supream Authority 534. Their Resignation 551.
  • Newburgh Lord 460.
  • Newberry 370, 681.
  • Newcastle Earl 59, 63, 64, 69, 78, 81, 82, 86, 89, 92, 234, 291, 295, 342, 343, 350, 391, 498.
  • Newdigate 101, 581, 671, 687.
  • Newman 159.
  • Newport Lord 88. 90, 194, 195, 275.
  • Newport 549, 558, 573, 580.
  • New Representative 411, 423, 486, 487, 507, 531, 532.
  • Nicholas 59, 117, 120, 215, 340, 361, 363, 390, 431, 433, 687.
  • Nicholas 638, 668.
  • Nichols 59, 85, 248, 252, 256, 268, 269, 270, 290, 305, 341.
  • Nidesdale Countess 184.
  • Noble 339.
  • Noel 410.
  • Norfolk 207, 264.
  • Norris 72.
  • North Lord 137.
  • Northcot 102, 121, 643.
  • Northampton Earl 66, 103, 104, 113, 138, 203, 206, 207, 208, 250, 680.
  • Northumberland Earl 24, 33, 54, 55, 62, 63, 64, 75, 96, 118, 120, 122, 124, 137, 141, 147, 188, 189, 191, 222, 225, 226, 229, 232, 235, 238, 262, 265, 277, 285, 293, 302, 329, 342, 384, 392, 495.
  • Norton 74, 79, 85, 87, 90, 99, 109, 134, 137, 143, 683, 695.
  • Norton Sir Richard 91.
  • Norwich Earl 310, 317, 323, 325, 326, 327, 329.
  • Norwood 314, 402.
  • Not 148.
  • Nottingham Earl 84, 254, 291, 388.
  • Nowers 672.
  • Noy 3, 7, 13, 17, 18, 22.
  • Nye 69, 70, 76, 267, 285, 287.
O.
  • OAth of Sheriffs 2. Et caetera Oath 33. Irish Oath 499. Of Adherence 81, 161. Of the Protector 558.
  • Oatley 120.
  • O-conelly Owen 46, 141, 400, 421.
  • Odvery 521.
  • Odwear 511, 524.
  • O-Farrell 448.
  • Offely 78.
  • Ogle 76, 96, 130.
  • Ogleby 387, 621.
  • Okey 190, 191, 253, 387, 394, 408, 409, 410, 452, 486, 488, 493, 495, 501, 502, 503, 521, 551, 575, 587, 671, 678, 684, 685, 689, 693.
  • Oldenburgh Count 580.
  • Oldesworth 185, 283.
  • Oldsworth 399.
  • Oliver 589.
  • Oneal Sir Phelim 46, 47, 524.
  • Oneal 429, 436, 448, 507.
  • Onslow 87, 166, 223, 657.
  • Opdam Lord 556, 559, 580.
  • Oquendo Don 30.
  • Orange Prince 38, 43, 132, 247, 429, 435, 450, 452, 462, 550, 551, 573, 580, 581, 585, 587, 588, 589, 595, 596, 597, 598.
  • Orange Princess 463.
  • Orleance Duke 459 504.
  • Ormond 47, 48, 71, 78, 184, 202, 213, 218, 223, 224, 227, 228, 229, 231, 233, 235, 242, 244, 246, 262, 268, 269, 275, 278, 279, 320, 338, 340, 341, 342, 350, 352, 353, 356, 357, 378, 381, 383, 385, 386, 391, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 412, 417, 418, 421, 426, 427, 429, 430, 432, 433, 436, 438, 439, 443, 459, 462, 471, 473, 504.
  • Osbaldston 25, 411.
  • Osborn 74, 93, 99, 310, 315, 316.
  • Ossory 427, 621.
  • Otway 397, 403, 404.
  • Oudop Lord 598.
  • Overton 196, 263, 294, 306, 333, 382, 385, 387, 408, 458, 488, 490, 505, 509, 511, 512, 515, 530, 533, 560, 595, 598, 599, 673, 678, 687, 689, 691.
  • Owen Roe Oneal 286, 296.
  • Owen Roe 320.
  • Owen 129, 360.
  • Owen 386, 387, 390, 396, 446.
  • Owen Doctor 391, 456, 476, 504, 639, 671, 691.
  • Owen Sir John 307, 308, 319, 343, 371, 374, 375, 376, 378, 379.
  • Oxenstiern 575, 593, 596, 598.
  • Oxford Earl 478, 582, 675.
P.
  • PAcification 29.
  • Pack 681.
  • Pack 533, 573, 619, 620, 647, 657.
  • Packer 512, 671, 679, 693.
  • Paddon 128, 672.
  • Paget Lord 35, 56, 105, 137.
  • Pain 184.
  • Pain 142.
  • Palatinate 1, 3, 14.
  • Palmer 37, 40, 41, 48, 49, 56, 120, 122, 189, 300, 333.
  • Palmer 118, 319, 574.
  • Pamphlets 228, 260, 270, 282, 286, 288, 293, 356, 371, 380, 381, 528, 590.
  • Papists 2, 3, 8, 12, 15, 31, 38, 62.
  • Papton 311.
  • Pardon 117, 591.
  • Parker 304, 340, 378, 399, 671, 687.
