that he denied the King Entrance They are both sent by Sea prisoners to the Parliament and Sir Matthew took possession of the Towne June 17. 1643. The Earle of Essex at Tane orders the Buckingham Forces to beat up the Kings quarters which accordingly they did Prince Rupert having notice of it falls in with a body of Horse Routed and disperst most of the party There was slaine the Earle of Musgraves Son and Mr. Hamden one of the five Impeached Members a man violently active against the King At that time the Parliaments Army was much visited with the Contagion many dying daily On the fift of July was a great defeat given to Sir William Waller in the West after he had continued there victoriously for some time by a party from Oxford conducted by the Lord Wilmot which defeate gave a great Check to the Parliament The Generall by reason of the sicknesse and other great wants of his Army marches towards London quartering them at Kingston on Thames and other adjacent places Great were the successes of the King almost in every part of the Kingdome for Sir William Waller was quite routed in the West Sir Ralph Hopton in the head of a Gallant Army upon whom the King was pleased for his fidelity and Valour to confer the Honour and Title of a Baron Prince Rupert was order'd to besiege Bristoll which in short time was deliver'd to him Prince Maurice besieged Exceter whither the Earle of Stamford was fled which on the fourth of September 1643 was diliver'd up to him upon Articles Sir John Barkly was made Governour The Lord Fairfax Sir Thomas Fairfax and most of the Parliaments forces in the North were defeated driven into Hull by the Lord of Newcastle who at that time commanded the Greatest Army in England and not onely able to terrifie the Parliaments Forces in England but likewise formidable to any Scotch forces that should come to their assistance Collonell Goring landed at Newcastle with 200 old Souldiers The Earle of Newcastle in his march from Tadcaster surprized Leeds and in it diverse persons of quality friends to the Parliament he likewise proclaimes the Lord Fairfax traytor The King in the Head of a Gallant Army summons Glocester offering free pardon and protection to the Inhabitants if they would lay downe their Armes requiring a positive answer in two houres In the Interim he surrounds the Towne with six thousand Horse and foote by the time appointed the Magistrates Officers and Souldiers returne this answer That they kept the Towne for his Majesty and his Royall posterity and doe accordingly conceive our selves wholly bound to obey the Commands of his Majesty signified by both Houses of Parliament and are resolved by Gods Help to keep the City accordingly The King stood amazed at their confidence for at that time they could not hope for reliefe In the Towne was onely one Regiment of foote an hundred Horse beside the trained bands in all not exceeding fifteen hundred men The King resolves to lay a close siege and a considerable party Intrencht on the South and East side though they within sallied out with some damage to the Kings forces the Welsh and Worcestershire forces on the North west side Generall Ruthen on the South-side the East and South parts were dam'd up with Earth They within make no lesse then eight sallies in ten dayes with no small prejudice to the besiegers The King prepares for a storme which with much valour was performed on both sides a mine was sprung under the East gate which they countermand by the industry of Collonell Massey the Governour The Parliament being inform'd of the Kings Intentions toward Glocester order the Generall to march out who mustred about 10000 Horse and foote at Hounslow and so marches forward for the reliefe of the Towne They likewise took care for recruiting an Army for Sir William Waller The Generall being come within seven miles of Glocester fired some pieces of Ordinance to give notice of his approach On the first of September a party of Horse is sent to face him whilst the King drew off from the siege Many of the Kings friends much blamed him for sitting downe before the Towne when he might without difficulty have come to London and fully ended the work for the Parliament were never in so low a condition since the beginning of the warre as they were when the King first sat downe before the Towne The Lords House being sensible of the danger Uote a Treaty and the Commons were consulting of it The Parliament sent to require the assistance of their brethren of Scotland and Vote 30000 l. be instantly borrowed for their advance The Solemne League and Covenant was drawn up and taken by all the Members of both Houses and orderd to be Imposed on all the associated Counties Doctor Featly a reverend and learned Divine was Imprisoned for refusing to take it The King immediately sends out his Proclamation against it in these words Whereas there is printed a paper pretended to be order'd by the Commons in Parliament on the 21 of September last to be printed and published which Covenant though it seemes to make specious expressions of piety and religion it is indeed nothing else but a traiterous and seditious combination against him and against the established religion and Lawes of this Kingdome in pursuance of a traiterous designe and endeavour to bring in forraine forces to invade this Kingdome his Majesty doth therefore straitly charge and command all his loving subjects of what degree and quality soever upon their allegiance that they presume not to take the said seditious and traiterous Covenant most straitly forbidding all his subjects to tender the said Covenant as they will answer the contrary at their extreamest perill The Earle of Bedford and Holland came to Oxford to tender their allegiance to the King but after a short stay return'd to the Parliament The Marquesse of Ormond the Kings Lieutetenant Generall in Ireland upon the Kings Letter sends over five Regiments of Souldiers for the Kings service every Officer and Souldier first took an Oath to defend the Protestant cause and the Kings person against all enemies Essex suddenly surprizes Cirencester by killing the Centery marcht into the Towne without any opposition and in it took Great store of Armes and Ammunition with thirty Cart Load of provisions which was there reserv'd for the Kings Army From thence he marches to Chilleton The Kings Forces drew up on Maverne hills The Earle of Essex drew off toward Hungerford and from thence toward Newbery which the Kings Forces had possest before-hand On Wednesday the 20 of September 1643. was fought the famous battell of Newbery on which depended the condition of the whole Kingdome The Kings Forces early in the morning had possest themselves of Biggs hill Essex his own Regiment assisted with Collonell Barkleys and Collonell Holburnes Regiment marcht and Charging furiously beate them from the Hill and possest it By this time a great
