to which On Sunday the 23. of October 1642. for they thought it better to rob God of his Sabbath than lose an opportunity of murthering their Soveraign the Earl of Essex and Parliament-Army powring in from all quarters of the Kingdom upon him had compassed him in on all sides and before the King could put his men in Battel-Array many of whom being young Country fellows had no better armes than clubs and staves in their hands cut out of the hedges and put his two young Sons the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York in the guard of a Troop of horse at the further end of the field and had finished a short prayer a bullet of the Earl of Essex's Cannon grazed at his heels as he was kneeling at his prayers on the side of a bank for Blague a villain in in the Kings Army having a great pension allowed him for it had given notice in what part of the field the King stood that they might the better know how to shoot at him But God having a greater care of his Anointed than of their Rebellious pretences so ordered the hands of those that fought for the King as the Earl of Essex was so loaden with Victories as he left five of his men for one of Kings dead behind him lost his Baggage and Artillery retired back to Warwick and left the King to bless God in the field where he supped with such victuals as the more loyal and better natur'd neighbours sent him when the worser sort refused to do it and lying there all night sent warrants out the next day to the neighbour Parishes to bury the dead drew off his Ordnance and marched to Banbury and yet he could not forget to pity those were at such paines and hazard the day before to murther Him but before he went out of the field sent Sir William Leâ—neve Clarencieux King of Armes to Warwick whither the Earl of Essex was fled with a Proclamation of pardon to all that would lay down armes which though they scornfully received and the Herald threatned to be hanged if he did not depart the sooner cannot perswade Him from sending a Declaration or Message to the Parliament to offer them all that could be requested by Subjects but all the use they made of it was to make the City of London believe they were in greater danger than ever if they sent them not more moneys and recruited the Earl of Essex his broken Army and to cosen and put the people on the more to seek their own misery a day of Thanksgiving was publiquely kept for the great Victory obtained against the King And Stephen Marshall a Factious bloody Minister though he confessed he was so carried on in the crowd of those that fled from the battel as he knew not where he was till he came to a Market-Town which was some miles from Edge-hill where the Battel was fought preaches to the people too little believing the Word of God and too much believing him that to his knowledge there was not above 200. men lost on the Parliaments side that he picked up bullets in his black velvet cap and that a very small supply would now serve to reduce the King and bring him to his Parliament And here ye may see Janus Temple wide open though the doors of it were not lift off the hinges or broken open at once but pickt open by those either knew not the misery of the War or knowing it will prove to be the more guilty promoters of it That we may the better therefore find out though the matter of Fact already represented may be evidence enough of it self who it was that let out the fury and rage of War upon us we shall consider CHAP. II. Whether a Prince or other Magistrate labouring to suppress or punish a Rebellion of the People be tied to those rules are necessary for the justifying of a War if it were made between equals WAr was first brought in by necessity where the determining of controversies between two strange Princes of equal Power could not be had because they have no superiour A Rebel therefore cannot properly be called an enemy for Hostis nomen notat aequalitatem and when any such Arms are borne against Rebels it is not to be called a War but an Exercise of Jurisdiction upon trayterous and dissoyal Persons atque est ratio manifesta saith Albericus Gentilis qui enim jure judex est superior non jure cogitur ad subeundas partes partis aequalis non est bellum cum latronibus praedonibus aut piratis quanquam magnos habeant excercitus proinde nec ulla cum illis belli jura saith Besoldus The Romans who were so exact and curious in their publick denouncing of War and sending Ambassadors before they made War against any other Nation did not do it in cases of Rebellion and defection and therefore Fidenatibus Campanis non denunciant Romani And Cicero that was of opinion that nullum bellum justum haberi videtur nisi nunciatum nisi indictum nisi repetitis rebus stood not upon those solemnities in the Cataline conspiracy for the rules of justifying a War against an enemy or equals as demanding restitution denunciation and the like are not requisite in that of punishing Rebels Pompey justifies tbe War maintained by the Senate against Caesar not then their Soveraign with neque enim vocari praelia justa decent c. Cicero did not think it convenient to send Ambassadors to Anthony nor intreat him by faire words but that it was meet to inforce him by arms to raise his siege from Mutina for he said They had not to do with Hambal an enemy to the Commonwealth but with a rebellious Citizen The resisting of the Kings Authority when the Sheriff of a County goes with the posse Comitatus to execute it was never yet so much as called a War but Rebellion and Insurrection or Commotion were the best terms bestowed upon it such attempts are not called Wars but Robberies of which the Law taketh no other care of but to punish them The haste that all our Kings and Princes in England have made in suppressing Rebellions as that of the Barons Wars by Henry the 3. and his sending his Sonne the Prince to besiege Warren Earl of Surrey in his Castle of Rygate for affronting the Kings Justices saying That he would hold his Lands by the Sword That which Rich. 2. made to suppress Wat. Tiler H. 6. Jack Cade H. 8. Ket and the Norfolk Rebels and Queen Elizabeth to suppress the Earls of Northumber-land and Westmerland may tell us that they understood it no otherwise than all the Kings and Magistrates of the world have ever practised it by the Laws of England if Englishmen that are Traytors go into France and confederate with Altens or Frenchmen and come afterwards and make a War in England and be taken prisoners the strangers may be ransomed
