forthwith commanded the Prisoner to be carried away who was convey'd to White Hall The Reasons why he could not consent to the Court are as followeth which he Intended to deliver on Munday Jan. 22. in writing but was not permitted Having already made My protestations not only against the illegality of this pretended Court but also that no Earthly power can justly call Me who am your KING in question as a Delinquent I would not any more open My mouth upon this occasion more than to refer My self to what I have spoken were I alone in this case alone concerned But the duty I owe to God in the preservation of the true liberty of My people will not suffer Me at this time to be silent For how can any free-born Subject of England call Life or any thing he possesseth his own if Power without Right daily make new and abrogate the old fundamentall Law of the Land which I now take to be the present case Wherefore when I came hither I expected that you would have endeavoured to have satisfied Me concerning these grounds which hinder Me to answer to your pretended Impeachment but since I see that nothing I can say will move you to it though Negatives are not so naturally proved as Affirmatives yet I will shew you the Reason why I am confident you cannot judge Me nor indeed the meanest Man in England for I will not like you without shewing a reason seek to impose a belief upon My Subjects * Hereabout I was stopt not suffered to speak any more concerning Reasons There is no proceeding just against any Man but what is warranted either by Gods Laws or the municipall Laws of the Country where he lives Now I am most confident that this dayes proceeding cannot be warranted by Gods Law for on the contrary the authority of obedience unto Kings is cleerly warranted and strictly commanded both in the Old and New Testament which if denied I am ready instantly to prove and for the Question now in hand there it is said That where the word of a King is there is power and who may say unto him what doest thou Eccles 8.4 Then for the Laws of this Land I am no lesse confident that no learned Lawyer will affirm that an impeachment can lye against the King they all going in His Name and one of their Maximes is That the King can do no wrong Besides the Law upon which you ground your proceedings must either be old or new if old shew it if new tell what Authority warranted by the fundamentall Laws of the Land hath made it and when But how the House of Commons can erect a Court of Judicature which was never one it self as is well known to all Lawyers I leave to God and the World to judge And it were full as strange that they should pretend to make Laws without King or Lords-House to any that have heard speak of the Laws of England And admitting but not granting that the people of Englands Commission could grant your pretended power I see nothing you can shew for that for certainly you never asked the question of the tenth man of the Kingdome and in this way you manifestly wrong even the poorest ploughman if you demand not his free consent nor can you pretend any colour for this your pretended Commission without the consent at least of the major part of every man in England of whatsoever quality or condition which I am sure you never went about to seek so far are you from having it Thus you see that I speak not for My own right alone as I am your KING but also for the true liberty of all My Subjects which consists not in sharing the power of Government but in living under such Lawes such a Government as may give themselves the best assurance of their lives and propriety of their goods Nor in this must or do I forget the Priviledges of both Houses of Parliament which this dayes proceeding doth not only violate but likewise occasion the greatest breach of their publick Faith that I believe ever was heard of with which I am far from charging the two Houses for all the pretended crimes laid against Me bear date long before this late Treaty at Newport in which I having concluded as much as in Me lay hopefully expecting the two Houses agreement thereunto I was suddenly surprized and hurried from thence as a Prisoner upon which account I am against My will brought hither where since I am come I cannot but to My power defend the ancient Laws and Liberties of this Kingdome together with My own just right Than for any thing I can see the higher House is totally excluded And for the House of Commons it is too well known that the major part of them are detained or deterred from sitting so as if I had no other this were sufficient for Me to protest against the lawfulnesse of your pretended Court. Besides all this the peace of the Kingdome is not the least in My thoughts and what hopes of settlement is there so long as Power reigns without rule of Law changing the whole frame of that Government under which this Kingdome hath flourished for many hundred yeares nor will I say what will fall out in case this lawlesse unjust proceeding against Me do go on and believe it the Commons of England will not thank you for this change for they will remember how happy they have been of late years under the Reign of Q. Elizabeth the King My Father and My Self untill the beginning of these unhappy Troubles and will have cause to doubt that they shall never be so happy under any new And by this time it will be too sensibly evident that the Arms I took up were only to defend the fundamentall Laws of this Kingdome against those who have supposed My power hath totally changed the ancient Government Thus having shewed you briefly the Reasons why I cannot submit to your pretended Authority without violating the trust which I have from God for the welfare and liberty of My People I expect from you either cleer Reasons to convince My judgement shewing Me that I am in an Error and then truly I will readily answer or that you will withdraw your proceedings Sir Hardresse Waller Harrison Deane and Okey Colonels with Lieutenant Generall Ireton are by the Court appointed to consider of time and place for executing the King who resolve that the Open streete before White Hall is a fit place and that the King be there executed the next day being the 30 of January 1648. and that the scaffold he covered with black January 27. the King lay at White Hall the next day being Sunday the Bishop of London preached before him in his Chamber The same day all the Members of the Court kept a fast in the Chappell at White Hall Munday his Children were permitted to visit him at St James's but staid not long Tuesday the 30 of January the
