of all just power and that the Commons of England being the peoples Representative have the supream Authority and what they Enact has the force of a Law though the House of Lords do not consent thereto Upon these and several other new political principles they proceed to Try Judge Condemn and Execute the King before his own palace-gate at White-Hall Jan. 30. 1648. But having already published a Book called The Wars of England Scotland and Ireland wherein is an exact relation of the Kings Tryal with the Reasons he would have offered against the pretended Jurisdiction of their Court of Justice and his last speech at the time of his suffering I shall refer the Reader to that and wholly omit it here The fatal blow being given the remainder of the House of Commons and the Army made it evident that they were not only for cutting off the King but Kingship it self and thereupon the House Voted That Kingly Government is unnecessary burdensome and dangerous and that whereas several pretences might be made to the Crown that any person who should proclaim Charles Stewart Son of the late King or any other King of England should suffer as in case of High Treason And soon after the House of Lords was likewise Vored useless and dangerous at which the Lords were so highly Incensed that a Declaration was suddenly published in the Name of all the Peers and Barons of England against the proceedings of the Commons and in definance of all Votes Acts and Orders to the contrary Charles the second was proclaimed King in the Name of all the Nobility Gentry and Commonalty of the Kingdom but they still proceed assuming new Ensigns of Soveraignty and cancelling the old causing all Writs Commissions c. to issue out under a new style and title that is The Keepers of the Liberties of England by the authority of parliament causing the old Great Seal to be broken and a new one made with this Inscription In the fifth year of freedom by Gods blessing restored And soon after they pulled down the Kings Arms in all places and his Statue at Guild Hall and the Royal Exchange A Council of State was constituted of forty and Bradshaw made president and the Council of Adjutators of the Army who had been so Instrumental in the late Revolutions was now dissolved who soon after petitioned the Lord Fairfax but those that subscribed it were by a Council of War Ordered to ride with their faâ—es to the Horses Tails before their Regiments with their crimes on their breasts to have their swords broken over their heads and to be cashier'd the army which much provoked their fellow souldiers so that a while after the Army Rendevouzing at Ware several Regiments in persuance of the former petition wherein they complain of erecting Illegal Courts of Justice and trying the free people of England by Martial Law with divers other grievances wore white colours in their Haâ—s to distinguish themselves among whom was Cromwels own Regiment of Horse who having notice of it ordered two other Regiments from remote Quarters to be there who knew nothing of the Intrigue and being all drawn up in Battalia Cromwel with a frowning countenance rides round and suddenly commands those two Regiments to surround a Regiment of Foot and then calls four men by their Names out of the body and with his own hands put them in custody of the Marshal instantly summoning a Council of War while their adherents secretly put their white colours in their pockets and were astonished at the action These four were tryed and found guilty but had the favour to cast lots for their lives whereby the two principal Mutineers escaped and the two ignorant fellows were shot to death upon the place in the view of the whole Army These now had the Name of Levellers given them and one Lockier was afterward shot to death for promoting a paper called The Ingagement and Agreement of the people c. in St. Pauls Church-yard and his Funeral was attended by above one thousand of the Lilburnian Faction all wearing black and Sea-green Ribbons the Army being now in a violent ferment and even ready to destroy one another which humour was cherished by John Lilburn not without incouragement from the Royal party who from their divisions hoped to reap advantage In persuance hereof Collonel Scroops Regiment of Horse dismissed their Officers at Salisbury and with colours flying marched to join Harrisons Iretons and Skippons Regiments who by the contrivance of the Agitators were all ingaged in the same designs This defection seeming of very dangerous consequence Gen. Fairfax and Cromwel with his own Regiment marched to Alton and had advice the Mutineers were gone to Abington after whom Cromwel made such haste that in one day he marched forty miles and having met with them he politickly proposed a Treaty before Harrisons Regiment should join them wherein all parties should receive satisfaction and that neither of them should keep at ten miles distance upon which the Levellers went to Burford and being opposed by the Souldiery at New-bridge to prevent Quarrels they went a little lower not doubting but they should all join upon Treaty and then put most of their Horses to grass they being in all above nine hundred consisting of twelve Troops entire of the best in the Army and leaving a guard of about sixty men some of their companions who were brought over to Cromwel giving Intelligence of their posture Coll. Reynolds about midnight rusht into their Quarters they â—â—ttâ—e expecting such rough treatment and seizing the Guards took the greatest part of the rest either asleep or drinking together with nine hundred Horse and four hundred prisoners whereof Thompson and two more only were Executed Cornet Don declaring such sorrow that he was reprieved at the place of Execution which their fellows beheld from the Leads of the Church and were told That every tenth man of them should die but Cromwel proposed the pardoning of them which was agreed to and they sent to their own Houses This proved the utter suppression of that Faction and rendred the Army wholly at the devotion of Cromwel About this time another illegal High Court of Justice was erected wherein Duke Hamilton the Earl of Holland Lord Capel and Lord Goring were brought to their Trial the three first were condemned and beheaded at the Palace-yard in Westâ—minster and a proclamation was published declaring the Kingdom of England to be a free State and Alderman Reynoldson was commanded to proclaim it in the City which he refusing was committed to the Tower and a new Lord Mayor was chosen by a â—ommon Hall who attended with several other Aldermen of the same temper readily proclaimed the Edicts of this new Republick in several places in the City England being thus subjected to the power of the House of Commons and the Army and Scotland not yet ripe for Invasion and the Nation full of Souldiers who having for so long a time led
another place and soon after most of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland were taken at a place called Ellet in that Kingdom where they were assembled to propagate the Royal cause namely Old General Lesley Earl Marshal Earl of Crawford the Lords Keith Ogilby Burgoiny Huntley Ley with many Knights Gentlemen and Ministers which soon after were ship'd and sent for England Such was the sudden change of the condition of the Scots and the King that he who a few days before was proclaimed King of Great Britain had now neither Camp nor Garrison to retire to five hundred pounds sterling being offered to discover him so that after travelling in disguise and through many dangers about England he at length found an opportunity to imbark at Shoreham in Sussex for Newhaven in France where he arrived Octob. 2. following Of the great number of prisoners taken none of Quality suffered but the Earl of Derby who was beheaded at Bolton in Lancashire and Sir Tim. Fetherstone Others of less note suffered at Chester Shrewsbury and other places Nor did many of the Royalists themselves expect any better fortune in this expedition than what happened as appears by Duke Hamiltons Letter to Sir William Crofts taken among other papers a few days before the fight to this purpose We are all laughing at the ridiculousness of our condition who having quit Scotland being scarce able to maintain it yet we grasp at all and nothing but all will satisfie us or to lose all I confess I cannot tell whether our hopes or fears are greatest but we have one stout argument and that is despair for we must now either shortly fight or dye All the Rogues have left us I will not say whether for fear or disloyalty but all now with His Majesty are such as will not dispute his commands So that we see this undertaking was not the product of deliberate counsel but of necessity and desperation This battel put a period to the Kings hopes of getting the Government by Arms and on the other hand secured to Cromwel all his former Conquests the influence whereof though acted in England was great in Scotland for their principal Nobility and souldiery being cut off they were no longer able to bear up but were soon reduced to the obedience of England And Cromwel giving an account to the Parliament of this great success he concludes his Letter by telling them That this was a crowning Victory which was afterward thought to proceed from the foresight of his future Greatness This fight happened Sept. 3. 1651. that very day twelve-month wherein the Scots received that fatal blow at Dunbar afore-mentioned After the battel Cromwel staâ—d no longer than to see the Walls of Worcester levelled to the ground and the Ditches filled up with earth to discover his aversion to the Inhabitants for receiving his Enemies into it and Sept. 12. came to London being met at Acton by the Parliament and their Speaker the Lord Mayor of London Aldermen and Recorder and hundreds of others to whom Steel the City Recorder made a Congratulatory Oration extolling all his Victories and Exploits with the highest flights of Rhetorick and applying to him the words of Psalm 149 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand to execute vengeance upon the Heathen and punishments upon the people to bind their Kings with chains and their Nobles with fetters of iron to execute upon them the judgment written this honour have all the Saints praise ye the Lord. After which he was conducted in triumph to his House near White-hall great number of Scotch prisoners coming after him through Tuthill-fields to Westminster as Trophies of his Victories and the Colours taken there with those at Dunbar Westminster Preston were hung up in Westminster-Hall After a short repose General Cromwel and Lieutenant General Lambert went to take their places in Parliament where they were entertained by the Speaker with a second Congratulatory Oration magnifying their courage and gallantry and acknowledging the great obligation which the people of England were under toward them The same day the Lord Mayor feasted the General and his Officers where mutual returns of kindness passed between them to the satisfaction of both parties Oct. 14. 1651. Collonel Hayn with two Regiments of foot and two Troops of Horse were shipp'd at Weymouth for reducing the Isle of Jersey in eighty Vessels under the command of General Blake who came to St. Owens Bay where the ships running aground the men leapt out some to the middle others up to the neck in water and ran ashoar the enemy playing hard upon them with great and small shot and gave a hot charge with their Horse yet after half an hours dispute they fled and left behind them twelve cannon and some colours After which the English marched further into the Island within sight of Elizabeth Castle under which was a Fort called St. Albans Tower where were fourteen Guns which upon summons was delivered and so was Orgueil castle and soon after Elizabeth castle upon very good terms to the Garrison and Governour Sir George Cartaret because of its great strength The Isle of Man was likewise reduced in a short time with the castles of Peele and Rushen both very strong and almost impregnable as well as Cornet castle in the Isle of Guernsey if the besieged had had resolution to defend them About this time died Admiral Popham and Henry Ireton Son-in-law to Oliver Cromwel at Lymerick which Kingdom in a little while after was wholly subdued and brought under the obedience of the Government of England The Parliament now passed two or three considerable Acts one for Incorporating Scotland into one Common-wealth with England another of Oblivion and free pardon a third to determine the Session of this Parliament on Nov. 3. 1654. a fourth for the increase of shipping and incouragement of Navigation wherein was enacted That no Goods or Commodities of the growth or manufacture of any places in Asia Africa America or Europe should be imported into England Ireland or any of the Territories thereof but only in English ships under the penalty of forfeiting the Goods and Ships And that no Goods whatsoever shall be brought in unless they be ship'd from the places of their growth and manufacture only Also that no Fish or Oyl made of Fish or Whale-bone shall be imported but only such as shall be caught in Vessels belonging to the English Lastly that no kinds of salted fish from Feb. 1. 1653. shall be exported in any other save English Vessels with several other exceptions and provisoes in reference to East-India Goods and of commodities from Turky Spain and Portugal This last Act was very grateful to the Merchants and Seamen but did extreamly surprize and disturb the Holl inders as judging it would cause a vast diminution in their Trade which with so much advantage they had long driven to the loss and detriment of the English Nation who
complain of want of pay of the neglect of Church-Government and the Covenant The Parliament answered That in two years space they had received above two hundred thousand pounds for pay besides a vast sum of money which had been extorted from the weeping Inhabitants of the Northern Counties and that their Army had not answered expectation lying idle the best time of the year and if they were so precise in observation of the Covenant why contrary thereto had they put Garrisons into Newcastle Tinmouth and Carlisle Neither ought they to mention Religion being unsettled since the Parliament were consulting about it being a matter which requires time and mature deliberation From these dissentions the King expected some advantage but yet Oxford was already block'd up by Fleetwood and Ireton and Fairfax was daily expected to come and turn it into a close siege therefore before this should happen the King resolved to go out of the City and consulting with some of his inward Councellors it was concluded he should go to the Scots Camp then lying before Newark the King sent Montruel the French Ambassador before and himself soon after as Coll. Ashburnhams man who had a pass from Fairfax to go out of Oxford about some private business with a Cloak-bag behind him escaped unknown and came to Newark which when the besieged Newarkers had notice of being in great streights they upon conditions surrendred the Town The Scots seemed amazed at the Kings unexpected coming to them and so signified the matter to the English Commissioners then on the place Letters were instantly written to London and Edinburgh and the Parliament at Westminster required the Scots to detain the King at Southwell near Newark but contrary to this Order they carried him to Kelham where a greater part of their Army lay and soon after without further Order removed their Camp Northward and carried him away to Newcastle with them excusing their departure by alledging Newark being yielded no work was left for them but that as the King came to them of his own accord unexpected so he followed their Army neither being intreated nor forbidden by them but they seemed to hasten their departure by reason of a rumour that Cromwel with all his Horse was marching toward them This action much offended the English Parliament and they complain'd both of the Scots and the King In the beginning of May General Fairfax with his whole Army came before Oxford the City was very strong having been fortified according to the most exact rules of Art to make it Impregnable invironed with regular Forts and provided with a potent Garrison of five thousand valiant Souldiers having great stores of all manner of provisions and the Governour Sir Tho. Glemham a person who had sufficiently demonstrated his courage and conduct in holding out York and Carlisle to the last extremity The General disposing his Quarters round about the City summoned the Governour to surrender who returned That he would send to know the Kings mind and then act accordingly This answer was not satisfactory yet Fairfax and his Commanders doubting it would be a tedious Siege were put in hopes by some spies that it could not hold out long by reason of the divisions between the Nobility and Souldiers the first being for treating now and so obtain honourable conditions which they did accordingly and the Parliament decreed That the besieged should have the best conditions rather than waste their Army which might be more useful elsewhere for they designed to send them into Ireland against the Rebels there Thus was Oxford surrendred and the Garrison marched out in sight of Fairfax's Army with great quiet and modesty on both sides The D. of York was honourably conducted to London where two of the Kings Children remained thither also went all the Noble-men neither were any of the besieged denied to go to London but the Princes Rupert and Maurice who being commanded to go out of England prepared for their departure Prince Charles about this time sailed from Scilly with a few of his inward Counsellors to Jersey in order to go to his Mother in France which the King having advice of sent him this short Letter from Newcastle Charles I write to you only that you should know what I am and that I am in health not to direct you at this time in any thing for what I would have you do I have already written to your Mother to whom I would have you obedient in all things except Religion about which I know she will not trouble you and go no whether without her or my command Write often to me God bless you Your loving Father C. R. Soon after the surrender of Oxford followed the end of this fierce War for Worcester Wallingford Pendennis and Ragland yielded to the Victors Peace now seemed to be restored to England but they had no security the Parliament being grievously troubled with factions among themselves and divided under the Names of Presbyterians and Independants not only in matters of Church-Government but often in their Votes and in transacting almost all other business and this humour spread it self into the City Country and Camp and the Parliament doubting Coll. Masseys Forces might muriny upon that account sent Fairfax to Disband them being two thousand five hundred Horse which was quietly done in eight days time though they did not then receive their pay The Scots as you have heard carrying the King into the North the parliament Voted That the person of the King should be disposed of by the Authority of both Houses of the parliament of England But the Scots denied to deliver him up alledging That he was no less King of England than Scotland which caused great dissention between the two Nations But at length upon paying the Scots two hundred thousand pounds they agreed to deliver up Berwick Carlisle and Newcastle to the parliament of England and the Kings person also to the English Commissioners to be carried into the South who was received with great respect and honour by the Earls of Pembroke and Denbigh and the other Commissioners and by them waited on with much observance and an honourable Guard to his palace at Holmby in Northampton-shire But the Civil Wars being ended a dissention more than Civil arose among the Conquerors which still increased under the Names of Presbyterians and Independants and extreamly imbittered the minds of men against each other one party complaining That the Covenant was broken The other That it was not rightly Interpreted by them And on both sides were men of Reputation and several petitions were drawn up against the Army lately so much admired as maintainers of the Independent party who then lay about Saffron-Walden in Essex Yea it was debated in parliament whether they should be Disbanded or not which Cromwel who sided with the Independents having notice of he thereupon with Ireton insinuated into the common Souldiers That the parliament intended to Disband them without their Arrears or else to
