attended by all the Servants in Ordinary The day following the Privy-Counsellors to the late King with all the Lords Spiritual and Temporal then about London were in the Council Chamber at Whitehall by Eight of the Clock in the morning ready to go together and present themselves to his Majesty but there came in the mean a Commandment from the King by the Lord Conway and Sir Albertus Morton Principal Secretaries of State to the deceased King that the Lord Keeper of the Great-Seal should be sworn of his Majesties Privy-Council and that he should give the Oath to the Lord President by whom all the rest of the late Kings Council should be sworn Counsellors to his present Majesty The Lord Keeper of the great Seal the Lord President the Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury the Lord Treasurer of England the Lord Privy-Seal the Duke of Buckingham Lord Admiral of England the Earl of Pembrook Lord Chamberlain the Earl of Montgomery the Earl of Kellye the Earl of Arundel Earl Marshal of England the Lord Viscount Grandison the Lord Conwey the Lord Brook Mr Treasurer Mr Comptroller the Master of the Wards Mr Secretary Morton Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Master of the Rolls were this day sworn accordingly the Lord Keeper did take an Oath apart as Lord Keeper of the Great Seal the Lord Treasurer as Lord Treasurer of England the Lord President as Lord President of the Kings Privy-Council and the Lord Conwey and Sir Albertus Norton as principal Secretaries of State the Lords which were not of his Majesties Privy-Council repaired by themselves to St Iames's and presented themselves to the King and kissed his hand The Council sat immediately and advised of the most important and pressing matters to be offered to the King for his present service and resolved upon these particulars That a Commission be granted to authorize the Great-Seal Privy-Seal and Signet till new ones be prepared also Commissions for authorizng of Judges Justices of Peace Sheriffs and other such Officers for Government that there be a general Proclamation for continuation of Proceedings preservation of Peace and administration of Justice that Letters be prepared for the Ambassadors with foreign Princes to authorize their services to the King that special Messengers be sent unto foreign Princes that the like Proclamations to those of England be sent into Scotland that Commissions be renewed into Ireland to the Deputy and Officers there that the Mint for Coyning of money go on and all things be mannaged by the Officers as then they stood till the Kings pleasure be further known that a Parliament be summoned when the King shall appoint that the Kings pleasure be known concerning the time of his Fathers Funeral and where the Corps shall rest in the mean time as also the time of his Majesties Coronation This being done the whole Council attended the King at St Iames's where the Lord Keeper in the name of all the rest presented their humble thanks that it had pleased his Majesty to have affiance in those that had been Counsellors to his Father to receive them all to be of his Privy-Council the Lord President represented to the King the matters before mentioned which the King allowed and gave order that those of them which required speed should be put in execution and most of the powers he signed presently And first because by the death of the late King the Authorities and powers of the greatest number of Offices and places of Government did cease and fail by the failing of the Soveraign Person from whom the same were derived a Proclamation issued forth signifying his Majesties pleasure that all persons whatsoever who at the decease of the late King were invested in any Office or Place of Government Civil or Martial within the Realms of England and Ireland and namely Presidents Lieutenants Vice-Presidents Judges Justices Sheriffs Deputy Lieutenants Commissaries of Musters Justices of Peace shall continue in their several Offices till his Majesties pleasure were further known In another Proclamation of the same date the King took notice of his Fathers death and that he being his onely Son and undoubted Heir is invested and established in the Crown Imperial of this Realm and all other his Majesties Realms Dominions and Countries with all the Royalties Preeminencies Stiles Names Titles and Dignities to the same belonging and he declared That as he for his part shall by Gods grace shew himself a most benign and gracious Soveraign Lord to all his good Subjects in all their lawfull Suits and Causes so he mistrusteth not but that they on their parts will shew themselves unto him their natural Liege Lord most loving faithfull and obedient Subjects The Council resolved to move the King that his Fathers Funeral might be solemnized within five weeks and within a few dayes after the Ceremonial Nuptials in France and before the Parliament began in England These Resolves the Lord President represented unto the King who accepted of the advices and said he would follow them Moreover he summoned a Parliament to begin the seventeeth of May but by the advice of his Privy-Council Prorogued it to the one and thirtieth of May afterwards to the thirteenth of Iune and then to the eighteenth of the same moneth which Prorogations were occasioned by the Kings going to Dover to receive the Queen April 23. The Body and Herse of King Iames was brought from Theobalds to London being conducted by the Officers of the Guard of the Body all in Mourning every one having a Torch and attended by all the Lords of the Court and great numbers of other persons of quality and was placed in Denmark-House in the Hall of the deceased Queen Anne The seventh of May was the day of Burial the Body and Herse were taken from the said Hall of State and brought in great Pompe and Solemnity to Westminster where the Kings of England use to be interred The new King to shew his Piety towards his deceased Father was content to dispense with Majesty he followed in the Rear having at his right hand the Earl of Arundel at his left the Earl of Pembrook both Knights of the Garter his Train was born up by twelve Peers of the Realm So King Iames who lived in Peace and assumed the title of Peace-maker was peaceably laid in his Grave in the Abby at Westminster King Charles in his Fathers life time was linked to the Duke of Buckingham and now continued to receive him into an admired intimacy and dearness making him Partaker of all his Counsels and Cares and Chief Conductor of his Affairs an Example rare in this Nation to be the Favorite of two succeding Princes The Publick State of Religion and the steering of Church-matters had an early inspection and consultation in the Cabinet Council Bishop Laud who in King Iame's life time had delivered to the Duke a little book about Doctrinal Puritanism now also delivered to the Duke a
Lordships according to the unanimous Advice of all the Iudges of England and his Majesties pleasure signified therein That the First Article propounded viz. You shall do all your pain and diligence to destroy and make to cease all manner of Heresies and Errors commonly called Lollaries within in your Bayliwick from time to time to all your power and assist and be helping to all Ordinaries and Commissioners of the Holy Church and favor and maintain them as oftentimes as you shall be required shall be left out in the Oath to be given to Sir Edward Cook and shall ever hereafter be left out in all Oaths to be given to the High Sheriffs of Counties hereafter And their Lordships do likewise Order according to the unanimous Advice of all the Iudges of England That the other thrée Articles doubted of shall stand in the said Oath to be ministred to the said Sir Edward Cook and to all other High Sheriffs as heretofore hath béen accustomed and that the Lord Keeper do give order to such Officers and Clerks in the Court of Chancery to whom it appertained to make out the Oath for the time to come according to present Order The expectation of a Parliament gave encouragement to the Bishop of Lincoln who yet retained the name of Lord Keeper notwithstanding his Sequestration several moneths before from the presence of the King the Council Table and the custody of the Seal to make an Address to his Majesty for a favorable interpretation of his actions But his carriage towards the Duke at the Parliament at Oxford was fresh in memory where the Bishop told the Duke in Christ-Church upon the Dukes rebuking him for siding against him That he was engaged with William Earl of Pembroke to labor the Redress of the Peoples Grievances and was resolved to stand upon his own Legs If that be your resolution said the Duke Look you stand fast and so they parted and shortly after that he was sequestred though the Seal was not disposed from him till the Thirtieth of October at which time it was given to Sir Thomas Coventry at Hampton-Court who was that day sworn of the Privy Council and sate there and sealed some Writs and afterwards came to the Term at Reading and sate there as Lord Keeper and heard Causes The King being pressed with his own Necessities and the Cry of the Nation against the Fruitless Voyage of Cadiz summoned a Parliament to meet in February and before the time of meeting his Majesty enjoyned the Archbishops and Bishops in both Provinces to proceed against Popish Recusants by Excommunication and other Censures of the Church and not to omit any lawful means of bringing them to Publick Justice especially he recommended to their vigilant care the unmasking and repressing of those who were not professed Papists yet disaffected to the true Religion and kept close their evil and dangerous affection and by secret means and slights did encourage and advance the growth of Popery This Command was seconded by a Proclamation requiring That all Convicted Papists should according to the Laws of this Realm remain confined to their dwelling places or within five miles thereof unless upon special Licences first obtained in Cases necessary Immediately before the Parliament Bishop Laud procured the Duke of Buckingham to sound the King concerning the Cause Books and Tenets of Mr. Richard Montague and understanding by what the Duke collected That the King had determined within himself to leave him to a Tryal in Parliament he said I seem to see a Cloud arising and threatning the Church of England God for his Mercy dissipate it About the same time the King declared his purpose to celebrate the Solemnity of his Coronation on Candlemas-day at the Palace of Westminster and required all persons who by reason of their Offices and Tenures were bound to perform any Duties at the Solemnitie to give their attendance and to be furnished in all respects answerable to an action of so high State according to their places and dignities Wherefore by a Commission under the Great Seal of England Sir Thomas Coventry Lord Keeper of the Great Seal Iames Lord Say High Treasurer of England Edward Earl of Worcester Keeper of the Privy Seal Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey Earl Marshal of England William Earl of Pembroke Lord High Chamberlain Edward Earl of Dorset and Sir Randol Crew Cheif Justice of the Common Pleas were authorised to receive and determine the Claims exhibited by any Person concerning Services to be performed at the approaching Coronation And the more to credit the Solemnity the King resolving to make certain of his Servants and other Subjects in regard of their Birth good Service and other Qualities Knights of the Bath Authorised Thomas Earl of Arundel and Surrey and Earl Marshal of England William Earl of Pembroke Lord Chamberlain to perform in his Majesties Name and behalf all the Rites and Ceremonies belonging thereto At the same time Writs were directed to all Sheriffs in the Realm of England and Dominions of Wales commanding them to make Proclamation That all such as had Forty pounds a year or more of Lands or Revenues in their own hands or the hands of Feoffees for their use for the space of Three years and are not yet Knights do at their perils prepare to present themselves in his Majesties Presence by the One and thirtieth of Ianuary to receive the Order of Knighthood Upon the asswaging of the great Pestilence through the Mercy and Goodness of God in withdrawing and almost removing the Scourge the King by His Royal Authority ordained a Publick and General Thanksgiving to be celebrated upon the Nine and twentieth of Ianuary being the Lords day in the Cities of London and Westminster and the places adjacent and on the Nineteenth of February in all other places of the Kingdom the manner and form whereof was prescribed by a Book composed by the Bishops according to his Majesties special Direction The Contagion ceasing the restraint enjoyned to the Citizens of London from resorting to Fairs for a time was taken off The number of those that died this year within and without the Walls of the City of London and in the Liberties and Nine out Parishes from the Sixteenth of December 24. to the Fifteenth of December 25. Was in Total Fifty four thousand two hundred sixty and five whereof of the Plague Thirty five thousand four hundred and seventeen On Candlemas-day King Charls was Crowned Bishop Laud had the cheif hand in compiling the Form of the Coronation and had the honor to perform this Solemnity instead of the late Lord Keeper Williams who through the Kings disfavor was sequestred from this Service which belonged to his place as he was Dean of Westminster Mr. Iohn Cosens as Master of the Ecclesiastical Ceremonies kneeled behinde the Bishop when the Prayers were read and directed the Quire when to answer The Ceremony in going to and all the
from his Majesties Son in Law whereby he putteth himself solely to his Majesties advice and pleasure for his Submission as you will perceive by the Copy of the Letter it self which I here send your Lordship wherein though there be many things impertinent yet of that point you may make good use for the accomplishment of the business wherein I have written to the Spanish Ambassador to use his Means and Credit likewise which I assure my self he will effectually do especially seeing the impediments are taken away by Count Mansfields Composition and the Conformity of his Majesties Son in Law to this Submission For the Money your Lordship hath so seasonably laid forth his Majesty will see you shall sustain no loss holding it very unconscionable you should suffer by the care of his Service which you have shewed so much to his contentment to the great joy of your Lordships faithful Servant Geo. Buckingham Having given this Accompt of his employment with the Emperor he humbly craveth leave to make it known in what sort before this his employment he endeavored to serve the Prince Palatine and his Cause which will best appear by his Majesties own Testimony upon the going of Sir Francis Nethersole to the Prince Palatine at which time his Majesty being out of his Royal and just heart desirous to do a faithful Servant right commanded Sir Francis Nethersole to let the Prince Palatine understand how good a Servant the said Earl had been unto him and how Active in his Affairs as will best appear by a Dispatch of Sir Francis Nethersole written all with his own hand to Sir George Calvert dated in Prague August 11. 1620 and sent by his late Majesty to the said Earl for his comfort being as followeth Right Honorable THat you may be the better assured that I have neither forgotten nor neglected the Commandments received from his Majesty by your Honor you will be pleased to have the patience to hear me report what I said to this King upon the delivery of my Lord Deputies Letters to his Majesty which was That the King my Master whose Iustice is so renowned over the World did use to shew it in nothing more then in vindicating his Servants from wrongfull Opinions whereof he knew noble hearts more sensible then of Injuries done to their Persons or Fortunes That out of his Royal Disposition his Majesty having found my Lord Digby mistaken by some of his own people at home by occasion of his being by him employed in the Affairs with Spain having thereupon conceived a jealousie that the same noble Lord might be also misreported hitherto his Majesties hands in that respect gave me a particular commandment to assure his Majesty he had not a more truly affectionate Servant in England And for proof thereof to let his Majesty understand That whereas the Baron of Doncaster now his Majesties Ambassador for England had since his coming hither obtained but three great Boons for his Majesties service viz. The Loan of Money from the King of Denmark the Contribution in England of the City and Countries and the sending Ambassadors to the contrary parties that my Lord Digby had been the first propounder of all those to the King my Master before his Majesties Ambassador or any other of his servants in England although his Lordship were contented that others who were but set on should carry away the thanks and prayers because his Lordship being known to be the first mover therein might possibly weaken the credit he hath in Spain and to render himself the more valuable to serve both his own Master and his Majesty in which respect I humbly prayed his Majesty to keep this to himself By which testimony it may appear as the said Earl conceiveth how he the said Earl bestowed himself before his Ambassage and in his said Ambassage with his said late Majesties approbation thereof Now he humbly craveth leave to give your Lordships accompt how he proceeded after his return from the Emperors Court Assoon as he came into England he discovered unto his Majesty and the Lords of the Councel in what great wants he had left the Forces in the Palatinate and sollicited the present sending away of money thereupon Thirty thousand pound was borrowed of Sir Peter Vanlore Sir Baptist Hicks and Sir William Cortine and presently sent unto the Palatinate besides the Ten thousand pounds which he lent for which he paid the interest out of his Purse for six moneths having also given not long before Five hundred pounds by way of benevolence to the service of the said Palatinate Now in the interim betwixt his return from the English Coasts which was in November 1621 and his going into Spain in May 1622 he first gave his Accompt as aforesaid of his Ambassage to both Houses of Parliament and moved them as effectually as was possible for the supplying of his Majesty and that the money might wholly be imployed for the Succor of the Palatinate The Parliament being dissolved he sollicited with great care and industry the setling of some Course for the supplying of the Palatinate and his Majesty was perswaded to maintain Eight thousand Foot and Sixteen hundred Horse under his own Standard and at his own purse in the Palatinate to establish a certain course for due payment of the said Army The Lord Chichester was upon the said Earls motion sent for out of Ireland and the said Earl by his Majesties command took order for his Dispatch In this estate the said Earl left his Affairs at his departure towards Spain in May 1622 nothing doubting but that all things would have effectually constantly been pursued according to the order which was setled and resolved on at his departure At his arrival at the Court of Spain he presently proceeded according to his Instructions pressing the business of the Palatinate as effectually as he could and faithfully labored and effected from time to time as far as to the point of Negotiation all particulars that were given him in charge as it will appear by his late Majesties Letters upon every particular occasion and if by the accidents of War for that Summer the Marquess of Baden the Count Mansfield and the Duke of Brunswick received each of them an overthrow the ordering of whose Affairs his Majesty so far complained of to his Son-in-law as to give order for the withdrawing of his Forces as will appear by his Majesties Letters on the third of Iune 1622 and also by his Letters unto Sir Horace Vere and the Lord of Chichester of the same date if there were not a speedy redress if by any of those accidents those businesses have miscarried the said Earl hopes he shall not be liable to the blame it having no relation to him or to his imployment having so far and so honestly with his best affections imployed his care and utmost services in the businesses as his Majesty was pleased by many several Letters upon several Actions to signifie
his late Majesty was pleased to give order to the Duke and Earl to proceed in the Business which his said Majesty would not have Treated till the said Marriage was concluded as will appear by a Letter of his said late Majesty joyntly to the Duke of Buckingham and the said Earl of the 23 Iuly 1623. Secondly It will appear by Letters of the said Lord Conway to the Duke of Buckingham bearing date September 4. 1623. That the said Duke had good assurance of the Conclusion of the said Match and upon this confidence were all things put in due execution in England as had been Capitulated And the Lord Conway and others faithfully agreed and setled all the Points of Immunity and Liberty for the Roman Catholicks for the use of their Religion as was set down in the Declaration August 9. 1623. hereafter mentioned in the Answers to the Fifth Article of this Charge Thirdly the very day his now Majesty and the Duke of Buckingham departed from the Escurial in Spain towards England the said Duke solemnly swore the Treaty of the said Marriage and the furtherance of it all that should be in his power upon the holy Evangelists in the presence of the said Earl and Sir Walter Aston Fourthly The Treaty of the said Marriage had been formerly signed sealed and solemnly sworne by the King of Spain And when his Majesty and that King took their leaves he did solemnly in the words of a King faithfully and punctually protest to perform all that had been capitulated in the Treaty of Marriage and thereupon imbraced his Majesty at his departure and sent the very next day a Letter written all with his own hand to his Majesty vowing and protesting to make all good that he had capitulated or promised unto his Majesty at his departure the day before So that if there were no true meaning on the part of Spain to make the Marriage as by Mr. Attorney is pretended yet certainly the Earl hath not been sleightly deceived neither can it be as he conceiveth any fault in him since not only his late Majesty but also his Majesty that now is and the Duke of Buckingham being then both upon the place did confidently believe and that upon other grounds then misinformations suggestions and perswasions of the said Earl that the Marriage was really intended And to that effect both his late Majesty of blessed memory and his most Excellent Majesty that now is after his return into England wrote unto him the said Earl several Letters assuring him that their intents and pleasures were to have the said Match proceeded in and thereupon the Proxies of his Majesty then Prince were again inrolled and sent unto the said Earl So that the said Earl having so many and so great causes to be assured that the Match was really intended on both sides he conceiveth it will be hard for Mr. Attorney to make good that part of his Charge wherein he affirmeth that the Earl should know the contrary or the Assurance to be upon false grounds as in the said Article is alleadged II. To the Second Article He directly denieth all the supposed Offences wherewith he stands charged by the said Article And for a clear declaration and manifestation of the truth and manner of his proceedings He saith First as to the continuing the Treaties upon Generalities That the Temporal Articles were by Agreements on both sides not to be treated or setled until such time as the Articles of Religion were fully agreed on For that it was held most proper and honorable for both sides first to see if the Difficulty of Religion might be removed before they passed to any further Engagements And the said Articles of Religion by reason of the Popes new Demands sent into England by Mr. Gage were not signed nor condescended unto by his late Majesty nor his Majesty that now is then Prince until Ian. 5. 1622. and were then sent away in Post out of England to the said Earl by Mr. Simon Digby who arrived with them at Madrid in Spain about the 25. of the same moneth But the Earls care was such to have no time spent in the setling of the Temporal Articles that before he would condescend so much as de bene esse unto the Articles of Religion that they should be sent back to Rome he procured the King of Spain to promise That within the time limited for procuring the Desponsories which was by March or April following the furthest all the Temporal Articles should be setled and agreed to the end that the Infanta might be delivered at the Spring as by the King of Spain his Answer in writing was declared to be the Kings intention And accordingly Sir Walter Aston and the said Earl did not deal in general but did most industriously labor to settle all in particular viz. That the Portion should be Two Millions it appearing that it was so agreed by the late King of Spain That the Dispensation coming the Desponsories should be within Forty days after And that Don Duarte de Portugal should be the man that should attend the Infanta in the Journey And all other Particulars necessary for the Conclusion of the said Treaties were by Sir Walter Aston and the said Earl and the Spanish Commissioners drawn up into heads in writing and after many Debates they were consulted with that King and 2 Martii 1623. stilo vet the Conde Gondomar and the Secretary Don Andreas de Prada were appointed to come home to the house of the said Earl to signifie unto Sir Walter Aston and himself as they did That the King of Spain had declared his resolution in all the Particulars and given them order to come to a speedy Conclusion with them in all things And that Kings Answer to that Conclusion the Earl saw and read all written with the King of Spain's own hand On the seventh day of the said moneth of March 1623. the Kings Majesty then Prince and the Duke of Buckingham arrived at Madrid And then the Spaniards took new laws and the Negotiation was put into a new form So that whereas it is objected against the Earl that he entertained and continued the Treaties so long upon Generalities He conceives it is not meant upon the Spiritual Articles for they were such as were sent from Rome into England and from thence they came to the Earl And for the Temporal Articles they were not to be setled and treated till the Articles of Religion were concluded He conceiveth it cannot be alleadged with any colour that his Majesty was entertained with Generalities since the time that the said Articles of Religion were brought unto the said Earl by Mr. Simon Digby being about the 25. of Ianuary There were but six weeks until March 7. following when his Majesty then Prince arrived in Madrid and in the interim all the above-mentioned Particulars were setled And the time that hath been spent in this Treaty hath not been through his the said Earls
well-beloved Sir VVilliam Balfoure Knight and Iohn Dolbier Esquire or either of them for levying and providing certain numbers of Horses with Armes for Horse and Foot to be brought over into this Kingdome for our service viz. for the levying and transporting of one thousand Horse fifteen thousand pounds for five thousand Muskets five thousand Corslets and five thousand Pikes ten thousand five hundred pounds and for one thousand Curaseers compleat two hundred Corslets and Carbines four thousand five hundred pounds amounting in the whole to the said summe of thirty thousand pounds And this our letter shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge in this behalf Given under our Privy Seal at our Palace of Westminster the 30th of Ianuary in the third year of our Reign Iune the seventh the King came to the Lords House and the House of Commons were sent for And the Lord Keeper presented the humble Petition of both Houses and said MAy it please your most excellent Majesty the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in Parliament assembled taking into consideration that the good intelligence between your Majesty and your people doth much depend upon your Majesties answer unto their Petition of Right formerly presented With unanimous consent do now become most humble Suitors unto your Majesty that you would be pleased to give a clear and satisfactory answer thereunto in full Parliament Whereunto the King replyed The answer I have already given you was made with so good deliberation and approved by the judgements of so many wise men that I could not have imagined but it should have given you full satisfaction But to avoid all ambiguous interpretations and to shew you there is no doublenesse in my meaning I am willing to pleasure you as well in words as in substance read your Petition and you shall have an answer that I am sure will please you The Petition was read and this answer was returned Soit droit fait come il est desire C. R. This I am sure said his Majesty is full yet no more then I granted you in my first Answer for the meaning of that was to confirm your liberties knowing according to your own Protestations that ye neither meane nor can hurt my Prerogative And I assure you my Maxime is That the Peoples Liberties strengthen the Kings Prerogative and the Kings Prerogative is to defend the Peoples Liberties You see how ready I have shewed my self to satisfie your demands so that I have done my part Wherefore if this Parliament have not a happy conclusion the sin is yours I am free from it Whereupon the Commons returned to their own House with unspeakable joy and resolved so to proceed as to expresse their thankfulnesse and now frequent mention was made of proceeding with the Bill of subsidies of sending the Bills which were ready to the Lords of perfecting the Bill of Tunnage and Poundage and Sir Iohn Strangeâ—â—ies also expressed his joy at the answer and further added Let us perfect our Remonstrance King Iames was wont to say He knâ—w that by Parliaments which otherwise he could never have known After the granting of the Petition of Right the House ordered that the Grand Committees for Religion Trade Grievances and Courts of Justice to sit no longer but that the House proceed only in the consideration of Grievances of most moment And first they fell upon the Commission for Excise and sent to the Lord Keeper for the same who returned answer that he received Warrant at the Councel Table for the sealing thereof and when it was Sealed he carried it back to the Councel Table The Commission being sent it was read in the House viz. CHarles By the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. To Sir Thomas Coventry Knight Lord Keeper of the Great Seale of England To James Earl of Malburg Lord High Treasurer or England Henry Earl of Manchester Lord President of our Councel Edward Earl of Worcester Lord Keeper of our Privy Seal George Duke of Buckingham Lord high Admiral of England William E. of Pembrook Lord Steward of Our Houshold Philip Earl of Mountgomery Lord Chamberlain of Our Houshold Theophilus Earl of Suffolk Edward Earl of Dorset William Earl of Salisbury Thomas Earl of Exeter John Earl of Bridgwater James Earl of Carlisle Henry Earl of Holland William Earl of Denbigh George Earl of Totnes Sir George Hay Kt. Lord Chancellor of Scotland William Earl of Morton Thomas Earl of Kelley Thomas Earl of Mellers Edward Uiscount Conway one of our principal Secretaries of State Edward Uiscount Wimbleton Oliver Uiscount Grandison Henry Falkland Lord Deputy of Ireland To the Lord Bp. of Winchester Wil. Lord Bp. of Bath and Wells Fulk Lo. Brook Dudley Ash Lord Carlton Uice Chamberlain of Our Houshold Sir Thomas Edmonds Treasurer of our Houshold Sir John Savil Controler of Our Houshold Sir Robert Nanton Master of the Court of Wards Sir John Cook one of the principal Secretaries of State Sir Richard Weston Chancellour and under Treasurer of our Exchequer Julius Caesar Master of the Rolls and Sir Humphrey May Kt. Chancellour of Our Dutchy of Lancaster Greeting Whereas the presâ—nt Conjuncture of the general affairs of Christendom and our own particular interest in giving assistance unto our oppressed Allies and for providing for the defence and safety of our own Dominions and People do call upon Us to neglect nothing that may conduce to those good ends And because Monies the principal sinâ—ws of War and one of the first and chiefest movers in all great Preparations and Actions are necessary to be provided in the first place and We are carefull the same may be raised by such ways as may best stand with the State of Our Kingdoms and Subjects and yet may answer the pressing occasions of the present times We therefore out of the experience We have had and for the trust we repose in your wisdoms fidelities and dutifull care of your service And for the experience we have of all great Causes concerning us and our State both as they have relation to Foraine parts abroad and as to our Common-wealth and People at home Ye being persons called by us to be of Our Privy Councel have thought sit amongst those great and important matters which so much concern us in the first and chiefest place to recommend this to your special care and diligence And we do hereby authorise and appoint and strictly will and require you that speedily and seriously you enter into consideration of all the best and speediest ways and means ye can for raising of Monies for the most Important occasions aforesaid UUhich without extreamest hazard to Us our Dominions and People and to our Friends and Allies can admit of no long delay the same to be done by Impositions or othâ—rwise as in your wisdoms and best Iudgments ye shall find to be most convenient in a case of this inevitable necessity wherein Form â—nd
which your self shall discover And you shall advertise me of whatsoever you shall understand the learn governing your self in all occurrents with that wariness and discretion as your zeal to my service doth assure me of These were the Arts of Spain to corrupt divers in the Court of England Buckingham and his Dependants followed the Kings inclinations The Duke of Lenox Marquis Hamilton and William Earl of Pembroke disliking the Kings course did not contest with him but only intimated their dissent It was said of Gondomar That when he returned into Spain he gave in his Account of Disbursments for Pensions given in England amongst others To Sir Robert Cotton 1000 l. a person of great Integrity and one who was ever averse to the House of Austria Which Sir Robert getting notice of by the English Agent then in Spain demanded reparation which was obtained but with a salvo to the Ambassadors honor the error being said to be committed by a Dependent upon the Ambassador and not by himself The King being jealous of uncomptrolled Soveraignty and impatient of his Peoples intermedling with the Mysteries of State had fallen into a great dislike of Parliaments and for many years before had given way to Projects and Monopolies And many of his Ministers perhaps fearing an enquiry into their own actions might suggest to him that he might better furnish himself by those ways and the Match now in treaty then by Subsidies usually accompanied with the redress of Grievances Nevertheless he was now minded to call a Parliament conceiving it might be of special use For he observed the affections of the People to be raised for the Recovery of the Palatinate and then concluded that those affections would open their purses to the supply of his wants and the Treaty with Spain would effect the business without the expence and troubles of War and the good accord between him and his people would quicken the Spaniard to conclude the Match And accordingly Writs were issued forth to assemble them the 30. of Ianuary In the calling of this Parliament he recommended to his Subjects the choice of such Members as were of the wisest gravest and best affected people neither superstitious nor turbulent but obedient Children to this their Mother-Church In the mean while in Germany the Protestant Union continually declined by the gradual falling away of the several partakers The Elector of Saxony reduced the remainder of Lusatia The Province of Moravia upon the approach of Buquoy seeing the Count de Latiere came not in to their succor prayed that they might enjoy their Priviledges in matter of Religion and be received into the Emperors grace and favor which submission was well received at Vienna Likewise the States of Silesia failing of assistance from the Elector Palatine were constrained to make their peace Then the Palatine propounded to the Elector of Saxony an Overture of Peace declaring That he took the Crown upon him to preserve the Protestants in the free exercise of their Religion The Saxon replied That he had no way to make his Peace but to renounce the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Provinces Incorporate and to beg the Emperors pardon Afterwards the Elector Palatine goeth to Brandenburgh and then to Segenburgh where there was an Assembly of Princes and States Protestant to oppose the exploits of Spinola In the mean while Count Mansfield stirs in Bohemia pillages several Towns and the Goods of all those that cryed God save King Ferdinand The relation of England to these affairs of Foreign States had caused a general liberty of discourse concerning matters of State which King Iames could not bear but by Proclamation commanded all from the highest to the lowest not to intermeddle by Pen or Speech with State-concerments and secrets of Empire either at home or abroad which were no fit Themes or Subjects for Vulgar persons or Common meetings On the Thirtieth day of Ianuary the Parliament began to sit and the King came in person and made this Speech MY Lords Spiritual and Temporal and you the Commons Cui multiloquio non deest peccatum In the last Parliament I made long discourses especially to them of the Lower House I did open the true thoughts of my heart but I may say with our Saviour I have piped to you and you have not danced I have mourned and you have not lamented Yet as no mans actions can be free so in me God found some spices of vanity and so all my sayings turned to me again without any success And now to tell the reasons of your calling and this meeting apply it to your selves and spend not the time in long Speeches Consider that the Parliament is a thing composed of a Head and a Body The Monarch and the Two Estates It was first a Monarchy then after a Parliament There are no Parliaments but in Monarchical Governments For in Venice the Netherlands and other Free Governments there are none The Head is to call the Body together And for the Clergy the Bishops are chief for Shires their Knights and for Towns and Cities their Burgesses and Citizens These are to treat of difficult matters and to counsel their King with their best advice to make Laws for the Commonweal And the Lower House is also to petition their King and acquaint him with their Grievances and not to meddle with their Kings Prerogative They are to offer supply for his Necessity and he to distribute in recompence thereof Justice and Mercy As in all Parliaments it is the Kings office to make good Laws whose fundamental cause is the Peoples ill manners so at this time that we may meet with the new Abuses and the incroaching Craft of the times Particulars shall be read hereafter As touching Religion Laws enough are made already It stands in two points Perswasion and Compulsion Men may perswade but God must give the blessing Iesuites Priests Puritans and Sectaries erring both on the right hand and left hand are forward to perswade unto their own ends and so ought you the Bishops in your example and preaching But Compulsion to obey is to bind the Conscience There is talk of the Match with Spain But if it shall not prove a Furtherance to Religion I am not worthy to be your King I will never proceed but to the glory of God and content of my Subjects For a Supply to my Necessities I have reigned Eighteen years in which time you have had Peace and I have received far less supply than hath been given to any King since the Conquest The last Queen of famous memory had one year with another above a Hundred thousand pounds per annum in Subsidies And in all my time I have had but Four Subsidies and Six Fifteens It is Ten years since I had a Subsidy in all which time I have been sparing to trouble you I have turned my self as nearly to save expences as I may I have abated much in my Household expences in my
