under the Command of Huntley Atholl Seaforth c. who declared purely for the Kingly Authority disclaiming and disowning all power or order of the Kirk Parliament or Committee of Estates These having gotten together a considerable party it was supposed by the Committee of Estates that his Majesty was gon to them whereupon to quiet and allay them if possible an Act of Indemnity was passed by Parliament for what they had done but they sleighted it fell upon Sir Iohn Brown's Regiment slew and took prisoners many of his men Whereupon Lieu. General David Lesley was sent against but the whole businesse after the King's return to S. Iohnstonâ—s ended in a Treatie The third and greatest party were the Parliament and Committee of Estates Kirk who were equally for King and Kirk these were highly perplexed and discontented at the King's going away from S. Iohnston's and the more because they feared he was gon to the Atholmen many controversies and consultations were had about it some were so rigid as to propose that since he had diserted them they should look no more after him but let him take his own wayes Others were more mild and would yet have him understand their resentment for his leaving them nor wanted there some sticklers for his Majesty at length it was concluded that Major General Montgomery should speedily march after him and earnestly intreat him to return to S. Iohnston's Montgomery according to his order went and having had secret information that his Majesty was at the Lord Dedup's house in the North confines of Fife he first surrounds the house and then sends in a Messenger to acquaint the King with the earnest desires of the Committee of Estates that he would graciously be pleased to return with him to Saint Iohnston's but his Majesty at first absolutely refused as scorning to endure that slavery which they had subjected him to he was in the mean time earnestly solicited by Huntley and the Gordons to adhere solely to them which he so much seemed to incline to that he had almost made the breach implacable between that party and the Kirk but at length upon several propositions granted him he returned with Montgomery to S. Iohnston's The King being thus returned and Huntley's party come in by admitting those with him to bear publick Offices a general Meeting was resolved on to be held at Saint Iohnston's which should consist of King Lords Barons Burgesses and the Assembly of Ministers whereupon the Committee of the Kirk are summoned to meet but stand off alledging that Sterling was the more convenient place to meet in To which the States answered that they esteemed S. Iohnston's the fitter that if they would not meet they should consult for their own securities but at length they consent The grand Assembly meets and all parties seem now agreed Several Lords formerly in disfavour with the Kirk are received into Command in the Army or have liberty to sit in Parliament such as Hamilton Lauderdale Leith Bucheim Dedup and Crawford Major General Massey of the Englâ—sh was admitted to a Command in the Army Thus did their divisions begin to be Cemented which else must necessarily have hastened their Ruine About this time the King received the sad newes of the Death of the thrice Illustrious Prince of Orange Brother-in-law to his Majesty and who had demonstrated himself a true and faithfull friend to him in his necessities his Lady the Royal Princesse Mary was by him left great with Child and soon after his death delivered of a Posthume son And now on the first of Ianuary the day appointed by the grand Convention at S. Iohnston's the solemnity having been removed to Scone the usual place for the Coronation of the Kings of Scotland First his Majesty in a Princes Robe was conducted from his Bed-chamber by the Constable and Marshal to the Chamber of presence where he was by the Lord Angus Chamberlain placed in a chair under a cloth of Estate Then the Nobles and Commissioners of Barons and Burroughs entred the Room and having shown themselves to his Majesty the Chancellor spake to this effect Sir your good Subjects desire you may be crowned as righteous and lawfull heir of the Crown of this Kingdome that you would maintain the present professed Religion the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant That you would graciously be pleased to receive them under your protection to govern them according to law to defend them in their rights and priviledges by your Royal power they offering themselves in humble manner to your Majesty with their vowes to bestow land life and what else is in their power for the maintenance of Religion for the safety of your Majesties sacred person and maintenance of your Crown which they entreat your Majesty to accept and pray Almighty God that for many years you may enioy the same The King to this made Answer I do esteem the affections of my good people more then the Crowns of many kingdoms and shall be ready by Gods assistance to bestow my life in their defence wishing to live no longer then I may see Religion and the kingdom flourish in all happiness This ceremony performed the Nobles and Commissioners of Barons and Burroughs accompanied his Maiesty to the church of Scoone the spurres being carried before him by the Earl of Eglinton the sword by the Earl Rothes the sceptet by the Earls of Craford and Lindsay the Crown by the Marquess of Argyle â—mmediately before the Kings Maâ—esty who followed supported by the Constable and Marshal his train â—orn up by the Lords Montgomory Ereskine Newbottle and Machelene under a Canopy of crimson velvet supported by the Lords Drummond Garnegie Ramsey Iohnston Brechin and Yâ—ter which six were supported by six Noblemen's sons Thus they went to the Church which being fitted for the purpose the Honors were laid upon a Table provided for them and his Majesty ascâ—nded on a stage 24. foot square and seated himself in a chair to hear the sermon upon this stage there was another