  • Parliament 1. Adjourned to Oxford 2. Dissolved 2. New Parliament 3. Mem­bers committed 12. Appointed 30. Meets 32. Dissolv'd 32. Meets 35. Triennial 39. Five Members 51, 52. Members disabled 68. Expell'd 76. Style 78. Eleven Members 256, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262. Force 295. Ele­ven Members 264. Members restored 266. Eleven Members 268, 270, 290. Force 295. Eleven Members 306. Force 354, 355. Secluded Members 356, 357, 362, 364, 368, 370. The ele­ven Members 399, 420, 526. Threat­ned 526. Turned out of doors 5 [...]9. New P. 574, 575. Scotch Members, Irish Members 581. Meet 582. Dis­solve 592. Meet 639. Remonstrance 640. Meet 666. Dissol. 673. Meet 676. Dissol. 678. Long Par. restored 678, 679. Broken 686. Meet 693. Free P. 695, 696, 697. Secluded Mem­bers restored 698. New Par. 699, 701. The other House 661, 665, 666, 673, 677, 678.
  • Parre Lord 504, 509.
  • Parsons 45, 46, 169, 330, 338, 379.
  • Parsons 339.
  • Parry 387.
  • Pasquils 71.
  • Passerini 647.
  • Patridge 355.
  • Pawlet 85, 192, 202, 207, 208, 298, 378.
  • Pawlet 378.
  • Peacock 308, 396, 527, 554.
  • Peake 194.
  • Peas 595.
  • Peat 190.
  • Peak 339.
  • Peckam 643.
  • Peerage 4, 289.
  • Pelham 138, 264, 356.
  • Pembroke Earl 14, 30, 45, 54, 62, 63, 73, 74, 81, 91, 96, 118, 120, 123, 137, 188, 191, 220, 237, 238, 242, 285, 290, 300, 319, 329, 357, 376, 383, 391, 410, 411, 423.
  • Penn 228, 241, 294, 479, 520, 544, 546, 554, 561, 617.
  • Pennington Alderman 37, 62, 63, 68, 137, 248, 376, 425.
  • Pennington Sir John 55, 74.
  • Pennoyer 137, 184, 234, 241.
  • [Page] Penruddock 418.
  • Pepys 581.
  • Percival 59, 253.
  • Perkins 200.
  • Pert 202.
  • Peters Hugh 88, 156, 157, 165, 170, 195, 200, 203, 204, 223, 228, 257, 364, 376, 407, 410, 411, 431, 512, 513, 666.
  • Peterborough Earl 61, 237, 313, 314, 404.
  • Petitions 7, 9, 34, 35, 36, 37, 43, 48, 51, 52, 54, 63, 8 [...], 106, 125, 159, 160, 213, 219, 227, 244, 245, 246, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 257, 260, 270, 272, 283, 290, 292, 295, 302, 304, 305, 306, 311, 313, 317, 322, 326, 330, 331, 335, 337, 338 341, 358, 359, 363, 364, 371, 379, 380, 382, 383, 384, 385, 398, 404, 433, 435, 492, 499, 512, 516, 534, 542, 543, 545, 546, 549, 685, 686, 690, 691.
  • Petition and Advice 646, 647, 648.
  • Petition of Right 9, 10, 11.
  • Petty 294.
  • Peyton Sir Thomas 144, 305, 307.
  • Phaileas 437.
  • Phairs 418, 426, 429, 452.
  • Pheasant 169, 185, 372, 394.
  • Phelim Birne 440.
  • Phelps 359, 360.
  • Philip Prince 305, 306.
  • Philips 130.
  • Philpot 142.
  • Phineas 451.
  • Phips 234.
  • Pickering 132, 134, 146, 170, 174, 190, 209, 376, 425, 474, 620, 639, 657, 667.
  • Piercy Lord 44, 92, 119, 131, 338.
  • Piercy 397, 410.
  • Pierson 671, 680.
  • Pierrepont 62, 63, 64, 66, 105, 106, 115, 118, 125, 191, 329, 342, 353, 357, 367, 386, 647, 657.
  • Piementel 559, 584, 596, 598.
  • Piggot 283.
  • Pile 383.
  • Pilson 327.
  • Pinchback 493.
  • Pindar Sir Paul 17.
  • Pindar 395.
  • Pine 390, 425, 432, 459, 474.
  • Pits 101.
  • Pitcher 360.
  • Pitsford 358.
  • Pitman 200, 201.
  • Pitson 461.
  • Plague 2, 23, 24.
  • Player 248.
  • Plot 75, 96, 296, 400, 486, 573, 574, 599, 644, 673, 677, 682, 683, 662, 663.
  • Plumbley 558.
  • Pockley 587.
  • Pocklington 315.
  • Poe 162, 249.
  • Poll-money 45.
  • Pool 125.
  • Pool Sir Nevil 68, 102.
  • Pool 682.
  • Poor Prisoners 403, 408, 433, 574.
  • Pope 454.
  • Popham 91, 134, 185, 233, 375, 376, 384, 385, 391, 398, 408, 418, 432, 440, 455, 461, 476, 483, 495, 501.
  • Popham 425, 642, 657, 685.
  • Popish Counsellors 3.
  • Porey 254, 273.
  • Porter 59, 89, 153, 194, 206.
  • Portland Earl 167, 275.
  • Pots 252, 329.
  • Potley 69, 381.
  • Potter 249, 487, 575, 579.
  • Poulke 645.
  • Poulton 97, 407.
  • Powell 148, 244, 304, 305, 306, 325, 370, 378, 379, 382, 383, 384, 386, 406, 533.
  • Powel 340.
  • Powel Vavasour 523.
  • Powis Lord 102, 154.
  • Poyer 294, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 302, 303, 305, 306, 309, 312, 316, 325, 370, 379, 382, 383, 384.
  • Poyntz 147, 148, 154, 156, 158, 160, 161, 163, 165, 167, 169, 170, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 193, 206, 208, 209, 219, 229, 230, 232, 234, 235, 245, 257, 258, 262, 264, 265, 519.