He the said Charles Stuart hath given Commissions to his Son the Prince for that purpose By which cruel and unnaturall war by him the said Charles Stuart Levied continued and renued as aforesaid much Innocent blood hath been spilt many families have been undone The publique Treasury wasted and exhausted Trade obstructed and decayed Vast expence and damage to the Nation incur'd and many parts of the Land spoyled some even to desolation And for further prosecution of the said evill designes He the said Charles Stuart doth still continue his Commissions to the said Prince and other Rebells and Revolters All which wicked designes Wars and evill practices of him the said Charles Stuart have been and are carried on for the Advancing and Vpholding of the Personall Interest of Will and Power and pretended Prerogatives to himselfe against the Publique Interest Right Justice and peace of the Nation by and for whom he was Intrusted as aforesaid By all which it appeareth that He the said Charles Stuart hath been and is the occasioner Author and contriver of the said Vnnatural War and thereby Guilty of all the Treasons Murthers Rapines burnings spoyles desolations damage and mischiefe to this Nation acted and committed in the said Wars or occasion'd thereby And the said John Cook doth for the said Treasons and Crimes on the behalfe of the people of England Impeace the said Charles Stuart as a Tyrant Traytor Murtherer and a Publique and Implacable Enemy to the Common wealth of England And therefore prayeth that the said Charles Stuart King of England may be put to answer all and every the premises that such Proceedings Examinations Tryalls Sentences and Judgements may be hereupon had as may be agreeable to Justice The Lord President Replyed Sir you have now heard your Charge Read and in the Close it is prayed in behalfe of the Commons of England that you answer to your Charge The Court Expects your Answer The King I would know by what Power I was cald hither I was not long agoe in the Isle of Wright how I came thither is too long to relate or then I thinke now to speak of there I was in treaty with both Houses of Parliament was as much publique faith as its possible we were almost come to the Conclusion of a Treaty I would now know by what Authority I meane lawfull for there are many unlawfull Authorities in the world theeves and robbers by the high way but I would know by what Lawfull authority I was brought from thence and carried from place to place and when I know by what Lawfull Authority I shall answer Remember I am your King and what sins you bring upon your heads and what Judgements upon this Land thinke well upon it I say thinke well upon it before you goe from one sin to a greater Therefore let me know by what Lawfull Authority I am seated here In the meane time I shall not betray my trust I have a trust committed to me by God by old and Lawfull descent I will not betray it by answering to a new and Unlawfull Authority Lord President If you had been pleased to have observ'd what had been hinted to you by the Court at your first coming hither you would have knowne by what Authority Which Authority requires you in the name of the people of England by which you are Elected King to answer them The King No Sir I deny that Lord President If you acknowledge not the Authority of the Court they must proceed The King I doe tell them so England is an hereditary and not an Elective Kingdome and hath been so neare 1000 yeares therefore let me know by what Authority I am cald hither I stand more for the priviledge of my people than any that are seated here still urging to know by what Authority he was seated there and he would answer otherwise not President Charges the King with Interrogating the Court which did not beseeme him in that condition The King tould him he was brought from the Isle of Wight by force and he did not come there as submitting to the Court professing to stand for the priviledge of the House of Commons still urging a Legall Authority warranted by the Word of God or the Constitution of the Kingdome and he would Answer President Seeing you will not answer the Court will consider how to proceed in the meane time you are to be carried away by them that brought you hither The Court desires to know whether this is all you will answer The King Sir I desire you would Give me and all the world satisfaction in this it s no sleight thing you are about I am sworne to God for the peace of my Country and therefore you would doe well to satisfie God and then the world by what Authority you doe this there is a God in Heaven that will call you and all that Gives you power to account President The Court expects your finall answer you desire satisfaction of their Authority it is upon Gods Authority and that 's our present Work The King That which you have said satisfies no reasonable man President That 's in your apprehension we thinke it reasonable that are your Judges The King Neither your apprehension nor mine ought to decide it President Commands the King to be taken away And accordingly he was convey'd back to St James's Two dayes after on the 22 of January the Court meet in the painted Chamber where they order that the King shall not be sufferd to argue the Jurisdiction of the Court and that in case the King should againe dispute their Authority the President is to let him know that the Court hath consider'd his demands the last day and that he ought to rest satisfied with this answer That the Commons of England assembled in Parliament have constituted this Court whose power may not nor shall not be disputed against by him Further That in case the King shall not answer the President is to let him know that the Court doth take it as a contumacy and record it and in case he answer with a saving notwithstanding of his pretended Prerogative above the Jurisdiction of the Court the President to refuse his protest and require his positive answer whether he will own the Court or not And in case the King shall continue in his contempt The President shall command the Clarke to demand of the King them Charles Stuart King of England you are accus'd in behalfe of the people of England of divers high Crimes and Treasons which Charge hath been Read to you The Court requires you to give your positive answer either to confesse or deny And forthwith the Court assembles in Westminster Hall where after their Names are cald over the Captaine of the Guard is commanded to fetch the King who being brought and seated as before a Great shout was made by the people Soliciter Cooke againe accuseth the King as before the Charge being Read he required he might give a positive answer
General Cromwell continued 97. is Victorious at Ipslcy bridge 98. Takes Blechingdon house ib. Routs the Club-men 107. Takes the Devises 108. Takes Langford House ibid. Takes Winchester ibid. Orderd to suppress Poyer Lang borne 144. Takes Pomfret Castle 148. Goes against Hambleton 148. Enters Scotland 164. Takes Carlile and Barwick 165. Returns from Scotland ibid Cornet Joice seazes the King 118 Committee of Darby House 137 Chepstow Castle surprized for the King 140. retaken 145 Colchester surrendred 158 Commissioners goe to the Isle of Wight 160 City in danger 165 Countryes Complaint of free quarter ibid Charge against the King 173 D. Dutch Ambassadour arrives in England 10 Digby accuses Buckingham 12 Sir Dudly Digs sent to the Tower 13 Divers Members of the Commons House Committed 24 Dispute about Ship-money 31 Dutch Ambassadour Treats of a Match betwixt the Kings Eldest Daughter and the Prince of Orange 47 Drums beaten up in London 71 Dutch Ambassadour mediates for a peace 94 Sir Lewis Dives took Waymouth for the King 96 Drums beaten up in Colchester for the King 142 E. Englands Coasts Infested by Pirates 28 England happy if ever 31 Episcopacy turnd out of Scotland Earle of Haddington blowne up 42 English Nobility petition the King ibid. Earle of Strafford sequestred the House 45. Triall in Westminster Hall 48. His speech at his Execution 52 Earle of Warwick gets possessiof the Navy 65 Earle of Bedford Generall of the Horse for the Parliament 71 Essex Chiefe Randevouz at Northampton 75. Befieges Reading 81. Relieves Glocester 87. Surprizes Cirencester 88. Laid aside 97. His death and buriall 112 Edg-Hill Battell 77 Earl of Northumber land made Governour of the Kings Children 97 Essex men Petition for a personall Treaty 143. Secure the Committee men 146 Ewers made Governour of the Isle of Wight 167 F. French King requires Ayd 13 The French require satisfaction 15 Felton stabs Buckingham 19 He is araign'd and Executed 20 The Fleete sets forth from Porchmouth ibid. A Fleete set out to scoure the Seas 31 Five Members Impeacht 45 Lord Fairfax and his Sonne takes York 94 Sir Thomas Fairfax made Generall 97. Relieves Taunton 99. Takes Bostoll house 101. and Gaunt house ibid. Takes Leicester 104. Relieves Taunton 105. Takes Bridgewater 106. Takes Bath ibid. Takes Sherburne Castle by Storme 107. Takes