continued one of the Sheriffs of London Divers well affected persons having raised Forces in several Counties for the defence thereof without authority of Parliament the House declared the same an acceptable Service To the end the Kingdom may be satisfied of the endeavours of the Parliament to preserve the brotherly love and Vnion with Scotland Ordered that all the Transactions Papers and Letters between the English Commissioners and the Parliament of Scotland shall be printed Ordered that the Horse listed under Colonel Butler and Quarter Master General Fincher be quartered in the Mues Letters from Colchester Leaguer that July the fifth about eight in the morning the Enemy sallied out with a thousand Horse and three hundred Foot fell suddainly upon the Parliaments Guards and surprised some of them being Country men that the rest retreated from the main Guard That Colonel Whaley perceiving the Enemies advantage got with his Horse between them and home whilest the Tower Regiment advanced towards the front and routed both Horse and Foot together and took about a hundred prisoners most of them miserably wounded the Parliaments Souldiers being the more fierce because of the poysoned bullets That about twenty of the Enemy were slain on the place most of them Gentlemen as appeared by their clothes and their white skins That Lieutenant Colonel Weston Son to Sir Rich. Weston and two Captains were taken Prisoners and the Parliaments Forces regained two Drakes from the Enemy that Lieut. Colonel Shambrooke was shot in the Body and the bullet since taken out appeared to be poysoned boyled in Copperas which much inraged the Parliaments Souldiers That Captain Moody who commanded a Troop of the Suffolk Horse ingaging boldly was taken Prisoner One Souldier had his leg shot off with a great bullet and some were wounded 7. Debate upon the City's answer to the Parliaments Proposals what security theâ— City would give for the security of his Majesty's person and of the Parliament during their Treaty at London if it should be agreed upon The City acquainted the House with a Letter they received last night from the Earl of Holland Duke of Bucks and Earl of Peterborough declaring their intentions to joyn with the Forces of Sussex Sunny and Middlesex to release and preserve his Majesty's person to bring him to his Parliament to settle Peace in the Kingdom and to preserve the known laws inviting the City to joyn with them herein at least not to be active against them Upon debate of this Letter the House voted that the Earl of Holland Duke of Bucks and Earl of Peterburgh had leavied War against the Parliament and Kingdom and in so doing were Traytors and ought to be proceeded against as Traytors and that the Estates of those Lords and of all that joyn with them be sequestred An Ordinance past for fifteen hundred pounds a Month for Forces in Lincolnshire Letters from Colchester Leaguer of the late victory by the Parliaments Forces there that the Lord Goring and Lord Capell carry thing very high but Sir Charles Lucas more moderate that Butter and cheese was at five Shillings a pound and that the Souldiers seised upon the Meal and Bread and began to be much distasted by the Towns-men especially the Women who began to be in want of victuals for themselves and Children 8. A Conference of both Houses about not insisting upon the three Bills to be sent to his Majesty Order for mony for Major General Brown A Petition of old Officers and Souldiers of the North Committed Letters from Colonel Rossiter that he met with the Pontefract Forces upon their return after their plundering Voyage and ingaged them at a place called Willoughby Field routed their whole party consisting of about a thousand Horse took both Horse and their riders the Commander in Chief and all his Officers all their bag and baggage the rest routed but not many slain Colonel Rossiter wounded in the thigh The House gave a hundred pound to Captain Norwood who brought the Letters from Colonel Rossiter Letters that the Earl of Holland and his party marched from Darking with their whole force to possess Rigate but their Design was disappointed by Major Gibbons and two Troups of Colonel Riches Horse entring the Town before That upon this the Earl of Holland and his Party Marched the next way to Kingston and were pursued by the Parliaments Horse who took some men and Horse near Nonsuch That in the way betwixt Nonsuch and Kingston the Earl of Holland drew up and faced Sir Mich. Levesey and Gibbons and some Parties on both sides skirmished That the Earl of Holland sent his Foot before to Kingston to make good his retreat thither that the Forelorns on both sides fought gallantly that the Earl was followed violently by Gibbons and a Cornet of Colonel Riches Regiment with their divisions to Kingston and routed but the Foot sent before made good their turn-pike and the Parliaments Forces did not think sit to enter the Town with them That the Parliaments Forces intending a further attempt upon the Earls men but they not answering the Alarm the Horse Guard advanced into the Town and found it quit of the Enemy who left near a hundred Horse in the Town with their carriages and themselves fled over the Bridge to Harrow on the Hill whither the Parliaments Forces were in pursuit of them That in this service were about twenty slain the Lord Francis dangerously wounded if not dead the Earl of Holland said to be shot in the shoulder Colonel Howard and some others of note hurt about a hundred prisoners and two hundred Horse taken the Earl with about three hundred gone towards S r Albans pursued by the Parliaments Forces with whom Colonel Scroope is coming to joyn Letters from Colchester leaguer that the Enemy shot much from the top of a Church till the General with his Cannon beat down part of the Church and then they ceased that the Officers tell their men and scatter papers among the Parliaments Souldiers that London appeared for them that a thousand Horse were coming to raise the siege that the Parliament was broken and many of the Members cut in pieces That in some prisoners pockets they found ten slugs done with sand and a Trumpet was sent to the Lord Goring to let him know what his Souldiers must expect That according to a Letter from the House of Lords the General returned the Lord Capels Son that Colonel Scroope is gone with Sir Michael Levesey against the Earl of Holland and his party 9. Some Prisoners being brought to town from the Army divers apprentices got together and indeavoured by a tumult to rescue them but it was prevented 10. At a Conference the Lords delivered reasons to the Commons why the three propositions should not be insisted on before a Treaty with his Majesty 1. That there may be no delay a speedy personal Treaty being so much desired and Petitioned for 2.
many Portugals and French coming forth The Parliaments Generals stopped all the English Ships and their lading of Passengers and Souldiers and sent another message to the King of Portugal to demand the English Ships under Prince Rupert but he and his Councel answered that it was an unreasonable demand That the English Agent there escaped in a Disguise to the Fleet but the English Merchants at Lisbon who were Friends to the Parliament were imprisoned by the Kings Order That they tendred an Ingagement to the rest of the English to endeavour the reinthroning of King Charles the Second From Barnstable of a design to destroy all the Parliament Party in that Town and thereabouts prevented by small means through the Mercy of God was this day celebrated with great Solemnity 4 Letters of a Spanish Ambassador landed in the Downs and of a French Man of War with some English in her who took small English Vessels near Pool Of the Treasure Waggons going Northwards to the Army Of a Vessel loaden with Iron under sail from Tsalee in Ireland newly gone out of the Harbour when a Party of the Lord Broghils Forces coming thither haled her to come back but she being under Sail regarded them not but made on her way Whereupon 20 of the Troopers stripped themselves making as if they would swim to her and storm her and two of them who could swim well came uP to her which so amazed those in the Vessel that they hoised out their Boat on the other side of the Ship and got away leaving the Ship and her loading to the two valiant Troopers Of the Plague breaking forth near Barnstable 5 Letters of the L. Willoughbyes arrival in the Barbadoes Where he lay concealed eight dayes untill he had contrived his business with some great Delinquents there and then appeared as the chief Governour and proclaimed King Charles the second Of the seizing the Ships bonnd for Brazile from Lisbon by the Parliaments General at Sea and all the Ammunition and Provisions in them and some French Ships blocking up that Haven 6 Letters of a Message sent from the Scots Parliament to M. G. Lambert at the same time when they sent to the English Parliament to know the reason of their Armys march Northwards and urging That by the large Treaty no Act of Hostility or Invasion ought to be upon each other before three Months notice given That the Messenger is detained but not under restraint without answer till the Pleasure of the Parliament be known That Cromwell coming to York the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs attended him and invited him and his Officers to dinner where they were highly caressed From Ireland That the Bishop of Clogher interposed between Sir Charles Coot and C. Veneables with an Army of 10000 Irish and caused Sir Charles Coot several times to retreat but at length his Forces took such Courage that they resolved to fight the Bishop and after an hours hot dispute it pleased God to deliver that great Army into their hands That the Bishop their General received many wounds and in a few hours after he was taken Prisoner dyed of them that their Lt. G. Oneal was slain with their Quarter Master General and nine Collonels inferiour Officers very many and 3000 common Souldiers That the names and qualities of their Officers Slain and taken were not then known a messinger being dispatched with a General account of the business till they could have time to particularize that some of the Prisoners confest if they could have given a defeat either to Sir Charles Coot or C. Venables that the Bishop resolved to draw his Army into Scotland to promote the Kings affaires there 8 Letters that the Scots King was still at Dundee that they could not agree about his coming to Edenburgh nor about his Coronation that Commissioners from the Parliament and a Commitee of the Kirk were with him about signing the Propositions That a party of the Scots Horse were drawn within 20 Miles of Berwick which gave an allarm and caused the Parliaments Forces thereabouts to be in a ready Posture to receive them but they came not on From Sir Charles Coot that his party with him being but 600 Horse and 800 Foot he sent to C. Venables to come and joyn with him but the Bishop of Clogher with his Army being then about 4000 Foot and 600 Horse fell in between them to hinder their conjunction The Enemy incamped themselves on a boggy ground within 2 Musket Shot of our Leaguer and after about 4 hours began to draw off with most of their Forces over a pass which I perceiving called the Officers together and it was thought fit to charge the Enemy in the Rear with about 200 Horse keeping our foot and the rest of the Horse intire Our Horse Fell on with a great deal of gallantry and charged through 2 divisions of their Foot but their Horse being quite behind their Foot Finding our Horse in some disorder Fell on them and forced them to retreat Whereupon C. Richard Coot advancing with part of his Regiment to relieve our men the Enemies Horse Faced about and were beaten back again into their main Body We lost only in this conflict Captain Taylor who dyed most gallantly in the midst of the Rebels Pikes and 7 Troopers but took Prisoners a Captain of theirs and killed at least 6 for one but they drew off to a pass a Mile below I Sent Orders to the Country People to remove themselves and their goods and our Soldiers secured the passes between them and the Enemy C. Fenwick with 1000. Foot came to us but without any Provisions and it pleased God to give such courage to our Souldiers that we Marched up towards the Enemy who upon sight of our party they being encamped upon the side of a Mountain inaccessible either for Horse or Foot drew forth into a piece of Ground which though extream bad yet it pleased God to put into our Hearts to advance towards them Where we presently ingaged them and by the blesing of God after an hours hot dispute with great resolution on both sides we wholly routed them Many of them were killed upon the place and the Execution was 10 or 11 Miles every way that Night What numbers were slain I cannot positively say the Countrey People as well as the Souldiers eagerly pursuing and killing them for two daies after But with modesty I may assure you there cannot be less than 2000. slain together with their M. G. 5. Colonels 1. Bishop with almost all their Officers and their Lieutenant G. Offorrel as we are informed though his body be not yet discovered They lost likwise their Armes Colours Baggage with most of their Horse Since my writing thus far I have received several Letters from one party in the pursuit that they have Killed 6 or 700. more of the Rebels That M. King with 50 Dragoons had taken the Bishop of Clogher Prisoner
whose Country Gustavus then was become Master of the Field but his Successes caused him to propound the harder Conditions to the Elector to hold his own Patrimony that he refused them but afterwards the King of Sweden by Mediation came to more moderate terms But that Business was cut off by the death of that King which in its time will be remembred This Term the business of the Death of Doctor Lamb was in the King's Bench wherein it appeared that he was neither Dr. nor any way Lettered but a man odious to the Vulgar for some Rumors that went of him that he was a Conjurer or Sorcerer and he was quarrelled with in the Streets in London and as the people more and more gathered about him so they pelted him with rotten Eggs Stones and other riff raff justled him beat him bruised him and so continued pursuing him from Street to Street till they were five hundred people together following of him This continued three hours together until Night and no Magistrate or Officer of the Peace once shewed himself to stop this Tumult so the poor man being above eighty years of age died of this violence and no Inquisition was taken of it nor any of the Malefactors discovered in the City For this negligence an Information was put into the King's Bench by the Attorney Noy against the Mayor and Citizens and they submitted to the Grace of the Court and were in open Court fined fifteen hundred Marks by the Common Law not upon the Statute of 28 Edw. 3. nor upon the Statute of 4 H. 8. This Trinity Term Judge Whitelocke fell ill of a Cold which so increased upon him that he was advised to go into the Country whereupon he took his leave of his Brethren the Judges and Sergeants and was cheerfull with them but said to them God be with you I shall never see you again and this without the least disturbance or trouble of his thoughts And soon after he came into the Country on 22th day of June he died and in his death the King lost as good a Subject his Country as good a Patriot the Peeple as just a Judge as ever lived all honest men lamented the loss of him no man in his age left behind him a more honoured Memory His Reason was clear and strong and his Learning deep and general he had the Latine Tongue so perfect that sitting Judge of Assize at Oxford when some Foreigners Persons of Quality being there and coming to the Court to see the manner of our proceedings in matters of Justice this Judge caused them to sit down and briefly repeated the Heads of his Charge to the Grand Jury in good and elegant Latin and thereby informed the Strangers and the cholars of the ability of our Judges and the course of our proceedings in matters of Law and Justice He understood the Greek very well and the Hebrew and was versed in the Jewish Histories and exactly knowing in the History of his own Country and in the Pedigrees of most Persons of Honour and Quality in the Kingdom and was much conversant in the Studies of Antiquity and Heraldry He was not by any excelled in the knowledge of his own Profession of the Common Law of England wherein his knowledge of the Civil Law whereof he was a Graduate in Oxford was a help to him his learned Arguments both at the Bar and Bench will confirm this truth Soon after the death of this Judge there died a great Church-man Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury in a good old age and left behind him the memory of a pious learned moderate Prelate and in his room succeeded Laud then Bishop of London who was in eminent favour with the King as appears by this Translation of him to the Metropolitan Dignity of the Church of England to be Archbishop of Canterbury Some of our Stories relate that not long after his Translation to the See of Canterbury Laud was offered a Cardinals Cap from Rome but that he refused being as high already as England could advance him and he would not be second to any in another Kingdom This new Archbishop in the end of Summer about Michaelmas came from London to Oxford there to attend the King and to entertain him in the University where Laud was also Chancellour Collonel Saunderson was sent by our King with two thousand English to the Emperor of Rushia to assist him against the King of Poland He was there upon a private difference between them basely murdered by Colonel Lesley a Scotch-man The Muscovites were overthrown by the Polanders no Justice done upon Lesley but he came to this deserved end that he was thrown down from a Tower upon the ground and so died The Protestants in Ireland were discontented at the grace and favour shewed to the Papists there the Lord Wentworth was sent over as Deputy in that Kingdom to settle the Affairs and People there The King of Sweden proceeded successfully in Germany till the Battel of Lutzen where he was slain some say by one of his own people others say by the Enemy in the fight he was trampled under foot by the horse so that his body could hardly be known Papenheim was slain in the same Battel The Swedes contrary to expectation and course of others at the death of their King were so inraged that falling furiously upon the Imperialists they gained a great Victory Anno 1632 A little after this the Prince Elector King of Bohemia dyed as was supposed of the Infection of the Plague which he had taken at Coloign or at Mentz Wallestein was suspected of treachery to have designed a conjunction with the Swedes against the Emperor and was suddenly murthered by Butler a Scotchman This year dyed three Kings Sigismund King of Poland and Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden and Fredericke King of Bohemiā besides many great persons both in England and in Foreign parts of every Degree and Sex The King sent the Earl of Leicester Ambassador to the King of Denmark to condole the death of his Mother and to demand a portion due to our Queen and to the Queen of Bohemia according to the Law of Denmarke About this time Mr. Prinne published his Book called Histrio-Mastrix by Lycence of Archbishop Abbot's Chaplain which being against Plays and a Reference in the Table of the Book to this effect Women actors notorious Whores relating to some Women actors mentioned in his Book as he affirmeth It hapened that about six weeks after this the Queen acted a part in a Pastoral at Somerset house and then the Archbishop Laud and other Prelates whom Prynne had angered by some Books of his against Arminianism and against the Jurisdiction of the Bishops and by some Prohibitions which he had moved and got to the high Commission Court These Prelates and their Instruments the next day after the Queen had acted her Pastoral shewed Prynne's Book against Plays to the King and that
defence of the City and Parliament against the King's Forces at Brainford The City were in much trouble and different Opinions but the Lord Mayor Pennington and Officers of the Militia named by the Parliament were so forward that what was desired was resolved by the City General Essex was advised to order some of his Horse and Foot to the number of about 3000 who then were quartered at Kingston that they should march to Hunsloe and be on that side of the King's Army and Essex with his Party and the City Forces to advance on the other side of them from London and so the Army of the King would be encompassed between these two strong Parties of the Parliament Forces which doubtless would have been a very great advantage to the Parliament Forces But Dalbier chiefly and Sir John Meyricke and others gave contrary advice which was followed and the Forces at Kingston commanded to march round about by London-bridge into London and from thence to joyn with the Parliament Army whereby they came late and tyred when they were to have done Service The City Bands marched forth very chearfully under the Command of Major General Skippon who made short and encouraging Speeches to his Souldiers which were to this purpose Come my Boys my brave Boys let us pray heartily and fight heartily I will run the same fortunes and hazards with you remember the Cause is for God and for the defence of your selves your wives and children Come my honest brave Boys pray heartily and fight heartily and God will bless us Thus he went all along with the Souldiers talking to them sometimes to one Company and sometimes to another and the Souldiers seemed to be more taken with it then with a sett formal Oration Beyond Hammer smith in a Lane were placed the great Guns ready to be drawn up as there should be occasion a little beyond that were the Carriages in a Field close to the High-way placed with great Guards about them for their defence The whole Army was drawn up in Battalia in a Common called Turnham-green about a mile from Brainford Essex had there a strong Party of Horse stout men well horsed and armed Sir Philip Stapleton's Regiment and Colonel Goodwin's Regiments of Horse had the Van. The other Regiments of Horse were placed on both Wings the Foot of the Army were in good plight and well Armed and were placed in the Body one Regiment of them and another of the City Band one by another and some were left for reserves The order and marshalling of them was chiefly by the Earl of Holland who took great pains and shewed good skill in Martial affairs with him were the Earl of Northumberland and most of the Lords who continued with the Parliament divers Members of the House of Commons and all were armed The General Essex likewise took great pains in the Field and accompanied with the Lords and Commons with him rode from Regiment to Regiment encouraging of them and when he had spoken to them the Souldiers would throw up their Caps and shout crying Hey for old Robin The whole Army of Horse and Foot consisted of above 24000 Men stout gallant proper Men as well habited and armed as were ever seen in any Army and seemed to be in as good courage to fight the Enemy The General Essex and the Lords and others with him upon consultation together in the Field thought fit to command a Party of two Regiments of Horse and four of Foot to march about from the Green by Acton and so to get beyond the King's Army and upon a Sign when they fell upon the King's Army on that side Essex and his Forces were to fall upon them on this side and so to have them between both Parties of their Army Accordingly orders were given and Hampden's Regiment being one of that party which were to go about they had the Van next to the Horse and after they had marched about a mile on their way and the Enemy began to gaze on them Sir John Meyricke Major General to Essex rode galloping after them When he had overtaken them he told them that the General had changed his resolution of dividing his Forces and had sent him expresly to command them to retreat back again to the rest of the Army at which they were exceedingly troubled They all retreated according to command to Turnham-green where the whole Army stood many hours in Battalia as the King's Army had done facing one another Whensoever either of them advanced towards the other or that the Souldiers shouted then two or 300 Horsemen who came from London to be Spectators would gallop away towards London as fast as they could ride to the discouragement of the Parliaments Army and divers of the Souldiers would steal from their Colours towards their home the City It was then consulted whether the Parliament Army should advance and fall upon the King's Forces which was the opinion of most of the Parliament men and Gentlemen who were Officers but the Souldiers of fortune were altogether against it and while they were consulting the King had drawn off his Carriages and Ordnance and when every one spake his opinion the General gave his Orders as he thought best The City Good-wives and others mindfull of their Husbands and Friends sent many Cart loads of Provisions and Wines and good things to Turnbam-green with which the Souldiers were refreshed and made merry and the more when they understood that the King and all his Army were retreated Upon this was another Consultation whether the Parliament Army should pursue them which all advised but the old Souldiers of fortune on whose judgment the General most relied and their reasons were That it was too hazardous to follow the Enemy and honour and safety enough to the Parliament that the King was retreated But some of the King's Party did afterwards confess that if they had fallen on them at this time they had not Bullet enough to have maintained fight for a quarter of an hour but that in probability they had wholly broken them and that this was the Cause of their retreat And God had a further Controversie yet against them The King being marched away the General gave Orders for the Citizens to go home which they gladly obeyed to return to their Wives and Families that night The King marched back to Colnebrooke from thence to Reading and so to Oxford his most convenient quarter This Action of the King in the time of a Treaty was so ill resented by many men that they spake very hardly of it and the Parliament voted that they would have no accommodation Yet upon a Message from him that he intended to march at such a distance from London as might take away all misapprehension and not hinder the preparing of their Propositions They again send a Petition to him to desert his Army and to return to his Parliament In the mean time Letters from
inveigh against any such thing as treachery and baseness and that which might be the occasion of shedding much blood That he said he durst not for the awe and respect which he had for Selden and the rest communicate any of the particulars to them but was almost disheartned himself to proceed in it They were all upon their Trial condemned Tomkins and Challoner onely were hanged Waller had a Reprieve from General Essex and after a years imprisonment he paid a fine of ten thousand pound was pardoned and travailed into France The General Essex being about Thame ordered the Buckinghamshire Forces to Alarm the Cavaliers some Skirmishes past between them Rupert ingageth their Body in Chalgrave Field Routs them and takes Captain Sheffeild and many other Prisoners Major Gunter was shot dead in the place and Hampden wounded whereof he died a week after Some had advised him not to go forth upon this Party he not being ordered to doe it but his Mettle did put him forward and his death insued He was a Gentleman of the ancientest Extraction in Buckinghamshire Hampden of Hampden his fortune large his natural Abilities great and his affection to publick Liberty and Applause in his Countrey exposed him to many difficulties and troubles as in the business of the Ship-money of the Loan and now in Parliament Where he was a most Active and Leading Member he spake rationally and subtilly and often proposed Doubts more than he resolved he was well beloved in his Countrey where he had a great Interest as also in the House of Commons he died lamented about the 24. of June 1643. In the West the Parliament Forces took in Taunton and Bridgwater The Synod of Divines sate but concluded upon nothing In Germany the Protestant Forces under the Duke of Brunswick endeavoured to reduce Woolfen Bottel Picolomini for the Emperour enters the Town and sets upon Brunswick but was beaten and lost 2000 men Lamboy for the Emperour about Bohemia had his Regiment defeated for want of good Guards and himself taken Prisoner and sent to France by Count Guebiran who for this service and taking of John de Wert received the Marshals Staff The Swedes with 7000 fresh men under Tortoison enter Germany and did gallant Service against the Arch-Duke Leopold Picolomini marcheth against and brake through their left Wing at Leipsick and fell to plunder The Swedes rally and turn upon the Enemy and they fly six thousand of them seized never shot off The Swedes take Leipsick and besiege Friburgh which is relieved by Picolomini who upon this success took leave of the Arch-Duke and the Emperour's service and was entertained by the Spaniard The French prospered in Catalonia June 16. The Queen was brought to Bed of a Daughter at Excester named Henrietta Maria. The Parliament finding the great failure of Justice for want of a great Seal voted That if the Lord Keeper Littleton did not return with the Great Seal within fourteen days he should lose his Place and whatsoever should be sealed with that Great Seal afterwards should be void By their Order a new Great Seal was made engraven on the one side the Picture of the House of Commons the Members sitting on the other side the Arms of England and Ireland Waller with his whole Army was fought with by Greenvile and Slanning at Lands Down in the West Greenvile did gallant Service and was slain there so was Leake the Lord Deincourt's Son with the Enemies Colours about his Arm and many others of quality On Waller's part the Foot were dispersed and cut off many Officers and Arms lost Waller follows the King's Forces to whom Wilmot was sent with fifteen hundred Horse they both met at Rowndway Down near the Devises in Wiltshire where Waller's Horse upon a pannick fear fled and left their Foot to the mercy of the Enemy who flew a great number of them and took many Prisoners four brass Guns Ammunition and Baggage This caused a diminution of the former Fame of Waller which was raised up near to a competition or emulation with Essex himself and caused some slackning of mutual Succors and Assistance to the prejudice of their common Cause But after this Defeat Waller posted up to London where his person being a man known to be of much honour and courage silenced Invectives against him and made the better way for Recruits for him During these Actions of Waller their General Essex writes to the Parliament to incline them to a Peace with the King at which some were displeased and intimated the promoting of Waller in his place But this was before they received the News from Rowndway Down of this Defeat In the North some difference had been between the Lord Fairfax and Sir John Hotham who refused to submit to Fairfax though General for the Parliament in those parts but Hotham was as high and morose as the other was meek and courteous The Parliament hearing of this Contest intended to displace Hotham which he discovering by Letters that he intercepted began to have new Designs His Son Captain Hotham being suspected by the Parliament was imprisoned at Nottingham from whence escaping he under-hand treated with the Earl of Newcastle and coming to Hull he and his Father stood upon their Guard The Parliament doubting the Consequence hereof sent Sir Matthew Bointon with a Commission to seize them both and to be Governour there who not suspected by Hotham being his Brother-in-law had the more opportunity to tamper with the Garrison and gain an Interest with the Souldiers so that he gained them and the Magazine Then Sir John too late seeing the Design against him fled to Beverley where his own Souldiers set upon him and forced him back again to Hull where he was taken by his Brother Sir Matthew Bointon and with his Lady his Son and all his Children sent up Prisoners to the Parliament and Bointon remained Governour of Hull in his place His rough carriage especially to his Inferiours his very narrow living and the betraying of the Trust committed to him rendred him so distastfull to all sorts of people That his Masters for whom he had done so great Service in resisting the King at his first coming to Hull they now cast him off his Souldiers who had fought for him now chase him away from them and his Brother in Law supplants him and sends him with his Wife and Children Prisoners to the Parliament The Exit of his Scene in this Tragick Age follows in its order of time Prince Rupert hovered long about Bristoll till finding by his Correspondents whereof he had many in the City when it was worst provided for resistance he fell upon it and Colonel Nathaniel Fiennes the Governour after three days siege was forced to surrender it For which the Governour was afterwards sentenced by a Council of War to lose his life but by General Essex he was pardoned and gave off his Military Service The new Great
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
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
small Rencounters A Party of Sir John Gell's men near Derby fell upon a quarter of the Enemy killed twenty two routed the rest drove divers Men and Horse into the River Dove where they were drowned took 140 Horse and 80 Prisoners Colonel Bellasis attempted the Quarters of Colonel Lambert who beat back Colonel Bellasis and pursued him six miles took 150 Horse 60 Foot Colonel Bagshaw and 80 Captains and Officers Sir Edward Hartop and Major Bingley were questioned for letting the Enemy pass to the Relief of Newark when they had a considerable force to oppose him and it was referred to a Council of War It was agreed to send 66000 l. to the Brittish Forces in Ulster The Prince Elector wrote to the Parliament of the great want he and his Mother were in for want of the stipend they formerly had bemoans the courses which his brother took in fighting against the Parliament and rejoyceth to hear of the Covenant The King's Forces at Reading levelled the works and marched to Marlborough An Ordinance passed for observation of the Lord's day The Isle of Wight sent store of provisions and 300 men to Waller Upon advice from the Committee of both Kingdoms the Parliament resolv'd to draw together all their Forces at a general Rendezvous and to put the Enemy to it by a day and took order for Victuals and Necessaries for their Armies and that this their resolution should be published on the day of Thanksgiving Newcastle imposed an Oath of Adherence upon the inhabitants of York to oppose the Scots but many resused to take it The Lord Fairfax his Regiment took 160 Horse and 80 Foot at Axholm The Commons and Lords answered the Dutch Ambassadour That when they should make it appear that they hadCommission to address themselves to the Parliament they should receive a fit Answer At a Common Council the Earl of Warwick Sir Henry Vane Junior and the Earl of Pembroke spake to the Citizens acquainted them with the Resolution of the Parliament to put the business of the war to a speedy issue and to a day and to desire their assistance Sir William Waller spake to them to the same effect Mr. Hollis and Mr. Glyn to the same purpose and the Citizens were very forward in the business A Party of Sir William Waller's Forces took Christ Church and Sir John Willis the Governour with divers Commissioners of Array 120 Horse 200 Foot and about 400 Arms. The London Brigade with Colonel Whitehead took in by composition Walton House belonging to the Bishop of Winchester Colonel Langhern and Captain Swanley with the help of a squadron of ships sent to them took in the fort of Prickspil divers Officers 18 great Ordnance 6 Carriages 300 Souldiers with their Arms and two Bristol ships with Arms and Powder This so terrified Haverford West that their Centuries the next night seeing a herd of Cattel cried out that the Round-heads Black-coats were come and Sir Henry Vaughan and his company hasted away leaving behind them Powder ten pieces of Ordnance and store of Provisions Then they took Tinby a strong Fort with the Governour 300 Souldiers and Arms 8 pieces of Cannon and store of plunder and secured all Pembrokeshire and most part of South Wales for the Parliament Prince Griffith so called made a proposition for 15000 l. to reduce all NorthWales to the Parliament Col. King took in Crowland for the Parliament 80 Horse and Arms. The Lords agreed to refer the drawing up of propositions for Peace to the Committee of both Kingdoms to doe it by a day An Oxford Spie was executed The Lord Conwey and the Earl of Kingston came into the Parliament The King again sets up his Standard at Marlborough but seeing few come in to it he declared at the Standard that the two Houses were preparing Propositions for Peace and he would reward those that came in to him as there should be further occasion to use them and so the Standard was taken down The King's Forces surprized Wareham as was suspected by the treachery of the Captain of the Watch who let them in for which they being Masters of the place killed the Captain and many others and committed divers rapes and cruelties The Archbishop coming again to trial the Article was urged against him and several witnesses produced That he assumed the title of the Pope that in Letters from the Vniversity of Oxford he was styled Optimus Maximus Sanctitas Vestra Your Sacred Holiness Aeternum Reverendissime Cancellarie Maximus Pontifex It was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to send Agents to the Swedes and to Zealand to declare the Parliaments affection to them who had expressed their good liking of the proceedings of the Parliament The Lord Fairfax and Sir Thomas Fairfax his Son joyning together drew up their Forces to Selby where a Garrison of the King 's was and in it Colonel Bellasis the Governour of York that night they beat in a party of the Enemies Horse and took divers Prisoners Early the next morning they beset the Town in three Divisions and after a hot fight wherein both parties performed brave service Fairfax routed them and entred the Town where they took 4 Colonels 4 Majors 20 Captains 130 inferiour Officers 1600 common Souldiers 4 brass Pieces of Ordnance Powder Match 2000 Arms 500 Horse besides Colours and a Pinnace and Ships in the River and 500 more Prisoners at Hemcough near Selby For this the Parliament ordered a day of publick Thanksgiving The Candlesticks Crucifixes and Plate in Pauls Church was ordered to be sold and a motion debated for borrowing 100000 l. of the States of the Netherlands The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London proposed that they would raise 20000 men and how they might be paid but the Commons doubting it might retard their present designs it was for that time laid aside A party of Sir William Waller's Horse beat up the Enemies Quarters at Sunning near Reading took 2 Lieutenant Colonels 3 Captains divers other Officers 21 Souldiers with Arms and 40 Horse A Proclamation was published from Oxford commanding the Inhabitants of Oxfordshire Bucks and Berks c. to bring in all their provision for Men and Horse to Oxford within 5 days that they may not assist the Enemies now marching on pain of fire and sword The Commons appointed a Declaration to be drawn and published thereupon These three Counties Oxon Bucks and Berks entred into an association and a Committee was appointed of Members of the Mouse and other Gentlemen of those Counties then in London to manage the affairs of those Counties to compound with Delinquents and to raise supplies for the Forces there The Earl of Newcastle troubled at the news of Selby and his Army wasting upon the approach of the Scots towards them they left Durham to the Scots and General Lesley pursued them The Commons did right to Mr. Cambell upon a complaint of Horses taken
blood and infamy may rest on the Heads of them that lay obstructions in his way averring that if money cannot be had he will march without it That he received a Letter from Lieutenant General Middleton who is advanced as far as he can to relieve the Lord General but he hears there is a very great party of the King's Army drawn out to meet him and yet keep the Lord General at a Bay That he desires nothing more under God than to be able to march and no fault shall be found in him By Letters from Plymouth the House were certified touching the making of Provisions for the Lord General 's Army and that many Prisoners had taken the Covenant and freely undertook to serve the Parliament against the Irish Rebels That at Lestithiel the duty hath been so constant and various the Enemy so near and vigilant that we cannot Muster we have sick men sent hither who if not timely sent do die soon after they come here fresh Diet being their onely cure The Chirurgeons of the Army are ill stored with Provisions some not having to the value of 10s The Enemy increaseth daily upon our quarters the loss of Foy-harbour is to our infinite disadvantage no ships being able to ride out of the command of their Guns The Lord Admiral made a gallant attempt to have regained the Harbour but extremity of weather would not suffer him to land one man Major Skippon's Glove and Sleeve was shot through and his Buff in two places and he had no harm Additional Forces being come to Sir William Waller he advanced with them Westward to joyn with Middleton and Massey to make up a Body to relieve the Lord General and 4000 Foot and 3000 Horse from the Earl of Manchester were upon their march to assist the General but all of them had lost too much time Letters from the General informed that the King with all his power drew out upon him that he sent out several parties that Skirmished with them at length a great party of the Horse being ingaged they slew many of the Enemy and forced their passage through the King's Army and through the numerousness of the Enemy could hardly retreat so that the Foot being left to stand upon their own guard in a place of advantage there was a Parley enter'd into by which it was agreed that Major Skippon who fought like a Lion with the Foot should march away with the loss of some Ordnance and Ammunition and have a safe conduct for 6000 Foot to Dorchester By this and several other Letters we may observe how the Parliament Officers sought to lessen this defeat received by them and to conceal the full truth thereof from the Parliament which is usual with some to lessen their defeats and to inlarge their Victories On the King's part it was said that General Essex with most of his chief Commanders deserted their whole Army and saved themselves by flight by Sea That their Horse pretending to Skirmish got beyond the King's Army and so escaped by this way and left the Foot to shift for themselves That the Foot were totally dispersed and disarmed and submitted to the King's mercy who gave them their lives and took all their Ordnance Arms and Ammunition and thus gave a total defeat to the Parliament's main Army By this we may see the great difference in relations of Martial performances always according to the particular interest of the Relatours and it is certain that in a Fight the next man can hardly make a certain relation of the Actions of him that was next in place to him For in such a hurry and smoak as is in a Fight and when a man scarce takes notice of any thing but what relates to his own immediate safety it is hard to give any clear account of particular passages but the general will make way for it self by the consequence and issue Therefore for better satisfaction I shall give an impartial Relation of that Action in Cornwal neither favouring nor censuring the one side or the other as it ought to be the temper of all faithfull Historians The King marched after Essex who was gone Westward and by the overruling counsel of the Lord Roberts was perswaded into the narrow noose of Cornwal The King came to Liskerd eight miles from Lestithiel where Essex was and was there encompassed by the King and Prince Maurice at Boconnock Sir Richard Greenvile at Bodmyn and Sir Jacob Ashley at Hule The King's party were desirous to fight but upon consultation it was held more advisable to strave the Parliament forces to which end Goring with a party of Horse and Sir Tho. Basset with 1500 Foot were sent Westward to stop all Provisions that way and to streighten Essex by keeping his Horse and Foot close together Essex drew his Cannon and Baggage towards Foy but in those bad ways his Carriages stuck and they were much hindered by it Sir Will. Belfore with 2300 horse brake through the King's Quarters and got to Saltash and from thence to Plymouth The King pursues his advantage against Essex his foot with great wisedom and gallantry and they made a stout resistance but being overpowred by the King's forces which lay round about them and then the Country rising in great numbers upon them and killing divers of their men in their Quarters Essex quits his own Forces and with divers of his chief Officers makes by Sea for Plymouth leaving Skippon with the Foot and a few horse behind him Some came by designe to the Parliament forces intimating that the King was willing to admit of a Treaty with them and it was great wisdome and gallantry in the King rather to defeat them with their own Consents than to hazard the doubtful tryal of a Battle for it Skippon calls together his field Officers to a Council of War and being more a Soldier than an Oratour spake plainly to them to this purpose Gentlemen You see our General and many of our chief Officers have thought fit to leave us and our horse are got away we are left alone upon our defence that which I propound to you is this that we having the same courage as our horse had and the same God to assist us may make the same tryal of our fortunes and endeavour to make our way through our enemies as they have done and account it better to dye with honour and faithfulness than to live dishonourable Few of the Council of War did concur with him but were generally for a treaty with the King alledging the advantages the horse had to break through the enemy which the foot had not and that the General was then with them and added courage to his men Whereas the foot were now more dismayed by his going away and having few or no horse to assist them and other arguments were alledged to accept of a treaty and accordingly Commissioners on both parts were appointed For the King were Prince
Maurice General Ruthen and the Lord Digby for the Parliament were Colonel Berkley Colonel Wichcotes and Colonel Butler who agreed upon Articles Sept. 2. to this effect To deliver up to the King all their Artillery with all their bag and baggage no person under a Corporal to wear any kind of weapon all Officers above to wear onely sword and pistols there were delivered up 40 pieces of brass Ordnance 200 barrels of Powder Match and Bullet proportionable 9000 Arms for horse and foot Some of the private Soldiers listed themselves in the King's service and some of the rest as they marched forth being pillaged by the King's Soldiers Skippon rode up to the King who stood to see them pass by and told him it was against his honour and justice that his articles should not be performed that his Soldiers did pillage some of the Parliaments Soldiers contrary to the Articles and desired his Majesty to give order to restraine them The King thereupon gave a more strict command for the punctual observation of the Articles and Skippon with his men marched to Poole We may take notice by this chiefly and by several other passages of the uncertain issues of War and of the overruling hand of providence in Martial affairs as much if not more than in other matters It was but a few weeks before that Essex and Waller with two great Armies were in pursuit of the King who could scarce find a way to avoid them and the Parliaments power and expectation was far above that of the King Now the dye of War is turned another way the Parliaments Army is defeated disarmed and dispersed and the King becomes Victorious This did much affright some of the Parliament party and caused several discourses among them Divers who were no friends to Essex inveighed against him as one that had quitted his Command and deserted his Army in the greatest danger others excused and commended him for this action by which means onely he could reserve himself his Officers and Souldiers to doe the Parliament further service Others condemned Waller Manchester and Middleton for not hastning more to the assistance of the General every one vented his own fancy and censure but doubtless he was a person of as much integrity courage and honour as any in his age he was brought into this noose by the wilfulness of others and though his enemies took advantage against him upon it yet many thought others to be more in fault than the General Letters from Scotland informed the Parliament that the Marquess of Argyle had taken 500 of the Rebels which came over with the Earl of Antrim to disturb the peace of that Kingdome The General having thoughts to come up to the Parliament to give them a particular account of this unhappy action and to excuse himself to the Parliament they wrote to him that they continue fully satisfied that he was not wanting to use his utmost endeavours in that service and were well assured of his fidelity desiring him to entertain no thoughts of discontent or discouragement but to go on in the managing of the VVar Sir Will. Waller and other forces being ready to joyn with him The Commons took order for supplies of Cloaths and Arms for his Souldiers and for the Earl of Manchester's marching towards him and appointed a day of publick Humiliation The Sickness being at St. James's the Parliament ordered the removal of the King's Children from thence to Whitehall Colonel William Strowde wrote to the House that 300 men of the adjacent parts were come to him to serve the Parliament and that he had sent from Wareham 1000 Arms to the Lord General A Committee of both Houses were sent to give entertainment to the Chancellour of Scotland who was newly come to Town The Lord Roberts was made Governour of Plymouth By Letters from Sir Thomas Middleton the House was informed that Lieutenant Colonel Tyll being sent by him took Sir Thomas Gardiner the Recorder's Son with his Officers and forty of his Troupers Prisoners and the rest fled that he also took two Colours and four wayneload of Powder and Ammunition Lieutenant General Lesley fell upon the Forces of Sir Philip Musgrave and Colonel Fletcher in Westmorland killed divers on the place took above 100 Prisoners two foot Colours a Standard and scattered the rest The King marched out of Cornwal and sent a summons to Plymouth to be rendered to him but they returned a positive answer in the negative Prince Rupter marched towards the King but with a small force About 1500 of the King's foot out of several Garrisons mounted for Dragoons by night marched towards Basing-house Colonel Norton and Colonel Morley took the Alarm Norton charged them and brake through them but they with great courage wheeled about and charged Norton's whole body who retreated unto Colonel Morley's Quarters In the mean time they got some supplies of Ammunition and Provisions into the House Norton and Morley faced them but they would not fight but retreated back again and were pursued and 150 of them killed and taken one Major with other inferiour Officers Norton had a slight hurt in the hand and lost but one man but the house was relieved This party of the King 's gave an Alarm to Brown at Abington who shortly after gave an Alarm to them at Oxford and brought away 40 of their fat Cattel Salt and other provisions Sir Rich. Greenvile attempted thrice by Storm to enter Plymouth but was repulsed Middleton routed Prince Rupert in his passage towards the King with seven hundred horse took divers of his Officers and about ninety common Souldiers prisoners Brereton routed the Earl of Derby coming to relieve Leverpoole and killed and took five hundred of them and put the rest to flight An Ordinance passed the Commons for Ordination of Ministers and was sent to the Assembly for them to add Ministers Names who should give Ordination A difference was between the Lord Grey and the Association of Leicestershire The King sent a Summons to Plymouth That God having given him Victory over the Rebels he desired to reduce his people by Acts of Grace and promised especial favour to Plymouth if they would render the Town to him and that they should have no Garrison A Letter was likewise sent at the same time from the Lord Digby to the Lord Roberts Inviting him upon high Ingagements of Preferment and Honour from the King to surrender the Town up to him But they prevailed neither with the Governour nor with the Townsmen but they all prepared for defence and the Enemy endeavouring the same day to storm the West-end of the Town were repulsed with great loss in which action the Seamen did gallant service The King 's whole Army besieged the Town but they having four thousand foot and eight hundred horse did not much fear their Besiegers but the Lord Roberts wrote for some supplies which were ordered for them A Letter from the King was
their Forces The Governour of Poole set upon the Queens Regiment of horse marching that way near Blandford slew sixteen of them took about forty prisoners a hundred brave horse two Colours and much Popish trumpery and lost but one man and a few hurt Colonel Lambert fell upon a party of the King's horse near Plumpton in Yorkshire took about a hundred and forty Horse the Commander in chief an Irish Rebel three Captains and many prisoners The King faced the Parliaments Armies with his horse and in the mean time drew away his Foot towards Newbury whither he followed with the horse Captain Fincher waiting on their march surprised sixty of their horse Orders were sent to the several Counties to be in a posture of defence and the Chirurgeons were sent down with Medicaments to the Army and Mr. Bell to provide them An Ordinance passed that no quarter should be given to any of the Irish Rebels taken either at Sea or Land By a Letter from Pembroke was certified that some of Prince Rupert's Forces particularly of the Irish Rebels drove away their Cattel risled their Houses eat and destroyed all their Provisions burnt their Villages and standing Corn destroyed all Sexes and Degrees Aged and unarmed persons were stripped naked by them â—and some they inhumanely murthered in cold blood others they half hanged and afterwards stigmatized and burnt their flesh off from their bodies to the bare bones and yet suffered them to live in great torture The Commons ordered that all the Judges and King's Council should meet to consider of the Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon An Ordinance passed to free the Heir of Sir William Fairfax who was slain in the Parliaments Service from Wardship An Order past to admit the Prince Elector to come when he pleased to the Assembly of Divines to hear their Debates according to his Highnesse's desire Newcastle Town not agreeing to Propositions of a Treaty the Scots stormed and entred part of the Town and became Masters of it that Sir John Merlay and others for the King fled to the Castle and offered to render it upon quarter which was denied but that they should render at mercy Some of the Scots Officers were slain as Major Hepburne and others but more of the Enemy Publick thanks to God were ordered to be given for the mercy in gaining Newcastle Sergeant Whitfield had the thanks of the House for his pains in preparing the Evidence for the Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon and the former Lord chief Justice Bramston was ordered to be advised with in that Business An Ordinance passed for the sale of some Delinquents Lands in Essex By Letters from the Commissioners in the Army it was certified that the Armies were near engagement that the King's horse faced the Parliaments Forces within a mile their Foot and Artillery marched up and were drawn into Bartalia at Bucklebury and nothing more done that day but they resolved the next day to charge the King's Forces if they would stand to it and they desired provisions might be sent to the Army Two Barges loaded with Bisket and Cheese were sent to Reading to be conveyed to the Army The Houses being informed that the Lord General was not well and stayed behind the Army they sent a Committee of Lords and Commons to visit him and to express the affections of both Houses to him This was not as was given out a piece of Courtship but I think real and there was cause enough that it should be so the General having so highly deserved from them Yet there were some had Designs against him and were desirous to remove him from his Command because they were jealous that he was too much inclined to peace and favouring of the King and his party I think I knew as much of his mind as others did and always observed him to wish for peace yet not upon any dishonourable or unjust terms he was a Lover of Monarchy and Nobility which he suspected some designed to destroy together with Gentry Ministry and Magistracy which humour began then to boyl up but he resolved to support them and wanted not advice to that end But the Jealousies upon him who was a most faithful and gallant man and servant to the publick gave him great trouble in his thoughts and they did work so high with his Enemies that some gave out he was by private intimation to forbear engaging in this Service and for certain he was not in it A party of the King 's coming to relieve Banbury were repulsed by Captain Fiennes their Bag and Baggage taken divers of them killed and some of them taken prisoners The City Propositions to be sent with the general Propositions for peace were voted and approved Divers Citizens petitioned That Justice might be done against Delinquents especially the two grand Incendiaries the Bishop of Canterbury and Wren and that the Commons House might be recruited with new Members Sir John Hotham petitioned That he might not be tryed by the Commissioners for the Court-Marshal and demanded the Judgment of the House thereupon and offered his Reasons but they would not hear them The Commons being informed that in probability the Armies were now engaged they sent to the Assembly of Divines to spend some time in Prayer for the good success of the Parliaments Forces which was done accordingly In the Evening the same day news came to the Parliament of a considerable Victory obtained by their Forces against the King's Army near Newbury That the Fight began on Sunday October 27th about Three a Clock in the Afternoon That before Seven they had nine pieces of Ordnance from the Enemy took the Earl of Cleveland and three hundred prisoners killed Charles Goring Son to the Lord Goring Sir Humphrey Mildmayâ—s eldest Son and divers others of quality and that the King about Twelve at Night marched with a party towards Wallingford Another party of the Kings under the Earl of Northampton came to relieve Banbury and taking the Besiegers at unawares made their way into the Castle and relieved it and made good their Retreat Scout-master General Bedford came to the house with Letters from the Commissioners in the Army of the particulars of the Battel at Newbury to this effect That after a Weeks tedious but speedy march of the Lord General 's Infantry and one nights refreshment at Reading in two days further progress they drew up before Newbury as near the Town as the Enemies Cannon would suffer this was upon Friday Oct. 25. The King kept within the Town guarded by his Artillery but his Body of Horse and Foot drew out into Speen-field the midway between the Town and Castle both to make his Army seem more numerous and to imbattel them in a place of extraordinary advantage that day afforded nothing but an Interview the interposing River hindred the desire to fight On the King's part appeared rather a declining to be engag'd either that their numbers
altered A Petition from Bedfordshire complained of the unruliness of the Souldiers there taking Horses in Markets from the Countrey people and then making them to redeem them again for money and particularly against one Captain Crawford The like from Sussex and Bucks and complaining of the ravishing of Women and murthering of Men to redress which evils a Committee was appointed to consider These were the Fruits of Civil War Robberies Ravishings and innumerable Wicked actions committed by the barbarous Souldiers to the unspeakable Misery of the poor Countrey The Commons further Debated upon the Ordinance for the new Model of the Army and for the Assessment for their pay and ordered the Members of each County to bring in names of Commissioners for the Assessement in every County About 1100 of the King's horse and foot issued out of Chester and fell upon Sir William Brereton's quarters and to relieve Beeston Castle closely besieged by Brereton who hearing of the Enemies coming drew out a party to encounter them they placed their Ambuscadoes which the Parliaments brake through and routed the Enemy They took of them prisoners Colonel Worden Colonel Ware divers other Officers 200 common Souldiers as many horse and arms and killed and wounded a great number of them this party of the Parliament was commanded the horse by Lieutenant Col. Jones and the foot by Major Louthian News was brought that a Merchants ship from London bound for the East Indies revolted to the King and went to Bristol having in her 28 pieces of Ordnance and above 30000 l. in Goods A party of the King's forces from Newark came forth to gather Contribution and took prisoners some Countrymen that were in arrear the Committee of Nottingham having notice thereof sent forth a party who pursuing those of Newark they left their prisoners and five or six of their men behind and hasted to their quarters Nottingham men followed them close and so far that another party of the Newark forces came forth upon them routed them recovered their prisoners and took of the Parliaments party Major Meldrum Lieutenant Smith and about 28 Souldiers with their arms and horses The Commons resumed the Debate about the new Titles of the King's Commissioners in the Safe Conduct for them and at last it was agreed That the new made Knights should have that Title given them because it was not a Title under the Great Seal And for the new made Earl and the two new Lords their new Titles were not given them in the Safe Conduct because they were granted by the King after the Great Seal was carried away from the Parliament and so Sir Peter Killegrew was sent away towards Oxford with the Safe Conduct thus corrected The Commons were moved for the Exchange of the Lord Brereton for Sir John Northcot but they denied it till his Lordship should declare the business of the killing of divers of the Parliaments friends in cold blood at Nantwich The City petitioned the supply of Plymouth which had been two years besieged and concerning matters of Trade and had thanks for their care The Commons finished the Ordinance for the new model of the Armies and past several Votes concerning Church Government Sir Peter Killegrew who went to Oxford on Saturday returned on Monday with the King's Answer That he waved the matters of honour and was content that his Commissioners should treat under those Titles that were admitted by the Parliament A complaint was made against Colonel Harvey by several Petitions particularly by Mr. Squire concerning 3000 l. taken from him by the Colonel or some of his Officers which was referred to a Committee to be examined Divers Compositions of Delinquents were allowed The Ordinance for raising and maintaining forces under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax was sent up to the Lords An Ordinance was read for enabling the Scots to march Southwards Sir Charles Sherley and Mr. Devereux were sent for as Delinquents for sending a Challenge to a Member of the House of Commons who was also sent for Both Houses agreed that the three first days of the Treaty should be for Religion the three next for the Militia and another three days for Ireland and so alternis vicibus and sent these Votes to the Committee of both Kingdoms for the concurrence of the Scots Commissioners who desired some alterations upon which the Commons debated till ten at night and then adjourned the Debate till the next morning though it were the Fast Day Colonel Craford going from Aylesbury with about 80 horse to seek quarters met with about 120 of the King's men under Colonel Blake Governour of Wallingford and after a hot Dispute between them he routed Blake whom Craford wounded in a single charge between them two Blake escaped by the goodness of his horse all his men except 14 were killed and taken and some few desperately wounded and Craford lost but three men and some wounded News came from the West that Greenvile in discontent had pistolled Colonel Champernoun and his Brother The Commons sate all the Fast Day about the business of the Treaty the Lords sate in the after-noon and at length all was agreed with the Scots Commissioners that the Treaty is to be upon the three Propositions in order three days upon each and to begin with Religion And now some began to observe the difficulty if not inconvenience of carrying on their affairs with a concurrence of Commissioners of another Kingdom whereupon grew delays and difference of opinions and not overmuch inclination to submit to reason more than to will Letters from Colonel Jephson informed that Goring's forces had much endeavoured and offered great rewards for the betraying of Portsea-bridge and some who complied with him were apprehended that Goring was in Normandy beating up Drums for Souldiers to come for England A party of Goring's forces fell upon the quarters of some of the Parliaments forces near Farnham took forty Prisoners two Colours killed five or six of their Foot burnt a Barn full of Corn four Houses and set fire on several parts of the Town The Commons ordered Sir William Waller into the West to prevent these mischiefs The Covenant was ordered to be read in the Churches every Fast-day The Commons ordered a Letter for the speedy bringing up of the Scottish Army but many were not satisfied therewith A party of the King 's from Dunnington and Bazing going to joyn with the Lord Hopton by the way plundered the Countrey and surprized the West-countrey Carriers Colonel Devereux with a party from Marlborough fell upon them took Prisoners Sir Anthony Saint Leger their Commander in chief Major Hyde divers other Officers 30 Troupers 50 Horse and Arms and rescued the plunder Colonel Lucas was put out by the King from being Governour of Belvoir Castle and Sir Guy Palms put in his place and Sir John Byron was removed from being Governour of Newark upon jealousie that he held correspondence with some of the
viewed and considered each others powers and instructions exceptions were taken on both sides to the meaning of some clauses in their Instructions Both Houses explained their meaning in those clauses excepted against and the King's Commissioners sent to Oxford for satisfaction to that which was excepted against by the Commissioners of both Kingdomes They agreed to give in to each other papers in in writing of their particular Proposals and then as there should be occasion to have verbal debates upon any of those particulars and accordingly the Parliaments Commissioners delivered in Papers to the King's Commissioners of four particulars concerning Religion first to be treated on The Directory for Worship The taking away the Book of Common Prayer The Confirming of the Assembly of Divines And for the King to take the Covenant of both Kingdomes Feb. 1644. 1. Before the Commissioners on either part for the Treaty insisted on any debate upon particulars several resolutions were made by consent of both sides to this effect That all overtures of the Treaty should be set down in writing That whatsoever should be agreed to on both sides upon any one or more of the Propositions should be null and of no force in case the Treaty break off upon any of the Propositions The Parliaments Commissioners delivered to the King's Commissioners in writing the Propositions and Votes of both Houses concerning the setling of Religion in a Presbyterial way which were appointed for the debate of the three first days of the Treaty Unto these the King's Commissioners did make some Quaeries as 1. What was meant by the Presbyterial Government propounded to be Established 2. What was meant by Classes 3. What was meant by Provincial and Synodical Assemblies 4. What by the bounds of Parishes with other questions depending upon these Upon the entrance into the debate of the points Doctor Steward spake very learnedly though seeming frowardly against Presbyterial Government in the Church of England which had so long been under Episcopacy which he thought most suitable to our Church and to be jure divino Mr. Henderson and Mr. Marshall answered the Doctor commending the Presbyterian way of Government and that Episcopacy was not so suitable to the word of God as Presbytery which they argued to be jure Divino To which the Marquess Hartford spake to this effect My Lords Here is much said concerning Church Government in the General the Reverend Doctors on the King's part affirm that Episcopacy is Jure Divino the Reverend Ministers of the other part do affirm that Presbytery is Jure Divino for my part I think that neither the one nor the other nor any Government whatsoever is Jure Divino and I desire we may leave this Argument and proceed to debate upon the particular Proposals The Earl of Pembroke was of the same judgment and many of the Commissioners besides these two Lords were willing to pass over this point and to come to the particulars Dr. Steward thought the disputes to be too various and general and desired that they might dispute Syllogistically as became Schollars and was the best way to find out the Truth Mr. Henderson told them that he in his younger days had been a pedagogue and had also read Logick and Rhetorick to his Schollars and had wholy of late declined that kind of Learning but hoped he had not forgot all of it and therefore agreed to dispute Syllogistically In that way they proceeded upon the points urged by the King's Doctors which were very clearly and learnedly opened by Mr. Vines Mr. Marshal and Mr. Henderson and very learnedly replyed unto by all the King's Doctors who did severally declare their judgments upon those points but the Arguments on both parts were too large to admit a place in this story for them The King's Commissioners complained of a Sermon preached by Mr. Love at Vxbridge the morning before they entred upon the Treaty wherein they said were many expressions in derogation of His Majesty and the present Treaty the Parliament having notice thereof from their Commissioners sent for Love and referred the business to an examination The Commons passed an Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage 2. Mr. Marshall preached this Sunday to the Parliaments Commissioners 3. The Commons denyed an exchange for Colonel Smith once a Member of theirs because he being a Prisoner of War escaped and was retaken and because they were informed that he said the onely way to make the King's Forces successful was to kill all the Ploughmen they met with that the people might be deterred from ploughing their grounds and so to starve the Roundheads Letters from Major Purefoy Governour of Compton-house informed that about 1200 of the King's Forces about two a Clock at night fell upon him and stormed his outworks and cut down the great drawbridge possest themselves of all Purefoy's Trouphorses and took about 30 of his foot Souldiers in their beds they taking the alarm made good a new Sconce and beat the Enemy out of the Court where about 200 of them were entred and ready to storm the Sconce They were forced to retreat and by a party of the Garrison of about 40 and fought at push of Pike and Swords point till Sir William and Sir Charles Compton gave ground which Purefoy's Souldiers perceiving leaped out at the Windows and recovered the outworks and the draw-bridge and drew it up again and so got them in a pound The Comptons Valiantly sought to storm again the outworks three times and were as Valiantly beaten back after three hours fight they set on fire the hay straw and combustible stuff which much annoyed Purefoy's men and they threw above 100 hand Granadoes which set fire on the House in several places Then the Comptons sent a Trumpet to parley but Purefoy forbad him speaking to the Souldiers and sent him away The fight continued and the fire increased Purefoy drew all his men together and fell upon the Enemy and killed and took many of them upon which the Comptons drew off their foot and faced the house with their horse and sent another Trumpet to parley who was answered onely with the shot of a Musket Of Compton's men about 20 Officers were killed and taken 6 Cart loads of wounded men carried off and about 40 Common Souldiers left dead behind and many more taken Prisoners and great store of Arms and Purefoy writes that he had but two men wounded Northampton horse the next night fell upon the same party of the King 's near Banbury and took 60 horse and 30 prisoners The King's Commissioners having received answers to all their Quaeries touching Presbyterian Government it was desired by the Parliaments Commissioners that they would declare their resolutions therein Positively or Negatively but answer was returned that they could not untill they had made a further progress in the other Propositions Thereupon the Parliaments Commissioners delivered in to them several Papers to treat on the business of
Stocks in Trade and absent themselves and Orders for seizing suspicious persons and Arms and an Ordinance for raising Souldiers Gunners and Chirurgeons for Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army With an Exception to press none in the Universities Inns of Court and Chancery trained Bands c. or Esquires or their Sons or Officers Sea-men c. 26. The publick Monthly fast solemnly kept 27. A Messenger from Melcombe Regis informed that the Town held out still and expected Sir William Waller's approach to them that a party of 80 of their Horse sallied out and routed near 300 of the Enemy and took 60 horse and another time 30. The House ordered Colonel Cromwel to march with all speed into the West to joyn with Waller The Government of Shrewsbury was referred to the Committee of that County and 4000 l. to be provided for them to raise Forces and 20 l. given to their Messenger A party under Sir Maronaduke Langdale marching Northwards fell upon a party of the Parliaments in Northamptonshire whom they routed killed some and took divers of them prisoners and the rest shifted for their lives and by flight saved themselves The same party of the King 's fell upon some Dragoons of the Parliaments in Leicestershire and routed them 28. Several Officers of the new Army approved by the Commons A party of Col. Massey's men under his Brother fell upon Sir John Winter in the Forest of Dean routed him and made him swim the River of Wye in which 60 of Winter's men were drowned 70 slain besides Col. Gamme and Lieutenant Colonel Winter 120 taken prisoners 140 Horse taken several Officers and 300 Arms. The Commons ordered a Letter of thanks to Massey and Supplies March 1644. 1. The Commons proceeded in the List of the Officers of the Army They sent to the City to call a Common Hall the 4th of March That the Commissioners for the Treaty at Uxbridge might then acquaint the City with the proceedings at that Treaty and the aversness of the King's party to the peace They have already set forth a Declaration at Oxford for the vindication of themselves in that business An Ordinance for Provisions for the Parliaments Forces before Pomfret another for the Essex Forces Letters from Colonel Sydenham and Captain Batten informed that Goring had spent much time with 5000 horse and foot before Melcombe but had made no honourable attempt only the night before endeavoured to cast up a Work before Melcombe betwixt it and the Seas but Sydenham sent out a party who beat them from their Work killed two and took divers prisoners and all their Tools without any loss 3. The Commons past the List of Officers for the new Army Mr. Pryn was ordered to Print the Proceedings of the Archbishop's Tryal Orders for a Committee to hasten the Declaration of the Proceedings of the Treaty at Vxbridge in which much labour was put upon Mr. Pierpoint and Whitelocke Mr. Sherrington Talbot and Mr. Dowdeswell Commissioners of Array in Wigorn were taken and sent up The Chapel Fort at Weymouth was taken by the Parliaments Forces from the King 's Letters from Sir William Brereton informed that four Regiments of Irish Rebels were lately landed in Wales for the King's Service Sir Marmaduke Langdale's party were met with by Colonel Rosseter near Melton where they had a sharp Encounter and loss on both sides Of Langdal's party were slain Colonel Tuke Major Kertlington Captain Markham and about 100 others of Rosseter's about 50 but no Officer he lost one Colours and took two Langdale got Provisions into Newark and was recruited to 3000 and Rosseter followed him with 2000. 4. The French Agent sent a Letter to the Parliament of the desires of his Master and the Queen Regent That the Parliament would continue the Treaty with the King The House ordered a Committee to draw up a fair and respective Answer to the Letter but not to consent to any thing of renewing the Treaty The Speaker was authorized to give Passes to Delinquents to come into the Parliament and to compound at Goldsmiths-hall for their Delinquency The Parliaments Forces in Melcombe Febr. 25. having regained Chapel Fort of great prejudice to the King's Forces they resolved by a Council of War to fall again upon the Fort and upon the Town of Melcombe at once in several places The same Evening that they resolved to do it one of Melcombe Souldiers who had been taken prisoner escaped and gave notice to the Governour of this Design who got his men in readiness The King's men that night assaulted the Line about Melcombe in five or six places and the Chapel with great resolution but were in every place repulsed and lost about 150 of their men In which Service Captain Batten and his Seamen did very bravely the Enemy retreated back to Weymouth the Melcombe Souldiers stood still upon their guards expecting the return of the Enemy but they came not again But the next morning they all drew out of Weymouth in hast as in a Pannick fear and marched away both horse and foot to Dorchester leaving behind the Ordnance they had before taken from the Parliament in Weymouth and two pieces more with some Arms and took nothing with them but some Plunder and the Parliament Forces poslessed all the Forts and lost but ten men At the same time a Ship of the Kings of 12 Guns came into Captain Batten Great numbers of Clubmen in Worcestershire and Dorsetshire got into a posture of defence and refused to serve the King according to his Proclamation The Parliaments Commissioners for the Treaty at Vxbridge came to the Common-hall in London and acquainted the City with the proceedings of that Treaty and of the aversness on the King's side to come to a closure of peace so that now it was of necessity for their own defence to furnish out the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax for which end they desired from the City the Loan of 80000 l. to be repaid with Interest Upon Information that the mutinous horse inclined to obedience the Parliament past an Order that if they submitted by a day they should be pardoned and continued in Service otherwise to be proceeded against as Traytors 5. Orders touching Money from the Customs and Excise The House approved of the Train of Artillery and their Officers under General Fairfax and passed all the Colonels except two And an Ordinance for 2000 l. for the Officers Souldiers and Seamen of Weymouth and Melcombe for their gallant Service Order for a Day of Thanksgiving for the Successes which God gave the Parliament since the breach of the Treaty ordered to be kept in Christ church London and the Lord Mayor and his Brethren desired to be there also Sir William Waller with Colonel Cromwel's Horse and Colonel Fiennes Regiment about 5000 Horse and Dragoons marched into the West Provisions grew scarce in Oxford Brown surprized a herd of Cattel going thither and brought them to Abington Craford
came to the House with a Petition and Proposals to the House for raising of 500 Horse and money to pay them out of Delinquents Estates for the which the House gave them thanks and ordered a Committee to treat further with them upon these Proposals Debate about Supplies for Ireland and particularly for the Province of Munster referred to the Committee of Lords and Commons for Ireland and to the Committee of Accounts to state the former charges for that Kingdom The Committee for the Lord Savile's business sate again this Afternoon and Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke offered to make a Narrative to the Committee for their satisfaction and to answer any Questions which should be asked of them by any of the Committee Then Mr. Brown the Chairman moved the Committee whether it were not fit that as Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke were present when the Lord Savile was heard so now the Lord Savile should be present when Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke made their Narrative This held not much debate it being judged by most of the Gentlemen there present to be improper and unfit and moved by the Chairman in too much favour to the Lord Savile It was then taken into debate whether Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke should be heard speak by way of Narrative or whether they should be examined as to a Charge and it was over-ruled that they should be heard by way of Narrative Then Sir Peter Wentworth moved that whilst the one of them was making his Narrative the other might withdraw and that they should not both be present together to hear what one another affirmed or denied But this was not regarded Mr. Hollis began first and made his Narrative and after he had done Mr. Whitelocke spake and both their Narratives were the same in effect with what they had spoken before in the House and they denied some of my Lord Savile's Informations which were not true and he had no proof but his own honour which was not in much esteem of most of them 11. Debate of the desire of the Scots Army to have Commissioners of the Parliament to reside with them which was agreed and a Message sent to the Lords to name those of their House who should be of this Committee Debate about the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates Order for the Committee of the Navy to send two Barks to Weymouth for the safety of the Fishermen in those parts whom the Clubmen had injured The Committee for the Lord Savile's business sate not this day Some friends who sounded the Solicitor St. John and the other great men of this Committee told Whitelocke that they found them not so sharp against him as against Mr. Hollis whom they were resolved to ruine if they could But Mr. Whitelocke being so much involved in this business with him they could not separate them but either both or neither must be ruined They prepared accordingly for their defence and although many private Messages were sent to Whitelocke and private Conferences with him that if he would desert Mr. Hollis and discover what he could say against him that he should not only be preserved but be rewarded and preferred yet they could not prevail with him to confess any thing against Mr. Hollis or the trust of friendship wherein he held himself engaged 12. Debate of the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates An Ordinance read for raising a 1000 Horse and 500 Dragoons and Money for them in associated Counties The Committee of Kent who had power of Martial Law gave judgment of death against 30 who were in the late Insurrection there yet ordered that they should throw the Dice for their lives and but four of them to be executed only two who refused to throw the Dice were ordered to be executed The House sate in the Afternoon and a Messenger brought them this relation from Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army That Goring with his whole Army being quartered at Langport expecting more Forces from the King to joyn with him Sir Thomas Fairfax having notice thereof called a Council of War Whose result was to give battel to the Enemy if they could force them to it That accordingly they advanced in several bodies L. G. Massey with his Brigade of 4000 horse and about 7 or 8 foot Regiments advanced in the Rear of Goring's Army fell on a party of them took many Colours about 200 prisoners and more horse but few in this service were slain Sir Thomas Fairfax by that time was advanced near Goring's head quarters at Langport not knowing of Massey's engagement who was quartered on the other side of the River July 10 Sir Thomas Fairfax very early drew out with seven Regiments of horse and most part of his foot into the field near Sutton Goring perceiving this possest himself of a Pass which lay between Sir Thomas Fairfax and Massey and hindred the conjunction of their Forces not above four a breast being able to march through the Lane in which the Enemy had lined the Hedges with Musquetiers By this they intended to bring off their Ordnance and Carriages and to make an honourable retreat to Bridgwater But upon the firing of Sir Thomas Fairfax his foot they beat off Goring's foot from the hedges whereby Fairfax his horse might advance Major Bethel with a single Troup entred the Passage the rest of the horse following him and gallantly charged the whole body of Goring's horse who were in the Lane and as gallantly received him but he routed their first party then their reserve and so retreated to the body After this Col. Desborough with about 300 horse of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Regiment charged Goring's horse and after a short but hot engagement wherein both parties did very gallantly Goring's horse were routed and put to flight and pursued almost to Bridgewater There were about 400 slain on both sides 2000 prisoners taken by Sir Thomas Fairfax 1200 horse and about 40 Colours 4000 Arms two pieces of Ordnance six Carriages with Ammunition M. G. Porter next in Command to Goring and with him 100 Officers were taken After this good news they went in the better humour to the Committee of the Lord Savile where Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke had procured the Earl of Denbigh to come and desired that he being one of the Commissioners with them at Oxford would be pleased to declare his knowledge concerning the Matters in question before the Committee The Earl of Denbigh then told the Committee that he was desired by them to be there and had leave of the House of Peers to be at this Committee and would acquaint them upon his honour with the truth of what he knew in this business He told them that he did well remember that at their first coming to Oxford there was care taken by them for their carriage and discourse there that they were so punctual that he read the Propositions before-hand that there might be
the Town and his coming down the hill near the Bridge the Enemy in Bath took an Allarm and discharged their Ordnance and some of Rich's Dragoons let fly their Musket shot and a sharp Summons was sent to the Town which so terrified them that although none of the Parliaments forces were on the other side of the Town Yet the next Morning they sent for a Parley at which they agreed to surrender the City with all the Common Souldiers Arms and Ammunition and Ordnance to the Parliament upon this condition only that their Governour Sir Thomas Bridges and his Officers should march to Bristol which was condescended unto The Parliaments forces thereupon entred the Town and took in it 200 prisoners but most of them got away 6 pieces of Ordnance 300 Arms 10 Barrels of Powder 10 Barrels of Match and much Ammunition divers heaps of Bullets great store of Beef Corn and other Provisions The Standard Colours upon the Fort Royal and all other Colours in the Town That Colonel Massey was gone with 8000 Horse and Foot towards Exeter and that the Enemy from thence drew out their Horse and Foot into the Field and some Field pieces into their out works August 1645. 1. Some from the Assembly of Divines were called in and presented to the House a Petition in the name of the Assembly desiring that a speedy course might be taken about those who should be thought not fit to be admitted to the Sacrament viz. The ignorant scandalous and profane c. It being a thing if effected exactly to the Rule would much tend to the Glory of God and the good of this whole Kingdom The speaker in the name of the House gave them Answer That the House was in debate of the same business and long before their coming And that they would expedite it with as much conveniency as could be A Letter from the Committee at York informed that they had chosen Colonel Boynton to be Governour of Scarborough Castle Colonel Poyntz desired the same Government and it was referred to a Committee to consider of it and of the vote of the House to bestow the next Command upon Col. Pointz which should be worthy of him An Ordinance sent up to the Lords for continuing the Monthly Assessment in Northampton Order for the payment of the 600 l. formerly ordered for the Charges of the Funeral of the Countess of Dorset Debate about the business of the Church Major General Brown was called into the House and had their thanks for his good service notwithstanding the nearness for so long time of a potent Enemy Then he informed the House of the state of the Garrison at Abington and the Enemies adjacent Garrisons The House ordered money for his Recruit Then he presented to the House several Propositions for reducing the Enemies Garrisons which were referred to the Committee of both Kingdomes The Commons assented to an Ordinance sent to them from the Lords concerning Trinity College in Cambridge Upon a Petition of 300 Reformado Officers who served under Colonel Saunderson for the Relief of Taunton and were promised by the Committee of the West to have the fifth part of their Arrears but after their service performed they could not get it The House referred to the Committee of the Army to audit their arrears and ordered 2000 l. for their present subsistence A day appointed for Alderman Foukes Petition to be heard News came that the Scots Army was sate down before Hereford The King was yet in Wales Sir T. Fairfax at Wells and Colonel Massey gone towards Excester 4. A Petition touching drayning in the Isle of Ely c. referred to a select Committee Upon debate of Alderman Foukes Petition Ordered that he should be accountable as other Commissioners of the Customes ought to be The Assembly presented to the House a Petition from Cambridge University expressing their thanks for being freed from the Excise and praying the Confirmation of their Rights and Privileges which was ordered untill the differences between the University and the Town should be determined by Law and they were referred to a Committee The House sent some of their Members to the Lord Mayor to desire that a Common Council might be called for the choosing of some more persons to be added to the Militia of London Letters informed that General Leven sent a summons to the Town of Hereford and the Parliament sent another to render the Town but the Governour Scudamore refused to surrender it without special Order from the King or Prince That the King is still in Wales and that a Party of Gloucester Horse gave Bristol an Alarm took a Lieutenant Colonel some Prisoners and 150 l. in money About 200 of the Newarkers fell upon Tocksey House a Garrison of the Parliaments in Lincolnshire surprized it and took all in it Prisoners Plundered the Town fired the House and then Retreated 5. The House gave the Credit of the Excise for 5000 l. more for the three Counties The House made several orders about supplies and the establishment of the Garrisons in the Eastern Association and about the blocking up of Newarke Orders for the Militia of London and Major General Browne to press 2000 Souldiers and to beat up Drums for the Voluntiers for reducing Oxford Propositions for reducing of Chester referred to a Committee the Ordinance continued for the payment of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army Debate touching the business of the Church and that Chapels of Ease or in private Houses should not be exempt from the Church Government in Presbyterial way Sir Thomas Fairfax beleagured Sherbourne Castle where Sir Lewis Dives was Governour Goring was in the West with 7000 men 6. The House was in debate about sending Propositions of peace to his Majesty They Voted that to such Propositions as shall next be sent to the King for a safe and well grounded Peace His Majestie 's positive Answer shall be desired without any Treaty And that such as shall be presented for England and Ireland shall be by Bills And that the Scots Commissioners shall be acquainted with these Votes The Lords consented thereunto The Ordinance sent up to the Lords for setling the Government of the Church in a Presbyterial way A Common Council ordered to be called for choosing two of the City to goe as a Committee into the Province of Munster and that Colonel Jephson should goe thither as another of that Committee and have the Command of a Regiment of Horse An Ordinance past for 2000 l. to Maximilian Beard for Commodities sent by him into Ireland Referred to the Committee of Prisoners to dispose of the Prisoners sent up by Sir Thomas Fairfax from the West and to treat with the Officers Prisoners for money for their Ransome 7. The House was Adjourned at Mr. Speaker's desire who was to goe out of Town 8. The House heard Letters from Sir T. Fairfax to his Father the Lord Fairfax of his leaving
of the Brethren in Scotland The King was about Worcester with about 5000 Pointz and Rossiter followed him A party from Shrewsbury fell upon a party of the King 's at Bishops Castle as they were plundring on a faire day routed them rescued all the Plunder took 200 horse and many Prisoners 6. Care was taken for payment of the allowance to the Prince Elector The Declaration sent to the Lords for the Undeceiving the People of Wales A Committee appointed to cast up the Arrears due to the Earl of Essex and to consider of a way for payment of them and what mark or badge of honour is fit to be bestowed on him for his great services An Ordinance past for raising horse and Dragoons in London the Lord Herbert of Ragland was sent into Ireland to sollicite supplies from thence for the King Debate of the point of suspending from the Sacrament Voted that the Presbytery should not meddle with any thing of meum and tuum till it were determined by the Civil Magistrate An Ordinance touching the Wives and Children of Delinquents if dwelling here and Protestants to have the 5th part of the Delinquents Estates Passed Letters certified that the Scots Army had raised their Siege from before Hereford and were marching Northward to goe home again Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army before Bristol kept a day of humiliation and after that intended to storm the Town The Clubmen declared that they would all assist Sir Thomas Fairfax The Governour of Weymouth with the assistance of some Seamen entred Corfe Island took a Fort there and a Demy Culverin and slighted the Fort. 200 Reformadoes were surprised in their Quarters near Thame by Forces from Oxford and Bostall-House 120 horse and men were taken and the rest of them escaped 9. Mr. Pëters was called into the House and gave them a particular Account of the Siege of Bristol and the cause of sitting down before it to prevent the plunder and cruelties of Prince Rupert in that Country and he pressed the desire of Sir Thomas Fairfax to have Recruits sent to him Several Orders passed for Recruits and money shoes and stockings and all necessary supplies for the Army and touching the pressing of able men to serve in the Army and not such as were vagabonds who could not be found out if they ran from their Colours Intercepted Letters signified that a Peace was concluded by the King and the Irish Rebels and that many of them were expected to be shortly here to assist the King 10. Debate of the Church business Order for the burial of Mr. William Strode a Member of the House in the Abbey of Westminster near the Corps of Mr. Pym and for all the House to accompany his Corps at his Funeral and that 500 l. be paid to his Executors Divers private Petitions answered and one day in every week appointed to hear private petitions Sir Thomas Fairfax being provided to storm Bristol sent in to Prince Rupert to offer him honourable Propositions if he would forthwith surrender the Town to avoid shedding of more bloud and spoil of the City The Prince desired liberty to send a Messenger to the King to know his pleasure but that was denyed as too much delay Then the Prince declyning a Treaty by Commissioners sent high Propositions of his own which Sir Thomas Fairfax refused but returned his final Answer to the Prince how far he would grant what was desired and no further but this was not accepted by Prince Rupert 11. Order for a Declaration to be drawn of the cruel acts done by the Governour of Jersey upon the Inhabitants there and that if for the future he shall put to death any of the Isle whom he shall take Prisoners for every one so slain the Parliament will hang up three of the King's men their Prisoners 12. Debate about the business of the Church A Committee of both Houses appointed to receive from the Scots Commissioners what they had to impart to them touching the marching of the Scots Army northwards Writs ordered for new Elections of Members in several places Letters and Messengers from Bristol informed that Prince Rupert having delayed the Treaty for surrender of it till his Counterscarfes and inmost Lines were finished and then refused the honourable Conditions offered to him by Sir T. Fairfax thereupon Sir T. F. ordered to storm the City in this manner Col. Welden to have one Brigade of his own Twiseldens Fortescues and Herberts Regiments who were to make good Somersetshire side and to storm in three places Col. Mountague to command the General 's Brigade consisting of the Generals Mountagues Pickerings and Sir Hardres Waller's Regiment to storm on both sides of Lawford Gate Colonel Rainsborough's Brigade of his own Skippon's Harmond's Birche's and Berkley's Regiments were to storm on this side the River Froome and two hundred of them to go in Boats with the Seamen to storm Water Fort. One Regiment of foot and another of horse to be moving up and down in the Close to alarm the Royal Fort. One Regiment of Dragoons and two Regiments of Horse to attempt the Line and Works by Clifton September 9. At Twelve at Night all the Army both horse and foot were drawn round the City in a posture to storm the signs when to begin were by the kindling of a fire of straw and discharging four great Guns the Parliaments word during the storm was David and after the Line was entred the Lord of Hosts About Two in the Morning the storm began the Souldiers shouted for joy the service was hot especially at the Prince's Fort where Rainsborough performed very bravely They cut in pieces most of the Souldiers within the Fort with their Captain Price and took four great Pieces in the Fort and two more in a Redoubt Colonel Mountague's men took sixteen Pieces in the several Works and Half-moons which they gained by storm Welden's Brigade fell on with great resolution but the Mote being very deep on Somersetshire-side and his Scaling-ladders too short he only alarm'd them on that side The Club-men terrified the Enemy on Bedminster-side In Rainsborough's and Mountague's Brigades not above forty men slain The Parliaments Horse entred with the Foot the Pioneers having thrown down the Line The Prince's Horse were beaten off and Colonel Taylor formerly a Member of Parliament wounded and taken three Majors and other Prisoners On the Parliaments part Captain Ireton and M. Bethel were wounded Prince Rupert fled into the Castle and sent to Sir T. Fairfax for a Parley who yielded to it and the City was surrendred upon far lower terms on the Prince's behalf than he was before offered Three Messengers who brought this good News had 20 l. a piece given to them 13. Debate about providing money for the Army and sale of the Lands of Bishops Deans and Chapters for that purpose Report that the Commissioners of Scotland had acquainted the Committee of both