ordered by the then Juncto sitting in Parliament that all publick Writings should be issued out under a new Test and Stile and a new great Seale should be made and the old one broken that the Inscription and Stamp of the Coin shall be altered also It was Enacted and Proclaimed that none upon pain of high Treason should presume to declare and publickly promote Charles Stuart Prince of Wales eldest Son of the late King or any of the rest of his Children to be King of England Nevertheless there was not wanting those who ventured their lives and fortunes in asserting the Title of his Majesty to the Crown of England to which end this following Proclamation was Printed and dispersed in severall places of London We the Noble men Judges Knights Lawyers Gentlemen Free-holders Merchants Citizens Yeomen Seamen and Free men of England do according to our Allegiance and Covenant by these presents heartily joyfully and unanimously acknowledge and Proclaim the most Illustrious Charles Prince of Wales next Heir apparent to his Father King Charls whose late wicked murther and all consents there unto we from our souls abominate to be by hereditary birth right and lawfull succession rightfull and undoubted King of Great Brittain c. And we will constantly and sincerely in our severall places and callings defend and maintain his Royall person Crown and Dignity with our Lives and Estates against all opposers whom we hereby declare to be enemies to his Majesty and Kingdomes in Testimony whereof we have caused these to be published throughout all Counties and Corporations of this Realm the 1. day of February In the first year of his Majesties Raign But so totally was the Kings party suppressed in all parts of the Kingdom that the Proclamation was of none essect none daring to appear for the Royal Interest Yet his Majesties greatest hopes and expectations were from Ireland where the severall factions united together Proclaim him King and bend all their whole strength against the Interest of the Common-Wealth of England and in a short time became so formidable and prevail so much as the possessed all the strong Holds of that Country Dublin and London-Derry are excepted both were straitly besieged the former by a gallant Army of 22000 men under the Marquesse of Ormond the latter by a party of the Irish Rebells Hee had likewise adjoining to the Territories of England the Islands of Scilly Jersy and Man which places served as a retreat for that small Fleet that was left him being the remainder of those Ships which had deserted the Parliaments Navy and revolted unto him This while his affairs in Ireland were at the height they began as suddenly to decline for there being about 3000 Horse and Foot safely landed at Dublin as the forlorn of a greater body they were joyned with what other forces they then could make all which did not make above 9000. at the most were commanded by Colonell Mich. Jones who sallying forth of Dublin did not onely raise the seige but also utterly routed the whole Army the Marquesse of Ormond himselfe hardly escapeing about 2000 were slain in the place and in the pursuite some thousands were taken prisoners as like wise all their Ordinaces Ammunition Carriages and Provision The siege of London-Derry was also raised by a resolute sally of Sir Charls Coot forcing Sir Rob. Stewart and Col. Merven to retire immediately upon this success not to give the Royall party any time to recover strength All disturbances being quieted in England The Levellers at Burford being suppressed by Generall Fairfax Oliver Cromwell then Lievetenant Generall of the Parliaments Army landed with a powerfull Army about the midst of August 1649. invested with the Title and Authority of Lord Governour or Lievetenant of Ireland presently after him followed his son in law Major Generall Ireton with about 40. Sail of Ships soon after Drogheda was taken by Storme not without some difficulty and loss and that hee might terrify other Garrisons that should stand out put Sir Arthur Aston all that were in the Town to the Sword which was about 3000. Then followed the taking of a number of considerable Towns and Castles in all parts of Ireland Besides severall Field-battells gained over the Lord Inohiqueen the Lord Ards and Clanduboys with Lievetenant Generall Farrell and others of his Majesties party by the Lord Broghill Sir Charles Coote Collonell Venables Zanchy Reynolds and Hewson so that in lesse then a years time Ireland was subdued to the power of the English Common-Wealth Much about this time hapned a generall defection of the English Plantations from their obedience to the Parliament viz. Virginia and the Caryb Islands publickly own the Royall Interest whereupon all Traffique and Commerce is prohibited thorow which means they are driven to great streits and presently after by a Fleet of Ships from England under the Command of Sir George Ascue they are brought unto conformity The King having Constituted Prince Rupert Admirall of his Fleet did much harm to the English Coasts and takes many rich prizes was at last blockt up in the Harbour of Kings Sale the Town presently after taken by Cromwell The Prince is forced to leave three of his Ships behind he had enough to do to get clear off with the rest at length he arrived at Lisbon the imperiall City of the King of Portugall and craved his protection