  • Preaching Troopers 238.
  • Precedence 4.
  • Presbyterians 151, 187, 212, 233, 360, 422, 426, 444, 458, 480, 486, 491, 497, 500, 528.
  • Presbyterie 165, 167, 184, 275, 276.
  • Prescot 412.
  • Preston 263, 286, 320, 403, 427, 430, 431, 436.
  • Preston 519.
  • Price 100, 129, 140, 166, 221, 237, 238, 253, 272, 305, 306.
  • Prichard 200.
  • Pride 145, 195, 246, 305, 354, 355, 362, 404, 419, 424, 426, 442, 456, 667.
  • Pride Sir Thomas 657.
  • Prideaux 67, 73, 88, 118, 120, 337, 341, 352, 382, 399, 411, 474, 583, 667, 676.
  • Priests 4.
  • Primate 512, 521.
  • Primers 473.
  • Prin 18, 21, 25, 31, 36, 37, 73, 103, 129, 258, 261, 340, 362, 691.
  • Prince 275, 382, 383.
  • Privy Seals 9.
  • Priviledges 9, 37, 48, 50, 51, 118, 155, 184, 230, 235, 287, 383.
  • Proby 382.
  • Proclamation 1, 2, 26, 37, 48, 72, 75, 82, 407, 410, 450, 451, 558, 561.
  • Projectors 37, 384.
  • Propagation of the Gospel 424, 427, 487, 504, 518, 535.
  • Prophet 284, 286, 360, 383.
  • Propositions nineteen 57. For Peace 63. 161, 189, 190, 214, 220, 222, 228, 235, 270, 271, 273, 274, 276, 277, 278, 282, 312, 314, 317, 318, 319, 339, 354, 378, 413, 431, 438, 489, 490.
  • Protestants of France 2.
  • Protestation 4, 6, 12, 42, 49, 51, 57.
  • Protectour 552. Proclaimed 558. His Inauguration 661.
  • Psalms 411.
  • Publick Register 424, 512.
  • Publick Faith 58, 497, 549, 591, 592.
  • Puckering 472, 476, 487.
  • Pudsey 291.
  • Puffey 437.
  • Puleston 337, 390, 392, 405.
  • Purefoy 75, 80, 83, 86, 97, 123, 128, 140, 231, 234, 376, 425, 474.
  • Pury 237, 261.
  • Pye 91, 132, 144, 157, 160, 237, 252, 254, 257, 258, 259, 266, 269, 323, 351.
  • Pye Sir Robert 687, 690.
  • Pym 6, 10, 12, 31, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 52, 54, 63, 66, 165.
  • Pyne 79, 80, 93.
Q.
  • QUakers 549, 564, 592, 599, 624, 678.
  • Queen Mother 28.
  • Queens Family distasted 8. Her pennance 8. To Holland 52.
  • Queen of Sweden 515. Resignation 566, 578, 617, 618, 647.
R.
  • RAck 11.
  • Radcliffe 643.
  • Rainsborough 132, 136, 143, 145, 146, 166, 202, 206, 207, 208, 223, 249, 250, 252, 253, 260, 265, 266, 273, 280, 286, 287, 289, 290, 300, 303, 304, 305, 326, 328, 335, 339, 341, 357, 382, 458.
  • Rainsborough 693.
  • Ralegh 691.
  • Ramsey 16.
  • Ramsey 26, 61.
  • Ranelagh 240.
  • Rantzow Lord 682.
  • Ratcliff 37, 222, 316, 340, 343.
  • Raymund 643.
  • Rea Lord 16, 104, 203, 391.
  • Rea Isle 8, 9.
  • Read 136, 306.
  • Read 672.
  • Read 672.
  • Recognition 587, 588, 677.
  • Redman 116.
  • Reeves 330, 438.
  • Religion 1, 12, 382.
  • Remonstrance 4, 7, 10, 11, 30, 49, 212, 226, 258, 268, 350.
  • Representation 438.
  • Reynolds 154, 157, 192, 300, 357, 358, 386, 387, 391, 394, 399, 400, 402, 403, 404, 417, 418, 421, 427, 432, 434, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 443, 475, 482, 484, 485, 486, 489, 502, 514, 518, 519, 521, 522, 523, 528, 529, 537, 544, 682, 683, 685, 689.
  • Reynolds 389, 671, 691, 692, 693.
  • Reynoldson 381, 382.
  • Reynor 144.
  • Rich Lord 137, 248, 321.
  • Rich 158, 202, 211, 238, 245, 247, 249, 253, 260, 266, 300, 307, 314, 316, 324, 328, 330, 354, 374, 386, 425, 469, 481, 491, 492, 570, 588, 684, 685, 691.
  • Rich 654.
  • Richardson Judge 16.
  • Richardson 672, 687.
  • Richilieu 22, 31, 39.
  • Richmond 31, 59, 111, 113, 115, 120, 151, 191, 208, 218, 259, 261, 275, 368, 372.
  • Rigby 73, 87, 89, 241, 306.
  • Right of the Subject 9.
  • Riley 75, 147.
  • Rivers 59, 327, 643.
  • Roberts Lord 84, 89, 90, 92, 93, 96, 98, 99, 100, 114, 119, 140, 188, 227.
  • [Page] Roberts Sir Will. 276, 618, 657.
  • Roberts 512, 654.
  • Robinson 91, 425, 692.
  • Robinson 220, 427, 429, 654, 667, 680, 684, 687, 588, 689, 690, 694.
