Committee An Act brought in by the Councel of State for repealing the Statutes 23. El. and 35. El. Against Pretended Sectaries and the Statute 1. Jac. Recommitted Order for Payment of the Sallaries to the Judges of the Admiralty Order to borrow 150000 l. for Ireland An Act past for discharge of the Commissioners of the Excise upon their accounts Sir Henry Heyman and another re-admitted to sit in the House Upon the report of the L. Commissioner Whitlock Baron Gates by reason of his sickness was excused from riding the Circuit and Serjeant Green ordered to go Judge in his place Power given to the Commissioners of the Seal to grant Commissions of Sewers and of Charitable uses as any L. Chr. L. Keeper or Commssioners of the Seal used to do Letters that the Enemie had besieged Dublin that C. Hewson twice beat off their Parties with loss to them and came off with flying Colours that C. Jones sent to Chester for Corn. That the Enemy was within one Mile of Dublin from whence a Party skirmished with them and took one Captain Duncan Prisoner That London Derry was not in a very bad Condition 30 The Lord Commissioner Lisle being formerly by the House made Master of St. Cross Hospital did now voluntarily surrender it to the House again and they bestowed it upon the Sollicitor G. Mr. Cook and ordered Augmentations of Meanes to the Ministers and poor Brethren as the Lord Commissioner Lisle had formerly given Debate upon the Act for sale of the Kings Houses Parks c. And Voted that St. James House and Park Theobalds Park Windsor Castle and Little Park Greenwich House Castle and Park should be reserved from Sale for the use of the State And referred to the Councel of State to consider what other Houses should be reserved from Sale The New Park near Richmond was given to the City of London as a Testimony of the Favour of the House to them Order for saving the Timber in the Parks c. for the use of the Navy Letters from Cheshire that Ormond had besieged Dublin with 14000 Men and doubted not but to carry it in a short time and that divers Ministers in Cheshire did pray publickly for restoring Charles the Second to his Fathers Crowns and Honours July 1649. 2 A Letter from the Parliament of Scotland in answer to the Letter sent to them from the Parliament of England in high Language and invective against the late proceedings in England but desiring that Commissioners of both Kingdoms may meet and treat about a good Correspondency between the two Nations Referred to the Councel of State how to prosecute the Desires of the Parliament of England and to vindicate it from the Aspersions cast upon them by the Parliament of Scotland Captain Row who brought the Scots Answer had 100 l. given him Divers Orders for Mony and Approbation of the Generals Allowance of more than ordinary Pay in regard of Billet Mony A Petition of the Car-men setting forth the Oppressions and Exactions of the Woodmongers and desiring to be made a new Corporation of the Car-men referred to a Committee The 400 l. per annum allowed to Dr. Vsher Primate of Armagh continued Order for 70 to be of the Life Guard to the Lieutenant of Ireland and Mr. Owen to go his Chaplain and his Wife and Children to have 100 l. per annum in his Absence Letters that C. Jones put out all the Men Roman Catholicks out of Dublin that Ormond took in all the Country about Dublin and put Jones to great wants that Sir George Askue secured the Harbour for the Army to land from England and that most of the English joyned with Ormond Letters that five Witches were burnt at Edenburgh who had the marks upon them which they had from the Devil The Parliament of Scotland sent a Gentleman to the Queen and Chr. of Sweden to acquaint them with their Proceedings with England and their falling off from them upon their late transactions c. That they prepare for new Levies of 15000 Horse and Foot to be added to the 5000 now in being 3 Debate upon the Act for sale of the Parks Lands c. of the late King and Officers agreed upon Captain Martins Accounts stated and he ordered to have 1000 l. per annum Inheritance in lieu of his Arrears The Lord Grey's Accounts passed A Pardon ordered for some Prisoners condemed in the Circuits Referred to the Councel of State to take care for bringing in the Arrears of Londons Assessement Letters from Dublin that C. Jones sent out 12 Horse who charged 30 of the Enemy routed them and took Lieutenant Collonel Duncan Prisoner and wounded Captain Dungan mortally and that Ormond stood within half a mile looking on That divers Malignants are imprisoned and the Papists driven out of the Town but their Wives and Children stay That Jones his Men killed a Captain and a Lieutenant of Ormonds Horse took a Cornet and 4 Horse and lost a Quarter Master That Inchequin wrote to Jones to treat but he returned a sharp denyal Letters that Prince Charles near Antwerp was met by some eminent Persons and presented by the Arch Duke with a sumptuous Coach studded with Silver and six gallant Flanders Mares drawing it and six Saddle Horses of the Neapolitan Race That at Antwerp the Magistrates conducted him to a stately Pallace where he stayed two dayes and was entertained as if he had been King of Spain Letters from France that the Queen of Englands Pension was lessened there from 12000 Crowns to 7000 Crowns and no Pension allowed to Prince Charles but what his Mother gives him Letters from Scotland of the strange number of Witches executed there that the Kingdom was quiet and in great Expectation of their new King 4 The Act passed for sale of the Goods of the late King Queen and Prince part of the Mony to pay some of the Kings Houshold Debts and 30000 l. for the Navy Debate upon a report from the Councel of State for borrowing 150000 l. of the City for the Service of Ireland Vote that the Letter from the Parliament of Scotland to William Lental Esq doth disobliege the Parliawent of England to proceed with Scotland to a Treaty and referred to the Councel of State to draw up a Declaration upon this and the former Scots Letters Letters of 1660 Barrels of Beer with other Provisions proportionable ready at Bristol for the Souldiers designed for Ireland Letters that Captain Harris with the Phenix Frigot had rescued divers Prizes taken by the Jersy Men. 5 Orders for Mony for lame Souldiers and the Widdows of Souldiers slain Mr. Steel was chosen Recorder of London in the place of Mr. Glyn. Divers Surveys returned of Deanes and Chapters Lands The Train of Artillery and Ammunition was shipped for Ireland 6 The Account of the Lieutenant of Ireland approved and he discharged The Lord Commissioner Whitelock did voluntarily surrender the place of Attourney of the Dutchy
Harvey with their Parties and many Voluntiers joyned with General Essex in his advance for the relief of Gloucester At Plymouth Mr. Alexander Carew a Member of Parliament and Governour of the Island there had a design to betray the Town and Island to the King But his own Souldiers discovering it seized upon their Governour to send him up to the Parliament and the Women were so enraged against him for his perfidiousness that it was difficult to rescue him from their execution The House by Vote disabled him from being a Member and the like they did for Sir John Harrison Sir Henry Anderson and Mr. Constantine of whom they were informed that he designed to betray Poole into the King's hands And these and divers other Members of the House being disabled and the new Great Seal finished they ordered that new Writs should be issued forth to the several places for which they served to choose new Members in their room Sir Edward Bainton another Member who deserted the Parliament and went to the Isle of Wight where he spake opprobrious words against them was put in Prison The Town of Lyn in Norfolk declaring for the King the Earl of Manchester with three thousand Horse and fifteen hundred Foot draws to them and blocks up the Passages to them by Land The Earl of Warwick did the like by Sea General Essex made the slower marches towards Gloucester being forced to keep his Army together in a continual posture of Defence for he was daily skirmished with by the Lord Wilmot who attended all his Removes with a Body of two thousand and five hundred Horse His Majesty understanding that Essex advanced apace towards the relief of Gloucester sent to him a Trumpet with some Propositions to be treated on But Essex too much acquainted with such small designs to hinder his march returned a speedy Answer That he had no Commission to treat but to relieve Gloucester which he was resolved to do or to lose his life there And his Souldiers hearing of a Trumpeter come with Propositions to treat they cried out for a long time together with loud acclamations No Propositions no Propositions And so the Trumpeter was dismissed The Ordinances for the Covenant and for the Excise were at a Conference delivered to the Lords as having past the House of Commons the Covenant was read to the Lords with the Explanation upon it and the Fifth Article touching the Pacification omitted and Ireland added The Ordinance for the Excise with some Amendments of the former was read to the Lords and their Concurrence to both desired which was given by them the next Morning Sir John Hotham and his Son were examined in the House touching their Treasons and committed to the Tower Sir William Brereton took Eccleshall Castle and defeated a Party of the Lord Capel's Forces under Colonel Hastings Two of the City Regiments were ordered to march out and joyn with Sir William Waller The Major General of his Army was Colonel Potley an old Souldier under the King of Sweden Gustavus Adolphus He was of such repute with that Crown that when he took his leave of them to come for England the Chancellor Oxenstierne by command of the Senators when they all sate in Council sent for this Colonel to come in to them and told him That he having been an ancient Servant to that Crown and who had done gallant Service for them they held him in the Rank of their Children and therefore by command of the Senate he put about the Colonel's Neck a rich Gold Chain with a Medal of the late King his Master to wear in Memory of him He told him that the Senate had ordered Two thousand Dollars to defray his Expences and Four thousand Dollars to bear his Charges to his own Country and to keep him still a Servant to that Crown and that he might eat of their Bread as long as he lived they had given him a Pension of Two thousand Dollars per annum during his Life Essex proceeded in his march to Gloucester and when the Enemy fell upon any of his Companies as they often did Essex relieved them fought with his Enemies and made his way through them The King understanding his near approach to Gloucester and finding his own Souldiers not forward to fight Essex as the King intended He upon Sunday and Monday the third and fourth of September drew off his Carriages and removed the Siege and on Tuesday morning Septemb 5. 1643. went over Severn with all his Army the way to Bristoll Essex came to Gloucester Septemb. 6. and sent four Regiments who entred the Town and himself the next day finding the Siege totally raised he sent Three thousand horse to attend the King's march and keep his Forces in a body that they might not plunder the Country er else to fight them Upon the coming of the Earl of Newcastle towards Beverly the Lord Fairfax finding the Town not tenable and the Inhabitants ill affected to the Parliament he drew off all the Carriages and Souldiers from thence to Hull and Newcastle entred and possessed Beverly The Mayors of Barnstable and of Bidiford in the West betrayed these Towns to the Lord Digby's Forces The Lords sentenced Judge Berkley to pay Twenty thousand pounds Fine and to be disabled from bearing any Office in the Commonwealth for his Judgment in the business of Ship-money The Lord Maitsland Mr. Henderson and another Scots Commissioner with Mr. Hatcher and Mr. Nye arrived in London and their Letters of Credence from the States of Scotland were read to the Lords and Commons with the readiness of the Scots to assist the Parliament This Business was referred to a Committee of both Houses to Treat with the Scots Commissioners upon their Propositions and at two Meetings all was agreed The Lords assented to the Covenant with the Alterations made by the Commons and the Scots Commissioners assented to them likewise The King sent his Proclamation to Scotland forbidding them to Treat any further with the Parliament of England or to give them any Assistance Newcastle's Forces from Beverly quartered about three miles distance round on the Lands-side of Hull upon whom Sir Thomas Fairfax made a sally out of Hull killed many and took fifty Prisoners The Town of Portsmouth petitioned that Sir William Waller might be their Governour and it was left to the General Essex to give him a Commission accordingly The Speaker acquainted the House with Letters he received from France That an Army of Twenty thousand was ready at S. Malloes to be shipped for Bristoll to assist the King The News of the King 's raising the Siege of Glocester occasioned various Discourses of that Action all men both Friends and Enemies agreed that Essex herein performed a very gallant Souldier-like Action And most men were of opinion that when the King went to Gloucester if he had marched up to London he had done his work For at that time the Parliament had
no considerable body of an Army and their party in some divisions but by the time of the King's march and stay at Gloucester they had recruited their Army provided Money and pieced up their Discontents among themselves The City of Excester having held out three Months Siege for the Parliament their Powder and Provisions failing them surrendred to the King's Forces upon Conditions which were broken by the Enemy as those at Bristoll were Both Houses ordered Supplies for Gloucester Essex followed the King and sends for Sir William Waller to hasten to him At Cirencester Essex beat up the King's Quarters drove Sir Nicholas Crispe and Colonel Spencer out of the Town with their two Regiments of Horse and took thirty Cart-loads of Victuals and about 400 horse Captain Brooke being discovered by his Mariners to have a design to betray the Ship which he commanded to the King the Sea-men clapt their Captain under Deck and discovered his Plot to the Earl of Warwick their Admiral Lyn in Norfolk was surrendred to the Earl of Manchester There was a Skirmish between the King 's and Essex his horse near Hungerford in Berkshire about 80 on both sides slain of the King's part the Marquess Delavive Essex surprized a troup of the King's horse and that night quartered at Hungerford the Marquess his Corps was brought into Hungerford and afterwards ransomed by the King's party for 500 pieces Sept. 19. Essex marched toward Newbery his Army in great want of Victuals both for men and horse to whom the Country thereabouts was ill affected and would bring in nothing to them without Compulsion The whole body of the King's Army had possessed themselves of the Town of Newbery on their right hand they had the advantage of the River and a hill half a mile from the Town where they had planted their Ordnance so that there was no passage to them but with great disadvantage and by a narrow Lane Yet Essex finding his Souldiers full of mettle and resolved to force their way he in person led them on first charged the Enemy with his own Regiment and the Lord Roberts his Brigade of horse and began the fight about six a clock in the morning Sept. 20. which continued with very hot service till ten or eleven a clock at night The Parliament forces beat the Enemy from all their advantages got the Hill from them pursued them to Newbury and out of the Town again but the night coming on they no further could pursue them and though the King's forces especially the horse which consisted most of Gentlemen made gallant resistance yet this place not being proper for their fight their foot were thus beaten and in the night they drew off their Ordnance and marched away leaving Essex Master of the Feild who kept it that night and part of the next day When night drew on the Enemy both horse and foot stood in good order on the further side of the green where they fought and the Parliament's forces expected they would have ingaged them the next day but the King's forces drew off by night The Parliament Souldiers had the Pillage of the dead bodies both parties performed their service with great manhood and animosity especially the King's horse who yet were worsted and the Earls of Caernarvan and Sunderland who commanded part of them were slain in the fight The Lord Falkland Secretary of State in the morning of the fight called for a clean shirt and being asked the reason of it answered that if he were slain in the Battle they should not find his body in foul Linnen Being diswaded by his friends to goe into the fight as having no call to it and being no Military Officer he said he was weary of the times and fore saw much misery to his own Countrey and did beleive he should be out of it ere night and could not be perswaded to the contrary but would enter into the battle and was there slain His death was much lamented by all that knew him or heard of him being a Gentleman of great parts ingenuity and honour courteous and just to all and a passionate promoter of all endeavours of peace betwixt the King and Parliament From the time of Essex his remove from his quarters at a Village called Chilton near Hungerford to the end of this Newbery fight there were of the King's part slain above 2000 besides the three Lords and divers other Officers of Note On the Parliaments part were slain about 500 Colonel Tucker and the Lieutenant Colonel of Essex his Regiment and one Captain more of Horse in this Service the London Regiments did their parts with much Courage and Gallantry Essex advanced from Newbery towards Reading to refresh his men and no enemy appeared till they came to Theale a Village four miles from Reading where a party of the King's horse fired upon the rear of Essex's Army as they marched up a Lane near to Theale and they had a hot skirmish for the time about 60 of the King's horse were slain and about eight of the Parliaments the rest of the King's party retreated and the Parliament forces took up their quarters at Reading The Lords and Commons sent a Committee to their General at Reading to complement him and congratulate his great successes and to inform themselves what supplies were wanting for the Army that they might be speedily provided They sent another Committee to acquaint the City with the happy Success of the Army under General Essex and to treat with them about supplies of money ammunition and other necessaries to be forthwith sent down to the Army They also took order to stop the passes between London and Oxford to prevent the King's Intelligence and supplies of money and ammunition whereof they understood he was in great want Sept. 25. Both Houses with the Assembly of Divines and Scots Commissioners met in St. Margarets Church Westminster where Mr. White one of the Assembly prayed an hour to prepare them for taking the Covenant then Mr. Nye in the Pulpit made some observations touching the Covenant shewing the Warrant of it from Scripture the examples of it since the Creation and the benefit to the Church Mr. Henderson one of the Scots Commissioners concluded in a Declaration of what the Scots had done and the good they had received by such Covenants and then he shewed the prevalency of ill Counsels about the King the Resolutions of the States of Scotland to assist the Parliament of England Then Mr. Nye in the Pulpit read the Covenant and all present held up their hands in testimony of their assent to it and afterwards in the several houses subscribed their Names in a Parchment Roll where the Covenant was written the Divines of the Assembly and the Scots Commissioners likewise subscribed the Covenant and then Doctor Gouge in the Pulpit prayed for a Blessing upon it The House ordered the Covenant to be taken the next Lords-day by all persons in their respective