smaller stage erected wheron the Throne stood His Majesty being seated on the Chair a sermon was preached by Robert Douglas Moderator of the Commission of the General Assembly Sermon being ended the National Covenant of Scotland the solemn League and Covenant were distinctly read which done the Oath was ministred in these words I Charles King of great Britain France and Ireland do assure and declare by my solemn Oath in the presence of Almight God the searcher of all hearts my allowance and approbation of the National Covenant of the solemn League and Covenant and faithfully oblige my self to prosecute the ends thereof in my station and calling and that I for my self and successors shall consent and agree to all Acts of Parliament enjoyning the National Covenant and the solemne League and Covenant and fully establish Presbyterian Government the Directory of Worship Confession of Faith and Catechisms in the Kingdome of Scotland as they
glad at these his straits yet many noble and candid loyal souls there were whom nothing but a tyranical impulsion could have forced to have born Arms against their lawfull Sovereign It being well known that thousands were forced out of several Countreys to serve against their wills and them too put into the brunt of the battel as though destined for the slaughter But for all these numerous forces which encompassed the Royal Army they were chearful and resolved to sell their lives at a noble rate his Majesty by the example of his undaunted courage principally encouraging them so that many vigorous sallies were made upon their Enemies and though their supernumeraries forc't them to a retreat yet was it very seldome or never ignobly But now the fatall day draws nigh a day before so eminently auspicious to Cromwell and as unfortunate to the Scots viz. the third day of September The sight was occasioned thus Cromvvell Fleetwood and others of the Republick party had after the gaining the pass at Vpton endeavoured to make themselves a clear passage to the City that their Army might joyn in the Leaguer to which end and purpose they ordered the making of two Bridges the one over the Severn the other over Thame over the last or which passes Lieut. Gen. Fleetwood went to attach the West side of the Town which so allarum'd the Royall Army who then lay within their Leaguer at St. Iones that to prevent their drawing nigher they sayled out with the greatest part of their horse and foot and a stiffe encounter there was 'till over powred by numbers more then by valour which they demonstrated to the utmost of mens strength they were forced to retire again into their Leaguer leaving more of their Enemies dead bodies in the field then of their own But whilst this encounter was on the West side of the Town Cromwell having pass't his Army over Severn he march't directly to the Town on that side whereupon his Majesty in person and in the head of the Horse sallied out upon him and that with so much valour and courage that Cromwel's own life-guard and the best of his old Souldiers who were thought almost invincible vvere forc't to retire 'till seconded by those numerous supply's of fresh souldiers vvho served only like the Turkish Asapi to blunt the Royall swords so that their wearied arms no longer able to hold out were forced to retreat and at length notwithstanding the generous example of his Majesty who performed things worth wonder to a disorderly flight and notwithstanding his Majestie's earnest endeavours in which he had his horse twice shot under him to bring them again to a rally yet it proved fruitlesse for the Cromwellian Army pouring forth their numbers upon them permitted them not so much time but following them close at the heels to the Town towards which they fled entred pel-mel with them And now notwithstanding their flight and the danger of their own lives yet had they so much care of their Sovereign that the whole cry through out both Town and Army was nothing else but Save the King Save the King for him they knew it was that the Iuncto's Army chiefly looked after and indeed in great danger he was for notwithstanding the earnest desires of many of his friends and particularly Duke Hamilton who pressed him to have a care of his safty and reserve his person to a more fortunate day yet his Majesty was hardly induced to quit the field nor would he till he saw all absolutely lost for Cromvvel's Army having as I said followed the Royallists into the Town and got possession of one side of it and after by two or three strong assaults upon the fort Royall where the Cheshire men never before found so disloyall to their Prince and therefore found now their due who out of three thousand men sacrificed the lives of 1600 to the Ghosts of those new Royallists which were all put to the sword in it it vvas taken by storm and now when it was almost to late his sacred Majesty thought it high time to provide for his safety and so vvith some Nobles and Servants not vvithout a great deal of difficulty for hovv could it be othervvise vvhere there vvas such hard search made for him he quit the field and by the most unfrequented roades that they could possibly find out rode to the Farmehouse of a Noble Gentleman on the borders of Staffordshire vvhere they no sooner arrived but his Majesty disrobed himself of his princely Ornaments and accoutrements and particularly of a Chain of Gold or spannar-string worth three hundred pounds sterling the present of a Scottish Lord vvhich he bestovved upon a servant of his there present vvhich done for his farther disguise he proceeded to the cutting of his hair and the Cote affording neither shears not scissars to perform it it was by the Lord Wilmot cut off with a Knife And now every one is commanded to shift for himself and this poor Prince left alone to the sole protection of the Almighty he choosing none but one friend to accompany him with whom he wandred into a Wood within four miles say some of