some few Vipers among them that cast this mist of undutifulnesse over most of their eyes yet to say truth there was a good number there that could not be infected with this contagion in so much that some did expresse their duties in speaking which was the Generall fault of the House the last day To conclude as these Vipers must look for their reward of punishment so you my Lords must justly expect from me that favour and protection that a good King oweth to his loving and dutifull subjects And now my Lord Keeper doe what I command you who in the Kings name dissolv'd the Parliament The Parliament being dissolv'd the King sets forth a Declaration of the Causes Grounds and Motives that caused him to dissolve them together with an account of all the Transactions of this and the last Parliament Not long after the King sent for ten of the last Parliament to appeare at the Councell Table viz. Mr. Hollis Sir Miles Hobert Sir John Eliot Sir Peter Hayman Mr. Selden Mr. Stroud Mr. Correton Mr. Valentine Mr. Long Mr. Kirton who having been examin'd by the Lord Treasurer some were sent to the Tower some to the Gate-House others to the Fleete which afterward begot a very high controversie in Law The Queen being affrighted was before her time delivered of a Son who was baptized Charles which lived not above two houres The States of Venice sent over an Ambassadour to mediate for a peace betwixt us the French which was concluded in eight Articles and confirmed with solemn Oaths on both sides Two great Reasons were given for the Kings suddaine consent to a peace the one was the ill successe and bad fortune that alwayes attended his warlike designes the other and maine the sinews of war being dried and shrunk up the Exchequer was very barren Peter Reuben the famous Painter of Antwerp came over into England and made overtures of a peace with Spaine by offering the restitution of the Palatinate then which nothing was more desirable of the King but he had not full power to performe On the 29 of May 1630. the Queen was deliver'd of her second Son who was baptized the 27 of June at St James's with all Princely ceremony and named Charles which caused great rejoycings and acclamations among the people excepting the Puritan party At his birth a Star appeared visibly at noone day just as the King went to St Pauls Church to give thankes where he was presented with these Verses When to Pauls-Cross the Gratefull King draw nere A shining Star did in the Heavens appeare Thou that consults with divine Mysteries Tell me what this bright Comet signifies Now is there borne a valiant Prince i' th West That shall Eclipse the Kingdoms of the East The King being deeply sensible of his brothers miseries and being informed of a Diet at Ratsbone sent Sir Robert Anstruther Ambassadour to the Emperour and Estates in Germany to mediate in his brothers behalfe to which the Emperour return'd Answer that no forraine businesse was to be medled withall at the Diet but as soone as possibly he could he would doe that which might be for his Honour and he hoped to his Majesties content upon which the Ambassadour returnes One Layton a Rigid Presbyter who published a book call'd Zions Plea in which he excited the Parliament and People to kill all the Bishops Very abusive also to the Queene calling her the Daughter of Heth a Canaanite an Idolatresse was sentenced in the Star-Chamber to have his nose slit his eares cropt and stigmatized in the forehead which he for some time prevented by an Escape out of the Fleete but being taken underwent it The Peace betwixt England and Spaine was at last concluded the Articles being the same in effect with those that were betwixt King James and Philip the Third excepting that the King of Spaine should dispose of all his Interest in the Emperour toward the restitution of the Palatinate which was proclaimed Sunday the 27 of November 1630. with Great solemnity Aprill the 25. 1631. Mervin Lord Audley Earle of Castle-Haven was arraigned at the Kings-Bench Bar before Thomas Lord Coventry who for that day was appointed Lord High Treasurer of England he being found Guilty of Rape and Sodomy was by his Peeres condemned and Executed the 14 of May at Tower hill And on the 27 of June following Mr. Broadway and Fitz Patrick servants to and concriminaries with the Lord Audley were tryed at the Kings-Bench-Bar and being found Guilty the one of Rape the other of Sodomy were condemned and on the sixt of July were executed at Tyburne The Queene was the 4th of November 1631. deliver'd of her eldest Daughter who was baptized Mary December 2d 1632. The King was visited with the small Pox but by Gods blessing soone recovered Anno 1632. The Church of St Paul which by the pious zeale of our Auncestors was raysed to that huge bulke that all Christendome was not able to paralell being through age decayed was by the piety of his Majesty the Bishops the Nobility Gentry and Commonalty of the Nation begun to be repaired and a very great progresse was made therein but the unhappy differences of the Nation ensuing caus'd its obstruction Anno 1633. The King having been often solicited to goe into Scotland in order to his personall Coronation on the 13th of May he sets forward with a Princely Traine most of the English Nobility all the Scots that attended here and on the way was very Nobly treated by diverse of the Nobility and Gentry ospecially by the Earle of Newcastle at Welbeck On the 10 of June he came safe to Edenborough where he was Crowned with all outward seeming affection and on the 20 of July return'd safe to the Queen at Greenwich In the beginning of August dyed the Reverend Prelate George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud then of London immediately succeeded him October the 13th 1633. the Queen was delivered of her second Son who was baptized James and on the 24 of the same moneth was by Letters pattent created Duke of York The King taking into his Princely care the Irreverend and remisse service of God in the Kingdome of Scotland sent Orders to be observed by the Deane of his Chappell as in England 1 That prayer be said twice a day according to the English forme 2 The Sacrament to be administred once a moneth and to be received Kneeling 3 That he which Officlates on Holy dayes doe it in his Surplice Which though backt with a Letter requiring exact obedience the Deane durst not performe for feare of discontenting the people The King by the Advice of the Bishops and Councell Reviv'd his Fathers Declaration for tolerating Lawfull Sports on the Sunday which gave great distast to the people especially to the puritanicall party On the second of February being Candlemas day at night the King and Queene were entertained at White Hall with a Mask of the Gentlemen of the Inns of Court The