thereupon sent Ambassadors to desire it might be repealed but not succeeding herein they began to dispute our ancient right of the Flag in the British Seas by refusing to strike sail to our Men of War which occasioned a breach between the two Republicks for in May 1652. Admiral Trump with about forty two sail of Dutch ships was discovered on the back of the Goodwin Sands bearing toward Dover Road Major Brown being near with a squadron of English ships sent the Grey-hound frigate to speak with them to whom they struck their Topsail saying They came with a message from Admiral Trump to our commander in chief and coming aboard said That the great North winds had forced them farther South than they intended being compelled to ride some days off Dunkirk where they had lost divers Anchors and Cables professing they intended no injury to the English Nation General Blake who was Westward with the rest of the English Fleet having speedy advice of this passage hastened toward them and next morning May 19. saw them at Anchor in Dover Road and being within three Leagues of them they stood Eastward and received an Express from the States upon which they bore directly up to our Fleet Van Trump being headmost whereupon Blake shot three Guns without Ball at his Flag and Trump answered with a Gun on the averse side of the ship signifying a disdain and instead of striking his Topsail hung out a red flag which was the signal for his whole fleet and gave General Blake a broadside The fight continued four hours till Night parted them in which one Dutch ship was funk and another of thirty Guns taken with the Captains of both and about one hundred and fifty prisoners Of the English about ten were slain and forty wounded the English Admiral was much damaged in her Masts Sails Rigging and Hull but the rest of the Fleet had inconsiderable loss This attempt of the Hollanders while we were upon Treaty so incensed the Parliament that all the Addresses and Overtures of their Ambassadors and the sending hither two more could not appease them yea though they by several papers endeavoured to excuse it alledging That the unhappy fight between the ships of both Common-wealths happened without the knowledge and against the wills of the States taking God the searcher of mens hearts to witness the same and that with grief and astonishment they received the fatal News of that unhappy rash action and thereupon consulted about a remedy to this raw and bloody wound by appointing a solemn meeting of all the Provinces whereby they doubted not by Gods favour to remove not only the outward but inward cause of all further differences for the benefit of both Nations and to avoid the detestable shedding of Christian blood so much desired by their Enemies and therefore beseech the Council of State by the pledges of common Religion and Liberty to do nothing out of heat which afterward with vain wishes can never be recalled which they desire the more because their ships of War and Merchandize are detained in the English Ports To this the Parliament replied That calling to mind the demonstrations of friendship and good correspondence which they have always discovered toward the States General during all the troubles in England they are much surprized at such unsuitable returns especially at the acts of Hostility lately committed in the very Roads of England upon the ships of this Common-wealth and though they would willingly believe that the late Engaâ—ements of the Fleets happened without their knowledge or consent yet when they consider how disagreeable the actions of that State and their Officers at Sea have been in the midst of a Treaty offered by themselves and managed here by their Ambassadors and the extraordinary preparation of one hundred and fifty ships without any visible occasion and the Instructions given by the States to their commanders at Sea they have too much cause to believe that the Stares General design by force to Usurp the known Right of England in the Seas to destroy the Fleers that are under God their Walls and Bulwarks and thereby expose the Nation to be Invaded at pleasure as by their late action they have attempted to do Therefore the Parliament think themselves obliged to indeavour by Gods assistance to seek reparations for the wrongs already suffered and security against any such attempts for the future yet still desining that all differences if possible may be peaceably and amicably composed This answer quite broke off the Treatâ— and the Ambassadors having had audience of the Parliament took their leaves and departed And now these mighty States prepare to ingage each other and accordingly General Blake with a gallant Fleet advanced North towards the Isles of Orkney to seize all Vessels that were fishing there who took twelve Dutch Men of War that were guarding the Busses but discharged most of the Busses and Sir George Ayscough with his squadron being left to guard the narrow Seas discovered about thirty Dutch ships between Dover and Calice of which ten were taken and burnt the rest run ashoar on the Coasts of France Many other Dutch and French Prizes were daily taken Thence Sir George Ayscough sailed West to seek out the Dutch Fleer and Convoy home some Merchaur-men from Plymouth and being within seven or eight Leagues of Plymouth he had advice of them whereupon he resolved to stand over to the Coast of France and next day Aug. 16. 1652. had sight of them being about sixty sail of Men of War and thirty Merchant men the English were but thirty eight fail four Fireships and four Advice-ships yet they resolved to ingage the Enemy Sir George Ayscough and six other Frigates charged through the whole Dutch Fleet receiving much damage in their Masts Hulls Sails and Rigging yet they tack'd about and charged them all again till dark Night and had not some English Captains been deficient in their duty they had probably destroyed their whole Navy In this Ingagement some few English were slain and wounded and three Captains a Fireship of theirs was sunk with two other ships but the darkness of the Night concealed their other losses who stood away for the Coasts of France and the English for Plymouth to repair During this fight Blake came from the North into the Downs and took six rich Dutch Prizes sending some Frigates to reinforce Ayscough and soon after Captain Pen with his squadren hovering on the Coasts of France surprized six stout Men of War more now returned from the Venetian service and richly laden Sept. 5. General Blake riding in the Downs had notice of a French Fleet in Calice Road to whom he made up and chased them as far as they durst for the sands of Dunkirk taking most of them being ten Men of War between thirty one and twenty eight Guns and six Fireships This Fleet was to take in provisions at Calice for the relief of Dunkirk then besieged by the Spaniards who being
prevented of this succour soon after surrendred as also Graveling Sept. 27. General Blake discovered about sixty sail of Dutch Men of War on the back of Goodwinsands commanded by Admiral de Wit next day Blake with his Fleet bore in among them but being upon a sand called the Kentish knock under which the Dutch had purposely secured themselves four of our chief Ships were on ground but soon got off and resolved to ingage them but the wind prevented them from coming up yet with much ado got next day within shot upon which the Dutch set up their main sails and ran for it whom ten Frigates chased till Night and next day pursued them till they had fight of West Gabel in Zealand and saw them run into Goree upon which the English fearing to sail further upon the Holland coast returned back In this skirmish the Dutch Rere-Admiral was lost with a Fly-boat that towed her and many men killed about forty English were slain and as many wounded The War between these two States reached to the Mediterranean Sea whither the English had sent several Frigates to secure the Merchants ships from the Privatcers of Toulon and Marseilles and a squadron of four sail with three Smyrna ships under their convoy happened to meet with eleven Dutch men of War who having such great advantage presently fell upon them but met with flout resistance two of their main-top masts being shot down and one of their ships fired but quench'd again The Phoenix a stout ship of forty five Guns was taken by the Dutch the Paragon lost twenty seven men and had about sixty wounded the Elizabeth had only two Barrels of powder left yet in despight of the enemy they brought their Merchants safe into Porto Congone near the Isle of Corsica where the fight was The Dutch much gloried in this small success though they obtained it dearly and more by their number than valour the English never giving over while they had men or ammunition The Hollanders extreamly concerned at the continual loss of their ships used their utmost industry in fitting out a Fleet though it were in December and the twentieth of that month appeared on the back of the Goodwin with Ninety men of War and ten Fireships The English under General Blake were but forty two and not half Man'd most of the great ships being laid up yet they resolved to ingage them and accordingly December 30. both Fleets met the English having the Weather-gage and as few as they were several of them never came up pretending want of men so that the stress of the fight lay upon a few who were to encounter the whole Dutch Fleet. The Van-guard and the Victory ingaged twenty of the Hollanders from first to last and yet got clear of them all The Garland and Bonadventure were taken and Blake going to relieve the first had his fore-mast shot by the board was twice boarded and yet got off as did all the rest but those two afore-mentioned and soon after two Merchant-ships fell into the enemies hands Blake with his Fleet withdrew into Lee-Road to repair and the Dutch boasted of this Victory by their Ambassadors in all the Courts of Christendom But this small loss did only rouze and awaken the English courage who thought on nothing but Revenge and to incourage them the Parliament ordered the Seamens wages to be raised from eighteen to twenty three shillings a month and that for every Prize taken they shall have ten shillings for every Tun and six pound ten shillings and four pence for every great Gun whether Iron or Brass to be divided among the Ships crew according to their Offices and all upon or above the Gun-deck to be prize Likewise to have ten pound a Gun for every man of War they shall sink or destroy to be divided as aforesaid with a months pay gratis to all Voluntiers that shall list themselves within forty days and care taken for paying and curing the sick and wounded with several other advantages Which being printed and published the Seamen came in apace so that in February following the English had a stout Fleet at Sea though the Dutch endeavoured to hinder all Mations from supplying us with Pitch Tar or Masts Feb. 18. 1653. The Dutch Navy of about eighty fail with one hundred and fifty Merchant men from Roan Nants and Burdeaux were discovered between the Isle of Wight and Port and and about eight in the morning the headmost of the English Fleet came up and ingaged them which was General Blake in the Triumph General Dean and three or four more the rest being to the Leeward and not able to come up yet these few held thirty of the Dutch men of War in play from eight till two in the afternoon when about half the English Fleet came up and ingaged the enemy till Night parted them In this fight the English lost only the Sampson a Dutch prize which being unserviceable themselves funk the men being all saved which ship sunk the adversary that maimed her Next day the English chased the Dutch a good while whereby some of the Enemies ships were brought to the Lee and destroyed The day after they ingaged again and the dispute grew so hot that the Hollanders began to fire out of their stern-most ports and make away so that fifty Merchant ships fell into our hands and nine men of War several others being sunk besides what they themselves sunk as unserviceable and it was writ from France that above two thousand dead bodies of the Dutch were seen about their shoars fifteen hundred were taken prisoners and brought to London General Blake was wounded and several English Captains slain The Dutch deeply sensible of this loss sent a Letter to the Parliament of England signed only by the States of Holland To which the parliament returned answer signifying their desire of a friendly compliance to avoid further mischiefs but it had no effect But the English to aliay their joy for this Victory mee with a great check in the Streights for having by a stratagem regained the Phoenix frigate from the Dutch as she lay in Legorn-Haven they prepared for another encounter with them Captain Boddily with nine men of War sailed from Porto Congone to assist Captain Apleton at Legorn where he had been kept in for several months by twenty two Holland frigates upon his approach Caprain Apleton weighed out of the Mole a little too soon with his ships and was instantly ingaged by the whole Dutch Fleet who having the wind their Admiral and two others bâ—arded the Leopard a stout ship of above fifty Guns who fought bravely five hours but at length was over-powered The Bonadventure by a shot in her powder-room took fire and was blown up The Peregrine was ingaged with four or five Dutch at a time and having her main-mast and mizen-mast shot away was also taken The Levant-Merchant was first boarded by one of the Enemies ships of thirty six Guns and after
two hours fight by another as big the first of which she sunk presently after and yet was also possest by the Dutch The Sampson was boarded by young Rere Admiral Trump on one side and a Fireship on the other and so was soon burnt The loss of these five Ships was the greatest damage the English sustained since the War began and was done in the sight of Captain Boddily and nine English frigates who did not in the least assist them for which they were branded with Cowardice and Treachery At this time the King of Portugal unable to resist the power of the English at Sea sent over an Extraordinary Ambassador to conclude a peace and to give satisfaction for the Merchants losses An Agent was likewise sent from the French King desiring the release of his Ships taken going for the relief of Dunkirk and to have a right understanding between the two Republicks And on the other side four Deputies were sent from the Prince of Conde to crave aid against Cardinal Mazarine and his party who had strictly besieged the City of Bordeaux but all mediation proved ineffectual the breach being too great between the two States to be easily cemented Other Nations likewise endeavoured to be Mediators between England and Holland as the Queen of Sweden the Cantons of Switzerland the Imperial Cities of Lubeck and Hamburgh but all was fruitless This was the posture of the Civil and Military affairs of this Nation when General Cromwel with Major General Lambert Harrison and seven or eight Officers more came to the House of Commons April 23. 1653. with about twelve fouldiers whom he ordered to wait at the door and being entred spake to this purpose You have sufficiently deluded the people and provided for your own and your Relations benefits possessing these seats under a pretence of forming a Common-wealth of reforming the Laws and promâ—â—ing the publick Good whereby you have imposed upon the Kingdom whilst in the mean time you have only Invaded the goods of the Common-wealth have thrust your selves and Relations into the gainfullest and most honourable Offices only to nourish Luxury and Impiety Then stamping on the ground which was a sign to the souldiers at the door For shame says he rise quickly hence and give place to those that are honester and will better perform their Trusts Upon which they all began to move some by force or fear others murmuring but the Speaker not rising readily out of the Chair Major General Harrison lent him his hand and gently listed him out General Cromwel also commanded that bauble as he called the Mace to be taken away When the Members were all departed the doors were lock'd up and Guards set upon them and all the Avenues of the House And thus was this mighty parliament dissolved or dismissed after near twelve years sitting and after having transacted so many great affairs and this without opposition or disturbance their powers transferred into the hands of the Souldiery and their Names reprogched and vilified by the common people But to satisfie the Nation General Cromwel and his Officers published a Declaration which they had prepared the day before of the Reasons of their proceedings as followeth Our intention is not at this time to give an account of the grounds which first moved us to take up Arms and ingage our lives and all that was dear unto us in this Cause nor to mind in this Declaration the various dispensations through which Divine Providence hath led us or the Witness the Lord hath born and the many signal Testimonies he hath given to the sincere endeavours of his unworthy Servants whilst they were contesting with many and great difficulties as well in the Wars as other Transactions in the three Nations being necessitated in the defence of the same Cause they first asserted to have recourse unto extraordinary actions the same being evident by former Declarations published on that behalf And after God was pleased not only to reduce Ireland and give in Scotland but so marvelously to appear for his people at Worcester that these Nations were reduced to a degree of peace and England to perfect quiet whereby the parliament had opportunity to give the people the Harvest of all their labour blood and treasure and to settle a due liberty in reference to Civil and Spiritual things whereunto they were obliged by their duty and ingagements and those great and wonderful things God hath wrought for them yet they made so little progress therein that it was a matter of much grief to the good people of the Land who thereupon applied themselves to the Army who though unwilling to meddle with the Civil Authority agreed that such Officers as were Members of Parliament should move them to proceed vigorously in reforming what was amiss in the Common-wealth and in settling it upon a foundation of Justice and Righteousness Which being done it was hoped the Parliament would have answered their expectations But finding the contrary they renewed their desires in an humble Petition in August 1652. which produced no considerable effect nor was any such progress made therein as might imply their real intentions to accomplish what was Petitioned for but rather an averseness to the things themselves with much bitterness and opposition to the people of God and his spirit acting in them insomuch that the Godly party in Parliament were rendred of no further use than to countenance the ends of a corrupt party for effecting the desire they had of perpetuating themselves in the Supream Government For which purpose the said party long opposed and frequently declared themselves against having a new Representative and when they saw themselves necessitated to take this Bill into consideration they resolved to make use of it to recruit the House with persons of the same spirit and temper thereby to perpetuate their owe sitting which intention divers of the activest among them did manifest labouring to perswade others to a consent therein and the better to effect this divers petitions preparing from several Counties for the continuance of this Parliament were incouraged if not set on foot by many of them For obviating these evils the Officers of the Army obtained several meetings with some of the Parliament to consider what remedy might be applied to prevent the same but such endeavours proving ineffectual it became evident that this Parliament through the corruption of some the jealousie of others and the non-attendance of many would never answer those ends which God his people and the whole Nation expected from them but that this Cause which God had so greatly blessed must needs languish under their hands and by degrees be lost and the lives liberties and comforts of his people be delivered into their enemies hands All which being sadly and seriously considered by the honest people of the Nation as well as by the Army it seemed a duty incumbent upon us who had seen so much of the power and presence of God to consider of