Wolverhampton where finding a hollow Oke he was now content to make it his Pallace for here he for some daies concealed himself his Friend still towards night going out to provide him some refreshment during this his solitary confinement In the mean time the Lord Wilmot who was commanded with the rest to seek his fortune was by chance pursued by some souldiers but meeting with a Countrey fellow formerly a Souldier in the Old King's Army he was by him secured though somewhat strangely for he carries him into a Malt-house belonging to Mrs. Iane Lane and having no other convenient place to hide him in clapt him under the kilne though there were then some fire in it and the malt smoaking on the top In the mean time the souldiers then in pursuit of him entred the house and having made about three quarters of an hours search every where else but not at all suspecting the kilne where they saw the fire they departed and the Lord Wilmot was taken out of the kilne almost ready to faint with the extremity of the heat The countrey-fellow having thus secured this Lord acquaints Mrs. Lane with what he had done and she extremly glad of it gets him to her house where in conference she enquires of the King's safety The Lord Wilmot gives her the former relation of his miseries and distresse which forces tears from the tender hearted Gentlewoman she earnestly entreats him to take some course for the finding out of his Majesty and conducting him to her house she being resolued to venture her life had she ten thousand for the saving of his Royal Majesties The Lord Wilmot glad of so happy an oppertunity to serve his Majesty and so great a probability of securing him the next night finds him out and conducts him from the Royal Oak to the
represented his Majesty no otherwise then any loyal person for this age requires that distinction that hath either heard of or known him will confesse him to be but if they will not let them be convinced by that saying of a worthy Gentleman long time an attendant upon his Majesty who having given me a large account of his virtues at length concluded That Tully himself if now alive could not sufficiently expresse his praise Gentlemen it is to you in General that I present this History that you may see and be sensible to whom you have been loyal and then I believe that you will judge that your loyalty hath found it's just reward in being loyal to so just a Prince and if any of you have suffered for him read but his sufferings you cannot value your own Yet I intend not this at all to his pretended Tavern friends which I believe whilest they are so are so onely there and indeed I cannot look upon these as faithfull Subjects for how can that man be loyal to his Prince who hath not the power to be true unto himself Drunken subjects though never so loyal will prove the ruine both of themselves and their Soveraign Gentlemen let those that are truly loyal joyn their prayers with mine for the happinesse of his most SACRED MAIESTY since in his we must necessarily include our own and more then ours our COVNTRIES To the Readers in general Courteous Readers IF in this History I have displeased any person they cannot be so much displeased as I am sorry I have endeavoured to please all nor have I more then Iustice enforced me to favoured any I have laboured as I professed to write impartially where I have not done so I am confident there will not want Carpers If in some particulars affection hath swayed me though I confesse it a fault yet it brings it's excuse What loyal Subject can relate his Soveraigns sufferings without a passion what Free born English man's heart begins not to rise within him when he does but think of those Tyrannies and Oppressions his Native Countrey hath of late groaned under where I have been bitter it has been with reason where sweet with a great deal of Iustice Yet one thing I shall desire the Reader to take notice of that when I speak of the Presbyterians I mean not those moderate people who are as truly loyal as they are godly but some amongst them like wolves in sheeps clothing such as Straughan and Kerry in Scotland who only pretend themselves to be Presbyterians but are in their proof found Sectaries these are the Flea-bitten Clergy the Sowers of strife and sedition and a scandal to those to whom they pretend to be Brethren To conclude that all the Subjects of this Land may with one heart and voice agree together for the Restauration of our afflicted Sovereign but of our more afflicted selves to just Rights and Priviledges is the earnest prayer of A Hearty well-wisher to his Countrey THE HISTORY OF CHARLES the II. Third MONARCH of Great Britain c. THe Histories of Englands late oppreessours have already cloy'd and overladed the exuberant Presse whole Volumes daily coming forth either of the Actions of the late long Parliament or the Life of their aspiring Generall Cromwell which though adorn'd with all those flatteries that could possibly proceed from the most beneficed pens yet cannot in the least justifie their actions to the more sober sort of people for though their memories may here smell sweet to some who have rather tasted of their favour then suffered under their oppression yet do they but render them to the sufferers more infamous and to the Neuter ridiculous like the extolling of Don Quixot's Chivalry And though there have been some who have adventured to set them out to the life and paint them in their own colours yet have many of these as far exceeded the bounds of Truth as the others came short of it rather exasperated by their own or to please their fellow-sufferers into so great extremes have either side been lead out of fear or flattery anger or passion Moderation and Impartiality are the chiefest virtues of an Historian and therefore he who writes an History should chuse such a subject to write on where neither fear nor gain can induce him to flatter anger or passion to too much bitternesse Most