which was not denied them which was the occasion of a great Contest between that King and the State of England other designes were set on foot by his Majesties Loyall Subjects for the obtaining of his Right The first was of James Graham Earl of Montross for the raising of what force he cold in Holland and else where to invade Scotland The 2. was the procuring a Treaty betwixt his Majesty and the Scots to give more life to these undertakings Ambassadors were dispatcht to Spain Italy Denmarke Sweden and Russia c. In the name of CHARLES the Second King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith The effect of whose Embassies were little else but Complements pleas and excuses for neither men nor mony could be got Montrosse According to his Majesties instructions having got together very considerable supplies of men and monies at length lands in the North of Scotland where he had not long been but Colonell Straughan Colonell Kerr Colonell Mountgomry and Lievetenant Colonell Hackets Troop and another amounting to 230 approach and give battel whereas Montrosse was at least 1200. and their Chief-Leaders such resolute and expert souldiers unlesse struck with fear of Lesley's great Army coming against them however so great was the defeat that the whole body of Montrosse was engaged in the battle There escaped not above 100 from being either taken or slain amongst the prisoners ners were S. Joh. Vrry Major General of Montrosses Army the L. Fendraught Col. Grey Lievetenant Colonell Stewart with a great number of other considerable Officers
now in Scotland was almost at a stand by reason of the sharpnesse of the Winter The grand businesse now in agitation is the Corronation of his Majesty which was accordingly performed at Scone Jan. 1. 1651. with as much Pomp and Ceremonies as the present State of affairs would permit The Parliament considering how prone the people would be to adore the shadow of his late Majesty of glorious Memory caused his statue formerly set up at the West end of Pauls Church to be pulled down and that also in the Royall Exchange over which they caused to be writ this Motto Exit Tyrannus Regum ultimus Anno Libertatis Angliae Restitutae primo Jan. 30. 1648. they also caused the Kings Arms to be defaced and taken out of all Churches Chappels and places of Judicature throughout their Dominions The 29 of May being his Majesties birth day was celebrated in Scotland with much joy and feasting About this time in London was discovered a most dangerous plot as they were pleased to call it contrived by the Presbyterians Mr. Christopher Love Mr. Gibbons Major Alford Major Adams Colon. Barton Mr. Blackman Mr. Case Mr. Cauton Mr. Jenkins Mr. Jackson Mr. Robinson and many others were secured and examined before a High Court of Justice Mr. Love and Gibbons were beheaded August 22. 1651. on Tower Hill the rest upon their humble petitions and acknowledgements of their Crimes were released and pardoned The Scots having now compleated their Levies to the number of 15000 Foot and 6000. Horse marched on this side Sterling to a place called Torwod where they were faced by the English but could not be drawn to an engagement though the English much desired it at last the English attempt the Scotts by ascending the Hill which being done after a shot dispute the Scots are utterly routed 2000. or there abouts were slain and 1400. were taken prisoners whereof Sir John Brown Commander in chief was one with Col. Bucanan and many others of quality Immediately upon this was surrounded the strong Castle of Inchygarvey July 27. The whole English Army appear before Brunt Island which after some Capitulations was also yielded up this was no sooner done but the main body of the English Army attend more eminent service viz. The Pursuit of his Royall Majesty who with an Army of 16000. Horse and Foot enters England by way of Carlisle accordingly the infantry were boated over Fife with as much expedition as could be and presently after the Horse the truly Valiant then Lievtenant Generall Monk was left in Scotland with a party of 7000 Horse and Foot who straight way took in the strong Town and Castle of Sterling Aberdeen Abernets Dundee Dunotten and Dunbarton Castle with severall others So that now the whole Realm of Scotland was 〈◊〉 wholly subdued and made Tributary to the Republick of England His Majesty now at last with the Scots Army entred Worcester from whence the King sent his Royall letters commanding Sir Thomas Middleton to raise what forces he could for him and the like to Colonell Mackworth Governor of Shrewsbury but all to no purpose His Royal Majesty was proclaimed King of Great Brittain France and Ireland in most of the Market Towns as he came to Worcester about two or three dayes before his Majesties arrivall at Worcester The Earl of Derby having landed at Wy Water in Lancashire came to him with 250. Foot and 60 Horse which he brought with him out of the Isle of Man but immediately he returned back into Lancashire to raise a more considerable force which with the influence hee had in those places he soon got together a body of 1500. to prevent their conjunction with his Majesties forces Cromwels Regiment and Lilburns join together and after one hours dispute the Earle of Derby's party was worsted the Earle himselfe wounded hardly escapes to Worcester leaving his George and Garter behind him of the Kings party the most considerable that were slain were the Lord Widrington Sir Thomas Tilesly Colonell Mat. Boynton Sir Will. Throgmorton c. Not long after Cromwell with his Army came before Worcester which was presently dispersed about the City in Order to a close besieging of it hereupon the Scots Salley out of Worcester but are repulsed with some losse The next re-encounter was the pass at Vpton which the truly Valiant Major Generall Massey kept for his Majesty but he being too much over powred by Lamberts Horse and Dragoons