Council of State be constituted to take care of and intend the peace safety and present management of the affairs of the Common-wealth which being settled accordingly the same is hereby declared and published to the end all persons may take notice thereof and in their several places and stations demean themselves peaceably giving obedience to the Laws of the Nation as heretofore in the exercise and administration whereof as endeavours shall be used that no oppression or wrong be done to the people so a strict account will be required of all such as shall do any thing to endanger the publick peace and quiet upon any pretence whatsoever O. Cromwel April 30. 1653. The Hollanders hoped to reap advantage from these Revolutions but found themselves mistaken the Naval affairs being still managed with as much application as before as they soon felt to their cost for the Dutch having a great Fleet of Merchants ships Outward bound durst not venture through the channel but with a Fleet of about Ninety Men of War convoyed them by the North of Scotland toward the sound and there met with another Fleet of Merchant men Homeward bound from Russia East-India and France whom they brought home safe and hearing the English Fleet was Northwards came into the Downs taking two or three small Vessels and made some shot into Dover Town boasting the English Fleet was lost and that they would send a Hue and Cry after them when on a sudden the English Navy arrived from the North and came into Yarmouth-Road June 1. Being at Anchor in Sole-Bay they discovered two Dutch Galliot Hoyses to whom chase was given till the whole Dutch Fleet was discovered but the weather proving dark they lost sight of them June 3. Our Fleet being at Anchor off the Gober discovered the Enemy about two Leagues to Leeward being about 100 sail and weighed toward them about Noon both Fleets were Ingaged which for some hours were very sharp so that in the Evening the Dutch bore right away before the wind Next day at Noon they ingaged again and after four hours dispute the Hollanders would have got away but the wind freshing Westerly the English bore in so hard among them that they took eleven Men of War two water Hoys six Captains fifteen hundred prisoners and sunk six men of War more the rest escaped by the darkness of the Night and the Flatts The English lost General Dean one of their Admirals who was killed with a great shot the first day with one Captain and bout one hundred and fifty men more and two hundred and forty wounded but not one ship was lost The English were much incouraged by General Blakes coming in during the fight with sixteen sail of stout men of War The Dutch having in the Night got into the Wielings the Flye and Texel it was resolved to sail as near the Coast as was safe where the English lay for some time taking many prizes to the great damage of the Hollanders whose ships could neither go in or out from any one Port to join together to oppose them General Cromwel and his Council of Officers having considered of the qualifications of the next Parliament and made a List of those persons in England Scotland and Ireland to whom they designed to commit the Legislative power Warrants were issued out for them to appear at the Council Chamber at White-Hall July 4. 1653. to this effect Forasmuch as upon the dissolution of the late Parliament it became necessary that the peace safety and good Government of this Common-wealth should be provided for and in order thereunto divers persons fearing God and of approved fidelity and honesty are by my self with the advice of my Council of Officers Nominated to whom the great charge and trust of so weighty affairs is to be committed and having good assurance of your love to and courage for God and the Interest of his Cause and the good people of this Common-wealth I Oliver Cromwel Captain General and Commander in chief of all the Armies and Forces raised or to be raised within this Common-wealth do hereby summon and require you being the persons Nominated personally to be and appear at the Council-Chamber commonly called or Known by the Name of the Council-Chamber at White Hall within the City of Westminster upon the fourth day of July next ensuing the date hereof then and there to take upon you the said Trust unto which you are hereby called and appointed to serve as a Member for the County of _____ And hereby you are not to fail Given under my Hand and Seal the eighth day of June 1653. O. Cromwel July 4. The persons summoned to the number of an hundred forty four out of the three Kingdoms met accordingly at the Council-Chamber at White-Hall where was General Cromwel and several of his Officers who made a Speech to them recounting The many wonderful mercies of God to this Nation and the continued series of Providences by which he had appeared in carrying on this Cause and bringing affairs into the present condition with their progress since the famous victory at Worcester and the actings of the Army thereupon after divers applications to the Parliament and waiting upon them with the grounds and necessity of their dissolving which he declared to be for the preservation of this Cause and the interest of all honest men who have been ingaged therein He then told them of the clearness of the Call given to the Members then present to take upon them the supream Authority and from the Scriptures exhorted them to their duty desiring that a tenderness might be used toward all conscientious persons of what Judgment soever After which General Cromwel produced an Instrument under his own Hand and Seal whereby he did with the advice of his Officers devolve and intrust the supream Authority and Government of the Common-wealth into the hands of the pâ—â—â—ons there met who or any forty of them were to be held and acknowledged the supream Authority of the Nation unto whom all persons within the same and the Territories thereto belonging were to yield obedience and subjection and that they should sit no longer than Nov. 3.1654 and three months before their dissolution they were to make choice of other persons to succeed them who were not to sit above twelve months anâ—â—chen to provide for a succession of Government Which Instruction being delivered them the General commended them to God himself with his Officers withdrew From thence the Members forthwith adjourned to the Parliament-House at Westminster and first considered what Title to take to themselves and after three days debate they resolved they would be called The Parliament of the Common-wealth of England and chose Mr. Rous for their Speaker About this time John Lilburn being a few months before banished by an Act of the last Parliament for certain crimes he was charged with took occasion upon this change of Government to return into England and cast himself upon
possible to perswade them That it should be no Question but be absolutely carried in the affirmative This was as rigorously opposed by the majority of the House and among the rest a Gentleman who had all along stron ly opposed Monarchy as disagreeable to his Interest stood up and said The parliament cannot but discern the snares that are laid to intrap the priviledges of the people and for my own part as God has maâ—e me Instrumental in cutting down Tyranny in one person so now I cannot endure to see the Nations liberties shackled by another whose Right to the Government can be measured out no otherwise than by the length of his Sword which was the only thing that emboldened him to command his Commanders Many others seconded this motion confirming what he had said and directly against a single person These debates and divisions upon the protectors Instrument which continued eight days successively did much disturb him fearing they would produce irreconcileable differences and therefore to remedy it in time and put the parliament into a milder temper he goes from White-Hall to Westminster and sending for the members then sitting into the painted chamber he thus addresses them Gentlemen The God of Heaven knows what grief and sorrow of heart it is to me to find you falling into heats and divisions but I would have you take notice of this That the same Government made me protector which made you a parliament and that as you are intrusted with some things so am I with others and that in the Government there are certain Fundamentals which cannot be altered As 1. That the Government should be in a single person and a parliament 2. That parliament should not be perpetual 3. That the militia should not be trusted into one hand or power but so that the parliament should have a check upon the protector and the protector on the parliament 4. That in matters of Religion there ought to be Liberty of Conscience and that persecution in the Church was not to be Tolerated The rest of the things in the Government are examinable and alterable as the state of affairs do require and for my own part my heart is even over-whelmed with grief to fee that any of you should endeavour to overthrow what is settled contrary to the Trust received from the people and which cannot but bring very great inconveniency upon your selves and the Nation This was the substance of his perswasions but doubting that this would not sufficiently bring them over to his Interests he contrived a Recognition and acknowledgment which was to be signed by every member before he should be admitted to sit in the House as followeth I do hereby promise and ingage to be true and faithful to the Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and shall nor according to the tenor of the Indenture whereby I am returned to serve in parliament propose or give any consent to alter the Government as it is settled in one person and a parliament This was subscribed by several of the members tho' the greater number at first refused especially those of the late long parliament so that of 400 there appeared only 200 but afterward were made up 300 who fell afresh upon the same disputes and run over all the Articles of the Instrument of Government resolving to have the Judgment of the whole House upon them in one entire Bill and so present it thereby to waste time and hinder the Protector from having money which he much wanted so that after five months dilatory proceedings and that they had not yet settled him in the Government the time being expired wherein the Instrument gave him leave without losing one day nay scarce an hour he dissolved the parliament This dissolution incouraged the most opposite parties to conspire against the Protector that is the fifth Monarchy men and Royalists the first expected King Jesus or the erecting of a fifth Kingdom the second longed for the Restoration of King Charles and the Protectors Favourites desired King Oliver and every party manifested their impatience but none of them could attain their wishes and when Oliver might afterwards yet he thought it not safe The protector was not ignorant of their designs and resolved first to deal with the weakest for finding this Millionary principle spread in the Army he discarded Major General Harrison and coll Rich and after sent them with coll Carew and Courtney prisoners to remote Castles and General Monk had order to seize Major General Overton and Major Bramston Holmes and other Officers and cashier them Overton was sent up prisoner to the Tower and his Regiment given to coll Morgan coll Okeys Regiment was given to the Lord Howâ—â—d Cornet now collonel Joyce was likewise dismâ—st having reproach'd Cromwel to his face with his services And thus the danger from the Army was quickly suppress'd But the design of the Royalists or Cavaliers would have been more formidable had not the whole contrivance thereof been discovered to the Protector by one Manning who was with King Charles in Germany and a Spy upon all his actions so that Cromwel knew the rise and progress and first appearance of those Arms against him without being surprized though all the Gentlemen of that party in England were one way or other ingaged or at least privy to iâ—â— but the seizing the principal of them throughout the Kingdom a little before the execution much frusâ—â—â—ted the probable effects of that Insurrection The L. Mayor was sent for and acquainted with it and 〈◊〉 militia settled Skippon being made Major-Generâ—â— All Horse Races forbidden and several dissolâ—â—â—â—â—â—sons were seized upon suspicion Counter ploes 〈◊〉 used all sorts of Ammunition being sent down â—â—â—veral Gentlemens Houses with Letters without Nâ—â—â—â— and the Gentlemen for not discovering them sâ—â—â—â—â— Yet notwithstanding all these discouragements 〈◊〉 Western Association thought themselves ingaged in honour to rise upon the day appointed and which they had signified to K. Charles who was come from Colen to the Sea coasts in order to have passed over to his friends with the first opportunity accordingly March 11. 1654. a party of 200 under Sir Joseph Wagstaff coll Penruddock and Grove march'd into Salisbury where the Judges Rolls and Nichols were sitting at the Assize and seized all their Horses declaring the cause of their appearance without further injury or taking any money which lay in Serjeant Maynard and other Lawyers chambers promising to return and break their fasts with the Judges provisions which they did and increased their number to four hundred the whole City being well affected to them Thence they marched to Blanford where coll Penruddock himself proclaimed the King in the Market-place and so marched Westward Captain Butler with two Troops of Cromwels Horse following at a distance in their Rere to give them opportunity of increasing but by the Protectors taking up so many before very few came in and many deserted when they saw no hopes
send them into Ireland to dye of Sickness or Famine which caused the Souldiers to use contumelious speeches against the two Houses and thereupon a Council of Officers was set up consisting of two Commission-Officers and two private Souldiers out of every Regiment to meet and consult for the good of the Army and to draw up and present all their Grievances to the General and these were called Adjutators Who having met by the Instigation of Cromwel and some others that made them sensible of their own strength they resolved upon seizing the King at Holmby-House under pretence of freeing him from that narrow restraint under which he was kept by the parliaments Order To effect which Cornet Joyce is sent thither with five hundred Horse who took the King out of the parliaments Commissioners hands and carried him along with them in the Army This the General certifies in a Letter to the parliament affirming it to be done without his consent and that the reason alledged by the Actors was Because certain persons had designed to take away his Majesty thereby to gather strength to make a new War which they were able and ready to prove When this was known an Order passed both Houses of Parliament and was sent to the General 1. That the King should reside at Richmond 2. That he should be attended by the same persons he was at Holmby 3. That Roffiters Regiment should Guard him And the Presbyterians who were the greater number in Parliament being further alarm'd by these proceedings resolved to divide the Army and send part of it to Ireland and presently to cashiere Cromwel and his Assistants And they publish a Declaration forbidding the Souldiers to Petition the Parliament as being under their command Likewise they had privately resolved to seize upon Cromwel then in London who having notice of it got secretly and hastily out of Town and with full speed rid to Tripoly-Heath so that his Horse was all in a foam and was received with the acclamations of the whole Army to whom he discovered the intentions and actions of the Parliament whereupon they entred into an Ingagement Not to Disband till the proposals they had drawn up for regulating all matters were answered and then marching to New-Marker they subscribed thereto Cromwel putting his Name first and the rest of the Officers generally followed so that several parchment Rolls were filled with their Names The next day was brought from the General and his Council of Officers an Impeachment of eleven Members of the House of Commons who were counted the chief of the Presbyterian party namely Sir W. Waller Coll. Massey Sir John Clothworthy Sir Denzil Hollis Coll. Long Mr. Anthony Nicholas Sir Ph. Stapleton Mr. Glyn Sir John Maynard Sir William Lewis and Coll. Edward Harley charging them with hindring the relief of Ireland obstructing of Justice and acting somewhat against the Army and the Laws of England The Members declared themselves ready to answer but the Army would have them secluded from their seats in Parliament till they had brought in their answer whereupon they withdrew themselves by consent for six months After which the Army marched nearer to London and came to Bedford the King going to the Earl of Bedfords-House near Wouborn And now the Citizens being for the Presbyterian party in the House and the Independents for the Army great divisions happened in London for the changing that Parliament having ordered the Militia of the City which had been established the 4th of May and put others better affected to the Army in their rooms the Presbyterian party were extreamly incensed thereat and came two days after to the House with a petition accompanied by a multitude of Citizens and Apprentices who coming to the door of the Commons cried out That they must grant their petition before they rose Whereupon the House beginning to rise they took the Speaker and held him in the Chair detaining him and the rest of the Members till they forced another Order from them ' That the King should come to London After which they adjourned to July 30. but then both Speakers were absent having withdrawn themselves to the Army whereupon two new Speakers were chosen the Lord Hunsdon and Mr. Henry Pelham Barrister by whom the following Orders were made that day 1. That the King should come to London 2. That the Militia of London should have power to raise Forces for defence of the City 3. They should also have power to choose a General for those Forces and that the eleven impeached Members should return to their feats The Citizens armed with these Orders presently proceed to raise Forces choosing Massey their General In the mean time the Lords and Commons which had left London consulting with the General and chief Commanders of the Army made an Order That all Acts and Decrees that had passed on July 26. and since should be accounted null and void and that they did adhere to the Declaration of the General and Council of the Army It was likewise decreed That the General with his Army should march to London Upon whose approach the Citizens who made some semblance of opposition meeting in Common-council and finding it impossible suddenly to raise Forces to oppose them they sent to the General for a pacification which by the consent of the Members of Parliament was granted them on these conditions 1. That they should desert the Parliament now sitting and the eleven Impeached Members 2. To recal their late Declaration 3. To relinquish their present Militia 4. To deliver up to the General all their Forts and the Tower of London 5. To Disband all the Forces they had raised All which not daring to deny were instantly ratified and so August 6. 1647. the Army marched triumphantly through London to Westminster with the two Speakers and the Members of Parliament whom they restored to their former Sears and the eleven secluded Members left London some going beyond Sea and others with passes to their Houses in the Country Both Speakers in the Name of the whole Parliament gave thanks to the General and made him Commander of all the Forces in England and Wales and Constable of the Tower of London a months pay was likewise given to the Army for a gratuity The next day Fairfax Cromwel Skippon and the other Commanders marched from Westminster through London to the Tower where some commands and the Militia were altered and to curb the City her Militia was divided Westminster and Southwark having power to command their own Trained Bands And thus was the Presbyterian party depressed and all things managed according to the Inclination of the Independents and the Army After this Fairfax marched out of London quartering his Souldiers in the Towns and Villages adjacent only leaving some Regiments about White hall and the Mewse to guard the Parliament his head Quarters being at Putney and the King about the middle of August after divers removes was at length brought to Hampton-court where he seemed
