From Edenburgh, August 1.

HEre is little of any moment in these more southern Parts, save that the Ministers are very an­gry, and express it both in their Prayers and Sermons, at the dissolving of the generall Assembly by so rough a hand: which, as it was a thing unexpected, so it works, according to the variety of mens Judgments and apprehensions, severall Passions in this Nation.

The Marquis of Argile seems an earnest Con­tender to preserve his Fidelity professed to the Parliament, and endevors to keep those in his Country from any correspondence with the [Page 2630] Highlanders. Besides, he hath written a very pas­sionate Letter to his Son, to conjure him away from that party, who are still a heading at Logha­ber, and expecting an opportunity to do mischief, being confident they shall hear of the Nollanders good success at Sea, who they think will be ser­viceable to them in their design.

From Bordeaux, July 31.

Here is now an Agreement; the Articles are thus in brief; That the Prince of Conti repair to Cadillas, the Dutchess of Longueville to Pissack, there to stay during his Majesties pleasure. The Princess of Conde is to retire, with her Son, into Flanders; General Marsin to his own Country of Liege, and the Earl of Maur to the Pr: of Conde. Col. Balthazar hath partaken with the King; and the Princes Forces being here to be disbanded, a great part of them are Listed in his Majesties ser­vice. And so it is agreed, That the Peace shalbe published through this City by two Trumpets, whereof one of the Kings, the other a City one; and that Aug. 1. a solemn Mass shall be sung at St Dunstans, where all or most of our City are to be present; And the day following Te Deum is to be sung in the Cathedral of St Andrews, where the Dukes of Vendosme and Candale are to enter that day with their servants. By the next you may have the Articles of Agreement.

Westminster, August 2. Mr Rous was continued Speaker of the Parliament for one Month lon­ger. August 3. Upon the reading of Gen. Moncks Letter in Parliament, it was referred to the Councell of State to provide Necessaries for the [Page 2631] sick and maimed Seamen, and to take care of the Widows and Orphans of such as are slain.

Also, that the Councell of State doe signifie to the Counties of Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, that the Parliament hath taken notice of their tender re­spect to the sick & wounded put ashore in those Counties, and their good resentment and accep­tation therof, and return thanks unto them.

Also that it be referred to the Commissio­ners for the Admiralty, &c. and they required to put in execution the Resolves of Parliament passed December 22. 1652. touching the encou­ragement to be given to Mariners and Seamen in the States service.

From Stratburgh, Iuly 30.

I know the great desire you have to receive at length the Relation I promised you long since, concerning the late troubles of our native Coun­try: wherein though I could have given you satisfaction ere this, yet knowing that your desire is to have it full and perfect, I have therefore forborn it hitherto; and seeing that at present by Gods gracious assistance, things are ended and reduced to its former peace and quietness, take it as followeth:

Whereas in the month of March last the sub­jects of the City of Lucern, in the Provinces of Endlebuch and Willisaw did in a tumultuous and insolent manner rise up against their own native and lawfull Magistrate, pretending hard and ri­gorous usage by some of their Provinciall Go­vernors, but more particularly they pretended to have sustained great loss by a late calling downe [Page] of some species of Coin then currant in that coun­ty, when indeed it was nothing else, but their fulness of bread and lavish course of life, with a desire they had to see their great Debts cancel­led, which occasioned this Insurrection, and here­in they preceeded so far, that they did not onely draw up in an open body against the City, to the number of many thousands, keeping as it were the same blockt up, thereby to force them to an unbecoming Composition; but they committed also many great outrages and insolencies, so that it appeared a business of a very dangerous con­sequence, and the City not finding themselves sufficient to remove so great a storm, required the help of the other 6 Catholick Cantons, which they are obliged unto by their speciall and near­est League and Confederacy. But the Rebels seeing that their Magistrate in the City was to have help from other places, they likewise be­gan to look out for assistance from their Neigh­bors the subjects of the Cities of Bern, Solothurn, and Basill, sending to them their Emissaries, who with their fals and rebellious pretences and sug­gestions prevailed so far with a great number of them, that they promised them their aide and assistance, if need should require against their superiors. Hereupon the power of the Rebels begun to grow strong and numerous, that the City was not able longer to sustain them, and therefore of necessity was forced to make an Agreement with them, which occasioned the City of Bern likewise to come to a composition with their Rebels, who were at the same time al­so very considerable. But these Rusticks seeing, [Page 2633] that the Rebels of the other two Cities of Basill and Solothurn kept up still, and that they would not once hear of a Composition, but intended to carry on their design by force, they found soon a pre­text to break and overthrow the said Agreement, though it was ne­ver so advantagious for them, saying it was set down and written in other terms, then it was at first conceived and agreed upon. So that the fire of Rebellion begun to break out more violently, and the four foresaid Cities, as Bern, Lucern, Basil and Solothurn, were pestered more then before. Whereupon a speedy and general con­vention was called together of all the 13 Cantons indifferently, where they did consult, what means were best to use to prevent and remedy these great and still-increasing evils: And for this end, they sent divers honorable Messengers, as well to the said infested Cities, as to their rebellious subjects, who did shew them their duty, and the danger they were in; but especially they exhorted the subjects to quietness, respect and obedience toward their lawful and native Magistrate, telling them, that if they had any legal and well-ground­ed grievances to shew, they should finde a gracious hearing of their Superiors, and a speedy redress according as the nature of things should require: But notwithstanding all these, and the like gra­cious offers, that were made unto the Rebels (where there was no­thing omitted that might become a meek and a Christian Magi­strate) they went still on in their Rebellious courses, and nothing would take with this besotted and foolish people: For whereas they should have acknowledged the favour and meekness of their Supe­riours, and have laid down their arms, and turned to obedience: they on the contrary met together from all parts, near unto a place called Huttwyl, in the Territory of Bern, where they did binde and oblige themselves together in a new Oath and Covenant, to ven­ture all what they had, life, reputation, goods and blood, nor to lay down their arms until they had accomplished their design. But when the other Cantons, as well interessed, as not interessed, did see how far the presumption of this people had gone, and that they re­fused all just and favorable offers, intending to carry it out by force, they resolved likewise on their part, to take another course, and being they would not be reduced by fair means, to use their power and authority to inforce them, especially when they saw they were come to that height, that they laid siege to both the Cities of Bern and Lucern, with above twenty thousand men, where they broke open the Granaries and Magazins of their Superiors, plundred them, seized the Post, broke open the Letters, reviled their Ma­gistrates, and abused them at home, and by their Letters abroad; and if they met with any that would not joyn with them, they did abuse them likewise in a barbarous manner, cutting and flit­ting their noses and ears, and robbing them. Thus they forced many to take part with them, and committed many other almost incredible insolences and outrages.