Horse the next day he came to Windsor and was deliver'd up to the Governour who had Instructions not to permit him to be spoken with nor visited by any but by speciall order from Parliament or Generall Divers of the secluded Members were discharged by the Generall on the 23 of December The Commons order a Charge to be drawne up against the Capitall offenders of the Kingdome and amongst the rest the King was named Decem. 28 an Ordinance was brought into the House nominating divers persons to try the King which being tenderd to the Lords was refused Major Pitcher an Active stout man for the King having his life Granted on promise to goe out of the Land was apprehended and shot to death in St Pauls Church-yard The Commons seeing the Lords averse proceed themselves and agreed to the Commission brought in for Triall of the King and order the Commissioners to meete on Munday in the painted Chamber to consider of manner time and place January the9th the Lords Vote that the King could not commit Treason against the Common-wealth and order a Declaration to be drawne up of the Grounds and reasons of their rejecting the Commission for triall of the King and another That no Act of the Commons is binding without the consent of the Lords The Queene sent a Letter to both Houses craving leave to come over to visit her husband but it would not be Granted The Ministers of London though now too late came to the Generall at White Hall to declare their dislike of the proceedings which begat a High contest The Commons Adjourne part of Hillary Tearme in order to the Kings Triall Some Judges for dissenting from the Kings Triall are displaced Jan. 17. The Commissioners for Triall of the King meet in the painted Chamber and debated whether they should have in Court the Mace and Sword and accordingly it was Resolv'd to have both Mace and Sword the Sword alone being too terrible The Commons upon the Kings request Order Dr Juxson Bishop of London to attend him as Chaplain Proclamation was made in Westminster Hall and the Old Exchange for witnesses to come in against the King Fryday the 19 of January the King was brought from Windsor Castle and was met by a Regiment of Horse four miles from London and that night lodg'd at St James's The Kings Bench-Bar and Chancery were appointed for the Commissioners to sit in which were Rayled and Scaffolded in the midst was placed a Crimson Velvet Chaire for the President with a Desk before him on which lay a Crimson Velvet Cushon The Seates all Covered with Red Beneath was a Table with a Turky Carpet for the Carkes On saturday the 20 of January the King was brought with a strong Guard of foote through St James's Parke to White Hall and from thence was convay'd by water to Sir Robert Cottons House with a Guard of twenty Partesons The President Sargeant Bradshaw with his Traine held up before whom was Carried the Sword by Collonell Humphrys and the Mace by Sergeant Dandy after whom came seventy Commissioners the Councell was Mr Aske a Lawyer of the Inner Temple Dr Daureslaus a Civilian and Mr Cooke of Grays Inne was Solicitor Genenerall for the businesse The Court being sat the Commission by which they sat was Read together with the Commissioners names The President commanded the Sergeant at Armes to fetch in the Prisoner who immediately brought the King attended by a Guard of Partezons and placed him in a Chaire He was no sooner sat but with a sterne Countenance he viewed the Court Lookt up toward the Galleries and rising from his Chaire turn'd himselfe to behold the vast multitudes of Souldiers and others that were in the Hall It was further observable that at his Majesties first coming into the Court the top of his staff fell off which none stooping for he took up himselfe Silence being Commanded the Lord President told the King they were assembled by the Authority of the Commons of England to proceed to the Triall of Charles Stuart King of England who had betrayed the trust reposed in him by the people and Commanded the Charge to be read in Open Court which was to this effect That the said Charles Stuart being admitted King of England and Intrusted with a Limited power to Governe according to the Laws for the good and benefit of the people and preserving their Rights and Liberties yet neverthelesse out of a wicked designe to uphold himselfe by a Tyrannicall power according to his will thereby to overthrow the Rights and Liberties of the people yea thereby to make voyd the foundation thereof he the said Charles Stuart for accomplishing such wicked designes and for the protecting himselfe and his adherents in his and their wicked practices hath traiterously and maliciously Levied war against the present Parliament and the people therein represented Particularly upon or about the 13 day of June 1642 at Beverly in the County of York and at or upon the 13 day of July in the yeare aforesaid in the County and City of York and upon the 24 of August in the same yeare at the County of the Towne of Nottingham when and where he set up his Standard of War and on about the 23 of October in the same yeare at Edg-hill and Keinton field and upon or about at 13 day of November in the same yeare at Branford in the County of Middlesex and at or upon the 13 of August 1643 at Cavesham bridge neare Reading in the County of Berks and at our upon the 13 of October in