which came from Evesham and with Fleetwoods Brigade was forced to retreat he himselfe being wounded The Third of September being the same day twelve Month on which the Scots were sorely beaten at Dunbar was that black and fatall day on which the Royall interest received their dreadfull wound the fight was maintained with great Valour on his Majesties part but being greatly over powred his Majesties Forces were totally routed both Horse and Foot their Works and Fort Royall were taken their Canons turned upon themselves the City was straightway entred and searched the most of the Scotts instantly were slain and taken in this engagement neer 10000 were taken prisoners and about 3000 slain His Majesty perceiving the day hitherto lost begins now to shift for himself the people generally as they fled-confusedly cry out O save the King save the King he presently withdrew himselfe to the house where he quartered and took of his treasure what he could conveniently carry with him just as Colonell Cobbet was entring the fore part of the house his Majesty was slipt out by a back way together with the Lord Wilmot striking into the most private and unfrequented way to avoyd the hot pursuit and strict enquiry that was made for him The Earl of Derby was taken prisoner in the pursuit by Lilborn whose hands hee had narrowly escaped not many dayes before together with the Earle of Loderdale the Earl of Cleveland Shrews-burry and Lord Wentworth with many other persons of quality in the main fight were taken Duke Hamilton Rob. Earle of Carnworth Alexander Earle of Kelley John Lord Synclare Sir John Packington Major General Mountgomery Mr. Richard Fanshaw the Kings Secretary the Generall of the Ordnance the Adjutant General of the Foot the Marshall Generall 6. Collo of Horse 13. of Foot 9. Lievetenant Collon of Horse 8. of Foot 6. Majors of Horse 17. Majors of Foot 37. Cap. of Horse 72. Cap. of Foot 55. Quarter Masters of Horse 72. Cap. of Foot and a number of other inferiour Officers 158. Colours the Kings Royall Standard his Collar of SS Coach and Horses and other things of great value Major Gen. Massey though he had made a shift to escape out of the field yet by reason of his wounds and sick condition of body surrendred himselfe to the mercy of the Countess of Stamford whose son neverthelesse the Lord Gray of Groby secured him as a prisoner and sent him up to the Parliament so soon as his wounds were cured Leivtenant Gen. David Lesley and Leiut Gen. Middleton were both taken
lâ—st the English land in the Island of Hispanola without any opposition and seeing no enemy near them think themselves sole Masters of the Indies They having marched a many miles through the woods are ready to perish with faintness and for want of water and now the Spanish Negros fall upon them and miserably kill them with little resistance drive them out of the Iland the remainder of those that escaped this Buchery possess themselves of Jamaica now G. Blake with a little better success being come before Tunis demands reparation for the losses sustained from Turkish Pyrates but being answer'd in scorn by the Dye of Tunis fired 9. Ships and came off with little loss but much glory to himself notwithstanding the former ill successes of the Royal party are sent to the Tower upon suspition of Treason The Lord Willonby of Parham and the Lord Newport The Illustrious Duke of Glocester having staid for some times with his sister the Princess Royall â—â— at Hague was now resolved to go to his Brother Our most gracious King then at Cullen being come thither with his Sister they stay till after the Fair at Franckfort to which place they made a progresse of State and pleasure being attended with the Marquesse of Ormond Lord Goring Lord Newburrough and Lady Stanhop c. As they passed through every Princes Country they were complemented by their Chief Officers of state and saluted by all the great Guns from all their Towers and Castles in an especiall manner The Prince Elector of Ments sent his grand Marshall to invite them to his Court whereupon the Lord Newburrough was sent back to desire to excuse them at present promising to wait upon them at his return being arrived at Franckfort and hearing that Queen Christiana of Swedn was coming that was in her journy to Italy his sacred Majesty sent one of his Lords to her signifying his desire to wait upon her at what place her Majesty should be pleased to Nominate the place appointed for this Interview was Collingsteen a Village near Frankfort where his Royall Majesty was received by her with much respect he had Private conference with her about half an hour then the Duke of Glocester and then the Lords that attended his Majesty Lord Jermyn and other English Lords Takes his Journey to Flaunders where at that time our dread Soveraign did reside at the Kind invitation of Don John of Austria then Governour of the Low-Countries let us now leave our King a little and look a while into his dominions where Cromwell notwithstanding his ill success in the last Parliament through his necessities is compelled to call another to meet at Westminster 17 September where the Navy Commanded by General Mountague lying to intercept the Spanish plate coming from the West Indies obtained a great victory over the Spaniard near Cadize six hundred thousand pieces of eight taken besides many ships fired and many other rich prizes taken This Parliament being met on the day appointed petition and advise Cromwell to take upon him the name and Title of King which his tender conscience could not swallow because he was affraid of some of his aspiring Officers and now a desperate attempt against the life of Oliver is found out and one Miles Sindercomb is apprehended and presently after tried and condemned to be hanged drawn sty As they came from Frankfort the Elector of Mentz renewed his civilities provided all manner of Accommodations for them as they passed thorow his