been shed and as they will answer it at the dreadful day of Judgment not to delay an answer and consent to so blessed a work This Letter being the same in effect with the former the same answer was agreed should be made to both Captain Pickring returned from Worcester where he had been negotiating the business with Prince Rupert and his Company who had desired Passes to go beyond Sea which was not well carried on their part Pickering had fifty pound more added for his Charges and Fisher Willis Honey-wood and Boulton Colonels who came with him from Worcester had liberty to go beyond Sea or stay in England and orders were made for security to all who should come in from the King Several Orders for Recruits Money and Supplys for Garrisons 18. Proceedings touching the propositions for Peace An Act read against Pluralities of Benefices A day appointed to consider of the Priviledges of Members and of the Powers exercised by Country Committees A Party of fifteen hundred from Oxford and the Kings Garrisons thereabouts marched out with a design to relieve Chester but Col. Bridges and others of the Parliament Forces about Warwick broke down Avon-Bridge and other Bridges where they were to pass and lined hedges with Musquetiers so that the Kings Party retreated and were disappointed of another design against Colonel Lidcot 19. Debate touching propositions for Peace Order for the Speaker to write to M. G. Langherne to send up Sir Walter Lloyd a Prisoner to the Parliament The Lords sent a Petition of the Earl of Hollands wherein he desired forbearance of a Rent payable by him to the Crown but upon the Question it was laid aside to the great discontent of this Earl and the House were Censured to be too forward to provoke particular persons in small matters and too backward to oblige them 20. Debate about the Government of Ireland The Scots Commissioners desired there might be a Treaty upon the propositions for Peace which was not thought fit by the Parliament who found great interruption in their affairs by the mixt Counsels of both Kingdoms A Scout taken in the Leager before Newarke discovered a new design of the King to relieve Chester Letters from Col. Morgan informed that he with Col. Birches Forces in all two thousand sent a party in the night disguised who by Stratagem entred Hereford Town surprised the Centinells and being seconded by a sudden and fiery assault Morgan became Master of the Town in a short time without opposition saving a little at the main Guard in the body of the Town There was little loss on either side they took in the Town eleven pieces of Ordnance forty Lords Knights and Gentlemen of worth most of them Papists whom they sent Prisoners to Glocester They took many Officers and the Soldiers and much Riches and Prize in the Town was secured 22. Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace and a Vote That the Kings Answer shall be desired to them without any Treaty and that the same be signified by a Letter to the Parliament of Scotland with the reasons why the Parliament of England cannot consent to the desire of Scotland to have a Treaty for Peace with his Majesty Letters from Col. Birch informed the particulars of the taking of Hereford That he hired six men and put them in the form of Labourers and a Constable with them with a Warrant to bring these men to work in the Town that in the night he lodged these men within three quarters Musquet-shot of the Town and an hundred and fifty Fire-locks near them and himself with the Foot and Col. Morgan with the Horse came up in the night after them and cut off all intelligence from coming to the Town so that they were never discovered That one night they came too short but the next night with careful Spyes and Scouts they carried on the business and in the morning upon letting down the Draw-Bridge the six Countrymen and the Constable went with their Pickaxes and Spades to the Bridge That the Guard beginning to examine them they killed three of the Guard and kept the rest in play till the Fire-locks came up to them and then made it good till the Body came up who entred the Town with small loss and became Masters of it Col. Morgans Secretary who brought the first news to the House had thirty pound given to him and Col. Birch's Messenger had twenty Order that thanks be given to God for this success the next Lords-day That Col. Birch be Governor of Hereford and his Regiment recruited to a thousand two hundred and for setling a Godly Ministry there and in Glocester and for sending Cloaths to the Soldiers of Glocester M. G. Langherne took in Embleden-Castle in Wales and had hot Service before Abernsteck Castle in Cardigan-shire with loss on both sides The Commissioners of Parliament the Earl of Rutland the Lord Willoughby Sir William Ermin Sir Edward Ascugh Sir Christopher Wraye appointed to reside in the Scots Army before Newarke took their Journey 23. Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace A Petition of the Brewers touching the Excise referred to a Committee Oders for Money and for supplys for the Army and for Garrisons and for the imploying Horse at Wickham and other Forces The Parliament Forces quitted a Fort at Pouldram to the Kings Forces in the West and the same night Col. Okey with some of his Dragoons fell upon the Enemies Quarters near Chimley took a Captain a Cornet nineteen Horse and twelve Troopers and Sir Hardress Waller took at the L. Chichester's a Captain a Lievetenant a Cornet six Soldiers and two hundred Foot and allarm'd them to the Walls of Exeter In another place they took some Horse and Commodities going to Exeter to cloath the Soldiers Captain Bell one of Greenvils Captains came in with thirty Horse to Sir T. Fairfax 24. Orders for Money for the Forces before Chester and for the Forces in Hereford On Ordinance for a Tax in England for the Brittish Forces in Ireland At the Committee of Priviledges the Election for Bucks was hotly debated and the lye given by Mr. Fountain one of the House to Mr. Vivers a witness in the Case yet the Committee thought not fit to report it to the House upon which the Petitioners Council craved leave to desist because their Witnesses were so discouraged which the Committee took as an affront and voted to report that to the House A Party from Faxington surprized some Countrymen as they were choosing a new Burgess for Calne in Wiltshire 25. This Christmass day the House sat about an Ordinance to make the Members of both Houses liable to Arrests Reference of the Accounts of the Treasurers at War to the Committee of Accompts Orders for the Arrears of the Assesment for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army and that the Committee of the Army should see all free Quarters and Billetings of Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army to be satisfied and Officers made
upon Muschampe Bridge but were beaten back and some slain and wounded on both Parties Bridges were made over the River 12. Orders for Judges to be appointed to go Circuits and for Money for Soldiers Widows for Waggoners and for the Train of Artillery Ordinance sent up to the Lords for regulating the University of Cambridge This was kept a day of thanksgiving for Dartmouth and a day of thanksgiving appointed for the gaining of Chester 13. Upon a Petition of Sir Tho. Liddell a Prisoner he was admitted to compound Referred to a Committee to consider what Garrisons in the North are fit to be slighted and what to be maintained Orders for Money for Abbington 14. Order that Mr. Murray should be proceeded against by Martial Law as a Spy Debate about setling the Militia of London put off to another day In the afternoon at a conference the Lords gave their Reason why they could not assent to the Ordinance for Martial Law in London and after debate thereof by the Commons they appointed a Committe to draw reasons for their different Opinions A Party of the Kings of a hundred and twenty under Col. Cromwell came into Dorset-shire to relieve Corfe Castle and marched through Col. Cookes Quarters undiscovered and came to Wareham and told the Sentinels there that they were a Troop of Sir T. Fairfax's Horse and rode into the Town to the Governors House who seeing them shut his door and with his Son fired upon them and made good his lodging three hours together till the Enemy fired the house to which the Magazine was near and then they were forced to yield upon Quarter They carried the Governor and two Committee-men Prisoners into Corfe Castle and the Parliaments Forces before it quitted some of their Guards though they were four times as many as those within some of the Enemy returning to Wareham to provide for their new gained Garrison Col. Cooke beat them out of the Town took their Commander in chief with divers Prisoners Col. Butler Governor of Wareham being Prisoner in Corfe Castle contrived his escape with Col. Lawrence who being of the Enemies Party there resolved to come in to the Parliament and both of them got out together 16. The Committee of Plundred Ministers ordered to draw up an Ordinance for punishing Paul Best for his Blasphemies Order upon the ingagement of M. G. Langherne to remit the offences of the Earl of Carbury Order for Money and for a Collection for the poor of Chester A day appointed to consider of the Petition of the Assembly for setling the Presbyterian Government and for Ordination of Ministers The Ordinance passed for regulating the University of Cambridge Progress in the business of Ireland and for setting out the Lord L'isle Lord Deputy there this Summer and allowed him twelve hundred pounds per Month for Pay Intercepted Letters by Col. Mitton mentioned the Duke of York's coming into Ireland and other matters of great Intelligence 17. Debate of the relief of Abbingdon and order for Money for it Order for regulating the Committee and Officers at Haberdashers Hall Ammunition ordered for the Garrison of Reading and for Henley and the like for Aylesbury The French Agents desire of a Pass to go into Scotland and to touch at Oxford by the way referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms The Prince sent out Warrants to raise the Trained Bands in Cornwall A Party of the Kings under the Lord Ashley raised the Siege before Match-field house and news came of the revolt of part of South-Wales from the Parliament occasioned by Col. Kerne that they had taken Swansey and besieged Cardiffe A Party from Oxford marched Westward and were followed by a Party of Col. Whaleys Brigade Holt Castle Ruthen Castle and Hawarden Castle Besieged by the Parliament Forces A Disturbance between some of the Soldiers in Lancashire and the Committee was appeased 18. Progress in the business of the Church Orders to the Committee of both Kingdoms to take care for part of Col. Whaly's Horse to follow the advance of the Kings Forces and for other Parties of the several Counties where any Party of the Kings shall march to attend them Debate about a new Election referred touching Lyn and that of Bucks This day of publick thanks-giving came new Letters of a Victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fairfax near Torrington That the Forlorn of Col. Butlers Troop being twelve took twelve of the Lord Gorings Life-guard and twenty four Horse who being examined by Sir Tho. Fairfax it appeared that the Enemy was ignorant of Sir Tho. Fairfax's motion That the Lord Hopton was in Torrington and a Party of the Enemy at Burrington the General sent a Party of Horse to meet with them under Captain Berry who Charged and put them to a rout shot Lieutenant Col. Dundash a Renegado of the Earl of Cleaveland's Brigade and took several Prisoners left Dundash by the way being mortally wounded That another Party of the Parliaments Horse towards the East met with the Enemy taking some Prisoners and Horse and shot M. Bret that by this time a Bridge was made that the Parliaments Army might with conveniency march over the River but the day being far spent it was thought fit to march with the whole Army That three Regiments of Horse and three of Foot marched towards the Enemy that night and next morning Sir Tho. Fairfax came up to them and near Torrington had a general Rendezvous of Horse and Foot drew them up in Battalia and marched towards the Enemy That the Parliaments Forlorn of Horse charged the Kings and put them to retreat but they came on again with a strong Body and put the Parliaments Forlorn to a stand whose reserves and some foot being come up they forced the Enemies body again pursued and alarm'd them at squire Rolls his House within a mile of Torrington where they began to fortify but perceiving the Parliaments Foot coming up they quitted the House and drew their Forces to Torrington whither Sir Tho. Fairfax's forlorn followed them The Enemy drew their Foot out of the Town into the Closes the Parliaments forlorn of Foot lined the hedges and so faced each other about two hours within half Musquet shot there was continual skirmishes between the Forlorns and reserves on both sides and some Prisoners taken and by this time it began to be night Sir Tho. Fairfax called his Council of War whether to ingage before day or not but they deferred the resolution and the General Lieutenant General and the Colonel rode to the Forlorn to see in what Posture they were and heard the Tattooe beat in the Town which assured them that the Enemy was there and not fled away as was reported But to be certain six Dragoons were commanded to creep under a Bridge near the Barricadoes and to give fire to see whether they would answer by which it might be known whether they stood to defend the Town they received the Charge and answered it with a sharp
with his Army through deep wayes to Launceston that Col. Butler was sent with a thousand Horse and four hundred Dragoons to beat up the enemies Quarters that he forced the Pass at Tamerton Bridge beat the Enemy from place to place put them to flight took about three hundred Horse and eighty Prisoners and had taken more but they escaped by the Soldiers greediness of prey and taking of Horses That within two miles of Launceston Sir Tho. Fairfax's men met with several of the enemies Scouts by whom he understood that Col. Basset with Horse and Foot was resolved to keep Launceston whereupon Sir Tho. Fairfaix sent a Forlorn Hope of Horse and Foot to force entrance into the Town the Enemy shut the Gates made some opposition but at last quitted the Town disorderly about two of them were killed and some Prisoners taken Night coming on the rest escaped in the dark the Arms and Magazine in the Town was seized on The Countrey and this Town expressed much joy at the coming of the Parliaments Army thither although the Kings Forces told them That the Parliaments Army would give no Quarter to any Cornish man or Woman Which caused a terror upon them but the Parliaments Soldiers notwithstanding their entring was opposed they did not plunder any one house nor do any prejudice to the Town Some Sallyes were made out of Banbury but they were beaten back 3. Progress in the business of the Church Order for the Serjeant at Arms to apprehend Sir Jo. Aubery and bring him as a Delinquent to the House The Commons desired the Lords to pass the Ordinance for Sale of Delinquents Estates News came that a strong Party from Oxford fell upon Abbington cut off some of the Centinels entred at the Abby gate passed three of their Guards came near as far as the Market-place and possessed themselves of three pieces of Ordnance That Major Blundell having then together but eight Horse came up and charged the enemy retreated and came on again which incouraged the Foot at the main Guard and the allarm being given through the whole Town the Soldiers betook themselves to their Arms and leaving their cloaths ran forth to encounter the enemy in their Shirts and fought with such resolution that they regained the Ordnance put the Enemy to flight many of them killed and some Prisoners taken and nine only of the Parliaments men killed and Major Blundell wounded Order for supplys for Abbington and for the Blocking up of Oxford and Major General Browne to command them 4. By consent of the Scots Commissioners leaving it to the House of Commons they appointed a Committee to consider of the desire of Mr. Sabrand and M. Manterent desiring a Pass to go into Scotland and to take Oxford in the way and to consider of all Ambassadors Agents and Residents here from Forraign Princes Referred to a Committe to examine the uncivil carriage of some pretending to be Messengers to a Committee in entring into the House of the Lady Wray Order for Col. Ven to convoy the pressed men to Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army Ashby-de-la-zouch was surrendred to the Parliament upon the conditions agreed upon five pieces of Ordnance were taken in it Arms and Provisions and the Garrison to be slighted 5. The Ordinance for setling Presbyterian Government sent up to the Lords Order for the Committee of the Admiralty to send Ships to guard the Western Coast according to the desire of Sir T. F. Vote to slight Corfe Castle and Warcham 6. Several Votes touching the relief of Ireland Upon information that several Troops of horse were raised by some Scots Officers in Ireland ordered that no Horse or Foot should be raised or brought in thither nor Moneys levied there without warrant of the Parliament Order for auditing the Accounts of Major General Browne and that he should have ten pound per diem allowed him and some Honour conferred upon him Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax marched to Bodman in Cornwall which was quitted by the Kings Forces that L. G. Cromwell with a thousand Horse and five hundred Dragoons went to secure the pass at Ware-bridge That six of the Parliaments Troopers seized and brought to Bodman a waine load of the Kings Ammunition going to Foy. That a Party of the Parliaments sent out another way overtook forty two Musquetiers with their Matches lighted and Musquets loaded and four Troopers riding up to them made them all lay down their Arms and brought them back Prisoners to the head quarters That Sir J. Greenvile's Lieutenant Col. and divers others were taken Prisoners 7. Order for Money for Major General Masseys Forces The Lords sent to the Commons concerning an assesment on some Western Counties for M. General Massey's Forces which the Commons voted a Breach of Priviledge the power of Moneys resting wholly in the Commons Order that the Speaker do give a Pass to Mr. Montruell to go to Oxford and so to Scotland he giving security not to return to England Sir Thomas Fairfax gave twenty shillings a piece to the four Troopers that took the forty two Musquetiers Letters informed that the Prince with the Lord Capell Lord Culpepper and Sir Ed. Hyde put to Sea with three Ships from Pendennis Castle with much Company for France and that one of the Ships with the Horses and Provisions were cast away 9. Order for the Serjeant at Arms to apprehend and bring to the Bar Sir Ed. Herbert the Kings Attorney lately come to London Ordinance sent up to the Lords for an Assesment for the Garrison of Henley Another for Money for Plymouth Garrison Order that the Ministers of the West to repair to their Charges Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army was Quartered about Bodman and Lestithiel some time having been spent to secure the Passes and make all sure behind them That Mount Edgecombe was surrendred to Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Regiment in it disbanded That many of the Princes Servants came in to the Parliament and desired Sir Tho. Fairfax to make their Peace That there came in to him likewise the High-Sheriff the Lord Mohun and thirty other Gentle-men of Quality and submitted to the Parliament The Cornish men neer St Columbe presented a Petition to Sir Tho. Fairfax offering themselves lives and fortunes to serve the Parliament acknowledging the General the instrument of their deliverance from Bondage The Countrey people assisted Sir Tho. Fairfax in blocking up the Passes to hinder the Kings Forces from escaping Sir Thomas Fairfax sent a Summons to the Lord Hopton to lay down Arms to prevent effusion of Blood and courted his Lordship and offered him and all his Forces very honourable conditions to go beyond Sea or to their own homes as they pleased and to have his pass or protection and desired their speedy answer thereunto The Townsmen of Padstow took an Irish Vessel in their Harbour and two others going with Plundered goods and in them were several Packets of letters from
the Marquess of Ormond the Earl of Glamorgan the Lord Digby and others of great concernment and mentioning preparations for Irish Rebels hither which so inraged the Countrey people that they put to the Sword thirty Irish taken by them in that Vessel at Padstow 10. Difference of Opinion between the Houses about the Earl of Derby the Lord Pawlet Sir John Byron and Sir Jo. Strangways whom the Lords thought fit not to except from Pardon Col. Rainsborough sent to command the Forces before Banbury had power of Martial Law given him Letters informed that Sir William Brereton entred Litchfield with the loss of three men slain and some wounded that he killed six of the enemy and beat the rest into the Close being a thousand horse and soot A Sally out of Newarke with four hundred horse and a thousand foot upon the Scots Guards the Bridge being down none of the rest of the Army could come to assist them and the Newarkers were double the number to the Scots in that place but after a little time some got over to them and the Newarkers retreated having killed one Captain two Lieutenants and eight Soldiers and about twenty wounded and few of their own party left behind them 11. The accounts of the Committee of Excise brought in and a Vote passed to continue the Excise in such hands as both houses shall think fit and order for advancing of eighty four thousand pound upon the Excise for the Army Divers other orders about the Excise and one for two thousand pound for Abbington Garrison Letters informed that the Army advanced from Bodman towards Truro but by reason of bad weather put into Quarters that a party of 800 Horse and Dragoons was sent under Col. Rich to fall upon the enemies Quarters which they did near St. Columbe being the Princes Regiment consisting of about eight hundred they of the Van Charged Rich's men but were quickly put to the rout and pursued three or four miles Rich's men took about an hundred Prisoners most of them Reformado's whereof M. G. Perâ— was one twenty nine of the Princes Guard and a hundred Horse this so allarm'd the Enemy that they left their head Quarter for a Mile and drew all their Horse to a rendezvous upon a down at eleven a clock at night where they stood in the rain till the next morning A Trumpet came with an Answer from the Lord Hopton to Sir Tho. Fairfax's Summons implying a willingness to end the business of the West without more blood-shed but desires to know whether the King and Parliament be not near to a conclusion of a Peace that he being intrusted may be careful of the Kings Honour and a Treaty is entertained and in the mean time Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army advanced The Letters taken in the Trish Ship mentioned the Commitment of the Earl of Glamorgan to be to colour that business and that a Peace was concluded with the Irish Rebells and that ten thousand of them were ready to come into England to assist the King 12. The day of thanksgiving for the late successes in the West Letters from Abbington certified that they had several allarms from Oxford and the last Lords day at six in the Morning a great party of Horse and Foot came near to Abbington Town who took the Allarm and were in a posture to receive them That the Cannon played upon them half an hour from the Town and did good execution that the Oxford Party notwithstanding their words that they would gain the Town or leave their bones there yet they ran away and the Horse could not be perswaded to stay but taking up about ten of their Fellows dead bodies they all retreated to Oxford That the Soldiers wanted no Courage but Money and are put to watch almost every night 13. The Assembly of Divines desired by some of their brethren sent to the House That Mr. Patrick Young might be incouraged in the Printing of the Greek Testament much expected and desired by the Learned especially beyond Seas and an Ordinance was read for Printing and Publishing the Old Testament of the Sepâ—uagint Translation wherein Mr. Young had formerly taken pains and had in his hand as Library-keeper of St Jame's an Original Tecta Bible of that Translation Orders for Money for Soldiers Wives and Widows and to the train of Artillery The Petitions of London Westminster and Middlesex touching the setling of the Militia and the differences thereupon referred to a Committee to be composed A Party from Oxford plundring Basing-stoke and the pressed men going to Sir Thomas Fairfax mutinied at Farnham their Conductor Col. Ven being very imperious and not pleasing to them but it was soon appeased Foy was delivered up to Sir T. Fairfax and thirteen pieces of Ordnance in it 14. An Ordinance past both Houses for setling and regulating the Heralds Office to effect which Whitelocke laboured and was one of the Committee for that end but opposed by many inclining to leveling Order for a Pass for the Earl of Northampton and twenty Officers with him to go beyond Sea provided they take the Negative Oath Votes that the Great Seal should be in the hands of Commissioners Members of both Houses and in the present Commissioners for six Months longer Both Houses agreed to the Ordinance for setling Presbyterian Government Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax and the Lord Hopton agreed upon these Articles That the Lord Hoptons Army should presently be disbanded and his Horse Arms and Ammunition Artillery Bag and Baggage delivered up to Sir Tho. Fairfax Officers to have their Horses and Troopers twenty shillings a man Strangers to have Passages to go beyond Sea and English to go to their homes A hundred and twenty Musqueteers Armed came out of Pendennis Castle and yielded themselves to Sir T. F. That the Lord Hopton surrendred to Sir Tho. Fairfax near three thousand horse 16. Votes touching the Affairs of Ireland and the Commission to be granted to the Lord L'isle appointed Governor there Care for Money for Major General Massies Forces Reference to a Committee to consider what places of benefit are held by any Members of the House and to report it Conference about the propositions for Peace Harwarden Castle was surrendred to Major General Mitton and he besieged Holt Castle A Party from Hereford and Monmouth surprised sixty Horse in the Stables of Gotherick Castle burnt the Stables and Besieged the Castle A Party from Worcester came within a Mile of Evesham plundered and took away some Country men Prisoners but were pursued by a Party from Evesham the Prisoners and Plunder rescued and eighteen of their Horse taken 17. The House being informed that the Prince was in Silley and in some streights for want of Provisions they agreed that a Letter should be written to him in a loving and tender way from both Houses of Parliament to invite him to come in to the Parliament and to reside in such place and have such
and are fully satisfyed in what hath been delivered to them from the Committee in relation to the Clemency of the Parliament The Commons seeing the City a little staggering and inclining to favour if not to assist the Kentish-men and knowing the great danger thereof held it the most prudent Course to seek to win them by fair and courteous and condescending means to the Parliament rather than to adventure a ruffle with them Their Committee carried it with much discretion and moderation this way and the issue proved effectual The house order'd these Proceedings with the Common Council to be Printed that the Kingdom may take notice of the good understanding between the Parliament and City and how far both are sensible of the designs of the Common Enemy to bring a second war upon the Kingdom Order to send the three Bills to the Commissioners in Scotland to be by them communicated to the Parliament there that both Kingdoms may proceed in a brotherly Vnion against the Common Enemy and in prosecution of the Covenant according to the Example of the Kirk of Scotland Letters from Kent That after the Passe gained by Major Husbands which was kept by Sixteen hundred of the Kentishmen they fled and although they were Six thousand Foot and one thousand Horse equal in number to the Parliaments Army yet they would not stand a Fight That the General advanced towards Maidston sooner than he was expected and had intimation that two hundred of the Enemy were quartered there a commanded party was drawn out to force entrance into the Town the Enemy prepared for a defence and had a thousand Horse and Foot brought in for their assistance About seven a Clock in the evening Orders were given out for storming the Town at which the Souldiers shouted and fell on with much violence but contrary to expectation found as resolute opposition Yet after a small dispute forced their entrance into the Town and then thought the difficulty of the service had been over But the Enemy had drawn in eight hundred more to their assistance which made them up compleat two thousand and had so lined the streets in the several Houses and placed so much case Shot in every Street that the business became very disputable till almost twelve a Clock at Night and every Street in the Town was got by Inches The number of the Slain of the Kentish men were above two hundred of the Parliaments Forces not above forty of them Captain Price was one The Prisoners taken by the Parliament were fourteen hundred and upwards with four hundred Horse and two thousand Arms of this select Brigade of the Enemy few were Countreymen but many of the Kings party and men of quality some Sea-men and the rest Apprentices and Water-men who came from London and thereabouts That the Enemy drew out of Rochester in a main Body within two miles of Maidston and the General to answer them drew out three Regiments of Horse and one of Foot the better to secure those that stormed and they stay'd at that distance till the whole business was disputed The General though much disabled by indisposition of health and having a great fit of the gout then upon him yet could not be prevailed with to remain with the Body in the Field but with his foot wrapped up he mounted on Horse-back led on his men in the greatest danger and was one of the first in all this action Both sides did their part with much valour and resolution and there was scarce any action in the former war more desperate and hazardous and better performed than this was 3. Letters from the General of the defeat of the Kentishmen at Maidston and that they had since quitted Rochester and the General was possessed of it and that the Women of the Town were so much inraged against the Cavaliers for leading their Husbands into ruine that they were ready to have beaten them out of the Town That since the quitting of Rochester the Countrey-men leave the Field apace and return home that some thousands of their Forces Horse and Foot with Goring in the head of them took their March towards London thinking a great part of the City would joyn with them that the General sent five hundred Horse to pursue them Order for thanksgiving to God for this Victory and the Messengers that brought the news from the General had good gratuities given them Letters came from the Kentishmen to the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Council of London desiring assistance and association with them but the City would do nothing thereupon but acquainted the Parliament with the Letters Thereupon the House order'd that they should have thanks for communicating these Letters and for not doing any thing in answer or satisfaction thereof Then the House being in a good humor it was moved That they should consider of the Eleven Members and the Aldermen of the City now Prisoners in the Tower and the House voted the discharge of all of them the impeached Lords Willonghby c. the Eleven Members Hollis c. and the three Aldermen Order for a Letter of thanks to the General and his Officers and Souldiers for their great service at Maidston Whilst the Chancery Court was Sitting there was a tumult and drawing of Swords in Westminster-Hall which some feared had been a new rising but it proved only upon the arrest of a Souldier 4. Intelligence came that the Lord Goring and his Company were at Black Health but seeing none of the City came forth to joyn with them and the Country-men divided and not willing to ingage further or that Goring should be their General and a small party of the Parliaments Horse coming within sight of them the Kentish men were struck with fear and most of them fled the Parliaments Horse came on and took many Prisoners and much pillage Goring with about five hundred of the chief of them hasted to Greenwich and thence ferryed over in Lighters and Boats to Essex side and making great haste some of them did swim and many were drowned The Sea-men and Water-men that had before joyned with them now set upon them and took many Prisoners and good pillage 5. Letters from the General of a full account of the whole business of Kent and recommending to the House the Widow of Captain Price slain in that service the House Ordered his arrears to be audited and allowed two hundred pounds more to his Widow and Children Order for thanks to the General for his great service and that his Letter be Printed that the People may see how they are deluded by the Malignant Party The Ordinance past for setling the Militia of Cornwal and Devon The House voted the Lord Goring to be a Rebel for raising Forces in Kent and in Essex against the Parliament and referred to the Committee of the North to continue such Garrisons as they think fit Goring prevailed with a party
Mariners of the shipping belonging to the River of Thames and a third Petition from the Master Warden and Fellows of Trinity House all for the personal Treaty with the King were presented to the House and a Committee appointed to draw up an answer to them Order for a Months pay for the Lancashire Forces and for the thanks of the House to Colonel Ashton their Commander Upon Information of an Insurrection in Sussex referred to the Committee of Derby house to take course for the subduing of them Upon Letters from the General ordered that the Committee of the Army take care speedily to send down to the Army provisions and other necessaries which they want An Ordinance to impower the Committee of Essex to raise money for payment of the Forces in their County now raised Order for security of their arrears to those Officers and Souldiers who came off from the Army for the service of Ireland Order for six hundred Pounds for victualling the Fort and Castle of Chester and that the late Actors in a design there be tryed by Martial Law Letters from Colchester leaguer that the Enemy is debarred from all manner of provisions that a party of the Suffolk Forces from Cattaway bridge took ten Troopers of the Enemy plundering and afterwards went to Sir Harbottle Grimstons house which they found miserably ruined and all the goods taken away and torn 30. Upon a report from the Committee for the business of the personal Treaty the Lords agreed to these Votes 1. That the Vote of Jan. 3. 1647. forbidding any addresses to be made to or received from his Majesty should be made null 2. That the three propositions sent into Scotland and to be presented to his Majesty before a personal Treaty be had should not be insisted upon and that his Majesty be removed to some of his Houses within ten miles of London to which the Lords desired the Commons concurrence The Lords recommended to the Commons the Petition of the Lady Capell that she may have her eldest Son again who is one of those sent down to the General to be used in the same manner as the Committee are under restraint by the Lord Goring The House ordered a Letter to be sent to the General with the Lady Capell's petition inclosed and that the General be desired to do therein as may stand with the Justice and honour of the Parliament M r Dowsett upon a Message from the Lords was ordered to attend that House in the business of M r Rolfe who was committed Order for the Committees of Sussex and of Worcestershire to raise Forces for suppressing Insurrections and preserving the Peace of those Counties The Ordinance passed for payment of the Forces of Essex and another for ten thousand pounds for Bristol Debate upon the Ordinance touching Religion Letters from Colchester leaguer that the Enemy plaid with their great Guns but did no hurt by reason of the deepness of the Trenches then they fell to annoy the besiegers with small shot out of M r Grimsion's House but the General 's great Cannon shooting through and through the House cutting off the Legs and Arms of many of them they fled into the Town and set that and other Houses with it on fire That the Enemy sallyed out on the other side towards Suffolk which the Parliaments Horse discovering they lined the hedges with Dragoons and went on with a party of Horse as if they had incant to charge and then faced about as running away from the Enemy who pursued them to the place where the Dragoons were who did so gall them with shot that they retreated leaving some slain and others desperately wounded That the next morning they sallyed out again with three troops of Horse five hundred Foot and a Drake but the Parliaments Foot coming up too late to them they brought away some Cattle and killed M r Sandford though their friend the owner of them The Barbarous Common Souldier will know no distinction between Friends and Foes eithers goods come alike to their rapine and upon an hasty word they no more regard the bloud of a Friend than of an Enemy and so it was with M r Sandford A Captain taken prisoner near Harwich Captain Brown came from the North to the General with Intelligence that the Enemy had quitted the Isle of Axholme July 1648. 1. Debate upon the report That the three Bills sent into Scotland should not be insisted upon c. ordered to be resumed to morrow and all the Members to attend Vote to approve what the Lord Grey of Groby and Captain Temple had done in raising a considerable Body of Forces in Leicestershire and commanding them Order for Committees to go down into the several Counties to take care for raising monies for the Forces before Colchester and in Essex Letters from Colchester Leaguer that those in the Town are so block't up that they cannot get provisions that the Works are near finished and that the besiegers perdu's lye so near the Enemy that they can hear them discourse drink healths c. The General sent to offer an exchange of the Lord Capell's Son for Sir William Masham and two affidavits that by the Earl of Norwich's and the Officers directions their Souldiers had chewed bullets and cast in Sand delivered to them out of their stores which being contrary to the Law of Armes the General required that the same might be forborn for the future Concerning the Lord Capell's Son the Lord Goring returned answer that he conceived it inhumane and that if all the Committee had been offered to him he would have disdained the Motion and that he joyed to see any of his if no other way yet by their sufferings to pay the Duty they owe to the King and known Laws To that concerning bullets all the three Generals denyed any such command or practice but for rough cast slugs they were the best they could send on the sudden 3. A long Debate whether the three Bills viz. 1. For setling the Presbyterian Government for three years 2. For recalling Declarations and Proclamations against the Parliament 3. For setling the Militia in the Parliament shall be sent as propositions to which his Majesty is to give his approbation by subscribing his hand before a Treaty and to give assurance to passe them into Acts so soon as he shall come to London and sit in Parliament It was carried by Vote in the affirmative Upon Information that the King's Party were listing of men in London and some of them who were apprehended for it were rescued the House for the better guarding and securing themselves and the City orderd five thousand Pounds for raising a new Regiment of Horse to be under the Command of Major General Skippon and declared it an acceptable service in such as would send in Horse or Arms for that purpose An Ordinance past for raising fourteen thousand pounds out of the Estates of Delinquents in Kent and
without the advice of both Houses of Parliament Additional power of Martial Law to the Lord Admiral An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for raising three thousand pound out of the Estate of the late Lord Keeper Coventry towards reparation of Lieutenant Colonel Jo. Lilburne for two sentences against him in Star-chamber Order for the Committee of the revenue to state to the House what Offices and Places are injoy'd by Duke Hamilton Order for money for the holy Island and the Governour to have thanks and Sir Arthur Haselrigge to make up the men there an hundred Letters from the Lord Admiral for mony Letters from Colchester Leaguer that they sent five hundred Women out of the Town who came confidently towards Colonel Rainesboroughs quarters he commanded a Cannon to be shot off but so as not to hurt them they came on notwithstanding he ordered the firing of some Musketts at them with powder only still they came on then he sent out some Souldiers with orders to strip the Women which made them run but none of them were stripped The Town refuse to let these poor Women in again they stood between the Town and the Army the General sent to those in the Town to receive their Women in again tells them of their cruelty and that the blood of those miserable creatures must be answered for by them but they regarded it not One of the Horse of the Parliaments Centries being killed many of the Town came forth to fetch in the dead Horse and divers of them were killed yet got not the Horse the next day they came again and ventured their lives to cut off pieces of the stinking dead Horse to satisfy their hunger Debate upon the Ordinance of the Militia of London 23. Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwel that after the conjunction of his Forces with those in the North upon advertisement that the Enemy intended Southward and for London it self and that the Irish Forces under Monroe twelve hundred Horse and fifteen hundred Foot were on their march towards Lancaster to joyn with them That it was thought by the Council of war that to ingage the Enemy was their business and to that end the Army was quartered all night in the Fields and the next morning they marched towards Preston in Lancashire That having intelligence that the Enemy was drawing together thereabouts from all his out quarters Cromwel drew out a forlorn of two hundred Horse and four hundred Foot who gallantly ingaged the Enemies Scouts and guards till Cromwel got opportunity during this skirmish to bring up his whole Army That so soon as Cromwels Horse and Foot were come up they advanced with their forlorns and put the rest of the Army into as good a posture as they could the ground for the Horse being inconvenient miry and inclosures they pressed upon the Enemy through a lane forced them from their ground after four hours dispute until they came to the Town Into which four Troops of Cromwels Regiment first entred being well seconded by Colonel Harrisons Regiment they charged the Dukes men in the Town and cleared the Streets at the last the Enemy was put into disorder many were slain and many Prisoners taken The Duke with most of the Scots Horse and Foot retreated over the Bridge and the Parliaments Horse and Foot following them after a hot dispute betwixt the Lancashire Regiments part of the General 's and they being at push of pike they were beaten from the Bridge That the Parliament Horse and Foot pursuing them killed many and took divers Prisoners and possessed the Bridge over Derwent and a few Houses there that the Enemy being drawn up within Musket shot of them where they lay that night they were not able to attempt further upon the Enemy the night preventing them That in this posture they and the Enemy lay most part of that Night that upon their entring of the Town many of the Enemies Horse fled towards Lancaster and were pursued near ten miles with execution done upon them about five hundred of their Horse taken and many Prisoners That in the Fight they took from the Enemy four or five hundred Arms the number of the slain was about one thousand the Prisoners about four thousand That in the Night the Duke marched away about eight thousand Foot and four thousand Horse Cromwel followed him with about three thousand Foot and two thousand five hundred Horse and Dragoons and that in this pursuit Colonel Thornbaugh pressing too boldly was slain being run into the Body thigh and head by the Enemies Lances That Cromwels Horse still prosecuted the Enemy killing and taking divers in the way but by that time his Army was come up the Duke recovered Wiggon before they could attempt any thing upon them they lay all that Night in the Field dirty and weary where they had some skirmishing with the Enemy where they took Major General Van Drusk Colonel Hurrey and Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Prisoners That the next morning the Enemy marched towards Warrington made a stand at a pass which was disputed with great resolution on both sides for many hours at length Cromwel beat them from their standing killed about one thousand of them and took about two thousand Prisoners That Cromwel pursued them home to Warrington Town where they possessed the Bridge Cromwel coming thither received a Letter from Lieutenant General Bayly desiring some capitulation to which Cromwel yielded and gave Bayly these terms That he should surrender himself and all his Officers and Souldiers Prisoners of War with all his Arms Ammunition and Horses upon quarter for life which accordingly was done and here were taken four thousand compleat Arms and as many Prisoners and the Duke's Infantry ruined That the Duke marched with his remaining Horse being about three thousand towards Nantwich where the Gentlemen of the Country took about five hundred of them and the Country killed divers of their men That Cromwel sent post to the Lord Grey Sir H. Cholmeley and Sir Ed. Roade to gather all together with speed for the pursuit of the Enemy That Monroe is about Cumberland with the Horse that ran away and the Irish Horse and Foot and a strength was left to make resistance against them That the Scots Army were twelve thousand Foot well Armed and five thousand Horse Langdale had two thousand five hundred Foot and one thousand five hundred Horse in all twenty one thousand and in the Parliaments Army in all about eight thousand six hundred and of the Enemy about two thousand were slain and about nine thousand Prisoners taken besides what are lurking in hedges and private places which the Country dayly bring in or destroy A day of thanksgiving ordered for this great Victory Order for Provision of Shoes and Stockins for the Souldiers M r Sexby who brought up two Letters had one hundred pound given him and two hundred pound ordered to M r Berry for this service Order for Commissions to
Lands and Revenues of the King Queen and Prince and securing thereby the Arreares of the Souldiery again debated and Committed A Petition from the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Councel of London acquainting the House that one of the Members thereof Alderman Wilson was elected one of the Sherriffs and desired the leave of the House that he might serve according to his Election Upon the Question it was voted to be left to Alderman Wilson to except thereof if he should think fit and that the house would look upon it as an acceptable service to the Common-wealth if he would serve therein according to the election and desire of the City Alderman Wilson being very fit for that place and freely elected to it and a Conscientious worthy Person considering the Affection of the City and that God had blessed him and his Father with the gaining a plentiful Fortune in that place thought it fit for him to spend some of it and to undergo the Trouble of the place for the Honour and Service of the City A Petition of the well affected in Lancashire to the Officers of the Army reciting the Order of the Councel of State for demolishing Lancaster Castle shewing the danger thereof to the well affected praying them to be a Meanes to the General and to the Councel that it may not be done 14 Debate all day upon the Act for sale of the Kings Lands c. and Order to meet on Munday at 6 a Clock in the morning for the dispatch of this Act that the Souldiery may see the care of the Parliament for securing their Arreares before they go into Ireland Order giving further time for doubling upon the purchase of Deanes and Chapters Lands 16 An Act passed for sale of the Crown Lands to secure the Arrears of the Souldiery Order for allowing 3000 l. to Mr. John Brown Clerk of the Lords House for his Losses and referred to a Committee how to raise it Referred to the Councel of State to examine a Mutiny of the reduced Souldiers at York and to punish the Mutineers A Petition from South Wales that when Collonel Horton with his Regiment shall be drawn from thence to Ireland C. Martin or who the House shall think fit may be their Commander in Chief and they will pay his Forces Referred to the General to take care of South-Wales and the Petitioners had thanks for their good Affections Letters that the Fleet before Kingsale took a Vessel of Prince Ruperts of 11 Guns and in her Captain Leg and Sir Hugh Windham Captain Darcy and 60 Men and Ammunition That Captain Ball took a Holland Man of War of 30 Guns loaden with Stuffes and Provisions for Prince Rupert and Maurice and sent her up to the State Letters that Tredah holds out against Ormond who puts the English into Garrisons and keeps the Catholicks and the Irish in the Field to fight That Captain Jones out of Dublin fell upon Ormonds Quarters took 200 Horse killed and took 140 Men without the Loss of one Man cut their Tents and retreated to Dublin whither 4000 Quarters of Corn were brought in from Chester That the Lieutenant of Ireland was entertained with great Honour at Bristol and the Country came in great multitudes to see him that he lay there for a Wind. 17 The Act passed touching Coynes Upon a Report from the Conncel of State who had consulted therein with the General the House Voted That when the Councel should see Cause for the safty of the Common Wealth they might make an Addition of Forces both Horse and Foot to be in readiness to take the Field and march with the standing Army and they to have Pay only while they should be in Service Indemnity given to some well affected Justices of the Peace of Surrey who were sued for some things irregularly done by them Orders of Reference to Lords the Commissioners of the Seal touching Coynes Letters from Scotland that they resolve to levy a considerable Army forthwith and as they say for their own Defence Letters that Collonel Reynolds Regiment of Horse and Collonel Venable's and Collonel Hunks's Regiments of Foot were ready to be shiped Letters from Dublin that the Enemy fiercely assaulced Tredah but were beaten off with the Loss of 2000 Men that the Governour went forth with a Party of about 200 Horse and about 1500 Foot into the Enemies Camp brought away 200 of their Horse with some Bread Beer Fruit and Sack but are in great want of Provisions and can receive none from Dublin 18 Vote to discharge Mr. Abbot from being Register of the Prerogative Court and Mr. Oldsworth and Mr. Parker to have Patents for that Office Referred to a Committee to consider what to do concerning Ecclesiastical Offices and Courts An Act Passed for a Collection for the Propagation of the Gospel in New-England Leave given to Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn to visit his sick Wife and Family Letters that Sir Charles Coot sent forth Captain St. John and Captain Taylor out of London Derry who fell upon the Enemies Quarters slew divers of them and took many Prisoners A Declaration passed in answer to the Letter from the Parliament of Scotland to vindicate the Proceedings of the Parliament of England 19 Order for the Printing and Publishing the Act declaring what Offences shall be adjudged Treason Several Orders passed relating to particular Persons and not of publick Concernment 20 Order for the Committee of Accounts to allow the Certificates of the several Sub-Commissioners for Accounts in the respective Counties Referred to the Commissioners of the Seal to consider how Monies may be raised for the Repair of Marlborough-Bridge Referred to the Committee of the Army to confer with the General and Officers of his Army how free Quarter may be totally taken off and the late Act passed for that end be put in effectual Execution and to give an Account thereof to the Councel of State Letters from Bristol from the Lieutenant of Ireland about Supplies for his Forces referred to the Committee of the Army Order for 500 l. for Mrs. Farrer of her Husbands Arrears Mr. Fell made Second Judge of Chester and the L. President Bradshaw made Chief Justice of Chester Order for 4000 l. to be paid to divers who were Labourers in Scotland Yard to his late Majesty Attourney General Prideaux moved the House in the behalf of the Lords Commissioners Whitelock and Lisle that they may have the Duke of Bucks House as a conveniency of their being together for their Service of the Seal and that they might have a Lease for 21 Years of that House The Parliament very freely ordered what Mr. Attourney desired and referred it to the Committee of Haberdashers Hall to set the Rent for it which they did the same day at 40 l. per annum and no more because of the great Charge they should be put to in the repair of it it being much ruined by the Quartering of Souldiers in it 21 Letters from Plymonth of Collonel
him the Charge and Care of these pretious Medals and Books and to be the Library Keeper himself and to appoint whom he thought fit to look to them under him He knew the greatness of the Charge and considered the Prejudice that might fall out by being responsible for those rich Jewels the Imbezelment whereof would be endeavoured by many and his other occasions would not permit him to give much Personal attendance on this Business nor to enjoy much of the delight of perusing them Yet he being informed of a design in some to have them Sold transported beyond Sea which he thought would be a Dishonour and Damage to our Nation and to all Scholars therein and fearing that in other hands they might be more subject to Imbezeling and being willing to preserve them for Publick use He did accept of the trouble of being Library Keeper at St. Jamse's and therein was incouraged and much perswaded to it by Mr. Selden who Swore that if he did not undertake the charge of them all those rare Monuments of Antiquity those choice Bookes and Manuscript would be lost and there were not the like to them except onely in the Vatican in any other Library in Christendom The Councel made an Order for him to be Library Keeper of St. Jamses and to have lodgings in the house belonging to the place and recommended to him Mr. Duery a German by Birth a good Scholar and a great traveller and Friend to the Parliament to be his Deputy in that place but at his liking He was willing to have a Deputy by their recommendation being thereby he should be the less answerable and he appointed Mr. Duery to have the Keys to go to Mr. Patricke Young the former Library Keeper to the late King to inquire for an inventory of the Books and Meddalls and to see an exact one made forthwith of all of them An Act past for altering the Seals of the Custome House Leave given to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London to transport 60 prisoners out of New-gate to the American Plantations Letters that the Lord Leiutenant of Ireland was ready to take shiping that a few deserted the engagement and that Money was much wanting that 500 Irish were landed at Jersey designed as was Imagined to second the Plot for surprising Weymouth Portland and other Garrisons Letters of many Pickeroons upon the Northern Coast who took divers vessels and much disturbed the Coal ships and Fishermen Letters from Scotland that the Kirk party much Commended their New King and that his coming thither was expected That they continued a Force of 6000 Men which in ten dayes they could make up 2000. And perswaded the People that England was sending an Army against them to be Commanded by Lieutenant General Cromwell Letters of a Holland Man of War taken with an Irish Commission and that had done much mischief on the Sea to the English and taken divers ships from them 31 Mr. Lemmon a Member of the House Chosen by the City to be one of their Aldermen although he had left the City 17 Yeares since the House left it to himself whether he would hold to be an Alderman or not Order for Mony for Maimed Souldiers and for the Widowes of slain Souldiers An Additionall Act passed for the Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands and to remove some Obstructions in the Sale of them Upon notice that the Prisoners in the Kings Bench were in some mutiny some Horses were sent thither to suppress the insurrection onlyone Woman was Killed by one of the Prison Officers and another was hurt 100000 l. went from London to the Lieutenant of Ireland into Wales Letters from Chester that Ormoâ—◠〈◊〉 40000 strong before Dublin That Colonel Monk upon the Enemies approach towards Dundalke sent to Owen Rowe Oneal head of the natural Irish desiring him in pursuance of the Articles between them to draw his Forces together and to be in readiness when the Enemy should draw near to them This was undertaken by Owen but he sent word back that he wanted Ammunition and being come within 3 Miles with his whole Army he sent out 1200 Foot and 200 Horse who received from Colonel Monk 20 barrels of Powder with Match and Bullets proportionable Presently after this they had information that Inchequiu was coming against them which made them speed as fast as they could to their General but they were over taken and routed 500 killed upon the place many Prisoners taken the rest so beateu and scattered that few of them escaped without their deaths wounds This News was so terrible to Owen and his Army that they all rose in a Panick Fear and Fled into the County of Long ford this defeat was given in the view of the Town of Dundalke and Inchequin sent the news of it presently to Ormond who thereupon sent to C. Jones for exchange of Prisoners and sent him the news of this defeat given to Owen Inchequin the same evening came before Dundalke and summoned it C. Monke was retreated thither upon the assurance of all his Officers and Souldiers to stand by him except one Souldier who when Monk told them that if any of them scrupled to fight in this quarel he might depart and should have a pass from him This one Souldier only desired a passe and said he could not in Conscience fight in this quarell Monke gave him a Passe according to his desire and the rest promised to be Faithful to him But when Inchequin came now before the Town all the Faithful Souldiers ran away over the Trenches to Inchequin Swearing deep Oaths that they would not Engage with Monk who entred into confederacy with Owen Row the Head of the native Irish By this and many other Passages both in ours and other Histories we may observe the strange inconstancy Lightness and Irrational Actions of the Common Souldiery whom for the most part Mony and avoiding present Danger carryes beyond any other interest These Souldiers of C. Monk's one Day Swore to stand by him the next every one of them deserted him Mony was to be had from Inchequin none from Monk with whom if they staid they must Fight but if they left him they thought the Danger was over They had all engaged under C. Monk and when he had demanded of them whether they would be faithful to him and stand by him all but one said that in Conscience they could not leave him but would stand by him The next Day when Danger approached then they could not in Conscience stay with him because he was Confederate with the Head of the Native Irish Rebells Owen Rowe Yet the same Conscience could give them leave to serve under Ormond who Commanded both the Irish Rebells Catholickes and the English Royalysts against the English Protestants Monkes Souldiers having thus deserted him the Town of Dundalke was presently surrendred to Inchequin upon no other Conditions but that Monk might dispose of what was his as he saw
passed for admitting the Delinquents of North-Wales to Composition for a certain Fine Letters from Milford Haven from the Lieutenant of Ireland giving the House an Account of his Proceedings and the Readiness of his Forces Upon a report from the Councel of State and Letters to them from the Lieutenant of Ireland concerning M. General Monk his making a Peace with Owen Roe Oneal which the Councel disapproved and reported to the House to know their pleasure therein M. G. Monk was called into the House and asked several Questions by their Order which he answered at the Bar of the House touching that business after a long debate of it the House upon the Qestion passed this Vote That they did disapprove of what M. G. Monke had done in concluding a Peace with the Grand and Bloody Irish Rebel Owen Rowe Oneal and did abhor the having any thing to do with him therein Yet are verily perswaded that the making the same by the said M. G. Monk was in his Judgment for the most advantage of the English Interest in that Nation And that he shall not be further Questioned for the same for the time to come Order that the report of the Councel of State the questions demanded of M. G. Monk with his Answers and the Votes of the House there upon be Printed and Published M. G. Monk was much discontented at the proceeding in this business in Relation to him especially at some passages highly reflecting upon his honour and fidelity And it was the Opinions of Divers either not at all to have questioned this business or having once questioned it not to have imployed him any more in their Service But the Major part carried it thus to beat him and afterwards to stroak him which some did think was never forgotten by him 11 The House sate not Letters from Dublin to the House and to the Councel of State that the first of Aug. the Enemy began his approaches near to the Town that Ormond Preston and the chief of their Army were that Night at a work begun Eastward of the City upon the Sea to hinder the landing of the Forces and Supplyes Expected from England and had cut off much of their water and Forage That the 2 August C. Jones Reynolds and the rest with him discovered a party of the Enemy drawn to their new Work about 1500 Foot besides Horse they thought fit speedily to remove them and advanced towards them with the greater strength 1200 Horse and 4000 Foot because they were within a Mile of the Camp from whence they might have what Supplyes and addition of Force they pleased That the Parliament Party soon entred the Enemies New Work yet not without a strong dispute and most of Ormonds Foot there were slain and taken Their Horse having deserted them after the first charge That Jones and his Party pursuing their advantage became at last ingaged with Ormonds whole Army which after 2 houres Fight they totally routed That they slew on the place and in the Chase 4000 And took 2517 Prisoners most of them Inchequins English and run-aways That they got 1 whole Cannon 3 Demy Cannons 1 long Gun carrying a Ball of 12 Pound 1 Saker-drake and 1 Mortar Peice all of them of Brasse some trayn Carryages and about 200 Draught Oxen for the train That the strength of the Enemy was since acledged to be 19000. That Ormond narrowly escaped That of the Parliaments Party there were not 20 missing but many wounded the greatest losse fell on the Horse wherein Jones his Regiment did much suffer which he desired might be considered That Jones intended not to have ingaged so far nor did Ormond expect it but would have declined it reserving themselves for the coming up of Clanricard with 3000 Connaught Forces and of the L. of Ardes with 7000 Scots all ready for Marching and of Inchequin with two more Regiments from Munster That there never was any day in Ireland like this to the confusion of the Irish and raising up the Spirits of the English and restoring their Interest which from their first footing in Ireland was never in so low a Condition as aâ— that time there not being any one considerable landing place left for them but Dublin onely and that almost lost Captain Otwey who brought this Intelligence to the Councel and did gallant Service in the Action did bring other Letters to the same purpose and which did further relate That Ormond was at Tables in his Quarters when the first News came of the beating up of his Guard and answered the Messenger he wished the Rebels would come that they might have some Sport with 〈◊〉 and so went on in his Game But a second Messenger bringing news of the routing of his Party he left his play and goâ— 2 or 3 Regiments to engage but they being defeated he and the rest fled That Collonel Reynolds after he had taken Ormonds Brother threatned to pistol him if he would not show him Ormond which he did at a distance with about seven Horse in Company That Collonel Reynolds and Captain Otway pursued them and came so near as to charge them and brought one of them a French Man off with them but the rest with the Marquess being well horsed escaped That the Plunder of the Field was so rich that the Camp was like a Fayr Cloth Silk and all manner of Cloaths to be sold and at Dublin the Officers did not know their own Souldiers they were become so gallant they had good store of Wine which they drunk in their hats knocking out the Heads of the Vessels That they took Ormonds Cabinet with his Letters and Papers of Concernment and divers Prisoners of Quality besides 6 Lieutenant Collonels 8 Majors 4 Captains 58 Lieutenants 42 Ensigns and a great number of other Officers and 2100 common Souldiers That the Enemy at their marching off had quit several Garrisons That a day of thanksgiving was appointed at Dublin for this Victory after which C. Jones and the rest intended to march out again 13 The House did not sit Letters from Scotland that the General Assembly there had published a Remonstrance or Declaration of the Grounds of their late proceedings and of their Intentions for maintenance of the Government settling Church-Discipline and keeping good Correspondence with England c. Much Labour was by his Friends for the clearing M. G. Monk from the Reslection upon him by his cessation with Owen Roe O Neal for which end they caused the Articles of that Cessation to be Printed and published together with the Reasons which induced M. G. Monk to make that Cessation Yet all would not serve but â—t stuk with many to his Prejudice who both suspected C. Monks Fidelity and sharply inveiged against any Peace made by those of the Parliaments Party with the bloody and execrable Irish Rebels 14 Upon reading the Letters from Dublin in the House they ordered a day of publick thanksgiving for that
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
much as one Son of the whole Estate of their Father thus divided by the Law Whereas with us every Possessor of an Estate hath Power to dispose of it by his Deed or by his Will as he pleases which must necessarily occasion the more Differences and Suits at Law upon Constructions of those Deeds and Wills and Contests of Parties claiming than where the Known Law gives a certain Rule and Distribution of Estates which none can alter Another Ground of what I say is the Freedom of our Nation where every one hath equal Right and Title to his Estate and there is as full a Propriety to the meanest as to the greatest Person which causeth our Countrymen to insist upon their Right and Priviledges and to contest for them with the greatest Men or the Prince himself if right of Law be on their Side This occasions many more Law Suits than do arise in those Countries where the Boors and Peasants do wholly depend upon the Will of their Lords to whom they are Slaves and dare not dispute any Matter of Right with him but tamely submit unto their Lords good or bad pleasure And though in some of those Northern Countries they have no Councellors at Law as a publick Prefession because the smallness of their Law Business will not maintain them and the great Lords are oft-times there Parties and Judges themselves Yet in Germany France Spain and other Countries the Doctors and Professors of the Laws are in great Numbers and Credit and gain vast Estates though by small Fees yet often taken and long continuing Whereof particularly in France there are many Precedents And if we look so far as the times of the antient Romans and Graecians their Lawyers will be found numerous and of Esteem among them and when their Common-Wealth enjoyed the greatest Freedom this Profession was in highest Reputation Sir The worthy Gentleman was pleased to mention one thing with some weight that Lawyers were permitted to Councel and to plead for Men in Matters touching their Estates and Liberties but in the greatest Matters of all others concerning a Mans Life and Posterity Lawyers were not permitted to plead for their Clients I confess I cannot answer this Objection that for a trespass of 6 d. value a man my have a Councellor at Law to plead for him but where his Life and Posterity are concerned he is not admitted this Priviledge and help of Lawyers A Law to reform this I think would be just and give right to People What is sayed in defence or excuse of this Custom is That the Judges are of Councel for the Prisoners and are to see that they shall have no wrong And are they not to take the same Care of all Causes that shall be tryed before them To that part of the Gentlemans Motion that Lawyers being Members of the House should during that time forbear their Practise and pleading I shall only give this Answer That in the Act which he may be pleased to bring in for this purpose it may likewise be inserted that Merchants shall forbear their trading Physitians from visiting their Patients and Country Gentlemen shall forbear to sell their Corn and Wool whil'st they sit as Members of this House which hath the same reason as to debar Lawyers from their Practise But I doubt Sir I have held you too long my Profession and the Subject matter of the Debate will plead in my excuse and I hope Sir that by your Prudence such Motions as these will be less frequent among us December 1649 Decemb. 1 The Affairs in Ireland went on prosperously and Cromwells Honour increased with his Successes The Treaty between the Scots and their King began to grow to some Head and was very likely to take Effect The Parliament went on in their usual way debating Acts making Reference to the Councel of State for the raising of Money and providing Supplies for their Forces in Ireland and for the standing Army and Garrisons in England A List prefented to the Parliament of divers Regiments and Garrisons who have subscribed the Ingagement 10 Letters that every Officer and Souldier subscribed the Ingagement and that it was so unanimously done by them that not one of a thousand did scruple the Signing of it 11 The General Councel of the Army being careful that the Souldiers should not be injured in reaping the Benefit of the late Act for sale of the Lands of the late King Queen and Prince made several Votes For a Letter of Attourney to be sent to the several Regiments Troops Companies and Garrisons of the Army and to the Forces in Ireland and other Forces not of the Army who are Original Creditors and have Interest in the Security That Attournies may be authorized for the purchasing of those Lands according to the Act with the Opinion and Advice of the Councel concerning the Letter of Attourney to be sent to every Regiment of the Army and to be Signed by them The General and Officers of the Army met at Somerset-House according to appointment to meet every Month to seek God for a Blessing upon the Army both in Ireland and here Letters from Ireland of the further Successes of the Army there which were to this Effect On the 15th of November Our Army marched over the River Barrowe into the County of Kilkenny towards the Enemy about 300 of their Men lay at Emstronâ— a Party of the Parliaments Horse and Dragoons were sent thither in the dusk of the Evening At first the Enemy vapoured over the Wall but when the Dragoons had set fire to the Gate it so quasht them that they presently quitted the Town and escaped by Boats over the Water leaving the Town to the Parliaments Men to plunder and possess it The Parliaments Army still advanced towards the Enemies Body who upon their approach brake down the Bridge at Thomas Town and this Winter Season the Foords were unpassable so that the Parliaments could only have a Sight of the Kings Army but could not come to joyn Battle with them nor proceed in â—heir Designs for Kilkenny In their March back they took Cnoctofer Castle and put into it thirty Horse and twenty Dragoons but recalled them the Castle being too far into the Enemies Countrey On the 19th Captain Reynolds was sent with a Party of Horse and Dragoons unto Carrick a walled Town where is a fair House of the Lord Ormonds in the Town was a Regiment of Foot and two or three Troops of Horse The Dragoons after a little dispute set Fire to the Gate and the Enemy both Horse and Foot quitted the place and escaped over the Water only some eighty Welchmen who were in the great House submitted to Mercy and took up Arms with the Parliament On the 21st The Army marched to Carrick to pass over the River where it is fordable And 32th November the Parliament incamped before Waterford presently the Lieutenant General with some Horse and Dragoons marched to Passage
Seamen sufficient Volunteers with Proviso's not to press Masters Gunners and such as have served an Apprentiship to Seamen or Watermen Referred to the Committee of the Navy to consider of some further Incouragement to be given to those that shall voluntarily offer themselves to serve the State in their Ships and to present an Act to the House for it Order for the building of more Ships for the service and safety of the Commonwealth Upon a Letter from the Mayor of Salisbury of his seizing some Printed Books derogating from the Lords Day and setting up the Jewish Sabboth referred to the Committee for plundered Ministers to peruse the Book and to state and report the matter of Fact to the House and to bring in a Act for the more due observation of the Lords Day Order for the Commissioners of the great Seal to pass Pardons of Course for several Persons convicted at the Assise and certifyed by the Judges to be fit Objects for the Mercy of the Parliament Debate of a way of supplying the Remainder of the Money for Pay of the Army in England and Ireland about the Assessment of 120000 l. per mensem and to avoid Free Quarter Amendments reported to the Bill for the sale of Free Farm Rents Debate of an Act of Indempnity for Tenants and others who in the late Wars have expressed their good Affections to the Parliament against the Oppressions of their ill affected Landlords that have been against the Parliament Order that no private Business be heard in the House for a Month longer About this time Alderman Rowland Wilson one of the Sheriffs of London dyed He was son of Mr. Rowland Wilson a wealthy Merchant who loved to see his Son in that honourable Condition though but a young man for that imployment yet he was an Elder in Wisdome and Abilities He was a Gentleman of excellent parts and great Piety of a solid sober temper and Judgment and very honest and Just in all his Actions He was a Member of the House of Commons and of the Councel of State he had served the Parliament as Collonel of one of the City Regiments not in traynings only but in the Field against the Enemy He was beloved both in the House City and Army and by all that knew him and his death as much lamented The Members of Parliament and of the Councel of State the Lord Mayor Aldermen and divers Citizens of London and many Officers of the Army were invited and present at his Funeral and the City Regiment whereof he was Collonel with other Companies of Souldiers were in Arms to attend the Corps of their Officer to his Grave Letters from Chester of the Ministers in that Country bitterly exclaiming against the Ingagement and condemning all that take it to the Pit of Hell That 11000 l. was put on board for Dublin and 6000 l. for Carrickfergus from which Town the Enemy is 40 Miles and the Country thereabouts free from Troops 7 From Exeter Letters of the averseness of the Citizens to the Ingagement That on the Publick Fast day all the Ministers went out of Town and caused the Church Doors to be shut up purposely because they would not observe it being appointed by the Parliament That all the Magistrates except two Constables refused to take the Ingagement From Dartmouth That 22 Sail of Ships were ready to set out for Newfoundland From Taunton That the publick Fast day was not kept there The two Presbyterian Ministers of that Town being ready to observe the Parliaments Orders fer receiving their Tithes and Augmentations but not in other matters that they like not for then they affirm it not to be a Free Parliament That a Woman pretnding to Prophesy with others of her Crew denyed Christ and the Scripture wholly From Pool That 8 good Ships went from thence to Newfoundland and two to the Barba does From Edenburgh That the Scots had agreed upon their Commissioners to go to the King that first they were to go to Capher and from thence to send to the King and to the Prince of Orange for a safe Conduct to come to Breda and to stay there That they carry with them for the Supply for their King 40000 Marks Scotch Money that is 2200 l. English Money That 1000 Arms and twenty Cannon are lately landed in Orkney An Act passed for the Advancement of the Gospel and of learning in Ireland and for settling upon the Colledge in Dublin several Lands formerly belonging to the Archbishop of Dublin and other Ecclesiastical Persons and for erecting and maintaning a Free School in Dublin Order for an Act to abolish the Hierargy in Ireland and to forbid the use of the Common-Prayer Book there Debate of an Act for restrayning the killing of flesh Meat or Poultry from 14. March to the 15. of April Letters that C. Cook Governour of Wexford went out with a Party and took in Enniscorfie formerly betrayed to the Enemy and upon the Storm put them to the Sword 8 Letters from Ireland confirming the retaking of Eniscorfie and that no Enemy appeared to make any Opposition in those parts Letters to the same Effect as before touching the Commissioners agreed upon to go to the King from Scotland 9 Several Orders concerning Supplyes of Money Provisions and Recruits for Ireland 11 Letters concerning the further Successes of the Lord Lieutenant in Ireland since his last taking the Field from Yoghall and that at the taking of Castleton by the Lord Broghill he gave Quarter for Life and their wearing Apparrel to the private Souldiers but the Officers to be at his Discretion That thereupon by advice he caused all those Officers to be short to death to affright those little Castles from so peremptorily standing out That C. Zanchy reduced the Castle of Dundrum where were two Troops of Horse and some Foot os the Enemies Zanchyes Horse charged those without and the men stormed the Town which was delivered up to him leaving their Horse and Arms behind here Zanchey received a wound in his right hand That the Enemy scouting into their Quarters and taking a Castle 7 Miles from Cork C. Phayer the Governour there pursued them with 16 Foot and 50 Horse unto a Bogg where he killed 20 and took 30 of them Prisoners and the Castle was surrendred to him That they have settled themselves in the Heart of the Enemies Quarters and thereby much hinder them from recruiting and gathering together again in the Spring and have gained a very rich Country which by agreement are to give them 1500 l. per mensem From Newcastle that More Mosse-Troopers are dayly taken That Prince Ruperts Ships were in much confusion and many of them taken That the Scots Commissioners are not yet gone to the King and there is much difference about their going betwixt the Kirk and the State That the Forces in Orkney increase dayly From Beaumorris That M. G. Mitton and other Officers upon Intelligence that
Irish Quarters 20 Letters from Ireland That the Lord Lieutenant is before Clonmel That the Plague which is seldom known in Ireland was very hot in Lymerick and Killkenny That the Mayor of Waterford refused to admit Ormond into that Town saying That he was the Kings Lieutenant there That Ormond and Muskerry were gone away for France That much contention was amongst the Irish Officers and many of them desired to come and serve the King of Spain which the Spanish Ambassador in Ireland laboured to effect That about 80 of the Enemies Foot and 10 Horse of the Garrison of Clonmel went forth to fetch in Provisions but were fallen upon by some of the Parliaments Horse that Quartered near the Town who killed 23 of them and took 17 Prisoners and the Horses 21 Letters from Dublin of the taking of Balishanon a strong Fort and well manned by C. Hewson without the loss of one Man That there were great differences among the Irish and between them and the Kings Party and among the Cavaliers themselves 22 Letters that Prince Rupert was yet at Lisbon and had with him but 6 Ship and those not well manned Letters of many Robberies and wicked Actions and of a Butcher of Malton that hanged his Wife and of a Woman that burnt two of her Children assoon as she was delivered of them An Account of Forces Shipped for Ireland From Scotland That the Scots Commissioners are gone to Breda and that the King went from Beauvois to Breda and parted with the Queen his Mother who with Jermin returned to Paris The Heads of their Propositions to the King were That all who continue excommunicate by the Kirk may be removed from his Person That he would declare that he will by solemn Oath under his Hand and Seal allow the National Covenant of Scotland and the Covenant of the three Kingdoms and ratify all Acts concerning the Covenant Establishing Presbyterian Government the Directory of Worship the Confession of Faith and the Cateehism in Scotland as they are approved by the G. Assembly of the Kirk and by the Parliament there That he will consent that all matters civil be determined by the present and subsequent Parliaments and all matters Ecclesiastical by the ensuing general Assembly of the Kirk as was formerly agreed by his late Father 23 The Army Petitioned the Parliament That such as had Articles upon rendition of Towns and paid their Compositions and were not ingaged in the second War might not be taken within the late Act of Delinquents to remove out of London and Westminster Letters that the Lord Lieutenant had taken in Clonmel and slain 2000 of the Enemy there and was marched towards Waterford where Preston Commanded From Edenburgh That Mr. Douglas who preached to the Scots Parliament at their first Meeting admonished them to avoid the two Rocks of the Malignant Scilla and Sectarian Caribdis and doomâ—d both Malignants and Sectaries to be Heretical That the Scots Parliament sate but two dayes as is usual with them to confirm what work the Cabal had cut out for them and then adjourned to the 5th of May next That the Scots Army were about choosing of a Committee of themselves to purge the Army but with difficulty it was carryed to be referred to the Committee of Estates and they referred it to David Lesly 25. Letters That the Scots Commissioners were landed in Holland That a Ship came to Edenburgh from Holland with many German Officers expecting imployment there That the Scots Commissioners have Commission to take up 300000 l. Scots Money to gratify the King in case there be an Agreement Account of Recruits for Ireland and of proclaiming the Act for taking of the Ingagement at York and at Manchester From Milford Haven That the Country thereabout did unanimously take the Ingagement That Mr. Peters opened the matter to them and did much incourage them to take it 26. The Parliament Voted That the concernment of Articles relating to the late Act for removing Delinquents out of London c. be referred to the Commissioners for Articles to do therein according to Justice An Act for impowring Commissioners to put in execution all the Powers hereto fore given to Commissioners for compounding with Delinquents and for managing all Sequestred Estates and to the Committee of Habberdashers Hall Vote That all who have compounded and are now beyond Sea without leave their Estates shall be sequestred and the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to put this Vote in Execution Vote that the Estate of Sir Christopher Hatton be forthwith sequestred Several other Votes touching Compositions of Delinquents An Act for such as hold the Estate of any Delinquent by Mortgage Judgement or Statute to compound for the Estate committed An Act passed for the Redemption of Captives 27. An Act passed for establishing an high Court of Justice and the Commissioners Names any 12 to be of the Quorum Letters from Tossiter of settling the Militia in that County Letters of a Charge given by Judge Nicholas at the Assizes at Sarum in vindication of the Proceedings of Parliament and of theirs and the Peoples power and the Original of it One was indicted for saying there was no Law and that a company of Rogues had beheaded the King and therefore there was no Law The Indictment was for scandalous words and he was found guilty fined 100 l. and imprisoned without Baile till the Fine was paid 28 An Act passed touching the way of collecting the Excise of Ale and Beer brewed and spent in private Families The Act for erecting the high Court of Justice proclaimed in Westminster Hall Letters that the Marquess of Hertford coming from London in obedience to the late Act for removing of Delinquents he resided at his House at Netley near Southampton and the day after he sent to the Governour of that Garrison to give him notice thereof and to assure him that he would not give any Offence to the Garrison The Governour returned a civil answer to the Marquesse and that as long as he continued in a peaceable manner not any from the Garrison should molest his Lordship From Daver That an English Hoy setting sail from Ostend for London Captain Evans by Commission from the Prince with eight or nine English and Flemmings put themselves into a ship Boat made up to the Hoy and boarded her about 2 Miles from Ostend at which the Governour shot from the Castle at Evans but could not reach him Thereupon he sent 50 Souldiers on board a Fisherman to rescue the Hoy who after a little skirmish in Dunkirk Road brought away the Hoy and stowed Evans and his company in the Hold upon which two or three French Troops came out from Dunkirk and set upon the Ostenders They because the Winds were cross and the French Troops pursuing them brought the Hoy and Prisoners and delivered them to the Governour of Dover Castle who committed Evans and his Fellows to the Marshal That the same Hoy was formerly taken
by a Irish Man of War under the Fort of Ostend and by the Governours Order rescued from them he saying That he would not indure such things to be done under his Command From Pendennis Castle that C. Slingsby Prisoner there was by Order of the Councel of State carried from thence to Exeter to be tryed by the Common Law for levying War against the Parliament An Account of Recruits shipped for Ireland 30 From Exeter of the solemn reception of the Judges of Assize by the Magistrates and Military Officers and of the conducting them through the several Counties by the Troops of Horse and of the great respect shewed by the Souldiery to the civil Magistrates From Taunton That the Commissioners had settled the Militia in that County C. Popham a Regiment of Horse and another of Foot C. Pine C. Ceely and C. Gorge Regiments of Foot From Scotland That their Commissioners gone to the King had power to to take up 300000 l. Scotch that is 25000 l. Sterling to gratify the King it he agreed with them That the Kirkmen were generally very zealous for the closing with their King yet some of them averse to it and Praying against it Aprill 1650. April 1. From Newcastle That very many Cavaliers passe into Scotland and some of them come out of Norfolk and Suffolk From Cork That the Lord Lieutenant had taken in all the three Counties of Tipperary Lymerick and Kilkenny except the three Shire Towns and had kept the Enemy from drawing together That the Lord Broghall beat up the Quarters of three Regiments of Inchequins Horse most of them English brought the Officers to Cashel tryed C. Claydon C. Johnson and Lieutenant Collonel Laughern three of them by a Court Marshal for betraying their trust having formerly served the Parliament and they and M. Sims were sentenced to dye that three of them were shot to Death and C. Claudon was pardoned That the Enemy burnt and destroyed the County of Lymerick and drove away the Cattle seven or eight Miles round the City Letters to a great Man That there is no rest to be found in the wisest Constitutions and Laws of Men until they acknowledge the Weakness thereof and fly to the Infallible and alsufficient Wisdom of the Scriptures to rule Mankind in the World The only Magna Charta in this World is the Holy Scriptures which give perfect Rules for the Peoples Liberties and for Rulers Government and Authority and so guide all Judgements that none shall suffer Injury That the People will never fix quietly upon any Form or way till they are brought to the Word of God 2 A Declaration of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen and Common Councel of London returning Thanks to the Parliament for their Gift of the New-Park to the City and of the Houses and 1000 l. for the Poor and that they do declare and resolve through Gods Assistance with the hazard of their Lives and Estates to stand and fall with the Parliament against all wicked Practices and opposite pretended Powers whatsoever The Speaker in Answer to it told them That the House took notice of this their Resolution and of the Seasonableness of it that the house kindly accepted it and gave them thanks for it Several Orders touching the Forces and Payment of Monies into Weavers Hall An Act for adding some of the Judges to be Commissioners in the High Court of Justice An Act for one to make use of a new Invention to prevent the great Consumption of Coal and Wood about Lead Iron Copper Saltworks c. From Dublin That the Lord Broghil and Henry Cromwel fell into the Lord Inchequins Quarters killed 160 and took 120 Prisoners with the Officers and 150 gallant Horse That Collonel Reynolds fell into the Earl of Castlehavens Quarters routed them and drove them to a Bogge From Coventry That Salmon and Wyke Prisoners there Preached every Lords Day at the grate of the Prisons and very many stood in the streets to hear them 3 From Portsmouth That a Ship of London of 16 pieces of Ordinance and her Bills of Lading from the Streights were of 30000 l. was taken by an Irish Man of War near the Isle of Wight and another Vessel in her Company run her self on Shore and thereby lost all but the Lives of the Mariners 4. A Letter sent from the Diggers and Planters of Commons for universal Freedom to make the Earth a common Treasury that every one may injoy Food and Rayment freely by his labour upon the Earth without paying Rents or homage to any fellow Creature of his own kind that every one may be delivered from the Tyranny of the Conquering Power and so rise up out of that Bondage to enjoy the Benefit of his Creation The Letters were to get Money to buy Food for them and Corn to sow the Land which they had digged 5 From Ireland That the Lord Lieutenant was gone near to Lymerick and that C. Hewson was marching with near 3000 men to him That the Spanish Agent had obtained leave of the Lord Lieutenant to send to Spain for Money Ships and Instructions for transporting Irish Officers and Souldiers who were willing to go into the Service of his Master A Messenger brought Intelligence to the Governour of Kinsale that Macke Carke and O Sullipht were raising Forces Westward and that all the Priests were gone to them That Inchequin for 20 Miles burnt and wasted the County of Lymerick and then retreated over the Shannon with more Cows than Horses that thereby Kilmallock could get no Forrage for their Horse and many of them came in to the Lord Lieutenant That C. Hewson came to the Lord Lieutenant with 3500 Horse and Foot that C. Reynolds and C. Ewers Regiments were sent out as a Forlorn hope and discovering the Enemies Body of above 3000 attempted to fight notwithstanding the disproportion but they had no mind to it That the Parliament had there a healthy and gallant Army all new clothed and well armed and Money in their Purses That they have in Ireland 6000 good Horse and 18000 Foot That Ormond came to Clare with six Horse only and sent Propositions to the Lord Lieutenant that most of the Irish had left him That they have Ships to prevent Commerce and Sea Assistance That eight Ships were come in from Wales and England loaden with Oats and 15000 yards of Cloth and 200 pair of Boots From Cork That the Scots and Irish are at great difference and the Irish fly to connaght as their last refuge excepting Spain That the Catholicks hasten the Prince iuto Scotland to divert the Army from Ireland if they can possibly Granger and others according to the Sentence of Parliament lost their Ears at the new Pallace Yard in Westminster and at the Old-Exchange in London for forgeing Warrants from the Committee of the Army and Counterfeiting hands to Bill of Exchange whereby they procured 3000 l. to be paid them out of
removing the Mayor for refusing to take the Ingagement and choosing another the House approved thereof 8 From Bristol 200 men were apprehended who were Leaders of the Countrymen that fell upon C. Rieves his Souldiers Quartered near the City That a Souldier was shot to Death for murther Of several Recruits embarqued for Ireland From Yarmouth of settling the Militia in Norfolk four Regiments of Foot and one of Horse that many of the Cavaleers take the Ingagement That the General published Orders to be observed for the Hospital of Ely House where the maimed Souldiers were 9 A Petition from the Inhabitants of Leeds in Yorkshire against an illegal Patent for incorporating that Town desiring it may be vacated From Coventry of the Militia of that County settled of 700 Horse and 1200 Foot From Tossiter of Recruits willingly come in From Stafford of a discovery of a Design for an Insurrection there upon the advance of the Army Whereupon C. Sanders and C. Twisselden secured the High Sheriff and other Gentle-men 10 From London-derry that the Lord President is marched forth with 3000 Foot and 1200 Horse by the Lord Lieutenants Desire towards Conaught but will not be able to make any Considerable attempt upon that Province for want of Shipping to convey his Ordinance and Provisions the ways there being exceeding Boggy and Mountainous Yet this will be gained by marching to the Borders of it which is the chief thing aimed at by the Lord Lieutenant That the Forces under Clinriccard will not dare to march out of their own Country to joyn with the Forces under Castlehaven or with any Brigade of the Enemy From Edenburgh That Montross his Forces being grown up to about 4000 Horse and Foot and 2000 more expected they divided themselves into two Parties and so marched out of Caithness into Sutherland having at first taken the strong Castle of Dunbeith which is near incompassed with the Sea In it was taken 1500 l. Sterling and store of Provisions the E. of Sutherland fled and divers Ministers yet some Ministers were taken and some joyned with them This hot Alarum caused David Lesly to hasten from his Rendezvous at Brechen and to desire the Rest of his Forces left with Holborn to march up to him he in the mean while goes on with what he had he raising as many as he could by the way came up to about 3000 Men. Mentross sends up a Proposal that he might freely with as many as would voluntarily joyn with him passe into England and he would ingage to do violence to none in his Passage But Lieutenant C. Strachan and the others before mentiond being many miles before therest of the Army tho the Sectary Troops ventured to ingage the Enemy routed Montrosses whole Army flew about 300 took 500 Prisoners among them Renegado Vrrey and other Persons of Quality That the Kirkmen a little before vented in publick That the Treaty was but a Jugling to deceive the Godly Party When as was believed they had before heard that the Treaty was concluded with a full coming up to the Kirks Demands Mr. Lloyd Chaplain to the Lord Lieutenant brought Letters from him That he was set down before Clonmel and his Guns Planted That after that business shall be over he intended to come for England That two Officers going to view the Town were taken Prisoners That the Enemy in Clonmel are about 2000 Foot and 120 Horse 11 Letters that Wogan the Revolter with 500 Foot came to take Possession of Borough Castle which the Lord Lieutenants Forces hearing of marched towards him but Wogan quitted the Castle leaving only 14 Men who upon the approach of the Lord Lieutenants ' Forces yielded upon Quarter That Sir Hardress Wallers Forces took Laugher Castle a considerable Fort within 6 Miles of Lymerick and an attempt of his to take Kilmallock prevented by a discovery but his Forces Possessed an Abby near the Town 13. From Berwick That thenews of routing of Montrosses Forces doth much distract the Malignants That the Committee of Estates have given Mr. Straghan 1000 l. Sterling and a Gold Chain and to Hacket 1000 Marks Sterling and to Kissin 50 l. and to the Souldiers ingaged in that Service three Months Pay From Holland That the Scots King went from Breda to the Hague That the Scots Commissioners proclaimed their King at Breda to be King of Scotland England and Ireland And that the Agreement was set up there upon Posts 14 The Act passed for suppressing the detestable Sins of Incest Adultery and Fornication Upon which Mr. Henry Martyn declared his Opinicn That the Severity of the Punishment by this Act being death would cause these Sins to be more frequently committed because People would be more cautions in Committing them for Fear of the Punishment and being undiscovered would be imboldned the more in the Committment of them Order for a Bill for the maintenance of the Ministers in Colchester An Act passed for securing such summs of Money as shall be sent for the Service of the Navy and Army Order for C. Alexander Popham to raise a Regiment of Horse in Somersetshire to be a Part of the Militia of that County and to be kept together for the publique Service and referred to the Councel of State to grant him a Commission 15 From Chester That Wexford men have beaten Phelim Birne killed 4 of his Captains and 120 of his men and have taken Fyrnes und Cornow from him That the Irish Army in Vlster will not fight with Sir Charles Coot but are withdrawn into their Quarters That the Lemster Army is retreated over the Shannon and the L. Lt. is Master of the Field in all Places From Exon That setling the Militia in that County they onely appoint Captains and no other Officers From the Hague That the King and the Scots Commissioners were come from Breda thither and the Treaty between them agreed From the Isle of Wight That a Ship of 5 Guns belonging to Sir George Carteret Governour of Jersy bound for Virginia with many Passengers all Sorts of Goods and tools for Husbandry for planting an Island which the P. had given to Sir George was taken by Captain Green and brought in thither 16 From Litchfield of one who under the Notion of a Cavalier addressed himself to divers Gentlemen of that Countrey Acquainting them that he had Instructions from the King to desire them to sign an Ingagement which he shewed them and got many of them to subscribe it then discovered it to the Officers of Litchfield who sent for those Gentlemen and made them Prisoners From Taunton of many Voluntiers listed for the Service of Ireland From Hull that an Irish Frigot brought to Amsterdam 2 great Lords who escaped out of Ireland and reported that the King was undone in his Interest there That the Governour of Hull renewed a Proclamation that no Master or Owner of any Ship coming to Hull or in the Harbour should receive in any
Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London visited and complemented his Excellence The Lord Lieutenant sate in Parliament and had the hearty thanks of the House for his great and faithful Services in Ireland Order for Letters to the Commissioners of the several Counties to hasten the collecting of the Assessement An Act passed to impower the Militia of London to raise 600 Horse An Act passed for the better Payment of Augmentations out of sequestred in propiations and Tithes An Account to the Parliament from Mr. Strickland their Agent in Holland and from Mr. Charles Vane their Agent in Portugal of their Transactions From Ireland of the taking two Ships with 500 Barrels of Powder bound for Lymerick That this Town hath sent two Aldermen forth to treat for its surrender That Kilmallock and another strong Place upon the news of Clonmel were quitted by the Enemy From Milford of Recruits shipping From Chester that Trecoghan holds out The Castle is much battered but the Place is reputed inaccessible That some of the Forces from Clonmel are attempting Catherlow That most of the Irish get to a head near Charlemont That Sir Luke Fitz-geralds Lady defends Trecoghan From Pendennis That there were 2 Dutch men of War with Commissions to take such Ostenders Jersimen and Scilly men and Irish men as had taken Ships belonging to their State 5 An Order from the G. forbidding any Souldiers to meddle with matter of title or holdding of Possessions From Plymouth of the Souldiers keeping a Fast day From Denbigh That the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales ejected many Malignant and Scandalous Ministers From Southamton of a Malignant Lancashire Minister who being cast out of his Living came and preached in those parts and endeavoured to promote the Princes Cause prophesying of his Legal Authority and the Glory of it and that he shall Govern this Nation with much more Glory than his Father did and that a great Plague should be this Summer 6 From Weymouth of a Fight at Sea close under Portland informed to be between one of the Parliaments Ships loaden with Amunition for the Fleet at Lisbon and 3 Irish men but who had the better of it they could not know From Coventry That C. Pride and his Regiment Quartering in the Town behaved themselves very civilly and orderly From the Fleet before Lisbon of a Designe by P. Rupert to fire the Admiral by sending a boat with 2 Negros and an English man in Portugese Habit under pretence to sel-Provisions to the Fleet and had a Device to have fired the Ship But the English man casting out by chance an English word they were suspected and apprehended the English man confessed all the business and that P. Rupert promised him 100 l. to effect it That P. Rupert standing on the Shoar to see this done when he perceived it was discovered and the men apprehended came to the Water side where some Seamen were filling Water and asked them who they were for they answered for the Parliament Whereupon the P. with his company calling them Doggs fell on them with Swords and Pistols killed 2 of them wounded 2 more and carryed away 3 of them Prisoners whom they keep in Chains and have killed and taken several other Seamen of the Parliaments Fleet there 7 From Dublyn That 120 of the Enemy came to relieve Trecoghan thinking by stealth to get over a Bogg but C. Hewson having notice of it sent out a Party of Horse and Foot who killed 60 of them and pursued the rest to a Bogg where they killed 16 of them and tooke 4 Prisoners That the Souldiers which were in Clonmel fled to Waterford and were there denyed entrance onely Hugh Boy Oneal and 2 or 3 more Commanders were admitted That the Plague is very hot there That the Parliaments Forces in the North recovered Tuum which was surrendred through the terrour of a Morter piece that made onely two Shots but none of the Shells lighted within 40 yards of the Place 8 From Edenburgh That Hamilton Calander Louderdale and other Lords are forbid to come into Scotland with the King That Calander offered submission to the Kirk but it would not do and he is to depart the Kingdom by a Day under pain of 100000 l. Scotch From Portugal That G. Blake had taken 5 of the K. of Portugal Ships loaden with rich Commodities from America and sent Word to the King that unless he will command P. Ruperts Fleet out from his River they will endeavour to seize upon the rest of his Fleet coming from America 10 From Berwick that the Parliament of Scotland sent a Letter to their King expressing their Affection to him and their rejoyceing at the Happy Agreement desiring him not to be discouraged at some seeming Obstacles as the Death of Montross c. they doing nothing therein but to accomplish his Interest That Hurrey and Spottswood were beheaded and an acknowledgement made That Spottswood a Bishops Son was one of those that murdered Dr. Dorislaus in Holland And that another Scots Man Prisoner now at Edenburgh was of his company That a French Marquess landed in the North of Scotland to assist Montross not knowing what was become of him but the Marquesse was secured and from him were taken many Letters from the King and from several Princes and great Men incouraging him in the business he had undertaken From York of a Fast Day kept there by the Officers and Souldiers and the like at New-castle From Dublin That Hewson from before Trecoghan writes that Ormond and all the Irish were drawing down towards them to raise the Seige and he sent for all the Horse of these Quarters G. Blake sent a Paper to the King of Portugal of the grievances declared to his Majesty by the Parliaments Fleet riding in the Bay of Wyers against Prince Rupert which themselves and others of their Nation had suffered and now desire Justice 11 The Lord Lieutenant of Ireland gave an Account to the House of the whole state of Affairs in Ireland in relation to their own Forces in Garrison and Field their present imployment and settlement and of the Forces of the Enemy and the Garrisons yet in their power He left Ireton his Deputy in Ireland to prosecute the Parliaments Interest there The L. Seaph Agent from the States of Holland had audience with great respect An Act passed for settling the Militia of Westminster in the same manner with that of London From Chester That Sir Charles Coot took from the Vlsters 2000 Cows That Sir Thomas Armstrong is come into Dublin with 250 Horse That the Lemster Army lay before Trecoghan and they were upon treaty of delivery That Ormond and Inchequin were come in and undertook that they and all the English and Brittish shall joyn with the Parliaments Forces against the Popish Army and they take 6 Months to make their Peace with the Parliament or to go beyond Seas That a strong Party of the Tories came
near to Dublin and took away much Cattle From Coventry That a Souldier of C. Prides Regiment was sentenced to be tyed neck and heels together and to be set where the whole Regiment should march by him and to be cashiered for stealing a Hen and putting it under his Coat in his March which Justice pleased the Country 12 A Letter from the Officers of the General his Regiment of Foot to their fellow Souldiers exhorting them to Prayer and Vnity and full of pertinent and wholsom Scripture Expressions and good Councel 13 From Chefler that the Bishop General Macmoghun a vicious wicked wretch is in the head of the Northern Irish From Newcastle That in the Marches of Scotland they have listed every fourth man That some of their Forces are marched to Sea Towns to attend the arrival of their King That they are much started at the News of the English Armies marching Northwards That they will not believe Cromwel to be come to London That the Kirkmen bid the People not to fear as the Malignants even so shall all Sectaries Perish The Solemn Fast kept the Parliament Councel of State G. Fairfax L. G. Cromwel and the Judges being all together 14 From Edenburgh That Dalgely of Montrosses Party being sentenced to be beheaded and brought to the Scaffold ran and kissed the Scaffold and without any Speech or Ceremony layed down his Head on the Block and was presently beheaded That they recruite their Army That they put it to the Vote in Parliament Whether they should make any more addresses to the King and it was carryed to send another Letter to him To desire his speedy coming thither and they will endeavour to set him on his Throne and will passe by those things contrary tohis Agreement found in the Letters about Montross if he will now come in and comply with them and they forbid divers great Men to come into Scotland From Beaumaris That Sir Thomas Armstrong the Lord Moore M. G. Oneal M. G. Barry with divers Officers and 250 Horse came into Dublin From C. Reynolds That few strong Places in Ireland remain unreduced That some of their Ministers Preach Damnation to the Parliaments Army and to all that Assist them That the Army and Garrisons there subscribed the Ingagement unanimously so have the Magistrates and generally the Inhabitants though not required to do it That the Enemy taking Toome Veneables was sent to reduce them which he did and in the mean time the Enemy got into the Woods between his Party and Sir Charles Coots that they could not joyn That in their absence many Scotch Ministers were sent to debauch the People in those parts of Ireland That the Enemy are about 5000 Foot besides Horse yet dare not fight with a much smaller Party of the Parliaments Forces who are almost naked and full of sickness for want of Cloaths That they secured some Scotch Ministers 15 Letters of a very solemn keeping of the Fast day at Shrewsbury and of the Militia settled in Herefordshire Of a great perplexity in Scotland by the Kings delaying his coming thither and of Montrosses Brother designing to sail with his Brothers Frigot to Norway the Captain and divers others being on Shore the rest of the Mariners brought the Ship to Leith and in it divers Papers of consequence with Subscriptions of Ministers and Lords to the Declaration of Montross 17 Letters That the Levyes go on in Scotland and that the People cry out upon the Taxes and they shall be undone if the English Army come into Scotland before theirs be ready That the Ministers do preach against what their Commissioners have done That the Parliament Army about York is full of Courage and desirous of Service That in Holland Van Trump commanded out all the Men of War to wait on the Prince into Scotland The Parliament had a long debate and passed several Votes about ordering of Monies for the Armies in England and Ireland 18 Several Orders about Monies for the Navy and for Supplies for them and for the Forces in England and Ireland Letters from several Garrisons to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters in answer to theirs about the Fast and which were full of Courage and Piety 19. Letters that the Vlsters about 6000 in a body 〈◊〉 dmuch spoyl in Sir Charles Cootes Quarters That the Clergy about Chester kept a Fast Day rather to pray against than for the Parliament and Army Of Recruits ready for Ireland That 900 in one Parish near Leverpool willingly took the Ingagement That divers Gentlemen about Exon were secured by the Militia there That the Ministers there refused to publish the Fast Day but the People generally kept it and shut up their Ships That the Ld. G. his Regiment and the Train were at Nottingham in their March North-wards 20 Letters to the Officers of the Army at the Head Quarters from some of their fellow Officers and Souldiers and it was strange to see in many of those Letters the wonderful zeal and affection of the Officers and Souldiers to the Parliaments Service and with what a Spirit of Prayer and Piety not usual in Camps they were carried on and incouraged one another Letters that Mr. Ayscam the Parliaments Agent to the King of Spain at his first arrival at Madri took up his lodging in an Inn there the first night that the next day a more convenient house was provided for him by his Steward That in the mean time Mr. Ayscam and his Interpreter being at dinner in the Inn with one Footman attending them six English Men three of them habited as Merchants the other three as Souldiers knocked at the door and being admitted because they were English Men Mr. Ascam rose from the Table to salute them As he saluted them the formost laid hold on his hair and stabbed him into the Head whereupon the Interpreter endeavoured to escape but was stabbed in the belly and they both fell down dead immediately The Murderers fled for refuge to the Venetian Ambassadors house but he denyed them entrance and then they took Sanctuary in the next Church Mr. Ayscams Papers and Goods were secured by the Spanish Secretary of State and a Guard allowed to Mr. Ascams Secretary till his return for England Two Troopers sentenced by a Court Marshal for Raunters and Cashiered the Army 21 Letters that 5000 of the Irish were fallen into the County of Derry to hinder the joyning of Sir Charles Coot and Veneables Of an Hue and Cry sent from the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal after Captain Dowglas and that in search of him another notorious Delinquent was found who leaped out of a Window eight foot high yet was apprehended and sent to Prison That since the Forces went from Dublin to Trecoghan the Tories fell into those Parts and drove away many Cows from about Dublin That a Party of 80 of the Parliaments Horse being sent after the Tories to rescue the Prey and dispersed
was forced to lye still expecting Provisions to be brought to them by their Ships That A Trumpet brought a Declaration from Lt. G. Lesly with a Letter directed to Lt. General Cromwel which was thereupon refused to be opened but sent back That M. Barber laid down his Commission upon their entring Scotland The General published a Proclamation That whereas he had lately caused a Proclamation to be published inviting those in Scotland where the Army shall come who by their Councels or otherwise have not confederated against the Peace of England or laid a Foundation of a second Invasion of England to stay in their own Houses where they in Peace should enjoy what they have without the least offer of violence or Injury by any of the Army He doth strickly require all Officers and Souldiers that they presume not to offer any manner of Violence or Injury to the Person or Goods of any in Scotland not in Arms or belonging to the Enemies Army To be proclaimed at the head of each Regiment of Horse by sound of Trumpet and of each Regiment of Foot by beat of Drum and to be afterwards read at the head of each Troop and Company From the Barbadoes of trouble there by a design to banish the Independents but opposed by Lt. C. Drax and some others that had the Governour of their part and their Design was discovered by Lt. C. Codrington one of the Councel of the Island when he was drunk That C. Walrond and Muddiford joyned against the Independents August 1650. August 1st One who had been a cruel plundring Souldier of the Kings Party was now condemned at the Assises at Northampton for breaking a mans House in 1644 and stealing and carrying away the man of the House and eight Horses Letters of great refractoriness in the Ministers about Exon who refused to read the Act for the Thanksgiving 2 Letters that the Scots have compleated their Levies to 36000 Men. That the Plague was broken out in Minhead 3 Letters that the General and his Army were advanced to Haddington within 12 miles of Edenburgh And that the Van of both Armies were within six Miles of each other That a new Regiment was formed for C. Monk who commands them That the Scots Army did far exceed the English in number and resolved to meet them at Muscleborough That in their March from Berwick to Edenburgh the Army did not meet with ten Men. That one of the Parliaments Souldiers chased ten Scots and divers of them were taken Prisoners 5 Letters that after the Parliaments Army was come from Dunbarre the Scots Countrey People rose up in Armes and cut off Provisions coming to them from Northumberland That M. G. Lambert faced Edenburgh with 1500 Horse and M. Hains had the Forlorn and faced the Enemies whole Body within three quarters of of a Mile of their Trenches That in all their March they saw not one Scots man under 60 years of age nor any Scots Youth above 6 Years of Age and a very few Women and Children They are all fled from their habitations upon their Ministers telling them That the English would cut the throats of all between 60 and 16 years old cut off the right hands of all the Youths under 16 and above 6 year old burn the Womens Breasts with hot Irons and destroy all before them That as the Army marched through some Towns poor Women fell on their knees begging that they would not burn their Breasts before they destroyed them and Children begging to save their Lives the People believing what their Ministers said unto them That all their Goods and Houshold stuffe were carryed away except a few Oats and Meal and a little Beer hid under Coals which the Souldiers made use of That the General drew up the whole Army before Edenburgh and beat the Enemy from King Arthurs Hill within a mile of Edenburgh and possest it and a Church between Leith and Edenburgh and some Houses within twice Musket Shot of the Enemies Trenches Yet they would not draw off their Trenches though they were more in number within them than the Army without That the General intended to have made an attempt upon them but there fell so great a rain which continued all night and part of the next day that he was forced to draw off his Army to Muscleborough to refresh his wearied Souldiers who had nothing but bread and Water for six days before As they drew off the Scots sallyed out and fell upon the Rereguard and put them to some distress but Lambert and Whaley relieved them and beat back the Scots into their Trenches Lambert was wounded in the Charge with a Lance and Captain Gladman but they took two Colours and divers Prisoners of the Enemy and the King stood upon the Castle and saw the Encounter That the next morning M. G. Straughan drew out the Kirks Troops consisting of 1500 compleatly armed and having all Lances Pistols and Swords and about three a clock in the Morning lighted upon a party of the Army without discovery and cryed gave no Quarter but kill all This so enraged the English Souldiers that presently they fell upon the Front and Rear of the Scots killed wounded and took about 300 of them M. G. Montgomery and Straughan were slain and divers other Officers and Souldiers and many Officers and 80 Troopers taken Prisoners That the English Souldiers were the more incensed because the Scots refused to give Quarter to one Captain Phine as a Worcestershire Gentle-man whom notwithstanding they brought off That many in the Scots Party were English Cavaliers and some of them cryed God damn me as they fell down dead That two Ministers were in the Scots Party one of them taken Prisoner and the Scots Souldiers confest that the Ministers did most stir them up to Cruelty 6 The Act passed for Advancement of Trade and Manufactures and Commissioners appointed to be a standing Councel of Trade An Act passed prohibiting all trade between England and Scotland and the injoyning the departure of Scotsmen out of this Common-wealth An Act published concerning Mortgages Extents and other Incumbrances upon Delinquents Estates Letters of the Prince of Oranges failing in his design against Amsterdam 7 Letters that the Town of Amsterdam drowned the Country about them and after 7 dayes Siege the P. of Orange was forced to draw off his Army 8 Letters of Vessels taken at Sea by the Parliament Frigots From the Navy before Liston that a Squadron of their Ships going to victual at Cadiz the D. of Medina feasted the Captain Captain Bodilo and furnished the Ships with all necessaries and desired their stay for three dayes whil'st he might signify the matter to the King of Spain whereupon the King of Portugal sent to the English Generals for a Treaty 9 Letters that the Lord Deputy was before Waterford and Duncannon where the Plague and hunger did much rage That the Ministers who Preached at the Assises in
own Countrey yet will not fight the English Army That in those parts where the Army marched was the greatest plenty of Corn that they ever saw and not one fallow Field and now extreamly trodden down and wasted and the Souldiers inforced to give the Wheat to their Horses That the Scots desired another conference with some Officers of the English Army to which the General consented but nothing came of it That the Scots Army drew out upon a March the English Army drew out to attend them but could not ingage them by reason of a Bogg and great ditch between the two Armies only they discharged their great Guns at one another by which 21 of the English were killed and wounded but more of the Scots who would not come into any other ground to ingage and the Army stood all night in Battalia and the next day went back to their Camp in Peâ—cland Hills That being informed the Scots had sent out a Party to take in Muscleborough and the Places for landing the Provisions that came to the Army by Sea Cromwel gave Orders for the Army to march which they did in a most tempestuous night and to fight for their Victuals but by reason of the Storm and darkness the General stayed their March till the next morning when they got quietly to Muscleborough but the Enemy got what they had left on Pencland Hills That the Parliament lost 6 men and 28 were wounded That whole Files of the Scots Army were taken away by the great Shot and from the Ships they played upon the Scots Army as they marched and did Execution 7 Letters from Cromwel to the Speaker and to the Councel of State of a great Victory against the Scots at Dunbarre the particulars were not then certifyed but left to the relation of the Messenger who was an eye witness of the Action Who made his narrative to this effect My Lord General having a long while stayed with the Army on the West side of Edenburgh and could no way Ingage the Enemy to fight on Saturday August 31st marched with the Army to Haddington and on Sunday to Dunbarre the Enemy hereupon drew out after us and marched within distance in the Rear The General on Sunday drew out the Army in the Field near Dunbarre and the Enemy Flankt us upon the Hills on the right hand where they lay all night we could not without great disadvantage go up the Hills to ingage them nor would they come down to ingage us Their whole Army consisted of 28 Regiments of Foot which altogether with their Horse and Dragoons as themselves said were 27000 ours about 12000. On Munday the Enemy drew down part of their Army and their Train towards the foot of the Hill ours stood in Battalia in the Field all the Day a great ditch was between both Armies of great disadvantage to those who should first attempt to pass it That night our Army marched as close to the ditch as possibly they could and had our Field Pieces placed in every Regiment We drew out before day that morning a Brigade of three Regiments of Horse and two Regiments of Foot towards a Pass that is upon the road way between Dunbar and Berwick by which we might with more ease pass over to their Army and there gave the Enemy a hot allarm The dispute lasted about an hour at last our men gained the ground and possessed the Pass Then the Enemies Horse being most Lanciers coming down the hill charged strongly ours receiving them as gallantly And the Foot of that Brigade coming up charged them so to purpose that they put them suddenly to the rout by this time it was between 5 and 6 in the morning Their Foot seeing the rout and the flying of their Horse threw down their Arms and run away their left wing of Horse also fled ours had the pursuit of them beyond Haddington We killed on the place and in the Pursuit above 4000 and 10000 Prisoners taken among them the L. Liberton Lt. G. Sir Ja. Lundsden Collonel Sir William Douglas the L. Grandison Sir Jo. Brown C. Gourdon 12 Lieutenant Collonels 6 Majors 37 Captains 75 Lieutenants 17 Cornets 2 Quartermasters 110 Ensigns 15 Serjeants 200 Horse and Foot Colours 32 Pieces of Ordnance small and great and leather Guns all their Arms Ammunition Tents Bag and Baggage We lost not 40 men in the whole Ingagement and not one Officer but M. Rookesby since dead of his Wounds C. Whaley had his Horse shot under him himself slightly wounded and Captain Lloyd wounded The Councel of State ordered the Narrative made by the L. G. his Messenger to be read in all Churches in London to morrow being the Lords day and Thanks to be returned for this great Victory 9 Letters that at the Battle of Dunbarre 15000 were killed and taken That the General sent home upon their Paroles 5000 of the Prisoners being wounded old men and boys the Men house-keepers forced out of their Houses to take Arms and 2100 of them dyed by the way the other 5000 were sent Prisoners to Berwick and so to Newcastle That the M. G. marched to Haddington and the G. stayed behind with two Regiments to order affairs at Dunbar and so was to march to Edenburgh or Leith from whence the Enemy had drawn all their Forces and marched to Sterling and St. Johns Town where the King was That G. Leuen hasâ—ed to Edenburgh and after Lt. G. Sir David Lesly who mustered his Horse to 1300. Letters from C. Blake and C. Pophan of Prince Ruperts endeavour to get out of the Harbour but would not fight with the Parliaments Ships but struck in again That they sent home 9 English Ships which they had stayed going to Brazill from Lisbon and six French Ships which they had taken That Captain Lawson with the Fairfax came up with twenty French Ships and took three of them 10 Letters from the General to the Parliament of the particulars of the Battle of Dunbar and an account of the whole march into Scotland and of all Passages with the Scots That the Scots Ministers pressed their Army to interpose between the English in the March and to fight them but the Officer's of their Army were against it and advised to make rather a Bridge of Gold for them to pass home But the Ministers carryed it to fight That they expressed great insolency and contempt of the English Army to divers of the Prisoners of the English whom they had taken as was reported afterwards to the Lord General The Parliament gave rewards to the Messengers of this good news Ordered that the Colours which were taken from Hamilton at the Battles of Preston and Dunbarre should be hanged up in Westminster-Hall and that Medals of Gold and Silver should be given to the Souldiery in remembrance of Gods Mercy and of their Valour and Victory Letters that Cromwel was possest of Leith and Edenburgh except the Castle That the King
and met with 3000 Foot and 300 Horse under Clenrickard who had taken some of the Parliaments Garrisons and blockt up a Pass That C. Axtel faced a Pass which was strongly fortified and manned with Horse and Foot and a deep River between him and the Enemy they had an hours Dispute on both sides the River in which the Enemy lost 150 Horse Axtel lost but one Lieutenant and six wounded That by reason of the steepness of the Banks of the River the Souldiers could not get up and so retreated That Axtel having an additional strength in all 1800 Foot and 1000 Horse and Dragoons he advanced towards the Enemy who were above 4000 and got into an Island into which there is one Pass with a Bogg on each side and the Pass fortified in several places one behind another as Reserves all which must be gained before one could enter into the Island That Axtel's men made an attempt upon the Enemy about an hour before night and after a small Dispute gained two of their Guards and at the third Guard they came to the Butt-End of the Musket but Axtel's men forced their Entrance into the Island and the Enemy were totally routed That they lost all their Arms 200 Horse all their Waggons Oxen Tents and what was in the Camp of Provisions and Ammunition That besides those that were killed many of the Irish were drowned That 500 of them were driven into the Shannon by a Party of the Parliaments Horse and were drowned all in one company together That not above 300 of their whole Party escaped yet Axtel lost but one Captain Goffe with 8 common Souldiers and 20 wounded That after this Defeat the Enemy fired and quitted the Garrisons they had taken and fled and Axtel returned to Kilkenny That the next day he Marched out again to find out another Party of the Enemy who infested that Countrey That Nenagh Castle was Surrendred to the L. Deputy who drew off from Limerick by reason of the unseasonable time of the Year Upon reading of this Letter in the House they ordered Thanks to be given the next Lords Day in the several Churches in London for this Victory The Act passed for the 120000 l. Assessment per mensem 27 Letters of the refractoriness of the Magistrates and Ministers of Weymouth to the Parliaments Orders 28 Letters That C. Cooke with 3000 men fell upon the Enemy being 5000 routed and killed of them about 1500 near Limerick That three Ships were wrecked near Plymouth by Storms 29 Letters That C. Blake hearing of a French Man of War lying to take the English Merchants coming out of the Streights he with the Phoenix and his own Fri got found out and fell upon the Frenchman and after some honrs Fight took and brought her into Cadiz That C. Mildmay took another French Ship laden with rich Commodities 30 Letters That the Jersey Pyrates took two Dartmouth Ships and three other Ships Of the increase of the Plague about Exeter That by Great Shot from the Castle eight or nine Persons were killed most of them Scots and three Women December 1650. 2 Letters of an Insurrection in Norfolk begun for the King but soon dispersed by some Troops of Colonel Rich his Regiment Letters of C. Monk's being set down before Brothwick-Castle and of a Ship with Arms come in to the Enemy That some Differences were between the Committee of Estates and the Kirk about their General Meeting but over-voted by the Ministers to comply with the King That upon the News of the Parliaments Victory in Scotland the King of Portugal released the English Merchants and resolved to send an Ambassador into England to the Parliament A Souldier Sentenced to death for running away from his Colours upon his March to Scotland 3 An Act passed for Mr. Manby that no other shall make use of his Invention for boiling of Liquors for 14 years 4 Letters of a Minister in Taunton endcavouring in his Sermon to possess the People That the present Magistrates in England were against Jesus Christ 5 That some London-Ships in sight with French-Ships fired themselves and the French together That the French-Ship taken by C. Blake was worth a Million 6 Letters That Whaley and others to the number of 5000 Men were marched towards Scotland to joyn with the Army That in his March he took in Dalkeith-Castle the Wall whereof was 13 Foot broad at the top and in it he took store of Arms Ammunition and Provisions That the English Souldiers married divers of the Scots women 7 An Account to the Parliament by an Officer of C Rich who was present at the suppressing the Insurrection in Norfolk 9 Letters That C. Ker attempting to fall on Major General Lambert in his Quarters his men took the Alarm incompassed C. Ker's men being all Horse killed 100 of them took 100 Prisoners and 400 Horse That the Kingly Party carried it to Vote C. Straughan's Declaration to be scandalous and tending to Division but questioned none of the Parties to it but divers Lords and Ministers protested against this Vote That the First of January next the King's Coronation is appointed and in the mean time two Fasts one for the Sins of the King and his Family the other for the Sins of the Kirk and State 10 An Act passed for establishing an High Court of Justice in Norfolk c. for punishing the late Insurrections there Votes passed touching Additional Pay for the Souldiers and for preventing of free Quarter 11 Letters of the Death of the Queen Regent of France Of Letters come to the Spanish Ambassador at London carried first to the Councel of State 12 Letters of the Militia setled in several Places Of the ceasing of the Plague in Shrewsbury and thereupon that the Markets were as full as ever 13 Letters That in the Pursuit of C. Ker's Men the C. himself was taken Prisoner and wounded That yet the Scots reported Major General Lambert was taken Prisoner and all his Party five Regiments defeated and a Scotchman swore that he saw Major General Lambert and twelve Colours carried into Sterling That the King is to make his Repentance for his endeavour to escape That the purging of the Kirk and State is intended but no Malignant to be excluded but those of the Honest Party to be laid aside 14 Letters That one Levinston a Minister one of the Commissioners sent to the King at Breda came to the Committee of Estates professing sorrow for his acting as a Commissioner and that the Blood spilt at Dunbar lay upon the Commissioners that he would retire and repent That Captain Hammond was killed from the Castle That the Great Guns and a Mortar-piece were come from London to Leith And That the Souldiers were much pleased with the good Bisquet sent them from London 16 Letters from the General to the Speaker of the Results of the Treaties with Colonel Straughan and other Scots Officers and an Account
their Men and taken 120 Prisoners that of the Parliaments Forces 8 were killed and about 20 of them wounded that they intended to send a summons to St. Maries Island and if they refused then to Attempt it 5. Letters of a strange Apparition at Madely in Staffordshire seen by a Woman and her Maid the Sun as blood and dark bodies like men about it That they seemed to fall down into the Court and there to fight and the Moat about the house seemed to be all of blood and Cannons and Holsters in the Court. That 3 great Birds with Wings like Angels came flying to the Woman and the Maid and frighted them 6. Referred to the Council of State to consider of the business of Securing Mr. Case and other London Ministers who preached against the Parliaments proceedings Letters of prizes brought into Hull and of Convoys for Merchants Ships That the chief Ringleaders of those in Holland who assaulted the English Ambassadors house were sentenced to be whipped That the Collonel of the Lorraine Troopers who pillaged Mr. Steward and the rest of the Ambassadors Gentlemen in Germany showed them a Commission from the King to him to take any of the Ambassadors men That there was an agreement between the Duke of Lorraine and the Irish Rebels for him to come over to them with Forces and Arms to assist them That the Rebels have accepted him as their Protector That the plague was still at Cork and at Waterford 7. Letters confirming the taking of all the Isles of Scilly except St. Maries and of taking 3 Ships prizes one of them richly laden and many Prisoners 8. Letters That the Parliaments Forces in Vlster of 3000 Foot and 1500 Horse were upon their March towards Connaught That General Blake and Sr. George Ascue with the Fleet at Scilly intended to fall upon St. Maries Island that the Governour thereof Sr. John Greenvile sent to them for a Treaty which was agreed but took no effect and there upon the great Guns played upon St. Maries 9. Letters That some Scots at Leith fired 2 Stacks of Hay at Lieth That they hanged a Scots-man for drowning an English-man in a Cole pit That t is to be supposed the Scots intend to get by the English Army and to make the Seat of the War in England And that they are 20000 strong and that the English Army is very desirous to ingage with them 10. Letters that the General and the Army were returned to Edenburgh and had received a weeks Provisions That the Enemy have a Rendezvous every moneth and their Horse are quartered to keep their Foot from running away That if it were not for the provisions that come out of England the Army could not subsist either Men or Horse 12. That a Scots-man who was subject to England by his relation to Ireland being sent by the General on a message to the Scots was by them executed as a Spy Upon Examination by a Court Martial it appearing that the Lady Kelsith kept a conrespondence with the Enemy and indeavoured to inviegle some of the Parliaments Soldiers to be for the King the General and his Council ordered her House and Goods to be burned That Middleton refuseth to take orders from any but the King and would be an Independent Army and his interest is to be kept up against Lesley's that they would fain be upon their March for England but their friends there have sent them word they cannot be ready till next moneth That a Scots man took a Flemmish Ship prize and a Parliament Frigat met them and took them both prizes Letters from Sr. George Ascue of the action at Scilly that Captain Morris behaved himself most gallantly in the storming of the Island That the Scilly Islands are the key that open a passage to several Nations Sr. George Ascue desires to know the pleasure of the Council that he may proceed upon his Voyage to the Barbadoes 13. A Petition to the Parliament from the Justices of peace Grand-Jurors and other well affected persons in Cheshire Shewing their good affection to the Parliament their being over burdened in Taxes wherein they pray relief and were answered with good words and the thanks of the House for their good affections An Act committed prohibiting the transporting of Lead Oare Fullers-earth and Tobacco Pipe clay An Act read and committed for Transporting 60 Persons convicted for petty Felonies into Ireland and the English Plantations in America That the English Ambassadors in Holland received letters to stay for some longer time there That the Cavaliers report the Kings Army in Scotland to be 60000 Men. 14. Letters of divers of the Parliaments Officers and Soldiers killed by the breaking of a piece of Ordnance 15. Letters of Recruits and Mony arrived at Dublin and an account how the Forces there are disposed and of visiting the Western Garrisons 16. Letters that after the Parliaments Fleet had taken the 2 Islands of Trisco and Briers they had a Treaty with Sir John Greenvile by Commissioners which took no effect 17. Letters that the Scots ordered a new levy of every 12th man for a reserve and have ordered all the English to serve under Massey who courts them and mounted 3 or 4 foot Soldiers that ran away from Cromwel to him 19. Letters of the Armies posture in Scotland but little Stirring 20. Letters of Collonel Reynolds and Sir Charles Coote being upon their march to attend the Enemies motions in Connaght 21. Letters of Sir George Ascues departure from Scilly Islands towards the Barbadoes 22. The Parliament debated several Acts touching the Assessment putting the publick Treasury into a way most for the püblick advantage and other Acts. 23. Letters of the Scots gathering their forces together to a Rendezvous and intelligence of their design to slip by the English Army into England and so to draw the Seat of the War out of their own Country into England where they expected many to befriend them 24. Letters of the forces in Ireland upon their march for Connaght and of Recruits come thither 26. Letters That the Scots drew up together 8 Regiments of Foot at Sterling their Horse were in other places and Middleton with his party stood still at a distance That they brought Straw 30 miles for their use That one of their Collonels said he hoped to see the word in their Colours to be Covenant for Tobacco Stong-waters and Whores That Collonel Lidcott fell upon a Garrison of the Enemies with his Horse and brought away many Prisoners That Major Sydenham was dead of his Wounds That a party of Collonel Montgomeries fell upon some of the English Dragoons and surprized about 40 or 50 of them as they were in the Country gathering the Assessment That it was conjectured the Scots would decline any ingagement with the English but weary them out and take the first opportunity to get by them into England That there was some damp upon the English Army by
the same Night the States sent to the Ambassadors which they had not done in a moneth before to know if they might not come to the Ambassadors the next morning to conferr with them about the Treaty To which the Ambassadors answered That they might if they pleased That the next morning the Commissioners from the States were taking the Coach to come to the Ambassadors but fell out among themselves about the Message they were to bring and so sent to excuse their not coming that day That some of the Provinces disagreed as to the neerer Amity but whether contrived for some excuse of their unsufferable delays was not certain but that they would fain see the issue of their affairs in Scotland before they come to a Conclusion with the English Ambassadors is agreed by all 25. Mr. Love the Minister was again before the High Court of Justice and confest that the Conspirators met at his house for furthering the Scots designs and that letters were received and answers sent from thence c. but that he did not personally act any thing 26. Letters That 6 Merchants Ships of London loaden with Provisions with a Man of War for their convoy were come into Lieth but a Ketch loaden with wheat was by the way snapped by the Scots That the Duke of Bucks was much taken notice of for his Lasciviousness and that they called Bastards Buckinghams Birds That the General and his Officers kept a Fast and the General himself expounded a place in Scripture to them That the Ships with mony from the Parliament were in sight The Ambassadors St. John and Strickland returned from the Hague to London 27. Letters That a party of the Army fell upon and ruined 300 of the Rebels in the Kings County 28. Letters of a Ship arrived at Lieth with 80000 l. for the Army and 30 Sail of Ships with Provisions That the Scots kept a Fast and hanged a Corporal of theirs for having a List of their Army in his pocket because they said it was to give intelligence of it to the English That a Ketch of the Parliaments went to seise some Boats of the Scots loaden with Meal but a Scotch Frigat coming into rescue them fell upon the Ketch who sailed purposely over a shallow place and the Scots Frigat pursuing her stuck upon the Sand in the mean while the English Ketch fell upon the Scots Boats and sunk them all 30. Letters That the English Army had 6 weeks pay and were ordered to be ready for a March and that the Scots Army were upon their March and had their Train ready That there was a Mutiny among the Scots for want of Provisions That the General lost 40 Dragoon Horses taken by the Enemy Letters That those risen in Cardigan-shire expected great assistance from other Counties and were assured that the King was within 40 Miles of them with a great Army and that all England was up in Arms for him that if they had not been suppressed in that time they would have been very troublesome An Account of the Care taken for Convoying of Merchant Ships and of two French Ships taken Prizes July 1651. 1. Letters of the tendition of Athlow and all the Garrisons betwixt that and Lymbrick to the Parliament That Reynolds desires to be hastened for Scotland That the Lord Broghills Quarters being attempted to be beaten up by the Lord of Muskerries Regiment of Horse the Lord Broghill followed them with 100 Horse only and after 6 Miles march overtook them drawn up in 4 great divisions on the other side of a Pass where but 3 could go a breast above 50 yards That there the Lord Broghill charged them and after a handsome dispute gave them an intire rout most of their men were killed and wounded among which were 16 Officers the best men they had That they got store of Horses and Arms and the Lord Broghill lost not one Man and had only 8 wounded and none of them mortally That one of the Prisoners taken was Cornet Bronal who had formerly served under the Lord Broghil in Ireland and therefore he caused him to be shot to death for a Runaway That this was the first time of a Fight of Horse to Horse in these Irish Wars That hearing of another party of the Enemy neer the Lord Broghil marched up to them with 2 Troops of Horse and one of Dragoons and fell upon a party of 3 Regiments of their Horse who having the advantage of a Bridge fought very well and put 60 of the Lord Broghils Horse to a stand and indeed to some disorder But at length they routed the Enemy and had the Execution of them for 5 miles so as 't is thought not ten of them got off and not above 3 unwounded That the Lord Broghil took but 29 Prisoners most of them Officers or Gentlemens Sons and he lost but one Man killed and 6 of his own Troop wounded and his Cornet who did gallantly was mortally shot That as he was in this execution a body of the Rebels Foot and a Troop of Horse appeared whereupon the Lord Broghil rallyed a party together and went to fight them but some of their Scouts being killed they all fled faster than his weary Horse could follow them to the fastness of a great Wood. That Mr. Love was again before the High Court of Justice where Mr. Hales his own Counsel was heard to plead for him 2. An account of Recruits landed in Ireland and of 5 prizes taken by Pyrats from the Isle of Man where they harboured Letters That a Parish in Jersey refused to obey the Governour Carteret who committed the chiefest of them 3. Letters of the disorder of 3 Troopers taking the Swords of some Travailers from them upon the High-way for which the Troopers were punished An account of Recruits who went cheerfully for Ireland 4. Letters That the Earl of Castlehavens Life-guard as many of them as were Protestants sent before for leave and came in to the Lord Deputy and many of the Inhabitants of the Country by leave went home to their habitations That the Lord Deputy made a Bridge over the Shannon and built a strong Fort which commanded the River both above and below That the Enemy assaulting Collonel Hassells Garrison was beaten off and that Captain Gibbons routed another party of them That Collonel Zankey with 1500 Horse and Foot was sent against a party of the Enemy and that the Lieutenant General with a considerable party went within two miles of Galloway and there took so great a prey that they were forced to leave many of them behind for want of drivers That the Lord Deputy took the Castle at the Weare having made but one Shot at it which killed 3 men and the rest ran away but were taken and some after quarter promised were killed for which Justice will be done That the Lord Deputy sent a Summons to the Governour of Lymbrick to render it to the use of
Execution a Petition was presented by divers Ministers in and about London to the Parliament earnestly and in the bowels of Jesus Christ who when we were sinners dyed for us if not totally to spare the life of our deare Brother that yet you would say of him as Solomon of Abiathar That at this time he should not be put to death Upon this Petition the Parliament respited the Execution of Mr. Love for a Moneth An Act passed for the sale of the Estates of Several Delinquents named in the Act. The Fair kept yearly at St. James's put down till further order of Parliament not to be held in any year hereafter without further Order 16. Letters of the Commissioners for the Militia in Devon ' taking an account of all the Arms in the County and securing them Report of the Surrender of Lymbrick and Galloway Of a Fast kept by the Officers and Soldiers at Shrewsbury 18. Letters of 2 prizes taken by a Jersey Frigat which had 8 Guns 24 Oars and 80 Men and that there were 12 of these Frigats belonging to Jersey That Galloway had sent to the Lord Deputy to desire that no Forces might be sent thither to avoid blood and that they would accept of the same terms that Lymbrick did to surrender That the Rebels Armies are all dispersed and many of them turned Tories and are very cruel That the Army in Scotland marched to Glasco from whence the Scots Soldiers fled in great hast and many of the inhabitants with them being told that the English would put all to the Sword both Men Women and Children Which they believed though they had so much experience of the Civility and kindness of the English to them who had been there several times before That Cromwel set out a Proclamation that no Soldier stould straggle from the Camp above 12 Score nor use any violence to the People not in Arms nor plunder on pain of death Nor none to go above Musket shot from his Colours That the English Forces found many Arms and much Ammunition at Glasco and took some Prisoners there That Major-General Lambart sent out with 3 Regiments to discover the Enemy took a house defended against him and several Arms and Prisoners That Major-General Massey with a party of 600 Horse marched within 10 Miles of Edenburgh killed 8 of the Parliaments Soldiers and took 12 Prisoners and that a party of 40 Horse of the English fought with 60 of the Scots Horse killed one and made the rest run That 120 Ships were arrived at Lieth with all sorts of Provisions and with Ammunition 19. That the English again marched up to the Scots Army but they would not stir out but kept within their Boggs and Advantages places inaccessible That Mr. Potter and one Gibbons formerly a servant to Mr. Holles were tryed before the High-Court of Justice for being conspirators in Mr. Lov 's Treason one of them confessed that he received monies but he said they were to be bestowed in Charitable uses the proofs were that the mony was to be laid out for raising of Forces against the Parliament The other submitted himself to the mercy of the Court. 21. Letters of the Armies motion in Scotland towards the Enemy 22. Of the Surrender of Galloway to the use of the Parliament and the Articles of Surrender sent up to the Parliament 23. Orders about Mony Recruits and Provisions to be sent to the Armies in Scotland and Ireland Debate of several new Acts of Parliament and the Bills committed 24. Of the Army in Scotland marching up to the Enemy who would not come forth to ingage with them and there upon of the General his resolution to land a considerable Party in Fife and to divide his Army to see if that would bring them to ingage 25. Letters That no Enemy appeared in Ireland in a Body in the Field that Galloway had agreed to surrender upon the same terms that should be agreed upon by the City of Lymbrick 26. Letters of a great victory obtained by a party under Major General Lambert against the Scots on Fife side they being a party of above 5000 that 2000 of them were slain upon the place and in the pursuit many Officers and private Soldiers taken prisoners the particulars not yet come to the Parliament 28. Letters from Major General Lambert of the late victory in Scotland My Lord General having offered the Enemy battel at Torwood and finding it was their intention to delay this War took Council to adventure the landing of some Forces on Fife side and for that purpose drew forth Collonel Daniels Regiment of Foot and as many forth of Lieth as made them 1600 with 4 Troops of Collonel Lidcots Regiment all commanded by Collonel Overton And accordingly attempted landing at Queens Ferry where almost on 3 sides the Sea incompasseth a rocky piece of ground which with the loss of about 6 men was effected on Thursday morning the 17 instant this done they presently fell to intrenching of themselves indeed the business was managed both with discretion and courage Whilst this was doing My Lord General marched close up to the Enemy with his whole Army that in case they should have marched this way he might have ingaged their Rear before they could reach Sterling The Enemy received the Allarm the same day about 10 of the Clock and sent a considerable Party of Horse and Foot to beat ours back upon which my Lord had some thoughts of attempting the Enemy where they lay which was not thought fit but resolved to the contrary and in order to the preservation of the Forces his Lordship commanded me to march hither with 2 Regiments of Horse and 2 of Foot Upon Saturday very early we came to the waterside and though I made all possible Speed to boat over it I could not get over more than the Foot and my own Regiment of Horse all that Day and the next Night about 4 in the afternoon on Saturday I discovered the Enemies body advanced as far as Dumferling within 5 Miles of us being to my judgment about 4000. And that night they incamped there and it seems hearing more Forces were come over got a Recruit of 500 Men the next Day All Saturday night we laboured to get over our Horse and before the last came to shoar on the Lords day the Enemy was advanced very near us We stood upon our own defence till most of ours were come the Enemy having taken his stand began to wheel as if he meant either to march away or to take the advantage of a Steep Mountain Upon this I appointed Collonel Okey to advance with his Regiment which accordingly he did and there ingaged his Rear as he could draw them no further but there drew up in Battalia and we in the same manner with as much speed as conveniently we could We were more in number in my judgment by at least 5 or 600 but on
it is a mercy not to be slighted by us that though this pretious cause have so many Enemies yet so few adventure to come in to them That their Army is 12000 Horse and Foot effective and their Foot so much harrassed by often and frequent Marches that they did importune the King to take pitty on them who answered That they should suddenly have refreshment gave them good words and told them what assistance he expected from his Friends That they have very few English Horse among them their Foot Highlanders that Major-General Massey marches with a party to Glocester in hopes that upon his approach his old Friends will appear for him My Lord General came last night to Warwick the Foot will be there this night we shall either this day or to morrow march neer the Enemy and not give them the liberty of ranging far and though their confidence be much in their passes yet I trust we shall not find them and the work so difficult as it seems at a distance both to you and us How ever you know hitherto the Lord hath carried us through the greatest streights before we have attained our desired issue and if it be so now it shall be the less strange to us I shall not further trouble you save to subscribe my self Sir Banbury 25 Aug. 1651. Your most Faithful and Humble Servant Charles Fleetwood A Messenger from the Army brought an account that the Lord General the Lieutenant General the Major-General the Lord Grey of Groby met at Warwick That Lieutenant General Fleetwood went from them to Banbury to his Forces that the Lord Generals Foot and train were to be in Warwick That the Enemy was fortifying Worcester where they proclaimed their King 27. Letters That the Militia in Coventry and in all the Countries thereabouts appeared very willingly and numerously against the Scots Of Hail fallen about Tossiter as big as Muskets Bullets which killed many Birds and broke many Windows and such Lightning for 4 hours as never was seen by any Man alive which burnt a reck of Wheat in the Field and did a great deal of hurt to Trees and Gardens That the Lieutenant-Generals Foot was come up to Warwick and the Forces marched to Stratford upon Avon That the Enemy was fortifying of Worcester very fast and sent parties of Horse to bring in Provisions but their Army moves not as yet That the Lord Talbot the Earl of Shrewesburies Eldest Son was come to the King That the Major of Worcester and a Committee man were Knighted by the King One Young that was Treasurer to the Committee and that had a hand in contriving the Revolt of Worcester was taken That Glocester was in a good condition and had men enough to defend it and none of the Scots appeared before it nor any Summons was sent to it many of the Country Horse and Foot came in to their defence That the Scots intrenched themselves a mile and half West of Worcester in the Fields the King sent a summons to all between 16 and 60 to come in to him to Worcester but none came That the Scots brought in 16 Cart-loads of Ladders with the Rear of their Army The Lord General intended to be this night at Evesham within 2 miles of Warcester 28. A Messenger from the General who left him upon his March fron Stratford to Evesham that the Forest of Dean rose for the Parliament and many came into Glocester and Hereford to defend those places whither the Scouts brought word that the Enemy was marching with some Horse and Foot and that they had left 4 Regiments in Worcester That Fleetwood was at Shipton to joyn with the General at Evesham That Coventry sent Provisions to the General and his Army very seasonably That the Generals Horse faced Worcester and the Enemies bodies went towards Hereford An intercepted letter said that the King was come within 30 miles of London with a gallant Army and that the Earl of Derby was come to him with 4000 Horse and the Earl of Northumberland with 4000 Foot That Somersetshire had 2 Regiments of Foot under Collonel Pine and Collonel Kedley and 2 Regiments of Horse under Collonel Popham That the Kings Horse was about 7000 and their Foot as many that their discipline is very strict and some Prisoners brought before the King were courteously treated by him and having kissed his hand were discharged That Collonel Lilburn with a good party was marched towards the Earl of Derby and the Parliament Ships went after the Earls Frigats 2 of which Frigats were split coming neer the Shore to land the Soldiers That York shire was active in raising Forces for the Parliament and that the Lord Fairfax declared to joyn with them in any capacity to the great incouragement of that Country That 1300 of their Horse and Dragoons were in Scotland 29. Letters That after the taking of Sterling Collonel Okey marched with 1400 Horse and Dragoons to meet with some Lords sent from the King into the West of Scotland and he took some of them and frighted away the rest and sined the Towns where they sat That one may ride with 200 Horse all over the West of Scotland that a party met with 14 Scots Ministers and took them prisoners they confessed they had been silenced by the Assembly of the Kirk whom they opposed they were there upon dismissed That Collonel Lilburn fell upon the Earl of Derby neer Wiggen who had got together 1500 Men that the dispute was hot for neer an hour and then the Earls Forces were routed the Earl himself wounded but escaped Lieutnant Widdrington and 80 Officers and Persons of quality slain 400 Prisoners taken whereof many Officers and Gentlemen that Collonel Lilburn had not half their number and scarce half of them could come up to charge That Collonel Lilburn lost but one Officer and not above 10 or 12 in all The Earl retreated into Cheshire with about 80 Horse and a party gone in pursuit of him thitherwards That Lieutenant-Collonel Ashurst fled with a few to an house for his security That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood marched with his Brigade within 3 miles of Worcester where the King was fortifying the place that they brake down Vpton Bridge and lay as large as Malverne hills That some few of the Country come in to them and they exact Mony or Provisions from the Country that the General hath sent for Collonel Lilburn and Collonel Clerk with their Regiments to come to him 30. Letters That at the routing of the Earl of Derby were taken prisoners 5 Collonels the Adjutant General 4 Lieutenant Collonels 1. Major 4 Captains 2 Lieutenants and slain and dead since they were taken the Lord Wid. drington Major-General Sr. Thomas Tiddesly 1 Collonel 2 Majors and divers others of quality All their Baggage Sumpters Arms and Ammunition taken and the Earl of Derbyes 3 Cloaks with Starrs his George and Garter with other Robes That Collonel Lilburn took many Commissions of the Kings to
several persons in the North to raise Forces for him The Parliament ordered 500 l. to Collonel Lilburn 200 per Annum as a marke of Honour for his faithful service and 100 l to his Lieutenant that brought the news from him And ordered that the Ministers in the respective Churches in London and Westminster do the next Lords-day give thanks to God for the surrender of Sterling Castle and for the defeat of the Earl of Derby and pray for a blessing upon the Parliament Forces now neer an Ingagement The Parliament ordered to Collonel Mackeworth a chain of Gold with a medal as a mark of their Favour for his faithful and gallant refusal of the Kings Summons to render Shrewsbury Castle Letters That the Generals Head quarters were within 2 miles of Worcester that the Enemy seemed to be resolved to venture all at Worcester in and about which place all the Kings Army were and they had raised a new Fort that the Parliaments Guards were within Musket Shot of it and General Fleetwood with his Body lay at Vpton That the pass at Vpton Bridge was taken by Major-General Lambert That a party of the Enemy sallyed out of Worcester but the Parliaments Forces beat them back to their works and killed 14 of their men that the Country came in freely to the Parliaments Army That Massey with a Troop of Horse ferried over the Severne between Tewksbury and Glocester and discoursed with some Women there who say that Masseys Horse was killed under him at Vpton and he wounded in the Hand and Leg. That the Enemies Horse incamp a mile on the other side of Worcester and their Foot most part in Worcester That Cromwel drew his Army in the face of Worcester but they would not meet him with their Army but there was some small pickeering and Shooting of Muskets behind the Hedges but nothing considerable attempted 31. The Lords-day the Ministers who were not of the rigid Presbyterian judgment gave thanks in their Churches for the successes of the Parliaments Forces in Scotland and against the Earl of Derby according to the Parliaments Order for that purpose And they likewise prayed to God for his blessing upon the Parliaments Forces now neer to an Ingagement with the Enemy But some of the more rigid Persons did not think fit to observe that Order but neglected it and had their private Meetings to pray to God to bless their Brethren of the Prebytery and their Country-men September 1651. Sept. 1. Letters from Major General Lambert's Quarters That he marched 28. Aug. in the Morning with a Party of Horse and Dragoons from Evesham towards Vpton about Ten in the Morning he approached to the Bridge over the Severne which the Enemy had broken down all but a Foot Plank The Dragoons got up upon the Bridge before the Enemy in the Town who were about 2 or 300 Horse and Dragoons took the Allarum while they fired upon the Bridge against the Enemy in the Town being within their sight and shot our Horse partly forded and partly swam over the River about Pistol-shot from the Bridge We and the Dragoons advanced withal and forthwith by the Major General 's Order took possession of the Church upon a little Hill near the bridge-Bridge-foot being about eighteen The Enemy drew up and came to the Church and shot their Pistols and thrust their Swords in at the Windows but the Dragoons gallantly fired upon them killed three or four of their Men eight or nine of their Horse and took one Scot shot in the Arm Massey's own Horse being killed upon the place and we are very strongly informed Massey shot in the Arm. By this time our Horse were come up in a small Party at whose appearance the Enemy faced about without charging our Men had the Pursuit but not knowing but that the Enemy might be a great Body forbore And Major General Lambert sent for Lieutenant General Fleetwood with his whole Brigade where my Lord Grey is to make good what they had gained being four Miles behind He presently mounted 300 Foot behind Troopers and hastened to the Bridge the rest following Major General Lambert in the mean time using abundance of diligence to make up the Bridge for the Party to march over and receiving no interruption from the Enemy it was speedily accomplished so that we marched all over the Passe at night Two Guns came to us and we had a hot but false Allarum that night Collonel Blundell commanded the Guard and at night took the Prisoner whose Examination is inclosed In the Morning Collonel Blundell sent out another good Party of Horse and Dragoons who marched Three Miles toward the Enemy and had Scouts a Mile and a half further but discovered no Enemy only being in the sight of Worcester they discovered the General with his Forces near Worcester and his Guns playing upon the Town Major General Lambert and Major General Deane themselves wrought in the making up of the Bridge and as soon as it was done the General sent to them to come to him then near to Worcester Major Mercer carried himself stoutly and gallantly in this Business and indeed Massey brought up the Rear very stoutly when they turned about at least forty Carabins were shot at him within half Pistol-shot and he was for certain shot in the Hand and Thigh This was a very seasonable Mercy and more advantageous than can well be expressed Major Mercer possest Maxfield House betwixt Vpton and Worcester the Enemy quitting it upon our taking the Passe This day the General came to visit us at this Passe and was entertained with abundance of Joy by extraordinary shouting of each Regiment Troop and Company as he went to salute them That the Enemy lay in and near Worcester on Hereford-shire side the Lord General on this side Lieutenant General Fleetwood on the other side at Vpton That the Enemy had burnt down the Suburbs of Worcester to the Walls round about That their Grandees are much distracted and think they were betrayed into this Place many Sallies they have made but were beaten back once they Sallied out with 1000 upon 300 of ours but they were gallantly repulsed and seven or eight of them killed with the Commander that led them On Saturday the Lord General was with the Lieutenant General viewing his Forces and consulting how to carry on the Work when the Boats were ready that his Train was come to the Lieutenant General From Scotland of gatherings of the Scots especially Highlanders who plundered the Country People and then fled up to the Hills where the Parliament Forces could not follow them That the Lieutenant General in Scotland marched with a considerable Party and some Great Guns towards St. Johns Town near which the Scots were making new Levies but they were all dispersed That the Lieutenant General sent a Summons to the Town of Dundee and the Country about to come in and submit to the Parliament of England but they
another over Tame Our Foot disputed the Hedges with much Courage and Resolution the Fight began on the other side Severne and our Foot from this side began it they clearing the way for the rest to come over after them The Right Wing of Lieutenant General Fleet-woods Forces came over the Bridge of Tame while the Left Wing disputed the Bridge at Poyke which Dispute lasted a long time and was very hot but the Lord gave our Men to gain ground of the Enemy till we had beaten them out of the Ground While this was doing the Enemy Rallying made a very bold Sally out on this side of the Town and came with great Bodies of Horse and Foot supposing most of our Army had been drawn out on the other side they gave our Men a very hot Salute and put them to a little retreat and disorder But in a short while the Lord gave us Victory on this side also our Foot did very Noble and Gallant Service and they disputed with them not only the Hedges but followed them boldly to the very Mouth of their Canon which was planted on their Mountain-Works At length we gained their Works and planted their Guns against them in the Town and we hear that some of our Horse and Foot are in the North and East end of the Town the night came on so fast that we could not pursue further Most of their Horse escaped but my Lord General dispatched Major General Harrisons Brigade after them we cannot yet give an account who are taken or slain but we conceive the number of their Slain far exceeds the number of the Prisoners but I guess the number of the Killed and Taken to be about 8 or 10000. Tomorrow we shall be able to give you fuller relation Our Quartermaster-General and Captain Jones is slain and Mr. Howard Captain of the Life-guard is wounded and Major General Lamberts Horse was shot under him Yours to serve you Robert Stapleton Sept. 3. 1651. Other Letters came to the same effect 5. Letters of the Militia Troops riding up and down the Counties to prevent Insurrections Of a Pinnace of the Earl of Derbies taken by one of the Parliaments Ships A Letter from General Cromwel to the Speaker of the Victory at Worcester but the Particulars in one following 6. A more particular Letter from the Lord General Cromwel to the Parliament thus I am not able yet to give you an exact Account of the great things the Lord hath done for this Common-wealth and for his People and yet I am unwilling to be silent but according to my Duty shall represent it to you as it comes to hand This Battle was fought with various Success for some hours but still hopeful on your part and in the end became an absolute Victory and so full an one as proved a total Defeat and Ruine of the Enemies Army and Possession of the Town our Men entring at the Enemies heels and fighting with them in the Streets with very great Courage took all their Baggage and Artillery What the Slain are I can give you no Account because we have not taken an exact View but they are very many and must needs be so because the Dispute was long and very near at hand and often at push of Pike and from one defence to another There are about 6 or 7000 Prisoners taken here and many Officers and Noble-men of Quality Duke Hamilton the Earl of Rothes and divers other Noble-men I hear the Earl of Lauderdale many Officers of great Quality and some that will be fit Subjects of your Justice We have sent very considerable Parties after the flying Enemy I hear they have taken considerable numbers of Prisoners and are very close in the Pursuit Indeed I hear the Country riseth upon them every where and I believe the Forces that lay through Providence at Bewdley and in Shrop-shire and Stafford-shire and those with Collonel Lilburne were in a condition as if this had been foreseen to intercept what should return A more particular Account than this will be prepared for you as we are able I heard they had not many more than 1000 Horse in their Body that fled and I believe we have near 4000 Forces following and interposing between them and home Their Army was about 16000 strong and fought ours on Worcester side Severne almost with their whole whilst we had ingaged half our Army on the other side but with Parties of theirs Indeed it was a stiff Business yet I do not think we have lost 200 Men your new raised Forces did perform singular good Service for which they deserve a very high Estimation and Acknowledgement as also for their willingness thereunto For as much as the same hath added so much to the Reputation of your Affairs they are all dispatched home again which I hope will be much for the ease and satisfaction of the Country which is a great Fruit of the Successes The Dimensions of this Mercy are above my Thoughts it is for ought I know a Crowning Mercy surely if it be not such a one we shall have if this provoke those that are concerned in it to Thankfulness and the Parliament to do the Will of him who hath done his Will for it and for the Nation whose good Pleasure is to establish the Nation and the Change of the Government by making the People so willing to the Defence thereof and so signally to bless the Endeavours of your Servants in this late great Work I am bold humbly to beg that all Thoughts may tend to the promoting of his Honour who hath wrought so great Salvation and that the Fatness of these continued Mercies may not occasion Pride and Wantonness as formerly the like hath done to a Chosen People But that the Fear of the Lord even for his Mercies may keep an Authority and a People so prospered and blessed and witnessed to humble and faithful that Justice and Righteousness Mercy and Truth may flow from you as a Thankful Return to our Glorious God this shall be the Prayer of Sir Your most Humble and Worcester Sept. 4. 1651. Obedient Servant O. Cromwell The Parliament ordered a Thanks giving-day and the Letters of the General to be read by the Ministers From Major General Harrison We are in Pursuit of the Enemy about 4000 we have taken more already of them 1400 Horse and Foot many considerable Persons among them the Lord Cleveland and the Earl of Derby they make no resistance when any of ours overtake them but ride Post and in great confusion their King being the foremost Mr. Scot and Major Salleway returned from Worcester a particular Account they could not give because all things were then in confusion Lords Knights and Gentlemen were then plucking out of holes by the Soldiers The Common Prisoners they were driving to the Cathedral Church in Worcester and what with the dead Bodies of Men and the dead Horses of the Enemy filling the Streets there was such a
the Judgment of Banishment against Lieutenant-Collonel Lilborne An Act passed to make void all Titles of Honour Dignities or Precedencies given by the late King since 4 June 1641. Referred to the Committee for considering of things of greatest Importance to take care for ascertaining the Debts on Publick Faith Order for constant Pay and Supplies for the Forces in Ireland Order for Moneys for Incident Charges to be disposed of by the Committee for removing Obstructions in the Sale of Forfeited Lands 4. One who undertook to cure the Blind and Deaf took Money before-hand of divers People and then ran away 5. Letters that by the late great Snows and Rain in Ireland the Waters rose so high that it drowned and spoiled most of the Corn and Provisions which the Rebels had got into Islands so that they were in a starving Condition That a Party of Collonel Venables men surprised some of the Rebels at their Markets took 20 Horse Slew 20 Men and 120 of them were Drowned 6. Letters that a Petition was presented to the Commissioners at Dalkeith that Dundee might chuse Officers according to their ancient Custome and Rights the Commissioners ordered them to bring in their Charter by a day A Copy of the Letter sent to Major-Ceneral Lambert and intended for the Lord-General Cromwell from the Lord Wareston and other Presbyterians setting forth That they made their Addresses to him because he had charge of those Forces that had unjustly Invaded that Land and had shed the Blood of many of the Saints of Scotland But they confess themselves justly punished for their late Treaty with the King but this doth no way justifie the Instruments They charge the Army with divers Errors countenancing of deposed Ministers to Preach silencing of Ministers that Preach of State proceedings and suffering Officers to Preach Scandalizing the Ministers subordinating the Church to the State in things of Christ which will tolerate the gathering of Churches in Scotland as it is in England Abridging the Assembly of the Kirke and imposing Magistrates principled against the Government of the Kirke They offer compliance in any thing not against their Conscience and the Liberty of the Kirke and Intreat the Major-General to imploy his indeavours with the rest of the Commissioners of England for the obtaining of their desires That the City of Edenburgh had a Commission to choose new Officers and such as should be chosen were to take an Oath of Fidelity to the Common-Wealth of England Letters That the Grandees of the Rebells in Ireland have often meetings to draw up Propositions in order to a Submission to the Parliament of England but cannot agree 7. Letters That many of the Commissioners of Shires and Buroughs in Scotland are chosen to attend the English Commissioners at Dalkeith The Committee for Regulating the Law presented several Results to the Committee of Parliament appointed to receive them 9. Letters That the Oath of Fidelity to the Common-wealth of England much troubled the new chosen Burgesses of Edenburgh That there were great Contests in their Presbyteries and contradictory Orders by them and Appeals to the English Commissioners The English Commissioners published another Declaration for equal Execution of Justice and for the present appointed Persons to Administer Justice till the Judicatories should be Established and forbid any power under the King or any other than under the Common-wealth of England Letters That the Army in Ireland was disposed into convenient Quarters to meet with the Enemy if they came abroad and Collonel Reynolds to lye with a nimble Party of 3000 Horse and Foot to be ready upon any occasion A Copy of the Articles between the Irish and the Duke of Lorraine sent to the Parliament whereby Lorraine was to have the Lordship Spiering Silvercroon Agent from the Queen of Sweden to the Parliament dyed in the Strand 10. The Act of Oblivion passed and some Provisoes to be added to it debated Order for paying Mariners and for lessening the publick charge Order for the Lord-General to send down all the Officers belonging to the Forces in Scotland which was upon Letters from the Commissioners A Declaration of the Inhabitants of Jersey of their Fidelity to the Parliament of England with praise to God for his Justice and giving Success to the Parliaments Forces and beating out the Tyrant Carteret That 3000 Subscribed this Declaration and took the Ingagement Of the opposition of the Presbyters in Devon ' 11. An Account of the Frigats on the Western-Coast and that a great Fleet of Dutch-men of War lay there abouts that the Dutch Captains were rough against the English and demanded Restitution of some of their Ships taken by the English 13. Letters That a small Party of Highlanders Murthered five of the Parliaments Soldiers in their Beds near Innerness and another Party stole away some Cattle That the Scots Ministers pray for their King and the Prisoners in England That Argyles Countrey refused the Warrants sent thither for Contribution by the Parliaments Officers The English Commissioners published a Proclamation against entertaining any Scots in their house without giving up their names to the Governour of the place and that no Scot have any Armes 14. Letters That the English Commissioners in Ireland had settled the Affairs there and were returned to Dublin That Collonel Hewson sent out a Party who killed a whole Troop of Tories except two only That Captain Clerk took 200 Tun of Wheat and Rye carrying to relieve Golloway That Bellitan a strong hold of the Rebels was Stormed by Collonel Zanchey and Collonel Axtell and taken and 4 or 500 of the Rebels killed The Parliament ordered their Committee to call together the Adventurers for Ireland who met and chose a Committee of their own to make Proposals to the Parliament for Setling that Business with their Consent From Sir George Ascues Fleet That he had taken Eleven Dutch and One English Ship at the Barbadoes And that Sir George Shot many Pieces at their chief Castle and they Shot at him and killed one man That he took Two more Dutch Ships loaden with Provisions and Horses Sugar c. That he sent Summons to the Lord Willoughby who answered that he would keep that place for the King That he was informed the King was near London and that all the Countrey came in to him as a Dutch Ship related to him 16. Letters That Sir George Ascue came within half a Musquet Shot of the Fort at the Barbadoes that the Ships he took there were of great Value That his Voyage thither was 10 Weeks and 2 Days yet none of his Men Sick The Commissioners from the Parliament in the Fleet with Sir George Ascue sent a Declaration to the Inhabitants of the Barbadoes to perswade them to submit to the Parliament of England and to desert the Lord Willoughby and his Party there that this course they thought fit to take before they used any acts of
in a third Summons to the Barbadoes to submit to the Parliament of England which being refused he formed a Regiment out of the Ships of 600 Men whereof 170 were Scots The Enemy having notice four hours before of their coming made opposition at their landing with nine Companies of Foot and three Troops of Horse who made a gallant Charge But the Parliaments Forces having received the on-set immediately fell in upon the Lord Willoughby's Forces and wholly routed them and their Commanders ran away and left the Foot ingaged after which the Parliaments Forces pursued the Enemy to their Fort-Royal and stormed it with the loss of nine Men some hurt as Collonel Morrice his Major and others That 50 of the Enemy were killed and 100 Prisoners taken all their Ordnance dismounted and many of their Houses burned by the Parliaments Forces the Place being not tenable That soon after Sir George Ascue sent a Trumpet to the Lord Willoughby which produced a Treaty and Hostages being given Articles were concluded between them for the surrender of the Barbadoes and the rest of the Islands to the obedience of the Common-wealth of England That the Lord Willoughby Collonel Walrond and divers others should have protection for enjoyment of their Estates in England or elsewhere That the Inhabitants be protected from the fury of the Sword and to enjoy and live peaceably in their own Habitations acting nothing prejudicial to the Parliament Sir George Ascue was very courteous to my Lord Willoughby and gave him very good Terms upon his rendition of the Island and did great service in it for the Parliament That Collonel Pointz Governour of St. Christophers seeing the Inhabitants of that Island generally well affected to the Parliament quitted that Island and went to Virginia That Sir George Ascue by reason of Prince Ruperts being near him his Fleet having watered and ballasted he sailed towards Virginia to prevent Prince Ruperts getting that Place Letters from Lieutenant-General Ludlow concerning the Earl of Clenrickards Letters That the Lord of Muskerry was in treaty with the Lord Broghill and Collonel Fitz-Patrick with Collonel Reynolds That Collonel Axtel fell upon the Enemy killed 100 took 300 Horse That Captain Gilbert took Lieutenant-Collonel Farrel a Major and Two Captains Major Meredith drove 30 of the Enemy into a Bog and put them all to the Sword That Captain Cotterel slew another Captain Major Bolton killed and took 25 of the Enemy with their Horse and endangered Scurlocke Captain Preston took a Captain Prisoner and killed 16 of his Men Captain Staffe fell upon the Enemy in Thomond and was shot yet his Party routed the Enemy and killed their Two Officers That Collonel Renolds took in the Collowe and garrison'd a Fort there A Vessel taken by Captain Church attempting to go into Galloway with Corn and bulged on a Rock another Vessel taken loaden with Wheat for Galloway Three Companies of the Enemy at Dingel routed and all their Arms taken That the Synodal Assembly at Edenburgh emitted a Declaration for every one of their Congregation to subscribe any thing tending to an Union and desire every one to do what is publickly commanded in reference to Quarter and Assessments That Sir James Stuart protested against the acting of the English Commissioners and of the Scotch Deputies and left Edenburgh That Argyle wrote to all of his Name though some of those Gentlemen lived 100 Miles from him to attend him to Dunbarton to meet the English Commissioners That he hath a considerable part of the Highland in League with him 16. Sir Hen. Vane and another of the Parliaments Commissioners sent into Scotland returned and gave an Account to the Parliament of their Commissioners Proceedings in Scotland and what had passed between them and the Deputies of the Scots That 20 Shires and 35 Boroughs had assented to the Union A Petition presented to the House by divers Merchants and Sea-men Ship-Carpenters c. Answered That the Parliament did accept well of the Petition and gave the Petitioners thanks for their good affections An Act passed for impressing of Sea-men Reports from the Committee appointed to receive the Danish publick Minister That he after a short Preamble delivered his Letters of Credence from the King of Denmark his Master with Papers of what he delivered by word of mouth which were read and referred to the Council of State to hear the Danish Agent and to treat with him Reports touching the payment of small Debts owing upon publick Faith Votes upon it Reports and Orders upon them touching Compositions of Delinquents 17. Letters That Major-General Deane was gone to treat with the Marquess of Argyle That the Country People followed their Husbandry That the Cavaliers in Scotland were most forward to submit to the Parliament of England 19. Letters That Galloway was reported to be surrendred that the Rebels wanted Victuals and were much divided so that Collonel Venables had intelligence from their Provincial Council 20. Letters from Orkney of great dangers passed by the Parliaments Forces in going thither and the Inhabitants willingness to submit to the Parliament of England That Deputies from more Countries came in daily to the Parliaments Commissioners in Scotland and a fair compliance was expected They desire a general meeting to comply and carry on the general Union That the Provost of Edenburgh by the Parliaments Authority convened a Minister for preaching against the Vnion but the Minister said That he knew better what to preach than the Provost could instruct him That the Isles of Orkney and Sheathland sent their Deputies to the English Commissioners and consented to the Union That the Commissioners ordered a Cittadel to be built at St. Johns Town to hold 500 men The Parliament ordered an Act to be brought in to Incorporate Scotland one Common-Wealth with England 22. Letters That the Treaty was begun with Argyle in relation to his coming in and for the good effect thereof the Presbytery daily meet and fast and pray That the Hollanders called away their Ships from Scotland and some of their Ships hung out the Scots Kings Colours That a considerable Fleet was come into Leith with Corn and other Provisions very Seasonably there being before Some Scarcity That many formerly refractory came in daily and a face of Peace was upon the whole Nation the bitterness of Some Spirits began to asswage and the Union with England desired Severall persons desired the inlargement of their Friends the Scots who are prisoners of War in England and offered sufficient bayle for their appearance when required and in the mean time to live peaceably and submit to the Parliament and to subscribe the Ingagement Letters of great divisions among the Irish Rebells most of them being for a Treaty but the Priests had inflamed the rest especially those of Galloway against it That they have sent severall expresses of Dean King into France for relief else they cannot hold out any longer
to Ayre were received of the Garrison of the Castle of Arran upon conditions That Ships were come to Leith with Provisions and horse meat A Petition of the Eastland Merchants residing at Dantzicke submitting and commending the late Act of Navigation which they do pray may be observed and remedy of abuses in their Trade Votes That all Wools brought into England shall be Excise-free That an Act be brought in to prevent the Exportation of Scotch Wools Woolfells or Leather Referred to the Councel of State to consider and prepare an Act touching the Adventurers for Ireland and the qualifications touching Ireland formerly read in Parliament and that they be impowred to transport such of the Irish as they shall think fit into Forrein parts and about Transplanting of the Irish from one part of the Nation to another And to consider of Satisfaction to such Officers and Soldiers as shall be disbanded in Ireland Letters of the Surrender of Galloway to the Parliaments Forces with a Copy of the Articles and several Letters between the Parliaments Commissioners and Sir Charles Coot in Ireland about that Business referred to the Councel of State Vote That the Committee for the Universities and the Committee of Indemnity do sit no more and the House appointed a day to consider of filling the House with new Members 23. Letters That the Isle of Arran in Scotland and Duke Hamiltons House the Castle there was upon Summons Surrendred to the Parliaments Forces the Island is 8 miles over and 24 miles in Length and those in the Castle told the Commander of the Parliaments Forces that if they could have kept the Castle against him they would not have Surrendred it but being they could not defend it that he and his Soldiers were welcome to it That the Inhabitants shewed much distast to Argyle but the Civil Carriage of the Parliaments Soldiers did much ingage them 24. Letters of several Ships come into Leith Road loaden with Hay and others with Merchandize That the Ship which brought the Money for the Army lost her â—udder at Yarmouth Road and so was hindered of her Voyage That Argyle was preparing of Forces and yet gave good words to the English Commissioners That great depredations were committed by the Highlanders That the Chancellour sought to come in and the Ministers in the West were busie in designing against England That Sir George Ascue had taken in the Barbadoes the Letters from him with the Articles read in Parliament and the Messenger had 100 l. given him by the House Debate upon Regulating of the prizes of Wine 26. Letters That Sir George Ascue landed but 200 at first under Captain Morris who beat up one of the Enemies Quarters and took from them a little Fort with 4 Guns which they spiked up without any Loss That the Virginia-Fleet came in thither but very weak and their Men sick yet Sir George took the advantage of the appearance of that Fleet and sent a new Summons to the Lord Willoughby But he refusing to submit Sir George modelled 400 into a Regiment and landed them at night and were gallantly received by the Lord Willoughbyes men but being night they thought the Assaylants more than they were and the Seamen with great Shouts running upon the Enemy they were so amazed that after a short dispute they all ran away Leaving a place where in a manner they were intrenched and 4 great Guns That this party thus routed were 1200 Foot and a Troop of Horse and Sir George lost but 7 or 8 men whereof one was Lieutenant-Collonel Allen of the Enemy were 100 Slain and 80 Prisoners The success was nothing towards the gaining of the whole Island the Enemy having then about 5000 Horse and Foot in Arms. That the Virginia-Fleet after 7 days went away and then Sir George upon Information of Collonels Muddifords interests in the Island and Affections to the Parliament Sir George sent to him and his Friends by giving them honourable Conditions and he joined with Sir George and made up 2000 Foot and 100 Horse That the People came in hourly to Sir George who went on Shoar to Collonel Muddiford and his Company and gave them full satisfaction of his Commission and the Parliaments intentions whereupon they engaged to live and dye with the Parliament That the Lord Willoughby understanding this marched up to them with all the Force he could make and one of Sir George his great Guns Shot in at the Door where the Lord Willoughby and his Councel of War were and carried away the Sentinels head That this night the Enemy marched 2 Miles from Sir George his men who had many designs but were hindred by the Rains for 3 or 4 daies together and before they could March the Lord Willoughby sent for a Treaty and in regard his strength was much the greater and to avoid the destruction of that goodly Island which was already much wasted Sir George sent his Commissioners to meet with the Lord Willoughbys Commissioners and they agreed upon Articles and it was surrendred to the Parliament The truth was that the Lord Willoughby was forced to this surrender knowing that his men would not stand to him but dayly did desert him and most of the Islanders took in with C. Muddiford against my Lord. Letters that the Frigot with the Mony was safely arrived at Leith narrowly escaping the Sands on which she struck six times upon the Coast of Yarmouth but was delivered by the breaking of her Rudder That Argyle and his Clans agreed to oppose the Parliament of England and that he had gotten 10000 Arms. That the Kirk began to piece again but the People were inclinable to the Union 27. Votes touching the payment of Debts upon publick Faith Referred to a Committee to consider how the Poor may be set to work and relieved and not suffered to beg and to review all the Acts touching the Poor and report the defects of them and to receive Proposals for the City of London or others touching the Poor An Act passed for the further ease and relief of poor Prisoners for Debt Letters That the Scots King was ingaged in mediating a Peace between the King of France and the Princes wherein he alledged his own condition and that of his Father and the King of France thanked him for his good Intentions and desired him to make the like Proposals to the Princes Which the Scots King did but the King of France refused to put away the Cardinal who offered to go away rather than to be a cause of continuing the miseries of France that the Princes doubled their Guards and the People were enraged against Cardinal Mazarini 29. Letters of the reducing of the Barbadoes to the same effect as before The Revolt of Collonel Muddiford and Letters from my Lady Willoughby to my Lord her Husband that the Kings Forces were defeated at Worcester and of the condition of the Affairs in England with her advice
to him to submit to the Parliament upon good terms and Letters to the same effect from other Friends were the cause of his surrender of the Island 30. Orders for Recruits from Pendennis Castle for Ireland and six weeks pay for them before they were transported out of England May 1652. 1. Letters That the Declaration of the Parliament of England for the Union of Scotland with England and their sending of Members to the Parliament of England was proclaimed with great solemnity at Edenburgh Cross but the Scots shewed no rejoycing at it 3. Letters justifying the Proceedings of the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in Wales written by Mr. Vavasour Power a Minister there 4. Referred to the Committee to consider how a competent Maintenance for Godly Ministers may be setled in lieu of Tithes Order for relief of maimed and sick Soldiers Mr. Weaver one of the Commissioners of the Parliament in Ireland came into the House whereof he was a Member and gave them an account of the State of their Affairs there Letters of Credence of the Queen of Sweden 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
all Estates be made liable to make satisfaction nor the rich turn Prisons into places of Protection 9. That none be pressed for War the power of Counties being sufficient to suppress all Insurrections and forrein Invasions 10. That Trade be free and exempt from Monopolies and disburdening Customs Excise and all Charges and all publick Monies to be equally raised 11. That all Sheriffs Justices Coroners Constables and the like be annually chosen by those of the place 12. That all Laws contrary to these Fundamentals be repealed 13. That Parliaments or Common-Councels of England may be returned to the old course to be annually elected and satisfaction given to the Nation in point of Accounts and the publick Faith satisfied arrears of Soldiers paid Juries duely chosen Registers appointed to ascertain all Mortgages and Sale of Lands care taken of the Poor and wast places assigned for them the Printing Presses set at liberty The Parliament debated the Business of the Dutch Ambassadors and passed these resolutions to the Ambassador in answer to his Papers 1. That the Lords the States General do pay to this Common-wealth the charges and dammages they have sustained by their attempts 2. That upon payment or securing thereof shall be a Cessation and their Ships and goods released 3. This being assented to and put in Execution the security for the time to come to be a firm amity and interest of the 2 States for the good of both The Parliament received another Paper from the Dutch Ambassadors that they were commanded Home and desired Audience to take their leaves which was appointed to morrow A Letter from the King of Denmarks Ambassadors for Audience they were appointed to have it the next day but one 30. The Dutch Ambassadors had Audience in the House with the usual Ceremonies The Lord Paw made a Latine Oration which he gave in writing to the Speaker with a Petition from the Merchants of the Intercourse they went all away this Night Letters from Amsterdam That the Dutch are very high against the English and for a War with them The Ambassadors having received the last Resolutions of the Parliament of England demanding satisfaction for all their Damages it gave such a distast to their Excellencies that they presently resolved according to their Instructions to return Home and went to Graves-End this day and many Letters came from Holland mentioning the great Preparations there made for the War at Sea July 1652. 1. Much discourse was upon the departing of the Dutch Ambassadors some Members of Parliament being unsatisfied with the dismission of them and that so high Terms were insisted on by the Parliament 2. Letters of 800 Irish come in and many Thousands of them stand out because they cannot be pardoned for their Murders From Collonel Hewson of his Proceedings and that an ambush being laid by the Irish for a Captain of the English and Collonel Pretty he escaped and a party sent out by Collonel Hewson killed 4 of them released their Prisoners and took divers Rebels and 16 Horses That another party sent out by him killed 40 of the Rebels and took 30 good Horses That Collonel Hewson denied to give or take any quarter with them That Slego was surrendred and that Sir Thomas Jones killed 2 Collonels 10 Captains and 300 of a party of 3000 of the Rebels and took all their Horse 3. Letters of the English Forces gotten into the Highlands of Ships come into Leith with provisions Of several late Successes in Ireland That the Enemy burnt Portumney Town and Collonel Ingolsby relieved them and routed all their Horse and Surrounded their Foot in a Bog That the Irish were in the Field with about 4000 Men. That the Lord Broghill did good Execution upon the Irish and pursued them 4 miles took 100 Horse and rescued a prey of 200 Beefs That the Lord Muskerry was come in to the Parliament with his Forces That General Blake with a gallant Fleet went Northwards and left Sir George Ascue to command the rest of the Fleet in the Downs who took 5 Dutch Merchant-men and General Blake took 2 Men of War and 2 Merchant men 500 Soldiers sent on Board Sir George Ascue That after this Sir George Ascue and the Fleet with him met with 40 Dutch Ships took 7 of them and burnt 4 and about 24 of them ran on ground on the French Shoar and he pursued the rest and this Fight was gallantly performed by him after so long a Voyage which his Ships had gone and were very foul 5. Letters from the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland That Sir Charles Coote and Collonel Reynolds had reduced Slego That the Lord Clanrickard had sent for a Treaty and that the Lieutenant-General had routed a party of the Enemy and marched towards Rosse That the Lord Muskerry sent for another Treaty that the Lord Broghill took 80 Horse killed about 50 took Lieutenant-Collonel Supple and 2 Colours and Arms yet the Irish were double his Number and he regained 200 Cattle Of Recruits come into Ireland 6. A Declaration past concerning the differences of England with the Netherlands Letters from Sir George Ascue of his Fight with the Dutch who were 40 Merchants and 4 men of War he took 7 of them and burnt 3 and few that ran on Shoar escaped that the French defended them from the English yet coming on board their Ships plundred them That Captain Wright made a gallant Fight with one of them and forced him on Shoar and burnt him and Captain Wright lost 8 men and above 20 wounded and Captain Wright himself lost his Leg with a great Shot and few or none of his Officers but were wounded That of those Irish who submitted not a 4th man laid down their Arms. 9. Letters of Recruits sent for Ireland That some of the Parliaments Forces were marched 20 Miles into the Highlands where the Country of the Fraziers all except one inconsiderable Person with a few people came in and submitted to the Parliament That General Blake with a Fleet of 60 Sail passed in Sight of Dunbar towards the North to attend the Holland Busses and sent for the Frigots and Parliaments Vessels in those parts who went to him That the Scots reported the Dutch to have taken 25 Sail of the Parliaments Ships in a Fight there That divers Barks were come in to Air with provisions for the Parliaments Forces and 4 Frigots and several small Vessels come thither for their Assistance 10. Dr. Winston a Physitian in the beginning of the late Troubles by leave of the House of Lords went over into France and there continued till very lately that he returned into England in his Absence none being here to look after his Business for him his Estate was sequestred as if he had been a Delinquent and his place and lodgings as Physick Professor in Gresham Colledge were taken from him tho he had never acted any thing against the Parliament
