send to the Committee of Estates which being denyed they accepted of a Treaty and sent Major Abernethy and Capt. Hinderson to treat on their part Col. Monk and Liev. Col. White were appointed to treat in behalf of the English the result whereof was to this effect That the Castle of Edenburgh should be surrendred up to his Excellency the Lord General Cromwell The strong and impregnable Castle of Edenburgh surrendred to the English on the 24. of Decemb. 1650. with all the Ordinance Arms Magazine and Furniture of Warre thereunto belonging That the Governour with all the Officers and Souldiers should then march forth with their Arms Colours flying Drums beating matches lighted and Bullet in mouth to such place as they shall choose That such Inhabitants adjacent as have any goods in the Castle shall have them restored unto them and to that purpose they had liberty from the 19. to the 24. of Decemb. to fetch them away There was taken in this strong hold five French Canon five Dutch half Canon two Culverings two Demi-culverings two Minion two Faulcon 28 Brasse Drakes two Petards about 7000 Arms 80 Barrels of Pouder store of Canon Shot with other provisions proportionable It may seem strange and almost incredible that such a strong and impregnable hold as was that should be so easily won the like whereof is not in that Nation wherefore it was the common vogue of that time and by many credibly beleeved that it was assaulted with silver engines But whether it was covetousnesse cowardise Treachery or want that caused this sudden rendition I know not But this I know and am sure it made as much for and was of as great importance to the English as can be imagined for while that businesse was yet in suspence the Army was hindred from many attempts of great consequence Nor was the Parliament of England lesse fortunate in their maritime affairs for the English Fleet under the command of Gen. Blake lying before Lizbon after they had destroyed severall French Pirates taken many Sugar Prizes belonging to the King of Portugal of great value and scowr'd the Seas in some sort of such others as had been so extremely prejudicial to the English Merchants especially those trading into the Levant Seas they were constrained partly by distress of weather and partly to revictuall and water to make for some other port in which time Prince Rupert with his Fleet making a vertue of necessity hoisted sail and steer'd their course for Malaga where they burnt and spoiled severall Merchants Ships Gen. Blake hereupon reduced his Fleet to seven stout and nimble Frigots and sent the rest home with the Prizes and with them he made all the Sail he could after the Enemy and coming to Malaga heard they were gone towards Alicant Generall Blake sailing thence betwixt Cape degat and Cape de Paulo took a French Ship of twentie Guns and presently after that the Roe-buck one of the revolted Ships fell into their hands after which they met with the Black Prince another of Ruperts Fleet Prince Ruperts Fleet destroyed which to avoid being taken ran ashoar and blew her self up next day four more of Ruperts Fleet ran ashoar in the Bay of Cartagena where they were cast away and bulged Some few dayes after Generall Blake set sail to seek out the rest of Ruperts Fleet which were two steering his course towards Minorca Majorca Humattera but missing of them he gave over the Chase and returned for England having done as much as could be expected from men valiant and faithfull to the great encouragement of the Merchants contentment of the people and joy of all well-affected people Notwithstanding all this severall designs were set on foot by unquiet and wayward spirits in behalf of Charles Stuart some by open insurrection others by secret combination in which the Clergie had no small share as shall be declared hereafter There was executed at Tiburne one Benson for acting by vertue of a Commission from the Scots King Benson an Agent from the Scots King executed at Tiburn being in the same conspiracy with Col. Andrews who was beheaded as aforesaid Upon the same account rose a mutinous rabble in the County of Norfolk An Insurrection in Norfolk who for a while went roving to and again pretending the ends of that undertaking was for the abolishing of Popery restoring the young King to his Crowns revenge of his Fathers death for suppression of heresie and schism Is appeased and the ringleaders executed But as it was begun without order so was it managed without resolution For the Parliament were no time-givers to growing dangers but immediately gave order for the suppressing them So that 200 Horse from Lyn and three Troops of Horse from the Army with some of the Militia Forces of that County marched towards them upon which they were presently dispersed and some taken whereof about twentie were executed who because they were persons of no great eminencie I shall forbear troubling the Reader with their Names About this time also Sir Henry Hide being commissionated as Ambassador from the Scots King to the Grand Signior at Constantinople Sir Henry Hide executed at the Old Exchange stood in competition with Sir Thomas Bendish then Ambassador for the English for his place whereupon they had a hearing before the Vizier Bassa the result whereof was that Sir Thomas Bendish should dispose of the said Sir Henry Hide as he thought good who was straightway sent to Smyrna thence into England and there condemned and executed for a traitor before the Royal Exchange in London The warre in Scotland was now almost at a stand for the sharpnesse of the Winter was such in that Northern Climate that much could not be expected yet were all probable designs for the reducing that obstinate and hardy people put in execution The Scots were chiefly busied about the Coronation of their King which was performed at Scone The Scots King crowned at Scone Jan. 30. 1651. Jan. 1. 1651. with as much solemnity and gallantry as their necessity and poverty would permit then they proceeded to the excommunication of Straughan Swimon and others that came in to the English made a shift to unite the other Dissenting parties and then put out an Act for new Levies to be made throughout the Nation Soon after this Lievt Gen. David Lesley with a party of 800. Horse made an attempt upon Lithgow where was a Regiment of Horse under Col. Sanderson who being presently in a readinesse to receive them the Scots retreated without entring the Town Next attempt of the English was for reducing of Hume Castle with two Regiments of Horse and Foot Hume Castle besieged commanded by Col. Fenwick who coming before it sent in this Summons which with the answer for the unusual strain thereof I here insert SIR HIS Excellency the Lord Generall Cromwell hath commanded me to reduce this Castle you now possesse under his obedience which if you