Treason against the four Judges and to consider of a way to vindicate the Lords and Members of the Commons so indicted Several more forces about 1500 landed from Ireland in Wales and Sir William Brereton wrote to the Parliament that some of them were of the Rebels and the Lord Byron is joined with them The like power was given to Sir William Brereton and Sir Thomas Middleton for sequestrations and levying of moneys in Wales as was given to the Earl of Manchester in the associate Counties Five hundred of the Prisoners taken by Sir William Waller at Alton took the Covenant and served under him The Parliament wrote to General Essex to advance with his Army to joyn with Waller Essex answered that he held it not convenient for their Service and a little discontent began to kindle betwixt him and the House of Commons and the Committee of Safety The Commons ordered that none should elect or be elected Common Council men or Officers in London but such as had taken the Covenant The Commissioners of the Great Seal sate in the Queens Court Decemb. 22. and sealed above 500 Writs so desirous were people to have the course of Justice to proceed Colonel Brown is made Major General of the City Forces appointed to go to Sir William Waller Essex sent 600 Horse to Waller and removed his Army from St. Albans to Windsor to be the more in readiness to assist Waller and divers Kentish Forces came in to him and he sate down before Arundel Castle Duke Hamilton proscribed in Scotland gets to Oxford and there is committed close Prisoner an unhappy or unsteady man and by this you see the uncertainty of Greatness and of Princes favours Sir John Meldrum and Sir William Savile took in the Fort at Barton and after that Gainsborough for the Parliament about 600 Prisoners some of them Officers of Quality store of Arms and Ammunition The Parliament sate on Christmas day 1643. The Earls of Bedford and of Clare came from Oxford back again to the Parliament A Letter was intercepted from Oxford to Sir Peter Killegrew which brought him into suspicion Colonel Hutchinson Governour of Nottingham Castle acquainted the Parliament with an offer of the Earl of New Castle to pay him 10000 l. and to make him a Lord and Governour of that Castle to him and his heirs if he would deliver it to him for the King which Hutchinson refused The Scots Army of about 12000 advanced near to Berwick and publish a Declaration as they march of the justness of their undertakings in assistance of the Parliament Major General Skippon took Grafton House and in it Sir John Digby with 20 Officers of note and Horse and 200 Foot Arms and Money Some differences fell out at Coventry between the Earl of Denbigh and Colonel Purefoy a Member of the House of Commons they were both sent for to London and reconciled Many of the Protestants in Ireland refuse to submit to the cessation and joyn with the Scots Forces The King of Denmark providing to send assistance to the King of England and sending for men to the King of Poland to infest the Swedes the Letters being intercepted the Swedes enter Denmark and take sundry places there Colonel Fiennes was sentenced by the Council of War to be beheaded for the surrender of Bristol The King issued a Proclamation for adjourning the Parliament to Oxford and all the Members who had deserted the Parliament or been disabled met at Oxford General Essex came to London from St. Albans and was not well pleased with some Members and proceedings of the House of Commons Jan. 1643. The Earl of Bedford lately come from Oxford to the General to St. Albans was sent to London and committed to the Black Rod. Prince Maurice his Forces before Plimouth received a blow from the Garrison and the Princes men falling sick of the Camp Disease whereof many died he raised the siege Colonel Boswell with 800 Horse from Coventry took by storm Sir Thomas Holt's House 80 Prisoners store of Goods Money and Plate General Essex sent a new Commission with further powers to Sir William Waller which pleased the House of Commons A Plot was confest of setting on work a Petition from the City to the King for peace and to invite his Majesty to London and the Plotters were committed to Prison Mr. Riley a Clerk belonging to the Records in the Tower was committed for intelligence with Oxford The King sent Proclamations to the several Sheriffs to adjourn the Parliament to Oxford and to summon the Members of that County to appear at Oxford 22. of this month whereupon the Commons order their House to be called the same day Another Proclamation from the King was to adjourn the next Term and all the Courts of Justice from London which the Proclamation calls the Rebellious City to Oxford but the Parliament forbad it Arundel Castle was surrendred to Sir William Waller to mercy there were taken in it Sir William Ford High Sheriff Sir Edward Bishop Colonel Banfield and divers Gentlemen of Sussex 50 Reformades 1200 Prisoners with their Arms Money and with Pillage The Parliament imparted to the City at a Common Hall the late discovered Plot to make a difference between the Parliament and City to divert the Scots advancing hither and to raise a general Combustion under the pretence of Peace Sir Bazil Brooke and Mr. Riley were chief agents in this Plot. The Lord Byron took in Beeston Castle in Cheshire for the King The Parliament ordered the Commissioners of the Great Seal to issue forth a Proclamation for holding the next Term at Westminster and all Judges and Officers to attend here under pein of sequestration and forfeiture of their Offices The Lords sent to the Commons to hasten the impeachment against the Queen A new Ordinance of Excise passed The Lord Goring's Letter to the Queen was intercepted by which he gives her an account of Supplies of Money and Arms coming from France to our King that Monsieur Harecourt was to treat with the Parliament as the King should direct him and that all but two or three Jewels of the Crown were now pawned for money Upon this Letter and other Informations the Commons impeached the Lord Goring of High Treason and ordered the Letters of the French Ministers of State to be brought to the Committee of Safety A Party of Horse under Colonel Ashton in Lancashire marching to joyn with Sir William Brereton were by the way surprized and routed by the Lord Byron Brereton upon this alarm fell upon the Rear of the Lord Byron's Forces and killed and took many of them Major Brookban was shot to death for deserting his Colours and revolting to the King The Parliament wrote to Monsieur de Harecourt at Oxford to acquaint him with their grounds of stopping the Pacquet from France and with the Lord Goring's Letter from thence One Lord and Sir H. Mildmay and Sir William
another Committee be named to whom this may be referred VVhilst we differ upon the Committee we lose the Business and do not pursue Peace I am perswaded Sir you can hardly name any Committee either within or without these Walls but would be ready to take pains to effect this good work Unless it were those who have said That if this War be well managed it may last twenty years But those were not English-men and although we have Irish French Dutch and Walloons as well as other Papists ingaged for the settlement of the Protestant Religion and Laws of England Yet I am perswaded that his Majesty and you mutually indeavouring as it is both your Interests none can hinder it It is true that these Foreigners help to open the Veins wider but a Peace will rid us of them and stop the Issue of Blood but if it bleed on still we must faint and perhaps become a prey to Foreigners Sir I humbly move that we may endeavour without more loss of time to satisfie the Lords with reasons that it is fittest to have this matter referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms Yet if their Lordships shall not be satisfied herein let us consent to name another Committee rather than to suffer so desirable a business to be protracted Let us consent to any thing that is just reasonable and honourable rather than in the least to neglect to seck Peace and to ensue it The Commons appointed a Committee to draw up Reasons to satisfie the Lords that it was fittest to refer this Matter to the Committee of both Kingdoms The Lord Howard of Escricke had an allowance out of Sequestrations in satisfaction of his Losses and the first Precedent herein was of a Lord. Captain Weere going with a Party from Lyme was surprised by the King's Forces and most of his men taken Prisoners and carried to Collington and divers killed Captain Thomas Pyne having Intelligence thereof went out the same Night with a Party of the Garrison of Lyme to Collington where he found them in Jollity for their Success and falling upon them he took the Colonel several inferiour Officers about sixty Souldiers and many Horse and Arms and rescued all their Prisoners Prince Rupert with a great body of Horse came unexpectedly upon the Parliaments Forces before Newark so that they had no time to prepare to receive him yet Colonel Rossiter Major Lilburn Captain Bethell and Hunt gallantly charged and routed the Right Wing led by the Prince Other of the Parliaments Forces did not play their parts so well but five hundred of them deserted the great Fort before they were assaulted secured their Arms and went away to Lincoln By which means the Prince became Master of that Fort and of the Island and there intrenched himself and cut of Provisions from the Besiegers which made them render upon Articles which were not observed The Parliament lost there three thousand Arms and nine pieces of Ordnance and the Enemy rejoyced much in this action The occasion of this defeat was the want of a good Agreement amongst the Officers before the Town who took upon them more power than belonged to them several of them striving to be chief in command and all thereby were the more careless and unprepared to resist the Enemy The Ordinance passed for compleating and maintaining the Lord General 's Army to consist of seven Regiments of Foot each of 1000 Souldiers divided into eight Companies and the General 's Regiment to be of 1500 Souldiers and divided into twelve Companies and to have six Regiments of Horse each to consist of 550 Troupers and divided into six Troups Instead of nine great Ships not so usefull in the Navy it was ordered to fit up twelve Merchant Ships The Commons ordered the Lord Mayor and Militia of London to provide a Store of Corn for the City An Ordinance passed for contribution of one Meal a Week for the Auxiliary Forces Colonel Harvey was sent forth with his Regiment of Horse to Sir William Waller Captain Swanley took a Bristol Ship laden with Arms and Ammunition for the King The Scots took a great Fort over against Tinmouth which commands all Ships coming in or going out of New Castle and five pieces of Ordnance Arms Powder and some Prisoners and lost but nine men Colonel Cromwell Governour of the Isle of Ely had the like power for levying money there for his Forces as the Earl of Manchester had in the associated Counties General Forth and Sir Ralph Hopton having drawn together the strength of the King's Forces in those parts marched towards Sir William Waller who with Sir William Belfore Sir Arthur Haslerig and others had got together about 10000 Men. Both Armies lay within a mile of each other about four miles from Winchester and two or three days faced each other and had some light Skirmishes between the Horse and William Waller's Men took about thirty of the enemy and slew one Captain and an Irish Rebel March 29. Both Armies fell on upon each other the King's Forces having the advantage in the number both Parties fought very gallantly and stoutly the London Forces and Kentish Men with Waller and Sir Arthur Haslerig and Belfore did very brave service and after a sharp Fight the Parliament Forces totally routed and dispersed the King's Army The first of the King 's that are said to run away were two Regiments of Irish the other Foot Regiments fought stoutly on both sides and came up to push of Pike the London Regiments drave the Enemy from the Hedges which they had lined with Musquetiers and gained the passage to a Wood which stood the Parliament Forces in great stead and shortly after put the Enemy to a Rout which was so total that scarce ten of them were left together Their General Forth and Sir Ralph Hopton fled to Bafing House their Ordnance Arms Bag and Baggage left to the Parliament about 500 of them slain besides those in the pursuit closely followed by Sir Arthur Haslerig The Lord John Brother to the Duke of Lenox was slain and many Officers of the King's Party of the Parliaments Party about 100 Men slain Colonel Dalbier wounded and Colonel Thompson's leg shot off The News hereof as it was joyfull to the Parliament so it took off much of their rejoycing at Oxford for the relieving of Newark and raising of the siege there Anno 1644. April 1644. The Parliament ordered a day of publick thanksgiving for the good success which it pleased God to give to their Forces hear Winchester Ships were ordered to lie to hinder the landing of the Irish Captain Swanley secured Milford Haven Haverford West and all Pembrokeshire for the Parliament The Irish Rebels enter'd into a Catholick Covenant and sent their Agents to the King to have a free Catholick Parliament and they had countenance at Oxford The Commons took course for making of Gunpowder The Scots and New-Castle's Army often faced each other and had some
better securing those Counties for the Parliament The City freely agreed hereunto and resolved to send out another Brigade of horse and foot under Major General Brown to joyn with the Forces of these three Counties The Earl of Warwick relieved Lyme with Provisions and Ammunition which they greatly wanted and with some of his Seamen helped to keep the Line Prince Maurice stormed the Town but Captain Ceely the Governour and his Garrison with the Seamen made such a Defence that sixty of the Prince's men were slain two Captains and many of his Souldiers taken prisoners and but eight men lost of the Garrison in this storm The chief Commanders before Lyme were Prince Maurice the Lord Pawlet and Sir John Borlace with about 2500 horse and foot in all The next day but one they began again to storm the Town and came on with as much bravery and resolution as could be performed by English men against English-men and they were as gallantly received by the Garrison and 400 of the Prince's men were slain on the place and not above seven of the Garrison All this was certified to the Parliament by Letters from the Earl of Warwick to whom a Letter of thanks was sent from both Houses for his great Service in relieving this Town and they ordered 1000 l. per an to the Town out of the Lord Pawlet's Estate and full satisfaction to the Inhabitants for their losses and the Lord General was desired to send a party to relieve them It was much wondred at that this Town could so long hold out being of little strength more than by the courage of their men and situate low under a Hill which was of great advantage to the Besiegers and they were sometimes brought unto such streights that their Water was noisom with the bloud of those slain and they much wanted provision of Victuals and Ammunition which the Earl of Warwick supplyed He also certified the Parliament that he had taken two Pinnaces at Sea one bound for Bristoll valued at 18000 l. A Troup of the Earl of Dallensie's Regiment marched to the Walls of York killed thirty and took thirty four Prisoners sxity Horse and forty Oxen and Cows from the Garrison General Lesley and the Earl of Manchester intrenched on each side of York very near to the City and the Scots took and fortified a Windmill near the Town though the Garrison made 200 great shot at them The Parliament ordered the Lord General to pursue the King and Sir William Waller to march into the West which was contrary to the General 's liking and it was thought strange that the Committee of both Kingdoms would at that distance take upon them to give particular Orders for the Services and course of their Armies March and not rather to leave it to the chief Commanders that were upon the place and who upon every motion of the Enemy might see cause to alter their Counsels This increased the jealousies and peeks between the General and Waller both gallant men but the General thought himself undervalued and Waller was high enough Nor did there want Pick-thanks to blow these coals of jealousie and this proved unhappy to the Parliament Affairs as will appear afterwards Mr. Hungerford a Member of the House of Commons was committed for going to the Anti-Parliament at Oxford Colonel Massey took in Tewksbury and in it Lieutenant Colonel Mynne and many Prisoners Powder and Ammunition and slew several inferiour Officers A Battery was made at the Windmill-hill at York five pieces of Ordnance planted which shot into the Town and did much hurt the Lord Eglinton with four thousand Scots entred some of the Gates and made a passage into the Mannor-house A strong party sallying out of the City were beaten back with loss General Leuen with his Regiment took a Fort from the Enemy and in it 120 prisoners the Garrison burnt up much of the Suburbs The Archbishop came again to his Tryal and the Matters against him were Touching his Ceremonial and Popish Consecrating of Churches and concerning the Book of allowing Recreation on Sundays The Earl of Manchester having made a Mine forced the great Fort at York where all the Defenders were slain and taken and but ten or twelve Scots lost The Earl of Newcastle sent to General Leuen to know the Cause of his drawing thither Leuen answers That he wondred Newcastle should be ignorant thereof that his intent was to bring that City to the obedience of the King and Parliament and therefore for avoiding further effusion of blood he summoned him once more to render the Town The Earl of Newcastle Sir Thomas Widderington and other chief Commanders with a strong party sallyed out of the Town endeavouring to escape but were driven back into the City from whence they shooting at a Tent where Leuen was took off part of the Tent but did no other hurt Sudley Castle in Glocestershire was yielded to Sir William Waller at mercy and taken in it nine Captains twenty two inferiour Officers and all the common Souldiers of whom a hundred and fifty took the Covenant and listed themselves for the Parliament they took here likewise 4000 l. worth of Cloth The same day Colonel Purefoy with the Warwick Forces took Compton-house and in it 5500 l. in money and five or six Pots of money more found in a Pond all their Arms four hundred Sheep about a hundred head of Cattel and great store of Plunder The King's Forces as they hasted to Worcester broke down the Bridges after them to hinder the pursuit of them and many of them crouding to get over Pursow Bridge the Planks left for their passage brake and about sixty of them were drowned The Commons again desired the Lords Concurrence to the Ordinance for secluding the Members who had deserted the Parliament and assisted their Enemies but the Lords were not yet satisfied therein A Party continued before Greenland-house An Ordinance passed for the relief of the maimed and sick Souldiers and for the Wives and Children of those who were slain in the Service of the Parliament The King sent from Bewdely a party of three thousand Horse to relieve Dudley Castle besieged by the Earl of Denbeigh who coming suddenly upon the Earl he sent out a Forlorn commanded by Colonel Mitton who charged the Enemy so home and was so far engaged that the Earl's friends advised him to draw off as fast as he could to save himself and the rest of his Company the Forlorn being given over for lost and the King's Forces far in number exceeding the Forces of the Earl But the Earl would not so leave his Friends ingaged but in person led on his Party and charged the Enemy so hotly that they retreated in disorder and the Earl rescued and brought off his Forlorn and the Enemy lost about a hundred of their men besides many Officers and common Souldiers taken Prisoners by the Earl and lost but
and Mr. Herbert came from the General to the Parliament and made report to the Commons of the General 's progress in the West as before mentioned and that the General came to Bedman in Cornwal they desire the House to take care for supplies for the General 's Army and that Forces might be sent to be in the Rear of the King's Army Sir Peter Osborn and Sir Thomas Fanshaw for deserting the Parliament whereof they were Members were discharged of their Offices which were conferred upon others A party of the Lord Robert's Brigade was sent to pursue Greenvile and his Army which was about 3000 strong and fell upon him at Lestithiel in Cornwal killed divers of Greenvile's men and took many Prisoners The General took in Foy a Haven and place of importance with several ships there and in all 17 pieces of Ordnance and summoned the Countrey to come in to his assistance By Letters from the Lord Inchequin Lord Brohale and Burchet from Ireland they certify the Parliament That they had thrust the Rebels out of most part of the Port-towns in Munster that many considerable places there have declared for the Parliament and that those Lords have 12000 men in Arms for the Parliaments service they desire some supplies and send over a Declaration of the Protestants there against the cessation The City of London petitioned that obstructions in Justice might be removed that Delinquents might be proceeded against speedily and that the City debts might be paid out of Delinquents Estates General Hastings for the King sent out a party to relieve Wink field Manor besieged by the Earl of Denbigh and Sir John Gell who marched out with 500 Horse sent them lately by Sir William Waller fell upon the Enemy killed many of them and took 150 Prisoners The Earl of Calender with some of the Scots forces took in Hartlepoole in the Bishoprick of Durham and Stockton places of importance for the Parliament and another party of the Scots under Sir John Meldrum besieged Leverpoole in Lancashire The French Ambassadour sent a Letter to the Speaker wherein he acknowledged that the Parliament at Westminster was the Parliament of England and informed that he had a Message to them from the King his Master this was referred to the Committee concerning the Dutch Ambassadours The Commons gave 150 l. gratuity to the Governour of Lyme and some provision of money formerly ordered for Glocester was transferred to Plymouth which was ill taken by Colonel Massey Several Ordinances past for giving power to Committees in several Counties and the Irish Remonstrance was permitted to be printed Commissary Copley was inlarged upon bail A Committee of the Lawyers of the House were ordered to consider of the plea of the Archbishop upon the Act of Oblivion and to report their opinions to the House Captain Moulton did some service for the Parliament in Pembrokeshire The Earl of Antrim landed in the North of Scotland with 2500 Irish and the Marquess of Argile went to resist them with a considerable Army General Leven advanced toward Newcastle to joyn with the Earl of Calender in besieging that City Colonel Massey having drawn out his Forces against Berkley Castle Colonel Myn with about 700 of the King's Forces entred Glocestershire and began to spoil the Countrey and to streighten Glocester Massey wheeled about and fought with them slew Colonel Myn and about 100 of his men and Lieutenant Colonel Mercy and took one Colonel four Majors divers inferiour Officers and about 300 common Souldiers Of his part Colonel Hartley was shot in the Arm some others wounded but not above three men slain Orders were made concerning relief to be sent to Ireland and for supplies of the Earl of Manchester's Army and the Forces of Sir William Waller Colonel Middleton sent up to the Parliament from Sarum many Copes Surplices Tippets Hoods Plate and the Picture of the Virgin Mary taken in the Minster there other Relicks being divided amongst the Souldiers Colonel Doddington with a party of the King's Forces came to Dorchester and was repulsed by Major Sydenham The Commons ordered 250 l. out of the Lord Capel's Woods to the Window of Colonel Meldrum slain in their service and 50 l. to another like Widow They gave power to Waller for exchange of Prisoners except such as had been Parliament men and some others A party of about 1600 from Oxford came to surprize Sir William Waller's Forces at Abington but were repulsed and Sir Richard Grimes and some others of them slain and about 40 taken Prisoners The three Generals and the Committeeresiding with them had a meeting and consultation how to dispose of their forces for the service of the Parliament and agreed upon several considerable things and concluded That if any of the three Armies should be in any distress upon notice thereof all the others should come in to their assistance The Parliament in Scotland voted the Earl of Montross and other Lords taking part against them to be traitours and confiscated their Estates The King being joyned with the Lord Hopton and Prince Maurice followed General Essex into Cornwal and drove away all the Cattel and took away all the Provisions to streighten the Parliaments Army The Parliament ordered Lieutenant General Middleton with the 3000 Horse now with him to march with all speed to the assistance of the Lord General and 4000 Horse more to be sent speedily after him but it was too late Upon the motion of the Assembly of Divines a day was appointed for publick humiliation to implore the assistance of God for the prosperous undertaking of the Lord General Divers of the County of Lincoln were desirous that Colonel King might be restored to his Commands in that Countrey Colonel Hastings coming to plunder some Carriers at Belgrave was beaten back with losse by a party from Leicester The Earl of Calender took Gate-side and blockt up Newcastle on that side beating back a party of the Garrison that sallied out upon him and General Leven marched towards him Sir Thomas Middleton and Sir William Brereton took about 320 Horse of Prince Rupert's Regiment 60 Prisoners many Arms and much Pillage Colonel Ashton took 200 of the Earl of Derby's Horse near Preston Letters came from the Lord General from Lestithiel in Cornwal and in them a Letter inclosed from the King to the Lord General dated Aug. 6. with another Letter from Prince Maurice and the Earl of Brainford the King's General dated Aug. 9. and another Letter from the Lord Hopton and most of the King 's chief Officers to the Lord General The King's Letter was with more than ordinary mildness inviting the General to join with him in that which is both their aims to make the Kingdom happy and to ingage the King to him in the highest degree and if any shall oppose them to make them happy against their wills and promiseth great rewards to him and his Army The Letters from the others were