from us making all the Sayl they could with the remainder of the Fleet being not above Sixty left of their whole number So far as I could discern there cannot be less than Thirty or Fourty sunk taken and destroyed we are now in pursuit of them some of our best Sayling Frigots being almost up with them and our expectations still are great The Enemy had Nine Flag Ships when we first Ingaged and now but one left some of them I know are sunk In this Ingagement we had but Two Ships of ours fired by them One of them is the Oak her Men were saved most of them the other had not any of her men saved The Worcester Frigot took the Garland which had been formerly taken from us by the Dutch but our Men were forced to fire her Trumps Flag was shot down in the Morning and could not be made stand all the day after The Parliament spent a day in their House in praising God for this great Mercy and praying for a right improving of it 4. Letters from General Monck aboard the Fleet to the Parliament of this Fight to the same effect with the former 5. A Petition from Kent to the Parliament for taking off the Tythes and the Speaker told them the House was satisfied of their good affection to the Parliament and for the matter of their Petition part of it was under consideration and that the Parliament would do as the Lord should direct them After a long debate of this day and yesterday the House Voted That the Court of Chancery should be taken away and the Committee of the Law to bring in an Act accordingly and an other for the Causes now depending and for future relief in Equity Whereas the Parliament appointed a Committee to consider of such Petitions as are directed to the Parliament and to Present such of them only to the Parliament as are proper to the Legislative power or not relievable elsewhere and to examin Witnesses upon Oath if they shall see cause and state the matter of Fact and Report to the Parliament and their Opinions touching Oaths for the Persons unjustly molested And this Committee having in their hands about Two Hundred and Fourty Petitions which according to the said Order they are to consider of and examin They resolved to receive no more Petitions for one Month except for lives or publick concernment whereof all are to take Notice and not to put themselves to unnecessary attendance Several Murderers condemned by the High Court of Justice in Ireland That the Enemy there was so wholly vanquished that not a Tory or a Wood-Kern was to be met with That a great part of the Army there was reduced Eleven Regiments of Foot and Four Regiments of Horse besides all new Regimented Troopers and Foot Companies all of them reduced being Five Thousand Foot and Three Thousand Horse A special regard taken of all the Field Officers and other Officers That the Accounts of the Army were audited and care taken for the satisfaction of all and to give them possession of Lands for their Arrears 6. That Seven Thousand Tories were marching to the Sea side in order to their Transportation for Spain That an English Merchant Ship by storm and Fog fell in among Eight Dutch Ships yet got away from all to Plymouth Letters of the Highlanders plundering the Low-lands and taking some Horses That Captain Drew broughr in Three Dutch Prizes their Scout Vessels sent to give advice to their East India Fleet to put in at Norway or the Sound because the English had a strong Guard upon the Northern Coast Letters from General Monck and Vice Admiral Pen of the late success against the Dutch to the same effect with the former and that we had sunk Thirty of the Enemies men of War taken One Thousand Prisoners whereof Vice Admiral Everson one of their most Valiant and best Sea men was one That we lost Two Hundred and Fifty Men slain and Seven Hundred wounded Captains of ours slain were Graves Cox Chapman and Peacock and Captains wounded were Stokes Seaman Rouse Holland and Cubi and that the Enemies loss is by conjecture about Three Thousand 8. The Commissioners for Administration of Justice in Scotland published a Proclamation for reviving some antient Laws and for prevention of the Exorbitancies of broken Highlanders Borderers and such as disturb the peace Order for a Day of Thanksgiving for the late good success at Sea with a Narrative to be publickly read Order for several Gold Chains to be given from the Parliament to General Blake General Monck Vice Admiral Pen and Rear Admiral Lawson and to the Four Flag Officers and immediatly to be bestowed among the Officers of the Fleet as Marks of the Parliaments Favour and good Acceptance of their service An additional Act passed for Stating and Determining the Accounts of the Officers and Soldiers in Ireland Much Debate upon the Act for Marriages and the Registring thereof and of Births and Burials That a private man of War of Scilly took a a Prize which was again taken from him by Two Dutch men of War and retaken again by the President Frigot That the Dutch have gotten again about One Hundred and Fourty Sayl of Ships besides Fire-ships That Three of their States are to go in the Fleet and advise and they have proposed a Reward to those who shall take any of the Three English Admirals and the benefit of their Ships That Tumults were amongst them but pacified Great Guns were heard off at Sea 10. Two of the Dutch Deputies to the Parliament went away upon the news of the late Victory Upon the Petition of Lieutenant Collonel Lilburn's Wife the Vote for his close Imprisonment was taken off and he Ordered to be Tryed at the Sessions in the Old-Bailey 11. That the King of Scots was sick of a Feavor at Paris The Dutch supprized Four English Ships in the East-Indies Traders for Port to Port. Lilburn's Trial proceeded at the Sessions House 12. Letters that the Highlanders in Scotland were gotten into a considerable body That a Declaration was Published by the Commissioners for visiting Universities in Scotland and placing and displacing of Ministers which did much astonish the Kirk-men Of Pyrates upon the Coast of Jersey who were socoured and assisted by the French who would not permit a Vessel of the Parliaments to have fresh water in their shoar and a Bristol Merchant man taken by the Hart Frigot which was lost to the Dutch and now manned out by them 13. Letters of two Dutch men of War that came into Burlington Bay to surprize Ten Barques there which cut their Cables and went into the Peer and so were preserved That the Parliaments Ships on the North Coast brought in a Danish Ship of great value and several other Ships Prizes and cleared that Coast of Pickeroons That Prince Rupert was gone to Nants to make the best of his Robberies That many thousands of the Irish were
High Puissances are also too just to give the World cause to say that you regard not your Friends but in the Moment when you have need of them and that you neglect to give them like succour as you expect from them What will all the Neighbourhood judge of such proceedings that while these Provinces are Treating in England they let it be known that at the same time they are Negotiating Alliance in France and the Treaty in England being brought near to Effect they speak no more of the Alliance of France One would expect that these two Treaties should March with an equal pace it will be seen that one is advanced and the other stands still If that of England be concluded and no mention made of that of France will it not rather be suspected that an Alliance was proposed at Paris to obtain an advantageous Peace at London But it will not fall out so these distrusts have not entred into the Council of the King the Alliance will proceed and if in the Project which the Commissioners of his Majesty have given to the Ambassadour of your High Puissances there be any thing that requires a temperament it will be done with justice and equality Since France will be free from misunderstanding with England otherwise there would be too much difference in the condition of the Contractors Your High Puissances finding your selves in full Peace with Spain and England And France being overcharged with New Troubles from England besides the War which She sustains against Spain The same justice to procure for France the accomodations with England appears clearly in the Design which your High Puissances discovered when you resolved to Treat an Alliance with France for they thereupon gave Instructions to their Ambassadors in two Cases the one of the Peace the other of the War with England desiring in the last Case that the King should Imploy his Forces for their Succour and it is Equity that you should include in the Peace him whom you would have ingaged in the War otherwise you would reap all the benefit to your selves and put all the bazards upon your Friends These Conditions are so natural and pressing that they may surmount the greatest obstacles if you shall include France in the Peace of your High Puissances with England But if you do not or be found slack â—herein it cannot be said here as in other Treaties That France would not have Peace for She demandeth it instantly It cannot bo alledged what was said to your Deputies on the behalf of the King of Denmark That that Prince did not at all appear by his Ministers France hath hers at London The English are offended with Denmark No such thing appears against France It cannot be objected that our differences are of long discussion and mingled with divers pretensions Nor that there is any great War to be determined or long Animosities to be extinguished It is not a War nor is it any hatred but these differences between us and England may rather be named Disorders in the Commerce of particular Persons and are principally upon such Matters as make Application to the Office of Friends to prevent the Mischiefs of War before they be Declared The thing then is easie of it self but much more easie in the condition you are in England is willing to have a Peace with you and without searching into the Reasons wherefore they desire it it appears sufficiently that they are willing to have it parting with so many pretentions which were put forth in the beginning it is not credible that they would loose the occasion of this Accommodation with the Provinces in the present Constitution of Affairs for this only Circumstance the including of France they would the rather have Peace with your High Puissances if they saw you streightly Vnited with France And if it should fall out otherwise it would necessarily be believed that England had higher Designs that it were joyned with Spain and that the Peace presented to the United Provinces were but a blind to disunite them from their ancient Friends and to ruine them with joynt Forces of the Spaniards when they had separated them But I have no such Opinion I esteem England to treat sincerely with your High Puissances and hope that after you have well considered this Inclusion which I demand of you in the Peace what profit it will bring how necessary for your Trade and to the Security of a reasonable Treaty among Friends just between Allies and easie to be obtained you will not lose the favourable occasion to perform one of the best Actions that hath been done since the Foundation of your State promoting a Peace to a great Kingdom doing a good Office to a powerful King and making known to all the World what they may expect from your Friendship Hereupon I shall attend the Answer of your High Puissances to make it known unto the King my Master The Ordinance published for adjourning part of Easter Term that in the mean time course might be taken for reforming the Abuses and Corruptions in the proceedings of Law A Congratulation to the Lord Protector from the Town of Newcastle Letters that Cornet Kennet with Twenty Men going to Collect an Assessment about Dumfrize were set upon by Forty of the Enemy received their Charge and then charged through the Rebells routed them killed four took six and had only four of his Party Wounded That Lieutenant Hickman with another party fell upon Sixty of the Enemy took six and about twenty Horse That another Party under Cornet Keys and Lieutenant Young with about forty Horse and thirty Foot fell upon a Party of the Enemy being sixty Horse and sixty Foot Routed them and Killed a Captain and twelve Souldiers took several Officers and forty Soldiers and twenty Horse and lost but one Man and another Wounded That Major Bridge took two Prisoners and six Horses which he restored to the Country from whom the Scots had taken them That Lieutenant Hickman had routed the Enemy and taken some Prisoners slew three and pursued them to the Hills 11 Letters that the Ratification of the Articles of Peace with England was Signed by most of the States 12 An Ordinance passed touching Surveyors of the High-ways Another forbidding Planting of Tobacco in England Another for the Union of Scotland with England in these words His Highness the Lord Protector of the Common-Wealth of England Scotland and Ireland c. taking into consideration how much it might conduce to the glory of God and the peace and welfare of the people in this whole Island that after all those late unhappy Wars and Differences the People of Scotland should be united with the People of England into one Commonwealth and under one Government and finding that in December one thousand six hundred fifty and one the Parliament then sitting did send Commissioners into Scotland to invite the People of that Nation unto such an happy Vnion who proceeded so far therein that
Abolished taken off and discharged and that all and every the said Deeds Patents Charters and Enfeoffments in that behalf be and are hereby declared and made so far void and null And particularly that all and every the Heritors and others the Persons aforesaid and their Heirs are and shall be for ever hereafter freed and discharged of and from all sutes and appearing at or in any their Lords or Superiors Courts of Justitiary Regality Stuartry Barony Bayliary Heritable Sheriff-ship Heritable Admiralty all which together with all other Offices heritable or for Life are hereby abolished and taken away and that all and every the Heritors and persons aforesaid and their Heirs are and shall be for ever hereafter freed and discharged of and from all Military service and personal attendance upon any their Lords or Superiors in Expeditions or Travels and of all Casualties of Wards Lands formerly held of the King or other Superiors and of the Marriage single and double avail thereof Non-entries Compositions for Entries and of all Rights and Casualties payable if they be demanded only or upon the committing of any Clauses irritant And that the said Heritors and persons aforesaid be now and from henceforth construed reputed adjudged and declared free and acquitted thereof and of and from all and all manner of holding sutes duties services personal or real and demands whatsoever other than is before declared and Ordained notwithstanding the present Tenor of any their Deeds Patents Enfeoffments or any Clauses Articles or Covenants therein contained or mentioned to the contrary in any wise And that in time to come all and every Clause Covenant Article Condition or thing to the contrary hereof shall be omitted out of all such Deeds Patents Charters and Enfeoffments And be it further Ordained That all Foreitures Escheats simple or of Life Rent Bastardy and last Heir which heretofore escheated forfeited and fell to the King Lords of Regality or other Superiors shall from henceforth fall escheat and forfeit to the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth for the time being 13 The Highlanders grew numerous and were about Three thousand strong and Collonel Morgan was Marched near them 15 That the Pyrates of Brest took several English Merchants Ships and came into the very Mouth of Severn That the Enemy had a general Rendezvous and were ill Armed That they had Orders from Lieutenant General Middleton who had in his Party but Two hundred Horse 14 That the Fleet Rid in Stoaks Bay That the States of Holland had fully Ratified the Peace in every Part with great rejoycing 17 The Ratifications of the Peace Signed and Sealed by all the States of the Vnited Provinces came to their Ambassadours here and was by them presented in a Silver Box to the Lord Protector One Rogers taken at Lieth with several Commissions from the King to raise Forces Eleven Dutch Men of War set upon an English Merchant Man and took her That Collonel Morgan with Eight hundred and fifty Horse and One thousand six-hundred Foot had beset the Enemy who were Eight hundred Horse and Three thousand Foot An Holland East India Ship of Eight hundred Tun outward bound loaden with Seventy five Tun of Goods and four Chests of Silver was taken by Captain Stayner and Captain Smith That three Frigots met with a Fleet of Forty eight Sayl of French Ships fell in among them Shot their Admiral Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral and spoiled them and the Rear Admiral sunk another of them sunk and they took another of them and lost not a man and afterwards they took four more of them 18 Commissioners sent to Treat with the Lord Ambassador Burdeaux at his House in London touching the Peace with France An Ordinance passed for continuing the Imposition on Coals Order of the Council touching the improvements of Forrests Letters from Vpsale of the Passages there about the Treaty and the Queens Resignation to the Prince Palatine 19 The Ambassador from the Duke of Gelders had Audience with the Lord Protector An Ordinance Published for suspending Proceedings upon a former Act for Relief of poor Prisoners and Creditors 20 Of one Darcy made a Colonel and Knighted in France by the King of Scots 21 That Lieutenant Hunt fell upon a Party of the Scots in the Highlands took Seven Prisoners eleven Horse twenty Cloaks and many of their Cloak-bags and rescued two Prisoners That the Enemy were Four thousand Horse and Foot and Collonel Morgan but Two thousand five hundred and near one another That the Parliaments Garrisons in the High-lands were stored and supplyed with all manner of Provisions and Ammunitions 22 Letters of a Frigot that Convoyed Ammunition and some Merchants Ships to Lieth in her return was set upon by Eight Dutch Men of War and after a hot Skirmish Boarded and taken That Captain Potter brought in another Brest Pyrate An Express sent to the States of the Ratification of the Treaty by the Lord Protector 24 Divers Dutch Prizes taken The Ordinance Published for the Uniting Scotland into one Commonwealth and under one Government with England Another Ordinance Published of grace and Pardon to the People of Scotland An Order Published touching the Peace with Holland 25 Letters of Collonel Morgan's March after the Highlanders and a quarrel amongst them about Plundering a Kinsman of the Lord Montross and other quarrels among their Officers Of Prisoners taken by the English Garrisons A Proclamation by the Commander in Chief of the English Forces to the Effect as formerly forbidding Correspondence with or harboring of the Enemy Letters from the Dutch Ambassadour in England to the States That the Peace was fully Concluded and that the States were to be Responsable for One hundred and forty thousand pound for the Damage done by the Danes to the English that the Ships detained in the Sound were to be restored The States Sealed and Signed the Articles and sent away the Ratification to England and the Lord Protector also Ratified them 26 The Peace between England and the Vnited Provinces was solemnly Proclaimed by sound of Trumpet in White-Hall Court in the Presence of his Highness and his Council afterwards by the Heralds Serjeants at Arms and other Officers who were received by the Lord Mayor at Temple Bar there it was Proclaimed and then at the old Exchange An Account of the Negotiation of the Lord Ambassadour Whitelock in Sweden 27 Letters of a Dutch Ship taken of rich Value by a Private Man of War The Lord Protector Feasted the Dutch Embassador at White-Hall very sumptuously 28 Letters of the Numbers of the Enemy increasing and of some of their Party gleaned up by the Parliaments Soldiers That the Enemy was to the North of Collonel Morgan so that they must ingage with him or else they cannot pass Southward by him 29 Letters of the Tories in Ireland narrowly pursued and suppressed Of Mischiefs done by the Pyrates on the Westward Coast and about Bristol That
not many days since they earnestly Laboured to hinder the doing of it now they Shout for Joy because it is done thus are the minds this is the practice of the Multitude whom nothing pleaseth long nothing more than Novelty The Ceremonies being performed at the Cathedral the New King with all His New Subjects and Servants returned back from thence unto the Castle in the same Order as they came thither and by the way He was Saluted by the People with their Loud Shouts of God save the King Thus coming to His Court the Abdicated Queen as He entred looks out of the Window and with a cheerful Countenance and Voice heard by the Company wisheth Her Cousin Joy of His Crown and Government He retires for a while to His private Chamber then is called forth to a Sumptuous Feast where most of the Senators and Nobility did Atend upon Him and rejoyce with Him 13 An Order of the Commissioners for setling the differences according to the Treaty with the Dutch between any of the Subjects of those Common-wealths 14 Letters of ten Days constant march of the English Army in the Highlands burning the Houses and Corn as they marched That they Traced the Enemy four days but could not meet with them nor with any Intelligence of them all the People removing before the Army and all their Goods and Cattle carried away That Middleton got away by water and lost one hundred Horse in his march but would not Engage with the English 15 Letters of a Brest Man of War taken Of a French Banker brought in Loaden with Fish and of eight more of them got away Of two French Prizes brought into Plymouth Of some Tories still abroad in Ireland 17 A List sent in and published of the Names of those who were Elected in the several Shires Cities and Burroughts in England and Wales to Serve in the next Parliament 18 Letters of the Armies March in the Highlands where in fourteen Days they saw neither Man Woman or Child and those they saw afterwards hardly to be called Men or Women by reason of their mishapes The Description of the strange bad Country of Loquaber and Kintal and the Mountains of Admannoth the difficult passages and the almost continual Fog and Rain there Of the Queen of Swedens private coming to Hamburgh 18 Letters of the King of Swedens proceedings in his Government and of his Brother Prince Adolphus his coming to Hamborough in his travail toward France 19 Letters that the English Army could by no means Engage the Forces of the Enemy in the Highlands in Scotland but after a most tedious and difficult march and being in great want of Provisions were returning back 20 A Ship Loaden of one hundred Tun near London Bridge was set on Fire by a Pot of Pitch heating upon the Decks and burnt with all her Lading and divers of her Men and some looking on her were slain with Pieces of her Timber blown up by the Gunpowder in her and much harm done to St. Olaves Church and to Houses near her 21 An other Ship Loaden with Oyl and other Goods had her Powder set on fire and all the Goods in her were burnt and sunck divers Men in her slain and some wounded and much damage done to the adjacent Houses Letters of the Brest Men Freebooters again upon the Western Coast 22 Letters of Middletons Forces being about Dunkel in Scotland eight hundred Horse and twelve thousand Foot much discontented complaining of the King and that amongst them four Horses Shooes were Sold for 15 d. That the English Army are still marching in pursuit of the Enemy 24 The French Ambassador and the three Ambassadors from the States of the United Provinces had Audience of the Lord Protector Letters that Middleton intended to dismount most of his Horse and to make use of his light Footed Highlanders to provoke the English to follow him in the Bogs and to prolong the War That Writs were received in Scotland for Election of Members in that Nation to Serve in the Parliament of England That a Party of Collonel Okeys Men fell upon the Earl of Atholls Men drove them up to their main Body killed three and took four of them upon which Allarum the Enemy fled and the English being tired could not pursue them nor gain intelligence where they were That the King of Scots the Princess of Orange the Queen of Sweden and Prince Adolphus were to meet at the Spaw in Germany 25 Letters of the great meeting at the Spaw with the Queen of Sweden and very many great Persons and Nobility upon which some English Design was expected 26 Mr. Sympson was enlarged from his Imprisonment and had liberty to Preach any where ten Miles from London The Lord Protector Sate very close with his Councel and gave Audience to several Ambassadors 27 Letters of some Tories in Ireland breaking out again into a Rebellion That one hundred thousand were come into Conought and Clare to be Tenants to particular Persons but refuse to become Tenants to the Common-wealth 28 Letters that divers of Middletons Forces left him that the English Vant Guard fell upon their Rear and did much Execution upon them till night prevented further dispute of them That General Blake went out of the Downs with a gallant Fleet as Admiral and Captain Lawson his Vice-Admiral 29 The Dutch sent seventy thousand pound into London for satisfaction of the Losses sustained by the English at the Sound in Denmark according to the late Articles of Peace A. C. came Post from Scotland with Letters from General Monk and from Collonel Morgan of the Routing of the Forces under General Middleton by Collonel Morgan divers killed and taken and his whole Body broken and dispersed Several Scots Officers of Quality taken Prisoners 31 Letters from General Monk to the Lord Protector of the particulars of the Routing of Middletons Army to this effect The Enemy having marched off in a very scattered posture upon our pursuit of them in Argyle and they bending Northwards I held it much necessary in regard that both Horse and Foot with me were much Beaten out with continual Marches to attend their motion slowly having sent to Collonel Morgan with his fresh Party to pursue them as he had Intelligence Who marching out of Baquenorth to Loughgary where he intended to quarter that night he fell upon Middletons Body of Horse who had also appointed that same place for their Quarter after a little resistance the Enemy ran and the pass being narrow and boggy quit their Horses and disperst themselves what Execution is done I have not yet Notice but by divers Prisoners who endeavoured to escape this way I am assured that their whole Body of Horse is routed totally so that they will not be able to get any considerable numbers together among those Prisoners taken there was one brought in by Cornet Baker Lieutenant-Collonel Hay who lately escaped out of Edenbrough Castle
and Captain Graham I also sent out Major Bridge with a Party of Horse and Dragoons who fell upon some of their scattered Horse and Foot under Macgrigger who was left to bring the straglers after the Foot to Loughaber these after some resistance ran away The Major took some Prisoners with divers of their tyred Horses with Baggage and amongst the rest the Earl of Athols Portmantue wherein were these inclosed Papers which I thought it my Duty to send to Your Highness as also the inclosed directed into Ireland which was Letters intercepted Camp near Weems Castle July 21. 1654. I remain Your Highness most humble Servant George Monk The Letter from Collonel Morgan was this Sir Upon the nineteenth instant about six or seven at night upon our march toward Rannaough our Scouts discovered a Party of the Enemy which afterwards proved to be Middleton with all his Force to the number of eight hundred They were on the North-side of Loughgarry Major Knight and my self being at the head of our Forlorn perceiving them to face about we made to them with all speed and sent back orders for the rest of our Horse to march up after us we presently put them to the rout pursued them about six Miles and forced them to disperse three ways so that Major Lâ—sle Captain Ducket and my self followed them one way Major Knight Captain Pockley Captain Day Captain Merryman another and Captain Legg and Captain Ginuel the other we killed and took many of the Rogues and near three hundred Horses taken Middleton was dismounted and very much wounded as some of the Prisoners affirm his charging Horse was taken by one of my Servants with Gallant Furniture and a Rich Case of Pistols One of Captain Babingtons Troop took his Sumpter wherein was Rich Apparel his Commissions and Instructions with divers other Letters to him One of Collonel Riches Troop took Kinmoors Charging Horse Mideleton and Kinmoore with divers others were fain to use of their Heels over the Bogs and if the Night and the Bog had not prevented us I believe we had left but very few of them undestroyed But those that escaped are Totally disenabled they had twelve hundred Foot within five Miles of them which I hear are much dispersed and gone towards their Homes their intentions as the Prisoners Inform me were to March to Caithness where they expected the Arrival of some Ships with Men Arms and Ammunition In all this Action the Lord was pleased to appear for us for we had not above four Men wounded none killed and two Horses Shot I am your affectionate Servant Thomas Morgan From the Camp near Badinas July 22. 1654. One of Gerrards Conspiracy that had escaped through a House of Office was retaken in Norwich where he practised Physick Letters that the Scots King arrived at Lieg and went from thence to the Spaw August 1654. August 1 The Protector and his Councel passed two Ordinances one touching the Adventurers for Lands in Ireland the other for Regulating the Jurisdiction of the Chancery The Dutch Ambassadors had Audience of the Protector and Informed him That in Order to satisfy the Losses sustain'd in Denmark their Superiours had sent over some Treasure in Plate Bullion Dollers and other Coyn which was ordered to secured and Coyned in the Tower They also Congratulated his Highness for the Victory over the Forces under Middleton The Commissioners sent to Denmark brought back the English Ships detained there And report the Plague to be hot in those Parts The Province of Friezland declared for the Prince of Orange Middleton after his Defeat in the Highlands went South and Monk after him the Scots prepared for new Leaveys Monk designed to drive Middletons Party towards Collonel Morgan He and Middleton having both ordered to Quarter the same Night at Loughgarry the Enemy looking only back towards Moak thought not of Morgan who met them and Engaged them but they soon fled and lost many of their Horses and some Men. Middleton one of the first that ran away and Manroe their Foot are thereupon dispersed Captain Beke and Major Bridg took divers of them and in some Portmantles several Letters and Papers from the King to the Earl of Athol 2 Other Letters of the former Defeat of Middletons Forces and of many of his Men taken by the Parliament Forces and by the Country 3 Orders of the Commissioners touching the Sale of Bishops-Lands and the Lands of Deans and Chapters 4 The Protector and his Council appointed Commissioners for the Exchequer the three Lords Commissioners Whitelock Lisle and Widdrington Chief Justices Rolls and St. John Collonel Sydenham Collonel Mountague and Mr. Maskam Of Middletons Horse three hundred were taken and one hundred were Bogged He had two Horses Shot under him his Sumpter Horse taken and therein his Commissions and Instructions from the King 5 The Province of Gelderland and four other Provinces chose the Prince of Orange to be their General and Admiral The Portugal Ambassador at Gravesend in his Voyage homewards was Arrested by some Merchants of London to whom he owed great Sums of Money which they had Lent him here and they stopped his Journey Five English Frigots met with the Fleet of French Laden with Salt for the Kings Store-Houses and sunk the two Convoys and carried away the other Ships with their Lading into Plymouth 7 Middleton got together as many as he could of his scattered Horses and had but one hundred whereas before he had eight hundred Glencarn gathered others Morgan went out to prevent their Joyning many came in to Collonel Fitches and submitted to the Parliament divers of them were rifled in the Country An Ordinance of Indempnity passed for the English Protestants in Ireland 8 More of Middletons scattered Forces taken up by the English 9 A Swedish Ship and a Hamburger taken for Prize because they were bound for France The Queen of Sweden Arrived at Antwerp in Mans Apparel and the next day went abroad drest in Womans Apparel 10 The Queen of Sweden highly extolled in Letters for her Parts and Learning 11 Orders of the Committee of Adventurers in Ireland The Protector and his Councel passed an Additional Ordinance for Relief of Creditors and Poor Prisoners 12 General Monk marched after Glencarn who desired to Capitulate Three French Prizes brought in 14 Middletons Brigade was lesned from fourteen hundred to one hundred Two hundred Prisoners Shipped for the Berbadoes General Monk Fired the Houses in Glencamerons bounds they being in Arms against the English they Murdered sixty English Soldiers in cold blood whom they surprized Violent Storms in the Highlands drove down the Hill five hundred Cows and Goats and Sheep into the Glen where General Monk Quartered which his Souldiers made use of In a March of three days the English saw only one Scoth Man and two Women In their March to Brawling for eight Miles the way was so Boggy that one hundred Bagage-Horses were left
they afterwards were great with the King Upon receipt of the news of the Rebellion in Ireland the King was much troubled and being at that distance from his Parliament in England he sent expresses to them and referred the whole management of the Irish business to his Parliament at London November 20. the Lords Justices and Council in Ireland sent a more particular account to the Lord Lieutenant here of the Irish affairs he returned answer That he had acquainted the King at Edenburgh with all their dispatches and that His Majesty had referred the Irish business and management of the War there to his Parliament of England Some talked broadly of the Earl of Leicester's retarding so long his Service of Lieutenant of Ireland especially in such a time as then He was now pleased to Commissionate the Earl of Ormond to be his Deputy which was afterwards confirmed by the King but many wondred that the Earl did not go in his own person Some Members of the Parliament in Ireland and most of the Papists even in the Pale and generally in all places took part with the Rebels The Lord Moore stood faithfull to his King and Religion The Rebels to be revenged on him sent about a thousand men to his house three Miles from Tredah the Forces in the house were but twenty four Foot and fifteen Horse besides some few Servants and they had but six Shots of Powder apiece yet when the Rebels assaulted them they killed 140 of them All their Powder being spent and then some of their small number slain they yielded upon quarter yet the Rebels threw them out at the Windows an old Gentleman they ran through the body cut the Throat of an old blind man stripped all the women plundred the house of all the goods and so left it From Dublin they sent six hundred Foot to supply Tredah two thousand of the Rebels waited for them to intercept them and the English in a Fogg came within Musket-shot of them before they were descryed then the Captain Commanded a Counter-march in which the English were forced to take a Ditch which the Enemies thinking to be a flight they shouted and that so amazed and confounded the English that the Rebels charging them slew most of them near Gillingston-Bridge The Lord Ormond's Troop of Fifty Horse made their way through without loss of a man but by this Defeat the Rebels got store of Arms and Moneys and much encouragement The Master of a Chester Bark laden with Arms and Money for Dublin betrayed all to the Rebels who now were set down before Tredah and all the Popish Lords and Gentlemen within the Pale joyned with them About the latter end of November the King returned from Scotland he was sumptuously feasted at London by the Citizens and he banquetted them at Hampton Court and made divers of the Aldermen Knights Decemb. 2. He came to both Houses of Parliament and told them He had made as much haste from Scotland as those Affairs permitted in which he had so good success that he had left that Nation a most peaceable and contented People That he doth not find this Nation so settled as he expected but full of Jealousies and Alarms of Designs and Plots that Guards have been set to defend both Houses That he doubts not of his Subjects Affections to him by his reception at his return and mentions his own Affection to his People and so far from repenting of what he had done for them that he was willing to pass any thing more that might justly be desired for their Liberties and for maintenance of Religion Recommends to them the business of Ireland the preparations for it going on but slowly Then he sets forth a Proclamation For obedience to the Laws concerning Religion and that none introduce any Rite or Ceremonie other than those established by Law At this time this was not held by many to be very seasonable but divers were offended at it He also published a Proclamation for all the Members of Parliament To repair to the Houses by a day And Decem. 14. He again spake to both Houses To quicken them in the business of Ireland expresseth his detestation of all Rebellion particularly of this and offers his pains power and industry to contribute to that necessary work of reducing the Irish to obedience That for the Bill for pressing of Souldiers lodged with the Lords if it came to him he promiseth to pass it And because some had started the Question into a Dispute concerning the bounds of the King's Prerogative herein he offers to avoid such Debate that the Bill shall pass with a Salvo jure both for King and People And concludes conjuring them by all that is or can be dear to them or him to hasten with speed the business of Ireland Upon this the Parliament Petition the King touching the Privilege of Parliament their Birth-right declaring with all duty that the King ought not to take notice of any Matter in agitation and debate in either House but by their information nor ought to propound any Condition or Provision or Limitation to any Bill or Act in debate or preparation or to manifest or declare his Consent or Dissent Approbation or Dislike before it be presented in course nor ought to be displeased with any Debate of Parliament they being Judges of their own Errours and Offences in debating Matters depending That these Privileges have been broken of late in the Speech of his Majesty Decem. 14. particularly in mentioning the Bill of Impress offering also a provisional Clause by a Salvo jure before it was presented and withal they take notice of his Majestie 's Displeasure against such as moved a question concerning the same They desire to know the Names of such Persons as seduced his Majesty to that Item that they may be punished as his Great Council shall advise his Majesty Divers indifferent men wondered both at the King's Speech which gave the cause of Exception and was indeed notoriously against the Course and Privilege of Parliament that his Council should not inform him thereof And they also apprehended this Petition somewhat too rough in the Expressions of it to their King but the general Fate of things drove on this way to increase the Jealousies betwixt King and People and God was pleased so to order it to bring to pass what he had determined The Parliament resolve not to proceed in their Affairs till they had a satisfactory Answer to their Petition and some of them were jealous of too much favour to the Irish Rebellion by some about the King and divers went yet higher The King with some regret withdraws to Hampton Court hoping by his absence to avoid Exceptions but this increaseth discontent in the Parliament who the next day appoint a Committee to follow him thither and now they speak plainly That the whole frame of Government is out of order Among other Grievances Complaint was made by
to the Parliament and was received with all due respect by a Committee of Lords and Commons at Gravesend and conducted to the Parliament The Commons provided money for the advance of the Scots Army from the City of London The French Embassadour demanded the inlargement of Mr. Walter Mountagu as one imployed hither by the King of France but it was denyed The Cavaliers plundered and burnt part of Wokingham and quarter near Reading upon design to fortify it and summon the Country for that end The Parliament made some Orders for several Regiments to march out and for money which was wanting for Essex his Army and for Sir William Waller's forces who also desired more power than his present Commission from Essex allowed him The Earl of Manchester having setled Lyn marched with his Army into Lincolnshire where he joyned with the Lord Willoughby of Paerham Sir Thomas Faeirfax and Colonel Cromwel's forces and all together made up a very considerable Army Upon his desire the Parliament gave him power to levy monies out of the Sequestred Estates in the associated Counties towards payment of his Army They also sequestred the Estates of such Members of both Houses as had deserted the Parliament or were in actual war against them By Letters intercepted it appeared that by authority from the Pope a new Popish Hierarchy by Bishops c. was to be set up in all Counties in England with Letters sent to Rome about the same matter A Minister was voted out of his living for that he constantly pray'd for the Irish Rebels by the name of His Majestie 's Catholick Subjects Another for Preaching that the King was above the Law and all those to be Rebels and Traitors that obey not his verbal commands in all things though never so opposite to Law and Justice and many others ejusdem fairnae for scandal in their lives and doctrine Upon Letters from Colonel Massey of a designe of the enemy to take up their Winter quarters near Gloucester the more to distress it they order supplyes to be sent him Dr. Vsher Primate of Armagh now at Oxford was voted out of the Assembly The Earl of Manchester with the Lord Willoughby and Cromwel's forces gave a defeat to the Lord of Newcastle's forces at Hornecastle in Lincolnshire killed 500 of them took 1500 horse and 800 Prisoners and 35 Colours The King's forces took Daertmouth which occasioned the Parliament to send forces to the Isle of Wight The French Embassador complained that his person was stopped and his Coach searched as he went out of Town towards Oxford the Captain of the Guard being examined justified it upon notice he had of letters conveyed by the Embassador to the Enemy and it was passed over with a fair excuse to the Embassador Massey defeated a party of the King's forces coming to fortify Tewkesbury for their winter quarters killed about 300 took many prisoners with 500 Armes Colonel Bridges Governour of Warwick with a party from thence defeated a Regiment of Horse under the Lord Mollineux for the King killed divers took 100 horse and many prisoners The Commons passed sundry Ordinances for raising monies out of delinquent's Estates and Newcastle coals to satisfie those who had lent moneys for advance of the Scots Army into England And for apprehending all for spies who shall come from Oxford or any of the King's forces to any of the Parliament quarters without licence from either House or from the General A Proclamation was published in London for all Officers and Soldiers forthwith to repair to their Colours Colonel Vrrey who revolted from the Parliament and Sir Lewis Dives with a great party of horse entred Bedford took Sir John Norris and others prisoners there and routed 300 of their horse and sufficiently plunder'd the Town and other parts of that County The Lord Fairfax beat from about Hull part of the King's forces took from them 9 pieces of Cannon of which one was a Demyculverin one of those which they called the Queen's Gods and 100 Arms. Baron Trevor was sentenced in the house of Lords for his extrajudicial opinion in the case of Shipmoney to pay 6000 l. fine and be imprisoned during pleasure Colonel Cromwel routed 7 troops of the King's horse in Lincolnshire under Colonel Hastings The King sets forth a Proclamation for prohibiting the monthly fast to be kept the Parliament declare against that Proclamation and against another for adjourning part of Michaelmas Term to Oxford and held it at Westminster The Estates of Scotland declare against the Cessation of Armes made with the Irish Rebels and the Adventurers Petition against it Letters of Marque are granted by the Parliament against all such as have taken Armes against the Parliament or assisted the Irish Rebels A Collection was ordered for the maimed and sick Souldiers The Earl of Manchester took in Lincoln upon Surrender and therein 2500 Armes 30 Colours 3 peices of Cannon The Parliaments Commissioners being returned from Scotland Sir Henry Vane Jun. one of them made report of all that affair to the House General Essex marched forth to his Army to Windsor and from thence to St. Albans whither a gallant Regiment of the City under the Command of Colonel Rowland Wilson came to him and a commanded party was sent out of that and other Regiments to Newport Pannel to dispossess the King's forces there This Gentleman Colonel Wilson was the only Son of his wealthy Father heir to a large estate of 2000 l. per an in Land and Partner with his Father in a great personal Estate employed in Merchandize yet in conscience he held himself obliged to undertake this Journey as perswaded that the honour and service of God and the flourishing of the Gospel of Christ and the true Protestant Religion might in some measure be promoted by this service and that his example in the City of undergoing it might be a means the more to perswade others not to decline it Upon these grounds the chearfully marched forth with a gallant Regiment of the City which as I remember was called the Orange Regiment and went from the Army with the commanded party sent for the reducing of Newport Pannell This was the condition of this Gentleman and of many other persons of like quality and fortune in those times who had such affection for their Religion and the Rights and Liberties of their Countrey that pro aris focis they were willing to undergo any hardships or dangers and thought no service too much or too great for their Countrey but what requital if they had done it for a requital their Countrey gave them you will find afterwards in the Story When the Parliament Forces came before Grafton House and Newport Pannell after the loss of a few men and no long attendance the King's Forces thought it most wisedom for them to retire which they did and quitted the House and Town hasting away to Oxford 〈◊〉 and Essex thought fit to fortifie
fifteen hundred common Souldiers six Pieces of Ordnance four Canoniers twenty seven Waggons loaded There were slain in the Fight two Lieutenant Colonels four Captains and five hundred men an hundred and twenty Irish women with long Knives and they report that on the Parliaments side were slain not above twenty men and of them not one Officer From Gloucester Colonel Massey set upon Sir Henry Talbot's Quarters and surprized him three Captains three Lieutenants three Irish Reformadoes a Serjeant-Major sixty common Souldiers and much Arms Ammunition and Provision going for Worcester The Commons ordered publick thanks to be given in all Churches for these Victories and for the Assistance of the Scots come into the Parliament Sir Edward Deering came from Oxford into the Parliament and upon his Examination said That since the Cessation in Ireland and seeing so many Papists and Irish Rebels in the King's Army and the Anti-Parliament set up at Oxford and the King's Counsels wholly governed by the Popish party his Conscience would not permit him to stay longer with them but he came to throw himself upon the mercy of the Parliament and according to their Declaration to compound for his Delinquency To which he was admitted and order given for all others that would come in after him who was the first Massey retook Malmesbury and the Lieutenant Governour and took three hundred Ossicers and Souldiers and their Arms in that Town The Commissioners of the Seal gave the Covenant to the Lawyers and Officers and so many came to take it that they were fain to appoint another day for it The Dutch Ambassadour went from London to Oxford first to Treat with his Majesty Mr. Rowse a Member of the House of Commons was by them made Provost of Eaton College The Commons expelled several other of their Members who had deserted the Parliament General Essex advised with his Friends about an Answer to the Letters which came from the Anti-Parliament at Oxford and his Answer was in a Letter to the Earl of Forth the King's General to this effect That he received the Letter and Parchment from his Lordship but it having no address to nor acknowledgment of the Parliament he could not communicate it to them That in maintenance of the Parliament and Privileges thereof they all resolve to spend their blood as the foundation of our Laws and Liberties and he sends to Forth the National Covenant The Parliament appointed seven Lords and fourteen Commons to be a joynt Council with the Scots Commissioners but the fewness of the number distasted many who were left out The Commons took order for ransoming of the English Captives at Algiers Some differences or rather unkindness was apprehended between the Lord Willoughby of Parham and the Earl of Manchester who carrying Matters as a General the Lord Willoughby could the less brook it knowing himself not to be puisne to him but all was well reconciled The Lord Fairfax took In Birlington Bay and about a hundred Horses and Arms. Sir Thomas Fairfax pulled up the Bridges leading to Chester and regained three or four Garrisons from the Enemy and took about five hundred men Arms and Provisions The Estates of the Earl of Clare and of divers others were ordered to be sequestred An Exhortation of the Assembly of Divines touching the taking of the Covenant was approved The Commons allowed five pounds a Week to Sir John Hotham and as much to Sir Alexander Carew and three pounds a Week to Mr. Hotham for their Maintenance in Prison Prince Rupert by strickt Warrants under pain of Fire and Sword forbids any Provisions to be carried to Gloucester by which means the City was streightned Massey's Brother with a Party of the Gloucester Horse going to beat up the Enemies quarters was engaged with the main body of their Horse and forced to hasten his Retreat with the loss of seventeen of his men The Scots took Coquet Island and about two hundred men with their Arms seven Pieces of Ordnance and Provisions and rescued and restored to the Owners a great Herd of Cattel taken away by the King's Forces Colonel Grey the Lord Grey's Brother came in to them with a Regiment of Horse and took the Covenant and the Inhabitants of Northumberland and Westmerland came in great numbers to them they sent a Summons to Newcastle Sir Thomas Fairfax took in Crew-house and Darison house and the Lord Brereton he took Prisoner with many others The Swedes had great successes in Germany Another Letter of the Lord Goring's was intercepted and He ordered to be Impeached of High Treason The Timber upon the Lands of the Lord Tennet and of other Delinquents was ordered to be cut down for the use of the Navy The Commons ordered to sit every day in the Forenoon in the House in the Afternoon in Committees and every Member that came not before Prayers ended in the Morning to pay one Shilling to the Poor and for every Motion made after Twelve a Clock to pay five Shillings The Earl of Westmerland and divers other Delinquents came in to the Parliament desiring the benefit of the Declaration of both Kingdoms for Composition The Council at Oxford prohibited any to have this Declaration in his Custody upon pain of Felony and that if any went from Oxford without leave of the Governour they should be proceeded against by Martial Law as Traytors Sir William Brereton reported to the House of Commons that the Irish and other Forces under the Lord Byron commit great Spoils and Cruelties where they come what they cannot devour they set on fire commit horrid Rapes and Insolencies that more of the Irish Rebels are expected to land in those parts and Prince Rupert to come and joyn with them That he sends forth his Warrants to bring in Provisions on pain of death and that fifteen hundred more of the Rebels are to be landed in Scotland to interrupt the Scots advance into England The Marquess of Ormond the new Lieutenant of Ireland forbids the taking of the Covenant upon this and his being the chief Promoter of the Cessation there and of sending Forces from thence to the King the Commons vote To impeach him as a Traytor against the three Kingdoms and disable him of his Lieutenancy and of all Command in Ireland Twenty thousand English and Scots in the North of Ireland have vowed to live and die together in opposition to the Cessation A Trumpet came from Oxford to the Lord General with Letters from the Earl of Forth by the King's Command for a new Overture of Peace desiring a safe Conduct for Mr. Fanshaw and Mr. Offeley to come to Westminster with Propositions from the King The General acquainted the Parliament with these Letters but because they did not acknowledge the Parliament they would not read them but referred them to the Committee of both Kingdoms Sir William Constable in Yorkshire routed three Regiments of Newcastle's Horse took three hundred of them
from him and to the inhabitants of Surrey for satisfaction of their charges for supply of Sir William Waller A thousand Countrey men came in to Colonel Massey who represented the condition of his Garrison to the Parliament who ordered supplies for him and the Earl of Manchester was ordered with 4000 Horse and 5000 Foot to attend the motion of Prince Rupert The Lord Fairfax his Forces joyned with the Scots and care was taken to supply the Earl of Manchester Sir William Waller sent out a party which fell upon a Convoy of the Enemies for supply of Basing House and took of them divers Officers 40 Souldiers 1000 Sheep and fat cattle and money Sir John Gell routed 2 Troups of Colonel Goring's Regiment of Horse and dispersed the rest The Earl of Warwick took 8 ships bound for Bristol York was close besieged by the Scots and the Lord Fairfax his Forces The Dutch Embassadour and the Parliament courted each other but nothing came to effect between them The King's Forces whereof many were Irish burnt Bemister Cerne and Shaftsbury in Dorsetshire The Commons ordered that no private business should be heard in the House before the Armies were upon their march The Propositions for Peace were brought into the House and Read and Debated and the Debate adjourned The Marquess Huntley in Scotland made some commotion on behalf of the King but the Earl of Argile quieted him The Anti-Parliament at Oxford had written Letters to the Estates of Scotland dehorting them from giving any assistance to those at Westminster who were in arms against the King and these Letters set forth the unlawfulness and injustice of such undertakings and actions The Estates of Scotland sent up this Letter to the Parliament with a Copy of their answer to it which was to this effect That their expedition into England was not intended till all other means were first assayed and disappointed they deny not the Parliaments invitation of them and they declare that their pitty to see England bleed and their sense of the danger of their own Religion and Laws were the chief cause of their taking up Armes That they held not the invitation of the Parliament any ways invalid because they at Oxford are wanting or others are gone beyond the Seas having either wilfully deserted the Parliament or been expelled for Delinquency or why those that stay in Parliament are not a sufficient number without those at Oxford they do not apprehend with much of the like matter which was well accepted by the Parliament May 1644. An Ordinance for the supply of the Earl of Manchester's forces stuck with the Lords An Ordinance was published to prevent the adjournment of the Term or any the Courts of Justice from Westminster and all Judges and Officers were commanded to attend their places here Some 30 firelocks of the Garrison of Northampton being surprized by the Enemy and carried Prisoners to Banbury the Northampton forces marched forth entered Banbury fetched off all their Prisoners and took about 30 of them Sir Thomas Fairfax and Major General Lesley closely pursued the Earl of Newcastle's horse Southward The Archbishop of Canterbury came again to his tryal the evidence against him was mannaged by Mr. Nicholas Captain Swanley took in the town of Caernarvon with 400 Prisoners Arms Ammunition and much Pillage Plymouth sallyed out upon the besiegers took 40 Prisoners Horse Arms Ammunition The Speaker and some Members of the House were sent to the Dutch Ambassadours to complement and take leave of them The Commons sent to acquaint the City that they were preparing Propositions for Peace and desired to know from them what concerned their particular for which the City returned their humble thanks Particular Letters were ordered to be written from the Houses to the Scots General and to the Lord Fairfax and his son in acknowledgment of their good services The Lord General wrote to the Houses to appoint a Committee to reside with the Army and to supply the Army Mr. Rolles a Member of the House had satisfaction voted to be given him for his losses in opposing the King's taking of Tunnage and Poundage when it was not granted by Parliament At the taking of Caermarthen by Captain Swanly many Irish Rebels were thrown into the Sea The Earl of Manchester took the City of Lincoln by storm and in it Sir Francis Fane the Governor three Colonels many inferiour Officers 800 Common Souldiers 1000 Armes 8 pieces of Ordnance all their Armes Ammunition and pillage given to the Souldiers and 80 of them were slain A new Ordinance passed for abolishing all Popish Reliques fixed to Tombes or other places and all Organs Images c. The Earl of Holland desired licence to accompany the Lord General in the present expedition which the Lords granted but the Commons denyed which upon my knowledge distasted the General Sir Philip Stapleton and Hollis were two of the most secret Counsellors and Friends the General had they often advised with him about his affairs for his good and the advantage of the Parliament but he was not well fixed Newcastle's horse coming to relieve Lincolne were beaten back by Manchester's The siege of York was continued and the Scots and the Lord Fairfax's forces drawn very near to the wals The Lord Say Mr. of the Wards and the Officers of that Court sate Mr. Charles Fleetwood was made Receiver General and Mr. Miles Corbet Clerk of the Wards Captain Fox with one Troop of Horse went to Bewdely the enemies Garrison and in the night under pretence of being one of the Princes Troops passed the Guards to the main Guard where he killed the Sentinels seized the Guard and took Sir Thomas Littleton and divers persons of Quality prisoners The Londoners presented a Petition to the Lords desiring their free and mutual concurrence with the Commons in the great affairs now in agitation which was not well taken by the Lords A party of the King's horse came to Henly requiring the inhabitants to carry in all their Provisions for men and horse to Oxford else the Town should be burnt and faln upon by the Souldiers but Captain Buller being quartered not far from thence and hearing of it came unexpectedly and fell upon the enemy and rescued the Town Colonel Massey with his own forces and some of the Regiments of the Lord Stamford Colonel Devereux and Colonel Purefoy took Westbury by assault divers Officers and 60 Souldiers the same night he marched to little Deane and meeting with a party of the Enemy under Captain Congrave and Wigmore he slew them and 7 or 8 more and took divers prisoners Then he stormed Newnam a strong fort who shot at his Trumpet sent to summon them and that so inraged Massey's men that they entered the Town and slew about 40 took divers Officers and 130 common Souldiers and store of Arms. A new Ordinance for settling the Committee of both Kingdomes was sent up to the Lords who denyed to
seventeen of his own men Lyme being relieved and the Siege raised the Earl of Warwick went on shore and much wondred that the Works of the Town being so slight and the Enemy so strong that yet the Town should hold out so long and against so many fierce Assaults and yet in the whole Siege the Town lost not above a hundred and twenty men but the Enemy lost two thousand Letters of Thanks were ordered to be written from the Parliament to the Town and two thousand pounds gratuity to be given them and Cloths for the Souldiers General Essex sent a Party to have relieved Lyme but Prince Maurice was gone with all his remaining Forces and the Siege raised before they came The Party sent by the Lord General to relieve Lyme marched from thence to Weymouth which was rendred to them upon terms and all their Ordnance Arms and Ammunition left behind them Prince Rupert took in Leverpoole a Garrison of the Parliaments in Lancashire but they first shipped all their Arms Ammunition and portable Goods and most of the Officers and Souldiers went on Ship-board whilst a few made good the Fort which they rendred to the Prince upon quarter yet were all put to the Sword The Lord General came to Dorchester where divers Western Gentlemen came in to him and among them the Lord Becham Son to the Marquess of Hertford The Queen was brought to Bed of a Daughter at Exeter The Parliament now ordered that the General should continue in the Western Service and Sir William Waller to attend the motions of the King's Army and that the Earl of Denbigh Sir William Brereton Colonel Massey Colonel Mitton and Colonel Rigby and their Forces should joyn with Sir William Waller The Earl of Newcastle desired a Treaty which was admitted and he demanded to march away with Bag and Baggage and Arms and Drums beating and Colourâ—s flying and that all within the Town should have liberty of Conscience the Prebends to enjoy their Places to have Common Prayer Organs Copes Surplices Hoods Crosses c. These things were denied by the Parliaments Generals but they offered the Earl of Newcastle that he and all the Commanders should go forth on horseback with their Swords and the common Souldiers to march out with Staves in their hands and a Months Pay and all else to be left behind them The Enemy desired four or five days time to consider hereof which was granted Taunton Dean was rendred to the Lord General and some other Places in the West where he was The Archbishop was again brought to his Tryal and the Matters insisted on against him were His introducing of Popery and Arminianism The Lords sent to the Commons that they could not consent to the Ordinance for secluding the Members of both Houses who had deserted the Parliament because they had already voted the Readmission of the Earl of Holland And the Commons referred it to a Committee to consider of some Expedient as to the Case of the Earl of Holland A Committee of Lawyers was appointed for sequestring and selling the Chambers in the Inns of Court belonging to malignant Lawyers The General by his Letters from Dorchester informs the Parliament that the Country thereabouts generally declared themselves for the Parliament and had furnished his Army with plenty of provisions The Lord Canoule a Scot Master of the Horse to the King came in and submitted himself to the Lord General The King left his Foot at Worcester and from thence went with two thousand Horse to Evesham where he took the Mayor and divers Aldermen of the Town and carried them with him prisoners to Oxford and brake down the Bridges after them as they passed to hinder Sir William Waller's pursuit of them they likewise burnt down many houses in the Suburbs of Worcester the better to secure the City and the like they did at Oxford and also at Abington The Siege continued before Basing-house but those that were before Greenland-house thought not fit upon the King 's coming back to Oxford to continue any Siege to Greenland-house till they might have the Forces of Major General Brown to joyn with them An Ordinance passed to impower the Committee of Oxon Berks and Bucks to raise Forces and Money to pay them and they to be under Brown's Command Troubles were in the Virginia Plantation The Archbishop was again brought to his Tryall and the same points of Popery and Arminianism urged against him and as a proof thereof the Remonstrance of the House of Commons in Parliament in the year 1628. Sir Richard Onsley's Regiment came to assist Colonel Norton lying before Basing-house to whom and to Colonel Morley the Commons sent a Letter of thanks At Weymouth the Lord General took a hundred pieces of Ordnance two thousand Musquets a thousand Swords Arms Pistols Powder and about sixty of great and small Vessels The General sent parties to Dartmouth VVareham and other places The Lord Viscount L'Isle had allowed him 1000 l. upon account of the Irish Service Plymouth Garrison sent out parties who beat up the Enemies quarters and at one time took forty and at another time a hundred and fifty horse and prisoners A Ship with Letters to the Parliament from Scotland and two other Ships loaden with Coals for London put in at Harwich and there cast Anchor and the Mariners went on shore leaving none aboard the Ships to guard them In the mean time came into the harbour a Pinnace of the King 's carrying the Parliament Colours and finding these Ships without any Guard boarded them and carried them clear away Westward The King marched from Oxford towards Bedford and several parties of his Army did very much spoil as they marched in Bucks Bedford and Hertfordshires they plundred Leighton and at Dunstable when the people were at Church they shot at the Minister in the Pulpit and committed many outrages there and in many other places Major General Brown marched out with his Forces to Barnet and from thence to St. Albans where the Forces of the Associated Counties are to meet him and the Commons took care for the supply of all of them Sir Thomas Fairfax and Major General Lesley were sent from the Leaguer before York with six thousand Horse and Dragoons and five thousand Foot to relieve Lancashire and to attend the motions of Prince Rupert Colonel Charles Fairfax sent to assist the Scots party at Sunderland beat back the Earl of Montross Musgrave and the rest into Newcastle and the Earl of Calender with a reserve of ten thousand Scots entred England to assist the Parliament The Commons took order touching the Prerogative Court and appointed Sir Nathaniel Brent to be the Judge of that Court. Letters of thanks were sent to the Lord General for his good Service and upon a Petition of the Western Gentlemen that he might continue in the Service there it was so ordered and an Ordinance appointed for the impowering a Committee of the
West as in other Associations The Earl of VVarwick with his Fleet sailed along the Coast as the Lord General marched and carried his Ammunition and sent Ships to keep in the Enemy and some to assist the Parliament Forces who besieged Gernesey Castle The Earls of Leicester and of Newport left the King and came in to the Parliament Upon the General 's advance towards Exeter the Queen sent a Trumpeter to desire him to forbear any Acts of hostility against the Town for that she was weak and ill being lately brought to Bed there The Covenant was ordered to be tendred to all Physicians Surgeons and Apothecaries in London and to be sent in to the several Counties Mr. Peters gave a large Relation to the Commons of all the Business of Lyme where he was with the Earl of Warwick and that after the Siege raised the Enemy set fire on divers gallant houses about Studcome Frampton and other places The Earl of Denbigh took in Oswestry in Shrop-shire but would not suffer his Souldiers to plunder it the Town giving Five hundred pounds to the Souldiers In the Town and Castle were taken one Lieutenant Colonel four Captains divers inferiour Officers three hundred and five common Souldiers and Arms. Sir William Waller sent for Major General Brown to joyn with him Letters of thanks were sent from the Houses to the Earl of Denbigh Greenland-house was besieged by Major General Brown their Batteries planted on the further side of the River Thames yet neer the house against which they made many shot and much battered it they sent to London for some Petards and two more pieces of Battery At a Conference with the Lords Mr. Prideaux offered to them the Reasons why the Commons insisted upon the Ordinance as they had past it For secluding the Members of both Houses who have deserted the Parliament and the Lords shortly after concurred therein with the Commons Mr. Bagshaw a Member of the House of Commons who had deserted them and was one of the Anti-Parliament at Oxford was taken in Oxford-shire and brought to London to the House of Commons who committed him prisoner to the King's Bench in Scouthwark where he had been with so much glory chosen to be their Burgess for this Parliament An Ordinance passed for the cutting and drying of Turf upon the Lands near London for Fuel for the City July 1644. The Parliament gave way for 4000 quarters of Grain to be transported beyond Sea and to have in return from thence Arms and Ammunition and twelve Iron pieces of Ordnance The Houses adjourned every Tuesday and Thursday several Ordinances past for associations in the West and other Counties The King's forces finding an advantage fell upon a party of Sir William Waller's Horse near Edge-hill and forced them to a disorderly retreat with the loss of 100 of their men and divers of the King's party were slain the Armies lay upon the Hill all the night and the next day fought Sir Henry Vane Jun. from the North informed the Commons of the state of the Siege of York closely begirt by the Parliaments forces that a Mine being sprung by the Earl of Manchester's Men without giving notice thereof to the Scots it did not succeed but 300 of the Earl's Men were lost about 40 of them slain and the rest taken Prisoners That provisions in the City are scarce and probably it had been rendered before this time but that they expect Prince Rupert's coming to relieve them who with 8000 Horse besides Foot is reported to be come out of Lancashire but Major Shuttleworth fell upon a party of his forces and took Sir Simon Fanshaw and other prisoners The Garrison of Plymouth sallied out of the Town and fell upon the Enemies quarters took from them about 50 Horse slew Captain Arundel and divers inferiour Officers and many Souldiers Young Captain Chudley with his Major Drake revolted to the King's party in Cornwal The Queen sent to General Essex for a safe conduct to go to the Bath for her health he answered that if she pleased he would give her Majesty a safe conduct to London where she might have the best means for her health but the other way he said he knew not Sir William Waller by Letters informed the Parliament that the King marched towards Copredy-bridge and some other passes that Colonel Middleton with four or five Troops of Horse charged them and Waller with his Horse passed over a little below that place and seeing the Enemy had placed a strong Body on the top of the Hill he staid for his other Regiments to come up to him That Middleton routed the Enemy and pursued them near a mile which being perceived by some of Waller's forces they left a passage which they were to have maintained and deserted their great Guns to adventure on the Enemy and thereby dispossessed themselves of the Guns and Passage together That a strong party of the Enemy wheeling about forced Middleton to retreat with some loss and in the skirmish he was dismounted among the King's Forces who taking him to be one of their Commanders mounted him again wishing him to make hast to kill a Roundhead by which means he escaped On Waller's part Colonel Baker Colonel Vanes and a Dutch Captain were taken prisoners and about a hundred Common Souldiers Lieutenant Colonel Bains slain or taken and they lost five Drakes a Minion and two Leather Guns and about 140 of his men slain and taken prisoners The King lost Colonel Clark and Colonel Butler and another Colonel and divers inferiour Officers and about 160 of his Souldiers killed and taken prisoners and he lost two pieces of Ordnance Waller drew all his horse and foot to the top of the Hill and faced the Enemy and they skirmished all that day both parties in this fight demeaned themselves with great courage Middleton had a particular incounter with the Lord Wilmot whom he took prisoner but he was reseued by the Soldiers who had him in custody being wounded The King's Forces thought they had much the better of this day but Waller kept the ground and the Enemy drew off About Chard in Somersetshire 400 Country-men came and offered their service to the Parliament The Queen sent again for a safe Conduct but General Essex did not think fit to grant it Waller by his Letters informed the Parliament that after the fight at Cropedy Bridge the King sent a Trumpeter to him with a gracious Message to which he returned answer that he had no. Commission to entertain any Message from His Majesty without permission from the Parliament to whom application was to be made in these matters The Dutch Ambassadour sent to the Parliament about some ships seised on which was referred to the Committee of both Kingdomes The tenth of all prizes were ordered to be for the Earl of Warwick towards satisfaction of his great disbursements in the Parliaments service The Forces of York sallyed out several
time upon the besiegers but were beaten back with loss they were in great want of Salt in the City but the besiegers drew off to a greater distance from the City the better to resist their Sallies and to receive Prince Rupert who was come to Craven The Portugeses had a great Victory against the Spaniards The Lords consented to the Ordinance for secluding the Members of both Houses who had deserted the Parliament The Portugal Ambassadour desired to be heard before some Ships appointed for that purpose did go to the River Amazons within his Masters dominions which was referred to a Committee The Archbishop came again to his Tryal Prince Maurice sent a party to burn Barnstable but the Town rose against them shut them out and killed about 20 of them hereof they gave notice to the Lord General who sent the Lord Roberts with a strong party to secure them The Lord Grey routed a party of the Enemy near Stamford killed 6 of them took 40 horse and as many Gentlemen and divers inferiour Officers and pursued Colonel Hastings and his forces The besiegers of Greenland-house had almost beaten the house about the Ears of the Garrison A Committee was appointed to consider of the manner of reception of the Dutch Ambassadour and of other Ambassadours Upon Prince Rupert's coming towards York the besiegers drew off from the City to be the better prepared to receive the Prince Divers Letters were intercepted going from Oxford to the Queen wherein the King acquaints her with the Parliaments purpose to present him Propositions for Peace which if She likes he thinks will be the best way for settlement as things now stand In those and other Letters there are relations of the late fight at Cropedy-bridg and of other incounters much different from the relations thereof made by the Commanders upon the place Colonel Warren taken prisoner by the Parliaments Forces in the North and now prisoner in Hull was sent for up to the Parliament in whose service he had formerly been and they committed him to the Tower Colonel Monke is said to have done good service for the Parliament against the Irish Rebels till he received a Command from the King upon which he deserted his Regiment in Ireland and served in person against the Parliament whose forces took him prisoner with Colonel Warren and he was now likewise committed to the Tower Prince Rupert having relieved the Countess of Derby who had couragiously defended Lathom-house besieged 18 weeks by Colonel Ashton Moore and Rigby and they being all drawn off The Prince marched towards York with 20000 horse and foot upon notice whereof the three Generals for the Parliament Leven Manchester and Fairfax raised their Siege from before York and drew into a large plain about 8 miles from the City called Marston Moore The Prince fetching a compass about with his Army got into York and there the Earl of Newcastle with 6 or 7000 men joyning with him they both marched unto Marston Moore and possessed themselves of the best places of Advantage for ground and wind The Right Wing of the Parliament was commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax and consisted of all his horse and three Regiments of the Scots horse the Left Wing was commanded by the Earl of Manchester and Colonel Cromwel One body of their foot was commanded by the Lord Fairfax and consisted of his foot and two brigades of the Scots foot for a reserve and the main body of the rest of the foot was commanded by General Leven The Right Wing of the Prince's Army was commanded by the Earl of Newcastle the left Wing by the Prince himself and the main body commanded by General Goring Sir Charles Lucas and Major General Porter thus were both sides drawn up into Batalia July the 3d. In this posture both Armies faced each other and about seven a Clock in the morning the fight began between them The Prince with his Left Wing fell on the Parliament's Right Wing routed them and pursued them a great way the like did General Goring Lucas and Porter upon the Parliaments main body The three Generals giving all for lost hasted out of the Field and many of their Soldiers fled and threw down their Arms the King's Forces especially Prince Rupert too eagerly following the chace the victory now almost atchieved by them was again snatched out of their hands For Colonel Cromwel with the brave Regiment of his Countrymen and Sir Thomas Fairfax having rallyed some of his horse fell upon the Prince's Right Wing where the Earl of Newcastle was and routed them and the rest of their Companions rallying they fell altogether upon the divided bodies of Rupert and Goring and totally dispersed them and obtained a compleat Victory after three hours sight From this Battel and the pursuit some reckon were buryed 7000 Englishmen all agree that above 3000 of the Prince's men were slain in the Battel besides those in the chace and 3000 prisoners taken many of their chief Officers 25 pieces of Ordnance 47 Colours 10000 Arms two Waggons of Carabins and Pistols 130 barrels of Powder and all their bag and baggage For this great Victory the Parliament ordered a day to be kept of publick thanksgiving and a Letter of thanks to be written to the three Generals who with their Armies kept a day of thanksgiving for the great success that God had given them Colonel Cromwel was much cryed up for his service in this Battel and received a slight hurt with a Pistol shot in the neck which some imagined to be by accident and want of care by some of his own men Sir Thomas Fairfax likewise performed very gallant service in this Action and both the Commanders and the Souldiers on both parts acquitted themselves like couragious Englishmen it pleased God upon this appeal to decide it for the Parliament Prince Rupert escaped narrowly by the goodness of his horse and got into York the Papers of the Earl of Newcastle were taken and among them the Commission of the Earl of Newcastle to be General and to make Knights and they were presented to the Parliament The Parliament ordered 30000 l. for Ireland A party from Oxford and Wallingford came to relieve Greenland-house whereupon the Parliament Forces then but a few before it drew off to Henly and the King's Forces brought their fellows little relief onely carryed away 29 women and some plunder and so returned and then the besiegers sate down again before it Oswestry being besieged by the King's forces under Colonel Marrowe Sir Tho. Middleton relieved it and took 200 Common Souldiers 7 Carriages 100 Horse the Lord Newport's eldest Son and divers Officers and Arms and the Lord Newport's Estate was ordered to be sold An Ordinance passed for the new Excise Sir William Waller mounted his foot the better to pursue the King's Forces and the adjacent Counties furnished him with horses Sir Ralph Hopton with about 500 men attempted Marleborough on the Fair day but
was in York Upon the defeat at Marston divers persons of Quality in discontent at that action and at passages of Prince Rupert distastfull to them quitted their charges under the King and went beyond Sea there landed of them at Hamborough the Earl of Newcastle and his two Sons General King the Lord Falconbridge the Lord Widderington the Earl of Carnwarth the Bishop of London-derry Sir Ed. Widderington Colonel Carnaby Colonel Basset Colonel Mazen Sir William Vavasour Sir Francis Mackworth and Sir Charles Cavendish and about 80 other A party from Northampton came to Banbury beat the Enemy into the Castle and took some Prisoners A party of the Irish Rebels took in Woodhouse in Devonshire near Warmestre where after the Parliament Forces had yielded up the House upon Quarter yet the Irish inhumanely abused both the Men Women and Children and afterwards hanged 14 honest wealthy men Clothiers who were fled thither for shelter Eighteen of the King 's best Ships and ten Merchantmen with some Frigots were ordered to be fitted for the Winter guard at Sea Mr. Constantine was sent up Prisoner from Poole and committed to the King 's Bench. The Widow of Captain Turpine who was executed in cold blood at Exeter petition'd for satisfaction from Sergeant Glanvill who gave judgment against him and from Meredeth and Seymour Justices of the Peace which was voted by the Parliament and a Letter Written to the General that if any of their Estates came within his power he should cause this to be done accordingly Captain Hammond sent out by Colonel Massey with a party of Horse to relieve the Countrey whom the Garrison of Berkley Castle had miserably plundered went to the Castle beat in the Enemy drove the Park rescued and restored to the Countreymen all their Cattel and killed and took divers Officers and Souldiers of the Garrison Prisoners By Letters from the Lord General the House was informed that he with his whole Army marched from Tiverton Eastward whereof Prince Maurice having notice marched after him with 4000 Horse and Foot that part of the Lord Paulet's Regiment took up their Quarters at Cheriton where part of the Lord General 's Horse fell in upon them took 60 of their Horse routed the whole Regiment killed divers of their Officers and Souldiers took store of Arms Bag and Baggage In his Letter was inclosed a Petition from the Town of Barnstable newly made a Garrison by the General that their Major might be their Governour and Colonel with power to levy money all which was granted That he intended to goe for the relief of Plymouth The King was at Evil in Somersetshire with about 5000 Horse and Foot After the business of Cherington the Lord Paulet went to Exeter where the Souldiers at his entring into the Town asking money of him he Caned some of them whereupon they pulled him off from his Horse and beat him and his life had been in danger if not rescued Waller sent a party of Horse and Dragoons into the West under Lieutenant General Middleton The Commons took great care to provide money and other necessaries for supply of their Armies in the North and of the English and Scots Forces in Ireland The Ordinance passed for the Court Martial in London for the trial of the Irish Rebels and others of greatest distast with the Parliament The Lords put the Commons in mind of the propositions for Peace and desired that the Scots Commissioners might be conferred with about them and the business hastened and the Commons appointed a day for it The Dutch Ambassadours desired respit of the sale of some ships taken for prize which was granted The Commons had debate about the sale of the Estates of some Papists in Arms and notorious Delinquents and of Bishops Deans and Chapters The Archibishop came again to his Trial and the Evidence being over he desired a day for his Counsel to plead to the matter in Law which was granted and that afterwards he himself might give his general Answer to the whole Charge The Earl of Manchester took in Tickhill Castle near Doncaster upon terms that the Officers Soldiers and Gentry there might go quietly to their own homes all the Arms Ammunition and Provisions were left to the Earl and were considerable A party of the King's Horse fell upon some Troops of the Earl of Denbigh at Evesham but the Earl's men took 120 of the Enemies Horse prisoners slew many in the place and lost but two or three men A party of the King's Garrison at Donnington Castle came from thence to Newbury on the Lord's day with design to seize upon some of the chief men of the Town but a party of Sir William Waller's men rescued them and beat the Enemy back to the Castle and took about 20 of them prisoners Aug. 1644. The Lord Henry Piercy's Regiment marching with the King Westward quartered at Collyton and a party of them came in the Evening and faced Lyme which Garrison to requite their visit sent out a party of about 120 Horse that night under Captain Pyne Herle and Bragge who beat up their Quarters took about 120 of their Horse 55 Prisoners divers Officers 100 Arms and good pillage After which a like party marched from Lyme to Chard the King being newly gone with his main Body out of the Town there they took eleven brave Horses with rich Saddles supposed to be the king's own Saddle horses and divers Prisoners General Essex marched into Cornwal the Enemy removing before him most of the Garrisons near Plymouth and on the borders of Devon and Cornwal were quitted by the Enemy Mount Stamford with four pieces of Ordnance was regained Plimpton with eight pieces of Ordnance Salt Ash and a great Fort with some great Guns and many Arms Launceston and other small Garrisons yielded to the General At Newbridge was a hot encounter betwixt a party of the General 's and Sir Richard Greenvile disputing the passe into Cornwal but the General took the Bridge with the losse of about 40 of his men slain and of the Enemy about 200 killed and taken The General from thence went to Greenvile's House where the Garrison desired a parley but the General 's Souldiers had not patience to treat but stormed it all within had quarter except the Irish Rebels There was taken in the house two pieces of Canon 150 Prisoners many Arms great pillage for the Souldiers Money and Plate to the value of 3000 l. and great quantities of provisions At Launceston the Shire-town the Countrey came in many of them to the General and he had 2500 of the Plymouth Forces that joyned with him The King came to Exeter and there joyned with some Forces of P. Maurice and of Hopton The Propositions for Peace were taken into Debate by the House and divers of them voted the proceedings in them were the more slow because of the Scots concurrence to be required in every one of them Sir Philip Stapleton
this is more than an imposing by the Magistrate it is the precept of God and they are in a sad condition both Magistrates and People who are not under this Government But it is objected that no form of Government it Jure Divino in this or that particular but in the general onely Let all things be done decently and in order A Government is Jure Divino but whether this or that Government whether Presbytery Episcopacy Independency or any other Form of Government be Jure Divino or not whether there be a Prescript Rule or express Command of the Holy Scripture for any of these particulars will not be admitted by many men as a clear thing It may be therefore not unworthy your Consideration whether to give occasion for these Disputes or not if you shall think fit at this time to forbear to declare your Judgments in this Point the truth nevertheless will continue the same and not wronged thereby If this Government be not Jure Divino no opinion of any Council can make it to be what it is not and if it be Jure Divino it continues so still although you do not declare it to be so I therefore humbly submit it Sir to your grave Judgments whether it be not better at this time when Disputes upon such Subjects as these are too apt to be raised to avoid giving occasion for them which will but retard that Settlement of Government that is desired and high time it were done And that you may be pleased to present your Judgments to the Parliament that the Government of the Church by Presbyteries is most agreeable to the word of God and most fit to be settled in this Kingdom or in what other expressions you may much better know than I it is fit to Cloath your Questions and I hope you may soon have a desired Issue The Ordinance passed for a Council of War to be held for punishment of Delinquents and Articles annexed to it and it was ordered to be proclaimed in London and in all Counties Goring Langdale and Mackworth appeared on the borders of Scotland with 4000 Horse and 4000 Foot which caused the Parliament there to send 5000 Men to the borders and to take care of their defence Divers of the propositions for a Peace were passed and the House sent to the City that if they desired to have any thing inserted in the Propositions they would be willing to receive it which was kindly taken by the City Macquere and Mac Mahon with a Steel-saw cut asunder the door of their Chamber swam over the Tower-ditch and escaped away the Parliament ordered 100 l. to any that should bring either of them alive or dead They ordered Waller to march into the West and past a new Ordinance for the Excise General Leven came also before Newcastle he and Calender got possession of the Bridge and most of the inhabitants of the lower Town fled to the high Town for shelter Leven summoned 3000 Countreymen to come in with Spades Mattocks c. The Earl of Warwick wrote that he had sent provisions by Sea for the Lord General 's Army The Lord Mayor and Aldermen presented their desires to the Parliament to be inserted in the propositions for Peace The Besiegers made a breach in Basing-house and took some Prisoners of the Garrison The Earl of Manchester had Bozer-house surrendred to him upon Articles An association was past for Wilts Dorset Somerset Devon and Cornwal and the Earls of Northumberland Pembroke and Salisbury Lord Roberts Lord Bruce and the Knights and Burgesses serving for those Counties had power any eight of them to appoint Colonels and other Officers and to raise moneys c. The Commons ordered some prizes unduly taken to be restored to the owners A party of Prince Rupert's forces were fallen upon by some of the Lancaster forces and of the Earl-of Manchester who slew 30 and took 100 of the Prince's men prisoners Middleton encountred a party of the King's forces in Somersetshire took about 200 Horse one Colonel divers inferiour Officers and 38 common Souldiers he wrote also that the King's Army was in such want of provisions that a peny loaf was there sold for six pence The General 's Army and the King 's often faced one another the General 's men took a Captain and some inferiour Officers and 48 common Souldiers of Sir Richard Greenvile's own Troop It was certified by Letters that Sir Francis Doddington meeting an honest Minister upon the way near Taunton asked him who art thou for Priest who answered for God and his Gospel whereupon Doddington shot the Minister to death The Parliament ordered Commissions of Oyer and Terminer to be executed and appointed Mr. Hoyle one of their Members to be Lord Mayor of York till the next day of election The Committee of Sussex complained against Colonel Apsley one of them The Lord Ogle and Colonel Huddleston fell upon Colonel Doddington near Lathom-house and worsted him till Colonel Shuttleworth came in to Doddington's assistance with some of the Parliaments forces and took 50 Horse 40 Prisoners and routed the rest among the Prisoners was the Lord Ogle Colonel Huddleston and other Officers Brereton and Middleton faced Chester out of which Garrison Colonel Marrow issued and fell upon them but was slain in the fight and divers of his men killed and taken The next morning Prince Rupert drew forth two of his best Regiments of Horse and a party of Foot fell upon Brereton and Middleton but they were beaten back to Chester many of his men killed and taken and in both these fights they certifie that 400 of the Enemy were killed and taken Middleton took thirty horse of one of the King's Convoys near Bristol The Commons took order touching the trade of Fishing at Yarmouth and a payment to be made by Fishers Six Troups of the Protestants in Ireland routed fifteen Troups of the Rebels and had many miraculous successes against them the Parliament took care for supply of them The Rebels in Vlster with an Army of 22000 intended to have massacred all the English and Scots there but the Lord Monroe with 14000 Protestants fought with them wholly dispersed and killed and took many thousands of them and Cattel and other Provision for a month which the Rebels left behind them and whereof the Protestants then were in great want The Commissioners of the Court-martial met and had a List of all the Prisoners which they transmitted to the House for their direction Colonel Sands besieged Pomfret Castle and took of the Garrison forty Horse and many Cattel Letters from the General certifie that Aug. 21. the King's Army drew up near to the General in Battalia who sent out a forlorn hope and a party of horse and foot to second them the forlorn fired and retreated to the reserve and they also charged the Enemy killed many and forced the rest to retreat and the Lord General kept the Field that night
brought to the Parliament declaring his Affections for Peace and concluding that God had given him a late Victory and therefore he desires them to consider of his long rejected Message from Evesham which was for peace but not till this time brought to the Parliament The Parliament appointed a day to take this into consideration and ordered all Officers and Souldiers to repair to their Colours on pain to be proceeded against by the Commissioners for Martial Law Mr. Hoyle was put into Sir Peter Osborn's Office and Mr. Salway into Sir Thomas Fanshaw's place in the Exchequer and several Judges went into the Counties which were quiet to keep Assizes and to execute the Commissions of Oyer and Terminer Colonel Cromwell was sent with two thousand horse to meet Prince Rupert coming to relieve Bandury but Colonel Massey had before prevented the Prince's coming The Irish Rebels that landed in Scotland were beaten into the Mountains by the Earl of Argyle and L. Gourdon Upon debate of the King's Letter it was held not to be a sufficient acknowledgment of the Parliament and therefore laid by Yet the House went on to compleat the Propositions for Peace and a day was appointed for the bringing in the Names of such Delinquents as should be excepted from pardon Divers Ministers of London presented a Petition to the Parliament for dispatch of the Directory of Worship and settling of pure Discipline and Government according to the word of God and complained of the Schisms in the Church The Petitioners had thanks from the House and the Committee of Lords and Commons appointed to confer with the Assembly to endeavour to reconcile some Differences among them and to find out a way how tender Consciences may be born withall so far as may stand with the peace of the Kingdom and the word of God The Assembly named 23 Ministers to give Ordination who were passed The Commons considered of the Propositions for peace the L. Macquire and Macmahon who escaped out of the Tower were again apprehended by the Lieutenant of the Tower and Sir John Clotworthy and upon a Report from a Committee of Lawyers it was ordered That they should be tried by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer and not by Martial Law The French Agent lay at the same house where Macquire and Macmahon were taken and had a chief hand in their escape and opposed the Officers searching in that house for papers c. because he lodged there But a Committee of both Houses were appointed to search there and did so notwithstanding the Agent 's pretences A Committee of Lawyers was appointed to meet daily about the Tryal of the Archbishop till the same should be dispatcht The Parliament ordered all the Forces of the Earl of Manchester and of Sir William Waller to joyn together and advance into the West The Ordinance passed for the Militia in Worcestershire About eighty of the Leicester horse in convoy of some Carriers were set upon by 120 of Colonel Hastings his men but the 80 routed and dispersed the 120 killed 8 and took 60 of them prisoners and store of Arms. By Letters from Sir Thomas Middleton it was certified That he having taken Mountgomery Castle was forced to retreat upon the coming of the King's Forces thither who again besieged the Castle with five thousand men and Middleton being joyned with Brereton Sir John Meldrum and Sir William Fairfax in all about three thousand they marched to relieve the Castle and were fought with by the Enemy who came up gallantly a good while to push of Pike and worsted the Parliament Horse Which so encouraged the King's Forces that they shouted and cryed The Day is ours the Day is ours at which the Parliament Forces were so enraged that they came on again with a fresh Charge and wholly routed and put them to flight took prisoners Major General Broughton Colonel Sir Thomas Tilsley Lieutenant Colonel Bludwell Major Williams nine Captains many inferiour Officers and fifteen hundred common Souldiers Of the King's part were slain about three hundred and about five hundred wounded Of the Parliament part were slain Sir William Fairfax with eleven wounds and Major Fitz Symons and about forty common Souldiers and about sixty wounded the Lord Byron who commanded the King's Forces hardly escaped by the goodness of his horse Upon Letters from my Lord Roberts both Houses took care for Supplies for Plymouth and their other Western Garrisons The King came to Exeter and gave order to remove all superfluous persons forth of the Town and for the Country to bring in thither all their provisions About forty prisoners of quality were brought from Plymouth to London and committed to Lambeth-house After the Siege was raised before Plymouth and the King gone to Exeter yet the Cornish-men continued near the Town to stop provisions coming to them by Land but were driven away again Many of the prisoners taken at Mountgomery being willing to take the Covenant and to serve against the Rebels in Ireland the Parliament to avoid the inconvenience of many prisoners consented thereunto and gave order for their transportation The Commons came near to a conclusion of their Debate touching the Propositions for peace Orders were sent to the Earl of Manchester and Sir William Waller to advance together with all expedition to prevent the King's return back to Oxford and took care for Supplies for them and for the Lord General The Parliament sent thanks to Sir Thomas Middleton Sir William Brereton and Sir John Meldrum for their good service at Mountgomery and which was more acceptable took order for Supplies for them the Lord Cherbury and Sir John Price came in to the Parliament Massey fell upon a party of the King 's between Bristoll and Monmouth took their Commander in chief and ten others and a hundred and sixty common Souldiers two hundred Arms and two pieces of Ordnance The King's Forces besieged Barnstable which rendred to them upon conditions which they afterwards broke pillaged the Parliament's Souldiers plundred the Town executed the Major and imprisoned many of the Inhabitants Colonel Ludlow took eighty of the King's Commissioners of Array in Somersetshire and Captain Savile took twenty of Prince Rupert's men prisoners Sir Thomas Fairfax recovered of his Wound and Sir H. Cholmly offered to surrender Scarborough Castle to the Parliament but now upon the news of the King's Victory in the West he revictuals it again and is again wholly for the King whereupon the Lord Fairfax sent Sir William Constable with a strong party to besiege the Castle Colonel Ware revolted from the Lord General in the West to the King and another Colonel quitted his Post and the Matters of that nature were referred to a Committee to be examined A Day was set apart by the Commons for receiving private Petitions At Basing-house the Besiegers took an Outwork a Captain and twenty eight Souldiers who defended it At Banbury they made a Breach and some of the
