of Holland and West Friesland and upon the 11 th of June 1650. he delivered his Message in Parliament which though it produced no more then a mutuall desire of an amicable compliance yet was it very well resented by the Parliament that they shewed themselves the leading cards to the rest of the Provinces at such a time as that Now when as the Treaty at Breda was fully ended and that all their Jealousies and animosities notwithstanding the vast disproportion and notable antipathy that was erewhile between the Royalists and Presbyterians was by this means fully allayed at least in shew The Scots seemed to want nothing save the presence of their King whereby to crown their desires and confront the English in order whereunto he hasts from Breda to the Hague from thence to Scheveling where he took shipping and at last in despight of foul weather and the English Kingfishers that lay there to intercept him he landed at the Spey in the North of Scotland where he found the greatest difficulty in ascending the Throne and least enjoyed it of any Prince that was ever heard or read of For upon all occasions he was compeld to trace the steps and follow the dictates of that haughty Clergy in all their fanatick humours and imperious decrees who bereaved him first of all his old friends Counsellors and confederates whether of the Clergy or Layety who to say the truth had alwayes accompanied his Father and him in all their dysasters and dangers and had shipwrackt their own fortunes to carine and repair his though it may be by this desertion he intended their restauration But now the Scots had a King yet as though they had none they did what seemed right in their own eyes The first and most pernicious potion they made him to take and of hardest digestion was the solemne League and Covenant that ignis fatuus and only seminary of bloud and mischief in these three Nations The next was a declaration of the Kirks own framing and fashioning wherein he is taught to renounce the sinnes of his Fathers house and of his own the Idolatry of his Mother by a constant adhering to the Cause of God according to the Covenant in the firm establishment of Church government as it is laid down in the Directory for publike Worship Confession of Faith and Catechism This with divers others of the like nature although with much reluctancy he also signed which it's like burthened his spirit yet bettered not his condition which was like that of a Child under Tutors and Governours for there was not an Officer in that Church or Commonwealth how vile and abject soever in place or person but enjoyed more freedome in body and mind then he Guarded indeed he was but little regarded so that move he must not but in the sphaere of the Kirk they were the primum mobile whereby it 's apparent that the Government of that Nation was not truly Monarchicall though they had a King but Hierarchicall the confusion whereof I shall now set before you The Parliament of England weighing right well the condition into which their affairs were now reduced by reason of the Agreement that was peeced up between the Scots and their King after a serious and solemne debate Gen. Fairfax layes down his Commission which was presently confer'd upon General Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland voted that Thomas Lord Fairfax with the Army under his command should march Northwards who after some conference had with the Parliament and being prompted by an indisposition of body or mind laid down his Commission which was forthwith conferr'd upon Oliver Cromwell Lord Deputy of Ireland who in order to this Northern expedition arrived a while after from his victorious archievements in that country leaving his Son in Law Henry as Lord Deputy in his room Accordingly Orders were issued forth for the speedy advance of the Army into Scotland who had no sooner begun their March but the Scots took the Alarme and sent two or three Papers to Sr. Arthur Hasterig then Governour of Newcastle wherein they expostulated the Case about the sudden approach of the English Army endeavouring thereby to impede their march till such time as their designs were ripe alledging as scar-Crowes to fright fools the Covenant the large treaty and Union between the two Nations with other circumstances of the like nature as frivolous as they were fruitless The Parliament of England then published likewise a Declaration shewing the grounds and reasons of their Armies advance towards Scotland accompanied with another from the Generall and officers of the Army The Declaration of the English Army in their march to Scotland shewing that that which moved them to that great undertaking was not any reliance upon the arme of flesh or being lifted up with the remembrance of former successes or the desire of accomplishing any designs of their own that they had forelaid but the full assurance they had that their Cause was just in the sight of God looking at the precedent changes and the successes that produced them not as the work of the policy or strength of man but as the eminent actings of the Providence and Power of God to bring forth his good will and pleasure concerning the things which he hath determined in the world adding that nothing was so predominant with them next to their duty to God not to betray a cause to which he had so much witnessed as the love they had to those that feared God there who might possibly suffer through their own mistakes or their disability to distinguish in a common calamity of which Christian love they hoped that they gave some proof when they were before in Scotland with that Army and were by God made instrumentall to break the power of those that oppressed the godly Party there for which say they their late Engagement to their new King against England was no good requital nor their heaping on them the reproach of a Sectarian Army a Christian dealing all which by the grace of God they could forget and forgive and did as they say desire of God that the precious might be separated from the vile beginning and concluding with a most solemn and dreadful imprecation and appeal That to the truth of these things the God of Heaven in his great mercy pardoning their weaknesses would judge of them when they came to meet the Enemy in the Field This Declaration was sent by the Generall of the English Forces from their Head-Quarters at Barwicke to Edenburgh by a Trumpeter whom they blinded coming and going what effect this wrought the sequel of the Story will relate From Barwick the Army marched to the Lord Mordingtons House July 22. 1650. where they lay three dayes on the 25. they marched to Copperspeth the 26. to Dunbar where they received some provisions from the Ships sent on purpose to attend the motions of the Army forasmuch as the people of the Countrey had forsook their habitations and
had left nothing behind that might accommodate them The Army thus refresht at Dunbar marcht thence to Haddington Next day hearing the Scots would meet them at Gladsmore they laboured to possesse the Moor before them but no considerable part appeared whereupon Major Generall Lambert and Collonel Whalley men of approved courage with 1400. Horse were sent as a Vauntguard to Mussleborough to attempt something upon the Enemy if possible The General with the residue of the Army marching in the rear the English and Scotch Horse had some encounters but the Scots would not endure the Shock that night the English lay encamped close at Mussleborough the Enemy was within four miles of them intrenched with a Line flanked from Edenburgh to Leith the Guns from Leith scouring most parts of the Line so that they lay very strong The English finding their Enemies were not easily to be attempted lay still all that day being the 29. which proved a sore day of rain and greatly disadvantageous to them having nothing to cover them all which expecting a speedy engagement they did cheerfully undergo it next day being the 30. the ground very wet and provisions being scarce the English resolved to draw to their Quarters at Mussleborough to refresh and revictuall which while they were doing the Scots fell upon their rear and put them to some disorder But some bodies of the English Horse came forthwith to close with them which produced a hot and gallant skirmish insomuch that at length the English charged them so home that they beat them to their very Trenches Major General Lambert in this dispute was run through the arme with a Launce and wounded in another part of the body taken prisoner but rescued by Lievtenant Empson of the Generals Regiment several oâ— the Scots were killed and taken prisoners with small losse to the English among the rest there was taken one Lievtenant Collonel one Major and some Captains some persons of note were likewise slain By this means the English had opportunity to march quietly off to Mussleborough which they did that night but so wearied for want of sleep and tired with the dirtinesse of the wayes that they expected the Enemy would make a sudden infall upon them which accordingly they did Between three and four of the Clock next morning being the 30. of July with fifteen select Troops of Horse under the Command of Major General Montgomery and Coll. Straughan who came on with great resolution beat in the English Guards and put a Regiment of Horse into some disorder but the English presently taking the Alarm charged routed pursued and did execution upon them within a quarter of a mile of Edenburgh taking and killing many as well Officers as Souldiers the Scotch affairs succeeding in this sort made them forbear such frequent sallies and keep within their intrenchments This was the posture of the Military affairs in Scotland when to adde to the miseries of that people all traffique and commerce was prohibited between the two Nations And such of the Scots as had their residence in England were commanded to depart the Land within ten dayes or thereabouts their Ships not able to resist having no Convoy were often surprized by the English insomuch that they were in the road way to ruine But seeing this Moneth of August produced little of action from the Armies there it will not be amiss to give a brief account of such remarkable passages as about that time hapned in England and the neighbouring