the same yeare at or neare the City of Glocester and at or upon the 30 of November in the yeare last mentioned at Newbery in the County of Berks and at Crepida bridge the 13 of July 1644 and the third of September in the same yeare at Bodmin and other places neere adjacent in Cornwall and on the 30 day of November in the yeare last mentioned at Newbery aforesaid and on the 8 of June 1645 at the Towne of Leicester and also on the 14th day of the same moneth in the same yeare at Naseby field at which severall times and places or most of them and at many other places in the Land at severall other times within the yeares aforementioned as also in the yeare 1646 He the said Charles Stuart hath caused many thousands of the people of the Nation to be slaine by divisions partyes and Insurrections in the Land by Invasions from forraine parts endeavoured and procur'd by him and by many other evill wayes and meanes He the said Charles Stuart hath not onely maintain'd and carried on the said war by Land and Sea during the yeares aforementioned but hath also revived or caus'd to be revived the said war against the Parliament and the good people of the Nation this present yeare 1648 in the Counties of Kent Essex Sutry Sussex and Middlesex and in many other Counties in England and Wales and also by Sea And particularly
presence of all the Lords of the Privy Councell and other Peeres of the Realme at Westminster Created Duke of Yorke with all usuall and accustomed solemnities Count Gundamore being sent over Ambassadour from the King of Spaine to treate of a Match betwixt the young Prince and the Infanta of Spaine who confidently affirmed there was no other way to regaine the Palatinate and to settle a perpetual Peace in England but by this Match King James having a naturall inclination to peace gives great attention and by advice of the Privy Councell the Prince on the 17 of Feb. 1622. is sent disguised with the Duke of Buckingham attended by Endimion Porter of the Bed-Chamber and Richard Greenham Master of the Horse to the Duke who were met at Dover by Sir Francis Cottington Secretary to the Prince who being Imbarqued Land at Boloigne and so post to Paris where staying one day he had a transient View of that excellent Lady the Princes Henerettae Maria at a Mask which The Great Disposer of all things had preserved for him On the 7th of March he arrives at Madrid and alighted at the Earle of Bristolls house then extraordinary Ambassadour whose suddaine arrivall startled Bristoll who was altogether a stranger to the Journey The next Morning notice was given to Count Olivares the Spanish favourite and by him Communicated to King Philip of the arrivall of the Duke of Buckingham who in private informed the King of the Princes hazardous adventure to have a sight of the Infanta which accordingly was afterwards performed with a great deale of seeming affection But the crafty Spaniard could by no means be drawne to admit the restitution of the Palatinate but would reserve it as a Gratuity to be freely bestowed after the Marriage Much time was spent and Articles were drawn on both sides ready to signe when on the suddaine Pope Gregory dies who was to give his dispensation for the Match application is made to Pope Vrban which protracted much time the Prince being sensible of delay desires leave to returne with many Complements takes his farewell of the King and Infanta and with much danger arrives the fist of October at Porchmouth the next day posts to London where he was received with unspeakable joy of the people and soone after hasts to Royston where the King then resided to whom he gave an ample and large account of the whole proceedings the King communicates it to the Councell who concluded to acquaint a Parliament with it and forthwith a Parliament was summoned to meet in February following Which being met he declared the necessity of a mutuall compliance betwixt a King and his Parliament urging it with the parallel of Christ and his Church the husband the wife and so falls upon the businesse giving a short account of his Sons going to Spaine with Buckingham to attend him and his endeavours therein for the peace and welfare of Christendom and desires their advice and assistance for the good of the Common-wealth Religion his Son his Children of the Palatinate how that his Estate and welfare consisted with theirs and that he was free to follow their advice and concluded with serious and Christian Protestations that never wayfaring man in the burning desarts more desired water to quench his thirst then he thirsted and longed for the happy successe of this Parliament The House after debate desired a further account of the particulars which accordingly was performed by the Duke of Buckingham and the Prince Buckingham having satisfied the curiosity of a searching Parliament was by them greatly esteemed and looked upon as the preserver of the Nation The Parliament after nature Consideration advise the King to break off the Treaty and to proclaim open warre the King being naturally of a peacefull disposition was very timorous of it and urges his great want of money to maintaine it the Exchequer being much drained by his Sons Journey into Spaine Ambassadours the maintenance of his Children abroad who eate no other bread but by him besides he was loath to shew his Teeth and could not bite he is willing to dissolve the Treaties but if he should begin a warre God onely knows when it will end but he would ingage his Son for the Recovery of the Palatinate and in his old age will if need require assist in person promising the disposall of the moneys to a Committee of Parliament Forthwith a Councell of War is chosen who order 6000 men to be sent immediately into the Low Countryes in order to their passage into Germany Buckingham is accused of treason by the Spanish Ambassadour but nothing came of it The Prince growing in yeares and in the favour of the people the Treaty with Spaine being null'd some overtures are made for a Match with the Princes Henneretta Maria the youngest sister of the French King King James breaks it to his Privy Councell which joyntly applaud it a Parliament being summoned and the businesse propounded it was entertained by them