Reprobates and therefore believes our Churches regeneration is by infusion of Grace by sowing the good seed But to answer him in this Let all Christians religiously pray and live according to the grace of Restitution and humbly submit their judgements concerning the secresie of personal Election and so this man sins against the 17. Article 4 The Anabaptist His purenesse is a supposed birth without Original sin and his Tenet that Infants must not be baptized and this believer opposeth the 9. and 27. Articles 5. The Brownists purenesse is to serve God in Woods and Fields and his opinion is that Idolatry cannot be reformed without pulling down of Churches Christ indeed whipt the buyers and sellers out of the Temple though it was prophaned yet without any pulling down and this man is against the 35. Article 6. Loves familist serves God as well at his neighbours charge as at his own omnia sunt communia the things which they possesse are not their own but all are Common He teacheth that unlawful swearing is worse than murther and this is against the 39. Article 7. The Precisian will not swear before a Magistrate That unlawful swearing is a greater sin than murther God indeed is greater then man here is the compare but then the effect destructive is greater by murther God commands that the murtherer die blood for blood he deals not so severely with the swearer See the 39. Article 8 The Sabbatarian preaches down Holy dayes preaching that the Instrumental directing cause to keep holy the sabbath day he makes to be the keeping holy the sabbath But Gods holy Worship prayer is keeping holy the sabbath day for preaching the holy direction teacheth holy worship prayer to be the holy practise of that day to praise the Lord for our Redemption the sole principal end of preaching on the Lords day His preaching is a Sylva synonymorum Tautologies Iterations His praying much erroneous and this is against the 35. Article 9. The Anti-disciplinarian is above the Kings supremacy Imperious Imagination his highnesse is the Churches greatest Authority and he saith this is as good a rule to know the reformed true faith is the holy Writ He is a strict observer of the Law therefore he accounts it the best Religion His tenet is That Kings must be subject to the Puritan To the Puritans Presbyters Censure submit their Scepters throw down their Crowns lick up the dust of their feet This Mr. Rogers in his eleventh page of his Preface to the 39. Articles And T. Cartwright teacheth in his Reply page 1080. And here the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance are broken against the 21. Article His tenet that all Priests should be equal See Varellus and Vivetus sermons two Geneva Presbyters against the â—3 33. and 36. Articles and against the twentieth Article 10. The presuming Predestinatist hath an inspired knowledge to be saved by Gods absolute Election as sure as it were now in Heaven no life in him but Gods essential glory against the 17. Article and the 3. Article Thus was it then amongst us Reformed and since it hath increased ten times worse But the Papist is not clear from Crimes schismes and sins The contest between Iesuites Priests and Secular Priests have evermore their debates and now grounded upon this occasion Richard Smith titular Bishop of Calcedon his honour there in Greece but his profit from England over all the Romish Catholicques especially for ordaining of Priests and confirmations of persons Baptized But when he came hither we cannot finde till now we have caught him here Yet Pope Gregory the thirteenth delegated one William Bishop to Calcedon who died 1624. After him succeeded another by Mission of Urbane the eighth 1625. this Richard Smith to the same Title But why to a foreign Title and not at as easie a rate to English as in Ireland he had to all Sees there the reason is He had in Ireland a Counter-party of People for Number and Quality in every Diocesse and Parish not so in England where it had been ridiculous in the Granter and dangerous in the Accepter To oppose his power up starts Nicholas Smith a Regular in malice to his advancement and quarrelled also against Doctor Kelson President of the Colledge of Doway who had printed a Treatise of the dignity and necessity of Bishop and secular Clergy Nicholas Smith's Reasons were for the Regulars first such Bishops uselesse in England in times of persecution Either for Ordination which might be supplied by foreign Bishops Or Confirmation of children which any Priest might perform by Commission from the Pope Secondly Burthensom to the already pressures of the English Catholicques And Thirdly the Person of Calcedon not lawfully called Kelson undertakes Answers to all these and the Insolency of the Regulars seemed more secular And indeed the Irish Regular exceeded such in England maintaining That the superiours of Regulars were more worthy than Bishops which caused the Doctors of Sorborn in Paris to censure the Proposition and the Arch-Bishop of Paris to condemn Nicholas Smiths Book and other Tractates of that sense But Bishop Smith would take upon him to approve of such Regulars Priests as were to be constant Confessors which the Jesuites opposed as an usurpation upon them And being the better Polititians contrive a Declaration under the name of the most noble and eminent Catholiques against his pretended Authority which Declaration was offered to the Spanish Ambassadour Don Carlos de Coloma together with the Kings Proclamations to ferret his person He declined both his power and presence to seek safety in France The Bishop fled the dogs bark Knot vice provincial of the English Jesuites and Flood another of St. Omers undertake him and Kelson also but were censured and silenced though not their several factions unto this day But this bickering is lodged under the product of the peace with Spain as if to encourage the Catholiques to rant it in Ireland also towards a Toleration The Lords Justices at Dublin at Church in one Parish the Priests at Masse in another who were seized by the Arch-Bishop and Major and all the City Officers their Trinkets taken away Images hewen down the Priests and Fryers delivered up to the Souldiers and yet rescued by the people from whom a strong power enforced them and eight Popish Aldermen clapt in prison for being remisse to attend their Major upon which mis-behaviour and mutiny fifteen Houses were seized to the Kings use and the Fryers and Priests persecuted and Two of them to save publique Execution hang'd themselves in their hose-garters The Earl of Essex would needs try Mastery with a fresh Mistresse being over born by his first Wife as their story is truly told in the life of King Iames 18. years since He then but a stripling but ever since getting strength and being falsely fram'd for Martial Exploits in the Low-Conntries where he Disciplin'd himself but without any high renown or feats of Arms or any extraordinary
by the Kings command expresly to leave the House and attempting to rise was by force held down by Master Hollis who swore he should sit still whilest they pleased but not prevailing Sir Peter Hayman moved Hollis to reade these Articles which the House protested First whosoever shall bring in Innovation of Religion or by favour seek to introduce Popery or Arminianism or other Opinions disagreeing from the true and orthodox Church shall be reputed a capital Enemy to this Kingdom and Common-wealth Secondly whosoever shall counsel or advise the taking or levying of the Subsidies of Tunnage and Poundage not being granted by Parliament or shall be an Actor or Instrument therein shall be likewise reputed a capital Enemy to the Common-wealth Thirdly if any man shall yield voluntarily or pay the same not being granted by Parliament he shall be reputed a Betraier of the Liberties of England and an Enemy to this Common-weath To each of these in order the House gave there a loud applause at every close which distempers reaching but to the Kings ear he sent for the Serjeant of the Mace but he was kept in and Sir Miles Hobart a Member locked the Door and kept the Key The King incensed at these insufferable Contempts sent Maxwel the Usher of the Black Rod to dissolve the Parliament but him and his Message they excluded which put the King into a forcible Posture the Captains with their Pensioners and Guard to break their entrance they fearing the effects suddenly slunk out of the House not daring to abide his anger who instantly came to the Lords and told them My Lords I never came here upon so unpleasant an occasion it being the Dissolution of a Parliament therefore men may have some cause to wonder why I should not rather chuse to do this by Commission it being a general Maxime of Kings to leave harsh commands to the Ministers themselves onely executing pleasing things Yet considering that Justice as well consists in reward and praise of virtue as punishing of vice I thought it necessary to come here to day to declare to you and all the World that it was meerly the undutifull and seditious carriage of the Lower House that hath made the Dissolution of this Parliament And you my Lords are so far from being causes of it that I take as much comfort in your dutifull demeanours as I am justly distasted with their Proceedings Yet to avoid mistakings let me tell you that it is so far from me to adjudg all that House guilty that I know there are many there as dutifull Subjects as any in the World it being but some few Vipers amongst them that did cast this mist of undutifulness over most of their eys yet to say truth there was a good number there that could not be infected with this contagion in so much that some did express their duties in speaking which was the general fault of the House the last day To conclude as these Vipers must look for their reward of punishment so you my Lords must justly expect from me that favour and protection that a good King oweth to his loving and dutifull Nobility And now my Lord Keeper do what I commanded you Who in the Kings name dissolved the Parliament But because Tunnage and Poundage was much disputed we shall shall say