Nations At London was apprehended condemned Col. Andrews beheaded at Towerhill and executed Collonel Eusebius Andrews who being taken with a Commission from Charles Stuart and for entring into a conspiracy to undermine the Government of England suffered death as aforesaid From the united Provinces came accompt of some notable transactions which take as followeth The Prince of Orange Brother in Law to the Scots King by marrying his Sister Daughter to the late King of England aspiring to a higher degree of Soveraignty over those Provinces then he or his Predecessors ever enjoyed and being thwarted in some of his projects when he was at Amsterdam he thereupon was so distested that he resolved to right himself by securing and putting out the leading men in that Province of Holland for which purpose he caused all the Deputies thereof being then at the Hague to assemble which they refusing he seized most of them those of Amsterdam whom he chiefly defired escaped only His next design was to have surprized the City of Amsterdam by a stratagem commanding the Horse to such a place under pretence of conducting his Mother and shipped his Infantry at Vtrech in the ordinary Passage-boats to come all night that they might be there early next morning and the horse to have their Rendezvouz upon the Heath between Naerden and Amesford about midnight and to be at the Ports of the Town at the moment appointed by which time the foot should have seized on the Regulars and the S. Tunies Ports and have opened a passage for the Horse to enter which design if by a wonderful providence of God in sending a fierce storm of rain that night the intended march of the Horse had not been hindred from coming to the place and time appointed had in all probability taken effect Nor had the Town known any thing thereof till too late But the Hamburgh Post as he was coming to the Town met with several parties of Horse riding to and fro about Amesford and the Heath yet who they were he knew not Hereof the Lords being informed straightway caused the Ports to be shut the Bridges drawn the Guards set the Ordinance planted and all warlike preparations to be made and all this while not knowing their enemies But they were not long in suspence for notice was soon given that it was Count William with his Forces whose designments being thus defeated the Prince of Orange accosts the Town with this following Letter Worshipfull Prudent Discreet Sirs and my very good Friends WHen I was last in the City for the service of the Countrey I was so strangely entertained that not to be subject to the like hereafter I found it expedient to send Count William with the Troops following him into your City and ordered him to keep all things in peace and quiet there that I might not be hindred by any all-affected in such things as yet I have to propound unto you touching the service of the Countrey wherein I require your good assistance And in considence thereof commending you to the protection of the most High I remain Hague July 29. 1650. Your good Friend W. Prince of Orange This stratagem projected with so much secrecy and subtlety failing Count William drew off his Forces to severall Posts with intent to block up the Town which being in a posture of defence opened their sluces and set the Land under water round about and having so done they sent a Trumpeter to Count William to know the
Gen. Cromwell upon their march after the Enemy And to prosecute the affairs of Scotland Liev. Gen. Monk was left with a party of 7000 Horse and Foot who straightway took in the strong Town and Castle of Sterling Aberdeen Abernethy Dundee Dunotter Castle Dunbarton Castle with severall others so that the whole Realme of Scotland was after a passage gained into Fife with little or no difficulty subdued and made tributary to the Republick of England The Scots Army The Scots enter the City of Worcester after many halts and skirmishes long and tedious marches weakned in their bodies and distracted in their minds decreasing rather then increasing at length put into Worcester whence the King sent out his Letters mandatory to Sir Thomas Middleton to raise forces for him and to Col. Mackworth Governour of Shrewsbury to the like purpose as he did to others also but without successe He was likewise proclaimed King of Great Britaine France and Ireland in most places where he came which blast of Honour like Jonah's Gourd quickly vanisht for alas by this project of theirs of coming into England they run themselves into inevitable danger as the Poet sayes Decidit in Scyllam qui vult vitare Charybdim being invironed on all sides with the Militia Forces of the severall Counties of the Nation besides Gen. Cromwels Army they so much dreaded there was likewise a considerable body of Horse and Foot under Major Gen. Lambert and Harrison that attended their motions Col. Robert Lilburne was left in Lancashire to hinder the Earl of Derby from raising Forces in those parts other parties were disposed into severall other places to hinder the enemy of Provision or stop their flight as occasion should be M The Earle of Derby being landed as was expected at Wyewater in Lancashire with about 300 Gentlemen and others endeavoured to raise the Country while the English were busied at Worcester and in short space by the accession of Papists Royalists and discontented Presbyterians they encreased to the number of 1500 Gen. Cromwells Regiment of Foot being then at Manchester was appointed to meet Col. Lilburne at Preston The Earl of Derby routed in Lancashire To prevent this conjunction the enemy bent their course towards Marchester to surprize the said Regiment whereupon Col. Lilburne assay'd to flank the enemy in their march and by that means to joyn with those Foot which the enemy perceived and prest to engage Now though Col. Lilburn was overmatcht with Foot in point of number whereby the dispute proved tedious and difficult yet in the space of an hour the enemy was totally routed many persons of quality were taken as Col. Leg Col. John Robinson Col. Bayns Col. Gerard 4 Lievt Col. 1 Major 4 Captains 2 Lievtenants 20 Gentlemen and Reformadoes 500 Common Souldiers with all their baggage Sumpters Arms and Ammunition the Earl of Derby's George Garter and other Robes with badges of the Order but he himself escaped and recovered Worcester There were slain the Lord Widrington Sir Thomas Tildesly Col. Matth. Boynton Sir William Throgmorton Sir Francis Gamuel with some other inferior Officers and about 60 private Souldiers Of the Parliaments party but ten were slain but many wounded For this piece of service Col. Lilburn was bountifully rewarded as he indeed deserved Gen. Cromwell who by delayes never contributed to approaching dangers with his Army came to Worcester before he was either desired or expected by his Adversaries when as the whole Army was presently disposed about the City in order to a close begirting thereof The first remarkable attempt was the possessing a Passe upon the Severne at a place called Vpton which was done by a party led on by Major Gen. Lambert and was presently made good by Lievt Gen. Fleetwoods Brigade who marched towards the River Teame over which was made a Bridge of Boats and another over Severn on the Generals side upon which the enemy took the Alarme and drew out Horse and Foot to oppose the Lievt Generals passage to whose relief there was commanded over Collonel Inglesbyes and Col. Fairfax Regiments of Foot the Generals Lifeguard and Col. Hackers Regiment of Horse all which were led on by Gen. Cromwell in person then was commanded over likewise Col. Goffs and Major Gen. Deans Regiments who fell to scouring the hedges which the enemy had lined and beat them from hedge to hedge and being seconded by a fresh supply after about an hours sharp dispute the enemy was forced to give ground and fly to Powick Bridge where with about three Regiments more they maintained another hot dispute but at length quitted their ground also and ran into Worcester except some that were taken After which renewing their courage they drew out what Horse and Foot they could on the Generals side thinking most of his Army had been on the other side making a bold and resolute sally whereby the Generalls men were forced a little to retire but the scales presently turned and in such sort that the enemy was totally routed The Scots routed at Worcester Sept. 3. 1651. both Horse and Foot their Works and Fort-Royall were taken and their Canon turned upon themselves the Town also was straightway entred and sacked most of the Scots Infantry were slain and taken but of their Horse above 3000 escaped of which Col. Barton lying about Bewdly with some Horse and Dragoons took neer upon a thousand Col. Lilburne with the Generalls Regiment of Foot met with the Earl of Derby that lately so narrowly mist his hands with the Earl of Lauderdaile and above an hundred persons of quality more In this engagement and the gleanings thereof there were taken prisoners neer 10000 and about 3000 slain Those of Quality taken were Duke Hamilton Earl Lauderdaile Earl of Rothes Earl of Carnwath Earl of Shrewsbury Sir John Packington Sir Charles Cunningham Sir Ralph Clare Lord Spine Lord Sinclare Earl of Cleveland Earl of Derby Earl of Kelly Col. Graves Mr. Richard Fanshaw Secretary to the Scots King 6 Col. of Horse 13 of Foot 9 Lievt Col. of Horse 8 of Foot 6 Majors of Horse 13 Majors of Foot 37 Capt. of Horse 72 Capt. of Foot 55 Quartermasters of Horse 89 Lievtenants of Foot Major Gen. Pitscotty Major Gen. Montgomery the Lievt Gen. of the Ordnance Adjut Generall of the Foot the Marshall Quartermaster Generall and Waggon-master Generall 76 Cornets of Horse 99 Ensigns of Foot 30 of the Kings Servants 9 Ministers 9 Chirurgions 158 Colours the Kings Standard Coach and Horses with other rich goods and his Collar of SS Many Parties were taken besides in severall other places as Warwickshire Shropshire Lancashire Cheshire Yorkshire c. insomuch that few of that great Body escaped but were either killed or taken Major Generall Massey being sorely wounded surrendred himself to the Countesse of Stamford and by the Lord Grey of Groby her Sonne was secured and sent to London whence in short space he made an escape In another place was taken Major Gen.