with an unanimous consent and proposed that an Ambassadour be forth with sent to negotiate in behalfe of the Match the Earle of Holland is with all Expedition sent to feele the pulse of the French King in whom he found a ready inclination so that he could easily guesse at the event having advertised his Majesty of it instantly the Earle of Carlile is sent as an additionall Ambassadour to the Earle of Holland the French King sends Marquesse D'Effait for England in the quality of an Ambassadour the Noble Instruments plyed their businesse so close that on the tenth of November 1624. Articles on both sides were signed there wanted nothing for the Compleating the Match but a dispensation from Rome for which the King of France sollicited In the Interim King James being molested with a tertian Ague which drave him into a Feaver delivers up his soule to God the 27 of March 1625. at Theobalds leaving his three Kingdomes to his Son Various rumours past among the people concerning a plaister which the Duke of Buckingham caused to be laid to the Kings wrists but his Physitians Sir Matthew Lister Dr Chambers and others being examined cleared the Duke of that scandall He was accounted and called Great Britaines Solomon by some Courtiers a Generall Scholler and made all his Studies and Learning subservient to that of Divinity He was a perfect hater of Arminianisme the Semipelagians and of the Calvinisticall Presbyterian humour which severall times attempted to break forth in his Raigue but he by his wisdome supprest an excellent Oratour and by some charg'd with Epicurisme A man studious of peace The sad Newes of King James his death came to Whitehall just when Bishop Laud was in his Sermon which made him to breake off in compliance with the sadnesse of the Congregation His Son Charles was immediately proclaimed at the Court Gate King of Great Britaine France and Ireland who presently dispatcheth aviso's of his Fathers death to all Confederate Princes and States
to Next he took care for the solemne Interring of the Royall Corps which on the 14 of May was performed with all funerall Rites his Statue was lively presented on a magnificent Heare King Charles being present thereat His funerall Sermon was preached by Dr Williams Lord Keeper and Bishop of Lincolne King James by his death had intailed a war and an empty Exchequer upon his Successour which in all humane probability was the occasion of the great differences and vast breaches betwixt him and the people The King though much possest with griefe yet there remained some part for love he had still an eye toward France and to manifest it he sent out Letters of procuration to the Duke Chevereux to Espouse the Lady Heneretta Maria which Espousalls were solemnly performed in the Church of Nostredam in Paris The Bride prepares for England the Duke of Buckingham and the Earle of Montgomery with divers other Gentlemen of quality were sent to attend her At Bulloigne she was attended with one and twenty Ships and divers Ladies of Honour and on Sunday the 12 of Jane 1625. she landed at Dover the King then lay at Canterbury and the next day met her at Dover whence with all solemnity she was conducted to Somerset-House in London where a Chappel was prepared for her devotion with a Covent adjoyning of Capuchin Fryers according to the Articles of Marriage London at that time was much visited with the Contagion which broke out under the same roof that it formerly did at King James his Initiation into the Government and that which is more remarkable on the same day The King was not altogether Rapt up with the enjoyment of his deare Consort but he was mindfull of the affaires of State summons a Parliament which being met he speaks to this purpose My Lords and Gentlemen You are not ignorant that at your carnest Intreaty March 23d 1623. my Father of happy memory first took up Arms for the recovery of the Palatinate for which purpose by your assistance he began to forme a considerable Army and to prepare a Goodly Armado and Royall Navy but death intervening between him and the atchievement the war with the Crowne is divolved upon me to the prosecution whereof I am obliged both in nature and Honour so I question not but the same necessity continuing you 'le cherish the Action with the like affection and further it with a ready contribution True it is you furnished my father with affectionate supplyes but they hold no simmetry proportīo with the Charge of so great an enterprize for those your donatives are all disburst to a penny and I am inforc't to summon you hither to tell you that neither can the Army advance nor the Fleete set forth without further ayd Consider I pray you the eyes of all Europe are defixt upon me to whom I shall appeare ridiculous as though I were unable to out goe Muster and Ostentation if you now desert me Consider it is my first attempt wherein if I sustaine a foyle it will blemish all my future Honour If mine cannot let your own reputation move you deliver and expedite me fairely out of this warre wherewith you have encumbred let it never be said wherein you have betraid me I desire therefore your speedy supply speedy I call it for else it will prove no supply the Sunne you know is entring into his declining point so it will be soone too late to set forth when it shall be rather too soone to returne Againe I must mind you of the mortality now Regnant in the City which should it as so it may and no breach of proviledge neither arrest any one member of either House it would soone put a period both to consultation and session so that your own periclitation necessitates an early resolution In summe three of the best Rhetoricians Honour Oportunity and Safety are all of a plot and plead you see for expedition Perhaps it may be expected I should say something in way of account of my Religion as also of the temper and tenure of my future Government but as I hope I have not been guilty of any thing which may justly start the least question in either so I desire you will repose in this assurance that I will in neither vary from those principles wherein I have been instituted at the feete of that eminent Gamaliel my late Father Which being ended he valed his Crowne This Speech I set downe