Hereupon did the other disingaged Protestant cantons, viz. Zurich, Glaris, Schaffhausen, Appenzell and St. Gallen, gather their Forces to­gether, and with a competent field-army, provided of all necessaries, and a good train of Artillery, they marched out against them, to­wards Mellingen, a strong place possessed by the Rebels, which they took in, and incamped themselves near about it, from whence they sent out parties and brought in several prisoners who told them the state of affairs. The Rebels made no great resistance in the begin­ning, but made a shew as if they were willing to come to an agree­ment, and therefore desired a short cessation of Arms. And this they did only to render our people secure, that so they might sur­prise them unawares, as it proved afterwards. For upon the 24. day of May came their General Nicolaus Lyonberger, a Peasant of the Territory of Bern, suddenly with all his Forces, which were a­bove twenty thousand effective able men, thinking thus to sur­prise our Army in the Camp; but they found themselves much deceived afterwards, by reason of the vigilancy and gallant re­sistance our people made, and the impression of our Cannon, which they conceived to be of little use in wet and rainy wea­ther, as it then was, so that they were beaten off with conside­rable loss.

The next day the Rebels vvould try their fortune again, and set upon our Camp, but being beaten back and vvorsted again, they be­thought themselves, and desired to come to an agreement, sending several of their Commissioners into our Camp: After some delibe­ration the accord was made and agreed upon on both sides in fol­lowing particulars.

First, That they should lay down their arms, and return every man to his own home. Secondly, they should renounce their new Covenant and unhappy Confederacy they had made amongst them­selves, and to that end deliver up the Original Writings thereof un­to our General. Thirdly, they should deliver up their Leaders in­to the hands of the Magistrates to be punished. Fourthly, that the Forces of the Magistrates and the indifferent Cantons should re­main in the field so long, till all things were setled again and reduced to former order and obedience. Whilst these things were thus in action about Mellingen, the three infested Cities of Bern, Lucern, and Basil, made a sudden sallie upon their rebellious Subjects, whom they likewise routed, that they did throvv away their arms, and begged mercy, promising hereafter better obedience, and to deliver up their Leaders. Whereupon, the Magistrate caused all the Ring­leaders to be sought out, and to be brought before them, where they examined them strictly, and according to their default, some were put to death, other had their ears and noses cut, and tongues flit, and many banished out of the Land: But the most part shewing true repentance, and promising all obedience and quietness for the [Page 2635] future, were pardoned and restored to their innocent wifes and children. Indeed the enormity of the crime deserved a greater and further punishment; but seeing it was found by the tryal of the most guilty, that the most part were either drawn into this Rebelli­on by the cunning of some Malignant persons, or else were driven thereunto by open force, the Magistrates did content themselves with the bloud of a very few, hoping that the punishment which is in­flicted but upon a few, would have its influence upon many, and therefore imployed all the rigour of the Law therein, that they might receive satisfaction for the charges of this Expedition, out of the Lands and Goods of the said Rebels. But as there is no crime or wickedness so great and hainous, which, as the Proverb saith, doth not find its Advocate and Patron: So was it likewise, that an Ambassador representing a great neighbouring Prince, did shew himself so compassionate unto those Rebels and disturbers of the Publick Peace, that he did earnestly and instantly intercede for one of the chiefest Ringleaders, that he might be pardoned; but he did not only not obtain it, but was also rejected with much indignati­on, and the Traytor executed that very day.