of our modern Historians have proposed to themselves either profit advantage or employment by their Works which hath made them run into their so many grosse errours and flatteries whilst had they only endeavoured to represent things persons and actions impartially they had gained to themselves farre greater honour of true Writing I have chosen a subject to write of which I conceive may lead me to a mediocrity the Persons afflictions may induce me to pity him but they will in most mens judgements restrain me from flattery Nor need I out of fear I being now though unwillingly out of his reach mince the truth of his if any bad actions I confesse the Task I undertake is highly adventurous my pen may slip times may change however my heart shall guide me to an impartiality Charles the II. Heir apparent to the Crown of Great Britain and Ireland and crowned King of Scots whose History I intend to treat of was born on the 29. of May 1630. to the great joy of the King Queen and indeed the whole Nation for never yet had England a Prince born of so noble an extract and grand Alliance his father by lineal right and descent King of Great Britain and Ireland his mother daughter to that thrice Illustrious Prince Henry the Fourth King of France and worthily sirnamed the Great and Maria de Medicis By his Grand-mothers side was he near allied to the Kings of Denmark by the marriage of his Aunt the noble Princesse Elizabeth to the Elector Palatine of Rhene and King of Bohemia and afterwards by the marriage of his Royall Sister the Princesse Mary to the Prince of Orange Thus was he allied to most of the most Potent Princes in Christendome And happy might this Nation have been under his Government if we may believe the vogue of that wisest of men Solomon who pronounces that Kingdome blessed whose Prince is the son of Nobles He was some years after his birth according to the ancient Customes of England for the Kings Eldest son invested Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester and was in his minority brought up under the care of the Earle of Neweastle till in the year 1646. the Lord Hopton's Army in which he was being near inclosed by Sir Thomas Fairfax Generall of all the Parliaments Forces in the Devizes of Cornwall and the King his Fathers affairs being in a desperate condition all over England he was by the serious advice of his best friends perswaded to taâ—e shipping and depart for the Scillies from whence he was by the Parliament invited to return to London but he thought
severall other English Lords For upon the rupture of the peace between Oliver Cromwell and the King of Spain Don Iohn de Austria Governour Royall of the Low Countries for his Catholick Majesty commiserating our Kings unfortunate Condition now that his Interest might stand them in some stead had sent the Count De Fuensaldagne his Ambassadour to his Majesty of Great Brittain then resident as I said before at Colon inviting him into the Low Countries and assuring him in the name of his Catholick Majesty all possible service and assistance which invitation his Majesty graciously accepted and soon after took his journey from Colen towards Flanders and being come to Bruges the place appointed for his reception he was received with all honour imaginable and conducted to a Pallace purposely provided for him where he hath for the most part ever since remained Hither the Duke of York came accompanied as aforesaid having first in his way touched at Brussels where he was magnificently entertained and complemented by Don Iohn to whom he freely proffered his service in the Wars which was accepted with a great deal of thanks though he had not at first a command given him correspondent to that which he left in the French Army yet was his prudence courage valour and conduct in no lesse respect as afterwards by the Spaniards esteem of him appeared From thence he went to wait on his Majesty at Bruges where he was received with an affection correspondent to the near alliance with his sacred Majesty Before his Majestie's departure from Colen there happened a discocery of one of those persons who under pretence of waiting upon him Captain Manning by name discovered unto the Protector all his Designes and Counsels who being found out was by his Majesties Command sent to a strong Castle adjacent to Colen there to be kept close prisoner But all the Court being highly incensed against him for his perfidiousnesse one of his Majesties Servants though contrary to order pistol'd him as he was lighting out of the Coach at the Castle gate giving him lesse then the due regard of his so abominable treachery The Duke of York being arrived as I said at Bruges was highly carressed by all the persons of quality there resident and his Majesty who not withstanding Cromwell's earnest endeavours either to dispatch disable or make slaves of his loyal subjects had nevertheless some true friends io England who were still ready to venture lives estates for his so just cause had got together a considerable number of such English and Scotch whose Loyalty had banished them from their habitations and who were ready at all occasions to assist both his Majesty and themselves for the recovery of his and their just rights and estates but the continual advice which Cromwell alwaies had from those treacherous persons which he maintained about his Majesty made all enterprizes tending to the regaining of his Kingdoms and redeeming of his subjects liberty ineffectual This Army which his Majesty had quartered near the sea side to be ready on all occasions for transport was afterwards since there was no apparent hopes that his Majesty might make any succesfull use of them imployed in the service of the King of Spain For his Majesty of Spain had then great need of men in Flanders the English Protector having according to articles agreed upon between him the French King sent over six thousand foot for his assistance in his wars