of maimed men carried off and in the Town about 100 only slain and many wounded When the Besiegers went away they left behind them 1000 Arms. A hundred and fifty a Week died of the Plague in Bristol 20. the business of the Church Order for payment of the Arrears of the Earl of Essex and an Ordinance past for settling 10000 l. per an on him in consideration of his great Services and losses Order for 3000 l. a Month for the Forces under Col. Welden and Col. Graves who relieved Taunton And a Letter of Thanks ordered to Sir John Meldrum and 500 l. more to be bestowed on him and for Pay for his Forces and the constant payment of 200 l. per an to Owen O Conelli that discovered the Rebellion in Ireland The business of Trade and the Admiralty referred to the Committee of the Navy A Consultation by a Committee with the Common Council of London about the reducing of Oxford Sir Tho. Fairfax advanced from Newbury to Blewbury and thence to Witney thence to Newnham 3 miles from Oxford Cromwell and Brown called back to joyn with him He took three Carts loaden with Canary Wines 40 Horse and their Riders of the Oxford Forces and pursued those that escaped to the walls of Oxford The King went towards Shropshire Sir William Brereton drew off from Chester to prevent the King 's surprizing of his Forces The King's Party took Hawkesley House in Staffordshire and carried the Garrison being 80 Prisoners to Worcester 21. A Petition from Lynne upon which an Order for repairing the Works there and care taken for money for Provision for Cambridge and for the Works there and 100 l per Mens for the Committee of the Eastern Association for their Clerks and extraordinary charges Order for raising the Arrears of the Scots money from those Counties The exchange of Colonel Fielding approved A Petition against the Monopoly of Merchant Adventurers referred to a Committee 22. Order for a Committee of the House to joyn with a Committee of the City to consult about the designe of reducing Oxford and for money for it Order for money for Windsor Garrison Ordinance for the Government of Newcastle sent up to the Lords Sir William Brereton raised his siege of Chester and drew into Lancashire to joyn with the Scots Forces and the King's Forces relieved Chester Captain Stone fell upon the rere of the King's Army at Woolverhampton killed 16 and took 26 horse and their Riders Next day Captain Stone fell upon their quarters at Newport took 60 horse and killed a Captain and 20 others next day he killed 3 took 4 Prisoners and some horses Sir Thomas Fairfax blocked up Oxford and at several times took of them about 100 Prisoners and Arms. 23. An impeachment for breach of privilege uncivil'y and violently using a Member of the House was ordered to be brought in Money provided for charges of the siege of Oxford A fortnights pay ordered for M. Vrrey and his Officers Order for auditing the Accounts of the Officers under Sir William Waller now left out of the Establishment The Lords adjourned two days in the Week and sent to the Commons that they intended to doe so and it was moved in the House of Commons that they might doe the like but carryed in the Negative not to adjourne two days in the Week and the like for one day 24. Upon a Petition of the maimed Soldiers and Widdows of those slain who were very impetuous for more maintenance the House added 501. a Week to the 2001. a Week formerly given to them The House sent earnest Letters to the Scots Army and Messages to the Scots Commissioners to hasten the advance of the Scots Southwards to joyn with other Forces to pursue the King's Army A Messenger discovered to have counterfeited a Letter from the Lord Inchequin of a great Victory in Ireland and that it rain'd bloud at Dublin upon Examination he confest he did it in hopes to get a gratuity from the Parliament and was committed for it A Collection for the Town of Taunton where so many of their houses were burnt and so much of their goods spoiled 26. Ordinances for raising monies sent to the Lords Collonel Barker Governour of Coventry desired that by reason of his sickness and old age he might surrender that charge and the Committee of Coventry Petitioned that Captain Willoughby might succeed him which the Commons agreed and sent to the Lords for their consent Charges for Convoyes of monies ordered to be paid and pay for the Forces in Derbyshire Sir John Morley and divers Aldermen of Newcastle disfranchised and new Majestrates there appointed Letters from the Forces before Oxford informed that Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Marston about a mile from Oxford where Cromwel and Browne met him that their foot were quartered near their horse guards and perdues within twice Musket shot of the Works That the King's Forces drowned the Meadows as much as they could and fired the Suburbs burnt a Corn Mill and a Garrison at Woolvercot and intended to have burnt the Towns round about but that Sir Thomas Fairfax's Forces possessed them that as he was viewing the Works a Cannon bullet from the Garrison came very near him but did no hurt and then he came within twice pistol shot of the Works but they were sparing of their Powder that the Soldiers were intrenching of their head quarters and making a bridge over the water That they intercepted some Letters and took Philpot the Herold and some Doctours that were fearful of a siege that the Lord Cottington Earl of Dorset and all the Lords and Gallants in Oxford bear Arms that they quenched the fire and took the Deputy Governour and all the Arms and Ammunition at Woolvercot Captain Flemming going beyond his Commission and by the unruliness of his horse who carried him among the Enemy was mortally wounded by a shot in the belly The Sickness continued very hot in Bristol 27. Order for Lord General Cromwel to goe with a party to the Isle of Ely and to endeavour to prevent the King's coming into that association Ordinances for money for Ely and for the siege of Oxford Order for Colonel Paine to have two Regiments and pay for them in the North. An Ordinance past to inable the Committee of Oxon Berks and Bucks to take voluntary Contributions for the additional Forces for reducing of Oxford An Ordinance past for raising monies out of Delinquents Estates The Scots Army retreated again Northwards suspecting the advance of the King's Forces that way Letters from Edenborough informed that M. G. Vrrey routed Montrosse's Forces who retreated to Aberdeen and that 2000 were slain on both parts 28. The Monthly Fast In the Evening the House sate and had Letters from Mr. Dormer That Colonel Massey with about 800 horse and 600 foot took Evesham after an hours storming with the loss but of five Souldiers and two Officers and about
no mistaking That it was resolved as a thing of ceremony and respect that they should make Visits but not to any of those who were excepted persons and to refuse them being in the Enemies quarters they thought not fit That they agreed that by way of discourse they should endeavour all they could that the Propositions might be granted in general that the King should allow them the Title of Parliament next the Government and settlement of the Church and lastly the Militia That they did agree that in all their discourses this should be the subject matter and that they should press the obtaining of them That Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke did acquaint the Committee that they had an intention to visit the Earl of Lindsey and he thinks the Earl of Southampton and very suddenly after they did acquaint them that they had been there and of a long discourse which they had together That to say particularly what the discourse was he could not charge his Memory but in general it was the discourse that past at that meeting That he remembers but one visit they spake of and it was a part of their agreement to acquaint one another with all the circumstances of their visits That the Earl of Lindsey and the Earl of Southampton and he thinks the Lord Savile were named by Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke to have been at that Meeting That he was told by them among other things that they had little hopes that they should have satisfaction in their desires That he doth not remember any mention of a Paper given in by them to the Earl of Lindsey That the Intelligence they had there was various some had hopes of a good Issue of the business others had not That Mr. Pierpoint had ill relations of the Commissioners to their disparagement And at the Conference with Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke there were very ill characters given of them He desired that nothing might be taken as positive from him concerning persons After the Earl of Denbigh the L. Wenman told the Committee that there was an agreement among the Commissioners of the Parliament at Oxford as the Earl of Denbigh had related it to pay Civilities and Visits to those that were civil to them but not to any who were excepted in the Propositions from Pardon That he remembers not whether they did agree to press the granting of the Propositions any of them more than the others onely by discourse among themselves that they should press those that were of most difficulty to be granted That they were acquainted by Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke with their visiting of the Earl of Lindsey That to his best remembrance they said the Earl of Southampton and the Lord Savile were there and mentioned the particulars of their discourse but he did not remember them nor that they acquainted them with any hopes they had of having the Propositions granted He remembred that Mr. Hollis said a little before their coming out of Town that he had a Paper again which he spake publickly That in their discourse they did insist principally and they found it was thought fit to do so upon the Propositions concerning Religion and the Militia and he did think that the Earl of Lindsey was spoken of when Mr. Hollis said that he had a Paper again That he and Mr. Whitelocke were coming by All Souls College and he intended to visit Sir Thomas Aylsbury but hearing that Sir Edw. Hyde was there who was a person excepted Mr. Whitelocke did forbear to goe in thither Others of the Commissioners who were at Oxford with the Propositions did declare themselves to the same effect that the Earl of Denbigh and the Lord Wenman had done and so the Committee rose 14. The Assembly presented to the House a Book which they had examined full of Blasphemies and Heresies but that since the Printing of it the Authour was dead and they desired the House would put some publick example of Justice upon it The House referred to the Committee of Examinations to find out the Printer of this Book to be proceeded against according to Justice and ordered that all the Books should be brought in by the Booksellers and be burnt by the Hangman and they gave thanks to the Assembly for their care in this business A List was sent to the Parliament of the Persons slain and taken by Sir Thomas Fairfax at the Battle of Langport of Goring's part 2 Quarter Masters General 60 other Officers and 200 Soldiers slain and 100 drowned Goring Sir Thomas Aston and others wounded Prisoners taken the L. General of their Ordnance 3 Colonels 40 other Officers and 1900 Souldiers and 2000 Horse 31 Cornets of horse 20 Colours of foot 4000 Arms 2 Field pieces and 3 loads of Ammunition Of Sir Thomas Fairfax his part were slain 2 Reformado Captains a Captain Lieutenant and about 50 Soldiers Colonel Cooke Major Bethel and about 16 of his Troop wounded A day of Thanksgiving ordered to be kept for the Victory at Langport and the Ministers desired to remember the goodness of God in preserving this City from the plague A Collection ordered to be on that day for the poor plundered people of the West Sir William Ermine and Mr. Berwis two Members of the House who had been Commissioners in the North had the thanks of the House for their good Service there Major General Pointz met with a party of the King 's from Sandall Castle killed three of them and took 16 of them prisoners The Scots Commissioners here gave notice to Mr. H. and Mr. Wh. by their friends that they had certain intercepted Papers and Letters of the Lord Savile's which he was sending to Oxford and the chief scope and end of them was to be informed from thence whether Mr. Hollis or Mr. Whitelocke kept intelligence with the Duke of Richmond the Earl of Lindsey or any others of the King's party that he might have the more whereof to accuse them here It was thought fit by their friends that the Scots Commissioners should be desired to acquaint the House of Commons with the Papers upon which it should be moved there to refer them to the Committee for the Lord Savile's business and the same was done accordingly This afternoon that Committee met and these Papers were brought unto them by the Lord Wareston and another of the Scots Commissioners with a Complement expressing their desire to serve the Parliament in any thing within their knowledge and power The Papers being read to the effect before mentioned the Lord Savile was called in and the Papers shewed to him and he owned them to be his hand Being asked what Warrant he had to hold intelgence with the King's party at Oxford he being now within the Parliaments Quarters and come in to them He answered that he was authorised to do this by the Sub-committee for private and secret intelligence for the Committee of both Kingdomes Being again asked who of
Enemy quitted a Garrison at Sir Peter Bymes house that Col. Hammond being ready to fall on to Storm Pouldram Castle the Enemy made but one shot and instantly cryed for Quarter That the Generals Courtesie and fair usage of those at Dartmouth did win much upon the People made other Garrisons to yield the sooner and divers to come in to the Parliament that all the Cornish men in Dartmouth being a hundred and twenty had their Liberty freely given them and two shillings a man to bear their Charges home and those that would take up Arms for the Parliament had three shillings a man That Greenvile was sent Prisoner to Silley by the Prince for refusing to obey the orders of Hopton the General That Sir Tho. Fairfax sent a Summons and honourable propositions to Sir John Berkly the Governor for the surrendring Exeter to him to the use of the Parliament to avoid the effusion of blood and ruine to the Inhabitants To this the Governor returned an answer full of Resolution and denyal to which Sir Tho. Fairfax made a reply in vindication of the Parliaments Honour and his 3. Upon debate of the Kings last Letter the Commons voted that it was unsatisfactory in the whole and referred it to a Committee to draw up an answer to it and to the former letter and a Declaration concerning this matter to the Kingdom Order for two hundred pound per An. for Doct. Walker Advocate to the Admiralty and that if he went to Sea he should have twenty pound per An. extraordinary Order to audit Arrears of Soldiers to be paid to their Wives and Widows A thousand pound to be paid to the Train of Artillery of the Earl of Essex and Sir William Waller Many came out of Exeter to the Parliaments Army twenty in a company 4. A Ship from France came into Dartmouth supposing it had been still in the Kings hands but finding his mistake he submitted to the Parliaments Forces and threw into the Sea a packet of Letters which he had and the next Flood the Packet came to Shore and was sent by Col. Lambert to Sir Tho. Fairfax and by him to the Parliament In it were read in the House Letters from the Queen to the King against the sending of the Prince into Denmark but rather to send him into France where a match was propounded for him with the Duke of Orleances Daughter Other Letters were from Jermyn Goring and others mentioning great Sums of Money and an Army from France to be ready against the Spring to come over to the King that Montrois and the King would joyn and march into the West Intercepted Letters from Ireland were sent up to the Parliament by Col. Mitton whereby they had good intelligence of the Affairs there Reference to a Committee to consider of Propositions for reducing North-Wales Orders for an Exchange of Mr. Denham for M. Harris and about a new Election News came of the surrender of Belvoir Castle upon Articles and Sir Jervase Lucas the Governor left there one piece of Ordnance store of Arms and Provisions 5. The day of Thanksgiving Letters came to the Speaker from Sir William Brereton That his care of preserving Chester the most considerable City in those parts from ruin invited him to entertain a Treaty which was continued ten days and delayed by the enemy hoping for relief for which there were strong preparation by conjunction of Ashtey Vaughan and the Welsh and Irish Forces and those Irish newly landed That he sent forth a strong party under Col. Mitton who prevented their conjunction and then those in Chester hopeless of Relief came to a Treaty That he was contented to have the more Commissioners that the Soldiers might be the better satisfied with that which was agreed unto by some of their own Officers and the Officers would be the more careful to keep their Soldiers to the observation of it They in Chester desired farther time for the Treaty to be continued but Sir William Brereton refused it and thereupon they came to an agreement on both parts to surrender the City to the Parliament upon Articles in it they had all the Arms Ammunition Ordnance and Provisions the County Palatine Seal Swords and all the records c. 6. The Letters from Sir William Brereton read Orders for setling that Garrison and that Alderman Edward of Chester be Colonel of the Regiment of that City A long Petition from the Common Council of London a day appointed for the Debate of it Two Members of the House sent to Gravesend to examine Mr. Murray one of the Bedchamber to the King taken coming from France Col. Whaly with some Forces of the Adjacent Counties besieged Banbury Castle 7. Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace A Petition from the Common Council of London to the Lords of the same effect with that yesterday to the Commons A Party of about eighty Horse and forty Dragoons were sent from Leicester under Mr. Meers to Ashby who marched with such speed and privacy that they came to Ashby about eleven a Clock that night undiscovered surprised the Sentinels fell in at the Turn-pike broke the Chain and entred the Town They took a hundred Horse rich Prize and Pillage Plundred the Town rescued divers Gountrymen Prisoners there and returned to Leicester without opposition 9. Votes for supplys for the Protestant Forces in Ireland The Office of Lieutenant of the Ordnance for the Tower continued Colonel Needham appointed to be Governor of Leicester Order for a new Election and for Money for Col. Mittons Forces A Petition from the Inhabitants of Westminster and Middlesex That the Militia might not be setled as was desired by the London Petition was referred to the same Committee 10. Progress in the propositions of Peace Order for a new Election of Members M. G. Browne had the thanks of the House Sir William Lower and Captain Dunbar who revolted from the Parliament referred to be tryed by Martial Law A day appointed to consider of easing the people under the sufferings of Committees Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax had made two Bridges over the River at Exeter block'd it up on all sides and planted Guards round the City and was within Musquet shot of their Works that he sent forth a Brigade to attempt the enemy at Barnstable News came of Preparations at Oxford upon some new design and that the Nobility there were assembled and it was propounded to them to assist the King in his War this Summer and that his Majesty declared to live and die for the Priviledges of his Crown his Friends and Church Government 11. Progress in the business of the Church Mr. Murray committed close Prisoner to the Tower and to be more strictly examined A Complaint against some Scots Horse referred to be examined Intercepted Letters and some taken at Dartmouth in characters were deciphered by Sir Walter Earle and he had the thanks of the House for it The Garrison of Newarke sallied out