the Dutch but afterwards quenched the Phoenix a stout English Frigot of 45 Guns was clapp'd on board by a heavy Dutch Ship the men overpowered and the Ship taken Of this petty successe the Dutch exceedingly boasted yet they bought it dearly and that by their number not their valour the English not giving out so long as they had men or munition for the Paragon lost 27 men and had about 60 wounded the Elizabeth had but two barrels of Pouder left so hard they ply'd it and to such stresse were they put Yet in despight of their Adversaries they got safe with their Merchants into Portolongone this fight was neer the Island of Corsica Upon the nick of this breach came into England an Ambassadour from the Queen of Sweden where he ended his life before he effected any thing another also from the King of Denmark who being a contemporary and confederate with the States of Holland durst not but dance after their Pipe and as soon as the ghastly wound between the two States began to fester he departed the Land About which time the Parliament considering the condition of the English Merchants trading into the East Countrey whose Ships to avoid the danger of the Dutch Men of Warre then in the Sound had put themselves into the protection of the King of Denmark but durst not venture home without a Convoy sent a Fleeet of 18 men of Warre of good force to fetch them home being in number 22 and laden with such Commodities as the English had speciall occasion for and without which they could not prosecute the warre with the Dutch Accordingly Sep. 19. they set saile out of Yarmouth road and on the 20. they came to an Anchor within two Leagues of Elsenore Castle whence the Commander in chief sent a Letter to the Governour of Elsenore by the Greyhound Frigot and another to the Danish Admirall to desire them to acquaint the King with their coming and for what with a Letter to the Merchants and Masters of the English Ships at Copenhagen to addresse themselves to the King for the speedy release of their Ships then shut up within the Boomes at Copenhagen but a mile short of the Castle the Ship was stopt Next morning the Captain went up with his Boat and delivered his Message and Letters which availed nothing so that another was sent to the Merchants and a Messenger to the King but without successe for he could not be admitted to speech with or sight of him At length two Lords were sent to Elsenore unto whom two English Captains repaired and urged the restoring the Ships and in stead of answering to the businesse they asked Why their Ambassadour had not audience The severall transactions between the English and King of Denmark Whether they had a Letter from the State of England to their King Why they came so boldly upon his Majesties Streams and so neer his House and Castle with such a mighty Fleet without three weeks notice beforehand All these being impertineut to the businesse a positive answer was urged by the English and on the 26. of Sept. they received a Letter from the King That he would secure them for the Merchants as carefully as he had done but would not deliver them to them Whereupon the Merchants and Seamen being destitute of all hopes of the releasement of their Ships left them and came home with this Fleet who on the 27 of Sep. left the Sound and steer'd their course for England and on the last of Sept. the Admirall of the Fleet commanded by Capt. Ball ran on shoar on the Coast of Shutland and was there lost but her men saved this Ship carrying the light it was miraculous that the rest of the Fleet were not all lost this Ship was called the Antelope an excellent Frigot and carried above 50 brass Guns a little after that they took about 20 Busses a Dutch man of War and a Freebooter of 20 Guns and on the 15. of Octob. arrived safe in Burlington Bay Not long after this an Agent by name Bradshaw was sent to the King of Denmark to 〈◊〉 if yet by fair means they could obtain their desires but in vain for he did not only detain the Ships but at length unladed them and sold the Goods Which incivilities towards those that never injured him in the least but desired by all fair means to enter into Amity with him may one day by the good providence of God be requited and avenged The Hollanders drunk with rage and greedy of revenge for those rubs the English had lately given them and for the continuall losse of their Ships dayly surprized and in great numbers brought into our Channel used their utmost care and industry in rigging and setting forth their Fleet which notwithstanding the season of the year they effected and Decemb. 20. they appeared on the backside of the Goodwin-Sands being 90 men of Warre and 10 Fireships the English under Gen. Blake were but 42 and not half of them mann'd most of the best Ships being laid up when there was most need of them which default without doubt was caused through the improvident treacherous finister and slothfull actings of such as then steer'd the helme of this State whom God in his due time will bring to a reckoning for their miscarriages The English notwithstanding the paucity of their number The Dutch English engage and the English are worsted resolved to go out and sight them and Novemb. 30. being fair weather both Fleets plyed to the Westward and about eleven of the clock that day were both engaged the English having got the Weather-gage in this sight half of the English Fleet as small as it was came not up pretending want of Men insomuch that a few Ships of the English bore the brunt of that fight with the whole Fleet of the Dutch the Vanguard and the Victory engaging with 20 of the Dutch from first to last and yet got clear of them all The Garland and Bonadventure are taken In the evening the Garland an English Ship of above 40 Guns was boarded by two Dutch Flag-ships and after she had blown up her Decks for want of men was taken The Bonadventure a Merchants Ship attempting to relieve the Garland was boarded yet cleer'd her decks severall times the Captain whereof being slain the Ship was at length taken Gen. Blake going in the Triumph to relieve the Garland had his foretop-mast shot by the board was twice boarded and yet got off safe as did all the rest except the two aforementioned which though they fetcht not farre yet dearly bought two other Ships likewise fell into the hands of the Dutch presently after the Fight but both Merchants Ships General Blake upon this with his Fleet withdrew into Lee Road to be reinforced with Ships and Men. This Victory such as you have heard made the Dutch greatly rejoyce and insult such is the vanity and levity of those which gaze on the meer outside
of Holland and West Friesland and upon the 11 th of June 1650. he delivered his Message in Parliament which though it produced no more then a mutuall desire of an amicable compliance yet was it very well resented by the Parliament that they shewed themselves the leading cards to the rest of the Provinces at such a time as that Now when as the Treaty at Breda was fully ended and that all their Jealousies and animosities notwithstanding the vast disproportion and notable antipathy that was erewhile between the Royalists and Presbyterians was by this means fully allayed at least in shew The Scots seemed to want nothing save the presence of their King whereby to crown their desires and confront the English in order whereunto he hasts from Breda to the Hague from thence to Scheveling where he took shipping and at last in despight of foul weather and the English Kingfishers that lay there to intercept him he landed at the Spey in the North of Scotland where he found the greatest difficulty in ascending the Throne and least enjoyed it of any Prince that was ever heard or read of For upon all occasions he was compeld to trace the steps and follow the dictates of that haughty Clergy in all their fanatick humours and imperious decrees who bereaved him first of all his old friends Counsellors and confederates whether of the Clergy or Layety who to say the truth had alwayes accompanied his Father and him in all their dysasters and dangers and had shipwrackt their own fortunes to carine and repair his though it may be by this desertion he intended their restauration But now the Scots had a King yet as though they had none they did what seemed right in their own eyes The first and most pernicious potion they made him to take and of hardest digestion was the solemne League and Covenant that ignis fatuus and only seminary