But as for the chief Rebels they are not yet all brought unto ex­ecution, but several of them are reserved, especially their General, Lyonberger, on purpose, to see whether any thing may be found out concerning their complices and abettors, as well within as without the Country, that so they may be brought also to condigne punish­ment, and the other be made sensible, that it is and will be gene­rously resented. For there is no question to be made, but that there have been some of our potent neighbours, that have been tamper­ing in this ugly business, longing to see the ruine of our Liberty, a great eyesore to many: even so may they that shall be found to have a hand in it, be made sensible that it is not so slight a matter, to abuse the Subjects of a neighbouring State, and to lead them away from their due obedience; but ought to be taken notice of and re­sented. Neither is it to be believed, that any one, how powerfull and mighty so ever he may think himself, durst adventure so far, or think it so small a thing, to appear openly in it, or to give the Rebels any assistance. The chiefest thing wherefore we are bound to praise God, is, that he was pleased so graciously and powerfully to assist the Magistrate, to grant them strength, and wisdom, and power, that this great Insurrection, the like as was never heard of before in this Country, should be thus quickly and with so little bloud appeased, and they inabled to give their adversaries to understand, that it is not so easie a thing to meedle with them, no not in their greatest troubles and intrinsical divisions. Which I thought good to ac­quaint you with, to satisfie your curiosity, and to enable you to re­fute all other contrary informations authentically.

Westminster, August 4. The House being infor­med that there was som Justices of Peace of the County of Kent, with a Petition, they were call'd in; and being come to the Bar, they presented a Petition, which after they were withdrawn, was read, and was entituled, The humble Petition of ma­ny the well-affected in the County of Kent;

The Petitioners were again called in, and being come to the Bar, Mr. Speaker by command of the House did re­turn them this Answer;

The House thereupon did refer it to the Commissioners for ordering and managing the affairs of the Admiralty and Navy, to consider of some provision to be made for the Wives and Children of the Captains slain in this Service, and Report their opinion therein to the House.

Now for further satisfaction to Mariners and Sea men, here is inserted some Votes and Resolutions of Parliament, of 22. December, 165 [...]. mentioned in Wednesdays Pro­ceedings: and are as followeth:

The same day also, being August 5. t [...]e House took in­to debate, according to former Order, the business of the Court of Chancery, and it was Resolved upon the Question:

Westminster, August 8. An additional Act for stating and deter­mining the Accounts of the Officers and Souldiers of the Army in Ireland, was this day passed, and ordered to be printed and published.

It was ordered also, that several Gold-Chains be sent to Gene­ral Blake and Gen. Monk, as a mark of favour from the Parlia­ment, and in token of their good acceptance of the eminent ser­vices performed by them against the Dutch; as also to the Vice-Admiral Pen, and Rere-Admiral Lawson, upon the same considera­tion; and some other Chains to be given to the four Flag-Offi­cers; and Medals to be bestowed among the Officers of the Fleet, as a mark of the Parliaments favour, and good acceptance of their service.

A Bill touching Mariages, and Registring thereof; and also of Births and burials, was this day read and Committed.

From Plymouth, August 2.

There is come into this Harbor the Love of London from East-India; which makes report of about 4 of our East-Indy ships taken by the Dutch in those remote Parts; but they had not their full Freight.

From Paris, August 13. stilo novo.

Notwithstanding the Agreement made at Bourdeaux, the Court are much unsatisfied, and hath repealed all the capitulations of Agreement made with that City, and whatsoever was promised by the Dukes of Vendosme and Candale, and have sent them orders to quit the City, and besiege it again, and retake it at discretion, only that their lives and goods shall be saved.

The Princess of Conde hath so much jealousie of the Prince of Conti, her husbands brother, who commanded there in his bro­thers [Page 2642] behalf, that she hath said openly he was a Traytor, a Ba­stard, and unworthy of the name of Bourbon; charging him, that he hath made his Agreement above three months before; and so no wonder that the Court was so favourable to his Interest, and so willing to comply for his advantage.

There is nothing here but Injustice, and appearance of putting all men into despair, both co [...]cerning the General and Particu­lar. It is given out as certain, that Charls Stewart is to be gone out of hand and that the money is ready for his intended voyage; which (some sa [...]) is for some part of the Low Countries, that he may be near to sl [...]p into the Ʋnited Provinces, i [...] his sisters party can eff [...]ct any thing for him.