something to the first ground and occasion of them It is a fundamental truth essential to the constitution and government of this Kingdom and hereditary Privilege of the Subject that no Tax Tallage or other charge might be laid without consent in Parliament this was ratified by the contract of this Nation with the Conquerour upon his admittance and declared and confirmed in the Laws which he published and yet afterwardâ— broken by King Iohn and Henry 3. then confirmed by Magâ—â—â— Charta and other succeeding Laws but then attempted to be broken by the two succeeding Edwards when the Subject pursued those Breaches by the opportunity of frequent Parliaments and found relief procuring the right of the Subjects to be fortified by new Statutes And it may be observed that those â—ings in the very Acts whereby they did break the Law did really affirm the Subjects liberty and disclaimed that right of him a thing which hath been since challenged by successive Sovereigns the Merchant in those times usually giving consent to such Taxes but limited to a time to the ratification of the next following Parliament to be cancelled or confirmed But mostly these upon Merchandise were taken by Parliament six or twelve per pound for time and years as they saw cause for defence of the Sea sometimes also granted unto Noblemen or Merchants but for that use and afterwards they were granted to the King for life and so continued for divers Descents Between the time of Edward 3. and Queen Mary never any Prince some say demanded any Imposition but by Parliament Queen Mary indeed laid a charge upon Cloth by the equity of Tunnage and Poundage because the rate set upon Wool was much more than that upon Cloth and little Wool being transported unwrought she had reason to impose so much more as brought them to an equality but that there still continued a less charge upon Wool wrought into Cloth than upon Wool carded out unwrought untill King Iames his times when upon Nicholson's advice there was a further addition of charge which is that which we call the pretermitted Custome In Queen Elizabeths time some Impositions nay many increased the general prosperity of her Reign in the conjuncture of time and forrein affairs overshadowing and her power and will commanding without regret or complaint That of Currans was one for the Venetians having taxed a charge upon our English Cloth she raised that of the Currans with pretence to be even with them the sooner to take off the other And this came to be denied to King Iames by Bates a Merchant and a Sute in the Exchequer adjudged it for the King The three Judges then no more distinguished their several opinions The first that the King might impose upon forreign Commodities but not upon Natives to be transported or necessary to be imported for the use of the Kingdom The second Iudg was of opinion he might impose upon all forreign Merchandize whether superfluous or no but not upon native The third was absolute seeing the King had the custody of the Ports and Guard of the Seas and might shut up or open the Ports as he pleased 〈◊〉 had a Prerogative to impose upon all Merchandize exported or imâ—â—rted Afterwards King Iames laid charges upon all Commodities Outward and Inward not limited to time or occasion This Judgment and the right of imposing was a question in 7. and 12. Ian. and in 18. and 21. Ian. It was declined by the Commons House But in 1 Car. it was renewed by the Kings Propositions and then rather confirmed not abolished It was not sufficient for the King to break up the School of dissension
importation of Bullion he the said Earl told them that the City of London dealt undutifully and unthankfully with his Majesty and that they were more ready to help the Rebel than to help his Majesty and that if any hurt came to them they might thank themselves and that it was the course of other Princes to make use of such monies to serve their occasions And when in the same month of July the Officers of his Majesties Mint came to him and gave him divers reasons against the imbasing of the said money he told them that the French King did use to send Commissaries of Horse with Commission to search into mens estates and to peruse their accompts that so they may know what to levy of them by force which they did accordingly levy and turning to the Lord Cottington then present said That this was a point worthy his Lordships consideration The Earls Reply That he expected some Proofs to evidence the two first Particulars but hears of none For the following words he confessed probably they might escape the Door of his Lips Nor did he think it much amiss considering their present posture to call that Faction Rebells As for the last words objected against him in that Article he said that being in conference with some of the Londoners there came to his hands at that instant a Letter from the Earl of Leicester then at Paris wherein were the Gazets inclosed relating that the Cardinal had given order to levy Money by Souldiers This he onely told the Lord Cottington standing by but made not the least Application thereof to the English Affairs 27. That in or about the Moneth of Aug. last he was made Lieutenant General of all his Majesties Forces in the Northern parts against the Scots being at York did in the Moneth of September by his own authority and without any lawfull warrant impose a Tax on his Majesties Subjects in the County of York of 8. d. per diem for maintenance of every Souldier of the Trained Bands of that County which Sums of Money he caused to be levied by force And to the end to compell his Majesties Subjects out of fear and terrour to yield to the payment of the same He did declare that he would commit them that refused the payment thereof and the Souldiers should be satisfied out of their Estates and they that refused it were in very little better condition than of high Treason The Earls Reply That his Majesty coming to York it was thought necessary in regard the Enemy was upon the Borders to keep the Trained Bands on foot for defence of the County and therefore the King directed him to write to the Free-holders in Yorkshire to declare what they would do for their own defence that they freely offered a Moneths pay nor did any man grudg against it Again it was twice propounded to the great Council of Peers at York that the King approved it as a just and necessary act and none of the Council contradicted it which he conceived seemed a tacit allowance of it That though his Majesty had not given him special order therein nor the Gentry had desired it yet he conceived he had power enough to impose that Tax by virtue of his Commission But he never said that the Refusers should be guilty of little less than high Treason which being proved by Sir William Ingram he was but a single Testimony and one who had formerly mistaken himself in what he had deposed 28. That in the moneths of September and October last he the said Earl of Strafford being certified of the Scotish Army coming into the Kingdom and he the said Earl of Strafford being Lieutenant General of his Majesties Army did not provide for the defence of the Town of Newcastle as he ought to have done but suffered the same to be lost that so he might the more incense the English against the Scots And for the same wicked purpose and out of a malicious desire to ingage the Kingdoms of England and Scotland in a National and bloudy war he did write to the Lord Conway the General of the horse and under the said Earls command that he should fight with the Scotish Army at the passage over the Tyne whatsoever should follow notwithstanding that the said Lord Conway had formerly by Letters informed him the said Earl that his Majesties Army then under his command was not of force sufficient to incounter the Scots by which advice of his he did contrary to the duty of his place betray his Majesties Army then under his command to apparent danger and loss The Earls Reply That he admired how in the third Article he being charged as an Incendiary against the Scots is now in the Article made their Confederate by betraying New-castle into their hands But to answer more particularly he said that there was at New-castle the 24. of August ten or twelve thousand Foot and two thousand Horse under the Command of the Lord Conway and Sir Iacob Astley and that Sir Iacob had written to him concerning the Town of New-castle that it was fortified which also was never under his particular care and for the passage over the River of Tine his Majesty sent special Directions to the Lord Conway to secure it and therefore that Lord is more as he conceives responsible for that Miscarriage than himself When he had done the House of Commons urged that if he had any further Defence he should perform it presently but had time set next Day when the Court met but the Earl being taken with a terrible Fit of the Stone and in danger of his Life if he stirred abroad which Message though assured by the Lieutenant of the Tower for more satisfaction to the violency of the Commons the Lords agreed to proceed the next Day if he did not appear and sent some of the Upper House thither who found him in some hopes of better health against the next Day Not that any one could imagine that his Cause needed the help of dissembling having satisfied all indifferent persons with his Justification as to Treason and no other Crimes could daunt him But as in such Cases his Adversaries the Commons had reserved their Evidence most pernicious which the next Day they desired to produce The Earl also pressed the like on his own behalf which as yet had not been offered a reasonable Request for the Defendant as well as the Plaintiff or to wave them on both sides And because the Lords were absolute of this opinion the Commons in apparant discontenâ— took no leave but departed without ordering any certain Day for their next Meeting But on Monday two Days after the Parliament sate in their several Houses when Master Pym produced to the Commons a Copy of some Notes taken by Secretary Vane of several opinions upon Debates at the Council-table the fifth of May 1640. being the Day of the last Parliaments Dissolution and the Discovery is thus made our The Father delivers