friendship to him The Conde replied short That he accepted of what he had spoken The Duke departing with so little satisfaction the Spaniards concluded that he would endeavor by all means possible to hinder the Marriage But the Prince for his part had gained an universal love and was reported by all to be a truly Noble discreet and well-deserving Prince his grave comportment suited with the very genius of that Nation and he carried it from the first to the last with the greatest affability gravity and constancy and at his farewel with unparallel'd bounty and he left behinde him Gems of inestimable value for the Infanta and several Grandees His departure from Madrid being the Twelfth of September was very solemn the Queen and the Infanta were prepared in great magnificence with a Train of Grandees and Ladies to receive his farewel And among other passages this one was taken to be an Argument of the Infanta's real love to the Prince That she caused many divine duties to be performed for the safety of his return into England The King brought him on his way to the Escurial and there feasted him and at the Minute of parting declared the Obligation which the Prince had put upon him by putting himself into his hands a thing not usual with Princes and he protested That he earnestly desired a nearer Conjunction of Brotherly affection for the more intire unity betwixt them The Prince replying to him magnified the high favors which he found during his abode in his Court and presence which had begotten such an estimation of his worth that he knew not how to value it but he would leave a Mediatrix to supply his own defects if he would make him so happy as to continue him in the good opinion of her his most fair and most dear Mistress From thence he was attended with a Train of Spanish Courtiers to the English Navy where he feasted the Dons aboard his own Ship and when he was bringing them back to shore there arose a furious storm wherewith the Barge was so driven that it could neither fetch the Land nor make to the Ships again The night came on and the tempest and darkness meeting made their condition desperate till at length espying a light from a Ship near which the winds had driven them they made towards it and then with extream hazard were reimbarqued It was observed That the first words his Highness spake after he was embarqued were That it was a great weakness and folly in the Spaniard after they had used him so ill to grant him a free departure The Prince arived at Portsmouth October the Fifth and no sooner was he landed but it appeared that he was the Kingdoms darling the peoples hearts did burn to see him and unanimously praised God without any Publick Edict of Thanksgiving Publick Societies and private Families every where abounded in all expressions both of Religious and Civil rejoycing When he entred London the Bonfires which the peoples universal joy had kindled seemed to turn the City into one flame Immediately after the Princes departure from the Court of Spain a rumor was spread that the Ratification was come from Rome and that it came plenary and absolute By which means the Princes private Instructions were anticipated by the Earl of Bristol for the Iuncto pretended full Warrant to proceed and summoned the Earl of Bristol to attend them and earnestly pressed him That the Articles might speedily be ingrossed and signed Hereupon the party in whose hands the Prohibition left by the Prince lay dormant either conceiving the Ratification to be come indeed or apprehending that it was the Princes meaning to prevent the sudden concluding of matters delivered to Bristol that Letter of private Instructions the very day that the Prince arived at St. Andero In reading it the Earl was troubled exceedingly and said to the other That it must for a time be concealed lest the Spaniards coming to the knowledge of it should give order to stay the Prince It vexed Bristol that his building of so many years should at once be pulled in sunder He resolves to wave this private Order and if the Ratification came to deliver the Proxies and to support himself by his Publick Warrant under the Great Seal of England Now the Prince and Duke being jealous that Bristol would counter-work them left Sir Walter Aston joyned in Commission with him and acquainted Aston that the Princes meaning was never to Match there without the restitution of the Palatinate and the conservation of his Honor in all respects intire Immediately the Earl of Bristol sent dispatches into England laboring to satisfie the King and Prince in all things touching the Marriage And shewing that he had exactly set down the Case how a Woman betrothed may before the consummation of Marriage betake her self to a Religious life and all the sorts of Security for the preventing of such a course and that the King of Spain his Sister and all his Ministers do offer all security that may stand with decency and honor for the performance of the whole agreement And though the point of portion were a tough and knotty peece yet when by the original Papers and Consulto's of the last King the Iuncto found it to be no less then Two Millions they resolved to make it good notwithstanding they alleadged that this sum was four times as much as ever was given in Money with any Daughter of Spain Moreover he did woo the Prince by argument That as the King his Father so himself had thought this to be the fittest Match in all the World And though the Spaniards had committed many Errors yet he had already passed them by and overcome the main difficulties That by his Journey he had satisfied himself of the Infanta's person who for her birth and portion was no where to be matched and for her vertue and setled affection to his Highnesses person deserved him better then any Woman in the World That the Match was sure the Portion and Temporal Articles now setled but the delay of the Desponsorios will grieve the Princess and bring a cloud of distrust and jealousie upon the whole business The personal distastes of Ministers indiscreet and passionate carriages should not hazard that which hath been brought to the present State with so much cost and pains and patience and which being well accomplished will procure so much good to the Christian World and contrariwise so much trouble and mischeif if it should miscarry and break to peeces Now upon these Grounds and Motives he made intreaty That with all speed a Post might be sent unto him bringing Authority to deliver the Powers upon the arival of the Dispensation But the Prince and Buckingham made haste to engage the King and making a plausible Narration of their own proceedings the Spaniards delays and Bristols miscarriages drew him to alter the whole state of the Treaty Hereupon the King sends an
to day were presented to them they have put themselves to the Offensive by preparing a strong Fleet which is ready to set sail to the West-Indies to the end they may at least interrupt the peaceable Annual return of the Gold and Silver of those parts by which the House of Austria do continually advance their greatness And this preparation together with their Voyages into the East-Indies will make them irreconcileable to Spain These enterprises were commended to the King as approved by all good men to be a principal means to cast down the fearful power of Spain Onely it was too vaste a design for that little Countrey but if the King were pleased thoroughly to close with them their Affections and constant interest would so binde them to him that he might absolutely dispose of them and by their forces by Sea and Land conjoyned with his own be able to give the Law to Europe And the present state of the Provinces might incite the King to this Conjunction For the last Summer if the Imperialists had joyned with the Spaniards they had undoubtedly made an irruption into the borders of that State and they are like to break in this next year except some notable Turn shall intervene and then our best Link for a Bond of Friendship is broken and those Provinces of a strong Staff will become a broken Reed Such Râ—presentations were made to the Court of England but the Counsels then prevailing were not propense to this Conjunction and Interest although we were then breaking with Spain and the House of Austria About the beginning of December when the Ratification came from the new Pope Bonfires were made throughout all Spain and the great Ordnance thundred out reports of joy And that King to satisfie his Oath made to the Prince of Wales prepared for the Espousals and a day was prefixed and all things appointed for the Solemnity according to the Magnificence of that Court The Infanta's Family was setled her Officers distinguished and the beginning of March was the time for her journey into England From the Princes departure she had applied herself to the learning of the English Tongue The English Ambassadors carried themselves like Subjects towards her as being their Masters Wife or Spouse Many rich presents had she prepared for her future Lord and Husband And the Earl of Bristol had provided many costly Liveries for his Attendants in the Solemnity of the Espousals But all things were instantly discomposed by the opening of the new commands from England to the Earl which were to procure an intire surrender of the Palatinate and Electorate before he move one step further towards the Contract In the Court of Spain there was great resentment of these new delays and they discerned a breach towards The Infanta gave over the study of English and was no more stiled the Princess of England but to the Demands from England the King of Spain replied That if a Treaty be set on foot and the Emperor and Duke of Bavaria will not come to Terms of Conformity he will joyn Arms with England to recover the Palatinate The Spaniards confessing the Demand just but unseasonable professed the Desponsorio's past the Infanta on her knees should have been a Suiter to the King to restore the Palatinate making it thereby her act and drawing the Obligation wholly to her These offers did not satisfie Bristol was called home and all was dashed to peeces It was an amazement to the Christian World that when the Match was brought to such perfection the motion should be rejected by that side which pursued it with so much eagerness and patience as being the master-peece of all their designs In the latter part of this long tedious act the Spaniard appeared real but in the former part their reality was questionable For our parts the business shall remain as we finde it a dark Riddle and Mystery The Earl of Bristol having demurred upon the new Instructions to prevent as he desired the embroiling of the whole Treaty was to make his Apology to the King his Master and for himself he thus pleaded That he understood the Infanta was his yong Masters wife or Spouse at least and that both the King and Prince infinitely desired the Match The powers were drawn by the intervention of both parties the King of Spain accepting them and the Prince legally delivering them and they were deposited with him in trust as the Ambassador of the King of Great Britain with a Publick Declaration how and when he was to deliver them and this was drawn into an Instrument by the Secretary of State According to this state of things he appeals to any Censure which were the more prudent honest and dutiful way whether to put a disgrace upon so great and worthy a Princess who was to be his Masters Wife and a scorn upon the King of Spain by nominating a day for the Marriage when the powers would be expired and not at all to insist upon making good the Publick Trust reposed in him by two so great Monarchs to the hazard and overthrow of so great and important a business or contrariwise to represent to his Majesty the state of things in Truth and Sincerity with his humble opinion of the wrong and disgrace to the Infanta by deferring the Marriage and of the indignity offered to the King of Spain and the danger of the whole Treaty by the detention of the Powers without the pretence of some emergent cause And after all this when his Majesty had declared his pleasure there was ready an exact obedience Wherefore in the confidence of his own innocencie he professeth as great a confidence of his Majesties accustomed grace and favor Bristol being called home acquainted the Conde Olivares with the Letters of Revocation and desired withall to have a day assigned him to take his leave of the King Olivares answered That he had much to say to him by his Majesties order and spake to this effect in the presence of Sir Walter Aston and the Conde Gondomar That the King had received large advertisements with what malice and rancor his Enemies did prosecute him and how powerful they are in England And in regard that the Envy which was drawn upon him proceeded from his earnest endeavors to accomplish the Match and that the particular fault laid to his charge was in point of delivering the Proxies deposited in his hands that his Majesty takes it to heart and judgeth himself touched in his honor if for this cause his Enemies shall prevail so far as to work his ruine or disgrace And therefore he will write to the King of Great Britain and send a particular Ambassador if it be needful to mediate for him for that he had served his Master with that exactness and fidelity which deserved not only to be assisted by all good offices but to be rewarded and published And his Majesty for the example of his own Subjects and for the encouragement
of all such as should serve their Princes with the like loyalty had sent him a Blank signed by himself wherein he might set down his own Conditions both in point of Title and Fortune And this he did in no wise to oblige another Princes Subject but only to give encouragement to honest and faithful proceedings And therefore he would not make these offers in private but open and justifiable to all the world and would accompany all that he should do with a Declaration or Patent That what he had done for the Earl of Bristol was for the fidelity wherewith he had served his own Master Hereunto the Earl made answer That he was sorry and much afflicted to hear such language And desired that they should understand that neither this King nor Spain were beholding to him For whatsoever he had done he thought the same to be fittest for his Masters service and his own honor having no relation to Spain and that he served a Master from whom he was assured both of justice and due reward And nothing doubted but his own Innocencie would prevail against the wrong intended by his powerful Adversaries And were he sure to run into imminent danger he had rather go home and cast himself at his Masters feet and mercy and therein comply with the duty and honor of a faithful Subject though it should cost him his head then be Duke or Infantado of Spain And that with this resolution he would imploy the utmost of his power to maintain the Amity between the two Kings and their Crowns and to serve his Catholick Majesty After he had taken his leave and was ready to come away he had another Profer made unto him in private of Ten thousand Crowns to take with him in his purse to make his way and go through with his troubles if haply his own monies might be seised upon And it was told him no body should know it Yes said he one would know it who he was assured would reveal it to his Majesty viz. the Earl of Bristol himself and it would make him not so clear in his own heart as now he was and so he refused the offer The Match was now truly broken but as yet the breach was not declared nor the Treaty quite fallen to the ground but continued after a languishing manner in the hands of Sir Walter Aston The Spaniards by all Advertisements from England were advised to expect a War and accordingly they went seriously to work and prepared themselves for what might happen And Aston being there upon the place conceived it high time that King Iames should resolve upon some course to allay the storm arising or to go hand in hand with them in equal preparations All that was left alive of the Marriage-business was no more then that those Jewels which the Prince had left at his Farewel were not yet returned But if the Letter then expected from England brought no better Answer to their last Offer concerning the Palatinate then such as they had hither to received they will return the Jewels and declare the Marriage broken For by this time they had received intelligence of the Princes treating a Marriage with a Daughter of France the Lady Henrietta Maria. And so it was that King Iames had lately sent the Lord Kensington afterwards Earl of Holland to enquire covertly whether the Match were feasible before he would enter into a Publick Treaty The Lord Kensington returned this Accompt of his Negotiation That there appeared in the face of that Court an extraordinary sweetness smoothness and clearness towards an Alliance with England The Princess herself was observed seldom to have put on a more cheerful countenance then she had done the first night of his appearance in that Court The Queen though a Daughter of Spain wished this Match more then that intended with her own Sister And the Queen-mother who will have the chief stroke in the business expressed her good will and favor as much as might stand with her Daughters honor For the French observe the aspiring of the King of Spain to the Monarchy of Christendom and his approaches to the Kingdom of France and his encompassing it on all sides And they discern that an Alliance with England is the surest way to oppose the mightiness of that King And upon the same accompt they promised brave assistance to the United Provinces gave great encouragement to Count Mansfield and Duke Christian of Brunswick A Gentleman of the Religion was sent to Liege to offer them the Kings protection if that Town will seek it Nevertheless they have not directly embraced this Overture of Marriage because we have not as yet wholly abandoned the Treaty with Spain lest they should lose the Friendship of a Brother-in-law to gain another which may possibly fail them But they say that their hearts are not capable of more content then to see this Motion upon a Publick Commission and all that may touch upon the way of Spain dissolved Neither are they like to strain us to unreasonable Conditions in favor of the Roman Catholicks in his Majesties Dominions For in that matter their Pulse beats so temperately as to promise a good Crisis therein And in case his Majesty be drawn to banish the Priests and Jesuites and to quicken the Laws against other Catholicks to keep a good Intelligence with his Parliament yet they say they hope he will not tie his hands from some moderate favor to flow hereafter from the mediation of that State which is all they pretend unto for the saving of their honor who otherwise would hardly be reputed Catholicks Thus the Lord Kensington having rendred an accompt of his diligence advised to go on roundly with the Match lest otherwise though never so well affected they be altered with the Arts of Spain For saith he undoubtedly the King of Spain will resolve if possible to oblige one side And as the French do think he may please England with the restitution of the Palatinate so we may think he will please the French with rendring of the Valtoline But without the assistance of Parliament and compliance with the people the King could not go through with those weighty works which he was now to take in hand Now the things which troubled the People were set forth to the King in three particulars As That for the Subsidies granted in the two last Parliaments they received no retributions by Bils of Grace That some of their Burgesses were proceeded against after the Parliament was dissolved And that when they have satisfied the Kings demands he will nevertheless proceed to the conclusion of the Spanish Match Hereupon some of his nearest Council perswaded him to begin the work by removing the peoples Jealousies and to cast away some crums of his Crown amongst them and those crums would work miracles and satisfie many thousands And whereas the aim of the former Treaties was the setling of an universal peace in Christendom
sorts of persons might partake of the Publick Joy Prisoners for Debts were set at liberty and Pardon was granted to several Criminals as an earnest of the Kings respect and love to his Sister after this new Alliance The Duke of Buckingham was sent into France to his Christian Majesty to send away the Wife to the King of Great Britain and to be her Convoy He arrived at Paris the 24. of May with the Earl of Montgomery and other English Lords and was lodged in the Palace of the Duke of Chevereux who with his Lady was to conduct the Queen into England there to render her to the King her Husband During the seven days stay which the Duke made at Park the Feastings and Rejoicings were renewed and multiplied Bonfires shining and Canons playing but none did equalize the Feast that was made by the Cardinal of Richelieu The Second of Iune was the time appointed for our Queens departure The King of France sent to the Towns in her way to render her Majesty all due honors as if it were to himself The King of England having notice that the Queen was gone from Amiens sent a Royal Navy to Boloign to transport her the Fleet saluted the Town with a hundred peece of Canon Among other great Ladies the Duchess of Buckingham was sent to kiss the Queens hands as from the King her Husband desiring her to take her own time of coming over with most conveniencie to her own person The 22. of Iune New Stile the Queen imbarqued at Boloign and within Twenty four hours arrived at Dover And as the King was preparing to receive her she sent to his Majesty to desire him not to come till the morrow because she had been somewhat indisposed at Sea She passed that night at Dover and the next day about Ten of the clock the King was there with the Flower of the Nobility and after some Complements past caused every-body to retire and they were half an hour together in the Closet Thence his Majesty conducted the Queen to Canterbury and the same evening the Marriage was there consummated Then the Queen in testimony of her respect and love to the King her Husband made it her first suit as afterwards the King made known That he would not be angry with her for her faults of Ignorance before he had first instructed her to eschew them For that she being young and coming into a strange Country both by her years and ignorance of the Customs of the Nation might commit many Errors And she desired him in such cases to use no Third person but by himself to inform her when he found she did ought amiss The King granted her request and thanked her for it desiring her to use him even as she had desired him to use her which she willingly promised The Knights and Gentlemen of Kent together with the Trained Bands were by Order of the Council commanded to attend and receive the Queen at the most convenient places as she passed in such solemn manner and equipage as beseemed the dignity of his Majesty and the quality of her person Likewise the Magistrates of the Cities and Towns were commanded to attend at her passage in such Formalities as are used in principal and extraordinary Solemnities On the Sixteenth of Iune the King and Queen came both to London Great preparations were made and intended for her Majesties reception but the Plague then increasing those Ceremonies were laid aside A Chappel at Somerset-house was built for the Queen and her Family with Conveniencies thereunto adjoining for Capuchin-Friers who were therein placed and had permission to walk abroad in their Religious habits Thence-forward greater multitudes of Seminary-Priests and Iesuites repaired into England out of Forein parts This Summer the Pestilence raged in London At the entrance of the late King there was a great Plague in the City but this was far greater and the greatest that ever was known in the Nation For which cause a great part of Trinity-Term was adjourned from the First Return to the Fourth by the advice of the Privy-Council and the Justices of the Courts at Westminster and some few days in the beginning and ending thereof were holden for the better expediting and continuing of Causes and Suits and the returning and suing out of Processes and such like business as might be done in the absence of the Parties by their Attornies On the Eighteenth day of Iune the Parliament began at Westminster The King being placed in his Royal Throne the Lords sitting in their Robes the Commons also being present his Majesty spake thus I Thank God that the Business to be treated on at this time is of such a nature that it needs no Eloquence to set it forth For I am neither able to do it neither doth it stand with my Nature to spend much time in words It is no new business being already happily begun by my Father of blessed memory who is with God therefore it needeth no Narrative I hope in God you will go on to maintain it as freely as you advised my Father to it It is true He may seem to some to have been slack to begin so just and so glorious a work but it was his wisdom that made him loth to begin a work until he might find a means to maintain it But after that he saw how much he was abused in the confidence he had with other States and was confirmed by your Advice to run the Course we are in with your Engagement to maintain it I need not press to prove how willingly he took your Advice for the Preparations that are made are better able to declare it then I to speak it The assistance of those in Germany the Fleet that is ready for action with the rest of the Preparations which I have only followed my Father in do sufficiently prove that he entred into this Action My Lords and Gentlemen I hope that you do remember that you were pleased to imploy me to advise my Father to break off those two Treaties that were on foot so that I cannot say that I came hither a free unengaged man It 's true I came into this business willingly and freely like a Young man and consequently rashly but it was by your interest your engagement So that though it were done like a Young man yet I cannot repent me of it and I think none can blame me for it knowing the love and fidelity you have borne to your King having my self likewise some little experience of your affections I pray you remember that this being my first Action and begun by your Advice and intreaty what a great Dishonor it were to you and me if this Action so begun should fail for that Assistance you are able to give me Yet knowing the constancie of your love both to me and this Business I needed not to have said this but only to shew what care and sense I have
Coronation was briefly thus THe King went that day from Westminster-Hall to the Abbey Church attended by the Aldermen of London Eighty Knights of the Bath in their Robes the Kings Serjeants at Law Solicitor and Attorney Generals the Judges Barons Bishops Viscounts and such of the Earls who bore no particular Office that day in their Parliament Robes going two by two before the King all uncovered and after them followed his Officers of State being Eight Earls and one Marquess those persons according to their respective places and offices carried the Swords the Globe the Scepter the Crown and the Lord Major of London carried the short Scepter two Bishops carried the one the Golden Cup and the other the Plate for the Communion Next before his Majesty went the Earl of Arundel as Earl-Marshal of England and the Duke of Buckingham as Lord High-Constable of England for that day The King being cloathed in White Sattin went under a rich Canopy supported by the Barons of the Cinque Ports the King having on each hand a Bishop and his Train of Purple-Velvet was carried up by the Master of the Robes and the Master of the Wardrobe At the entring into the Church Bishop Laud delivered into the Kings hands the Staff of King Edward the Confessor with which the King walked up to the Throne then the Archbishop of Canterbury presented his Majesty to the Lords and Commons there present East West North and South who gave their consent to his Coronation as their lawful Soveraign After Sermon was done the King went to the Altar where the Old Crucifix amongst other Regalia stood as also the Ointment consecrated by a Bishop to take the Coronation Oath which as is said was performed in this manner viz. SIS says the Archbishop will You grant and kéep and by Your Oath confirm to the People of England the Laws and Customs to them granted by the Kings of England Your Lawful and Religious Predecessors and namely the Laws Customs and Franchises granted to the Clergy by the glorious King St. Edward Your Predecessor according to the laws of God the true Profession of the Gospel established in this Kingdom agréeable to the Prerogative of the Kings thereof and the Antient Customs of the Realm I grant and Promise to keep them Sir will You kéep Peace and Godly Agréement according to Your Power both to God the Holy Church the Clergy and the People I will keep it Sir will You to Your Power cause Law Justice and Discretion to Mercy and Truth to be executed to Your Judgment I will Sir will You grant to hold and kéep the Laws and Rightful Customs which the Communalty of this Your Kingdom have and will You defend and uphold them to the honor of God so much as in you lyeth I grant and promise so to do Then one of the Bishops read this Passage to the King Our Lord and King we beseech You to Pardon and to Grant and to Preserve unto us and to the Churches committed to Your Charge all Canonical Priviledges and do Law and Iustice and that You would Protect and Defend us as every good King to His Kingdoms ought to be Protector and Defender of the Bishops and the Churches under their Government The King answereth With a willing and devout Heart I promise and grant my Pardon and that I will preserve and maintain to you and the Churches committed to your Charge all Canonical Priviledges and due Law and Justice and that I will be your Protector and Defender to my Power by the assistance of God as every good King in his Kingdom in right ought to protect and defend the Bishops and Churches under their Government Then the King arose and was lead to the Communion Table where he takes a Solemn Oath in sight of all the People to observe all the Premisses and laying his hand upon the Bible said The things which I have here promised I shall perform and keep So help me God and the Contents of this Book After the Oath the King was placed in the Chair of Coronation and was Anointed by the Archbishop with a costly Ointment and the Antient Robes of King Edward the Confessor was put upon him and the Crown of King Edward was put upon his Head and his Sword girt about him and he offered the same and two Swords more together with Gold and Silver at the Communion Table He was afterwards conducted by the Nobility to the Throne where this Passage was read to his Majesty Stand and hold fast from henceforth the place to which You have been Heir by the Succession of Your Forefathers being now delivered to You by the Authority of Almighty God and by the hands of us and all the Bishops and Servants of God And as You see the Clergy to come nearer to the Altar then others so remember that in all places convenient You give them greater honor that the Mediator of God and Man may establish You in the Kingly Throne to be a Mediator betwixt the Clergy and the Laity and that You may Raign for ever with Iesus Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Afterwards the Nobility were swâ—rn to be Homagers to the King and some other Ceremonies were performed which being done the Lord Keeper by the Kings command read a writing unto them which declared the Kings free Pardon to all his Subjects who would take the same under the Great Seal The Ceremonies of the Coronation being ended the Regalia were offered at the Altar by Bishop Laud in the Kings Name and then reposited The Bishop of Lincoln faln into disgrace by the displeasure of the Duke of Buckingham had not received his Writ of Summons which he represented to the King with Submission to his Majesties pleasure denied as he said to no Prisoners or condemned Peers in his Fathers Reign to enable him to make his Proxy if his Personal attendance be not permitted Likewise he besought his Majesty That he would be pleased to mitigate the Dukes causless anger towards him who was so little satisfied with any thing he could do or suffer that he had no means left to appease him but his Prayers to God and his Sacred Majesty Also that in his absence in this Parliament no use might be made of his Majesties Sacred Name to wound the Reputation of a poor Bishop who besides his Religion and Duty to that Divine Character which his Majesty beareth hath affectionately honored his very person above all Objects in this World as he desired the Salvation of the World to come And he craveth no Protection against any other Accuser or Accusation whatsoever On Monday the Sixth of February began the Second Parliament of the Kings Reign The King being placed in his Royal Throne the Lords in their Robes and the Commons below the Bar it pleased his Majesty to refer them to the Lord Keeper for what he had to say The Lord Keepers Speech My Lords ANd you the Knights
which though it do invite him to render unto you such a satisfaction that he hopes may acquit and restore him to your good opinion and might prevent your proceedings which otherwise by a Parliamentary course are like to follow Yet according to his duty having moved the Lords of the Upper House upon your notice given him they would by no means as things now stand give him leave to answer in regard he is not ignorant you are presently to enter into consideration of his Majesties Message and that by a delay therein your own purposes will be in some sort disappointed and the affairs of Christendome much prejudiced but for that upon a resolution you have deferred and respited that service until those things depending against him be first determined he out of fear that his necessary defence would spin out a great deal of time which is more precious is the willinger to obey their Lordships that so he might hasten without obstacle or interruption given unto him to keep day with his Majesty And this he doth as he conceives to his own infinite prejudice knowing how grievous it is to be transmitted as a Grievance by the voice of this House But he doth profess he will rather hazard the safety of his Fortunes Reputation and himself then to be the least occasion of any that may work dis-affection or mis-understanding between the King and his People And it is his Protestation that whatsoever interruption is made by his actions his endeavors shall be as long as he hath any favor with his gracious Master to take opportunity of doing good offices to this House and of rendring all that he can be able for the safety of the State and the general good of the Common-wealth And this he saith you may the easier beleeve because his Majesty can witness that he hazarded in his Fathers time the loss of the best affection of the best of Masters to obtain for them their desire In this zeal he was desirous to have appeared unto you ever since the beginning of this Parliament and in this zeal he doth now present himself unto you But to return to the main point he lest we should be mistaken gave us occasion in plain words to remember you that it is not he that doth refuse to answer but the Lords commanded him not to answer which he the cheerfullier obeyed in respect of his fidelity to prefer the Universal Weal before his own particular And in the mean time he desireth the charitable opinion of this Noble House until he be convinced that he shall appear not worthy of it which his own innocency maketh him confident that he shall not Whilst the Duke stood ready to be impeacht his Grace propounded to the Lords of the Council to have it moved to the King that in regard of the important services by Sea the usual pay to the Sailers might be raised from Fourteen to Twenty shillings a Moneth which was as much as they ordinarily received for Merchants wages The King being therein moved was consenting Nevertheless multitudes of the pressed Mariners ran away leaving his Majesties Ships unfurnished and his Service disappointed There was a great Debate in the House of Commons Whether the Committee of Twelve where Mr. Glanvile had the Chair shall consider of any new matter not heretofore propounded in the House against the Duke And it was resolved in the Affirmative Mr. Glanvile reports from the Committee the Examination concerning a Plaister and a Posset applied and given to King Iames in his sickness when the Kings sworne Physicians had agreed upon other Directions Hereupon it was resolved That this should be annexed to the Charge against the Duke as a transcendent Presumption of dangerous consequence Hereupon his Majesty sent this Message to the Commons THat he having given way to Enquiry about the Duke of Buckingham and hearing that there is new matter intended to be brought against him nevertheless leaveth the House to their own way to present the business to him or to the Lords withal adviseth them to consider of the season of the year and to avoid all loss of time It was Ordered That thanks should be returned to his Majesty for this Message On Monday the First of May the Gentleman-Usher brought the Earl of Bristol to the Bar according to their Lordships Order and the Lord Keeper acquainted him That the King had commanded his Attorney General to charge the Earl of Bristol before their Lordships with High Treason and other Offences and Misdemeanors of a very high nature that they might proceed in a Legal course against him according to the Justice and usual proceedings of Parliament I. Offences done and committed by the Earl of Bristol before His Majesties going into Spain when he was Prince I. THat the said Earl being trusted and employed by the said late King as his Ambassador to Ferdinando then and now Emperor of Germany and to Philip the Fourth then and now King of Spain in Annis 1621.22 and 23. And having Commission and particular and special Direction to Treat with the said Emperor and the King of Spain for the plenary restoring of such parts of the Dominions Territories and Possessions of the Count Palatine of Rhine who married with the most Excellent Lady Elizabeth his now Royal Consort the onely Daughter of the said late King Iames which were then wrongfully and in hostile manner taken and possessed with and by the Armies of the said Emperor and King of Spain or any other and for preserving and keeping such other parts thereof as were not then lost but were then in the protection of the said late King Iames and to the use of the said Count Palatine and his Children And also to Treat with the said King of Spain for a Marriage to be had between the most High and Excellent Prince Charls then Prince of Wales the onely Son and Heir Apparant of the said King Iames and now our most Soveraign Lord and the most Illustrious Lady Donna Maria the Infanta of Spain Sister to the now King of Spain He the said Earl contrary to his duty and Alleagiance and contrary to the trust and duty of an Ambassador at Madrid in the Kingdom of Spain to advance and further the designs of the said King of Spain against our said Soveraign Lord his Children Friends and Allies falsly willingly and traiterously and as a Traitor to our said late Soveraign Lord the King by sundry Letters and other Messages sent by the said Earl from Madrid in the years aforesaid unto King Iames and his Ministers of State of England did confidently and resolutely inform advise and assure the said late King That the said Emperor and King of Spain would really fully and effectually make restitution and plenary restauration to the said Count Palatine and his Children of the said Dominions Territories and Possessions of the said Count Palatine and of the said Electoral Dignity And that the said King of
and spun out two days time It was managed by Eight Members and Sixteen more as Assistants The Eight cheif managers were Sir Dudley Diggs Mr. Herbert Mr. Selden Mr. Glanvile Mr. Pym Mr. Sherâ—and Mr. Wandesford and Sir Iohn Elliot Sir Dudley Diggs by way of Prologue made this Speech My Lords THere are so many things of great importance to be said in very little time to day that I conceive it will not be unacceptable to your Lordships if setting by all Rhetorical Affectations I onely in plain Country Language humbly pray your Lordships favor to include many excuses necessary to my manifold infirmities in this one word I am Commanded by the Knights Citizens and Burgesses of the Commons House to present to your Lordships their most affectionate thanks for your ready condescending to this Conference which out of confidence in your great Wisdoms and approved Justice for the service of his Majesty and the welfare of this Realm they desired upon this occasion The House of Commons by a fatal and universal Concurrence of Complaints from all the Sea-bordering parts of this Kingdom did finde a great and grievous interruption and stop of Trade and Traffick The base Pirates of Sally ignominiously infesting our Coasts taking our Ships and Goods and leading away the Subjects of this Kingdom into Barbarous captivity while to our shame and hindrance of Commerce our enemies did as it were besiege our Ports and block up our best Rivers mouths Our friends on slight pretences made Imbargoes of our Merchants Goods and every Nation upon the least occasion was ready to contemn and slights us So great was the apparent diminution of the antient Honor of this Crown and once strong Reputation of our Nation Wherewith the Commons were more troubled calling to remembrance how formerly in France in Spain in Holland and every where by Sea and Land the Valors of this Kingdom had been better valued and even in latter times within remembrance when we had no Alliance with France none in Denmark none in Germany no Friend in Italy Scotland to say no more ununited Ireland not setled in peace and much less security at home when Spain was as ambitious as it is now under a King Philip the Second they called their Wisest the House of Austria as great and potent and both strengthned with a malitious League in France of persons ill-affected when the Low-Countreys had no Being yet by constant Councils and old English ways even then that Spanish pride was cooled that greatness of the House of Austria so formidable to us now was well resisted and to the United Provinces of the Low-Countreys such a beginning growth and strength was given as gave us honor over all the Christian World The Commons therefore wondring at the Evils which they suffered debating of the Causes of them found they were many drawn like one Line to one Circumference of decay of Trade and strength of Honor and Reputation in this Kingdom which as in one Centre met in one great Man the cause of all whom I am here to name The Duke of Buckingham Here Sir Dudley Diggs made a little stop and afterwards read the Preamble to the Charge viz. The Commons Declaration and Impeachment against the Duke of Buckingham FOr the speedy Redress of great Evils and Mischeifs and of the cheif cause of these Evils and Mischeifs which this Kingdom of England now grievously suffereth and of late years hath suffered and to the honor and safety of our Soveraign Lord the King and of his Crown and Dignity and to the good and welfare of his people The Commons in this present Parliament by the Authority of our said Soveraign Lord the King assembled Do by this their Bill shew and declare against George Duke Marquess and Earl of Buckingham Earl of Coventry Viscount Villers Baron of Whaddon Great Admiral of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and of the Principality of Wales and of the Dominions and Islands of the same of the Town of Calais and of the Marches of the same and of Normandy Gascoigne and Guienne General-Governor of the Seas and Ships of the said Kingdom Lieutenant-General Admiral Captain-General and Governor of his Majesties Royal Fleet and Army lately set forth Master of the Horse of our Soveraign Lord the King Lord Warden Chancellor and Admiral of the Cinque Ports and of the Members thereof Constable of Dover Castle Iustice in Eyre of all the Forests and Chases on this side the River Trent Constable of the Castle of Windsor Gentleman of his Majesties Bed-Chamber one of his Majesties most Honorable Privy Council in his Realms both in England Scotland and Ireland and Knight of the most Honorable Order of the Garter The Misdemeanors Misprisions Offences Crimes and other Matters comprised in the Articles following and him the said Duke do accuse and impeach of the said Misdemeanors Misprisions Offences and Crimes My Lords THis lofty Title of this Mighty Man methinks doth raise my spirits to speak with a Paulò Majora Canamus and let it not displease your Lordships if for Foundation I compare the beautiful structure and fair composition of this Monarchy wherein we live to the great work of God the World it self In which the solid Body of incorporated Earth and Sea as I conceive in regard of our Husbandry Manufactures and Commerce by Land and Sea may well resemble us the Commons And as it is incompassed with Air and Fire and Sphears Celestial of Planets and a Firmament of fixed Stars all which receive their heat light and life from one great glorious Sun even like the King our Soveraign So that Firmament of fixed Stars I take to be your Lordships those Planets the great Officers of the Kingdom that pure Element of Fire the most Religious Zealous and Pious Clergy and the Reverend Judges Magistrates and Ministers of Law and Justice the Air wherein we breathe All which encompass round with cherishing comfort this Body of the Commons who truly labor for them all and though they be the Foot stool and the lowest yet may well be said to be the setled Centre of the State Now my good Lords if that glorious Sun by his powerful Beams of Grace and Favor shall draw from the Bowels of this Earth an exhalation that shall take Fire and burn and shine out like a Star it needs not be marvelled at if the poor Commons gaze and wonder at the Comet and when they feel the effects impute all to the incorruptible matter of it But if such an imperfect mixture appear like that in the last age in the Chair of Cassiopeia among the sixed Stars themselves where Aristotle and the old Philosophers conceived there was no place for such corruption then as the Learned Mathematicians were troubled to observe the irregular motions the prodigious magnitude and the ominous prognosticks of that Meteor so the Commons when they see such a blazing Star in course so exorbitant in the Affairs of this Commonwealth cannot