not at all restrained but lived like a Prince in all the splendor of a Court all sorts of people being freely admitted to kiss his hands and wait upon him yea his servants from beyond Sea even those who had been Voted Delinquents as Ashburnham Barkley and the rest were permitted by the Army to have safe recourse to him which was generally wondred at About this time a disturbance arose in the Army by a party called Levellers some of whom were seized at Ware and the principal sticklers shot to death others Imprisoned and all their favourers cashier'd twenty being discarded out of one Troop And now propositions were sent to the King at Hampton-court agreed upon by both Houses and with the concurrence of the Scotch Commissioners but the King refused to comply with them for Loâ—don and Lancrick newly come out of Scotland having privately discours'd with the King sent Letters to the Parliament requiring That the King may come to London and there personally treat with the Parliament about the matters in controversie Though not long before they denied it to be just that before the King had given satisfaction and security to the people he should be admitted to London or to any personal Treaty with the Parliament and refused to receive him into Scotland lest he might raise commotions there but they alledged in their defence That the King had been taken from Holmby against his will and without the consent of Parliament and still remained under the power of an Army not in that freedom proper for treating of matters of so great concernment But while the Parliament were framing propositions they were suddenly surprized with the news that the King was secretly withdrawn from Hampton-court Letters coming from Cromwel about midnight to the Speaker For Nov. 12. whilst the Commissioners of Parliament and Collonel Whaley who commanded the Guard expected when the King would come out of his Chamber to supper and wondred at his long stay at last about Nine a clock some going in missed the King finding his Cloak and a Letter written with his own hand to the Commissioners to be communicated to the Parliament wherein having discoursed about captivity and the sweetness of liberty he protested before God He did not withdraw to disturb the publick peace but for his safety against which he understood there was a Treasonable Conspiracy c. and that if he might be heard with freedom honour and safety he should instantly break through this cloud of retirement and shew himself the Father of his Country The Parliament startled at his departure sent some persons to the Sea-coasts to prevent his going beyond Sea and when it was reported he was concealed in London Ordered That if any man should closely detain the Kings person he should be punish'd with loss of Estate and Life But this cloud soon dissolved Letters coming from Coll. Hammond Governour of the Isle of Wight that the King was come thither and had delivered himself into his proâ—ection and that he would dispose of him as the Parliament should appoint who commending Hammond ordered That he should Guard the King with diligence and wait on with respect and honour and that all necessaries should be sent him The King sent a long Letter from thence to the Parliament wherein he desired to come to a personal Treaty at London which was also vehemently pressed by the Scots Commissioners Whereupon after a long debate Nov. 26. they drew up four propositions in the form of Acts to be signed by the King in the Isle of Wight and then he should be admitted to a personal Treaty which were 1. To pass an Act for settling the Militia of the Kingdom 2. An Act for calling in all Declarations Oaths and Proclamations against the Parliament and their adherents 3. For Incapacitating those Lords who were made after the Great-Seal was carried to Oxford from sitting in the House of Peers thereby A power to be given to the two Houses to adjourn as they shall think fit The Commissioners of Scotland declared against these Bills however Dec. 24. they were presented to the King who understanding the minds of the Scots and the Factions in London absolutely refused to sign them Which deniâ—l was sharply debated in the House and it was affirmed That the King by this denial had denied his protection to the people of England for which only subjection is due to him And therefore Jan. 17. a Declaration and Votes passed both Houses of Parliament That they will make no further Addresses to the King nor any other to make application to him without their Order under penalty of High-Treason That they will receive no more Messages from him to both or either Houses of Parliament or any other person This was seconded by a Declaration of the General and Officers of the Army which was presented to the House and thanks returned them for their Resolutions to adhere to the Parliament in their proceedings concerning the King and against him or any other that shall partake with him The Parliament likewise by their Declaration did endeavour to appease the minds of the people many of whom were extreamly discontented with these proceedings Tumults and Insurrections being daily feared so that the Parliament though victorious and guarded with a conquering Army no Forces visibly appearing against them yet were never in more danger and every man began to foresee Slaughter and War as Mariners observe a rising Tempest ' The threatning Waves in Tracts voluminous ' Boil up The Seas by blasts uncertain blown ' Betoken many Winds conception The Kings party though conquered had great hopes of retrieving their Cause and the same thing seemed to be the wish of many of those called Presbyterians out of their strong aversion to the Independents so that the King though set aside and confined within the Isle of Wight was more formidable this Summer than in any other when he was followed by his strongest Armies The Name of King had now a farther operation and the pity of the vulgar gave a greater Majesty to his person Prince Charles also by his absence and the Name of banishment was more desired of them and by his Commissions privately sent from his Father and Commands under his Name he was able to raise not only Tumults but Wars The Parliament for their security Quartered part of the Army about Westminster the Mewse and other places of the City and some Lords and Commons were chosen out of the House and called A Committee of Safety and sate at Derby-House with power to suppress Tumults and Insurrections and to raise Forces upon occasion which were the Earls of Northumberland Kent Warwick and Manchester the Lords Say Wharton and Roberts and thirteen of the H. of Commons among whom was Lieutenant-General Cromwel And it was not long e're they had occasion to make use of their Authority for upon Sunday April 9 1648. some Apprentices and other loose people playing in Moor-fields set upon a Company of the
Trained Bands and with sâ—ones beat the Captain out of the Fields taking away his Colours with which they marched in the head of a disorderly Rout increasing continually by the way to Westminster crying out They were for King Charles but by a Troop of Horse out of the Mewse were soon dispersed yet running back into the City and others joining them they remained all Night in a body to the great terror of the Citizens so that the Lord Mayor who was for the Parliament escaped privately out of his House and went to the Tower In the morning Fairfax sent part of his Army into the City who drove them into Leaden-Hall taking some prisoners and scattered the rest so that this Tumult was instantly suppress'd for which service he had the thanks of the Parliament and some of the principal Citizens and a thousand pound gratuity to his Souldiers May 26. about three hundred came out of Surry to Westminster with a Petition to the Parliament wherein they demand That the King should be presently restored to his former Dignity and come to Westminster with honour freedom and safety to treat personally there about all Controversies That the Army should presently be Disbanded and the free people of England be governed by their known Lâ—ws and Statutes These Petitioners were so earnest for an answer that they would not stay â—â—ll the Parliament could debate it but set upon the Souldiers that guarded the House of whom some they hurt and killed one Whereupon some Horse and Foot were sent from the Mewse who gave them a feeling answer killing some and scattering the rest so that they were utterly vanquished At the same time the Kentish-men were coming with a Petition and a formidable Army to back it being inraged at the death of their Companions who raised a Tumult at Canterbury to prevent their arrival Gen. Fairsax was sent with seven Regiments to Black-Heath In the mean time some small Insurrections happened in Suffolk at Stamford and in Cornwall but were soon suppress'd by Coll. Wait Sir Hardrefs Waller and others Sir Thomas Glemham had seized upon Carlisle and Sir Marmaduke Langdale upon Berwick and fortified it and the Royalists had taken the strong Castle of Pomfret To manage these Wars in the North Coll. Lambert was left with some Regiments of Fairfaxes Army but the most formidable danger seemed to be in Wales where Poyer Powel and Langhorn three Parliament Collonels had raised an Army of eight thousand men by a Commission from Prince Charles but Collonel Horton with three thousand ingaged them near Peterstone and totally routed and put to flight their whole Army A great slaughter was made and about three thousand prisoners taken equal to the number of the Victors among whom were one hundred and fifty Officers many Colours a great quantity of Arms with all their Cannon Langhorn and Powel escaped with Poyer into Pembrook-castle Cromwel himself about the beginning of May was sent into Wales with some Regiments who coming to Chepstow-castle resolved to besiege it but hastening to Pembroke he left Coll. Ewer at Chepstow who within fifteen days took that Castle and klled Kemish to whom the Governour had treacherously surrendred it May 20. Cromwel came to Pembrook of which Collonel Poyer was Commander who relying on the great strength of the place refused all conditions being sensible that time was very precious with the Parliament who were surrounded with so many difficulties at once but Cromwel to whom despair was altogether a stranger prepared for the Siege being much furthered in his work from the Sea by the great Industry of Sir George Ayscough who continually furnish'd him by the assistance of a Squadron of Ships with great Guns and Provisions of all sorts from Bristol Having taken a full survey of the strength of the Castle he resolves to batter it with his Cannon because he had notice their Powder and other provisions would soon be spent and that the divisions he heard were among them might occasion them to yield and so save the loss of his men of whom he was very careful since so much Work lay upon their hands In the mean time he strictly guarded the Trenches to prevent them from coming out which had the effect he expected Hunger if not breaking through stone Walls yet occasioning them to deliver up the Town and Castle the Souldiers upon Quarter but Langhorn Poyer Powel and some others upon mercy which the rest found but Poyer was shot to death While Cromwel was acting these things in Wales Fairfax with his seven Regiments marched from Black-Heath toward Rochester and about Gravesend a great number were got together and among them above twenty Knights Esquires and Gentlemen of the County with several of the Kings old Commanders but they durst not ingage Fairfax though more numerous some marching to Maidstone a few to Rochester others to Dover to besiege that Castle but were soon removed by Coll. Rich and Sir Mich. Livesey About two thousand were got to Maidstone and resolved to defend it which they did with such obstinacy that the valour of Fairfax and his Souldiers were never tryed so much before nor a Victory got with greater danger for after they had broke into the Town with much difficulty they found a War in every Street and Cannon planted against them so that they were forced to fight for every corner of it but at length with the loss of forty men it was taken two hundred of the Royalists being slain and fourteen hundred made prisoners four hundred Horse and two thousand Arms taken and it was remarkable that at the same time another Army of many thousand Kentish-men coming from Rochester to aid their Friends yet when they came near durst not assist them but stood in sight while Fairfax took the Town Kent seemed now to be quiet when the Lord Goring with the remains of the Kentish-men being about two thousand marched as far as Greenwich sending to see how the Citizens stood affected to the business but while he staid expecting an answer some Troops of the Army came in sight upon which Goring and all his company fled the Horsemen persuing took some Booty and the Kentish-men generally went home to their own Houses but the Lord Goring with about five hundred Horse coming to Greenwich they got Boats and passed over into Essex and the Lord Capel with Forces out of Hartford-shire and Sir Charles Lucas with a body of Horse joined him at Chelmsford with several of the Kings Souldiers and many Londoners who flock'd to them The General followed them crossing the Thames at Gravesend and at length drove them into Colchester where after near three months Siege being reduced to that extremity as to live several VVeeks upon Horse-flesh despairing of relief they at length yielded themselves prisoners Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle being shot to death At this time Cromwel marches Northward to endeavour to prevent the danger from Scotland from whence D. Hamilton was marching
with a potent Army Lambert was sent before to suppress Glemham and Langdale who with their Forces being about three thousand retired into Cumberland and Westmoreland expecting to join with the Seets which they did and fell upon Lambert at Appleby forcing him to retire out of the Town but Cromwel having received all necessary supplies from the Parliament came and joined him and observed the motions of D. Hamilton being both but eight thousand six hundred men against the Scots and English Army of twenty one thousand who were marched into England as far as Preston in Lancashire where Cromwel resolved to fight them his forlorn ingaging them first with two hundred Horse and four hundred Foot and he himself leading up the main body in the best posture the place would admit being a dirty lane and inconvenient for Horse where after four hours dispute he put them to the rout whom the Conquerours persued through Preston and having cleared the Streets followed them as far as Warrington about twenty miles killing many in the chase and taking Lieutenant-General Baily prisoner with the greatest part of the Scots Army granting them only Quarter for their Lives Three thousand Scots were slain and ten thousand taken prisoners with above one hundred colours and all their Baggage Duke Hamilton finding the service too warm retreats over the Bridge with a good party of Horse and Foot but Cromwel ordered his men to fall in among them pell-mell with their swords drawn at which desperate courage the Scots being amazed betook themselves to flight and the Duke with a body of Horse got to Utoxâ—â—â—r where he was taken prisoner by the Lord Grey and about three thousand Horse with him Langdale was also taken by a Parliament Captain Conspiracies by land though over the whole Kingdom seemed not enough but the Sea likewise revolted from the Parliament divers of the chief Ships in the Royal Navy in June 1648. set the Vice-Admiral Rainsborough ashoar declaring they would serve the King and P. Charles now coming from Holland with twenty sail of Ships and two thousand men The Parliaments Vice-Admiral joined with them and the D. of York who had made his escape from London being also aboard At which the Parliament were much disturbed and sent to the E of Warwick to command the remaining Navy which he readily undertook but his brother though no souldier by commission from the Prince assembles five hundred Horse and Foot about Kingston-Heath depending on the affections of the Citizens having with him the D. of Buckingham his Brother L. Francis Villiers and the E. of Peterborough but Sir Michael Livesey and others soon dispersed them The L. Francis Villiers was slain and the L. Holland flying with the remainder of his Horse to St. Needs was altogether subdued Dalbeer and some other Gentlemen slain and himself taken prisoner At the same time Rossirer obtained a great Victory over one thousand Horse who were pillaging the Country out of Pomfret-castle About the end of August Warwick was with a good Fleet in the River of Thames when P. Charles with a great Navy of twenty stout Men of War came up the River and commanded him to take