all Irish Papists many of the chief Commanders now in the Head of the Rebells have been licensed to pass thither by his Majesties immediate Warrant His Majesty therefore having used all possible ways to prevent it he would be resolved if this Speech were so delivered by Master Pym that they review upon what information it was grounded and so to be found false and the King injured or the King to be assured by whose means his Authority has been so highly abused as to be made to conduce to the assistance of that abhorred Rebellion and so to see himself vindicated Febr. 7. To this Message they justifie the Authour Master Pym what he said to be the sense of the House and ordered to be printed and that they are so advertised had your Majesties Warrant and that some others have been staid and are yet in safe custody and named these to be the Lord Delvin and four others in his company and one supposed to be a Priest Colonel Butler Brother to the Lord Miniard now in Rebellion and Sir George Hamilton all Papists and another the Son of the Lord Nettersfield whose Father and Brother are now in Rebellion And are sorry that his Majesties extreme caution therein hath been so ill seconded by his Ministers of which they beseech him to prevent the future dishonour to his Majesty and mischief to the Kingdom Febr. 10. To this the King replies Whether such a general Advertising be ground enough for Master Pym's Speech and their positive Affirmation and challenges them to name any so warranted which he is assured that they cannot and bids them lay it to heart how this their Authority may trench upon his Honour in the affections of his good people as if not sensible enough of that Rebellion so horrid and odious to all good Christians by which in this Distraction what Danger may possibly ensue to his person and estate and therefore expects their Declaration to vindicate his Innocency and Honour And as for the Persons named Butler and Nettersfield had their Passes of his Majesty in Scotland long before any Restraint here being assured of Butler's loyal affection to his service and Uncle to the Earl of Ormond approved faithfull and both Protestants and of Nettersfield there never had been any the least suspition Nor did the King know of their Order of Restraint till Hamilton's stay who was the last that had any Licence And if any had been Papists yet of known integrity they may remember that the Lords Justices of Ireland declared in their Letters that they were so far from owning a publick Jealousie of all Papists that they had armed divers Noble-men of the Pale that were Papists and therefore expects their Declaration for his Vindication as in Duty and Justice they ought to do This he required but that they would not do and the King must sit down by the loss and rest so satisfied Nay they never left clamouring till he had turned out Sir Iohn Byron and put in Sir Iohn Coniers at their Nomination to be Lieutenant of the Tower of London And then they proceed to their Nomination of several fit persons for Trust of the Militia in their respective Counties And passes an Act for disabling all persons in Holy Orders to exercise any Temporal Jurisdiction or Authority as if no men of Religion were fit to do Justice He tells them by Message that to satisfie and compose all Distempers he will by Proclamation require all Statutes concerning 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 That he refers the consideration of the Government and Lituâ—gie of the Church wholly to the Houses And offers himself in person to the Irish War Again the Parliament are at their five Members and Lords and Commons petition that though your Majestie â—inde cause to desert their Prosecution yet in their Charge the whole Parliament is imputed and therefore desire the King to send the Informers against the said Members with their suggestions to the Parliament to be proceeded as in 37 38 Edward 3. Thus forward they are and the Parliament begin to ordain the power of the Militia for safeguard of the Parliament Tower and City of London under the Command of Serjeant Major General Skippon approving all his Orders and Commands already therein by former Directions and now they establish him therein declaring that if any person shall arrest or trouble him for so doing he doth break the Privâ—leges of Parliament violate the Liberty of the Subject and is thereby declared an Enemy to the Common-wealth No more mention of King or Kingdom And they petition him to settle the Militia according to their Nomination of particular persons in Trust therein for all the several Counties To which the King respites till his Return being now to conduct the Queen and the Princess Mary to Dover for their Voyage into Holland Which they answer is as unsatisfactory as an absolute Denial pretending that the Irish endeavour to invade England with assistance of the Papists here Febr. 22. The Lord Digby for some passages heretofore to prevent the Censure of the Parliament was fled beyond Seas and had written three Letters one to the Queen and two others to Secretary Nicholas and Sir Lewis Dives which the Parliament intercepting and opening very maliciously â—omenting the Jealousie between the King and his People therefore upon the Desire of the King for that Letter to the Queen they send hâ—m all three with their prayers for the King to perswade her Majesty not to correspond with him or any other Fugitive or Traitours who depend on the Examination and Judgment of Parliament The King now returned from Dover from whence the Queen and the Princess Mary voyaged to Hâ—lland where she was to negotiate Forreign Aid and Assistance for the Kings Designs being too hot for him to remain at London sends to Hampton Court for the Prince to meet him at Greenwich wherein the Parliament were surprised as now doubting the effect and therefore send a Message thâ—t the Prince his Removal may be a cause to promote Jealousies and Fears which they conceive very necessary to avoid but could not prevail to prevent it The Parliament havâ—ng now the Militia the security of the Tower and City of London Trained Bands of the Kingdom and all the Forces out of the Kings hands they begin to think upon Propositions of themselves for reducing the Rebells of Ireland and order That two Millions and an half of those Acres to be confiscate of Rebells Lands in four Provinces may be allotted to such persons as will disburse Moneys for mannaging that War viz. For each Adventure of Two hundred pounds one thousand Acres in Ulster Three hundred pounds one thousand Acres in Connaught Four hundred and fifty pounds one thousand Acres in Munster Six hundred pounds one thousand Acres in Lemster All English Measure Medow Arable
he does demolishes his works fills his Ditches levels his Trenches And now again as often before the Rochellers beseech him not to depart untill he had gathered contribution from the villages of the Isle or else they were undone In compassion to them he makes not his going away so speedy as convenient Canophie Commander in absence of Schombergh to sound the depth of this mystery of staying thus long Sends two or three Noble persons to Buckingham for leave to convay their wounded away to the Continent To which Isnard sayes That brave Buckingham made Answer Ere long both sick and sound should be sent them for he resolved to take ship before more forces came to the Island unwilling to hazard himself or them to fresh men being already wearied with long siege that they might not boast to force him thence That the glory of the Castles safety was due to Toras by whose invincible patience and gallantry sustaining so many miseries be acknowledged himself rather overcome than conquered Toras was told this if Isnard devises not all of his own brain for the other Authors from whom he steals the most speak not one syllable hereof Onely Mercury pag. 188. gives us Buckinghams Letter to Canophie That after three dayes he would give free pass to all That the French could purchase small glory to fight with his few forces The sickness and constancy of Toras to whom all honour was due persvvaded him to think of departure notvvithstanding he vvould afford him another Paradox sin razon nothing more acceptable than to meet Toras vvith his svvord in his hand to determine the quarrel in battail or combat The next night comes Schomburgh and his Fleet I say not hovv many ships vvith hovv many men and horse their ovvn Authors are at difference and we minded not the many there being too many before but in earnest it was a very choice well ordered Army that night disposed far enough from us Marilane the next Morning meets Schomburgh and thus united they consult being seasonably instructed by the Islanders for their advantage In the Mid narrow way between both Castles the French Army was thus marshalled The front contained a part of the Kings guard with a band of Navar Champaine and Piemont The second consisted of some Champains and those Forces commanded by Rambure and Bellimont Du Plesse and Melleres bands concluded the third some voluntiers armed with Halberts appointed for the wings The Horse divided into two companies guarded each side of the Army Bussey Lamele with 25. horse marched some two hundred paces before their whole Army the whole horse 250 the foot 4000 compleat the whole we reckon not the Garrisons Islanders and others exceeding ours double and their horse five times Buckingham was not ignorant of these new forces and yet lay long a bed this morning as Mr. Hackluite Captain of the Watch reported But up he gets timely enough to depart about nine a clock the forenoon his sick Soldiers packing away before divides his forces into seven parts neer a Windmill challenges the French to battail his Number 3000. foot and 58. horse and here he stands but the enemy will not budge He views his Gallants and amongst them Sir Charles Rich and Sir Iohn Ratcliff deadly sick whom he desires to withdraw to the Ships No they came to fight and leaning on their Pikes