of bloud and mischief in these three Nations The next was a declaration of the Kirks own framing and fashioning wherein he is taught to renounce the sinnes of his Fathers house and of his own the Idolatry of his Mother by a constant adhering to the Cause of God according to the Covenant in the firm establishment of Church government as it is laid down in the Directory for publike Worship Confession of Faith and Catechism This with divers others of the like nature although with much reluctancy he also signed which it's like burthened his spirit yet bettered not his condition which was like that of a Child under Tutors and Governours for there was not an Officer in that Church or Commonwealth how vile and abject soever in place or person but enjoyed more freedome in body and mind then he Guarded indeed he was but little regarded so that move he must not but in the sphaere of the Kirk they were the primum mobile whereby it 's apparent that the Government of that Nation was not truly Monarchicall though they had a King but Hierarchicall the confusion whereof I shall now set before you The Parliament of England weighing right well the condition into which their affairs were now reduced by reason of the Agreement that was peeced up between the Scots and their King after a serious and solemne debate Gen. Fairfax layes down his Commission which was presently confer'd upon General Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland voted that Thomas Lord Fairfax with the Army under his command should march Northwards who after some conference had with the Parliament and being prompted by an indisposition of body or mind laid down his Commission which was forthwith conferr'd upon Oliver Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland who in order to this Northern expedition arrived a while after from his victorious archievements in that country leaving his Son in Law Henry as Lord Deputy in his room Accordingly Orders were issued forth for the speedy advance of the Army into Scotland who had no sooner begun their March but the Scots took the Alarme and sent two or three Papers to Sr. Arthur Hasterig then Governour of Newcastle wherein they expostulated the Case about the sudden approach of the English Army endeavouring thereby to impede their march till such time as their designs were ripe alledging as scar-Crowes to fright fools the Covenant the large treaty and Union between the two Nations with other circumstances of the like nature as frivolous as they were fruitless The Parliament of England then published likewise a Declaration shewing the grounds and reasons of their Armies advance towards Scotland accompanied with another from the Generall and officers of the Army The Declaration of the English Army in their march to Scotland shewing that that which moved them to that great undertaking was not any reliance upon the arme of flesh or being lifted up with the remembrance of former successes or the desire of accomplishing any designs of their own that they had forelaid but the full assurance they had that their Cause was just in the sight of God looking at the precedent changes and the successes that produced them not as the work of the policy or strength of man but as the eminent actings of the Providence and Power of God to bring forth his good will and pleasure concerning the things which he hath determined in the world adding that nothing was so predominant with them next to their duty to God not to betray a cause to which he had so much witnessed as the love they had to those that feared God there who might possibly suffer through their own mistakes or their disability to distinguish in a common calamity of which Christian love they hoped that they gave some proof when they were before in Scotland with that Army and were by God made instrumentall to break the power of those that oppressed the godly Party there for which say they their late Engagement to their new King against England was no good requital nor their heaping on them the reproach of a Sectarian Army a Christian dealing all which by the grace of God they could forget and forgive and did as they say desire of God that the precious might be separated from the vile beginning and concluding with a most solemn and dreadful imprecation and appeal That to the truth of these things the God of Heaven in his great mercy pardoning their weaknesses would judge of them when they came to meet the Enemy in the Field This Declaration was sent by the Generall of the English Forces from their Head-Quarters at Barwicke to Edenburgh by a Trumpeter whom they blinded coming and going what effect this wrought the sequel of the Story will relate From Barwick the Army marched to the Lord Mordingtons House July 22. 1650. where they lay three dayes on the 25. they marched to Copperspeth the 26. to Dunbar where they received some provisions from the Ships sent on purpose to attend the motions of the Army forasmuch as the people of the Countrey had forsook their habitations and
which the English perceiving fac'd about to fight them whereupon the Scots drew off to the Hills perceiving their ' advantage lay there to impede the English at the Passe at Copperspeth which being effected they brag'd they had the English in Essex his pound meaning they had them upon the same lock the King had the Earl of Essex at in Cornwall so ready are men to promise wonders to themselves while they confer but with their own desires The English were indeed invironed with all manner of apparent dangers their Forces were lessened their bodies weakned with Fluxes their strength wasted with watchings in want of drink wet and cold weather they were alwayes accompanied with and much impaired in point of courage 2000 at least being disabled for present service were sent at several times to Barwick The Generall and his Councell of Officers finding the Army unfit for further delayes The Scots defeated at Dunbar resolved next morning to break through that their Israelitish condition by falling on the right wing of the Scots and either force a passage that way or perish in the attempt and being imbattailed by break of day accordingly they fell upon the enemy with Horse and Foot very unanimously who to hinder the English at a Passe drew up all their Horse upon their right wing and valiantly received the onset The Word of the English was The Lord of Hosts and that of the Scots was The Covenant The English as men indued with new strength from on high vigorously prest forward as resolved to become absolute vanquishers or to die martyrs After one hours sharp dispute the Scots were wholly routed their Cavilry fled and the Infantry were all or most of them slain and taken to the number of about 15000. There were taken 200 Colours 10 Collonels 12 Lievtenant Collonels 9 Majors 47 Captains 72 Lievtenants 80 Enfignes befides Cornets and Quartermasters 22 Pieces of Ordinance with severall smaller Pieces about 15000 Arms those of quality taken were the Lord Libberten and his Son the Lord Cranston Sr. James Lumsdale Lievtenant Gen. of the Foot Adjutant Gen. Bickerton Scoutmaster Generall Cambill c. At this engagement all the Forces of the English would not amount to 1200 and the Scots were in number more then 20000. And as there was a general Fast throughout England to implore a blessing from Heaven upon the proceedings of their Army in Scotland so likewise there was appointed a solemne day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for this mighty Victory obtained over the Scots in the fields of Dunbar Sep. 3. 