down his Flag and yield Obedience to him as chief Admiral by the Kings Commission Warwick refused yet declined fighting in that narrow channel expecting to be joined by the Portsmouth Fleet commanded by Sir G. Ayscough which the Royalists reported was revolted also but though most of the Mariners were inclined to the Prince yet Sir George by his prudent managery at length confirmed them in their Obedience to the Parliament and failing by P. Charles in the Night brought all his Ships safe to the E. of Warwick who now resolved to ingage the Prince but finding he was gone back to Holland for want of provisions he followed him soon after with the whole Fleet to Goree upon that coast Cromwel after he had given that great defeat to Hamilton following his Victory marches toward Scotland to assist Argyle and Levens against the Forces of Monroe and Lanerick and to give them an account what was become of Hamilton but upon his approach without effecting any thing they withdraw their Forces back into Scotland and Cromwel in his way reduced Berwick and Carlisle into the Parliaments power Before he entred Scotland he Rendevouz'd his Army on the banks of the Tweed and caused proclamation to be made at the head of every Regiment That no man upon pain of death should take from the Scots either Cattel or Goods without Order He then marches directly toward Edinburgh to consult about the affairs of both Kingdoms many of the Scots Nobility and Gentry were sent from the Committee of Estates to meet him who after congratulatory Orations made conducted him to Edenburgh where Argyle Leven and other Lords treated him and the rest of the English commanders with a magnificent banquet in the Castle Thanks were given by the Ministers to Cromwel who was by them stiled The preserver of Scotland under God many of these having denounced the wrath of God against that Army of Hamilton which by the success they now thought fulfilled Such also was the Testimony of the Committee of Estates written to the English Parliament concerning Cromwel Presently after the Forces of Monroe and Lanerick were disbanded and all others except fifteen hundred Horse and Foot under the command of Leven for settling the Kingdom It was also decreed by the Committee of Estates and Assembly of the Hirk for preservation of Religion and brotherly love with the English Nation That no man who had joined with Hamilton in the late Invasion of England should be chosen for the new Parliament which was then called or into the Assembly of the Kirk as being enemies to Religion and both the Kingdoms A strange and sudden alteration this was That the English Army which but a year before were by the Kirk party of Scotland called a bundle of Sectaries and reviled by all manner of opprobrious names should now be acknowledged by the same Scots to be the Instruments of God and Vindicators both of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland And this great change in the Council of Scotland had been more to he wondred at if the change that then happened in the English Parliament were not much more surprizing for who can imagine that Cromwel for vanquishing a Scotch Army by which the Nation was delivered from plunder and many other mischiefs should be acknowledged there the preserver of Scotland and that the same Victory of his against the Scots should please the Presbyterian Scots for Religion sake and for Religions sake displease the Presbyterians in England for the face of the English Parliament was now suddenly changed and the Voâ—es that had passed the year before of making no more addresses to the King were annulled and made void upon which they had published a Declaration of the reason and necessity of their proceedings New addresses are now made to the King with more
submission than ever was before resolved on the eleven Impeached Members were restored to their seats and the Houses debated of treating with the King upon his own security personally at London with honour freedom and safety But this was not carried only a Treaty was Vored to be in the Isle of Wight and that the King should chuse the place in that Island In persnance whereof the E. of Middâ—esex and two of the H. of Commons were sent to the King who answered That he was very ready to treat of peace Upon which five Peers and ten Commoners were immediately chosen and sent to Newport During this Treaty the King found all kind of respect and observance from the Commissioners being attended with a Royal Retinue the D. of Richmond Marquess of Hartford the Earls of Southampton and Lindsey with a number of other Gentlemen of Quality who waited in his Train his own two Chaplains and divers of his Lawyers to advise him in the Treaty being likewise allowed him While these things were Transacting at Westminster Cromwel having finished matters in Scotland prepares for his return and Octob. 16. 1648. leaves Endenburgh being conducted some miles on his way by Argyle and other Scotch Noblemen who took their leaves with mutual demonstrations of kindness and marching toward Carlisle when he came into Yorkshire he was defired by the Committee to reduce the Castles of Scarborough and Pomfret in his way the last of which was defended by Coll. John Maurice with great courage not by the strength of the place but the valour of the Defendants The Garrison consisted of four hundred Foot and one hundred and thirty Horse but all daring fellows who daily performed some notable Exploit by their sallies as one time by seizing Sir Arthur Ingram with a Troop of Horse and obliging him to pay fifteen hundred pounds to obtain his liberty Soon after they took Captain Clayton and most of his Troop and brought into the Castle two hundred head of cattel and many Horses though Sir Hen. Cholmly at that time beleaguered it to keep them in One morning before day forty Horse sallied out and speeding to Doncaster where Coll. Rainsborough who had a commission to command the siege in chief then Quartered three of them went into the Town and inquired for Coll Rainsboroughs Quarters to which being directed they went thither pretending to deliver him letters from Lieutenant-General Cromwel the Collonel little suspecting their business considently opens the door to receive the letters but one of them instantly stabb'd him to the heart and though his Forces guarded the Town yet they got back into the Castle at mid-day To reduce this place Cromwel having settled the Northern counties now comes and orders the siege to be streightned leaving a strong party under Lambert who was come from Scotland to prevent their ranging abroad and in a while it was surrendred Cromwel marches up to London and takes his place in parliament who in his absence had recalled their Vote of Non-addresses and were treating with the King at Newport but while this Treaty proceeded and some months were spent in debates concessions and denials another sudden alteration happened which threw the King from the height of honour to the lowest condition for some fearing they might be in danger if the King were restored to his Throne contrived to take him away quite while others were as earnest for re-advancing him so that things were brought to no issue before Cromwels return who had now the thanks of the House given him by the Speaker for his prudent conduct of affairs in Scotland At the same time several petitions were presented to the Parliament and some to General Fairfax That whoever had offended against the Common wealth no persons excepted might be brought to speedy Jnstice that the same fault may have the same punishment in the person of K. or Lord as in the person of the poorest Commoner That such as speak or act on the Kings behalf till he be acquitted of shedding innocent blood be proceeded against as Traytors c. The first petition of this kind was presented to the parliament Sept 11. the Title was To the most Honourable the Commons of England assembled in Parliament The humble petition of many thousands of well-affected men in the Cities of London and Westminster in the Burrough of Southwark and the neighbouring Villages Inhabitants This petition which broke the Ice was in a month followed by several others from divers Counties in England and from several Regiments of the Army as from Oxford Leicester from many commanders in the Army from Iretons and Ingolsbys Regiment the design of all being the same That Justice might be done on the chief Authors of so much Bloodshed in England and that those who had been raisers of this second War and were now in the Parliaments custody Hamilton Holland Capel Goring and the rest might be punish'd and especially the King himself c. These petitions were daily presented to the Parliament during the Treaty and by them laid aside but at last these desires prevailed especially after the Remonstrance of Fairfax Cromwel and the General Council of Officers at St. Albans of Nov. 11. 1648. At the same time Cromwel sent Coll. Ewer to the Isle of Wight to take the King out of the custody of Coll. Hammond at Newport and to confine him to Hurst Castle till further Order and this without consent of the Parliament and thus the Treaty was violently broken off though the House of Lords Voted That the Kings Concessions were a sufficient ground of peace and the major part of the Commons did the same But Cromwel and the Army being now come to London resolve to hinder the same and discharge the Trained Bands from guarding the parliament Collonel Prides and Riches Regiments supplying their rooms by whom above forty Members of the House of Commons as they were coming to the House were seized and made prisoners Nay further they accuse M. G. Brown and above Ninety Members for inviting the Scots into England the last Summer and therefore desired they might be excluded the House which being done and the House new modelled they Voted That no message be received from the King upon pain of High Treason That Fairfax and the Army take care of the King and that the Council of War draw up a charge against him Dec. 13. 1648. The King is brought from Hurst Castle to Windsor and the Commons declare the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance to be void and that it is Treason for the King to levy War against the Common-wealth but the Lords deny that the King can commit any Treason against the Common-wealth and reject the Ordinance for his Tryal by a new Tribunal which they had erected to consist of one hundred and fifty Commissioners six whereof were of the Lords House the rest Officers of the Army and some few Citizens And the Commons further declare That the people under God are the original
a Military life could hardly be reduced to their former Imployments Our new States-men to prevent any ill humours that might gather among them resolved to make them serviceable to their Country in the reduction of Ireland all that Kingdom except Dublin and London-derry being in possession of the Irish which neither were able to hold out without speedy assistance from England This Rebellion the most barbarous and bloody that ever happened upon earth acted by Devils in humane shape rather than men butchering two hundred thousand protestants in eight weeks space without the least offence or provocation given or without sparing of age or sex was perpetrated Oct. 23. 1641. and though contrived so secretly and acted so furiously yet was Dublin wonderfully preserved to be a refuge to those poor protestants who escaped the rage of their bloody persecutors Many of them fled to England but found little relief for here all things seemed to forebode the re-acting the same Tragedy yet in the midst of the differences between the King and parliament it was agreed to send some Regiments thither if possible to hinder the progress of those Assassines but this relief was so small that it had no effect for the King finding the parliament prevail against him recalled those Troops from Ireland many of the Rebels coming along with them to his assistance so that this Kingdom lay more exposed to these bloody Wolves than ever and thus they continued for some years But this new state having renounced Monarchy and Episcopacy resolve now to use the same Instruments to recover Ireland and to that end they ordered an Army to be sent thither The Marquess of Ormond was made Lord-Lieutenant by the late King and the Rebels had made a confederacy among themselves and upon condition to have the free Exercise of their Religion and divers other ample priviledges and advantages which the necessity of affairs obliged him to yield to they joined their Forces to his being also assisted by a considerable number of others raised by the Earls of Castlehaven Clanâ—ickand and the Lord Inchiquin so that they were the greatest united strength in that Kingdom but the confederates having broken their Articles with the Lieutenant and being ready to besiege Dublin which he was not able to defend rather than it should fall into the hands of the Irish papists he surrendred it to Collonel Jones for the parliament and came over to the King who was then carried from one place to another by the Army and from thence he went over to Prince Charles then at Paris But the Confederates surprized at the great preparations made against them in England sent Letters to the Prince humbly intreating him to send back the Marquess of Ormond with an absolute promise to submit entirely to the Kings Authority and to obey his Lieutenant At their request he returned into Ireland about a year before Cromwel came over and with their united Forces they had reduced the whole Country except London-derry commanded by Sir Charles Coot and Dublin the principal City wherein was Collonel Jones with no great strength and who was very jealous of the sidelity of his own men that often deserted and went over to the other party The Irish confederates with an Army of twenty two thousand men lay under the very Walls of Dublin and sent divers threatning summons into it requiring a speedy surrender but they had no effect upon the valiant Governour Jones who yet not insensible of the great danger he was in sent many earnest Messages to the parliament of England to aid him with all speed with Men and Ammunition or else all would be quickly lost and they knowing the difficulties of his condition hasten their assistance to him gave order for sending thither Iretons Scroops Hortons and Lamberts Regiments of Horse with Hewsons Deans Ewers and Cooks Regiments of Foot and five Troops of Dragoons all old tried Souldiers that feared no Enemy and led by victorious commanders with some other Regiments new listed to make a number sufficient to effect the business Nothing was now wanting but a General to command this gallant Army which the parliament being sensible of Cromwels conduct and fitness desired him to accept which he readily did declaring at the same time That he did not doubt but God would use him as an Instrument to execute his vengeance upon the bloody Irish with which answer the parliament were so pleased that instantly they give him a commission to be General of all their Forces and Lord Governour both in the Civil and Military affairs of Ireland and Collonel Jones was made Lieutenant-General of the Horse After which they march to their Rendevouz at Milford in Wales and July 10. 1649. Cromwel set forward from London in a Coach and six Horses attended with many of the House of commons council of State and principal Officers of the Army with a Life-Guard of fourscore who had been lately commanders very gallantly accoutred In this state he march'd to Brainford where these Gentlemen took their leaves with wishes for his happy success from thence he rides post to Bristol to put his men and Train of Artillery into the Transport-ships and afterwards goes into Wales having sent Reynolds Regiment of Horse and Venables and Monks Regiments of Foot before from Chester who with a fair wind soon arrived at Dublin to the great joy of the Inhabitants being about three thousand in all who were very careful to recover them from the fatigues of the Sea in hopes by their means to recover their Liberties And in this they found themselves not mistaken for Collonel Jones much animated with these recruits resolved to attack the besiegers with the first opportunity and accordingly Aug. 2 when the Irish with a strong party of Horse and Foot marched with much assurance to Baggor-field a little way Eastward from the city toward the Sea from whence they designed to run their Trenches towards the Works of the city to prevent the landing any more supplies from England the besieged sound a necessity to prevent them and with twelve hundred Horse and four thousand Foot fell upon the Enemies new Works and rout their Horse at the first encounter most of the Foot being also either kill'd or slain consisting of fifteen hundred besides their Horse which so incouraged the English that they pursued their victory to Rathunines where the Marquess of Ormond with his whole Army of nineteen thousand men were Incamped who hearing of it wished they would come that he might have some sport with them he soon had his wish but the sport was somewhat rude for in a short time his Army was utterly put to the rout four thousand being slain upon the spot and in the pursuit and two thousand five hundred and seventeen prisoners most persons of Quality with the Marquesses own brother all their Cannon and Ammunition with a wealthy Camp became the reward of the conquering Souldiers who made themselves Gentlemen with the spoils of the