provide Contribution for him for this he and his Troop were sent for up to the Parliament Four Chirurgeons of the Army were referred to be tryed by a Council of War for being absent at the late fight The Archbishop was ordered to attend the House of Commons to hear the Evidence against him repeated and to answer to it the Commons resolving to proceed against him by Bill of Attainder because they perceived the Lords not forward to give Judgment for Treason against him A hundred pound was given to Colonel Berkley newly come to Lond. sore wounded in the late fight The Archbishop was brought to the Bar of the House of Commons where Mr. Samuel Brown one that managed the Evidence before against him did now repeat it and took up three hours time the Archbishop had a weeks time given him to answer there Letters from Colonel Charles Fleetwood informed more particularly of the late defeat given to the Newark Forces near Belvoir By desire from the Scots Commissioners both Houses sent to the Assembly of Divines to bring in the Particulars of what they had finished for the Government of the Church that it may be approved and confirmed by the Parliament and to hasten the dispatch of what further they have in determination concerning the same Letters from Sir William Brereton and Sir John Meldrum certified That fifty of the English Souldiers of the Garrison of Leverpoole came out of the Town and submitted to Sir John Meldrum after which the Irish Souldiers in the Garrison knowing that if the Town were taken they should have no quarter they conspired together seized upon all their Commanders and rendred the Town to Sir John Meldrum submitting to his mercy for their lives Sir John gave them all their lives and sent them over into Ireland there were taken in the Town two Colonels two Lieutenant-Colonels three Majors fourteen Captains besides inferiour Officers and common Souldiers Ordnance Arms and Ammunition in great quantity Many of the Townsmen had shipped their best Goods to be conveyed away but Sir John Meldrum by Long-boats seized on them Letters from Newcastle certified That Tinmouth Castle was surrendred upon conditions and in it 38 pieces of Ordnance and store of Arms and Ammunition and Provisions the Souldiers were to march with their particular Baggage and to be quiet in their own Dwellings submitting to all Ordinances of Parliament The King and Prince Rupert with about 2000 horse and foot marched to Cirencester the Lord Gerrard was expected to come to him with 1500 out of Wales the rest of his Forces were about Woodstock the Parliaments Army marched after them to Abington Upon the day of publick Thanksgiving as the Lord Mayor came home from St. Pauls in Cheapside divers Popish Books Pictures Beads and Crucifixes were burnt where the Cross stood Letters of Direction were sent from the Parliament to their Armies for their motion after the Enemy A Petition of Lincolnshire complained of Grievances and another from Leicestershire desired that the Lord Grey might be sent down to them being their Commander in chief Letters from Captain Hacker inform That at the Defeat of the Newark Forces the number of horse taken were about 800. That Sir John Girlington was drowned and divers others of quality with him besides common Souldiers in their confused flight over a Mill-dam That forty Commanders and Officers and near 400 common Souldiers were taken prisoners and but one man slain of the Parliaments They blocked up Belvoir Castle put a Garrison into Grantham and continued close Siege to Crowland and Newark A party from Leicester faced Ashby and drove away many of their Cattel and two days after 10 or 12 horse from Ashby came to a Gentleman's house where some of the Lord Grey's Commanders were making merry and took them away prisoners Colonel Ludlowe with a party of horse joyned with the Besiegers of Basing The Members for each County were ordered to name three in every County and the Parliament would choose one of the three to be high Sheriff Both Houses agreed in all matters touching the Propositions for peace and referred it to the Committee of both Kingdoms to consider of the manner of sending them to the King An Ordinance passed for the better securing of the Isle of Wight The King and Prince Rupert were at Oxford and had a Rendezvous in Cuddington Moor of about 11000 horse and foot care was taken to prevent their breaking into the associated Counties of Norfolk c. Four Members of the House of Commons viz. Mr. Pierpoint Mr. Hollis Mr. Whitelocke and the L. Wenman were named as a Committee to joyn with two of the House of Lords and a Committee of the Scots Commissioners to carry the Propositions for Peace to his Majesty and the Committee of both Kingdoms were ordered to send to the King for a safe Conduct for them The King's Souldiers begging as if they had been wounded in the Parliaments Service were prohibited and order taken for allowance to all the wounded Souldiers of the Parliament The Defaults in the duty of the Officers and Souldiers of Colonel Fiennes his Regiment and other Officers before Banbury referred to be examined by a Committee The Assembly of Divines as soon as the House of Commons were sate and before they were full came to the House and presented them with the Assemblie's Advice and Opinion for the Presbyterian Government to be settled and an expression was in their Advice That the Presbyterian Government was jure divino Glyn and Whitelocke were then in the House and few others but those who concurred in judgment with the Assembly and had notice to be there early thinking to pass this business before the House should be full Glyn stood up and spake an hour to the point of jus divinum and the Presbyterian Government in which time the House filled apace and then Whitelocke spake to the same Points inlarging his discourse to a much longer time than ordinary and purposely that the House might be full as it was before he had made an end And then upon the question it was carried to lay aside the point of jus divinum and herein Glyn and Whitelocke had thanks from divers for preventing the surprisal of the House upon this great question An Ordinance passed for the due payment of Tithes The Propositions for Peace being fully agreed unto a Letter was ordered forthwith to be sent to the General of the King's Army for a safe conduct for the Lords and Commons and Scots Commissioners that are to go with them to the King The Commons took order concerning the Trade of Coals from Newcastle and the Government of that Town Colonel Vrrey because of his former inconstancy was denied to be again received into the Parliaments Service but permitted to go beyond-sea The City of London petitioned That care might be taken of the Garrison of Windsor being a place of so
of it to which His Majesty replied What is that to you who are but to carry what I send and if I will send the Song of Robin Hood and Little John you must carry it to which the Commissioners onely said that the business about which they came and were to return with His Majestie 's Answer was of somewhat more consequence than that Song And other passages there were which shewed the King to be then in no good humour and were wondred at in a business especially of this Importance and where the disobliging the Commissioners could be of no advantage to the King but all was endeavoured to be made up again by some of the King's Lords before the Commissioners came away and a Copy of the Answer was sent them Another exception they took to the Paper of the Answer that it was not directed to any body nor the Parliament so much as acknowledged or named in it to which the King answered that it was delivered to the Parliaments Commissioner's which was sufficient and some of his Lords told them that they could not get it otherwise chiefly because they were there as Commissioners of both Kingdoms and earnestly intreated the Commissioners for peace sake to receive it as it them was sent to them Upon Debate thereof among the Commissioners and it being considered that they must take it upon themselves to break off the Treaty for Peace in case they refused this Paper and that it was more proper for them to leave it to the Judgment of their Masters they did receive the Answer as it was sent to them Nov. 29. They returned to the Parliament and the next day at a Conference of both Houses His Majestie 's Answer was read in the preamble whereof were high expressions of his desires of Peace and he demanded a Safe Conduct for the Duke of Lenox and the Earl of Southampton to come with his Answer to the Propositions The Exceptions to this Paper of the King 's were much debated but at length out of the earnest desire of Peace it was carried to lay aside those objections And the House ordered that upon consideration of the faithfull service done by the Committee that went to His Majesty and their discreet carriage of the business the thanks of the House should be returned to them for the same and every one of them severally in their order stood up in their places and the Speaker solemnly pronounced the Thanks of the House to them December 1644. The Commons agreed upon several Gentlemen to be High Sheriffs and those who refused or to act as Justices of Peace should be sent for as Delinquents The Earl of Manchester made a long Report touching the business of Donnington Castle and in excuse of the Parliaments forces in that Action Abuses were examined of the Gentleman whom some called Prince Grissith Sir J. Hotham was Tried by the Court Marshal 1. For betraying his Trust and adhering to the Enemy proved by his Words Letters and Actions his compliance with the Lord Digby the Marquess of Newcastle and others of that party 2. His refusal to supply the Lord Fairfax with Ammunition to the great prejudice of the Parliament 3. His Scandalous Words against the Parliament 4. His endeavour to betray Hull to the Enemy 5. His Correspondence with the Queen and his seeking to escape Thirty Witnesses were examined against him and divers for him in his Defence The Parliament directed a Letter to be sent from the Lord General to Prince Rupert to this effect That if His Majesty shall send to the Parliament of England assembled at Westminster and to the Commissioners of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland they would with all readiness grant a Safe Conduct for the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of South-hampton to come from the King with an Answer to the Propositions for Peace and treat with them according to His Majestie 's desire Several Ordinances passed for raising of Moneys Abington being in some distress Major General Craford with a party of the Parliaments forces relieved the Garrison plentifully and brought thither 1000 Sheep which he drove away from under the Walls of Wallingford and none of the Enemy appeared against him Sir Lewis Dives being at Dorchester with about 300 Horse and Dragoons sent a party to face Lyme and at their return Major Sydenham of Pool with about 60 Horse fell upon them in Dorchester charged them through and through wounded Dives slew many and took divers Prisoners As Sydenham faced about he saw Major Williams who had formerly killed the Mother of Sydenham in the Head of the King's Troups coming to charge him whereupon Sydenham bid his men stand close to him for he would avenge his Mother's blood on Williams or die on the place and then so violently made his way that he came up to Williams and slew him put all his men to flight and drove them through the Town and so returned to Poole Carlisle Garrison was reported to be in such want that they eat their Horses they were so closely besieged by the Parliaments forces Captain Hains escaped from imprisonment by the Enemy Colonel Cromwell being made Lieutenant General of the Earl of Manchester's Army gave great satisfaction to the Commons touching the business of Donnington Castle and seemed but cautiously enough to lay more blame on the Officers of the Lord General 's Army than upon any other And the point of privilege was debated touching the Lords transmitting of a Charge from them before it was brought up to them This reflected upon Lieutenant General Cromwel of whom the Lord General now began to have some jealousies and was advised to put to his strength to rid Cromwel out of the way and the means to be used to effect this was supposed to be by the Scots Commissioners who were not well pleased with Cromwel upon some words which he had spoken as they apprehended derogatory to the honour of their Nation One Evening very late Maynard and Whitelocke were sent for by the Lord General to Essex House and there was no excuse to be admitted nor did they know beforehand the occasion of their being sent for when they came to Essex House they were brought to the Lord General and with him were the Scots Commissioners Mr. Hollis Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Jo. Meyrick and divers others of his special Friends After Complements and that all were set down in Council the Lord General spake to them to this effect L. Gen. Mr. Maynard and Mr. Whitelocke I sent for you upon a special occasion to have your Advice and Counsel and that in a matter of very great importance concerning both Kingdoms in which my Lords the Commissioners of Scotland are concerned for their State and we for ours and they as well as we knowing your abilities and integrity are very desirous of your counsel in this great business Maynard We are come to obey your Excellencie's Commands
comprehend the Lord General with the rest and without naming of him which for shame and ingratitude they could not think fit to be done Some of them confest that this was their design and it was apparent in it self and the reason of their doing this was to make way for others and because they were jealous that the Lord General was too much a favourer of peace a good fault in a General of an Army and that he would be too strong a supporter of Monarchy and of Nobility and other old Constitutions which they had a mind to alter such is the ingratitude of people and the incertainty of their Favour no confidence can be placed therein for this gallant mans sake who was a most faithful Servant to the publick and performed so many brave services for them to the utmost hazards of his own life honour and fortune and for all this had no other recompence but an unhandsome affront by a side Wind and cunning contrivance of his Enemies to remove him from his Commands so gallantly and succesfully executed by him A safe Conduct was assented to for the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Southampton and the Committee of both Kingdoms ordered to get the Concurrence of the Scots Commissioners and to send it with expedition to the King Major Duett with a party of Colonel Ludlow's Regiment fell upon a party of the King's horse near Salisbury took Colonel Cooke Lieutenant Colonel Hooker divers inferiour Officers 40 Souldiers 160 Horse and Arms and killed about 20 of them Sir John Hotham's Son Captain Hotham was tryed before the Court Marshal for betraying a Regiment of Horse of the Parliaments to the Enemy and for treachery and betraying his trust in divers particulars proved against him by his own words letters and actions and many witnesses produced to make good the Charge The States Ambassadors were received with great State and Honour by both Houses who thanked them for their offer of a Mediation of peace and desired the Continuance of Amity and Friendship with the High and Mighty Lords the States but in regard propositions for peace were now on foot between His Majesty and His Parliament and the Scots Commissioners nothing otherwise could be now done therein The Ambassadors replyed in French that they would return what they had received to their Lords and they desired a further answer to their propositions touching Free Trade When they were gon out of the House the Speaker desired that some of the Members who understood the French Tongue better than he might interpret to the House the essect of the Ambassadors Speech in French which usually was done by Mr. Hollis and he being now absent Whitelocke was called up to doe it and thereupon the House named a Committee to consider of their Propositions for a Free Trade to the Ports of the Enemy An Ordinance past for satisfaction to Waggoners who lost their Carriages in the late Fights The Earl of Northampton with 3000 horse much infested part of Bucks and Oxfordshire order was taken for money to pay the forces of those Counties to resist him Somerset-house was ordered to be prepared for the King's Commissioners and voted that no Member of either house should visit or speak with or send or receive any Message to or from those that should come from Oxford unless they had leave for it Liberty was given to any Members that would to go visit Sir John Hotham before his death The Self-denying Ordinance was read and a day of publick Fast Ordered Crowland was surrendred to the Parliaments Forces on Conditions the Officers to march away with Swords and Pistols the foot to leave behind them their Arms Ordnance and Ammunition The Petition of divers Londoners was read commending the Vote for the Self-denying Ordinance and they again had the thanks of the House Colonel Massey fell upon a party of the King 's at Sodbury near Bristol took 120 Horse 100 Arms 50 Prisoners and 12 Officers Captain Hotham made his defence before the Court Marshal and justified Treaties with the Enemy as a Commander for the service of the Parliament other charges he denyed and excepted against some Witnesses The Commons Ordered that none but Members of the House should come to the Church where they kept the Fast The Lords reprieved Sir John Hotham for a few days till he had better setled his Estate Both Houses kept the Fast in Lincolns-Inn Chapel and none were to be present there but the Members onely and some said that the Preachers desired it might be so that they might speak the more freely to them especially upon the point of the Self-denying Ordinance Both Houses agreed to receive the Lords that were come from the King in the Painted Chamber by a Committee of 14 Lords and 28 Commoners and they desired from the Lords a list of their retinue to the end no affront might be offered to them Here of they had not cause to complain as the Parliaments Commissioners had at Oxford for these Lords and all their attendance were civily treated by all sort of persons and this Order for the list was the rather made to discover such as came to Town with the Lords under pretence of being of their retinue when they were not but came to do ill offices to the Parliament Sir Symonds D'ewes had an order to present a Minister to a Living in his gift Order was taken for raising of monies for the English and Scots Armies in the North for certain Months Mr. Roger L'Estrange was apprehended for a designe to betray Lynne in Norfolke to the King and for that end had a Treaty with Captain Lemmon Lieutenant Governour there who shewed a Complyance with L'Estrange but acquainted Colonel Walton the Governour with all the passages whereupon L'Estrange was seized upon and with him was found a Commission from the King Authorizing him for this service and engaging That if the Town were gained That L'Estrange should be Governour of it and have great preferment and what Rewards he should promise for effecting it not exceeding 80001. should be paid and divers other fair promises made and this was noted to be when the Treaty for peace was on foot The like design was for betraying St. Nicholas Island by Plymouth but prevented by the Lord Roberts the Governour the like was for the betraying Stafford prevented by Sir William Brereton the like design was for betraying of Reading discovered by the apprehending of a Spy who having lighted Matches put to his fingers confessed all and Alderman Harryson and his Complotters were seized upon The Self-denying Ordinance passed the House of Commons without excepting any Member The Committee of Lords and Commons received the King's Answer to the Propositions for peace wherein the Parliament and the Commissioners of Scotland were acknowledged and the King desired That in regard of the great Alteration in Government both of Church and State imported in the Propositions That the
the Parliament to be sixteen and as many for the King The Propositions touching Religion the Militia and Ireland to be first treated on and twenty Days allotted for them that his Majestie 's Propositions be received by the Parliaments Commissioners at Vxbridge and transmitted to the Parliament The Commons proceeded to the Directory for the Government of the Church and voted upon a long Debate That to have a Presbytery in the Church is according to the word of God The Commons sent to the Lords for their concurrence to a Warrant for the Execution of the Archbishop according to the Ordinance for his Attainder to which the Lords agreed and a Warrant issued to the Lieutenant of the Tower to deliver the Prisoner to the Sheriffs of London to see Execution done accordingly The Parliaments forces that relieved Taunton in their Retreat fell upon the Enemies Quarters and took many horse and divers prisoners Colonel Ludlow's Regiment thinking themselves secure in their Quarters at Salisbury about 200 of them were surprised the Colonel and the rest brake through and got to Southampton and took Colonel Fielding and some others Prisoners The Scots forces got the Town of Carlisle and the King's forces in the Castle sent to Treat The Lord Fairfax possessed Pomfret Town and close blocked up the Castle and Scarborough Skipton and Sandal Castles were blocked up by the Parliaments forces Ordinances passed for payment of 6000 l. lent by the Commissioners of Excise and 10000 l. lent by Mr. Estwick The Lords at a Conference gave Reasons to the Commons against passing the Self-denying Ordinance wherein they affirmed the honour of Peerage to be so much concerned and the Commons ordered a Committee to draw up Reasons in Answer to those delivered by the Lords The Lords acquainted the Commons with a Petition from the Archbishop and a Pardon granted to him by the King under the Great Seal two years since but it was denied by both Houses being granted before conviction and if it had been after yet in this case of Treason against the Kingdom they said it could not be available His Petition was That in case he must die that he might be Beheaded not Hanged and that three of his Chaplains Dr. Heyward Dr. Martin and Dr. Stern might be with him before and at his death for his Souls Comfort The Commons denied both onely allowed Dr. Stern with Mr. Marshal and Mr. Palmer to be with him The Sheriffs of London attended in person to know the manner of the execution of the Archbishop for which they were referred to the warrant of both Houses that he should be hanged drawn and quartered Divers of the Lord General 's Officers of Foot petitioned the Commons and very modestly for the better discipline of the Army for which the House gave them thanks but this was looked upon by some as an ill precedent for Officers of the Army to petition the Parliament and it proved so afterwards The Commons being informed that a party of about 5000 horse and foot of the King 's were near Peterfield and had taken Christ-church and were drawing towards Surrey to disturb that association they sent some of their Members to the Lord General and to the Earl of Manchester to give an account why their forces lay quartered on their Friends near London and did not remove nearer to the Enemy according to former directions At this time the Earl of Manchester was under a kind of accusation and the Lord General in discontent Sir William Waller not much otherwise the forces not carefully ordered and the Parliaments business but in an unsettled condition so that it was high time for some other course to be taken by them The Commons appointed an Ordinance to be brought in for the ease of free quarter The Lords sent another Petition from the Arch-bishop to the Commons that he might not be hanged but beheaded and the Lords gave their reasons why they had assented to it and after some debate the Commons agreed to it also Order was made for provision for some of the Assembly of Divines who had lost their means by the Enemy Colonel Holborn with the forces under him that relieved Taunton took about 200 of the King's horse near Bridgewater Provisions were ordered to be sent by Mr. Davies for Ireland The Commons agreed with the Lords in an Ordinance for the Lady Wilmot who professed much affection to the Parliament and agreed for pardon of some condemned Prisoners in Newgate The Commons offered their reasons to the Lords for passing the Self-denying Ordinance and shewing the breach of privilege in sending to the Commons their Lordships reasons without the Ordinance The Commons gave order to the Commissioners of the Great Seal to issue out the Patents for new Sheriffs The Commons debated the model of the new Militia and it was propounded that the Army should be 21000 horse and foot Jan. 10. The Archbishop was brought to the Scaffold on Tower Hill and made a Speech to the people as he called it his last Sermon in which he endeavoured to excuse the Matters charged against him and professed himself of the Religion of the Church of England as it stands established by Law then he prayed to God to bless the Parliament to direct them that they may not fall under any misgovernment He concluded thus I forgive all the world all and every one bitter enemies or others whatsoever they have been which have any ways prosecuted me in this case and I humble desire to be forgiven first of God then of man whether I have offended them or they think I have Lord forgive them and now I desire you to joyn with me in Prayer Then he made a short Prayer audibly kneeling at the Rail after that putting off his Cloaths Coat and Doublet he kneeled to the Block and upon a sign given the Executioner took off his Head at one blow The Lord General and Earl of Manchester returned answer to the Parliament concerning the removal of the Army nearer to the Enemy The Commons desired the Lords to use expedition in passing the Self-denying Ordinance for that the Kingdom suffered much for want of passing it They permitted a Certificate to be made of the Judgment in the King's Bench against the Duke D'Espernon They debated about the new Model of the Army The Lords delivered to the Commons further Reasons against the passing of the Self-denying Ordinance but the Commons ordered that their whole House should go up with a Message to the House of Peers for the speedy passing of it and they acquainted the Lords with their Order to exclude all private business for eight days longer Captain Swanley took a Ship and in her the Commissioners sent from Ireland to treat with the King about a further Cessation with the King's Commission under the Great Seal and instructions about concluding a Peace with the Rebels of Ireland The whole House of Commons went
up to the Lords with a Message to importune them to pass the Self-denying Ordinance the Lords returned answer that they would speedily take the same into consideration which they did but rejected the Ordinance and here first began to increase the great difference between the two Houses of Parliament which swelled to so great a height as you will see afterwards The Commons proceeded about the Model of the Army and resolved that it should be 21000 Horse and Foot 6000 Horse 1000 Dragoons and 14000 Foot the 6000 Horse to be divided into ten Regiments the Dragoons into single Companies and every Regiment of Foot to consist of 1200 Men and ten Companies in a Regiment the whole charge of this Army to be 44955 l. by the Month to be raised by a proportionable Assessement The Lords sent to the Commons the names of their Commissioners the Earls of Northumberland Pembroke Salisbury and Denbigh and that a Letter be sent to the King for a Safe Conduct for all the Commissioners for the Treaty of Peace but the Commons did not now name their Commissioners because of the rejecting of the Self-denying Ordinance They also sent to the Commons to come to some resolution concerning the business of Dunnington Castle The King's forces under General Goring went off from near Portsmouth and upon their remove Colonel Jephson the Governour visited their quarters and took some Prisoners Colonel Mitton from Oswestree fell upon three Troups of Sir Jo. Byron took two Captains other Officers nineteen Troupers and Arms. The Commons named their Commissioners for the Treaty Mr. Pierpoint Mr. Hollis L. Wenman Sir Henry Vane Junior Mr. St. John Mr. Whitelocke Mr. Crew Mr. Prideaux and they agreed that the number of the Attendants of the Parliaments Commissioners should be eighty The Commons voted a Commission for the Lord Inchequin to be President of Munster and sent it to the Lords for their Concurrence and a warrant to the Commissioners of the Great Seal to pass the said Commission The Commons passed another Vote That many Congregations may be under one Presbyterian Government in order to the Directory for government of the Church The Lords agreed to the Ordinance for regulation of Free Quarter with a Clause added to exempt themselves and their Attendants and the Members of the House of Commons from billeting Souldiers which the Commons would not agree unto they desiring to be in no other condition than their Fellow Subjects were Letters from Major General Brown certified that three days before P. Rupert P. Maurice Colonel Sir Henry Gage Governour of Oxford and others with a party of about 1000 Horse and 800 Foot came against Abington on Cullam side intending to storm the Town and gained the Bridge before notice was given and were about to pull the same down To prevent which the Cawsey to the Bridge being very long and narrow Brown was compelled to send some of his men into the Meadow where was much water notwithstanding with much chearfulness they marched through the water And after a hot dispute which lasted near four hours they beat the Enemy from the Bridge who betaking themselves to the Hedges Brown's men with wondrous courage beat them from the Hedges and afterwards quite out of the Field A party of his horse at the same time when a party of the King 's fell on them in their Quarters slew wounded and took almost all of them in which service Major Bradbury was slain upon the Bridge and about eight of Brown's Souldiers and some wounded Of the King's party were â—lain Sir Henry Gage and the Major of the Prince's Regiment with many others of note and they carried away a Cart-load of dead men besides those carried away on Horseback The Commons ordered thanks to be sent to Major General Brown for his good service and 2000 l. to pay his Souldiers Letters from Captain Swanley informed that Major General Laughern took the Town of Cardigan in Wales upon surrender but the Castle holding out obstinately he made a breach with his great Ordnance and in three days took it by storm and in it 200 Officers and Souldiers with their Arms and much Plunder The States Ambassadours desired to take their leaves and a Pass to goe to the King to take leave of him they prayed likewise an Answer to their Propositions touching Shipping and Free Trade which was referred to the Committee of both Houses for this business The Lords concurred in the Letter and Money for Abington The Lords sent down the names of the Attendants of the four Lords Commissioners for the Treaty desiring the Commons to doe the like for their Members and they ordered them to bring in a List the next day The Commons proceeded in the Directory for Church Government and voted Pastors Doctors Teachers Elders and Deacons to be the Officers of the Church Sir Richard Greenvile made a gallant assault upon Plymouth and possessed two or three of the Out-works and turned the Ordnance against the Town but the Garrison with great resolution beat them out again and slew many of them The Commons ordered Sir William Waller for the present to command in chief in the West with a party of 6000 Horse A Ship of Scarborough driven by storm into Hartlepoole was there seized on by the Parliaments forces and in her two Brass and four Iron Pieces of Ordnance with store of Arms. Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Forbes standing together near Pomfret Castle a Cannon Bullet from thence came betwixt them and the wind of it beat them both to the ground and put out one of Colonel Forbes his Eyes and spoiled that side of his Face and yet no other hurt to Sir Thomas Fairfax The Commons considered the business of the Navy at Sea for the next Spring and the estimate of the yearly charge both for Summer and Winter Guard was proposed to be 100000 l. per annum Letters from the Lord Roberts informed the particulars of the business at Plymouth that Greenvile alarmed the works about the Town in four several places and after a very hot dispute became Master of one great work but was beaten off from the other three works with great loss leaving 75 of his men dead upon the place and at least four times as many more slain in the service and many hundreds wounded As soon as they were beaten off the three works the Plymouth men who behaved themselves with extraordinary gallantry environed the fourth work and the Enemy presently surrendred it upon quarter there were many Prisoners taken and much Arms. The House took care for supply of that Garrison One Dobson was ordered to be tried for contriving and printing a scandalous Book against the Parliament and the Lord General and they gave order for suppressing all scandalous Pamphlets Some who arrested a Servant of Sir Edward Hungerford's were sent for as Delinquents The Letter to the King about the Treaty was finished and Mr. Marshal and Mr. Vines
and other Officers Letters to the Committee in the Army to keep the Army together and to assist for Sir Tho. Fairfax his Recruits Orders for providing the Train Waggons Artillery Arms Powder and a Magazine for Sir Tho Fairfax and for Draught-horses and Carriages out of several Counties for him A thousand pounds ordered for General Brown The mutinous Horse returned to duty were allowed a Fortnights pay but none for the time they were in mutiny and were now sent upon Service Several Committee-men added in divers Counties and Orders for money and clothes for the Scots Army in Ireland 15. Ordinances past for 1. per Cent. for supply of Plymouth and for money upon the Custom of Currans for Gloucester and for recruiting the Kentish Regiment at Plymouth The Lords at a Conference gave Reasons why they left some Officers out of the List of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army but they waved the nominating of others they sent to the Commons an Ordinance for Marshall Law differing from the former and to continue two Months Waller and Cromwell beat up Goring's quarters who sled to Exeter 17. Captain Smith of Colonel Martins Regiment for a slight offence murdred an honest Buckinghamshire man the Commons sent to inform the Lord General thereof and ordered Smith to be sent for and punished Letters from the Committee of Nantwich informed that Prince Rupert Maurice and Langdale were all joyned in one great body and that without a speedy relief Sir Will. Brereton's Forces would be in great danger The House Ordered a Letter to be forthwith sent by the Committee of both Kingdomes for a party of the Scots horse and Dragoons to advance towards Sir Will. Brereton and ordered Supplies for his Forces And they referred it to the Members serving for Yorkshire and Lancashire to consider of some means for the supply of the Forces in those Counties At a free Conference the Commons offered their reasons to the Lords why they could not consent to the leaving out of the list those Officers whom the Lords had left out because they were such as Sir Tho. Fairfax nominated and the Commons approved and a delay in passing this list would be dangerous to Sir Will. Brereton ' s Forces to the association and to the whole Kingdome The Lords acquainted the Commons with a Paper from the French Resident desiring the transportation of Gunpowder from Holland to France without interruption of the Parliaments Navy The Commons Ordered for Answer that there being Amity between the Crown of England and the Crown of France there needed no particular Licence for the same Colonel Sir James Long High Sheriff of Wilts for the King returning from the Convoy of Prince Charles to Bristol was set upon by a party of Sir William Waller's at the Devizes and 40 of his men killed the Colonel 8 Captains 7 Cornets and most of the other Officers with 300 Souldiers taken Prisoners about 340 Horse and store of Arms taken and but 30 of the whole Regiment escaped Oxford was much streightned for Provisions Browne did them no small prejudice from Abington some of the Souldiers and Townsmen grew very mutinous and the Antiparliament there were about to question the Lord Digby for an Incendiary but they were dissolved 18. 1000 l. Ordered for Abington Colonel Stephenson a Member of the House was taken Prisoner at Royden-house in Wilts Ordered that Sir James Long taken at the Devizes be exchanged for him An Order for supply of the Town of Henly upon Thames with Match 1000 Bandeliers c. and Whitelocke was appointed Governour of that Town and of the Fort of Phillis Court which he rather accepted being his own house and he had there in Garrison about 300 foot and a Troup of horse The works of the Fort were strong and regular and the Thames brought round the Fort in a large Graft all the horse and foot were quartered within the works the great Guns about it were good and the Souldiers stout men and well armed and good Officers The Officers and Souldiers of Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army had a fortnights pay allowed them The Lords concurred with the Commons in passing the list of the Officers of Sir T. Fairfax's Army without any alteration which was so well taken by the Commons that they appointed a Committee to prepare a Message to be sent to the Lords from them to assure their Lordships of the real affection and endeavours of the House of Commons to support their Lordships in their honour and privileges The List of the Officers was this Sir Thomas Fairfax Commander in chief Major General Skippon Colonels of Horse Middleton Sidney Graves Sheffield Vermuden Whaley Sir M. Livesey Fleetwood Rosseter Sir Robert Pye Colonels of Foot Craford Berkley Aldridge Holborne Fortescue Inglesby Mountague Pickering Welden and Rainsborough A Petition of the East India Company for transporting some things agreed unto The Governour of Hurst Castle took two of the King's Ships bound for France forced by weather into the Isle of Wight in them they had 300 barrels of Herrings 11 pieces of Cloath 10 pieces of Ordnance 40 Prisoners and a pack of hounds News came that the Swedes in Germany gave a great defeat to the Emperours Forces 8000 of them slain the two Generals the whole Army routed many Prisoners taken all their Colours Ordnance Carriage and Ammunition Letters from Holland mentioned some difference rising there between the Prince of Orange and the States 19. The care of the education of the King's Children was committed to the Earl of Northumberland and his Countess and they took into Consideration the great losses of this noble Earl for his affection to the publick Care was also taken for an allowance for the Earl of Mulgrave and the Lord Sheffield in lieu of their losses Mr. Ford was voted to be one of the Assembly in the room of Mr. Bolles deceased Orders for expediting Sir Thomas Fairfax into the field and for money for the Lord Generals old Foot Souldiers and for monies for Sir William Brereton's Forces and for supplies for Ireland The Lord Savile left the Oxford party and came to London he was staid by the Guards and this day examined by a Committee of the Lords of the grounds of his coming in and was committed to the custody of the black Rod. Colonel Holborne routed a party of Goring's horse near Crookehorne and took about 500 of them About 400 of Banbury horse faced Northampton and endeavoured to take a Parliament Captain out of his house near Northampton but he with his Servants and about 16 firelocks kept the house and repelled the enemy and a party of horse drawing forth of Northampton the Banbury Horse fled away with some loss Letters from Colonel Cromwel informed that since his coming to his Regiment their Carriage had been obedient respective and valiant a good testimony whereof they gave in the late defeat of Long 's Regiment that they were sorry
for their former mutinous carriage and desired him to send their most humble Petition to both houses That they might again be received into their favour and their former offence fully pardoned and promised a valiant testimony of their future service which was well accepted by the Parliament A great debate about the trade of Coals and to take off the imposition upon it An Ordinance for the Officers in Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army constantly and personally to attend their charge and not to be absent without leave Letters from Major General Brown informed that he had stopped the passage by water between Newbridg and Oxford and sunk some great boats carrying Provisions to Oxford and taken divers parties of the King's Forces near Oxford and kept them in continual motion That a party from Oxford scouting abroad had intercepted divers Country people going to Abington Market of which Brown having intelligence sent a party of horse against them who slew the Commander in chief an Irish man and 8 more took about 40 prisoners and 30 horse and returned home without any loss That among the prisoners taken was an Irish man whom the Major General caused presently to be hanged according to an Ordinance of Parliament A list of the Officers there 20. The Captains of Ships under the Earl of Warwick were in a list presented to the House of Commons and consented to The Captains for the Merchants Ships were referred to be named by the Merchants 21. The Commons in a grand Committee considered about the persons that should be debarred from receiving the Sacrament and referred it to the Assembly Resolutions touching the Scots Army in Ireland and in the North upon an account of them from the Committee of both Kingdomes Orders for expediting Sir Tho. Fairfax and for the Assembly to nominate some Ministers to go with the Army Waller and Cromwell with a strong party followed Goring who endeavoured to joyn with Greenvile and Berkeley Governour of Exeter 22. Order for a fortnights pay for Sir Thomas Hoogans Regiment and divers fines for Compositions confirmed 1000 l. thereof paid to Waggoners who lost their Teams and 500 l. to Souldiers Widows The Parliament pardoned Tho. Seppens condemned by the Council of War to dye Provision made for Windsor Garrison and the Committee of Oxon Berks and Bucks to treat with the Militia of London about the constant maintenance of it The Arrears of Major General Skippon ordered to be audited and 500 l. imprested to him Letters from Sir Will. Brereton informed that he kept the field and that the Enemy had attempted nothing upon him but plundred the Country and committed many hundred rapes and cruelties that the Scots horse were advanced as far as Manchester towards him 24. Order for 4000 l. for Langherne Captain Batten came to the house and had their thanks for his good service and a gratuity given him An Ordinance giving Commission to Sir Thomas Fairfax to execute Marshal jurisdiction to fight with and slay all such as shall oppose him and to suppress all Forces not raised by Authority of both Houses of Parliament was read the first and second time and Ordered that some Members of the House should presently withdraw and make some alterations This was done and reported back to the House before they rose and then the Ordinance read the third time the same morning and consented unto and sent to the Lords Acourse not formerly used and of too much hast for a Parliamentary way but excused by their then exigencies and the unusual matters for Parliaments then before them At a Conference Sir John Evelyn Jun. declared the great sense the Commons had of their Lordships Concurrence with them in the great affairs now in Parliament on which the Security of the whole Kingdome did depend and acknowledged their Lordships Renowned actions and unwearied endeavours with them for the publick good Then a Declaration of the House of Commons was read that whereas some disaffected persons sought to foment jealousies by raising a report that the House of Commons had an intention to subvert the privileges of the Peers they declare they do so far detest any such designe that they will use all kind of means to find out the Authours of such report and to bring them to punishment Some imprudent speeches had been given out by some Members of the House of Commons and others upon the Lords rejecting the Ordinance of Self-denying and not concurring in other matters with the Commons and as the Earl of Essex his party was strongest in the Lords House so the party of his Enemies was most prevalent in the House of Commons Some of them them were not discreet in their extravagant speeches and discourses touching the House of Lords which was like to have kindled a sharp contention between the two Houses but by this Message and Declaration it was for some time appeased Waller Holborne and Cromwel were joyned in the West and Prince Charles Goring Hopton and Berkley were got together and Greenvile expected to be with them Sir John Meldrum going up a rock to view a place to plant his Cannon against Scarborough was blown down by a violent wind and bruised The Newarkers came to assault Grantham but were repulsed and about 20 of them slain and divers prisoners taken 25. The Commons in a grand Committee debated the Question of admitting and keeping from the Sacrament ignorant and scandalous persons and past some Votes in it Order for 1500 l. for Sir Tho. Fairfax Sir John Hinderson was taken by the Aylesbury Forces and brought to the Parliament with Letters taken about him from our King to the King of Denmark in recommendation of Hinderson The Parliament committed him to the Tower and ordered Letters to be written to the King of Denmarkt setting forth the condition of Hinderson and how much he was an enemy to the Parliament The Clubmen in Worcestershire being near 14000 and some of them well armed sent to Colonel Massey for assistance to besiege Hereford he sent back to them that if they would fully declare for the Parliament that he would joyn with them for which they took two or three days respit Captain Tomlinson from Abington defeated a small party from Wallingford Anno 1645. Car. 21 26. The day of the Monthly fast solemnly kept 27. The Assembly came with a further advice to the House of Commons touching the not admitting ignorant persons to the Sacrament The Scots Forces being joyned with Sir William Breneton the Prince's Forces retreated and would not ingage Prince Rupert marched towards Worcester Prince Maurice to Ludlow and Langdale Northwards Order for a strong party of Dragoons and supplies to Abington the Enemy being expected at Oxford and for monies for Reading Garrison Divers Voluntiers coming into Sir Tho. Fairfax 7000 l. was ordered to such as he should give warrant for it for advance money for Voluntiers Anno 1645 Waller with 2500 Horse
the King's Forces at Thrup near Farrington killed one Neast a Lieutenant of Horse who formerly kept a Dicing-house and three or four more and brought away 19 good Horse Major Sheffield fell upon the Enemies quarters on the edge of Northamptonshire took Sir Tho. Read Lieutenant Denton and divers Horse and Prisoners and intercepted with Read two Letters of importance 8. Orders concerning the Army and drawing together Forces for Sir Tho. Fairfax and for supplies and some High Sheriffs named A Committee of both Houses named to consider of selecting Officers to supply the Commands of Members of both Houses Morton Bishop of Durham a Reverend man was brought before the Commons for Christening of a Child in the old way and signing it with the sign of the Cross contrary to the Directory and because he refused to deliver up the Seal of the County Palatine of Durham he was committed to the Tower Serjeant Major Hudderston under Greenevile came to London with 30 Horse and submitted to the Parliament offering to take the Covenant Three of Waller's Troups were surprised in their quarters by Goring's Forces and about 50 of them taken the rest escaped Letters from Scotland informed that Lieutenant General Bayly and Major General Vrrey took 800 horse-load of provisions going to Montross the men horse bag and baggage and dividing themselves pursued Montross into the High-lands 9. Colonel Rainsborough's Regiment appointed for Colonel Grey Referred to the Committee to consider of the profits of Places lately enjoyed by Members of Parliament and what of them may be spared for ease of the publick charge Letters from Massey informed that the discontented Herefordshire men having laid down their Arms upon Articles with the Princes afterwards and contrary to those Articles the Princes caused three worthy Gentlemen to be executed who were conceived chief in that Rising That there the Princes levy men and money by violence and he saith that if 1000 horse may be sent to him he doubts not but most of the discontented party will come in to him many being already come this was in a special manner referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms The Master of the Ceremonies ordered to acquaint the States Ambassadours that to morrow if they pleased they might have audience of both Houses and Coaches were to be provided for their Reception The Earl of Warwick laid down his Commission of Lord Admiral in compliance with the Ordinance for discharging the Members of both houses from all employments Military and Civil but with a protestation of continuing his faithfulness and endeavours to serve the publick as long as he lived and some believed that the Precedents of the Earls of Essex Manchester and Denbigh were inducements to him to doe the like He did gallant service in the time of his Command for the Parliament and deserves an honourable mention 10. Care taken for employment of old Officers left out of the new Army and of the condition of the West and of settling the Excise and for the Forces of Poole and Dorsetshire 11. Orders for the Army for the Regiment of Kent under Colonel Welden to go to Sir Thomas Fairfax and for Officers to repair to their Charges by a day or to be cashiered and Sir Tho. Fairfax to choose new ones this proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet The States Ambassadours had Audience in both Houses with solemnity and they spake of the affection of their Masters to this Kingdom and their deslres to have mediated peace and composed the distractions thereof but that it took no effect and the distractions were now wider than when they came first hither Therefore there being nothing more for them to doe their Masters had sent for them home and they had taken their leave of the king and were now come to do the same of the Parliament Sir William Brereton began to Mine at Hawarden Castle and took in Goozanna House and in it a Captain and 27 prisoners and some Officers and from thence blocked up Chester on the Welch side gained Manley House killed divers and took a Captain and many prisoners 12. Care taken touching the Customs and for the Officers Oaths and for the Affairs of the Admiralty Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax gave an account of the state of his Army and the chearfulness of his Souldiers and his want of pay for them This was very early for them to want pay and the House were very sensible of the inconveniences which might thereupon ensue and therefore specially referred it to the Committee of the Army to take order therein Pay ordered for the British Forces in Ireland and an Ordinance to be brought in for satisfaction of their Arrears out of the Rebels-Estates next after satisfaction to the Adventures Care for pay for Brereton's Forces by borrowing upon the Excise 14. Ordinance committed for associating the Northern Counties Ordinances past for reimbursing the Moneys raised for Brown and for Langherine another considered for pay of the Lincolnshire forces Order that the Scots Brigade lately come from Sir William Brereton be sent to by the Scots Commissioners to return to his assistance again the Enemy drawing towards him and the Committee of both Kingdoms to take care thereof and for provisions and money for him the House took order Langdale relieved Sir Jo. Winter's House besieged by Massey and was hurt in the Arm Massey brought off his men with little loss Care for Imployment of the Officers of the Earl of Manchester and of Sir William Waller not imployed in the new Army Order for Goods concealed from the Excise to be forfeited About 300 discontented persons got together into a body in Kent and took Sir Percival Hart's House but Colonel Blunt being sent against them with 500 foot and two Troups of horse dispersed them and took divers of the chief of them and regained the House 15. Debate touching persons not to be admitted to the Sacrament Both Houses agreed upon a Committee of six Lords viz. Essex Warwick Northumberland Pembroke Say North and 12 Commoners viz. Sir William Earle Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Jo. Evelyn jun. Sir Christop Wray Mr. Rolle Greene Hollis Selden Rouse Eden Lisle and Whitelocke to manage the Admiralty business An Insurrection in Westmerland and a design to have surprized a Magazine of the Parliaments there was suppressed The Plague increased in Newcastle and the Inhabitants were discontented at the Imposition upon Coals Some of Pomfret Garrison sallied out but were beaten back with the loss of Colonel Tindall Lieutenant Colonel Middleton and other Officers and many Souldiers Carlisle was upon Treaty to render A Dunkirk Ship loaden with Arms and Ammunition for the King taken by the Besiegers of Scarborough A party from Abington under Captain Blundell met with some of Dennington forces took a Colonel and a Major and divers others and slew a Captain and others of them Brown himself between Shottover and Oxford took divers Carriages and about
were left out of the new Model should be equally provided for as the English Officers Order for Coat and Conduct money for those that were pressed for Souldiers Debate of non-admission to the Sacrament Letters from Gen. Leven certified that he had sent part of his Army to assist Sir William Brereton and would be ready to march Southwatds A Letter from Prince Rupert to the Earl of Essex in answer to his Letter touching the hanging up of the Parliaments prisoners full of haughtiness and that he would follow his own judgment without the Earl of Essex his advice Upon which the Commons ordered a Declaration to be drawn 24. Debate in a Grand Committee touching non-admission to the Sacrament An Ordinance past for pressing of Souldiers and that all repair to their Colours and none to depart from their Colours without licence and search for them that depart and to be punisht Letters from Abington certifie that Cromwel and others coming within a mile of Oxford hindred the King's remove towards Worcester Colonel West nominated by the Common-council to be Lieutenant of the Tower 25. Letters from Skippon informed that the discontented Horse came in and were reduced and promised faithful Service Ordinance committed for supply of the wants of Members of Parliament whose Estates were in the power of the Enemy Ordered that those late of the Lifeguard of the Earl of Essex shall have 3 s. a day above the allowance of a common Trouper and have Horse and Arms from the State and Sir Tho. Fairfax to appoint their Rendezvous This is to be one of the six Troups to attend the body of Sir Thomas Fairfax Ordinance for reimbursing monies raised for Sir William Brereton sent to the Lords and for other monies for Lancashire forces Ordinance past both Houses That none be admitted to preach but such as are ordained by this or some other reformed Church except persons permitted Colonel John Fiennes sent out a party near Newbury who took of the Enemy 17 Prisoners and Arms and all their Horse then they summoned Brocas House which the Enemy quitted and fled and Major Temple pursued and did executiou on them 26. The Mayor Aldermen and Common-council came into the House thanked them for the favour in admitting them to make choice of a Lieutenant of the Tower and presented Colonel West for that Service and desired care might be had of Gloucester and for bringing in the Arrears of London Colonel West was admitted Lieutenant of the Tower till further order of the Houses And an Ordinance to be brought in for raising a considerable force in Gloucestershire and for money to pay them Ordinance past for reimbursing monies for the Lifeguard Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell informed that he had fallen upon a party of the King's Horse under the Earl of Northampton and part of the Queens Regiment near Oxford and took of them 400 horse 200 prisoners whereof many Officers and Gentlemen of quality and the Queens own Colours the rest fled to Bletchington where Colonel Windebank kept a Garrison for the King L. G. Cromwell pursued them thither and after some Treaty took the House also upon Articles and therein store of Arms and Ammunition and 72 horse more 28. After long debate the Commons resolved that the business of the Admiralty should be managed by Commissioners of both Houses consisting of three and those were the Earl of Warwick Mr. Bense and Mr. Pelham of the Commons House A thousand men of the King 's lost before Taunton and Col. Popham's House at Wellington being taken and the Siege of Taunton continuing very close it was ordered that Sir Thomas Fairfax and Skippon should advance into the West with the forces for relief of Taunton 8000 horse and foot and care taken for money and provisions for them Order for the Train of Artillery to be sent down to him A quarrel in Westminster-hall between Sir William Andrews and Col. Tyrrell informed to the House and that Tyrrell behaved himself discreetly in it he was called into the House and had their thanks for his carriage therein Sir William Andrews ordered to be taken into safe custody and when the House were not sitting Mr. Speaker was authorized to send his Warrants to prevent quarrels Letters from the North informed that the Scots were upon their march Southwards with 9000 foot and 3 Regiments of horse 29. Debate touching providing of Arms and Ammunition and 12000 l. allowed for it Sir Theodore Mayhernes Order to be discharged of Taxes was vacated The power of Marshal Law ordered to be given to persons in every County for suppressing and punishing of Insurrections Debauchery of some Officers of the Army occasioned an Order to Sir Tho. Fairfax That the Discipline of War be duly executed Lambeth Parsonage conferred on Mr. White one of the Assembly Two thousand pounds ordered for Taunton Proclamation for all Officers and Souldiers to repair to their Colours upon pain of cashiering for the Officers and death for the common Souldiers M. G. Brown with a party from Abington fell upon a party of the King 's near Farington took a Captain and other Officers and Souldiers Then upon Intelligence met with another party and took Col. Conquest M. Bamfield 3 Captains 3 Lieutenants and other prisoners Colonel Fiennes fell upon a party of the King 's near Witney and took from them 120 horse 3 Colours 40 prisoners and 50 Arms. L. G. Cromwell at Bampton Bush fell upon another party of the King 's surprized them all and took Col. Sir H. Vaughan 2 Lieutenant Colonels M. Lee 5 Captains 8 Lieutenants 8 Ensigns Dr. Dunse 20 Sergeants 230 Prisoners and Arms. May 1645. 1. Letters from Col. Massey certified that Prince Rupert with a party of about 6000 horse and foot intercepting his Scouts charged upon Massey into Ledbury who received him and beat his men back to a Retreat his horse made several charges till his foot got off 40 of the Prince's men were slain many of them Officers and the L. Hastings one That Massey lost about 7 men and some of the horse from the Countries not standing well to it the Enemy got in among the Foot and took divers prisoners whereof they sent a List to Massey of 110 but 80 of them were none of his men but country-people M. Bacchus was wounded and taken prisoner Major Harley wounded Captain Bayly and Captain Forster taken prisoners by the Prince's forces That Lydney House was fired and Sir John Winter left there 8 pieces of Ordnance An Ordnance ordered to be brought in for setling 1000 l. per annum upon Col. Massey for his gallant services for his life and 200 l. in present and a Letter of Thanks was sent to him The Resident of the States had a day appointed for his audience Debate touching non-admission to the Sacrament 2. The States Ambassadour had audience in the usual solemn way and he made demands for restitution of some ships taken
for 40 days notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance 7. The King's Forces under Goring Hopton Berkley and Greenvile and about 10000 in all joyned together the Forces at Taunton fought with them but being over powred with numbers and having lost many of their men they retreated into the Town where the King's Forces again besieged them Intelligence came that the Parliaments Forces at Pembroke beat off Gerrard's Forces that besieged them and routed his party Ordinance sent to the Lords for associating the Northern Counties Letters from Leicester informed that the Committee men and Scots there were not killed in cold bloud as was before reported but that the King's Forces killed divers who prayed Quarter and put divers women to the Sword and other women and children they turned naked into the streets and many they ravisht That they hanged Mr. Reynor and Mr. Sawer in cold bloud and at Wighton they murthred Mrs. Barlowes a Ministers wife and her children that in the storming of Leicester about 300 were slain on both sides and not more Order for exchange of Sir Rob. Pye for Colonel Tillier and others Sir T. Fairfax came to Newport Paganell Cromwel was by order coming up to him 9. Order for 500 l. to be raised by Coals for relief of the poor of Newcastle An Ordinance for Sir Tho. Peyton's fine to take off his sequestration Order for Captain Willoughby to Command Colonel Barker's Regiment Another to put Surrey into a posture of defence and for more Forces there and payment of the Garrison of Farnham sent up to the Lords An Ordinance passed for Sequestrations in Hampshire the money raised thereby to be imployed by the Committee for defence of that County Holland Ships taken by the Parliaments Navy and Order for a Declaration to the States about it Colonel Massey marched Westward The Common Council and others of London met and agreed voluntary Supplies and 4000 l. gathered for raising 1000 horse to joyn with Massey to relieve Taunton besides what the Parliament did send Sir Thomas Fairfax quartered at Brickhill thither Colonel Vermuden came to him with 2500 horse and Dragoons The Army was then 12500 besides Cromwel's Forces of 3000 foot and 1000 horse more drawing towards him The King was at Homeby-house four miles from Northampton and his Army marched towards Oxford Sir T. F. marched after him Upon the news of the two Armies being near one another Mr. William Lilly told one of his friends in London that If they did not engage before the 11. day of this month the Parliament would have the greatest Victory that they ever yet had and it proved accordingly as you will see by what follows The Scots Army were on their march Southwards as far as Borough-brigge but made no great haste till they saw what success the new Modelled Army would have 10. Letters from the chief Officers of Horse under Sir T. F. to the Parliament desiring that Colonel Cromwel might be Lieutenant General of the Horse under Sir Tho. Fairfax and after some debate the House ordered that Sir T. F. should appoint Cromwel to command the Horse under him as Lieutenant General if he thought fit Cromwel began to encrease in the favour of the people and of the Army and to grow great even to the envy of many Letters from the Committee of Kent of a Troup of horse and a Company of Dragoons raised by them to be under Massey for the relief of Taunton and had thanks for it The Ordinance for the Committee of Hampshire agreed unto An Ordinance past to impower Sir T. F. to press men for a month excepting Clergy-men Scholars and some others 100 l. ordered for Sir Robert Pye as a gratuity from the Parliament and in recompence of his losses at Leicester Sir T. F. and the King's forces were within six miles of each other Langdale's Regiment were in discontent near Leicester because they might not advance North-wards but the King quietted them with a promise that they should march thither within 15 days 11. Letters from Sir T. F. informing of his advance towards the Enemy and his resolution to engage them if they would stand the King's forces were about Daintree and they were there fortifying the Hills called Danes-hills The Commissioners in the Army sent for money and a months pay was ordered to be forthwith sent to the Army by the Committee of the Army Divers Officers left out of the new Army offered to list themselves as Reformadoes for relief of Taunton and the House ordered that such as should so list themselves should have a fifth part of their arrears paid them within a month after their advance and those that did not perform should forfeit all their arrears Informations against some Members of both Houses and Mr. Cranford a Minister committed for some words spoken by him in that business reference to a Committee to examine it Ordinance for 21000 l. for the Scots Army past and for 400 l. for Widows of Souldiers Letters from the West certified that Colonel Ingolesby fell upon the Enemies quarters near Taunton and slew divers considerable men Fasts in 12 Parishes to crave a blessing upon the Armies 12. Letters from Taunton That if Relief came not speedily to them they should be put unto great straits for Provisions and Ammunition they assured the House they never accepted of a parley from the Enemy but scorned it and they had left some Ammunition and resolved to feed upon their Horses they desired the House to take consideration of their condition and left all to God who they doubted not but would relieve them Orders for Letters to them That Relief should speedily come to them and what money they took up the House would pay and desired them to goe on in their vigilancy and valour and they should never want the encouragement of the Parliament Sir T. F. advanced near Tocester Three thousand Cattel driven by the King's forces towards Oxford which they had taken from the Countrey Letters from the North certified that the Scots were Southwards as far as Doncaster Letters written to Northampton Bedford and Bucks to bring in Provisions to Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army Ordinance for bringing in of money sent to the Lords Debate touching non admission to the Sacrament 13. Ordinance sent to the Lords to raise a Regiment of Dragoons for Taunton A Committee sent to the City to consider of raising a Months pay for the Scots Army Orders for exchange of Prisoners The Parliament forces sleighted the Garrisons of Cole-orton and Kirby and marched away 14. A Petition from the Scots Officers who had served the Parliament setting sorth their condition and want and praying to have money for their present necessity the House referred the auditing of their accounts to a Committee and to consider of some present Relief for them This was the day of the famous Battel at Naseby The King had drawn off from Borough-hill to Harborough purposing to march
more they have need of instruction and where can they have it better than from the lips of the learned and pious Pastors which ought to preserve knowledg But it hath been said that the ruling Elders are to joyn with them let us inquire who they are in some Congregations in Country Villages perhaps they may not be very learned themselves yet the authority to be given them is sufficiently great The word Elders amongst the Hebrews signified the men of greatest power and dignity The Members of their great Sanhedrim were styled Elders so were the Princes of their Tribes The Grecians had the appellation in like esteem 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we translate Elders was given to their greatest men and from thence is fetched the Name of Presbyters or Priests Presbytery and Presbyterian Government The Phoenicians Tyrians and other particular Nations used the word Elder in the like sense and styled their Generals and Princes by the name of Elders The Romans did the like their Senate and their Senators came all from Senes Elders and from them to this day the French Spaniards and Italians retain the Titles of Seigneur Seigniori Seniori and the like for their greatest men And in England we give the name of Earls to our great Lords from Elder and to the King himself the title of Sir abstracted from Seigneur an Elder In Towns they still keep the title of Aldermen that is Eldermen for the Chief and Rulers of the Corporation And so they may allow the title of Elders to the cheif and select men of every Presbytery Yet if this Power Excommunication and Suspension be allowed them they may well challenge the title of Elders in the highest signification The Power of the Keys is a great power The Romish Church will acknowledge it and the foundation of their Supremacy to be built upon it Whatsoever they bind or loose on earth to be bound or loosed in heaven is a power which may claim the highest title imaginable Although I can never presume that the reverend and pious learned Gentlemen who aym at this power can have the least supposition of any such effect by it yet if any petitioners should sue to you to be made Judges or Justices I believe you would judge their Petition the less modest and them the less fit for such Offices but to this I make no application and I hope none shall make any use of it Power is thought fit to be given to suspend from the Sacrament two sorts of persons the ignorant and the scandalous I am sure that I am a very ignorant person and I fear we are all more ignorant than we ought to be of the truth of Christ and some more than others And the most learned I doubt may be called in the large sense ignorant Even amongst the Pastors and perhaps amongst the Ruling Elders in some places the most learned may in other places be adjudged ignorant The more ignorant people are the more some will blame their Pastors who ought to instruct them and by private conference inform them and rectify their understandings And that is a good part of Spiritual food And to keep an ignorant person from the Ordinances is no way to improve their knowledge Scandalous persons are likewise to be suspended And who shall be said scandalous is to be referred to the judgment of the Pastors and Ruling Elders But where a Commission is extant for them to execute this judicature will be hard to shew Both Pastors and Elders and people are all scandalous in the general sense We are all of us gross sinners and our best performances are but scandalous as to the true and sincere profession of the Gospel of Christ Those who are scandalous sinners ought to be admonished to forsake their evil ways and to amend their lives and where can they receive this admonition and hope for more Conviction of their Consciences than by hearing good Sermons and being admitted to be pertakers of the holy Ordinances but to excommunicate them deprives them wholly of the best means for their cure The best Excommunication is for Pastors Elders and people to Excommunicate sin out of their own hearts and conversations to suspend themselves from all works of iniquity this is a power which put in execution through the assistance of the Spirit of God will prevent all disputes about Excommunication and Suspension from the Sacrament A man may be a good physitian though he never cut off a Member from any of his patients a body may be very sound though no member of it was ever cut off And surely a Church may be a good Church though no member of it hath ever been cut off I have heard here many Complaints of the Jurisdiction formerly exercised by the Prelates who were but a few there will be by the passing of this now desired a great multiplication of Spiritual men in Government Where the temporal Sword the Magistracy is sufficient for punishment of offences there will be little need for this new Diseipline nor will it be so easily granted After a long debate the House referred this matter to a further Consideration by the grand Committee to whom it was formerly referred Votes for new Elections of Members for several Towns and Counties Order for advance of the Forces under Major General Pointz and for Horse and Arms to be sent to the Scots Army before Hereford and notice to them of the party appointed to attend the King's motions A Conference and reasons given to the Lords for passing the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates A Party of about 120 horse came from Walling-ford and Dunnington to gather Contribution near Reading and Col. Baxter with a party of about 30 horse marched after them beat up their Rear but they facing about one of Baxter's men was slain and 20 wounded and taken Then a party of 100 horse who by accident quartered at Reading came forth to relieve Baxter routed the Enemy recovered all the Prisoners took 25 and Captain Barker their Commander 50 Horse and 40 Arms. Montrosse carryed all things in Scotland without opposition and had many Eminent Prisoners and forced divers to fly to Berwick The funeral of the Countess of Dorset in much State 4. An Ordinance for a Collection for the poor of Leicester Another sent to the Lords for supply of the Forces in the Eastern Association Order for the Brigade under Lieutenant General Lesley to march into Scotland for their assistance there Order for 100 horse from Southwark to be sent to Basing-house and the Militia to fine such as refused Goring Greenvile and Mohun marched with 6000 in the West summoned all between 16 and 60 to come in to them and forced such as they met with to serve under them Massey attends them Sir John Seymore brought 1000 men to the Leaguer before Bristol Seven Parliament Ships were in Kings Road. 5. The publick Fast day by reason of the Plague and the ill success
desired for the Scots Foot intending to besiege Newark Orders for Col. Welden to be Governour of Plymouth for giving Sir John Banks his Books to Mr. Maynard and the Books to Mr. Vaughan of Lincolns-Inn to Mr. Recorder Glyn. Letters read that were taken in the Lord Digby's Coach some of them ordered to be published As that of the King to the Marquess of Ormond touching the Irish Rebels and one touching the Earl of Thomond upon which his Estate here was ordered to be sequestred Letters informed the taking of Tiverton Castle 23. The House received Letters from Sir T. F. of the motions of his Army in the West That the Enemy designed with 2000 horse to break through his Quarters towards Oxford That they taking the darkness of the Night passed by his Guards fell into the Quarters of his Dragoons and took 50 prisoners That he marched after the Enemy with his whole Army lay in the field all night to prevent their going by him and quartered part of his Army along the River Ex near to Exeter to prevent the Enemies return and with the rest marched to Tiverton where M. G. Massey was sent before The Governour of Tiverton resolving to hold out Sir T. F. resolved to storm it and after the morning Sermon on the Lord's-day one of his Canoneers with a great shot brake the Chain of the Draw-bridge whereby it fell down and the Parliament Souldiers immediately entred and got over the works with little opposition The Enemy fled into the Castle and Church and had quarter for their lives Col. Sir Gilbert Talbot and about 200 more were taken prisoners and they found there 4 pieces of Ordnance and 40 Barrels of Powder 34 Officers 168 common Souldiers a Spy and a Minister Order for Recruits for the Army Order that the Earl of Devon being beyond Seas should return by a day Order to sequester the Estates of such as refused to pay Taxes in Sussex 24. An Ordinance for disfranchising of some of Bristoll and settling the Government there and the Militia Ordinance touching Ordination of Ministers and others touching Monies The Jewel provided for Sir Thomas Fairfax appointed to be presented to him by a Member of the House A Messenger from Sir Tho. Fairfax related that he was before Exeter and a numberof Clubmen of Devonshire under Colonel Popham assisted him 25. New High-Sheriffs named and Writs for new Elections granted The Commissioners sent to the Scots Army about their delivering up the places Garrisoned by them had the thanks of the House for their good Service L. G. Points Besieged Newark where the King was and Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice Consideration of Differences between the Committee of Derby and Sir Jo. Gell. 27. Both Houses agreed in making the Speaker Master of the Rolls Order for all Commanders of Forces to be under Sr. Tho. Fairfax Col. Dalbier named to Command the Forces for Besieging Dunnington Castle Letters informed the taking of Carmarthen by Major General Langherne whereby the whole County was reduced and so was Monmouth-Shire by taking of Monmouth Town and Castle by Col. Morgan in which they had seven pieces of Ordnance and store of Ammunition Order for thanks to God for this success and a Letter of thanks to Col. Morgan Sir Trevor Williams was made Governor of Monmouth The House gave 1500 l. to Mr. Green Chair-man of the Committee of the Navy and 500 l. per Annum for the future for his Service at that Committee a reward which few others obtained 28. Mr. Browne made a Speech in the Kings Bench and then swore Mr. Justice Rolles to be one of the Judges Serjeant Pheasant was sworn of a Judge of the Common Pleas and Serjcant Atkins a Baron of the Exchequer Mr. Soliciter and Serjeant Wild made Speeches to them Goring went out of Exeter with 1000 Horse before Cromwel came up thither upon which Sir Tho. Fairfax drew off part of his Forces after him 30. The Lords sent their Concurrence to the Commons in several Ordinances for the Government of Bristoll for the Isle of Wight and for Westminster Colledge The Commons Ordered new Elections for Knights in Bucks and for other places Upon a Letter from Sir William Vavasor Prisoner to the Parliament he had a Pass to go beyond Sea ingaging never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament and they ordered that if any who have Passes to go beyond Sea shall return and take up Arms against the Parliament they shall have neither Pardon nor Quarter Goring went to the farther part of Devon-shire and Sr. Tho. Fairfax returned towards Exeter where Goring had burnt most part of three Parishes to make the rest more tenable The Garrison of Chester made divers resolute Sallies upon the Besiegers and were beaten back and the Forces of M. G. Pointz slew many of them in the Streets Sir Will. Byron the Lord Byrons Brother got together four hundred Horse about Holt Castle upon notice whereof Col. Jones drew out a Party of Horse from before the Leaguer fell upon the Enemy in the Field who worsted the Forlorn-Hope of Jones but he rallied them and after a sharp dispute routed them took Sir William Byron and others of Quality Prisoners divers Troopers slew forty and took forty Horse Sir William Wain-waring was slain by the Parliament Forces in Chester Street News was brought of a great difference between Col. Gerrard and the Lord Bellasis Governor of Newark about the Lord Digby and the King had much ado to reconcile it 31. An Ordinance past for putting in Execution the Seal for Lancaster Doctor Oldesworth Was Bayled upon good Security to speak or act nothing prejudicial to the Parliament Order for the Covenant to be tendred to all that come in to compound for their Delinquency and such as refuse it to be secured The Gentlemen of Bucks withdrew to consider about the business of the Countrey and Mr. Fountain carried himself very high Letters from Col. Rossiter informed that Prince Rupert Prince Maurice G. Gâ—â—â—ard the Lord Hawley Sir Richard Willis and about four hundred other Gentlemen of Quality the meanest whereof was a Captain had laid down their Commissions deserted the King and betook them to Wotton-House fourteen Miles from Newarke where they stood upon their Guard They subscribed a Declaration that if they may obtain from the Parliament a Pass to go beyond Sea they will all engage upon their Honour and Oath never to return to take up Arms against the Parliament and sent to Col. Rossiter to acquaint him herewith the Messenger informed that the Prince had sent to Mr. G. Pointz to the same purpose and offers of Surrendring of Welbeck House to him The House referred this matter to the Committee of both Kingdoms to report their opinions what was sit to be done in it News came that Sir Tho. Fairfax set his Posts for Besieging Excester that Cromwell was come up to him and a Party
those parts referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms Orders for preserving the three Counties by Forces to be sent thither against this design of the Kings Forces 24. The House gave answer to the Scots Papers touching Payment of their Army and Propositions for Peace in an effectual way the Chancellor of Scotland being to carry those Answers with him to the Parliament of Scotland now Sitting Debate touching Church-matters Orders touching relief of Widows who lost their Husbands in the War An Ordinance passed for further Relief of maimed Soldiers and for regulating misimployments of Hospitals An Ordinance passed for disabling Heath Crawley Forrester Weston and Mallet from being Judges as though they were dead Letters from C. G. Pointz certified the taking of Belvoir Stable and outworks by Storm with the loss of forty men by reason whereof and of the provoking Answer of Sir Jervas Lucas to the Summons calling the Parliament Forces Rebels they gave no Quarter to eighty of the Kings men in those outworks 25. Debate about propositions for Peace and care taken for provision for maimed Soldiers Widows and Orphans of Soldiers and for payment of the debts of the Kingdom Orders for supplys for the Garrison of Plymouth An Ordinance passed for a new Excise upon several Commodities not before excised the Money to go to the Payment of Artificers to whom the Parliament was indebted Divers of Worcester-shire under Mr. Dingley their Leader declared for the Parliament and complained of the Insolencies and Injuries by the Garrison of Worcester A Coppy of a Warrant from Col. Bard the Governor to the Constables for Contribution was sent up wherein was this expression Know that unless you bring in to me at a Day and House in Worcester the Monthly contribution for six Months you are to expect an Unsanctified Troop of Horse among you from whom if you hide your selves they shall fire your Houses without mercy hang up your bodies where ever they find them and Scare your Ghosts c. A Party of Foot under Captain Moor and an hundred and fifty Glocester Horse routed a party of two hundred of the Kings Horse at Lech-lade killed Mr. Duet a French-man two Captains and twenty others took thirty Prisoners Horse and Arms. 27. Debate about Propositions for Peace They concurred with the Lords for appointing a day of Humiliation for the Eastern Association and in a Declaration and Letters to be sent to Scotland and referring to the Committee of the Admiralty a Letter from the Governour of Flanders and appointing Doctor Walker to be Advocate of the Admiralty The Lord Byron Governor of Chester came to a treaty with Sir William Brereton but stood upon very high terms An Embassador from the Emperor of Russia came to London 28. The Lords debated the Ordinance for setling Bristol The Commons debated the business of the Church and passed a further Declaration for Suing out of Liveries and compounding for Wardships Reference to a Committee to consider of a Recompence to the Lord Roberts for his good Service and order for two thousand pound to be paid to him in part of his Arrears The Kings Forces plundred cruelly about Bedfordshire and fired part of the Town of Woburne 29. Debate of the Propositions of Peace Orders for four pound a week for divers Members of the House whose Estates were in the Kings Power Debate about the Excise Most of the Gentry in Newarke left the Town unwilling to indure a Siege Sir John Holland came into the House after Dinner with Mr. Recorder and others of that Gang. December 1645. Car. 21 1. Debate about the Propositions for Peace and therein voted that Sir T. F. be made a Baron and five thousand pound a year setled on him and his Father to be made an Earl That Lord General Cromwel be made a Baron and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per Annum That the Earls of Northumberland Essex Warwick and Pembroke be made Dukes and the Earls of Salisbury and Manchester to be made Marquesses That the Lord Roberts Lord Say Lord Willowby of Parham Lord Wharton and Lord Howard be made Earls That Mr. Hollis be made a Viscount That Sir William Waller be made a Baron and to have two thousand five hundred pounds per An. Sir Arthur Hazelrigge to be a Baron and to have two thousand pound per An. Sir Henry Vane Senior to be a Baron Sir Philip Stapleton to be a Baron and to have two thousand pound per an Sir William Brereton to have one thousand five hundred pound per An. Major General Skippon to have a thousand pound per An. A Committee named to consider of matter of Priviledge of the Members and to examine any complaints of Bribery c. against any Members c. The Anti-Parliament at Oxford voted against the Directory and for the Common Prayer Intercepted Letters of the King to Pr. Rupert expressed little forwardness to Peace 2. Proceedings about Propositions of Peace Letters from G. Leven dated two miles from Newarke desiring Money and Cloaths for his Army whereof present care was taken by the House and both Houses agreed that G. Leven should Command in Chief all the Forces both English and Scotch at the Siege of Newarke Ordinances passed for the settlement of the Government of Bristol The Scots took a Fort of the Enemy at Muschampe Bridge and so blocked up Newarke on the North and Lievetenant General Pointz Col. Rossiter and others on the South side of it Col. Ireton and Col. Whaley with two Regiments of Horse sent by Sir T. F. into Bucks to stop the Incursions of the Kings Forces 3. Debate about the Church-business Part of the Propositions for Peace sent up to the Lords for their concurrence New High-Sherriffs named The return of Mr. Sandford to be Burgess for Cockermouth in Cumberland voted to be void because the Precept and Indentures were not returned 4. Debate about the Propositions touching the Militia of London Order for one hundred pounds for Doctor Twisse Prolocutor of the Assembly of Divines Ordinance passed for Money for Munster in Ireland and another for the Assembly to meet daily and proceed upon the Catechisme A Petition of the Hartford shire men touching Tythes laid aside 5. Debate about the Church-business Orders for new Elections A Petition and Declaration of the County of Brecknock was read of their resolutions to comply with and wholly to submit to the Commands of the Parliament A Committee appointed to draw an answer to it of granting their desires accepting their submission and commending their Resolutions A Committee of both Houses named to reside in the Scots Army before Newarke Ordinance passed for renewing the Power of Martial Law in Kent A Pass for Sir H. Bruce to go beyond Sea and order for a new High-Sheriff of Suffolk and for three hundred pound to Mr. Hancock in part of his Arrears Order for paying the disbursments of the Commissioners that went to
Scotland Lathom house defended two years by the Countess of Derby was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles and in it were taken twelve pieces of Ordnance all their Arms and Ammunition and store of rich Prize and Pillage 8. Debate touching Ireland and voted that the Government thereof should be in one hand under one Governor to be yearly chosen Order for six thousand Suits of Apparel to be sent to Sir Tho. Fairfaxes Army Thanks returned to the Citizens of London for their readiness to advance Money for the Scots Army and for the Publick upon all occasions Order touching Compositions of Delinquents The Speaker of the House of Peers presented a Letter to the Houses which he received from Sir Thomas Glemham Governor of Oxford and therein one inclosed from the King desiring that a safe Conduct might be granted to the Duke of Lenox the Earl of South-hampton Mr. Jo. Ashburnham and Mr. Jeffery Palmer to come up to the Parliament of England at Westminster with Propositions for Peace this was ordered to be debated next day Sir T. F. Sent another Party of Horse with M. Desborough to joyn with Col. Whaley in streightning Oxford A Letter in answer of that from Sir T. F. to the Prince was written by the Lord Capell to Sir T. F. signifying the Princes desire of Peace but that he would not quit his Piety and Loyalty to the King 9. Order for Arrears for Sir Thomas Fairfax's Officers Order for the Ministers about London to give thanks to God the next Lords Day for the Surrender of Lathom House and a Collection for the Poor of Manchester Another Order for Col. Harvey to have Liberty to transport eight hundred and fifty Calve-skins Order for five hundred pounds for Arrears of Dutch Officers and for bayling Sir Roger Twisden Letters from the Worcester-shire Committee informed that Prince Rupert and Prince Maurice with an hundred and sixty Horse were gone from Worcest and in the way meeting with some opposition from that Country men under Sir Edward Dingly they slew five of them wounded others and so got to Oxford Order that Col. Booth with the Lancashire Forces that took in Lathom House should joyn with Sir William Brereton before Chester A Ship was taken in Blith-Haven in the North Fraught with Cannon Arms and Ammunition for Montross Another Ship taken at Burlington Haven and three at Sutton loaden with Deal and Timber very useful for the Siege of Newark 10. An Answer agreed upon to the Kings Letter touching propositions for Peace That the Parliament were most desirous of it could not consent to the coming of the Duke of Lenox c. into their Quarters because of the danger thereof but were themselves in consideration of Propositions for Peace to be sent by way of Bills to his Majesty and herein the Scots Commissioners concurred The Custody of the great Seal continued in the present Commissioners till the last of next February Some Letters and Papers of the Kings taken at Naseby relating to Holland ordered to be Printed and sent over to Mr. Strickland and the Lord Digby's Letters at Sherburne ordered to be Printed M. Arch-bold Governor of Cannon-Froome for the Parliament fell upon the enemies Quarters at Mava and took eighty of their Horse and Riders 11. Divers of the Assembly came to the House and informed them that a Printed paper in the nature of a Remonstrance was published by the dissenting Brethren of the Assembly which they conceived Scandalous to them and they desired they might make an Answer to it The House named a Committee to peruse the Remonstrance and consider of the Scandal in it and by what Authority it was published Divers being summoned by a forged Warrant to appear at London the House ordered that none should serve any Warrant from any Committee but by Deputation from the Serjeant at Arms. Order for slighting the out-works of Wrestel-Castle belonging to the Earl of Northumberland Mr. Bond made Master of the Savoy Hospital under the Great Seal Letters informed that Sir Charles Cooke and Sir Robert Steward with their Eorces slew five hundred of the Irish Rebels 12. Debate touching the propositions for Peace and a day set for Delinquents to come in to make their Compositions and this Order to be published and that those who came in and did not take the Covenant should be taken as Spies and an Ordinance to be drawn to injoyn them to take the Covenant Instructions passed for the Commissioners who are to reside in the Scots Army and a thousand pounds ordered to defray their Expenses An Order for Money for the Forces of Lincoln and of Lynne Regis 13. An Ordinance sent to the Lords to make C. Welden Governor of Plymouth Order for supplys for that Garrison of Ammunition and Money An Ordinance committed for establishing the Garrison at Abbington Order for a thousand pair of Pistols and three thousand pair of Boots to be sent down to the Scots Troopers The Siege was so streight at Chester that in the Town they ate Horse-flesh 15. Proceedings about the Propositions for Peace and in the afternoon upon private Petitions and voted a Rate upon French Commodities imported and English exported thither Mr. Bedding-field had a Pass to go beyond Seas and was released out of his imprisonment by both Houses Order for three thousand pound to pay the fifth part of the Arrears of the reduced Officers 16. Some difference of Opinion between the Houses and the Scots Commissioners about the answer to the Kings Letter for Peace Reference of a Petition of Sir Robert Cooke Order for two thousand pound per An. out of the Court of Wards for the Lord Say in consideration of his Losses and great Services Thirty pound given to the Gallery-keepers at St. Margarets Church A Party sallied out of Newark but were beaten back with four of their men killed but pursuing too far Captain Peat had twenty of his men taken Prisoners Another Party Sallying out of Newarke their Captain singled himself out by way of Challenge and was incountred by Captain Thorney's Lievetenant his Horse killed and himself taken Prisoner G. Leven left the Leager and went to New-Castle Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax had taken divers of the Kings Garrisons near Exeter whereby they were streightned that his Forces took in Ful-ford House That a Troop of Col. Okey's Dragoons surprized a Ship laden with Serges going to the Lord Pawlet That divers Cornish men sue to make their Peace with the Parliament and that they generally refuse there to give Quarter to Gorings men Sir Tho. Fairfax sent a Regiment of Horse and two Regiments of Foot to take in Corse-Castle and Dunster-Castle was Besieged 17. Another Letter from the King was communicated to both Houses wherein he admires they should deny a Convoy for those he would send with Propositions telling them of their Protestations to agree to Peace and conjures them by the Miseries and Blood which hath
present buying of Horses and Furniture for him as an earnest of the affections of the House to him Order for Pay for the Army 24. Information from the Commissioners in the Scots Army of their Warrant to bring in Provisions for the Scots and of some complaints against that Army The House approved of those Warrants of the Commissioners and took care for payment of the Country for the Provisions brought in by them Mr. Hunt the Serjeant at Arms being dead the House gave that place to Serjeant Birkhead for Life Debate at a Conference touching Martial Law in London and about the Letters from Newarke A Petition of the Merchants of New-Castle and Sunderland referred to the Committee of the Navy 26. Upon Letters from M. G. Brown Order for one thousand eight hundred pound of Sir John Borlace his Composition to be paid for the Garrison of Abbingdon and for other Money for them They continued M. G. Brown Governor of Abbingdon for three Months longer and dispensed with his attendance in the House as a Member Order for Money for the Garrison of Henley Several Ordinances touching the arrears of the Officers late under the Lord Fairfax and for digging of Salt-Peter Another Letter came from his Majesty about a Personal Treaty wherein he smartly answers the Letters of the Parliament last sent to him in all the particulars and concludes with his earnest desires of Peace and saith it is clear to him that there is no way but a Treaty or Conquest for a final ending of such distractions as afflict this Kingdom The latter he hopes none will have the impudence or impiety to wish for and for the former if his Personal assistance be not necessary let any reasonable man judge and earnestly presseth for an Answer The King sent a Warrant under his hand to the Heads of Houses in Oxford for the reading of Divine Service established by Law daily Morning and Evening and to fast on Fridays 27. Letters from Stafford informed that Captain Stone 's Troop of an hundred beat up the Lord Molineux's Quarters near Stafford routed three hundred of the Enemy took three Captains and other Officers about an hundred Horse and many Prisoners some slain and divers wounded Order for five hundred pound for Captain Stone for his Troop and fifty pound given to his Lieutenant Proceedings upon the propositions for Peace and seven Bills to be prepared to be forthwith sent to the King to which if he shall assent then they are willing he should come to London and treat about the other matters The Bills were 1. For setling Presbyterian Government and extirpating Episcopacy 2. For prosecuting the War against the Irish Rebels 3. For the Militia to remain in the power of the Parliament 4. For payment of the Debts of the Kingdom 5. For bringing Delinquents to punishment 6. That no Honours be given but to such as have testified their affections to the Publick 7. Concerning the Priviledges of London Sir Tho. Fairfax returned from Dartmouth to the blocking up of Exeter 28. The day of the Monthly Fast in the Evening the House met and heard a Report from the Committee of Plundred Ministers of the Blasphemies of one Paul Best who denied the Trinity of the God-head and the Deity of Christ and the Holy Ghost the House ordered him to be kept close Prisoner and an Ordinance to be brought in to punish him with Death 29. Consent to amendment of some mistakes in an Ordinance The House voted that some of the Members of the Committee of both Kingdoms had done their Duties in making known some intelligence from Paris and ordered them thanks for it The Lord Montague Col. White and Mr. Robert Goodwin ordered to go Commissioners into Scotland Orders for supply of the Army A Petition for Mr. Saltmarsh to be a Lecturer in Kent opposed by divers of the County countenanced by Col. Blunt and divers others of the Parliaments Friends The Parliament of Scotland executed divers of Montrosses Party The Siege of Newarke continued streight A Treaty was had about the surrender of Chester but nothing concluded Sir William Brereton drew out a Party to incounter the Irish of whose landing in Anglesey he had Intelligence Mr. Ed. Vaughan with a small party in Merioneth-shire fell upon a hundred of the Kings Forces who were Fortifying at Dolgethly took their Captaine eighteen Prisoners and divers Horse and Arms. 30. Reference to the Committee of both Kingdoms to prevent the Incursions from Oxford into Wilts and Hant shire Orders for allowance to Preaching Ministers and for Mr. Edward Clerke High Sheriff of Oxford shire to make his Residence at Reading Proceedings upon the Propositions for Peace Mr. Tilshead met the Party from Oxford in Wilts whereof he was High-Sheriff and took thirty of their Horse and many Prisoners Letters informed the taking of Pouldram Castle by Col. Hammond That they surrendred upon conditions that Greenvile was apprehended and carried prisoner to Oxford and that Hopton was made General of the West that many intercepted Letters were sent up to the Parliament That many Devonshire Gentlemen declared for the Parliament and Sir Tho. Fairfax gave a Commission to Mr. Vowell to be a Col. 31. Debate of a Report from the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall touching Compositions of Delinquents Another Letter came from the King wherein he presseth his coming to London for a personal Treaty offers the Militia to be setled in the hands of the Parliament for seven years and that the Parliament shall nominate Officers of State Judges c. that Religion shall be setled as in the days of Queen Elizabeth having regard still to tender Consciences And for Ireland and the other Propositions to grant what was offered at the Treaty of Uxbridge and disclames the Earl of Glamorgan's Commission by which he treated with the Irish as false and no Act of his Majestys This Letter was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms to be communicated to the Scots Commissioners and the Commons desired a conference with the Lords concerning the present sending of the seven Bills to his Majesty Vote that the Committee of both Kingdoms receive from the Lord L'isle his propositions touching Ireland Both Houses agreed upon the Ordinance touching Covent-Garden Order for the Countess of Winchester to go to her Husband where he is Prisoner Sir William Brereton intercepted a Letter from the Lord Byron to Oxford that if they had not relief by the last of January then of necessity they must surrender Chester February 1645. February 2. Debate about the Kings Letter A Conference at which the seven Bills were presented to the Lords for their Concurrence to be forthwith sent to the King Ordinance passed for Money for the Guards and other services in London Martial Law given to the Garrisons of Aylisbury and Newport Paganell Order that there should be no new motion in the House after twelve a Clock Letters informed that Sir Tho. Fairfax drawing towards Exeter the