the Dutch but afterwards quenched the Phoenix a stout English Frigot of 45 Guns was clapp'd on board by a heavy Dutch Ship the men overpowered and the Ship taken Of this petty successe the Dutch exceedingly boasted yet they bought it dearly and that by their number not their valour the English not giving out so long as they had men or munition for the Paragon lost 27 men and had about 60 wounded the Elizabeth had but two barrels of Pouder left so hard they ply'd it and to such stresse were they put Yet in despight of their Adversaries they got safe with their Merchants into Portolongone this fight was neer the Island of Corsica Upon the nick of this breach came into England an Ambassadour from the Queen of Sweden where he ended his life before he effected any thing another also from the King of Denmark who being a contemporary and confederate with the States of Holland durst not but dance after their Pipe and as soon as the ghastly wound between the two States began to fester he departed the Land About which time the Parliament considering the condition of the English Merchants trading into the East Countrey whose Ships to avoid the danger of the Dutch Men of Warre then in the Sound had put themselves into the protection of the King of Denmark but durst not venture home without a Convoy sent a Fleeet of 18 men of Warre of good force to fetch them home being in number 22 and laden with such Commodities as the English had speciall occasion for and without which they could not prosecute the warre with the Dutch Accordingly Sep. 19. they set saile out of Yarmouth road and on the 20. they came to an Anchor within two Leagues of Elsenore Castle whence the Commander in chief sent a Letter to the Governour of Elsenore by the Greyhound Frigot and another to the Danish Admirall to desire them to acquaint the King with their coming and for what with a Letter to the Merchants and Masters of the English Ships at Copenhagen to addresse themselves to the King for the speedy release of their Ships then shut up within the Boomes at Copenhagen but a mile short of the Castle the Ship was stopt Next morning the Captain went up with his Boat and delivered his Message and Letters which availed nothing so that another was sent to the Merchants and a Messenger to the King but without successe for he could not be admitted to speech with or sight of him At length two Lords were sent to Elsenore unto whom two English Captains repaired and urged the restoring the Ships and in stead of answering to the businesse they asked Why their Ambassadour had not audience The severall transactions between the English and King of Denmark Whether they had a Letter from the State of England to their King Why they came so boldly upon his Majesties Streams and so neer his House and Castle with such a mighty Fleet without three weeks notice beforehand All these being impertineut to the businesse a positive answer was urged by the English and on the 26. of Sept. they received a Letter from the King That he would secure them for the Merchants as carefully as he had done but would not deliver them to them Whereupon the Merchants and Seamen being destitute of all hopes of the releasement of their Ships left them and came home with this Fleet who on the 27 of Sep. left the Sound and steer'd their course for England and on the last of Sept. the Admirall of the Fleet commanded by Capt. Ball ran on shoar on the Coast of Shutland and was there lost but her men saved this Ship carrying the light it was miraculous that the rest of the Fleet were not all lost this Ship was called the Antelope an excellent Frigot and carried above 50 brass Guns a little after that they took about 20 Busses a Dutch man of War and a Freebooter of 20 Guns and on the 15. of Octob. arrived safe in Burlington Bay Not long after this an Agent by name Bradshaw was sent to the King of Denmark to 〈◊〉 if yet by fair means they could obtain their desires but in vain for he did not only detain the Ships but at length unladed them and sold the Goods Which incivilities towards those that never injured him in the least but desired by all fair means to enter into Amity with him may one day by the good providence of God be requited and avenged The Hollanders drunk with rage and greedy of revenge for those rubs the English had lately given them and for the continuall losse of their Ships dayly surprized and in great numbers brought into our Channel used their utmost care and industry in rigging and setting forth their Fleet which notwithstanding the season of the year they effected and Decemb. 20. they appeared on the backside of the Goodwin-Sands being 90 men of Warre and 10 Fireships the English under Gen. Blake were but 42 and not half of them mann'd most of the best Ships being laid up when there was most need of them which default without doubt was caused through the improvident treacherous finister and slothfull actings of such as then steer'd the helme of this State whom God in his due time will bring to a reckoning for their miscarriages The English notwithstanding the paucity of their number The Dutch English engage and the English are worsted resolved to go out and sight them and Novemb. 30. being fair weather both Fleets plyed to the Westward and about eleven of the clock that day were both engaged the English having got the Weather-gage in this sight half of the English Fleet as small as it was came not up pretending want of Men insomuch that a few Ships of the English bore the brunt of that fight with the whole Fleet of the Dutch the Vanguard and the Victory engaging with 20 of the Dutch from first to last and yet got clear of them all The Garland and Bonadventure are taken In the evening the Garland an English Ship of above 40 Guns was boarded by two Dutch Flag-ships and after she had blown up her Decks for want of men was taken The Bonadventure a Merchants Ship attempting to relieve the Garland was boarded yet cleer'd her decks severall times the Captain whereof being slain the Ship was at length taken Gen. Blake going in the Triumph to relieve the Garland had his foretop-mast shot by the board was twice boarded and yet got off safe as did all the rest except the two aforementioned which though they fetcht not farre yet dearly bought two other Ships likewise fell into the hands of the Dutch presently after the Fight but both Merchants Ships General Blake upon this with his Fleet withdrew into Lee Road to be reinforced with Ships and Men. This Victory such as you have heard made the Dutch greatly rejoyce and insult such is the vanity and levity of those which gaze on the meer outside
Britains Triumphs OR A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WARRES AND OTHER STATE-AFFAIRS OF Great Britain From the Death of the late KING to the third year of the Government of the LORD PROTECTOR Vide quam repentè tempus res mutat humanas Tempora mutantur nos et mutamur in illis LONDON Printed for Edward Farnham and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes-head-Alley neer Cornhill 1656. that have hapned in this little corner of the Earth for these five years last past which although peradventure they may be imbased by the course and mean allay of this impolisht dresse yet in this as in all other Histories you may find some things which may aut prodesse aut delectare either profit or delight thee One wisely and truely calls History the faithfull preserver of things past and the certain Prophet of things to come First here is related the Fall of one of the mightiest Monarchs in Europe and in him of Monarchy it self with the severall designs and transactions that were set on foot for the instating of his Sonne in the Throne and the fruitlesse events thereof The Conquest of Scotland The Reducing os Ireland The Revolt of the Carybe Islands and the reducing thereof and of the Islands of Scilly Jersey and Man The Breach between England and the Vnited Provinces and all the memorable Sea-fights that ensued thereupon The Dissolution of the commonly called everlasting Parliament The Calling another Assembly or Parliament with the manner and cause of the dissolution thereof The Lord Generall made Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England c. the Solemnities used therein his Reception and Entertainment in the City of London Other things of lesse moment are interwoven and promiscuously mingled up and down the Book as the nature thereof requireth And further finding thy kind acceptance of the first Impression it hath enboldened me to bring down the Story of all the Warres and other memorable things of Britain to the third year of the Protector all which as to matter and form I leave to thy Impartiall judgement there to be arraigned and condemned according to the nature of the offence and withall I request thee that with patience thou wilt passe by such faults as have escaped the Presse whether verball syllabicall or literall and so farewell A COMPENDIOUS NARRATIVE of the most Important Affairs of Great Britain from the death of the late KING to the third year of the Government of his