Territories meeting them himselfe a great part of the way he brought them to one of his Pallaces where he entertained them after a sumptuous and splendid manner for two or three days after which they returned to Collen four Burgo Masters being appointed to wait on them and welcome them homâ— About the beginning of November 1656. A peace is concluded by Cromwell with the French the principall condition of this Treaty was the exclusion of our Royall Soveraign with all his relations and adherents out of the King of France his Dominions The thrice Noble Heroick and truly Valiant Duke of Yorke notwithstanding his great Command in the King of France his Army which was Lievetenant Generall is now advertized to depart the Kingdome by a prefixed time which act the French may perhaps hereafter have cause enough to rue which now being come he takes his leave of the King and Court of France being attended by the and quartered but he on the day appointed for his execution saves them that labour by making away himself by snuffing up some poysonous powder into his head whereupon it was ordered that he should be dragged naked at a Horses heels from the Tower to the scaffold on Tower hill and there buried having an Iron stake thrust into his belly c. In April 1657. several fifth Monarchy-men are apprehended for having a design to subvert this grand Tyrant and his Government Major General Harrinson Lawson and others are apprehended but nothing could positively be proved against them Now according to conditions of agreement betwixt England and France the French King desires Auxiliary forces from England to help him in his Wars against the Spaniard in Flanders which was readily granted by Cromwel 6000. Foot are accordingly sent over under the command of Col. Reynolds who are no sooner landed but suddenly they take the strong Fort of Mardike After Cromwel had given his final answer that he could not accept of the Title of King he was by the Parliament instated Lord Protector in a most solemne manner June 26. Cromwel having now as he thought setled his Throne bethinks himself of advancing his nearest friends and relations to that end he sends for his eldest Son Richard out of the Country to enure him to a Court life and that he might have some insight into State affairs designing him for succession in the Protectorship which the University of Oxford fore-seeing send their Proctors to elect him their Chancellor in which honour he was solemnly installed at Whitehall His Second Son Henry he created Lord Lieutenant of Ireland his two youngest Daughters he matched the eldest to Mr. Robert Rich Grand-child to the then Earl of Warwick The younger to the Lord Faulconbridge the Nuptials of them both was celebrated with much Splendor at Whitehal Hampton Court scarse was the mirth of these solemnities over but the Court is allarmed with the death of Gen. Blake Vice-Admiral Badiley and Lieutenant General Brain presently after Col. Reynolds and his Company were cast away by Goodwin Sands coming from Flanders The Parliament so called having adjourned themselves from the 6 th of June untill the 20 th of January following and now those other Members were admitted who formerly were excluded There is also another House of Parliament so called chosen by Cromwel consisting most part of Officers of the Army with some of the old Nobility this latter being as it were a House of Peers But this other House would not down with the House
THE Royall Martyr OR KING CHARLES The FIRST no Man of BLOOD but A MARTYR for His PEOPLE Being a brief Account of His Actions from the beginnings of the late unhappy Warrs untill He was basely Butchered to the Odium of Religion and scorn of all Nations before his Pallace at White-Hall Jan. 30. 1648. To which is Added A Short History of His Royall MAJESTY Charles the Second KING of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. Third Monarch of Great Brittain In all his Sufferings and Solitudes more then CONQUERER Rom. 8. Salus Populi Salus Regis â—ondon Printed for Henry Bell and are to be sold by most Book sellers 1660 TO THE KINGS Most Excellent Majesty Dread Soveraign THe occasion of these few lines is neither to renew your sorrow nor stir up your Majesty to revenge I know you have learned a better lesson from our blessed Lord and Saviour to forgive your enemies neither is it my design to plead for that which I even tremble to write viz. Regicide I know the world expects some should be made examples of Justice God forbid that blood-guiltiness especially of our King should go unpunisht But that Justice mercy might kiss each other These ensuing lines were writ in the midst of your and our sufferings the onely end both in writing and publishing was to Vindicate your Royal Father our Dread Soveraign of blessed memory thereby to make a more easie passage for your most Excellent Majesty to ascend unto the Royall throne of your famous Progenitors And now seeing God at last by his wonderfull and most miraculous Providence hath brought your Sacred Majesty to your just Rights Dominions I make bold in all humility to prostitute both my self and this small Tract at your Royall Feet beseeching your Clemency to accept of this small Mite of my Loyalty begging your gracious pardon for my great presumption beseeching Almighty Jehovah the God of your Fathers to redouble in you your Fathers Graces and Vertues recompence to your Majesty for all your unparalelled sufferrings patience in the perfect obedience and affection of all your Subjests establish your Royall Throne here on Earth and at last give you a Crown of Glory in the highest heavens so prays Your Majesties Loyall Humble and most obedient Subject W. H. B. King Charles the First no Man of BLOOD But a Martyr for his PEOPLE THat there hath been now eighteen years spent in Civill Warrs aboundance of Blood shed and more Ruine and misery brought upon the Kingdom by it then all the severall