between the two Nations and all jealousies removed That the Priviledge of Parliament may be so qualified that men may recover their Debts That the publick Revenues may be imployed to publick use and the Taxes of the City abated That the compositions of Delinquents may be imployed to pay the Debts owing to the City and Citizens That Plymouth Duty may be taken off That the Committee at Haberdashers Hall may be dissolved That the reducing of Ireland may be considered That the Letter of the Parliament of Scotland to this City may be returned That the City may enjoy the Militia as it was presented at Uxbridge Treaty That Quatermaine may be punished for his affront to this City That the Lord Mayor may be vindicated That none of their expressions in this Remonstrance may be interpreted as charging any thing upon any Members of the House or intrenching upon their Priviledges and profess their readiness to serve the Parliament The Lords returned answer acknowledging the great Services and Merit of the City and giving them thanks for the testimony of their Duty and good Affections The Commons had a long debate upon this Petition many expressed great offence at it and that the City should now prescribe to the Parliament what to do and many sober men were unsatisfied with this action of the City and looked upon it as wholly a design of the Presbyterian Party and it was not liked They came at last to this Answer That the House had debated their Remonstrance and Petition and would take it into Consideration in convenient time A Committee appointed to receive an Information of importance from a Member of the House The King sent orders to the Marquess of Montross to disband his Forces Lieutenant Col. Coffes-worth was slain by a shot from Oxford A Pass was desired for the Lady Aubigney to go forth of Oxford but was denyed Radcot House was surrendred to the General Col. Whaley Besieged Worcester and Col. Morgan besieged Ragland Castle 27. The Monthly Fast day A Petition from the Ministers of Essex c. that Church-Government might be setled answered that it was in consideration Order to revive a Committee for examination of divulging and maintaining Heresies 28. The Lords passed an Ordinance for taking away the abuse and delay in writs of Error A Conference about the disposal of the Princess Henrietta Debate about compositions of Delinquents and many Ordinances passed the House for them 29. A long report and debate touching the transactions between the Parliaments Commissioners and the Scots before Newarke The Kings Letter to the Governor of Oxford to surrender that Garrison upon honourable terms was read and voted unsatisfactory and not to be sent Some Sallys were made out of Worcester upon the Besiegers but they were driven back Sir Trevor Williams fell upon the Ragland horse at Vske killed about sixteen of them and took twenty Prisoners and the next day he siezed upon eighty of the Kings horse as they were grazing under the Castle wall the Garrison burnt the greatest part of Ragland Town The Forces before it of Col. Morgan Major General Laugherne and Sir Trevor Williams were in all about five thousand 30. A further report from the Commissioners who resided in the Scots Army before Newarke of their transactions with the Scots and of several Papers and Petitions and of divers complaints against some of the Scots Forces for plunderings and misdemeanours of the Scots and proof thereof by Witnesses examined The House approved what the Commissioners had done and gave them thanks for their good service herein and Ordered a Committee to peruse those Papers Petitions and Examinations and to make a full report thereof and touching the Scots surrender of the English Garrisons in their hands Thus the matter of discontent began to increase betwixt the two Kindoms the Presbyterian Party here sought as far as modestly they could to support the interest of their Brethren of Scotland Others did not spare to aggravate matters against them the General was much inclined to the Presbyterians Cromwell and his Party were no friends to their designs of conformity but carried their business with much privacy and subtilty The House proceeded upon the propositions for Peace and voted to have the Militia in the hands of both Houses of Parliament not complying with what the King desired herein Many Sober men and lovers of Peace were earnest to have complyed as far as in safety they might with what the King proposed from Nen-Castle but the Major Vote of the House was contrary and for the most part the new elected Members took in with those who were averse to a complyance with that which his Majesty propounded and their number swayed very much upon the questions June 1646. June 1. Letters of the sufferings of the Northern parts by the Scots Army who instead of eight thousand pound per men have charged nine thousand pound a Month and the refusers or persons not able to pay are plundered and cruellyused referred to a Committee to state the matter to the House They desired the Lords concurrence to their former vote That this Kingdom hath no further need of the Scots Army A Paper from the Scots Commissioners here desiring present Moneys for their Army auditing of their Accounts and payment of their Arrears referred to a Committee to draw an answer to it Progress upon the Propositions for Peace The General sent honourable conditions to the Governor of Oxford who desired a day or two to consider of them the General had all things ready for a Storm Charles Fort was surrendred to Col. Welden for the Parliament upon Articles Major General Mitton Besieged Caernarvon Denbigh Flint and Holt Castles 2. An humble acknowledgment and Petition of many thousands of London was presented to the House setting forth the power of Parliaments and the labours and successes of the present Parliament which causeth the more opposition against them Prayes them to proceed in managing the affairs of the Kingdom according to their own best wisdoms and the trust reposed in them and to punish Delinquents and procure Peace And that they would never suffer the free born people of this Kingdom to be inslaved upon what pretence soever nor any other to share with the Parliament or to prescribe to them in the Government or Power of this Nation That the Petitioners will stand by the Parliament with their Lives and Fortunes This was a Counter Petition to the former from the City and now the designs were to make Divisions Arms beginning to fail The Petitioners were called in and had thanks for their good affections Ludlow Castle was surrendred to the Parliament Progress in the business of the Church Hudson escaped from New-castle the French Agent was busie there 3. Order for pay for the Garrison of Henley Orders for Money for Reading and Abbington Garrisons The Ordinance for Church-Government sent up to the Lords Referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to
the several Committees to advance the coming in of the Excise The Assembly presented to the House the last part of the Confession of Faith 4. Petitions of the suffering Gentry of Durham and of Richmond-shire by the insupportable burdens of the Scots Army upon them ordered to be considered Debate upon the Ordinance for the Assesment for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army and a Proviso to exempt the Northerne Counties from the Tax laid aside and another to exempt Colledge Rents the Ordinance sent up to the Lords Order to state the Accompts of Major General Massey now a Member of the House 5. Order to send down the hundred thousand pound to York for the Scots Army and for Sir Tho. Fairfax to send a Convoy with it An Ordinance sent to the Lords for redemption of the Captives of Algiers Great endeavours were to get hands to a Petition of the City of the former strain and to settle the Presbytery and suppress Sectaries c. contrived by some to raise Divisions 7. Debate about the latter part of the Confession of Faith and five hundred Copys of it ordered to be Printed for the Members of both Houses and that the Assembly do bring in their Marginal Notes to prove every part of it by Scripture and their Answer to the Queries touching the point of jus Divinum A Committee of both Houses appointed to consider of the business of the Petition now in Agitation in the City which may tend much to indanger the Peace of the Parliament and City and to find out some expedient to preserve the Peace Order for the Committee of both Kingdome to conclude the Treaty with the Scots Commissioners about the marching of their Army out of England Order for a new Election Order to send for the Bishop of Worcester Sir William Russel and the Mayor in Custody Order for a thousand pound for Phisitians and Chyrurgions to look to the maimed Soldiers Order to free the Libraries and other things in Oxford useful for Learning from Sequestration Letters from Ireland informed that the Lord Digby told the Nuntio there that he had done ill service to the King and the Nuntio told him thrice he lyed Four thousand pound allotted for Ireland 8. A full Agreement with the Scots Commissioners that when an hundred thousand pound comes to Topcliffe the Scots shall give Hostages to quit all their quarters possessions and Garrisons on the South of Tyne within ten days and then the Hostages to be re-delivered and upon delivery of the other hundred thousand pound on the North of Newcastle the Scots to deliver Hostages to march out of England Berwick Carlisle and the Garrisons in Scotland to be slighted within ten days For the second two hundred thousand pound the Scots are to have the publick Faith and nine hundred pound was allowed to the Tellers of the two hundred thousand pound and sixteen hundred pound for the charge of the carriages of it Vote That all who shall raise Forces against the Parliament or either House hereafter shall dye without Mercy and have their Estates confiscated And in all these Votes the Lords concurred Supplys for the Northern Forces Orders touching Compositions of Delinquents Upon suspition of a Plot to surprize York Major General Pointz drew in his Forces into the City General Leven and Sir James Lumsden Governor of New-castle published a Proclamation that all who had born Arms against either Kingdom should depart the Town and all quarters of the Scots Army within twenty four hours 9. The Fast day After Sermons the House Pass'd the Ordinance for the better observation of the Lords day 10. Debate touching Compositions Petition of Col. Whaley that the Earl of Newcastle unjustly possessed an Estate of three hundred pound per An. of the Colonel's Father and prayed that he might have that Estate upon Sale in lieu of so much of his Arrears which being proved the House ordered accordingly Order that Delinquents Tenants for Life might compound for one years value Letters of the French Ambassador stopped ordered to be re-delivered to him For Col. Purefoy to have fifteen hundred pound of his Arrears and for Sir Walter Earle to have seven hundred and fifty pound Order for new Elections The City Petition formerly mentioned was presented to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Council the Petitioners had thanks were desired to return home in Peace and the Petition referred to a Committee of the Aldermen and Common-Council 11. Upon debate in the Grand Committee a sub-Committee was appointed to bring in an Ordinance to take away all Coercive power of Committees and another to take away all Arbitrary Power from both or either of the Houses of Parliament or any of their Committees in any matter between Party and Party Upon Recommendation of Sir Thomas Fairfax the House voted Major General Skippon to be Governor of New-castle and Tinmouth and to keep still the Command of Bristol by a Deputy and to command in Chief the Convoy of the two hundred thousand pound Upon extraordinary confluence of Delinquents and Papists to London An Ordinance pass'd both Houses to put them out of London and twenty Miles distant for two Months Upon a Petition of reduced Officers an Ordinance was appointed to be brought in for sale of Delinquents and Papists Estates to pay the Petitioners in such manner as the sale is to be of Bishops Lands Debate about the Answer to the Queries touching jus Divinum and about Mr. Dells Sermon 14. Desires of the Scots Commissioners touching the Payment of the last two hundred thousand pound debated but not granted Letters from Newcastle informed of the continuance of Delinquents in great numbers thereabouts of a Dunkirk ship come to Tinmouth and a Book there Printed in answer to the Assembly of Divines and for Episcopacy That some of the Malignants there were apprehended by the Major That two thousand men were to be shipped from Holland French and English for England under the Duke of Lorraine to be General and Prince Rupert to be Lieutenant General to assist the King That this is procured by the French Ambassador now with his Majesty and that he hindred the surrender of Dublin to the Parliaments Commissioners 15. Sir David Watkins reported upon the Exchange that Sir Jo. Evelyn a Member of the house said that since the Citizens of London intended to come to the Parliament with their Petition in a tumultuous and unlawful manner that he thought fit Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army should be sent for to quell those Mechanick Spirits This testified by Mr. Pennoyer and thereupon Sir David Watkins was sent for to answer this Scandal Referred to the Committee of the North to name six Knights and six Esquires for the House to choose of them three Knights and three Esquires to be Hostages for payment of the Money to the Scots and care taken for sending down the Money Vote for Mr. Bence to be a Commissioner of the Navy Ordinance
grievously Wounded lay there and Starved 14. Letters to Collonel Mitton to hasten the slighting of the Garrisons in North-Wales A Committee appointed to draw Instructions for Commissioners of both Houses to press the King to grant the Propositions Upon a Petition of the reduced Officers of the Lord Fairfax and a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax Order for a fifth part of their Arrears to be paid to them 15. Difference about the alterations in the Ordinance for Oxford University and an Order about a fitting maintenance for the Heads of Houses there Upon a Petition of some of the Bishops Order for the Committee to dispatch the reference to them about maintenance for the Bishops and an Order to deface all Superstitious Monuments and Scandalous in both Universities and that the Committees for Ireland do meet daily about that business An Ordinance past the Commons giving power to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common-Councel of London to choose thirty one persons of the City to Govern their Militia for one year Mr. Devereux newly returned a Member of the House for Wales was suspended being a Delinquent and a Charge against him 16. Orders for mony for Ireland and for four thousand pounds for the Lady Brooke and her Children whose Husband Sir William Brooke was slain in the Parliaments service and for five hundred pounds for Mr. Sanderson for his service and losses Allowance for the Treasurers to Goldmiths-Hall and Licence to Sheriffs to reside out of their Counties 17. Letters from Saffron Walden certified That the General with the Parliaments Commissioners and two hundred Officers of the Army had conference about part of the Army going for Ireland that the Earl of Warwick one of the Commissioners spake with many Exhortations to the Officers to accept of the terms and undertake for Ireland setting forth the necessity concernment and honour of the service That the General did much incourage the Officers to ingage for Ireland That Collonel Lambert in the name of the Officers desired to know what satisfaction the Parliament had given to the four Quaeries concerning Arrears Indemnity Maintenance in Ireland and Conduct That Sir John Clotworthy one of the Commissioners said they were all answered except that of Indemnity whereof the Parliament would take care and had given Instruction to the Judges not to receive any Indictment against Souldiers for things done in tempore loco belli till the Ordinance could be brought in Then it was moved concerning Commanders and answered That Major General Skippon and Major General Massey were named by both Houses to be General and Lieutenant General Collonel Hammond said that if they had assurance that Major General Skippon would go he doubted not but a great part of the Army would ingage with him It was cryed out All All Fairfax and Cromwel and we all goe Some few of the Officers subscribed to go for Ireland most of the rest signed presently a Declaration to the same effect as formerly and to Authorise Lieutenant General Hammond Collonel Hammond Collonel Lambert Collonel Lilburnc Collonel Hewson and Collonel Rich to declare their sence and to act for them 19. The House Sat not Letters come from Holmeby that the Dutch Ambassadour had Audience of the King and acquainted him with the death of the Prince of Orange The Earl of Lotherdale and Dumferling came to London with Commission to joyn with the Parliaments Commissioners in persuading the King to Sign the Covenant and Propositions 20. Apprentices of London came to the House for answer to their former Petition for days of Recreation the Commons referred it to a Committee to draw up an Ordinance to abolish all Festival-days and Holy-days and to appoint the second Tuesday in every Month a day of Recreation for all Apprentices Schollars and Servants with limits against Tumults Disorders and Unlawful Sports Referred to a Committee to settle Augmentations for Ministers in Dorchester A Bayliff Committed for Arresting a Servant of Mr. Speaker Debate about the Government of the Church by Presbiteries The City propounded for security for two hundred thousand pounds last desired to be borrowed of them the remainder of the Bishops Lands Papists and excepted persons Estates and the Excise in course which was agreed unto Order for twenty thousand pounds for Ireland The proceedings of the Commissioners to get Forces for Ireland proved not so effectual as was expected That generally they were unwilling to go unless the General and their other Commanders went with them The General sent a Letter to every Regiment to persuade them to ingage in this Service 21. Order for the third part of the Arrears of the Scots Officers be abated for free Quarter Horse and Arms c. The Lord Rich referred to his Composition Instructions sent up to the Lords for the Commissioners to go to the King to persuade him to Sign the Propositions c. Another for Collecting the Arrears of the Bill of four hundred thousand pounds upon the County of Bucks Order for Pay to the Messenger of both Kingdoms and fifty pounds apiece above it and for Pay for Sir Thomas Fairfax's Messenger An Ordinance Read for payment of mony long since borrowed of Mr. Steward Several Votes of either House Communicated to each other touching security for the two hundred thousand pounds and touching scandalous persons The Councel of War in Ireland Sentenced Collonel Brocket worthy of death and his Regiment was conferred on Collonel Monke That the Souldiers are in very great want there and the Lord L'Isle very careful to get Supplies for them and to do service 22. Letters informed the great resort of people to the King to be cured of the Kings-Evil Whereupon the House Ordered a Declaration to be drawn To inform the people of the Superstition of being Touched by the King for the Evil. And a Letter of thanks Ordered to the Commissioners at Holmeby Progress about the business of the Church Order for a Declaration for payment of Tithes and other Duties to Ministers and for Presentations to Benefices A Petition of a Merchant of Hull for ten thousand nine hundred pounds owing to him by the State referred to a Committee and Ordered that he have four thousand pounds in the mean time Report of the Transactions with the Army about going for Ireland The Argiere Duty continued for one year Labour to get the Souldiers ingage for Ireland proved not effectual 23. Votes pursuant to Truro Articles The Lords differed from the Commons about the Security for the two hundred thousand pounds to the City of London Officers that undertook for Ireland were of Horse seventeen of Dragoons seven and of Foot eighty seven but they could get only a few of their several Troops and Companies to go with them Much Debate about Disbanding of the Army or sending the Army intirely into Ireland and other motions the result deferred to another time 24. The House was Adjourned 26. The Commissioners returned from the Army presented to the House a List of