volley of Shot The Parliaments Forlorn hope seeing the Dragoons ingaged gave fire whereupon the enemy gave fire all along the Hedges and Works and the reserve to the Forlorn Hope came up to relieve them and being so ingaged the whole Army advanced and about eight at night the Battle began about six fields from the Town and they fought from hedge to hedge till the enemy were beaten into their Barricado's Which they maintained for an hour after very resolutely and often times repulsed the Parliaments Forces yet at last they got over the Barricado's and forced the Enemy into the Town whereupon the Horse were let in who scowring the Streets were received by the enemy and a hot charge given by both Parties Yet at last the enemy was driven out of the Barricadoes at the farthest end of the Town and by this time many Prisoners were taken by the Parliaments Forces and put into the Church but far more escaped being dark over the hedges and by-ways throwing down their Arms and every man flying several ways The Parliaments Forces were no sooner possest of the Town but the enemies Magazine which they left in the Church was fired whether on purpose by them or by accident is uncertain but it proved a terrible blow blowing up the Church with all the Wood and Lead upon it deforming many Houses killed some of the Prisoners in the Church and some of the Parliament Soldiers in the Church-yard two great webs of Lead fell within twice a Horse length of the General many others were hurt with the stones timber and lead Most of the Town was shaken by this blow being the terriblest that hath been seen there being above eighty barrels of powder blown up together The enemy perceiving their Magazine thus on fire gave one Charge more with their Horse commanded by Sir John Digby but being fired upon by the Musquetiers they took their farewell the Parliament horse instantly advanced through the Town after them and began the pursuit about eleven at night The Infantry were taken slain and totally routed the Horse many taken and dispersed and the rest gone in great disorder towards Cornwall they had eight Regiments of Horse two thousand five hundred or three thousand men very resolute and fought valiantly and after they were chased from hedge to hedge defended their Barricadoes and Works at push of pike and the butt end of their Musquets They were old Cornish Foot many of the Parliaments Men were wounded Officers and Soldiers more than hath been at any Storm since the Army came forth The Parliaments first Word was Emmanuel God with us and a Furse-bush in their hats the Enemys Word was We are with You and a handkerchief tied about their right arm they having gotten the Word and Signal of the Parliaments Army they took a second Word which was Truth and a handkerchief or white mark in their Hats The particulars of this great Victory were not ready to be sent up with these Letters 20. Both Houses agreed upon several Votes for the chusing of Elders in the Church-Government The two Messengers that brought the news of the success of Torrington had forty pound for a gratuity A Passage at the Common Council of London referred to a Committee to be examined 21. Letters from Sir Tho. Fairfax informed the particulars of the great success at Torrington Six hundred Prisoners taken many of them of Quality Eighty of the Princes Life-guard Thirty of Hoptons Life-guard Three thousand Arms taken Hopton shot in the thigh Sir John Digby wounded in the head others of note wounded Divers of the enemy slain in the Fight and in the Church by firing the Magazine Eighty Barrells of Powder blown up in the Church done purposely and twenty pound given by the Enemy to one of their men to do it Twenty of the Parliaments Party slain in the Fight and at the firing of the Magazine and an hundred wounded All the Enemies Bag and Baggage and Provisions taken The Messenger had twenty pounds for a reward 23. A Gratuity of fifty pounds to the Messenger from Sir T. F. A day of thanksgiving appointed Debate about the business of the Navy and the Officers for the next Summers Fleet voted one by one Eight Colours were taken and brought in from Torrington-Battle one the Lord Hoptons with this Motto I will strive to serve my Soveraign King about a hundred of the Enemy slain Lord Hoptons Commission taken and Sir John Digby's and other Papers five hundred pound in the Lord Hoptons Quarters and much rich pillage Many of the Kings Party came in to Sir Thomas Fairfax who prepared to follow the broken Troops into Cornwall where they had in all but four hundred Foot Sir Tho. Fairfax blocked up Barnstable and took in the Earl of Bathes House neer it his Forces took two Ships with ten pieces of Ordnance and ten tun of Salt Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Parliament desiring two Months pay for his Army that they may not take free Quarter in Cornwall and desires care may be taken that the Oxford Horse may not infest the Countries thereabouts whilst his Army was in the West The House made effectual Orders in these things and for recruits for the Army The Forces besieging Banbury were about three thousand and about three hundred in the Castle the Parliaments Forces Quartered in the Town and the Enemy made some Sallyes but were beaten back Col. Fleet-wood fell upon the Kings Quarters neer Wood-stock took fifty Horse and divers Prisoners 24. An Ordinance debated for discharging the Ward-ship of the Heirs Males of Sir Christopher Wray late a Member of the House according to a former Vote for discharging the Wardship of those who died in this War in the Parliaments Service Upon debate hereof the Original of Ward-ships and the misapplication of the intention of Ward-ships and the present oppression to the Families of Noble-men and Gentle-men by Ward-ships being opened to the House by Selden Maynard St John Whitelocke and other Lawyers the House passed a Vote That the Court of Wards it self and all Ward-ships Tenures Licenses for Alienation c. should be taken away and the Lords concurred therein The Ordinance for the Northern Association was continued Order for fifty thousand pound out of the Excise for Sir Tho. Fairfax's Army in Cornwall Articles for the Surrender of Ashbe de-la-zouch were sent up to the Parliament and a debate upon them whether the Estates of the Earl of Huntington Col. Hastings and Col. Perkins should be discharged of Sequestration which the House did agree unto Some of the Garrison of Newarke Sallied out and took twenty four of Captain Markhams men and horse in their Quarters Letters from Bristol informed that the Governor of Cardiffe for the Parliament Col. Prichard and Col. Leyton betook themselves to Cardiffe Castle and kept that with their Forces that the Vice-Admiral came and shot six pieces to the Castle to let them know that in that time
future Upon this many of the Multitude who were come as far as Greenwich and Deptford retreated home and left the Ordnance and what they had taken behind them Letters from Cornwall That Sir Hardress Waller had routed and dispersed the Forces there for the King That he had killed near a hundred and took about two hundred of them Prisoners and let the rest go home to their own dwelling Letters from Collonel Ewer of his taking of Chepstow Castle Sir Nicholas Kemish slain an hundred and twenty Prisoners taken Order for fifty pound for the Captain who brought the News and for a Letter of thanks to Collonel Ewer and his Officers and Soldiers Letters from Viceadmiral Rainsborough of the revolt of some of the Ships under his command and that they had set him on Shore and had sent to the Earl of Warwick to take the Command of them and declared for King Parliament and Covenant The Commons referred this business to the Committee of Derby House and to follow the humour of the Revolters they Voted that the Earl of Warwick should be Lord High Admiral of England and forthwith go to take care of the Navy Order for a Letter of thanks to Sir Hardress Waller his Officers and Soldiers for their good Service in suppressing the Insurrection in Cornwall Letters from Kent that the Rioters encreased there to a great strength and committed many Plundrings and Insolencies the House left the business of reducing them wholly to the management of the General with power for him to give Pardons and Indemnity to any but only to such as had been formerly in Arms against the Parliament in pursuance hereof the General had a Rendezvous upon Black-Heath of seven Regiments of Horse and Foot and marched towards Rochester Letters of Cromwells Success in Wales Letters from Scotland That the Levyes of Soldiers there are opposed in some Counties From Newcastle That Langdale left five hundred Foot and a Troop of Horse at Berwicke That the number of the Cavaliers in those parts were about eight thousand That Major General Lambert was come with about nine hundred Horse to Bernard Castle The Three Bills to be sent to the King in order to a Treaty transmitted to the Lords Some Members added to the Committee of Derby House six Lord and twelve Commoners Referred to Major General Skippon to take care of the Ordnance at White-Hall and of sending Beds to Windsor Ordinances passed the Commons giving Power to the Militia of London to send Guards to the Parliament and for six thousand pound for satisfying the ingagement of Collonel Welden to the Inhabitants of Plymouth The Kentish men grew numerous under Esquire Hales their General and Sir Thomas Peiton their Lieuetenant General who sent a Message by a Trumpet to the Lord General for a Pass for their Commissioners to come and treat with him but the General refused it answering That he knew no authority they had to appoint Commissioners for such a purpose But finding them and their Countreymen gathered together in Arms and doing many Acts of Hostility and damage to their Neighbours in disturbance of the Peace and without any authority from the Parliament he cannot admit of a Treaty with them whilst they are thus in Arms. But if they shall forthwith lay down their Arms and depart to their Homes he doubts not but the Mercy of the Parliament will be extended to the Estates and Lives of those who have been deluded into this Rebellion and their Justice only against some of the most eminent fomenters of it Some Skirmishes were between Parties of the Army and the Kentish Men some few of them slain and about a hundred Prisoners taken they fought stoutly 31. The Monthly Fast they had three Sermons in the House The Kentish men sent a Resolute Reply to the General 's Letter Justifying themselves and their Cause The House sate till after six a Clock at night June 1648. June 1. Debate of an Ordinance touching the Arrears of many Officers and Soldiers who have served the Parliament A Petition from the Lord Major and Common Councel of London to acquaint the Houses with a Petition presented to the Common Councel which they desired to tender to the Houses and to leave to their Consideration It was 1. To return thanks to the Common Councel for their endeavours for a Personal Treaty 2. That the Militia of London Essex Hertford Bucks Kent Sussex and Surrey might be Associated 3. That Captain Batten might be restored to the place of Vice-Admiral 4. That the Distempers in Kent might be appeased 5. That the Aldermen under restraint might be discharged The Answer of both Houses to the Petition was That they perceived the Wisdom and Moderation of the Common Councel in this business and thereby their good affections to the Parliament for which they gave them thanks and desired that a Common Councel might be called this afternoon to which the Houses resolved to send some of their Members to acquaint them with the sence of the Houses upon such Petitions Intelligence that the General with four Regiments of Horse and three of Foot and some Companies of Colonel Ingoldsbie's Regiment marched to Eltham and lay in the Fields all Night May 31. they had a rendezvous at Craford Heath and from thence marched through Dartford and the General having intelligence that a party of the Kentish had fortifyed and barricadoed a bridge which led to Gravesend A commanded party was sent forth under Major Husbands of three hundred Horse who took up an hundred Foot behind them when they drew towards the bridge the Enemy sired thick upon them but they notwithstanding fell on and the Horse swam through the water and so got over The Kentish men seeing their danger fled Major Childe who commanded them hardly escaped having his Horse shot and his Son was shot and taken About twenty of the Kentish were slain on the place divers wounded and thirty Prisoners taken most of the party routed were Country-men Sca-men and Apprentices of London Major Husbands Marched on two or three Miles beyond Gravesend and had orders to retreat to Maulin where the Army quartered The General published a Proclamation forbidding his Souldiers to Plunder or commit any outrage in their March and to restore any thing that had been so taken Many Knights and Gentlemen of quality and Cavaliers were with the Kentish men and their numbers were increased to above ten thousand Major Gibbon went with a party to relieve Dover-Castle and forced Sir Richard Hardresse who had besieged it to retreat 2. A report from the committee who were sent to the Common Council That they did return their humble thanks to the Parliament for sending the Committee to acquaint them with the Overtures of favour the Parliament have made to the Petitioners of Kent The Common Council acknowledge the great patience and low condescension of the Parliament towards the Kentish men
provisions that they mutinyed crying out we shall be starved for two or three mens pleasures better it were that we should throw them over the Walls That they have taken away the Water from the Castle and that Poyer is in much danger of his own men that he endeavoured to Storm the Castle but the Ladders were too short and he lost some men That Poyer allows his men but half a Pound of Beef and as much Bread a day and hath promised not to hold out the Castle longer than the Town can hold out that he fired many Houses in the Town which much frighted them Letters from the leaguer before Colchester that the Parliaments Ships at Harwich took two Ships that lay to assist the King's Party at Colchester that they sent out Forces to assist their Ships but a Party from the leaguer fell on them and took fourty of them Prisoners that Lieutenant Gardiner was taken Prisoner by them That Sir Charles Lucas sent a Trumpet proposing an exchange of Prisoners but the General answered that Sir Charles Lucas had forfeited his parol his honor and faith being his Prisoner upon parol and therefore not capable of Command or trust in Martial affairs to this an answer and excuse was presently returned The Committee Sir William Masham and others under restraint in Colchester sent a Paper signed by them to the General Intreating him to enter into a Treaty for Peace and in the same Paper a line or two signed Norwich Arthur Capel Charles Lucas 21. Ordinance committed for setling the Presbyterian Government Additional Power given to the Committee who are to apprehend twenty of the King's Party in lieu of those detained in Colchester The Committee of Essex ordered to go down to Indeavour the securing of that County An Ordinance past for setling the Militia of Bristol and for a thousand Pounds for the fortifications and victualling of it Order for a demy-Culverin to be taken out of Arundell-Castle for the service of the Isle of Wight M r Doucet and others who indeavored the King's escape out of the Isle of Wight committed to Peter House Order for a thousand Musquets five hundred Case of Pistols with their furniture four thousand Pikes and five thousand Swords with ammunition for the Northern service Order for the Common Council to take care that at the Common hall for choosing of Sheriffs none be admitted but those of the Liveries Letters that those in Colchester are fortifying apace and getting in provisions and have imposed a fine upon the Town forcing all between sixteen and sixty years old to bear Arms and are preparing Horse and hand-Mills to grind their Corn. That the General began a work which his men maintained with great resolution that those in the Town sent a Trumpeter for a Treaty that they twice attempted the regaining of Marsy-Fort and Island but were beaten back that the Earl of Norwich perswades his men that London was plundered and that Langdale was coming with ten thousand men to fall upon the Generals Rear who was willing to draw off and had sent a Trumpet to the Town for that purpose The weather was strangely cold and rainy for this time of the year 22. Order for the General to proceed against Captain Vesey by Marshal Law he being a Captain of the Trained-bands in Essex that perswaded his Company to join with the Lord Goring and was since taken Prisoner by the General A Petition from the Contractors for sale of Bishops Lands touching obstructions in that business referred to the Committee of obstructions Debate of an Ordinance for setling the Militia of Westminster Ordinance past for discharging the Sequestration of Sir John Strangeways and his Son Debate of the State of the Navy and ordered that an Ordinance be brought in for Forty Thousand Pounds out of the Excise for the Navy Order for the Committee of the Army to pay two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds borrowed by them of the Committee of the Navy and that the Summers Fleet be fitted in order to the reducing of the revolted Ships Reference to the Committee of Derby-house to take care for the safety of the Isle of Wight both by land and Sea 23. Debate touching the Settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom and a Committee appointed to consider how far the Parliament have gone and what offers have been made by the King in order thereunto and what is fit further to be offered to him and of the place manner and circumstances relating to this business A question was proposed but not passed whether the King should be removed from Carisbrook Castle to Windsor Castle in order to a personal Treaty with both Kingdoms Order for Printing a Letter of Colonel Hamonds and a Charge by one Osborn against him and Captain Rolfe Order for the House to adjourn from every Friday till Tuesday after Letters from the Leaguer before Colchester that thirty Horse and forty Foot Sallied out of the Town to discover the new work that the General was making and were beaten back by fourteen of the Parliaments Musquetiers and that six Foot Souldiers went over the River and brought away six Cows whithin Pistol shot of the main work of the Town that some men were killed by the Cannon on both sides That the Suffolk Forces not being come up to the Leaguer the Enemy had free passage to Sir Harbottle Grimston's house at Bradfield Hall where they placed two hundred Musquetiers and two Troops of Horse and they sent a Summons to the Suffolk Forces at Cattaway Bridge That by Command of Sir Charles Lucas Commander in Chief of his Majesties Forces in Essex they desire to know the positive answer of the Suffolk men Whether they will declare themselves Enemies or not to those in Colchester who are come to preserve the Hundred from plunder and not to act any thing against those of Suffolk if they declare either to be friends or neuters and their intention to be only to secure their own County The General published a Proclamation that whereas he had offered liberty to all private Soldiers laying down their Arms and leaving the Party in Colchester to depart to their private homes and to be free from any violence of the Soldiers with conditions to persons of other Quality He Commands all his Officers and Soldiers to permit them so to do 24. Letters from Colchester Leaguer that the weather being extream wet some began to sally out of the Town but the Parliaments Soldiers and Horse of the Trained-bands notwithstanding the wet stood to their Arms with so much readiness and cheerfulness that the Cavaliers went in again That the Suffolk Forces made some scruple of marching out of their own County that the party in Sir Harbottle Grimston's house plundered it and turned out his Lady That the Suffolk Forces were come up to the Leaguer before Colchester two thousand Foot and five troops of Horse and had intrenched themselves before the East-gate and left
a competent Force to secure Cattaway Bridge and other Bridges behind them 26. Both Houses agreed upon a Committee to consider of the manner and place of Treaty with his Majesty for settling the Peace of the Kingdom Vote that the Election of M r Mildmay was void and Sir John Clotworthy to be readmitted a Member of the House A note was sent to D r Burges in his Pulpit desiring him to give thanks to God for preserving his Majesty from Poysoning and to pray for the Forces under the Earl of Norwich the Lord Capel and Sir Marmaduke Langdale Order that the Militia of London do send for the Parties whose names were subscribed to this note and that Bishop Wren and M r Capel the Lord Capel's Son be added to those who are to be sent Prisoners to his Excellency and to be exchanged for or used as the Committee of Essex in restraint with the Lord Goring are Northern Letters that Major General Lambert hath retaken Appleby Castle and Greystock Castle and some Arms and Ammunition that the Lancashire Forces one Regiment of good Horse and two Regiments of Foot are joyned with him that they advanced eight thousand Horse and Foot against Langdale who retreated to Carlisle and avoided fighting but sent eight Troops of Horse whereof two were Gentlemen excellently Mounted towards Berwick and their Motions were attended by Colonel George Fenwick and M r Sanderson That the Scots are daily expected by Langdale but many of the contrary Party both Scots and English fly into England and affirm that the Prince is expected in Scotland that great violence is used towards all that will not adhere to the new War Some Ministers executed more imprisoned all to be secured and their goods confiscated who oppose this War that there are great distractions and feuds among them A Petition from the Inhabitants of Colchester and a Letter from the Lord Goring in their behalf was brought to the General that Liberty might be granted to the Bay and Say makers in that Town to have a free trade with London during the Siege The General answered that they should have considered this and divers other inconveniences of War before they had admitted the Forces now in their Town He recites the former subduing of the Parliaments Enemies and the quiet and free trade thereby enjoyed by that Town and all the Kingdom till this new War That the present interruption of their trade is brought upon them not by his default but by those whom the Town hath harboured and the Townsmen and that to grant liberty of trade to persons besieged so much advantage to them and prejudice to the besiegers is such a motion as was never yet granted That their hopefullest way to a free trade will be to attend to a restitution of the Town and County to the condition they were in before these Forces were among them and as in order thereto he offer'd fair conditions in a Letter to the Lord Goring Lord Capell and Sir Charles Lucas though perhaps concealed from the Town though they be rejected by them yet that he shall be ready to make good the same to all that shall timely imbrace them except those three persons themselves That in the mean time there are with him sundry Gentlemen of Quality and Towns-men of good estates and eminent in trade who offer to buy all the Bayes and Sayes in the Town at the usual prices and to pay for them within a fortnight after the Town shall be rendred or quitted to him And that though it be without example to a besieged Town yet he will give leave for their commodities to be brought to a heath near the Town to be bargained or returned back as there shall be occasion A Trumpet came from the Lord Capell to desire the General that an agent of the Bay and Say-makers of the Town might come and treat with his Excellency about their free trade The Lord Capell's Trumpeter and Colonel Paptons Trumpeter and divers Souldiers came from the Enemy to the General according to his Proclamation The Lord Goring to keep up the spirits of his Party when they asked what the Generals Trumpet came so often about to them he answered that it was for a treaty and that the General offered fifty thousand Pounds to the Lord Goring to permit him quietly to draw off with his Army 27. A Petition from the Lord Major Aldermen and Common Council of London to both Houses of Parliament That a personal Treaty may be had between his Majesty and both Houses of Parliament in London or some other convenient place to which Treaty our Brethren of Scotland may be invited that so according to our Allegiance and the Covenant his Majestys Royal person honour and Estate may be preserved the power and priviledge of Parliament maintained the just rights and Liberties of the subject restored Religion and Church Government in purity established all differences composed and a firm and lasting Peace concluded The Lords gave the Petitioners thanks for the continuance of their good affections and inclinations to Peace The House of Commons related to them what they had done and the Committee they had appointed in order to settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom and gave them thanks for their good affections Additional ordinances passed for the Militia's of Westminster and for York Some of the Forces in Colchester were drawn out into the Orchards and Closes under their Works the Parliaments Foot went presently into the Field beat the Enemy into their guards and made those run that kept the Guard took their hour-Glass set their guard House on Fire killed two and brought one Cook of Greenwich away Prisoner The Enemy quitted Sir Harbottle Grimston's House and retreated to the Lord Bannings House The Tower Regiment marched over the new Bridge and intrenched themselves about the Northgate Colonel Whaley with some Horse fired the Enemies wind-mills 28. The monthly fast day Letters from Colchester Leaguer that the Suffolk Forces fell upon the Enemy killed two and took twenty Prisoners whereof eight Kentish men and two London Apprentices who had chewed bullets rowled in sand in their pockets contrary to the Law of Armes that Colonel Needham was â—lain with such a shot That the same day thirty of the Parliaments Horse fell upon two Troops of the Enemy killed two and Wounded many that the Enemy suspecting a battery sallyed out in the night with a hundred Horse in a full cariere thinking to surprise some of the besiegers but failing they advanced in a swift march to the Horse guards came within the Centries and charged pistols That the main guard beat them back to the hedges which they had lined with Musquetiers but little hurt was done on either side Intelligence came that the Enemy from Pontfract had possessed themselves of Axcombe Island near Trent 29. A Petition from the younger Brothers of Trinity House another from the Commanders Masters and
Essex Letters from the North That the King's party from Pontefract came to Lincoln where and in their march they plundered the Parliaments Friends took Captain Bret Captain Fines and M r Ellis Prisoners and killed M r Smith an Officer of the sequestrations 4. The House Voted that before a Treaty be concluded all just debts to such as have adhered to the Parliament be paid or secured Referred to the Committee of Derby House to make Farnham Castle indefensible and to secure Sterborough Castle Rygate Martin Abby and all other places of strength in Surrey Letters from Lancâ—shire that Colonel Lilburne with a Party of six hundred Horse ingaged against Sir Rich. Tempest with a thousand Horse and after a hot dispute six hundred of the Enemy's horse were taken and three hundred Prisoners of whom many Knights and Gentlemen Letters from the Navy that Sir George Aiscough came in with the Parliaments Ship the Lyon declaring against the revolted Ships Letters from Pembroke Leaguer That a hundred and twenty in the Town laid down their Arms and Poyer and Langhorn told them that if relief came not within five days they should hang them that they have only rain water and a little bisket left that Cromwel shot stones into the Town with morter pieces which killed divers Letters from Colonel Jones that he had received fifty thousand pounds which was designed for Munster three thousand three hundred ninety two pounds from London six thousand suits and of all sorts of grain six thousand five hundred seventy one barrels That the Scots seek to entice away his Souldiers Letters from Colchester Leaguer that their great guns and carriages were come to the Besiegers that many desert the Enemy that divers of their Wives came out of the Town but were turned back again that the Wives of the Parliaments friends were not suffer'd to come forth That when some of the Town complained for want of Victuals the Lord Goring told them they must not complain till horse-flesh were at ten shillings a pound that they have twenty pieces of Ordnance and two hundred barrels of powder but want great shot 5. A Petition from the Common Council of London with another from the Common Officers of the Trained bands praying 1. THat the Militia of London and of the adjacent parts may be settled in one Committee and if any persons be added to the Committee that they may be such as have no places of profit which depend upon the War or have shewed themselves disaffected to the ends of the Covenant 2. That the King may be brought to London with freedom honour and safety to treat with his Parliament for settling a safe and well grounded Peace 3. That the Militia may have power if need be to raise Horse for the defence of the King Parliament and City The Lords granted the desires of the Petitioners in confidence that the City will be careful to make good that great ingagement now made for securing his Majesties person and the Parliament from tumults mutinies and disorders and that they will adhere to live and die in defence of the King and Parliament according to the Covenant The House of Commons told the Petitioners that they had agreed to the joyning of the Militias A Petition from eighty Seamen Masters of Ships c. offering their service for the reducing of the revolted Ships the Petitioners had thanks and the Petition referred to a Committee Letters from Sir Arthur Haselrigge confirming the victory obtained by Colonel Lilburne Colonel Fenwick and M r Sanderson against Sir Richard Tempest without the loss of one man The List of the Commanders and Gentlemen of Quality taken Prisoners was sent up to the Parliament A publick thanksgiving ordered for this Victory Intelligence came of about five hundred Horse got together near Kingston the Earl of Holland the Duke of Buckingham and the Lord Francis his brother in the head of them that the Earl of Peterborough came in to them that they summoned the Country expecting great numbers to joyn with them and plundered some friends of the Parliament The Commons passed some Instructions for the security of Whitehal and Lambeth-house from the danger of this Party and appointed Guards on the Thames at the Ferries and Watering places to stop all suspicious persons which might pass that way The Committee of Derby-house made report of this business and their opinion for subscriptions of Horses to be made by the Members of Parliament for ten days for defence of the Parliament and City which the House approved of and subscribed very freely some two some three and some of them four Horses Order for those Horse to be put under the command of Colonel Butler and Quarter Master General Fincher and they to have a hundred Pounds a piece for a gratuity and it was declared an acceptable service for all who shall list any Horses for this service This suddain and unexpected if not rash action of the Earl of Holland and the rest with him brought to my remembrance some discourse which his Lordship had with an acquaintance not long before when he was pleased much to inveigh against some proceedings of the Parliament especially in their backwardness to a personal Treaty upon which he said and truly That generally peoples hearts were set and that he did believe if a considerable Party should shew themselves in Arms for it that they would soon rise to a great body and be able to bring the Parliament to reason He was answer'd that the Parliaments Army was in a framed body of old Souldiers prosperous in their actions and well provided of all things necessary and that it would be a rash and desperate attempt for any to imagin to make a head against them and to raise a new body That there was no trust to be given to peoples minds or promises in such designs who would not stir except they saw the Tide turning and some precedent success which could not be in this case but those who should adventure upon such a business would certainly be lost in it He argued earnestly to the contrary and how honourable just and pious a thing it would be to rescue our Country from the misery and slavery they were now under especially if it were done by those who in the beginning had perhaps too much hand in the bringing of those straits upon us It was replied that it would be worse in those men than in any others for that it would be looked upon in them as breach of faith and treachery to those who had before intrusted them Order for forces for Northamptonshire Letters from Colchester Leaguer of the great Flood there which hinders any from escaping and that they are in great want of victuals in the Town A Porter in Soldiers habit from London got into Colchester and brought them Intelligence that a great force was coming from London to their relief 6. Major General Brown
Because it is the desire of the Parliament of Scotland 3. The agreement upon the Treaty will be the more authentick 4. It 's probable having no Army the King will condescend to that which at Uxbridge and Oxford he refused 5. It is not the way of Treaties to confirm any before all is agreed especially what is of greatest concernment and will be chiefly insisted upon Vote for M r Ashburnham to be offered in exchange for Sir W. Masham A Petition in behalf of M r Rolfe Letters from Wales of a design to betray Denbigh Castle prevented An Ordinance past for a Troop of Horse to be raised in Surrey another for Hampshire and a third for Caernarvon The vindication of Major General Skippon against a scandalous Libel ordered to be posted in London An Ordinance for the adjacent parts to be added to the Militia of London and a Petition against it referred to a Committee Letters of the Victory gained by Colonel Rossiter before mentioned a list of the Prisoners Officers and Gentlemen of quality about five hundred Prisoners taken eight Carriages with Arms and Ammunition Colonel Pocklington and Colonel Cholmely slain with many Officers and Souldiers to the number of about two hundred all their bag and baggage taken Letters from Major General Lamberts quarters that his men took near to Carlisle a hundred Prisoners Horse and Foot and forty Horse that that Alarm in the Night caused all the Enemies Forces thereabouts to flye into Carlisle saying they would not fight till the Scots were come in to joyn with them 11. A Letter from Colonel Hammond desiring that Osbornes charge against Mr. Rolfe may come to a speedy hearing it reflecting so highly upon the Army and upon him and being an horrid scandal whereof he clears his own innocency and the Officers of the Army and Mr. Rolfe and if the House have any suspicion of him if they please to send down another to be in his place he shall willingly resign An Ordinance past both Houses for continuing the Excise two years longer Debate of an Ordinance of Indempnity for the revolted Sea-men that shall come in by a day the rest to be out of mercy and Instructions for incouragement of Sea-men referred to a Committee An Ordinance past both Houses for money for the Lincolnshire Forces Another transmitted to the Lords to pay off poor Souldiers and Widows A design of the Malignants in Worcester prevented and Mr. Harcourt and others apprehended for it Order for the Garrisoning Worcester by Colonel Dingly and Hartlebury Order for accommodations for Mr. Rolfe and for a Letter of thanks to Colonel Hammond for his good services The Committee of both Houses and the Committee of the Common Council of London had several meetings and Treaties about their ingagement for the safety of the King and Parliament during the intended Treaty at London The Common Council explained their meaning upon several particulars of their former Petitions 1. They will ingage that the King and Parliament may meet and treat free from Force and violence this they mean by the word safely 2. By the word defend they mean that during the Treaty they will defend the King and Parliament so much as in them lies free from all Force and violence 3. That if the Treaty be in London the City will for the present defray the charge of the guard during the Treaty and afterward referr themselves to the King and Parliament for the satisfaction thereof 4. That in case the intended treaty shall be in London and his Majesty and the Parliament shall not agree then the City conceive themselves bound to submit to the Wisdom of both Houses touching the disposal of the Kings person 5. That the Common Council and Officers Military do declare that they are ready according to their ingagment as much as in them lyes by the Trained bands to guard and defend the King and Parliament against all Force and violence And they desire to have the Militiaes united and to be inabled to raise Forces and that during the Treaty no Forces may come within thirty miles of London without their consents That those who shall make any tumult or disturbance during the Treaty may be punished with Death that none who have born Arms against the Parliament or contributed thereunto shall during the Treaty come within thirty miles of London without leave of Parliament That the Treaty may be with all expedition for preventing of further inconveniences and that if the Treaty be in London the Common Council will indeavour to find out a convenient place for it and accommodations They also ordered that the Common Council-men within their several Precincts should indeavour to get the subscriptions of the Citizens to this ingagement which was done accordingly Letters from Colchester Leaguer that the besieged are in great want of victuals and Horse-meat that their guard who were to secure those that came out to get Horse-meat were beaten divers of them killed and some taken Letters from St. Needs that Colonel Scroop with his party from Colchester Leaguer sent after the Earl of Holland and his Party came to Hartford and with skilful guides from thence were brought to S. Needes before the Lords could shift away yet had got into some Bodies with their Party in the Town That the Parliaments forlorn being entred charged and routed the Earl's Party before the Body came up and when they came the Earl's Party sled several ways yet many of them fell as Colonel Dalbier who was slain in the Inn Sir Kenelm Digbyes Son another Colonel and divers others were slain The Earl of Holland craved quarter in his Chamber and had it with him were taken Prisoners Sir Gilbert Gerrard Colonel Skeimister Major Holland Major Stepkin Lieutenant Colonel Goodwin and a hundred Prisoners besides That the Parliaments Souldiers had above a hundred Gallant Horses store of gold and Silver and rich clothes they had but two men slain and Colonel Scroops Captain Lieutenant wounded they were so tyred with their long march that they could not pursue the Enemy That the Duke of Bucks was fled with about forty Horse towards Lincolnshire Intelligence that the Lord Andover going to the Prince was taken and put into Dover Castle 12. A Declaration transmitted to the Lords giving twenty days to the revolted Ships to come in or else to be taken as Traitors and their goods to be confiscated and this to be sent to them by the Lord Admiral Letters that after the defeat given to Langdales Forces by Colonel Lilburn he having intelligence that nine thousand Scots were entring England to joyn with Langdale drew towards Lambert to joyn with him That Duke Hamilton sent a Complement to Major General Lambert that he was upon advance with an Army towards England for that the Parliament of England had given no satisfaction to the desires of the Parliament of Scotland and could not avoid the Northern parts of England He assures Major General
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
the Committee of Colchester did in assisting the Army with the Norfolk Forces and ordered a Letter of thanks to the Committee of Norfolk for the same 20. A Letter from the King for a safe-conduct for some persons to come from Scotland to the King and to return the House not knowing the persons and whether they were capable to be admitted to come to his Majesty referred to their Members who were late Commissioners in Scotland to consider of those persons and to report their opinion to the House Order for a new Election An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for re-payment of ten thousand pound lent by some Citizens for the service of the King and the Commissioners for the Treaty and several other Ordinances past for mony and for the Prince Electors Allowance Divers apprehended for counterfeiting mony Letters from Amsterdam that Prince Charles was brought to the Hague with thirty Coaches and solemnly feasted and entertained and that he gave order for new rigging and fitting the revolted Ships out of the prizes he had lately taken That the Mariners in the revolted Ships continue their insolence and debauchery running on shoare drinking and quarrelling that divers have been killed and some thrown over Board 21. The House denyed safe-conduct for the Lord Carnagy one of the persons for whom the King desired it and for Sir Alexander Gibson it was also denyed and ordered a Letter to the King of the reasons of this denial Order for a thousand pound to one in Colchester well affected to the Parliament whose House was fired and five hundred pound to another out of Delinquents Estates there Letters from Ireland that the Forces of Colonel Jones and of Colonel Monk were marched into the Enemies Country to destroy or fetch in their harvest wherein they had advantage by the divisions of the Rebels Commanders and that Colonel Jones had taken in some Strong holds in Kilkenny Letters from Anglesey of the differences between the Lord Bulkely and the Lord Byron that the Island is in an uproar and that Colonel Mitton with a strong power is marching towards them 22. Order for discharge of fifteen hundred firelocks lately taken in a Ship An Ordinance transmitted to the Lords for allowing the Accounts of the Commissioners of the Excise Order for all who ingaged in the late tumults to be put out from being Justices of the Peace Deputy Lieutenants or from any other imployment Reference to a Committee of the Petitions of the Widows who have lost their Husbands in Ireland An Ordinance for Dr. Chamberlain to have the Improvement of all Bathes for fourteen years committed Order to exclude all private business for fourteen daies 23. Order for an hundred and fifty pound for Major Rolphe Order for mony for the Commissioners of the Treaty The King desired a part of the preamble which seems to lay the bloud-shed upon him may be respited till the end of the Treaty Order for a Letter of thanks to the Comissioners for the Treaty for their prudent managing thereof and to acquaint them with the care of the House for their accommodation Two were condemned at Oxford for attempting to betray that Garrison and cast lots for their lives it fell upon him that was least guilty and most free in his Confession and therefore some of the Assembly of Divines and others mediated with the General for his Pardon Two others were condemned and one of them executed for running away from their Colours to the Enemy at Colchester 25. Upon a Letter from the Lieutenant General order for a Fort to be built at Yarmouth A Committee named to examine Debenters whether the Souldiers were absent at the time of their Debenters Letters from Colonel Bethel and Colonel Lassels of the taking of Scarborough Town and a list of the Prisoners The House left it to them to dispose of the Prisoners and to examine which of them had ingaged never to bear Arms against the Parliament that they may be tryed Order for an Impeachment against the Lord Goring and an Act of Attainder against the Lord Capell to be brought in Addition to the Committee to examine Duke Hamilton and the Prisoners of Kent Order for the Committee at Derby House to give a Commission to Colonel Ashton to be Major General of the Lancashire Brigade and to have the pay of forty Shillings per diem besides the pay of a Colonel of Horse and a Colonel of Foot The relieving of the besiegers of Scarborough with Ammunition approved and as much to be restored to Colonel Overton who did it from Hull Major General Brown one of the Sheriffs of London acquainted the House with a Letter he received from the King for the reprieve of some Prisoners convicted for Robbers being sons of his servant Major Knight The House ordered them to be left to the Justice of the Law The Lords ordered a stay of the Sale of goods seised for the delinquency of the Lord Maitland The Lords concurred in the Ordinances for the Scribes of the Assembly to print the Lesser Catechism and to have the benesit of it for one year and to the Prince Electors Ordinance Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwell that the Scots denying to surrender Berwick inforced the Parliaments Army to pass Tweed else they could not besiege it nor could they pursue the Enemy who had lately made much spoyle in England That he sent over Major General Lambert with part of the Army That Monroe left neither Corn nor Cattle in Northumberland that Cromwell sent Colonel Bright and Scout Master General Rows to the Marquess of Argyle to consult about assisting him according to his request those of Monroe's party being too strong for him Cromwell published a Proclamation upon his entring of Scotland That where as the Parliament's Army marched thither to pursue the Enemy that lately invaded England and for the recovery of Berwick and Carlisle He declares that if any Officer or Souldier under his Command shall take or demand any mony or shall violently take any Horses Goods or Victuals without order or shall abuse the people in any sort they shall be punished according to the Articles of War this to be published at every Troup and Company Signed Cromwell Upon a meeting of the Commissioners of the Seal they agreed upon the names of Judges and Serjeants to be presented to the House 26. The House was called and a hundred and fifty Members were absent and a new call Ordered Letters from the King for passes for some of his to go to Scotland and from thence to come to his Majesty Letters from the Navy that the Earl of Warwick had taken an Irish Ship loaden with tallow c. Letters from the Isle of Wight that the two first days of the Treaty were spent in laying down the method that nothing should be binding but what was in writing and not that till the end of the Treaty and that
Thomas Widdrington Sir Thomas Beddingfield Mr. Keble M r Thorpe and M r Bradshaw Out of Lincolns Inn M r Sollicitor M r Samuel Brown M r Recorder Glyn and M r Earle Out of the Middle Temple Mâ— Whitelock Mr. Coniers and Mr. Puleston Out of the Inner Temple Mr. Chapman Mr. Gates and Mr. Will. Littleton Order that Serjeant Rolles should be made Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench that Serjeant Iermyn and Mr. Samuel Brown should be made Justices of the same Court That Mr. Sollicitor should be chief Justice of the Common-Pleas Sir Thomas Bedingfield and Mr. Serjeant Creswell should be Justices of that Court. That Serjeant Wilde should be Lord chief Baron of the Exchequer and Mr. Gates a Baron of the Exchequer That Mr. Whitelock should be Attorney General of the Dutchy and one of the Kings Serjeants that Mr. Prideaux should be Sollicitor General and Sir Thomas Widdrington one of the Kings Serjeants The House approved of all those whom the Commissioners of the Seal named to be Judges and Serjeants except Mr. Hatton of the middle-Temple upon whom the question was not put 13. Vote that leases renewed with Deans and Chapters since a day past should be void An Ordinance past by the Commons for abolishing Deans and Chapters c. An Ordinance past both Houses for the Governour of Dover-Castle to be Lieutenant of it Vote for a charge to be prepared against Mr. Dowcet The Declaration prohibiting the Souldiery from repayring to London upon pretence of having their arrears was past and ordered to be Printed and published and sent to the several Sheriffs to be proclaimed Letters from the Isle of Wight that the King had consented 1. That an Act of Parliament be passed to make void the Cessation and all Treaties and conclusions of Peace with the Rebels in Ireland without the consent of both Houses of Parliament and the Prosecution of the war there to be left to the two Houses and the King to assist them and do no Act to hinder or disturb them 2. The Reformation of Religion in Ireland to be settled by the Parliament of England 3. The Chief Governours and Officers in Ireland to be nominated by the Parliament of England This to be for twenty years from 1. July 1648. 14. Voted for the Lord Admiral to continue at Goree in order to the reducing of the revolted Ships and orders for the Committee of the Navy to make provisions and take care for mony for the Fleet. 16. Upon a Petition of the Common Council of London for a supply of ministers in the City and for an allowance to them out of Deans and Chapters Lands referred to a Committee to consider thereof and of the want of a good ministry in other Parts of the Kingdom Order that those who took a Bark at Rye of the Kings Party should have the benefit of it Debate about satisfying of a debt out of Sir Jo. Stowells Estate to Sir Henry Holcroft but not allowed and an order for tryal of Sir John Stowell Letters that Lieut. General Ashton relieved Cockermouth and pursued the Enemy to Appleby which was rendred to the Parliament and taken in it five Knights twenty five Colonels nine Lieutenant Colonels six Majors forty six Captains seventeen Lieutenants ten Cornets three Ensigns five Pieces one thousand two hundred Horse one thousand Arms and all their Bag and Baggage Letters that Lieutenant General Cromwel was received with great Ceremony at Edenburgh where he demanded that none who had been in Action in the late wicked Ingagement and Invasion might hence forward be imployed in any publick Place of Trust to which the Committee of Estates there gave a satisfactory answer He had also visits and Conferences with Commissioners from the Kirke and from the Provost and Magistrates of Edenburgh and a strong Guard of Souldiers at his Lodging At the time of his being at Edenburgh several other demands were made by him to the Committee of Estates who gave him very fair answer and he reserved liberty for the Parliament of England to make such further demands as they should think requisite The Charges of Lieutenant General Cromwels entertainment and of all his Company during the time of their being at Edenburgh were defraied by the Lord Provost of the City by Order of the Committee of Estates and Cromwel Haselrigge and the rest of their company were entertained by General Leven the Lord Argyle and many other Lords at a sumptuous Banquet in the Castle At their going away the Castle Saluted them with many great Guns and Vollies of small Shot and divers Lords convoyed them out of the City That in Edenburgh was a Proclamation for all Malignants to depart the City and not remain within six miles of it 17. The House Voted to Adjourn for six days but the Lords dissenting they recalled ' their Vote Upon Letters from Colonel Ashton of the surrender of Appleby Castle referred to the Committee of the North what to do with the Castle and how to secure the Arms Ordnance and Ammunition there in Lancaster Castle and gave thirty pounds to the Messenger Letters from Lieutenant General Cromwel of his proceedings in Scotland and his return to Carlisle the House approved of it and ordered a Letter of thanks to be written to him The Commons Voted Sir William Parsons and Sir John Temple to be Commissioners for the Great Seal of Ireland and dissented from the Lords who Voted to have a Chancellour there Letters from the Isle of Wight that the King had assented to all the Propositions except that of the Church with some qualifications That an Act be passed for raising Monies to pay the publick Debts and if the King assent not to it that then if it pass both Houses it shall be valid in Law That by Act of Parliament all Peers made since the Lord Littleton carried away or that the Great Scal was carried away to Oxford May 10. 1642. and who shall hereafter be made shall not sit or Vote in Parliament without the consent of both Houses and that all Honours and Titles conferred on any since May 20. 1642. shall be void Letters from the Hague that the Prince with the revolted Ships is still in Goree Road his Seamen discontented That the Lord Culpeppeâ— was sent to them with Mony and they said they might thank the Earl of Warwick for it that the Lord Culpepper was accused for betraying the secrets of the Prince to the Parliament and that the Lord Percy was committed for giving the lie in the Prince his presence Letters that the Lord of Ormond was landed at Wexford in Ireland and brought with him four thousand Arms and five hundred Curassiers part of the Supply designed for the Scots That the English Army were in great want of pay and provisions 18. Letters from the Lord General Fairfax intimating the proceedings of the Army and that several Petitions were promoting among the Souldiery of the
of the French Crown Order for Sommerset-House to be the Head Quarters of the Army Orders of the Councel for supplyes of Horse Saddles Pistols c. for the Lord Lieutenant Letters that many of Ormonds Men came in to the Lord Lieutenant That Sir George Askue sent Provisions to Dublin and more to the Leaguer before Tredah 17 Letters that the Commanders of the Rebells were in Factions and that Sir Charles Coot took advantage thereof to march into their Country and took in divers small Garrisons Letters that the Lord Lieutenant had fixed his Posts and begun his Batteries before Tredah That the Garrison often sallyed out upon him but were beaten back with loss That in the Town were 3000 Foot Souldiers and 500 Horse and they were victualled for five Months That Inchequin commits great wast as far as he dares venture about Dublin and Tredah by burning and driving away of their Cattle and hangs all he can meet with going in to the Lord Lieutenant That Ormond proclaimed whosoever should mention the Covenants Subscription or that the King should not come in but upon Conditions should be secured and his Estate Sequestred That Mr. Peters the Minister was arrived at Dublin and that at the beginning of the Troubles in Ireland he had a Brigade against the Rebels and came off with honour and victory and the like was now expected from him That the Lord Lieutenant for satisfying of the Country through which he was to march and that they might not be terrifyed with Fear upon his Approach set sorth a Declaration of his Intentions and to assure the Country that none of them should be injured behaving themselves peaceably and bringing in their Provisions c. Letters that 14 Sale of English and Dutch Ships were brought into Dunkirk and Ostend laden with Corn and other Goods and after the Goods Sold the Masters were forced to buy their own Ships That 15 small Ships of four and six Pieces of Ordinance a piece were manned out of those Ports with Commissions from Prince Charles to take the English Ships That the Governour of Dunkirk hath the 10th part of the Prizes and the Prince hath the 5th part That one of the Parliaments Ships brought in a New Ostend Frigat of 10 Guns a Prize and an Account of the several Convoys That Montrossis with about 5000 Men at Hamborough That the Packet-Boat with the Keel of a Ship striking her by a gust of wind was sunk and the Packets all lost but the Men saved 18 For an Honour to the E's of Pembroke and of Salisbury and of the Lord Howard of Escrigge Members of the House of Commons ordered That they might sit in all Committees of which they were before the Lords House was dissolved Allowance of 40 s. a week to an Irish Officers Widdow Mr. Noel made sole Treasurer at Weavers Hall 300 l. allowed to Lieutenant Goddyer for Losses sustained by him when he prevented the betraying of Tinmouth An Act past for Tryal of Pyrates and Robbers at Sea and of revolted Seamen and Mariners An Act past for maintenance for the Alms-Men and Free-School at Westminster A Letter from the Holland Ambassador in behalf of three Vessels loaden with Wines taken by the Parliaments Ships referred to the Committee of the Navy The Lord Ormond sent Instructions to his Officers to this Effect 1 That every man who hath submitted to his Majesties Authority be put into Possession of his Estate he contributing to the maintenance of the Army and necessary Burdens of the Countrey 2 That the Articles of War be put in Execution 3 That no Commanders in Ulster do assume to themselves the Nomination of any Military Officer upon pretence of any late Commission but leave them to our discretion as in this Kingdom hath ever been accustomed 4 Any that speak or act in prejudice of his Majesties Affairs let him be imprisoned and his Estate secured and Information sent up to us of the Nature of his Crime that we may give further order therein And if any Ecclesiastical Person in his Prayer or Sermon shall incite the People to Sedition or disobedience or shall intermeddle with the Managery of civil Affairs or derogate from the present Government or teach that his Majesty is not to be admitted to the Crown till he hath given Satisfaction to his Subjects or taken such Oaths or Covenants as are imposed on him without his consent contrary to Law and the Dictates of his own Conscience Vpon Proof thereof without further Circumstances let his Estate be confiscated to the use of the Army and himself be either Imprisoned or banished or tryed for his Life as the Case shall require 5 If there be any whose Loyalty is suspected let the chief in Command upon the place Minister to him the Oath of Allegiance and if he refuse let them securehis Person and Estate 6 For Inlargement of Quarters 7 Touching Forces coming from other Quarters into Ulster 8 Let the Siege of Derry be prosecuted by the common advice of the Lord of Ardes Sir Robert Stuart Sir George Monroe and C. Audley Mervin 19 Orders upon private Petitions By Sentence of M. G. Lambert C. Okey and the rest of the Officers at the Court Marshal at Oxford two of the late mutinous Souldiers were shot to death a third was reprieved and seven ran the Gantlope The University entertained the Officers with great Respect and presented them with Gloves That the Schollars offered to assist the Officers against the Mutineers and not above three of the Townsmen joyned in the Mutiny Letters that Sir Thomas Armstrong sallyed out of Tredah upon the Lord Lieutenants Quarters with 200 Horse but were so entertained that every one of them was enclosed and taken except Sir Thomas who escaped by the Goodness of his Horse That the Enemy hath 3000 Horse hovering about the Lord Lieutenants Camp but attempting nothing That 35 of the Renegadoes being taken ten of them were hanged in the Camp and the rest were sent to Dublin to be executed Letters that the English Merchants in Muscovia were commanded by the great Duke to sell all they had there and to depart his Dominions within a Year and not to come thither any more unless in the King of Englands Name and by his Patents So great a dislike did he conceive against the English andit was fully fomented by the Dutch upon the Parliaments proceeding against the late King and Kingship 20 Letters from Sir Arthur Haselrigg of want of Pay for his Regiment referred to the Committee of the Army Order for Mr. Genners Sallary Upon Debate of a Letter from the Holland Ambassador resolved not to dispence with the late Act against Importation of French Wines The Act past for the Schoole and Alms-Houses in Westmiuster and the allowance to Mr. Lambert Osbaldstone Debate of the business of the Miners of Derby-shire The Act passed against revolted Seamen and against Pyrates Another for suppressing Scandalous
Trooper according to the Sentence of the Councel of War was shot to death for killing one of his fellow Souldiers He discovered matters of concernment to Mr. Knight the Generals Chaplein who went with him to the Execution 19 C. Bampfield an Agent for Prince Charles and that had a hand in the escape of the Duke of York was apprehended and brought to Whitehall and examined by the Couucel of State and by them committed fo the Gate-house Letters from Guernsey complaining of the want of Ships for securing that Island and relating the French News From Dunstar Castle That Recruits for Ireland were raising there by Captain Desborough From Scarborough of a Vessel loaden with Corn from Jerzey forced in thither by Storm and secured by the Garrison From Plymouth an account of Recruits to be Shipped for Ireland From Berwick That notwithstanding the late Seizures and Confiscations of Corn carried by the Scots thither yet they were stil supplyed for their Money The Scots published a Proelamation for restraining the Exportation of Victual out of that Kingdom 20 Some Stage Players in St. John-Street were apprehended by Troupers their Cloaths taken away and themselves carried to Prison Several Returns were made of Subscriptions of Regiments and Garrisons to the Ingagement Letters from Rye of the dearness of Corn there it was desired to have a Magazine there because of the appearance in Arms in France 21 The General Councel of the Army made several Resolutions touching the Souldiers purchasing of the Kings Lands and sent Instructions about it to the several Regiments and Garrisons Letters from Plymouth of the Shipping from thence of Sir Hardress Waller with his Companies and other Recruits of Ireland all which went with great willingness From Ireland that the Lord Lieutenant was still before Waterford had Summoned them but they refused to surrender but the Inhabitants to saveingly comply their Estates which are very great would wil That Preparations were made to storm and 1200 Horse and Foot came from Cork to assist the Lord Lientenant that the Enemy avoided fighting as much as they could and gave out that the Prince would be shortly with them from Jersy 22 At Tyburn eighteen were executed for Robbery Burglary and Murder one Captain Reynolds who had been of the Kings Party as he was going to be turned off the Ladder with the Rope about his Neck cryed God bless King Charles Vive le Roy. The Commissioners for Articles gave Relief to Sir Allen Apsley Governour of Barnstable who was sued contrary to those Articles upon the Surrender of it The Cittizens at the choice of the new Common Councel Men elected Collonel Pride and Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn to be two of the new Common Conncel Men. 24 The General and his Officers considered which Garrisons were sit to be reduced to case the Nation in point of charge Letters from Portland that C. Cox with his Men were under sail for Ireland with a fair Wind. From Newcastle that the Pyrats lay lurking up and down in those Seas and did great mischief That one of them went into the River Tees and took out of a Vessel as she lay on ground 200 Firkins of Butter and went on shore and took divers Gentlemen but being pursued by a Party of Foot from Hartlepoole they left the Gentle-men behind and got to their Ship From Edenburgh That the Scots will do nothing till they hear from the Lord of Libburton That Montross is expected in Scotland which bred a Jealousy in their Army which some would have purged That Montross by his Declaration threatens to invade the North Parts of Scotland and to be revenged for the Death of the King and layes it to their Charge that they have sold him From Hallifax That some of the Clergy tampered with the Souldiery not to subscribe to the present Government An Account from several places of the Souldiers signing the Ingagement but that divers Ministers refused to sign it 25 Christmas-day the House sate and Letters came from Chester That from the north of Ireland they understood that about 4000 Horse and Foot of the Enemy who came to relieve Carrickefergus were routed by Sir Charles Coot and C. Veneables That the Irish were commanded by Monroe the Lord of Ardes and the Earl of Claneboy that 1000 of them were killed and 500 Horse taken and but 200 of the Parliaments Forces did fight that Claneboy was slain or sunk in a Bog being corpulent and C. Montgomery and C. Hamilton taken Prisoners From Trym That Mr. Stanly with 40 Horse set upon 60 of the Enemy killed about 10 or 12 of them all Reformadoes took the L. C. that commanded them and one more and many Horse Other Letters of the defeating of the L. of Ardes Claneboy and Monroe by Sir Charles Coot and C. Vaneables that they took all their Arms Ammunition Bag and Baggage killed C. Henderson and 1400 more C. Hamilton and most of the Foot Officers That the Horsemen lost their Horses and betook themselves to Boggs That the English lost but one Corporal and three Souldiers 26 Other Letters confirming the Victory against the Lord of Ardes and the rest And that it was done by onely 200 Men who were sent out as a forelorn and fell upon the Rear of the Enemy who fell into disorder and were wholly routed by those 200 only 27 Letters from Hull that Montross was at Hambourgh bestirring himself to get Forces for Prince Charles but had little probability to get any considerable number or Assistance from the Emperour the King of Denmark or the Princes of Germany 28 Letters doubting that C. Cox and his Men in their Voyage for Ireland being dispersed by Storms and not heard of since may be in some danger The Act passed for taking the Ingagement by all Persons throughout the Kingdom with a Penalty upon the Refusers Those in Office or publick Imployment to loose their Offices others not to have the benefit of Law to sue in any Court The Act passed touching the rates npon the Excise increasing them to the intent to lessen the other Assessments The Act passed for continuing the Assessment of 90000 l. per mensem for six months for the Forces in England and Ireland An Act passed for the discharge of poor People out of Prison who are not able to give Satisfaction to their Creditors 29 The Messenger that brought the good News from Ireland had 100 l. given him by the House Upon a Petition of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London touching the late Election of Lieutenant Collonel Lilburn to be a Common Councel Man the House Voted his Election to be void according to a late Act disabling the Election of divers Persons into Offices within the City of London Lieutenant Collonel Lilbourn took the Ingagement with a Declaration of his own sense upon it Mr. Chetwyn who procured the Election of Lilburn to be a Common Councel
other Provisoes Referred to the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to take into consideration the Business concerning the Souldiery and Ministers in Lancashire that such satisfaction may be given them as may tend to the Service of the Commonwealth and to take into consideration the Troupe of Horse in Oxfordshire and to pay it out of the Sequestrations in Oxfordshire until further order from the House or Councel of State 26 Ordered that the Lord Commissioners of the great Seal do take care that Writs be issued out and sent down into every County to the several Sheriffs to proclaim the Act touching the Ingagement This Course of proclaiming new Acts of Parliament was very antient and constantly used especially in elder times as appears by the Records but of late disused It was thought fit to have it revived again that the People might be informed what Acts were passed which they were not so fully by the Printing as by proclaiming of them at their Markets Orders touching the Composition of Delinquents Votes for taking off the additional Exercise upon most of the Commodities mentioned in the last Act touching the Excise Letters from Ireland of C. Hewsons taking in some Forts near Dublin 28 Letters that the Scots had no Answer from Sir George Windram Laird of Libberton but that the King would be satisfyed from him whether his Subjects of Scotland would ingage to Establish him in England as King That he is not yet removed from Jersy That divers Souldiers came from Ireland into Orkney Letters That the States Provincial of Holland have resolved to send an Agent into England for their better Correspondence with the Parliament 29 Letters from Ireland of taking the Fort upon the Bogg of Allan of a Dutch Ship of 300 Tun cast away upon that Coast that the Lord Lieutenant had sent to besiege Eniscorsie Castle belonging to Mr. Wallop a Member of the House which the Enemy had lately surprised That the Lord Lieutenant visited all the English Garrisons in Munster and gave Orders to them That Inchequin was in Kerrcy That 16 of the Enemies Horse came from Duncannon to the Lord Lieutenant 30 Letters from Holly-Head that a Vessel bound for London Derry with Coals Cloaths and other Merchants Goods was taken by a Scots Man of War the Mariners and sixteen Passengers put on Shore the Owner and Master carryed away Prisoners That the Gentlemen and Commonalty of Ireland do generally submit to the Lord Lieutenants Orders From York That a Minister lately informed that there would be shortly a Massacre of the well affected in the Nation From Shrewsbury That many Cavaliers wear Ribbands with Motto's God prosper That the Ministers incourage them and Preach against the present Government They report an Agreement between the King of Scots and his People of that Kingdom upon the terms proposed at the Isle Wight and that the Presbyterians of England will joyn From Plymouth That a Vessel of Dartmouth was by a storm forced into the Mounts Bay and wracked and all lost save one Person Returns of Subscriptions to the Ingagement 31 The Town of Pool having warned a general Sessions to be held not one Justice came to joyn with them The Act giving 10 l. to him that shall apprehend a Fellon caused the Countrymen to apprehend many of the Thieves and Robbers in all places and the Mony was duely paid to them February 1649. Feb. 1. Divers People took away by violence from the Owners Wheat and other Corn carrying to Market to Basing-Stoak and beat the Carters and some of them being imprisoned for it the rest brake the Prison and let out them and other Malefactors Letters from Rome That there an Agent from England and the English Priests seem very confident that within few Years their Religion would be Established in England 2 At a Court Marshal in C. Prides Regiment a Souldier was sentenced to run the Gantlope and afterwards to be cashiered for threatning to cut his fellow Souldiers throats in case King Charles the Second came in and for swearing and drunkenness Another had the like sentence having been found to have been in Arms against the Parliament and then came in to them and at his disbanding gave out threatning words against the Officers The Parliament Voted that a Book written by one Coppes intituled a fiery flying Roll c. contained many horrid Blasphemies and damnable and detestable Opinions and that the Book and all Copies of it that can be found shall be burnt by the hands of the Hangman A Petition from Wiltshire for Propagation of the Gospel c. approved by the House and in order thereto they appointed every Fryday to consider al wayes for the better advancing the Gospel of Christ An Act committed for the better propagating of the Gospel in Wales The Parliament ordered touching Negotiations with Forraign Princes and States That the Stile and Title to be used by this Parliament in all Negotiations shall be Parliamentum Rei-publicae Anglicae And the Style when any address shall be made to them The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England And no other Title to be used Order for an Act to be brought in for the Punishment of insolent Profanations of the Sabbath and Adultery The Parliament upon the hearing Sir Jacob Garrets Business sentenced three of his false Accusers to stand in the Pillory Thus they took upon them and exercised all manner of Jurisdiction and sentenced Persons Secundum Arbitrium 4 Letters that Jermin and other Lords and Courtiers are hastning from Paris to Breda hearing that the Scots are sending Money to defray the charges of their King and Court there That the Scots are busy in purging their Army but are startied at the news of the Parliament sending for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland That they report the ground thereof to be That he is routed in Ireland and That the Parliament of England fear new Troubles Yet the Scots sent an Express into Ireland to know the certainty 5 Letters of the Losses by Pirates about Scarborough From Weymouth That one Mr. Thomas May was secured by the Governour there and to be sent up in Custody to London for raysing false Rumors concerning the Parliament and the General From Portsmouth That G. Deane came thither with the Phenix and informed of several Vessels with Recruits for Ireland cast away An Act passed for a day of publick Humiliation throughout England and Wales to seek God for a Blessing upon the Proceedings of Parliament and their Armies in England and Ireland Debate about an Act for a publick Register to inroll all Deeds and to find Incumbrances upon all Estates and Lands An Additional Act passed for removing of Obstructions in the sale of the late Kings Lands c. A Petition from Westminster for settling the civil Government there referred to the Committee for Corporations Debate of an Act for regulating and erecting a Corporation in Norfolk concerning the Worsted-Weavers and Yarn-Men
Commission from the Lord of Ormond That the Army took the Field in two Bodies Collonel Reynolds with about 16 Troops of Horse and 2000 Foot ordered to march by the way of Carrick and M. G. Ireton to follow with a reserve That the Lord Lieutenant was to march over the Blackwater with 15 Troops of Horse and about 3000 Foot and accordingly they begun their March Jan. 29th That two days after he took the Castle of Kilkenny and Cloghern a strong House belonging to Sir Richard Everard one of the Supream Councel From thence he marched to Roghill Castle which upon Summons was rendred which gives them Command far into the Country That the Lord Broghil took in the old Castle Town and a Castle of Sir Edward Fittz Harris And that the Irish sent their Commissioners to Compound for their Contribution as far as the Walls of Lymerick That the Lord Lieutenant came late in the night in very tempestuous weather to Fethard and got into an old Abbey and some Cabbins and poor houses in the Suburbs from whence he sent a Summons to the Town but they shot at the Trumpet and being informed that the Lord Lieutenant was with the Party they said That it was not a fit time to send a Summons in the night and shot angerly at the Party but the Lord Lieutenant made not one shot at them again In the end the Governour was willing to send two Commissioners to treat with the Lord Lieutenant and after one night spent in the Treaty The Town was delivered the next Morning upon Terms which were the more willingly given them because the Lord Lieutenant had but few Foot and no great Guns nor Ladders and there were 17 Companies of the Vlster Foot within 5. Miles of the Town The Enemy quit it in some disorder and the Soveraign and Aldermen have since sent to the Lord Lieutenant a Petition desiring that he would protect them and he hath made them a Quarter From thence we marched to Callar hearing thar Collonel Reynolds was there with his Party and we found that he had fallen upon the Enemies Horse and routed them being about 100 with his Forelorn he took my Lord of Osseries Captain Lieutenant and another Lieutenant of Horse Prisoners and one of those that betrayed the Garrison of Iniscorthy whom the Lord Lieutenant caused to be hanged The Enemy had Possessed three Castles in the Town with about 120 Men in each of them and a Troop of Horse besides in ButlersCastle which was delivered upon Conditions the other two Castles refusing terms the Garrisons were all put to the Sword From hence Collonel Reynolds was sent with his Regiment to remove a Garrison in the way to Rosse which he did and the Army marched back to Fethard and Cashel where they had good Quarters both for Men and Horse 26 An Act passed injoyning all Papists and all such who had born Arms and assisted against the Parliament to depart 20 Miles from London and those under restraint 5 days after their Inlargement with an Exception of Inhabitants who have compounded An Act passed for giving further time for subscribing of the Ingagement and other directions concerning it An Act passed for propagating and preaching of the Gospel and for the maintenance of able Ministers and Schoolmasters in Wales The like Act passed for the four Northern Counties An Act for providing Maintenance for Preaching Ministers and other pious uses throughout the Nation Debate in a grand Committee of the House upon the Heads of a Bill for equal Representatives and regulating Elections An Act read for the Excise of Ale and Beer brewed in private Houses 27 Letters from Pembroke that C Cromwel and C. Veneables were there waiting for a Wind for Ireland That the Lord Lieutenant was marched towards Lymricke and that Preston was chief Leader of the Rebels From Chester That two of the Souldiers that betrayed Eniscorfy to the Enemy were taken in Werrel one of them escaped the other was sent to the Goal From Dartmouth That the Ingagement was willingly subscribed there From Weymouth That many of Prince Rupert Men run away from him to the Parliaments Fleet. Returns of the Ingagement taken by Ossicers and Souldiers 28 A publick Humiliation and Fast was kept this Day March 1649. March 1. TheContractors for sale of the late Kings Lands c. begun to sit and make Contracts Letters from Portsmouth That the whole Fleet did now ride there at Anchor and that the Agents to this State from Spain and Portugal were there ready to go along with the Fleet. 2 Letters from Chester That Sir Charles Coot marched towards Belfast but found no opposition only a few stragling Troops and that he hath settled that Country and Supplyes of Money and Cloaths were sent to him by order of the Councel of State From Leverpoole of a Tumult by the meaner sort of People at Ormskirk against the Commissioners of Excise who for many hours together defended themselves with their Swords and Pistols against the Rabble and kept the Inn Door but at length the Governour of Leverpool sent some Forces who dispersed the Ryoters and apprehended some of them From Portsmouth of 18 of the Parliaments Ships which set sail from thence to be a Convoy to the Merchants That when all the Ships meet they are expected to be 200 Sail. From Edenburgh That the Committees of the State and Commissioners of the Kirk had agreed upon new Proposals to be treated upon with the King at Bredah wherein two points were more insisted on than formerly 1. The King swearing to the Solemn League and Covenant 2. That he seclude from him all Delinquents That 6 Lords 2 Gentlemen and three Ministers are to go with these new Propositions That 5 Ships with Arms and Ammunition were landed in Orkney forerunners of Montross 4 Letters from Edenburgh That their Commissioners are ready to go away to the King upon the new Propositions which are in Effect the same with the former From Leverpool of diversShips gone from thence with Supplyes for Ireland That the Tumult against the Officers of Excise was by gentle meanes and some use of Force fully quieted That the Ingagement was there much preached against From Shrewsbury That the Ministers preach much against the present Government and to incourage the People to Sedition and to rise for their King That at the day of the publick Fast kept in one of their Churches there was another mock Fast kept in the other two Churches by agreement of Ministers and two Sermons preached in them purposely to disturb the Fast injoyned by Authority 5 The Parliament passed a List of the Captains to command the Ships ordered to be set out for this Summers Guard being 48 of the States Ships and 21 Merchants Ships They also past an Act giving Power to the Councel of State and to the Admirals at Sea to impress Seamen for this Years Service if there should be occasion and if there be not
ours who were then attempting another part of the Town called Irish Town Our Men were forced to retreat but yet the design took effect for by that means the whole Strength of the Enemy was held in play while our other Party gained Irish Town Captain Higly was slain in the attempt with about seven or eight of our Common Souldiers Then C. Hewson led on the reserve very gallantly and received a slight shot then the Town beat a Parly and sent sorth Commissioners and after a days dispute it was agreed That they should deliver the Town with all the Artillery Arms Ammunition and Officers only they should march a Mile out of Town with Colours flying Match light and ball in Mouth and at a Miles end should deliver up all their Arms except 100 to defend them from the Tories and 190 Horse for the Officers The Towns-men to have liberty for the three Months to go or stay paying 2000 l. There was a good quantity of Corn in the publick store with a good number of Arms Captain Frewen was unhappily killed by a shot during the Treaty there being no Cessation Lieutenant Collonel Axtel is made Governour of Kilkenny The Plague is very hot there and at Gouran yet it hath pleased God so to preserve ours that none of them have perished by it though frequently quartered in the infected Houses That Axtel the new Governour had the Command of the Storm and received a shot in the back which pierced his Buffe Coat and a little bruised the Flesh That Sir Theophilus Jones Dr. Jones C. Reynolds and their Regiments with some Dragoons and Foot were ordered to attend the Earl of Castlehaven with whom Ferald was to joyn but there were great Discontents between them That the Governour with three Troops of Horse returned and marched to Castle Dermont a great part whereof the Enemy had battered the day before and betook themselves to a strong Tower The Governour caused great store of straw and other combustible matter to be put to the Door and set on fire which caused these within to cry out for Mercy and in the Tower were raken Captain Sherlock who had been a bloody Tory and three Fryars That C. Trevor left the Enemy and came to Dublin upon Licence formerly granted him by the Governour and that the Irish had chosen the Earl of Antrim for their General C. Trevor Lieutenant General of Horse and Hugh Boyoneal for Major General A Party of our Forces from Trym fell into the Enemies Quarters killed some of them and returned with 300 Cows and 40 Garrons That the Lord Lieutenant was Quartered in an infected House and many of his Officers and Souldiers lay in the Sick beds of those that dyed in the Plague and yet not one of them dyed of the Infection The Lord Lieutenant returned from Kilkenny to the Siege of Clonmel 15 From Berwick That in Scotland were great Preparations for entertainment of the King That at a little Village within two Miles two Men and three Women were burnt for Witches and nine more were to be burnt the Village consisting but of 14 Families and there were as many witches That 20 more were to be burnt within six Miles of that place and all their Goods are forfeited to the King and the Lords From Ireland That the Lord Broghil went with a Party into the County of Lymerick which so terrifyed the Enemy that they and the Inhabitants fled with their Goods and Cattle over the Shannon into Clare having set Fire on all their houses na Castles so that the Parliaments Forces were fain to retreat into Tipperary That the Plague was very hot in Killkenny Lymericke and other Places Letters from the L. Lt. of the former Passages and that at the storming of Kilkenny they lost 30 Men that it was not performed with the usual Courage and Successe That they had made two Retrenchments or Counterworkes strongly pallyzadoed and both of them did so command the Breach that it was a Mercy they did not further contend for an Entrance there That an Officer attempting to passe over the Bridge into the City to fire the Gate which indeed was done with good Resolution but lying too open to the Enemies shott he had 40 or 50 Men killed and wounded that the Castle was exceeding well fortefyed and Capacious That he preparing for a second battery the Enemy seeing himself thus begirt sent for a Treaty and rendred the Town and Castle upon Articles That one Lt. Col. 3 Majors 8 Capt being English Welch and Scotch with others were possest of Cantwell a strong Castle scituate in a Bogge well furnished with Provisions and were ordered by Sir Walter Butler Governour of Killkenny to strengthen that Garrison But they sent 2 Officers to the L. Lt. to offer him the Place and their Service or that they might have Passes to goe beyond Sea to serve foreign States which last was consented to That C. Abbot attempted Enisuag where were gotten a Company of Rogues who revolted from C. Jones The Souldiers capitulated for Life and their 2 Officers were hanged for revolting That Adjut G. Sadler with 2 Guns reduced some Castles in the Counties of Tipperary and Kilkenny then summoned Pulkerry a Garrison under câ—â—nâ—ell battered it and they refusing to come out he stormed it put 30 or 40 of them to the Sword and the rest remaining obstinate were fired in the Castle That he took Ballo Poin the Enemy marching away and leaving their Armes behind them Upon the like terms he took the Granno and Donkill considerable Places to Waterford Complaints for want of Money that the Horse have not had one Monethes pay of five he earnestly presseth for Supplyes that not above 2000 are come to them of the 5000 Recruits ordered Concerning his coming over into England he confesseth he received many private Intimations of the Parliaments pleasure for his coming over and Copies of their Votes but all these were but private Intimations That he received not the Speakers Letter till March 22 which was dated Jan. 8. and then supposed the Army to be in Winter quarters and the Time of the year not suitable for present Action he concludes thus Making this as the Reason of your Command and your Forces having been in Action ever since Jan. 29 and your Letter which was to be the Rule of my Obedience coming to my Hands after our having been so long in Action with respect had to the Reasons you were pleased to use therein And having received a Letter signed by your self of the 26 Feb which mentions not a Word of the Continuance of your Pleasure concerning my coming over I did humbly conceive it much consisteth with my duty humbly to beg a positive Signification what your Will is Professing as before the Lord that I am most ready to obey your commands herein with all Alacrity Rejoycing onely to be about that Work which I am called to by those whom God hath set over me which I
to hunt after them a Party of the Enemies Horse fell suddenly upon them and took 64 of them Prisoners That Mr. White who formerly betrayed the Bogg of Allen to the Rebeils coming from them to Dublin was met with and killed by the Tories That the Lord Deputy Ireton came to the Siege of Catherlow and sent Collonel Axtel with 1100 Horse and Foot to Tecrohan That the Lady Fitz-Gerald whom the Souldiers called Col. Mary she defending Tecrohan wrote to her Husband for Supplyes else that she must be forced to surrender upon Conditions and that none in the Castle but one doth know her wants 22 Letters of much trouble in Scotland by reason of the Army of English Sectaries marching Northwards That one Whitford another of the Assacinates of Dr. Dorislaus was executed in Scotland as one of Montrosses Party 24 Letters that the King had left Holland and either was already or would shortly be in Scotland That a Holland Ship Loaden with goods for Edenburch was taken by the Parliaments ships and brought to Newcastle That the Scotch Levyes proceed apace and some Lords are questioned for having a hand in the Invasion of Montross 25 Orders touching the Forces marching Northwards and about Recruits for Ireland and for Widdows maintenance whose Husbands were slain in the Parliaments Service An Act passed for continuance of the Committee for the Army and Treasurers at War An Act passed for constituting M. G. Skippon Commander in chief of all the Forces in London and the Lines of Communication The Act touching Articles of War continued for six Months Debate of an Act for suppressing Raunters An humble Acknowledgment to the Parliament from the Gentlemen and well affected of South-Wales with thankfulness and Profession of their future duty and Obedience And the Speaker gave them the hearty Thanks of the Parliament The juncto of the Councel of State with whom Cromwel consulted having Intelligence of the Kings resolution for Scotland and of the Laws there made of Forces to assist him in his intended Invasion of England whereof they had more than ordinary assurance They thought it therefore not prudent to be behind hand with their Enemy nor to be put to an after Game to stay till they should first invade England but rather to carry the War from their native Country into Scotland As to the Objection that their invading Scotland would be contrary to the Covenant they were satisfyed that the Covenant was by the Scots broken and dissolved before and was not now binding betwixt the two Nations and the levying of Forces In Scotland and marchinng some of them to the Borders of England with the Hostile Acts done by them formerly were sufficient Grounds for the Parliament to provide for the Security of themselves and Countreymen the which could not be so effectually done as by carrying the War which they designed upon us unto their own Doors Upon these and many other weighty considerations it was resolved here That having a formed Army well provided and experienced they would march it forthwith into Scotland to prevent the Scots Marching iuto England and the Miseries accompanying their Forces to our Conutreymen The Ld. G. Fairfax being advised with herein seemed at first to like well of it but afterwards being hourly perswaded by the Presbyteriam Ministers and his own Lady who was a great Patroness of them he declared himself unsatisfyed that there was a just ground for the Parlament of England to send their Army to Invade Scotland But in case the Scots should invade England then he was forward to ingage against them in defence of his own Country The Councel of State fomewhat troubled at his Excellencies scruples appointed Cromwel Lambert Harrison St. John and Whitelock a Committee to confer hereupon with Fairfax and to endeavanr to satisfy him of the Justice and lawfulness of this undertaking The Committee met with the L. G. Fairfax and being shut up together in a room in Whitehall they went first to Prayer that God would direct them in this business and Cromwel began and most of the Committee prayed after which they discoursed to this effect Cromwel My Lord General we are commanded by the Councel of State to conferr with your Excellency touching the present design whereof you have heard some debate in the Councel of marching the Army under your Command into Scotland and because there seemed to be some hesitation in your self as to that Journey this Committee were appointed to endeavour to give your Excellency Satisfaction in any doubts of yours which may arise concerning that affair and the Grounds of that resolution of the Councel for the Journey into Scotland Lord General I am very glad of the Opportunity of conferring with this Committee where I find so many of my particular Friends as well as of the Commonwealth about this great business of our March into Scotland wherein I do acknowledge my self not fully satisfyed as to the grounds and justice of our Invasion upon our Brethren of Scotland and I shall be glad to receive satisfaction therein by you Lambert Will your Excellency be pleased to favour us with the particular Causes of your Dissatisfaction Lord General I shall very freely do it and I think I need not make to you or to any that know me any Protestation of the continuance of my Duty and Affection to the Parliament and my readyness to serve them in any thing wherein my Conscience will give me leave Harrison There cannot be more desired nor expected from your Excellency Whitelock No Man can doubt of the Fidelity and Affection of your Excellency to the Service of the Commonwealth you have given ample Testimony thereof and it will be much for the advantage of their affairs if we may be able to give you satisfaction as I hope we shall touching the particular points wherein your doubts arise St. John I pray my Lord be pleased to acquaint us with your particular Objections against this Journey Lord General My Lords you will give me leave then withall freeness to say to you that I think it doubtful whether we have a just cause to make an Invasion upon Scotland With them we are joyned in the national League and Covenant and now for us contrary thereunto and without sufficient cause given us by them to enter into their Country with an Army and to make War upon them is that which I cannot see the justice of nor how we shall be able to justify the lawfulness of it before God or Men. Cromwel I confess My Lord that if they have given us no cause to invade them it will not be justifyable for us to do it and to make War upon them without a sufficient ground for it will be contrary to that which in Conscience we ought to do and displeasing both to God and good men But My Lord if they have invaded us as your Lordship knows they have done since the national Covenant and contrary
the West before the Judges inveighed against the Proceedings of the Parliament 10 Letters that both the English Army and the Scots likewise were in want of Provisions That in the last encounter with M. G. Straghan 200 of his Party were slain and 109 of his Troopers taken Prisioners and 60 Countreymen that the Parliaments Forces had but 6 killed and about 40 wounded who were sent by Sea with a Chyrurgeon to Berwick That the General sent the chief Officers of the Scots who were wounded and taken in his own Coach to Edenburgh and the rest in Waggons and took Parolles of others That the King sent out a Proclamation requiring all Gentlemen to depart Edenburgh in regard of the scarcity of Provisions 12 Letters that the Scots sent out a great Party of Horse and Foot and the General sent out a Party to attend their motion least they should go for England That by reason of the great Storms the Ships with Provisions from London could not come up to the Army so that they were in great Streights The General and Army sent a Reply to the Scots Answer to the Declaration of the Army and their insinuating Letter to the under Officers and Souldiers of the English Army was fully answered in a Letter from the General 13 An Act passed for explaining a former Act touching the Fee-farm Rents An Act passed against Atheistical Blasphemous and Execrable Opinions Several Votes passed by way of Instructions to the Commissioners of Goldsmiths Hall and Habberdashers Hall That Captain Wyer with one of the States Ships of 22 Guns being commanded to convoy four Ships of Hull was set upon by six Irish Frigots fought with them 12 hours after the four Hull Merchants Ships were run away and came off from them though much torn with the loss of one man 14 Letters of Prizes taken at Sea from the French 15 Sentences by a Court Marshal of Souldiers for Mutiny and Misdemeanours Letters of a rich Ship of Hull taken by the Irish and Scots Ships That the Plague was decreased in Ireland That Charlemont sent to Sir Charles Coot to treat but he denyed it That the General his Coach and Waggons sent with the Scots Prisoners to Edenburgh were not permitted to come into the Town because they had not buryed their dead but they sent Horses for their wounded men to Arthurs Hill and sent back the Coach and Waggons That 10 Scots Prisoners were taken by C. Okey That the Army retreated to Dunbarre to meet and take in their Provisions brought thither by Sea Upon C. Hackers approach to a House where a Party of Scots were they quitted it and Hacker had in it store of Meal and Provisions That the City of Coventry raised a Regiment of 1100 of the choicest Citizens for their Militia 16 Letters that C. Ingoldsby with a few of his Dragoons fell upon a great Party of the Enemy that came out of Lymerick to plunder killed about 20 of them and pursued the rest to the Gates of the City That a Party from the Camp before Carlowe fell upon a Party of the Enemies Horse took about 40 Horse but the Men fled to Boggs and escaped That C. Phayers took in the Castle of Kilmorry which was surrendred to him upon Quarter for Life and in it were 82 private Souldiers besides Officers That Lymbricke desired some conditions of Newtrality but C. Ingoldsby denyed them That Captain Mildmay had a sharp Fight with one Frigot against three French Men of War and took one of them who had 16 Guns whereof 4 were brass 17 Letters that the Army at Dunbarre received their Tents and Provisions from the Ships and two days were spent in Exhortations to the Army and in seeking God for his Blessing upon their Action and then they again advanced towards Edenburgh That C. Andrews a Lawyer sometimes of the Kings Party was sentenced by the High Court of Justice to death 19 Letters that a Trumpet came to the Army from Lt. G. David Lesly with an Answer from the Commissioners of the General Assembly to the General his last Letter Execution of the Sentence of a Court Marshal upon 5 Souldiers for offering violence to a Country man and his Wife and Family and Goods That the Inhabitants of Dunbarre were in such want of Provisions that they pickt the Beanes from the Horses off the ground and eat the Sheeps Guts which were thrown away by the Souldiers That the Countreymen are so inslaved to their Lords that they cannot get any thing considerable of their own before hand and many of their Women are so sluttish that they do not wash their Linnen above once a Month nor their hands and Faces above once a year The General caused the Commissioners to distribute a great Proportion of Pease and Wheat to the value of 240 l. of that which was sent from London to the Army among the poor People of Dunbarre yet when they can have an Advantage the Countrey robbed and killed many of the Souldiers That upon the Armies return to Muscleburgh they found it more forlorn than before Lesly having commanded That the Gude Women of the Town should awe come away with their Gear and not any stay to brew or bake for the English Army on pain of death That the Ministers in Edenburgh gave God thanks for turning back the Army of Sectaries by the way that they came and string a Terrour into their hearts which made them flee when none pursued That Captain Bull with the Adventure Frigot fought with a French Man of War and sunk her some of her men saved upon Quarter about 120 of them killed and drowned 20 An Act passed for continuing the Excise for three years longer An Act passed for Authorizing Commissioners of the High Court of Justice to issue their Warrant for beheading of Mr. Andrews according to his Petition to the Parliament and the like in other Cases notwithstanding their sentence for hanging drawing and quartering Power of naming Fellows and Demies in Magdalen College in Oxford ordered to be left to the then President Letters that the Armies returning to Muscleburgh the Scots Ministers were ashamed of their Thanksgiving for their running away That Provisions and Tents were distributed to the Horse and Foot Divers Scots killed and taken at meeting of several Parties That a Dutch Ship laden with Goods worth 50000 l. was wracked near Pembroke That the Grand Jury at Hereford Assises presented a Remonstrance to the Judges of their readiness to assist the Parliament against the Scots 21 Letters that M. G. Langhern in Wales and other Gentlemen there and in other places were secured upon suspicion of designs by them against the Parliament 22 Letters of some Fights at Sea between the Parliaments Frigots and some French Men of War who were soundly beaten Mr. Euseby Andrews was beheaded at the Tower-Hill according to the sentence of the High Court of Justice and died very resolutely 23 Letters that the Army