Highness the Lord Protector AS to the external Causes of the many evils and miseries wherewith this Nation hath been afflicted for these few years past much might be said but the chief I have reduc'd to the following Heads The first and generall Cause was the Sins of the People who taking a surfet of ease plenty and pleasure and growing wanton thereby gazed after novelty that magneticall attraction of the Plebeian rout and as discontented with their present condition sought felicity in things they wanted Malv Rom. and were still unsatisfied even in the accomplishment thereof whence is occasioned the hatred of tranquillity the desire of motion the loathing of present things and seeking after future Another principal Cause was the lamentable corruptions of the Court not inferior in vice to the most infamous Court in Europe not excelling in any thing that might be called vertuous but inur'd themselves to a soft and luxurious life abounding in all manner of voluptuous and effeminate pleasures rejecting the more noble dictates of nature and grace not atchieving any one enterprize that might render them either feared abroad or loved at home but still wanting fuell for the fire of their prodigality daily invented some new and indirect courses and wayes to torment the people whose jealousies and fears encreasing with their grievances brought forth a most bloudy and intestine warre which ended not but in the subversion of Church and State as then established viz. Episcopacy and Monarchy the head of both being cut off and the bodies discomfited And though the King was judged to be the Patron of those many innovations and miscarriages that befell the Church and Common-wealth yet I am fully perswaded they proceeded not from the depravedness of his will but the flexibility of his nature overwhelm'd by his pernicious Councell by which he seem'd of a lesser magnitude then otherwise he would have done yet was he not the worst although the most unfortunate of Princes and in him ended Monarchy but not the miseries of these Nations for after some years civil and yet unnaturall warre betwixt King and Parliament they at length terminated in the vanquishing of his Armies the surprizall captivity and death of his person upon a scaffold before his Palace of White-Hall Jan. 30th 1648. The third and last Cause which I shall mention though not the least was the Pride Avarice Ambition and slothfulnesse of the Clergy who not only starv'd their flocks by withholding the spirituall food of their souls but also tormented their bodies by exhausting and sucking their bodily substance insomuch that the Nation groaned under the burden of their abominable corruptions who should have been the examples and leading-cards of piety and sanctity yet did the popular fury contribute more to the confusion of their Hierarchy then all their Crime put together nor were they cry'd down with more heat then afterwards cry'd up verifying that of the Poet Quid populi tibi voce places Mori Epigr saepe optima caecus Dat vitio temerè deteriora probat Having now hinted out unto you the Causes of our Warres and the distractions that followed the beginning progresse and conclusion thereof to the beheading of the King being accurately and briefly described by another hand I shall proceed to that which remains May 's Brev. No sooner was this mighty Prince bereaved of his life and dignity in such sort as is before related bnt Monarchy the darling of the multitude was voted chargeable unnecessary and uselesse and the Government was resolved into that of a Common-wealth Yet this mutation hapned-not for want of such as by a lineall descent and according to the usage of this Nation might pretend a Title to the Crown for there was a plentifull Issue of the late King both Male and Female then surviving but from some other politicall reasons best known to the then swaying Powers the which added and ministred hopes equal to the discontents of the people Now Charles though eldest Son of the late King inherited little save the misfortunes of his Father and what else he could chaulk out with his Sword yet his greatest hopes and expectations were from Ireland where the severall factions united proclaimed him King and bent their whole strength against the Interest of the Commonwealth of England and in short space became so formidable and prevail'd so much that they possest all the strong holds of that Country Dublin and Londonderry excepted both which were straitly besieged the former by an Army of 22000.
enough to prevent all future overtures between the Scots and their declared King yet as if he had throughly learnt that lesson Qui nescit dissimulare â—â—seit regnare he took little notice â—hereof Next Montrose was executed Sir John â—â—rrey Coll. Spotswood and others that were the chief actors in that undertaâ—ing by which means they were rid of 〈◊〉 dangerous enemy On all this the English like cauteâ—ous statists had a watchfull eye and on every of those actings whether oâ—en or secret that might have any reflection upon them or their affairs and to the end they might the better sound the contrivances of their adversaries they endeavour to strengthen themselves by forrein Alliance and accordingly they sent Dr. Dorislaus Dr. Dorislaus murther at the Hague a wise and knowing man as publicke Agent into the united Provinces whereby to keep a right understanding and fair correspondency between the two Republicks where he had not long been ere he was slain by six assassinates that broke into his lodgings at the Hague in a disguised habit by which means they escaped unpunished notwithstanding the many endeavours at least pretendedly used for their apprehension The authorâ—â— of this Tragedy were afterwards known to be English Cavaliers discontented at their declining state and losse of their old Master one whereof was Coll. Spotswood afore mentioned who at his death confest he was an actor therein Thus stood the English affairs in reference to their enemies abroad while they were in somewhat worse plight at home for amidst the severall factions that sprung up during these late warres none was more desperate then that commonly known by the name of Levellers The Levellers mutiny who at once so wrought with the Souldiery that a considerable party of Horse withdrew themselves from the Army and gathered together such others of their party as they could conveniently thinking thereby to force their Lords and Masters to such things as their immature and unbridled apprehensions had dictated to them But by the care and industry of Gen. Fairfax Are supprest they are defeated at a place called Burford in Oxfordshire and of those that were taken some were made exemplary others were cashiered the Army and the rest upon their submission were taken into favour Not long after was brought to triall at the Guildhall London Lilburne tryed at Guildhall the grand Champion the chiefest and only Patriot of the action aforesaid viz. John Lilburne a man of a restless and yet invincible spirit that could never be deterr'd with threats or won with favours by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer where was present most of the Judges and Justices of the severall Courts at Westminster the Lord Mayor Sheriffs and severall Aldermen of London with others of eminent quality The Indictment with many crimes of a treasonable nature as being the Author of such and such Books mentioned therein which Books were fraught with the most shamefull revilings scurrilous invectives and malicious outcries against the Governours and Government of this Nation that the heart of man could invent calling them Tyrants Traytors Conquering Usurpers and what not Now though nothing was more generally beleeved then that the Books aforesaid were of his own penning and publishing yet at his triall he made such an excellent Is cleared and released subtle and singular defence that the Jury brought him in Not guilty whereupon he had his release By this time the severall transactions that were between the Scots and their King had brought forth a Treaty at Breda in the Netherlands The treaty between the Scots and their King concluded a Town of speciall note belonging to the Prince of Orange at whose cost and charges it was both continued and concluded now that part of the Agreement that had the most especiall influence on us was that they should endeavour to the utmost of their power to reinstate him in his Fathers Throne invest him in his Power and Greatnesse and establish him in his just Rights and Dignities where we shall at present leave him to see how the affairs of his Adversaries the English succeeded The differences that lately broke out between the King of Portugall and this Nation were now widened by acts of open hostility for when the English perceived that neither intreaties nor threats would make him force Prince Rupert out of his Harbour and that the often applications and negotiations of the English Agent Mr. Charles Vane in order thereunto could availe nothing but on the contrary prepared what Ships of warre he had to joyn with