challenge death it self Buckingham marches on and sees the Enemy follow at a fair and far distance and turns his Guns backward upon them And being come neer the village Coarda he offers them a second challenge confessed by their own Authors mary thus excused Marilane feigned a Holt and therefore we stood still Toras they say having lost two of his brethren grew fierce to force the fight lest we should recede unhurt that slew so many at our Coming but Marilane was of another mind rather to build us a Golden bridge to be gone and therefore they moved after our Motion we keeping ours and they their stands Being marched out of the plain to the Village Coarda and there saies Mercury A la entre de Coarda Les Enemies presentarant une autre fois la battail We went on through the village disposing some shot for safety behind the old Walls Walks Hedges and Ditches Schomburgh was come up to Marilane and both of them followed us slowly having past half our journey three miles and here again rallied marching on to the Causway to Anserine not far off And here I know not with what wanton wile again we made a fourth stand thinking it might concern our honor to provoke a fight but they being faint and dull the day past four a clock and at the very entrance of the Cause-way the very cause of our inevitable slaughter The Causway was in length 300. paces in breadth about four on eithers side ditches which mostly end at Salt pits The strait way led on to about 300 paces which then the Wooden Bridge entercepted from this Pass about eighty paces the same cross way runs on Hence on the left hand it bent with an Elbow turning and with another â—also to the very bridge whence lies an entrance into the Anserne Isle which bridge was built upon Ferry boats At the Flooâ— the water not fordable the banks more dangerous and neer the Bridge a monstrous mire not to be imagined and no passage but at lowwater On the left hand by reason of the mouth of the Causway was a Village or Farm called Damiere and before that a Court-yard big enough for a band of men encompassed with a Ditch On the right uneven ground a Marsh with standing Motes long waies and broad And thus the causway Upon the greater Bridge where both the Islands met was raised that unfortunate and preposterous Fortress but neither so high nor so strong as to defend us or hinder them when we had stayed now a whole day without fighting a careless temerity hastened us to this causway in a long not loose nor orderly march which had we but abated till Twilight we had not felt the danger And now comes our last but not alone Errour for though our Refuge was raised at the further end of the Bridge which had been better at the entrance of the Causway for our Harbour yet at present by military order that was to be attempted Here therefore we should have staied with our colours or withstood the Enemy by often incursions until our safety had been raised behind us For so it is said Archduke Albert had baffled a French Army neer Ambianie And the enemy knew full well that two Companies of ours commanded by Connoway Baste and Spry had past the bridge and were come to the Anserne Island And those commanded by Rich Bret and Morton these all sick were to pass the Causway and with these four small Guns to make good the bridge and therefore they had onely to deal with two remaining commanded
Spanish Ambassadour entered into their Traversies whiles an Anthem was sung and whilest the Dean Dr. Laud with three other Bishops went up to the Altar with a Latine Bible upon which the King laid his hand Secretary Coke having read the Oath the King kissed the Book and signed the Articles which he delivered up to the Ambassadour and so passed to the Banquetting-house to a princely Feast which the Kings good Friend assures us the Subject paid for with the aid of an old Prerogative-statute of Tax for Knighthood It was ancient indeed and from time to time of all Kings and Sovereigns since Edward the second framed then more for ease of the Subject than profit of that King then reduced to such to be made Knights that had twenty pounds per annum but before that time all men of fifteen pound per annum were required to take it But why it should ly skulking it seems to him onely who devises the matter and the manner To appear at the Coronation onely Ad arma gerenda not to be per force Knighted as was vulgarly supposed This vulgar Historian confines us to the manner Every man to receive a Belt and a Surcoat out of the Kings Wardrobe and if in four days there were no cause to fight without a Sword it seems they might take leave and be gone again The Statute is intituled Statutum de Militibus That our Sovereign Lord the King hath granted that all such as ought to be Knights and be not and have been distrained to take upon them that Order before the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord shall have respect to take upon them the foresaid Arms of Knighthood untill the Vigil of Saint Hilary c. And câ—rtainly it was their quality of thirty pound Rent per annum a plentifull Revenue in those former times made them capable not their sufficiency of body to bear Arms when thousands more of less Estates might be found fitter for fighting But being in force now notwithstanding those that refused it were brought to the Exchequer I believe above one hundred thousand pounds And the long Parliament that succeeded to please the People repealed it So that all the advantages he had to help himself were either condemned as done against the old Laws of the Land or else some new Law must be made to deprive him of the other that wanting all other means to support himself he might be forced upon the Alms of the Parliament The original ground was heretofore when the Services done by Ten were taken in kinde it was thought fit there should be some way of trial and approbation of those that were bound to such Services Therefore it was ordained that such as were to do Knights service after they came of age and had possession of their Lands and should be made Knights that is publickly declared to be fit for service Divers Ceremonies and Solemnities were in use for that purpose and if by the parties neglect this was not done he was punishable by Fine There being in those days an ordinary and open way to get Knighthood for those which were born to it c. The use of this hath for divers Ages been discontinued yet there have passed very few Kings under whom there hath not been these Summons requiring those holding Lands of such a value as the Law prescribes to appear at the Coronation or some other great Solemnity and to be knighted so as it is not new in the kinde nor new in the manner nor in excess of it indeed heretofore the Fines were moderate in some proportion and of late to meaner People Inholders Lease-holders Copi-holders Merchants and others scarce any man of value free from it And the Proceedings out by good Example President or Rule of Justice by Distresses and Issues The Disease of Europe was now become Martial War in Italy Germany in Bands of old Souldiers France afraid of a Neighbourstorm hindred all Propositions of Peace England besides the general Interest of the Reformed had the particular of the Palsgrave and always in Mutinies the States general are most concerned the Protestant Princes suppressed the House of Austria grown already to heigth threatned their â—uine nay the State of Venice was invited to increase the flame and disorder of this powerfull Body So then from North to South and of each side also was Germany beset with Enemies It was in Midsummer that Gustavus Adolphus King of Swede descended into Germany invited by themselves and incited by the assistance of all the former Princes and States though slenderly performed by them all Much to do he had to finde the cause of a Quarrel But Reasons he made and published which the Emperour answered and that sufficiently as we may conclude in the main concerning the Emperours depriving the Dukes of Meckelenburgh his Kinsmen of their Dutchies To which he was told That the Imperial Majesty was not to be controuled at home by foreign Pretences His Ears being open to Intercessours but not to Commands His general Pretence was as he vaunted to be the defence of the Protestant Cause and Religion which produced effects of a cruel bloudy and horrid War there then and other where since by the immense ambition of some few persons whom we may not name though their Vice we blame The Emperours old General Wallestein Duke of Frithland was at this Diet dismissed that Command by the perswasions of the French and Duke of Bavaria who had joyned a League defensive and offensive And his other General Tilly was turned Beadsman to his devotions and happy he had been to have so continued whilest he had Fortune his Hand-maid with as much glory as any Captain in the World which he changed to be conquered His former happiness was concluded in these That he heard Mass daily never touched a Woman never lost a Battel But he is wrought upon even by their Priests and prepares for War His first Master-piece was by cunning not force for finding Magdeburgh an Emperial rich Town of Saxony in some distraction then which brought such distraction after as no History can paralel The difference proceeded from their first choyce of Augustus Son to the Elector of Saxony for their Administrator But the Emperour and Pope commended the Arch Duke Leopâ—old now Governour of the Low Countreys The Town take parts and are appeased by Wallenstens power who turned the Town into a Garison and the forfeit of 150. thousand Rix Dollers Then Leopold presses further with very high demands which Christian of Brandenburgh and the Duke of Saxony interpose as therein concerned Brandenburgh enters the Town disguised and offers his and the King of Swedens protection who is received opening his passage into Pomerania and Meckelendburgh which he soon mastered And thus busied abroad he leaves Brandenburgh to rejoyce at his own designe when Poperheim posts thither makes havock of all before him and stops the Fox in his hole and besieges Magdeburgh December 1630.