1650. In the observation whereof many of the Clergy shewed themselves very froward and obstinate of whom I shall have occasion to speak more hereafter Sept. 7. four Regiments of Foot marched into Lieth where they found 37 Guns mounted on Platforme some Shot and Ammunition with store of wealth The same day the Lord Generall Cromwell drew the rest of his Army both Horse and Foot into Edenburrough without any losse save the Arm of a Souldier taken off by a Canon bullet from the Castle Sept. 6. being Sabbath day Generall Cromwell sent a Trumpeter into the Castle to invite the Ministers to come to their several Charges which they resused so that the English supplyed their places For some certain time the Army was busied in compleating the Fortifications at Lieth the most commodious Harbour for their accommodation in all Scotland Gen. Cromwell after he had caused a Protection for Markets and Liberty of Trade in Edenburrough and Lieth to be proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet marched forward Sep. 14. with his Army to Netherish six miles from Edenburrough leaving Major Generall Overton with his Brigade behind Sep. 15. the Army marched beyond Linlithgow but by reason of the extremity of the weather they were forced to quarter there that night Sep. 16. they marched towards Falkirk and from thence Sep. 17. within a mile of Sterling Sep. 18. a Councell of Warre was called and a Letter drawn up to be sent into the Town expressing their constant affection to and tendernesse of the People of Scotland which though they had not taken the desired effect yet being so farre advanced into the Countrey with their Army they now desired them to take into consideration their former Papers and deliver up that place for the service of the Commonwealth of England A Trumpeter being sent with the Letter a Gentleman on foot with a Pike in his hand met him and told him they would not let him come in nor receive his Letter In the afeernoon came a Trumpeter from the Scots desiring a release of Prisoners upon ransome To which Generall Cromwell answered That they came not thither to make merchandize of Men or to get gain to themselves but for the service and security of the Commonwealth of England The same day Orders were issued forth for the Horse and Foot to march towards Sterling in order to a storm Ladders and all other necessaries being provided for that purpose but the strength of the enemy and of the place with other disadvantages being considered it was resolved that the Army should draw off which accordingly they did Sep. 19. and marched to Linlithgow which when the Generall and his Officers had viewed order was given for making severall Works for the security of the place conceiving it might make a very considerable frontier Garrison lying in the heart of the Country between Edinburrough and Sterling whence leaving there five Troops of Horse and fix Companies of Foot Generall Cromwell with the rest of the Army marched back to Edenburrough Sep. 23. The Gen. and Officers kept a day of Humiliation About the same time the Kirk Party also appointed a solemne Fast 1. To humble themselves for their too much confidence in the arme of flesh 2. For the malignity and prophanenesse of their Army 3. For the Plunderings and wickednesse of their Army when they were in England 4. For their not sufficient purging their Army 5. For their Commissioners unlawfull and surreptitious manner of prosecuting the Treaty with their King and their crooked wayes in bringing him home 6. For their not sufficient purging the Kings house 7. For the just grounds they have that his Majesties Repentance was not sound nor from the heart From which time to the moneths end little was done save that Gen. Cromwell took order for the effectuall reducing of the Castle of Edenburrough for which purpose many miners both Scotch and English were procured to expedite the businesse Sep. 30. The English went so neer the works of the Castle as they carried away one of the Scots Colours 300 Muskets with other Arms without any losse Octob. 1. The Scots Galleries went on in order to springing the Mines they sent many great and small shot among them yet nothing retarded the work Octob. 2. The English made a search in the high Church at Edenburgh and found there one great Iron Gun 200 new Muskets 16 barrels of Pouder
of her friends and others that she might be out of her pain she was cut down put into a Coffin and brought to a House to be dissected before some Physitians When they opened the Coffin they perceived a ratling in her throat a Fellow standing by stamped upon her breast and belly yet Doctor Petty and two or three more then present fell speedily to use some means to bring her to life and opened a vein laid her in a warm bed procured a woman to go into bed to her and continued the use of divers other remedies having respect to her sencelessness head throat and breast so that in a few hours she spake the next day talked and coughed very heartily and in short space perfectly recovered Upon which first her reprieve and then her pardon was procured After this she as upon the Gallows still insisted upon her innocency and integrity in relation to the fact for which she was condemned And indeed this was looked upon as a speciall providence of God thus to deliver her who in the judgements of those that understood the businesse was deemed guiltlesse Herein did the hand of God wonderfully appear in detecting the unadvised actings of men and in shewing us the danger we are in when we are swayed either by passion or prejudice against the meanest of his Creatures The Parliament weighing how prone the people were to adore the shadow of the late King though the substance was destroyed caused his Statue that was set up at the West end of the Cathedrall of St. Pauls to be pulled down and that also in the Royall Exchange over which they caused to be wrote this Motto Exit Tyrannus Regum Vltimus Anno Libertatis Angliae restitutae Primo Anno Domini 1648. January 30. They likewise caused that badge of Monarchy the Kings Arms to be defaced and expunged out of all Churches Chappels and places of publick worship and Courts of Judicature throughout their Dominions and this indeed was a means to make the giddy people forget the Garlick and Onyons of Egypt they much hankered after And to adde a more splendid lustre to their strength and greatnesse they were highly courted by Embassadors from the Neighbouring Nations viz. Holland Spain and Portugall yet the crafty Hollander held at a distance as rather willing the prosperity of the Royall party then heartily desiring or effectually endeavouring a peace with them The Spaniard as he had better ends so had he better successe though in all his addresses he was still reminded of his suspending and delaying the execution of justice upon the Assassinates of the English Resident at Madrid since which time till now the controversie between the King and Church about that businesse hath been in debate The Portugall Embassador after audience had before a Committee of Parliament The Portugal Ambassadour dismist home and several applications unto them not being fully impowered to give a plenary satisfaction to the State for their vast expences and to the Merchants for their great losses all occasioned by them was at length dismist Embassadors extraordinary were sent from the Parliament of England to the States of the United Provinces English Ambassadors are sent into Holland their Names were Oliver St. John and Walter Strickland men of singular parts and of approved integrity who in gallant Equipage with a magnificent train of followers set sail from the Downs March 11. 