  • Rochel 2, 8, 9, 10, 11.
  • Rochford 268.
  • Roden 676.
  • Rodes 327.
  • Rogers 394.
  • Rogers 535, 579, 580, 617.
  • Rolf 310, 312, 315, 321, 323, 329, 330, 333.
  • Rollo 137.
  • Rollock 26.
  • Rolph 654.
  • Rolls 11, 12, 83, 169, 185, 337, 338, 343, 363, 372, 376, 383, 425, 433, 474, 581, 583, 588.
  • Rolt 618, 624, 633.
  • Rookesby 455.
  • Roscommon 268.
  • Rossiter 80, 101, 109, 130, 131, 132, 140, 145, 146, 147, 156, 161, 163, 170, 184, 185, 188, 191, 192, 213, 230, 245, 246, 256, 257, 314, 315, 343, 350, 400.
  • Rosenwing 581.
  • Rothes Earl 499.
  • Rouse 77, 137, 170, 187, 227, 243, 550, 553, 656, 657.
  • Rouse 554.
  • Row 45, 161, 210, 334.
  • Row 396.
  • Rowling 326.
  • Row Owen 391, 394, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406.
  • Roxborough Earl 29, 74, 90.
  • Royal Word 10.
  • Rudlee 550.
  • Rudyard Sir Ben. 10, 207, 237, 272.
  • Rupert Prince 23, 25, 60, 61, 64, 66, 67, 78, 80, 85, 88, 89, 99, 109, 119, 127, 130, 131, 138, 139, 140, 145, 145, 161, 162, 165, 166, 167, 184, 185, 186, 189, 192, 211, 215, 218, 219, 220, 234, 260, 319, 343, 351, 368, 381, 385, 391, 393, 395, 399, 407, 409, 413, 414, 426, 427, 429, 430, 433, 442, 443, 447, 454, 455, 460, 462, 470, 471, 482, 502, 507, 511, 519, 520, 526, 543, 544, 547, 549, 550, 554, 558, 571.
  • Rushworth 156, 512, 658.
  • Russel 66, 146, 160, 209, 234, 309, 364, 391, 408, 505, 657.
  • Ruthen 65, 66, 98, 457, 474, 657.
  • Ruthen Lord 677.
  • Rutland Earl 73, 74, 151, 191, 233, 285, 386, 390, 392, 395, 406.
  • Rutsford 85.
  • Ryley Col. 547.
  • Ryley 666.
S.
  • SAbrand 201.
  • Sackvile 169.
  • Sadler 148, 396, 435, 483, 512, 682.
  • Saint Albans Lord 400.
  • St. Aubyn 243.
  • St. George 290.
  • St. John Lord 60, 621, 692.
  • St. John 24, 37, 42, 54, 56, 67, 73, 76, 84, 118, 120, 122, 152, 199, 229, 258, 347, 351, 372, 376, 411, 425, 444, 473, 474, 476, 477, 479, 484, 500, 503, 508, 509, 523, 545, 588, 657, 671, 681, 687.
  • St. John 399.
  • St. John 500.
  • St. Leger 121.
  • St. Nicholas 643.
  • St. Paul Lord 116, 161.
  • Salisbury Earl 30, 63, 75, 96, 118, 120, 188, 191, 219, 223, 228, 265, 285, 290, 329, 376, 391, 409, 410, 411, 425, 509.
  • Salisbury 643.
  • Salmon 287, 430, 432, 667, 671, 679, 695.
  • Saltmarsh 67, 196, 286.
  • Salway 99, 230, 242, 297.
  • Samon 127.
  • Sanders 106, 434, 642.
  • Sanderson Col. 17, 159, 193, 225, 247, 252, 310, 313.
  • Sandford 88, 312, 671.
  • Sandys Col. 61, 96, 97, 237, 255, 279.
  • Savile Sir John 13.
  • Savile Sir Will. 75.
  • Savile Lord 108, 119, 132, 134, 138, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 155, 156, 169, 228, 260, 261.
  • Savile Cap. 100.
  • Savile 643.
  • Savoy Duke 617.
  • Sawer 144.
  • Say and Seal Lord 31, 35, 39, 44, 60, 61, 63, 64, 83, 137, 152, 154, 188, 190, 191, 207, 232, 237, 265, 272, 329, 657.
  • Say 682.
  • Say 474.
  • Sayer 503.
  • Scaph Lord 439, 443, 504, 509, 530.
  • Scilliard 643.
  • Scobel 374, 387, 591, 687.
  • Scot 186, 280, 285, 376, 425, 471, 474, 499, 642, 671, 681, 682, 685, 686, 687, 688, 689, 690, 692.
  • Scots 22, 25. Their Parliament 29, 30. De­clar'd Rebells 33. Their Petition 34. Demands 34, 35, 38. Interpose 56. En­ter England 64, 75. Commissioners 77. Remonstrance 149, 160, 170, 190, 200, 207, 208, 210, 211, 213, 218, 220, 224, 226, 227, 232, 234, 236, 239, 240, 274, 277, 278, 285, 286, 296, 299, 300, 304, 325, 331, 365, 371, 378, 380, 381, 392, 397, 402, 412, 413, 423, 428, 443, 446, 453, 456, 461, 470, 475, 477, 497.
  • Scowen 254.
  • Scroop Lord 186, 187.
  • Scroop 261, 297, 314, 315, 319, 321, 384, 386, 387, 413.
  • Scudamore 159, 308.
  • Scurlock 498, 505, 519, 524.
  • Seaman 336, 554.
  • Seamour 92, 120, 165, 194.
  • Seamoor Lord 191, 215, 275.