Forlorns of both Parties incountred and the Parliaments Horse were forced to a disorderly retreat the Enemy pursued with their whole Body upon the reserve of the Parliaments who received their Charge and after a hot dispute routed them Captain Taylor singly incountring Sir John Owen after he had broken his sword upon his head closed with him dismounted him and took him Prisoner and his party immediatly sled There were killed of them thirty and Sir John Owen with divers others of Quality and sixty private Souldiers taken Prisoners four of the Parliaments Souldiers were Slain and divers Wounded and many Horses Killed on each side Order for two hundred pounds for Captain Taylor and gratuities for divers others and for disposing of the Prisoners Letters of an Agreement betwixt the General and the Kentish-men and that the five revolted Ships are willing to submit upon an Act of Indempnity which the General hath promised them That Sir Thomas Feyton was taken Prisoner at S. Edmonds Bury the Lord Goring Sir Charles Lucas and the Lord Capell coming to them increased in numbers in Essex whereupon the Lord General Fairfax advanced to Gravesend intending to pass over his Men there into Essex 12. Order upon Letters from the Governor of New-Castle for fifteen hundred Pounds for that garrison and that no free Quarter should be taken but only of such as refuse to pay their Assessements and Letters thereof to be written to the Commitees Order for those Gentlemen who formerly attended the Duke of York to attend the Duke of Gloucester and four more added to them and two thousand five hundred Pounds per annum for maintenance of his Family Letters from Colonel Sir Hardresse Waller of his disarming some in Exeter Major General Lambert advanced to Langdale who retreated expecting Assistance from Scotland A Souldier of Hemsley Castle was offered a hundred Pounds in hand and five hundred Pounds more and to be knighted if he would betray the Castle to the Kings Forces but he discovored the Plot and the Agents were apprehended Pontefract Castle was besieged by eight hundred Horse and Foot but at a distance the Kings party there being two hundred and fifty Horse and four hundred Foot The Committee of Lancashire ordered four Regiments of Foot and two of Horse to joyn with Major General Lambert laid an Assessement of three thousand Pounds to advance them and kept a day of Fast to pray to God for his blessing upon them 13. The House approved of the Articles of Canterbury and what the General had done in reducing of Kent A day of thanksgiving appointed for the good success in Kent and a Narrative thereof to be read in Churches Orders touching compositions of Delinquents A Report made of a Design to surprise Nottingham Castle but the Governor Captain Poutton surprised and took Prisoners the Complotters Letters from the Head quarters that Ireton Rich and Hewson's Regiments had reduced Canterbury wherein were three thousand Armes good Horse and twenty four Colours and the other Castles The General sent by Letter an offer of Imdempnity to some revolted Ships at Deale but a Boson told the Trumpeter that brought the Letter that they did not owe the Parliament so much service as to write answer to any that came from them and so the Ships set Sail and went away That the General put over his Forces with much trouble at Gravesend into Essex where Colonel Whaley and Sir Thomas Honywood with two thousand Horse and Foot of the Country joyned with him who kept many from going to the King's Party Among others fourscore Horse out of London most or all Gentlemen intending to be as a Guard to the Prince of Wales when he came in their March met with some of Whaley's Horse many of them killed and taken the rest dispersed among them were four Brothers three of whom were killed or mortally Wounded and the Country-men took many Prisoners That Goring marcheth about four thousand whereof six hundred Horse and about two thousand five hundred are well armed that he touched at Lee's and took horses guns and Arms of the Earl of Warwick's and marched from thence toward Colchester That many of Essex came in to the General who wrote to Suffolk to pull up Bridges and cut down Trees in the way to hinder the March of the Enemy Whitelock reported to the House the appointment of the Judges for the next summer Circuit 14. Order for the tryal of Sir John Owen and the rest of the chief Actors in his business An Ordinance past for forty two thousand pounds for arrears of disbanded Officers and Soldiers Order renewed that such as shall take up Arms without the authority of Parliament shall dye without mercy A Letter ordered to the States of Holland for apprehending three revolted Ships gone for Holland and an order for payment of part of their arrears to others of the revolted Ships that were come in again upon the Act of Indemnity A Committee appointed to draw up a Declaration touching the business of Kent 15. Ordered That the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall do Print all their Receipts for Compositions and how the Moneys have been disbursed that the aspersion upon the Parliament may be cleared of their receiving many millions by compositions for which they could give no account And that the Order should be printed that none shall pay their fifth and twentieth part but Delinquents An additional Ordinance committed for putting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication An ordinance transmitted to the Lords for putting the County of Radnor into a posture of defence A Committee appointed to take order for twenty persons of the Kings party to be apprehended and sent down to the General to be kept in like harsh usage as Sir Willian Masham and others sent down by the Parliament are kept in by the Lord Goring until they be exchanged Orders concerning Saltpeter 16. Ordinance past for putting Papists and Delinquents out of the Lines of Communication and twenty Miles from London and four days time given them to depart the Town and that Delinquents who have not presented their compositions and sequestred Ministers shall be taken to be within this Ordinance An affront to Sr. Henry Mildmay by a Foot-man of the D. referred to a Committee to be examined Letters from Colchester That the great ones had a purpose to escape had shipped their Goods but were prevented by the Parliaments Horse and Dragoons who took in Marsey Island and Fort by which they intended to escape and by land their body cannot stir That many of the Townsmen came away to the General whose Soldiers are inraged against those of Colchester for the loss of their Commanders That the General hath five hundred Prisoners most of them taken from the gates of the City that Sir William Masham and the rest of the Committee are detained Prisoners by Goring That the Enemy buryed sixty of their slain men in one Church-yard
and Major General Lamberts Forces were near one to another but did not ingage There being extreme violent Storms of wind and rain which did much hurt six Prisoners in Tinmouth Castle escaped letting themselves down through a Privy-House by Ropes and several Sheets tyed together Letters from Dublin that Colonel Monk and Colonel Hungerford with eight hundrd men took the Field and stormed Ballahor Castle which they gained and besieged Nabor Castle From Chester that the Lord Byron was out with three hundred men and advanced towards Anglesey 8. A Letter came from the Prince to the Speaker of the House of Peers without any mention to be communicated to the Commons in which Letter the Prince takes notice of the progress made as to a personal Treaty and desires 1. That the Treaty be in such a place and manner as may consist with the honour freedom and safety of his Majesty his Father so that the agreement many not be blemished with any face of restraint 1. That the Treaty be between the King and his two Kingdomes of England and Scotland that things may go on fairly to all persons concerned therein 3. That during the Treaty there be a general cessation of Arms that the affection of the People of this and the other Kingdom be not lessened by Acts of hostility 4. An ordinary moderate subsistence during the Treaty may be agreed upon for all Forces on Foot and which in no sort must go unmentioned for the Scots Army now in England and so as may be with least pressure to the Northern parts And if the two Houses will agree to these things he will endeavour to his utmost power with his Father for a good agreement He concludes with a desire that a course may be taken to content him and his Ships now in the Downes with mony and Provision that so he nor they may not hinder the City trade and discharge the Ships he hath now in hold One of those Ships taken by the Lord Willoughby who was Vice-Admiral of the Prince his Fleet had in her near twenty thousand Pound in Gold which she brought from Guiney most of it belonging to M r Rowland Wilson the Father and Son and their partners The Lord Willoughby did affirm that when the Earl of Warwick with his Fleet came near to the Prince his Navy the Lord Willoughby and some others were earnest to have fought the Parliaments Fleet and had some assurances given them that several of the Earl of Warwicks Ships would have revolted to the Prince But that others about the Prince disswaded him from Fighting pretending the danger to his Highness person and carryed it by that argument again Fighting whereas in probability and as the Sea-mens affections then stood if they had fought the Parliaments Fleet had been indangered A Petition was presented to both Houses from the Common Council of London desiring 1. That the King may be free from his restraint 2. Invited to a Treaty 3. That all Acts of hostility by Sea and Land may by command of King and Parliament cease 4. That the Government of the Church may be settled according to the Covenant 5. That distressed Ireland may be relieved 6. The People of England by disbanding all Armies eased 7. The Liberty of the subject restored 8. The Laws of the land established 9. The Members of both Houses injoyned to attend 10. That the self-denying Ordinance may be effectually observed 11. That speedy consideration be had of such Merchants whose Ships and goods are staid by those with the Prince in the revolted Ships and that some expedient may be thought of for discharge of all Ships that trade be not destroyed The Lords gave thanks to the Common Council the Commons appointed a Committee to draw up their answer A Petition to the Commons from the reduced Officers that there may be a speedy settlement of Religion the King Parliament and Kingdom in a Parliamentary way by a free and personal Treaty according to the late desire of the City of London and that all Officers and Souldiers without exception whose accounts are not stated may have them audited Order for payment of the Petitioners arrears out of their discoveries and for a Committee to give them further satisfaction and to make payment to the Non-commission'd Officers of Sir Robert Pyes Regiment of their arrears Order for M r Ailburton who brought Letters to the King from the Committee of Estates in Scotland to stay here for a month for the Kings answer Major Huntington made Oath in the Lords House that the Narrative given in by him was true and would be attested Letters from Colchester Leaguer that twenty or thirty a day run from the enemy and the last day a whole Guard together came from them that their Wine and Raisons are near spent so that the Common Soldiers get none That they killed thirty Horses to powder them up and have the Bloody-flux much among them that they have drawn off their Guns from the Wall some say they will carry the Parliament Committee with them into the Castle and cut their throats if they may not have conditions for themselves The General sent a Letter by a Drummer to the Lord Norwich Lord Capell and Sir Charles Lucas about exchange of prisoners 9. The grand Committee sat long about the Ordinance for the Militia Debate upon the Self-denying Ordinance The answer to the Cities last Petition was sent to them to this effect Shewing how far they have proceeded to a Treaty with the King the Votes thereof their expectation of the Kings answer and hopes that he will treat That the Scots are declared Rebels for invading the Kingdom and they hope the City will joyn in the subduing of them That they offered the revolted Ships indemnity but they refused to come in the Votes for reducing them and the reference to a Committee to treat with the King for a way for free Trade A Collection ordered on the Fast-day for the poor people that are come out of Colchester M r Thomas Cookes Composition passed The Keeper of the Prison in Canterbury put out Letters from the Commissioners with the King that his Majesty is willing to have the Treaty and likes the terms of honour freedom and safety and though he have no Secretary yet he will give them his answer in their time Order that none speak with M r Ailburton but in the presence of his Keeper 10. The Fast-day Letters from Holland that the Merchants there do highly resent the Prince of Wales his being in the Downes as a great hindrance of traffick That there is tampering to borrow some Regiments to attempt something in England adviseth to look to Poole Lyme and Weymouth That the Letters and Declaration of the Prince of Wales were printed there in Dutch and French 11. Debate upon the Ordinance for settling Church government and the title to it agreed The Ordinance for setling the
answer for the Life of Dr. Dorislaus The Parliaments Ships brought in Provisions to Dublin The Mutineers taken at Burford were by a Councel of War sentenced to die 19 Divers Delinquents complained of the greatness of their Fines and referred to the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall Divers of the Mutineers at Burford were shot to death Tomsons Brother was penitent others dyed desperately Upon the penitence of them craving Mercy and acknowledging their Fault Cromwel brought them word from the General that only every 10th man should die Their chief Leader Tomson got Possession of Northampton and of the Ordnance Ammunition Provisions and Mony there with 2. Troops of Horse and some Levellers out of the Country came in to him 21 Letters from the General that Thomson being gone from Northampton to a Town near Wellingborow M. Butler was sent with a select Party of Horse to pursue him who fell into his Quarters and took his Men and Thompson himself escaped to a Wood Butler pursued beset the Wood and sent a Party into it where they found Thomson He was well mounted and though alone yet he desperately rode up to Butlers Party shot a Cornet and wounded another and then retreated to a Bush having received two Shots himself When the Party began again to draw near to him he charged again with his Pistol and received another Shot and retreated the third time he came up saying he scorned to take Quarter and then a Corporal with a Carabine charged with seven Bullets gave him his Deaths Wound that the Lieutenant of an Oxfordshire Troop was likewise slain Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to issue out Commissions of Oyer and Terminer to fit Persons in Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire for Tryal of the Persons taken in the late Rebellion Order that the Councel of State the Lord Major and the Justices of Peace and Officers of the Militia in London and Westminster do take care for appreh ending such as were in the late Rebellion and that the Attorney General prepare a Proclamation for the apprehending of them in the several Counties The Pension of 500 l. per annum to the Earl of Nottingham ordered to be continued and by the means of Sir Arthur Haselrigge and Whitelock the Countess his Wife had the other 500 l. per annum ordered for her An Act past for draining the great Level of the Fennes Salary of 4000 l. per annum to Dr. Gourdon as Master of the Mint A Declaration published of the Parliaments ill Resentment of the horrid Murder perpetrated on the Body of Isaac Dorislaus Dr. of the Laws their Resident at the Hague An Act published declaring and constituting the People of England to be a Commonwealth and Free State Letters from Scotland that Lieutenant General David Lesley defeated those in the North of Scotland for which a day of thanksgiving was appointed and for the General Deliverances and Successes expressed in a Declaration That a Plot of a new Rebellion and to kill the Marquess of Argyle and the L. Burlegh in St. Johns Town was discovered by one of their own Party and divers of the Conspirators taken and executed Letters from Portsmouth that the Levellers began to appear in those Parts and in Devonshire but the Army Soldiers whom they expected to joyn with them were readier to fight against them 22 Order for a Letter to be sent from this Parliament to the Parliament of Scotland for a right understanding and firm League and Amity between the two Nations and that Commissioners of both Parts may meet and treat for that purpose Referred to the Committee of the Army to prepare Copies of the Act touching free Quarter to be sent to every Regiment of the Army with a Letter to the General to cause it to be observed Order for the Committee of Haberdashers-Hall to have power to give Oaths to Witnesses and for an Act to impower all Committees to do the like Upon Mr. Mabbols Desire and Reasons against licencing of Books to be printed he was dicharged of that Imployment The General and Lieutenant General and other Officers of the Army were solemnly welcomed and highly feasted at Oxford and the Proctor Zanchey presented the General and Lieutenant General Drs. of Laws and other Officers Masters of Arts and divers learned and congratulatory Speeches were made to them by the Vice-Chancellor the Proctors and other Heads and Officers of the University 23 Several Votes of the Committee at Goldsmiths-Hall touching Delinquents and their Compositions confirmed by the House and ordered to be Printed Upon a Letter from the General for a Lecture to be set up in Oxford and for Dr. Renolds Mr. Carrol and Mr. Thomas Goodwyn to be Lecturers there referred to the Committtee of Oxford to have it done Visitors added for the University of Oxford Upon a Report from the Councel of State referred to them to take care for repairing the Castles of Sandown Deal and Wymere Some Mariners that revolted and since were taken by the Parliaments Ships were tryed by a Councel of Sea Officers and executed Letters from the Hague of great Preparations for the new King of Scotland to go to Sea that Montross is to go for Scotland and to have such Forces as Germany Sweden and Denmark afford 24 Upon the Desire of the Towns of Sarum Pool and the County of Devon who had advanced considerable Summs for the Parliament Order that they might double those Sums in the purchase of Deans and Chapters Lands Order for the D. of Glocester and the Lady Elizabeth the late Kings Children to be under the tuition of the Countess of Carlisle and 3000 l. per annum allowed for their Maintainance Order for Repayment of Mony lent by the City for carrying on the Treaty Order for 3 pence per pound Salary for the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands Order that the Speaker writing to Forraign States should stile himself William Lental Speaker of the Parliament of England A Committee named to peruse the Orders of the House after they should be drawn up and to see that they should be rightly entred A Provost Marshal appointed with power to seize upon Malignants and disaffected Persons 26 The Act touching Debts debated and recommitted Order for Mony for poor Widdows and Wives of Soldiers Report by Lieutenant General Cromwel of the suppressing of the Levellers the House gave him their hearty thanks for that great Service and ordered one of thir Members to attend the General with the hearty thanks of the House for his great Service in that Business and ordered a general day of thanksgiving for that great Mercy 28 An Act passed for auditing the Accounts of the Soldiery and securing of their Arrears particular Care being had of those who shall go for Ireland The Act for giving Power to all Committees to give Oaths reported from the Committee and upon the Question rejected and an Act for continuance of the making of Salt-peter as formerly was rejected