Changes Conquests and Civill Warrs it hath endured from the time of Brute or the first Inhabitants of it every mans wofull experience some onely excepted who have been gainers by it will easily assent unto No marvell therefore that many of those who if all they alledge for themselves that they were not the cause of it could be granted to be true might either have hindred or lessned it would now put the blame of so horrid a business from themselves and lay it upon any they can perswade to bear it And that the Conquerours who would bind their King in Chains and their Princes with Fetters of Iron and think they have a Commission from heaven to do it the guilt of it being necessarily either to be charged upon the Conquerours or Conquered are not willing to have their Triumphant Chairs and the glories as they are made believe that hang upon their shoulders defiled with it but do all they can to load their Captives with it But howsoever though the success and power of an Army hath frighted it so far out of question as to charge it upon the King and take away his life for it by making those that must of necessity be guilty of the fact if he should have been as in all reason he ought to have been acquitted of it the only Judges of him It may well become the judgement and conscience of every man that will be but either a good Subject or a Christian not to lend out his Soul and Salvation so much on trust as to take those that are parties and the most ignorant sort of mens words for it but enter into a most serious examination of the matter of Fact it selfe and by tracing out the foot-steps of Truth see what a conclusion may be drawn out of it In pursuance whereof for I hope the Originall of this Sea of Blood will not prove so unsearchable as the head of Nile we shall enquire first of all who raised the fears and jealousies Secondly represent and set down the truth of the matter of Fact and proceedings betwixt the King and Parliament from the tumultuous and seditious coming of the people to the Parlament and White-Hall untill the 25 of August 1642. when he set up his Standard at Nottingham and from the setting up of his Standard untill the 13 of September 1642. when the Parlament by their many Acts of Hostility and a Negative and Churlish answer to his propositions might well have put him out of hope of any good to be obtained from them by messages of peace sent unto them Thirdly whether a Prince or other Magistrate labouring to suppress or punish a rebellion of the People be tyed to those rules are necessary to the justifying of a War if it were made between equals Fourthly suppose the War to be made with a neighbour Prince or between equalls whether the King or Parlament were in the defensive or justifiable part of it Fifthly whether the Parlament in their pretended Magistracy have not taken lesser occasions to punish or provide against insurrections treasons and rebellions as they are pleased to call them Sixthly who most desired Peace and offered fairliest for it Seventhly who laboured to shorten the War and who to lengthen it Eightly whether the conditions proffered by the King would not have been more profitable for the People if they had been accepted and what the Kingdom and People have got instead of it CHAP. I. Who first of all Raised the Fears and Jealousies THe desiring of a guard for a Parlament because of a tale rather then a plot That the Earl of Crawford had a purpose to take away the Marquis of Hamiltons life in Scotland the refusing of a legall guard offered by the King and his Protestation to be as careful of their safety as the safety of his Wife and Children The dream of a Taylor lying in a ditch in Finsbury fields of this and the other good Lord and Common-wealths men to be taken away The trayning of Horses under ground and a plague plaister or rather a clout taken from a galled Horse back sent into the House of Commons to Mr. Pym. A design of the Inhabitants of Covent Garden to murther the City of London News from France Italy Spain and Denmark of Armies ready to come for England and a supposition or feaverish fancy that the King intended to introduce Popery alter
smiling Mrs. Lane notwithstanding his Majesty went as her servant yet had a greater respect for him before others pretended him her Tenant's son but on the Road she would always ask what he would have to dinner or supper and what piece of that he liked which she would always be sure to get made ready and give him he still sitting at the lower end of the table But to come to the end of their journey being arrived at Bristol they lodged at the house of a Noble gentleman there and kinsman to Mr. Lastel the King finding it to be a house of great resort feigns himself sick of an Ague and so keeps his Chamber all the day coming down onely at nights but one night coming down and being somewhat cold craves a glass of Wine of the Butler who carries him into the But lery this Butler having before served his Majesties Father in the Wars looking earnestly upon him suspected him to be the King so easily will Majesty appear though veiled in the utmost disguises and thereupon pulling off his hat told him very ceremoniously That he might command what wine he pleased of which the King took no notice but drinking off his Wine went out yet the Butler could not satisfie his suspicion but went up to Mr. Lastels demanded of him how long he had had that servant whereupon Mr. Lastels was very angry at his boldness in daring to ask him such a question but the Butler still persisted and whispering told him that he believed it was the King where upon Mr. Lastels seeing he was discovered sends immediately for his Majesty whom he acquaints with the Butlers discovery of him with whom the King was somewhat angry in regard he did not first acquaint himself with his suspition it not being impossible but that Mr. Lastels might not have known him to be the King but upon pardon