that solemnity was done and she in Bed he presents Amptil his Page to her Person and unchaste imbracements reasoning with Scripture that her Body now made subject unto him and so at his command if to evil not her fault let her sin ly at his door but she refusing he left her at this time and takes Amptil whom he That the Kings Majesty had committed the Trial of the business to your Grace my Lord High Constable the Earl Marshal and this Court which course was warrantable by the Laws of other Nations and also by our own who have used the same manner of Trial. That our Law admitted sundry Proofs for Treason which in other matters it did not That all Subjects were bound to discover Treasons and cited two ancient Civilians Hieronymus and Tiberius who gave their Reasons for this kinde of Trial. And he mentioned sundry Records of our own Chronicles and Examples herein as the Duke of Norfolk combating against the Duke of Hartford in Henry 4. his time Jo Ely and William Scroop against Ballamon at Burdeaux the King being there The Lord Morley impeached Mountague Earl of Salisbury And that Thomas of Walsingham and Thomas of Woodstock in their learned Writings expressed sundry Presidents for this manner of Proceeding wishing the Court in Gods Name to go on to the Trial and the Appellant to give in his Evidence Then the Appellant came up upon the Table to whom the Earl Marshal delivered the Petition which he had the day before exhibited to the King And the Defendant being also called up the Petition was read which was in effect That he having accused Ramsey of Treason and also Meldram his Kinsman and of Confederacy against whom Captain Nothwick was witness therefore had desired that the Court would proceed against Meldram first But he was told by the Court that their Cases differing the Appellant was ordered to deliver in his Charge against the Defendant which he did in writing by Bill containing sundry Particulars viz. That in May last in the Low-countreys Ramsey complained to him against the Court of England That the matters of Church and State was so out of frame as must tend to a change if not desolation That thereforefore he had abandoned the Kingdom to live where now he was and to expect a mutation forthwith to which end he had brought present Moneys to maintain him at six pounds a day for three years That Marqucss Hamilton had a great Army promised to him for pay whereof the King had given in hand ten thousand pound and all the Wine Customes in Scotland for sixteen years presently to be sold for the Armies subsistence And that he staid but for Ammunition and Powder to come over for which his Lordship was to mediate with his Majesty of Sweden and the States and then link themselves together of whose minde Rey should know hereafter That their Friends in Scotland had gotten therefore Arms and Powder out of England and that what he should procure in Holland was to be brought over by the Marquess and that all Scotland were sure to them except Three That France and Spain thirsted for England but Hamilton would defeat them for himself His onely fear was of Denmark where he meant to land and either to take him off or make a party That afterwards at Amsterdam Ramsey with Alexander Hamilton solicited him the Lord Rey to be true to them and to be of their Council though as yet they durst not reveal too much of Hamilton's secrets but if he repaired to England he would intrust him with Letters and that his Brother in Law Sea-port knew all This being the effect of the Charge He added That if Ramsey would deny it he was a Villain and a Traitour which he would make good And therewith cast him his Clove Ramsey denied all and said Rey was a Liar a barbarous Villain and threw down his Glove protesting to gar him dy for it if he had had him in place for that purpose Rey was temperate without any passion but smiling replied Mr. Ramsey we will not contend here Answer to my Bill Then Ramsey offered some Reasons of the impossibility of the Charge the slender Numbers of men from England but six thousand raw Souldiers against three Kingdoms whom the first Proclamation might dissipate That the Marquess was neither so wicked nor weak in judgment and if he should conceit to surprize the King what hope had he against his Children and Kindred And therefore said he my Lord Rey is a barbarous Villain and a Liar and he will gar him dy for it or lose his dearest bloud He was interrupted by the Earl Marshal telling him he must not stand upon conjectures but answer the Bill of Form according to Law and was advised to take counsel therein Then Ramsey in general acknowledged all the particular circumstances of time and place alleged by Rey and the discourse to that effect but concluded that no Treason was intended or uttered and craved Counsel to answer which was granted And so the Court adjourned till the fifth of December but upon a fresh Arrest by the Earl Marshal they were to put in Bail for Appearance which were the old Security and Ramsey ordered to answer upon Oath At which Day appearing the fame of the Cause brought thither such a crowd of People as was not imaginable Rey entered as before in manner and habit but Ramsey was new suited in black Satten and presented his Answer in writing to this effect That having well considered the time place and communication with the Lord Rey beyond the Seas as before urged he confesses That Rey demanded of him whether the Marquess Hamilton intended to come over and follow the Wars He said Yes And told him of his Forces six thousand men and of the ten thousand pounds in money and Wine-customes in Scotland which he would selt to maintain the Army and that he would come so provided with Ammunition that being joyned with his Friends he valued no Enemy Upon which Rey replied that his own two Regiments should wait upon him but the place of these Forces to meet was at Sea and there to receive directions from the King of Swede where to rendezvouz Upon which Rey said that his Life and Fortunes should wait on the Marquess who being told of his friendship wrote a Letter to Rey which Ramsey delivered in effect that Rey would get some Ammunition from the King of Swede which was wanting And that speaking in general of matters amiss in England Rey answered God amend all To whom Ramsey replied By God Donnold we must help him to amend all And to all the other matters and things he utterly denies and craves revenge upon Rey's person by dint of Sword Then Doctor Eden of Council for Ramsey spake to the Court That being assigned his Council his opinion was that the Defendant might decline the Combate and reply to the Appellant's Bill in brief with these Reasons First
as to a Bill for Education of their Children we have always wished it to be so and incourage you in it and we will do it The Reformation of Church-government and Liturgie we have sufficiently told you in our Answer to your Petition at Hampton Court Decemb. 1. To which they are referred As also in our first Declaration printed by advice of our Council and our Message of the fourth of February of all which we the more hoped of success because you seem now in this to desire but a Reformation and not as is frequently preached a Destruction of the present Discipline and Liturgie and we shall take care for preaching Ministers As to your Bills we can say nothing till we see them We would not have the Oath of all privie Counsellours and Iudges straitened to particular Statutes but to all Statutes of all Parliaments and shall willingly consent that an inquirie c. Therein we shall be most ready to joyn with the State of the United Provinces c. with our life and fortune if need require It was not our fault that an Act was not passed to clear Kimbolton and the five Members but yours that inserted such clauses in the Preamble and Act That no Member upon any accusation of Treason could be seized without consent of that House though the known Law be That Privilege of Parliament extends not to Treason And so how guiltie soever may have fair leave to run away and prevent his Trial. And concludes conjuring them and all men to rest satisfied with his profession and real intentions with some particular advises to them which he often hath hinted in most of his Answers And then to grant his general pardon c. If such an Answer as this proceeds from the advice and sufficiency of a few malignant Counsellours about the King when their nineteen Demands had been hammered out by labour and pains of a full Committee and then debated several days after we may rest satisfied that either the justice of the Cause easily carried on the consideration or that the Parliament party had the weaker pates And not onely is the King thus enforced to answer those above to the Parliaments Transactions but he is put to it to undeceive his Neighbours at Court the Commons of the County of York must be satisfied and therefore the King declares to them the Reasons of summoning the Gentry and not them That he never intended the least neglect unto them in any former Summons of the Countie his love excluding none And sums up to them the particular Reasons of his remove from White-hall enforced by Tumults as yet unpunished and securing himself here in their Countie on whose fidelitie he doth relie being to be used for the defence of the orthodox Religion professed by Queen Elizabeth the defence of the Laws and the peace of the Kingdom The Example of the Parliament having made him to prepare for a Guard so far from War as it serves onely to secure him and them His choice being of the prime Gentrie and of one Regiment of his Trained Bands never intending to use the force of strangers And these thus armed take the Oaths of Allegeance and Supremacie And intends to put the Trained Bands of all the Kingdom to be under persons of Honour and loyaltie to him and the Countie And all to protect them against oppressions and delusive fancies of such as presuming upon his royal Authoritie pretend by their Warrants to protect the people He intends to ease the Countie of their Trained Bands and Billet-money And shall make his grace and bountie to them answerable to their best fidelitie and loyaltie And now warlike preparations go on of both sides the Parliament most forward do order That all the Deputie Lieutenants of England and Wales that be not Members of the House of Commons be present at the several days and places of Training and Mustering the Counties and all Lords Lieutenants are ordered to dispatch their Warrants and Commissions accordingly and that some Members of both Houses shall be sent down to be present and to countenance the service June 4. Hereupon all the spare Lords that lookt for imployment are actively busied to repaire to the several Counties And henceforth Letters and avisâ—es from them to their favourites of both Houses are Posted to the Parliament of their vigilant services and the effects by wondrous appearance of the people then necessarily requiring the Parliaments Letters and Messages of thanks to them and to the Country together with Letters and submissions of the respective officers of each trained band to their right Honourable Lords Lieutenants acknowledging their indefatigable diligence herein and the tender of all their lives in the publique service which their Lordships are desired to commend to the knowledge of the supream Council of the Nation who must publish a grand Approbation of all which the others have don or shall do Then followes Resolutions upon several questions To provide for every County competent numbers of orders and Declarations of the House of Commons from time to time That every Minister Constable c. may have one of each