Bristoll ibid. Takes Exeter 108. and Dartmouth ibid. Takes Tiverton ibid. Receiv'd in state at Leicester 116. Enters the City of London 123. Goes into Kent 146. into Essex 153. Sends a Letter concerning Colchester 159. Comes to London 168 Lord Francis kild 147 G. Gundamore Ambassadour for England 2 Pope Gregory dies 3 Gentlemen of the Innes of Court their maske 28 Sir Richard Gurney sent to the Tower 72 Goring Lands at Newcastle 86 Great seale broken 112 Glenham secures Carlile for the King 148 H. Mr. Hollis his Insolency in the House 22 Mr. Hollis Accuseth the Earle of Strafford 45 Sir John Hotham denies the Kings entrance into Hull 65 Sir John Hotham his son declares for the King 83. both seazed prisoners 84. beheaded 96 Hopton in the West for the King 77. is Victorious in the West 100 Horton Routs the Welsh 144 Hambleton made Generall of the Scots Army 144 Enters England 148. is beaten 154 Holland Routed and fled 147 Major Huntington leaves the Army 150 I. King James Inclind to peace 2. His speech to the Parliament 3. His death and Character 5. Buriall 6 James Duke of York born 28 Dr. Juxon Bishop of London made Lord Treasurer 30 Irish Rebellion brake out 55 Innes of Court Gentlemen tender their service to the King 60 Judge Jenkins sentence at the Bar of the House 138 Insurrections in Cornwall 14◠Judges displac't 171 Bishop Juxon order'd to attend the King ibid. K. The Kingdome big with Expectation of Parliament 44 King and Queen meet at Edghill 84 Kentish Insurrection 145 Muster on Black heath 146 L. LONDON visited with the plague 7 Dr. Layton sentenc't 26 Bishop Laud made Archbishop of Canterbury 28. He gave order to Romove the Communion Table 31 Revives the Ancient Ceremonies of the Church 39 is assaulted by the multitude 40. Accas'd by the Commons 46. Condemn'd and Executed 95 Lessly defeats the English 41 Lords House complaine of breach of priviledge 45 Their Votes concerning the King 170 Lord Keeper Littleton goes after the Seale to the King 68 Lindsey General for the King 75 Loves unadvised Expression 96 Langdale Routs the Lincolashire Horse 96. He is defeated 109. Rayses forces in the North. 145 Lawhorne declares for the King 140 Sir Charles Lucas for the King 147. is shot to death 158 and Sir George Lisle ibid. M. Montrosse discernes the deceit of the Scots 44 Members of the Commons House made long speeches 45 Members goe to the King at York 67 Massey made Governour of Glocester 76. Summons Malborough 92 Prince Maurice besieges Exeter 85. Takes Evisham by storme 100 Marston More fight 94 Members of the Commons House Impeacht 120. They discharge themselves 121 Massey flies into Holland 123 Mayor and Aldermen of London Impeacht of high trea son 123 Mutiny at Bury 140 Maidston Retaken 146 Members secluded the House 168 N. Northerne Counties suffer by the Scots 46 Earle of Newcastle in the North. 80 Newbery Battell 88 Earle of Northampton Routs the Northampton Horse 97 Naseby Battell 103 Newcastle and Hull sortified 141 O. Overtures of a Match with France 4 Ormond sends over forces for the King 88 Oxford besieged 101. more streightned 109. Surrendred 111 Sir John Owen Rayses forces for the King 147 P. Parliament require an account of the Princes journey into Spaine 4. Break off the Match ibid. Parliament petition concerning Religion and Grievances 9. They Article against Buckingham 13. The third Parliament supply the Kings wants 18. Remonstrate against Buckingham 19. They dissolve themselves 23. Parliament in Aprill 1640. 29. dissolved 40. Another Parliament in November 1640. 43. Long Parliament began 44 Relieve distressed Ministers 45. discharge Burton Prin and Bastwick ibid. Petition for a Guard 56. Petition for the Militia 61. Send a Message to the Queen 62. Order the Rigging of the Navy 63. setling the Militia ib. Petition the Magazine at Hull be brought to London 64. Issue out Commissions for the Militia 67. Petition the King 68. Order bringing in money and plate 69. Vote an Army to be raised 70. declare against the Commission of Aray 72. Vote the Counties to associate 76. solicite the Scots 79. Vote an Assembly of Divines 83. a new great Seale ibid. Articles of high treason against the Queen 84. detaine the King and Queens Revenue ibid. Require the assistance of Scotland 87. Vote it Treason for any Member to desert the House 92. make proclamation concerning the King 110. Vote the King to Warwick Castle ibid. send Commissioners to Newcastle 111 Vote Presbytery to be set led 112. Vote 400000 l. for the Scots ibid. Vote the Confession of Faith 113. Vote the King to come to Holmbey 114. Vote the disbanding of the Army 117. Vote the City be put in a posture of defence 121 Vote Propositions be sent to the King 124. Votes cōcerning the Kings flight 139. Vote a personall Treaty 132. send Commissioners to Scotland 134. Votes for non-addresses 136. Lords consent to non addresses 137. Null the Votes for non-addresses 142. Vote the Scots entring England Enemies 149. Vote the King to come within twenty miles of London ibid. Nominate the Isle of Wight for a Treaty ibid. Null the Votes for non addresses 151. Appoint Commissioners to Treat 159. sit all day and night 168. The remainder of the House continue sitting 169. Null the Vote for Concessions 170. Vote a Charge against the King ibid. The Priests Impose a penance on the Queen 14 Petition of Right 18 Proclamation against Papists 27 Prince Charles borne and dieth 24 Prince Charles his birth 25 Goes for Scille 109 Peace betwixt England and Spaine 26 Princess Mary borne 27 St. Pauls Church began to be Repaired ibid Old Par brought to London 30 Prince Elector comes to London ibid Princess Elizabeth borne ibid Princess Anne borne 32 Prin Bastwick and Burton sentenc't Prince Henry borne 41 Alderman Penington petitions against Episcopacy 46 Princess Mary married to the Prince of Orange 50 Prince Rupert Prince Maurice arrives 74 Plot for betraying London 82 Plot for betraying Bristoll ib. Proclamation against the Covenant 88 Pomfret Castle taken 106 Prince Maurice for the Hague 112 Pendennis Castle surrendred ibid Poyer and Powell declare for the King 140 Pomfret Castle surpris'd 147 Surrender Pembrooke Castle 148 Proclamation for witnesses against the King 171 Q. Queen arrives in England 7 Queen-Mother comes for England 36 Queen arrives from Holland 81 Queen goes for France 91 R. Rumors of a plaister applyed to King James his wrist 5 Rotchell besieg'd 17 Prince Rupert arrives in England 74. Summons Glocester 82. Besieges Litchfield 83. Routs the Buckingham forces 84. Besieges Bristoll 85. takes Leicester by storme 100. goes for France 112 Ragland Castle surrendred 112 Representative orderd 169 S. The Treaty of the Spanish Mateh dissolvd 4 Statutes against Recusants 11 Ship-money 29 The Scots hatch mischiefe 30 Scotch Service-book revisd 32 Scots petition against the Common prayer-book 34. They Arme 35. Their Propositions 43. a cessation 44 Their deceir 45. Scots Army enter England 90. Besiege Newwark 107. Carry the King to Newcastle 111 desire the King to take the Covenant 192. Scots unreasonable demands 112. Their threatning 113. quit Newcastle 116. are sensible of the Kings imprisonment 126. Letter to the Parliament 132. raise an Army for the King 141. Scots Declaration 143 Star-Chamber Voted down 53 Scarborough Castle taken 106 Sherburne Castle taken 107 Surrey petition for a personall Treaty 144 Sea-men Revolt from Warwick 146 Scarborough Castle for the King 150 T. Tearme at Reading 11 Tunnage and poundage complain'd of 21 Tumults at Westminster 50 Tumult in the Isle of Wight 135 Tinmouth Castle revolts and retaken 150 Treaty in the Isle of Wight 161 V. An Uproare in Edenborough at the Reading of the Common-prayer-book 33 Uxbridge Treaty 96 W. Bishop Wren accus'd by the Commons 26 Secretary Windebank flies ibid Worcester secur'd for the King 75 Winchester for the Parliament 81 Lord Wilmot defeats Waller in the West 85 Waller takes A undell Castle 89.