asked by the Butler it was granted by the King and he afterwards proved very instrumental in his Majesties conveyance through the Countrey But here at Bristol the chief design they had in hand failed them for though there were a little Barque lay there judged most convenient for the business yet the Master would for no reward transport a single person though he was so honest as only to deny it and made no further search or inquiry concerning the person which might perhaps have tended to a discovery This design here failing his Majesty desired to be brought some miles Westward to the house of a worthy gentleman whom he knew to be a trusty friend where coming in he finds the gentleman in the field with his servants having discovered himself to him he was by him conveyed to a convenient stand till night having first taken leave of his true friends who had thus far conducted him with the danger of their Lives and Estates from whence he was in the dusk conveyed into the house and there carefully concealed for a week till such time as preparation could be made in some Western Port of a passage for him but coming afterwards there where it was provided chancing to dine with a Parliament Colonell then there he thought it the safer to loose the benefit of that passage then adventure to imbarque himselfe singly which might breed suspicion and perhaps have been the means after so many deliverances to have betrayed him into the hands of his enemies This passage then likewise failing him he then returned back to the place from whence he came and concealed himself three weekes longer till in the end it being resolved on he by the assistance of Mr. Ph. was conveyed through the most by-ways they could imagine to a gentlewomans house in Sussex where he lay till a person of true worth and honour made provision of a faithfull Master who with a small Vessel wafted him to a small Creek in Normandy to the great content of the Kings sacred Majesty and all his Loyall Subjects and to the honour of the Master with due reward as in time may appear Soon after this the Juncto at Westminster took order for the reducing of the two Islands Jersie and Man about this time dyed Generall Popham one of the Generals at Sea and IretonCromwells Son in Law of the plague in Ireland No sooner had the English brought things to some quietnesse at home but now new stirs begin to appear abroad The Hollanders being offended at an Act made by that piece of Parliament then sitting at Westminster for the encreasing of shipping and encouragement of Navigation break out into an open warre and the first act of Hostility was May 16. 1652. When Van Trump Admiral of the Dutch Fleet with about 40 two sail comming into Dover Road refused to strike sail hung out a Red flag the usuall sign of defrâ—me and gave a broad-side to Blake the English Admirall which occasioned some hours sharp dispute wherein the Dutch had the worst they lost in this fight two ships and 150 men But of this action the states of Holland would not be concern'd because as they sayd it was done without their approbation and a little the beter to palliate the business they dispatch their Embassadors over into England to renew the Treaty the effect of which proved an open war betwixt the Common-Wealths which was now publickly proclaimed on both sides In July Sir George Ascue with a Squadron of Ships being left to guard the narrow Seas discovered a Fleet of Flemmings between Dover and Callice being about 80. of which ten were taken and burnt the rest ran a shore the Coasts of France Sir George Ascue as he was sailing Westward to guard the Seas and conduct home the Marchant-men that lay at Plymouth on the 16. August between one and 2. in the afternoon they had a sight of the Dutch Fleet they presently made what hast they cold towards them to discover their number which was about 60. sail of men of War and 30 Marchant-men the English were 38. sail and 4. Fireships and 4. Scouts they came up to the enemy about 4. in the afternoon and began the fight with much Gallantry and high resolution this engagement continued feirce till night parted then not without some loss to the English but much more to the Dutch Sept. 27. General Blake with his Fleet discovered on the backside of Goodwin Sands about 60. sail of Dutch-men of War under the Command of Admiral de Wit which bout was called the Kentish Knock they shamefully flying from the English though far more in number were miserably beaten by General Blake Upon the Neck of this breach came into England an Ambassador from the Queen of Sweden where he ended his life before he effected any thing another also from the King of Denmark who also seeing no probability of peace between these Nations departed out of this Kingdom In the Levant Seas asmal Fleet of the English wereset upon by â—â—-sail of Dutch who over-powering them in number took and blew up 5. English Ships About
miseries of a civil War but all endeavours proved in effectuall for the French King persisted in his resolutions not to give way to the banishment of the Cardinal hereupon the Duke of Lorraine was sent for with his Army to come and joyn with the Princes the Duke having been tampered with by the contrary party and having advantageous termes desisted hereupon aâ— generall report was spread that his Majesty of England had drawn over the Duke to the Kings party because they were often together this coming to the peoples ears so incensed them not onely against the Duke for his perfidiousness But also against his Majesty and the Queen his mother the fury of the people increased so much that the King was forced for his own preservation to retire from the Louver to St Jermans the Queen his mother received many affronts as she passedin her Coach from the Louver to the Nunnery at Chaliot where she kept her Refidence his Majesty now treateth with Lorraine for the recovery of his kingdom of Ireland out of the hand of