How they shall be Printed how bundled up how transported so that a wonder it was how busily new Officers got imployments with such hurrying and posting up and down as if all this world were wilde for a war for now comes out Propositions and Orders of Parliament for bringing in of Money or Plate to maintain Horse Horsemen and Arms for the publique peace and defence of the King and both Houses of Parliament the tenth of Iune All the Northern Roads be searched by the Justices of Peace for seizing of Arms Ammunition of all sorts that are to be carried thitherward Then comes Intelligence from beyond the Seas by Letters from Amsterdam with a list of the number of Arms and Ammunition speedily to be furnished for the King upon jewels pawned by the Queen particularly mentioned and no doubt by him who was appointed by Her for that service But he prays that his own name may be concealed pour evitro de tiltre despiou though with zeal and ardour he professes he affects the good cause for which he is thus treacherous and being now dead I forbear to record to memory who he was The King provides Commissioners of Array and first to Leicestershire accompanied with his Letters to the Lords Lieutenants of the County Grounding his Commission on the votes of Parliament the fifteenth of March last That the Kingdom being in danger of Enemies abroad and a Popish party at home it is necessary to put the people into a posture of defence A small number of both Houses without the Kings consent or the opinion of the Judges have attempted by way of Ordinance to put in Execution the power of the Militia dispossessing such of the Nobility as He intrusted with the Command and â—ominated others of their own election and this design of theirs by a new way of Ordinance
their affairs and was resolved to be relieved the recruit of the Parliaments Army was too slow for the service the London trained bands must do the deed and shop-windows must be shut up and trading suspended the expedition cried up out of every Pulpit and an Army was raised in an instant and upon their March Against whom Prince Rupert is sent from the siege at Glocester to retard their speed untill the King might rise and be gon which was upon the fifth of September and the Rear guard had fired their huts The Earl of Essex came to the brow of the Hills seven miles from the City and gave his warning piece but the Town had no minde to hinder the King being glad of his departing when all his indeavours were now prepared ready for a storm the besieged in want their Amunition consumed to three Barrels of powder but the Towns loss of men were not many not one hundred say they and two or three Officers Captain Harcus and his Ensign the King lost many more and especialy his precious time to no purpose had he waved Glocester and Marched to London directly whilst the Parliament had no Army in the Field London full of discontent and disorder and their actions of Council unresolved The Kings Northern Army under the Earl of Newcastle there also prevailing but it was his fate to be overtaken with this idle siege Sir Nicholas Crisp One of the Farmers of the Kings Customs of England had a high command also both in the Army by Land and afterwards in the Navy by Sea He being Colonel of a Regiment of Horse and his first service took the charge of Convoy of the train of Artillery sent from Oxford to the siege of Glocester and brought it in safety to the Kings Camp and there very much esteemed He was quartered in Rouslidge near Glocester at a Knights house where finding Sir Iames Enyon and other Gentlemen of no Command in the Army and had taken up so much of the house as was Incommode to the Colonel yet he continued then there with much civility Not long it was that the Guests had some horses missing out of the Pastures and so charged upon default the Colonels Souldiers and indeed very ruffly demanding the accompt from the Colonel himself who promised indeavours to finde them out buâ— refused to draw out his Regiment for that purpose onely to satisfie Sir Iames who urged it for his friend himself no otherwise concerned But being a person of eminency and of a Spirit answerable impatient of any delay or orderly proceedings departs and sends a Gentleman with this summon to Sir Nicholas Crisp to meet him with his sword in a field near the Quarters and with this express addition That if he did refuse upon any pretence he would pistoll him against the wall Upon which sharp and suddain summons of an hours warning the Colonel accompanied with a Gentleman findes Sir Iames at the place with him that brought the challenge and as it became a Christian desired to understand the true reason of the meeting professing that his Duty to the King in the charge he had there of present service might justifie his refusal to fight Yet he told him he was come to give him all satisfaction first as a Christian if he had done him Injury of which he professed ignorance Sir Iames shortly replied He came thither to receive no other satisfaction but by the sword which instantly he drew out and as soon so don by the other whose fortune was at an encounter to give a pass that pierced Sir Iames about the rim of the belly of which he was caried off to the same house in eminent danger But whilst he had life and memory the Colonel gave him a visit beseeching him to put by all passions and receive him infinitely afflicted at this misfortune unwillingly provoked to this mischief and so with Christian reconciliation they parted and he died two daies after Hereupon a legal trial was offered for any complainant to prosecute the matter And after some time on Munday the second of October a Council of war being set thereupon gave their opinion and sentence thus In the cause depending against Sir Nicholas Crisp Knight concerning the death of Sir James Enyon Knight slain by him in a Duel in September last The Court being informed that an Affixer was duly set up upon the Court house door according to their Order of the eight and tewentieth of September last and the affixer afterwards taken down and brought into the Court and Proclamation being made and no man appearing against him according to the Affixer yet upon examination of all the matter and difference between them and that the friends of the slain taking notice thereof The Court proceeded to sentence That although the Court doth condemn all manner of Duels and utterly disallow them yet in this particular case of Sir Nicholas Crisp in consideration of the great injury he received in his own Quarter and how much he was provoked and challenged the Court hath thought fit to acquit him from any punishment in this Court and doth leave and recommend him to his Majesties mercy for his gracious pardon the second of October 1643. Forth Lord Lieutenant general and President Dorset Bristol Northampton Andover Dunsmore Jacob Astley Arthur Aston William Brumchard John Byron Who all reported to the King the whole matter and brought him to kiss his hand and received a Pardon under the great feal of England and to confirm him in the Kings affection He had a Commission to be Admiral of a Fleet at Sea set out by himself and was undon for his Masters service The solemn League by Oath and Covenant being ordered to be sworn unto by all and divers consciencious persons excepting against the same and refusing were therefore committed and sequestred to their utter undoing Amongst many Doctor Featly that excellent and learned Divine and Minister at Lambeth had given by Letter to the Lord Arch-Bishop of Armagh Primate of all Ireland an accompt of his demeanour in this business of the Scotish Covenant and was therefore committed to the prison in the Lord Peters house in Aldersgate Street as many other noble houses turned into Jayles both his livings given away and his books bestowed upon White of Dorchester It was the Doctors reasons that raised all this stir He first excepted against these words We will indeavour the true reformedâ— Protestant Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Discipline worship and Government according to the word of God These words said the Doctor imply that the Worship Discipline and Government of the Church of Scotland is according to the word of God which said he is more than I dare subscribe unto much less confirm by an Oath for first I am not perswaded that any Plat form of Government in each particular circumstance is Jure Divino Secondly admit some were yet I doubt whether the Scots Presbytery be
with four thousand being seven or eight Regiments of Foot was quartered at Martobe who advanced to the very Rear of Goring fell upon them took some Prisoners but few slain Fairfax by this time was come up with his Horse Brigade within a Mile of the Cavaliers Head Quarters at Lang-port not knowing of the Ingagement of Massie who was quartered on the other side of the River Fairfax early the tenth of Iuly drew out seven Regiments of Horse in Sutton Field and a great part of his Foot likewise upon whose Advance Goring seeing the Resolution against him possest himself of a Pass very advantageous by the Hedges which he lined with Musquetiers this Pass lying between his Enemies Armies and hindered the conjunction and served his own turn to draw off his Ordnance and Provisions for Bridgwater with an honourable Retreat if need were but his Foot were soon beaten away from their Post and those that lined the Hedges and so with more security advanc'd their Horse Major Bethel the first man that forced the Pass with a single Troop the rest followed and charged Goring's Body that were ready in a Lane to receive them with as gallant a Charge as good Souldiers should do and forced them to a Retreat to their Body for more help when Colonel Desborough being at hand supplied that loss and with about four hundred Horse of the General 's Regiment gave a smart Encounter and turned the Scale of Fortune for Goring not able to endure their fresh Assaults and expecting more retreated to Bridgwater there were eleven hundred slain on both sides and prisoners to each party equally But Fairfax pursuing and the other disorderly retiring the Victory was more evident for Goring had the worst Men and Horse taken many Colours two Pieces and some Carriages for Ammunition And the News of these two Fights of Massie and Fairfax were presented to the Parliament by Major Harrison from the Army Goring marches away from Bridgwater towards the North of Devonshire Barnstable to whom Greenvile and Berkley hastening out of Cornwall and Devonshire to joyn with him met at Miniard six thousand strong and Prince Charls Hopton and the Lord Wentworth were gone into Cornwall to raise the County And the General Fairfax turns aside to salute the Club-men two thousand in a Body between Bristol and Bridgwater to whom he offers Propositions That the Kings Forces in Bridgwater might not be supplied by them that his men should have nothing of them but for necessary subsistence and to be paid out of the first moneys which was expected daily from the Parliament and justice shall be done to any that offends them But they continue in a Body and return him a doubtfull Answer More News of Success to the Parliament came poast from Pomfret Castle in the North Major General Poins having with much cost and time spent now at last receiving it by Surrender on the one and twentieth of Iuly upon honourable terms for the Surrender and with liberty to march to Newark with a safe Conduct to Doncaster and the military power of this Castle voted to be invested in the Gen. Fairfax which Northern Association had some limitation in his Commission but indeed it was suddenly done to prevent the Lords who