like was never in England seene before for State and Magnificence and afterward were Royally entertained by the Lord Mayor of London with a stately Feast and Banquet 1634. The English Coast was much perplext with Pirates of severall Nations and the Kings Dominion in the narrow Seas evidently usurped by the Dutch and defended by Grotius in his book Entituled Mare Liberum which was exactly Answered by the Learned Selden in his Book Entituled Mare Clausum The Exchequer at that time was very much drained The King having tyed himselfe up by granting the Petition of Right could not tax or levy money without consent of Parliament and how to expect it from them with whom he had parted so fouly he could not imagine He declares his Intentions to his Attorney Noy together with the Necessity of raysing money but desires it to be done Legally who after much study and paines finds out an ancient president of raising a Tax for setting forth a Navy in case of danger without a Parliament The King was very glad of it Writs were Instantly Issued out to the Sea-port Townes to raise money for a certaine number of Ships well provided for the safety of the Nation they complained that it equally concern'd the whole Nation upon which a Tax was laid throughout the whole Kingdome every one endeavoured to excuse it and some alledged it was against the Petition of Right it being done out of Parliament which begat a great quarrell Great Contest happened in Ireland this yeare between the Protestants and Papists which occasioned the Lord Strafford then Lord Deputy to summon a Parliament for the raysing of moneys for the payment of the Army and the Kings Revenue which was managed with so much wisdome and prudence by the Lord Deputy that he obtained his desire There was likewise a Synod called wherein the Articles of 1615 were repealed and the 39 Articles of the Church of England established in their room they did likewise unanimously declare their consent and agreement with the Church of England in the profession of the same Christian faith The Scots were now Hatching mischievous designes against the King which they colour'd with specious pretences as The Kings endeavouring to Intrench on their Liberties and after some time were so Insolent as to charge the King with favouring of Papists in a desperate Libell which by the care and diligence of the Lords of the Councell was supprest the Author was discovered to be one Hagge and the principall abettor the Lord Bellamore who being found Guilty received the sentence of death but upon his application to the Kings mercy was pardoned The 29 of September by the procurement of the Earle of Arundell one Robert Parr aged 160 was brought to London one of the wonders of this last age In November following the Prince Elector came to London to tender his respect to his Uncle and to solicite touching his restitution and not long after came his second Brother Prince Robert On the 28 of December 1635. was borne the Kings second Daughter and was the second of January baptized Elizabeth March the sixth William Juxson Lord Bishop of London was made Lord Treasurer a man of great Piety and Integrity At this time if ever might England be said to be in a happy condition the Church the most Glorious and splendid that ever was since the Apostles times the Civill Government managed by a King who for piety and morality was not Inferiour to any in the Christian world Incompassed about with peace on all sides what mortall would ever have imagined that this bright Sun-shine of Felicity should be so soone Eclipsed William Land Lord Archbishop of Canterbury taking notice of the carelesse observance of the Ecclesiasticall Canons which he strictly put in practice in his solemne Visitation and in his zeale gave order for the Removing of the Communion Table to the East end of the Church upon an ascent and to be rayled In to prevent profanation which gave great distast to the puritan party who charg'd him with Innovation 1636. In July set forth the Kings Royall Fleete to scowre the Seas of Pirates and to prevent the Intrenching of the Hollander in Fishing upon our Coasts which was effected but by their humble Request the King Indulgently Granted them Liberty In September the Earle of Arundell was sent Extraordinary Ambassadour attended by a Noble Traine to the Emperour to solicite in behalfe of the Prince Elector who being wearied with delayes return'd in a discontent The unhappy Controversie of Ship-money began now to be disputed The Writs for raysing Ship-money having been formerly Issued out divers refused to pay among the rest Mr. Hamden of Buckingham-shire by wilfull default refused and desired it might be argued in Law which occasioned the King to write a Letter to Sir John Brampston Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench Sir John Finsh Lord Chiefe Justice of the Court of Common Pleas Sir Humphry Davenport Baron of the Exchequer and to the rest of The Judges of the severall Courts to know their opinion who joyntly and severally gave their opinion that it was Lawfull upon which Processe is immediately Issued out against Mr. Hamden who demurr'd and desired the Judges opinion which was argued in the Exchequer the Major part was for the King onely Judge Crooke and Judge Hutton seemed to favour the other party but Judgement was past by the Barons against Hamden On the 17 of March 1636. was borne Anne the Kings third Daughter In June following Mr. Prin Dr Bastwick and Mr. Burton three violent and restlesse spirited men were sentenc'd in the High Commission Court for seditious and scandalous Libells by them made and disperst against the Bishops and their Ecclesiastical Government which sentence was by some accounted harsh and severe The King knowing the necessity of a mutuall Compliance in matters of Religion and understanding his Fathers Intention in composing a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland Orders the Bishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Ely together with diverse other Bishops of both Nations to revise and correct as they should think meete the Service Compiled in his Fathers life time which very little differ'd from that of England orders it to be sent to the Councell in Scotland to be made use of When on the 23 of July 1637 the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in St Giles Church a suddain uproar began by the women and baser sort of people The Bishop appointed to preach goes into the Pulpit hoping to convince them of their Irreverend Carriage which nothing prevailed for they were the more Insolent flinging stones stooles and what ever else came next to hand so that he hardly escaped with life Diverse other Churches were likewise Infested with the like fury and madnesse but by the Industry of the Archbishop of St Andrews Lord Chancelour and other Magistrates the tumult was appeased some were afterward apprehended and endeavours made to finde out the first beginner But it rested
body of the Kings Horse fell on a party of Horse commanded by Sir Philip Stapleton who received the Charge with much resolution and beate the Enemy up to their maine body The fight continued till neer night The London Trained bands and Auxiliaries behaved themselves with much Valour and resolution The number of the dead was not certainly known There were diverse persons of quality slaine and wounded on the Kings side as likewise diverse Colours were taken and sent up to London Collonell Massey from Glocester moves up and downe with a party of Horse and doth much mischiefe to the Kings Forces The Kings forces Garrison all round about Glocester a party of the Kings Horse and foote rove up and down and seaze upon diverse good booties But the Kings maine body was orderd toward Reading which was then besieged by Essex Arundell Castle having been 28 dayes besieged by Sir William Waller was deliver'd on Conditions The King in December 1643. summons the Members of both Houses to appeare in January following at Oxford to advise in setling the peace of the Kingdome where on the 22th of January they meet at the Great Hall in Christ-Church where his Majesty declar'd That if he had the least thoughts of disagreeing with the happinesse of this Kingdome he would not advise with such Councellers as they were The Lords sat in the Upper Schooles the Commons in the Great Convocation House There were assembled the Prince the Duke of York Cumberland Fr. Cottington Treasurer Ed. Littleton Keeper of the Seale the Duke of Richmond and Marquesse of Hartford 19 Earles 18 Lords 126 Knights and Gentlemen beside a Great quantity of Noblemen Knights and Gentlemen imployed in his Majesties service in the severall parts of the Kingdome Their first work was to endeavour a peace to which purpose a Letter is sent to the Earle of Essex which he communicates to the House at Westminster On the 16 of January 1644. The Scots Army consisting of 18000 foote and 2000 Horse enter England by the way of Newcastle and set forth a Declaration of the justness of their Cause the Lawfulness of their Call New-wark having been three weeks besieged by Sir John Meldram with an Army of 7000. Prince Rupert with a body of 4000 Horse and Dragoones and 1000 foote raises the siege The Lord Fairfax and his Son Sir Thomas goe on victoriously in the North and in severall Encounters gave diverse defeats to the Earle of Newcastles forces The Parliament at Oxford having sat from January to Aprill and done no great matter the King after a Speech prorogues them to the 8 of October and afterwards by Proclamation till the 9 of November The Queen went from Oxford