complained of and what punishment it may deserve His fault consisteth in the unjust extorting and receiving the Ten thousand pounds from the East-India Company against their wills by colour of his Office Yet as offenders in this kinde have commonly some colour to disguise and mask their Corruptions so had he His colour was the Release of his pretended right to the Tenth part or some other share of the Goods supposed to be Piratically taken at Sea by the Captain and their Servants of the Company And though his Lordship may perhaps call his act therein a lawful Composition I must crave pardon of your Lordships to say thus That if his supposed right had been good this might peradventure have been a fair Composition The same pretence being unsound and falling away it was a meer naked Bribe and unjust extortion For if way should be given to take money by colour of Releases of pretended rights men great in power and in evil would never want means to extort upon the meaner sort at their pleasures with impunity It remains therefore that I should prove unto your Lordships onely two things First That a pretence of right by the Duke if he had none will not excuse him in this case and in the next place to shew by reason and good warrant That he had in Law no right at all to Release For the former I will relie upon the substance of two noteable presidents of Judgments in Parliament the one antient in the 10 Rich. 2. At which time the Commons preferred divers Articles unto the Lords in Parliament against Michael de la Pool Earl of Suffolk Lord Chancellor of England accusing him amongst other things by the first Article of his Charge That while he was Lord Chancellor he had refused to give Livery to the cheif Master of St. Anthonies of the profit pertaining to that Order till he had security from them with Sureties by Recognisance of Three thousand pounds for the payment of One hundred pounds per annum to the Earl and to Iohn his Son for their lives The Earl by way of Answer set forth a pretended Title in his Son to the cheif Mastership of that Order and that he took that One hundred pound per annum as a Composition for his Sons right The Commons replied shewing amongst other things That the taking of Money for that which should have been done freely was a selling of the Law and so prayed Judgment In conclusion the pretended right of his Son not being just or approved the offence remained single by it self a sale of Law and Justice as the Law termeth it and not a Composition for the Release of his Interest So the Earl for this amongst the rest was sentenced and greatly punished as by the Records appeareth The other President of like nature is more Modern in the Case of the Earl of Middlesex late Lord Treasurer of England who was charged by the Commons in Parliament and transmitted to your Lordships for taking of Five hundred pounds of the Farmers of the Great Customs as a Bribe for allowing of that Security for payment of their Rent to the late Kings Majesty which without such reward of Five hundred pounds he had formerly refused to allow of The Earl pretended for himself That he had not onely that Five hundred pound but Five hundred pounds more in all One thousand pounds of those Farmers for a Release of his Claim to Four of Two and thirty parts of that Farm But upon the proof it appearing to your Lordships That he had not any such part of that Farm as he pretended it was in the Thirteenth day of May in the Two and twentieth year of his late Majesties reign Adjudged by your Lordships in Parliament which I think is yet fresh in your Memories That the Earl for this amongst other things should undergo many grievous Censures as appeareth by the Records of your Lordships house which I have lately seen and perused And now being to prove that the said Duke had no title to any part of the Goods by him claimed against the East-India Company I shall easily make it manifest if his Lordships pretence by his own Allegation in the Admiralty were true That the Goods whereof he claims his share were Piratically taken From which Allegation as he may not now recede so is it clear by Reason and Authority That of such Goods no part or share whatsoever is due to the Lord Admiral in right of his Office or otherways 1. For that the parties from whom the same were taken ought to have restitution demanding it in due and reasonable time and it were an injury to the intercourse and Law of Nations if the contrary should be any way tolerated 2. Secondly by Law for so are the Statutes of this Kingdom and more especially in 27 Edw. 3.13 whereby it was provided That if any Merchant privy or stranger be robbed of his Goods upon the Sea and the same come afterwards into this Realm the owner shall be received to prove such Goods to be his and upon proof thereof shall have the same restored to him again Likewise 1 2 3 Edw. 6.18 in the Act of Parliament touching Sir Thomas Seymour Great Admiral of England who therein amongst divers other things is charged with this That he had taken to his own use Goods Piratically taken against the Law whereby he moved almost all Christian Princes to conceive a grudge and displeasure and by open War to seek remedy by their own hands And therefore for this amongst other things he was attainted of High Treason as appeareth by that Act wherein the Law is so declared to be as before is expressed But if it should be admitted that the Duke had a right in this case for which he might compound yet the manner of his seeking to try and recover such his right is in it self an high Offence and clearly unlawful in many respects whereof I will touch but a few As in making the most Honorable House of Parliament an Instrument to effect his private ends for his profit In proceeding to arest and stay the Ships of men not apt to flie but well able to answer and satisfie any just Suits which he might have against them though their Ships had gone on in their Voyage In prosecuting things so unseasonably and urging them so extreamly by his Advocate for bringing in of so great a sum of money upon the sudden and formally under colour of Justice and Service of the State In reducing that Company into that straight and necessity that it was as good for them to compound though the Duke had no title as to defend their own just right against him upon these disadvantages which by his power and industry he had put upon them Then he read the Seventh and Eighth Articles which he handled joyntly as being not two Charges but two sevearl parts of one and the same Charge and when he had read them he went on speaking further to
favor of Roman Catholicks A difficulty concerning the Popes title on the Kings part Another on the Ambassadors part concerning prayers in the Kings Chappel A titular Bishop of Calcedon sent into England Preparations for conducting the Infanta into England No mention made in the Capitulations of restoring the Palatine Mr. Allured his Letter to the Duke The French jealous of this conjunction Pope Vrban to K. Iames. Pope Vrbans Letter to Prince Charls The Treaty begins to tend to a rupture The Prohibition to the Judges and Bishops in behalf of the Catholicks suspended Some of the English in Spain dislike the Match and Religion The Duke disgusted in Spain Buckingham and Bristol run different ways The Palatine by his Secretary labors to engage the Prince against the Marriage The Spaniard continues new delays The English Papists perplexed The Prince ready to depart from the Court of Spain leaves a Proxy with the Earl of Bristâ—l The Duke and Olivares part not Friends The Prince universally â—steemed His departure solemn The Prince feasted the Dons aboard his Ship and bringing them back again to the shore a storm surprises them Expressions of joy for the Princes safe return into England Private Instructions delivered to Bristol contrary to the Proxy Bristol in a Letter gives the Prince a good account of the business King Iames falls off and for a Condition of the Mariage demands the Restitution of the Palatinate Bristol and Asâ—â—n demur upon the new Instructions Sir Walter Aston endeavors to reconcile the Dâ—ke to Spain Advice to the King touching the Duke The Earl of Bristol is commanded by the King to follow the new Instructions King Iames puts the Palatine in hope by Proposal of new terms The Palatines Answer to those Terms proposed by the King The Netherlands appear ready to embrace the antient Union with England The Ratifiâ—â—â—ication come from the new Popâ— and when all is ready for the E 〈◊〉 ls thâ—n is the Maâ—ch dasht by order from England Bristol sends his Apology to K. Iames for having demurred upon the new Instructions Olivares offers Bristol large Preferments in the Kings name when he was to take his leave Bristols Answer to those Profers The Spaniards prepare for a War with England The L. Kensington sent Ambassador into France to feel the pulse of that Court touching a Match renders an account of his acceptance The King advised to call a Parliament The Kings Speech to the Parliament The King approves Sir Tho. Crew for Speaker who made this Speech The Dukes Narrative Both Houses of Parliament justifie the Duke in his Narrative His Majesties Answer to that Justification Both Houses of Parliament concur that the King may not honorably proceed in tâ—e Treaty of the Prince's Marriage and the Palatinate The Kings Speech 〈◊〉 Parliament perswaâ—â—â—â— him to break off the two Treaties of the Match and of the Palatinate Sir Edw. Sackvile's Speech Sir Edw. Sackvile's Speech The Parliaments Answer to the Kings Speech The Parliament offers his Majesty Three Subsidies and Three Fifteens if he break off both Treaties His Majesties Reply The King declares his Resolution to dissolve the Treaties The King accepts the aid proffered him King Iames his Letter to Secretary Conway touching a Petition against the Papists The Petition His Majesties Answer to the Petition The Spanish Ambassadors accuse Buckingham to the King of matters of high concernment The issue of those Accusations The Earl of Bristol protests against the Dukes Narration is imprisoned in the Tower The Speakers and the Kings Speech at the Adjournment of the Parliament Kings Iames demands the Town of Frankendal deposited in the Archducâ—hess hands Spinola marches out of the Town and immediately Re-enters King Iames very desirous of a Match with France The Match with France concluded Count Mansfield arrrives in England 12000 Foot and 200 horse raised to go under his command Scarce the third part of Count Mansfields Army came safe to Land Richard Smith made Bishop of Calcedon and sent into England with Episcopal Jurisdiction * The Duke of Buckingham Instructions to Mr Drummond The Privy-Counsellors present themselves to King Charles King Charles proclaimed at Theobalds At Whitehall In London The old Privy-Council new sworn The Councils advice to the King Proclamation concerning Persons in Office c. Proclamation of Government Resolution taken by the King concerning King Iames Funeral and his own Marriage A Parlamenâ— summoned King Iames Funeral Duke of Buckingham continues Favorite to King Charles Religion considered A general Muster Souldiers levied for the Palatinate Proclamation against disorders committed by Souldiers Articles of the marriage with France signed by the King Private Articles in favor of the Catholicks The Marriage solemnized in France The Duke sent into France for the Queen A Royal Navy sent to Bolâ—ign to transport the Queen The Marriage consummated at Canterbury The Trained Bands of Kent commanded to attend the Queen The King and Queen come to London A Chappel built at Somerset-house for the Queen A great Plague in London The Parliament opened The Kings Speech in Parliament The Lord Keepers Speech in Parliament Sir Tho. Crew Speaker Debates in the House of Commons A Fast. Committees chosen Message to the King touching Religion and his Answer Mr. Montague brought to the Bar. The Arminian party assert his cause The King takes Montagues businâ—â—â— into his own hand Two Subsidies presented to the King The King accepts them and desires more A short Answer to the Petition touching Religion The Parliament adjourned to Oxford The Exchequer removed to Richmond The Vantguard and seven other Ships employed against Rochel The Parliament meets again at Oxford Grievances Mr. Montague Summoned to appear His Cause recommended by the Bishops to the Duke The Appeal to Caesar disputed The Kings Speech in Christ-Church Lord Conway and Secretary Cook by the Kings Command declare the present slate of Affairs Lord Treasurer proceeds in that subject Debates in the House of Commons touching the present state of Affairs Complaints against Papists favored notwithstanding the Kings Answer to the Petition against them The Petition concerning Religion together with his 〈…〉 The Duke renders an account to both Houses of the Fleet. He speaks by way of Objection and Answer * The Earl of Bristol The Dukes Relation accasioned variety of Opinions in Parliament The Kings Message to the Commons Debates upon the Kings Message The Commons Declaration The Parliament dissolved The King follows his Design of War The Kings Proclamation to recal home children of Recusants The Kings Letter to the Lieutenants for the Loan of Money upon Privy-Seals Privy-Seals issued forth to certain Persons Warrants for disarming Recusants Letters directed to Lords Recusants Concourse of Papists prevented Viscount Wimbleton Commander in Chief in the Voyage to Cadez Lord Cromwels Letter to the Duke touching the Fleet. The Earl of Warwick secures Langer-Point in Essex English and Dutch Fleet before Dunkirk dispersed by a storm The General examined before the Council The
dares not but give advice to follow where God leads apprehending the work of God in this and that of Hungary That by peece and peece the Kings of the Earth that gave their power to the Beast shall leave the Whore and make her desolate That he was satisfied in Conscience that the Bohemians had just cause to reject that proud and bloody man who had taken a course to make that Kingdom not Elective in taking it by the Donation of another The slighting of the Viscount Doncaster in his Ambassage gave cause of just displeasure and indignation Therefore let not a Noble Son be forsaken for their sakes who regard nothing but their own ends Our striking-in will comfort the Bohemians honor the Palsgrave strengthen the Princes of the Union draw on the United Provinces stir up the King of Denmark and the Palatines two Uncles the Prince of Orange and the Duke of Bouillon together with Tremouille a rich Prince in France to cast in their shares The Parliament is the old and honorable way for raising of Money and all that may be spared is to be turned this way And perhaps God provided the Iewels which were laid up in the Tower by the Mother for the preservation of the Daughter who like a Noble Princess hath professed that she will not leave her self one Iewel rather then not maintain so religious and righteous a Cause Certainly if countenance be given to this Action many brave Spirits will offer themselves Therefore let all our Spirits be gathered up to animate this business that the World may take notice that we are awake when God calls The Life and Zeal of these Expressions from a Person of such Eminency may discover the Judgment and Affection of the Anti-Spanish party in the Court of England But the King was engaged in those ways out of which he could not easily turn himself Besides it did not please him that his Son should snatch a Crown out of the Fire And he was used to say That the Bohemians made use of him as the Fox did of the Cats foot to pull the Apple out of the Fire for his own eating In the mean while before the King could answer the Palsgrave desiring advice in that behalf the Bohemians had wrought and prevailed with him to accept of their Election whereof he sent Advertisement into England excusing the suddenness of the Action for that the urgency of the cause would admit of no deliberation King Iames disavowed the Act and would never grace his Son in Law with the stile of his new Dignity But Sir Richard Weston and Sir Edward Conway were sent Ambassadors into Bohemia to close up the breach between the Emperor and the Elector Palatine The King being not a little troubled and jealous that the Palatines nearness to him might give cause of suspition to his Brother of Spain that this Election had been made by his procurement or correspondence with the German Protestants commands his Agent Cottington to give that King plenary Information of all proceedings As That his Ambassador being sent to compound the differences and to reduce the Bohemians to the quiet obedience of the Emperor instead of finding the Emperor so prepared and such a way made for his Mediation as was promised and expected received answer That the business was already referred to four of the Electors insomuch that no place was left for his Authority to interpose Of this exclusive answer as he had just cause to be sensible considering that he had entred into that Treaty meerly at the instance of the King of Spain and his Ministers so there followed a further inconvenience That the Bohemians having long expected the fruit and issue of this Mediation and finding little hope by this means did instantly as out of desperation Elect the Count Palatine for their King Wherefore being tender of his own honor and reputation especially in the opinion of the King of Spain he would not have it blemished by the least misunderstanding And for that end he tendred to his view such Letters as from time to time he had written to the Princes of the Union and to the Palatine himself whereby he might plainly see his dislike of the Bohemians engaging against their King and his industry to contain those Princes in peace and quietness and to make a fair Accord between the disagreeing parties Reply was made as touching the answer given to the Viscount Doncaster That he was admitted a Compounder in such form as was possible the Arbitration having been committed by the late Emperor into the hands of three of the Electors and the Duke of Bavaria that nevertheless he might have proceeded in the Negotiation and by his Masters Authority have over-ruled any difficulty which might have hapned on the Emperors side on whose behalf the reference was made if he had reduced the Bohemians to the acceptance of any reasonable conditions But he presently to the Emperors great disservice labored to suspend the Election of the King of the Romans till the Bohemian Controversie were first compounded which was absolutely to defeat King Ferdinand of that Crown and to disturb and put in danger his Election to the Empire This was the more confirmed by his desire to make Bonfires in Liege when the Count Palatine was made King of Bohemia As touching the Kings integrity in the whole business the satisfaction tendred was received with great applause and it was further said That it would gain the more authority and estimation if he should continue to disclaim that which had been done so contrary to his opinion and against his Friends and Allies as are all the Princes of the House of Austria But the Lot was cast in Germany and for the Palsgrave there was no going back forces pour in a main on both sides The King of Poland aided the Emperor in Hungary to bound and check the incursions of Prince Bethlem the Duke of Saxony did not brook his Fellow Electors advancement to Regal Majesty and condemned his joyning with Bethlem Gabor Who saith he came in with the Turks consent to make a desolution in the Empire King Frederick visited the several parts of his Kingdom to confirm the people to him and to receive the Oath of Fidelity And the Emperor published a Proscription against him wherein he proclaims him guilty of High Treason excludes him out of the publick peace and declares his resolution to prosecute him as the publick Enemy of the Empire and a contemner of his Imperial Majesty and absolves all his Subjects from their Oaths and Duties to him and commands all persons whatsoever to abandon him and his adherents Christian Prince of Anhalt was appointed Generalissimo of the Bohemian Forces and governed all affairs which was some eclipse and discontent to Thurne and Mansfet who had hitherto stood the shock of the Imperial Armies The Princes of the Union raised forces for the defence of the Palatinate and their own interest
under the Marquess Ansbach The Evangelicks were put to the worst by General Buquoy in several encounters and were much terrified by the Duke of Bavaria who marched with an Army of Fifteen thousand Horse and Foot and a Train of Artillery proportionable and they were weakned by a Cessation of Arms in Hungary between the Emperor and the Prince of Transylvania In Spain they make all possible preparations for this War onely the King of England will not take the Alarm abhorring War in general and distasting the Palsgraves cause as an ill president against Monarchy and fed with hopes of composing all differences by the success of the Spanish Treaty For which purpose Sir Walter Aston was then sent Ambassador into Spain and Gondomar returned into England there to abide till the long debated Match be fully effected The Articles of Religion for securing Liberty of Conscience to the Infanta and her Family were greatly inlarged by the Commissioners designed for the Treaty and were allowed by the King of England but without a dispensation from Rome the transactions between the two Kings were but Nullities And for this cause it was expected that our King should propound such conditions for the increase and great advantage of the Roman Catholick Religion that the Pope may deliberate whether they be of that nature as may perswade and merit the dispensation To this demand the King made answer in his Letter to the King of Spain That he had done as much in favor of the Catholicks as the times would bear and promised in the word of a King That no Roman Priest or other Catholick should thenceforth be condemned upon any capital Law And although he could not at present rescind the Laws inflicting onely pecuniary mulcts yet he would so mitigate them as to oblige his Catholick Subjects to him And if the Marriage took effect his Daughter in Law should finde him ready to indulge all favors which she should request for those of her Religion Herein the Spanish Council acknowledged great satisfaction given and a Paper was conceived and drawn up by a Iunto of Canonists Lawyers and Divines to perswade the Pope to act his part IN the mean while an Army of Thirty thousand was levying in Flanders under the command of Marquess Spinola The King of England sent to know the cause of so great preparations The Marquess gave answer That he received his Commission sealed up with a charge not to open it till his Army were compleated and brought together to a Rendevouz But the King had proof enough to assure him that this Army was intended for the Palatinate Yet no more then one Regiment under the Command of Sir Horatio Vere could be obtained from him though two more were promised When Spinola had his Rendevouz where he mustered Six and twenty thousand Foot and Four thousand Horse he opened his Commission which required him to make War against all those which should be confederate with the Bohemian Rebels and he communicated the same to the Ambassador of Great Brittain At the same time the English began their march as brave a Regiment as hath appeared in any age consisting most of Gentlemen under a most worthy Leader who was accompanied with the Earls of Oxford and Essex persons innobled as well by their own vertues as by their Progenitors Other Commanders in this Regiment were Sir Edward Sackvile Sir Gerard Herbert Sir Robert Knolles Captain Stafford Captain Wilmot Captain William Fairfax Sir Iohn Burlacy Cap. Burroughs Cap. Robert Knightly c. This handful of men reached the Palatinate with some difficulty by the aid and conduct of Henry Prince of Nassau The Imperial forces became exceeding numerous by large supplies from several Countreys and Provinces The States Protestant of the Upper and Lower Austria upon the approach of the Bavarian Army seeing nothing but manifest ruine renounce their Confederacy with the Bohemians and submit to the Emperor saving to themselves their Rights and Priviledges in Religion Whereupon the Bohemians and their King being but Twenty thousand strong besides an addition of Ten thousand Hungarians from Bethlem Gabor and fearing least Bavaria and Buquoy joyning their forces should fall into Bohemia thought it best to fortifie the Frontiers and to defend their Country which they conceived they might well do if the Elector of Saxony would continue in his Neutrality The Emperor sent to the said Elector to execute his Ban or Declaration of Treason against the Count Palatine and the Bohemian Rebels The Bohemians by their Ambassadors requested him if he would not own their Cause yet at least to remain Neutral The Duke of Saxony replied to King Frederick That he had often represented to him what ruine was like to follow him by taking an others Crown and for his own part being called upon by the Emperor to execute his Ban and chastise the Rebels he could not disobey that just command The Protestant Princes sent to him again and gave him notice of Spinola's advance to subdue the Palatinate but this did nothing move him He entred Lusatia with some forces and quickly reduced a part of that Province In the Palatinate Spinola having got the start of the English by means of a far shorter march had no sooner arived but he took in divers Towns and prevailed greatly over a spiritless people yet he warily declined the hazard of Battel with the Princes of the Union Neither was the Marquess Ansbach very forward to engage or to seek or take advantages The Dutch slowness was not excusable howbeit the great access of strength to the Emperors party and this slender aid from the King of Great Brittain to preserve his Childrens Patrimony must needs dishearten the German Princes and help to dissolve the Union After a while the season of the year drew them into their Winter Quarters the Princes retired into their several Countreys and the English Regiment was disposed into three principal Garisons Sir Horatio Vere commanded in Manheim Sir Gerard Herbert in Heidelborough and Captain Burroughs in Frankendale having onely power to preserve themselves within those Walls whilest the enemy ranged round about them A Letter written from the Marquess of Buckingham to Conde Gondomar discovered the bent of the Kings minde and will touching the German War That he was resolved to continue Neuter for Conscience Honor and Examples sake In regard of Conscience judging it unlawful to inthrone and dethrone Kings for Religions sake having a quarrel against the Jesuites for holding that opinion Besides he saw the World inclined to make this a War of Religion which he would never do In point of Honor for that when he sent his Ambassador into Germany to treat of Peace in the interim his Son in Law had taken the Crown upon him And for Example sake holding it a dangerous president against all Christian Princes to allow a sudden translation of Crowns by the Peoples Authority Nevertheless he could not sit still and
Navies in the charge of my Munition I made not choice of an old beaten Soldier for my Admiral but rather chose a Young man whose honesty and integrity I knew whose care hath been to appoint under him sufficient men to lessen my Charges which he hath done Touching the miserable dissentions in Christendom I was not the cause thereof For the appeasing whereof I sent my Lord of Doncaster whose journey cost me Three thousand five hundred pounds My Son in law sent to me for Advice but within three days after accepted of the Crown which I did never approve of for three Reasons First for Religion's sake as not holding with the Jesuites disposing of Kingdoms rather learning of our Saviour to uphold not to overthrow them Secondly I was not Iudge between them neither acquainted with the Laws of Bohemia Quis me Judicem fecit Thirdly I have treated a Peace and therefore will not be a Party Yet I left not to preserve my Childrens Patrimony For I had a Contribution of my Lords and Subjects which amounted to a great sum I borrowed of my Brother of Denmark Seven thousand five hundred pounds to help him and sent as much to him as made it up Ten thousand and Thirty thousand I sent to the Princes of the Union to hearten them I have lost no time Had the Princes of the Union done their parts that handful of men I sent had done theirs I intend to send by way of Perswasion which in this Age will little avail unless a strong hand assist Wherefore I purpose to provide an Army the next Summer and desire you to consider of my Necessities as you have done to my Predecessors Qui cito dat bis dat I will engage my Crown my Blood and my Soul in that Recovery You may be informed of me in things in course of Justice but I never sent to any of my Iudges to give sentence contrary to Law Consider the Trade for the making thereof better and shew me the reason why my Mint for these eight or nine years hath not gone I confess I have been liberal in my Grants but if I be informed I will amend all hurtful Grievances But who shall hasten after Grievances and desire to make himself popular he hath the spirit of Satan If I may know my Errors I will reform them I was in my first Parliament a Novice and in my last there was a kind of beasts called Undertakers a dozen of whom undertook to govern the last Parliament and they led me I shall thank you for your good office and desire that the World may say well of our agreement In this Parliament the Commons presented Sir Tho. Richardson for their Speaker The King minded his former engagements and in the beginning of the Parliament sends Sir Iohn Digby now made Lord Digby into Flanders to the Archduke Albertus to gain a present Cessation from War and to make way for a Treaty of Peace with the Emperor And also about the same time he sent Mr. George Gage to Rome to join with Padre Maestre the Spanish Agent in negotiating the Popes Dispensation The Archduke at Bruxels assented to a Reconciliation in favor of our King and obtained from Marquis Spinola a suspension of all hostility against the Country and Subjects of the Elector Palatine which continued till the death of Archduke Albert who died 17º Iulii following So the Lord Digby returned into England bringing the Cessation of Arms about the same time that Sir Edward Villers brought the Palsgrave's Submission But the Twelve years Peace between Spain and the United Provinces at this time expiring Spinola returned into Flanders and left the Palatinate to the Imperial Forces After the Assembly at Segenburgh the Palatine and his Princess took their journey into Holland where they found a refuge and noble entertainment with the Prince of Orange who gave a high testimony of honor to the Electress at her first arrival for her magnanimous carriage in Bohemia The Ambassage of Weston and Conway prevailed little The Emperor went on in a severe Reformation and frequent Executions among that vanquished people He destroyed most of their antient Laws and made new Ordinances declaring a soveraignty over them not as an Elected King but as a Lord by right of Conquest More Princes of the Union reconcile themselves to the Emperor The Imperial Protestant Towns Strasburgh Worms and Nuremburgh subscribe to Conditions of Peace The reconciled Princes and States intercede for the Elector Palatine but their motion displeased the Emperor who alleadged that the Palatine did not acknowledge his faults nor sue for Pardon but made Levies in Holland and elswhere to renew the War in the Empire For the King of Denmark the United Provinces and divers German Princes did adhere to the Palsgrave's cause and stickle for him But the Princes Confederates being already scattered and the heart of the Union broken Those counsels and enterprises of War on his behalf in stead of repressing the progress of the Austrian party did minister occasion of their more absolute and plenary Conquest But to return to the Parliament in England They petition the King for the due execution of Laws against Jesuites Seminary Priests and Popish Recusants Likewise they take in hand to redress the Peoples Grievances by illegal Patents and Projects and chiefly that of Inns and Alehouses for which there was a great Fine and an Annual Revenue throughout the Kingdom and the Monopoly of Gold and Silver-thread whereby the People were abused with base and counterfeit Wares But the examination of these Abuses was accompanied with the grant of Two Subsidies which was very acceptable to the King Sir Giles Mompesson was convented before the House of Commons for many heinous offences and misdemeanors in this kind to the intolerable grievance of the Subject the great dishonor of the King and the scandal of his Government This Delinquent was committed to prison but he escaped thence and got beyond sea and was pursued by the Kings Proclamation The Commons at a Conference with the Lords offered to prove That the Patents of Gold and Silver-Thread of Inns and Alehouses and of power to Compound for obsolete Laws of the Price of Horse-meat Starch Cords Tobacco-pipes Salt Train-oil and the rest were all illegal Howbeit they touch'd not the tender point of Prerogative but in restoring the Subjects liberty were careful to preserve the Kings honor The Lords resolved to admit no other business till this were ended Hereupon the King came to the House of Lords and there made a Speech MY Lords The last time I came hither my errand was to inform you as well as my memory could serve me of things so long past of the verity of my proceedings and the caution used by me in passing those Letters-Patents which are now in question before you to the effect that they might not be abused in the execution And this I did by way of
the zeal of our true Religion in which we have béen born and wherein by Gods grace we are resolved to die the safety of Your Majesties person who is the very life of Your people the happiness of Your Children and Posterity the honor and good of the Church and State dearer unto us then our own lives having kindled these affections truly devoted to Your Majesty And séeing out of our duty to Your Majesty we have already resolved to give at the end of this Session one intire Subsidy for the present relief of the Palatinate onely to be paid in the end of February next which cannot well be effected but by passing a Bill in a Parlâ—â—mentary course before Christmas We most humbly beséech Your Majesty as our assured hope is that You will then also vouchsafe to give life by Your Royal Assent to such Bills as before that time shall be prepared for Your Majesties honor and the general good of Your people And that such Bills may be also accompanied as hath béen accustomed with Your Majesties Gracious Pardon which procéeding from Your own méer Grace may by Your Highness direction be drawn to that Latitude and Extent as may best sort with Your Majesties bounty and goodness And that not onely Felons and Criminal Offenders may take benefit thereof but that Your good Subjects may receive ease thereby And if it shall so stand with Your good pleasure That it may extend to the relief of the old Debts and Duties to the Crown before the First year of Your Majesties Reign to the discharge of Alienations without Licence and misusing of Liveries and Oustre le Maine before the first Summons of this Parliament and of concealed Wardships and not suing of Liveries and Oustre le Maines before the Twelfth year of Your Majesties Reign Which gratious Favor would much comfort Your good Subjects and ease them from vexation with little loss or prejudice to Your own profit And we by our daily and devout Prayers to the Almighty the Great King of Kings shall contend for a blessing upon our endeavors and for Your Majesties long and happy Reign over us and for Your Childrens Children after You for many and many Generations The House had sufficient cause to set forth the danger of true Religion and the Miseries of the Professors thereof in Foreign parts when besides the great wound made in Germany and the cruelties of the prevailing House of Austria the Protestants in France were almost ruined by Lewis the Thirteenth being besieged at once in several places as in Montauban by the King and in Rochel by Count Soysons and the Duke of Guise And for their relief the King of England prevailed nothing by sending of Sir Edward Herbert since Baron of Cherbury and after him the Viscount Doncaster Ambassador for Mediation The King having Intelligence of the former Remonstrance wrote his Letter to the Speaker To Our Trusty and Welbeloved Sir Thomas Richardson Knight Speaker of the House of COMMONS Mr Speaker WE have heard by divers Reports to our great grief That our distance from the Houses of Parliament caused by our indisposition of health hath imboldned the fiery and popular Spirits of some of the House of Commons to argue and debate publickly of the matters far above their reach and capacity tending to our high dishonor and breach of Prerogative Royal. These are therefore to command you to make known in our Name unto the House That none therein shall presume henceforth to meddle with any thing concerning our Government or deep matters of State and namely not to deal with our dearest Sons Match with the Daughter of Spain nor to touch the honor of that King or any other our Friends and Confederates And also not to meddle with any mans particulars which have their due motion in our ordinary Courts of Iustice. And whereas we hear they have sent a Message to Sir Edwin Sandis to know the reasons of his late restraint you shall in our Name resolve them That it was not for any misdemeanor of his in Parliament but to put them out of doubt of any question of that nature that may arise among them hereafter you shall resolve them in our Name That we think our self very free and able to punish any mans misdemeanors in Parliament as well during their sitting as after Which we mean not to spare hereafter upon any occasion of any mans insolent behavior there that shall be ministred unto us And if they have already touched any of these points which we have forbidden in any Petition of theirs which is to be sent unto us it is our pleasure that you shall tell them That except they reform it before it come to our hands we will not deign the hearing nor answering of it Dated at New-Market 3 Dec. 1621. Hereupon they drew up another Petition which they sent accompanied with the former Remonstrance Most Dread and Gratious Soveraign WE your most humble and loyal Subjects the Knights Citizens and Burgesses Assembled in the Commons House of Parliament full of grief and unspeakable sorrow through the true sence of your Majesties displeasure expressed by your Letter lately sent to our Speaker and by him related and read unto us Yet comforted again with the assurance of your grace and goodness and of the sincerity of our own intentions and procéedings whereon with confidence we can relie In all humbleness beséech your most Excellent Majesty that the loyalty and dutifulness of as faithful and loving Subjects as ever served or lived under a gratious Soveraign may not undeservedly suffer by the mis-information of partial and uncertain Reports which are ever unfaithful Intelligencers But that your Majesty would in the clearness of your own Iudgment first vouchsafe to understand from our selves and not from others what our humble Declaration and Petition resolved upon by the Universal voice of the House and proposed with your gratious Favor to be presented unto your Sacred Majesty doth contain Upon what occasion we entred into consideration of those things which are therein contained with what dutiful respect to your Majesty and your service we did consider thereof and what was our true intention thereby And that when your Majesty shall thereby truly discern our dutiful affections you will in your Royal Iudgment frée us from those heavy charges wherewith some of our Members are burthened and wherein the whole House is involved And we humbly beséech your Majesty that you will not hereafter give credit to private Reports against all or any of the Members of our House whom the whole have not censured until your Majesty have béen truly informed thereof from our selves And that in the mean time and ever we may stand upright in your Majesties grace and good opinion than which no worldly consideration is or can be dearer unto us When your Majesty had Reassembled us in Parliament by your Royal Commandment sooner then we expected and did vouchsafe by the mouths