the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London and other persons of Quality all expressing the sence of their obligations Soon after he took his place in parliament and received the thanks of the House from the Speaker and then gave them a full account of the present condition of Ireland At this time Virginia and the Caribbee Islands revolt from the parliament and cry up the Monarchy and Liturgy who thereupon prohibit all Nations to Trade with them and in a few months they are wholly subdued by a Fleet sent thither under Sir G. Ayscough Prince Rupert infests the English Coasts from Scilly Jersey Ireland and France with the States revolted Ships to the great loss of the Merchants whereupon a Fleet well equipt is set forth against him who block him up in Kinsale which Town being taken by Cromwel they were forced to hasten away leaving three Ships behind and sailed to Lisbon where they were protected by the King of Portugal which caused a difference between that King and the English Republick About the same time that is May 3. 1649. Dr. Dorislaus who drew up the charge against King Charleâ— being sent as an Envoy to the States of Holland was treacherously murdered at the Hague by persons in disguise that broke into his Lodgings and afterward made their escape And not long after Mr. Anthony Ascham the English Agent in Spain was stabâ—d in his Inn in his way to Madrid and the murderers taking sanctuary in a church the King of Spain by all his authority could not bring them to Justice But the greatest danger to this new Common-wealth though victorious in Ireland seemed to be from Scotland for King Charles II. being in the Isle of Jersey and having notice of the great factions and differences in that Kingdom between the Covenanters and the Royalists he gives a commission to the Marquess of Montross who in the year 1645. was so successful for a time that the whole Kingdom of Scotland may be said to have been won and lost in one month by which commission he was to raise Forces in Holland and other parts wherewith if possible to abate the power of the Covenanters so that the King might be able to treat with them upon better terms He accordingly in a short time sends some Forces into the Isles of Orkney and a few more under Sir James Mongomery to the North of Scotland These the Committee of Estates resolve to oppose though raised for the Kings service and send propositions to him to Jersey which being granted they would enter into a Treaty to restore him to that Kingdom the substance whereof were That he would sign the solemn league and covenant and oblige all persons to take it To confirm all Acts of parliament in the two last Sessions and to have no Negative voice in their parliament and would appoint some place about Holland to treat in The King consented and promised in the word of a Prince to perform them and Breda a Town in Holland belonging to the Prince of Orange was the place appointed where the Scots Commissioners meet him and the Treaty in a short time was fully concluded wherein one Article was That the Marquess of Montross and his adherents be prohibited access into that Kingdom During this Treaty Montross being commissioned by the King fearing he should have an express command to desist and himself be banish'd his country landed as you heard at Orkney and in the North with some inconsiderable supplies of men and money against whom the parliament then sitting send an Army of seven thousand Foot and three Troops of Horse who utterly defeat his Forces which were only twelve hundred of whom two hundred were slain and all the rest taken except one hundred who made their escape and Montross himself who being three or four days in the open Fields without meat or drink with only one man discovered himself to the L. Aston but the pronused reward or fear of concealing him caused this Lord to send him to Edenburgh and he was soon after condemned and hanged upon a Gallows thirty foot from the ground and a few days after Sir John Urrey Sir Francis Hay Collonel Sâ—bald and Collonel Spotswood were beheaded for the same cause the last at his death confessing he was an actor in the death of Dr. Doritâ—aâ—s The King was somewhat startled at these proceedings but the Scots Commissioners desired him nor to stumble at these matters since they were all designed to promote his Interests so that finding it could not be redressed he was forced to conceal his resentments and the Treaty being finished the King prepared for his Voyage to Scotland The parliament of England having exact Intelligence of all these proceedings it was debated whether the War which was inevitable between them and the Scots should be Offensive or Defensive at length being sensible what desolations they brought along with them when they came in as Friends and afterwards as Enemies in Duke Hamiltons Invasion it was concluded to make Scotland the seat of the War and accordingly they Order the Army to march Northward but General Fairfax as well as some others being dissatisfied about the obligation of the National Covenant entred into between both Kingdoms which he conceived would not permit us to make War on Scotland desired to be excused and delivered up his commission which at first was a little startling but the parliament soon found another General of whose valour and conduct they had large experience which was Cromwel who accepted of the charge and had a commission to be General of all the Forces that now were or hereafter should be raised by the Common-wealth of England and all commissions formerly granted to Sir Tho. Fairfax were made void June 28. 1650. Cromwel with his Army marched toward Scotland and was received at York by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen with great respect The report of his coming surprized the Committee of Estates who sent a Letter to the Parliament That they admired the English should advance toward them and that many of their Ships were seized contrary to the Act of pacification which allowed three months warning and that the Forces they had raised were only in their own defence defiring to know whether those of the English were designed to guard their own borders or to invade Scotland The parliament by their Declaration declare the reasons of their proceeding and among others That the Scots endeavour to seduce the people of the Common-wealth of England from their affection and duty to the parliament and to promote the laterest of the late King under pretence of the Covenant and though they could claim no authority or dominion over us yet in Scotland they proclaimed Charles Stewart to be King of England and Ireland and since that promised to assist him against the Common-wealth and had declared against the English parliament and Army ranking them with malignants and papists These with many others were such intolerable provocations and no satisfaction being
to be had but by the sword the parliament resolve to vindicate the Nations honour and to secure it from the like Insolencies for the future The Army likewise publish a Declaration wherein taking notice of the practices of some in that Kingdom who endeavour by unjust reproaches and false slanders to make the Army odious and render them rather monsters than men they to clear themselves desire them to remember what their behaviour was when they were there before or what wrong or injury was then done either to the persons Goods or Houses of any and therefore they had no reason by false reports to affright the people from their Habitations Further assuring all persons who were not active against the parliament that they should not have the least injary done them either in Body or Goods but upon complaint should have present redress and that they might securely continue in their Habitations Copies of these Declarations were given to the country people at Berwick-market and others sent into Scotland which afterward had good effect After which Cromwel marches from York to North-Allerton and thence to New-castle where he was nobly treated by Sir Arthur Haslerig the Governor and after imploring the blessing of Heaven and having provided for future supplies he posts to Barwick and July 20. 1650. Rendevouzed his Army upon Hagerstone-moor four miles from thence where appeared a gallant body of Horse of five thousand four hundred and fifteen with valiant Riders to manage them ten thousand two hundred forty nine Foot with a Train of Artillery consisting of six hundred and ninety In all sixteen thousand three hundred forty five After which they were Quartered on the banks of River Tweed In England John Lilburn about this time was tryed at Guild-hall a man of a restless and invincible spirit who is charged with publishing Books wherein the parliament are termed Tyrants Traytors Conquering Usurpers c. and though it was generally thought they were of his writing and publishing yet he made such a subtile defence that the Jury brought him in Not Guilty and so he was released Not long after Collonel Eusebius Andrews being found with a commission from King Charles H. was condemned by an High Court of Justice and beheaded at Tower-hill And one Benson who was condemned with him was executed at Tyburn At the same time an Insurrection happened in Norfolk an Undisciplin'd company assembling and roaring about pretending they designed the abolishing of popery the restoring the young King to his Crown and to revenge his Fathers death and to suppress Heresie and Schism But two hundred Horse being sent against them from Lyn and three Troops from the Army soen dispersed them twenty of whom of no eminency were hanged Sir Henry Hyde being sent Ambassador from King Charles the Second to the Grand Seignior at Constantinople had some concest with Sir Tho. Bendish the parliaments Ambassador there whereupon they had a hearing before the Vizier Bassa and the result was That Sir Tho. Bendish should dispose of Sir Henry Hyde as he thought fit who presently sent him to Smyrna and thence to England where he was condemned and beheaded before the Royal Exchange in London Prince Rupert and his Fleer lying in the Haven of Lisbon as you have heard General Blake came before the City with the parliaments Fleet and after having destroyed several French Privateers and some rich Sugar-ships of the King of Portugals he was forced by storm and to re victual to go to some other Port upon which P. Rupert took the opportunity to sail thence with his Fleet to Malaga where they burnt and spoiled several Merchants Ships Whereupon Blake reduced his Fleet to seven stout nimble Sailors sending the rest home with the Prizes and with these sailed with all speed after Prince Rupert to Malaga but they being gone to Alicant he still followed them taking in his way a French ship of twenty Guns with the Roe-buck a revolted ship and the Black Prince another of Prince Ruperts Fleet to avoid being taken ran ashoar and blew her self up Next day four more of the Princes Fleet ran ashoar at Cartagena and were cast away the rest making their escape and so Blake returned again to England The Scots had now finish'd their Treaty with King Charles the Second he having promised to confirm the Presbyterian Government in Scotland for three years provided that himself might have always three Chaplains of his own Election As also to confirm the Militia in the hands of the Estates for five years provided it afterward should return to himself It was now resolved a Message should be sent to invite him to make all possible speed to his Kingdom of Scotland though it was opposed in the parliament at Edenburgh and put to the Vote whether any more addresses should be made to the King and thirty two were for the Negative but the Affirmatives being the major part the message was sent accordingly with a protestation That they would assist him with their Lives and Fortunes to establish him in all his Dominions yet withal forbore not to advertise him they had Testimonies to produce of his tramactings by Letters with Montross of which they had intercepted three or four contrary to his promise at Breda however they were willing to dispence with him for what was passed so that he would without delay according to the Articles of agreement come over into Scotland and comply with the Parliament and the Kirk After which they prepared for his reception but prohibited Duke Hamilton the Earls of Lauderdail and Seaforth with many other persons of Quality who had constantly attended him in Jersey and Holland from returning into Scotland About the beginning of June 1650. he left the Hague and after a tedious storm and narrowly escaping some English Ships landed in the North of Scotland whither some Lords were sent to receive and accompany him to Edenburgh being entertained by the way with the acclamations of the people At Dundee new propositions from the Parliament and Kirk were sent him which with some seeming reluctancy he signed The Town of Aberdeen presented him with fifteen hundred pounds but the Committee of Estates sent to other places that designed the like enjoining them to bring whatever money and plate they had to bestow into the Treasury which they would appoint While they were in expectation of the Kings arrival the Committee of Estates and Parliament consulted about forming an Army for his service as they pretended and an Act was passed for Training every fourth man capable to bear Arms throughout the Kingdom and for raising sixteen thousand Foot and six thousand Horse the Earl of Leven to be General of the Foot Holborn Major-General David Lesley Lieutenant-General of the Horse and Montgomery Major-General the supream command being reserved for the King who arriving at Edenburgh was complemented with many congratulations and July 15. proclaimed King at the Cross and had a strong Guard to attend him and observe his
which the English had taken near Burnt Island after he had delivered his message he confidently told the souldiers their General was dead and that they did well in concealing it but he would never believe otherwise nor could he be convinced till the General ordered him to be brought into his presence who was now somewhat recovered so that upon his return this false rumour vanished But the Parliament of England hearing that he had a relapse afterward and a violent Ague they sent him two eminent Physicians Dr. Wright and Dr. Bates to use their utmost Art for his reâ—overy with an Order that gave him liberty to repair into England for recovering his health To which he made a return of Thanks by a Letter to the Lord President in which among others are these unusual expressions My Lord my sickness was indeed so violent that my Nature was not able to bear the weight thereof but the Lord was pleased to deliver me beyond expectations and to give me cause to say once more He hath plucked me out of the Grave So that now by the goodness of God I find my self growing to such a stare of health and strength as may yet if it be his good will render me useful according to my poor ability in the station wherein he hath set me I wish more steadiness in your affairs here than to depend in the least upon so frail a thing as I am indeed they do not nor do they own any Instrument this Cause is of God and it must prosper Oh that all that have any hand therein being so perswaded would gird up the loins of their minds and endeavour in all things to walk worthy of the Lord. So prays my Lord Your most humble Servant O. Cromwel Edenburgh June 3. At this time Ambassadors came to the Parliament of England from Spain Portugal and Holland the first was reminded of delaying execution on the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid The second not having full power to give satisfaction for the expences of the state and loss of the Merchants Goods by means of that King was quickly dismiss'd The Hollander kept at a distance rather wishing prosperity to the Royal party than heartily desiring peace with the Common-wealth of England Soon after Oliver St. John and Walter Strickland were sent Ambassadors Extraordinary to the States and were received with great splendor and having audience of the States-General at the Hague the Lord Ambassador St. John made a learned and elegant speech declaring That they were sent over to the High and Mighty States of the Netherlands from the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England to make a firm League and Confederacy between the two Republicks if they think fit notwithstanding the many injuries the English have received from the Dutch Nation Likewise to renew and confirm the former Treaties and Agreements of Trade and Commerce made between the two Nations wherein he shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of its commodious scituation for advancement of Trade and all other benefits Lastly That he was commanded to let them know how highly the Parliament resented the murder of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent not doubting but they would do their utmost to discover the Authors thereof After which the Ambassadors Gentlemen receiving several affronts from the Royal party there the States published a Proclamation to prevent it yet these abuses continued and no punishment being inflicted on any though the common people often swarm'd about the Ambassadors Gates and assaulted their Servants and the States evading any Treaty till they saw how matters would succeed in Scotland the Parliament highly resenting these proceedings suddenly recalled their Ambassadors to the great surprize of the States Who thereupon endeavoured by frequent visits to them to insinuate their amicable Intentions but the Ambassadors returned to England And that which gave some jealousie to the Parliament of their designs was Because Admiral Van Trump with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would attempt something against it and the occasion of it being demanded of the States they replied They had no other intent but to demand the restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pirates thereof had taken from their people With which answer the Parliament were somewhat satisfied yet to prevent the worst April 18. 1651. Sir George Ayscough with a Squadron of ships designed for reducing the Caribbee-Islands was sent thither and landed three hundred Seamen besides souldiers and soon became masters of the Islands Tresco and Briers taking therein one hundred and fifty prisoners and killing twenty They took also two Frigates of thirty two and eighteen Guns and secured the best Harbour belonging to those Islands Hence the Enemy fled to St. Maries their chief strength which yet was soon surrendred Cornet-castle in the Isle of Guernsey was at this time attempted but through mis-information of the weakness of the place the design miscarried with the loss of many Officers and souldiers About this time Brown Bushel a very earnest stickler for the Royal party both by Sea and Land and who when in the service of the Parliament had delivered up Scarborough to the King was taken and beheaded at Tower-hill The Parliament of Scotland having adjourned during the Coronation of the King met again in March and some differences arose about restoring several Lords of the Royal party to their seats in the House which yet the Assembly would not admit of till they had passed the stool of Repentance which Duke Hamilton did with some kind of splendor having a Table placed before him with a black Velvet cover and a Cushion of the same and making a great Feast that day The King having now got some power endeavoured to regain reputation among his subjects by putting all the Garrisons of Fife into a posture of defence against the landing of the English drawing what Forces he could spare both Horse and Foot from Sterling and joining them with the new Leavies which for better security he Quartered on the Water side and then goes to the Highlands to compose all differences there and to incite them to rise and join with him from whence Midleten soon after brought a considerable body of Horse and Foot and the Town of Dundee raised a Regiment of Horse at their own charge and sent them with a stately Tent and six fine brass cannon for a present to the King then at Sterling whose Army now consisted in six thousand Horse and fifteen thousand foot but the Earl of Eglington being sent to the West with some other commanders to raise more forces coming to Dunbarton Collonel Lilburn upon notice sent a party of Horse who suddenly seized the Earl his Son Collonel James Montgomery Lieutenant Collonel Colborn and some others whom they carried prisoners to Edinburgh At the same time a design was discovered the English Covenanters intending a general rising in Lancashire to join with the Scots the chief