the English Republick to this end several Articles are agreed unto by the Lord Taffe agent for the King and the Duke amongst other things it was concluded that the Duke should be vested with the power and title of Protector Royall of Ireland But the Duke having not strength enough for this great enterprise this businesse takes no effect his Majesty having stayed at Saint Jermans till the heat of the popular fury was over returned again to the Louvre During his abode there his ilustrious Brother the Duke of Glocester who for a long time had bin under the custody of the English Juncto and at length dismissed and sent into Holland to his sister was from thence attended into France by Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir Richard Grenvile and he was honorably received at Paris by the French King Queen-Mother and the rest of the Grandee during his Majesties abode here arrived Mrs. Jane Lane who had so miraculously preserved the King after the fight at Worcester he being exceedingly glad to hear this news immediately sends some persons of quality with Coaches to conduct her to Paris where being come they rejoyce in each others presence let us now a little cast our eyes into England where Cromwell and the Council at White-Hall having usurped the Regall authority carry all by force before them about the latter end of February several persons of quality are carried to the Tower for being Loyal to his Majesty but because nothing of moment could be proved against them they are set at liberty Cromwell being desirous to strengthen himself in the Tyrannical Reigning over his Majesties subjects bethinks himself of making peace with forein States and Princes to that end presently patches up a very disadvantageous peace with the Dutch presently after concludes a peace also with Christina Queen of Sweden a a little before the resignation of her Crown to her Couzen Carolus Gustavus In May following several persons are charged with high Treason for endeavouring to take away the Protectors life seize upon the Tower and proclaim his Majesty King of Great Brittain a High Court of Justice is erected Col. Gerard Peter Vowel School-master and Somerset Fox are condemned to die the last is reprieved for his ample confessions Col. Gerrard was beheaded at Tower hill and Vowel hanged at Charing-Cross on the same day Don Pantalaon Sa Brother to the Portugal Ambassadour was beheaded for engaging in a quarrel on the New Exchange where one Mr. Greneway was slain His Sacred Majesty having now remained in the Court of France about two or three years sometimes being lifted up high with hopes of regaining his three kingdoms other times being cast down with fears sollicitates the States of Holland again to own his Royall interest but they having made a peace with Oliver onely complement him with a letter full of civility and now that which troubled his Majesty most was this the French Court notwithstanding all means used to the contrary by the King of England his mother and other friends prepare to send over an Ambassadour into England hereupon his sacred yet still suffering Majesty leaves that kingdom having taken his farewell of the King and other great ones from whom he received many Complements and Apologies being accompanied with his brother the Duke of York his Couzens Prince Rubert and Prince Edward Palatine to Chatilion a house belonging to the Prince of Conde where they stayed a while to confider how to dispose of themselves to th' best advantage his Majesty with Prince Rupert resolves for Germany having before sent the Lord Wilmot before Ambassadour to the Emperor to negotiate in his behalf Prince Edward took his journey to Burbone the Duke of York remaining in France till after the peace with England is concluded being Lieutenant General of the French Army the young Duke of Glooester after his Brother was gone into Germany by reason of the Queen his Mother and some others of the Catholique Religion was placed in the Colledge of the Jesuits there to have been bred up in the Romish Religion Intelligence thereof being soon brought to his Majesty he being not a little displeased soon takes order for his remove which was exactly performed Oliver according to one Article in his Government called a Parliament to meet at Westminster Sept. 3. 1654. William Lenthal master of the Roll being chosen Speaker at their first sitting they begin to question the lawfulness of the power by which they were called this highly Offended Oliver Protector and made him resolve to put a Period to their sitting so when they had sat about 5 mouths he dissolved them soon after the dissolution of the Parliament the Court was allarmed with news of a great rising in Shropshire Montgomryshire Wiltshire Nottinghamshire Northumberland and Yorkshire in the behalf of his Royal Majesty Sir Henry Littleton Sir John Packington and Major Wildman are secured and sent Prisoners to the Tower Sunday 11. March a Party about 200. enter Salisbury seize upon Horses take away Commissions from the Judges as they were going there circuit and march towards Cornwal they are met with by Captain Vnton Crook and after a sharp dispute totally routed their chief Captains were taken viz. Penruddock Jones and Grove Sir Joseph Wagstaffe made a shift to escape shortly after Penruddock and Grove were beheaded at Exon and Jones was repreived several other risings in other parts of this Kingdom but were all suppressed and now Cromwel prepares a very great Fleet but for what end none knew but some principal Commanders In the mean time the King of Spain sends over as Extraordinary Ambassador the Marquis of Leda who was here conplemented by our new Court but finding which way things went after a short stay returns to his own Country presently after his departure this great Fleet steer there course towards Hispaniola one of the fairest Islands belonging to the American Dominions of the King of Spain at