  • Seafort 576, 597.
  • Seaforth Earl 461.
  • Sea Fight 487, 508, 509, 511, 513, 517, 520, 526, 528, 532, 543, 544, 547, 566.
  • Great Seal 67, 74, 75, 170, 187, 219, 223, 227, 229, 230, 238, 139, 244, 267, 294, 295, 296, 299, 300, 362, 364, 372, 374, 382, 433, 462, 530, 568, 643, 676, 679, 687, 690, 691, 694.
  • Sedgewicks 598.
  • Sedley 249.
  • Selby 235.
  • Selden 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 22, 37, 56, 66, 68, 73, 137, 163, 199, 238, 250, 259, 359, 401, 590, 597.
  • Self-denying Ordinance 113, 114, 117, 118, 133, 140, 255, 322.
  • Sergeants at Law 337, 347, 350, 352.
  • Sergeant 654.
  • Settlement of the Nation 645, 646, 660.
  • Service Book 25.
  • Sexby 249, 327.
  • Seys 692.
  • Shambrook 314.
  • Shapcott 597.
  • Shatterdon 643.
  • Shawcrosse 676.
  • Sheffield 66, 94, 132, 136, 143, 157, 160, 242, 252.
  • Shelden 120, 126, 242, 259, 283, 287.
  • Shelton 32.
  • Shepherd 249, 677.
  • Sherland 6.
  • Sherley 121.
  • Sherlock 434.
  • Sherrington 130.
  • Sherwyn 669.
  • Sherwood 654.
  • Shilbourn 436.
  • Ship-money 7, 22, 23, 37, 39, 45, 56.
  • Shipwith 654.
  • Shrewsbury Earl 222.
  • Shuttleworth 88, 96.
  • Sibbalds 379.
  • Sibthorp 8, 12.
  • Sicklemore 643.
  • Sikes 535.
  • Silvercroon 512, 514.
  • Sims 432.
  • Simson 572, 587.
  • Simkins 206.
  • Sindercomb 644, 645.
  • Sinclere Lord 691.
  • Skeimister 315.
  • Skinner 352.
  • Skippon 54, 62, 73, 75, 97, 98, 102, 104, 120, 132, 133, 134, 135, 138, 139, 145, 146, 147, 154, 158, 166, 187, 188, 191, 203, 234, 235, 238, 240, 241, 243, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 302, 304, 305, 306, 307, 312, 315, 318, 320, 323, 324, 325, 376, 386, 387, 391, 394, 404, 425, 444, 459, 474, 657, 667, 675.
  • Slain Lord 530.
  • Slamning 61, 67.
  • Slaughter 125.
  • Sleford Earl 194.
  • Sleigh 322.
  • Slingsby 414, 422, 431, 448, 666.
  • Smith 227, 239, 359, 617.
  • Smith 85, 100, 120, 121, 123, 131, 205, 312, 386, 409, 425, 430.
  • Smith 525, 579, 672.
  • Smithby 360.
  • Smithson 135, 328, 693.
  • Soames 390.
  • Sommerset 184.
  • Soveraign Power 10.
  • Southby 643.
  • Southerton 643.
  • [Page] Southampton Earl 59, 65, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 120, 124, 127, 189, 191, 208, 215, 275.
  • Spain 2. Spanish Fleet 30.
  • Sparling 558, 681.
  • Sparrow 512.
  • Speaker 50, 384, 391, 406, 644, 677, 681.
  • Speech 36, 37, 38. About the Militia 53, 57. Peace 80. Jure divino 94, 114, 149, 344, 347, 372, 392, 415, 441, 450, 460, 568, 582, 592, 666, 696.
  • Spencer 69, 191.
  • Spiering 509, 512.
  • Spilman 676.
  • Spirits 140.
  • Spotswood 22, 441, 442.
  • Squire 121.
  • Staffe 519.
  • Stamford Earl 58, 61, 64, 83, 157, 170, 235, 237, 290, 643, 669.
  • Stamp 207.
  • Standard at Nottingham 59. Marlebo­rough 82.
  • Stanhop 643.
  • Stanley 141, 253, 419, 530.
  • Stapely 425.
  • Stapleley 376.
  • Stapleton Sir Philip 54, 58, 61, 70 71, 83, 84, 93, 111, 139, 149, 151, 188, 239, 252, 256, 259, 268, 269, 287.
  • Stapleton 290.
  • Starre 205.
  • Star-chamber 12, 13, 14, 24, 25.
  • Stedman 394, 654.
  • Steel 291, 300, 361, 362, 375, 378, 397, 405, 512, 581, 674, 679.
  • Steel 658.
  • Stephens 134, 506.
  • Stephenson 132.
  • Stepkin 315, 324.
  • Stern 118, 120.
  • Stevens 405.
  • Steward 123, 126, 137, 189, 205, 222, 248, 286, 308, 361, 362.
  • Steyner 549, 579, 643, 681.
  • Stidolph 394.
  • Stirke 356.
  • Stiles 306.
  • Stoaks 536, 554, 681.
  • Stockdale 193.
  • Stone 126, 142, 146, 195, 324.
  • Stoner 537.
  • Story 681.
  • Stourton Lady 209.
  • Stowell 337, 380, 408, 448, 556, 557, 597.
  • Stradling 160, 187, 304, 316.
  • Strafford Earl 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43.
  • Strange Lord 59.
  • Straughan 438, 439, 440, 451, 452, 461, 462, 463, 470, 484.
  • Strettam 138.