1651. On the 12. towards Evening they came to anchor before Hellevoit slugs but not without some danger On the 13. they went in Boats to Roterdam being met with Vessels from the States then by the English Merchants were conducted to the English house and nobly entertained During their stay there the Spanish Embassador sent a Gentleman to congratulate their safe Arrivall and to desire there might be a fair correspondency and right understanding between their Lordships and him About two or three dayes after they set forward for the Hague where by the way the Master of the Ceremonies with about thirtie Coaches met them and entertained them with some Complements and conducted them to a House at the Hague prepared for their reception where they were feasted three dayes by the States and then had audience they have audience where the Lord St. John made a Learned and Eloquent Speech in the English tongue and then delivered a Copy thereof in Dutch and English the heads whereof were in effect as follows 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 Republiques if they think fit to accept thereof notwithstanding the many injuries the English have sustain'd from the Dutch Nation Secondly To renew and confirm those former Treaties and Agreements of trade and commerce made between the two Nations Thirdly He shewed them the notable advantages of England in respect of the pleasant and commodious situation thereof for the advancement of trade and all other accommodations Lastly He told them he was commanded by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England to let their Lordships know how highly they resented the Execrable murther of Dr. Dorislaus their Agent and that he doubted not but that their Lordships would use their utmost care and industry in causing a strict and diligent search to be made after the Authors thereof After which the States being acquainted with the many affronts the Ambassadors Gentlemen and others their attendants had received from English Cavaliers and other ruffians drew up a Proclamation and sent it to the Ambassadors by the Lord Catz to know whether they judged it full enough the contents whereof was to forbid all manner of persons whatsoever from giving any affront either in word or deed to any of the Ambassadors retinue upon pain of corporal punishment Three â—moneths was now spent in this tedious and costly Embassie and nothing obtained save affronts and abuses of all kinds and the Sword of Justice not drawn in their behalfe against any one of that riotous rabble that so frequently swarmed at the Ambassadors gates assaulting their servants and reviling their persons of which injuries the Parliament being deeply sensible and wearied with expectation of what fruits this Treaty would produce resolved that seeing all their Proposals and endeavours for a lasting and well grounded Peace were answered with dilatory shifts and evasions on purpose to gain time upon the English till they saw on which side the chance of war in Scotland would fall to call home their Ambassadors which sudden and unexpected news did so surprize the Hoghen Mogens that they courted them with frequent and unusuall visits and with a multitude of feigned expressions laboured to beget a good opinion in the English of the reality of their intentions towards an amicable compliance with this Nation notwithstanding all which the Ambassadors soon after return into England They return into England infectapace That which gave
further cause of jealousie to the English that the Dutch plaid an underhand game with them was because Admirall Van-Trump with a Fleet of Ships lay hovering upon the Coasts of Scilly as though he would make an hostile attempt upon that place but it being demanded of the States of Holland what was the design of their Fleet in riding so neer that Island It was answered that they had no other design therein but to demand restitution of such Ships and Goods as the Pirates thereof had taken from their People with which answer the Parliament were somewhat satisfied but not to trust them too far speedy order was taken for reducing the same into their own hands Accordingly on the 18. th of April The Islands of Scilly reduced 1651. Gen. Blake with the addition of a squadron of Ships commanded by Sr. George Aiscue that were designed for reducing of the Carybe Islands set sail and landed 300 Seamen besides Landmen upon the Isle The Seamen with much resolution courage and gallantry led the Van and easily made way for the rest so that they soon became masters of the Islands of Tresco and Briers took therein 150 Prisoners and slew about twenty they took also two considerable Frigots the one of 18 the other of 32 Guns they likewise became Masters of the best Harbour belonging to those Islands Hence the enemy fled to St. Maries their chief place of strength which in short time was surrendred As to the exceeding great strength and commodious situation of these Islands I need not say much for who so knowes those parts or hath observed the Card will see what a necessity there was of reducing the same and what a seasonable mercy God was pleased to crown their endeavours withall that they should gain so considerable a place as that being fortified both by Nature and Art without the losse of ten men from first to last Upon mis-information of the state of Cornet Castle in the Isle of Guernsey Corner Castle in Guernsey assaulted but in vain that then held out for the Royall party a considerable number of Foot with Ladders and all things necessary gave an onset but whereas it was reported and beleeved that there was but fortie men in the Castle and eighteen of them unable for service it appeared afterwards that there were sixtie able men therein enough to keep it against a far greater number then was before it so that their Ladders were beaten down and broken with stones timber and â—ase-shot from the flankers and many of the Souldiers both slain and wounded insomuch that it proved a work â—oo hot for the assailants nor was â—here more safety in getting off one or two Boats full of men being sunk by hot from the Castle but how badly soever the businesse succeeded the Souldiers were not in the least wanting in their duties There was executed at Towerhill one that had been a notorious stickler for the Royall party by Sea and Land Brown Bushell beheaded at Towerhill for severall crimes of bloud and treachery acted by him while he was in the service of the Parliament and after his revolt known by the Name of Brown Bushell And now once more let us advance Northward Blacknesse taken by the English and observe the motions of the two Armies The English desirous to gain upon their Adversaries as much as consisted with policy and their own safety with a commanded party under Col. Monk set down before Blacknesse that had much annoyed their Quarters by sheltring loose rogues and otherwise After the batteries were made and some shot spent at it they desired Quarter which considering the strength of the place was granted and the place sorthwith yeelded Oâ— the other side the Scots begun to bâ— both powerfull and numerous to thâ— eye For notwithstanding the many parties and Factions Strifes Aemulations Contentions Divisions Subdivisions Excommunications c. they peec't up an agreement such as it was to the seeming satisfaction of all the dissenters And now they joyn against the common Enemy having their greatest hopes wrapt up in a most notable design and confederacy hatcht by the Royall Covenanters of England and Scotland whereby a generall rising in the County of Lancaster and parts adjacent was contrived who by joyning with a considerable force from Scotland should have been able to confront