had bestowed the command on Poins for his labour but the Commons Vote was first and so the Lords came too late We left Fairfax near Bridgwater which he meant to besiege and to plain his way four miles off he takes in a Garison Fort of the Kings called Burroughs upon good Quarter to march off not more than an hundred and fifty therein Then he sits down against Bridgwater rather to rest for he does nothing till his Money come from the Parliament to encourage his Army somewhat sullen for Pay which being come the three and twentieth of Iuly and the Army paid he surrounds the Town he had sent his Summons to the Governour but was answered with much courage being affisted by Council of gallant persons his Companions therein Sir Hugh Windham Sir Iohn Digby Sir Francis Courtney Tom Eliot was there too Sir Iohn Stowel and Sir Iohn Hales well fortified and fitted with Men and Ammunition and endured the first Onsets of their Enemy with Success which made the General to consult whether by Siege or Storm but he was told by the Renegadoes of their strength within and excellent store of good Victual which confirmed his Resolve to storm the Souldier animated the Day before by Mr. Peters preaching to them the piety of the Cause then the Foot towards Evening were drawn out and that Night spent in ordering for the Storm which began early at two of the clock in the Morning the one and twentieth of Iuly the General 's Regiment led on to the Work and gave not over till they had mastered the top and fixed his Colours gaining that Plat-form and the Guns and let down the Draw-bridg for a Captain one Reynolds to enter with a Forlorn of Horse scouring the Streets but with much loss forced the Besieged from the hither to the upper part of the Town Massie endeavoured to do his duty and did his good will on the other side but excuses himself not so ready at the time appointed and vvas beaten off and the Tovvnsmen had the better this lasted but an hour and being before day the Assailants escaped some of the great Shot that flevv over head and did no harm The hither Tovvn being vvon the Defendants vvere the more couragious to the admiration of the Assailants flinging their Granadoes and other combustible Shot that fired the hither Tovvn upon their Enemies heads not a house left standing so that vvhat vvas got vvas in fire vvhich put the General to a second Summons and to a Parley sending his Trumpet to tell them That he was moved in compassion to spare the effusion of more bloud and to save to the Inhabitants what was left from confusion This vvas in the Evening at six a clock But the Defendants vvould not stoop to a Treaty resolving sooner to die than to yield vvhich put Fairfax to a Resolution to vvin them by force and the next Morning early for Massie to begin the second Storm on that side of his Quarters Iuly 22. at the davvn of the day he fell on so did Fairfax on the other side but the Tide vvas up and high vvhich hindered the intention for a time and indeed Massie did but alarm and yet lost some men and the General put to it mightily troubled for this ill success and therefore summons them again pretending a Treaty in favour of the Women and Children from this horrid Destruction giving Cessation for that purpose till 4. a clock afternoon and so the Lady Governess a gallant person was intreated to quit the hazzard of an enraged Enemy with her went out the Lady Haule Mrs. Maire and divers others of quality but not prevailing by Storm they try by firing all their
make Peace with the Parliament from Cardiffe Aug. 1645. CHARLES REX Nephew this is occasioned by a Letter of yours which the Duke of Richmond shewed to me last night And first I assure you I have been and ever will be very careful to advertise you of my resolutions as soon as they were taken and if I enjoyned silence to that which was no secret it was not my fault for I thought it one and I am sure it ought to have been so Now as for your Opinion of my Business and your Counsel thereupon If I had any other quarrel but the defence of my Religion Crown and Friends you had full reason for your advice for I confess that speaking either as a meer Souldier or Statesman I must say there is no probability but of my ruine Yet as a Christian I must tell you that God will not suffer Rebels and Traitors to prosper or this Cause to be overthrown And whatsoever personal punishment it shall please him to inflict upon me must not make me repine much less give over this quarrel And there is as little Question that a composition with them at this time is nothing else but a submission which by the grace of God I am resolved against whatsoever it cost me for I know my Obligation to be both in Conscience and Honour neither to abandon Gods Cause nor to injure my Successors nor forsake my Friends Indeed I cannot flatter my self with expectation of good success more then this to end my daies with Honour and a good Conscience which obligeth me to continue my endeavours as not despairing that God may yet in due time avenge his own Cause though I must avow to all my Friends that he that will stay with me all this time must expect and resolve either to dye for a good Cause or which is worse to live as miserable in maintaining it as the violence of insulting Rebels can make him Having thus truly and impartially stated my Case unto you and plainly told you my positive resolutions which by the grace of God I will not alter they being neither lightlie nor suddenlie grounded I earnestly desire not in any wise to hearken after Treaties assuring you as low as I am I will doe no less then what was offered in my Name at Uxbridge confessing that it were as great a miracle that they should agree to so much reason as that I should be within a moneth in the same condition that I was immediatelie before the Battel at Naseby Therefore for Gods sake let us not flatter our selves with these conceits and believe me your very imagination that you are desirous of a Treatie will but loose me so much the sooner and therefore as you love me whatsoever you have alreadie done applie your discourse hereafter according to my resolution and judgement As for the Irish I le assure you they shall not cheat me but it is possible they may cozen themselves For be assured what I have refused to the English I will not grant to the Irish Rebels never trusting to that kinde of People of what Nation soever more then I see by their Actions And I am sending to Ormond such a dispatch as I am sure will please you and all honest men a Copie thereof by the next opportunitie you shall have Lastly be confident I would not have put you nor my self to the trouble of this long Letter had I not a great estimation of you and a full confidence of your friendship to CHARLES REX Cardiffe Aug. 1645. These are the Kings grounds and reasons rebus sic not to descend beneath the propositions offered at Uxbridge And herein he was resolved not trusting to publick counsels in the affairs of Peace And therefore in General most opinions of his Friends were for a Treatie grounding their reasons upon the Kings desperate condition little hope being left to him by force to end these differences To the desire of a Treaty some Councellors in the Princes Army now in the West had advised his Highness to send to his Majesty to that effect Whereupon the Prince writes to the General Fairfax who with his Forces were quartered about him to grant his pass for the Lord Hopton and the Lord Culpepper to go to the King and mediate with him for a Treaty with the Parliament To which after a fortnights consult with his Committee he returns answer or rather his advice for the Prince to disband his Army he now commands which he conceives would be the readiest way for the security of him and his posterity and of those who attend and adhere to him Which if he will do the General would in person conduct himself to the Parliament November 8. To which Answer the Lord Capel had Commission three weeks after to Reply In answer to yours of the eight of the last Moneth His Highness hath commanded me to let you know that he did not believe that his overture of engaging himself in the mediation of a blessed peace for his miserable Kingdome which he did and doth still very earnestly desire to labour in would have brought him an inhibition to quit his duty and loyalty to his royal Father by dividing his Interest from that of his Majesties whereby he should render himself unworthy and uncapable of the fruits of that peace he labours for If his former propositions may be consented unto he hopes God will so bless his sincere intentions and desires as to make him a blessed Instrument to preserve this Kingdome from desolation But if that be rejected he shall give the world no cause to believe that he will forfeit that honour and integrity which can onely preserve him in a capacity of doing that service and shall with patience attend Gods good pleasure untill his endeavours may be applied with preservation of his innocency This is all I have in command from His Highness Exon. Decemb. 1. Your servant Arthur Capel And no reply hereto the King then at Oxford taking knowledge of these passages is put to the extremity of seeking it himself whether of his own inclination or pressed thereto by his Council He sends a Trumpet to the Parliament with a Letter for safe conduct for certain persons of Honour to be sent with propositions of peace which came inclosed in a Letter of Sir Thomas Glenhams Governour of Oxford and directed to the Speaker of the House of Peers Decemb. 5. C. R. His Majesty being deeply sensible of the continuation of this bloody and unnatural war cannot think himself discharged of the duty he owes to God or the affection and regard he hath to the preservation of his people without the constant application of his earnest endeavours to finde some expedient for the speedy ending of these unhappy distractions if that may be he doth therefore desire that a safe conduct may be forthwith sent for the Duke of Richmond the Earl of Southampton John Ashburnham and Jeffrey Palmer Esqs and their attendance for