great Victory That an Act be brought in for settling 1000 l. per annum Land upon Lieutenant General Jones and his Heirs that thanks be sent to him and the rest for that good Service That the Councel of State prepare the Letter of thanks to be signed by the Speaker and do take into consideration the Request of Lieutenant General Jones for continuing Sir George Askue Vice Admiral of the Irish Seas That it be referred to the Trustees for Sale of the Kings Goods to choose 6 of the best Horses in Tilbury Race for Lieutenant General Jones as a Gratuity from the House That 200 l. be given to Captain Otway who brought the Letters The Petitions of the Brewers referred to the Committee of Excise and they to bring in a new Model for the Excise The Act passed for the more speedy collecting of the Excise Order for some Pentions to be continued to Souldiers Wives And for some scandalous Prmphlets and their Authors to be examined and punished and that Mr. Caughton a London Minister now in Prison be discharged Letters from Chester that Ormond was rallied to 12000 Men and had taken in some Forts Letters from Cardiffes That divers of the Lieutenant of Irelands Souldiers went away from him That C. Cooks Regiment was in a great Mutiny at Minehed and many of them went away but the Captain appeased the Mutiny and forced his Men on Ship Board 15 A Petition of the Earl and Countess of Thommond touching a debt from the Earl of Peterborough referred to a Committee An Act passed for settling 2000 l. per annum upon the Lord President Bradshaw another for 1000 l. per annum upon C. Martin out of Eynsham Another for 2000 l. per annum upon M. G. Skippon The Act published for the Composition of the Delinquents of North-Wales for 24000 l. Letters from Ireland that the Parliament having sent some Corn and 200 Souldiers to London Derry and two of Sir Charles Coots Brothers beingcome to him with 700 Horse he sallyedout of the Town and scoured the Countrey for 7 Miles on all sides of the City took many Cows and Prisoners and killed all whom he found in Arms then returned to Derry 16 A Petition from the General and his Councel of Officers to the House praying First That all penal Statutes formerly made and late Ordinances whereby many Conscientious People are molested and the Propagation of the Gospel hindered may be removed 2 That it is not their meaning that the Liberty desired by them should extend to the tolleration of Popery Prelacy the Book of Common Prayer publick Scorn and Contempt of God and his Word But desire that all open Acts of Profaneness or Drunkenness Swearing Vncleanness and the like be vigorously proceeded against and punished in all Persons whatsoever 3 That upon the Sense of the late great Mercy in Ireland they would extend Favour to those in restraint who have formerly served them and this Nation against the Common Enemy and for the future all disturbers of the publick Peace to be vigorously proceeded against 4 That speedy Consideration may be had of the great Oppressions by reason of the multiplicity of unnecessary Laws with their Intricacies and Delayes which tends to the profit of some particular men but much to the Expence and Dammage of the whole C. Goffe and Pride and other Officers who presented this Petition were called in to the Bar and the Speaker by command of the House gave them thanks for their constant good Affections and in particular for this Petition Acquainting them that the House had the things desired already under consideration and that this Petition should hasten the granting the same with all possible speed and Convenience Then it was voted That all penal Statutes and Ordinances whereby many Conscientious People are much molested and the Propagation of the Gospel hindred may be removed and referred to the Committee for bringing in an Act for ease of tender consciences to bring in the Act according to this Debate And referred it to a Committee who are to bring in an Act of Pardon to comprize herein the three proposals of this Petition And referred to the Committee concerning the Laws of the Land to consider of the 4th Proposal of this Petition The Act passed for paying 3500 l. to the Widdow of Mr. Blackstone a Member of the House An Order for Mr. Hall Attourny of the Dutchy to have the priviledge to plead within the Bar. The like Order was made for Mr. Steel and also to be freed from his Reading Order for Mr. Stevens a Member of the House and a common Lawyer to be made Judge of the Admiralty for which place he was not very fit A Declaration and Narrative past of the Grounds and Reasons for setting apart a day of publick Thanksgiving 17 Debate of the Act for Payment of the Arreares of C. Thornhaugh deceased Order for the Serjeants Men to disperse the Copies of the Act for the Thanksgiving Day and referred to the Councel of State to consider how the House may be eased of this trouble for the future and to give order for the dispersing of Papers upon the like Occasions The accounts of C. Willoughby referred to be audited A Petition of Mariners referred to a Committee An Act passed for settling 1000 l. per annum upon Lieutenant General Jones Order for an Act to settle 500 l. per annum out of the Irish Rebels Lands upon Sir Charles Coot An Act past for the Payment of their Arrears to the English Officers in Ireland for their former Services in England The House adjourned for three Days 18 Letters of confirmation of raising the Seige before London Derry by Sir Charles Cootes Brother in which Service many of the Enemy were taken Prisoners and divers slain Letters from Chester That C. Jones was again gone out of Dublin to besiege Drogheda that Ormond had dismounted most of the Irish for not fighting and had turned all the English out of Trym Castle That the Lord Lientenant of Ireland was imbarqued with his Army The House being adjourned Mr. Speaker Commissioner Keeble Mr. Chute Mr. Adams Mr. Steel and Mr. Whitelock by appointment met in the morning at Mr. Attourney General 's where they conferred together about the making new Rules for Reformation of the Proceedings in Chancery and agreed upon some general Points which they referred to some of the Company to draw up into Form 20 Letters to the Councel of State of the imbarquing of the Lieutenant of Ireland on Munday last and of Commiss G. Ireton on the Wednesday after with a great Fleet that nevertheless they left 3 Regiments behind for want of Shipping That the English Ships were very forward for the Voyage and so were the Flemish Bottomes when their Money was punctually paid them That no Provision was wanting for the Transportation of this Army and there is a considerable stock of Money with plenty of Ammunition That the
and unlicenced Pamphlets and for punishing the Authors Printers and Publishers of them Resolved that the Singing-Psalms be not for the future Printed with the Bible Confessed by the Mutineers at Oxford That they exepected 6 or 7000 to joyn with them out of Northamptonshire and those parts 6000 out of the West many thousands and the whole Army to joyn with them and to have these things done 1 For Agitators to be set up again at the Head Quarters 2 That Tithes be taken away 3 That the Laws be Englished and another way of Justice to be in the respective Counties 4 That the Excise be put down 5 That Prince Charles be brought in That they had store of Money promised them upon the desire of C. Ingoldsby to the General Some of the Mutineers of his Regiment were pardoned and some of the Officers were Cashiered who did not come in to him when he commanded them against the Mutineers Letters from Scotland That the Parliaments Successes in Ireland had caused a stop of Affairs in Scotland That all their Eyes are upon Cromwel That the levying of their new Army did not proceed hastily Letters from Ireland That Sir Charles Coot was marched out of Derry with 1500 Foot and 400 Horse and had cleared the Country 14 Miles about and got into the City great store of Provisions 21 Order for Mony for poor Widdows and Souldiers Wives The Act past for taking the Account of the Kingdom Referred to a Committee to provide some Accommodation for the Earl of Denbigh near Derby House in satisfaction of his right to the Wardrobe The House adjourned 22 Letters from Leverpool That the Lord Lieutenant had taken Tredah and put all to the Sword that were in Arms there and that 180 of Inchequins Men were come in to the Lord Lieuteant Letters that divers of the levelling Party were taken at Brinnicham Twenty Horse of Hinds Company the great Robber committed fourty Robberies about Barnet in two Hours Divers Moss Troopers taken Letters but nothing certain of the taking of Tredah Referred to the Councel of State to order the Militia of the Kingdom for the present till a further Act of Parliament be agreed upon for it and an Act ordered to be drawn up accordingly 25 Debate touching an Adjournment for certain Dayes and about a New Representative but nothing resolved upon it An Act for punishing of Crimes committed upon or beyond the Seas ordered to be published 26 Governours named for the School and Alms-Houses of Westminster the Earls of Pombroke Salisbury and Denbigh Mr. Prideaux Lord Commissioner Whitelock Lord Commissioner Lisle Mr. St. John and divers others Letters from the Lieutenant General to the Parliament giving an Account of the proceedings against the Mutineers at Oxford Order for thanks to Major General Lambert C. Ingoldsby and the rest of the Officers for their good Service therein Letters that Sir Charles Coot kept the Field and not any considerable Party of the Enemy gave him Opposition The Church of St. Martins in the Fields was robbed and much Plate and Mony taken out of it and the Church of Waltham Abbey was also broke open and robbed 27 The Declaration published concerning a happy Roformation against Malignants Levellers and such as would bring in Monarchy and Tyranny again and that they would have respect to tender Consciences who go according to the Rule of Gods Word Order for speedy bringing in the Fines of Delinquents and for the 20000 l. Fine upon North-Wales to be paid to the Committee of the Army for the Service of the Army Referred to the Councel to appoint Persons in every County with Power to suppress Insurrections and Tumults A Day of Humiliation kept by the Officers of the Army for the Atheism and Prophaneness which was crept into the Army The Declaration passed touching the business of Oxford and other Designs of the Enemy against the present Authority and of the good Success in Ireland and in England and to remit the Crimes of many against the present Authority by discharging them of Imprisonments and Prosecution against them and referred to the Councel of State to consider who are fit to be discharged accordingly Letters from Mr. Peters thus Sir The Truth is Drogheda is taken 3552 of the Enemy slain and 64 of ours Col. Castles and C. Symonds of note Ashton the Governour killed none spared we have all Trym and Dundalk and are marching to Kilkenny I came now from giving thanks in the great Church We have all our Army well landed I am yours Hugh Peters Dublin Sep. 15 th Letters that one Den a Leveller formerly condemned by a Councel of War at Burford to be shot to death and afterwards pardoned hath raised a Tumult in Sturbridge against the Commissioners of Excise and got together 300 Men armed with Muskets Swords c. who fell upon Captain Prescot a Commissioner in his Quarters shot him in three places took from him the rest of the Commissioners and Souldiers all their Money Horses Arms and Cloaths The General wrote to the Governour of Stafford to apprehend Den and to suppress the Tumult 28 The business of the Tumult at Sturbridge by Den continued in the hight of it and they sent into the Neighbouring Towns to come in and joyn with them and be et up Drums for that purpose but few came in to them 29 Letters from Cromwel Sir It hath pleased God to bless our Endeavours at Drogheda after Battery we storm'd it The Enemy were about 3000 Strong in the Town They made a stout Resistance and near 1000 of our men being entred the Enemy forced them out again But God giving a new Courage to our Men they attempted again and entred beating the Enemy from their Defences The Enemy had made three Retrenchments both to the right and left where we entred all which they were forced to quit being thus entred we refused them Quarter having the day before Summoned the Town I believe we put to the Sword the whole number of the Defendents I do not think 30 of the whole number escaped with their Lives those that did are in safe Custody for the Barbadoes since that time the Enemy quitted to us Trim and Dundalk In Trim they were in such hast that they left their Guns behind them This hath been a marvelous great Mercy The Enemy being not willing to put an Issue upon a Field Battle had put into this Garrison almost all their prime Souldiers being about 3000 Horse and Foot under the Command of their best Officers Sir Arthur Ashton being made Governour They were some seven or eight Regiments Ormonds being one under the Command of Sir Edmund Verney I do not believe neither do I hear that any Officer escaped with his Life save onely one Lieutenant who I hear going to the Enemy said that he was the onely man that escaped of all the Garrison The Enemy were filled upon this with much Terror and truely I believe
Acknowledge to be you and fearing onely in obeying you to disobey you I most humbly and earnestly be seech you to judge for me whether your Letter doth not naturally allow me the liberty of begging a more clear Expression of your Command and Pleasure which when vouch safed nnto me will find most ready and chearfull Observance from Sir Your most humble Servant O Cromwell Carrick 2 April 1650. Directed to the Speaker 16 An Act passed impowring Commissioners for managing Estates under Sequestration An Act passed for the better keeping of the Lords day An Act passed for preventing wrongs and abuses done to Merchants at Sea and prohibiting Marriners from serving forreign Princes or States without Licence and to impower the Councel of State to issue Commissions under the Seal of the Admiralty giving Authority to English Ships to fight with and take such French or other forreign Ships as shall require them to be visited or disturb them in their Trade under colour of visiting Provided that if they take any forreign Vessels that after the fight they shall not kill any Persons therein A Declaration passed upon this Act. An Act for general Commissions of Marque committed An Act for reducing and bringing in all the Monies and revenues belonging to the Common-wealth into one Treasury committed 17 Upon a Petition from divers of London Westminster c. The House voted That the Scope thereof was to bring scandall and reproach upon the just and necessary Laws and Proceedings of the Parliament and to weaken the present Government to give thereby advantage to the common Enemy and to raise new Tumults and Troubles in the Nation Referred to a Committee to examine by whom and by what Practices this Petition was contrived and promoted From Pendennis that the Commissioners settle the Militia there from Scilly conjectures of a contest there betwixt the English and Irish 18 From Poole of a Man of War of 200 Guns wracked upon that Coast that she struk Ground about midnight and could never be got off again that they fired 8 Guns but no help came to them till next day noon tide in the mean time the Ship brake in two Parts and all the People which were in that Part that fell away were drowned suddenly That the other Part stood firm above Water till the next day about 2 of the Clock in the After-noon when a Gentleman living near got a Boat and brought away about 60 Men Women and Boys and saved their Lives That before they were got to Shore the other Part of the Ship wherein they were brake to Pieces and sunk down into the Sea and that in all there were drowned about 50 Men Women and Children Passengers and Goods Gold Silver Pearl and rich Jewels to a great value From Holland that Montrosse is at Bergen in Norwey staying for some Officers and Men that he left at Hamburgh that he hath sent 500 Men to Orkeney that Sir John Cockeram hath received some Monyes from the King of Poland and from Dantzick for the Prince that G. King can procure nothing in Sweden That the Agent sent by Montrosse into Livonia Curland and Lithuania is come back with little Comfort that his Frigot with 10 Guns and 40 Men is gone from Gottenburgh to him into Norwey That nothing is done at the Treaty at Breda the P. of Orange not being yet come thither and the Kings Counsel are unwilling to resolve any thing without him because they expect his assistance and to transport them into Scotland 19 From Exon 5 Men secured for swearing to each other to be ready for a rising to cut the Throats of all the Parliaments Friends c. From Chepstow of a Scotchman who went about begging but he went about under that Pretence to inform the Kings Friends that there would be shortly a strong Party of Scots in their Country to joyn with them to set up King Charles the Second From Coventry of the Care of the E. of Denbigh and other Commissioners for settling the Militia of that County of 3 Regiments of Horse and 2 of Foot besides those of the City and their being Feasted at the Cities charge Complaint of Rudeness of some Troopers and that they fell out and 2 or 3 of them were killed From Bristol of a Highwayman that came to the Major and confessed that he had been a long time in that wicked Course and was weary of it and if they would procure him his Pardon he would discover many Robbers to them and accordingly he invited his old Companions to go forth with him as formerly and when they were together he had a Party of Soldiers ready who came and apprehended them From Chester that the L. Lt. having great Offers from Inchequin is hasted to Lymerick where 100 dye of the Plague weekly That Hugh O Neale cheif in Clonmel offers to yield the Place for a Sum of Money so that his Garrison there may be transported for the Spanish Service That Sir Charles Coot and M. G. Veneables are marched out with 5000 Horse and Foot as is supposed towards Catherlowe which is a very strong hold incompassed with the River Barrowe 20 Orders for Compleating of 12 Regiments of 600 Horse of the Army under the L. G. Fairfax 8 of them to 600 in a Regiment and four to 80 in a Troope Information by C. Shilborne come from Ireland that Sir Tho. Armstrong having made his Terms to come in and by agreement being to do some Service at his best Opportunity he with a Considerable Party of Horse that were to come in with him fell upon a Party of the Vlster forces put near 500 of them to the Sword and brought away some Prisoners Thus did Theives and Soldiers betray one another and you will see more of the same Nature hereafter according to the old Verse Nulla Fides Pietasque viris qui Castra sequuntur The L. Lt. sent this Sir Tho. Armstrong to the Governour of Waterford upon some Overtures of surrender of the Town upon Terms the Governour of Duncannon desired 20 dayes to fit his Busines to come off the better the L. Lt. suspecting it as a delay would give him but 3 dayes onely For Waterford 2 Points were in difference 1 For G. Preston to have leave to carry away 500 men for Spain which the L. L. inclined to grant 2 For a Church for exercise of publique Masse which the L. Lt. positively denyed 22 From Berwicke that Montross and Hurrey are raising a great Army to march into England From Edenburg that they are strongly allarm'd with Intelligence that Hurrey is landed in the Naas with 1400 men and that Montross is speedily to follow from Orkney That David Lesly is gone out of Town and the Scots Horse ordered Northward From Pendennis that the Commissioners of the Militia secured some persons of Quality That a Letter was sent to one Courtney with a Declaration from M. J. Massey revolted to the Prince From Dartmouth of the
to him to submit to the Parliament upon good terms and Letters to the same effect from other Friends were the cause of his surrender of the Island 30. Orders for Recruits from Pendennis Castle for Ireland and six weeks pay for them before they were transported out of England May 1652. 