This Court intends to make up a new Fleet, to be added to that under the Duke of Vendosme. There is a Pirate of 36 guns, to go suddenly out of Brest; and with him there are to joyn 7 or 8 Iester F [...]ars, part commissionated by the Dutch, and part by Cha [...]ls Stewart. Here is ne [...]s come, that at Names, there is an Am­bassador arived from Portugal.

The Prince of Conde is become very considerable, and exceeds the King in number of Forces, being reported 7000 foot, and 1000 horse, besides the Spanish Auxiliary Army under the command of the Count of Euensaldagne, which makes 13000 horse and foot more. He hath sent divers Challenges to Marshal Turein to fight which the marsh I declines, having orders so to do, and indeed is the weakedly at least 7000. But for his recruit, ten Companies of the Kings Guards, with several Troops, are sent unto him. This declining on the Kings part, hath given Conde an oportunity to get within eight leagues of this C [...], plundring all, his Ger­mans ravishing the Nuns, and ransacking all religious houses, fi­ring Suburbs of [...]owns, and inforcing Contribution from others. He made wa [...] fa [...], as to come and dine at his own house. The designe of the Court is, to avoid fighting this year, and let him tire out his Army: But the question is, whether they can avoid him.

From the Hague, August 8. stilo novo.

We are here in daily expectation of an engagement between the two [...] news being come that Admiral Tromp is got out to Sea with 84 Sail, hoping to unite with those that are to go out from the Texel, which are the most substantial and serviceable ships. They say now, they are resolv [...]d all for boarding, and that it shall [...] water to get another victory over them. The men seem resolved, and count themselves better at sea fight than [Page 2643] the English: Thus they brag abroad and ashore; and for encou­ragement of the Seamen, the States have proclaimed very great rewards for such as shall deserve well: As, that they shall have all the shipping they can take, the State not intending to claim a­ny share. Also that they shall have so many thousand gilders o­ver and above, who can take the English Admiral, and some thou­sands less who can take the English Vice Admiral, and a good reward is assigned for him who takes down the Flag of the En­glish Admiral. And now, if this, with the help of gunpowder and Brandewine, will not do it, I know not what will do next; for, Proclamation hath been made of these G [...]atuities through­out the whole Fleet, by order of the High and Mighties.

Just while I am writing this, several Intelligences are brought in hither of the great guns playing loudly this afternoon at sea; so that we all conclude an Engagement, and mighty earnest gaping there is for the event of the business. And if it go against them, it is a great question what course shall be taken; for, they have not so much as a thought yet, and cannot indure to hear of giving satisfaction or security to England; especially in this Town of the Hague, where the Cavalier and Orange party are rampant, and will improve all their wits and interest to make this people de­sperate, that they may ride them on in their designes against Eng­land, and (if possible) get an admission of Charls Stewart in among them; and then this State will be made to bear his charges in all attempts whatsoever. Here hath newly been a very great confu­sion in this place; and all upon the return of the young Prince of Orange to Court: For, the boyes having of late shewed themselves often in arms a training, they beat their drums in the name of the Prince, and wore his colours: And when the Prince drew near, they went out of Town yesterday, and met him, and brought him in in warlike equipage, with drums beating, and colours flying, which being done, and the Prince lodged at Court, they began to grow very high, being whispered in the ear by their abestors, that they fell to breaking of the Fiscal windows; which they did to some purpose, notwithstanding that two Companies of Souldiers were set to guard the house. Afterwards they fell on the house of de Wit of Dort, and spoiled it. From thence they went to the house which belonged to the States of Holland, where they did the like; but then were dispersed by 4 troops of horse. What account will be taken of this business, a little time will shew, But it's conceived there are too many countenancers of this Riot, even among those who have power, and ought to punish it.

Aug. 10. Mistris Lilburne presented a Petition to the Parliament on the behalf of her Husband; which occasioned the following Order,

Mr. Lilburne this day appearing at the Bar, The Court demanded of him, whether he would stand to his former Exceptions; to which he answered, that he had been 8. or 10. days a close Prisoner, his friends not suffered to come to him, and his Counsel was out of Town, whereby he was rendred incapable; and therefore desired till the end of the Sessions: notwithstanding, if his Councel should not come, he resolved to go on with the business himself, though he should put his life in hazard.

Mr. Lilburne likewise told the Court, That he would cast his life upon Oyer, and demanded time to prepare himself. To which the Recorder answered, we know you have nothing but your Exceptions, and you may take till to morrow at noon, and as to the Oyer the Court will be satisfied in that themselves: Mr. Lilburne told the Court, That if he might enjoy the Laws of England, his bu­siness should never come to a Jury

This is the summ of what passed as to his Tryall this day.