at large it being the first and I think not Inferiour to any for Rhetorick Though this Speech consisted of very pressing Arguments yet the Parliament made but slow hast for they had two Petitions one for Religion the other for Grievances which were presented to King James the last Session but received no answer which Petitions were presented to the King with this pretence that he might have time to consider and give a deliberate answer To the Petition for Religion his Majesty promised very faire but to the Petition for Grievances his Majesty gave very many satisfactory Answers he caused the Accounts of the severall disbursments relating to the Army and Navy to be delivered in to the Parliament which wrought such good effect that they gave him freely two Subsidies from Protestants four from Papists and three from the Clergy The King taking notice of the small appearance in the House by reason of the Infection Adjourn'd the Parliament to Oxford and the first of August the Parliament met at Oxford where they presented his Majesty a Petition against Recusants which the King readily and freely assented to The King urgeth the speedy Contributions which caused great debates some were very free and willing others were backward and pretended the businesse was managed with green heads speaking very unworthily of the Duke the greater part that refused resolved upon a Remonstrance the King being informed of it and fearing the distemper would grow too high dissolves the Parliament In September the States of Holland send over an Ambassadour to request a League offensive and defensive against their common enemies the Emperour and the King of Spaine which the King consented to on condition they would bear a fourth part of the charge of the Fleet Buckingham and Holland are sent over into the Low Countryes to advise with the Ambassadours of severall Princes about the restauration of the Kings sister but they were disappointed for the Danes denied ability the French unwilling upon their returne came the sad newes of the ill successe of our Fleete who put out the 8 of October and by the 12. were dissipated by reason of a furious storme which was so violent that 50 ships of 80 were missing for some time the storme being over a Councell was called and concluded to annoy the Ships in Gades Bay but finding it difficult by reason of a Fort just before it orders were issued out to cleere it or secure it in order to the designe but finding it Impregnable by Sea they conclude to
like was never in England seene before for State and Magnificence and afterward were Royally entertained by the Lord Mayor of London with a stately Feast and Banquet 1634. The English Coast was much perplext with Pirates of severall Nations and the Kings Dominion in the narrow Seas evidently usurped by the Dutch and defended by Grotius in his book Entituled Mare Liberum which was exactly Answered by the Learned Selden in his Book Entituled Mare Clausum The Exchequer at that time was very much drained The King having tyed himselfe up by granting the Petition of Right could not tax or levy money without consent of Parliament and how to expect it from them with whom he had parted so fouly he could not imagine He declares his Intentions to his Attorney Noy together with the Necessity of raysing money but desires it to be done Legally who after much study and paines finds out an ancient president of raising a Tax for setting forth a Navy in case of danger without a Parliament The King was very glad of it Writs were Instantly Issued out to the Sea-port Townes to raise money for a certaine number of Ships well provided for the safety of the Nation they complained that it equally concern'd the whole Nation upon which a Tax was laid throughout the whole Kingdome every one endeavoured to excuse it and some alledged it was against the Petition of Right it being done out of Parliament which begat a great quarrell Great Contest happened in Ireland this yeare between the Protestants and Papists which occasioned the Lord Strafford then Lord Deputy to summon a Parliament for the raysing of moneys for the payment of the Army and the Kings Revenue which was managed with so much wisdome and prudence by the Lord Deputy that he obtained his desire There was likewise a Synod called wherein the Articles of 1615 were repealed and the 39 Articles of the Church of England established in their room they did likewise unanimously declare their consent and agreement with the Church of England in the profession of the same Christian faith The Scots were now Hatching mischievous designes against the King which they colour'd with specious pretences as The Kings endeavouring to Intrench on their Liberties and after some time were so Insolent as to charge the King with favouring of Papists in a desperate Libell which by the care and diligence of the Lords of the Councell was supprest the Author was discovered to be one Hagge and the principall abettor the Lord Bellamore who being found Guilty received the sentence of death but upon his application to the Kings mercy was pardoned The 29 of September by the procurement of the Earle of Arundell one Robert Parr aged 160 was brought to London one of the wonders of this last age In November following the Prince Elector came to London to tender his respect to his Uncle and to solicite touching his restitution and not long after came his second Brother Prince Robert On the 28 of December 1635. was borne the Kings second Daughter and was the second of January baptized Elizabeth March the sixth William Juxson Lord Bishop of London was made Lord Treasurer a man of great Piety and Integrity At this time if ever might England be said to be in a happy condition the Church the most Glorious and splendid that ever was since the Apostles times the Civill Government managed by a King who for piety and morality was not Inferiour to any in the Christian world Incompassed about with peace on all sides what mortall would ever have imagined that this bright Sun-shine of Felicity should be so soone Eclipsed William Land Lord Archbishop of Canterbury taking notice of the carelesse observance of the Ecclesiasticall Canons which he strictly put in practice in his solemne Visitation