the greatest power the Parliament then had and this plot had its rise and progresse from the Clergy those feudatories of Rebellion and Treason but by Gods Providence was seasonably discovered the Grand Agent hereof was Thomas Cook of Grayes Inne Esquire who was apprehended and carryed before the Councell of State at White-Hall whence he made his escape but in few dayes after was retaken at a House in the Strand Next discovery was by means of a Ship bound from the North of Scotland to the Isle of Man which by contrary winds was driven into Ayre and there secured and searcht wherein were found many notable Papers giving further light into the businesse Not long after this a Party of Horse and Dragoons marched to Grenock neer Dunbarton where they seized Mr. Birkenhead another Agent for the Royal designs about whom they found such Letters Commissions and Instructions that therein their whole plot was discovered Upon which the Parliament ordered that a considerable body of Horse and Foot should march Northward under the command of Major Generall Harrison both to prevent insurrections and likewise to oppose the Enemy if they should make an inrode by the way of Garlisle At London was under question the most eminent actors in and contributors to the Plot aforesaid viz. Mr. Christopher Love Major Alford Major Adams Col. Barton Mr. Blackmore Mr. Case Mr. Cauton Dr. Drake Mr. Drake Capt. Farr Mr. Gibbons Mr. Haviland Major Huntington Mr. Jenkings Mr. Jaquel Mr. Jackson Lievt Col. Jackson Capt. Mussey Mr. Nalton Capt. Potter Mr. Robinson Mr. Sterks Col. Sowton Col. Vauhan and others of all which there suffered only two Mr. Love and Mr. Gibbons executed viz. Mr. Love and Mr. Gibbons Now Mr. Love although by many circumlocutions sleights and evasions he strived to clear himself yet besides the witnesses of his own party that testified against him he was everted out of his own Narrative as also out of the severall Petitions presented by him to the Parliament in his own behalf after he was condemned which did but procure him a short respit from death for on the 22. of August 1651. he with Mr. Gibbons aforesaid were beheaded on Tower-hill the rest upon their humble Petitions and acknowledgements of their crimes were releast and pardoned And high time it was that such an exemplary piece of justice should be inflicted upon the proud and obdurate Clergy who till then thought themselves out of the reach of Magistratical power and that their Function might cloak their actions but let them know that Magistracy is an Ordinance of God as well as Ministry for there is no power but of
God and the powers that are are ordained of God Therefore it would not be amisse if our Governours in some particulars would imitate the Republique of Venice First By not admitting Ecclesiastical persons into secular Councels because they have relation to another Government viz. Pontificiall 2. By having-a special care to the Pulpit and the Presse that no Church-man from the meanest Priest to the Patriarch dare tamper with the Affairs designs or transactions of the State Howels Survey of the Signiory of Venies It being too well known saith my Author that Church-men are the most perilous and pernicious instruments in a State if they misapply their Talents to poyson the hearts of the people to intoxicate their brains suscitate them to sedition and a mislike of the Government and they have more power to do this in regard they have the sway over the noblest part of the creature the soul and intellectuals therefore if any meddle with State-matters in the Pulpit they are punisht in an extraordinary severe manner and this saith he is alledged for one main reason why the Venetian Republique hath kept their Liberties inviolable and if it shall please God to put it into the hearts of our Governours to take the like course no doubt but we shall have the like blessing There hapned much about this time a petty insurrection in Wales A rising in Wales two or three hundred being got together in behalf of the Scots King whom tell-tale Fame that hath continuall credence with the fickle multitude had possest with pleasing and yet untrue news of the defeating Gen. Cromwell's Army and the advance of the Scots into England which prosperous attempt had an event suitable to the undertaking viz. confusion and destruction The English being now desirous to put a period to the warre in Scotland by gaining a passage over the River into Fife for the facilitating their work and more easie transportation caused severall boats to be made with which they gave many great Alarms to the Enemy on the other side as also to those in Brunt Island in order to what they further intended The Scots also made many infalls upon the out-quarters and Garrisons of the English wherein they had frequently good successe killing some and slaying others having the advantage of the English by their knowledge of the Countrey for prevention whereof orders were given out for drawing off their remotest Garrisons and contracting their Quarters which was done accordingly and the Army put into a marching posture for Fife for which purpose Blacknesse was made their Magazine but the Ground not yet affording either Grasse or Oats the enterprize was further suspended The Scots having compleated their Levies to the Number of 15000 Foot and 6000 Horse marched on this side Sterling to a place called Torwood where they were faced by the English but would not be drawn to an Engagement yet still lay encamped behind bogs and inaccessible fastnesses on purpose to delay the Warre Upon which the English resolved to land some Forces on Fife side The English gain a passage over into Fife and for that end there was drawn out 1600 Foot and four Troops of Horse commanded by Col. Overton who attempted to land at Queens Ferry which on the 17 of July 1651. with the losse of about six men was effected and presently they fell to intrench themselves while this was doing the Lord Gen. Cromwell with his Army marcht close up to the Enemy that in case they had marcht towards Fife he might have engaged their rear before they could have reacht Sterling The Scots receiving the Alarm the same day forthwith sent a considerable party of Horse and Foot to the number of 4000 under Sir John Brown to drive the English out of Fife upon which Gen. Cromwell sent Major Gen. Lambert with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot to re-enforce the other party who in 24 hours were ferryed over and joyned upon which Col. Okey with his Regiment fell in among the Enemy whereby they were forced to draw into a Battalia as did the English also who were more in number then the Enemy though to equalize that they had greater advantages of ground In this posture they continued facing each other about an hour and half whereupon the English resolved to attempt the Enemy by ascending the Hill which being done after a short dispute the Scots were utterly routed 2000 or thereabouts were slain 4000 of the Scots routed slain and taken and 1400 taken Prisoners whereof Sir John Brown the Commander in chief was one with Col. Buchanan and many others of quality Of the English there was few slain but many wounded A further additional strength of Horse and foot were sent into Fife so to strengthen the English that they might be able to encounter the whole body of the Scots Army if occasion required Immediately upon this Inchigarvey Castle surrendred to the English was surrendred to the English the strong Castle of Inchigarvey situate on a rock in the midst of the Fryth between Queens-Ferry and North-Ferry wherein were 16 pieces of Ordnance July 27. The whole English