1. Letters That the Declaration of the Parliament of England for the Union of Scotland with England and their sending of Members to the Parliament of England was proclaimed with great solemnity at Edenburgh Cross but the Scots shewed no rejoycing at it 3. Letters justifying the Proceedings of the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales written by Mr. Vavasour Power a Minister there 4. Referred to the Committee to consider how a competent Maintenance for Godly Ministers may be setled in lieu of Tithes Order for relief of maimed and sick Soldiers Mr. Weaver one of the Commissioners of the Parliament in Ireland came into the House whereof he was a Member and gave them an account of the State of their Affairs there Letters of Credence of the Queen of Sweden to the Noble Hareldus Applebone her publick Minister to the Parliament of England were read and Letters from the Prince of Conde to the Parliament read and both of them referred to the Council of State Letters That Argyle did again solicit for some singular Act of Favour from the Parliament of England but his ways were known That Three Judges were come from England to administer Justice to the Scots in Scotland 5. That some Travellers upon Hunsloe Heath saw a strange Apparition of the Sun about sixth Clock in the Evening c. 6. Letters That the Ministers of Scotland were as bitter as ever against the Interest of England Of more Counties and Boroughs accepting the Vnion with England and that Argyle had agreed to Terms to come in to the Parliament of England but they were not published That the Lord Chief-Justice St. John Mr. Salloway and Alderman Tichburne the Parliaments Commissioners in Scotland went away for England That the Deputies of Argyle Shire had consented to the Vnion 7. Letters That the Magistrates of Musselborough had taken the Ingagement of the Parliament of England Of a Pyrate who took several English Vessels to the Westward of Recruits Shipped from Pendennis for Ireland That the Irish begged for Conditions to come in to the Parliament and some of them were admitted 10. Letters of Preparations to reduce Dinnoter Castle in Scotland That the new Judges sent into Scotland were very busie in setling of new Judicatories there That Ireland was wholly reduced and had no other refuge but Bogs and Woods that the Plague was much abated there That Commissary-General Reynolds had gotten most of the Provisions of the Rebels and killed and taken many of them and prevented their fortifying That he setled Three considerable Garrisons upon Passes in Kings County took in the strong Forts in those Parts upon Quarter for Life only 11. The Scots Commissioners returned and were in the Parliament The Committee revived for setting a Period to this Parliament and providing for future Representatives 12. Debate upon Qualifications of such Persons as shall be received into the House as Members Letters That Captain Howe a Young Gentle-man who had done gallant Service for the Parliament in Ireland being assaulted in his Quarters by a Party of the Tories he at the first Charge routed them but then they came on again with a fresh Party and routed Captain How 's Party who endeavoured to make good his Soldiers Retreat and himself charged Three times and came off well but upon a Fourth Charge he was unfortunately slain and his Death was very much lamented 13. A Duel between the Lord Chandoys and Mr. Compton and the Lord killed Mr. Compton 14. The knocking of a Link near some Reeds set the Reeds on fire and they fired a House in Redriffe and Two Ships lying near the Shore and burnt them at low water when no Boats could come to help them nor could they get Water Letters That the Inhabitants of Virginia willingly submitted to the Government of the Parliament 15. That the Army in Scotland was taking the Field Of the refractoriness of the Ministers That the Judges sent out of England published a Proclamation at Edenburgh That they would sit at the usual place for administring of Justice 17. Letters from the Commissioners in Ireland to the Parliament giving an account of the Affairs there of the Provisions received and acknowledging the great care of the Parliament therein and how they had disposed thereof to the Forces Of the Ports in Kerry fit for a Forreign Enemy to land in That Clenrickard and others were gone to Vlster to joyn with Phelim O-Neale That in some places the Enemy have made some Incursions in small Parties and taken some prey and Dragoon Horses but upon their return they being 250 Horse and 500 Foot they were met by Lieutenant-Collonel Throckmorton with 140 Horse and 400 Foot who had no Pikes and the Horse at first made some retreat But at length after a sharp Dispute the English Horse routed the Irish and killed 200 of them on the place and in the pursuit and took and killed divers Officers and had but twenty one killed and 100 Soldiers wounded That the Irish Clergy have excommunicated Collonel Fitz-Patrick for submitting to the Parliament and the Laity published a Declaration against him and all that joyned with him and some of his Party were cut off by the Irish who also cut off the Ears of some whom they took Prisoners That Fitz-Patrick met with some of them That Shipping was wanting to transport those who are to go beyond Seas 2000 of Fitz-Patricks Party 1000 of O-Dwyers Party and 4000 more Of many Applications made by divers chief Officers of the Irish to come in to the Parliament and Commissioners were sent with Instructions to give the same Terms which Collonel Venables was authorized to give to those in Vlster That Sir Charles Coote explained the Articles of Galloway which he yielded to to prevent charge to the Parliament and to get the possession of that City 18. Letters of a Squadron of the Parliaments Ships meeting with Three Dutch Men of War and Seven Merchants that the Dutch Admiral came under the Lee of the Parliaments Ships and kept his Flag up whereupon the English Ship sent a Boat to him to acquaint him that they had received Orders from their General to cause those Ships they met to take down their Flags and presently the Dutch Admiral took down his Flag and saluted the English Ships with Three Pieces of Ordnance and the English did the like to him After the Admiral came the Vice-Admiral of the Dutch but came to the Windward of the English contrary to the custom in the Narrow Seas and saluted the English with 13 Shot but took not down their Top-Flag The English called to them to take it down
Alexander Popham John Goodwyn Francis Thorpe Anthony Ashley-Cooper John Southby Richard Greenhill Thomas Adams Richard Browne Richard Darly Thomas St. Nicholas William James John Boyse Charles Hall John Jones William Wolley Richard Radcliffe William Saville Theophilus Biddolph Henry Mildmay Harbottle Grimstone William Welby Charles Hussey Edmund Harvey John Sicklemore William Doyly Ralph Hare John Hubbard Oliver Raymond Jeremy Bentley Philip Woodhouse John Buxton William Bloyle William Gibbs Thomas Southerton Thomas Bowes Edward Harloe John Hanson Clement Throckmorton Daniel Wall Henry Worth Richard Luey John Witrong George Courthop Samuel Got John Buckland Robert Long John Northcott John Young John Dodderida Henry Hungerford Salisbury Edward Yooker William Morris John Hale Edward Turner Challoner Chute Daniel Shatterden Thomas Styles Richard Beale John Scylliard Walter Moyle Walter Vinsent John Gell Henry Atlington Henry Tempest James Clavering John Stanhop Peneston Whaley Abel Barker Samuel Moore Thomas Miners John Bowyer Samuel Jones John Aston Richard Hinton Andrew Lloyd Edward Hooper Richard Wyren John Fagg Thomas Rivers Henry Peckham Charles Lloyd John Thurlane William Fisher John Gore Rowland Litton 23. The House ordered that no Private Petition should be read in the House for a month and that no Petition presented to the Parliament be printed before it is read in the House 24. The fast day 26. The Bill Intituled An Act for Renouncing and disannulling the pretended Title of Charles Stuart c. was read the Third time and passed 29. Several members being absent the House ordered That all persons that have been or shall be approved do attend on Munday next Alderman Tichburn was chosen Lord Mayor of the City of London October 1656. 1. Upon consideration of the business of the Spanish War the House resolved That the War against the Spaniard was undertaken upon just and necessary grounds and for the good of the People of this Common-wealth and the Parliament doth approve thereof and will by Gods blessing assist his Highness therein and appointed a day to consider of the manner of carrying on that War A Petition of one Aged Ninety Six Years For arrears of Wages due to him as Servant to the late King James and King Charles 2. A Letter from Captain Stayner to General Blake and General Montague sent by them to the Protector wherein was an Account of the Ingagement with the West India Spanish Fleet that the Vice Admiral and one more were sunk and two Burnt and one taken and that the Captain saith she hath in her two millions of Silver and that it was believed the Vice Admiral had as much That the Plymouth Frigot chased another of the Spanish Ships who ran a shore between St. Peters and Cape Degar A Thanksgiving day appointed for the success The Lord Willoughby moved the Protector for his Inlargement out of Prison and for leave to go to Surrinam 6. The French Ambassador had audience 11. The House approved the Lord Commissioner Fiennes and the Lord Commissioner L'isle to be Commissioners of the great Seal and the Lord Cheif Justice Glynn to be Chief Justice of the Upper Bench. 31. James Naylor and others being in prison at Bristol and accused for Blasphemies and other great misdemeanors a Committee was appointed to send for them and to Examine the matter and Witnesses November 1656. 1. Letters That care is taken to bring the Silver from Portsmouth that was taken in the Spanish Gallion 4. Upon General Montague's coming into the House the Speaker gave him the thanks of the House for his great and good Services done for this Common-wealth at Sea 12. Debates to take away the Court of Wards and for the Vnion of Scotland and England 15. Debates touching Registring of Marriages and Burials 17. Proceedings upon the Bill for the Vnion of Scotland and England 27. The Protector came to the Painted Chamber and sent a Serjeant at Arms to give notice to the House that he was come the Speaker and the whole House went to the Painted Chamber where his Highness in the presence of the Lord President and the rest of the Council The Lords Commissioners of the great Seal The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury The Lords Chief Justices of the Benches The Master of the Rolls and the rest of the Judges gave his consent to these following Bills An Act That passing of Bills shall not determine this present session of Parliament An Act for renouncing and disanulling the pretended Title of Charles Stuart c. An Act for the security of his Highness the Lord Protector his Person and continuance of the nation in Peace and Safety An Act for taking away the Court of Wards and Liveries An Act for the Exportation of several commodities of the Breed Growths and Manufacture of this Common-wealth December 1656. 1. Applications to several members by the Spanish Merchants in the business of their trade 2. Applications by the Doctors and other Civilians for keeping up their Profession 4. The Earl of Abercorne sollicited upon his petition in Parliament 6. James Nayler was sent for and heard at the bar of the House it was thought by many that he was too fiercely prosecuted by some rigid men 8. The House resolved That James Nayler is guilty of horrid Blasphemy and that he is a grand Impostor and a great Seducer of the People The Bill to take away purveyance and another for Navigatiou were read 13. Several members spake to make an end of the business of James Naylor which had taken up too much of their time 17. Mr. Speaker by order of the House pronounced Judgment against James Naylor to stand in the Pillory two hours at Westminster to be whipped by the Hangman through the streets from Westminster to the Old Exchange and there to stand in the Pillory two hours more and that his Tongue be bored through with a Hot Iron and that he be stigmatized in the forehead with the lettter B. And that he be afterwards sent to Bristol and conveyed through the City on a Horse bare ridged and his face backward and there likewise whipped in the Market-place And that from thence he should be brought to London and committed to Prison in Bridewel and there to be restrained from all Company and kept to hard labour till he shall be released by Parliament and during that time to be debarred from the use of Pen Ink and Paper and to have no relief but what he earns by his labour 23. The House were debating how to provide mony for the War with Spain whilst some Members took liberty of absence 24. A Bill for probate of Wills and granting of Administration read 25. A Bill for preservation of the Timber in the Forrest of Dean ordered to be Ingrossed 31. The House voted that all absent Members that should not attend on that day fortnight should forfeit 20 l. to be paid before they come into the House January 1656. 2.
and found many of his old acquaintance as Reynolds Nevill and others very reserved to him And some of his friends advised him not to be in the House at the day when they had appointed to consider of the absent Members Order for Letters of thanks to be sent to Monk Lawson and the Commissioners at Portsmouth Letters from Monk of an Obstruction in the Treaty for that Haslerigge Walton and Morley acted at Portsmouth by the same authority and as equal Commissioners with Monk And that Lambert had denied a Pass for Monk's Messenger to go to them But this was not now thought to be of much effect 28. Colonel H. Ingoldsby reported to the Parliament that he and Major Wildman with three hundred Voluntier Horse came before Windsor Castle and the Governour Colonel Whitchcoat surrendred to them for the use of the Parliament Whitelocke doubted lest this might bring his Name in question he being Constable of that Castle and Wildman having been imployed with him by Fleetwood to consider of a Form of Government of a free State wherein they two and none else had gone far Whitelocke now feared lest Wildman had discovered this and the more because Wildman had before offered to bring three thousand Horse to Whitelocke to be commanded by him if he would keep Windsor Castle and declare for a free Common-wealth But Whitelocke saw no likelihood of effect in this and Wildman carried himself prudently and faithfully and nothing was said of Whitelocke And Ingoldsby had the thanks of the House for his good Service Several Votes for Money and for an Act of Indemnity 29. Desborough sent an humble Letter to the House acknowledging his fault and promising to be obedient to them The Militia Souldiers of Westminster drew together and met the Speaker and with shouts declared their adherence to the Parliament Sir Arthur Haslerigge Walton and Morley came into the House in their riding habits and Haslerigge was very jocund and high The House ordered thanks to be given them and to Wallop Love and Nevill for their good service at Portsmouth The House approved of the placing and displacing of Officers by Monk and ordered a Letter of thanks under the Seal of the Parliament to be sent to him for his fidelity and great services They also approved what had been done by the Members of the Council of State during the Interruption And thanks to the Speaker and to Lawson and his Officers and to Col. Whetham and his Officers A day of Humiliation appointed Thanks to Colonel Rich and Mr. Bremen and their Officers The House began to name a Council of State Whitelocke went to visit Haslerigge at his Lodgings in Whitehall and to bid him welcom to Town and to find how his Inclinations stood He found with him H. Nevill and they were both very reserved to Whitelocke and ranted high against the Committee of Safety 30. Orders about Moneys and for managing of the Army A great sharpness in the House towards all those who had acted during the Interruption was observed by Whitelocke And he being informed of a design of some in the House to question him and to have him sent to the Tower to be out of the way he retired to a friends house in the Country 31. The House agreed upon the Members of Parliament to be of the Council of State They read an Act of Indemnity for Officers and Souldiers appointed a Committee to confer with the Lord Mayor and Aldermen about the Peace of London Appointed Haslerigge Walton and Morley for the present to name Officers of the Regiments and Colonel Dixwell Governour of Dover January 1659. 2. An Act past for the Council of State Order for a Bill to renounce the Title of Charles Stuart and of the Line of King James to be taken by all Members of Parliament Orders touching Money for the Army Report of Vice-Admiral Lawson's concurrence with the Parliament and of the City's obedience to the Parliament and that they would take down the Posts and Chains lately set up An Act of Indemnity past for the Officers and Souldiers of the Army who should submit to the Parliament by a day and Lambert to be included in it 3. Several Letters to the Parliament one from Colonel Lockart of his concurrence with the Parliament and resolution to obey them He had thanks ordered to be sent to him and Provisions for his Garrison of Dunkirk Order for Writs to fill up the Parliament Whitelocke before his going out of Town had left order with his Wife to carry the Great Seal to the Speaker which she did lockt up in a Desk and gave the Key of it to him 4. The House kept a Day of Humiliation and afterwards read some Letters and made some References Letters from Monk in Scotland of the good condition of his Army and resolution to adhere to this Parliament and to march to reduce Lambert's Forces in case they did not conform to the Parliament The Messenger related that he met Lambert with about fifty Horse at North-Allerton that all his Forces and himself and the Lord Fairfax and his Forces and York had all submitted to this Parliament 5. Order to send for Ludlow and the Commissioners out of Ireland and referred to the Council of State to consider of settling the Civil Power and the Army there Vote to confirm the discharge of the Members in 48 and 49. 6. Letters from Monk to the Parliament owning his former prevarications in the Treaty with Fleetwood for the Service of the Parliament and promising obedience and faithfulness to this Parliament Order for a Letter of thanks to Monk for his high deservings and to desire him to come up to London as speedily as he can Letters from the Lord Fairfax and Sir Henry Cholmley and Arthington of their raising Voluntiers for the Parliament and of their taking in of York for the Parliament and complaining of Lambert's Assessments upon the Country Thanks ordered to be sent to them Letters from Lambert of submission 7. Order for observation of the Lords-day For the maimed Souldiers and for Money Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper admitted upon his Election to sit in Parliament Colonel Morley made Lieutenant of the Tower Letters from York of Colonel Lilburn's declaring for the Parliament A Conference between the Committee of Parliament and a Committee of London about the safety of the City 9. Letters from Monk from Weller Order for selling the Estates of those who were with Sir George Booth Orders about the Admiralty Lawson was brought into the House and at the Bar received the thanks of the House for his good Service in the late Interruption of Parliament and the House approved the Officers placed by him A Committee to consider of fit Persons to be Commissioners of the Seal and Judges Sir Henry Vane being sent for came and took
King came to Sion and dined with his Children and removed to Hampton Court News of the Sudden death of Sir Philip Stapleton at Callis of the Plague 25. The Monthly Fast-day 26. Orders for a new Election and about the Excise and an Ordinance pass'd to make Mr. Langley Master of Pembroke Colledge in Oxford Referred to a Committee to consider what is fit to be done for the security of the Parliament when the Army shall withdraw A Petition of many Citizens in behalf of Lilburne referred to the Committee where Mr. Martin had the Chair Order to put off all private business for ten days In respect of the danger of infection the General was desired to give command to the Guards attending the House to keep the passages from Clamorous Women and to suffer none to disturb the House 27. The alterations in the Propositions for peace sent from the Lords to the Commons were with some other alterations made by the Commons agreed unto and returned to the Lords again who concurred in them and they were ordered to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners Debate touching the Election of Mr. D'oyley the House not satisfied but that he was within the Rule of those who by adhering to the Kings Party were uncapable to sit in Parliament 28. Letters from the General to the House That upon consideration of the present advantage that may be made through the goodness of God of the late success of their Forces in Ireland upon advice with his Council of War he finds that there will be in readiness six thousand Foot and two thousand Horse if they may have incouragement for the Service of Ireland He desires an effectual course may be taken for Moneys and Necessaries and to remove obstructions and saith he hath appointed a certain number of Officers to wait upon such as the House shall appoint to consult upon the whole business The General removed his Quarters to Putney and his Army into larger Quarters and further then before from London The Parliaments Commissioners went to the Army and had conference with the General and his Council of War touching the sending of Forces into Ireland and the General consulted about putting a guard of Citizens into the Tower and for guards for the Parliament The old Commissioners of the Militia of London met again The Common-Council sat about an Ordinance to be pass'd for calling in of clipped Money Col. Layton was committed Prisoner by the General Sir Robert Pye taken Prisoner by some of the Army was released again by the General 30. The Houses sat not but the Committee proceeded in the examination of the business touching the late Force put upon the Parliament An Ordinance pass'd both Houses for establishing the duty of Excise Letters from Col. Whaley that the King thought himself much wronged and abused by a Paper lately published as in his name intituled His Majesties Declaration which the King wholly disowne and dislikes and that to vindicate the King by discovering and punishing the Libeller would give great satisfaction to his Majesty That the King hunted in the great Park and dined with his Children at Syon c. 31. The day of thanksgiving for the Victory in Irland The Marquess of Ormond visited the King and afterwards visited the General at Putney and was received with great kindness The Council of War sat about sending the Forces into Ireland and about placing of Guards in the Tower and for Guards for the Houses September 1647. September 1. Letters ordered to the Commissioners in the Army to treat farther with the General and to expedite the sending away of Forces into Ireland and a Committee to consider of raising Money for them Debate about security for such as shall bring in Bullion and against transporting of it and for calling in clipt Silver Orders about stating the accounts of Officers and Soldiers and about Money for the maimed Soldiers and for Money for Plymouth Garrison Several Votes of both Houses about presenting the propositions of Peace to his Majesty Debate upon a Message from the Lords with a Letter from the Estates of Scotland and from the Scots Commissioners about the business of the Lord Lotherdale and the stay of Mr. Chiesely at Newcastle desiring reparations The Lords referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms the Commons referred it to the Committee with the Army Col. Lilburne Governor of New-castle wrote a Letter to the States of Scotland excusing the stay of Mr. Chieseley at New-castle that he knew him not nor did Mr. Chiesely show any Pass from the Scots Commissioners or from Sir Thomas Fairfax and was stayed in the time when the Tumults were at London and intelligence of endeavours to engage a Party in Scotland against the Parliament of England but as soon as he knew who Mr. Chiesley was he discharged him freely 2. Both Houses passed the Ordinance for setling the Militia of London in the old hands and some of the Committee joyned with them They also pass'd a Declaration against the crowding of Soldiers and others at the doors of both Houses A Petition in the name of the Inhabitants of Bristol 1. For settlement of Peace and to prevent another War 2. To answer the Grievances of the Army and to Vindicate them 3. To preserve the just Rights and Liberties of the People from Tyramy 4. To free the People from unlawful Powers and endeavours to suppress their Petitions 5. To remove out of the House and places of Justice unfit and uncapable persons 6. That Faithful Persons may be trusted 7. For tenderness in imposing the Covenant 8. That tender Consciences may not be grieved 9. For an Act of Oblivion 10. For speedy tryal of Prisoners 11. Against long Imprisonments 12. To compassionate Widows and maimed Soldiers 13. That Accounts may be given 14. To find out a way that Suits of Law may be less chargeable and dilatory and the Laws in a less Volumn and in English The Petitioners were called in and told That the House could not approve of some things in their Petition but gave them thanks for their good affections Upon a Letter from the General Order for a Commission to determine differences in Jersey Both Houses agreed upon an answer to the Letter of the Scots Commissioners Vote That the works about London be demolished according to a Paper from the Army to ease the charge of maintaining and keeping them 3. Order That the propositions be presented to the King on Tuesday next by the Commissioners and that the ten days for receiving his Majesties answer be altered to six days Debate of making Col. Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight and about an Ordinance for suppressing of scurrillous Pamphlets Mr. Bainton charged with signing a Warrant for raising Horse in the City to further the late tumults was suspended the House 4. The whole day spent upon the report concerning the late tumult and force upon the Parliament Voted That Summons be sent