and in his zeale gave order for the Removing of the Communion Table to the East end of the Church upon an ascent and to be rayled In to prevent profanation which gave great distast to the puritan party who charg'd him with Innovation 1636. In July set forth the Kings Royall Fleete to scowre the Seas of Pirates and to prevent the Intrenching of the Hollander in Fishing upon our Coasts which was effected but by their humble Request the King Indulgently Granted them Liberty In September the Earle of Arundell was sent Extraordinary Ambassadour attended by a Noble Traine to the Emperour to solicite in behalfe of the Prince Elector who being wearied with delayes return'd in a discontent The unhappy Controversie of Ship-money began now to be disputed The Writs for raysing Ship-money having been formerly Issued out divers refused to pay among the rest Mr. Hamden of Buckingham-shire by wilfull default refused and desired it might be argued in Law which occasioned the King to write a Letter to Sir John Brampston Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench Sir John Finsh Lord Chiefe Justice of the Court of Common Pleas Sir Humphry Davenport Baron of the Exchequer and to the rest of The Judges of the severall Courts to know their opinion who joyntly and severally gave their opinion that it was Lawfull upon which Processe is immediately Issued out against Mr. Hamden who demurr'd and desired the Judges opinion which was argued in the Exchequer the Major part was for the King onely Judge Crooke and Judge Hutton seemed to favour the other party but Judgement was past by the Barons against Hamden On the 17 of March 1636. was borne Anne the Kings third Daughter In June following Mr. Prin Dr Bastwick and Mr. Burton three violent and restlesse spirited men were sentenc'd in the High Commission Court for seditious and scandalous Libells by them made and disperst against the Bishops and their Ecclesiastical Government which sentence was by some accounted harsh and severe The King knowing the necessity of a mutuall Compliance in matters of Religion and understanding his Fathers Intention in composing a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland Orders the Bishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Ely together with diverse other Bishops of both Nations to revise and correct as they should think meete the Service Compiled in his Fathers life time which very little differ'd from that of England orders it to be sent to the Councell in Scotland to be made use of When on the 23 of July 1637 the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in St Giles Church a suddain uproar began by the women and baser sort of people The Bishop appointed to preach goes into the Pulpit hoping to convince them of their Irreverend Carriage which nothing prevailed for they were the more Insolent flinging stones stooles and what ever else came next to hand so that he hardly escaped with life Diverse other Churches were likewise Infested with the like fury and madnesse but by the Industry of the Archbishop of St Andrews Lord Chancelour and other Magistrates the tumult was appeased some were afterward apprehended and endeavours made to finde out the first beginner But it rested
not here for not long after it was observed that a great concourse of people from all parts of that Kingdome came to Edenborough which occasioned the Lords of the Councell to put forth severall Proclamations to prevent the like disorders but they nothing prevailed for the next day the Bishop of Galloway going to the Councell was followed by a great multitude railing and reviling him untill he came to the Councell-doore where he was no sooner enter'd but they beset the House with very great multitudes threatning destruction to all that were within The Councell immediately require ayde of the Provost and other Magistrates of the City who returne answer that they were in the like danger The tumult still increasing they of the City were forc't for the safegard of their own lives to subscribe as followeth 1. To joyne in opposition to the Service-Book and to Petition against it 2. To restore Ramsey and Rollock two silenced Ministers 3. To receive in Mr Henderson formerly silenced Which being signed the Councell thought was a good step to suppresse the tumult but entring into the High street The Lord Treasurer and other Lords were afresh assaulted trodden under-foote and brought back by violence to the Councell-House where being in great danger they require ayde of diverse Noblemen disaffected to the Common-prayer-book who promised what assistance they possibly could and in the end return'd home safe In the afternoon proclamation was made at the crosse of Edenborough for prevention of the like disorders but to smal effect some Citizens demanding the restitution of the Ministers and the performance of what was subscribed Suddenly two petitions were presented against the Common-prayer book and the Composers and Abettors of it which petitions were sent to the King with the narrative of the whole who immediatly sent instructions for adjourning the Tearm to Sterling a strong place and to make proclamation of severe penalties to be inflicted on the breakers and contemners of the peace which was no sooner proclaimed but the Lord Hume Lindsey and divers others protest against it and in contempt of Authority compeld the Heralds to hear the Protest or Covenant read all which being imparted to the King he sends Marquesse Hamilton as high Commissioner to settle peace and a right understanding who dealt treacherously and deceitfully trifling away eleven moneths time having three times returned to and again for England and at last published the Kings gracious Proclamation nulling the Service book and high Commission promising an Assembly to be held at Glascow Novem. 21. 