  • Strickland 59, 76, 90, 158, 189, 243, 268, 318, 357, 388, 409, 423, 442, 447, 473, 474, 476, 484, 531, 620, 621, 622, 625, 628, 629, 630, 633, 634, 635, 638, 639, 657, 667, 679, 682, 687, 688.
  • Strickland Sir Will. 657.
  • Strode 13, 37, 50, 141, 165, 238.
  • Strong 192, 291.
  • Strowd 99.
  • Stuart Sir Robert 398, 410.
  • Stuart Sir James 483, 510, 519.
  • Stubber 423.
  • Style 1, 78, 291, 361, 362, 363, 366, 367, 368, 374, 375, 389.
  • Style 643.
  • Subscriptions 31.
  • Subsidies 1, 3, 9, 32.
  • Sufferers 3 o Car. 238.
  • Suffolk Earl 220, 271.
  • Sunderland Earl 69.
  • Supple 529.
  • Sutherland 440, 582.
  • Swain 582.
  • Swanley 81, 82, 83, 85, 100, 118, 119, 129, 230.
  • Sweden 14, 17, 22, 23, 117, 134, 274.
  • Swinhoe 169.
  • Sydney 237, 246, 249, 473, 478, 671, 673, 692.
  • Sydenham 71, 90, 91, 111, 129, 208, 394, 482, 588, 619, 644, 655, 667, 668, 671, 673, 678, 679, 687.
  • Syler 488.
  • Symbal 271.
  • Symmonds 411.
  • Syppins 101, 133.
T.
  • TAffy Lord 47, 283, 290, 291, 504, 557.
  • Talbot 77, 180, 184.
  • Talbot Lord 222, 494.
  • Tanner 654.
  • Tate 113.
  • Taylour 125, 166, 307, 399, 448, 527, 654, 682.
  • Tempest 312, 313, 643.
  • Temple Lady 149, 152, 154.
  • Temple 84, 102, 124, 138, 160, 166.
  • Temple 204, 238, 240, 249, 272, 312, 338, 352.
  • Temple Sir Peter 389.
  • Tender Consciences 404, 405, 591, 592.
  • Test 377, 383.
  • Tewleday 244.
  • Thanet Earl 78, 102, 306.
  • Thelwel 394.
  • Thimbleby 85.
  • Thomas 45, 113, 130, 657.
  • Mac Thomas 440.
  • Thomlinson 408, 512, 560, 687.
  • Thomond Earl 184, 206, 404.
  • Thomson 239, 325.
  • Thornhaugh 162, 184, 275, 327, 399, 405.
  • Thorney 116, 190, 379.
  • Thornton 295, 308.
  • Thorp 337, 363, 390, 394, 405, 643, 687.
  • Throgmorton 157.
  • Throgmorton 386, 524, 525, 643.
  • Thurloe 122, 480, 549, 584, 620, 623, 646, 647, 665, 666, 667, 670, 690.
  • Thurlane 643.
  • Thyn 206.
  • Tichburn Sir Henry 47, 124, 291.
  • Tichburn 248, 267, 286, 459, 460, 503, 509, 523, 581, 622, 643, 652, 679, 680.
  • Tidsley 207, 238, 332, 495, 502.
  • Tienman 458.
  • Tillier 140, 144.
  • Tilsbury 85.
  • Tilshead 196.
  • Tilsley 100.
  • Tindal 137.
  • Title of King 646. Protectour 648, 677.
  • Tithes 535, 543, 546, 682.
  • Titus 253, 335, 498.
  • Toll 225.
  • Tomes 298.
  • Tomkins 192.
  • Tomkins and Chaloner 66.
  • Tomlins 169, 191.
  • Tomlinson 133, 266, 358, 369, 658.
  • Tomson 386, 387, 388, 474, 671, 679, 681, 685, 690.
  • Tonnage and Poundage 7, 11, 12, 45, 55,
  • Tot Lord 584, 586, 593.
  • Tottel 486.
  • Tothil 384.
  • Townly 434.
  • Townsend 671, 687.
  • Treasons 385, 563.
  • Treaty at Rippon 35. At Oxford 63, 64, 65, 92, 110. Ʋxbridge 117, 123, 193, 196. Newcastle 290. Wight 285, 286, 321, 323, 328, 329, 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 343, 351.
  • Trefusis 184.
  • Trequair Earl 18, 26, 29, 30.
  • Trevilian 200.
  • Trevor 24, 45, 72, 209, 372, 397, 400, 402, 434, 474.
  • Trevor 674.
  • Trigg 286.
  • Trollop 235.
  • Van Trump 30, 443, 478, 479, 524, 526, 530, 532, 533, 534, 539, 544, 547, 548, 551, 553, 554.
  • Trump 550, 559, 560.
  • Tucker 70.
  • Tuke 180, 328.
  • Tulidal 245, 249.
  • Tumult 25, 26, 43, 49, 51, 161, 242, 261, 262, 263, 290, 292, 297, 298, 299, 303, 304, 305, 412, 413, 512, 548, 550, 691, 696.
  • Turner Doctor 3, 520, 581, 643.
  • Turpin 91.
  • Tuscany Duke 572.
  • Tussell 669.
  • Tuthall 146.
  • Twis 189, 221, 321.
  • Twisden 189.
  • Twisleton 307.
  • Twisselden 438, 589.
  • Tyll 99.
  • Tyrrell 56, 139, 160, 162, 673, 687.
V.
  • VAlentine 12, 13, 14, 238, 250, 376.
  • Vandrusk 180, 327, 328.