Letter quickned the Pope whereupon there ensued a Congregation of Cardinals to determine the matter and afterwards the Popes assent And then the Court of Spain declared such an intire Agreement for the Alliance with England that King Iames was satisfied and could expect no further difficulty But his intelligence from Bruxels and all other parts of the World did quickly cool and almost quench his hopes Sir Richard Weston was a man approved by Gondomar who commended the Kings wisdom in the Election of so fit a Minister for the Treaty at Bruxels yet the man so well disposed and suited to the Kings designs wrote desperate Letters of the Infanta's cold and unworthy manner of Treating in that important business of restoring the Palsgrave Whilest the King of Englands proceedings were so just and clear the Count Palatine was retired to Sedan and there sojourned with his Uncle the Duke of Bouillon and his Partizans Duke Christian of Brunswick and Count Mansfield the pretended obstacles of the Treaty were removed and had taken another course Mansfield went for Holland where the States intended to use him for the raising of the siege of Bergen by cutting off the Convoys between Antwerp and the Spanish Leagure And King Iames had lately offered That in case the forces of Mansfield and Brunswick would not rest but still perturb the Treaty he would joyn with the Emperor and the Arch-Dutchess to quiet them And the English Companies in the Palatinate being penned up in Garrisons could not cause disturbance In the mean while that miserable Countrey was burnt and sacked in the sight of the English Ambassador And now the Imperial and Bavarian forces fall to the besieging of Heidelburgh When the Ambassador at Bruxels complained of these proceedings he received frivolous Answers mixed with Recriminations All that Weston obtained was onely Letters of intreaty from the Infanta to the Emperors Generals to proceed no further though she had before acknowledged a full power from the Emperor to conclude the desired Cessation But they pretended that they would restore all when all was taken For this cause Sir Richard Weston acquainted the Marquess of Buckingham that he could not discern how the weak Hopes given him at Bruxels could agree with those strong Assurances given by the Lord Digby from the Court of Spain Moreover to protract the Palsgraves business the Emperor takes occasion to appoint a Dyet at Ratisbone contrary to his own promise as himself acknowledged Mr. Gage returned from Rome with no better fruit of his Agency for the Dispensation cannot pass till the King give satisfaction to a number of new Conditions which before were never dreamed of and had this mischief in them to bring the King in jealousie with the greatest part of his Subjects A peece of Juggling was observed in this Negotiation For some points of larger Indulgence whereunto King Iames had yielded were concealed from the Pope by the Ministers of the King of Spain The Court then devised to put a good face upon an ill Game and good Sawce to an unsavory Dish For all the World expecting that Gage should bring the Dispensation at his first arival they made him give out That it was passed in Rome and sent from thence to Spain But the King made a close pursuit and resolved they should not escape him The Popes Demands superadded to the Articles of Marriage were taken in hand and Resolutions were given upon them in manner following To the Demand of a Publick Church in London besides a Domestick Chappel assigned to the Infanta and her Family the King made Reply That it was more then was assumed by himself or his Son the Prince That the Chappel allowed was not a private Oratory but in effect a Church where the World might take notice of the Religion which the Infanta professed in publick manner To another Demand That the Superior Minister having Ecclesiastical Authority be in Ordine Episcopali he answered That he would leave it to the King of Spain to appoint as he shall judge expedient But whereas the Pope required That the Ecclesiasticks be subject to no Laws but of their own Ecclesiastical Superiors his answer was That exemption seemed strange as not allowed in all States and Countreys that were of the Roman Religion As for the Education of the Children under the Mothers government Let the King of Spain judge indifferently said the King how unfit it were for us to declare to the World That we engaged our self to permit our Grand-children to be brought up unto years of Marriage in a Religion which we profess not and which is not publickly professed in our Kingdom And further then we have already assented in general to leave the Children under the Mothers tuition for a longer or shorter time according to their constitution and health which may possibly reach unto the time required by the Pope We can by no means condiscend unless the King of Spain think it fit to limit the time to a certainty And whereas the Pope expected some larger offers for the general good of the Roman Church the King shewed That the Articles of Religion agreed upon between himself and the late King of Spain were accounted so satisfactory in the judgment of the Learnedst and greatest Clergy of Spain That they declared their opinion that upon the offer of such Conditions the Pope ought not to withhold the Dispensation And he said further That the Pope was satisfied that he of his own Authority could not grant a general Liberty of exercising the Roman Religion And what is it that they would have For setting that aside he had in a manner done already all that was desired as all the Roman Catholicks have found out of his gratious Clemency towards them and will no doubt acknowledge This Resolution the King sent into Spain for he would not seem to Treat with Rome and therewith this Letter to the Lord Digby now made Earl of Bristol Right Trusty and Welbeloved OUr pleasure is that immediately you crave Audience of that King and represent unto him the merit that we may justly chalenge to our self for our sincere proceedings with the Emperor and him Notwithstanding the many Invitations and Temptations we have had to engage our self on our Son in Laws part That we have both from the Emperor and from him hopes given us from time to time of extraordinary respect howsoever our Son in Law had deserved which we have attended and expected even to the last with much patience and in despight as it were of all opposition which might shake our Resolution in that behalf If now when all impediments are removed and the way is so prepared as that the Emperor may give an end unto the War and make some present Demonstration of his respect towards us in leaving us the honor of holding those poor places which yet remain quietly and peaceably until the general Accommodation the same shall nevertheless be violently taken
affair among so many grave Statesmen to the prejudice of so able a Minister as the Earl of Bristol who had laid the first stone in that building Whereupon his power was called in question and found imperfect in regard it was not confirmed by the Council of England Moreover the Duke lay open to some affront which inraged him sore against the Conde Olivares and things grew to that extremity between the Duke and that Kings Ministers that they did not stick to say That they would rather put the Infanta headlong into a Well then into his hands Nevertheless in the Prince himself they observed an extraordinary well staid temper and grave comportment In the present action Buckingham and Bristol ran different ways with great animosity Bristol had the advantage in Spain yea in the Court of England he had gained a great esteem and powerful party and had wrought himself into the Kings opinion by his strenuous Negotiation and pleasing Services As concerning the Dukes demeanor the opinions in England were very different By the people in general who loathed the Match he was favored for his care of his King Prince and Country but by the Court he was much maligned and censured as the occasion of those delays by diverting and changing the ways wherein they began to treat But the King himself was very reserved either still loving the Duke or over-awed by his intimacy and power with the Prince For in all occurrences the Prince closed with him and seemed to give him a large room in his heart Now the Dukes friends at Court pressed him to return speedily and by all means with the Prince and assured him That the longer he stayed there the stronger he made his enemies and himself the weaker And Buckingham well observed that he had little obligation to Spain and had reason to seek some surer props to uphold his greatness And to draw him further off the Secretary of the Prince Palatine coming to Madrid under pretence of praying the Duke to be God-father to one of his Masters Children labored to engage him against the Marriage For the Palatine could not relie on the new overture of Marriage between his Eldest Son and the Emperors yongest Daughter it being a labyrinth out of which no Thred would guide him were the Proposals already granted For being an act of so many various parts as the Pope the Emperor the King of Spain the Duke of Bavaria and divers others it must needs be full of tedious intricacies What Money or other conditions could be offered that were like to satisfie the honor humor and huge expence of the Bavarian for quitting his conquest to an irreconcileable Neighbor What Forein Alliance is able to perswade the Emperor who hath changed all Tenures of Election into Succession and shaken the antient Freedom of the German Princes that he should revive his Enemies dead forces to the prejudice of all that he enjoys or aspires unto Would the Pope be won to suffer Heidelburgh which he accounted the most dangerous Nest of Hereticks after Geneva to return to her former strength Besides the Education of the Palsgraves Son in the Emperors Court and the Sequestration of his Country during his Sons Nonage would be required as necessary to that Conjunction By this time the King must needs be full of jealousies and the Princes patience well nigh speâ—t by the Spaniards intricate proceedings for the Divines insisted stifly That the Consummation of the Marriage and the delivering of the Infanta should be deferred to the next year which seemed a rigorous Proposal Howbeit that King promised to abate the rigor and engaged himself to accomplish the Marriage at Christmas following iâ— the Prince would continue there so long But the resolution touching the delivering of the Infanta was unalterable The English Papists apprehending that a Rupture was like to follow were much perplexed A great Stickler Sir Toby Matthews by name did press his Catholick Majesty to give the Prince some foot of ground upon which he might be able to stand with honor in complying with that extraordinary affection which he beareth to the Infanta Moreover he protested to him That if the Catholicks of these Dominions should grow liable to persecution or affliction by the occasion of this breach through the disgust of the King and his Council or through the power which the Puritans assembled in Parliament will infallibly have with him that blood or misery may be partly required at their hands who have advised his Majesty not to accept those large Conditions which the King and Prince had condescended unto and that more then Moral security which they had offered for the performance thereof Now the Prince is thinking to leave the Court of Spain and they say he wrote to his Father a Letter of high Despair wherein was this passage You must now Sir look upon my Sister and her Children never thinking more of me and forgetting that ever you had such a Son Whereupon King Iames sent swift dispatches to hasten his return The King and Council of Spain seemed to be startled at these Resolutions and his Majesty importuned the Prince That having staid so many years for a wife he would stay some few moneths longer And if he pleased to give way that the Infanta's journey might be put off till the following Spring he would give him a Blank to write his own Conditions touching the surrender of the Palatinate But when his Highness urged Reasons for his departure they took the matter in debate afresh and consented upon Oath first given as well by his Catholick Majesty as by the Prince to accomplish the Marriage and to make the Espousals within ten days after the Ratification should come from Rome To which purpose the Prince made a Procuration to the King of Spain and Don Carlos his Brother to make the Espousals in his Name and left it in the Earl of Bristols hands Nevertheless he left in the hand of one of the Dukes Creatures a private Instrument with Instructions to be delivered to the Earl of Bristol to stay the delivery of the Proxies till further direction from him pretending That the Infanta might retire into a Cloister and defraud him of a Wife But these Instructions were to be concealed from the Earl till the Ratification came from Rome The Duke not regarding a Ceremonious Farewel at Court departed hastily a little before the Prince pretending to prepare the English Navy that lay at the Port of St. Andrew for the Princes transportation Olivares and he had but a harsh parting for he told Olivares That he was obliged to the King Queen and Infanta in an eternal tye of gratitude and that he would be an everlasting Servant to them and endeavor to do the best Offices for concluding the Match and strengthning the Amity between the Crowns But as for himself he had so far disobliged him that he could not without flattery make the least profession of
the King of Spain either by Publick Act or by Answer under his Hand and Seal a direct Engagement for the Restitution of the Palatinate and the Electoral Dignity by Mediation or by the assistance of Arms if Mediation fail together with a limitation of the time when the way of Mediation shall determine and the assistance of Arms begin And the King declared That he had reason infinitely to think it requisite to deal plainly and clearly with his Brother of Spain because the Berkstrot in the Palatinate the prime flower of his Son-in-laws Revenue was taken by the Arms of Spain and put into the possession of a Spanish Garison or under their command and the Countrey or Revenue thereof was contrary to the Contract with the Infanta at Bruxels and upon an old pretence freshly delivered into the hands of the Bishop of Mentz being none of those to whom Interest or Mediation had been formerly used or thought of who were onely the Emperor the King of Spain and the Duke of Bavaria And concerning the Marriage Portion he absolutely rejected both Jewels and yearly Revenue as contrary to the first Agreement and expected the Total sum in specie at reasonable times of payment As touching the Espousals he commanded the Suspension of the Powers left and sent the Powers renewed by the Prince for a larger time that no blame might light on him or his Son in case that King could not give satisfaction in so short a time as that where in the former powers would become invalid In the mean while he said he was ready to propound good ways to satisfie the Duke of Bavaria in point of Title and Honor and to continue the Negotiation for Matching the Palatines Eldest Son with the Emperors Daughter The Earl of Bristol had a difficult part to act in Spain and in England the Duke set all his strength to crush him The Surrender of the Palatinate to the Kings contentment was not probable after it was ransacked and alienated and as a common Booty shared in parcels to several Princes Nevertheless as yet the King hoped by Treaty to compose the whole business and to satisfie the several Interests And having by his continued patience and industry reduced Matters to a Circle of lesser extent then the former generalities tendered to the Palatine these terms of hope In the first place That he make a due submission to the Emperor under convenient Limitations which shall first be granted in Conformity to that which is Noble with Assurance requisite for the free and safe going and return of his Person and Train And that this being done a Present and full Restitution of all the Palatinate shall be made to the person of his Son and that he himself shall be his Administrator during life and that after the death of the Duke of Bavaria his Son shall be established in the Electoral Dignity Moreover if the Marriage between his eldest Son and one of the Emperors Daughters should take effect it would ensure the enjoyment of all according to the present Contract and make way for the bettering of the Conditions to his own person In Contemplation of which Mariage the other party have approached a degree nearer to wit That the Electorate shall return to his own person after the death of the Duke of Bavaria And as touching the many difficulties in the Treaty of this Mariage to wit The Education of his Son he had devised a way for the satisfaction of parties which was That he should be brought up neither at the Hague nor in the Emperors Court but with his own Son the Prince of Wales and in the presence of the Infanta of Spain after her arival in England Upon these Overtures the King adviseth his Son-in-law to have recourse to his own Wisdom and after mature deliberation to make a choice agreeable to the honor and safety of his estates And he delivered his own opinion That a ready entrance into the possession of his own estate with a kinde of present liberty and an assurance in time to recover more was to be chosen rather then his present bare condition and hazardous expectation upon other uncertain means Upon the tender of these Proposals Letters of Consultation were sent to the King from his Son-in-law and from Sir Dudley Carlton to the Duke of Buckingham who for the greatness of his power was to be courted and made a friend in all transactions To the submission in the first place required reply was made That in natural order the Restitution which was material and substantial ought to precede the same which was but a point of Ceremony or at least it is necessary that all things be resolved and setled in such assurances as shall be held convenient otherwise a submission might be yielded and the Restitution never follow Besides if the Emperors intentions be sincere and real and without any aims to take advantage upon the Palsgraves person as the Emperor Charls the Fifth did upon the Landgrave of Hessen under the subtile distinction of a syllable in the safe conduct the Submission might as well be made by a Deputy by which means he might be freed from those apprehensions which the Executions at Prague and other cruelties used by the Imperialists might impress in his minde Moreover a Submission under the specified Condition of yielding the Electorate to the Duke of Bavaria will prejudice his cause for ever For the Electors of Saxony and Brandenburgh who have always protested against the Translation and the other Princes of Germany who have like-feeling will disavow their own Protestations in regard of him who shall abandon his own pretensions and instead of favoring him may be made his enemies The experience of things may shew what issue is like to follow a consent to the like Conditions for the Emperor had manifestly abused him in two Overtures already First The Instrument signed for the Conditional Resignation of the Crown of Bohemia in the year One thousand six hundred twenty and one serued the Emperor to accelerate the Treaty then on foot with Bethlem Gaber Secondly The Ratification of the Suspension of Arms the last Summer served to intimidate the Electors of Brandenburgh and Saxony that they may not undertake any thing against the Emperor For both the one and the other were for these very ends divulged by the Emperor before any thing was therein concluded And so will the Emperor make his advantage of the present Proposition both to hinder the Progress of Gaber and to continue the intimidation of the Princes of Germany Furthermore in this Submission it were necessary to take care that his undue Proscription and Banishment being to the prejudice of the Constitutions of the Empire and held by the Electors of Saxony and Brandenburgh of no validity may not be approved and a mark of Infamy set upon the Palatine and his posterity And lastly shame and disgrace will be the end of this Submission there being assurance of no
not doubting but we shall confine our selves within the limits of Duty And because this great business may give us occasion often to resort to your Majesty That upon our Publick Suit you will be pleased to give us your own fit time of access And that all our actions may have a benign interpretation and a good acceptation and opinion Lastly That I may not onely be a Speaker but an humble Suitor protesting by the great God by whom Kings do reign That whatsoever I have said hath proceeded from a Loyal Heart I therefore desire that may be covered with the vail of your Gratious Construction or acquitted by your Gratious Pardon The King having referred the whole business of the Spanish Match to the Advice of Parliament the Duke of Buckingham made to both Houses in the Pallace at Whitehal a long Narration of all the Transactions in Spain which was accompained with the Princes Attestation In the Narration it self his Grace observed Six distinct and several parts The first was the Motives of the Prince his Iourney to Spain The second the Treaty of the Marriage set on foot in Spain severally and by its self The third the Treaty of the Marriage and Restitution united together by a Reciprocal Subordination The fourth the Prince his Highness return from Spain The fifth his Majesties subsequent proceedings in both the Treaties since the return The last was the stating of the Question super totam materiam wherein both the Houses were to offer unto his Majesty their humble Advice and Counsel Of these parts his Grace spake very distinctly and orderly I. The Motives to the Princes Journey to Spain THe Negotiation of Master Chancellor of the Exchequer with the Arch-Dutchess which ministred unto his Majesty the first occasion of Jealousie and made a kinde of discovery of the Spaniards indirect dealing with this State Then was read the aforementioned Letter of the Third of October 1622. from the King to the Earl of Bristol wherein Bristol was required to let the King of Spain know how sensible King Iames was of the Emperors proceedings towards him and that he should demand of the King of Spain a promise under Hand and Seal that Heidelburgh should be delivered within Seventy days after Audience and the like for Manheim and Frankendale if they be taken and if this be denied to press to have leave to march through the King of Spains Territories with an Army for the recovery of his Childrens Patrimony and that the King of Spain should assist us with his Forces The Duke desired the Houses to take for truth what ever he should say granted and attested by the Princes presence and declared That this Letter was not put home to the uttermost by Bristol Hereupon a Dispatch was sent away to my Lord of Bristol expresly commanding him to press his Directions more home then yet he had done and in case he should be denied or delayed by the King of Spain then to take his leave and come away This was not so fully exacted by my Lord of Bristol Porter that carried these Letters was commanded not to stay above Ten days who after he had been there some Four or five days and saw nothing towards a Dispatch went himself to the Conde Olivares having been his Creature and desired him that he would speed his Dispatch Olivares asked him what he would have who replied No more then what had been formerly promised that in case the Emperor should deny the Restitution of the Palatinate the King of Spain should assist our King by Arms to recover it or else give way to our Forces to March thither through his Countrey Olivares replied That this was a preposterous demand What to assist with Arms against the Kings Uncle and the Catholick League Porter speaking to him of the Marriage of our Prince with the Infanta of Spain he told him That he understood not a word of it Porter acquainting Bristol herewith he said He would call Olivares to an account if he held this Language with him and would make him understand That an Earl of England was as good a maâ— as a Conde of Spain But sending for Porter the next morning he changed his resolution and concluded to carry the business more calmly and said the Conde was so reserved because he was slie and dainty to report those Mysteries with that freedom to him who was not qualified as a Publick Minister The Conde was angry with Porter for communicating what he said to Bristol Mr. Porter returned with a Dispatch fraught with Generalities without any one particular or certainty at all made in relation to the Prince's Highness who thereupon took his resolution to go in person to Spain and gave himself these Reasons for the enterprise He saw his Fathers Negotiation plainly deluded Matters of Religion gained upon and extorted his Sisters cause more and more desperate and that this was the way to put things off or on and that in this particular delay was worse then a denial and that according to the usual Proverb A desperate disease must have a desperate remedy Hereupon the King commanded the Duke to accompany his Highness in his Journey II. The Treaty of the Marriage severed and by it self WHen the Prince had arived at Madrid the Conde gave him a visit magnified exceedingly the Princes journey amplified the Obligations his Highness had put upon that King and said That now without all peradventure it must be a Match and we must part and divide the whole World between us The next day the Conde taking the Duke into his Coach and Mr. Porter for his Interpreter falling into discourse of the Match he said unto the Duke Let us dispatch this Match out of hand and strike â— up without the Pope The Duke answered He liked the manner very wâ—ll but desired to understand the Means The Means quoth the Conde is very easie it is but the Conversion of the Prince which we cannot conceive but his Highness intended upon his Resolution for this Journey The Duke answered forthwith That with freedom they came thither and with freedom they would return again they were no Juglers neither came they to Spain to make new bargains That the Prince was setled in his Religion his Conscience was troubled with no scruples in that kinde If they struck any more upon that string they would mar all the harmony Then said the Conde there is no way but to send to Rome to hasten the Dispensation to which the Duke assented Hereupon the Conde wrote his Letter to the Cardinal Lodovisia the Popes Nephew which being shewed to the Duke seemed to him to be very heavy the Duke therefore desired to quicken it with this Postscript That now the Prince being arived must not be sent back without a Wife that delay to a Suitor is a kinde of refusal that Clogging Instructions would amount to a denial and new Conditions to an absolute breach The Conde fell into Choller said directly it
could not be done This the Prince affirmed to be acted in his presence But the Earl of Bristol made a more benign construction thereof the Duke a right-down conclusion That this people never intended either Match or Restitution and so wished his Highness fairly at home again However the Messenger was dispatched to Rome Four or five days after his Highness was placed to see his Mistress in her passage through the streets as she made her visits from Church to Church But pressing for access he was delayed but at last obtained a visit But a very strange one He was not suffered to speak unto her but as they had set it down in words and syllables in writing saying They were no Astrologers and could not foresee the event of this Marriage and therefore they resolved to admit him as a Prince onely and not as a Suitor But the Conde salved this up with a Complement That if the Dispensation were once returned he should lie with her even that very night nay have her he should upon any terms If he could not be qualified to enjoy her as a Wife yet he should have her as a Mistress Soon after riding in a Coach it was urged by the Conde That the Infanta was of a tender Conscience and if she should come into England and finde the Prince an enemy to her Religion it would quite dishearten her His Highness consented to hear her upon this subject because he was as like to convert her as she was to pervert him A Conference with Divines was pressed upon his Highness which he refused and said If after Disputation with them they should not prevail against a yong man they would remain much disgusted and ill-affected to the whole Negotiation This kinde of importunity was still used toward the Prince till the return of the Dispensation Six weeks after the Princes arival came the Dispensation but his Highness understood from Rome by Mr. Gage that the Dispensation was returned much clogged in Matter and Manner especially with the annexed new Condition The King of Spain before the receiving of the Dispensation was to take an Oath to see all the Articles performed whereupon Faculty was issued really performed or else to make War in case of any failer upon the King of England His Highness signified his Resolution unto them that he neither could nor would adde or alter any thing of the first Articles sent to England A Iuncto of Divines are appointed to meet and consider whether the King might safely take the Oath By this time the Prince had gone through all the Articles sitting in person with the Committee onely leaving three undiscussed That of the Church that of the Nurse and that of the Education of the Children which his Highness reserved till he should speak with the King Then said the Conde Now the business is in a better way then ever it was a Match and without more ado she was his Wife But the next day came Gondomar and spake unto the Prince of the same Match as of a new thing and told him plainly That unless his Highness came to all the Conditions of the Dispensation as they were sent from Rome clearly and entirely nothing would be done for they had no power to remove or alter a word of false Latine Whereupon his Highness was justly distasted and offered to break Then they pressed the Prince that he would be pleased to stay twenty days until the King of Spain might receive an Answer from England The Prince resolved to stay upon condition that Sir Francis Cottington might be dispatched away within two days and some Messenger that might overtake him with the Articles that should be sent after as soon as ever they could be made ready But the two days of their hammering spun out to twenty at the end thereof they brought them with new Additions The Articles being at last sent to England the Iuncto of Divines delivered their opinions that the Infanta could not be sent over before the Spring at which his Highness was offended but the Conde prevailed with him to stay until their Ambassadors should certifie out of England that the Articles were assented unto by King Iames and put in execution and then the Lady should go with the Prince The Bishop of Segovia was pleased to say to the Duke That he had heard something of the State of our Kingdom and had received it from good hands That our King could not make a Toleration without a Rebellion and easily believed it because the King of Spain is not able in his Dominions to effect the like enterprise without incurring the like danger therefore he concluded it was unsafe to send the Lady thither at this time because we having granted as much in effect as a Toleration it was very probable she should be welcomed with a rising and rebellion To which the Duke replied That if the favors which the King his Master had exhibited to his Catholicks at the Mediation of that King and the Advice of that very Committee of which that Bishop was one be of so dangerous a consequence it seems their Lordships who gave the Advice for that Article though they pretended Religion intended plain and open Rebellion But you must know quoth the Duke if his Highness had been of my Lord Bishops opinion That these Conferences had amounted to a Toleration he had never accepted of these Articles to have gained any allowance For what was agreed unto was but a Temporary Suspension of Penal Laws but no Toleration for that could not be done but by consent of Parliament Then Gondomar hereupon said That for his part he did not hold it fit to send the Infanta thither before the Articles be perfectly put in execution And Gondomar privately infused to the Prince his Highness being incensed against the Duke That the Duke was in heart as he said all his Kinred were a Roman Catholick and he said to a Jesuite of great account and zeal in those parts That the Duke was a most obstinate perverse and refractory Puritan About this time it was reported that the Prince intended to steal away whereupon they laid in wait to intercept him Hereupon the Duke was sent to tell them That although they had stoln thither out of love they would never steal thence out of fear About this time the Prince sent a Message to his Father That if he should receive any Advertisement that he was detained by that State as a Prisoner he would be pleased for his sake never to think upon him any longer as a Son but reflect upon the good of his Sister and the safety of his own Kingdoms III. The Treaty of the Match and Restitution reciprocally subordinated IT is fit to observe this passage which is the thing whereupon all his Highness subsequent Actions are turned and moved He had never staid a sevennight longer in Spain he had never left any Proxy with Bristol he had never taken any Oath at the Escurial or
Spain did really fully and effectually intend the said Marriage between the said Lady his Sister and the said Prince our now Soveraign Lord according to Articles formerly propounded between the said Kings Whereas in truth the said Emperor and King of Spain or either of them never really intended such restitution as aforesaid And whereas the said King of Spain never really intended the Marriage according to those Articles propounded but the said Emperor and King of Spain intended onely by those Treaties to gain time to compass their own ends and purposes to the detriment of this Kingdom of all which the said Earl of Bristol neither was nor could be ignorant The said late King Iames by entertaining those Treaties and continuing them upon those false Assurances given unto him by the said Earl as aforesaid was made secure and lost the opportunity of time and thereby the said Dominions Territories and Possessions of the said Count Palatine and the Electoral Dignity became utterly lost and some parts thereof were taken out of the actual possession of the said King Iames unto whose protection and safe keeping they were put and committed by the said Count Palatine and the most Excellent Lady Elizabeth his Wife and their Children are now utterly dispossessed and bereaved thereof to the high dishonor of our said late Soveraign Lord King Iames to the disherison of the said late Kings Children and their Posterity of their Antient Patrimony and to the disadvantage and discouraging of the rest of the Princes of Germany and other Kings and Princes in Amity and League with his Majesty II. That the said Earl of Bristol being Ambassador for his late Majesty King Iames as aforesaid in Annis supradictis and having received perfect plain and particular Instructions and Directions from his said late Majesty That he should put the King of Spain to a speedy and punctual Answer touching the Treaties aforesaid And the said Earl well understanding the effect of those Instructions and Directions so given unto him and taking precise knowledge thereof and also knowing how much it concerned his late Majesty in honor and safety as his great Affairs then stood to put these Treaties to a speedy conclusion Yet nevertheless he the said Earl falsly willingly and traiterously contrary to his Alleagiance and contrary to the trust and duty of an Ambassador did continue those Treaties upon Generalities without effectual pressing the said King of Spain unto particular Conclusions according to his Majesties Directions as aforesaid and so the said Earl intended to have continued the said Treaties upon Generalities and without reducing them to Certainties and to direct Conclusions To the high dishonor of his said late Majesty and to the extream danger and detriment of his Majesties person his Crown and Dominions Confederates and Allies III. That the said Earl of Bristol being Ambassador for his said late Majesty as aforesaid in the years aforesaid to the intent to discourage the said late King Iames for the taking up of Arms entring into Hostility with the said King of Spain and for resisting him and his Forces from attempting the Invasion of his said late Majesties Dominions and the Dominions of his said late Majesties Confederates Friends and Allies the said King of Spain having long thirsted after an Universal Monarchy in these Western parts of the World hath many times both by words and Letters to the said late King and his Ministers extolled and magnified the greatness and power of the said King of Spain and represented unto his said late Majesty the supposed dangers which would ensue unto him if a War should happen between them and affirmed and insinuated unto his said late Majesty That if such a War should ensue his said late Majesty during the rest of his life must expect neither to Hunt nor Hawk nor eat his Meat in quiet Whereby the said Earl of Bristol did cunningly and traiterously strive to retard the Resolutions of the said late King to declare himself an enemy to the said King of Spain who under colour of Treaties and Alliances had so much abused him and to resist his Arms and Forces to the loss of opportunity of time which cannot be recalled or regained and to the extream danger dishonor and detriment of this Kingdom IV. The said Earl of Bristol upon his dispatch out of this Realm of England in his Ambassage aforesaid having communication with divers persons in London within this Realm of England before his going into Spain in and about his Ambassage concerning the said Treaty For the Negotiating whereof the said Earl purposely was sent and he the said Earl being then told That there was little probability that these Treaties would or could have any good success he the said Earl acknowledged as much and yet nevertheless contrary to his duty and alleagiance and to the faith and truth of an Ambassador he the said Earl said and affirmed That he cared not what the success thereof would be for he would take care to have his Instructions and to pursue them punctually and howsoever the business went he would make his Fortune thereby or used words at that time to such effect whereby it plainly appeareth That the said Earl from the beginning herein intended not the Service or Honor of his late Majesty but his own corrupt and sinister ends and for his own advancement V. That from the beginning of his Negotiation and throughout the whole managing thereof by the said Earl of Bristol and during his said Ambassage He the said Earl contrary to his faith and duty to God the true Religion professed by the Church of England and the Peace of this Church and State did intend and resolve that if the said Marriage so treated of as aforesaid should by his Ministry be effected that thereby the Romish Religion and Professors thereof should be advanced within this Realm and other his Majesties Realms and Dominions and the true Religion and Professors thereof discouraged and discountenanced And to that end and purpose the said Earl during the time aforesaid by Letters unto his late Majesty and otherwise often counselled and perswaded his said late Majesty to set at liberty the Jesuites and Priests of the Romish Religion which according to the good Religious and Politick Laws of this Kingdom were imprisoned or restrained and to grant and to allow unto the Papists and Professors of the Romish Religion free Toleration and silencing of all the Laws made and standing in force against them VI. That by the false Informations and Intelligence of the said Earl of Bristol during the time aforesaid unto his said late Majesty and to his Majesty that now is being then Prince concerning the said Treaties and by the Assurances aforesaid given by the said Earl his said late Majesty and the Prince his now Majesty being put into hopes and by the said long delay used without producing any effect their Majesties being put into jealousies and just suspition that there was no such sincerity