toward the West of England in order to her going over into France was attended the first dayes journey by her two eldest Sons and many of the Nobility The King in presence of the Peeres at Oxford received the Sacrament from the hands of Bishop Vsher using these solemne Protestations My Lords I espie here many resolv'd Protestants who may declare to the world the Resolution I doe now make I have to the utmost of my power prepar'd my soule to become a worthy receiver and may I so receive comfort by the blessed Sacrament as I doe intend the Establishment of the true reformed Protestant Religion as it stood in its beauty in the happy dayes of Queen Elizabeth without any connivance at Popery I blesse God that in the midst of these publick distractions I have still liberty to communicate and may this Sacrament be my damnation if my heart doe not joyne with my lips in this Protestation The Countesse of Darby held out Latham House against a considerable force of the Parliaments for neer 18 weeks The besiegers hearing of Prince Ruperts advance for the Countesses reliefe drew off from the siege upon which they sally out and did great Execution upon the Enemy The Parliament at Westminster Vote it treason for any Member of either House to desert them and goe to the King and the Member or Members so doing never to be receiv'd more into the House In June 1644. Collonell Massey summons Malborrough which was commanded by Collonell Hen. Howard who refusing to deliver it up to him causes a Great battery and with some Great Ordinance forc't his passage who with much Courage enters the Towne put the Enemy to flight and took above a hundred prisoners Sir William Waller with a body of Horse and foote attends the Kings motion from place to place and neere Crepida bridge the Kings Horse faced Sir William and Charg'd them through and through kill'd 150 men and took all his Traine of Artillery together with diverse considerable Officers prisoners The King presently marches to Bath with intent to follow the Earle of Essex who was gone that way On the 23 of July 1644. he came to Kingsmore and by the first of August came to Liskard some few miles distant where he encompast the Earle of Essex his Army his Majesty and Prince Maurice at Boneke on the one side Sir Richard Greenvill in Bodnim and Sir Jacob Astley at Hall The Kings Souldiers were very desirous to fight but it was thought more convenient to keep them up from provisions In eight dayes attendance very little was performed but some small skirmishes of Horse a party of 1500 foote was sent West to prevent all provisions coming that way Essex his Army marcht toward Foy leaving most of their great Pieces behind them the King followed and fell in upon the reare forc't them to retire in disorder and had not night prevented in all probability the whole Army had been destroyed The next morning Early the Earle of Essex quit his command and went by boate to Plimouth They require a Parly and chose Collonell Barkley Collonell Whichcot and Collonell Butler on the Parliaments party On the Kings side Prince Maurice the Lord Generall and the Lord Digby in eight Articles the agreement was made to deliver up all their Artillery with all their bag and baggage no person under the degree of a Corporall to weare any kind of weapon all Officers above onely sword and pistoll There were accordingly deliver'd up 49 Pieces of Brasse Ordinance 200 barrells of powder with bullet and match proportionable 9000 Armes for Horse and foote some thousands of the common Souldiers were immediately upon their desire entertain'd in his Majesties service Essex endeavoureth to excuse it to the Parliament as if by reason of Wallers not pursuing the Kings Army Yet notwithstanding this Great Victory the King sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament for a peace and likewise a Letter to the Earle of Essex to the same purpose The Nobility likewise subscribe a Letter to the Earle of Essex The King from Tavestoke sends another Letter to both Houses for an accommodation but the Parliament were so averse that nothing could prevaile The Parliament at Oxford met againe but unfortunately they fell into divisions and factions
Earle of Warwick Earle of Manchester Vicount Say and Seale Lord Wharton and Lord Roberts For the Commons Mr Perepoint Mr Nathaniell Fines Sir Henry Vane senior Sir Arthur Haslerig Sir Gilbert Gerard Sir William Ermine Sir John Evelin Sir Henry Vane junior Sir William Waller Mr Crew Mr Soliciter St John Mr Wallop Mr Samuel Browne Lieutenant Generall Cromwell A Generall Councell of the Army being met at Windsor they were very Joyfull and unanimously approv'd of the Votes of the House touching his Majesty and ordred two Declarations to be drawne up one to shew their good liking of the Houses proceedings with promise to ayd and assist them in setling the Kingdome yea without the King or against the King the second for the maintenance of the Peerage of England with Resolution to stand by Lords and Commons to the last man On the 17 of January the Votes for non-addresses past the Lords House They Ordred Colonel Barksteds Regiment to quarter in White Hall Colonel Rich his Regiment of Horse to quarter in the Mews His Majesty having heard of the Resolves of both Houses continues very chearfull and is much retired The Scots Commissioners desire leave to Returne The House of Lords added four of their order to the Committee of Darby-House Viz. the Earle of Salsbury the Lord Mograve Earle of Denbigh and Lord Howard The Earle of Pembrooke was Voted Chancellor of Oxford Both Houses Vote that the Committee of Darby-House have plenipotence to order the dispose of the Army Commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax as they shall thinke fit The Commons consider'd of Commissioners to goe to Scotland to acquaint the Parliament of Scotland with the miscarriages of their Commissioners here And Order Mr Goodwin Mr Ashurst Mr Brian Stapleton and Colonel Birch to receive their Instructions from the Committee of Darby-House The Lords joyne the Earle of Nottingham and the Earle of Stamford to goe with them The second of February the Commons past an Order that all the servants lately made by the Commissioners attending his Majesty be removed and that the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax place such about his Majesty as he should thinke fit provided they exceed not thirty They likewise order'd a Declaration to be drawne up to satisfie the Kingdome of the Grounds and Reasons of their passing the Votes for non-addresses The 21 of February Judge Jenkins was brought to the Bar of the House where he refused to kneele a Charge was read against him That he had condemn'd or pasT sentence upon men to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd for not assisting against the Parliament That he tooke up Armes himselfe that he stir'd up others to levy war and assist against the Parliament that he accused the Parliament and charg'd them with counterfeiting the Great Seale and bein requir'd to speak what he had to say for himselfe he answer'd that they had no power to try him he assur'd with confidence the Militia was in the King alone he said Kings did not formerly covenant to maintaine the Law but onely to be mercifull to the people He endeavoured to terrifie the Parliament with his Majesties numerous Issue in Geniollogy he pray'd the Laws might be protected he saith there can be no Laws without a King and that there is none in Venice nor the Vnited Provinces for his ill deportment and words which were indeed a breach of the priviledge of the House he was fined 1000 l. and the House Voted a Charge to be brought in against him His Majesty at Caresbrooke Castle is very much dejected and discontented at his confinement and the removall of his old servants he will not permit his haire nor beard to be medled withall but by a Barbar of his own choosing by which meanes he is growne very hairy The Scots Commissioners Report to their Parliament much to the prejudice of the Parliament of England touching their proceedings with the King The Lords and Commons Concur that no forces be raised in London nor ten miles round but by speciall warrant from the Committee of Darby-House The House being Inform'd that one Colonell Poyer Governour of Pembroke Castle had refused to deliver it up being required thereunto by Letters from the Generall Order that if the said Colonell Poyer shall not within twelve houres after notice hereof surrender the Castle with all the Armes and Ammunition therein that then the said Colonell Poyer and all that shall adhere to him are hereby declared Traytors and Rebells and the Generall is hereby required to reduce the said Castle and to bring the said Colonell Poyer and his adherents to Justice and the Generall was requir'd to send this Order that the Colonell might not plead excuse Colonell Langhurne likewise raised a body of men and came to the assistance of Colonell Poyer and had gathered together a considerable body of men neere 2000 Horse and foote They publish a Declaration of their Resolutions to establish his Majesty in his full power and dignity The Generall Order'd thirty Companyes of Horse and foote to suppresse them under the Command of Colonel Horton The King though set aside and confin'd to the Isle of Wight was more formidable this Summer then ever he was since the beginning of the late troubles for the very name of a King was now grown into great credit with the people throughout the Kingdome and by it not onely tumults but Armyes were raised A mutiny hapned at Bury about a Maypole