  • Vane Sir Henry 14, 32, 33, 40, 41, 72, 73, 76, 81, 88, 118, 120, 122, 151, 152, 188, 191, 236, 239, 254, 329, 376, 382, 392, 425, 474, 503, 509, 519, 670, 671, 676, 678, 679, 680, 681, 683, 684, 686, 688, 689.
  • Vane Charles 442,
  • Van Garres 130.
  • Vanlore 597.
  • Vashall 11, 181, 238.
  • Vavasour 73, 92, 185.
  • Vaughan 82, 139, 184, 186, 196, 197, 209, 269, 356, 418.
  • Vaughan Col. 503.
  • Venables 146, 148, 170, 286, 399, 400, [Page] 402, 413, 419, 427, 436, 437, 443, 444, 448, 503, 511, 513, 515, 524, 528, 531, 532, 534, 617.
  • Vendosme Duke 538.
  • Venn 201, 202.
  • Vermuden 144.
  • Verney 61, 167, 412.
  • Vernon 24, 277.
  • Vincent 643.
  • Viner 557.
  • Vines 119, 122, 123, 127, 336, 339.
  • Vision 566.
  • Vivers 191.
  • Ʋdall Sir Will. 59, 105.
  • Undertakers 39.
  • Union of England and Scotland 498, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 521, 522, 523, 548, 570, 644, 680, 681, 682, 683.
  • Votes 9, 12, 37, 39, 47, 50, 51, 54, 55 57, 58, 59, 60, 62, 159, 205, 206, 209, 210, 213, 220, 224, 226, 234, 236, 238, 243, 251, 255, 257, 258, 259, 260, 263, 264, 267, 273, 276, 279, 283, 287, 292, 302, 303, 306, 311, 321, 324, 337, 341, 343, 353, 356, 360, 361, 371, 372, 392, 397, 397, 403, 406, 410, 433, 489, 490, 512, 513, 590, 591, 680, 681, 682, 685, 697, 698, 700.
  • Vowell 196, 583, 585.
  • Ʋrsey 310.
  • Ʋsher 396, 632. See Armagh.
W.
  • WAger 681.
  • Wagstaffe 66, 409.
  • Wainwaring 185.
  • Wake 297.
  • Wakerly 209, 241.
  • Wakes 16.
  • Waie 689.
  • Walford 254.
  • Walker 109, 187, 188, 197, 263, 333, 375.
  • Walker Doctor 393, 520, 599, 691.
  • Wall 643.
  • Waller 63, 66, 396.
  • Waller Sir Hardresse 184, 191, 193, 194, 207, 209, 237, 260, 284, 288, 295, 300, 303, 308, 322, 340, 362, 440, 456, 460, 473, 474, 475, 537, 687, 690.
  • Waller 351, 362.
  • Waller 692.
  • Waller Sir Will. 64, 67, 69, 70, 71, 74, 81, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 97, 99, 100, 101, 102, 104, 118, 119, 121, 126, 127, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 140, 188, 237, 245, 256, 264, 268, 270, 290, 356, 382.
  • Wallington 672.
  • Wallis 544.
  • Wallop 191, 376, 424, 425, 671, 685.
  • Walrond 324, 325, 451, 519.
  • Walshingham 230.
  • Walter Chief Baron 11, 16.
  • Walton 114, 376, 425, 474, 671, 678, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686.
  • Walton Doctor 645.
  • Walwyn 381, 383, 385, 387, 408.
  • Wandsford 6, 45, 228, 232, 237, 272.
  • War with Spain 2. With France 8.
  • Warburton 244, 390, 392.
  • Warcup 497.
  • Ware 91, 100, 121.
  • De la Ware Lord 675.
  • Wareston 103, 154, 309, 461, 483, 512, 513, 525, 544, 548, 560, 678, 679, 681.
  • Waring 268, 676.
  • Warner 170, 248, 274, 341, 407.
  • Warren 89, 102.
  • Warwick Earl 35, 37, 55, 57, 68, 73, 74, 81, 82, 86, 87, 88, 89, 136, 137, 138, 141, 162, 188, 191, 203, 229, 247, 252, 265, 303, 307, 308, 322, 328, 329, 330, 334, 338, 343, 377, 378, 653, 654, 657.
  • Warwick 210, 211.
  • Washburn 136.
  • Wats 654.
  • Watkins 234.
  • Watson 151, 360.
  • Wayt 79, 307, 328.
  • Weames 400.
  • Weaver 274, 533, 573, 642, 685, 687.
  • Web 170, 192, 654.
  • Webster 90.
  • Weer 80.
  • Welby 643.
  • Welch 557, 570, 571.
  • Welch 472, 476, 487.
  • Weld 222, 300.
  • Welden 132, 136, 140, 141, 166, 184, 189, 209, 213, 295, 305, 309, 340, 342, 352.
  • Wentworth Sir Tho. 3, 13, 17. See Straf­ford.
  • Wentworth Sir Peter 152, 155, 545.
  • Wentworth Lord 156.
  • Wentworth Sir John 332.
  • West 138, 267, 305.
  • Westmeath Earl 253, 268.
  • Westmorland Earl 78, 138.
  • Weston Sir Richard 3, 22, 24, 45, 188.
  • Weston 314, 326.
  • Whaly 643.
  • Whaly 679.
  • Whaly 132, 157, 161, 188, 189, 194, 197, 198, 206, 208, 210, 211, 212, 234, 246, 254, 255, 269, 279, 280, 284, 295, 306, 307, 311, 313, 316, 354, 375, 378, 387, 388, 451, 455, 469, 483, 490, 507, 508, 560, 574, 657, 667.
  • Wharton Lord 56, 61, 151, 158, 186, 188, 657.