used towards them as they expected and with so many Answers from the Earl had on their part been undertaken the said Prince our now gratious Soveraign was inforced out of his love to his Countrey to his Allies Friends and Confederates and to the peace of Christendom who all suffered by those intolerable delays in his own person to undertake his long and dangerous journey into Spain that thereby he might either speedily conclude those Treaties or perfectly discover that on the Emperors and King of Spains part there was no true and real intention to bring the same to conclusion upon any fit and honorable terms and conditions and did absolutely and speedily break them off By which journey the person of the said Prince being then Heir-Apparant to the Crown of this Realm and in his person the peace and safety of this Kingdom did undergo such apparant and such inevitable danger as at the very remembrance thereof the hearts of all good Subjects do even tremble II. Offences done and committed by the said Earl during the time of the Princes being in Spain VII THat at the Princes coming into Spain during the time aforesaid the Earl of Bristol cunningly falsly and traiterously moved and perswaded the Prince being then in the power of a foreign King of the Romish Religion to change his Religion which was done in this manner At the Princes first coming to the said Earl he asked the Prince for what he came thither the Prince at first not conceiving the Earls meaning answered You know as well as I. The Earl replied Sir Servants can never serve their Master industriously although they may do it faithfully unless they know their meanings fully Give me leave therefore to tell you what they say in the Town is the cause of your coming That you mean to change your Religion and to declare it here And yet cunningly to disguise it the Earl added further Sir I do not speak this that I will perswade you to do it or that I will promise you to follow your example though you will do it but as your faithful Servant if you will trust me with so great a secret I will endeavor to carry it the discreetest way I can The Prince being moved at this unexpected motion again said unto him I wonder what you have ever found in me that you should conceive I would be so base and unworthy as for a Wife to change my Religion The said Earl replying desired the Prince to pardon him if he had offended him it was but out of his desire to serve him Which perswasions of the said Earl was the more dangerous because the more subtile whereas it had been the duty of a faithful Servant to God and his Master if he had found the Prince staggering in his Religion to have prevented so great an error and to have perswaded against it so to have avoided the dangerous consequence thereof to the true Religion and to the State if such a thing should have hapned VIII That afterwards during the Princes being in Spain the said Earl having conference with the said Prince about the Romish Religion he endeavored falsly and traiterously to perswade the Prince to change his Religion and to become a Romish Catholick and to become obedient to the usurped Authority of the Pope of Rome And to that end and purpose the said Earl traiterously used these words unto the said Prince That the State of England never did any great thing but when they were under the obedience of the Pope of Rome and that it was impossible they could do any thing of note otherwise IX That during the time of the Princes being in Spain the Prince consulting and advising with the said Earl and others about a new offer made by the King of Spain touching the Palatinates Eldest Son to marry with the Emperors Daughter but then he must be bred up in the Emperors Courts the said Earl delivered his opinion That the Proposition was reasonable whereat when Sir Walter Aston then present falling into some passion said That he durst not for his head consent to it the Earl of Bristol replied That he saw no such great inconvenience in it for that he might be bred up in the Emperors Court in our Religion But when the extream danger and in a manner the impossibility thereof was pressed unto the said Earl he said again That without some great Action the Peace of Christendom would never be had which was so dangerous and so desperate a Counsel that one so near the Crown of England should be poysoned in his Religion and become an unfriend to our State that the consequences thereof both for the present and future times were infinitely dangerous and yet hereunto did his disaffection to our Religion the blindness in his Judgment misled by his sinister respects and the too much regard he had to the House of Austria lead him III. Offences done and committed by the said Earl after the Princes coming from Spain X. THat when the Prince had clearly found himself and his Father deluded in these Treaties and hereupon resolved to return from the Court of Spain yet because it behoved him to part fairly he left the powers of the Desponsories with the Earl of Bristol to be delivered upon the return of the Dispensation from Rome which the King of Spain insisted upon and without which as he pretended he would not conclude the Marriage The Prince foreseeing and fearing lest after the Desponsories the Infanta that should then be his Wife might be put into a Monastery wrote a Letter back to the said Earl from Segovia thereby commanding him not to make use of the said Powers until he could give him assurance that a Monastery should not rob him of his Wife which Letter the said Earl received and with speed returned an Answer thereto into England perswading against this Direction yet promising Obedience thereunto Shortly after which the Prince sent another Letter to the said Earl into Spain discharging him of his farther command But his late Majesty by the same Messenger sent him a more express direction not to dispatch the Desponsories until a full Conclusion were had of the other Treaty of the Palatinate with this of the Marriage for his Majesty said That he would not have one Daughter to laugh and leave the other Daughter weeping In which Dispatch although there were some mistaking yet in the next following the same was corrected and the Earl of Bristol tyed to the same Restriction which himself confessed in one of his Dispatches afterwards and promised to obey punctually the Kings command therein yet nevertheless contrary to his Duty and Alleagiance in another Letter sent immediately after he declared That he had set a day for the Desponsories without any Assurance or so much as treating of those things which were commanded to him as Restrictions and that so short a day that if extraordinary diligence with good success in the Journey had not concurred
he had heard by several ways the King suffered much and was infinitely pressed by the Duke concerning the said Earl and his affairs and this he said was the suffering he had spoken of to their Lordships the other day The Earl craved leave of their Lordships to specifie some other particulars whereby it should appear that his Majesty was in no kind ill opinioned of him till his dying day viz. That several persons will depose that they have heard his Majesty say that he esteemed him an honest man And that he was pleased to accept of Toyes by way of Present from him graciously and in good part and at last was likewise pleased to give him leave to come to London and to follow his own affairs and that his pleasure was signified unto him by the Duke his own Letter Whereupon he determined to come to London intimated to the Duke his intention of going to his Lodging in Whitehall but the Duke was therewith incensed again and said he mistook the Kings meaning which was that he might privately follow his own business And this he said was the true State and Condition when it pleased God to take unto his mercy his late most gracious Majesty Upon his Majesties coming to the Crown he said he wrote a most humble Letter unto his Majesty imploring his grace and goodness and desiring the Dukes mediation But he was pleased to answer by his Letter of 7 Maii 1625. That the resolution was to proceed against him without a plain and direct Confession of the Point which he had formerly required him to acknowledge and in a Courtly manner of menace telleth him That he would take the freedom to advise him to bethink himself in time what will be most for his good But in the interim his Majesty was graciously pleased that his Writ of Parliament should be sent him and thereupon he wrote unto the Duke of the receipt of the said Writ but that he should do nothing but what he should understand to be most agreeable to his Majesties pleasure Whereunto the Duke answered in his Letters of May in this manner I have acquainted his Majesty with your requests towards him touching your Summons to the Parliament which he taketh very well and would have you rather make excuse for your absence notwithstanding your Writ then to come your self in person Whereupon he sent humbly to desire a Letter of leave under his Majesties hand for his Warrant but in stead thereof he received from the L. Conway an absolute Prohibition and to restrain and confine him in such sort as he hath been in the late Kings time And although he was indeed absolutely set free he could never get cleared by the Lord Conway though he sent him all the Papers to examine and when he could make no further reply he said he conceived he was under restraint and that his liberty expired with the late Kings death when indeed Restraint may expire but Liberty is natural After this he continued for the space of three quarters of a year in the Country without moving in which time he was removed from those Places and Offices he held during his late Majesties life and the greatest part of his Estate being laid out in their Majesties service by their particular appointment he could never be admitted so much as to the clearing of Accompts Yet hereof he never made the least complaint But against the time of his Majesties Coronation he thought it fit to lay hold of that occasion when Princes do Acts of grace and favor to be a most humble Suitor to his Majesty for his grace and goodness and addressed his Letters unto the Duke of Buckingham from whom he received a Letter all written in his own hand and therein a Letter inclosed from his Majesty so different from some gracious Message which he had received from his Majesty since the said Earl returned into England upon the occasion of a great sickness and likewise from his speeches several times delivered to his Wife to wit That he had never offended him and that for his faults he no ways held them criminal but to be expiated by any easie acknowledgment That he confessed he knew not what judgment to make of the said Letter neither hath presumed hitherto to make any Answer thereto although by reducing the occasions of speeches and circumstances to his Majesties memory he no ways doubteth but he shall be able to give unto his Majesty such satisfaction to every particular as his Majesty would not remain with the least scruple in any one point After this he said that his Writ of Parliament was detained whereupon he addressed himself to the Lord Keeper that he would be a Suitor to his Majesty for him in that behalf which diligences not taking effect by Petition he became a Suitor to their Lordships for their Honorable mediation to his Majesty and thereupon his Writ of Parliament was awarded But the Duke of Buckingham upon that took occasion as he had published Copies of the said Letter over all the Kingdom to read it likewise in that Honorable House as was best known unto their Lordships and the Writ was accompanied with a Prohibition from the Loâ—d Keeper whereupon he addressed himself for Justice to that Honorable House being possessed of his Cause by his Petition for both redress of his own wrongs and likewise of Complaints against the Duke for many Crimes And that Honorable House being possessed of his Cause by his Petition there is preferred against him a succeeding Complaint amounting as high as Treason as it is pretended although he for divers years hath not been questioned yet since his Complaint against the Duke he hath been fetcht up like a Prisoner and brought into that House as a Delinquent And the Duke of whom he hath complained for his great Crimes is admitted still to sit in the House as one of his Judges The which with all that he hath formerly said together with his Life Fortunes and Honor he did with all willingness humility and duty submit to the Justice and Honor of that House Then the Lords asked him When he would bring in his Answer He promised to answer as soon as might be but knew not how far he should have occasion to use his antient Dispatches The Lord Keeper told him that Mr. Attorney might help him by letting him know it The Attorney said that his Charge should in nothing look further back then to the year 1621. Which he desired might be recorded Whereupon the Earl thanking their Lordships for their patience he was carried away by Mr. Maxwell the Gentleman-Usher in whose house and custody he remained Then were read the Earls Articles against the Duke and the Lord Conway viz. Articles of the Earl of Bristol whereby he chargeth the Duke of Buckingham bearing Date the First day of May 1626. I. THat the Duke of Buckingham did secretly combine with the Conde of Gondomar Ambassador for the King of Spain before
his the said Ambassadors last return into Spain in the Summer An. 1622. To carry his Majesty then Prince into Spain to the end he might be informed and instructed in the Roman Religion and thereby have perverted the Prince and subverted the true Religion established in England From which misery this Kingdom next under Gods mercy hath by the wise religious and constant carriage of his Majesty been almost miraculously delivered considering the many bold and subtile attempts of the said Duke in that kind II. That Mr. Porter was made acquainted therewith and sent into Spain and such Messages at his return framed as might serve for a ground to set on foot this Conspiracie The which was done accordingly and thereby the King and Prince highly abused and their Consents thereby first gotten to the said Journey that is to say after the return of the said Mr. Porter which was about the end of December or the beginning of Ianuary 1622. whereas the said Duke had plotted it many moneths before III. That the said Duke at his arrival in Spain nourished the Spanish Ministers not only in the belief of his own being Popishly affected but did both by absenting himself from all Exercises of Religion constantly used in the Earl of Bristols house and frequented by all other Protestant English and by conforming himself to please the Spaniards in divers Rites of their Religion even so far as to kneel and adore their Sacrament from time to time give the Spaniards hope of the Prince his Conversion The which Conversion he endeavored to procure by all means possible and thereby caused the Spanish Ministers to propound far worse Conditions for Religion then had been formerly by the Earl of Bristol and Sir Walter Aston setled and signed under their Majesties hands with a Clause in the King of Spain's Answer of Decemb. 12. 1622. That they held the Articles agreed upon sufficient and such as ought to induce the Pope to the granting of the Dispensation IV. That the Duke of Buckingham having several times in the presence of the Earl of Bristol moved and pressed his late Majesty at the instance of the Conde of Gondomar to write a Letter unto the Pope and to that purpose having once brought a Letter ready drawn wherewith the Earl of Bristol by his Majesty being made acquainted did so strongly oppose the writing of any such Letter that during the abode of the said Earl of Bristol in England the said Duke could not obtain it yet not long after the Earl was gone he procured such a Letter to be written from his late Majesty unto the Pope and to have him stiled Sanctissime Pater V. That the Pope being informed of the Duke of Buckingham's inclination and intention in point of Religion sent unto the said Duke a particular Bull in parchment for to perswade and encourage him in the perversion of his Majesty then Prince VI. That the said Dukes behaviour in Spain was such that he thereby so incensed the King of Spain and his Ministers as they would admit of no reconciliation nor further dealing with him Whereupon the said Duke seeing that the Match would be now to his disadvantage he endeavored to break it not for any service to the Kingdom nor dislike of the Match in it self nor for that he found as since he hath pretended that the Spaniards did not really intend the said Match but out of his particular ends and his indignation VII That after he intended to cross the Marriage he put in practice divers undue courses as namely making use of the Letters of his Majesty then Prince to his own ends and not to what they were intended as likewise concealing divers things of high importance from his late Majesty and thereby overthrew his Majesties purposes and advanced his own ends VIII That the said Duke as he had with his skill and artifices formerly abused their Majesties so to the same end he afterwards abused both Houses of Parliament by his sinister Relation of the carriage of Affairs as shall be made appear almost in every particular that he spake unto the said Houses IX As for scandal given by his personal behaviour as also the imploying of his power with the King of Spain for the procuring of Favors and Offices which he bestowed upon base and unworthy persons for the recompence and hire of his Lust These things as neither fit for the Earl of Bristol to speak nor indeed for the House to hear he leaveth to your Lordships wisdom how far you will be pleased to have them examined It having been indeed a great infamy and dishonor to this Nation that a Person of the Dukes great quality and imployments a Privy-Counsellor an Ambassador eminent in his Masters favor and solely trusted with the Person of the Prince should leave behind him in a Forein Court so much scandal as he did by his ill behaviour X. That the Duke hath been in great part the Cause of the ruine and misfortune of the Prince Palatine and his Estates in as much as those Affairs had relation unto this Kingdom XI That the Duke of Buckingham hath in his Relations to both Houses of Parliament wronged the Earl of Bristol in point of his Honor by many sinister aspersions which he hath laid upon him and in point of his Liberty by many undue Courses through his power and practices XII That the Earl of Bristol did reveal unto his late Majesty both by word and letter in what sort the said Duke had disserved him and abused his trust And that the King by several ways sent him word That he should rest assured he would hear the said Earl but that he should leave it to him to take his own time And thereupon few days before his sickness he sent the Earl word that he would hear him against the said Duke as well as he had heard the said Duke against him Which the Duke himself heard And not long after his blessed Majesty sickned and died having been in the interim much vexed and pressed by the said Duke Articles of the Earl of Bristol against the Lord Conway bearing Date 1 Maii 1626. I. THat the Lord Conway is so great a Servant of the Duke of Buckingham's that he hath not stuck to send the Earl of Bristol plain word That if businesses could not be accommodated betwixt him and the Duke he must then adhere and declare himself for the said Duke and therefore unfit to be a Judge in any thing that concerneth the Duke or the Earl II. That the said Lord Conway professeth himself to be a Secretary of the Duke of Buckingham's creation and so acknowledgeth it under his own hand And although that he be the Kings Secretary of State and a Privy-Counsellor he usually beginneth his Letters to the Duke Most gracious Patron III. That as a Creature of the said Dukes the said Lord Conway hath been made the Instrument of keeping the Earl of Bristol from the Kings presence and
into my hands not as an Attorney onely for the Prince But the King of Spain having taken the substitution of them by his Secretary of State entred in Legal form whereby that King was then become interessed in them by their occupation as well as the Prince by granting of them And becoming the Instrumentum stipulatum wherein they were both interessed they were deposited in my hands as an indifferent person trusted between the King of Spain and the Prince with a Declaration of the Trust. And now the Duke was returned out of Spain he plotted my ruine and put it in execution in this manner He concealed that the powers were to expire at Christmas and procured his Majesty to write a Letter not a direct Commandment but expressing a desire that the Desponsories should not be till one of the days in Christmas intending thereby to draw me into a Dilemma That if I proceeded in the Match this Letter should as now it is have been inforced against me as a breach of Instructions If I had not proceeded then I had broken my trust between the Prince and King of Spain overthrown the Marriage so long sought and labored it being the main scope of my Ambassage contrary to express Warrant and that upon a Letter I must needs know to be a mistake And when I had written into England to have a direct Warrant in the point the Duke then seeing that Plot would not take he dealt with divers great Lords as was well known to some of their Lordships there present to have me upon my arival in England committed to the Tower before I should ever come to speak with the King which the Spanish Ambassador here in England having gotten private notice of gave advertisement thereof to that King Who thereupon foreseeing my danger and consulting with his Council and Divines what were fit for him in Honor and Conscience to do in that Case they resolved That seeing my Sufferings grew by being an honest man and endeavoring to perform the trust reposed in me by that King as well as the Prince That King was bound both in Honor and Conscience not onely to preserve me from ruine but to make me a reparation for any loss I should sustain by occasion of the Trust Whereupon at his departure going to Court to take his leave the Conde de Olivares told me what was plotted against me in England and in respect of the danger by reason of the greatness of my Adversary pâ—rswaded me to stay there and in his Masters Name made an offer not in secret but in the presence of Sir Walter Aston Here he repeated those offers of Reward Honor and Preferment which we have mentioned before in order of time and at present pass it by he then proceeded and said Upon what grounds and hope came I to encounter with those dangers Not upon hope of my greatness in Court and strength of Friends there to bolster out an ill Cause no sure my strength was too weak and my adversaries too powerful But I knew my Conscience was clear and my Cause was good and trusted in God Almighty And to him now and to their Lordships judgments recommended my self and my Cause And then he delivered his Answer desiring their Lordships it might be after Recorded in Parchment that it might remain to posterity which being read by one of his Council the Lord Keeper asked him Whether he desired to say any more then he had done he answered That he had something more to say but knew not the order or whether Mr. Attorney would speak first but he being desired to speak He desired their Lordships he might put them in minde of what he conceived they had already promised which was That the Duke whom he accused in that House of far higher offences then any with which he was charged might be proceeded with as he was and that they might be upon equal Conditions And that such heads as he had delivered against the Duke being of such Matters as he met withal in his Negotiation as an Ambassador and which he had according to his duty acquainted the State withal might by their Lordships care and order be put into Legal form and prosecuted for so was the use when he had the honor to sit at the Council Table He said He conceived he had already done his part to inform and would be ready to make it good it concerning their Lordships to see it prosecuted it not being to be expected that he should solicit it or if he would he could not being under restraint And he desired likewise that the Judges might deliver their opinions Whether the matter charged against him were Treason that if it should not so be in their opinions he might not lie under so heavy a burthen He put their Lordships in minde that it was a strange manner of proceeding that upon a displeasure a Peer of the Kingdom complaining of those that had practised against him and had been the causers of his Sufferings should then and never but then be charged with Treason He told them it was not his case alone but it equally concerned them and their Posterity and it might be some others hereafter more then him now For he said he thanked God he had some experience in the World and thereby and by those things he had kept was able to make his innocency appear which perhaps would not be every mans hereafter and so many an honest heart in a good cause distracted with fears and abandoned of Friends might perish through the malice of a potent Adversary The Lords again asked him whether he had any thing more to say he answered No but desired leave onely to explain himself in two things one in his Speech now spoken and the other when he was first brought to the House That in his Speech this day was where he affirmed he had like to have been ruined in his Negotiation First For being a Puritan and now for being a Papist and both by one hand he explained it to be by the hand of the Duke of Buckingham And the other when he first came to the House saying there For Redress of former sufferings and meeting on the sudden with Treason charged upon him he spake in Passion expressing the Wrongs and Injuries done him by the Duke and told their Lordships he had used means to convey part of his Sufferings to the late King his Master who in the Dukes hearing sware he would after he had heard the Duke against him hear him also against the Duke for which his Majesty suffered much or to some such purpose Now he understandeth this Speech to reflect upon what was in Agitation in the Lower House but he said although he could not well excuse the Dukes indiscretion in that point yet he spake it not any ways to corroborate that opinion For howsoever the Duke were his enemy yet he could not think so dishonorably of him The Answer of the Earl of Bristol to
his gracious acceptance of his service as in his Letters of November 24. 1622. written as followeth Viz. Your Dispatches are in all points so full and in them we receive so good satisfaction as in this we shall not need to inlarge any further but onely tell you we are well pleased with this diligent and discreet imployment of your endeavors and all that concerneth our service so are we likewise with the whole proceedings of our Ambassador Sir Walter Aston Thus we bid you heartily farewel Newmarkeâ— Novemb. 24 1622. And afterwards his Majesty was likewise pleased in his Letters of 8 Ianuary 1622. a little before our gracious Soveraign Lord the King then Prince his coming into Spain Viz. as followeth Concerning that knotty and unfortunate Affair of the Palatinate to say the truth as things stand I know not what you could have done more then you have done already And whereas it is objected the Palatinate should be lost by the hopes he the said Earl gave by his Letters out of Spain it is an Objection of impossibility for there was nothing left but Mainheim and Frankendale when his first Letters out of Spain could possibly come to his late Majesties hands for he did not begin to Negotiate that business until August 1622. and about that time Heidelberg and all but Mainheim and Frankendale was lost and Mainheim he had saved by his industry had it not been so suddenly delivered as is by his Majesty acknowledged by Letters of 24 November 1622. written thus Viz. And howsoever the Order given to the Infanta for the relief of Mainheim arrived too late and after the Town was yielded to Tilly yet must we acknowledge it to be a good effect of your Negotiation and an Argument of that Kings sincere and sound intention And Frankendale being by the said Earls means once saved was again the second time saved meerly by the said Earls industry and procuring a Letter from the King of Spain dated the second of February 1623. whereupon followed the Treaty of Sequestration which hath since continued And he the said Earl was so far from hindring Succors by any Letter or Counsel of his that he was the Sollicitor and in great part the procurer of most of the Succors that had been sent thither as is formerly set down And when his Royal Majesty that now is and the Duke of Buckingham arrived at the Court of Spain they found the Business of the Palatinate in so fair a way that the Spanish Ministers told them the King should give his late Majesty a Blank in which we might frame our own Conditions and the same he confirmeth unto us now and the like touching this Blank was likewise acknowledged by the Duke of Buckingham in his Speech in Parliament after the return of his Majesty out of Spain And it will appear by the Testimony of Sir Walter Aston and by his and the said Earls Dispatches that the said Earl wanted not industry and zeal in the business insomuch as the last Answer the said Earl procured herein from the King of Spain was fuller then he the said Earl was ordered by his late Majesties latest Letters to insist upon So as by that which hath been alledged the said Earl hopeth your Lordships will be satisfied not onely that he wanted neither will nor industry but that he hath with all true zeal and affection and with his own means faithfully served their Majesties and the Prince Palatine in this Cause And for assurance in that Affair he had all that could be between Christian Princes and if in the said Assurances there hath been any deceit as by the said Article is intimated which he never knew nor believed he referred it to God to punish their wickedness For betwixt Princes there can be no greater Tye then their Words their Hands and Seals all which he procured in that behalf and both the said Earl and Sir Walter Aston were so confident that the business would be ended to his late Majesties satisfaction that in a joynt Dispatch to his late Majesty of 24 November 1623. after his now Majesties return into England they wrote as followeth Viz. We hope that your Majesty may according to your desire signified to me the Earl of Bristol by the Letters of October 8 give to your Majesties Royal Daughter this Christmas the comfortable news of the near expiring of her great troubles and sufferings as unto the Prince your Son the congratulation of being arrived to a most excellent Princess And having thus given your Lordships an Accompt of his Proceedings touching the Palatinate he will by your Lordships good favors proceed to the other part of that Charge concerning the Marriage And first touching his hopes and assurances that he is charged to have given to his late Majesty and Ministers of State here in England of the Spaniards real proceedings in the said Match when he said he knew they never meant it He saith he never gave any hopes of their proceedings but such and the very same that were first given to him without adding or diminishing neither could he have done otherwise either with honesty or safety And he further saith That the hopes he gave were not upon any Intelligence but as well in that of the Match as the other of the Palatinate his Advertisements were grounded upon all the Assurances both of Words and Writing that could possibly pass between Christians as will be made evidently appear by his Dispatch of 9 September 1623 which he humbly desires may be read if the length of it may not displease The substance being to shew all the Engagements and Promises of the King of Spain that he really intended the Match And the causes why the Conde Olivares pretended to the Duke of Buckingham that the Match was not formerly meant was onely thereby to free himself from Treating any longer with the said Earl to the end that he might treat for larger Conditions in point of Religion with the said Duke The said Conde Olivares taking advantage of having the Person of his Majesty then Prince in his hands And with this Dispatch the said Earl acquainted his Majesty that now is in Spain before he sent it And by this Dispatch the Earl doubteth not but that it will appear to this Honorable Court that whilest the Treating of this business was in hand he proceeded in that not onely with care and industry but with some measure of vigilancy And for clearing an Objection that hath been alleadged that the Match was never meant before the Dukes coming into Spain nor after the Earl craveth leave to set down some few Reasons of many which caused him to believe that the said Match was and had been really meant and that it was so conceived by both their Majesties and the King of Spain and their Ministers on both sides For first The Duke of Buckingham certified his late Majesty that the business of the Marriage was brought to a happy Conclusion whereupon
said Sir Walter Aston may be ignorant of as he is confident that he was and not out of any disaffection to our Religion or for any sinister respect or regard to the House of Austria as by the said Article is intimated For he did not conceive the breeding of the Prince Palatine's Son with the Emperor having a Governor appointed by his late Majesty and his Father and he and his Domesticks to have free use of their own Religion to be a matter of impossibility or such dangerous consequence in point of Religion as to imply his Conversion as by the Article is intimated well knowing that in the Emperors Court all Princes there though his Prisoners and others his Counsellors and Servants about his person and of great Command in his Armies being avowed Protestants have the free use of their Religion And it is not to be supposed the Son of the Prince Palatine Grandchild to the King of Great Britain should be matched and no care taken to capitulate for the use of his Religion being ever granted to the meanest Prince that is bestowed And his Majesties special care in this point is fully seen in the said Letter X. To the Tenth Article he saith That by comparing of this Article of his too much Forwardness with the Second Article whereby he is charged with continuing the Treaty upon Generalities without reducing them to Certainties and direct Conclusions Your Lordships will perceive how impossible it was for him to avoid an Exception But for direct Answer to the present Charge he saith That he did not presumptuously nor yet to his knowledge break his Instructions nor set any day at all for the Desponsories but was therein meerly passive in admitting the day nominated by the King of Spain according to the Capitulation before made Nor did he presumptuously wilfully or willingly disobey any Commandment or Direction of his Majesty that now is then Prince which he could understand not to be countermanded either by present or future Instructions otherwise explained And for the better manifestation of the truth of his proceedings in and concerning the same he saith That on the day of the departure of his Majesty then Prince from the Escurial in Spain his Highness delivered unto him in presence of the Commissioners his Proxies powers with publick Declaration taken in writing by the Secretary to the King of Spain of the Prince his pleasure and how the said Earl should use them viz. That he should deliver them to the King of Spain upon the coming of the Dispensation cleared from Rome according to that which had been agreed which was to be within ten dayes after the coming of the Dispensation And he further saith That it is true that the Prince afterwards by his Letters sent by one Mr Clark commanded him the said Earl not to deliver the said Proxies till he should have received security that the Infanta after her being betrothed should not enter into any Religious Order and that before he proceeded he should send to his Majesty then Prince such securities as should be offered that he might judge whether it were sufficient or not Whereupon the said Earl as became a faithfull Servant presented unto his Majesty that now is then Prince such Assurances as were offered unto him for securing of that point together with such Reasons as he conceived were fit to be offered to their considerations which gave unto his late Majesty and his Majesty that now is then Prince such satisfaction as they were pleased to dispatch a Post presently unto him absolutely discharging him of that Commandment as by their several Letters dated October 8. 1623. will appear as followeth We have received your Letters by Grisley and the copy of them to our dear Son and we cannot forbear to let you know how well we esteem the dutifull discreet and judicial Relation and humble advice to our Son Whereupon having ripely deliberated with our-self and communicated with our dear Son we have resolved with the good liking of our Son to rest upon that security in point of doubt for the Infanta's taking a Religious Order which you in your judgement shall think meet And by that other Letter of his Majesty that now is then Prince as followeth Viz. Your Letters to the King and me concerning that doubt I made after I came from St Laurence hath so satisfied us both that we think it fit no longer to stick upon it but leave it to your discretion to take what security you shall think fitting Whereby he was absolutely freed of that command and being so freed thereof he then remained under the Order which his Majesty then Prince had left with him at his departure which was to proceed according to the Capitulations and his Highness Declaration when he delivered the said Proxies unto him And so he intended to have done till by his Highness's Letters November 13. 1623. he was directly commanded the contrary which Commandment he most readily and punctually obeyed And for such his intentions till he was countermanded he conceiveth he had not onely sufficient warrant but had highly offended if he had done otherwise For first for his proceedings to consummate the Match he had warrant and instruction under his late Majesties hand Secondly It was the main scope of his Ambassage Thirdly He was injoyned by the King and Prince his Commission under the Great Seal Fourthly He had positive Order under his Majesties hand by Letters since Fifthly It was agreed by Capitulation that it should be within so many dayes after the coming of the Dispensation Sixthly His late Majesty and his Majesty that now is then Prince signified by their Letters unto him at the same time when they discharged him of his Commandment touching the Infanta's entring into Religion that they intended to proceed in the Marriage as by his Majesties Letters October 8. 1623. will appear Seventhly The Proxies were to that end left in his hands and after again renewed after his Majesties return into England Eighthly He had overthrown the Marriage without order For although Sir Walter Aston and himself used all possible means for the gaining of time and deferring the Desponsories yet the King of Spain caused it to be protested that in case he the said Earl should insist upon the deferring of the Desponsories he would free himself from the Treaty by the said Earls infringing of the Capitulations And in truth although the King of Spain should have condescended to have prolonged the Desponsories until one of the dayes of Christmas as by the Letter was required yet the Prince's Proxies had been before that time expired and he durst not without a precise Warrant put such a scorn upon so noble a Lady whom he then conceived was likely to have been the Prince his wife as to nominate a day of marriage when the Proxies were out of date and he was himself sworn to the Treaty And lastly he could not in honor and honesty but endeavor to perform