Rupert and so to chase the English from his Coasts they seiz'd many of his Ships richly laden both inward and outward bound but the King doubting his strength desisted from falling upon the English Fleet and sell to seize the estates and secure the persons of the Merchants and Factors residing in Lisbon and other places under his Jurisdiction About this time likewise the English sent an Agent to the King of Spain viz. Mr. Anth. Ashcam M. Ashcam the English Agent murther'd at Madrid a most learned and excellently well accomplisht Gentleman who on the 5 th of June 1650. landed at Santa Maria where hearing of many threats against his person he procured a Guard that conducted him to Madrid where is kept the Court of the King of Spain The first night it was his hard fortune to lie at an Inne the next day while with his Interpreter Signior Riba he sate at dinner six divels in the shapes of men knockt at the door had easie accesse and being entred Mr. Ashcam rose to salute them whereupon the foremost stabbed him in the head and his Interpreter endeavouring to escape was stabbed in the belly both falling down dead in the place Whence the murtherers fled to the Venetian Ambassadors house but were denyed entrance whence they fled to the Sanctuary were pursued and carried to prison from thence by the Kings speciall command one of them only escaping Hereupon arose a great difference between the King and the Church about the violation of the holy Sanctuary and thereby infringing the Sacred Rights and Priviledges of the Church and demanded that the Assassinates should be delivered again into the Sanctuary On the other hand the Parliament of England by sundry Messages earnestly prest that Justice might be severely inflicted upon those execrable offenders that had perpetrated so horrid and vile an act upon their publick Minister And indeed it was a crime of so transcendent a nature that me thinks it should not enter into the heart of any considerate man to imagine of any expiation for them here however it may please God to deale with them hereafter The Church notwithstanding prevailed so farre as to interrupt the course of Justice for as much as their punishment has been hitherto fuspended though for any thing we hear they are yet in durance Neer this time arrived in England the Lord Gerard Scarph as Commissioner from the States Provinciall
which the English perceiving fac'd about to fight them whereupon the Scots drew off to the Hills perceiving their ' advantage lay there to impede the English at the Passe at Copperspeth which being effected they brag'd they had the English in Essex his pound meaning they had them upon the same lock the King had the Earl of Essex at in Cornwall so ready are men to promise wonders to themselves while they confer but with their own desires The English were indeed invironed with all manner of apparent dangers their Forces were lessened their bodies weakned with Fluxes their strength wasted with watchings in want of drink wet and cold weather they were alwayes accompanied with and much impaired in point of courage 2000 at least being disabled for present service were sent at several times to Barwick The Generall and his Councell of Officers finding the Army unfit for further delayes The Scots defeated at Dunbar resolved next morning to break through that their Israelitish condition by falling on the right wing of the Scots and either force a passage that way or perish in the attempt and being imbattailed by break of day accordingly they fell upon the enemy with Horse and Foot very unanimously who to hinder the English at a Passe drew up all their Horse upon their right wing and valiantly received the onset The Word of the English was The Lord of Hosts and that of the Scots was The Covenant The English as men indued with new strength from on high vigorously prest forward as resolved to become absolute vanquishers or to die martyrs After one hours sharp dispute the Scots were wholly routed their Cavilry fled and the Infantry were all or most of them slain and taken to the number of about 15000. There were taken 200 Colours 10 Collonels 12 Lievtenant Collonels 9 Majors 47 Captains 72 Lievtenants 80 Enfignes befides Cornets and Quartermasters 22 Pieces of Ordinance with severall smaller Pieces about 15000 Arms those of quality taken were the Lord Libberten and his Son the Lord Cranston Sr. James Lumsdale Lievtenant Gen. of the Foot Adjutant Gen. Bickerton Scoutmaster Generall Cambill c. At this engagement all the Forces of the English would not amount to 1200 and the Scots were in number more then 20000. And as there was a general Fast throughout England to implore a blessing from Heaven upon the proceedings of their Army in Scotland so likewise there was appointed a solemne day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for this mighty Victory obtained over the Scots in the fields of Dunbar Sep. 3. 1650. In the observation whereof many of the Clergy shewed themselves very froward and obstinate of whom I shall have occasion to speak more hereafter Sept. 7. four Regiments of Foot marched into Lieth where they found 37 Guns mounted on Platforme some Shot and Ammunition with store of wealth The same day the Lord Generall Cromwell drew the rest of his Army both Horse and Foot into Edenburrough without any losse save the Arm of a Souldier taken off by a Canon bullet from the Castle Sept. 6. being Sabbath day Generall Cromwell sent a Trumpeter into the Castle to invite the Ministers to come to their several Charges which they resused so that the English supplyed their places For some certain time the Army was busied in compleating the Fortifications at Lieth the most commodious Harbour for their accommodation in all Scotland Gen. Cromwell after he had caused a Protection for Markets and Liberty of Trade in Edenburrough and Lieth to be proclaimed by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet marched forward Sep. 14. with his Army to Netherish six miles from Edenburrough leaving Major Generall Overton with his Brigade behind Sep. 15. the Army marched beyond Linlithgow but by reason of the extremity of the weather they were forced to quarter there that night Sep. 16. they marched towards Falkirk and from thence Sep. 17. within a mile of Sterling Sep. 18. a Councell of Warre was called and a Letter drawn up to be sent into the Town expressing their constant affection to and tendernesse of the People of Scotland which though they had not taken the desired effect yet being so farre advanced into the Countrey with their Army they now desired them to take into consideration their former Papers and deliver up that place for the service of the Commonwealth of England A Trumpeter being sent with the Letter a Gentleman on foot with a Pike in his hand met him and told him they would not let him come in nor receive his Letter In the afeernoon came a Trumpeter from the Scots desiring a release of Prisoners upon ransome To which Generall Cromwell answered That they came not thither to make merchandize of Men or to get gain to themselves but for the service and security of the Commonwealth of England The same day Orders were issued forth for the Horse and Foot to march towards Sterling in order to a storm Ladders and all other necessaries being provided for that purpose but the strength of the enemy and of the place with other disadvantages being considered it was resolved that the Army should draw off which accordingly they did Sep. 19. and marched to Linlithgow which when the Generall and his Officers had viewed order was given for making severall Works for the security of the place conceiving it might make a very considerable frontier Garrison lying in the heart of the Country between Edinburrough and Sterling whence leaving there five Troops of Horse and fix Companies of Foot Generall Cromwell with the rest of the Army marched back to Edenburrough Sep. 23. The Gen. and Officers kept a day of Humiliation About the same time the Kirk Party also appointed a solemne Fast 1. To humble themselves for their too much confidence in the arme of flesh 2. For the malignity and prophanenesse of their Army 3. For the Plunderings and wickednesse of their Army when they were in England 4. For their not sufficient purging their Army 5. For their Commissioners unlawfull and surreptitious manner of prosecuting the Treaty with their King and their crooked wayes in bringing him home 6. For their not sufficient purging the Kings house 7. For the just grounds they have that his Majesties Repentance was not sound nor from the heart From which time to the moneths end little was done save that Gen. Cromwell took order for the effectuall reducing of the Castle of Edenburrough for which purpose many miners both Scotch and English were procured to expedite the businesse Sep. 30. The English went so neer the works of the Castle as they carried away one of the Scots Colours 300 Muskets with other Arms without any losse Octob. 1. The Scots Galleries went on in order to springing the Mines they sent many great and small shot among them yet nothing retarded the work Octob. 2. The English made a search in the high Church at Edenburgh and found there one great Iron Gun 200 new Muskets 16 barrels of Pouder