for Mr. Hollis Sir William Waller Sir Jo. Clotworthy Major General Massey Mr. Walter Long and Mr. Nicolls reported to have ingaged in that business and That Mr. Glyn and Sir Jo. Maynard do attend the House about that business 6. Mr. Recorder Glyn attended the House but his business was put off to the next day The non-concurrence of the Scots Commissioners to part of the Propositions of Peace hindred the sending them to the King and the House ordered the Committee of both Kingdoms to desire this afternoon their positive answer of concurrence or not because the Houses were resolved to send the Propositions to the King to morrow Order to call in Biddle's Pamphlet Blasphemous against the Deity of Christ and that it be burnt by the Hang-man and the Examination of Biddle referred to the Committee of Plundered Ministers Execution of Mackquire put off An Ordinance passed both Houses about calling in of clipt Silver An Ordinance pass'd the Commons for making Col. Hammond Governor of the Isle of Wight Letters from the Lord Inchequin for Money c. referred to the Committee Letters from Ireland certify That the Lord Inchequin Soldiers there were upon a Remonstrance resenting the proceedings of Parliament and Army in England they declared That they would prosecute the War against the Rebels but would not admit of any alteration in Martial Government till their Arrears both in England and Ireland were paid Ordinance pass'd the Commons to disable all who had born Arms against the Parliament from any publick Office or Imployment Six or eight thousand of the Scottish Forces were drawn Southwards to quarter upon the Borders 7. Upon the report of the Scots Commissioners concurrence to the Propositions for Peace both Houses pass'd a Letter to the Commissioners with the King That they with the Scots Commissioners now to be sent down should present the Propositions to the King and receive his answer within six days Both Houses agreed upon a Letter to the Estates of Scotland for recalling the Scots Forces out of Vlster according to the Treaty Upon the Petition of Col. Baines That the Counter where he was Prisoner was infected with the Plague he was removed to Peter-House Mr. Recorder Glyn attended the House according to their former Order and the Charge was read against him for being active in the late disorders of London for promoting a new War and incouraging the Riotous Petitioners To this he made his defence with much Prudence and clearness yet the sentence of the House was upon the question carried against him That he should be discharged from being a Member of the House and committed to the Tower during the pleasure of the House The like sentence was against Sir Jo. Maynard another of the eleven Members for the like offence and further That an Impeachment of High Treason be drawn up against him A Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Councel of War to the Common Councel about the advance of mony by way of Loan for the Army upon the security of the Arrears of the City and the Letter was quick and from an Army for mony 8. Upon the further report of what persons were active in the late Tumults and design of a new War The Commons Voted That an impeachment of high Treason should be against the Earl of Suffolk the Lord Willoughby of Parham the Lord Hundesden Lord Mainard the Earl of Lincoln Lord Barkley and the Earl of Middlesex The Commons by Message impeached these Lords of High Treason at the Bar of that House and prayed That they might be Sequestred from the House and Committed and That they would bring in a particular Charge against them Sir Jo. Mainard was sent to the Tower and the Commitment of Mr. Glyn suspended for a week that he might have time to sort and deliver out his Papers concerning the City of London and about his Clients at Law A Message to the Commons for taking off the Sequestration of the Duke of Bucks Estate and recommending a Petition of the Lord Grey's to the Commons Mr. Biddle's Book was burned The Propositions were delivered to the King by the Commissioners at Hampton-Court and he told them he would give his answer with all conveniency 9. Both Houses pass'd an Ordinance for constituting a Committee for the Militia of Westminster and the Out-Parishes with the same power as the Committee have for the Militia of London and another Ordinance for a Committee of the Militia of Southwark and another for the Tower Hamlets to be under the Command of the Lieutenant of the Tower Another Ordinance past to enable the Militia's of London and Westminster to pull down the Courts of Guard and Lines and to sell the Timber and the Citizens were invited to send their servants to assist in this work The Common-Councel had returned answer to the General and returned the like this day to the Commons That they could not advance the fifty thousand pounds as was desired for the Pay of the Army the Commons Ordered That they should be further desired to advance this sum Some of the Citizens were put in mind That not long since upon advance of the Army near them they would then willingly have parted with a much greater sum to purchase the favour of the Army and freedom from their fears and the Army having dealt so kindly with them and not taking a penny from any of them when they had so great an advantage against them and the Army having now writ to them to desire them to advance this sum it was wondred at and they wished to be well advised that they did not too far provoke the House and the Army by denying of it sullenly Commissary Copley for assisting in the late Tumults and to promote a new War was discharged of his service in the House and Committed to the Tower and Captain Mulgrave for the same offence was sent Prisoner to Newgate Ordered by the House of Peers That the Gentleman Usher of the Black-Rod bring in the Lords impeached by the House of Commons to answer to the Impeachment The House Sat again in the Afternoon my Lord Willoughby's Friends advised him to keep out of the way until the present heat and storm were a little past over The City of London had generally an inclination to make choice of Whitlocke to be their Recorder in the place of Mr. Glyn but he had no mind to it and sought to decline it 10. A Declaration of both Houses published That none shall be Elected into any Office that hath assisted the Enemy against the Parliament The Scots Forces Quartered upon the borders of England and Commissioners of the Estates were coming for England 11. The Houses Sat not but the Commissioners and Councel of War Sat close at Putney about the business of Ireland and of Garrisons and Disbandings but all was at a stand for want of monies to Pay the Souldiers which much discontented them Letters from
not named 26. The Monthly Fast day Sir John Owen was sent to Windsor Castle upon a Charge of high Treason and Murder against him for the business of North Wales Letters from Colchester Leaguer that an Exchange was offered of M r Ashburnham for Sir William Masham That the Lord General had caused the Pipes of Water to the Town to be cut off whereby the besieged had no Water but what was muddy or annoyed with Dead Horses and the besiegers got a great store of Lead That the Common Souldiers in the Town had lived upon Horse-flesh five days together and at a Court of Guard they Roasted a whole Horse at which the Foot was merry but the Troupers discontented That the General sent in Papers upon the heads of Arrows into the Town by that means dispersed among the Common Souldiers in the Town that if they would deliver up the Lord Goring Lord Loughborough Lord Capell and some others of their Chief-men that the rest should have passes and quarter and go to their homes The Prince and Duke of York came to Yarmouth with nineteen Ships in which were supposed to be two thousand men some of them landing near the Town were set upon by a party of the Parliaments Horse who took seven of them Prisoners but a party of Townsmen issuing out rescued the Prisoners and the rest of the Princes men got into the Town The General sent Colonel Scroop with eight Troops of Horse and Dragoons towards Yarmouth and a thousand of the Norfolk Foot were ordered to joyn with him to hinder the landing of the Prince and his Forces there Letters from Major General Lambert that the Scots and his Forces are near one another and have had several Skirmishes but few lost on either side that the Yorkshire Horse and a thousand of Lieutenant General Cromwells Foot are joyned with him 27. Both Houses made the Earl of Pembroke Constable of Windsor Castle and Keeper of the great Park and Forest And his Lordship a little time after made Whitelock his Lieutenant of the Castle and Forest Sergeant Glanvile made his composition and was released from imprisonment Order for fourty thousand pounds for furnishing the stores of the Kingdom and for night thousand for the Fort of Tilbury and Colonel Willoughbies accompts for it to be stated Letters from the Lord Willoughby excusing to his Friends his going out of England without their advice He was in the beginning of the troubles very hearty and strong for the Parliament and manifested great personal courage honor and military as well as civil abilities as appears by his actions and Letters whilest he was in the service of the Parliament In whose favour and esteem he was so high that they voted him to be General for the Horse under the Earl of Essex and afterwards to be an Earl But having taken a disgust at the Parliaments declining a personal Treaty with the King and being jealous that Monarchy and consequently degrees and Titles of Honor were in danger to be wholly abolished he was too forward in countenancing and assisting the late tumults in the City when the Members of Parliament were driven away from Westminster to the Army Upon the return of the Members he was with other Lords impeached of high Treason for that Action and rather than appear and stand to a Tryal for it he left his Country and was now with the Prince in his Navy for which the Commons voted his Estate to be secured 28. After many hours Debate in the House of Commons it was carryed upon the question not to adhere to their first vote that the King should sign the three propositions before the Treaty And it was after that resolved upon the question that his Majesty in person should be treated with by Commissioners of both Houses of Parliament in the Isle of Wight upon the whole matter of the propositions at Hampton-Court for setling the Peace of this Kingdom Upon a Letter from Lieutenant General Cromwell advanced North-wards with his Forces as far as Gloucester the House ordered three thousand pair of shoes to be provided for his Foot to be ready for them as they should march through Northamptonshire Letters from Colchester Leaguer That two expresses from Yarmouth came to the General one from the Town showing how much they were laboured by the Prince for his admittance into the Town which they modestly excused and that the Prince put to Sea again towards Harwich or the Downes The other Express was from the Forces in Loving-land under Major Jarmey informing how confidently the Ships attempted to land a Trumpeter to summon Yarmoth That Major Jarmy took some of those who came with the Trumpeter whose examinations declared That aboard the Admiral was the Prince Prince Rupert the Lord Willoughby Willmot Hopton Culpeper and Gerard Sir Henry Palmer and many persons more of quality That they resolved by a Council of War to sink Ships in the Harbour because they had not admittance in the Town but did not put their resolution into execution That Major Jarmy was put to great Straits to secure both sides of the Town and being denyed the Ferry Boat or any other Boat was forced to swim over a Troup of Horse That Captain Johnson endeavoured to raise a tumult and make head against the Parliament the multitude throwing up their Caps and crying for Prince Charles and Captain Johnson but the Bayliffs and other Magistrates did appease the tumult and a present of provisions was sent aboard the Prince That the heads of a Declaration were taken from some that came from aboard the Prince to be published in his name to this effect showing the grounds and reasons of his Highness appearing in the fleet upon the Coast to be 1. The establishing of Religion according to the Agreement of his Majesty with the Scots Commissioners 26. Dec. last 2. The mutual performance of that agreement and pursuance of all concessions therein on his Majestys part 3. The restoring of his Majesty to his liberty and just rights in order to a personal Treaty with his Majesty with honour freedom and safety 4. The maintenance of the freedom and just priviledges of Parliament 5. The defence of the liberty and property of the subject against all violence and oppression and therein the abolition of excise contribution free quarter and other illegal taxes 6. The obtaining an Act of Oblivion and Indemnity 7. The disbanding of all Armies and setling a well grounded and happy Peace 8. For the defence of his Majestys just rights in the Narrow Seas the protection and securing the Trade of his Majestys subjects and the support of his Navy and all the Officers and Mariners of the same The Lords Willoughby Hopton and Culpeper together with his Highness's Secretary or any two of them are appointed to digest these heads into a Declaration and to present it to his Highness in Council Charles P. A Petition from the Lord Major
Aldermen and Common Council of London expressing how much the City was unsatisfyed and jealous of the listing of Horse and Foot under Major General Skippon and praying that no more may be listed unless by him and the Militia of London and that those already listed under him may be disbanded The House ordered a Committee to conferre with the Common Council about this matter and the grounds and reasons of this jealousie to be reported to the House the Lords gave great satisfaction to the Petitioners adding in their answer that they would live and dye with the Petitioners Letters from Lambert with intelligence that some additional Forces were coming to the Scots and desiring more Forces to be hastened to him the House sent the Letters to Lieutenant General Cromwel with orders for him to expedite his march North-wards News that Scarborough Castle was revolted and that the Prince was in the Downs and had not yet landed any men and that one of the Prince his Frigats was taken near Margarts by some of Sir Michael Liveseys Troups with the assistance of a Boat and two Sea-men 31. Votes for pay of arrears to the Northern Officers disbanded upon discovery of concealed money due to the State An Ordinance committed for the better regulating of the Estates of Papists and Delinquents Upon a Petition from the out-parts not to be joyned with the Militia of London the House thanked them for their constant affections and good service and referred them to attend the Committee in this business Referred to the same Committee to consider of the great abuses mentioned in their Petition for joyning of the Militias An Ordinance past the Commons for money for Armes and Ammunition Another for a Troup of Horse to be raised for the Isle of Ely and for seventy pounds a week to be raised in that Island to maintain the Troup The Letters and Commission taken in Captain Greens Frigat reported to the House and ordered to be communicated to the Common Council of London were to this effect Letters from Dublin of a difference between Preston and Owen Roe that they fought and Preston killed five hundred of Roes men and lost a hundred of his own men That the Lord of Ormond was expected at Corke upon whose coming thither was intended a General revolt in that Kingdom that a Combination of the Lord Grandison Sir Jo. Giffard Colonel Willoughby and divers others of quality to surprise Dublin City and Castle was detected and some of the Plotters imprisoned The Prince his Commission to Captain Green was thus Charles Prince of Great Britain Duke of Cornwal and Albany Highest Captain General under his Majesty of all Forces both by Sea and Land within the Kingdom of England Dominion of Wales and Town of Berwick c. He constitutes Green Captain and chief commander of a Ship and gives him power to do or cause to be done to the Rebels all possible damage and hostility in their Shipping Commerce and Navigation and to take and apprehend sink and fire or otherwise to impair and destroy their Ships Vessels men and goods and all things belonging to them or any that assist them c. Given at S. Germain en lay the 6 of June 1648. Letters to Sir Alexander Gibson in Scotland from one in London to this effect That in London they are generally right only Skippon makes some disturbance by Listing of Horse and Foot but that more are Listed for the King and a Petition framing in the City and the Lords have done something in it to incourage the Kings Friends I shall referre you to T. Hamilton for the business in the West for that in the North is ours already And Colonel Matthew Boynton shall be sainted 291. is not yet ready to be dispatched for Colchester which can hold out yet a month I hope you had mine of the unfortunate success of H. the Earl of Holland c. Letters from New-Castle of about four hundred Scots unarmed come for supplies to Duke Hamilton that the cry is very great of the People of Berwick Cumberland and Westmorland being turned out of all by the Scots who with wives and Children take possession the English choose rather to wander than endure such oppressions Letters from Lamberts quarters that about thirty Troups of General Cromwels Horse were joyned with Lambert that they had some bickerings with the Scots Scouts and beat them to their Guards that the English Army is much increased by Nottingham Leicester and Derby Forces August 1648. 1. Order to remove the Governor of Tâ—â—tershal Castle An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for levying of Forces in the County of Middlesex Report of the Conference with the Common Council that they were very sensible of the high favours in the Houses condescending so low to give them reasons for their Actions in Parliament and gave the House most Humble thanks for the same But withal the House were acquainted with an Act of Declaration of Common Council passed last Night for Listing of Horse by the Militia of London which was referred to the Committee to treat with the Militia about the same Order for printing the intercepted Letters going to Scotland and the Prince his Commission to Captain Green Debate of a Letter to be sent from both Houses to the Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland acquainting them how far the House hath proceeded in setling the Government of the Church and how they have been obstructed therein by the Risings in several parts of the Kingdom and by the marching of an Army of Scots in this Nation the draught of the Letter was committed Order that Major Rolfe should be bayled and Colonel Lilburne released from his imprisonment and for a Conference with the Lords about the same and a Committee named to consider how Colonel Lilburne may have satisfaction for his sufferings The Lords concurred with the Commons to treat with the King in the Isle of Wight and to an Order to send Major General Mitton into North-Wales to suppresse the Insurrections there The danger of Langer-Fort and of Loving-Land referred to the General Letters sent to several Counties about speedy payment of the Assessments of the Army Report of the Lord Riches House in Devon being taken by a Party of the Kings Letters from Colchester Leaguer that those within are very quiet that two demy-Cannons planted against S. Marys Church after a few shot brought down a great part of the steeple and the Ordnance mounted upon it and buried them in the heaps of rubbish 2. Order for a Troup of Horse and a Company of Foot to be added to the Garrison at Dover and for a hundred and twenty men to be added to the Garrison of Lonway Castle Order for Major Wildman who was committed with Lieutenant Colonel Lilburne to be discharged of his imprisonment Ordinance transmitted for an imposition upon Coals Grindstones Salt c. Both Houses agreed on these Votes 1. That a Message be sent to