King so straitned in time as by the said Article is pretended will appear by the said Earls Dispatch of September 28. 1623. In which upon scruple that was then made of the Infanta's entring into Religion he wrote to the same effect Viz. That if the Dispensation should come he knew no means how to detain the Proxies above twenty or twenty four dayes So that although difficulty happened until the middest of November 1623. yet it was foreseen that it must of necessity happen whensoever the Dispensation should come and then was warning of two moneths given thereof viz. from September 24. until November 29. which was the time appointed for the Desponsories So as he most humbly submits himself unto your Lordships which of the two wayes was the safer or dutifuller for him to take whether upon inferences and conjectures to have overthrown so great a business or on the otherside first to have presented unto his Majesty the truth and sincerity as he did the true estate of his Affairs with his humble opinion therein with an intimation that if his Majesty should resolve to break the Match that for the said Earl his honest discharge of the publick Trust reposed in him when the Proxies were deposited in his hands and for his sufficient warrant in so great a cause his Majesty would be graciously pleased to give him clear and express order which he had not and in the interim whilest his Majesty might take into consideration the great inconveniences that might ensue the said inconveniences might be suspended and the business kept upon fair terms that his Majesty might have his way and choice clear and unsoiled before him And as to the evil Consequences which are pretended would have followed if the said Earl had proceeded to the consummation of the Match before he had express order and warrant to the contrary he supposeth his Majesty should speedily have seen the Marriage which he so long sought to have effected that the Prince should have had a worthy Lady whom he loved that the Portion was much greater then ever was given in money in Christendom that the King of Spain had engaged himself for restitution of the Palatinate for which the said Earl conceived a daughter of Spain and Two Millions had been no ill pawn besides many other additions of advantage to the Crown of England Whereas on the contrary side he foresaw that the Prince would be kept a year longer unmarried a thing that so highly concerneth these Kingdoms he doubteth that the recovery of the Palatinate from the Emperor and Duke of Bavaria by force would prove a great difficulty and that Christendom was like to fall into a general Combustion So that desiring that his Majesty should have obtained his ends and have had the honor and happiness not onely to have given peace plenty and increase unto his own Subjects and Crowns but to have compounded the greatest differences that had been these many years in Christendom And by his Piety and Wisdom to have prevented the shedding of so much Christian Blood as he feared would ensue if these businesses were disordered These Reasons he confesseth and the zeal unto his Majesties service made him so earnestly desire the effecting of this business and cannot but think himself an unfortunate man his Majesties affairs being so near setling to his Majesties content as he conceived they were and hoping to have been unto his Majesty not onely a faithful Servant but a successful Servant to see the whole estate of his affairs turned up-side down without any the least fault of his and yet he the onely Minister on the English and Spanish side that remained under disgrace XI To the Eleventh Article the said Earl saith That the Article is grounded upon a Petition by him preferred to this Honorable House supposed to be scandalous which your Lordships as he conceiveth according to the Customs and Priviledges of the House of Peers would have been pleased first to have adjudged so to have been either for matter appearing in it self or upon hearing the said Earl for if the matter appearing in the Petition it self be not to be excepted unto it cannot as he conceiveth by Collateral accidents be taken for a Scandal till it be examined and found false For a plain and direct Answer thereunto he saith That the said Petition is such as will not warrant any such inference as by the said Article is inforced And that he hopeth to justifie the Contents of the said Petition in such sort as shall not displease his Majesty nor deserve that expression which is used in the Charge but contrarily what he hath said or shall say therein in his defence shall in all things tend to the Honor and Service of his Majesty by reducing into his Memory divers Circumstances and laying before him the passages of divers particulars which by undue practices have been either concealed from his Majesty or mis-related to him Having thus offered to this High and Honorable Court such Proofs and Reasons as he hopeth shall in your Lordships Wâ—sdom and Justice clearly acquit him of any capital Crime or wilful Offence if it shall appear that out of Errors of Judgment too much ferventness of zeal to his Majesties service or the ignorance of the Laws of this Realm wherewith he hath not been able to be so well acquainted as he ought by reason of Foreign Employments by the space of many years or by any other ways or means he hath faln into the danger of the Laws for any thing pardoned in the General Pardon made in the Parliament holden at Westminster Anno Vicesimo primo Regni Imp. Iacobi Angliae c. of Blessed Memory he humbly prayeth allowance of the Pardons and the benefit thereof with this Clause That he doth and will aver that he is none of the persons excepted out of the same although he is very confident he shall not need the help of any pardon having received many significations as well from his Majesties own mouth that he had never offended his Majesty as lately by several Letters from the Lord Conway that he might rest in the security he was in and sit still and should be no further questioned But he hopes your Lordships will not onely finde him so far from blame but that he hath served his late Majesty of Blessed memory and his most gratious Son the Kings Majesty that now is with that fidelity care and industry that your Lordships will take such course as you in your wisdoms shall think fit not onely for the upholding the Honor and Reputation of a Peer of this Realm after so many employments but likewise become humble and earnest Suitors to his Majesty on his behalf which he humbly prayeth That he may be restored to his Majesties most gratious Favor which above all worldly things he most desireth The Eighth of May the Commons brought up their Charge against the Duke which was delivered at a Conference of both Houses
but look upon it and for want of Perspectives commend the nearer examination to your Lordships who may behold it at a nearer distance Such a prodigious Comet the Commons take this Duke of Buckingham to be against whom and his irregular ways there are by learned Gentlemen legal Articles of Charge to be delivered to your Lordships which I am generally first commanded to lay open 1. The Offices of this Kingdom that are the Eyes the Ears and the Hands of this Commonwealth these have been ingrossed bought and sold and many of the greatest of them holden even in the Dukes own hands which severally gave in former ages sufficient content to greatest Favorites and were work enough for wisest Counsellors by means whereof what strange abuses what infinite neglects have followed The Seas have been unguarded Trade disturbed Merchants oppressed their Ships and even one of the Royal Navy by cunning practice delivered over into Foreign hands and contrary to our good Kings intention employed to the prejudice almost to the ruine of Friends of our own Religion 2. Next Honors those most pretious Jewels of the Crown a Treasure inestimable wherewith your Noble Ancestors my Lords were well rewarded for eminent and publick Service in the Common-wealth at home for brave exploits abroad when covered all with dust and blood they sweat in service for the honor of this Crown What back-ways what by-ways have been by this Duke found out is too well known to your Lordships whereas antiently it was the honor of England as among the Romans the way to the Temple of Honor was through the Temple of Vertue But I am commanded to press this no further then to let your Lordships know one instance may perhaps be given of some one Lord compelled to purchase Honor 3. As divers of the Dukes poor Kinred have been raised to great honors which have been and are likely to be more chargeable and burthensome to the Crown so the Lands and Revenews and the Treasuries of his Majesty have been intercepted and exhausted by this Duke and his Friends and strangely mis-employed with strange confusion of the Accounts and overthrow of the well established antient Orders of his Majesties Exchequer 4. The last of the Charges which are prepared will be an injury offered to the person of the late King of Blessed memory who is with God of which as your Lordships may have heard heretofore you shall anon have further information Now upon this occasion I am commanded by the Commons to take care of the honor of the King our Soveraign that lives long may he live to our comfort and the good of the Christian World and also of his Blessed Father who is dead on whom to the grief of the Commons and their great distaste the Lord Duke did they conceive unworthily cast some ill odor of his own foul ways whereas Servants were antiently wont to bear as in truth they ought their Masters faults and not cast their own on them undeservedly It is well known the King who is with God had the same power and the same wisdom before he knew this Duke yea and the same affections too through which as a good and gratious Master he advanced and raised some Stars of your Lordships Firmament in whose hands this exorbitancy of will this transcendency of power such placing and displacing of Officers such irregular runing into all by-courses of the Planets such sole and single managing of the great Affairs of State was never heard of And therefore onely to the Lord Duke and his procurement by mis-informations these faults complained of by the Commons are to be imputed And for our most Gratious Soveraign that lives whose name hath been used and may perhaps now be for the Dukes justification the Commons know well That among his Majesties most Royal Virtues his Piety unto his Father hath made him a pious nourisher of his Affections ever to the Lord Duke on whom out of that consideration his Majesty hath wrought a kinde of wonder making Favor Hereditary but the abuse thereof must be the Lord Dukes own And if there have been any Commands such as were or may be pretended his mis-informations have procured them whereas the Laws of England teach us That Kings cannot command ill or unlawful things when ever they speak though by their Letters Patents or their Seals If the things be evil these Letters Patents are void and whatsoever ill event succeeds the Executioners of such Commands must ever answer for them Thus my Lords in performance of my duty my weakness hath been troublesome unto your Lordships it is now high time humbly to entreat your pardon and give way to a learned Gentleman to begin a more particular charge Then were read the First Second and Third Articles viz. 1. THat whereas the great Offices expressed in the said Dukes Stile and Title heretofore have been the singular Preferments of several Persons eminent in Wisdom and Trust and fully able for the weighty Service and greatest Employments of the State whereby the said Offices were both carefully and sufficiently executed by several Persons of such Wisdom Trust and Ability And others also that were employed by the Royal Progenitors of our Soveraign Lord the King in places of less Dignity were much encouraged with the hopes of advancement And whereas divers of the said places severally of themselves and necessarily require the whole care industry and attendance of a most provident and most able person He the said Duke being yong and unexperienced hath of late years with exorbitant Ambition and for his own profit and advantage procured and ingrossed into his own hands the said several Offices both to the danger of the State the prejudice of that Service which should have been performed in them and to the great discouragement of others who by this his procuring and ingrossing of the said Offices are precluded from such hopes as their Vertues Abilities and Publick Employments might otherwise have given them II. Whereas by the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom of England if any person whatsoever give or pay any sum of Money Fee or Reward directly or indirectly for any Office or Offices which in any-wise touch or concern the Administration or Execution of Justice or the keeping of any of the Kings Majesties Towns Castles or Fortresses being used occupied or appointed for places of strength and defence the same person is immediately upon the same Fee Money or Reward given or paid to be adjudged a disabled person in the Law to all intents and purposes to have occupy or enjoy the said Office or Offices for the which he so giveth or payeth any sum of Money Fee or Reward He the said Duke did in or about the Moneth of Ianuary in the Sixteenth year of the late King Iames of Famous memory give and pay to the Right Honorable Charles then Earl of Nottingham for the Office of Great Admiral of England and Ireland and the Principality of
Wales and for the Office of General-Governor of the Seas and Ships of the said Kingdoms and for the Surrender of the said Offices then made to the said King by the said Earl of Nottingham being then Great Admiral of the said Kingdoms and Principality and General-Governor of the Seas and Ships to the intent the said Duke might obtain the said Offices to his own use the sum of Three thousand pounds of lawful Money of England and did also about the same time procure from the said King a further Reward for the Surrender of the said Office to the said Earl of an Annuity of One thousand pounds by the year for and during the life of the said Earl and by the procurement of the said Duke the said late King of Famous memory did by his Letters Patents dated the Seven and twentieth of Ianuary in the said year of his Reign under the Great Seal of England grant to the said Earl the said Annuity which he the said Earl accordingly had and enjoyed during his life and by reason of the said sum of Money so as aforesaid paid by the said Duke And of his the said Dukes procurement of the said Annuity the said Earl of Nottingham did in the same Moneth surrender unto the said late King his said Offices and his Patents of them and thereupon and by reason of the premisses the said Offices were obtained by the Duke for his life from the said King of Famous Memory by Letters Patents made to the said Duke of the same Offices under the Great Seal of England dated the Eight and twentieth day of Ianuary in the said Sixteenth year of the said late King And the said Offices of Great Admiral and Governor as aforesaid are Offices that highly touch and concern the Administration and Execution of Justice within the provision of the said Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom which notwithstanding the said Duke hath unlawfully ever since the first unlawful obtaining of the said Grant of the said Offices retained them in his hands and exercised them against the Laws and Statutes aforesaid III. The said Duke did likewise in or about the beginning of the Moneth of December in the Two and twentieth year of the said late King Iames of Famous memory give and pay unto the Right Honorable Edward late Lord Zouch Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and of the Members thereof and Constable of the Castle of Dover for the said Offices and for the Surrender of the said Offices of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of the said Castle of Dover to be made to the said late King of Famous memory the sum of One thousand pounds of lawful Money of England and then also granted an Annuity of Five hundred pounds yearly to the said Lord Zouch for the life of the said Lord Zouch to the intent that he the said Duke might thereby obtain the said Offices to his own use And for and by reason of the said sum of Money so paid by the said Duke and of the said Annuity so granted to the said Edward Lord Zouch he the said Lord Zouch the Fourth day of December in the year aforesaid did surrender his said Offices and his Letters Patents of them to the said late King And thereupon and by reason of the premisses he the said Duke obtained the said Offices for his life from the said late King by his Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England dated the Sixth day of December in the said Two and twentieth year And the said Office of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and of the Members thereof is an Office that doth highly touch and concern Administration and Execution of justice and the said Office of Constable of the Castle of Dover is an Office that highly concerneth the keeping and defence of the Town and Port and of the said Castle of Dover which is and hath ever been appointed for a most eminent place of strength and defence of this Kingdom which notwithstanding the said Duke hath unlawfully ever since this first unlawful obtaining of the said Office retained them in his hands and exercised them against the Laws and Statutes aforesaid These Three Articles were discoursed upon by Mr. Herbert and touching Plurality of Offices he observed That in that vast power of the Duke a young unexperienced man there is an unfortunate complication of Danger and Mischeif to the State as having too much ability if he be false to do harm and ruine the Kingdom and if he be faithful and never so industrious yet divided amongst so many great places whereof every one would employ the industry of an able and provident man there must needs be in him an insufficiency of performance or rather an impossibility especially considering his necessary attendance likewise upon his Court places To the Second and Third namely The buying the Office of Admiralty and Cinque-Ports both which he comprised in one he said That to set a price upon the Walls and Gates of the Kingdom is a Crime which requires rather a speedy remedy than an aggravation and is against the express Law of 5 Edw. 6. upon this foundation That the buying of such places doth necessarily introduce corrupt and insufficient Officers And in the Parliament of 12 Edw. 4. it is declared by the whole Assembly That they who buy those places these are the express words binde themselves to be Extortioners and Offenders as if they pretended it warrantable or as if they did lay an Obligation upon themselves to sell again And though the buying of such places be not against any particular Law enjoyning a penalty for them the breach whereof is a particular Offence yet as far as they subvert the good and welfare and safety of the people so far they are against the highest Law and assume the nature of the highest Offences IV. Whereas the said Duke by reason of his said Offices of Great Admiral of the Kingdoms of England and Ireland and of the Principality of Wales and of Admiral of the Cinque Ports and General Governor of the Seas and Ships of the said Kingdoms and by reason of the trust thereunto belonging ought at all times since the said Offices obtained to have safely guarded kept and preserved the said Seas and the Dominion of them and ought also whensoever there wanted either Men Ships Munition or other strength whatsoever that might conduce to the better safeguard of them to have used from time to time his utmost endeavor for the supply of such wants to the Right Honorable the Lords and others of the Privy Council and by procuring such supply from his Soveraign or otherwise He the said Duke hath ever since the dissolution of the two Treaties mentioned in the Act of Subsidies of the One and twentieth year of the late King Iames of Famous memory that is to say the space of Two years last past neglected the just performance of his said Office and Duty
the King of great Britain in conformity of the Contract formerly passed between d' Effiat and them 2. That they should consent and agree in consideration of the assurance given them by the Ambassadors to the Articles of March 25. 1625. whereby the French King should be made Master of the said ships by indifferent Inventory that then they should by him be warranted against all hazards of Sea-fight and if they miscarried then the value thereof to be paid by the French King who would also confirm this new Proposition within fifteen dayes after the ships should be delivered to his use by good caution in London 3. That if the French King would take any men out of the said ships he might but without any diminution of freight for or in respect thereof The said Iames Moyer having gotten the French Instrument interpreted answered 1. they would not go to serve against Rochel 2. nor send their ships without good warrant for their going and 3. not without sufficient security to their liking for payment of their freight and reddition of their ships or the value thereof for the Ambassadors security was by them taken not to be sufficient and they protested against it and utterly refused this peraffetted Instrument Here also Sir Iohn Epsley and Sir Thomas Love disswaded the Duke from this enterprise telling him he could not justifie nor answer the delivery of the ships to the French The Lord Duke being at Rochester and there acquainted with all these proceedings commanded the said Moyer and the rest before these Ambassadors that they should obey the Lord Conways Letter and return to Diep to serve the French and that so was our Kings pleasure howbeit herein his Majesties pleasure appeared not but the contrary yet privately at the same time the Duke told them that the security offered or formerly given by the Ambassador was insufficient and that though they went to Diep yet they might and should there keep their ships in their own power till they had made their own conditions to their own liking Iuly 16. 1625. The Duke of Chevereux and Monsieur Villocleox finding that they could not accomplish their designs at Rochester but they must be fain to defer the getting thereof till the coming of the ships back again to Diep where it was thought that better opportunity and more advantage for their ends would be had did to that purpose make and ordain the Marquis d' Effiat their Deputy to contract with the Captains and Masters of the English ships for the French Kings service as effectually as themselves might do thereby transferring their power in that behalf to the said d' Effiat who intended to go over to Diep forthwith about this business The Duke of Buckingham having thus the second time dealt with the Captains and Masters to go to Diep and armed and prepared d' Effiat how and in what manner there to circumvent them sent over to Diep privately and underhand his Secretary Mr Edward Nicholas together with d' Effiat Mr Nicholas at and before the going over had Instructions from the Duke by word to see the execution of the Kings pleasure signified by the Letter from my Lord Conway and to procure the Captains and Masters of the said Merchants ships to deliver over their ships into the hands of the French upon the security peraffetted at Rochester by the three French Ambassadors and by them delivered to the Duke of Buckingham who committed the same to the said Mr Nicholas as the security which in that behalf he was to take and accept Mr Nicholas according to those Instructions went to Diep with d' Effiat and was there very urgent to get the ships delivered to the French according to the said Instructions at their coming over to Diep d' Effiat entred a Suit and Protest against our Captains and Masters and their original Articles the better to enforce them to perform the same without respect to the Dukes verbal pretences or Allegations made to the Captains and Masters at Rochester and in other places formerly to the contrary The Captains and Masters came over again to Diep about Iuly 20. where they found themselves in a strait by reason of the said Protest there entred against them the Dukes instructions by word being too weak to exempt them from obtaining their Contract under their Hands and Seals also Mr Nicholas using the Kings name with threatning words was there very earnest from day to day and very vehemently pressed them to deliver over their ships before security given to their content contrary to the former Proposition viz. the Lord Dukes word to them at Rochester which they refusing to yeild unto Advertisement thereof was speedily sent to the Duke of Buckingham and to his Agents into England and Mr Nicholas continued still at Diep about his former Negotiation Iuly 27. 1625. Sir Ferdinando Gorge Anth. Touching James Moyer Henry Lewen Tho. Davies Jasp. Dard and Iames Davies as owners and Captains of the said seven English ships hired for the French did express in writing that they held it fit they should not quit ships their till they had made their own reasonable conditions and were freed from the questions and troubles they were in and in particular 1. They prayed to be free of the said Protest that they might the better treat of their affairs 2. If the the French King would have delivery of their ships into his power and possession that then they might have security by money deposited in London without Revocation for satisfaction of their ships the former security by Merchants being insufficient and a stop already made of their pay which upon that security they know not how to come by 3. Because their ships being Fortresses of this Kingdom and the delivery of them over into the hands of a Forein Prince without good warrant concerneth even their very lives that they might have a warrant in that behalf under the Great-Seal of England before they should be bound to deliver them over 4. To be free of their bonds entred into for not selling their Ordnance and also free of punishment in that behalf and they shewed how they were more cautious herein for that Commissioners drew the first Articles which were now wholly broken and these Articles were to be done by themselves And this writing they sent from their ships by one Mr Basset Cole to present on shore to the Marquis d' Effiat at Diep appointing the said Mr Cole to treat for a speedy conclusion according to these Articles who treated accordingly And the said Marquis to induce him to yield to his demands shewed a Letter in French signed by the Duke of Buckingham whereby the Duke promised his endeavors to get the Marquis's turn served touching these ships The next day viz. 28 Iuly 1625. Mr Nicholas came aboard the Neptune and declared in writing under his hand how and why he was sent over by the Duke of Buckingham as before and craved the Captain and Masters
memory did procure of the said King the Office of High Treasurer of England to the Lord Vicount M. now Earl of M. Which Office at his procurement was given and granted accordingly to the Lord Vicount M. And as a Reward for the said procurement of the same Grant he the said Duke did then receive to his own use of and from the said Lord Vicount M. the sum of 20000 l. of lawful money of England And also in or about the moneth of Ianuary in the sixteenth year of the Reign of the said late King did procure of the said late King of famous memory the Office of Master of the Wards and Liveries to and for Sir L. C. afterward Earl of M. which Office was upon the same procurement given and granted to the said Sir L.C. And as a reward for the same procurement he the said Duke had to his own use or to the use of some other person by him appointed of the said Sir L.C. the sum of Six thousand pounds of lawful money of England contrary to the Dignity of our Soveraign Lord the King and against the duty that should have been performed by the said Duke unto him These as also the Eleventh Article were enlarged and aggravated by Mr. Pym in this manner My Lords ALthough I know that I shall speak to my own disadvantage yet I shall labor to speak with as little disadvantage to the matter as I can I have no learning or ornament whereby I might shew my self and I shall think it enough plainly to shew the matter For all that I aim at is that I may lose nothing of the Cause And therefore my Lords I shall apply my self with as much convenient brevity as one that knows that your Lordships time is much more precious then my words Your Lordships being such Judges as will measure things by true and natural proportions and not by the proportion of the action or expression The first entrance into my service must be reading the Articles My Lords This Charge for matter of Fact is so notorious and apparent that it needs no proof that these Honors have been procured And therefore I will only insist upon the Consequence First I will shew That by this fact the Duke hath committed a great Offence And secondly That this Offence hath produced a great Grievance to the Commonwealth And I will conclude in strengthening the whole by some Presidents of former times that Parliaments have proceeded in that course in which your Lordships are like to proceed First to prove it a fault or an offence I must prove that there was a duty for every fault presupposeth a duty And in this case the first work is to shew that the Duke was bound to do otherwise For which I need to alleage nothing else then that he is a sworne Servant and Counsellor to the King and so ought to have preferred his Majesties honor and service before his own pride in seeking to Ennoble all that Blood that concerned him And it is not enough to say that it is not questionable For there have been Great men questioned in the like cases There be some Laws made that are particular according to the temper and occasions of several States There are other Laws that be coessential and collateral with Government and if those Laws be broken all things run to disorder and confusion Such is that Rule observed in all States of suppressing Vice to encourage Vertue by apt Punishment and Rewards And this the fittest Law to insist upon in a Court of Parliament when the Proceedings are not limited either by the Civil or Common Laws but matters are adjudged according as they stand in opposition or conformity with that which is suprema lex Salus populi 2. By this late Law whoever moves the King to bestow Honor which is the greatest reward binds himself to make good a double proportion of Merit in that Party who is to receive it The first of value and excellence the second of continuance and durableness And as this Honor sets men up above others so they should be eminent in vertue beyond others As it is perpetual not ending with their persons but descending upon their posterity so there ought to be in the first root of this Honor some such active merit in the service of the Commonwealth as might transmit a vigorous Example to his Successors whereby they may be raised to an Imitation of the like Vertues He said he would for bear to urge this point further out of a modest respect to those persons whom it did collaterally concern professing his Charge to be wholly against the Duke of Buckingham 3. From the consideration of Honor together with the price of Money The which being compared together may be reduced to two heads may it please your Lordships The one being earthly and base may be bought with a proportionable price of white and red earth Gold and Silver The other which is spiritual which is sublime to which Money cannot be a proportionable price Honor is transcendent in regard it was held a sacred and divine thing insomuch that there was a Temple dedicated to her by the Romans And so I conclude by prescription that Honor is a divine thing for the Scripture calls Kings Gods and then those that are about Kings must needs be resembled to those Powers and Principalities that attend next to the Throne And if Honor be such a divine thing it must not then be bought with so base a price as Money 4. Lastly Honor is a Publick thing it is the reward of Publick Deserts And thus your Lordships have seen that the sale of Honor is an offence unnatural against the Law of Nature Now what an offence this is your Lordships may discern considering the kinds of the offence and the Adjuncts which I now fall upon 1. It extremely deâ—lowers the Flowers of the Crown for it makes them cheap to all beholders 2. It takes from the Crown the most fair and frugal Reward of deserving Servants For when Honor comes to be at so mean a rate as to be sold there is no Great man will look after it 3. It is the way to make a man more studious for lucre and gain then of sufficiencie in Vertue when they know that they shall be preferred to Titles of Honor according to the heaviness of purse and not for the weightiness of their merit 4. It introduceth a strange confusion mingling the meaner with the more pure and refined metal 5. Lastly It is a prodigious scandal to this Nation as the House of Commons think For Examples and Presidents I am confident there are none and your Lordships can look for none because it is not parallel'd to any President But certainly it is now a fit time to make a President of this man this great Duke that hath been lately raised to this transcendent height in our Sphere who thinketh he cannot shine enough unless he dim your Lordships Honors in
no man amongst the Thebans was to take upon him any Place of Government in the Commonwealth if that he were a Merchant unless there were ten years distance between And the reason is this Because Merchants are used to buying and selling It is their Trade and Art to to 〈◊〉 Money so that their fingers are accustomed to that which they cannot leave when they come to Places of Trust and Judicature Nay further in honor of the Merchants He is accounted the wisest Merchant that gains most so that if any such comes to Offices and Places of Trust he thinks it best to advance his profit Next to the Pagans the Popes a Generation full of Corruption yet they by their Bulls are full of Declamation against such And this is plain by a Bull of Pius Quintus who lays the Penalty of Confiscation of Goods of any that do for money acquire any Offices and condemns them by his Papal sentence to be great sinners So Gregory the Thirteenth condemns the like And now to come nearer home to come to that which will principally lead your Lordships which are the Judgments of your Ancestors in Parliament wherein it appears by the Statute of 5 H. 6. that the same Statute condemns the Seller and Receiver as well as the Buyer and Giver It further appears by the Preamble of that Statute that such offences were against the Law and they foresaw the Corruptions of those that came into those Places by those means and that it is a hinderance of sufficient and worthy men from those Places And also 2 3 E. 6. which was likewise cited in the Case of the Duke of Somerset by which he was to forfeit his Estate that one thing was for selling of Places in the Commonwealth for money And certainly with your Lordships favor it is most just and probable that they that profess themselves to be Patriots and shew by their actions that they aim at their own lucre and labor to hinder the distributing of Iustice it is most just and proper that those men should return back again to the Publick Treasury of the King and Kingdom what they have by their unsatisfied lucre gotten And so my Lords craving Pardon of you for my boldness confusion and distractions in going through this business I humbly leave my self to the judgments of your favors and charities and this Great man the Duke to your wise Censure and Justice Then was read the Eleventh and Twelfth Articles XI That he the said Duke hath within these ten years last past procured divers Titles of Honor to his Mother Brothers Kindred and Allies as the Title of Countess of Buckingham to his Mother while she was Sir Thomas Compton's wife the Title of Earl of A. to his younger Brother Christopher Villiers the Titles of Baron of M. P. Vicount F. and Earl of D. to his Sisters Husband Sir W. F. the Titles of Baron of S. and Vicount P. to Sir Iohn Villiers elder Brother unto the said Duke and divers more of the like kind to his Kindred and Allies whereby the Noble Barons of England so well deserving in themselves and in their Ancestors have been much prejudiced and the Crown disabled to reward extraordinary Vertues in future times with Honor while the small Estates of those for whom such unnecessary Advancement hath been procured ar◠apparently likely to be more and more burthensom unto the King notwithstanding such Annuities Pensions and Grants of Lands annexed to the Crown of great value which the said Duke hath procured for those his Kindred to support these their Dignities XII He the said Duke 〈◊〉 contented with the great Advancement formerly received from the late King of famous memory by his procurement and practice in the Fourteenth year of the said King for the support of the many Places Honors and Dignities conferred on him did obtain a grant of divers Manors Parcel of the Revenue of the Crown and of the Duchy of Lancaster to the yearly value of One thousand six hundred ninety seven pounds two shillings halfpenny farthing of the old Rent with all Woods Timber Trees and Advowson part whereof amounting to the sum of Seven hundred forty seven pounds thirteen shillings four pence was rated at Two and thirty thousand pounds but in truth of a far greater value And likewise in the Sixteenth year of the same Kings reign did procure divers other Manors annexed to the Crown of the yearly value at the old Rent of Twelve hundred pounds or thereabouts according as in a Schedule hereunto annexed appeareth In the Warrant for passing of which Lands he by his great favour procured divers unusual Clauses to be inserted viz. that no Perquisites of Courts should be valued and that all Bailiffs Fees should be reprised in the particulars upon which those Lands were rated whereby a president hath been introduced which all those who since that time have obtained any Lands from the Crown have pursued to the damage of his late Majesty and of our Soveraign Lord the King that now is to an exceeding great value And afterwards he surrendred to his said Majesty divers Mannors and Lands parcel of those Lands formerly granted unto him to the value of Seven hundred twenty three pounds eighteen shillings and two pence half-penny per annum in consideration of which surrender he procured divers other Lands of the said late King to be sold and contracted for by his own Servants and Agents and thereupon hath obtained grants of the same to pass from his late Majesty to several persons of this Kingdom and hath caused Tallies to be stricken for the money being the consideration mentioned in those Grants in the Receipt of the Exchequer as if any such monies had really come to his Majesties Coffers whereas the Duke or some other by his appointment hath indeed received the same sums and expended them upon his own occasions And notwithstanding the great and inestimable gain by him made by the sale of Offices Honors and by other Suits by him obtained from his Majesty and for the countenancing of divers Projects and other Courses burthensom to his Majesties Realms both of England and Ireland The said Duke hath likewise by his procurement and practise received into his hands and disbursed to his own use exceeding great sums that were the monies of the late King of famous memory as appeareth also in the said Schedule hereunto annexed And the better to colour his doings in that behalf hath obtained several Privy-Seals from his late Majesty and his Majesty that now is warranting the payment of great sums to persons by his named causing it to be recited in such Privy-seals as if those sums were directed for secret Services concerning the State which were notwithstanding disposed of to his own use and other Privy-seals by him have been procured for the discharge of those Persons without accompt and by the like fraud and practice under colour of free gifts from his Majesty he hath gotten into