Army appeared before Brunt Island and sent in a Summons Brunt Island surrendred to the English for rendition thereof unto which the Governour returned a modest answer and the next day accepted a Parley Commissioners on both sides were chosen and after some debate it was agreed that the said Island with all the Provisions Guns and Shipping of Warre should be delivered into the hands of the English c. and that all the Officers and Souldiers in the said Island should march away with Colours flying Matches lighted and Bullet in mouth This place was of much concernment to the English and served for a storehouse of all necessary supplies for the support of their Army Thence the Army marched without stay to St. Johns Town St. Johns Town yeelded to the English a place of great strength and importance into which the enemy had newly boated a Regiment of Foot yet when the English broke down their sluces and let the water out of the Graff the enemies courage failed them so that it was in short space delivered This was no sooner done but the main body of the English Army were constrained to attend more eminent service viz. the pursuit of the Scots King who with an Army of about 16000 Horse and Foot The Scots enter England by the way of Carlisle had slipt into England by the way of Carlisle accordingly most of the Infantry were boated over to Leith with as much expedition as could be and presently after the Horse Orders were immediately given to Major Gen. Lambert to march with 3000 Horse and Dragoons and if he could to get into the rear of the enemy Major Gen. Harrison was ordered likewise to to get into their van to stop them and do what further he thought fit besides these there was about sixteen Regiments of Horse and Foot with
It was afterwards known by Letters out of Holland that the Dutch loft about 6000 Men in this engagement And now Reader having brought thee well-nigh to the period of my discourse and hitherto entertained thee with the relation of things meerly Civil and Military I shall according to my skill give thee some accompt of the state of Religion for these few years last past which was such and in so many shapes that no one form can be assigned thereto for in stead of an absolute conformity in matters of Religion there was a generall non-conformity Heresies being daily broached in every corner of the Land which continually sprung up like Hydra's heads one upon the neck of another by which means the minds of the people became unsetled and shaken in the Principles of Faith and Doctrine each particular faction tracing a different track to find the truth when as indeed there is but one way and one truth the numbers and names whereof if I should undertake to give you I might reckon ad infinitum viz. Independents Anabaptists and those of severall kinds some for Imposition of hands anointing with Oyl and washing of feet and some against them Brownists Millenaries Arminians Socinians Adamites Diggers Seekers Shakers Ranters Enthusiasts Arians Pelagians cum multis aliis of all which I shall say only thus much Let them grow together till the harvest lest in plucking up the tares you pull up the wheat also This Parliament having sate about as many weeks as the other had done years though in that time to give them their due they had made severall laudable Acts and of great utility and advantage to the people viz. An Act for taking off the Engagement for taking off Fines from Originall Writs and Declarations for clearing of Publike Debts and discovery of frauds and concealements due to the Commonwealth as also an Act for Relief of Creditors and poor Prisoners which of all others was of greater concernment to the Nation then any thing they could do Other Acts of lesse moment they made also which I shall forbear to mention Yet in other things of no small consequence there appeared such consusion in their Councels such contrariety in their opinions such a dissonaacy in their actings and disparity in their aims that they seemed to be a meer monster with many heads insomuch that it was not expected their power as then it stood would continue unto the time prefixt For on the 10. of Decemb. 1653. the Parliament having heard the Report of the Committee That they thought it sitting 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 publike Preachers of the Gospel shall have and enjoy such maintenance as is already setled by Law That upon hearing and considering what â—ath been offered to the Committee touching propriety in Tithes of Incumbents Rectors Possessours of Donatives or appropriate Tithes It is the opinion of this Committee That the said persons have a Legal propriety in Tithes The Parliament I say having spent severall dayes in debate of this Report Decemb. 10. put the first of these Reports to the Question viz. Whether the House doth agree with the first Clause of this Report which was carryed in the Negative Monday Decemb. 12. somewhat early the House being sate a Gentleman stood up and moved That the sitting of this Parliament as then constituted would not be for the good of the Commonwealth and that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord Generall Cromwell the Powers which they received from him This motion being seconded by several other Members the house rose the Speaker with many Members of the House departed and went to White-hall where they being the greater number of the Members sitting in Parliament did by a Writing under their hands The Parliament dissolved Decem. 12. 1653. resign unto his Excellency their said Powers and Mr. Speaker attended with the Members did present the same to his Excellency accordingly This was no sooner done but after serious consultation and debate about the emergent occasions of the Land the Lord Generall Cromwell was in the presence of all the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster the Barons of the Exchequer the Keepers of the Liberties of England the Lord Major and Aldermen of the City of London with most of the chief Officers of the Army sworn Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland and of all the Islands and Territories thereunto belonging several Articles by which he is to govern the People being then read to him to the performance whereof he took a solemne Oath in the presence of them all the summe whereof was That he should call a Parliament every three years That the first should be Sept. 3. 1654. That he should not dissolve it untill they had sate five moneths That whatsoever Bill they should passe if he should not sign it in twentie dayes that then it should passe without him That he should have a Councell of select Persons to assist him not under 13. nor above 21. That immediately after his death the Councell shall choose another Protector before they rise That no Protector for the future shall be Generall of the Army That the Protector shall have power to make Peace or Warre That with the consent of his Councell he may make Lawes which shal be binding till the next Session of Parliament These with many more particulars you may read at large in the Forme of Government Soon after this he was proclaimed Lord Protector in the Palace-yard at Westminster and by the Lord Major and Aldermen in their Scarlet Gowns at the Royall Exchange Not long after his Highnesse the Lord Protector was by the City invited to a Feast at Grocers-Hall the manner of whose reception was as followes He came from Westminster in a Chariot drawn with six Horses in gallant equipage before him rode his Life-Guard with most of his chief Officers and some of his Councell after them rode two Pages bareheaded in sumptuous apparell after them about twelve Lackeys with velvet Caps in gray Liveries with silk and silver Fringe then came his Highnesse as aforesaid in a Chariot clad in a dark coloured Suit and Cloak attended by many of the Nobility in their Coaches with six Horses At Temple-barre his Highness was met by the Lord Major and Aldermen where the Recorder of London saluted him with a pithy and excellent Speech His Highnesse then came out of his Chariot put on a riding Coat imbroidered with Gold Lace and mounted on horseback two or three of his horses of State being there led by which done the Lord Major took the City-Sword and carried it bareheaded from thence to Grocers-Hall all the way whereof the severall Companies in their Liveries sate on both fides the way in Rails set up on purpose with