against Flanders in consideration of which help the English were to have Dunkirk which was agreed on to be beleaguer'd by the joynt-forces of France and England Whilst in the mean time the Protector Cromwell is by a parcel of a Parliament of which Sir Thomas Withrington was Speaker invested with his power and installed in Westminster-Hall and now he conferres those dignities which were formerly the Kingly rewards of loyalty upon his co-partners and followers and whether in mockery of that Government which he had so violently endeavoured to abolish or out of a perjured intention to settle it in himself which he swore not to endure in another he established a Pageant House of Lords who though then made to rule domineer over the Nation yet were formerly most of them persons not fit to be servants to some mean Mechanicks this was that Government which he had so solemly sworn against but when men have once forgot their Loyalty to their Soveraign what vices will they not run into But to return again to Flanders The English and French Armies had according to the articles concluded on betwixt them beleaguer d Dunkirk which Don Iohn knowing to be a place of great importance and an inlet into Flanders by sea for English Forces used his utmost endeavours to raise the sieges to which effect he levied what Forces he could either by his own or his Majesties influence having made up a considerable Army himself in person accompanied by the English Dukes of York Glocester together with those forces formerly addicted to his Majesties service advanced towards the joyntforce of the French English then beleaguering the Town who understanding by their scouts of his approach left such Forces in the leagure as might secure them within from a sally and drew up towards Don Iohn who had encamped near Fuernes the French and English were notwithstanding those forces they had left in the trenches much more numerous then the Spaniards both in horse and foot which made them the more resolved in the Encounter for though the others came to raise the siege yet the besieger were the first assaulters The first brush began with a forlorn hope of English infantry consisting of above three hundred who desperately charged upon a party of the Spanish foot which had advantageously dâ—â—â—n themselves upon a rising ground and seconded by Lockart's Regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonell Fenmick and some other additional supplies of English Infantry routed not only them but the other bodies of Spanish foot drawn up on the same manner In this charge Lieutenout Colonel Fenwick received his morrall wound and some other English Commanders were slain outright The Spanish Cavalry seeing their foot so easily put to a rout began likewise to flie nor could by any endeavoors be perswaded to stand whereupon the French Horse who had all that while stood still and seen the English do execution on the Enemies foot with a full career pursue their flying Enemies of whom they found little opposition but only what was made by the thrice valiant Duke of York's Râ—giment who for a time made the whole French Army to stand saved the lives of many of their flying friends which else had been sacrificed to the Enemies fury whilst in the mean time they dedicated their own lives or persons to their safeties For after they had made a very noble and gallant resistance over-powred by numbers and having no supplies to refresh their wearied bodies they were forced to yeild to their Enemies numbers
but now whether out of a real sence of their errour which I have the charity to believe it was they had a desire to return to their Allegiance to his son their lawful and native Soveraign or out of an ambition by joining with their Scottish brethren which I am loath to judge to get the power again into their hands which was snatched from them by the Independent English Army and the Iuncto of Sectaries in England they had laid a design to raise both a contribution of money and levy men for his Majestie's assistance here but their plot was betrayed by the intercepting of letters in a ship forced by foul weather into Ayre in Scotland but bound with provisions for the Isle of Man whereupon the chief undertakers in London were apprehended viz. Mr. Cook Mr. Gibbons Mr. Christopher Love Mr. Jenkins Dr. Drake and others of which two viz. Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Love were condemned by a High Court of Justice and suffered Death on the Tower Hill for that cause against which they had once so strongly declared But to return again to the chiefe Scene in Scotland The English Army had long had a desire to bring the Scots to a field-battel which his Majesty upon sundry good reasons and serious advice declined So Cromwel endeavoured to the utmost of his power to force them to it therefore several times fac'd his Majesty's Army which lay encamped at Torwood within three miles of Sterling but could not yet draw them out of their trenches the chief reason being imagin'd to proceed from their stay for Argile Huntly and Seaforth who were gone into their several Territories to compleat the King's Levies Cromwel perceiving that he could not draw the Scots to a Field-battle upon a sudden draws off his Army and transports sixteen hundred Foot and four Troopes of Horse over unto Fife on such a suddain that it startled his majesties whole Army and Cromwell with an unparallel'd expedition faced again the royal Army with a resolution to fall upon their Rear if they should attempt a motion thitherwards but they offered not to stir for already order had been given to Sir John Brown Governour of Sterling to march with four thousand Horse foot to drive out that party of Cromwell's which were already landed in Fife of which intelligence being brought Lambert and Okey with two Regiments of Horse and two of foot are with all possible hast wafted over to reinforce the party already there with which additional