Dutch had about 30 ships sunk and burnt and their renowned Lord Admiral Van Trump was slain in the midst of the fight and out of the Dutch maimed ships that lay floating on the Sea the English took six Captains and about 1000 other prisoners This was the bloudiest Ingagement that had yet happened between the two Nations and for their valour and conduct the Parliament ordered Gold chains to be given to Blake Monk Pen and Lawson as a mark of their favour and other chains were bestowed on the Flag Captains and Medals of silver to the Officers of the Fleet. It was after known by Letters from Holland that they lost near six thousand men in this battel The Parliament having sate about five months in which they made several Acts one for Marriages before a Justice of Peace another for relief of Prisoners another against the High Court of Chancerv another for a Tax for six months at 120000 l. per month at length they were consulting of an Act for taking away Tythes a Committee was appointed to consider of the matter who brought in their report Dec. 10. 1653. That they thought it convenient that Commissioners be sent into all the Counties and inabled to eject scandalous and unable Ministers and also be impowered to settle able Ministers in all void places That such as are or shall be approved for publick preachers of the Gospel shall have and enjoy such maintenance as is already settled by Law That upon hearing and considering what hath been offered to the Committee touching propriety in Tythes it is their opinion that they have a legal propriety in them The Parliament having spent several days in this report put the Question Whether the House doth agree with the Committee which was carried in the Negative whereupon several heats and divisions arose insomuch that Dec. 12. a Gentleman stood up and moved That the sitting of the Parliament as then constituted would not be for the good of the Common-wealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up to the L. Gen. Cromwel the powers which they received from him This motion being seconded by several others the House rise and the Speaker Mr. Rouse with the Majority of the Members did by a writing under their hands resign their powers to Gen. Cromwel at White-Hall by their Speaker who thanked them for the pains they had taken for the service of the Common-wealth though by a strange spirit and perverse principle in some of the Members they had missed of their good intentions Some of the Members continued still sitting in the House to whom Coll. White was sent with a Guard of souldiers and required them in the Name of the General to depart for the Parliament was dissolved who replying the contrary and that they were upon business and ought not to be interrupted he at length compelled them though unwillingly to leave the House The Parliament having thus resigned the power given them the whole Authority both Civil and Military of the three Nations was concluded to be devolved into the hands of O. Cromwel who calling a Council of Officers with some others to consult of the settlement of the Government they at length resolved to have a Common-wealth in a single person That the person should be O. Cromwel Captain General of all the Forces in England Scotland and Ireland alledging That it was not Monarchy which was quarrell'd at but the Male administration and abuses therein by its prerogative being unlimited and arbitrary all which would be avoided by circumseribing it in a Protector and his Council a new Instrument of Government and the supream power of a Triennial Parliament in whom during their sitting the Soveraign Authority should reside In pursuance whereof a Council was appointed him to consist of twenty but fourteen only were named at present Lord Lambert L. Viscount Lisle General Desborough Sir Gilbert Pickering Major Gen. Skippon Sir Anth. Ash Cooper Walt. Strickland Esq Sir Ch. Woolsey Coll. Phil. Jones Francis Rouse Esq Rich. Major Esq John Lamence Esq Coll. Ed. Montague Coll. Will. Sydenham And the Instrument of Government designed to be the foundation of this new settlement was to this effect That the Title of O. Cromwel should beford Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging That all proceedings shall run in the name and style of the Protector and all Honours Offices and Titles to be derived from him That he may pardon all offences but Treason and Murder That the Militia during the Parliament shall be in his and their hands but in the intervals only in his and his Councils that he and his Council may make War and Peace with Foreign Princes No new Laws to be made nor old ones abrogated without confent of Parliament A Parsiament to be called within six months and afterwards every third year and if need be oftner which the Protector shall not dissolve without consent of Parliament till after five months The Parliament of English to consist of 400 to be chosen by more equal distributions in Counties and Burroughs Of Scotch thirty to be elected and of Ireland as many The Writs for Election to pass under the Seal of the Common-wealth to the Sheriffs and if the Protectoromit or deny it then the Commissioners of the Seal shall be obliged under pain of High Treason to issue out such Writs and in case of failure in them the High Sheriffs then to do it That such as are elected be returned into the Chancery by the chief Magistrates Mayor Sheriff or Bayliff twenty days before the Session If the Sheriff Mayor or Bayliff make a false return or any way procure an undue Election he shall be fined 2000 l. That none who have born arms against the Parliament Irish Rebels or Papists shall be capable of being elected and in case they be elected to forfeit two years Revenue and three parts of their Goods None are to be elected under the Age of 21 years nor unless he be a man of good conversation None to have Votes in Elections not worth 200 l. That sixty shall make a Qaorum The Protector if need be may call Perhements in the intervals of the Triennial ones Those Bills they make to be offered to the Protector who refusing to sign them in 20 days they are to pass into Acts without his consent The Protector with advice of his Council in case of death or breach of trust is to substitute new Privy Councellors A competent Revenue shall be settled for maintaining 10000 Horse and 15000 Foot and the Navy not to be altered or lessened without the advice of the Council and upon the disbanding of them the money to be brought into the Exchequer for sudden occasions No new Taxes nor â—aws to be made without consent in parliament All forfeited Lands unsold to belong to the Protector The Protectorate to be Elective but the Royal Family to be excluded Oliver Cromwel to be present
Protector All the great Offices of the Common-wealth such as Chancellor Keeper of the Seal Governor of Ireland Admiral c. if they become void in parhament time to be supplied by their approbation or in intervals of parliament with the approbation of the Council The Christian Religion as it is contained in the Holy Scriptures to be the publick profession of the Nation and those that administer it to be maintained by the publick but by some way more convenient and less liable to envy than Tythes None are to be compelled to consent to the publick profession by fine or any punishment ever but only by perswasion and arguments None that profess Faith in Jesus Christ are to be prohibited the exercise of their Religion provided he do not quarrel with nor disturb others except the papists and prelatists who are debarr'd that License All Sales of Estates made by parliament to stand good All Articles of War to be made good And lastly the protector and his successor upon entring that charge to swear to procure by all means the peace quiet and welfare of the Common-wealth to observe these Articles and to administer all things in his power according to the Laws Statutes and Customs of England After this Dec. 16. 1653. the protector came from White-Hall to the Chancery Court at Westminster attended by the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England the Barons of the Exchequer and Judges in their Robes the Council of the Common-wealth the L. Mayor Aldermen and Recorder of London in their scarlet Gowns and many of the chief Officers of the Army A Chair of State being set the Protector stood on the left hand thereof uncovered till the Instrument was read which he subscribed in the face of the Court and then swore to perform as follows I promise in the presence of God not to violate or infringe the matters and things contained in the Instrument but to observe and cause the same to be observed and in all things to the best of my understanding will govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs and to seek their peace and cause Justice and Law to be equally administred Hereupon he sate down covered in the Chair the Lords Commissioners then delivered him the Great Seal of England and the Lord Mayor his Sword and Can of maintenance which he instantly returned Then the Court rose and the Protector was attended back as before to the Banquetting House at White-Hall the Lord Mayor bare headed carrying the Sword before him where an exhortation being made by Mr. Nicholas Lockier one of his Chaplains the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Judges departed And thus was the Protector confirmed in this high Dignity tho' many of his Officers and former admirers were much discontented thereat but to command obedience the Council emitted the following Proclamation which was published in England Scotland and Ireland Whereas the late Parliament dissolved themselves and resigned their powers and Authorities the Government by a Lord Protector and successive elective parliaments is now established And whereas Oliver Cromwel Captain General of all the Forces of this Common-wealth 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 totake notice hereof and to conform and subject themselves to the Government so established And all Sheriffs Mayors Bayliffs c. are required to publish this proclamation to the end that none may have cause to pretend Ignorance in this behalf The Protector began his reign with seeming serenity and when the different parties in Religion made their complaints to him against each other he usually told them That his power was no greater in the Nation than a Constables which was to keep peace and quietness among all parties And persuant to the power given him by the new Instrument he supplies the several Courts at Westminster with the ablest Judges and Lawyers and the City of London to shew their concurrence to this great change invite the Protector to Dinner at Grocers-Hall Feb. 8. being Ashwednesday the Streets were railed to Temple-bar the Livery men standing in their Gowns he was met at Temple-bar by Alderman Vyner Lord Mayor who delivered him the Sword and receiving it again bore it on Horseback bare-headed before him all the way After a Noble enterrainment he was served with a Banquet in the conclusion whereof he Knighted Sir Tho. Vyner and would have done the same to the Recorder Steel but he declined it The Hollanders being weary of the Wars which they had maintained with such little success and so great cost send commissioners to treat with the pretector for a peace between both Nations which at length was concluded both with the King of Denmark and the Dutch who were to pay the charge of the War money being very necessary in his new Government and in April following it was proclaimed with great solemnity in London the two Dutch Ambassadors making magnificent Treatments and Fire-works to demonstrate their satisfaction therein The Protector now sends his eldest Son Henry into Ireland of which he was made Lord Deputy soon after and General Monk was sent into Scotland Likewise the Lord Whitlock who was sent Ambassador by the last parliament to the Q. of Sweden had now a new commission sent him from the Lord protector in whose Name he continued the Treaty with that Crown and afterward finished it In March following Monsieur Bordeux was sent Ambassador to England from the French King and Sir Anthony Ashly Cooper Coll. Sydenham and Mr. Strickland were appointed Commissioners by the protector to treat with him so that he was owned abroad as well as at home King Charles was then in the French Court who finding that notwithstanding his own and his Mothers endeavours to the contrary the Treaty between France and England was vigorously prosecuted by Cardinal Mazarine and foreseeing that if the peace were concluded he and his party must be obliged to depart France he thought it more Honourable voluntarily to leave that Kingdom than to stay till he were forced out by a complement so the King with his Brother the Duke of York and his Cousins Prince Rupert and Edward retired to Chattillon a House of the Prince of Condes from whence soon after the King and Prince Rupert went into Germany and indeed it happened as they suspected for one of the Articles of the French King with the protector was That none of the Royal Family of England should reside in the Dominions of France In Feb. 1654. several persons were committed to the Tower about a conspiracy against the protector the chief whereof Sir Gilbert Gerrard Coll. John Gerrard his brother the E. of Oxford Mr. Philip Porter Mr. Vowell a School-master at Islington and in June following an High Court
upon the old foundation of the Law and that a Title upon a single present constitution as any new Title must be cannot be so firm as a Title built upon the present constitution and upon the old foundation of the Law likewise which the Title of King will be If any inconvenience should ensue upon your acceptance of this Title which the parliament adviseth your Highness's satisfaction will be that they did advise it On the contrary part if any inconvenience should arise upon your Highness refusal of this Title which the parliament hath advised your burthen will be the greater and therefore whatsoever may fall out will be better answered by your Highness complying with your parliament then otherwise the Question is not altogether new some instances have been given of the like to which I shall add two or three The Title of the Kings of England in the Realm of Ireland was Lord of Ireland and the parliament in the 33 year of Hen. 8. relating That inconveniences did arise there by reason of that Title did enact That Hen. 8. should assume the Stile and Title of King of Ireland which in the judgment of the parliament was preferred before the other In the State of Rome new Titles proved fatal to their Liberties their case was not much unlike ours they were wearied with a Civil War and coming to a settlement some would not admit the Title of Rex to be used but were contented to give the Titles of Caesar Perpetual Dictator Prince Senate Emperor So that at length the will of Caesar was their Law who said I am not a King but Caesar The Northern people were more happy among themselves a private Gentleman of a Noble Family took up Arms with his country-men against a Tyrant and by the blessing of God rescued the Native Liberties and Rights of their country from the oppression of that Tyrant This Gentleman had the Title of Marshal given unto him which continued for some years afterward their Parliament judging it best to resume the old Title Elected this Gentleman King and with him was brought in the liberty of Protestant Religion and the establishment of the Civil Rights of that people which have continued in a prosperous condition ever since in Sweden unto this day Sir I shall make no other application but in my prayers to God to direct your Highness and the Parliament as I hope he will to do that which will be most for his honour and the good of his people This speech was made April 26. 1657. but the Protector finding the inclinations of some of the people and especially of many Officers and Souldiers of the Army to be very averse to the Title of King which they had lately renounced and likewise doubting as it was then discours'd that they would fortifie his Title but weaken his Revenue who required Nineteen hundred thousand pound a year for the support of his Government besides the charge of the Spanish War he thereupon sent for the Parliament to the Banquetting-house at White-Hall May 8. following where he gave them his last and positive answer to this purpose Mr. Speaker I am come hither to answer that which was in your last paper to your Committee you sent me which was in relation to the desires which were offered me by the House in that they called their petition I confess that business hath put the Parliament to a great deal of trouble and spent much time I am very sorry that it hath cost me some and some thoughts and because I have been the unhappy occasion of the expence of so much time I shall spend little of st now I have the best I can resolved the whole business in my thoughts and I have said so much already in testimony of the whole that I think I shall not need to repeat any thing that I have said I think it is a Government that the aims of it seek much a settling of the Nation on a good foot in relation to Civil Rights and Liberties which are the Rights of the Nation and I hope I shall never be found to be of them that shall go about to rob the Nation of these Rights but to serve them what I can to the attaining them It hath also exceeding well provided for the safety and security of honest men in that great natural and religious liberty which is Liberty of Conscience These are great fundamentals and I must bear my Testimony to them as I have and shall do still so long as God lets me live in this World that the intentions of the things are very honourable and honest and the product worthy of a Parliament I have only had the unhappiness both in my conferences with your Committees and in the best thoughts I could take to my self not to be convicted of the necessity of that thing that hath been so often insisted upon by you to wit The Title of King as in it self necessary as it seems to be apprehended by your selves and I do with all honour and respect to the judgment of the Parliament testifie that ceteris paribus no private judgment is to lye in the ballance with the judgment of a Parliament but in things that respect particular persons every man that is to give an account to God of his actions he must in some measure be able to prove his own work that is To have an approbation in his own conscience of that he is to do or forbear And whilst you are granting others liberties surely you will not deny me this it being not only a liberty but a duty and such a duty as I cannot without sinning forbear to examine my own heart and thoughts and judgment in every work which I am to set my hand to or to appear in for I must confess therefore that though I do acknowledge all the other yet I must be a little confident in this that what with the circumstances that accompany humane actions whether they be circumstances of time or persons whether circumstances that relate to the whole or private or particular circumstances that compass any person that is to render an account of his own actions I have truly thought and do still think that if I should at the best do any thing on this account to answer your expectation it would be at the best doubtingly and certainly what is so is not of faith whatsoever is not of faith is sin to him that doth it whether it be with relation to the substance of the action about which the consideration is conversant or whether to circumstances about it which make all indifferent actions good or evil to him that doth it I lying under this consideration think it my duty only I could have wished I had done it sooner for your sake for saving time and trouble and indeed for the Committees sake to whom I must acknowledge publickly I have been unseasonably troublesome I say I could have wished I had given it sooner but truly this