Streamers sticking up to distinguish each Company After his Highnesse had dined and banquet was ended he conferr'd upon the Lord Major the Honour of Knighthood Which piece of magnificence had no sooner been performed but as a Remora to that happy settlement so long contended for by all good men there conspicuously appeared a most subterranean work of darknesse A plot discovered a secret conspiracy carryed on by the old restlesse party on the behalf of Charles Stuart which being discovered Feb. 18. 1653. eleven of them were sent close prisoners to the Tower of London where being retained a short time his Highnesse clemency extended so far as to set them at liberty About the same time as a sure testimoniall of the peoples affection to his Highnesse Government Addresses from all parts of the Nation there appeared addresses and congratulations from all parts of this Nation Scotland and Ireland his Highnesse likewise by way of Retaliation made severall good Acts tending to the glory of God and the good of the Common-wealth more especially that for the approbation of publick Preachers But at present leaving this let us look Northward where about this time high were the expectations and hopes of the Scots partly from the unsetled spirits of some male-contented persons in England as also from the great promises that their King made to them by his Agents insomuch that they doubted not but to have once more a fair trial of their quarrell in the field and to that end having received ample Commission from their King they had suddenly formed an Army of about four thousand Horse and Foot The Scots rally being headed by the Earl of Glencarne and Kenmore but this bubble was soon broak by the vigilance of Collonel Morgan Are routed who with about 1500 horse and foot Feb. 17. came to the Lough where Glencarn and the rest were at a Rendezvouze and after a little dispute he totally routed their Army having killed of them about 150. Glencarn himself hardly escaping with fortie horse But leaving Scotland we present you with the main businesse in agitation at this time viz. The Dutch Peace The Dutch Peace concluded to which end four Ambassadors from them having resided here all last winter and having well nigh-finished their businesse in February two of them went over the Lord Newport and Youngstall for full power and ratification and having returned and landed at the Tower Wharf March 3. 1654. were honorably attended through the City and the next day had audience of his Highnesse declaring their ful impowerment from their Superiors for the ratifying of the Peace lately agreed on desiring a speedy cessation of Arms on both sides This was the effect of what was by them delivered and accordingly to the great joy of all the Reformed Churches on the 5 of April following the Articles of Peace betwixt both States were signed and sealed on both fides and shortly after proclaimed both in England and in the Netherlands The Dutch Ambassadors the day after the Peace proclaimed were nobly entertained and feasted by the Lord Protector As to the affairs of Ireland The state of Ireland much cannot be said more then some years past saving that the Country more and more tends towards the center of settlement through the great vigilance of the Lord Deputy and Councel there who having through a great deal of difficultie gon through with the work of transplanting the Irish into the Province of Conaught by means whereof the lives and estates of the English are throughly secured and upon the generalty of that Country there appears a good face of health and quiet Now whilst Ireland was in this quiet state the old malignant Party was hatching new broyls in the heart of England A second Plotdiscovered as appeared upon the discovery of a barbarous conspiracy on the 20th of May 1654. undertaken by divers persons of severall interests in generall their intent being by a villanous assassination to have turned the State into blood and confusion a piece of treason so much the more to be detested in England in regard the generous nature of the English doth usually abhor such unmanly practises so that they have very rarely been heard of amongst us divers were apprehended about it and examined as Gilbert Gerard Esq and John Gerard his brother John Jones an Apothecary Thomas Tudor with severall others who were all of them committed to the Tower and shortly after a high Court of justice being erected these three were tryed in the first place viz. John Gerard Somerset Fox and Peter Vowel who being found guilty were condemned to be hanged The plotters executed and it was accordingly performed on Peter Vowel Gerard upon petition was beheaded and Somerset Fox for his ingenuous and submissive confession his Highnesse pardoned Upon the same day that these Plotters suffered Don Pautalcon sa brother to the Lord Ambassador of Portugal having been Prisoner in Newgate a long time The Portugal Ambassadors brother beheaded with Gerard for a Ryot by him and others committed at the New Exchange and having been lately brought to his triall at the upper Bench barre was at first very peremptory refusing to be uncovered or to plead but at length he was told by an Interpreter that he ought to plead or to undergo the Law which was to be pressed to death which having a while slighted he at length pleaded not guilty but being found guilty he was condemned to be hanged but through the favour of the Court the sentence was altered to be beheaded which was accordingly performed on the 10. of July on Tower-hill with Gerard an exemplary piece of justice These Plots in England being thus nipt in the bud Middleton routed in Scotland did nothing discourage the Scotch malignants in the Highlands but that they brought their designs to more maturity for having got some addition of strength by the landing of Middleton out of Holland as Generalissimo they soon got the repate of terming themselves an Army but as a means for the dispelling of that Scotch mist Monk was sent into the North as Generall where having attended their motions and sate hard upon their skirts some certain time on the 21 of July 1654. he engaged them by Loughgery and after some small resistance totally routed them and all their hopes together Septemb. 3. 1654. Parliament met Sep. 3. According to Writs formerly issued out the Parliament met at Westminster where after a Sermon preached by Mr. Marshall they repaired to the Parliament House and having chosen William Lenthall their Speaker they then began to question the lawfulnesse of the power that called them thither insomuch that his Highnesse considering the growing evils that were like to afflict the Nation in case of new changes and revolutions appointed a Test or Recognition of the Government which was to be signed by them before ever they entred the house again which being accordingly signed by the generalty of them