of himself came to the Duke and earnestly moved him to undertake the place The Duke apprehending the weight of the place and considering his yong years and want of experience to manage so great a charge gave no ear unto it but excused it not for form but really and ingenuously out of the apprehension of his then unfitness for it This Gentleman not thus satisfied without the Duke applied himself to the late King and moved his Majesty therein and offered Reasons for it That the Duke was the fittest man at that time and as the State of the Navy then stood for that place for he said it was then a time of peace That the best service that could be done for the present was to repair the Navy and Ships Royal which then were much in decay and to retrench the Kings charge and to employ it effectually and that before there was like to be personal use of service otherwise the Duke being yong and active might gain experience and make himself as fit as any other and that in the mean time none was so fit as himself having the opportunity of his Majesties Favor and Means to his Person to procure a constant assignment and payment of moneys for the Navy the want whereof was the greatest cause of the former defects These Reasons perswaded his late Majesty and upon his Majesties own motion perswaded the Duke to take the charge upon him And thereupon the Earl voluntarily freely and willingly and upon his own earnest and often suit surrendred the place without any President Contract or Promise whatsoever which might render the Duke in the least degree subject to the danger of the Law which was not then so much as once thought upon and upon that Surrender the Grant was made to the Duke But it is true That his Majesty out of his Royal bounty for recompence of the long and faithful service of the said Earl and for an honorable memory of his deserts to him and the Crown of England did grant him a Pension of One thousand pounds per annum for his life which in all Ages hath been the Royal way of Princes wherewith to reward antient and well-deserving Servants in their elder years when without their own faults they are become less serviceable to the State And the Duke also voluntarily and freely and as an argument of his noble respect towards so honorable a Predecessor whom to his death he called Father whose Estate â—s he then understood with his late Majesties privity and approbation did send him Three thousand pounds in money which he hopeth no person of worth and honor will esteem to be an act worthy of blame in him And when the Duke had thus obtained this place of great trust he was so careful of his duty that he would not relie upon his judgment or ability but of himself humbly besought his then Majesty to settle a Commission of fit and able persons for the Affairs of the Navy by whose Council and assistance he might manage that weighty business with the best advantage for his Majesties service which Commission was granted and yet continueth and without the advice of those Commissioners he hath never done any thing of moment and by their advice and industry he hath thus husbanded the Kings money and furthered the service that where before the ordinary charge of the Navy was Fifty four thousand pounds per annum and yet the Ships were very much decayed and their Provisions neglected the charge was returned to Thirty thousand pounds per annum and with that charge the Ships all repaired and made serviceable and two new Ships builded yearly and for the two last years when there were no new Ships built the ordinary charge was reduced to Twenty one thousand six hundred pounds per annum And now he dare boldly affirm that his Majesties Navy is in better state by much then ever it was in any precedent time whatsoever For his buying the Wardenship of the Cinque Ports he maketh this plain ingenuous and true Answer That in December in the Two and twentieth year of his late Majesties Raign he obtained the Office of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of the Castle of Dover being one entire Office upon the Surrender of the Lord Zouch then Lord Warden The manner of obtaining whereof was thus The Lord Zouch being grown in years and with his almost continual lameness being grown less fit for that place he discovered a willingness to leave it and made several offers thereof to the Duke of Richmond and Richard Earl of Dorset deceased but he was not willing to part with it without recompence Notice whereof coming to the Duke by an offer made from the Lord Zouch he finding by experience how much and how many ways both the Kings service might and many times did suffer and how many inconveniences did arise to the Kings Subjects in their Goods Ships and Lives by the intermixture of the Jurisdictions of the Admiralty and Wardenship of the Cinque Ports by the emulation disaffection and contention of their Officers as clearly appear by these particulars amongst many others which may be instanced 1. Where the Admiral-Jurisdiction extends generally to all the Narrow Seas the Warden of the Cinque Ports hath and exerciseth Admiral-Jurisdiction on all the Sea Coasts from Show-Beacon in Essex to the Red Noor in Sussex and within those Limits there have been continual differences between the Lord Admiral and the Lord Warden whether the Lord Wardens Jurisdiction extends into the main Sea or onely as far as the low Water Mark and so much further into the Sea as a man on Horsback can reach with a Launce which occasioneth Questions between those cheif Officers themselves 2. There are many and continual differences in executing of Warrants against offenders the Officers of the one refusing to obey or assist the Authority of the other whereby the offenders protected or countenanced by either easily escapeth 3. Merchants and Owners of Goods questioned in the Admiralty are often enforced to sue in both Courts and often enforced for their peace to compound with both Officers 4. The Kings service is much hindred for the most usual and ordinary Rendevouz of the Kings Ships being at the Downs and that being within the Jurisdiction of the Lord Warden the Lord Admiral or Captains of the Kings Ships have no Power or Warrant to press men from the shore if the Kings Ships be in distress 5. When the Kings Ships or others be in danger on the Goodwins and other places within the view of the Portsmen they have refused to help with their Boats lest the Kings Ships should command them on board whereby many Ships have perished and much Goods have been lost 6. When Warrants come to press a Ship at Road for the Kings service the Officers take occasion to disobey the Warrants and prejudice the Kings service For if the Warrant come from the Lord Warden they will pretend
fully acquit of his engagement of Honor and Conscience for their Relief But notwithstanding this Declaration and Sobiez his earnest solicitation and endeavor The Magistrates and wealthier sort of People in the Town being possessed with the fear of the King of France his Army then upon a march against them and there being a Court party also prevalent in the Town could be drawn to give no other answer at that time but this That they did render all humble and hearty thanks to his Majesty of Great Britain for the care he had of them and to the Duke for his forwardness and readiness to do his best service for their good but said They were bound by Oath of Union to do nothing but by the common and unanimous consent of the rest of the Protestant party in France And therefore prayed the King of Great Britain to excuse them in that they did suspend the Conjunction of Forces till they had sent to the rest of the Protestant Towns who were of the Union with them And in the mean time their Prayers and Vows should be for the happy progress of such actions as the Fleet and Army should undertake Notwithstanding this Answer Sobiez had strong assurance from a well-affected party in the Town That they could and would be able to preserve the same for the encouragement of the English and to assist them also with supplies from thence When Sobiez went from the Fleet into Rochel with Sir William Beecher the Duke of Buckingham was pleased to communicate his design to Sobiez by reason of his knowledge of the Countrey as well as for his interest in that Kingdom to raise forces that his full purpose and intention was to land his Army in the Isle of Oleran near unto Rochel and not at the Isle of Rhee being a little further distant Which Sobiez well approved of as a thing feasible at the first entrance the forces therein being few and the Forts weakly manned and victualled and besides it was of advantage for the Oyls Wines and other Commodities therein whereas the Isle of Rhee as he said to the Duke was furnished with a considerable force both of Horse and Foot which would make the landing there very difficult and besides they had a Cittadel well fortified to retreat unto The Duke not staying for Sobiez his return from Rochel alters his resolution and directs his course to the Isle of Rhee Toras the Governor thereof having before taken the alarum by the sight of the Fleet at Sea marches with his forces to impede their landing but maugre their opposition and the Fort La Prie. Sir Iohn Burroughs Sir Alexander Bret Sir Charles Rich together with Monsieur St. Branchard and other brave Commanders land first ashore and after them about Twelve hundred men who were presently encountred with the French horse and foot and a sore fight happened thereupon being a long time well maintained on both sides and many Commanders fell both of the English and French few of the English were unwounded but at last the English forced their way the enemy was constrained to retreat and to permit the whole Army to land In this combate Monsieur St. Blanchard was slain whose loss was much lamented by the Protestant party in France Sir William Heyden and some hundreds of the English were slain The foot which engaged on both sides were much equal in number but in horse the French had a great advantage The Victory was not pursued by a speedy march after Toras who retreated to his Cittadel at St. Martins with his wounded men for five days time was spent before the Army moved whereby Toras got not onely time to encourage his men to hold out being much discomfited at this fight but to get in assistance of Men and provision of Victuals out of the Island into the Cittadel which he improved to great advantage The Fort La Prie near unto the landing place and meanly Victualled and Manned was all this while the Army staid neglected omitted or contemned as inconsiderable the gaining whereof as was said would have secured a retreat for the English and impeded the landing of the French during the siege of the Fort at St. Martins This landing of the English was a great astonishment in the Court of France and if the taking of the Fort had immediately followed there would have appeared a great change of Affairs for the King fell sick about the same time and great discontent there was at Court and the King sent his Resolution to give the Protestants honorable terms if they will not joyn with the English sent to the Duke of Rhoan to content him with money and other proffers and renders the landing of the English to other Protestant Towns to be a thing not to be complied withal The Duke in two days march came with his Army before St. Martins and published a Manifesto justifying his Masters taking up of Arms against the King of France declaring amongst other Reasons as one cause thereof the Frenches employing of the English Ships against Rochel contrary to promise and lodgeth his Army at the Burgh of St. Martins at Rhee which upon the approach of the Duke the enemy quit and retreated into the City and quit a Well which was about thirty paces from their Counterskarf which being not at first coming of the Army made totally unserviceable to the enemy they presently drew a work unto it and so secured the same for their use by which they subsisted during all the time of the siege The Duke blocks up the Cittadel draws his forces round about it in order to a close siege and disposes his Fleet so as to hinder Relief by Sea and resolves to take it by Famine upon presumption and as the truth was that they were not provided with Victuals in the Cittadel for a long siege and being Master at Sea he might in short time be Master of the Cittadel But whilst the Duke employs his time in drawing a Line of Circumvallation and raising of Bulwarks and Batteries let us see what they are doing in England Those Gentlemen who stood committed for not parting with moneys upon the Commission for Loans were appointed to several Confinements not in their own but Foreign Counties Sir Thomas Wentworth afterwards Earl of Strafford and George Ratcliff Esq afterwards Sir George Yorkshire Gentlemen were sent for by Messengers and removed out of the County of York into the County of Kent and there secured by Confinement Sir Walter Earl and Sir Iohn Strangwayes who were Dorsetshire men were secured in the County of Bedford Sir Thomas Grantham and some others of the County of Lincoln were removed and secured in the County of Dorset Sir Iohn Heveningham and others of the County of Suffolk were secured in the County of Somerset Richard Knightly Esq and others of the County of Northampton were secured in the County of Southampton and Wiltshire Sir Nathaniel
the Queen should commend unto him and make some suit on his behalf That if the Queen afterwards being ill intreated should complain of this Dear one he might make his answer It is long of your self for you were the Party that commended him unto me Our old Master took delight strangely in things of this nature That Noble Queen who now resteth in Heaven knew her Husband well and having been bitten with Favorites both in England and Scotland was very shie to adventure upon this request King Iames in the mean time more and more loathed Somerset and did not much conceal it that his affection increased towards the other But the Queen would not come to it albeit divers Lords whereof some are dead and some yet living did earnestly sollicit her Majesty thereunto When it would not do I was very much moved to put to my helping hand they knowing that Queen Anne was graciously pleased to give me more credit then ordinary which all her Attendants knew she continued to the time of her death I laboured much but could not prevail The Queen oft saying to me My Lord You and the rest of your Friends know not what you do I know your Master better then you all For if this Young man be once brought in the first persons that he will plague must be you that labor for him yea I shall have my part also The King will teach him to despise and hardly intreat us all that he may seem to be beholden to none but himself Noble Queen how like a Prophetess or Oracle did you speak Notwithstanding this we were still instant telling her Majesty that the Change would be for the better For George was of a good nature which the other was not And if he should degenerate yet it would be a long time before he were able to attain to that height of evil which the other had In the end upon importunity Queen Anne condescended and so pressed it with the King that he assented thereunto Which was so stricken while the Iron was hot that in the Queens Bed-chamber the King Knighted him with the Rapier which the Prince did wear And when the King gave order to swear him of the Bed-chamber Somerset who was near importuned the King with a message that he might be only sworne a Groom But my self and others that were at the door sent to her Majesty that she would perfect her work and cause him to be sworne a Gentleman of the Chamber There is a Lord or two living that had a hand in this atchievement I diminish nothing of their praise for so happy a work But I know my own part best and in the word of an honest man I have reported nothing but truth George went in with the King but no sooner he got loose but he came forth unto me into the Privy-gallery and there embraced me He professed that he was so infinitely bound unto me that all his life long he must honor me as his Father And now he did beseech me that I would give him some lessons how â—e should carry himself When he earnestly followed this chace I told him I would give him three short lessons if he would learn them The first was That daily upon his knees he should pray to God to bless the King his Master and to give him George grace studiously to serve and please him The second was That he should do all good offices between the King and the Queen and between the King and the Prince The third was That he should fill his Masters ears with nothing but Truth I made him repeat these three things unto me and then I would have him to acquaint the King with them and so tell me when I met him again what the King said unto him He promised me he would and the morrow after Mr. Tho. Murrey the Princes Tutor and I standing together in the Gallery at Whitehall Sir Geo. Villeirs coming forth and drawing to us he told Mr. Murrey how much he was beholden unto me and that I had given him certain Instructions which I prayed him to rehearse as indifferently well he did before us yea and that he had acquainted the King with them who said They were Instructions worthy of an Archbishop to give to a Young man His countenance of thankfulness for a few days continued but not long either to me or any other his Welwishers The Roman Historian Tacitus hath somewhere a note That benefits while they may be requited seem courtesies but when they are so high that they cannot be repaid they prove matters of hatred Thus to lie by me to quicken my remembrance I have laid down the Cause and the Proceedings of my sending into Kent where I remain at the writing of this Treatise Praying God to bless and guide our King aright To continue the prosperity and welfare of this Kingdom which at this time is shrewdly shaken To send good and worthy men to be Governors of our Church To prosper my mind and body that I may do nothing that may give a wound to my Conscience and then to send me patience quietly to endure whatsoever his Divine Majesty shall be pleased to lay upon me Da quod jubes jube quod vis And in the end to give me such a happy deliverance either in life or death as may be most for his glory and for the wholsom example of others who look much on the Actions and Passions of Men of my Place AMong those many Gentlemen who were imprisoned throughout England for refusing to lend upon the Commission for Loans only Five of them brought their Habeas Corpus viz. Sir Thomas Darnell Sir Iohn Corbet Sir Walter Earl Sir Iohn Heveningham Sir Edward Hampden In Michaelmas Term 3 Caroli a Return was made of their several Commitments To instance only in one all the rest being in the same form The Warden of the Fleet made this Return That Sir Walter Earl Knight named in the Writ is detained in the Prison of the Fleet in his Custody by special Command of the King to him signified by Warrant of several of the Privy-Council in these words Whereas Sir Walter Earl Knight was heretofore committed to your Custody These are to will and require you still to detain him letting you know that both his first Commitment and direction for the continuance of him in Prison were and are by his Majesties special commandment From Whitehall Novemb. 7. 1627. Tho. Coventry c. Sir Thomas Darnell was the first that was brought to the Bar upon that Writ where the Kings Attorney-General Sir Robert Heath did inform the Court that his Majesty told him He heard that some of the imprisoned Gentlemen for the Loan did report That the King did deny them the Course of Justice And therefore his Majesty commanded him to renew the Writ of Habeas Corpus lest they should not move for another themselves by reason the Warden of the Fleet had not returned the first according
the security of the River wherefore the Regiments then remaining in several of the States Garrison Towns which were reformed out of four Regiments under the Command of Sir Charles Morgan and supposed to consist of two thousand men were designed for this employment But in regard that by the capitulations at the rendring of Stoade these souldiers were first to touch in England before they could engage in War against the Emperour they were appointed to come to Harwitch and to saile thence to Luckâ—â—aâ— under the command of their former General and by reason of the absence of the English Fleet upon the service of Rotchel the States and the Prince of Orange were desired to accommodate them with Ships of convoy in crossing the Seas But a while after the King considering that the six months wherein that Regiment was bound not to serve against the Emperour were near expiring and the Winter approaching which by foul weather and contrary winds might expose both men and Ships to great danger in their crossing the Seas to England and cause unnecessary charge commanded Sir Charles Morgan to forbear to touch at Harwitch but to shape his course by the nearest straightest way from Holland to Luckstat and to stay at the place of imbarquing so many days as with the time which will be taken up in their passage may accomplish the full six months Moreover these Reformed Regiments brought from Stoade being found upon their mustering fourteen hundred the King made a supply of six hundred more by borrowing six or eight men out of every Company serving in the States pay under the conduct of the Lord Vere the season of the year not permitting to rely upon new recruits from England for which he engaged his royal word to the States and the Prince of Orange that for every man they lent him he would send them two as soon as his forces return from Rochel Touching the Horse levied in Germany and intended as was said to be transported into England about the last Session of Parliament the Privy Councel now wrote to Dalbeere upon certain overtures made by the King of Sweden and the Duke of Savoy to receive them into their pay and service that he might dispose of the said Cavalry to those Princes being his Majesties friends and Allies with condition that his Majesty be no further charged with their pay transportation or entertainment in any manner whatsoever After the death of the Duke the King seemed to take none to favour so much as Dr. Laud Bishop of London to whom he sent many gracious messages and also writ unto him with his own hand the which contained much grace and favour and immediately afterwards none became so intimate with his Majesty as the said Bishop BY Orders from the Bishop there were then entred in the Docket Book several Conge D'esliers and Royal assents for Dr. May to be Bishop of Bath and Wells for Doctor Corbet to be Bishop of Oxford and for Samuel Harsenet then Bishop of Norwitch to be Arch-Bishop of York In the University of Oxford Bishop Laud bore the sway The Lord Chancellour VVilliam Earl of Pembrook commiting his power into his hands And this year he framed the Statutes for the reducing and limiting the free Election of Proctors which before as himself said were Factious and Tumultuary to the several Colledges by course The meeting of the Parliament appointed to be the 20. of Octob. was by Proclamation the first day of that moneth Prorogued to the 20. of Ianu. following VVhilst Felton remained a Prisoner at London great was the resort of people to see the man who had committed so bold a murder others came to understand what were the Motives and Inducements thereunto to which the man for the most part answered That he did acknowledge the Fact and condemned himself for the doing thereof Yet withall confessed he had long looked upon the Duke as an evil Instrument in the Common-wealth and that he was convinced thereof by the Remonstrance of Parliament VVhich considerations together with the instigation of the Evil One who is always ready to put sinfull motions into speedy Actions induced him to do that which he did He was a person of a little Stature of a stout and revengeful spirit who having once received an injury from a Gentleman he cut off a piece of his little finger and sent it with a challenge to the Gentleman to fight with him thereby to let him know that he valued not the exposing of his whole body to hazard so he might but have an opportunity to be revenged Afterwards Felton was called before the Councel where he confessed much of what is before mentioned concerning his Inducement to the Murder the Councel much pressed him to confesse who set him on work to do such a bloody act and if the Puritans had no hand therein he denyed they had and so he did to the last that no person whatsoever knew any thing of his intentions or purpose to kill the Duke that he revealed it to none living Dr. Laud Bishop of London being then at the Councel Table told him if he would not confess he must go to the rack Felton replyed if it must be so he could not tell whom he might nominate in the extremity of torture and if what he should say then must go for truth he could not tell whether his Lordship meaning the Bishop of London or which of their Lordships he might name for torture might draw unexpected things from him after this he was asked no more questions but sent back to prison The Council then fell into Debate whether by the Law of the Land they could justifie the putting him to the Rack The King being at Councel said before any such thing be done let the advice or the Judges be had therein whether it be Legal or no and afterwards his Majesty the 13. of Novemb. 4. Car. propounded the question to Sr. Tho. Richardson Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas to be propounded to all the Justices Viz. Felton now a prisoner in the Tower having confessed that he had killed the Duke of Buckingham and said he was induced to this partly for private displeasure and partly by reason of a Remonstrance in Parliament having also read some Books which he said defended that it was lawful to kill an Enemy to the Republique the question therefore is whether by the Law he might not be Racked and whether there were any Law against it for said the King if it might be done by Law he would not use his Prerogative in this Point and having put this Question to the Lord chief Justice the King commanded him to demand the resolution of all the Judges First the Justices of Serjeants Inn in Chancery Lane did meet and agree that the King may not in this case put the party to the Rack And the fourteenth of November all the Justices being assembled at Serjeants Inn in Fleetstreet
they or any of them had been true as indeed they were not should or could be at that time entertained or pursued in any legal or Parliamentary way but meerly and onely to express and vent his and their own Malice and Dis-affection of your Majesty and your happy Government And your Majesty upon the said second day of March now last past having signified Your Royal pleasure unto the said Sir Iohn Finch then the Speaker of that House That the said House should then be presently adjourned until the tenth day of the said Moneth of March without any further speech or proceedings at that time and the said Speaker then delivered Your Majesties pleasure and commandment to the said House accordingly and declared unto them Your Majesties express charge and command unto him That if any should notwithstanding disobey Your Majesties command that he must forthwith leave the charge and wait upon Your Majesty unto which commandment of Your Majesty and signification of Your Royal pleasure in that behalf for a present adjournment of the House the greatest number of the Members of that House in their duty and Allegeance unto your Majesty were willing to have given a ready Obedience as the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of the Lords House upon the very same day upon the like signification made unto them of your Majesties pleasure by your Lord Keeper of your Great Seal of England the Speaker of that House had done yet so it is May it please your most Excellent Majesty That the said Sir Iohn Ellyot for the satisfying of his own malice and disloyal affections to your Majesty and by the confederacy and agreement aforesaid and in a high contempt and disobedience unto your Majesties command aforesaid and with set purpose to oppose your Majesties said command did stand up and several times offered to speak Whereupon the said Speaker in obedience to your Majesties said command endeavoring to have gone out of the chair the said Denzil Holles and Benjamin Valentine being then next the Speakers chair and the one of them on the one hand and the other of them on the other hand of the Speaker where they so placed themselves of purpose on that day out of their disobedience to your Majestie and by the confederacy and agreement aforesaid violently forcibly and unlawfully and with purpose to raise a tumult in the said House kept and held the said Speaker in the said chair against his will and the said Speaker again endeavoring to leave the chair and having then gotten out of the chair they the said Denzil Holles and Benjamin Valentine laid violent hands upon the said Speaker forcibly and unlawfully and by strong hand thrust him into his chair again and then the said Sir Iohn Ellyot again stood up and used these speeches viz. We have prepared a short Declaration of our intentions which I hope shall agree with the honour of the House and the Justice of the King and with that he threw down a paper into the floor of the said House desiring it might be read and the said Denzil Holles Benj. Valentine and all other the Confederates aforesaid in disobedience and high contempt of your Majesties said command called and cryed out to have the same paper read But some others of the House spake to the contrary that it might not be read and the House thereupon by reason of the disorderly behaviour of the said Confederates was much troubled many pressing violently and tumultuously to have the said paper read and others dutifully and obediently urging the contrary to the great disquiet and discomfort of many well-affected Members of that House And the said William Corriton in this distemper demeaned himself so passionately and violently that he then and there violently forcibly and unlawfully assaulted and stroke Winterton Gent. then being a Member of the said House and divers of the Members of the said House being then desirous and endeavoring to have gone out of the said House the said Sir Miles Hobert did of his own head lock the door of the said House and kept the key thereof and imprisoned the Members of the said House being then in the said House against their wills so that none of them could go out And the said William Strode for the further expressing of his malignity and undutifulness towards your Majesty and in pursuance of the agreement and confederacy aforesaid openly moved and with much earnestness urged that the said paper or declaration might be first read to the end as he then in great contempt of your Royal Majestie said that we meaning the Members of the house may not be turned off like scattered sheep and sent home as we were last Sessions with a scorn put upon us in print meaning thereby the words which your Majesty in your own Person spake at the ending of the last Session and caused the same to be printed and the said Stroud in a very disorderly manner further moved That all those who would have the said paper read should stand up which divers of them thereupon did do accordingly and he the said Stroud amongst others did stand up and in this heat of contention and height of disobedience by the confederacy aforesaid to have the said paper read the said Sir Peter Hayman with rough and reproachful words reproved the said Speaker for being constant and resolute in his obedience to your Majesty in not putting the reading of the said paper to the Question as by all the said Confederates with many Reasons and Arguments he was urged to do and the said Sir Peter Hayman then further said That the said Speaker was made an Instrument to cut up the Liberty of the Subjects by the roots But when by no means the said Speaker would be drawn to transgress your Majesties Royal command aforesaid and lest the said paper should not be read the said Iohn Selden moved that the Clerk of the said House might read the same and when the said Sir John Ellyot found that he and his Confederates aforesaid could not procure the said paper to be read he the said Sir Iohn Ellyot to the end he might not lose that opportunity to vent and publish those malitious and seditious Resolutions which he and his Confederates had collected and prepared as aforesaid took back the said paper again and then immediately in the said house said I shall non express that by Tongue which this paper should have done and then spake these words The miserable condition we are in both in matters of Religion and Policy makes me look with a tender eye both to the Person of the King and to the Subjects and then speaking of them whom he intended to be ill Instruments in this State at whom he principally aimed he said There are amongst them some Prelates of the Church the great Bishop of Winchester and his fellows it is apparent what they have done to cast an aspersion upon the honor and piety and goodness of the King These are
and Southcot Justices That offences committed in Parliament may be punished out of Parliament And 3 Ed. 3.19 it is good Law And it is usual neer the end of Parliaments to set some petty punishment upon offenders in Parliament to prevent other Courts And I have seen a Roll in this Court in 6 H. 6. where judgment was given in a writ of annuity in Ireland and afterwards the said judgment was reversed in Parliament in Ireland upon which judgment Writ of Error was brought in this Court and reversed Hide Chief Justice to the same intent No new matter hath been offered to us now by them that argue for the Defendants but the same Reasons and Authorities in substance which were objected before all the Justices of England and Barons of the Exchequer at Sergeants-Inn in Fleet-street upon an Information in the Star-Chamber for the same matter At which time after great deliberation it was resolved by all of them That an offence committed in Parliament that being ended may be punished out of Parliament And no Court more apt for that purpose then this Court in which we are and it cannot be punished in a future Parliament because it cannot take notice of matters done in a foregoing Parliament As to that that was said That an Inferiour Court cannot meddle with matters done in a Superior True it is That an Inferior Court cannot meddle with judgments of a Superior Court but if the particular members of a Superiour Court offend they are oft-times punishable in an Inferior Court As if a Judg shall commit a capital offence in this Court he may be arraigned thereof at Newgate 3 E. 3.19 and 1 Mar. which have been cited over-rule this case Therefore Whitlock accordingly 1. I say in this Case Nihil dictum quod non dictum prius 2. That all the Judges of England have resolved this very point 3. That now we are but upon the brink and skirts of the Cause for it is not now in Question if these be offences or no or if true or false but only if this Court have jurisdiction But it hath been objected That the offence is not capital therefore it is not examinable in this Court But though it be not capital yet it is criminal for it is sowing of sedition to the destruction of the Commonwealth The Question now is not between us that are Judges of this Court and the Parliament or between the King and the Parliament but between some private Members of the House of Commons and the King himself for here the King himself questions them for those offences as well he may In every Commonwealth there is one supereminent Power which is not subject to be questioned by any other and that is the King in this Commonwealth who as Bracton saith solum Deum habet ultorem But no other within the Realm hath this Priviledge It is true that that which is done in Parliament by consent of all the house shall not be questioned elsewhere but if any private Members exuunt personas judicum induunt malefacientium personas sunt seditiosi is there such Sanctimony in the place that they may not be questioned for it elsewhere The Bishop of Ross as the Case hath been put being Embassadour here practised matters against the State And it was resolved That although Legatus sit Rex in alieno solo yet when he goes out of the bounds of his Office and complots with Traytors in this Kingdom that he shall be punished as an offender here A Minister hath a great Priviledge when he is in the Pulpit but yet if in the Pulpit he utter speeches which are scandalous to the State he is punishable so in this Case when a Burgess of Parliament becomes mutinous he shall not have the Priviledge of Parliament In my opinion the Realm cannot consist without Parliaments but the behaviour of Parliament-men ought to be Parliamentary No outragious speeches were ever used against a great Minister of State in Parliament which have not been punished If a Judge of this Court utter scandalous speeches to the State he may be questioned for them before Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer because this is no judicial act of the Court. But it hath been objected That we cannot examine Acts done by a higher Power To this I put this Case When a Peer of the Realm is arraigned of Treason we are not his Judges but the high Steward and he shall be tryed by his Peers But if errour be committed in this proceeding that shall be reversed by errour in this Court for that which we do is Coram ipso Rege It hath been objected That the Parliament-Law differs from the Law by which we judge in this Court in sundry Cases And for the instance which hath been made That by the Statute none ought to be chosen Burgesse of a Town in which he doth not inhabit but that the usage of Parliament is contrary But if Information be brought upon the said Statute against such a Burgess I think that the Statute is a good warrant for us to give judgement against him And it hath been objected That there is no President in this matter But there are sundry Presidents by which it appears that the Parliament hath transmitted matters to this Court as 2 R. 2. there being a question between a great Peer and a Bishop it was transmitted to this Court being for matter of behaviour and although the Judges of this Court are but inferiour men yet the Court is higher for it appears by the 11 Eliz. Dy. That the Earl Marshal of England is an Officer of this Court and it is always admitted in Parliament That the priviledges of Parliament hold not in three Cases to wit in case of Treason secondly in case of Felony and in suit for the peace and the last is our very case Therefore c. Crook argued to the same intent but I did not well hear him he said That these offences ought to be punished in the Court or no where and all manner off offences which are against the Crown are examinable in this Court It hath been objected That by this means none will adventure to make his complaints in Parliament That is not so for he may complain in a Parliamentary course but not falsely and unlawfully as here is pretended for that which is unlawfully cannot be in a Parliamentary course It hath been objected That the Parliament is a higher Court then this is And it is true But every Member of Parliament is not a Court and if he commit offence he is punishable here Our Court is a Court of high jurisdiction it cannot take cognizance of real Pleas but if a real Plea comes by Error in this Court it shall never be transmitted But this Court may award a grand Cape and other Process usual in real Actions But of all capital and criminal causes we are originally competent Judges and by consequence of this matter But I am not
per Annum by raising a certain value upon their Lands and some other impositions which requiring a long Discourse by it self I will omit it here setting it down in my Instructions it will save your Majesty at least One hundred thousand pounds per Annum to make it pain of death and confiscation of goods and lands for any of the Officers to cousen You which now is much to be feared they do or else they could not be so rich and herein to allow a fourth part benefit to them that shall find out the cousenage Here is not meant Officers of State as the Lord Treasurer c. being Officers of the Crown The summe of all this account amounteth unto two Millions or Twenty hundred thousand pounds per Annum Suppose it be but one Million and a Half as assuredly your Majesty may make by these courses set down yet it is much more then I promised in my Letter for your Majesties service Besides some sums of mony in present by the courses following Imprimis By the Prince's Marriage to make all the Earls in England Grandees of Spain and Principi with such like priviledges and to pay twenty thousand pounds apiece for it 2. As also if you make them Foeditaries of the Towns belonging to their Earldoms if they will pay for it besides as they do to the King of Spain in the Kingdom of Naples And so likewise Barons to be made Earls and Peers to pay ninteen thousand pounds a piece I think might yield five hundred thousand pounds and oblige them more sure to his Majesty 3. To make choice of two hundred of the richest men of England in estate that be not Noble-men and make them Titulate as is used in Naples and paying for it that is a Duke thirty thousand pounds a Marquis fifteen thousand pounds an Earl ten thousand pounds and a Baron or Viscount five thousand pounds It is to be understood that the antient Nobility of Barons made Earls are to precede these as Peers though these be made Marquesses or Dukes this may raise a Million of pounds and more unto your Majesty To make Gentlemen of low quality and Francklines and rich Farmers Esquires to precede them would yield your Majesty also a great sum of mony in present I know another course to yield your Majesty at least three hundred thousand pounds in mony which as yet the time serveth not to discover untill your Majesty be resolved to proceed in some of the former courses which till then I omit Other courses also that may make present mony I shall study for your Majestie 's service and as I find them out acquaint you withall Lastly to conclude all these discourses by the application of this course used for your profit That it is not onely the means to make you the richest King that ever England had but also the safety augmented thereby to be most secure besides what shewed in the first part of this Discourse I mean by the occasion of this Taxation and raising of monies your Majesty shall have cause and means to imploy in all places of the Land so many Officers and Ministers to be obliged to you for their own good and interest as nothing can be attempted against your Person or Royall State over land but some of them shall in all probability have means to find it out and hinder it Besides this course will detect many disorders and abuses in the publick Government which were hard to be discovered by men indifferent To prohibite gorgeous and costly apparell to be worn but by persons of good quality shall save the Gentry of the Kingdom much more mony then they shall be taxed to pay unto your Majesty Thus withall I take my leave and kiss your gratious hands desiring pardon for my error I may commit herein Pasc. 5. Caroli Regis B. R. The Reports of the following Arguments were taken by Mr. Widdrington of Gray's-Inn UPon the Habeas Corpus out of this Court to bring here the body of one William Stroud Esq with the cause of his imprisonment to the Marshall of the Kings Bench it was returned in this manner That William Stroud Esq was committed under my custody by vertue of a certain Warrant under the hands of twelve Lords of the Privy Councill of the Lord the King the tenour of which Warrant followeth in these words You are to take knowledge that it is his Majesties expresse pleasure and commandment that you take into your custody the body of William Stroud Esq and keep him close-prisoner untill you shall receive other order either from his Majesty or this Board for so doing this shall be your Warrant Dated the 2 d of April 1629. And the Direction thereof was To the Marshall of the King's Bench or his Deputy He is likewise held in prison by vertue of a certain Warrant under the hand of the King himself the tenour of which Warrant followeth in these words Carolus Rex Whereas you have in your custody the body of William Stroud Esq committed by the Lords of Our Privy Councill by Our speciall command you are to take notice that his commitment was for notable contempts by him committed against Our Self and Our Government and for stirring up of Sedition against Us For which you are to detain him in your custody and keep him close-prisoner untill Our pleasure be further known concerning his deliverance Given at Greenwich the 7 th of May 1629. in the 5 th year of Our Reigne And the direction was To Our Marshall for Our Bench for the time being And these are the causes of the taking and detaining of the foresaid William Stroud c. And upon another Habeas Corpus to the Marshall of the Houshold to have the body of Walter Long Esq he made the same Return as above Ask of the Inner Temple of Counsell with Mr. Stroud moved That the Return was insufficient The Return consists upon two Warrants bearing severall Dates which are the causes of the taking and detaining of the Prisoner For the first Warrant which is of the Lords of the Councill that is insufficient because no cause is shewn of his commitment which is expresly against the resolution of the Parliament and their Petition of Right in the time of this King which now is to which he had likewise given his assent so his taking by vertue of the said Warrant is wrongfull And for the second Warrant it is insufficient also and that notwithstanding that it be the Kings own for the King himself cannot imprison any man as our Books are to wit 16 H. 6. F. Monstrance de faits 1 H. 7.4 Hussey reports it to be the opinion of Markham in the time of Edw. 4. and Forrescue in his Book de laudibus Legum Angliae cap. 18. And the reason given is because no action of false imprisonment lies against the King if the Imprisonment be wrongfull and the King cannot be a wrong doer The Statute