is my answer That although I think the Government doth consist in very excellent parts in all but in that one thing the Title as to me I should not be an honest man if I should not tell you that I cannot accept of the Government nor undertake the trouble and charge of it which I have a little more experimented than every man as to what troubles and difficulties do befal men in such Trusts and in such Undertakings I say I am perswaded to return this answer to you That I cannot undertake this Government with the Title of a King and this is mine answer to this great and weighty business The Protector having refused the Title of King the Committee of Settlement was ordered to prepare an Explanatory Act to the humble petition and advice in respect of the Protectors Oath his Councils the Members of Parliament the other House which was to consist of about sixty Lords of the Protectors Electing and having Voted That Protector should be the Title of the chief Magistrate and the Petition and Advice being allowed accordingly the House desired a conference with His Highness who accordingly meets them May 25. 1657. in the painted Chamber where Sir Tho. Widdrington presents him with the humble Petition and Advice the substance whereof was 1. That His Highness Oliver Cromwel under the Title of Lord Protector would be pleased to execute the Office of chief Magistrate over England Scotland and Ireland and the Territories thereunto belonging and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice and also that he would in his life time appoint the person that should succeed in the Government after his death 2. That he would call a Parliament consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest 3. That those persons who are legally chosen by a free Election of the people to serve in parliament may not be excluded from doing their duties but by consent of that House whereof they are Members 4. That none but those under the Qualifications therein mentioned shall be capable to serve as Members in Parliament 5. That the power of the other House be limited as herein prescribed 6. That the Laws and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept no Laws altered suspended abrogated or repealed or new Laws made but by Act of Parliament 7. That the yearly sum of a Million of pounds sterling be settled for the maintenance of the Navy and Army and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government besides other temporary supplies as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nation to require 8. That the number of the Protectors Council shall not be above twenty one whereof the Quorum to be seven 9. The chief Officers of State as Chancellors Keepers of the Great Seal c. to be appointed by Parliament 10. That his Highness would incourage a godly Ministry in these Nations and that such as do revile and disturb them in the worship of God may be punished according to Law and where Laws are defective new ones to be made 11. That the Protestant Christian Religion as it is contained in the Old and New Testament be asserted and held forth for the publick profession of these Nations and no other and that a Confession of Faith be agreed upon and recommended to the people of these Nations and none be permitted by words or writing to revile or reproach the said Confession of Faith c. The Petition and Advice being read was by the Protector passed into a Law though with much seeming reluctancy as the following Speech declared Mr. Speaker I am not come hither this day as to a Triumph but with the most serious thoughts that ever I had in my life being to undertake one of the greatest burthens that ever was laid upon the back of any humane creature so that without the support of the Almighty I must necessarily sink under the weight of it to the damage and prejudice of these Nations And this being so I must ask the help of the Parliament and the help of all those that fear God that by their prayers I may receive assistance from the hand of God seeing nothing but his presence can enable me to the discharge of so great a Trust And seeing this is but an Introduction to the carrying on the Government of these Nations and forasmuch as there are many things which cannot be supplied without the help of a Parliament I think it my duty to desire your help not that I doubt of it for I believe that the same spirit that led the Parliament to this will easily suggest the rest to them And truly nothing could have induced me to undertake this intolerable burden to flesh and blood had I not seen that it was the Parliaments care to answer those ends for which they have ingaged and I call God to witness that I would not have undergone it had I not seen it to be determined by the Parliament to make clearly for the Liberty and Interest of the Nation and preservation of such as fear God and if these Nations be not thankful to you for your care therein it will fall as a sin on their heads To conclude I would recommend to you the Reformation of the Nation by discountenancing Vice and giving encouragement to Good men and Virtue desiring that you would not be wanting in any thing that may make for the good of the Nations wishing the Lord to prosper all your aims and endeavours This Speech ended the Members return to their House and soon after the Protector sends them a Letter desiring their Adjournment till the Inauguration of the Lord Protector could be performed and accordingly they passed a Bill for adjourning from June 26. to Jan. 20. following June 26. being appointed for his Highness solemn Investiture and the same day a place being prepared in Westminster-Hall there were two Chairs set one for the Protector with a Canopy of State over it and another for the Speaker with seats built Scaffold-wise for the Parliament on both sides and places below for the Aldermen of London and others all which being ready the Protector came out of a Room adjoining to the Lords House and in this order proceeded into the Hall First went his Gentlemen then an Herald the Attorney-General then the Judges after them Norroy King at Arms the Lord Commissioners of the Treasury the Seal carried by Commissioner Fines then Garter and after him the Earl of Warwick with the Sword born before the Protector bare-headed the L. Mayor Tichburn carrying the City Sword by his left hand Being seated in the Chair on the left hand stood the L. Mayor and the Dutch Ambassador and on the right the E. of Warwick and the French Ambassador next behind him stood his Son Richard L. Fleetwood and L. Cleypool and the Privy-council upon a lower descent stood the Lords Montague and Whitlock with drawn Swords Then the Speaker Sir Tho. Widdrington in the Name
Agent herein being Thomas Cook of Grays-Inn Esq who was taken and committed After this a ship bound from the North of Scotland to the Isle of Man being by Tempest driven into Ayre was searcht and many papers seized that gave light into the business And a party of Horse and Dragoons marching to Grenoch seized Mr Birkenhead another Agent for the Royal designs about whom they found such Letters Commissions and Instructions as the whole Intrigue was discovered upon which Major General Harrison was sent with a Detachment of Horse and Foot to Carlisle to prevent Insurrection or oppose the Inroads of the Scots At London several were taken up viz. Mr. Christopher Love Major Alford Major Adams Collonel Barron Mr. Blackmore Mr. Case Mr Cawton Dr. Drake Mr. Drake Captain Farr Mr. Giobons Mr. Haviland Major Huntington Mr. Jenkyns Mr. Jequel Mr. Jackson Lieutenant Collonel Jackson Captain Mussey Mr. Walten Captain Potter Mr. Robinson Mr. Sterks Collonel Sowton Collonel Vaughan and others of all whom only Mr. Love and Mr. Gibbons suffered being both beheaded on Tower-hill Aug. 22. 1651. The rest among whom were seven or eight Ministers of London upon their humble petitions and acknowledgments were released and pardoned There happened about this time an Insurrection of two or three hundred in Wales who declared for King Charles upon a report that the English Army under Cromwel was defeated in Scotland but they were soon suppressed Collonel Monk was now sent by Cromwel to set down before Blackness which had sheltred some that had much annoyed their Quarters After the Batteries were made and some shot spent they required Quarter which was given and the place surrendred Yet the Scots grew very formidable and made many Infals upon the out Quarters and Garrisons of the English with much success by having the advantage of knowing the country so that several were slain whereupon Orders were given for contracting their Quarters by slighting the remote Garrisons and the Army was put into a marching posture for Fife Blackness being made their Magazine Captain Butler at the same time arriving in the Success Frigate at Leith with eighty thousand pounds for paying the souldiers which being distributed among them infused fresh courage into their hearts June 24. The Army being ready for a Campaign General Cromwel ordered them to march to Red-hall and thence to Peneland-hills where they Incamp'd and the General in his Tent treated the Lady Lambert General Deans and other English Ladies and Gentlewomen who came from Leith to view the Camp and then returned again The Army hearing the Scots were at Falkirk marched to Lithgow from whence they might see the Tents of the Scotch Army at Torwood four miles on this side Sterling and hoped to come to a Battel but the King having drawn his foot into Torwood fortified his camp which with the River and Bogs prevented any assault though Cromwel marched in sight of them and stood from twelve to eight at Night expecting the Scots approach but they only plaid on the English with their cannon at a distance so that the Army drew off to Glasgow and from thence to Hamilton but not being able to ingage them he attack'd Kalender-house where part of their forces were which denying to yield upon fummons the souldiers with Faggors passed over the Mote and in half an hour possess'd the house putting the Governour and sixty two souldiers to the sword and this in sight of the whole Scotch Army who did not once stir to relieve their friends Cromwel finding the Scots would protract the War resolves once more to attempt the taking of Fife whereby to prevent them from having any further supplies Whereupon there were drawn out sixteen hundred foot and four Troops of Horse who under the command of Collonel Overton were designed for this service and being imbarked in the twenty seven flat bottom'd boats sent from England for this purpose early in the morning they attempted to land at Queens-ferry which with the loss of six men was effected and presently fell to intrench themselves While this was doing Cromwel with his Army marched up close to the Scots that if they had gone toward Fife he might have ingaged them before they could have reached Sterling The Scots receiving the alarm the same day sent four thousand horse and foot under Sir John Brown to force the English out of Fife upon which Cromwel sent Lambert with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot to reinforce the other party who in twenty four hours were ferried over and joined Whereupon collonel Okey with his Regiment fell in among the Scots whereby they were forced to draw up in Battalia and so did the English who were superiour in number but had the disadvantage of ground In this posture they continued facing each other about an hour and half when the English resolved to attack the Scots by ascending an Hill and thereupon Lamberts right wing falling furiously upon the Scots left they endured the shock with much resolution after a while the whole body ingaging in a very short time the Scots were utterly routed two thousand being slain and fourteen hundred taken prisoners with their commander Sir John Brown Collonel Buchan and many others of Quality Of the English few were killed but many wounded After which other Detachments were sent over to Fife so as to inable them upon occasion to ingage the whole Scots Army Immediately after the strong Castle of Innesgarrey scituate on a Rock in the midst of the Fryth between Queens-ferry and North-ferry was surrendred to the English the Garrison being so terrified that they were content to march out only with their swords by their sides to shew what profession they were of leaving behind all their Ammunition and Provisions with sixteen pieces of cannon July 27. The whole English Army appeared before Burnt-Island and the General sent a summons for the rendition thereof to which the Governour returned a modest answer and the next day desired a parley Commissions on both sides were chosen and after some debates it was agreed That all the Provisions Guns and Shipping of War should be delivered to the English c. and all the Officers and Souldiers to march out with Drums beating c. Thence they marched instantly to St. Johnstons a place of great strength and importance into which the King had lately put a Regiment of foot and therefore they made some difficulty at first to surrender but finding that Cromwel had ordered the draining of the Moat round about the Town the courage of the Scots failed them so that they soon delivered it up The King finding his affairs in Scotland grow very desperate he muster'd his Forces and finding them to be about sixteen thousand Horse and Foot with these and hopes of further supplies from his friends he resolves to return for England it self and accordingly the Scotch Army began their march from Sterling July 31. 1651. and the sixth day after entred England by the way of Carlisle
which news coming to London very much startled the Parliament and Cromwel was a little surprized thereat who by staying to reduce St. Johnstons had suffered the Kings Armâ— to get three days march before him which he excuses in a Letter to the Parliament and shews That the Army acted to the best of their Judgments Cromwel presently orders Lambert to march in the Reer of the Scots with a party of three thousand Horse and Dragoans Harrison was likewise commanded to attack them if possible in the Van and the General himself followed with about sixteen Regiments of Horse and Foot leaving the prosecution of the War in Scotland to Lieutenant General Monk with seven thousand Horse and Foot who presently took in the Town and Castle of Sterling with Aberdeen Abernethy Dundee Dimottercastle Dunbarton-castle and several others so that all Scotland was subdued to the Republick of England The King marched forward with his Army being proclaimed in all Towns as he went along and published a Declaration with a promise of pardon to all persons for all crimes except Cromwel Bradshaw and Cook A copy of the same Declaration was sent by the King in a Letter to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London but was by Order of parliament burnt by the Hangman at the Royal Exchange And a day or two after at a muster of the City Trained Bands at Bunhil-fields consisting of fourteen thousand men Lenthal the Speaker of the House came thither and caused a fellow with a Link to burn a copy of the Declaration at the head of every Regiment On the other side the Parliament pass an Act to make it High-Treason to correspond with or assist Charles Stewart with any relief whatsoever At length after many halts and skirmishes long and tedious marches of three hundred miles in three Weeks the Scots entred into Worcester Aug. 23. 1651. from whence the King sent his Letters Mandatory to Sir Tho. Midleton and Coll. Mackworth Governours of Shrewsbury to raise Forces for him but without success In the mean time the Parliament raised the Militia of the Counties and Cromwel and the rest of their Army coming up together they surrounded them on every side with their numerous Host it being never known before in England that so great Forces should be assembled in so short a time which in the whole were judged to be above fifty thousand and the Scots in Worcester no more than thirteen thousand The Earl of Derby about this time being landed as was expected at Wyewater in Lancashire with about three hundred Gentlemen and others endeavoured to raise the Country while the English were busied at Worcester and in a little time they increased to fifteen hundred Collonel Lilburn was sent thither to observe his motions and Cromwels Regiment of foot being at Manchester was appointed to join him at Preston To prevent which the Earl marched toward Manchester whereupon Lilburn endeavoured to flank them in their march so to join the foot which the Earl perceiving prest to ingage and Lilburn being over-match'd in foot the dispute proved tedious and difficult yet in an hour the Earl was totally routed and many persons of Quality taken and five hundred common souldiers with all their baggage arms and ammunition the Earl of Derbys George Garter and other Robes with the badges of the Order but he himself escaped and recovered Worcester There were slain the Lord Widdrington Sir Tho. Tildesley Collonel Matthew Boynton and other inferior Officers with about sixty private souldiers Of the parliaments party ten were slain but many wounded Cromwel having disposed the whole Army round about Worcester in order to a Siege the first remarkable attempt was possessing a pass upon the Severne at a place called Upton which was done by a party led by Lambert and Fleetwood who marched toward the River Teame over which was made a bridge of boats and another over Severn on the Generals side upon which the Kings party took the alarm and drew our Horse and Foot to oppose the Lieutenant Generals passage to whose relief Collonel Ingolsbys and Fairfaxes Regiment of foot the Generals Life-Guard and Hackers Regiment of Horse were all led on by Cromwel himself Then Collonel Goffe and Deans Regiments fell to scowring the Hedges which the Kings party had lined and beat them from Hedge to Hedge so that being seconded by a fresh supply they were forced to retreat to Powick-bridge where three Regiments of Scots more maintained another hot dispute but at length all retired into Worcester except some that were taken After which the Royalists renewing their courage drew out what Horse and Foot they could on Cromwels side the King leading them on they imagining most of his Army had been on the other side so that by this bold and resolute salley Cromwels men were forced a little to retire but after a fight of four hours wherein the King had his Horse twice shot under him the Works and Fort-Royal were taken and their cannon turned upon themselves and the English entred the Town upon which many of the foot threw down their arms which the King perceiving rode up and down among them sometimes with his Hat in his hand intreating them to stand to their Arms adding I had rather you would shoot me than keep me alive to see the sad consequences of this fatal day But all proving ineffectual the Earl of Cleveland and some others rallying some Forces put a small check to the Victors whereby the King had the opportunity to make his escape out of the Town which he did about seven a clock at Night in the dark with sixty Horse out of St. Martins-gate The whole Army now entring the City the souldiers furiously fly through all the streets doing such execution that nothing could be seen for some time but blood and slaughter till at last the plunder of the Town and the prisoners having a little satisfied their appetites they think of securing the rest Most of the Scots Foot were slain or taken but three thousand Horse made their escape The number of the slain and prisoners was about ten thousand Those of Quality taken were Duke Hamilton the Earles of Lauderdale Rothes Carnworth Shrewsbury Cleveland Derby and Kelby and several other Lords and Gentlemen six Collonels of Horse thirteen of Foot nine Lieutenant Collonels of horse eight of foot six Majors of horse thirteen of foot thirty seven Captains of Horse seventy two of foot fifty five Quarter-masters of Horse eighty nine Lieutenants of foot seventy six Cornets of horse ninety nine Ensigns of foot thirty of the Kings servants nine Ministers nine Surgeons one hundred fifty eight Colours the Kings Standard Coach and Horses with other rich plunder and his Collar of SS Many parties were taken in Warwickshire Shropshire c. so that few of that great body but were killed or taken M. General Massey being wounded surrendred himself and after made his escape M. General Midleton Lieutenant General Lesley were taken in