him and the memory of his deceased Father His head on the Block he ended his life in these words Merciful Iesus gather my soul unto thy Saints and Martyrs who have run before me in this race He was learned in the Mystery of things Divine and Humane and in the knowledge of Eastern Tongues in History Law and Politiques and alike excellent for the intergrity of his life And preferred to this commendation by a neer observer of him that he loved the old fashion piety with his soul to explain his meaning he saies and yet Not a vain and Superstitious professor of it before others but to distinguish him a sound Protestant Professor and no new Fangler Hugh Scrimiger sometime his Servant had leave to bury his body and continuing sorrowful ere the Scaffold was taken away he passing by fell into a swound and being carried home dyed at his own door Then followed Andrew Gutlery Son to the deserving Bishop of Murrey and by his Judges hated the more for that Blair fell upon him also to repent for siding in the evil Cause He answered therefore came I here to suffer for a good Conscience and a good King which he embraced without fear and would dye without dread of death for his sins he trusted were satisfied by the merits of his Saviour to whom he recommends his soul. The last was William Murrey brother to the Earl of Tullibardin a youth of 19. years at the most who told them That this his day of suffering he accounted a meer honour to his House that he descended of that Ancient Family should deliver up his life for his good King and his Cause and desires that his Parents would not grieve at the shortness of his life being abundantly recompensed with the honourable death And so with his own and good mens prayers he suffered Execution also Montrose much troubled to hear of their deaths was extreamly importuned to sacrifice such Prisoners as he had being they said real Traytors indeed and for which Justice he had Warrant from Gods Vice-gerent the King But as he nere put any to death in cold blood as yet so he would never be said to break his word of Quarter by exchange or imprisonment All this time had Huntley trifled in Plundering as he Marched and gave way to the relief of Innerness and retreats to the Spye notwithstanding Montroses several Messages to him to return to the Siege or to joyn their Forces and to descend Southward and to oppose a new Enemy Major General Middleton Marching with six hundred Horse and eight hundred Foot as far as Aberdine but Huntley would not Although there came in to Montrose many friends and Tenants of the Earl of Seafort the L. Rose and from the farthest Northern Islâ—nds Sir Iames Mack-donel Mack-lins and Glengar the chief of Mac-renalds and many more And by this means before the end of March he might have Marched Southward with a greater Army then ever had been beheld in Scotland But for the present he surrounds and besieges Innerness for the commodious Haven and sent back three Troops of Horse to lodge about the Passes of Spye to have a Watch upon Middleton who was now eighty miles off And had timely warning to draw off from the Siege and from the Enemies strength of Horse and to Retreat beyond Nessa with some Skirmishes and equal loss and so passed by Benly into Rose and after through Long-Nasse Strath-glasse and Harrage into the bank of Sprey And being now not far from Huntley he takes a Troop of Horse and gallops to him twenty miles sending word before that he was coming to crave his Councel in the Kings affairs but Huntley took Horse and fled and the other returned the last of May. By whose example Seaford and others began to falter which put resolution in Montrose to force all the Northern Parts which he could easily doe having tried all the fairest means and failed therein for of late Middleton was entred into Aberdine with five hundred men whom Huntley had besieged and taken upon his own score in revenge to the Town which he plundered though the Kings friends and released all Prisoners that were of Middletons men Montrose busie about his Northern designe on the last of May comes a Herald from the King whose misfortune had as you have heard elsewhere cast himself upon the Scotish Convenanters Army at Newcastle this time twelve moneth 13. of May and commands Montrose to lay down his Arms and Disband and to pass over to France till his Majesties further pleasure The valiant man was amazed at this sad news being assured that they had forced this upon the Kings miserable condition with some secret hint to look to himself also But Montrose must obey and Summons all his Consederates whom he conceived this disbanding would concern and principally he sends Hurrey to Huntley that Montrose was willing to come to his Castle for to be present at this Consultation he Answered The K. had written to him of the same and that his Commands may not admit of second thoughts but to obey as he would They replyed that it was likely Montrose was of that opinion too however ever it might concern them all to provide for prevention of future mischiefs and the very joynt consult would advantage them even in the Enemies opinion He replyed that he had resolved for himself and would have nothing to doe with any body else Montrose sends his Answer to the King by Letters wherein he humbly presumed to be so far inquisitive of his condition with the Covenanters if safe in their hands whether his Majestie was stedfastly resolved to Disband that Army of friends who had exposed their lives and fortunes for his Cause whilst his Enemies were Armed in both Kingdoms what course should be taken for them and their safety not to be left to the mercy of murderous men and in a word whether his particular service might be acceptable in any other way To these he received no open Answer but had returned to him some Articles signed by the Covenanters which he in great regret refused as unconscionable and not vouchsafing to Treat therein he speeds the Messenger back to the King professing that as he had not taken up Arms but by the Kings Commission so he would have no Conditions prescribed him to lay them down by any mortal man but the King himself Therefore he humbly besought the King to sign the Conditions to which though perhaps very harsh he promised obediently to submit unto but disdained the Commands of any other Many of his Friends had underhand sought their peace with the Enemy and Huntley and his Party to please them resolved to force Montrose submission Antrim was arrived alone from Ireland without any Forces but sought to draw the Highlanders to himself calling Montrose in scorn the Governour of the Low lands But Montrose was to depart by the Articles before the first of September
which on the contrary command obedience to Princes Nor by mans Laws nor by the Laws of our Land sith the Laws of England injoyn all accusations to be read in the Kings name nor do they indulge any power of judging even the most abject subject to the lower or Commons House Neither lastly does their power flow from any Authority which might be pretended extraordinary delegated from the people seeing ye have not asked so much as every tenth man in this matter The President ever and anon as before interrupting his Speech now very unhandsomly if not insolently rebukes the King bids him be mindful of his doom affirming That the Court was abundantly satisfied of their Authority nor was the Court to hear any Reasons that should detract from their power But what saies the King or where in all the world is that Court in which no place is left for reason Yes answered the President you shall finde Sir that this very Court is such a one But the King presses That they would at least permit him to exhibite his Reasons in writing which if they could satisfactorily Answer he would yield himself to their jurisdiction Here the President not content to deny grew into anger commanding the Prisoner to be taken away The King replyed no more to these things then Remember saies he That 't is your King from whom you turn away the ear In vain certainly will my Subjects expect justice from you who stop your ears to your King ready to plead his cause The 3. daies Tryal Tuesday was in effect the same the same Demands of the Court and the like Answer of the King and so adjourn to the next morning Wednesday ten a clock but they were so busied in the Painted Chamber before in the examining of witnesses as they said that an Officer came out to the people and told them so and that they should finde the Court there upon Summons for as yet they were not resolved when to sit For it was Saturday after 27. Ian. before they Assembled and 68. of the Tryers answered to their names The President in Scarlet Robe and as the King came the Souldiers were directed to cry out for Execution of Justice Execution belike to forwarn the King of what he should now expect The King speaks first and desires to be heard a word or two but short and yet wherein he hopes not to give just occasion to be interrupted and goes on A suddain Iudgment saies the King is not so soon recalled But he is sharply reproved of contumacy The President profusely praises the pâ—â—ience of the Court and commands him now at length to submit otherwise he shall hear the Sentence of death resolved upon by the Court against him The King still refuses to plead his cause before them But that he had some things conducing to the good of the people and peace of the Kingdom which he desires liberty to deliver before the Members of both Houses But the President would not vouchsafe him so much as this favour lest it should tend he said to the delay or retardation of Iustice Whereupon the King replies It were better sustain a little delay of a day or two then to precipitate a sentence which would bring perpetual Tragedies upon the Kingdom and miseries to children unborn If saies he I sought occasions of delay I would have made a more elaborate contestation of the cause which might have served to protract the time and evade at least the while a most ugly Sentence but I will shew my self such a Defender of the Laws and of the Right of my Countrey as to choose rather to dye for them the Martyr of my people then by prostituting them to an Arbitrary power go about to acquire any manner of Liberty for my self but I therefore request this short liberty of speaking before a cruel sentence be given for that I well know 't is harder to be recalled then prevented and therefore I desire that I may withdraw and you consider They all withdraw The King to Cottons House the Tryers into the Court of Wards and in half an hour return And the President with the same harshness as he began proceeds into a premeditated Speech to hasten Sentence which the King offers reason to forbear whilst he may be heard before his Parliament and this he requires as they will answer it at the dreadful day of judgement and to consider it once again But not prevailing the President goes on wherein he aggravates the contumacy of the King and the hatefulness of the crimes he asserts Parliamentary Authority producing examples both Domestick and Foreign especially out of Scotland wherein the people had punished their Kings He affirms that the power of the people of England over their King was not less That the guilt of this King was greater than of all others as being one who according to Caligulas wish had attempted to 〈◊〉 off the neck of the Kingdom by a War waged against the Parliament for all which the Charge calls him Tyrant Traytor Murtherer and a publick Enemy to the Common-wealth and it had been well Sir saies he if that any of all these terms might have been spared if any of them at all This wrung a start from the King who astonished could not Answer but with an Interrogatory how Sir And the other goes on to argue that Rex est dum bene Regit Tyrannus qui populum opprimit and by this definition he lodges on the Kings Arbitrary Government which he saies he sought to put upon the people His Treasons he stiles a breach of trust to the Kingdom as his superiour and is therefore called to an account Minimus majorem in judicium vocat His Murthers are many all those that have been committed in all the War between him and his people are laid to his charge all the innocent bloud which cannot be cleansed but by the blood of him that shed the blood so then for Tyranny Treason Murthers and many more crimes And so as a Iudge indeed uses to Iayl birds he wishes the King to have God before his eyes And that the Court calls God to witness that meerly their conscience of duty brings them to that place and this imployment which they are resolved to effect and calls for Gods assistance in his Execution The King offered to speak to these great Imputations in the charge but he was told his time was past the Sentence was coming on which the President commanded to be read under this form Whereas the Commons of England in Parliament have appointed them an High Court of Justice for the Tryal of Charls Stuart King of England before whom he had been three times convented and at the first time a Charge of High Treason and other crimes and misdemeanours was read in the behalf of the Kingdom of England c. as in the Charge which was read throughout To which Charge he the said Charles Stuart was