  • Wharton Col. 209, 230, 273.
  • Whetham 683, 685.
  • Whichcoat 361, 376, 685.
  • Whichcoat 98.
  • White 70, 122, 139, 149, 196, 230, 247, 256, 362, 386, 444.
  • White Col. 658.
  • Whitefield 103.
  • Whitford 444.
  • Whitgift 28.
  • Whitehead 82.
  • Whiting 425.
  • Whitelock Judge 2, 11, 13, 15, 17, 32, 37.
  • Whitelock Bulstrode 18, 24, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 48, 56, 59, 60, 63, 64, 66, 84, 105, 106, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 114, 118, 120, 122, 124, 125, 137, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 161, 162, 166, 167, 199, 203, 219, 253, 259, 260, 271, 289, 294, 295, 296, 299, 308, 319, 322, 337, 344, 347, 355, 357, 358, 359, 362, 364, 366, 372, 374, 376, 377, 378, 380, 382, 388, 391, 394, 396, 397, 399, 400, 405, 411, 425, 444, 474, 508, 513, 522, 527, 528, 539, 542, 544, 556, 558, 559, 570, 571, 572, 574, 576, 580, 581, 583, 588, 590, 591, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 644, 645, 646, 647, 653, 654, 656, 657, 658, 665, 666, 667 668, 669, 670, 671, 673, 674, 676, 677, 678, 679, 680, 681, 682, 683, 684, 685, 686, 687, 688, 690.
  • Whitelock James 484, 497, 521.
  • Whitemoor 129
  • Widdrington Lord 86, 92, 391, 495.
  • Widdrington Sir Thomas 256, 294, 295, 296, 299, 337, 338, 340, 343, 351, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 362, 364, 365, 366, 367, 372, 474, 504, 544, 576, 588, 639, 645, 666, 687.
  • Wigmoor 83.
  • Wilcox 169.
  • Wild 67, 73, 79, 117, 337, 338, 344, 372, 376, 380, 387.
  • Wildman 289, 290, 293, 321, 599, 685.
  • Wilks 672.
  • William of Nassan 550, 595, 597, 598.
  • Williams 100, 111, 170, 185, 200, 206, 208, 212, 219.
  • Williams 509, 549.
  • Williams Bishop 391.
  • Williams Sir Trevor 399.
  • Willis 76, 82, 185, 190.
  • Willoughby of Parham 57, 61, 68, 72, 73, 77, 78, 79, 188, 191, 243, 271, 289, 290, 291, 292, 295, 306, 319, 320, 322, 342, 358, 382, 447, 458, 514, 518, 519, 522, 523, 543, 658, 684.
  • Willoughby 142, 144, 228, 229, 280, 320, 405.
  • Wilmot 34, 44, 67, 69, 89, 319, 503, 504.
  • Wilson 70, 322, 363, 376, 384, 390, 394, 398, 425, 428.
  • Wilshire 255.
  • Wimbleton Lord 2.
  • Winchelsea Earl 695.
  • Winchester Countess 196.
  • Windham 116, 154, 156, 399, 412.
  • Windham Sergeant 581, 665, 668, 687.
  • Windham 674.
  • Windram 423. See Libberton.
  • Wingfield 236.
  • Winstanley 383.
  • Winston Doctor 529.
  • Winton Marquess 184, 194, 211, 224, 227, 232, 262, 286, 288, 380, 400.
  • Winter Sir John 85, 129, 130, 139, 169, 342, 343, 347, 350.
  • Winter 407, 408, 534, 667.
  • Winter Rob. 672.
  • Winwood 56, 63, 500.
  • Witches 418, 434, 449, 520, 522, 550.
  • Witheridge 681.
  • Withers 206, 223, 258.
  • Witter 574.
  • Wogan 295, 296, 298, 299, 300, 304, 305, 420, 421, 426, 440, 571, 573.
  • Wolchier 169.
  • Wolf 339.
  • Wolley 643, 693.
  • Wolseley Sir Charles 620, 647, 657, 667, 670.
  • Woodcock 220.
  • Woodhouse 643.
  • Woolaston 380.
  • Woolaston 383.
  • [Page] Worcester Earl 61, 64, 184, 214, 224, 227, 230, 235, 272, 289, 294, 498.
  • Worden 121, 382.
  • Worseley 61.
  • Worth 643.
  • Wortley 646.
  • Wrangel Lord 584, 593, 594, 668.
  • Wray 137, 191, 199.
  • Wren 45, 310, 380, 692.
  • Wright Doctor 483.
  • Wright 483, 529, 550, 672.
  • Wright 665.
  • Wroth 390.
  • Wyer 452.
  • Wyke 430, 432.
  • Wyren 643.
Y.
  • YArd 90.
  • Yarrington 45, 310, 380.
  • Yeoman 66.
  • Yeomans 397.
  • Yongstall 549, 558, 573.
  • Yooker 643.
  • York Duke 218, 220, 221, 226, 235, 236, 293, 302, 307, 319, 320, 409, 419, 459, 460, 575, 618, 695, 696.
  • Young 167, 202, 245, 259, 643.
  • Young 396, 502.
  • Young Patrick 401.
  • Young 577.
Z.
  • ZAnchey Col. 302, 308, 389, 420, 421, 429, 485, 486, 500, 506, 514, 515, 521, 534, 557, 671, 676, 679, 683, 685.
  • Zouch Doctor 581.
FINIS.

ERRATA.
a Denotes the first Column; b the second Column.

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To the Bookbinder.

Page 7 and 8 of G g g, being Transposed, you are desired to cut it off and turn the Leafe.

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