some discontented persons declare for the King the House order the Generall to send some forces who besieged it and after some time was delivered up to mercy Chepstow was likewise surprized for the King On the 22 of Aprill the Earle of Northumberland Inform'd the House of the escape of the Duke of Yorke from St James's The manner thus The Earle went as his custome was to attend the Duke at eight a clock at night after some stay the Duke came from his brothers Chamber when the Earle was gone the Duke went out againe as his manner was in way of play to obscure himselfe that his Gentlemen might seeke him which accordingly they did but could not find him upon search they Informe the Earle who upon enquiry dilcovers that he had borrowed the Key of the Garden doore the day before of the Gardner as also there was discovery made of his footsteps The Parliament in Scotland order a Committee for safety who advise that an Army of 40000 men be forthwith Levied for the preservation of his Majesty and Kingdome of Scotland notwithstanding diverse Lords Knights and Gentlemen Members of the Parliament Remonstrate of their utter dislike of it Immediately the Parliament of England Order the fortifying of Newcastle and Hull to prevent the Scots Invasion The Parliament men being summon'd to attend the House were cald over and found to be neere 320 men A Petition was presented to the Parliament from the City Requiring the Armyes removall from the City and that the Posts and Chaines may be put up for the
some few Vipers among them that cast this mist of undutifulnesse over most of their eyes yet to say truth there was a good number there that could not be infected with this contagion in so much that some did expresse their duties in speaking which was the Generall fault of the House the last day To conclude as these Vipers must look for their reward of punishment so you my Lords must justly expect from me that favour and protection that a good King oweth to his loving and dutifull subjects And now my Lord Keeper doe what I command you who in the Kings name dissolv'd the Parliament The Parliament being dissolv'd the King sets forth a Declaration of the Causes Grounds and Motives that caused him to dissolve them together with an account of all the Transactions of this and the last Parliament Not long after the King sent for ten of the last Parliament to appeare at the Councell Table viz. Mr. Hollis Sir Miles Hobert Sir John Eliot Sir Peter Hayman Mr. Selden Mr. Stroud Mr. Correton Mr. Valentine Mr. Long Mr. Kirton who having been examin'd by the Lord Treasurer some were sent to the Tower some to the Gate-House others to the Fleete which afterward begot a very high controversie in Law The Queen being affrighted was before her time delivered of a Son who was baptized Charles which lived not above two houres The States of Venice sent over an Ambassadour to mediate for a peace betwixt us the French which was concluded in eight Articles and confirmed with solemn Oaths on both sides Two great Reasons were given for the Kings suddaine consent to a peace the one was the ill successe and bad fortune that alwayes attended his warlike designes the other and maine the sinews of war being dried and shrunk up the Exchequer was very barren Peter Reuben the famous Painter of Antwerp came over into England and made overtures of a peace with Spaine by offering the restitution of the Palatinate then which nothing was more desirable of the King but he had not full power to performe On the 29 of May 1630. the Queen was deliver'd of her second Son who was baptized the 27 of June at St James's with all Princely ceremony and named Charles which caused great rejoycings and acclamations among the people excepting the Puritan party At his birth a Star appeared visibly at noone day just as the King went to St Pauls Church to give thankes where he was presented with these Verses When to Pauls-Cross the Gratefull King draw nere A shining Star did in the Heavens appeare Thou that consults with divine Mysteries Tell me what this bright Comet signifies Now is there borne a valiant Prince i' th West That shall Eclipse the Kingdoms of the East The King being deeply sensible of his brothers miseries and being informed of a Diet at Ratsbone sent Sir Robert Anstruther Ambassadour to the Emperour and Estates in Germany to mediate in his brothers behalfe to which the Emperour return'd Answer that no forraine businesse was to be medled withall at the Diet but as soone as possibly he could he would doe that which might be for his Honour and he hoped to his Majesties content upon which the Ambassadour returnes One Layton a Rigid Presbyter who published a book call'd Zions Plea in which he excited the Parliament and People to kill all the Bishops Very abusive also to the Queene calling her the Daughter of Heth a Canaanite an Idolatresse was sentenced in the Star-Chamber to have his nose slit his eares cropt and stigmatized in the forehead which he for some time prevented by an Escape out of the Fleete but being taken underwent it The Peace betwixt England and Spaine was at last concluded the Articles being the same in effect with those that were betwixt King James and Philip the Third excepting that the King of Spaine should dispose of all his Interest in the Emperour toward the restitution of the Palatinate which was proclaimed Sunday the 27 of November 1630. with Great solemnity Aprill the 25. 1631. Mervin Lord Audley Earle of Castle-Haven was arraigned at the Kings-Bench Bar before Thomas Lord Coventry who for that day was appointed Lord High Treasurer of England he being found Guilty of Rape and Sodomy was by his Peeres condemned and Executed the 14 of May at Tower hill And on the 27 of June following Mr. Broadway and Fitz Patrick servants to and concriminaries with the Lord Audley were tryed at the Kings-Bench-Bar and being found Guilty the one of Rape the other of Sodomy were condemned and on the sixt of July were executed at Tyburne The Queene was the 4th of November 1631. deliver'd of her eldest Daughter who was baptized Mary December 2d 1632. The King was visited with the small Pox but by Gods blessing soone recovered Anno 1632. The Church of St Paul which by the pious zeale of our Auncestors was raysed to that huge bulke that all Christendome was not able to paralell being through age decayed was by the piety of his Majesty the Bishops the Nobility Gentry and Commonalty of the Nation begun to be repaired and a very great progresse was made therein but the unhappy differences of the Nation ensuing caus'd its obstruction Anno 1633. The King having been often solicited to goe into Scotland in order to his personall Coronation on the 13th of May he sets forward with a Princely Traine most of the English Nobility all the Scots that attended here and on the way was very Nobly treated by diverse of the Nobility and Gentry ospecially by the Earle of Newcastle at Welbeck On the 10 of June he came safe to Edenborough where he was Crowned with all outward seeming affection and on the 20 of July return'd safe to the Queen at Greenwich In the beginning of August dyed the Reverend Prelate George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud then of London immediately succeeded him October the 13th 1633. the Queen was delivered of her second Son who was baptized James and on the 24 of the same moneth was by Letters pattent created Duke of York The King taking into his Princely care the Irreverend and remisse service of God in the Kingdome of Scotland sent Orders to be observed by the Deane of his Chappell as in England 1 That prayer be said twice a day according to the English forme 2 The Sacrament to be administred once a moneth and to be received Kneeling 3 That he which Officlates on Holy dayes doe it in his Surplice Which though backt with a Letter requiring exact obedience the Deane durst not performe for feare of discontenting the people The King by the Advice of the Bishops and Councell Reviv'd his Fathers Declaration for tolerating Lawfull Sports on the Sunday which gave great distast to the people especially to the puritanicall party On the second of February being Candlemas day at night the King and Queene were entertained at White Hall with a Mask of the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court The