marched from Muscleburgh towards Edenburgh in sight of the City for two or three miles together and had no opposition in their March nor so much as a salute from Edenburgh Castle or Dalkeith and the General pitched his Tents on Pencland Hills a convenient place to fight within view of Edenburgh but they gave no alarm to the Army That the Scots in Edenburgh were much streightned for Provisions by the Armies thus getting behind them That all the people fled with their Barns and Goods where the Army came being told by their Ministers That the English would destroy all with Fire and Sword and when some of the Souldiers burnt some Furse bushes they said they fired their Houses and Towns That the Parliaments Ships attended the Armies March with Provisions That a Trumpet came to the General with a Declaration and Letters from Lt. G. David Lesly which the General caused to be read to his Officers in the hearing of the Trumpet That upon desire and safe conduct of some of the Scots Officers they and some English Officers had conferences about a Reconcilement and the Scots Officers said they were deluded by the Malignants and that the King refused to sign the disowning of his Fathers actions and to adhere to the Covenant and repent for the Bloud shed by his Father and himself and that they had thoughts of relinquishing him That when the English Army drew off from Edenburgh the King would have sallied out in Person upon them but General Leuen told him If he did so he would lay down his Commission 24 Letters that the Plague increased and that there died the last week 797 in Dublin That in Wexford the people are almost all dead of the Plague That Waterford Duncannon and Carlowe are surrendred to the Lord Deputy That many Officers and Souldiers were dead of it 26 Letters of taking in and fortifying some Places by the General to secure Passes to the Army That a Sergeant was hanged on Pencland Hills for plundring a Countreyman's House and three Souldiers that were with him and sentenced to die were pardoned by the General That Parties on both sides pickeering and a Body of 3000 Horse of the Scots being drawn out Cromwel drew out a Forlorn and went in Person before them That one of the Enemy fired a Carabine at him upon which Cromwel called to him and said to him that if he had been one of his Souldiers he would have cashiered him for firing at such a distance which the Souldier told to Lt. G. Lesley and said he knew it was Cromwel That some Run-aways from the Army were apprehended at Berwick and sent back Prisoners to Cromwel and nine of them were condemned by a Court Marshal That the Scots drew out their whole Army out of Leith being about 30000 Horse and Foot and retreated without any Ingagement That in a full Council of War all the Officers were unanimously to fall upon the Enemy That in Pickeering a Scots Captain was killed and two Prisoners taken 27 Letters that the Lord Deputy sent a Summons to Waterford to surrender but they so much despised the weakness and small number of his Forces before the Town that in answer to his Summons they returned That one of their Gates should be set open for as many of his men as would come in That the Lord Deputy smiling at their vain Brags went on with his Siege sent for more Forces and great Guns and so laid the main Body of his Army between Waterford and Carlowe that they might be ready to give assistance to either Party That after this the Town sent for a Treaty but insisted upon high terms of Punctilio's of honour which the Lord Deputy rejected And when they heard that Carlowe was surrendred then they also agreed upon Articles of surrender That 700 Souldiers marched out of the Town and the Townsmen in Arms were more and the Town very strongly fortified and full of Provisions yet it pleased God to bring them to terms of surrender to a small Party before them as they had before done at Carlowe The Lord Deputy sent a Letter to the Parliament of the particulars and Copies of the several Articles of surrender of Waterford Duncannon and Cartelagh The Parliament ordered a day of Thanksgiving to be kept for those Successes An Act passed impowring the Commissioners of the High Court of Justice to hear and determine any Misprision or Concealment of Treason 28 An Answer passed to the King's Declaration in Scotland Letters that the Fairfax Frigot fought with three French Men of War who got so near the Shore among the Rocks that the Fairfax could not follow them and so they escaped 29 The Council of State took Order for better securing of Weymouth Letters of the decrease of the Plague at Dublin That M. Blunt fell upon a Party of the Enemy in Wicklowe fought with them killed and took many of them though they were two to one and had not a Bogg prevented they had been all killed or taken That he brought away with him 200 Cows and 120 Horses That Charlemont was surrendred upon Conditions 30 Letters that the Army in Scotland was well supplied with Provisions by Sea and inabled to lie near Edenburgh That the Enemy kept close between Edenburgh and Leith having a Trench before them and a River behind them and a strong Castle on the one hand and a strong Garrison Town on the other hand and it was impossible to fall upon them without the apparent hazard of the whole Army 31 Letters that the Army stormed Red-Castle a Garrison of the Enemies about a Mile and a half from Edenburgh which had about 80 Foot to defend it and though they stormed it in the sight of the Enemies whole Army yet they sent out no Parties to relieve it There were taken 60 Prisoners and the Place was of great advantage to the English That Dunster Castle was slighted That four Men out of Somersetshire pretending to have an immediate Call from God to go and Preach the Gospel in Galilee sold their Estates and went to London to imbarque themselves for that Place September 1650. 3 Letters that Prince Rupert came out of the River of Lisbon with 27 Ships and 20 Carvills That the Parliaments Generals with twenty three Ships made up to him and some Shot were spent between some of them but Prince Rupert got under the Command of the Castles and the Parliaments General thought not safe to pursue him thither the like was done several days after but the Prince would not ingage in Fight That the Duke of York came to Paris having gotten 100000 l. by Prizes 4 Letters of a great Pyrate taken about Dartmouth 5 Letters of the Plague increasing in Shrewsbury yet of about 200 Souldiers there not one was infected 6 Letters that the Scots Army though more in number than the English by a great many and well furnished with Arms and all accommodations in their
was gone to St. Johns Town and the Forces to Sterling Voted to seclude all private business for a Month. An Act for Incouragement and Indemnity of all such as ingage in the Parliaments Service Letters that the Enemy had quitted Edenburgh and Leith and left there 24 Pieces of Ordinance That a Son of Mr. Burgoine one of the Commissioners for the Militia at the Cross in Coventry proclaimed King Charles the Second and was apprehended for it but escaped 12 Letters of the settlement of the Militia in several Counties And Suspicions of Designs to raise new Troubles against the Parliament 13 Letters that the Scots were driven like Turkies by the English Souldiers and went along cursing their King and Clergy for insnaring them in misery That a Scots Captain taken Prisoner told the English Officers That their Ministers advised them if they were taken they should throw away their Bibles for if the English took any with Bibles they should have no Quarter That the words in most of their Colours were Covenant Religion King and Kingdom the same when they came in with D. Hamilton That the day before the Ingagement they consulted of sending Propositions to the English that they should have leave to pass into England with their Swords drawn leaving their Ordnance Armes and Ammunition behind And they had thoughts of sending those they should take Prisoners beyond Sea 14 Letters that the English Officers were fain to break the Pikes and many Muskets they had taken from the Scots there not being conveniency to send them for England That the Governour of Berwick gave to each Scotch Prisoner for one day three Biskets and a pottle of Pease which they said was more than their own Officers gave them three days together 16 Letters from a private hand describing the Religion Laws and Government of Scotland both Civil and Military with a character of their People and manners not much to their Honour That August the 21st The English shipped near 600 of their Sick men for Berwick and the Scots observing many boats going off thought they intended to ship away all their Foot and Ammunition and with their Horse to escape for England Whereupon the Scots pursued the English to Dunbarre and considered of sending them to the Barbadoes if they refused such Propositions as they should offer them and thinking they had the English in a net did Ingage with them That they having taken 20 of C. Prides Men they killed three of them and wounded the rest in cold blood That the English were in a sad posture very many of their men sicks and wanting Provisions the Enemy having made up the Passes before them the whole Scots Army on the right hand and the Sea on the left hand of them and the whole Nation of Scotland behind them That the Scots having a resolution to fall upon the English were prevented by the unseasonableness of the weather and Cromwell and his Officers seeing no other way resolved to fall on them which was done and after one hours hot dispute they were deseated and quitted Edenburgh and Leith which was the same day possessed by the English Army The Letter sharply censures them to be a People who delight to enslave others yet are of a Servile and slavish condition themselves a People whose Freedom is Service whose Mercies are cruel A Kirk whose Religion is Formality and whose Government is Tyranny a Generation of very Hippocrites and Vipers whom no Oaths or Covenants can bind no Courtesies or Civilities obliege 17 An Act passed for a day of publique Thanksgiving for the Victory against the Scots An Answer passed to the Kings late Declaration and published An Act passed against the Electing and Swearing Majors and other Officers upon the Lords day Order for Mr. Caryl and Mr. Owen to go into Scotland according to the desire of the Lord General Recruits of 600 drawn out of C. Barksteds Regiment for Scotland Rules given concerning Augmentations of Ministers Livings Sir John Gell was tryed before the High Court of Justice Several Ministers of London appeared before a Committee for not observing the Thanksgiving day for the Victory against the Scots Letters that the General had settled things at Edenburgh and Leith That since his coming to Edenburgh not a man had appeared out of the Castle That upon news of the Victory at Dunbar brought to the King He thanked God that he was so rid of the Scots and said the Kirk might now see their Errour in prohibiting him to be in Person with their Army and keeping out the English and the rest of his Followers That he is now with the Army about Sterling 19 The Lord Major Aldermen and Common Councel of London kept a day of Thanksgiving by themselves for the Victory in Scotland and invited divers Officers of the Army Parliament Men and other Gentlemen to dine with them at Guild-Hall That the Ministers about Taunton would not observe the day of Thanksgiving for the Victory in Scotland but prayed indirectly to the contrary 20 Letters of the decrease of the Plague in Dublyn That the Lord Deputy in his March through Wicklowe took from the Rebels 3000 Cows and advanced towards Athlow That Money was arrived for the Souldiers That Sir Hardress Waller was set down before Limberick That the Enemy sallyed out of Waterford upon C. Essex his Quarters took many of his Troop horses killed some few of his men sorely wounded his Lieutenant and himself hardly escaped That the Enemy are drawing all their strength together and give out that they will fight the English From Edinburgh That the G. Marched with his Army and Six days Provision from thence towards Sterling having left Forces in Edinburgh and Leith and cast up a Work cross the Streets of Edinburgh between his Forces and the Castle and there was little or no Action between them and his Forces That the General sent all his sick Souldiers to a Lord's House in Leith where they had good Accommodations and great Care taken of them That the King insists to have the L. Ruthen G. but the Kirk will have none but the L. Lowthian and the old L. Leuen is laid aside with Dishonour That the Scots are upon Raising new Forces That in Edenburgh they took 3000 new Foot-Arms which the Scots had not time to carry away nor put into the Castle they were in so great a Confusion That in Leith they took store of French-Wines part of which was spent to refresh the Souldiers who for too long time before had drunk nothing but Water the rest is to be sold for the benefit of the Army That about 1500 Foot and 1000 Horse of Recruits were come from England to the Army in Scotland That the L. Lowden's Cabinet was taken in the Fight and in it Copies of his Letters to the King and other Papers of consequence he being Chancellor but ill beloved of the Scots and upbraided by them for Whoredom and other Sins 21. A Member
to the Councel of State to order the Stores and Magazines both for Sea and Land Service as they shall think best for the advantage of the Common-wealth Pardon 's passed for divers poor Prisoners upon Certificates of the Judges Order for an Act to confine Papists and Delinquents to their Houses Letters that the King was active in surveying his Garrisons and new Levies 26 Letters that two Dutchmen loaden with salt came to an anchor within half a League of Dartmouth Castle That presently after two Jersy Pirates came up with them cut their Cables by the half and carried them away That the Castle shot at them but could not reach them 27 Order by the Parliament That the Officers for the Recruits for Ireland shall constantly attend their Charges and the Forces to march directly to their Ports and in their march to Quarter in Inns and Ale-houses and to pay for what they have Referred to the Councel of State to send this order into the several Counties where the Recruits are to pass to the Commissioners of the Militia and for the Assessement and to the Constables that it be observed 28 Letters that the Irish having distressed a Party of the Parliaments Forces another commanded Party marched from Kilkenny to relieve them and after five weeks march in such a season of the Year into such inaccessable places they scattered the Enemy driving them out of many strong Holds some whereof they had taken from the Parliaments Forces That after pursuing them with Fire and Sword and utterly destroying that part of the Countrey which was part of the Enemies chief fastness and Refuge in their return home the Parliaments Foot ingaged with the Enemies at their own play and upon their own terms in such fastnesses of Woods and Boggs that the Parliaments Horse could not come near But God shewing himself the Irish were not able to abide but quickly fled leaving their Ammunition and store of their Arms behind them and some hundreds of them fell by the Sword in this Expedition March 1650. March 1 Letters of Jeysey Pyrates very bold upon the Western Coast That Tantallon Castle in Scotland after battery and playing with Granadoes was surrendred upon Mercy there being in it 91 Officers and Souldiers and that this cleared the Passage between Edenburgh and Berwick The High Court of Justice sentenced Sir Henry Hide late Agent for the King in Turkey to be beheaded for sundry Treasons and Crimes committed by him against the Common-wealth 3 Letters that the General and Officers of the Army in Scotland kept a Day of Humiliation for the Sins of the Army That thirty sale of Ships were lately come into Leith with Supplies from London for the Army That one of them was cast away That the King went into the North of Scotland to hasten the Levies and came to Aberdeen to compose their differences but the Presbytery there opposed their Proceedings especially in the receiving of Huntley and that the Chancellours Power is down That Faux Castle was surrendred to the General That the Countrey about Edenburgh sent in 100 Horse for Assistance of the General That C. Ludlow Shipped with his Men for Ireland 4 The Parliament ordered a day to be set apart to seek a Blessing from God upon their Councels at home and their Forces abroad by Sea and Land An Act passed for C. Pophain and C. Blake and C. Dean or any two of them to be Admirals and Generals of the Fleet for the year ensuing An Act impowring the Councel of State and the Admirals at Sea for the pressing of men as there shall be cause Amendments passed to a Bill for a new Invention in melting down of Metalls with Coal 5 No Letters came from Scotland nor from Ireland 6 Letters of several Ships taken by Pyrates of Jersy and Scylly Of the willingness of Recruits about Exon to go for Scotland 7 The business of Mrs Jane Puckering and Mr. Joseph Wâ—lch about his forcing of her to a pretended Marriage and carrying her beyond Sea to Dunkirk was heard by the Commissioners appointed for hearing and determing thereof by a special Act of Parliament made for that purpose Letters that a Party of the Parliaments Garrison at Lithgow fell upon a Party of Scots and took 30 Prisoners and slew a Lieutenant and three or four of the Enemy Several Scots Officers were imprisoned at St. Johns Town for receiving Money and not raising their men according to their Commissions That the Sea brake in near Yarmouth and drowned many Cattle and a great part of the Countrey 10 Letters that General Cromwel was sick in Scotland Of great Preparations in the Isle of Man to assist the King Of Dutch Ships arrived at Dundâ—â— with Ammunition for the King That the Lords Ambassadours St. John and Strickland took Shipping on the Lords day for the low Countries 11 An Act passed for continuing the Customes and Book of Rates for a year Vote that no Fullers-earth or Clay nor Oare of Lead or Tin be transported beyond Sea Order touching Sequestrations Order That all English and Scots who have been under the Pay of the Parliament in Ireland and have revolted and betrayed their Trust and have assisted the King are Traitors and Rebels and their Estates to be confiscate and their Persons to be proceeded against as Traitors 12 Letters that C. Hewson had taken in several petty Garrisons near Athelow That M. Arnup with a Lieutenant and twenty men were set upon in Wicklow by a Party too strong for him the Lieutenant nine or ten of the men were slain the rest escaped 13 The publick Fast Day observed in London and Westminster 14 Letters of the Judges of Assise brought into Chard by the Sheriffe and Souldiers of the Militia with vollies of Shot many of the Justices and Gentlemen of the Country absenting themselves 15 Letters That after the taking of Temptallon Castle the Garrisons at Calanderhouse and Blackness were quitted by the Scots Of the want of Frigots upon the Western Seas to keep in the Jersy and Scilly Pyrats 17 Letters that the English Fishermen were taken by the Scots at Sea and their Ships and Goods carryed away and their Persons Prisoners And that divers Scots Men of War are set out to the great dammage of Trade Of the Jersy and Scilly Pyrates taking several Merchants Ships and none of the Parliaments Frigots to help them That upon C. Hewsons march into Westmeath the Enemy got together 3000 in the Kings County and 5000 in Finagh Quartered within ten Miles of Hewson and had their Fastnesses yet durst never appear to fight with him but fled from him 18 An Act passed for continuing a former Act for removing all Papists all Officers and Souldiers of Fortune and divers Delinquents from London and Westminster and confining them within five Miles of their Dwellings and to incourage such as shall discover Papists and Jesuits and their Receivers and Abetters Order that the Lords Commissioners of
the Great Seal do grant a Writ of Ad quod damnum touching a Fair to be kept in North Auckland in Durham Order that the Record of the Court of Wards be transferred into the Exchequer to be under the care of Humphry Salwey Esquire Order for Mr. John Owen to be Dean of Christ-Church in Oxford Debate touching managing of the Treasury of the Common-wealth for the best advantage thereof and of providing Money for the Forces Report of the discovery of a dangerous Plot in the Northern Counties in complyance with the Scots and Malignants for raising a new War especially in and about Lancashire Vote that M. G. Harrison do forthwith advance with a considerable Body of Horse and Foot for security of the North. One Cook apprehended for conspiring to destroy the Parliament and being brought into the Room next the Gouncel escaped from thence Resolved that whosoever should discover Cook and return him in Custody should have 500 pound 19 Letters of the Pyracies committed by those of Jersy and Scilly 20 An Act passed for the apprehension of Thomas Cooke Esquire who was lately apprehended by Warrant from the Councel of State and made an escape from them The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex to proclaim the Act. 21 Letters That one of the Frigots belonging to the Barbadoes Fleet brought into Plimouth an Irish Prize of the value of 10000 l. An Account of Recruits ready for Ireland 22 Letters That the Scots came with 600 Horse to beat up the English Quarters about Lithgow but were beaten back and some Prisoners taken That the Books and Goods belonging to the King and Register were taken by the Parliaments Ships and another Ship laden with Oats Meal and Provisions going for Fife and 22 Prisoners taken That one Boston of Captain Lloyd's Company was Cashiered for holding some dangerous Opinions as That God was Reason c. That the Lord President of Connaught did bring out of the Enemies Quarters 600 Cows without any loss That a Bark of Cloaths for the Soldiers was by the Master betrayed to the Scots That the Governor of Leverpool secured several Gentlemen thereabouts suspected to be in the New Plot. April 1651. Lettert That the Gentlemen who were sent Prisoners to Edenburgh about a Fortnight since for raising Men and sending Arms to the Enemy refused to subscribe to live quietly being afraid of the Kirks Excommunication That an eminent Lord perswaded the King to be content to be King of Scotland only but that Advice was husht That the Scots had a Rendezvouz of 8000 Horse and 4000 Dragoons and the King in the Head of them and That their Design is supposed to be to pass by the English Army into England That Lieutenant Colonel Crooke's Man was Sentenced to be hanged for killing of a Scotchman not in Arms. That Middleton was coming up to Sterling with 8000 Men. Letters That the English Ambassadors at the Hague delivered in a Paper to the States Commissioners concerning the Affronts offered to them by Prince Edward the Palsgrave's Brother That the States sent to the Prince to appear before them but he disputed their Authority to send for him being a stranger-Prince yet upon a second Summons he ingaged upon his Honour to come to them but did not and went away to his Brother That one Apseley a desperate Cavalier at the Hague came to the Lord St. John's House and earnestly desired to speak with him about Matters highly concerning his Safety and being admitted into his Chamber where divers of his Gentlemen were present Aspeley desired That they might withdraw that to avoid Discovery of what he said they two might be private whereupon my Lord Ambassador bid them all withdraw but Mr. St. John his Kinsman suspecting Apseley would not withdraw but staid in the Room to observe and watch Apseley That Apseley made a long Discourse to the Ambassador of a Plot to take away his Life but told him no Particulars and seeing Mr. St. John continue in the Room he abruptly took his leave and went away That his Design was to have strangled the Ambasiador and for that purpose had a Rope ready wound about his wrist and a way was contrived for his Escape after he should have done this Fact at which he was very dexterous by getting out of a Window where divers of his Crew were ready to receive him That failing of his Enterprize when he went away he spake friendly to one of the Ambassadors Gentlemen to go a little way with him which he did and when Apseley had him alone he threw the Rope over his Head but the Gentleman strugling his Periwigg came off and the Rope with it and so the Gentleman escaped That the States were acquainted herewith and ordered Apseley to be apprehended but he fled away and one of the Lords came to the Ambassadors to acquaint them what the States had done touching him and Prince Edward and That they were both fled and That the States would be ready to prevent any such Affronts to their Lordships That the States Commissioners came to the English Ambassadors to treat with them touching their Proposals and desired the Amity and League between the two Nations to be continued and renewed but as to the Words in the Proposals a more intimate and strict Alliance they have not yet answered Anno 1651 They offered the English Ambassadors to ha vethe States Arms set over their Doors for their Protection but the Ambassadors refused it 15 An Act passed for continuing the Assessment of 120000 l. per mensem for six Months An Act committed for making void divers Honours granted by the late King Dr. Gourdon and Capt. Lymbrey added to the Councel of Trade and all of that Councel to take the Engagement Letters That the Army in Ireland had not taken the Field for want of Grass for their Horses That the Lord Deputy appointed a Fast for three weeks on every Thursday That the Lord Deputy gave leave to the Spanish Agent to raise 20000 among the Rebels and transport them for his Masters Service some persons being excepted That many Recruits were come over That more Corn was sown than formerly by reason that Liberty was given to any of the English to sow and reap in the Lands of the Irish who would not sow them 16 The Lord Beauchamp Lord Bellasis and the Lord Chandois were committed by the Councel of State upon suspition of designing new Troubles 17 Letters of the Jersey Pyrates taking two Barks laden with Corn and Timber in sight of Portland That Lieutenant Colonel Clarke with Nine Companies of Foot set Sail from Plymouth for Scilly Islands Of Recruits shipped for Ireland That Van Trump came to Pendennis and related That he had been at Scilly to demand Reparation for the Dutch Ships and Goods taken by them and receiving no satisfactory Answer he had according to his Commission declared War against them That they had 400 Recruits from Ireland and
had a Colonel a Captain and about 14 of the Parliaments Souldiers Prisoners with them whom they kept in a Cellar and as he understood they intended to starve them That there are 25 Men of War belonging to Jersey Scilly the Isle of Man and Galloway 18 Letters That the Scots have chosen a Committee of Sixty to mannage the Affairs of the War with the consent of the Kirk Of Recruits come to the English Army and of four or five Prizes taken by the Parliaments Ships and brought into Leith and one worth 10000 l. with Commanders in her and one small Vessel taken by the Enemy 19 Letters That the Scots Parliament House raised the value of Coins as a 12 d. to 13 d c. That their Army was come up to 20000 l. That Money was come from the Parliament of England to their Army and flat-bottom'd Boats 11 Letters That a Party of Horse of the Enemy entred Lithgow but were beaten back the Governour was dangerously wounded and two of his Souldiers killed That the General had ordered a Rendezvous of all his Horse at Muscleborough That the English Ambassadors at the Hague were freer from Affronts than formerly since a Placart published by the States against them and punishing two or three Offenders That a Servant to C. Butler of the King's Party was apprehended for being one in the late Tumult at the Ambassadors House and confest his Master set him on The States ordered six of their Guards to watch every night at the Ambassador's Gate That the E. of Oxford and C. Sidney were gone into Flanders to fight a Duel with Seconds An Act passed for pressing 10000 Men as there should be occasion within one year An Act passed for continuing the Committee of the Army and Treasurers at War Another for continuing the Jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty Letters from the Lord Deputy of the D. of Lorraines Undertakings with the Earl of Clenrickard for Assistance of the Rebels in Ireland That Van Trump lay before Scilley and declared That he would assist the English against it Of more Prizes taken by the Jersey Pyrates and of Captain Bennet's fighting with two of them four hours and came off with the Ships to whom he was Convoy Of a Prize brought in by Capt. Pen. That Lieutenant General Fleetwood by Command of the Councel of State published a Proclamation for all Officers and Souldiers by a Day to repair to their several Charges 23 Letters of Ships going out from Plimouth towards Jersey Of Recruits going for Ireland 24 Letters of the Fleets Arrival at Scilley and of the Guns heard from thence That the Governour of Weymouth set out a Boat full of Souldiers to couvoy some Vessels which a Jersey Pyrate espying came up to them and the Boat with Souldiers suffered the Pyrate to lay them on Board the Souldiers lying unseen but when the Pyrates men were on Board the Souldiers appeared and gave them such a Welcom that they hasted away and hardly escaped leaving the Captain and 12 of his Men dead 25 Letters of the General and his Army Marching out towards Fife That Captain Howard was made Captain of the Life-Guard and Captain Beak Lieutenant That the General contributed 50 l. and the Officers of the Army contributed freely to the Relief of the Necessities of the Godly People in Scotland 26 Letters That the General quartered at Hamilton and the Army about him That his March Allarm'd the Enemy that way and the Parliaments Ships allarm'd and kept them in Action at Brunt Island and that way where they made shew to attempt the Island to amuse them 28 Letters of the Armies March to Glascow where the Scotch Ministers railed in their Sermons against the English Army of Sectaries unjustly invading their Countrey and throwing down all Power both in Kirk and State That the General sent for those Ministers and moderately debated those Matters with them and shewed them wherein they were mistaken and thus sought to win them by fair means rather than to punish them That the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland set forth an Order That the Lands of some of the Chief Rebels should not be under the Protection of the Parliaments Forces as the King's County c. And that all Persons Friends to the Parliament should by a Day remove themselves Goods and Families from those Places and the Commissioners are to assign them Lands in other Places 29 Orders touching Maimed Souldiers for their Relief Letters That 2000 of the Parliaments Souldiers and Seamen were Landed in the little Isles on the West of Scilly and That the Ordnance were heard thundring there many hours together 30 Letters That the English Ambassadors at the Hague received from the Councel of State the Votes of Parliament for their Return home which was sudden and unexpected both to the Ambassadors and to the States The Truth was That the Lord Ambassador St. John was irritated against the States by the Affronts offered to them at the Hague and not punished and he had little hopes of dispatching the Treaty with them according to his Mind especially as to his Proposal of Coalition He therefore sent his Judgment to his private Friends in Parliament who sway'd the House and as unexpectedly there as elsewhere the House passed their Vote for Recalling their Ambassadors from Holland Upon this News the States sent presently to the Ambassadors to know the Certainty thereof and expressed much trouble and sorrow That the Ambassadors would return before the Treaty were brought to a Conclusion and earnestly at several times by one of their own Number sent to them and pressed the Ambassadors to stay They answered That they must obey the Order of Parliament But at length they sent Mr. Thirloe the Lord St. John's Secretary back with the Messenger to England to know the further Pleasure of the Parliament concerning their Stay or Return That in the mean time the States proceeded in the Business of the Treaty with England and laid aside all other Affairs and professed great Desire of a near Amity with England and said that Time must perfect all things That six of the Ambassadors Gentlemen going up into Germany to see those Parts were taken Prisoners by some Lorain Troopers and pillaged and were to pay 1200 l. for their Ransom May 1651. 1. Letters that Major-General Harrison and Collonel Rich were come with their Forces in Lancashire and an account of Recruits going willingly for Ireland 2. That the General was at Glascow that the Enemies Levyes went on slowly and the factions of Hamilton and Argile were very high Letters That the Parliaments Fleet at Scilly had taken Grinsby after 3 times being beaten off and that they had taken 2 Irish Frigats of 30 and an other of 24 Gunns 3. Letters of a boat Loaden with Oats taken by the Scots That the Parliaments Soldiers at Scilly had taken all the Islands except St. Maries and had taken 3 of their Frigats killed 14 of
the sickness of the General From Waterford That the Army fell upon the Rebels beyond the Shannon did some execution upon them and brought away some booty That they rejoyced to hear that the Parliament had sent a Fleet towards Dunkirk to keep in the Duke of Lorrains Fleet if they should attempt any thing upon Ireland That Prince Rupert was gone to Sea with 5 Ships and 2 Fire-ships That 2 French Ships laden with Silk were taken by the English 27. The Parliament sent a Message to the General to desire him to retire for his health to some convenient place in England for the fresh Air and to intrust the Army in the mean time in such hands as he should think fit The Parliament discharged all Recognizances Fines and Amercements and Process upon them untill 30 Jan. 1648. That the General being Sick of an Ague the Officers of the Army provided to march without him That several Ships were arrived at Lieth with Provisions for Men and Horse That Prince Edward was summoned to appear at the Hague to answer his misdemeanor against the English Ambassadors That the 6 Gentlemen of the English Ambassadors who where taken Prisoners by Collonel Hatter the Lorreiner were carried by him to the Spaw to drink the waters there with him and there a Gentleman who had received civilities in England looking earnestly upon them imagined that they were gentle-men in some distress inquiring of them was told all the story of their being surprised by Collonel Hatter upon which the Gentleman raised the Town and rescued the English Gentlemen from the Collonel and brought them from thence in liberty to Lymburgh That there the English Gentlemen bragging of their good fortune and that now they should save 1200 l which they had promised to pay to Collonel Hatter for their ransom This coming to the Ear of the Governour of Lymburgh he kept the English Gentlemen in restraint and told them That seeing they had ingaged to pay 1200 l to Collonel Hatter for their ransom and that now they were fallen into his power in Lymburg that they should pay the same Summ to him which they should have paid to Collonel Hatter That the States sent to the PrincessRoyal to the Duke of York and to the Queen of Bohemia to desire them that none of their trains might be suffered to offer any affront to any of the English Ambassadors company whom the States had taken into their Protection and would not regard any great Person that should affront them That they all promised to conform to the States desire That they caused a new Court of Guard to be built at the English Ambassadors door That they visited the Spanish Ambassador who had been very courteous to them by their desire had written to the Governour of Lymburgh who was under the Spanish Jurisdiction to set free the Ambassadors Gentlemen in his power without any Ransom That the Dutch inquired much after the Affairs in Scotland and seemed inclinable to a good Correspondence with England 29. An account of Recruits for Ireland That the Scots Foot were very poor in Cloaths and both Men and Horse in great want of Provisions 30. Letters That the Earl of Derby was victualling and furnishing his Castles in the Isle of Man Letters That the Enemy took some Cows from the Garrison of Charlemont which the Lord Caufield having notice off lay in the way and met them in their return killed about 30 of them and took 120 Arms and brought away the Cows That another party of the Enemy came into the English quarters who routed them and took divers of them That the Foot at Scilly entred at St. Maries Island and that those in the Castle were in great want of water 31. Letters That the Country between Edenburgh and Dunbar was full of excellent Corn. That there were many Ships come into Lieth with Provisions A Soldier shot to death for killing his fellow Soldier in a Duel June 1651. 2. The Parliament ordered 2 Physicians Dr. Wright and Dr. Bates to go into Scotland to attend the General and to take care of his health they being his usual Physicians in London and well esteemed by him they were by this time come to Edenburgh 3. Letters of several incounters with the Rebels in Ireland who in all conflicts were worsted by the Parliaments Forces 4. That the Scots lay still in their Quarters onely sometimes by parties they fell into the quarters of the Parliaments Forces neer them but were as often repulsed as they made any Attempt 5. Debates in Parliament and several Orders for Mony and Recruits for the Armies in Scotland and Ireland 6. An account of Recruits marching and of some Shipped for Ireland and others sent by land for Scotland 7. Account of Prizes taken by the Parliaments Ships 9. Letters of the General his good recovery of Health again and that the Doctors were returned from him Of a Ship loaden with Oats taken from the Scots That the Malignants with the King did some of them cause the Soldiers to plunder some of the Presbyterians by whom they had formerly Suffered That Major-General Massy had found out new inventions of fire works and Engines of War That Major-General Harison was advanced with his Brigade to the furthest part of Cumberland That the Enemy took all the Horses and 20 Men of Captain Wrights Troop the Horses being at Grass That some of the Duke of Lorraines Forces were come down about Dunkirk but retired upon the coming of General Popham thither That the Parliaments Ships chased and forced 3 Dunkerkers to run on Shoar Letters from the General acknowledging the favour of the Parliament in sending the Doctors to him and giving him leave to come into England for his health That he hath unexpectedly been restored to Health by the goodness of God 10. Letters That the Assembly of the States was adjourned for a week and that they thought the propositions made by the English Ambassadors to be too much for them to consent unto That Holland is more inclinable to an agreement with the Ambassadors than the other Provinces are That fair words are given and now and then a visit to the Ambassadors by some of the Deputies who are not gone Home That the rest are jealous of Amsterdam as if they designed to make themselves like Venice to domineer over all the other Towns 11. Letters That upon intelligence of a great party of the Enemy drawn out upon design to fall upon the English Garrison at Hamilton the General sent Collonel Whaley with 8 Regiments of Horse to bring off the Garrison which he did and slighted the House That Major-General Massy was making of Leather Ordnance and Fire-works for the Scots Soldiers to carry on the top of their Pikes to slaughter his own Country Men. That the Scots Parliament have nulled the Act of Classis whereby all Hamiltons and Montrosses party may be of all Parliaments and Judicatories
and Argyles party lyes low That the Lord Warreston Sr. James Stuart and Sir John Chiesly continued with the General at Edenburgh 12. Letters of pressing Men for Ireland That Sr George Ascue was not gone for the barbadoes but was come into Plymouth with Sr. John Greenvile and other Prisoners taken at the Isle ofSt Maries and other of the Scilly Islands they being all Surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles 13. Letters of a notorious Jersey Pyrate taken by the Parliaments Ships That both the Armies in Scotland lay still in their Quarters as in the midst of Winter attending one anothers motions That the General was abroad again That a Merchant's man was Shot to Death for killing a Soldier 14. Letters confirming the rendition of St. Maries Island to the Parliament That there were in the Island 800 Soldiers some of them were Shipped for Ireland others for Scotland others for France and some for England with Sr. John Greenvile That there were in it likewise Commissioned Officers enough to head an Army That Collonel Axtel Collonel Sadler and Collonel Le-Hunt prisoners there were Released That these Islands will now be a Shelter to the Merchants which before were their ruine and is a Check to the Trade of many Nations 16. Letters That 5 or 6000 Scots used to beat up the quarters of one Troop of the Parliaments Horse but that they now are quiet That the English do but stay their march till they can have Horse meat in the Fields That the Provinces of Holland Zealand and Vtrecht are more agreeing than the other Provinces to the Articles proposed by the English Ambassadors That the Lord Deputy passed the River Shannon and fought with Castlehaven who was appointed to hinder his passage over that River whilst Clanricard's Army prepared to stop Sr. Charles Cootes passage out of the North and to fight with him But Sr. Charles Coote understanding this marched 30 miles in a Day and a Night slipt beyond them another way and joyned with the Lord Deputy who wholly routed the Lord Castlehaven's Army that some of the Parliaments Forces are sat down before Galloway 17. Letters from Collonel Hewson of the defeat given by the Lord Deputy to Castlehaven's Forces and that the Lord Dillon was reported to be slain An account from the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland of the Recruits and Provisions arrived there and how their several Forces are disposed and where they are upon Service in that Kingdom 18. Letters That the Scots Army was inclosed in Sterling Park which was their own works and not to be attempted but upon great disadvantage That old Leven continues General under the King and they have several Major-Generals That their Forces are about 28000 and they have hanged 3 or 4 for refusing to bear Arms they expect many in England to joyn with them That their Soldiers have no pay but 2 l. of Meal a day That there was a Proclamation at St. Johns-Town that the word Malignant should be forborn for that all Interests were agreed 19. Letters That Sr. Charls Coote and Collonel Reynolds had given a great overthrow lately to the Enemy in the North of Ireland and had killed and taken 3000 of them That at Exon there was a great quarrel between the Seamen and Soldiers and many broken Pates but the Officers made them Friends again An account of Prest-men Recruits for Ireland and 1000 Pioneers Tools safely arrived 20. Letters That the Lord Deputy was marched to the very Gates of Lymbrick Here Collonel James Whitelock commanded a Forlorn with whom he marched up to the Enemy and the charge was so hot and he so far ingaged that his Horse was killed under him his Hat shot through and his thigh bruised with the But-end of a Musket but he beat in the Enemy and killed many of them That Collonel Ingolesby finding about 200 Horse grazing neer the City followed them to the Gates where those that escaped the Sword the Shannon devoured in all they lost about 100 Men and 150 Armes and 1000 Cows Oxen and Sheep That Portumney was surrendred to S. Charles Coote who also took in several other Forts and Castles That 3 Merchant men of London met with a French man of Warr who fought with them some time but finding himself too weak gave over but meeting with another French man they both set upon the Merchant men but could not prevail and after many killed on both sides they parted 21. Letters of Allarums given by the Scots Army but nothing done by them And that the English Army were quickly in a readiness to bid them welcome Mr. Love the Minister was brought to his Tryal before the High Court of Justice in Westminster and many Witnesses heard to prove the Accusation of High Treason against him 23. Letters That the King was very active and rode into Fife to gather together the Horse and new Levyes that they appointed a general Fast but the Kirk in the West were not pleased with their doings but refused to publish it and that all their Speech was for England That Massy is in great esteem with them That their new Committee of States is of Malignants and a Committee is selected out of them to go along with the Army to consult about their Affairs That they were much disappointed by discovery of the design of rising in Lancashire and that they heard nothing yet of any rising in Wales under the Earl of Derby That some of the Scots Ministers were sent from the Classis of the West of Scotland to the Classical Presbytery of Sterling with some Proposals which where rejected and Mr. Galaspy and the rest that brought them were threatned to be punished That a Committee was appointed to examine and punish by conâ—iscation and otherwise all such as had a hand in the Remonstrance of Ker and Straughan That London and all England is promised to be divided among the Scots Officers and Soldiers if they can conquer it That a party of Scots appearing neer to Carlisle Major-General Harrison sent 2000 Horse and Dragoons towards them to fight them but they retreated in hast back to Sterling That 100 Waggons and Carts with Arms Ammunition and Provisions were come to New-Castle 24. Letters of a rising in Cardigan Shire of 400 Horse and Foot got together in a Body and intending to march North wards That some Troops of the Parliament quartering there abouts came up to them and they fought the Troopers but after a short dispute were routed about 40 of them killed and 60 taken prisoners among whom were some of the chief Conspirators An account of 4700 prest Soldiers and 4300 Voluntiers gone for Recruits into Ireland Letters of a Ship of the Parliaments arrived at Helford-sluce one of those sent to bring back the English Ambassador which was unexpected and unwelcome News to the States but the Courts of the Queen of Bohemia and of the Princess Royal rejoyced at their departure That
the other side the Enemy had the advantage of the ground our left wing of Horse being upon a very ill ground where was a pass lined by the Enemies Musketiers Upon consideration whereof we placed our greatest strength in our right wing consisting of my own Regiment of Horse and 2 of Collonel Lidcots and 2 of Collonel Okeys Troops the charge of that wing being left with him and in the left only 4 Troops of Collonel Okeys and 2 of Lidcots to whom the charge of that wing was committed The Battle consisting of mine and Collonel Daniels Regiment of Foot and reserved by Collonel West and Collonel Sylers Regiment being commanded by Collonel Overton We continued faceing one another about an hour and half supposing they would have come to us being come so far to seek us but finding they delayed and having just then received notice from my Lord that more Forces were come from Sterling to their assistance and that My Lord was upon his march to Lithgow and by that means the Enemy at liberty to send more Forces hither It was resolved we should climb the Hill to them which accordingly we did and through the Lords strength by a very short dispute put them to an absolute rout we killed upon the place as most judge 2000 and took 1400 Prisoners and amongst the rest Sr. John Brown Major-General of their Horse and Commander in chief of their Forces Collonel Buchannan and divers other Officers were taken and slain The reason why the slain exceeded the number of prisoners was because divers of them were Highlanders and had very ill quarter and indeed I am perswaded few of them escaped without a knock I think we lost not above 8 men but divers wounded thus easy hath the Lord given us this mercy My Lord is again Remarched towards Sterling Upon his advance I heard the Enemy who were upon their way 5 Miles with their whole Body towards us on this side Sterling is drawn back and lieth in Sterling and there abouts My Lord hath since sent me Collonel Ingolesby's Regiment and Collonel Ashfields with Collonel Lilburns and Collonel Alureds Regiments of Horse that I judge the Forces with me to be above 7000. North Ferry John Lambert July 22. 1651. Other letters That the Scots retreat to Sterling was in very great hast for they left several of their sick Men in their Huts and a pretty quantity of Powder and Match That the King and all the English did strongly oppose their going over Sterling Bridge and would have had them marched directly for Glascow and so for England That at the Battel of Fife there were 5 of their best Regiments of Horse and 5 of their best of Foot and of all these scarce 200 returned to them That the Scots taken Prisoners prove 1500. That the English Soldiers got good booty and that night when their Army retreated over Sterling they lost neer 2000 Men. That the Purple is much among them That the Scots are putting forward new levyes That such was the Gallantry of Major-General Lambert that had it not been for his Armour he had been lost a brace of Bullets being found between his Coat and his Armes That the King upon the rout of his Forces called a close Councel some were sent Northward to press more Men. That some of their own Soldiers plundered their carriages That Massy is more in favour than before but some of the Presbyterian Neutrals are retired and have private meetings That the English fetched in 40 load of Provisions out of the Scots quarters in Fife and lay on both sides of their Army 29. Letters read in Parliament from the Ambassador of Spain and from the States of Genoa An Act passed for relief of maimed Soldiers An Act passed prohibiting the hunting or killing of Deer Vote That former Primers used in the late Kings time be suppressed and new ones used 30. Letters That Cromwel sent more Forces to Lambert who ranged with his Horse in the Country of Fife and kept his Soldiers from all disorder That the strong Fort of Enisgarwey was delivered to Lambert 31. Letters That Lymbrick and Galloway are both in Treaty for surrender but stand upon high terms An account of Recruits and Provisions sent for Ireland That Sr. Charles Coote took in a Castle with 20 Barrels of powder and 8 great Guns and store of Provisions That he is sat down before Galloway and Collonel Reynolds was sent to him with additional Forces That the Lord Deputy sent a party to attempt the Island neer Lymbrick who landed out of their Boats before their Seconds came up to them and were all drowned or killed as was supposed they were slain after quarter given them or desired That the Lord Deputy demanded satisfaction and resolved no further Treaty if they come not down to low conditions That Collonel Hewson was burning Wickloe demolishing some Forts and fortifying others August 1651. 1. That the Treaty for surrender of Lymbrick was broken off yet their expected relief failed them that the Lord Deputy had possest 2 Forts within Musket Shot of their Walls Letters That in the late Battel of Fife Captain Augustin the great Mosse Trooper lost his Troop of 200 commanded Men and himself hardly escaped That the General commanded that the Sick Scots Soldiers left behind by their fellows should have Provisions given them and no injury to be offered to them And that those left dead in their Trenches should be buried That the General shipped the rest of his Army and Train into Fife leaving only 4 Regiments of Horse and 4 of Foot to secure this side of the Water That the Isle of Ingarney was surrendred to Cromwel the Soldiers to march away with their Swords only leaving all Arms and Ammunition behind them and in it Cromwel had 15 pieces of Ordnance That many of the Scots Prisoners were sent to New castle 2. Letters That some of the Scots Ministers protested against the general Assembly abetting the Kings design That a Minister and 2 Students came to the General from Angus for protection That one of them was excommunicated for not answering 2 questions 1. Whether Presbyterian Government in Scotland be not in all things conforme to the Word of God 2. Whether Cromwel be not Antichristian That another was excommunicated for praying with Persons of divers families in private 3. The Lords day thanks was given in the Churches in London for the late victory in Fife in Scotland Letters That Brunt Island was surrendred to Cromwel upon Articles and in it 3 Men of war and it was an excellent harbour much better than Lieth Harbour and in it was 500 Soldiers That many of the Scots Soldiers do run away dayly 5. Letters from Cromwel of the taking of Brunt Island and in it 30 or 40 great Guns and 3 little Men of War that the harbour at an high Tyde there is a fathom higher then Lieth and the Town not commanded by any
place neer it That Major-General Whaley marched along the Sea side having some Ships to sail by him and hath taken store of Artillery and divers Ships that the Enemys Affairs are in some discomposure That they will not adventure all upon one Army but have sent for the new levyes An Account of Monys Recruits and Provisions gone for Ireland and of prizes taken and brought into Portsmouth Of Prizes taken by the Pyrats 7. Letters of much damage done by the Jersey Pyrats Of Collonel Hunkin going to be Governour of Scilly with Forces That Collonel Hewson was going into Cavan where the People stood upon their guards refusing to pay contribution 8. Letters That Sr. George Askue was set sail for the Barbadoes That the General was marched with the Army to St. Johns Town to prevent supplies to the Enemy from the North of Scotland That Collonel Fortescue coming to the General with a Petition on the behalf of Mr. Love the General and the Army would not intermeddle therewith and the Collonel with a Convoy of 18 Troopers was set upon by 80 of the Enemies Horse the Collonel first cryed for quarter and had it most of his Convoy were slain only 4 of them escaped That 6000 of the Scots are reported to have Run away from them since the last Rout in Fife In the Armies march towards St. Johns Town 2 Troopers were executed for Straggling and Plundering That some Country People being left to cut down the Bridge between St. Johns Town and Sterling they ran away upon the approach of the English Army before it was quite done and left their tools behind them That the General sent a summons to St. Johns Town that understanding they had no Garrison that they should immediately Surrender to him and he promised to free their Goods from plunder and their Persons from violence The Town denying his entrance he sent parties to attempt it and some were slain on both sides but the English gaining upon them they sent a Drum with a letter to the General to let him know that his Information was not good and that they had a Garrison and could do nothing without the Governour Here upon the General sent a Summons to the Governour who returned no answer and therefore Cromwel planted his Batteries and played all night upon them and the next day the Lord Dasseres the Governour who came into the Town the day before with 1300 Men sent to Cromwel for a Treaty and Cessation That newes was brought to Cromwel That the Scots Army was marched about to Hamilton and so intended for England That Collonel Fortescue with 28 Men in his Company were taken some suspected willingly by the Moss Troopers between Lieth and Berwick 9. Letters That the Lord Muskerry having gotten Forces together to relieve Lymbrick the Lord Broghil met with them routed them killed 500 on the place besides many that were drowned in the Black-water That St. Johns Town was rendred to Cromwel upon Articles That he had in it 4 pieces of Ordinance much Arms Ammunition and Provision That the General left a Regiment of Horse and another of Foot And 4 Troops of Dragoons under the Command of Collonel Overton to secure that place and the parts adjacent and sent Lieutenant General Monke with 4 Regiments of Horse 3 of Foot and 4 battering pieces to beleaguer Sterling The General hastened to march after the King who he had notice was advanced for Ireland and that by the way David Lesley summoned Bigger and the Governour returned a resolute answer that he kept it for the Common-wealth of England That Argyle and many other Scots Lords were retired to their private Dwellings That the King Hamilton and Bucks with other Lords are with the Army which is about 8000 and supposed to be near Carlisle That Major-General Harrison with a considerable Party was at Berwick and expects a conjunction of the Forces with him to hinder the Kings march That Major-General Lambert was marched after the King 11. Letters from Cromwel to the Parliament of the reducing of St. Johns Town and of the Enemies march for England and his following them who in desperation and fear and out of inevitable necessity were run to try what they could doe in this way It is our Comfort that in simplicity of heart as to God we have done to the best of our Judgements knowing that if some issue were not put to this business it would occasion another Winters War to the ruine of your Soldiery for whom the Scots are too hard in respect of induring the Winters difficulty of that Country and being under the endless expence of the Treasure of England in prosecuting this War He shows the reasons why he did not interpose more between the Enemy and England and prays the Parliament to use their courage by such Forces as they have in readiness and can get together to give the Enemy a check till he can come up to them and doubts not but the desperateness and folly of this Councel of theirs will appear and puts them in mind of the Scots former invasion when England was much more unsteady than now and the success of it not to be forgotten It is good to wait upon the Lord upon the earnest of former experiences and hope of his presence which only is the life of your cause He gives them an account that Major-General Harrison and Collonel Rich and the Forces with them shall endeavour to keep the Scots together and impede their march and to joyn with your other Forces and that Major-General Lambert marched with a considerable Body of Horse up to the Enemies Rear and himself was hasting after them and that he hoped he had left a commanding Force under Lieutenant General Monk in Scotland Major-General Harrison gave an account by his letters to the Parliament of the Scots coming into England and of his giving notice to the Commissioners of the Militia of Lancashire Cumberland and other Counties to raise what Forces they could to joyn with him That he had gotten together 3000 Horse and hoped to hinder the Enemies march He desires some Provision for 4 or 500 Godly men for 2 or 3 Moneths if he can get them mounted and dated his Letter 7th of the 6 Moneth 1651. at 11. a Clock Forenoon Newcastle T. Harrison That in the success the Lord Broghil lately had against the Lord Muskerry in Ireland the Lord Muskerries Army consisted of 1000 Horse and Dragoons and neer 2000 Foot My Lord Broghil had but 400 Horse and Dragoons and under 600 Foot That the charge was very desperate on both sides the Lord Broghil had 120 Horsemen shot and 30 killed he charged him that led up the Irish opposite wing and killed him but the Irish did so overwing him that his own Troop that consisted most of Gentlemen Reformadoes was charged in front flank and Rear both by Horse and Foot amongst which my Lord was so far ingaged that they offered
him quarter upon the refusal whereof they cryed kill the fellow in the Gold lace coat Which in all probability had been effected if a Reformado Leiutenant of his Troop had not come in to his rescue whose Horse was killed on that account and himself twice shot the Lord Broghil got off with a dry Pike beating by the Pikemen but his Horse received 3 Shots That the Irish lost 600 men among which many Officers Prisoners but few were taken besides some Officers of the Field That the defeated Army had designed conjunction with the Lemster Forces and the relief of Lymbrick 12. An Act passed to put the Militia in London and the several Counties into a present posture An Act passed prohibiting correspondence with the King and his party And declaring the successes in Scotland and that the King was fled into England and that it should be death to give any intelligence or assistance to them 13. An Act passed to expel Delinquents out of London and that all give in what Arms they have or know of and for raising of Forces And to indemnify all listed Persons in the Service of the Parliament An Account of Forces shipped for Scilly An Account of Forces preparing in Lancashire and Cheshire to joyn with Major-General Harrison 14. Letters That the King marched out of Perith with his Forces and Major-General Lambert quartered there next night that they took up many Straggling Scots That Major-General Harrison was in the Van of them that 16 great Lords of Scotland had deserted the King for invading England 15. Letters That the Scots were neer Preston that Cheshire had sent out 3000 Foot to maintain Warrington Bridge against the King and Lancashire was not wanting that in Coventry 700 Men were got together and That men were very ready to joyn against the Scots Of securing disaffected Persons That the Scots Army are supposed to be 12000 besides their Train That Major-General Lambert was within half a days march of the King and Cromwel was not far behind that the Scots were gone the ready way to Lancashire That the English Scouts took a Scots Laird and some letters to Mr. Crofts 16. Letters That the Towns in Fife began to revolt supposing that all the English were gone out of Scotland That Collonel Alured Stormed and Reduced them again killed many and took 200 Prisoners and took divers Arms Colours and great Guns That the Scots Army was advanced to Preston and in great confusion That Major-General Lambert with 4000 Horse pursued them and Cromwel with 10000 Foot followed him and Major-General Harrison with a considerable body coasted them with 4000 Horse more and many Forces were ready in the Countries they were to pass to joyn with them and Vessels were sent with intelligence to the Frigots That 3000 Lancashire Foot had undertaken to secure the pass at Warrington and that Lambert and Harrison were joyned that Cromwel was within 2 days March with 1000 Foot 18. Letters of the Soldiers to their fellow Soldiers to incourage them to oppose the Scots From Major-General Harrison to the Councel of of State that Lambert and he were joyned and were about 6000 Horse in the Van of the Enemy That the Enemy made some halt on a Moore 4 miles from Lancaster which some what amazed them but they went on to Preston and designed to get before to the pass at Warrington where were 3000 Foot to joyn with Lambert and Harrison who intended to march thither That they heard the King was cast down for that his Subjects came in no faster to him and did not answer his expectation in persons or number but divers ran away from him That Cheshire had been very forward in their Levies and most of the 3000 Foot came from thence that he was assured of a glorious issue of this work That Cromwel was come into England with 8 Regiments of Foot and the Train the Soldiers tyred with a long march That Newburn carried good store of Provisions to the Soldiers among whom was not a loud word or an Oath That Collonel Lilburn marched with 1000 Horse to joyn with Lambert That the English before Sterling Castle killed 30 of the Castle Soldiers in one days battery From the Governour of Oxford to the Councel that the Vice-Chancellor and Colledges had raised 120 Horse for the Parliaments Service and had ingaged in the University and City to raise a Regiment of Foot 19. Letters from Lambert and Harrison That the Scots Army came and pressed to pass at the Bridg and Fort neer it which we had broken down and spoyled as well as we could in so short a time a Company of our Foot were drawn down to the barricadoe of the bridge who behaved themselves gallantly and gave the Enemy opposition till we saw cause to draw off securing their retreat by parties of Horse Which we did because we were unwilling to ingage our Army where our Horse could not do us Service for the inclosures The Enemy thereupon hastened over their whole Army and their King in the Van if not forlorn with his own life guard as some Prisoners told us since and pressed hard upon our Rear whereof Collonel Rich had the guard who wheeled off parties and charged them thrice as they came on and the Lord caused the Enemy every time to fly before us Wee killed the Officer that commanded one of their parties and 2 or 3 Troopers and some Country men since tell us that 28 of theirs were slain in the several Skirmishes and but 4 of ours that I can hear of there and at the Bridg. As they fell on they cryed Oh you Rogues we will be with you before your Cromwel comes which made us think they would press to ingage us with all Speed We are drawing up at Knock-forth Moore to wait them but since we hear they are marched a good part of the night on London Road. Lambert wrote thus to the Councel I sent to you before my thoughts of the untenableness of the pass at Warrington since which the Enemy pressing close after us came to Warrington Town before we could get the Bridg broken The Enemy pressed hard on us in the lanes but we came off well I commanded the rear-guard to charge which they did and routed the Enemy and their own men falling foul upon their other 2 Bodies routed them also We had the pursuit of them at least a Mile we killed him who commanded the party and about 8 more and took 6 Prisoners besides divers wounded this gave us time to ride 2 miles without any more trouble and to draw out a new Rear-guard of Collonel Rich his Regiment Which having done they again ingaged us and we charged them with the same Success killed and took the same number and after marched quietly to Knock forth Heath and lost but one man who was taken Prisoner pursuing a Trooper That we endeavoured to amuse the Enemy and to flank and front them till
the General come up to us that we have 9000 Horse and between 3 or 4000 Foot to give them battle if they force us to ingage That not one County in England appeared in the least for the King but generally they raised Forces against him yet his Army marched without committing any outrage or doing any injury to the Country The Parliament passed an act to impower the Militias of London c. to raise Foot That the Earl of Derby was landed but with 250 Foot and 60 Horse unarmed that the Enemy seemed to bend towards North Wales The Councel of State during this action had almost hourly Messengers going out and returning from the several Forces carrying advice and directions to them and bringing to the Councel an account of their motions and designs and of the Enemies motions It could hardly be that any affair of this nature could be managed with more Diligence Courage and Prudence than this was nor peradventure was there ever so great a Body of men so well Armed and Provided got together in so short a time as were now raised and sent away to joyn with the rest of the Forces attending the King 20. Letters That they supposed it would be 8 days before the General could get up to the Enemy A Dutch prize brought into Plymouth loaden with Ammunition for the King and richly guilded 21. An account of Forces raised in Salop and the Neighbour Countries and breaking of Bridges and indeavouring to divert the course of the Scots Army That the Governour of Stafford went to Harrison with 700 Men. That 4000 of the Generals Foot march in their Shirts 20 Miles a day and have their Cloaths and Arms carried by the Country 22. Mr. Love the Minister and Mr. Gibbons were beheaded at Tower-Hill according to the Sentence of the High-Court of Justice The Under-keeper of Newgate having treated for the escape of Mr. Gibbons and received 100 l. in hand and a bond for 100 l. more after this discovered it and secured Gibbons Letters from Lambert to the Council with an intercepted Letter the Copy whereof he had sent to the General The Letter intercepted was taken from a Scots Prisoner it was from the King to Collonel Massey for leaving out a clause in the Letter from the Presbitery in the Army to the Ministers of Lancashire for taking notice of former Malignancy of Persons That the Scots began to plunder extreamly and many of them were weak 23. Letters That the Scots were marched from Nantwich towards Newport and steered for London That the General was expected within one day and That the Scots were come to Litchfield That 5000 Country men appeared with Horses at Coventry ready to serve the Parliament That Lambert and Harrison were at Vttoxeter and the Scots at Nantwich their Foot discontented and sick with their long marches and the King came to them with Cap in hand desiring them to march a little further That Harrison and Lambert had sent some Forces to Worcester to secure that place lest the King should make it a Quarter or Garrison and that Gloucester was supplyed That the next day they expected to joyn with the General That the Governour of Stafford made a Sally upon a party of the Scots and killed some of them and gave an Allarum to the whole Army That a Declaration was lately published by the King That the Scots were marched to Whit-Church the way to Wales That they hoped to hinder the Earl of Derby from raising any Forces in Lancashire and if they make a halt as t is supposed they must by reason of the weariness of their Infantry the Major-General hopes to give a good account of that business That Lieutenant-General Monk had the Castle of Sterling surrendred to him upon Articles with all their Ordinance and Ammunition 25. Letters That Collonel Pintchback had deserted the King and disliked his way That the Highlanders in Sterling Castle beat a parley without the consent of the Governour being frighted with the Morter pieces and threatned to throw the Officers over the walls if they did hinder them and said they would fight for their King but not for their Countries geer That the Soldiers had broken open divers Trunks in the Castle and carried out with them most of the best geer That in the Castle were 40 pieces of Ordinance 27 of them brass Guns and Provision for 500 Men for 12 Moneths 50 Barrels of Beef and about 5000 Arms. That all the Records of Scotland Chair and Cloath of State the Sword and other rich furniture of the Kings the Earl of Marr's Coronet and Stirrops of Gold with his Parliament Robes and store of the goods of the Country were in the Castle which they carried away according to the Articles little or nothing being imbezelled but what was by their own Men. That Sterling was one of the strongest and most magnificent Castles of Scotland and a pass of the greatest consequence That Collonel Okey took some in the West of Scotland who were raising Forces there That the Scots came to Worcester where the Country Forces made a gallant resistance and beat back the Enemy several times but the Towns-Men having laid down their Arms and some of them shooting at the Parliament Soldiers out of the Windows they removed their Ammunition while 30 Men only resisted the Enemy and beat them back and then withdrew and left the Town to the Enemy and came to Glocester That the King sent a Summons to Collonel Mackeworth Governour of Shrewsbury inviting him to surrender that Garrison to him but the Governour returned him a peremptory denial That the King sent also Letters to Sir Thomas Middleton to raise Forces for him in Mont-gomery-shire but he detained the Messenger Prisoner and sent up the Letter to the Parliament That Lieutenant-General Fleetwood and Collonel Desborough and other Officers met with Cromwel at Warwick Letters That Lymbrick was in great streits that the Irish increased in numbers that they had surprised a Garrison of the Parliaments the Soldiers being asleep and stormed Fenagh but were beaten off with great loss The trained bands of London Westminster c. drew out into Tuttle-Fields in all about 14000 the Speaker and divers Members of the Parliament were there to see them 26. The Parliament kept this a day of humiliation at St. Margarets Church in Westminster A Letter from the King to the City of London was burnt by the Hangman and the Parliaments Declaration was Published by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet proclaiming all those to be Traitors and Rebels that do or shall adhere to the King and his party Letters from Lieutenant-General Fleetwood That the Scots had left a party in Worcester and had transported their Army over Severne intending to secure the passes and invite their Friends to them and to refresh their wearied Army That they have Summoned the Country to come in to repair to the works and Royal fort at Worcester Indeed
answered That they were not satisfied in Conscience to do what he required but would give an Answer to Collonel Overton who had before sent to them the like Message That the Ministers of St. Johns Town refused to Preach unless they might pray for the King and their Army in England the Governour told them they might Preach the Gospel of Christ but that would not satisfie them That in swimming over the River to come to Dundee Two or Three Men and Horses were drowned Among other Countries Oxford-shire had raised a Regiment of Foot and Two Troops of Horse to assist the Lord General before Worcester and had chosen Collonel James Whitelocke to command both their Horse and Foot he was the Collonel Mr. Robert Warcup Lieutenant Collonel and the Major and Captains were most of them Oxford-shire Gentlemen They wrote to Collonel James Whitelocke to acquaint him herewith and to desire him to come into England to accept of this Command to which the Committee had freely chosen him he returned thanks for the Honour his Country-men had done him accepted the Command and promised to hasten into England to serve them But before he could come over from Ireland the King with his Army being come into England and all the new raised Forces being commanded to march to the Lord General towards Worcester his Lieutenant Collonel Warcup marched with his Regiment of Foot thither 2. An Act passed to enable the Commissioners of the Militia to raise Money for the present Service of the Common-wealth A Messenger from the Head Quarters informed That the Lord General and Lieutenant General met and viewed their Forces and consulted about carrying on of the Work and prepared to receive the Enemy if he should ingage who came forth in a full Body but would not come near to Cromwel Who thereupon sent out a Party against them upon whose approach the Scots retreated into the City That the Parliament Forces were got within half Musquet-shot of the Enemies Works and their Canon played daily into the City with good execution That the Earl of Derby came wounded into Worcester with about 30 Horse and no more of all his Levies in Lancashire which so distracted the Towns-men that they began to repent their deserting of the Parliament That the King seeing his hopes in the Earl of Derby frustrated would have marched away with his Horse upon which his Foot were ready to mutiny and said They should both endure the same Fortune the King and his Officers had much ado by fair words to appease them The Parliament voted That whosoever had the Kings Declaration in their Hands should bring it in to the Council or to the Lord Major of London or some Justice of Peace to be burnt by the Hang-man and those who should not bring it in or should disperse it to be punished according to Law Twelve Regiments of London being 1400. Mustered in Finsbury Fields the Speaker and divers Members of Parliament were there and the Lord Major and Sheriffs of London the Kings Declaration was burnt by the Hangman at the Head of every Regiment who gave loud Shouts and Acclamations thereupon That Captain Escot a Parliament Man of War fetched two Prizes out of the Enemies Harbour in Scotland and brought them into Lieth loaden with Corn and other Commodities In one of them were divers intercepted Letters of Consequence from the Lord Argyle Cleveland and others to the Lord Jermyn Captain Titus the Earl of Newcastle and others in Holland That the same Man of War fought Three hours with another Ship bound for the Enemy loaden with Wine Arms and Ammunition and at length sunk her and all her Goods except Ten Hogsheads of Wine which were saved and a few of the Passengers the rest were drowned 3. Letters That a Party of the Enemies Horse moved and pulled down Two Bridges of the River Tearne in Hereford-shire but being flanked by a Party of Lieutenant General Fleetwood supposing they intended to march away they retreated That a Servant of Masseys came into Cromwels Quarters and reported That the wants of the Kings Army were very great that his Master was shot in the Hand and the Earl of Worcester wounded in the Mouth Major Mercer with a strong Party was sent to secure Bewdly Bridge From Scotland That a Party of Collonel Alureds Men being sent out to prevent their new Levies Seven Miles from Dundee they found old General Leven and several other great Lords raising of Forces whom they apprehended and brought away Prisoners Letters That Scurlocke the Famous Tory took Two small Garrisons of the Parliaments in Ireland That the Garrisons of Lymbrick and Galloway were much straitned That 2000 Sallied out of Galloway upon Collonel Russel who commanded there in Sir Charles Coote's absence but were repulsed with the loss of 2 or 300 of their Men and but Six of Russels lost That the Remnant with Clanrickard increased in number but were so full of terror that upon the advance of Sir Charles Coote and Collonel Reynolds towards them they quitted divers strong Passes and a Castle of Consequence where the Soldiers had Quarter for Life the Officers and Protected People left to Mercy and some of them hanged That the Enemy took Raghaera Castle from the Parliament surprising most of their Men gathering Contribution in the Country who were likewise cut off That the Sickness is still in those Parts That the Commissioners of Parliament appointed a day of Humiliation 4. Letters from Scotland to the Speaker That after the taking of Sterling Lieutenant General Monk marched to Dundee for the reducing of that Place and summoned it they in answer to his Summons sent him a Proclamation from the King That whosoever would lay down Arms and come in to them should have Mercy That this Impudence of theirs was occasioned by the Promise of old Lesley Earl of Leven with divers other Lords and Ministers Commissioned from the King to raise Forces whereby he would relieve the Town Private Intelligence being given hereof Collonel Alured with a good Party marched to the Place of their Rendezvous and surprized old Leven and the Lord Chancellor with divers other Lords Six or Seven of their Ministers and 300 more Persons of Quality Letters from Worcester Sir This day hath been a glorious day this day Twelvemonth was glorious at Dunbar this day hath been glorious before Worcester the Word was then The Lord of Hosts and so it was now and indeed the Lord of Hosts was wonderfully with us The same Signal we had then as now which was to have no White about us and indeed the Lord hath clothed us with White Garments though to the Enemy they have been Bloody In the Morning 3. Sept. Lieutenant General Fleetwood had order to advance with his Brigade on the other side Severne and all things being prepared for the making of a Bridge and having cleared our Passages with a Forlorn we laid a Bridge over Severne and
nastiness that a Man could hardly abide the Town Yet the Lord General had his Quarters in Worcester the Walls whereof he hath ordered to be pulled down to the ground and the Dikes filled up The Lord Hamilton's Leg was broken and he sent to the General for a Chyrurgeon to dress his Wounds the Militia Forces behaved themselves gallantly 5000 out of Norfolk and Suffolk came in cheerfully the same night of the Fight the Lord General dismissed them all home The Regiment of Surrey under Sir Richard Onslow and the Troop under Captain Walter St. John marched hard to come up to the Ingagement Prisoners taken Three English Earls Seven Scotch Lords of Knights Four of Collonels Lieutenant Collonels Majors Captains and other Officers about 640. the Kings Standard and 158 Colours taken 10000 Prisoners and above 2000 slain the Kings Coach and Horses with rich Goods and all Arms Bag and Baggage taken On the Parliaments part slain 100 Soldiers and 300 wounded Quarter-Master-General Mosely and Captain Jones slain and no other Officers of note Captain Howard and another Captain wounded 8. A Particular Account from Lieutenant General Fleetwood of the whole Action at Worcester of 3000 slain 10000 taken Prisoners with all their Arms Bag and Baggage the Flight and Pursuit of the Enemy c. Letters from Scotland That a Party of the Parliaments from Edenburgh after an hours Fight took Dumfrice and the Country who made opposition contrary to their Ingagement smarted for it That Lieutenant General Monk having received a scornful Answer to his Summons from the Governour of Dundee he stormed the Town and in a quarter of an hour became Master of it That Major General Lumsdain and 600 of the Enemy were slain and there was in the Town good store of Arms and Ammunition 11 Pieces of Ordnance and 60 Sail of Ships in the Harbour From Cheshire That 1000 of the Kings Horse passing through Sanebarch on a fair day the Towns-men and Country-men as they passed by fell upon them with Clubs and Staves and the Poles of their Stalls knocked them down and took about 100 of them That the Country rise upon the Routed Scots and kill and take many of them 9. A Proclamation for the apprehending of the King and a Promise of 1000 l. to any that shall do it Order for a day of Thanksgiving throughout the Kingdom for the Success at Worcester and an Act to be brought in for an Annual Observation of the third day of Sept. Letters That Sir Philip Musgrave and others raising Forces about Galloway were taken and killed by a Party from Edenburgh being in all about 500. That Major General Massey came into Leicester-shire but not being able to go further by reason of his Wounds wrote a Letter to the Countess of Stamford and surrendred himself to the Lord Grey her Son That Sir Arthur Haselrigge Governour of Newcastle upon notice of the Defeat at Worcester and the Kings Escape Northwards sent to the Militia Forces and to the Sheriffs of the Four Northern Counties to raise the Posse Comitatus and to the Lieutenant General Monk and Forces in Scotland to way-lay those that fled and went out himself with a Party for that purpose The Parliament appointed Four of their Members to go out of Town to meet the General upon his way from Worcester to London and to congratulate from the Parliament the great Successes that God had given him 10. Letters from Ireland That the Irish lie up and down in small Parties robbing Passengers by the High-way but meet not in a Body being divided in their Councels that Lymbrick and Galloway hold out That Collonel Zanchey was sent out with 2500 Foot and 28 Troops of Horse and Dragoons into Connaght upon Intelligence of the Enemies gathering to an Head there to ingage them or to strengthen Sir Charles Coote about Galloway but upon his marching over the Enemy presently dispersed The Four Members of Parliament appointed to go out of Town to meet the General went this day to Alisbury 11. Letters That a Party of the Parliaments Forces marched 40 Miles a day in Pursuit of the Enemy and at Lancaster fell upon some of them routed them killed about 20 and took 200 Prisoners That 200 more of them were taken about Shisnal in Shrop-shire the Earl of Derby Earl of Lauderdale and divers others of Quality That Major General Harrison had taken 2000 of the Scots in the Pursuit and left but 1000 of them in a Body That the Countries rose upon them That a Party of the Parliaments about Warrington fell unadvisedly on their Rear and lost some Men. Complaint That the Countrey are much burdened with the Prisoners there being no allowance for them That five of them were put to death in Cheshire and five more appointed to be executed the next day That at the taking of Dundee in Scotland were slain between 7 and 800 Scots and taken 50 Sail of Ships 40 great Guns and Provisions and that with the Plunder of the Town the Soldiers were grown rich and gallant a private Soldier hardly to be known from an Officer That the Lieutenant General sent a Summons to Monrose near the Highlands The four Members went from Alisbury on the way the General was to come and met him and delivered their Message to him from the Parliament The General received them with all kindness and respect and after Salutations and Ceremonies passed he rode with them cross the Fields where Mr. Winwoods Hawks met them and the General with them and many Officers went a little out of the way a Hawking and came that night to Aylesbury There they had much discourse and my Lord Chief-Justice St. John more than all the rest with the General and they supped together The General gave to each of them that were sent to him a Horse and two Scots Prisoners for a Present and Token of his thankful Reception of the Parliaments respect to him in sending them to meet and congratulate him 12. Letters That at the Storming of Dundee divers of the Parliaments Horse-men went on foot with Sword and Pistol to assist the Foot-men and got into the Town as soon as the other and not above Ten Men killed on the Parliaments Part and 800 of the Enemy That it was the richest Town of the bigness in England or Scotland That some of the English Soldiers got in the Storm 500 l a piece That the Inhabitants of St. Andrews sent to Lieutenant General Monk That they would submit to his Summons and deliver up their Arms and Ammunition which was accepted but because they refused former Offers the Lieutenant General fined them 50 l. to the Soldiery Cromwel came to London in great Solemnity and Triumph accompanied with the Four Commissioners of Parliament many chief Officers of the Army and others of Quality There met him in the Fields the Speaker of Parliament the Lord President and many Members of Parliament and of the
and Imprisonments may be taken away 28. Order for Mr. Goodwyn and Dr. Owen to preach in Oxford and for Masters of Art to preach in their turns Letters That the Marquess of Argyle studied how to make his peace with England and Monros could raise but few Men. That the Garrison at Ludlow were willingly disbanded and expressed a great affection one to another Of the neglect of the Minister of Taunton and other Ministers to celebrate the Thanksgiving-day 30. Letters That Collonel Heyne with his Regiment and other Forces after being beaten back by a Storm at last anchored under Jersey and resolved to attempt the Island the next day though the Sea was very rough because else their Horses would be starved That the same night the Storm ceased and at Three the next Morning by advice of the Councel of War they boated their Men but could not land till about 11 at night and then ran their Boats on ground and the Soldiers leaping into the Sea most of them Neck high they got to Shoar Where they were desperately charged with a Body of Horse for about half an hour after which the Enemy fled and the Parliaments Forces took Eight Pieces of Ordnance and marched a Mile into the Island finding no Enemy to oppose them That the next Morning they marched to several Forts and found in them Guns and Colours left That Parties brought in divers Prisoners to them The next day they drew on a Hill in the sight of Elizabeth Castle where the Enemy quitted the Fort under the Hill They also quitted and surrendred another Fort and went to Elizabeth Castle that here they had 14 Guns That Collonel Heyne sate down before Argyle Castle and in taking this Island lost but three or four Men and about 25 wounded That Sir George Carteret the Governour had 4000 Men. 31. Letters That the Marquess of Argyle sent a Trumpet to Lieutenant-General Monk desiring That some Persons well affected to the good of both Kingdoms might meet and treat about settlement and to prevent the shedding of more Blood The Lieutenant-General answered That he would not treat without Order of Parliament That the meeting of the Ministers at Edenburgh was dissolved without doing any thing That Captain Fannes the Governour of Anderwick was dead That the Forces sent against the Isle of Man were under Sail with a fair Wind. November 1651. 1. Letters That Sir Timothy Fetherston was executed at Chester according to the Sentence of the Court-Marshal and used only a few Prayers out of the Common-Prayer-Book Letters That the Parliaments Forces killed 100 Tories in Ireland took 50 and 500 Arms. 3. Letters That all the Parliaments Forces Horse and Foot were landed in the Isle of Man that the Islanders sent their Boats to bring them on Shoar and did secure Bartlet the great Pyrate and divers others That the Countess of Derby was retired to Peele Castle That the Parliaments Forces sent to Jersey after much conflicting with Seas and Winds and other difficulties and a short dispute with the Enemy landed about 11 a Clock at night That the Enemy after a hot Charge with their Horse fled and forsook divers small Forts That the next day they took the Tower of St. Andrews with 14 Guns in it which was a Refuge to their Ships That Sir George Carteret the Governour retreated to Elizabeth Castle which General Blake had blocked up The Parliament ordered That the Ministers of London and Westminster do on the fifth of November next in their several Congregations give thanks to God for the gaining of Jersey Island That the Governour of Bas Island in Scotland was summoned to deliver up the Island to the Parliament of England or else that his Lady and his Two Brothers in the Town should be sent up to the Parliament and that the Lady wrote to her Husband to surrender it 4. The Parliament passed the List of Sheriffs for the several Counties of England and Wales A List passed of Ships for the next Years Guard with Instructions to the Council of State for disposing of them Letters That the King of Scots for two days after the Defeat at Worcester staid in Woods near the Place and Trees and that some of Cromwels Soldiers looked into those Woods but found him not That he cut off his Hair and wore a Red Perriwig and was two or three days in Cromwels Army as a Boy or Servant to a Gentleman That he went to Sea in a Marriners Habit and landed at Diepe and had not Money to carry them to Paris Letters That a Party of the Parliaments Army stormed Mulick Castle in Ireland killed 34 of their Men and took 140 Prisoners but lost 80 Men. That Collonel Russel Commander of the Forces before Galloway had made strong Works there which those from the Town attempted to storm but were beaten off with loss That Lymbrick was surrendred to the Parliament all the Garrison had Quarter for their Lives only the Town was plundered and the Army drawn off to besiege Galloway That Shurlock the great Tory was slain 5. The Gunpowder-treason-day was solemnly observed 7. Letters That the Marquess of Argyle had summoned a Parliament in Scotland That divers Gentlemen in Scotland had a meeting to consider of some Propositions to be presented to the Commissioners of the Parliament of England in order to their Submission to them Of Recruits come from England to Scotland and of some Scots taken that fled away from the Battle of Worcester That the Lieutenant-General published a Proclamation in Scotland forbidding the raising of the English Coin to an higher rate than it was currant in England That there are great Divisions among the Clergy in Scotland 8. Letters That the whole Isle of Man with all the Forts and Castles in it were surrendred to the Parliaments Forces That the Parliaments Forces in Jersey had besieged Elizabeth Castle which was very strong situate upon a Rock in the Sea 10. Letters of the Particulars of the taking of the Isle of Man the Summons sent to the Countess of Derby and her Soldiers deserting of her and the Articles of Rendition of it to the Parliament without a Shot or Blow struck That they had there great store of Arms and Ammunition and Ordnance 11. The Parliament spent several days in debate of the Business for a New Representative They approved the Articles for the Isle of Man and ordered a Letter of Thanks to Collonel Duckenfield and Collonel Birch for their good Service in that Action and gave the Messenger that brought the News 100 l. and referred it to the Council of State to consider of preserving that Island for the benefit of the Parliament James Hinde the great High-way-man was examined before the Council of State and confess'd his serving of the King in England Scotland and Ireland and was sent to Newgate 12. Letters That the Lord Wareston and others sate privately in a Committee at Edenburgh preparing
Lieutenant-General not to seize upon meddle with or any ways molest the Persons or Estates of any Excommunicated Person or any ways to discharge any other Persons whatsoever to desist from dealing or trading with the said Excommunicated Persons without order from the Common-wealth of England or their Commissioners 20. Primate received his Sentence from the Parliament at the Bar of the House upon his Knees and Lieutenant-Collonel Lilburne being brought to the Bar refused to kneel the House gave him but Twenty days to depart the Kingdom Debate upon and several Branches passed of the Act of Oblivion Vote That Mr. Hale Mr. Steel Mr. Cocke Mr. Manby Mr. Sadler Collonel Blunt Sir Hen. Blunt Mr. Berners Major-General Desborough Mr. Moyer Collonel Tomlinson Mr. Fountaine Alderman Fowke Mr. H. Peters Major Packer Sir William Roberts Mr. Meltwold Mr. Mansell Mr. Rushworth Mr. Sparrow and Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper be the Committee to take into consideration what inconveniences there are in the Law how the mischiefs which grow from delays the chargeableness and irregularities in the proceedings of the Law may be prevented and the speediest way to prevent the same And to present their Opinions to the Committee of Parliament appointed for that purpose and they or any Seven of them had power to send for any Persons to confer with them in this Business and for Records An Act for compounding with Delinquents and Sequestrations and for the Committee of Haberdashers-Hall 21. Letters of the ceasing of the Plague in Ireland That 300 of the Enemies Horse were taken since the English came to their Winter Quarters That the Commanders of such as are yet out make Overtures of laying down their Arms. That many of the Rebels are in treaty to submit to the Parliament That Galloway offers to treat 23. By a Court-Marshal a Soldier that killed another being first struck by him and highly provoked was according to Num. 35. 22. adjudged only to be Imprisoned for two Months and then to pay 20 l. to the Wife of him that was killed 24. Letters That the Synod of Aberdeen had excommunicated the Lord Drum That the Marquess of Argyle had seised upon a House of Huntleys and put a Garrison into it That the Lieutenant General went to meet the Parliaments Commissioners come from England to Scotland 26. Letters That the Captain of the Success Frigot and Ten more of his Company were cast away at Leith That the Commissioners for Scotland sent forth their Summons for fit Persons to come to them to present their desires That the Lord Wareston chiefly and others were the Grand Sticklers for the Kirk Party A Letter intended to be sent from the Kirk to the Lord-General setting forth the Iniquity of the English Invasion then they inveigh against the Errors and Preaching of Troopers Against the Incorporating of Scotland with England saying it will draw on a Subordination of the Church to the State in the things of Christ Against the gathering of Private Churches and Toleration as they call it and introducing Magistrates of contrary Principles to the Church Against a Civil Headship over the Religious Constitutions 27. Vote That no Fee Perquisite or Reward shall be taken by any of the Judges of Westminster-Hall or their Servants but such Salary as shall be allowed them by the State That all the Publick Revenue shall be brought into one Receipt Instructions passed for ordering and disposing all the Forces and the Charge of them not exceeding the Establishment of the Army A Paper delivered in by the Spanish Ambassador to the Council of State and by them reported to the House read and Instructions given upon it Letters of Credence from the Queen of Sweden by Peter Spiering Silvereroone to the Parliament read and referred to the Council Letters of 2 Ships of Barnestaple taken by Pyrates 28. A Declaration published and Vindication of the Poor oppressed Commons of Scotland in relation to their present sad and Sorrowful condition wherein they were brought by that perfidious Self-seeking Party who did lately wind themselves up in the Offices of Power and Trust in that Estate and Army Wherein they submit to the Parliament of England and pray that they would put nothing upon them which may molest their weak Consciences or imply Perjury 2. That they may be governed by the English and no Scotch-man imployed in any Office of Power or Trust in Church or State who have formerly betrayed their trust 29. Letters of a Vision seen at Sea by the River Maze First about a Mans hight above the Horizon like a Flat land appeared very many Foot-men and Horse-men out of the North North-East After that appeared a Fleet of Ships out of the North and among them a great Ship which lost her Top-Mast and was made ready again and her Flag seemed of 3 Colours like the Prince of Orange his Flag That on the same height appeared a Mighty Fleet of several sorts coming one against the other and a thick Smoak like Fighting That the Smoak vanished and the Ships appeared again clear After which the Ships appeared as if they were sunk and then clear again Then a Mighty great Ship seemed to sink at the Head and the after part to stand on High and another Ship to Sail by it And in the North appeared a Lyon the Vision continued 3 Hours and the Sea-men were much afraid Lieutenant-Collonel John Lilburn took his Journey from London and many Friends went with him to the Sea side 30. Letters of a Ship wracked near to Pendennis That the Parliaments Forces in Vlster met with a Party of Tories killed and drowned 150 of them That the Barony of Burren in Ireland which they say hath neither Wood Water nor Earth enough to Hang Drown or Bury a Man refusing to pay Contribution was harrased by Sir Charles Cootes Forces That the Commissioners of the Parliament of England for the Affaires of Scotland sat at Dalkeith for Setling the business of that Nation 31. The Committee appointed to consider of the Inconveniences and Delayes in the Proceedings of Law met several times and desired the Judges in their several Courts to return to them a List of the Officers in their Courts and what Fees they receive and what Work and Imploymeut they do for the same They entred upon several Heads of Inconveniencies in the Law in relation to Estates in Tail and Copyhold Estates and that for the future they may be made liable to the payment of Debts Whitelock was often advised with by some of this Committee and none of them was more active in this Business than Mr. Hugh Peters the Minister who understood little of the Law but was very Opinionative and would frequently mention some Proceedings of Law in Holland wherein he was altogether mistaken February 1651. 2. Letters of the Proceedings of the Parliaments Commissioners at Dalkeith and the trouble of the Kirke Party 3. An Act passed for executing