supply of men they routed Sir John Brown who expected none but the first landed party taking himself several other Officers of quality prisoners killing two thousand upon the place and taking near 1200. prisoners and shortly after Cromwell transports most of his Army over the Fife and resolving to stop the passage which the Scots had over by Sterling marches to S. Iohnstone's and takes it almost upon summons His Majesty seeing the English Army was advanced so far Northward thought it in vain to attempt the forcing them back and knowing that the Scots naturally fight better in anothers then in their own Countrey resolves to advance with all possible speed into England where he yet hoped notwithstanding the discovery of the late design to find some loyal souls to joyn with him for the Recovery of his Right and Kingdomes Many were there who opposed this intention of his Majesty and among those Dvke Hamilton was one of the chiefest whose dislike may sufficiently appear by his Letter to Mr. Crofts after their Advance to this effect We are now laughing sayes he at the ridiculousnesse of our present state we have quit Scotland being scarce able to maintain it and yet we graspe at all and nothing but all will satisfie us or to loose all I confess I cannot tell whether our hopes or fears are greatest but we have one stout Argument Despair for we must now either stoutly fight or die all the Rogues have left us I shall not say whether out of fear or disloyalty but all now with his Majesty are such as will not dispute his Commands But notwithstanding his dislike and his and others oppositions yet the Kings resolve takes place and on Iuly the 31. 1651. his Majesties Army began to advance from Torwood near Sterling steering their course directly for England which they entred six dayes after by way of Carlisle This march of the Royal Army made Cromvvell with the greatest part of his forces immediately recrosse the Frith and forthwith send Major General Lambert with a select party of Horse and Dragoons to fall upon the Rear of his Majesties Army whilest they hoped that Major General Harrison who then lay near the borders with about three thousand Horse and Dragoons would attach them in the Front shortly after Himself followed with the rest of the Army which could be spared amounting to about eight compleat Regiaments of Foot and two of Horse But then this greater preparation is made against him in England for the Iuncto then sitting at Westminster not only interdicted all aid or assistance either of men or monyes to be given to his Majesty under the penalty of High Treason but also in all or most of the Countries had caused a numerous force to be raised the Church-Militia of the City of London being likewise sent out against him and for the present impeading of his march two thousand of the Countrey-Militia of Staffordshire and four thousand out of Lancashire and Cheshire under the command of Collonel Birch had joyned with Harrison But besides all this many of the Royal Army had in their march deserted their Colours and near a fourth part of the Army was wanting but these were most of them such as were not very well affected to the businesse nor cause they went about and therefore there was but little misse of them for the rest of the Army marched on chearefully and continued to the utmost push stedfast and loyal and were so contentedly obedient to all Military Discipline that 't is believed that in all their march through all that in part of England they hardly took the value of sixpence forcibly But notwithstanding this unwonted civility of the Scotish Army and his Majestie's earnest invitations the Countrey came very slowly in whether besotted dulled and contented with that slavery they then lay under or over-awed by an armed power I cannot well tell but such was their backwardness that few or none besides the Lord Howard of Estrich his son with a Troop of Horse came in to him during his long tedious march through England Nor did his Majesty with his Army take that course which was expected by most he should for the great fear of his Enemies and greatest hopes of his friends were that he would march directly for London but he contrary to their expectations being coming into Lancashire struck off at Warrington either doubting the enterprize for London too hazardous or out of the hopes had of the forces
House of Mrs. Iane Lane where after a large condoling of his hard fortune consultation was had for a conveniency for his Escape beyond sea and at length it was concluded that Bristol would be the most convenient place to take shipping That his Majesty should ride before Mrs. Lane by the name of William servant to Mr. Lastel her father in Law who was likewise to go with them and thus it was immediately given out that Mr. Lastel and Mrs. Lane were to take a jonrney into the West to visit some friends and shortly after they set forward In this journey there happened many accidents worthy commemoration and first the King's Majesty riding now as servant to one of the faithfullest of his subjects in a Livery cloak though not without that respect that durst be given to him complains to Mrs. Lane that the Cloak wearied him whereupon she desires Mr. Lastel to carry it and long they had not rid so but they meet upon the Road her Brother-in law who amongst other questions demanded of her if her father must carry her mans Clâ—ok to which she readily answered that it was so big that it often endangered the throwing her off the horse and that she had therefore desired him to carry it The next and indeed most important accident of all was that coming into a Town which they were to pass through there was a troop of horse there to be quartered drawn up which at distance caused some fear but at length with a resolution they passed on and the Captain taking them for honest travellers made his Troope open to the right and left and so permitted them to pass Another accident