February 1647. they were carried to his Majesty by Major Generall Browne and the Scotch Commissioners who were to bring an answer in six dayes upon the Receit of the Propositions he desired to know whether they were the same with those he received at Newcastle it was answered there was onely some little alterations as to persons that served him in the late war then he desired to know of the Scotch Commissioners if they concur'd they answer'd they did His Majesty said they were matters of Great concernment and requir'd serious consideration but he would take care that they should have an answer within the time limited The Committee and Commissioners order 6000 foote 2400 Horse and 500 Dragoones to be sent into Ireland and care was taken to provide all necessary provisions The Commons likewise Order a moneths Gratuity to be given to the Army They likewise Vote a standing Army of 18000 foote 7200 Horse and a 1000 Dragoones be kept up as a standing Army for England An answer came from his Majesty which was by the House Voted not satisfactory The Commons took into consideration the Actions of diverse Eminent Citizens in London tending to a new war Vote a Charge of high nature be brought in and the Lord Mayor Alderman Adams Alderman Langham Alderman Bunce and Sheriffe Cullam with diverse other active Citizens were taken into Custody diverse Lords were committed to the Black Rod as the Earle of Lincolne Earle of Suffolke Lord Barkley Lord Willowby Lord Maynard Lord Hunsden September the 28. 1647. The Commons once more Vote to send to his Majesty and to that purpose they considered of severall Propositions That about Religion being the maine thing They also Vote his Majesty be desired to give his consent to such Act or Acts of Parliament as shal be presented to him for setling of Presbyterian Government according to the matter of severall Ordinances of Parliament for the Directory or Church Government to continue for the space of three yeares from the time that the King shall give his consent to such Act or Acts. They likewise Voted the Common-prayer-booke shall not be used in private The Souldiers about his Majesty are very civill permitting his Majesty to Hunt with the Duke of Richmond Marquesse of Hartford Marquesse of Ormond Earle of Southampton and diverse others of the Nobility without any Interruption His Majesty sent a Letter to the Generall desiring his Children to stay with him a night or two it being too great a Journey to goe and come to St James's in a day which he communicates to the Parliament They Order the Earle of Northumberland to satisfie his Majesty about his Children The Heads of the Propositions agreed upon by both Houses to be presented to his Majesty were these 1. The Militia for twenty yeares in the hands of Parliament or Committee of Parliament in Intervalls 2. Money be raised to pay the publique debts of the Kingdome 3. All Honours bestowed by his Majesty since the 22 of May 1642. to be Null and Voyd 4. Nulling his Majesties Great Seale and confirming that of the Parliament 5. Totally to abolish Bishops and their Hierarchy roote and branch 6. All their Lands to be sould for the payment of publique debts and other necessary Charges of the Kingdome 7. Make voyd the cessation of Ireland 8. The Election of all the Chiefe Officers of trust as Treasurer Admirall be by Parliament and they to hold during their good behaviour The Deputy of Ireland to be appointed by Parliament and to hold during pleasure 9. The Presbyterian Government to be settled as to the Religious service of God 10. The Treaties betwixt England and Scotland be confirm'd as it is now agreed 11. Justices of peace and Sheriffs to be Chosen by Grand Jury men 12. That his Majesty restore all such servants to their places as have been put out for adhering to the Parliament 13. That his Majesty passe an Act for the sale of Deane and Chapters Lands and the money to be dispos'd of as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit 14. That his Majesty shall not give pardon of Life to seven excepted persons 15. That his Majesty passe an Act for the dis-forresting all the Forrests and Chases in England 16. That his Majesty passe an Act for securing the arreares of the Souldiers of the Army and all other Souldiers that have serv'd the Parliament and those arreares to be payd out of the Remainder of Bishops Lands 17. That the Count of Wards be null and that his Majesty have 50000 l. per Annum in lieu of it 18. A period may be set to this Parliament All which being Granted His Majesty the Queene and Prince to Enjoy their revenues and the King to Governe The Commons order diverse of his Majesties old servants be discharg'd and that there be a stricter Guard then usuall The Scotch Commissioners sent a Letter to the House of the deep sense of his Majesties Imprisonment withall desiring his Majesty may come to London to treat with Honour Freedome and Safety and advise that it would withall be the most profitable and effectuall meanes for attaining of a happy peace and setling Religion the Restoring of his Majesty to his just Rights and continuing and strengthning a good understanding with both Nations Which Letter was layd aside News was brought to the House that his Majesty had made an escape out of his restraint from Hampton Court The manner thus November 11. 1647. He according to his custome withdrew himselfe to be private a little before Evening prayer staying somewhat longer then was usuall it was taken notice of yet at first without suspition but he not coming forth suddenly there were feares which increased by the Crying of a Grayhound severall times within in the room and upon search it was found that the King was gone and by the way of Paradice a place so call'd in the garden much about the close of the Evening He left on the Table three Papers one to the Parliament one to the Commissioners and a third to Colonell Whaly one of them was as followeth Liberty being that which in all times hath been but especially now is the condition the aym and desire of all men common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity yet I call God to witnesse with what patience I have endur'd a tedious restraint which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of my Kingdomes or the hindring of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergoe but now finding by too certaine proofes that this my continued patience must not onely turne to my personall ruine but likewise be of more prejudice then furtherance to the publique good I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall obligations to seeke my safety by retiring my selfe sometime from the publique view both of my friends and enemies and I appeale to all indifferent men to judge if I have not
the Country people in Armes on their own defence seaze on diverse straglers many expecting no good leave him at last he moves toward Staffordshire Severall parties of Horse were sent after them one meets with Middleton who commanded 400 Horse falls on him disperst his company and took him prisoner Sir Marmaduke Langdale is appareheded in an Inne The Duke sent to the Lord Gray for a Cessation and to render himselfe prisoner to him which accordingly he did Immediately Commissioners are appointed by the Parliament to examine him Colonell George Monroe being newly come into England with a considerable body for a reserve understanding the totall defeat of Hamilton returnes back into Scotland and not long after came the Marquesse of Argile Lord Louden Leaven and other of the Nobility to Lieutenant Generall Cromwell to manifest their utter dislike of Hamiltons coming with an Army and Monroes endeavours to Levy Forces for the prosecution of the War and to desire his assistance against him To which the Lieutenant Generall return'd answer of his wiilingnesse to assist them and to joyne with them to subdue Monro and that he did really believe that God gave the Dukes Army into the hands of those under his Command to make way for the reliefe of the faithfull in Scotland he forthwith communicates it to the House who accordingly Vote that they approve of his Entring Scotland for the assistance of those that endeavour'd to oppose Hamiltons Levies The Parliament Orders so many of the Scots prisoners being in all 15000 that were forc't away be sent home in regard of the dearnesse of provissions The rest to be sent to severall parts abroad The King from Caresbrooke August 28. 1648. sent a Letter to the Speakers of both Houses thus My Lord and Mr Speaker I have receiv'd your Letter of the 25 of this moneth with the Votes that you sent me and though they are not so full as I could have wisht to the perfecting of a Treaty yet because I conceive by what you hav done that I am in some measure fit to begin on such is my uncessant and earnest desire to give a peace to these my now distressed Kingdomes as I now accept the Treaty therefore desire that such five Lords and ten Commons as my two Houses shall appoint be speedily sent fully Anthorized and Instructed to treat with me not doubting but what is now wanting will at our meeting upon debate be fully supplied not onely to the furtherance of this Treaty but also to the Consummating of a safe and well-grounded peace So I rest your good Friend Charles R. Indorsed For the Earle of Manchester Speaker of the House of Peeres pro tempore and William Lenthall He likewise Inclosed the Names of those persons which he desir'd might attend him most whereof were Granted him The Towne of Colchester having held out the longest siege of any Towne in England since the first beginning of the troubles in Expectation of Relief from the North but the Scots Colours being brought before the Towne totally disappointed them of their Expectation and being by famine the sorest of Calamities compeld to deliver the Towne up to mercy they having sed neere ten dayes together on Hors-flesh The Great ones endeavouring to escape were turn'd back by their own men The Towne was deliver'd up on these Conditions The Generall permitting the Common Souldiers to depart with life and the Officers to remaine at his disposall he to exempt from mercy whom he pleased the remainder to be remitted to the mercy of the Parliament The Towne to Rayse 14000 l. to preserve it from plunder And accordingly August 27. they marcht out on the Conditions above exprest The miseries of the Towne were great there being hardly so much as Hors-bread lest to have preserv'd them alive one day On the 28 of August at a Councell of War it was resolv'd that Sir Charles Lucas Sir George Lisle and Sir Barnard Jaskin a Papist be shot to death And accordingly Sir Charles Lucas was brought out into the Castle yard where he insisted upon an appeale but being deni'd he took Courage and looking death in the face with an undaunted resolution submitted himselfe Sir George Lisle was next brought forth who