God and the powers that are are ordained of God Therefore it would not be amisse if our Governours in some particulars would imitate the Republique of Venice First By not admitting Ecclesiastical persons into secular Councels because they have relation to another Government viz. Pontificiall 2. By having-a special care to the Pulpit and the Presse that no Church-man from the meanest Priest to the Patriarch dare tamper with the Affairs designs or transactions of the State Howels Survey of the Signiory of Venies It being too well known saith my Author that Church-men are the most perilous and pernicious instruments in a State if they misapply their Talents to poyson the hearts of the people to intoxicate their brains suscitate them to sedition and a mislike of the Government and they have more power to do this in regard they have the sway over the noblest part of the creature the soul and intellectuals therefore if any meddle with State-matters in the Pulpit they are punisht in an extraordinary severe manner and this saith he is alledged for one main reason why the Venetian Republique hath kept their Liberties inviolable and if it shall please God to put it into the hearts of our Governours to take the like course no doubt but we shall have the like blessing There hapned much about this time a petty insurrection in Wales A rising in Wales two or three hundred being got together in behalf of the Scots King whom tell-tale Fame that hath continuall credence with the fickle multitude had possest with pleasing and yet untrue news of the defeating Gen. Cromwell's Army and the advance of the Scots into England which prosperous attempt had an event suitable to the undertaking viz. confusion and destruction The English being now desirous to put a period to the warre in Scotland by gaining a passage over the River into Fife for the facilitating their work and more easie transportation caused severall boats to be made with which they gave many great Alarms to the Enemy on the other side as also to those in Brunt Island in order to what they further intended The Scots also made many infalls upon the out-quarters and Garrisons of the English wherein they had frequently good successe killing some and slaying others having the advantage of the English by their knowledge of the Countrey for prevention whereof orders were given out for drawing off their remotest Garrisons and contracting their Quarters which was done accordingly and the Army put into a marching posture for Fife for which purpose Blacknesse was made their Magazine but the Ground not yet affording either Grasse or Oats the enterprize was further suspended The Scots having compleated their Levies to the Number of 15000 Foot and 6000 Horse marched on this side Sterling to a place called Torwood where they were faced by the English but would not be drawn to an Engagement yet still lay encamped behind bogs and inaccessible fastnesses on purpose to delay the Warre Upon which the English resolved to land some Forces on Fife side The English gain a passage over into Fife and for that end there was drawn out 1600 Foot and four Troops of Horse commanded by Col. Overton who attempted to land at Queens Ferry which on the 17 of July 1651. with the losse of about six men was effected and presently they fell to intrench themselves while this was doing the Lord Gen. Cromwell with his Army marcht close up to the Enemy that in case they had marcht towards Fife he might have engaged their rear before they could have reacht Sterling The Scots receiving the Alarm the same day forthwith sent a considerable party of Horse and Foot to the number of 4000 under Sir John Brown to drive the English out of Fife upon which Gen. Cromwell sent Major Gen. Lambert with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot to re-enforce the other party who in 24 hours were ferryed over and joyned upon which Col. Okey with his Regiment fell in among the Enemy whereby they were forced to draw into a Battalia as did the English also who were more in number then the Enemy though to equalize that they had greater advantages of ground In this posture they continued facing each other about an hour and half whereupon the English resolved to attempt the Enemy by ascending the Hill which being done after a short dispute the Scots were utterly routed 2000 or thereabouts were slain 4000 of the Scots routed slain and taken and 1400 taken Prisoners whereof Sir John Brown the Commander in chief was one with Col. Buchanan and many others of quality Of the English there was few slain but many wounded A further additional strength of Horse and foot were sent into Fife so to strengthen the English that they might be able to encounter the whole body of the Scots Army if occasion required Immediately upon this Inchigarvey Castle surrendred to the English was surrendred to the English the strong Castle of Inchigarvey situate on a rock in the midst of the Fryth between Queens-Ferry and North-Ferry wherein were 16 pieces of Ordnance July 27. The whole English Army appeared before Brunt Island and sent in a Summons Brunt Island surrendred to the English for rendition thereof unto which the Governour returned a modest answer and the next day accepted a Parley Commissioners on both sides were chosen and after some debate it was agreed that the said Island with all the Provisions Guns and Shipping of Warre should be delivered into the hands of the English c. and that all the Officers and Souldiers in the said Island should march away with Colours flying Matches lighted and Bullet in mouth This place was of much concernment to the English and served for a storehouse of all necessary supplies for the support of their Army Thence the Army marched without stay to St. Johns Town St. Johns Town yeelded to the English a place of great strength and importance into which the enemy had newly boated a Regiment of Foot yet when the English broke down their sluces and let the water out of the Graff the enemies courage failed them so that it was in short space delivered This was no sooner done but the main body of the English Army were constrained to attend more eminent service viz. the pursuit of the Scots King who with an Army of about 16000 Horse and Foot The Scots enter England by the way of Carlisle had slipt into England by the way of Carlisle accordingly most of the Infantry were boated over to Leith with as much expedition as could be and presently after the Horse Orders were immediately given to Major Gen. Lambert to march with 3000 Horse and Dragoons and if he could to get into the rear of the enemy Major Gen. Harrison was ordered likewise to to get into their van to stop them and do what further he thought fit besides these there was about sixteen Regiments of Horse and Foot with
Middleton and Lievt Gen. David Lesley so that I may say the gleanings of this Victory were not much inferior to the harvest thereof Neer this time most of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland were taken at a place called Ellet in that Nation where they were assembled to propagate the Royall designs viz. Old Gen. Lesley Earl Marshall Lord of Keith Earl of Craford Lord Ogilby Lord Burgoiny Lord Huntly Lord Lee with many Knights Gentlemen and Ministers all which were soon after shipped and sent for England Such was the fate that attended the Scots and their King that he who a few dayes before was proclaimed King of Great Britain had now neither Camp nor Garrison nor lodging to flie unto or safely to repose himself in for shelter 500 l. sterling being offered to any that should detect him which notwithstanding he escaped making a disguised peregrination through City and Country till he met with a fit opportunity for his transportation into France where he now is Yet of the great number of his friends adherents and followers that were taken none of quality suffered but the Earl of Derby Earl of Derby beheaded who was beheaded at Bolton in Lancashire and Sir Tim. Fetherston others of lesse note were executed at Chester Shrewsbury and other places Nor did the Royallists themselves expect any other or better fortune would attend them in this invasion then that you have heard as appears by Duke Hamilton's Letter to Mr. Will-Crofts taken among other Papers a few dayes before the fight the summe whereof follows WE are all laughing at the ridiculousnesse of our condition Duke Hamiltons Letter who having quit Scotland being scarce able to maintain it yet we grasp at all and nothing but all will satisfie us or to lose all I confesse I cannot tell whether our hopes or fears are greatest but we have one stout Argument and that is despair for we must now either shortly fight or die All the Rogues have left us I will not say whether for fear or disloyalty but all now with his Majesty are such as will not dispute his Commands So that you see this undertaking was not the product of a mature and deliberate counsell but of necessity and desperation Soon after this the Parliament took order for reducing the two Islands of Jersey and Man that had been and would still be notable receptacles for the entertaining all manner of Fugitives and disaffected persons In order to which businesse Col. Hayne with about two Regiments of Foot and two Troops of Horse on the 14. of Octob. 