there happened which one may say was almost comical in this Tragedy Mrs. Lane coming into the Inne leaves his Majesty under the name of William her servant in the Kitchin with whom the maid enters into discourse she asks him where he was born and what trade he was he answers at Brumingham a Naylor's Son and after a great deal of other discourse the Jack being down the Maid desires him to winde it up which he willingly undertakes but goes the wrong way about it and somewhat prejudices it at which the maid grew angry asking him where he was bred and telling him he was the veryest clownish booby that ever she saw in all her life wch railing of hers made his Majesty notwithstanding his present misery go out of the room smiling Mrs. Lane notwithstanding his Majesty went as her servant yet had a greater respect for him before others pretending him her Tenant's son but on the Road she would alwayes ask what he would have to dinner or supper and what piece of that he liked which she would always be sure to get made ready and give him he stil sitting at the lower end of the Table But to come to the end of their Journy being arrived at Bristol they lodged at the house of a noble Gentleman there and Kinsman to Mr. Lastles the King finding it to be a house of a great resort feigns himself sick of an Ague and so keepes his Chamber all the day coming down only at nights but one night coming down and being somewhat cold he craves a glasse of Wine of the Butler who carries him into the Butlery This Butler having before served his Majesties Father in the Warres looking earnestly upon him suspected him to be the King so easily wil Majefty appear though veil'd in the utmost disguises and thereupon pulling off his hat told him very ceremoniously That he might command what Wine he pleased of which the King tooke no notice but drinking off his Wine went out Yet the Butler could not satisfie his suspition but went up to Mr. Lastell's and demanded of him how long he had had that servant Whereupon Mr. Lastells was very angry at his boldness in daring to ask him such a question but the Butler still persisted and whispering told him that he believed it was the King Whereupon Mr. Lastells seeing he was discover'd sends immediately up for his Majesty whom he acquaints with the Butler's discovery of him with whom the King was somewhat angry in regard he did not first acquaint himself with his suspition it not being impossible but Mr. Lastells might not have known him to be the King but upon pardon asked by the Butler it was granted by the King and he afterwards proved very instrumental in his Majesties conveyance through the Countrey But here at Bristol the chief design they had in hand failed them for though there were a little Bark lay there judged most covenient for the businesse yet the Master would for no reward transport a single person though he was so honest as only to deny it and made no farther search or inquiry concerning the Person which might perhaps have tended to a discovery This design here failing his Majesty desired to be brought some miles Westward to the house of a worthy Gentleman whom he knew to be a trusty friend where coming he findes the Gentleman in the Field with his Servants Having discovered himself to him he was by him conveyed to a convenient stand 'till night having first taken leave of his true friends who had thus far conducted him with the danger of their Lives and Estates from whence he was in the dusk conveyed into the House and there carefully concealed for a week till such time as preparation could be made in some Western Port of a passage for him but coming afterwards there where it was provided chancing to dine with a Parliament-Colonel then there he thought it the safer to loose the benefit of that passage then adventure to imbarque himselfe singly which might breed suspition and perhaps have bin the means after so many deliverances to have betrayed him into the hands of his enemies This passage then likewise failing him he returned back to the place from whence he came and there concealed himself three weeks longer till in the end it being resolved on he by the assistance of Mr. Ph. was conveyed through the most by-ways they could imagine to a Gentlewomans house in Sussex where he lay some few daies til a person of true worth and honor made provision of a faithful master who with a small Vessel wafted him to a smal Creeke in Normandy to the great content of the Kings sacred Majesty and all his loyal Subjects and to the honour of the Master with due reward as in time may appear Perhaps the Reader may think it tedious that I have given so large a relation of his Majesty's escape from that fight at Worcester but it was a work so full of wonder and providence and so many false relations there are abroad that I could do no less then recount all those miseries hardships which this poor Prince endured for the sakes of us his subjects more would he wilingly have endured even death it selfe to the redeeming of us from the tyranny and oppression which we then groaned