Kist Sir Charles being dead and after private prayer desir d a speedy death more desperate then many of the ancient Romanes on Record It s Credibly reported by Eye-witnesses that upon the very place where they were executed there groweth no grasse notwithstanding all the ground thereabout is very fertill Sir Barnard Jaskin was reprieved The Generall sent immediately a Letter to the Commons giving them an account of the whole proceedings as to Colchester as likewise certified the names of those Officers prisoners which were neere two hundred and to know their pleasure withall Telling them that to satisfie the Souldiery and to take vengeance he had caused to be shot to death Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle the first having contrary to promise falsified his word with him the second directed the shooting of poysoned bullets both being against the Law of Armes August the 31. the Commons took into Consideration the Kings Letter and those persons that he had nominated And by reason that some of them were exempted persons others prisoners or under bail they were not all allowed The rest that his Majesty had nam'd had freedom to goe The next day the Lords and Commons nominated their Commissioners to treat with his Majesty viz. The Earle of Northumberland the Earle of Pembrooke Lord of Salsbury Lord of Middlesex Lord Say and Seale for the Commons Mr Hollis the Lord Wainman Mr Perepoint Sir Harbottle Grinastone Sir Henry Vane Junior Sir John Corbet Mr Crew Mr Samuel Browne Mr Glin and Mr Bulkley The Commons order a Letter to be sent to his Majesty with the names of the Commissioners withall letting him know how far they had proceeded in the Treaty They further considered of Instructions for the Treaty and require money of the City to defray the Charge The Prince Riding in the Downs with the Revolted ships sent a summons to the Earle of Warwick to tender and submit himselfe to the Kings Majesty for the better security and settlement of the Kingdome The Lord Admirall returnes answer that God-willing he will performe the trust reposed in him and for setling the Kingdome he leaves that to the Parliament September 11. a Petition was presented to the Commons entituled The humble Petition of thousands well affected in the City of London giving diverse Reasons why they assisted them in the war with their lives and fortunes giving them to understand that they expected other meanes for a settlement then a personall Treaty as likewise taking particular notice of the severall wants and necessities of the Nation concluding that they had laid to heart the blood and losse of the people and wisht them seriously to consider whether an act of oblivion will satisfie Gods Justice and appease his wrath Which Petition
it The Complaint of the Country every where was very Great by reason of free quarter which the Officers of the Army upon serious Inspection discover a designe to stop their pay to make them more odious to the people At a Councell of War held at the Bull in St Albanes where were present sixteen Colonels besides other Officers a Declaration was read of all their Grivances and desires containing 26 sheets of Paper which was orderd to be presented to the House Nemine contradicente The Commons order the drawing of severall Acts to be sign'd by his Majesty As 1. An Act for Justifying the War made by Parliament 2. An Act for Nulling all Honours since the carrying away of the Great Seale 3. An Act for explanation and preventing future Interpretations of the Statute 25 Ed. the 3d and all other Acts of Treason and that of the 11 of Henry the 7th concerning the subjects aiding the King in his Wars for the better securing the Kingdomes peace and subjects lives and estates which being sent to the Commissioners together with the Votes of the House concerning the Bishops their Lands were by them presented to his Majesty who seemed very much dissatisfied The Commissioners againe press upon the King to which he replies that he had given his answer already and could not with a safe conscience consent to the abolishing of Bishops nor approve of the alienating of their Lands because he is perswaded the first is Apostolicall the second sacrilegious He further tould them that if his two Houses will not recede from their former Votes and content themselves satisfied in order to peace He can be content with Christ to suffer any thing that can befall him rather then deprive himselfe of the tranquility of Conscience still hoping that the Parliament will consent To which the Commissioners answer that the Parliament conceive it necessary that his Majesty grant their request for the peace and welfare of the Kingdom assuring that it is not the Apostolicall Bishop which they require but the Bishop establisht by Law growne up to that height of pride and state Insulting over all power and burthensome to the persons and estates of the subjects And for alienating Bishops Lands they answer they were settled by Law and by Law may be alienated and that it was an ordinary practice of his Majesties Predecessors in the Case of Abby Lands On the 26 of November was presented a Declaration of the Army to the Commons House which was the day before subscribed by the Generall it contained 26 sheets of paper shewing the misgoings of King Parliament severally also in all Treaties betwixt them especially that they are now in They conceive the Parliament hath abundant cause to lay aside any further proceedings in this Treaty and to returne to their Votes of non-addresses and settle with or against the King that he was Governe no more by rejecting those demands of the King especially concerning his restitution and coming to London with freedome Honour and safety and that they proceed against the King in way of Justice and that a peremptory day be set for the Prince of Wales and Duke of York to come in if not to be declared uncapable of any Government and stand Exiled for ever as traytors The Governour of the Isle of Wight sends a Letter to the Lords that he may be discharged of his Imployment which they would by no meanes consent to but ordered him to continue his Imployment The Generall Orders Collonell Euers Governour of the Island and sent for Colonell Hamond to the head quarters at Windsor whither being come He was for some time detained The Generall sent a Letter to both Houses of the Grounds and reasons of his advance with his Army toward the City in pursuance of their former Declaration And on the second of December accordingly the Generall and Army enter the Lines of Communication The Generall quarterd at White Hall with a Regiment of foote the Horse and the rest of the Army quarter in the Mews St James's York House and diverse other places about the City The King from Newport was by the new Governour convey'd to Hurst Castle a very noysome and unwholsome place where during his restraint he composed his book entituled The portraiture of his sacred Majesty in his solitude and sufferings a Royall Monument which he left to posterity The House sat all day and night till eight of the Clock next morning many Speeches were made by divers Members of the Kings Concessions among the rest Mr Prin made a long Speech proving the Kings Concessions to be a Ground for a setled peace which was afterwards Voted in the House 129 being for it and 84 against it Wednesday December the sixt some part of the Army having a List of those Members that were to be taken into custody according they did it not permitting them to enter the House the number seazed was thirty-four two whereof viz. Sir Benjamine Ruddier and Mr Nathaniel Fines were by the Generall discharged the rest were carried to the Kings head in the Strand and divers other places of Westminster having Guards upon them Presently after was publisht the Reasons why the Army had secluded divers Members which were First That very many had turn'd Malignants and had brought such into the House and kept them in notwithstanding Votes to the contrary secondly They endeavouring to bring the King in upon his own tearmes thirdly Their protecting the 11 Members from Justice fourthly Their abetting and pertaking with the Cities violence on the House and tumults fifthly Encouraging the City and others to Petition for a personall Treaty sixthly Encouraging the late Insurrections and calling in the 11 Members The remaining Members continue sitting on the seventh of December Lieutenant Generall Cromwell came to the House and had their thankes for his faithfull service both in England and Scotland The same day the Lords Voted his Majesties Concessions a Ground for peace and forthwith adjourne Severall Regiments of Horse and foote were quarterd in Black Fryers St Pauls Church and all the Houses adjacent On the ninth of December a Petition was presented to the Councell of War at White Hall by the Officers and Souldiers of divers Regiments That the Grand and Capitall Enemies of the Common-wealth may be speedily brought to Justice The Committee fitting in White Hall order a Representative of 400 persons to be chosen throughout the Nation for the settlement of the Kingdome December 13. the Remaining part of the Commons House Nuld and Vote for his Majesties Concessions and order the Generall to take care of the King The Councell of War were orderd to sit to draw up a Charge against the King and accordingly orders were Issued out for his removall December the 10th his Majesty came from Hurst Castle dined at a Ladyes and that night came on Hors-back to Winchester where he lay all night The next night to Farnham attended by Colonel Harison and a Guard of 2000