their parts Provided this liberty be not extended to Popery or Prelacy nor to such as under the profession of Christ hold forth and practise Licentiousness XXXVIII That all Laws Statutes Ordinances and Clauses in any Law Statute and Ordinance to the contrary of the aforesaid Liberty shall be esteemed as null and void XXXIX That the Acts and Ordinances of Parliament made for the Sale or other Disposition of the Lands Rents and Hereditaments of the late King Queen and Prince of Arch-bishops and Bishops c. Deans and Chapters the Lands of Delinquents and Forest Lands or any of them or of any other Lands Tenements Rents and Hereditaments belonging to the Commonwealth shall no way be impeached or made invalid but shall remain good and firm And that the securities given by Act and Ordinance of Parliament for any sum or sums of money by any of the said Lands the Excise or by any other Publick Revenue and also the Securities given by the Publick Faith of the Nation and the engagement of the Publick Faith for satisfaction of Debts and Damages shall remain firm and good and not be made void and invalid upon any pretence whatsoever XL. That the Articles given to or made with the Enemy and afterwards confirmed by Parliament shall be performed and made good to the persons concerned therein And that such Appeals as were depending in the last Parliament for relief concerning Bills of Sale of Delinquents Estates may be heard and determined the next Parliament Any thing in this Writing or otherwise to the contrary notwithstanding XLI That every successive Lord Protector over these Nations shall take and subscribe a solemn Oath in the presence of the Council and such others as they shall call to them That he will seek the Peace Quiet and Welfare of these Nations cause Law and Justice to be equally Administred and that he will not violate or infringe the matters and things contained in this Writing and in all other things will to his Power and to the best of his understanding govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs XLII That each person of the Council shall before they enter upon their Trust take and subscribe an Oath That they will be true and faithful in their Trust according to the best of their knowledge And that in the Election of every Successive Lord Protector they shall proceed therein impartially and do nothing therein for any promise fear favor or reward The Oath taken by His Highness Oliver Cromwel Lord Protector WHereas the Major part of the last Parliament judging that their sitting any longer as then constituted would not be for the good of this Common-wealth did Dissolve the same and by a Writing under their hands dated the Twelfth day of this instant December resigned unto Me their Powers and Authorities And whereas it was necessary thereupon That some speedy course should be taken for the settlement of these Nations upon such a Basis and Foundation as by the Blessing of God might be lasting secure Property and answer those great ends of Religion and Liberty so long contended for And upon full and mature Consideration had of the Form of Government hereunto annexed being satisfied that the same through Divine Assistance may answer the Ends afore-mentioned And having also been desired and advised aswell by several Persons of Interest and Fidelity in this Commonwealth as the Officers of the Army to take upon Me the Protection and Government of these Nations in the manner expressed in the said Form of Government I have accepted thereof and do hereby declare My acceptance accordingly And do promise in the presence of God That I will not violate or infringe the matters and things contained therein but to My power observe the same and cause them to be observed and shall in all other things to the best of My understanding Govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs seeking their Peace and causing Justice and Law to be equally administred O. Cromwel Oliver Cromwell Captain General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth and now declared Lord Protector thereof did this Sixteenth day of December One thousand six hundred fifty three Sign this Writing and solemnly promise as is therein contained in presence of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England who Administred the same Oath and of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London divers of the Judges of the Land the Officers of State and Army and many other persons of Quality The Writing mentioned in the Oath was in these Words December 12. 1653. UPon a Motion this day made in the House that the sitting of this Parliament any longer as now Constituted will not be for the good of the Commonwealth And that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord General Cromwel the Powers which they received from him These Members whose Names are underwritten have and do hereby resign their said Powers to his Excellency The same Day the Council did set forth this Proclamation BY THE COUNCIL WHereas the late Parliament Dissolving themselves and resigning their Powers and Authorities The Government of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland by a Lord Protector and Successive Trienial Parliaments is now Established And whereas Oliver Cromwell Captain-General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth is declared Lord Protector of the said Nations and hath accepted thereof We have therefore thought it necessary as we hereby do to make Publication of the Premises and strictly to Charge and Command all and every person and persons of what quality and condition soever in any of the said three Nations to take notice thereof and to conform and submit them selves to the Government so established And all Sheriffs Majors Bayliffs and other Publick Ministers and Officers whom this may concern are required to cause this Proclamation to be forthwith Published in their respective Counties Cities Corporations and Market Towns To the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behalf Given at White-Hall this sixteenth day of December 1653. 17 The new Lord Protector observed new and great State and all Ceremonies and respects were paid to him by all sorts of Men as to their Prince 19 Letters that the Highlanders dispersed themselves for their Levys and intended to force unreasonable Contributions That some of them near Durham robbed the Post Boy took away his Letters Horse Coat and Twenty pence in money That Major Murryhead was taken Prisoner by a Party of the English he being on his Journey to the Highlanders That Captain Lisle with a Party of the English Army fell into the Enemies Quarters and took Two Captains one Cornet one Quarter-Master a Corporal and twenty private Souldiers and about forty Horse and some Armes fired the House and killed three Men and lost not one Man and but one wounded in the Thigh That by Order Captain Lisle met with Collonel Morgan and they marched seven Miles into the Highlands
fell into the Lord of Kinoules Quarters took seven or eight Prisoners and about twelve Horse killed one rescued the Lord of Egles Sheriff dispersed the Regiment and the Lord of Kinoule hardly escaped The Lord Protector was Proclaimed by sound of Trumpet in the Pallace yard at Westminster at the Old Exchange and several other places in London divers of the Councel and the Lord Mayor and Aldermen in their Robes with three Serjeants at Armes with their Maces and the Heraulds attending And command to Publish the same Proclamation in all Counties 20. Letters of a Dutch Prize taken by a Private Man of War and brought to Hull 21 A Proclamation Published by his Highness the Lord Protector with the consent of his Councel for continuing all Persons being in Office for the Execution of Publick Justice at the time of the late change of Government until his Highness further direction in these Words OLiver Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland considering That whereas the exercise of the chief Magistracy and the Administration of Government within the said Commonwealth is Invested and Established in his Highness assisted with a Council and lest thereupon the setled and ordinary course of Justice in the Commonwealth if remedy were not provided might receive interruption his Highness in his care of the State and publick Justice thereof reserving to future consideration the reformation and redress of any abuses by misgovernment upon better knowledge taken thereof is pleased and doth hereby expresly signifie declare and ordain by and with the advice and consent of his Council who have power until the meeting of the next Parliament to make Laws and Ordinances for the Peace and Welfare of these Nations where it shall be necessary which shall be binding and in force until Order shall be taken in Parliament concerning the same that all persons who on the Tenty day of this instant December were duly and lawfully possessed of any place of Judicature or Office of Authority Jurisdiction or Government within this Commonwealth shall be and shall so hold themselves continued in the said Offices and Places respectively as formerly they held and enjoyed the same and not otherwise until his Highness pleasure be further known And all Commissions Patents and other Grants which respect or relate unto the doing and executing of Publick Justice and all Proceedings of what Nature soever in Courts of Common Law or Equity or in the Court of Admiralty or by Commissioners of Sewers shall stand and be in the same and like force to all Intents and Purposes as the same were on the said Tenth day of this instant December until further Order given by his Highness therein And that in the mean time for preservation of the publick Peace and necessary proceedings in matters of Justice and for safety of the State all the said Persons of whatsoever Place Power Degree or Condition may not fail every one severally according to his respective Place Office or Charge to proceed in the performance and execution of all Duties thereunto belonging as formerly appertaining to them and every of them whilst the former Government was in being Given at White-Hall this 21st of December in the year of our Lord 1653. 22 Letters that the States of the Netherlands keep from their People the knowledge of the Offers of England for coalition and Peace with them Of great Preparations for the Sea against the Spring of above One hundred Sayl of Ships of War 23 Letters of the Highlanders dividing themselves in several Territories that they often remove their Quarters and are in want of Provisions That a Party of the English killed three and a Captain of the Lord Lords 24 Letters of two Dutch Prizes brought in by a Private Man of War That the Dutch about the Lands-end took an English Ship which came from New England That some French Wines were taken and brought into Deal That the Highlanders make so high Demands from the Country that they are not able to supply them 26 Letters that Captain Hart about Dumfrize with a Party of English pursued some of the Enemies by the tract of the Snow and fell upon them took Sixty five Horses sixteen Prisoners and many Armes and four of them slain they fought very Resolutly for a while Captain Hart lost but one Man and sixteen Wounded That the late Change of Government in England was well Resented by the Army in Scotland and they were unanimous to obey the Lord Protector That some Gentlemen about Ruthen Castle in Scotland sent to Captain Hill the Governour to know if an Enemy should come into those Parts whether he would give them leave to furnish the Enemy with Provisions c. to rid them out of the Country to which he answered That if any did so they should forfeit their Lives and Estates Then he showes them the Power of the State of England and their kind dealing with the People of Scotland under their Power and the inconsiderableness of those in Armes against the State of England concludes with an absolute forbidding of them to give any Assistance to the Enemy and to pay in their Sesses Letters from Swedland of the safe Arrival of the Lord Ambassadour Whitelock and of his gallant Reception there 27 The Lord Protector and his Councel passed several Ordinances For continuing the Excise and the Commissioners For the continuing the Act for Redemption of Captives For alteration of several Names and Formes used heretofore in Courts Writs Grants Patents Commissions c. and setling Proceedings in Courts of Law and Equity Divers Prizes taken by Captain Newberry between the Isle of Wight and the French Coast and several other Prizes taken and brought in by others of the Parliament Frigots 28 An Order Published of the Protector and his Counsel for reviving of a former Act for the Probat of Wills and granting Administrations Letters that Chanut Ambassadour from the French King with the States did freely offer to them an Alliance and Assistance from his Master if they would break with Spain and England That Captain Crispin pursued some French Vessels into Conquet Road where he Anchored and the Town and Country came down to assist the Pickaroons and Dutch there and Crispin made Two hundred and thirty great Shot into the Town and did much spoil to the Ships which got close under the Houses 29 The Lord Protector and his Councel sate very close in Ordering their dispatches to the several Forces in England Scotland and Ireland and to their Publick Ministers abroad 30 The Lord Protector with his Councel and the Officers of his Army kept a Day of Humiliation at Whitehall That the Lord Protector was Solemnly Proclaimed at Plymouth the Magistrates present in their Robes the Trumpets sounding and Guns firing the Bells Ringing and Shouts and great Acclamations of Joy of the People Of Two English Ships loaded with Masts c. coming from New England taken by three Dutch-men of War
and carryed into Brest Of the like Solemn Proclaiming of the Lord Protector at Weymouth Bristol Shrewsbury Exeter Yarmouth and many other places 31 That the King of Scots was present with the King of France and the Cardinal at Evening Prayer in one of the Jesuits Convents and the Dukes of York and Gloucester were with them That the Highlanders were grown up to the Number of at least Three thousand that some of them over-powring in number a Party of Collonel Thomlinsons Men killed Two of them That they imprisoned some Heritors in those parts for refusing their Levys and denying their Orders and giving out That whosoever shall not conform to their commands shall be proceeded against with Force and compelled to a Submission January 1653. Jan. 2. The Instrument of Government by the Lord Protector and His Council was Published for the View of all Persons together with the Oath Publickly taken by him 3 Letters of the Enemies increasing in Numbers in the Highlands who meeting with Four of Collonel Morgans Dragoons near Edenburgh Barbarously Murdered them and the adjacent Houses would not Protect them some of them were killed by a Party of the English 4 Letters of several small bickerings between Parties of the Highlanders and of the English Army That the Highlanders threaten sorely and seize the Persons of divers who refuse to assist them in their Levys The Dutch Ambassadors took their leave at a Conference at Whitehall and went to Gravesand for Holland Of General Monks Riding with his Squadron in the Channel and sending Frigots abroad 5 The Protector and his Councel had several Applications and Addresses made to them from divers considerable places acknowledging his Power and Government and promising Obedience to it 6 Letters that Judge Bulstrode came with a Commission of Goal-delivery to Warwick and in the Execution thereof gave great satisfaction to the People commended the present Government and charged the Grand Jury to bring to Justice any disturbers of it Of the Lord Whitelock his Arrival and Honourable reception at Gottenburgh 7 Letters of an English Ship Cast away near Weymouth and all her Men drowned except the Shipman and Two Passengers and of Picaroons coming into the mouth of Severn and taking some Vessels there That the Dutch Ambassadors remained at Gravesend and from thence made a further Application to his Highness and his Councel Of great Thunder about Amsterdam Lightning and Tempest which destroyed about Five hundred Houses and about Forty Merchants Ships sunk in the Texel 9 Collonel Lilburn Published a Proclamation for all the Scots to bring in their Horses to the next Garrison to them to prevent the Enemies taking of them or being sent to them and that for the Horses so brought in the owners shall have satisfaction or may keep their Horses in the Garrisons That a Commanded Party of Collonel Rich's Troop routed a Party of the Lord Kinoules Men and took his Lordship Prisoner and Fourteen more all Wounded and Thirty five Horse killed three of them and lost but one Man and five Wounded 10 Letters of a Lamentable Fire at Amsterdam which burnt Six hundred Houses there That Captain Welch after he had Landed the Lord Ambassador Whitelock of whose Squadron of Ships he was one took Two Holland Ships Riding at the Seah one of Four hundred the other of Three hundred and fifty Tuns loaden with Corn Wool and Plancks which he took and brought away with him and by Storm was forced to come a little way within the Port of Gottenburgh but without the Command of the Fort. That the Lord Ambassadour Whitlock was earnestly pressed to send for the Captain and to discharge the Prizes but he answered He conceived it to be a matter not appertaining either to himself or to the Queens Officers to meddle with and that he believed the Queens Ports would not be denyed to any English-man who had Commission by Authority of Parliament coming thither to shelter himself against Storms That the Conflict had been upon the High Seas betwixt the English and the Dutch who were Enemies for these reasons his Excellency refused to do any thing in it Some of Captain Welch his Men coming to Gottenburgh were stayed and brought before the Lands-Here who examined them and sent his Major to the Ambassadors to know whether he would own the Captain whereto he Answered He did own him as one that had a Commission by Authority of Parlioment and one of his Fleet whereupon the Men were dismissed That the English have the more trouble there and the less favour because the Queens Vice Admiral was a Hollander 11 That the Lord Protector and his Councel sate very close and all things seemed to favour them both at home and abroad 12 Divers Forein Ministers came over to the Lord Protector and acknowledged his Power Courted him and gave him his Title of Highness 13 Letters of Six months Pay brought to the Forces in Scilly Islands Of Prince Ruperts Arrival at the French Camp before Beffort 14 Letters that a Frigot chased a French Man of War till he forced him on Shore and shot at him so fiercely that some of the French coming down to the Sea-side Four of them were killed with the Shot from the Frigot That the Highlanders continued Stealing and Plundering their Countreymen who would not joyn and Rise with them or not Pay their Taxes That the Scots chose rather to be Destroyed by the Highlanders than to give any Intelligence of them to the English when they Marched near them That some of the English Fleet plyed about the Lands-end and others between that and the Downs and others upon the French Coast 16 Copies of Letters sent up from Glencarry to Captain Hill Governour of Bagnoth Castle courting him and informing him of the unsetledness in England and Answering his Letters to the Gentlemen of Bagnoth and affirming divers to be up in Armes in England for the King with other the like stuff and perswading him to Return to his Fidelity to the King Also the Answer to the Earl of Glencarnes Letter by Captain Hill full of stoutness and handsome Expressions and also his Letter to the Gentlemen of Bagnoth 17 Letters that the Dutch did exceedingly desire a Peace with England and the States sate often about it and that the People in Holland were not so high as formerly in speaking against England and that their Neighbour Princes feared and indeavoured to hinder a Conjunction between the Two Common-wealths That the Supply from England came to their Forces in Scotland That the Highlanders were very Active and great Men flock to them as young Montross and the Lord Gourdon That Lieutenant General Fleetwood and the Commissioners in Ireland appointed to try the Lord Muskerry and sent some Parties against some Tories An Agent came from Hamburgh to congratulate the Lord Protector Of many Protestants coming by Boat from Charington after Sermon towards Paris the Boat was cast away and about Sixty
drowned Orders touching Claims upon the Bill for Sale of Delinquents Estates 18 The Tryal of the Portugal Ambassadors Brother put off till the next Sessions upon the Petition of the Portugal Merchants An Address of the Army to the Lord Protector congratulating his Access to the Government and promising their Obedience and Faithfulness to his Highness and Service to him in the Station wherein God hath placed him Of a Discontent between Glencarn and Lorn and they divided and Warrants were sent to Apprehend the Lord Lorn 19 Letters that the States were likely to agree to the English Propositions for Peace Of a Prize loaden with Three thousand Cheeses brought in by the Hector Frigot and another Dutch Ship taken by a Private Man of War 20 Letters of the Enemies Levies in the Parliaments Quarters but that they dare not come to Execute their own Warrants Coppies of them sent up to the Protector These Warrants were forbidden by Collonel Cooper to be Executed under pain that any who obey them or correspond with the Earl of Glencarn or any of his Party shall be proceeded against as Enemies Of Prizes taken upon the Coast of Norway A Day appointed for drawing Lotts for Lands in Ireland Of Mischiefs done by the Tories in Ireland who were beaten back to their Boggs That the Plague continues in some places there 21 Letters that the Tories in Ireland indeavoured to get into a Body but were prevented Of Two Dutch Prizes brought in That Seventeen Dutch Ships were Arrived in Scotland with One thousand five hundred Forreiners and some Armes That in France an Imbargo was to be put upon all English Ships and Goods 23 An Ordinance Published by the Lord Protector and his Council declaring what Offences and no other shall be adjudged Treason within the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland Another Ordinance touching the Ingagement repealing all former Acts touching the same Of Two Prizes of French Wines brought in by a Frigot 24 That Collonel Morgan was drawing together the English Forces against the Highlanders That Collonel Wogan was thought to be Slain That Lorns Revolt startled the Enemy 25 That the Lord Athol was Sick That Captain Cressey fell into the Quarters of about Forty of the Enemies Horse Killed Two took Prisoners and Sixteen Horse That a Party of the English being but Thirty Horse fell upon another Party of the Enemies and Routed them but the Enemy having Two hundred Men in Ambush fell upon the English slew the Lieutenant and Cornet and Seven of the Troopers and the rest made a difficult Retreat Cheats went about in the names of the Earl of Cleaveland and Lord Grandison to borrow monys of divers persons of Quality for the said Lords whereas the Lords employed none such as knew any thing thereof 26 That Myn Here Beverling one of the Dutch Gommissioners that lately returned from England was returned back from Holland thither and had Audience of the Lord Protector He affirms that the Province of Holland have agreed to the Articles of Peace with England and that the other Provinces will shortly do the same Mr. Feak and Mr. Simpson were examined before the Council for Preaching against the Lord Protector and his Government 27 Letters of the Honourable Reception and Audience of the Lord Ambassador Whitlock at Vpsale and the Queen shewed extraordinary respects to him A part of Pauls Church fell down 28 Letters that in the late Ingagement near Vaummond Captain Carr and another Scotch Commander of quality was slain and divers Prisoners taken and the rest driven to the Mountains Letters of Twenty Sail of Brest Men of War out at Sea which took some English Vessels in the Channel Of the Queen of Swedens Answer to the Lord Ambassadour Whitelocks Speech to her and her favours to his Sons and some of his Gentlemen and of the Complements of her Ministers to him and his returnes and of her great civility to him And the relation of the Senators who supped with him and their forbearing to begin a health to him And of his sending to Visit the Spanish Resident there of his Visit to Whitelock and of Whitelocks Private Audience with the Queen and of the Visits of Great Men to him with his Returnes to them an account of them to the Protector Of a Defeat given to the Highlanders and the taking of a Town near Blair Fourteen killed seven Prisoners and fifty Horse taken and many wounded That Captain Carr and Captain Kilsmores Lieutenant fired at each other at four yards distance and both of them fell from their Horses and dyed Mr. Feak and Mr. Sympson sent Prisoners to Windsor Castle That Captain Minns Ingaged four hours together with four Brest Men of War and saved some English Vessels from them and rescued another Vessel of Plymouth taken by a Brest Man of War and took in her Seventeen French Prisoners 31 Letters of the Officers of the Army in Scotland sending up their Addresses to the Lord Protector owning his Government Of Two Dutch Prizes brought into New Castle Dutch Capers in each Fifty Prisoners February 1653. Feb. 1. An Ordinance by the Lord Protector and his Council appointing a Committee of the Army and Treasurers at War as formerly Order by the Lord Protector and his Council to add some persons as Commissioners for the Assessments Upon invitation of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London the Lord Protector appointed a Day to dine with them Five stout Men of War gone out to Sea and twenty more going out to add to the English Fleet. A Declaration and Address of the General at Sea and Officers of the Fleet owning his Government and promising Obedience to the Lord Protector 2 Letters That the Vnited Provinces rejoyce in the Agreement and Peace between them and England 3 Orders for the drawing of Lots by the Adventurers for the Lands in Ireland Divers intercepted Letters from the Cavaliers sent up That the People in the North set upon the Quakers and beat them and the Quakers prayed to God to forgive them which so convinced the people that they fell out among themselves and were sorry that they had beaten the Quakers That the English Fleet was gone out to Sea divided into Three Squadrons but not so far distant but that by their Scouts they had quick Intelligence and Correspondency 4 Letters of the French Pickaroons who fly to their own Coasts when any of the English Frigots appear Of a Bickering between the English and High-landers 6 An Ambassadour from the Great Duke of Tuscany to Congratulate the Lord Protector And Two Agents from the Lords of the Isles of Omerland in Holland desiring to be esteemed as Neutrals and brought in the Number and Marks of all their Ships and desired to be accounted as a free State The Frigots about the Lands-end rescued many English Vessels from the French Pickaroons That Glencarns Captain Lieutenant and Seventeen of his Men were taken by a Party of the English and
they fell into divers of their Quarters and took many Prisoners 7 Letters of a chase of a French Ship which ran on ground Of a Dutch Ship of Three hundred Tuns brought in Prize That the Brest Men of War took Two Vessels of Milford Of all the Vnited Provinces but Friezland agreeing to the Articles of Peace with England That the French Ambassadour in Holland laboured to continue the War between England and Holland and offered to bear half the Charge of it but the States would not consent unto it that nevertheless the States go on with their preparations for the Sea-war That there will be a great distraction and trouble among the People in case the Peace with England be not concluded 8 The Lord Protector Dined in London with the Lord Mayor and Common Council by their invitation at which the Recorder made a Speech to his Highness The Intertainment was in a Magnificent manner the Streets Railed on both sides and the Rayls covered with Blew-cloath Twelve Lacquayes in rich Liveries the Field Officers bravely Mounted the Guards c. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen met his Highness on Horseback in their Robes and his Highness Knighted the Lord Mayor when he went away 9 The Lord Protector appointed certain days to hear Petitions from the Masters of the Requests the Lord Protector made several Serjeants at Law 10 Letters that the Irish had a general Fast and that some of the Tories took Twelve Surveyors of the Lands as they were Travelling Of a Dutch Pyrate brought into Burlington Bay That some small bodies of the Irish were got together That a Private man of War brought in a Dutch Ship and a French Ship Prizes and of fifteen other Dutch Ships brought in Prizes 11 Of the Highlanders burning Corn and out-houses and doing much mischief to the Scots who would not afford them Supplyes and help their Leavys 13 A Servant to Myn Here Beverling the Dutch Ambassador in England brought News That all the Vnited Provinces had assented to the Articles of Peace with England Letters of the general inclinations of the People in the Netherlands to have a Peace with England for that another Summers War and their loss of another years Free Trade and Fishing would hardly be born by the Multitude That all the Orange Party and Cavaliers are against the Peace and discontented at it That Middleton was going with about Two hundred Cavaliers towards the Highlanders 14 Letters of a Party of the Enemy that came to Dunbarton and but Twelve of the Horse got ready and Charged them very shoutly they being Twenty five Horse and took their Lieutenant that Commanded them and Two more and Wounded all the rest From Vpsale that the Change of Government in England was well resented in Sweden and the Lord Ambassadors Credentialls from the Lord Protector were well received by the Queen of Sweden The Commissioners for Accounts being informed that some pretending Authority from them do summon People in the several Counties to places where they meet to draw up Accounts and Claims and exact unreasonable Fees for the doing it The Commissioners declare that they gave no such Authority to any person but leave the People to their own liberty and conveniency and will see those abuses punished 15 The Council of the Protector sate close and had got Intelligence from the Army in all places and from the Fleet. 16 Letters that the Lord Protector was Proclaimed at Dublin but not so soon and so chearfully as he was in the North. The Articles were agreed to transplant the Munster-Tories into Flanders 17 That Kenmore with a Body of Two thousand Men lay quiet expecting the issue of the Dutch Treaty That Collonel Wogan was dead and most of his Party sought to get out of Scotland again That an English Lieutenant with Twelve Dragoons took Four of Glencarns own Troop and Eight Horse That Glencarn by Proclamation threatned Fire and Sword to all that did not supply him That six English Souldiers were set upon by Fifty Highlanders who took Three and killed Two of them and the other escaped That Collonel Drummond was got to the High-landers with Instructions from the King and to see whether they were in such a posture as that the King might adventure to come to them 18 Eleven Persons were sent Prisoners to the Tower and some of them examined about a Plot against the Lord Protector and the present Government A Private Man of War from the Holy Island brought in two Prizes loaden with East-Country goods 20 An Address to the Lord Protector from the Minsters of Leistershire Two Ordinances of the Lord Protector and his Council Published one for the Monthly Assessment of Twelve hundred thousand pounds for six Months to be continued the other for an Explanation of a former Ordinance touching Treasons 21 Letters that Collonel Morgan with a Party of Twelve hundred Horse Foot and Dragoons fell upon 〈◊〉 and Kinmores Army being Two thousand and Routed them totally and pursued them Seven miles into the Hills That Captain Moltlows fell upon a House in Argibeshire and took it with all the Men Armes and Ammunition in it and fired the House That Lieutenant Collonel Coâ—â—rel Marched from Glascoiâ— to Reduce the Garrison of Ross Dew but before he came near it the Enemy ran away and left word they had no orders to Fight 22 That Captain Foster with the Phoenix Frigot brought in a Swedish Ship for Prize having Prohibited Goods on Board her That Captain 〈◊〉 with the Amity in company of Captain Fosturâ— fought with a Zealand Man of War and Killed and Wounded most of her Men yet She would not yield till Captain Foster came in to the Amity 23 Letters of Credence 〈◊〉 Monsieur Bourdeaux to be Ambassadour Extraordinary from the French King to the Lord Protector The King of Scots was to go from Paris upon the Peace with England The Dutch Admiral Prohibited all their Merchant-men from going to Sea till the Cessation of Armes came from England That the Sâ—aâ—es are sending Ambassadors Extraordinary to the Lord Protector to Sign the Peace with England Of English Merchants Ships taken by the Brest Men of War and rescued by the English Frigots 24 Letters that Collonel Daniel with One thousand men took in the Lord Athols House by Storm killed only three of the Enemies the rest cryed for Quarter and had it Collonel Daniel lost but one Man and took in the House Two Lieutenants one Ensign two Serjeants two Cornets and one hundred and nineteen Souldiers eighty Musquets some Fire-locks and Swords sixteen pound of Powder and twenty five Troop Houses That there was in the House much more Meat Mault and Oaes which Collonel Daniel could not carry away and therefore he set fire to a barrel of Powder and those Provision and blew up them and the House together 25 That one of the late Collonel Wogans Men with Three of his best Horses ran away to an English Garrison That
Collonel Morgan in his late Ingagement with Glencarn and Kinmore killed One hundred and twenty of their men took Twenty seven Prisoners with all their Ammunition and most of their Arms and Eighty Horse That the business in Sweden goes on very hopefully the Lord Ambassadour has great great Repute with the Queen and the Grand Chancellour and his New Credentials are very well accepted of by them That the Ambassadors were Landed from Holland with Power to ratifie the Articles of Peace with England The Lords Newport and Youngshall Ambassadours Extraordinary from the States General Arrived with Eighty Persons in their Retinue and very Gallant 28 An Ordinance of the Lord Protector and his Council Published for the Reviving of the Jurisdiction of the County Pallatine of Lancaster and for holding Assize there Letters that Athol Glencarn Glencary and Kinmore were drawing all their Forces together about Four thousand to be Revenged of Collonel Morgan That they have taken off all their Garrisons and intend a flying Army and to Lodge their Ammunition in Woods Of a Scotch-man who in a Vision was warned to go to their General and tell him That because of their wicked living the Judgments of God would light on them The Scot not going to the General was warned in a Second Vision to go to him or else that the Judgment of God would fall upon him and was presently struck Dumb and declared all this by Writing and his Resolution to go to their General and to declare this to him in Writing March 1653. March 1. A Publick Minister from the Arch-Duke Leopoldus had Audience from the Lord Protector The Lord Mayor Aldermen and Recorder of London attended the Lord Protector and his Council about the business of a Corporation to the City of Westminster That the Lord Ambassadour Whitlock goes on very hopefully in Sweden but they are a little stumbled at the detention of Swedish Ships in England 2 Letters that the Duke of Lorain was seized upon and secured by the Arch-Duke Leopold 3 Letters that many of Athols Men forsook him and that his Levys did take little Effect the Country being grown weary of his Oppressions That one of Collonel Daniells Men running away to Athol was taken again and Hanged That others ran away from Collonel Daniels Regement That Major General Lamberts Regiment of Horse and Commissary General Whaleys were come near to the Highlands That the States Ambassadors came in great state through London in Coaches 4 Letters that the English Fleet Road at St. Hellens Point near the Isle of Wight The Dutch Ambassadors had Audience of the Lord Protector in the Banqueting House at Whitehall which was richly hanged and a Chair of State for the Lord Protector and Chair for the Ambassadors and a great multitude of people They acquainted his Highness That all their Provinces had consented to the Articles of Peace and had Impowred them to Ratifie the Articles and they desired a Cessation of Arms in the mean time An Ambassador was Landed from the King of Denmark to the Lord Protector 5 That Lieutenant Hellin with Six Troopers charged six of the Enemies ten miles into the Hills and took them their Horses and Arms and one of them being an English-man refused Quarter and was killed That Major Bridge with a Party took Six of the Enemy and seven Horses That young Montross had like to have killed the Lord Lorn 7 Of English Seamen Pressed for the Fleet. Of an English Barque taken by a Dutch Man of War who restored Her and secured Her from a Brest Man of War Of an English Ship brought in Prize into the Texel by a Dutch private Man of War 8 An Ordinance for Approbation of Ministers by Commissioners That six Members of the Lord Protectors Council were appointed Commissioners to meet with the Dutch Ambassadors to Sign the Articles of Peace with them That still both the English and the Dutch prepared to increase their Navies 9 Orders by the Lord Protector for all to repair to their Charges in Scotland 10 Of Barques taken by the Dutch Free-booters in the North. Of one hundred and forty Dutch Ships Arrived at the Vlye from the East Country That Middleton was gone for Scotland with two small Men of War and a little Ammunition and some Arms and about Three hundred Voluntiers 11 Letters that Middleton was Landed in the Highlands That the Lord Protector went on amain in his Preparations for the Sea and caused divers Marriners to be Pressed and drew out some Land Soldiers to put aboard the Ships 13 Letters that the Highlanders upon Middletons coming to them give out that he brought with him Two thousand five hundred Foot and five hundred Horse whereas he had under Three hundred in all That Captain Witter sent out a Party to skirmish with Captain Johnson before Blair Castle and Johnson and one more were killed That Captain Masons Troup and Captain Palmers Troup about Dunfrize fell soul upon one another by occasion of one of their Centries who was a Scotchman and thinking they had been Enemies six of them were killed and many wounded before they knew the mistake 14 Letters that Monsieur Chaunt the French Ambassadour with the States labours to put on the Interest of his Master and to have him Comprehended in the Peace betwixt the two Common-wealths That an East-land Fleet of One hundred and fifty Sail had brought to the Netherlands the necessary Commodities for Shipping that were wanting in those Countries That the King of Scots was still at Paris but had no encouragement to stay in that Court who much desired Peace with the Lord Protector 15 The Lord Protectors Commissioners met with the Dutch Ambassadors at their Lodgings to examine Papers and to compare the Articles of Peace agreed upon with the ingrossment of them That the Portsmouth Frigot and the Constant Warwick met with Beach the Admiral of the Brest Pyrates and pursued him till night when the Two Frigots were parted Beach roaving to and again in the Night chanced to light again upon the Constant Warwick and thinking she had been a Merchants Ship came up to her to Board her The Captain of the Warwick demanded who it was and Beach answered he was the Portsmouth Frigot but the Warwick suspecting him bad him stand off then Beach perceiving his mistake made away but the Warwick being a good Saylor made after him and kept him company all the Night That about Six in the Morning Beach begun the Fight firing Three Guns which were answered by the Warwick and the Fight lasted till Two in the Afternoon when Beach and his Men called for Quarter and had it That Beach had five Foot Water in the Hold when he yielded That he had Two hundred Men in his Ship whereof Twenty were killed in the Fight That his Ship was a Gallant New Vessel of Forty two Guns whereof Thirty were Mounted Anno 1654 That there were taken with him Nine Captains
besides himself and divers Gentlemen That this Beach was the chief Ring-leader Pyrate That he lived at Brest like a Prince and had done much Mischief to the English Merchants 16 Letters that the Queen of Sweden and the Chancellor are desirous to see what will be the Issue of the Treaty between England and the Dutch before they come to a Conclusion with the Lord Ambassador Whitelock who is often in conference with the old Chancellor Oxenstiern and hath great respect from him and from the Queen That Middleton Commanded the Sheriff Gutherland to Act no more in the Name of the Lord Protector but said he would give him a Commission to Act as Sheriff under the King That he laboured much to raise men for the King 17 That Middletons Son when he Landed had but a few Reformadoes with him One hundred and fifty Barrells of Powder and Arms for about One thousand Men some say in all that he brought Five thousand Armes and two great Guns and that Grafort had got together Six hundred of his Men to meet Middleton and the rest had appointed a Rendezvous to shew their Forces to him That Collonel Morgan was Marched that way to wait upon them and their Motions 18 Letters of a French Vessel brought in Prize by a Private Man of War That Captain Potter after Captain Beach had yielded to him and came on Board the Warwick Beach demanded of him the performance of Articles to be set on Shore in France Potter told Beach that he never heard of any such Articles and told Beach if he would he might go on Board his own Ship again and Fight it out but Beach would not do so That the Fight between them lasted Eight hours That Beach had Thirty nine Guns and Two hundred Men whereof he lost twenty That Potter had but Thirty two Guns and One hundred and thirty Men and lost but two of them That Captain Potter brought Beach and his Ship and Company into Plymouth An Order passed by the Protector and his Council appointing of Commissioners for approving of Ministers Another passed for disposing of Forfeited Estates in Scotland Two other Ordinances passed for setling the Customs and Excise Of a Dutch Ship loaded with Pitch Tarr c. taken Prize by a private Man of War 20 That the Lord Protector passed a Declaration inviting the People of England and Wales to a day of Solemn Fasting and Humiliation and shewing the ground thereof Letters of a great Fleet gone from New Castle for London and Ten more going forth after them and without a Convoy were set upon by the Capers and though they ran themselves on Ground yet after their Men were got out the Capers got off Five of the Ten Sihps and the other Five were lost that in a Fortnight the Capers had taken Twenty two Coal Ships 21 The Ordinance Published for continuing the Excise for one Year and the Rates of the Excise That the Country that fail to send in their Levies to the Enemy expected Fire and Sword from them That a Party of Collonel Okeys Regiment took a Cornet and Four Troupers and Eleven Horses from the Enemies 22 Several meetings by the Dutch Ambassadours and by the Lord Protector 's Commissioners about the perfecting the Articles for the Peace Report of a Match between the King of Scots and the Duke of Lorains Daughter and that the King was to have Four Millions and the Dukes Assistance for his Restauration 23 The Ordinance for Approbation of Ministers published with the Names of the Commissioners some of them being not Ministers and the greatest number of them Eminent Ministers 24 Kept by the Lord Protector and his Council a Solemn day of Humiliation and they had Three Sermons at White-hall 25 An Ordinance Published for continuing the Imposition upon Coals for the Building of Ships Another for passing Custodies of Ideots and Lunaticks Another for continuing an Act for Pressing of Seamen Letters that there wanted People in Ireland for Manuring the Ground that the Tories were near destroyed and if they heard of any Party of the English abroad they presently fled to the Woods and Boggs That the Highlanders had a Rendezvous and gave out that they were Seven thousand Men but have no Monys that the Duke of York was expected to come to them The Post with the Dutch Letters was seized upon by Thieves at Southwark and the Letters opened and thrown away That Monsieur Burdeaux was to be brought in State through London as Ambassadour Extraordinary from the French King to the Lord Protector 27 Monsieur Burdeaux made his Entry in London as Ambassador Extraordinary attended with Sixty Coaches Upon Letters from the Dutch Ambassadors in England to their Superiours That the Treaty of Peace with England was not yet concluded the States sent to their Admirals and Chief Sea Officers to repair to Amsterdam and to take care that the Fleet should be in readiness A List of divers Prizes lately taken 28 That the old Natives about Lewis in Scotland joyned with the English against Seafort and his Men and killed many of them That the English Commander in Chief confined some persons for Corresponding with the Enemy 29 The French Kings Ambassadour Monsieur Burdeaux had Audience by the Lord Protector in the Banquetting House at White-Hall New Frigots Launched for the Lord Protector 30 An Ordinance passed for Relief of Persons that have acted in Defence of the Common-wealth Letters of the Resignation of her Government by the Queen of Sweden to her Cousin the Prince Palatine and of her Knighting of the Count de Montecuculi General of the Horse to the Emperour An Act passed for suspending the Act for Relief of poor Prisoners and Creditors Towns in Scotland fined by the Court Martial for harbouring the Enemy the Houses to be razed to the ground April 1654. April 1. Letters that Collonel Cooper with a Party falling into the Enemies Quarters took Thirty five Prisoners and Killed Twelve and took sixty Horse and some Armes That about Three thousand Tories were shipped to be Transported out of Ireland Of a Dutch Prize brought in and a Ship of Vlushing taken after five hours Fight 3 Addresses to the Lord Protector from York and of the City and the Grand Jury of the County acknowledging his Government and promising Obedience thereunto Letters of a Captain of Middletons and Six Souldiers taken Ofa Vessel surprized by Seafort with Boats She was loaden with Armes and Ammunition That the Enemy were cruel in Plundering and Burning when the Country did not obey their Warrants The Portugal Ambassadour had Audience of the Lord Protector The Committee for Approbation of Ministers began to Sit. 4 An Ordinance Publisted for Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration Another Prohibiting making of Cock Matches The Agent from the Queen of Sweden had Audience Letters of an English Ship of One hundred Tuns taken by the Brest Men of War Of another Ship of Two hundred and
was taken and five or six Officers more that General Monk had hanged Two of them for Spies and had burnt an Inn in Muscleborough for harboring them That the Governour of Saint Maloes in France upon some English coming ashore from their Ships to get fresh water took an Allarum killed divers of the Seamen and shot at the Ships but they got off and then he seized the Goods and turned the English out of the Town That the Peace with Holland is entertained here with all satisfaction but is not so on the other side especially because of the Secret Article which Excludes the House of Oranges Family from being Stadtholder of the United Provinces or any of them Besides the Protestation which the other six Provinces made against Holland as to this Remonstrances have been put forth pro and con and but that the Orange Party fears the Protectors joyning with Holland it is more than probable that they had been in Arms one against the other by this time what the Issue will be time will shew Indeavours are used to perswade the Protector to remit the Article but in vain 22 Letters that a Party of Twenty two English Dragoons met with Sixty Scots routed them Killed their Captain Two Cornets and Six more and took divers Horse and Men. The States General Published a Proclamation for prevention of disturbances or Breach of the Peace betwixt England and them That the Spanish Ambassador in Sweden at his taking leave had a present from the Queen worth Eight thousand Rix Dollars 23 Observed as a Day of Publick Thanksgiving for the Peace with the Dutch That some English Men of War meeting with Dutch Merchantmen the Dutch struck Sayl and acknowledged the Soveraignty of England in the Seas and were very civil to the English Of some French Ships taken Prize 24 Divers Apprehended on suspition of a Plot and Conspiracy against the Lord Protector and his Government and to raise a new War Whereupon the Lord Protector set forth a Proclamation for a List to be brought in of all Lodgers and of all Inhabitants and of suspected persons in London Westminster and the lines of Communication the List to be delivered into the Council at White-hall 25 Another Proclamation Published by the Lord Protector touching some parts of the Agreement and Peace with the Dutch to be observed Order of the Lord Protectors Council touching the Moneys Collected for Relief of those who suffered by the late Fire at Marlborough 26 Letters of some Pyrates upon the Northern Coasts pretending Commissions from the King of Scots That Middletons Men ran away from him and fed upon Horse-flesh for want of Provisions 27 That General Monck was Marched towards the Hills to observe the Passes and to ingage the Enemy if possible he can 29 An Ordinance Published for preservation of the works of the great Level of the Fenns Debate of a further Act for ejecting Scandalous Prophane and ignorant Ministers Lieutenant Collonel Lilburn moved by his Council in the Kings Bench for a Habeas Corpus but in regard he was a Prisoner in Jersey where the Government is distinct from the Law of England the Habeas Corpus was not granted 30 Letters that General Monck was Marched unto the Hills in Scotland The Commissioners for Arbitration of the losses and damages sustained by the English from the Danes met and began their business 31 One of the Prisoners Committed for the Plot against the Lord Protector made his escape through a House of Office near the Thames Three Frigots of the English Fought with Twenty French Bankers and came off without any damage to them June 1654. Bonfires and Fireworks made in the Low-Countries for Celebrating the Peace with England and great rejoycing by the People there for the Peace and happy Union with England which gave them great and general Contentment 2 Three new Judges made Serjeant Pepys Serjeant Newdigate and Serjeant Windham Letters of a French Prize taken That the Lord Argyle meetting the Lord Glencarns Trumpet and Cook seized upon them and sent them Prisoners to his House and then met with General Monck who had four Regiments of Foot and Eighteen Troops of Horse and Argyle had a considerable number of Men in a Warlike equipage 3 That Vice Admiral Lawson and other Ships were in the North Nine Frigots by the General sent to the Westward 5 Letters that Captain Hilliar with Twenty four Dragoons Routed Sixty of the Enemy killed nine and wounded twelve of them and took many Armes and Horses 6 The General caused Two Ferry Boats to be sunk neer the Highlands to prevent the Enemies passing That Cashel in Ireland was burnt down to the ground wholly in an hour except some few houses in the midst of the Town where the English lived miraculously preserved An Address to the Lord Protector from Warwick congratulating his access to the Government and promising obedience to it 7 Upon the examination of the Plot against the Lord Protector and his Government it appeared that the Conspirators intended to assassinate the Protector and some chief persons in the Government and to proclaim the King with pardon to all except Three persons Sir Gilbert Gerrard and Two of his brothers Collonel Ashburnham Mr. Joseph Ashburnham with several others were under Custody for it An addition made to the Guards at the Tower An Address to the Lord Protector from the Town of Berwick to the effect with former 8 The Protector and his Councel were very busie and sate day and night upon examination of the late Plot against His Highness and His Government 9 The Writs for choosing Members to sit in Parliament appointed to be held the third of September next were prepared by warrant from the Protector and the formes of Indentures between the Sheriffs and the Electors were ordered to be Printed and sent down to the several Sheriffs Letters that General Monck sent forth small parties who met with some of the Enemies about Douglass-Castle and took eight of them in one Place and twelve in an other place and twenty four Horses That Collonel Morgan gave the Enemies a hot Allarm in the Highlands but could not ingage them That divers of Middletons men running away from him and some of them brought back again were put to throw dice and the Tenth Man of them were Hanged or Shot That Montrosses men marching through the Country of Athol did so plunder them that the people rose upon them beat them and took eighty Horse from them 10 Letters that the Marquess of Argyle was raising men and was reconciled to his Son the Lord Lorn and both of them joyned with the English That the Enemy turned the Countess of Southerland out of her House in a Snowy Stormy Night she being weak and sickly and would not suffer her to take any thing out of her house but the Cloaths upon her back 12 Gourdon a cheif Commander of the Enemy came in upon
Articles to Captain Swayn 13 An Ordinance past for reviving the Judges at Salters-Hall and for releif of Creditors and poor Prisoners which formerly was in force and for some time laid aside by Ordinance of the Lord Protector and his Councel 14 An Ordinance published for an Assesment to be continued for six Months at 120000 l. for maintenance of the Armies and Navy for the three first Months and at 90000 l. for the three last months An Ordinance to inable Judges to keep Assizes at Durham 16 A privy search made through out the Town for persons suspected to be in the Plot against the Lord Protector and his Government and divers Examinations taken and an Ordinance published for an high Court of Justice to try the Conspirators 17 Letters of two Troupes newly leavied by the Enemy routed by the English that Lieutetenant Moor took a Captain and seven of another Party another took a Captain and eight more and Captain Daniel took thirteen of another Party and killed divers 19 Letters that the English in Parties had sometimes in one Day marched Sixty Miles after the Enemy and killed and taken many of them That Collonel Daniel took Four hundred Men and Horse from them going to a Rendezvous 20 The Earl of Oxford and other Persons were Apprehended as Conspirators in the late Plot against the Lord Protector An Ordinance past for Continuance of the Commissioners of the Admiralty Of Two Brest Men of War assaulting a Fleet of English Vessels loaden with Coals and other Commodities which were rescued by Captain Gawden who had a small Ship with Four Guns only yet Fought singly with the Brest Pyrate and made them Flye That the English at Saint Maloes in France were abused by the French without any Provocation and beaten by them in Tumults and one English Man thrown by them over the Key of which he dyed The like insolencies offered by the Papists to the Protestants at Rheimes 21 An Ordinance past for bringing the Publick Revenue into one Treasury Letters of the Insolencies and Drunkenness of the Enemy in Scotland 23 An Ordinance past for giving further time for Approbation of Publick Preachers Letters that since the Peace with England Trade was much revived in the Netherlands and that Eight hundred Vessels were from divers Parts come into the Port of Rotterdam besides those come into their other Harbours That General Monck was come into the High-lands and sent a Summons to a Garrison of the Enemies in Lough Tay and the Governour Answered He would keep it for the King to the last drop of his Blood He being perswaded that the English would not get over the Water to him but perceiving them to make a passage over with Planks his Courage abated and he yielded the Garrison upon terms proposed by General Monck the place was very considerable 24 Letters that General Monk passed by some Garrisons of the Enemies and would not spend time to Besiege them but left them to be reduced by some English Garrisons near them Of a Party sent from Edenburgh which slew Three Tories and took twelve Prisoners and many Horse from them 26 Letters that Collonel Morgan was Marched into the Highlands in Scotland to indeavour to ingage Montross before his Conjunction with Middleton That Lieutenant Collonel Bryan was Landed with a Party from Ireland to assist the Highlanders From Dublin that all things were well there only some interruption for want of the new Authority and that they had sent some of their Forces into Scotland to assist General Monks Provisions Shipped from Chester for the North of Scotland That in Ireland they were reducing Supernumeraries and had Armes come for them which they were to have for their security in their Plantations An Ordinance Published for further incouragement of Adventurers for Ireland and of the Solers and Planters there 27 The High Court of Justice Sate the Lord Commissioner Lisle was President Order of the Lord Protector and his Councel about the Election of Members for the Parliament Letters of the Lord Ambassador Whitelocks Journey in Germany and the Caresses made to him at Lubeck and at Hamburgh 29 An Ordinance published for distribution of the Election for Scotland The like for distribution of the Election of Members in Ireland for the next Parliament in England they to be also thirty and they to have Vote with the Members in the Parliament of England as those thirty from Scotland also are to have their Votes A Romish Priest who was formerly condemned and pardoned and banished and now returned again was Hanged Drawn and Quartered 29 That the King of Scots and his two Brothers went to visit the Jesuit's College at Chantilli and were entertained with divers Speeches extraordinary respects and compliments and with a sumptuous Collation 30 An Ordinance Published against Duels Challenges and all Provocations thereunto The High Court of Justice sate in the Chancery prepared for them and first Mr. Somerset Fox was brought before them who Confessed much of that which was charged against him by Mr. Attorney Prideaux Mr. Solicitor Ellis and Mr. Serjeant Glyn the Protectors Council Then Mr. John Gerrard and Mr. Vowel were brought before them and charged for a Conspiracy to Murder the Lord Protector as he should be going to Hampton Court to seize the Guards and make themselves Masters of the City and Tower and Magazines and to proclaim the King with other Treasons all which they denyed and several Witnesses were heard to prove the charge against them and then the Court Adjourned July 1654. July 1 Letters that Colonel Morgan upon sight of the Highlanders went out with a party to engage them but they sted That Captain Goodfellow with a party took Ten Scotch Prisoners and 60 Horse the Captain was Killed much Provision taken from them That 40 English with their Swords naked did Swim over to an Istand that stood out against them and took it and many Provisions Plate money and other goods in it 3 That Argyle joined with the English Letters of General Monck his taking of Fosse and Lough-Gery in the Highlands That Colonel Bryan with the Forces which he brought from Ireland Killed divers of the High-landers and among them three Commanders of great Note were slain 4 The High Court of Justice sat and Ad journed A Conference with the French Ambassador about a Treaty of Peace 5 The Portugal Ambassador's Brother and two other Portuguises were tried before Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer in the Kings-Bench He pleaded That he was not onely the Ambassador's Brother but had a Commission to himself to be Ambassador when His Brother should be absent and that by the Law of Nations he was priviledged from his Trial and he demanded Councel The point of priviledg of Ambassadors by the Common Law and by the Civil Law and by the Law of Nations was long debated by the Court and the Lord Protectors Councel and the
will grant we did meet upon such hopes as these I met you a second time here and I confess at that meeting I had much abatement of my hopes though not a total frustration I confess that that which dampt my hopes so soon was somewhat that did look like a Paricide It is obvious enough unto you that the management of Affairs did savour of a not-owning too too much savour I say of a not-owning the Authority that called you hither but God left us not without an Expedient that gave a second possibility shall I say a Possibility it seemed to Me a Probability of recovering out of that Dissatisfied Condition we were all then in towards some mutuality of Satisfaction and therefore by that Recognition suiting with the Indenture that returned you hither to which afterwards also was added your own Declaration conformable to and in acceptance of that Expedient whereby you had though with a little Check another opportunity renewed unto you to have made this Nation as happy as it could have been if every thing had smoothly run on from that first hour of your meeting And indeed you will give me liberty of my thoughts and hopes I did think as I have formerly found in that way that I have been engaged as a Souldier That some affronts put upon us some disasters at the first have made way for very great and happy Successes And I did not at all despond but the Stop put upon you would in like manner have made way for a blessing from God that that Interruption being as I thought necessary to divert you from destructive and violent proceedings to give time for better Deliberations whereby leaving the Government as you found it you might have proceeded to have made those good and wholsome Laws which the People expected from you and might have answered the Grievances and settled those other things proper to you as a Parliament and for which you would have had thanks from all that intrusted you What hath hapned since that time I have not taken publick notice of as declining to intrench upon Parliament Priviledges For sure I am you will all bear me witness that from your entring into the House upon the Recognition to this very day you have had no manner of Interruption or Hindrance of mine in proceeding to that blessed issue the heart of a good man could propose to himself to this very day You see you have me very much lockt up as to what you transacted among your selves from that time to this but some thing I shall take liberty to speak of to you As I may not take notice what you have been doing so I think I have a very great liberty to tell you that I do not know what you have been doing 〈◊〉 do not know whether you have been alive or dead I have not once Heard from you in all this time I have not and that you all know If that be a fault that I have not surely it hath not been mine If I have had any Melancholy thoughts and have sate down by them why might it not have been very lawful to me to think that I was a Person judged Unconcerned in all these businesses I can assure you I have not reckoned my self nor did I reckon my self Unconcerned in you and so long as any Just patience could support my expectation I would have waited to the uttermost to have received from you the issues of your Consultations and Resolutions I have been careful of your Safety and the Safety of those that you represented to whom I reckon my self a Servant But what Messages have I disturbed you withall What Injury or Indignity hath been done or offered either to your Persons or to any Priviledges of Parliament since you sate I looked at my self as strictly obliged by my Oath since your Recognizing the Government in the Authority of which you were called hither and sate to give you all possible security and to keep you from any Unparliamentary interruption Think you I could not say more upon this subject if I listed to expaciate thereupon but because my Actions plead for me I shall say no more of this I say I have been caring for you your quiet sitting caring for your Priviliges as I said before that they might not be Interrupted have been seeking of God from the great God a bessing upon you and a blessing upon these Nations I have been consulting if possibly I might in any thing promote in my Place the real good of this Parliament of the hopefulness of which I have said so much unto you And I did think it to be my business rather to see the utmost issue and what God would produce by you than unseasonably to intermeddle with you But as I said before I have been caring for you and for the Peace and Quiet of the Nations indeed I have and that I shall a little presently manifest unto you And it leadeth me to let you know somewhat that I fear I fear will be through some interpretation â—a little too justly put upon you whilest you have been imployed as you have been and in all that time expressed in the Government in that Government I say in that Government brought forth nothing that you your selves can be taken notice of with out infringment of your Privileges I will tell you somewhat that if it be not news to you I wish you had taken very serious consideration of If it be news I wish I had acquainted you with it sooner And yet if any man will ask me why I did it not the Reason is given already because I did make it my business to give no Interruption There be some Trees that will not grow under the shadow of other Trees There be some that chuse a man may say so by way of allusion to thrive under the shadow of other Trees I will tell you what hath thriven I will not say what you have cherished under your shadow that were too hard Instead of the Peace and Settlement instead of Mercy and Truth being brought together Righteousness and Peace kissing each other by reconciling the honest People of these Nations and settling the woful Distempers that are amongst us which had been glorious things and worthy of Christians to have proposed Weeds and Nettles Briars and Thorns have thriven under your shadow dissettlement and division discontentment and dis-satisfaction together with real dangers to the whole has been more multiplied within these five Moneths of your sitting than in some Years before Foundations have been also laid for the future renewing the Troubles of these Nations by all the Enemies of it abroad and at home Let not these words seem too sharp for they are true as any Mathematical Demonstrations are or can be I say the Enemies of the Peace of these Nations abroad and at home the discontented humors throughout these Nations which I think no man will grudg to call by that name or to make to allude
the contrary And that all Writs and all Commissions Indictments or Informations Process Actions Suits Bills or Plaints taken out or now depending in any Court of Record at Westminster or any other Court of Record in England Scotland or Ireland or in the Town of Berwick upon Tweed And all Process Pleas Demurrers Continuances and Proceedings in every such Writs Indictments Informations Actions Suits Bills and Plaints shall be retornable stand good and effectual and be prosecuted and sued forth in such manner and form and in the same state condition and order the Style and Teste of Proceedings after passing of these presents being made conformable thereunto this present Petition and Advice or your Highness assent thereunto or any Law Custome or usage to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding And that any variance that shall be occasioned by reason thereof touching any the said Writs process or proceedings in the Name Style Teste or otherwise shall not be in any wise material as concerning any default or errour to be alledged or objected thereunto XVIII And that your Highness and your Successors will be pleased to take an Oath in such form as shall be agreed upon by your Highness and this present Parliament to Govern these Nations according to the Law And in case your Highness shall not be satisfied to give your consent to all the Matters and Things in this Humble Petition and Advice that then nothing in the same be deemed of Force to oblige the People of these Nations in any the particulars therein contained And these our desires being granted by your Highness we shall hope through the rich mercy and goodness of God that it will prove some remedy to those dangers distractions and distempers which these Nations are now in and be an effectual means to remove those jealousies and fears which remain in the minds of many men concerning the Government of this Common-wealth And thereby we shall be enabled and encouraged with all chearfulness to the setling of such things which shall be further necessary for the good of these Nations and be most ready to joyn with You in promoting the work of Reformation happily begun by your Highness the regulating Courts of Justice and abridging both the delaies and Charges of Law Suits and apply our selves to such other Courses and Councels as may be most like to heal our breaches and divisions and to restore these poor Nations to a Vnion and consistencie with themselves and to lay a foundation of further confidence between your Highness and them to the rejoycing of the hearts of our friends and terror of our Enemies His Highness answer thereunto after a solemn Speech to them Read by the Clerk of the Parliament in these words The Lord Protector doth consent 26. Further consideration of the Settlement of the Nation by the Parliament 28. A Letter from the Protector to the House with a Petition inclosed from the Army in Ireland which the House referred to the Committee for Ireland June 1657. 1. A Bill for maintenance of Ministers in the City of Bristoll 3. A Day of Thanksgiving for the success of General Blake against the Spanish Fleet at Sancta Cruz. 4. A Bill for the better choosing of persons into places of trust 9. The House went to the Painted Chamber when the Protector met them and made a solemn Speech to them in Answer to the Speech of the Speaker to him and passed these Bills following An Act for an Assessment upon England at the rate of 60000 l. by the Month for three Months from the 25th day of March 1657 to the 24th day of June then next ensuing An Act for limiting and setting the Prices for Wines An Act for the taking away of Purveyance and Compositions for Purveyance An Act against Vagrants and wandring idle dissolute persons An Act giving licence for transporting Fish in foreign Bottoms An Act for three Months Assessment in Ireland for the maintenance of the Spanish War and other Services of the Common-wealth 13. The humble additional and explanatory Petition and Advice debated in the House 19. A Bill for the surveying of some Forests and a Bill for ascertaining the Publick Faith Debts 20. Much Debate was upon the Bill for restraint of new Buildings in and about London Letters from the Protector to the Speaker for putting off the Adjournment of the Parliament for four or five days 22. A Bill for Importation of Bullion 23. A Committee to prepare an Oath to be taken by the Lord Protector and for the solemnization and publishing of his Highness acceptance of the Government and touching the settlement of his Highness Council An Act of Indempnity 24. Upon a Report from the Committee and some Amendments the House agreed to the Form of an Oath to be taken by the Protector and to another Oath to be taken by his Council and an Oath was agreed to be taken by the Members of Parliament and they agreed to a Paper touching the summoning such persons before the next meeting of Parliament and who are to serve as Members in the other House of Parliament according to the humble Petition and Advice and they agreed touching the Solemnities of his Inauguration A Committee appointed to acquaint the Protector with these Votes and to shew him the Oaths and to desire him to appoint times for the execution of them and for his consent to the Bills passed the House 25. Sir Harbottle Grimston published the Reports of Judge Croke 26. The Parliament ordered the Master of the Ceremonies to give notice to foreign Ambassadours and Ministers of the Inauguration of the Protector Order for the Commissioners of the Seal with advice of the Judges to prepare and frame a Writ for summoning the Members of the other House of Parliament to meet at such time and place as shall be appointed by his Highness and the Commissioners are to seal such Writs and to issue them out to such persons as his Highness under his Sign Manual shall direct and appoint A Bill passed for adjourning the Parliament from this 26th of June to the 20th of January next A place being prepared at the upper end of Westminster-Hall in the midst of it was a rich Cloth of State set up and under it a Chair of State upon an Ascent of two Degrees covered with Carpets before it a Table and a Chair by it for the Speaker on each side of the Hall were Seats built one above another and covered for the Members of the Parliament below them Seats on the one side for the Judges and on the other side for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London About Two a Clock in the Afternoon the Protector met the Parliament and gave his consent to some Bills then the Speaker and Members went to their places in Westminster-Hall and the Judges and Aldermen took their places A little time after this his Highness came attended with his own Gentlemen and with the Heralds Serjeants at Arms The
be of dangerous consequence to the Peace and Rights of his Country To prevent which and to keep things in a better order and form he might be instrumental in this Imployment Upon these and the like grounds as also by the ingagement of divers of the Committee to joyn with him therein he was perswaded to undertake it and did meet with them at the place appointed where he was received by them with all respect and civility The Instructions of the Committee of Safety were presented to them 29. The Committee sate all day The Armies Declaration was published of the grounds of their late proceedings A Letter came from General Monk to the Officers of the Army here of the dissatisfaction of himself and some of his Officers in the late proceedings of the Army here Persons were sent to him for his better information He secured Berwick for himself Lambert was appointed to command the Forces in the North and to have more Regiments with him 31. Bradshaw died of a Quartan Ague which had held him a year a stout man and learned in his Profession No friend of Monarchy November 1659. 1. The Committee of Safety appointed Fleetwood Whitelocke Vane Ludlow Salwey and Tichburn a Committee to consider of a Form of Government for the three Nations as a Commonwealth and to present it to the Committee of Safety Whalley and Goffe and Caryl and Barker Ministers were sent to Monk to perswade him to a right understanding of things and to prevent effusion of blood This Order was made at the Committee of Safety Thursday Novem. 1. 1659. At the Committee of Safety at Whitehall The Committee of Safety taking into consideration the necessity of disposing of the Great Seal so as the same may be made use of for the publick service and the administration of Justice Ordered that the custody of the Great Seal of England be committed to the Lord Whitelocke as Commissioner and Keeper of the said Great Seal until further Order And the same was accordingly delivered to his hands by the Lord President And ordered That an Entry of the delivery of the Great Seal to the said Lord Whitelocke as Commissioner and Keeper of the said Great Seal be made in the close Roll in Chancery and in the Office of Petty Bagge William Robinson Clerk of the Committee of Safety 2. A new Letter was sent to General Monk from the Officers here The Lords Northampton Falkland Castleton Herbert Howard and Bellasis were discharged from Imprisonment upon security to live peaceably and this was to ingratiate with the Cavaliers Letters from Edenburgh that General Monk and many of his Officers had declared for the Parliament against the Officers of the Army in England and that General Monk had imprisoned some of his Officers who were of a different judgment and put others out of their Command and was preparing all things in order to restore the Parliament Letters from Colonel Pearson who dissented from Monk and that many of his Officers and Souldiers would not joyn with him against the Army in England 3. The Commissioners of the Militia of London wrote to Monk to perswade him to an Accommodation Lambert went towards the North. 4. Letters from Ireland of the Forces there concurring with those here An Answer Agreed upon to a Letter from Monk Fleetwood Whitelocke Desborough and Tichburn went to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen in London and acquainted them with the proceedings of Monk and with the danger of a new Civil War to the City and Kingdom and advised them to take special care for the prevention of it and for securing the City 5. New Commissions ordered for raising of new Forces to Vane for a Regiment of Horse and another to Whitelocke for a Regiment of Horse and other Commissions to others The General Council of Officers kept this a day of fasting Letters from Scotland that Monk had secured several of his Officers and resolved to march into England That divers of his Officers and Souldiers were discontented Other Letters that Monk was entered England with some Regiments but retreated An Address to Fleetwood from the Officers of the Northern Forces of their resolution to joyn with the Forces here 7. The General Council of Officers met and received Letters from the North. 8. An Answer to Monk's Letter agreed upon by the General Council of Officers Fleetwood Whitelocke Desborough and divers principal Officers of the Army went to the Common Council in London and represented to them the proceedings of Monk and that the bottom of his design was to bring in the King upon a new Civil War They shewed the danger of it to the City and Nation and counselled them to provide for their own safety and to joyn for the safety of the whole Nation and for preservation of the Peace The Common-council returned thanks to them and resolved to follow their advice 9. Letters from Scotland of the probability of a friendly Accommodation The like from several persons in the North. Letters from the Officers of the Fleet to Monk and his Officers to incline them to an Accommodation to this effect THE deep sense we have of the Duty incumbent on us in this day of Englands fears tryals and temptations puts us upon this Application to your Honour unto whom not long since most of us had a more immediate relation and the experience we had then of your readiness to receive and grant our just desires gives us encouragement to believe this present tender will have the like resentment As private Members of this Commonwealth we cannot but take notice of and in secret bewail before the Lord the intestine divisions that are amongst us at this day and the dreadfull consequence likely to ensue thereupon when duly pondered do exceedingly afflict and even break our hearts All the force that the common Enemy whilst in his strength was able to muster up against the good people of this Nation either at home or from abroad could never raise such Clouds of fears nor impress those terrours on our hearts as we now lie under from the apprehension of that evil which attends that distance which is between you and the Army in England which being manifested to us by a Declaration lately sent from Scotland and published by your command and resolutions therein expressed of your vindicating the late Parliament in opposition to the general proceeding of the General Council of Officers here we have taken the boldness not only as private Christians but in our pubblick capacity as Officers of the Fleet to beseech you in the bowels of mercy and compassion to this your Native Country and especially to all the Lord's people therein whose interest we remember hath formerly been precious to you seriously to consider 1. Whether the undertaking you are ingaged in will not make the hearts of the righteous sad whom the Lord hath not
from Skipton fell upon Colonel Maleverer's quarters at Rippon and took about twenty of his horse The Court Marshal condemned three men one Captain Syppins for endeavouring to betray Gernsey one Francis Pits who was imployed by Sir Richard Leveson to betray Russell-hall in Staffordshire and William James a Foot-souldier for running away from his Colours The Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon was altered and ordered to be in the King's Bench and Mr. Rolles with the others before named appointed to be Council against them Sir Edward Hungerford and Sir Nevill Poole were sent down into Wiltshire for the service of that County Sir Henry Mildmay got an Order for his Salary as Master of the Jewel-house to the King Colonel Hammond who killed Major Grey at Gloucester for giving him the Lye was referred to be tryed by the Council of War in the Lord General 's Army Some of the King's Plate was ordered to be sold or pawned for 3000 l. for Abington and Reading forces and that the Plate amongst the Regalia which had Crucifixes or superstitious Pictures should be disposed of for the Publick Service A Letter of Thanks ordred to Colonel Ceely Governour of Lyme All Governours of Forts and Garrisons were prohibited coming to London unless sent by the General or sent for by the Parliament or Committee of both Kingdoms Sir Thomas Middleton took in Redcastle in Wales with the Lord Powys three Captains divers inferiour Officers forty horse two hundred Arms and store of pillage Upon the Case of Colonel Warren it was ordered That no Officer who formerly received Pay from the State and was afterwards taken by the Parliaments Forces in Arms against them should be exchanged for other Prisoners Prince Rupert removed Sir Francis Hawley from being Governour of Bristoll and turned out the Governour of Berkley Castle and put an Irish Rebel in his place The Commons were very busie in providing Monies and other Supplies for their Forces in England and Ireland The Archbishop was brought to the Lord's house and his Council heard to the matter of Law The Swedish General Tortoison beat Gallas the Emperour's General took all his Cannon and Baggage killed many of his Foot and routed all the rest and pursued his Horse to Willingborough A great fire in Oxford burnt up near a fourth part of the City from one end of it to the other The City Brigade marched forth under the command of Sir James Harrington The Lord Herbert Son to the Earl of Worcester with fifteen hundred men came against a Garrison of the Parliaments between Gloucester and Monmouth and Colonel Massey coming to relieve them routed the Lord Herbert's forces killed fifty and took sixty prisoners and good prize A Letter of Thanks was written to Massey for all his good-Services Upon Major General Skippon's desire the Captain was reprieved who endeavoured to have betrayed Gernsey Doctor Bastwick's Wife had an Allowance ordered for her and her Husband's maintenance Colonel Harley Sir Robert Harley's Son was made Governour of Monmouth Relief was ordered to the well-affected Inhabitants of Jersey An Ordinance passed for the preservation of Hyde-Park and the Timber and Pales from spoil A party from Plymouth took in Saltashe Those before Basing-house sent for more supplies of men The Lords at a Conference gave their Reasons why they thought not fit to agree to the Ordinance for selling the King's Plate but the Commons adhered to their former Vote and ordered 3000 l. out of the Earl of Thanet's Fine for supply of the Forces of Berks and Oxon. The Commons agreed upon all the Propositions for Peace to be sent to the King and took the City Propositions in debate to be sent with the other The Forces of Sir Tho. Fairfax and Colonel Rosseter blocked up Crowland Colonel Birch had an allowance for his reparation of losses from the Parliament Sir Alexander Denton was ordered to be exchanged for Sir John Norcot a Member of Parliament and Judge Mallet was exchanged Many Orders were made touching foreign Ships staid here and to do right in those cases The Commons debated the sending forth of new Writs to choose new Members in the places of those who were dead or expelled the House Duncannon a considerable Fort in Ireland yielded to the Parliament and most of the Officers and Souldiers there took the Covenant Many Orders for Money and Supplies for the Forces and for all the Forces of the Parliament to joyn together to hinder the King's march to Oxford An Order for encouragement of the Officers and Workmen in the Mint Sir William Waller and the Earl of Manchester joyned together and both of them wrote That the King marched as if he intended to fight and they desired some Supplies which were sent to them The Parliament appointed a Day of Humiliation and Prayer to God for a blessing upon their Forces now likely to engage in battel A price was set upon Coals and a Woodmonger ordered to be Indicted for ingrossing of Coals and the Admiral ordered to compel some Coal-ships at Harwich to come into the River Thames Sir John Holland had leave to stay in Holland for six Months Three thousand of the King's Forces besieged Taunton and the Governour Colonel Blake sent out a party who fell upon the Besiegers killed and took many of them whereof some Commanders Sir Hugh Cholmley set out some Vessels which took some Coal-ships coming for London and the Parliament ordered some Ships of War to lie on that Coast Some ships coming in the Parliament gave order for the present payment of the Mariners The propositions for peace were agreed upon by the Commons A party of the King 's coming to Beachly upon Severn to fortifie there Colonel Massey fell upon them slew seventy of them on the place took about a hundred and seventy prisoners two pieces of Cannon and two hundred Arms with the loss of but ten men Colonel Charles Fleetwood took two Troups of the King's horse near Belvoir Castle Doctor Bastwick was exchanged for Colonel Huddleston Jeffreys the Queens Dwarf in a Duel on horse-back in France killed Mr. Crofts Colonel Temple was sent into Sussex to raise Forces for the Parliament in case the King should bend that way The King's Army marched to Andover where some skirmishes were betwixt them and Sir William Waller's Forces and about twenty killed on both sides Colonel Kerne had the thanks of the House for his good Service and was sent down to his Charge in the Isle of Wight By Letters from the Lord Wareston and Mr. Crew Commissioners in the Parliaments Army was certified That all the three Armies were joyned near to Basing and that the King's Forces were at Whit-church within five miles of them That the General had sent to Reading and other places to pull up their Bridges to prevent the King's march to Oxford And that the Council of War had resolved to give battel to the Enemy The Parliament took care for provisions to be sent to
been there about a quarter of an hour the King and Prince Rupert and divers great Lords came into the Chamber where they were Whether sent to after they came or by accident they knew not The King saluted them very civilly and began to discourse with them part whereof was to this effect King I am sorry Gentlemen that you could bring to me no better Propositions for Peace nor more reasonable than these are Hollis They are such Sir as the Parliament thought fit to agree upon and I hope a good issue may be had out of them Whitelocke We are but their Servants to present them to your Majesty and very willing to be messengers of Peace King I know you could bring no other than what they would send But I confess I do not a little wonder at some of them and particularly at the Qualifications H. Your Majesty will be pleased to consider of them as a foundation for Peace King Surely you your selves cannot think them to be reasonable or honourable for me to grant H. Truly Sir I could have wished that some of them had been otherwise than they are but your Majesty knows that those things are all carried by the major Vote K. I know they are and am confident that you who are here and your Friends I must not say your Party in the House endeavoured to have had them otherwise for I know you are well-willers to Peace Wh. I have had the honour to attend your Majesty often heretofore upon this Errand and am sorry it was not to better effect K. I wish Mr. Whitelocke that others had been of your judgment and of Mr. Hollis's judgment and then I believe we had had an happy end of our differences before now H. We are bound to your Majesty for your gratious and true opinion of us and wish we had been or may be capable to doe your Majesty better Service K. Your Service Mr. Hollis and the rest of those Gentlemen whose desire hath been for Peace hath been very acceptable to me who do earnestly desire it my self and in order to it and out of the confidence I have of you two that are here with me I ask your opinion and advice what answer will be best for me to give at this time to your Propositions which may probably further such a Peace as all good men desire H. Your Majesty will pardon us if we are not capable in our present condition to advise your Majesty Wh. We now by accident have the honour to be in your Majestie 's presence but our present employment disables us from advising your Majesty if we were otherwise worthy to doe it in this particular K. For your abilities I am able to judge and I now look not on you in your imployments from the Parliament but as Friends and my private Subjects I require your advice H. Sir To speak in a private capacity your Majesty sees that we have been very free and touching your Answer I shall say further that I think the best Answer would be your own coming amongst us Wh. Truely Sir I do believe that your Majestie 's Personal presence at your Parliament would sooner put an end to our unhappy distractions than any Treaty K. How can I come thither with safety H. I am confident there would be no danger to your Person to come away directly to your Parliament K. That may be a question but I suppose your Principals who sent you hither will expect a present Answer to your Message Wh. The best present and most satisfactory Answer I humbly believe would be your Majestie 's Presence with your Parliament and which I hope might be without any danger to you H. We should be far from advising any thing which might be of the least danger to your Majestie 's person and I believe your coming to your Parliament would be none but we must humbly submit that to your Majestie 's own pleasure and great wisedom K. Let us pass by that and let me desire you two Mr. Hollis and Mr. Whitelocke to go into the next Room and a little to confer together and to set down somewhat in writing which you apprehend may be fit for me to return in answer to your Message and that in your judgments may facilitate and promote this good work of Peace H. We shall obey your Majestie 's command and withdraw Hollis and Whitelocke went together into another Room where they were private and upon discourse together they apprehended that it would be no breach of trust in them to observe the King's desire herein but that it might be a means to facilitate the work about which they came the most desirable business of Peace Therefore by Mr. Hollis his intreaty and as they both agreed Whitelocke wrote down what was their sense in this matter and what might be fit for the substance of the King's Answer to their Message but he wrote it not in his usual hand nor with any name to it nor was any person present but they two when it was written nor did the King admit of any others to hear the discourse which passed betwixt him and them The Paper which was thus written they left upon the Table in the withdrawing Room and the King went in and took it and then with much favour and civility bid them farewell and went away himself after which and a few Complements passed between the Earl of Lindsey and them they took leave of him and the rest of the Company and returned to their own Lodgings This being the truth of those secret and private passages for which Hollis and Whitelocke were afterwards accused in Parliament by the Lord Savile No indifferent person can justly censure them for any unfaithfulness or the least breach of their trust to the Parliament whose Servants they then were And this may be answer'd for them that what they did herein was in compassion to their bleeding distressed Countrey and for the effecting of that which was universally longed for the settlement of a just and happy Peace But this was not imparted by them to their fellow Commissioners nor could all the Examinations at Committees and in the House of Commons get it out of them The Parliaments forces leaving Newbury the King possest himself thereof and the Parliament forces lay in the Field expecting to fight them but the time of the year was very hard for such Quarters The L. Macquire moved the King's Bench for some monies detained from him and that he might have paper pen and ink allowed him and some Statute-books the better to make his Defence all which was granted to him The Assembly of Divines sent to the Commons the whole Directory for Worship Prayer Preaching Baptism and the Lord's Supper agreed on by them The siege before Basing-house was raised and the Parliaments forces retreated to Farnham and Reading for their Winter-quarters The Regiments of Colonel Fleetwood and Colonel Rosseter beat up the Enemies Quarters near Newark took 160
Horse 80 Prisoners Major Heron and other Commanders The Commons appointed an examination touching any neglects of their Armies and the spinning out of the War and of the late miscarriages after Newbury Fight when they had so much advantage against the Enemy By Letters from Colonel Norton he informs the House that he had received a warrant from a chief Commander in their Army to raise the siege from before Basing-house and to betake themselves to Winter quarters which was a thing unexpected to him but according to that Warrant they had withdrawn This raised new jealousies and discontents in the minds of many of the Parliament and of their Friends Mac Mahon was executed at Tyburn and Mr. Peters urg'd him to make confession but he would not unless he might have a Romish Priest The plea of Peerage of the Lord Macquire was allowed Upon Letters from Colonel Jones Governour of Farnham the King's Army being come near him the Parliament ordered some forces to be quartered there for his assistance Sir Alexander Carew being sentenced by the Court Marshal to have his Head cut off his Lady petitioned that her Husband was distracted and unfit to die and prayed a Reprieve for him which was granted An Ordinance passed for a voluntary contribution to raise the second payment to the Scots The late carriage of the Armies in suffering Donnington Castle to be relieved and quitting Newbury which was plundered and not fighting when the Parliaments forces were two for one was referred to a Committee to be examined The Parliaments forces quartered at Reading Abington and Henley where the rude Souldiers did great mischief to Friends as well as Enemies in their Houses and more in their Woods but such insolencies and mischiefs must be expected from this brood of Men or rather bruitish Souldiers who know no difference between Friends and Foes but all is Plunder that they can fasten their hands upon Kent raised 3000 men to oppose the King's march into Sussex and Surrey which was feared The power of the Court Marshal was continued for four months longer than their former time A Party of about 300 of the King's forces coming to Axminster near Lyme to fortifie it and to streighten Lyme the Governour fell upon them and at the second charge routed them killed Major Walker two Captains two Lieutenants and divers common Souldiers took four pieces of Ordnance many Arms and Prisoners and released fifty Gentlemen who had been by them taken Prisoners from their houses The Commons passed the Directory of Worship Letters from the Commissioners at Oxford informed That on the Lord's day they presented the Propositions for Peace to the King which were read by the Earl of Denbigh That the King ask'd the Committee if they had power to treat they answered no but their Commission was to receive His Majestie 's Answer in writing then the King said they should receive his Answer accordingly At the reading of the excepted persons names which the Earl of Denbigh read with great courage and temper P. Rupert and P. Maurice being present when their names were read as excepted persons they fell into a laughter at which the King seemed displeased and bid them be quiet When the Committee answered the King that they had no Commission to treat but to receive His Majestie 's Answer in writing the King replied then a Letter-carrier might have done as much as you to which the Earl of Denbigh said I suppose your Majesty looks upon us as persons of another condition than Letter-carriers The King said again I know your condition but I say that your Commission gives you power to doe no more than a Letter-carrier might have done and so they came away from the King with a little kind of dissatisfaction but some of his Lords afterwards excused to them those hasty words Surrey petitioned for relief against free quarter which was ordered and that all forces of the Parliament near London should be removed nearer to the Enemy and to inlarge their own quarters Order was given for the relief of Taunton Castle and for supplies of Abington Persons in Norwich who were imprisoned for not coming to hear Common Prayer were by Vote discharged An Ordinance passed for the inhabitants of New England to have free Trade hither without paying of Customs Two Papists being stayed at the Court of Guards affirmed that they were Parliament Souldiers under Captain Buller and the House being informed of it referred it to a Committee to be examined and order if it were so and the Captain knew it that he should be cashiered and the like for any Officer of the Parliament that should doe as he did A new Seal was made of the Dutchy of Lancaster and Whitelocke was made by the Parliament Attorney of the Dutchy The Commons referred it to the Committee of the Navy to take special notice of the gallant service done by Captain Ashley and to give him all due encouragement Sir John Boles with forces from Newark plundered divers houses in Lincolnshire of the Parliaments Friends and took away Mr. Anderson and Mr. Emmerson a Committee-man Prisoners The City by a Petition remember their forwardness in their persons and purses to serve the Parliament and desire a reimbursement of their monies lent towards reducing of Newcastle and that they might have Coals at a reasonable price which was held fit by the Commons and put in a way to be done A party of Monmouth Garrison being drawn out upon a design against the King's forces thereabouts the Lord Herbert of Ragland having notice thereof sent seven or eight of his Souldiers in the habit of Countreymen who discoursed with the Sentinels of Monmouth Castle feigning themselves Friends which made the Sentinels secure and careless upon which two Troups of Horse watching their opportunity broke through the Sentinels and possest themselves of the Castle A Ship of Exeter loaden with rich goods and cast by weather into Lyme was ordered to be sold and one moity of the goods for the Town the other for the service of the West Upon the Petition of divers Western Gentlemen driven from their habitations by the King's forces the Commons ordered a Committee to take care to provide houses and accommodations for them and this brought in divers others who were not in the like necessity but rather for their gain to obtain the like favour Sir Thomas Littleton was remanded to streighter custody in the Tower The Committee who carried the Propositions of Peace to Oxford had the King's Answer sealed up and sent to them They upon advice together thought it not fit for them to receive an Answer in that manner not being acquainted what it was nor a Copy of it as was usual in the like cases sent with it unto them and upon this they desired to be excused from receiving that Answer so sealed and made an Address to His Majesty that they might know what his Answer was and have a Copy