the peoples hatred to an Usurper doth alwayes produce their love to a lawfull Prince nor had they before 'till deluded by those Tyrannizers any time to consider the miseries of their lawful Soveraign which now they begin to compassionate and seeing him the only person whom these men endevour by all means possible to keep down hatred to their tyrannies makes the people naturally desire his restauration and him whom before they thought justly expulsed they think it both Justice and Charity to reinstate as much considering it to be their own as his interest experience having taught them the difference between the Government by one gentle Prince and many Rusticks Thus far did these mens divisions invest his sacred Majesty with the love of his people who in the mean time lives retiredly at Bruges expecting either what the good will of his subjects might do for the restoring him to his Right or what the successe might be of that Treaty which was then the grand action of Europe in agitation between those two potent Monarchs France and Spain from whose joynt-forces he might expect so great a supply as might have reinstated him in his Dominions by force a course most of all opposite to his Majestie's nature who even in private things never attempts any thing by violence which he can obtain by intreaty Yet great hopes had the Royallists both in England abroad that this Treaty would produce some good effects yet it went on very slowly and after a great deal of tediousness came to a cessation and from that to an interview between the two grand Officers of State Don Lewis de Haro Count De Olivares chief favourite to his Catholick Majesty Cardinall Mazarine chief Minister of State to the most Christian King these being met upon the Frontier his sacred Majesty of great Brittain was invited thither by Don Lewis de Haro His Majesty received this invitation at Diepe in Normandy whither he had privately withdrawn himself as likewise had his Brother the Duke of York to Calice that they might be in a readinesse to have come over into England upon any fit opportunity they having received many invitations from their friends here about that time when Sir George Booth was up in Cheshire all England in a manner gaping for him But Sir George being as I said before overcome his Majesti's and the whole Nations hopes fail'd and the fanatick power still continued Paramount His Majesty therefore from Deipe begins his journey towards the frontiers of Spain which journey he intended to make privately and being first come to Roan he was there nobly entertained and feasted by Mr. Scot an English Merchant who accompanied his Majesty to the Protestant Church about three miles from the City where with a great deal of Devotion and attention he heard a Sermon From Roan his Majesty accompanied with the Marquess of Ormond the Lord Digby Mr. Oneen took Post steering their course directly for Bayonne near which the two great Officers of state were to meet not staying in any place but endeavouring by all means possible to travel undiscovered as was before resolved Being come near to the end of his Journey advice was sent to Don Lewis de Haro of his Majesties approach who immediately accompanied with a very gallant Train came forth to meet him and being come near unto him Don Lewis alighted from his horse and notwithstanding the place where they met was very dirty kneeling down he clapt his hands about his Majesties Knees and with a great deal of Humility kissed them His Majesty was from hence conducted with becoming Ceremonies to the place appointed for his accomodation Don Lewis riding all the way bareheaded by him where he was entertained with all possible splendor and gallantry Many overtures and propositions there passed between his Majesty and Don Lewis de Haro touching what aid and assistance might be granted him by his Catholick Majesty for the regaining of his rights and Kingdoms his Majesty endeavouring by all means possible to promote and further the present Treaty between France and Spain and to bring it to a happy conclusion by the Marriage of the King of France to the Spanish Infanta it tending so much to his Interest that till the conclusion of it nothing could be effected by those Princes which might any way promote his Right or possession To all his desires or propositions the noble count De Olivares returned pleasing answers and carried himself with so much respect towards him that he could not have been more submissive to the Catholick Majesty of Spain his Master His Majesty having some time been treated here returned back again through France being accompanied some part of his way by Don Lewis and repassing the rest privately by Post as he had formerly passed it till he came to Charinton Paris where his Mother was with whom he staid some few dayes though he was not now Courted and caressed by the French Nobility as formerly and then returned to his residence at Brussels His Majesties private departure from Brussels and his privacy during his whole journey made it certainly believed that both he and his Brother the Duke of York who lay at Calais were come over into England and that they lay here concealed expecting according to the event of things either to discover or secure themselves nay so certain was the belief even those in power had of it who had not so good intelligence as Oliver Cromwell that many persons were apprehended for them and particularly one Mr. Colt was taken for the Duke of York and kept in prison for him till such time as certain news arrived in England of the Dukes return to Brussels Several other persons likewise suffered imprisonment for being pressed to be like either his Majesty or his Brother His Majesty living retired at Brussels the continuance of the differences in England among those who had usurped his power doth still highly promote his interest For though Lambert had routed Sir George Booth and by it declared absolutely against a Free Parliament for which as the undoubted right of the Nation Sir George Booth and his Party took up Arms yet the people could not be content but now once put in the way they began violently to hanker after their long lost Liberty Nor could the turning out of the Rump for so had the people out of Disgrace termed the Iuncto which then sate whom then inveterately hated any whit now sweeten them in their slavery but they continually murmured out agravated their oppressions one to another and though they came to no violence yet 't is suspected it was more out of the hope they had that Generall George Monck who was then marching with his Army out of Scotland should assert their Liberties which somewhat allayed the popular fury then out of any fear or Cowardise But in the mean time their expections seem'd utterly to fail them for the Rump had by their industry so inveigled most