Moneys disbursed for the War delivered to the Commons p. 236. The Commons present a Remonstrance to the King p. 247. And send a Message to the Duke p. 251. Afterwards prefer an Impeachment against him p. 307. Managed at a Conference by Eight Members p. 306 307 308 c. Their Message to secure the Duke p. 361. Discontented at the Commitment of Sir John Elliot p. 362. Their Protestation concerning him and Sir Dudley Diggs p. 364 365. A great contest in the House of Peers concerning the imprisonment of the Earl of Arundel p. 367 368 c. The Commons dissatisfied that the Duke is chosen Chancellor of Cambridge p. 376 377. The Lords Petition to the King to stay the dissolving of the Parliament p. 402. A Commission to dissolve the Parliament p. 403. The Commons Remonstrance p. 404 405 c. The Kings Declaration against the Commons Remonstrance Appendix p. 1. A Speech to the Parliament without doors p. 485. A Grand Committee setled p. 494. Debates in Parliament as to grievances p. 496. The Parliament Debates the business of the Habeas Corpus p. 502. Arguments about it p. 503 504 c. A Conference about the Petition of Right p. 533. Their petition about the Billeting of Soldiers p. 548. Archbishop Abbot his Speech concerning the Petition of Right p. 552. Propositions tendered by the Lords instead of the Petition of Right p. 553. The Commons dissatisfied with the Propositions p. 554. They meet the 20 of January p. 655. Make enquiry about the Petition of Right and the violation thereof ibid. A Report from the Committee concerning Religion p. 658. The Vow of the House of Commons p. 666. Several debates about Tonnage and Poundage ib. The King commands the Speaker not to put the Question p. 670. Debates thereupon ibid. The Speaker held in the Chair ib. The King sends the Usher of the Black-Rod and he is not admitted ibid. The King grants Warrants to apprehend several Members of Parliament p. 671. His Speech at the dissolution of the Parliament p. 672. Members of Parliament are examined before the Lords of the Council ibid. Questions propounded by the Iudges concerning the imprisoned Members ibid. Paul Sir George p. 244 Pembroke Earl p. 217 Pennington Captain p. 179 334 335 Petition of right p. 597 598 Perrot Sir James p. 55 Phillips Sir Robert p. 55 498 505 543 559 655 Plague increaseth in London p. 175 Number of them who died Anno 1625. Popes assent to the Match p. 66. His Letter to the Duke of Buckingham p. 80. His Dispensation comes clogged p. 84. Pope Urban to King James p. 93. To Prince Charls p. 98 Preachers directions concerning them p. 64 65. Proclamation against Preaching and Disputing p. 416 Privy-Seals p. 420 Projects for raising money App. 12 Proxies in the House of Peers p. 273 Puritans p. 22 a. 171. Described by Sir Jo. Lamb p. 424 425 Pym Mr. p. 55 339 531 568 604 Q. QUeen Anne dieth p. 10 R. RAwleigh Sir Walter his life sought by Gundomar p. 4. And is Sacrificed to satisfie Spain p. 9. A Letter concerning him ibid. Romish Recusants Immunities granted to them p. 14. The King sollicited for favor to them p. 36 37. A Petition and Remonstrance against them p. 40 41. The Kings Answer thereunto p. 46. The King shews further favor to them p. 52. Excused p. 53. Articles in favor of them p. 89. Pope Urbans Letter on behalf of the Romish Religion p. 95 98. They promote the Match with Spain p. 102 103 King James his Letter concerning a Petition against them p. 140. The Petition it self p. 141. The Kings Answer to the Petition p. 143. Recusants taken at Clerkenwell p. 478. A Conference against them p. 510. Debates in Parliament against them and Priests arraigned at Newgate p. 668. Petition of Right p. 597 598. Rhee Island p. 431 466. Several Passages there p. 467 468 469. Richardson Sir Thomas p. 23. Richâ—â—â— Sir Nathaniel p. 55 361 614 Rochel p. 178 411 430 467 594 595 647 648 Rolls Merchant p. 654 665 666 Rous Mr. p. 593. His Speech concerning Religion p. 657. Rudyard Sir Benjamin p. 497 557 629 S. SAckvile Sir Edward p. 15 16 31 Sectaries p. 22 a. Selden Mr. p. 55 314 528 536 569 615 631 640. Brought upon a Habeas Corpus p. 689 692. Seymor Sir Francis p. 495. Sherborne Mr. Sherland Master p. 345 346 c. Sheriffs Oath excepted against pag. 201. Ship Vantguard employed against Rochel p. 178. Ships to be set out by Port Towns pag. 419. Ships Arrears for Fraight pag. 470. Sibthorp Dr. complains against the Puritans p. 424. His Sermon concerning Loan p. 426. See 440 448. Smith Richard Bishop of Calcedon sent into England p. 158 159 645. Soveraign Power p. 50 a. 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 c. Spain vide Digby Speaker vide Crew Sir Thomas Finch Sir Hennage Finch Sir John Spinola p. 14 15. Stafford Captain p. 15. Star Blazing appears p. 8. Opinion thereupon ibid. Star-Chamber Informatiâ—â— against Members of Parliament p. 675. Order there concerning the Duke p. 638. Stroud Mr. brought upon a Habeas Corpus p. 675. Appendix p. 18. T. TErm adjourned to Reading p. 201. Turner Dr. A Physitian his Queries ibid. His explanation p. 222 226. V. VAlentine Mr. his Case Append 49 Vassal Mr. his Goods seised on about Custom p. 653. Proceeded against in Star-Chamber ibid. His Plea to the Information ibid. Votes for Reparation Appendix 56 57 Vere Sir Horatio p. 14 15 40. Villers Sir Edward p. 23. Undertakers ibid. W. WAlter Sir William pag. 223. Wandesford Mr. p. 356 546 615. Warwick Earl sent to secure Langor-point p. 199. Wentworth Sir Thomas p. 496 527 529 544 560 568. Weston Sir Richard p. 12 f. 23 56 66 129 219. Made Lord Treasurer p. 646. Williams Dr. Sworn Keeper of the Great Seal p. 36 39 52. Excuses the Kings favor to Recusants p. 61 62 63 151 164 176. Refuses to proceed against the Puritans p. 424. A Passage of the Information in Star-Chamber against him p. 425. Wilmot Captain p. 15 Wimbleton Viscount p. 198 Y. YElverton Sir Henry accused by the Commons pag. 31. His Speech thereupon ibid. At which King James is offended p. 32. His particular Answer in Serie Temporis ibidem King James again offended with him p. 33. His Sentence and Restauration p. 34. Z. ZUinga Don Balthazar pag. 38 59. FINIS A CATALOGUE of such BOOKS as are Printed for and sold by Mr. George Thomason at the Rose and Crown in St. Pauls Church-yard SAncti Johannis Chrysostomi opera Graecè octo voluminibus Etonae Folio Purchas his Pilgrimage or Relations of the World and the Religions observed in all ages and places discovered from the Creation unto this present containing a Theological and Geographical History of Asia Africa and America with the Islands adjacent c. By Samuel Purchas Folio Hakluytus Posthumus or Purchas his Pilgrimes containing a History of the World in Sea
Voyages and Land Travels by Englishmen and others By Samuel Purchas in Four Volumes Folio The History of the Parliament of England which began November the Third 1640. With a short and necessary view of some precedent years By Thomas May Esq Folio The Text of the New Testament of Jesus Christ Translated out of the Vulgar Latine by the Papists of the Traiterous Seminary of Rhemes Whereunto is added the Translation out of the Original Greek commonly used in the Church of England c. By W. Fulke D. D. and sometimes Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge Folio The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland containing Five Books together with some Treatises conducing to the History By Iohn Knox. Folio Two Treatises In the one of which the Nature of Bodies in the other the Nature of Mans Soul is looked into In way of discovery of the Immortality of Reasonable Souls By Sir Kenelme Digby Folio Histoire de l'entre de la Reyne Mere du Roy tres Chrestien danâ— les Provinces Vnies des pays has avec des Figures Histoire de l'entre de la Reyne Mere du Roy tres Chrestien dans la Grande Britaigne avec des Figures par le Sieur de la Serre Historiographe Folio Ad Serenissimum Jacobâ—m primum Britanniarum Monarcham Ecclesiae Scoticanae libellus supplex Authore Jacobo Melvino Quarto Polycarpi Ignatii Epistolae unà cum vetere vulgata interpretatione Latina ex trium Manuscriptorum codicum collatione integritati suae restitutae quibus praefixa est Iacobi Vsserii Archiepiscopi Armachani dissertatio Quarto Appendix Ignatiana in qua continentur 1. Ignatii Epistolae Genuinae 2. Ignatii Martyriam à Philone Agathopode aliis descriptum 3. Tiberiani Plinii Secundi Trajani imp de Constantia Martyrum illius temporis Epistolae 4. Smyrnensis Ecclesiae de Polycarpi Martyrio Epistola 5. In Ignatii Polycarpi Acta atque in Epistolas etiam Ignatio perperà m adscriptas Annotationes Iacobi Vsserii Armachani Quarto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clementis ad Corinthios Epistola Prior. Patritius Junius ex lateris Reliquiis vetustissimi examplaris Bibliotherae Regiae eruit Quarto Purchas his Pilgrim Microcosmus or the History of Man relating the wonders of his Generation Vanities in his Degeneration necessity of his Regeneration meditated on the words of David Psal. 39.5 By Samuel Purchas Octavo Saint Augustine his Enchyridion to Laurence or the cheif and principal Heads of all Christian Religion the Second Edition Twelves Theologia Naturalis sive liber Creaturarum Specialiter de homine de Natura ejus in quantum homo de his quae sunt ei necessaria ad cognoscendum Deum seipsum omne debitum ad quod homo tenetur obligatur tam Deo quà m proximo Authore Raymundo de Sabunde Octavo Frederici Spanhemii Epistola ad Nobilisstmum Virum Davidem Buchananum super controversiis quibusdam quae in Ecclesiis Anglicâ—nis agitantur Octavo The Works of Edward Reynolds D. D. containing three Treatises of the Vanity of the Creature Sinfulness of Sin the Life of Christ. An Explication of Psal. C X. Meditations on the Sacrament of the Lords Supper An Explication of the Fourteenth Chapter of Hosea A Treatise of the Passions and Faculties of the Soul Collected in Folio Divers Sermons Preached upon several occasions by Edward Reynolds D. D. Quarto A Treatise touching the Peace of the Church or an Apostolical Rule how to judge aright in differences which concern Religion Published by Authority Quarto A Treatise of Use and Custome By Mer. Causabon D. D. Quarto Deus Natura Gratia sive tractatus de Praedestinatione de meritis peccatorum Remissione sen de Justificatione denique de sanctorum invocatione reliquiarum imaginum veneratione de indulgentiis Purgatorio sub finem de Excommunicatione Accessit Paraphrastica Expositio reliquorum Articulorum confessionis Anglicae Per Fr. Franciscum Sancta Clara. Octavo Apologia Episcoporum seu Sacri Magistratus Propugnatio Multa multorum vocibus ventilantur mendacia adversus sacerdotes Dei de Diaboli ore prolata ad rumpendam Catholicae unitatis concordiam ubique jactantur Authore Francisco à Sancta Clara. Octavo King Iames much desired to match his Son Henry with a daughter of Spain After Prince Henry's death the King propounded a match with France In this interim the Spaniard gives the overture of a match Sir Digby's advice to the King in that matter Gondomar mannages the Treaty on the Spaniards part The English Navie neglected The Cautionary Towns rendred to the Hollander The Spaniard proceeds not sincerely in the Treaty Articles of Religion agreed upon between the Kings of England and Spain The people of England averse from the march The Catholicks desirous of it Gondomar contrives the death of Sir Walter Rawleigh an enemy to Spain A War begins in Germany Both parties Protestant and Catholicks grow jealous and each enter into League The Emperor Matthias Adopts his Cousin-German Ferdinand For joy of this Adoption the Catholicks keep a Jubilee and the Protestants another in memory of Luther An Assembly of the Protestants and States of Bohemia at Prague The first occasion of the troubles of Bohemia A Ryot committed by the Protestants in the Castle of Prague The Protestants put forth a Declaration The Emperor disgusted with the Declaration He publishes a Manifesto Both Parties Arm. A Comet appears at this time King Iames ingages not in these troubles flattering himself with the Spaniards seeming forwardness to effect the Match A Letter from a great Minister of State to Mr. Cottington Nov. 17. Queen Anne dieth Matthias the Emperor dies A Cessation of Arms proposed by Ferdinand is refused King Iames interposes by his Ambassador the Viscount Doncaster The Elector Palatine sends an Ambassador to oppose the Election of Ferdinand The Bohemians chuse the Palatine for their King Bethlem Gabor makes a union with the Protestants The Palatine craves the advice of King Iames touching his accepting the Crown Before answer came he had accepted it King Iames disavows the Act and â—â—â—ars himself of it to the King of Spainâ— The King of Spain testifies his resentment of Viscount Doncasters proceedings in Germany The King of Poland aids the Emperor Ferdinand publishes a Proscription against the Palatine Prince Anhalt Generalissimo of the Bohemians Marquess Ansbach commands the forces of the Princes of the Union Kings Iames will not engage in the War sends Sir Walter Aston Ambassador into Spain to negotiate the March and Gondomar returns Great immunities promised by King Iames to the Catholicks 18 Iacob 1620. A great Army levied in Flanders under the command of Spinola A Regiment under the command of Sir Horatiâ— Vere sent from England The Protestant States of Austria renounce the confederacy of the Bohemians The Elector of Saxony assists the Emperor and executes the Ban against the Palatine Spinola prevails much in the Palatinate The Armies
Soldiers commanded not to disband Trade prohibited with Spain Trained Bands exercised Part of Michaelmas Term adjourned The Term at Reading Hopes of a Parliament Sir Edward Cook High Sheriff his exceptions to the Sheriffs Oath The Seal taken from Bishop Willâ—ams sequestred formerly and given to Sir Thomas Coventry A Parliament Summoned Recusants to be Excommunicated The King resolved to leave Mr. Montague to the Parliament Preparations for the Kings Coronation A Proclamation for all that have Forty pound per annum to come and receive the Order of Knighthood A Thanksgiving for the Plagues ceasing Number of those who died of the Plague The Ceremonies at the Kings Coronation Archbish. P.P. The Kings Answer A Second Parliament meets The Lord Keepers Speech Sir Hennage Finch chosen Speaker His Speech Grievances taken into consideration Grievances laid open Articles against Mr Montague People prohibited for going to Mass at Ambassadors Houses The Atturney's Letter to the Judges concerning Recusants The Council of War for the Palatinate questioned in the House of Commons The Earl of Pembroke at a Conference presseth Supply Reports from the Committee concerning Evils and Remedies A Committee of the Lords House to consider of the safety of the Kingdom comunicated to the Commons Not well resented The Kings Letter to the Speaker Sir Richard Westons Message The Commons Answer to the Kings Message by Sir Richard Weston The Kings Reply Doctor Turners Queries against the Duke Another Message from the King by Sir Richard Weston Dr. Turners Explanation Dr. Turners Letter to the Speaker Sir W. Walters opinion of the Cause of Grievances Sir Iohn Eliot pursues the Argument against the Duke Three Subsidies and Three Fifteens Voted Debate concerning the Duke resumed The Kings Speech March 29. The Lord Keepers Speech The King proceeds The Duke at a Conference explains the Kings late Speech and the Lord Keepers Declaration The Duke renders an account of his Negotiation in the Low-Countreys The Lord Conway vindicates the Duke A List of Moneys disbursed for the War The Lords Petition touching Precedency chalenged by Scots and Irish Nobles The Lord Conways Letter to the Earl of Bristol The Earl of Bristols Letter to the Lord Conway The Earl of Bristol petitions the House of Lords The Petition referred to the Committee of Priviledges The Kings Letter to the Earl of Bristol The Earl of Bristol Petitions the Lords upon receipt of his Writ A Message from the King to the House of Lords The Marshal of Middlesex's Petition touching Priests The Commons Remonstrance to the King in Answer to his Majesties and the Lord Keepers Speech The House adjourned for a week Private advice given to the Duke The Bishops commanded to attend the King The Dukes answer to a Message from the Commons reported Glanviles report from the Committee The Kings Message touching new matter against the Duke The Earl of Bristol brought to the bar of the Lords House Articles against the Earl of Bristol The Earl of Bristols expressions at the time of his Accusation The Earl of Bristols speech at the Bar of the Lords House at the delivery of his Articles against the Duke He layes open his Case to the Parliament The Lord Chamberlain attests the truth of what the Earl had said The Earl proceeds The Earl of Bristols Articles against the Duke The Earl of Bristols Articles against the Lord Conway A Message from the King to the Lords concerning Bristol's Articles against the Duke The Reasons The Earl of Bristols Speech by way of Introduction before he gave in his Answer His Service to the Palatinate when he was Ambassador to the Emperor His Service to the Palatinate before his Ambassie to the Emperor His arrival in Spain and behavior there His carriage concerning the Match Means to shew that the Match was intended by the Spaniard Bristol not the cause of the Delays in Spain He never disswaded the King to take Arms. He advised both King and Prince to a Protestant Match He never moved his Majesty to set Priests at liberty A Declaration signed by my Lord Conway in behalf of Roman Catholicks He perswaded not the Prince to change his Religion He advised both King and Prince if they will Match with a Catholick rather to Spain then France but cheifly to a Protestant Princess He constantly professed the Protestant religion King Iames proposeth a Match to the Prince Palatine between his eldest son and the Emperors daughter The Earls Reasons why he was forward to consummate the Match til warrant came to the contrary The restitution of the Palatinate promised by the King of Spain and Olivarez The advantages of the Spanish Match to England The Commons Articles against the Duke His ingrossing many Offices Plurality of Offices His buying of Offices His buying the Cinque 〈◊〉 the Lord Zouch The first Article enlarged by Mr. Herbert The second and third enlarged by him His neglect of guarding the Seas His taking a Ship called St Peter of Newhaven The fourth Article enlarged by Mr Selden The Fifth Articles enlarged by Mr Selden His delivering Ships into the hands of the King of France Those ships to be used to his knowledge against Rochel Mr. Glanvile enlargeth the Sixth Article Mr. Glanvile inlarges the Seventh and Eighth Articles Mr. Pym enlargeth the 11. Article The 10. Article enlarged His imbezling and engrossing the Kings money and Lands Mr Sherland enlarges the Ninth Article He enlargeth the Twelfth Article The Thirteenth Article enlarged by Mr. Wandesford Sir Ioh â—llâ—â—â—â— speech concluding the Dukes Impeachment Sir Iohn Elliot and Sir Dudley Diggs committed to the Tower Private Suggestions to the King in behalf of the Duke Kings Speech concerning the Duke The Commons Message by Sir Nath. Rich to seeure the Duke The Dukes Speech against the Commons The Commons discontented at the imprisonment of their Members Sir Dudley Carleton's Speech The Commons Protestation touching words imputed to Sir Dudley Diggs Sir D. Diggs released out of prison protests he never spake the words charged on him The King is satisfied that the words were not spoken The Duke dissatisfied Thirty six Lords protest they heard not the words supposed to be spoken at a Conference Sâ—r Iohn Elliot is released out of the Tower Is charged by Sir Dudley Carlton for his Speech against the Duke He dischargeth himself The Lords Petition to the King about the Earl of Arundel imprisoned in the time of Parliament The Kings Message to the Lords touching the Earl of Arundel The Lords resolved to maintain their priviledges A Remonstrance and Petition of the Peers in behalf of the Earl of Arundel The Kings first Answer to the Remonstrance and Petition The King promiseth to answer the said Remonstrance The Lords are urgent for an Answer The King returns another Answer to the Lords touching the Remonstrance Another Petition to the King touching the Earl of Arundel The King takes exception at the Petition The Lords desire to know of his Majesty to what part of the Petition he takes
in writing against the Sermon Bishop Laud is employed to Answer these Objections King Iames was a long time offended with Bishop Laud. He was advance by Bishop Williams Bishops of Durham and Bathe sworn of the Privy Council Mr. Murrey brings the Answer to the Archbishops Objections The Archbishop is not suffâ—red to see the Writing but Mr. Murrey reads it Sibthorps Sermons Licenced by the Bishop of London Mr. Selden The Duke presseth his Majesty to have the Archbishop sent away before he set to Sea The Archbishop commanded to withdraw The Lord Conway tells the Archbishop the reason why he is commanded to retire The Archbishop writes to the Lord Conway to know if his Majesty will give him his choice of two houses to retire to The Lord Conway 's Answer The reason why the Duke was thought to be offended with the Archbishop The Archbishop accustomed to Hospitality King Iames injoyned the Archbishop to live like an Archbishop The Duke was not pleased that Sir Dudley Diggs frequented the Archbishops house The Archbishop was Tutor to Sir Dudley Digs at Oxford The Duke was offended that Sir Thomas Wentworth frequented the Archbishops House The Archbishop commanded to meddle no more in the High Commission Commendations of the High Commission Court The High Commissioners chargeable to the Archbishop The Archbishops infirmity permitted him not to come to the Star-chamber or Council-Table The Archbishops observation concerning the rise of the Duke Various Reports concerning the Army at Rhee A further Supply preparing for Rhee and to be conveyed thither by the Earl of Holland The Citadel at Rhee relieved Sir Iohn Burroughs slain Toras sends intelligence to the King of France The Rochellers at last declare for England A Treaty for Surrender between the Duke and Toras The Citadel reliev'd again A Retreat resolved on Sobiez against it The Citadel stormed The Army retreats The Enemy engageth the Rear of the Army Several opinions concerning this Expedition to Rhe. The misfortune of Rhee-Expedition causeth a clamor in the Nation A List of Arrearages for freight of ships and Sea-mens wages Anne-Royal Repulse Assurance Nonsuch Waltspite Adventure Triumph Victory S. George S. Andrew Rainbow Vantguard Red-Lion S. Esperite Gard-Land Convecline Antelop Entrance Sir Robert Cotton's Advice touching the present state of affairs A resolution to call a Parliament Order of the Council to set at liberty the Gentry imprisoned for the Loan-money A Parliament summoned A Commission for Impoâ—itions Thirty thousand pounds paid to Burlemach to be returned by Bill of Exchange to raise Forein Forces Recusants taken at Clerkenwell A Letter from a Jesuite concerning the ensuing Parliament The King's Speech at the opening of the Parliament The Lord Keepers Speech Sir Iohn Finch being chosen Speaker made this Speech to his Majesty The Speech without doors Grand Committees setled Petition for a fast Debates touching Grievances Sir Francis Seimour Sir Thomas Wentworth Sir Benjamin Rudyard acts the part of a Moderator Sir Edward Cook Mr Secretary Cook Sir Robert Philips * Sibthorp and Manwaring * Sommersetshire * Scots Secretary Cook moves for Supply for his Majesty In Clerkenwel Thursday March 15. Mr Secretary Cook tenders Propositions touching Supply The House turned into a Committee Habeas Corpus and the Liberty of the Subject debated Mr Creswel Sir Robert Philips Sir Edward Cook Judge Whitlock in justification of the Proceedings in the Upper-Bench upon the Habeas Corpus Judge Doderidge the like Mr Hackwel resumes the Debate of the Habeas Corpus Mr Selden Judge Andersons Reports Sir Edward Cook Resolves touching the Subjects liberty in his Person The Kings Propositions to the House of Commons touching Supply A Conference between the Lords and Commons managed by Secretary Cook against Recusants The Lord Keepers Speech at the presenting a Petition from both Houses against Recusants The Kings Answer to the Petition 1. Article 2. Article 3. Article 4. Article 5. Article 6. Article 7. Article 8. Article Debates touching his Majesties propositions Sir Francis Seimor Sir Nath. Rich. Secr. Cook Sir John Elliot Sir Ed. Cook Sir Thomas Wentworth Sir Henry Martin The House waves c. Mr. Selden Sir T. Hobby Sir Peter Hayman about forein imployment Mr. Hackwel Sir E. Cook Sir Thomas Wentworth Sir John Elliot The King sends a Message to the House of Sâ— Cook touching some words said to be spoken by the Duke Debates on the Message Friday 4 April Secretary brings another Message from the King Mr. Pym. 5. Subsidies resolved on Mr. Secretary Cook report the Kings acceptance of five Subsidies The Duke of Buckinghams Speech at the Councel Table thereupon It is ill taken by Sir John Elliot that the Dukes name was intermingled with the Kings by Secretary Cook Sir Dudly Diggs begins the Conference by way of Introduction Mr. Littleton Mr. Selden Sir Edward Cook 1. Obj. Answ. 2. Obj. Answ. His Majesties Message for non-recess The Message not approved Sir Ro. Phillips Sir E. Cook Sec. Cook to expedite Subsidies Sir Dudly Diggs Sir Thomas Wentworth Mr. Secret Cook delivereth another Message concerning Supply Sir Rob. Phillips Secr. Cook Mr. Wandesford Sir Humphry May. Mr. Speakers Speech to the King at the delivery of the Petition for billeting of Soldiers The Petition concerning billeting of Soldiers Martial Law debated Serj. Ashley questioned for some words Archbishops Speech at a Conference concerning the Petition of Right Propositions tendred to the Commons by the Lords touching the Petition of Right Sir Dudley Diggs replies to this Speech The Lord Keepers Speech to both Houses concerning supply by the Kings command Sir Ben. Rudyards Speech concerning that motion A Committee ordered to draw up a Bill in order to the Petition of Right Mr. Secretary Cook brings a Message to relye on the Kings Word Sir Thomas Wentworth The King gives notice to both Houses that he intends shortly to end this Session Sir John Elliot The Speakers Speech to the King in answer to several Messages His Majesties answer to the Speakers Speech Mr. Secretary Cook brings another Message to relie on the Kings Words Sir John Elliot Sir E. Cook Lord Keepers Speech communicating a Letter from the King His Majesties Letter The Lords Proposition at a Conference about an addition to the Petition of Right The Lords addition to the Petition of Right Mr. Alford Mr. Pimme Mr. Hackwell Sir Ed. Cook Sir Thomas Wentworth Mr. Noy Mr. Selden Mr. Glanviles Speech at a Committee of both Houses concerning Soveraign Power Sir Henry Martins Speech as to the rational part of the matter of the Conference The Lords and Commons agreed touching the Petition of Right Mr. Rouse against Dr. Ed. Manwaring 9. Hen. 3.29 28. Ed. 3.3 37. Ed. 3.18 38. Ed. 3.9 42. Ed. 3.3 17. Ric. 2.6 25. Ed. 3.9 9. Hen. 3.29 25. Ed. 3.4 28. Ed. 3.3 The Petition The Answer debated Sir Jo. Elliots Speech in the laying open of grievances Some against the recapitulating of Grievances Exceptions to Sir John Elliots Speech More exceptions Sir
Non-resident his wife and son Recusants Sir George Hennage Knight Sir Francis Metcalf Knight Robert Thorall Esquire Anthony Mounson Esquire William Dallison Esquire in Commissioner of the Sewers and are justly suspected for Popish Recusants Sir Henry Spiller Knight in Commission of Peace for Middlesex and Westminster and Deputy Lieutenant Valentine Saunders Esquire one of the six Clerks both which are justly suspected to be ill-affected in Religion according to the Acts of State Charles Jones Knight Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of Peace George Milburne Esquire Justice of Peace Edward Morgan Esquire their wives are all Popish Recusants William Jones Deputy Lieutenant Justice of Peace his wife suspected to be a Popish Recusant Iohn Vaughan Captain of the Horse suspected for Recusancy Benedict Hall Receiver and Steward of the Dutchy of Lancaster he and his wife are Popish Recusants Sir Thomas Brudenel Knight and Baronet Deputy Lieutenant a Popish Recusant Cuthbert Herone Esquire now Sheriff of Northumberland Justice of the Peace his wife a Recusant Sir William Selby Junior Knight Justice of Peace his wife a Recusant Sir Iohn Canning Knight Justice of the Peace his wife a suspected Recusant Sir Ephraim Widdrington Knight Justice of Peace suspected to be a Recusant Sir Thomas Riddall Knight Justice of Peace his wife and eldest son are Recusants Iohn Widdrington Esquire who came out of the same County before his Majesties Proclamation was published and is now at London attending the Council Table by Commandment and yet not dismist Sir Robert Pierpoint Esquire Justice of Peace his wife a Recusant Sir Anthony Brown Knight Justice of Peace thought to be a Recusant but not convict Sir Henry Beddingfield Knight Deputy Lieutenant and Justice in Oyer and Terminer and in Commission of Sewers Justice of Peace and Captain of a foot Company his wife nor any of his children as is informed come to the Church Thomas Sayer Captain of the Horse his wife comes not to Church Sir William Yelverton Baronet and Justice of Peace not suspected himself but his eldest son and one of his daughters are known Recusants Sir Henry Minne Knight Justice of Peace and Quorum neither he his wife or daughters can be known to have received the Communion and have been presented at the Sessions for Non-conformity Robert Warren Clerk a Justice of Peace justly suspected and that for these Reasons 1. He being in trust for one Ratcliff of Bury deceased for the educating of his son he took him from the School at Twelve years old and sent him beyond the Seas to be brought up there in a Popish Seminary where he hath remained six or seven years as was generally reported 2. One of his Parishioners doubted in some points of Religion being sick and desired to be satisfied by him who confirmed him in the Religion of the Church of Rome which he told to his brothers before his death who are ready to affirm the same but this was divers years since 3. There being Letters directed to four Knights of that County to call the Ministers and other officers before them and to cause them to present all such as absented themselves from the Church and were Popishly affected he was desired to present those within his Parish Church of Welford which he accordingly did but left out at the least one half and being asked why he did so he answered that he was no Informer And being asked of some particulars whether they came to the Church or not his Answer was they did not and why then did he not present them he said they might be Anabaptists or Brownists and would not present them and this certified by three Members of the House 4. He having a brother dwelling in Sudbury that was presented for not coming to the Church he came to one of the Ministers and told him that he took it ill they presented his brother who answered he did it not but if he had known of it he would whereupon he replied He was glad he had a brother of any Religion 5 One of his Parish named Fage having intelligence that there was one in the said Parish that could inform of a Private place where Arms were in a Recusants House in the Parish came to some of the Deputy Lieutenants in Commission for a Warrant to bring the same in form before them to be examined concerning the same and the said Fage delivered the Warrant to the Constable he carried him before the said Mr Warren who rated the said Fage for that he did not come to him first telling him that he was a factious fellow and laid him by the heels for two hours which the said Fage is ready to affirm Sir Benjamin Titchburne Knight and Baronet Justice of Oyer and Terminer Justice of Peace and Deputy Lieutenant and in Commission for the Subsidue his wife children and servants indicted for popish Recusancy Sir Richard Tichburne Knight Justice of Peace his wife presented the last Sessions for having absented her self from the Church for the space of two moneths Sir Henry Compton Knight Deputy Lieutenant Justice of Peace and Commissioner for the Sewers Sir Iohn Shelly Knight and Baronet himself and his Lady Recusants Sir Iohn Gage Knight and Baronet a Papist Recusant Sir Iohn Guilfor Knight Their Ladies come not to Church Sir Edward Francis Knight Their Ladies come not to Church Sir Genet Kempe Knight some of his children come not to Church Edward Gage Esq a Recusant Papist Commissioners of the Sewers Tho Middlemore comes not to Church Commissioners of the Sewers Iames Rolls William Scot Commissioners of Sewers both Recusants Papists Robert Spiller comes not to Church Sir Henry Guilford in Commission for Piracies and for the Sewers and Iohn Thatcher Esquire Commissioner for the Sewers they are either persons convicted or justly suspected Sir Richard Sandford Knight Richard Brewthwait Esquire Gawen Brewthwait Esquire their wives are Recusants Sir William Ambrey Knight Justice of Peace a Recusant Rees Williams a Justice of Peace his wife a convict Recusant and his children Popishly bred as is informed Sir Iohn Coney Knight a Justice of Peace and Deputy Lieutenant his wife a Popish Recusant Morgan Voyle Esquire Justice of Peace his wife presented for not coming to Church but whether she is a Popish Recusant is not known Iohn Warren Captain of the Trained-band one of his sons suspected to be Popishly affected Wherefore they humbly beseech your Majesty not to suffer your loving Subjects to continue any longer discouraged by the apparent sence of that increase both in number and power which by the favor and countenance of such like ill-affected Governors accreweth to the Popish Party but that according to your own wisdom goodness and piety whereof they rest assured you will be graciously pleased to command that Answer of your Majesties to be effectally observed and the Parties above named and all such others to be put out of such Commissions and Places of Authority wherein they now are in your Majesties Realm of England contrary
to the Acts and Law of State in that behalf A Committee was appointed to prepare an Answer to his Majesties Letter which was ingrossed and allowed of but the Copy thereof we cannot finde yet the Substance was delivered by the Speaker Sir Henage Finch in these words Most gracious and dread Soveraign ACcording to that liberty of access and liberty of speech which your Majesty and your Royal Progenitors have ever vouchsafed to your House of Commons your Majesties most humble and Loyal Subjects the Commons now assembled in Parliament have been Suitors for this access to your Royal Throne And out of their consideration of the nature and of the weight and importance of the business they have thought the attendance of the whole house with their Speaker not too solemn and yet they have not thought fit barely to commit those words which express their thoughts to the trust of any mans Speech but are bold to present them in writing to your gracious hands that they may not vanish but be more lasting then the most powerfull words of a more able Speaker like to be I have much to read and shall therefore as little as I can weary your Majesty with Speeches This Parchment contains two things the one by way of Declaration to give your Majesty an accompt and humble satisfaction of their clear and sincere endeavors and intentions in your Majesties service and the other an humble Petition to your Majesty for the removal of that great person the Duke of Buckingham from access to your Royal presence For the first They beseech your most excellent Majesty to beleeve that no earthly thing is so dear and precious to them as that your Majesty should retain them in your grace and good opinion and it is a grief to them beyond my expression that any misinformation or misinterpretation should at any time render their words or proceedings offensive to your Majesty It is not proper for any to hear the Eccho of a voice that hears not the voice and if Eccho's be sometimes heard to double and redouble the Eccho of the Eccho is still fainter and sounds not lowder I need not make the Application words misreported though by an Eccho or but an Eccho of an Eccho at a third or fourth hand have oft a lowder sound then the voice it self and may sound disloyalty though the voice had nothing undutifull or illoyal in it Such misinformations they fear have begot those interruptions and diversions which have delayed the ripening and expediting of those great Counsels which concern your Majesties important service and have enforced this Declaration I pass from that to the Petition in which my purpose is not to urge those Reasons which your Majesty may hear expressed in their own words in the language of the people I am onely directed to offer to your great wisdom and deep judgement that this petition of theirs is such as may stand with your Majesties honor and justice to grant Your Majesty hath been pleased to give many Royal Testimonies and Arguments to the world how good and gracious a Master you are and that which the Queen of Sheba once said to the wisest King may without flattery be said to your Majesty Happy are those Servants which stand continually before you But the Relations by which your Majesty stands in a gracious aspect towards your people do far transcend and are more prevalent and binding then any relation of a Master towards a Servant and to hear and satisfie the just and necessary desires of your people is more honorable then any expression of grace to a servant To be a Master of a Servant is communicable to many of your Subjects to be a King of people is Regal and incommunicable to Subjects Your Majesty is truly stiled with that name which the greatest Emperors though they borrowed names and titles from those Countries which they gained by conquest most delighted in Pater Patriae and desires of children are preferred before those of servants and the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the son abideth ever The Government of a King was truely termed by your Royal Father a Politick Marriage between him and his People and I may safely say there was never a better union between a married Pair then is between your Majesty and your People Afterwards the Commons made what haste they could to perfect a Remonstrance or Declaration against the Duke and concerning Tonage and Poundage taken by the King since the death of his Father without consent in Parliament which was no sooner finished but they had intimation the King would that day dissolve the Parliament whereupon they ordered every Member of the House to have a Copy of the Remonstrance And at the same time the Lords prepared this ensuing Petition to stay his purpose in dissolving the Parliament May it please your Excellent Majesty WE your faithfull and loyal Subjects the Peers of this Kingdom having received this morning a Message from your Majesty intimating an intention to dissolve this Parliament remembring that we are your Majesties hereditary great Council of the Kingdom do conceive that we cannot deserve your Majesties gracious opinion expressed in this Message unto us nor discharge our duty to God your Majesty and our Country if after expression of our great and universal sorrow we did not humbly offer our loyal and faithfull advice to continue this Parliament by which those great and apparent dangers at home and abroad signified to us by your Majesties command may be prevented and your Majesty made happy in the duty and love of your people which we hold the greatest Safety and Treasury of a King for the effecting whereof our humble and faithfull endeavor shall never be wanting The Lords sent the Vicount Mandevile Earl of Manchester Lord President of his Majesties Council the Earl of Pembrook the Earl of Carlile and the Earl of Holland to intreat his Majesty to give audience to the whole House of Peers But the King returned Answer That his Resolution was to hear no motion to that purpose but he would dissolve the Parliament and immediately caused a Commission to pass under the Great-Seal to that purpose in haec verba CAROLUS Dei gratia Angliae Scotiae Franciae Hiberniae Rex Fidei Defensor c. Reverendissimo in Christo Patri fideli Consiliario nostro Georgio Archiepisc. Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati Metropolitano Ac perdilecto fideli Consiliar nostro Thomâ—e Coventry militi Dom. Custod Magni Sigilli nostri Angliae Ac etiam Reverendiss in Christo Patri Tobiae Archiep. Ebor. Angliae Primati Metropolitano Nec non charissimis Consanguineis Consiliariis nostris Iacobo Comiti Marlborough Thesaurario nostro Angliae Henrico Comiti Manchester Dom. Presidenti Consilii nosâ—ri Edwardo Comiti Wigorn. Custod Privati Sigilli nostri Georgio Duci Buckingham Magno Admirallo nostro Angliae Willielmo Comiti Pembroke Camerario Hospitii nostri Ac etiam