1651. were shipt at Weymouth for Jersey they were in all eighty Vessels and set sayl Octob. 17. but a storm forced them in again On the 19 they set sail again and about 12 that night came to an Anchor under Sark Island next morning they bent their course towards Jersey and came to an Anchor in St. Owens Bay next day they sailed and Anchored before St. Brelades Bay when the seas proved so rough that the Fleet was scattered notwithstanding on the 21 it was resolved that an attempt should be made upon the Island that night at St. Owens Bay being necessitated thereunto for want of Horsemeat in few hours after they embarked their men aboard the small Boats Gen Blake and all his Officers were very active in this businesse who about two hours after the floud weighed Anchor cut some of their Cables hoisted sails and stood in for the shoare and were soon aground on the shoare side some at three foot some at four five six seven soot water their men presently leapt out some up to the middle some to the neek and ran ashoare the enemy playing hard upon them with great and small shot and with their Horse gave a hot charge yet after half an hours dispute they fled and left behind them 12 Guns and some Colours at that place after which and that their Horse were landed they marched further into the Island and on the 23. of Octob. possest themselves of three Forts more with two Guns in each they marched on further till they came within sight of Elizabeth Castle under which was a Fort called St. Albans Tower where was 14 Guns the speedy reducement whereof was resolved upon The Island of Jersey reduced and a Summons sent in and in two hours time it was delivered up The next businesse they had to do was to take in Mount Orgueil Castle which upon easie tearms was also surrendred But Elizabeth Castle being a place of farre greater strength was not reduced till the middle of Decemb. following the Governour thereof Sir George Carteret had large tearms granted both to himself and all with him by reason of the marvellous strength and situation thereof which was such as might have cost much blood treasure and time in the gaining of it Octob. 16. 1651. Under Collonell Duckenfield were shipt three Regiments of Foot viz. Gen. Cromwells Regiment commanded by Lievtenant Col. Worsly Major Gen. Dean's Regiment commanded by Lievt Col. Mitchell and Collonel Duckenfields Regiment with two Troops of Horse these were all shipt at Chester and Liverpool for the reducing the Isle of Man and on Octob. 18. they hoisted sail but by contrary winds were driven into the Harbour of Beumorris on the 25. about two in the morning the wind coming about somewhat Southerly with a pretty fresh gale they set sail again and about two or three a clock in the afternoon they had a cleer view of the Calf of Man Castle Rushen Derby Fort Douglas Fort and most part of the Island as also of the Islanders both Horse and Foot in their severall motions mustering up what strength they could when by a sudden storm the Fleet was hindred from coming up any thing neer the shoar upon which they steered their course towards the North end of the Island and with no small difficultie fetcht Ramsey-Bay that night where they cast Anchor and with a small Party saced the Islanders yet was there no shot exchanged Octob 16. came on board an Islander imployed by the chief of that Island to assure the English they should have no opposition in landing but might securely come under their Forts which they had taken possession of for them and that only two Castles held out viz. Castle Rushen and Castle Peele which were kept by the Forces of the Count of Derby now because he had nothing in writing to confirm what he had said he was distrusted wherefore Major Fox was boated into the Island to enquire the truth of what the Islander had reported and forthwith returned with the full confirmation thereof and presently after some came from the Island as Commissioners entreating that their poor Island might be preserved from spoyl and the Inhabitants from undoing by landing only some part of a Regiment or at the utmost but a Regiment upon which they would bring Provisions at a marketable rate to the shoar The Isle of Man reduced to supply the
at a time and having her main-Mast and misen-Mast shot away and being overpowered with number was taken The Levant-Merchant was first boarded by one of the enemies Ships of 36 Guns and after two hours fight by another as big the first of which sunk presently after yet was she also possest by the Dutch The Sampson was boarded by young Trump Rear Amirall of the Dutch on one side and by a fire-Ship on the other so that she was quickly fired Some there were that did not stick to traduce Capt. Badiley and those with him as if he had been wanting in point of duty toward the relief of the Ships aforesaid when as they were all well nigh destroyed before he could possibly come up Where when he had done what in him lay and seeing his Fleet in such a hazardous condition like a wise Commander made all the sail he could away for preservation of that part of the Fleet and this he hath so clearly proved that he is wholly acquitted from having any hand in that miscarriage The Relation wherein this Commonwealth stood with the Neighbouring Nations was in this sort The King of Portugall and the State of England conclude a peace The King of Portugall not able to resist so powerfull a State as this having more then enough to do to grapple with the wealthy Spaniard sent over an Ambassadour extraordinary with a sumptuous train of followers to conclude a Peace with the English who after many conferences frequent addresses and large offers made obtained the same yet to this day he hath not fully fiuished his Negotiations so as to satisfie the Merchants for their great losses From France the English were courted by two Parties A French Agent arrives at London by an Agent from the King of France desiring a release of his Ships taken as aforesaid going to the relief of Dunkirk as also that there might be a right understanding between the two Nations And by four Deputies from the Prince of Conde 4 Deputies from Bourdeaux arive at London also craving aid against the Cardinall and his creatures who had straightly besieged the City of Bourdeaux all which Negotiations were ineffectuall for alas the breach was too high between the two Nations to be easily cemented Other Nations by Letters and otherwise endeavoured to be mediators and composers of those mortal jarres that were between England and Holland as the Queen of Sweden the Cantons of Switzerland the Imperiall Cities of Lubeck and Hamburgh c. This was the posture of the Civill and Military affairs of this Nation when his Excellency the Lord General Cromwell a man as it were by Divine appointment set apart for great enterprizes perceiving the notorious corruptions dilatory proceedings pernicious and arbitrary actings of the Parliament to perpetuate their session and to inthrall the people by defrauding and disfranchising them of their antient and undoubted Liberties of equall and successive Representatives entred the Parliament House attended with some of his principall Officers and there delivered certain reasons why a period ought to be put to that Parliament The Parliament is dissolved which was presently done the Speaker with the rest of the Members some by force some through fear and some murmuring departed the House For which dysaster no man moved either tongue or hand in their behalf it being generally beleeved that though the Nation possibly might not be bettered by this change yet a worse could not befall it And thus was this mighty Councell dissolved their Powers transferred into the hands of the Souldiery and their Names reproacht and vilified with the scorns and dirigies of the common people who being well pleased with the doing thereof enquired not into the reasons or causes why it was done But to satisfie the wiser sort and those that were more curious enquirers into the true and genuine causes of things Generall Cromwell and his Councell of Officers published a Declaration the substance whereof was as follows THat after God was pleased marvellously to appear for his people The Declaration of Gen. Cromwell and his Councel of Officers in reducing Ireland and Scotland to so great a degree of peace and England to perfect quiet whereby the Parliament had opportunity to give the people the harvest of all their labour bloud and treasure and to settle a due Liberty in reference to Civil and Spirituall things whereunto they were obliged by their duty engagements and those great and wonderful things God hath wrought for them But they made so little progresse therein that it was matter of much grief to the good people of the Land who thereupon applyed themselves to the Army expecting redresse by their means who though unwilling to meddle with the Civill Authority agreed that such Officers as were Members of Parliament should move them to proceed vigorously in reforming what was amisse in the Commonwealth and in setling it upon a foundation of Justice and Righteousnesse which being done it was hoped the Parliament would have answered their expectations But finding the contrary they renewed their desires by an humble Petition in Aug. 1652. which produced no considerable effect nor was any such progresse made therein as might imply their reall intentions to accomplish what was petitioned for but rather an aversnesse to the things themselves with much bitternesse and opposition to the people of God and his Spirit acting in them in so much that the godly Party in Parliament were rendred of no further use then to countenance the ends of a corrupt Party for effecting their desires of perpetuating themselves in the supreame Government For obviating these evils the Officers of the Army obtained severall meetings with some of the Parliament to consider what remedy might be applyed to prevent the same but such endeavours proving ineffectuall it became evident that this Parliament through the corruption of some the jealousie of others the non-attendance of many would never answer those ends which God his People and the whole Nation expected from them But that this cause which God had so greatly blessed must needs languish under their hands and by degrees be lost and the Lives Liberties and Comforts of his people be delivered into their enemies hands All which being sadly and seriously considered by the honest people of the Nation as well as by the Army it seemed a duty incumbent upon us who had seen so much of the power and presence of God to consider of some effectuall means whereby to establish righteousnesse and peace in these Nations And after much debate it was judged necessary that the supreame Government should be by the Parliament devolved upon known persons fearing God and of approved integrity for a time as the most hopefull way to countenance all Gods people reform the Law and administer Justice impartially hoping thereby the people might forget Monarchy and understand their true interest in the election of successive Parliaments that so the Government might be setled upon a right Basis
Generall Pen and Venables upon an unknown expedition but to cleare doubts in part conceiving their design on the 1 of May 1655. came Letters from Generall Pen dated at the Barbadoes March 19. certifying the good condition of the whole Fleet Is at Bardoes having arrived there on the 28 of January following and there he seised on 18 Dutch Merchant men who traded there contrary to an Act of the long Parliament as also by later Letters from them it appeared that they set saile from Barbadoes the 30 of March and sailed for Hispaniola where after their landing having received some small check verifying that excellent saying Man proposeth but God disposeth they re-embarqued for the Island of Jamaica At Jamaica where they arrived the 10 of May following being in full possession of it after some small resistance by the Spaniards and receiving it as an earnest peny of those great things that shall be done by the English Nation in Gods good time upon the perfidious Nation of the Spaniards Now somewhat to raise the spirits of the English again whom any ill fortune dejects take an account of the wonderfull success it pleased God to bestow upon Generall Blake against the Turkish Pirates of Tunis Generall Blakes successe against the Turks where he having on the 18 of April 1655. demanded of the Dye of that place satisfaction for some Ships which they had taken as also the Captives of our Nation but being denyed either of them and withall they giving some provoking terms as in these and such like words These are our Castles of the Galletta and the Ships and Castles of Porto Ferino do what you can do not think to fear us with the shew of your Fleet. The Generall seeing himself so slighted called a Councell of War where after the seeking of counsell of the Lord to direct them in that business they resolved to burn those Ships that lay in Porto Ferino if it were possible being nine in number which they thus effected the Admiral Vice-Admiral and Rear-Admiral lay within Musket shot of their Castle which had 20 Guns in it playing continually both upon it and their Forts the wind likewise favouring it pleased God to put such courage into the English Their 9 Ships sired that in four hours time all their nine Ships were burnt down to the water by the English Boats in which notable service there were lost in the whole Fleet but 25 men and 48 wounded which mercy was the more signall considering that there was 120 Guns planted on the shore and in the Castle against them June 12 A fourth plot suspected Upon suspicion of a new Plot there was committed to the Tower the Lord Willowby of Parham Mr. Seymore the Lord Newport Mr. Newport with others of which more in it's due place July 4. Major Sedgewick set sail Advice was brought that Major Sedgewick with a gallant squadron of Ships 12 in number and Colonel Humphreys with his Regiment of Souldiers designed for the assistance of our Generals in the West-Indies expedition did set sail out of Dover Road the 2 of July the Lord prosper them August 31. Gen. Pen arrived from West-Indies Generall Pen arrived at the Spithead neer Portsmouth from Jamaica with part of the Fleet having left a considerable Squadron behind him in those seas He came from thence the 25 of June and being come as far as the Havana in the Island of Cuba the Ship Baiagon fell on fire by negligence and so perished in the sea blowing up many of her men that were in her The Army left at Jamaica was commanded by Collonel Fortescue the squadron of Shps by a truly valiant man Vice-Admirall Goadson Likewise on the 9 of September following arrived Generall Venables in the Maston More Frigot Gen. Venables likewise arrived very weak having been at deaths dore so that in all probability nothing but change of air would have saved his life Now here by the way take a relation of a President seldome heard of the resignation of the Queen of Sweden The Queen of Swedens resignation who from a powerfull Princesse put her self into the condition of a Lady Arrant now whilst she was projecting the businesse these propositions she made to the Prince her Successor 1. She will retain the best part of the Kingdome and the custome to her self 2. She will be no subject but free of her self without controul 3. She will travell whither she pleaseth The Prince replyed 1. That he would not be a King without a Kingdome 2. He will have no Rivall more then she a Superior 3. He will not hazard himself about her designs abroad But how these differences in these proposals were composed I know not But in a short time she wholly resigned all leaving her self only the bare title of the Queen of Sweden having ever since rambled up and down according as her wild fancy led her and for the to tall finishing of the comick Scene she hath at length resigned up her Religion and is received into the bosome of the Church of Rome which City having at last arrived to I there leave her and return to the happy successe of the Lord Whitlock who having gone Ambassador into Sweden and there resided about eight moneths having finished his affairs in concluding a firm peace with that Crown returned to London in February 1654. Sept. 5. It was confirmed from Bayonne and Sant Sabastian that the King of Spain had made a seisure of the persons and goods of the English Octob. 24. A Peace with France concluded The Articles of peace betwixt France and England were signed by the Commissioners impowered by speciall Commission for that purpose from his Highnesse the Lord Protector on the one part and on the other part by his Excellency the Lord Ambassador of France and on the 28 of Novemb. Publication was made of the treaty of Peace first in the Court of White-Hall by the sound of Trumpet and the Heralds attending in their formality Afterwards in the Palace-yard at Westminster and in all the usuall places throughout the City of London The like was by appointment to be done the same day at Paris all ceremonies of publick rejoicing were expressed by the Family of the Lord Ambassador of France as also by all the generality of the people of the City of London And now Reader have I brought my Story from the end of one Monarchy to the third year of the Government of his Highnesse under which if is please the wise Disposer of all things as well as persons to grant us Peace both at home and abroad both thou and I may live to see happy dayes And if it shall please God to spin out the thred of my life to some considerable length I shall afford the world some other things of the like nature but if not I am content to acquiesce in the good will of him that dwelt in the Bush and so Farewell THE END