1638. and a Parliament at Edenborough the 15. of May 1639 but this nothing satisfied for the more the King granted the more averse they were During the treaty the Covenanters had provided Officers Armes and what was necessary for a war The General Assembly being met they proceed to declare against the Book of Common prayer which occasioned the Bishops to draw up a protest against their proceedings and in conclusion by the Unanimous consent of all the Councel excepting Argile the Assembly was dissolved Proclamation was made and published throughout the Nation shewing the grounds and reasons of their dissolution which proclamation was opposed by the Covenanters with a protestation to adhere to all their former Covenants to put by all the Bishops Some they excommunicate and not long after totally abolished Episcopacy as being as they pretended inconsistant with the word of God and Lawes of that Nation Which occasioned the Marquesse and Commissioners to returne for England seemingly much discontented In the interim the Covenanters began to raise Armes Levy souldiers Impose taxers upon the people seize some of the Kings Castles raise fortifications and prepare for a war and chose David Lesley an old souldier to be General Toward the latter end of October 1638. came the queen mother into England many of the Common people were troubled at it as being generally by them lookt upon as a forerunner of a greater mischiefe The Scots are very high and insolent assuming all authority and invent new and unheard of Judicatures in defiance to the King and Councel and having cast of Episcopal Jurisdiction declare for the Calvinistical presbyterian Government which for a long time had bin hatching in that Kingdome but could never take head till then The King to suppresse their insolency by the advise of the Bishops prepares an Army which they contributed very largely to and being backed with the assistance of the Nobility and Gentry a considerable force is raised the Earle of Arundell being made Generall The King on the 17 of March the day of his Inauguration advances against the Scots The Scots hearing of the Kings advance march forward under the Conduct of their Generall David Lesley to meet him with Petition in one hand and their Armes in the other and on the 28 of May both Armies came within view The Scots after some time sent to treat about a pacification the King willingly consented to it and for the English were chosen the Earls of Holland Pembroke Salishury and Barkshire and Sir Henry Vane for the Presbyterian Covenanters the Earle of Rothes and Dunferling Lord Louden Douglas Archibald Johnson and Alexander Henderson Who after much Consultation conclude Articles of pacification on both sides which were signed the 18 of June Which Articles were as follow On the Kings part 1. His Majesty to confirme what his Commissioners promised in his name 2. That a Generall Assembly be called to sit at Edenborough August 6. 3. That a Parliament be called and sit at Edenborough the 20 of August 4. That he recall all forces by sea and land and restore all ships arristed and detained since the pretended Assembly at Glascow upon the Covenanters disarming and dishanding of their forces dissolving their tables and restoring to the King all his castles forts and ammunition and releasing all the persons lands and goods then under restraint since the pretended Assembly at Glascow This to be done by declaration On the Covenantes part 1. All the forces of Scotland to be disbanded within forty eight houres after publication of the Kings declaration 2. They to render up after the said publication all Castles Forts Ammunition of all sorts so soone as the King should send to receive them 3. They to hold no meetings treatings or consultations but such as are warranted by act of Parliament 4. They to desist from all fortifications and these to be remitted to the Kings pleasure 5. They to restore to all the Kings subjects their lands liberties houses goods and meanes taken or detained from them since the first of Feb. last Notwithstanding the declaration the Scots are stil averse and draw up a Protestation of sticking close to the late Generall Assembly at Glascow and to their solemne Covenant and perfidiously broke all their Articles of agreement continue their meetings neglect slighting the fortification and continue their officers in pay which with many other insolencies compeld the King to consider of reducing them to
and took notice how they had taken the Government all in pieces how that a skilfull Watch-maker to clense his Watch will take it asunder and when it is put together it will goe better provided no pin be omitted Now I have done this on my part you know what to doe on yours reposing Great Trust and confidence in your affection The passing of this Bill was by wise men thought to be none of the least of his failings Judge Barkly was by the Usher of the black Rod arrested as he sat on the Kings Bench for high treason Thomas Earle of Strafford was next brought upon the stage the Articles exhibited against him were from 14 made 28. and on the 22 of March 1640. his Triall began The place appointed was Westminster-Hall where scaffolds were raised on both sides nine degrees in height The two uppermost for the Scotch Commissioners and the Irish Lords In the midst in a lower ascent sat the Peeres of the Realme a Throne also was erected for the King but he never appear'd publiquely but was every day of the Triall in a Close Gallery to heare and observe the whole proceedings and took notes The Earle of Arundell was Lord High Steward and the Earle of Linsey Lord High Constable The Charge was principally managed by Mr. Glin and Mr. Maynard both Members of the Commons House fifteene dayes together was the Earle arraigned and gave in his answer to every particular Charge The Commons Charge him afresh by Mr. Pim concerning some Notes taken by Secretary Vane which were discover'd by his son of his telling the King be had an Army in Ireland which his Majesty might Imploy to reduce this Kingdome to obedience He is againe call'd to the Barre and Mr. Glin and Mr. Pim endeavour to prove him Guilty by Law They extend his Crimes and make him as Odious as possible they can The Earle moves for Councell which the Peeres could not in reason deny The Commons oppose but after three dayes contest the Peeres prevaile Councell is assign'd him viz. M. Lane The Princes Atturney Mr. Gardner Recorder of London Mr. Loe and Mr. Lightfoote and Saturday the 17 of Aprill was appointed for him and his Councell to appeare where his Councell argued his case in Law that day they adjourn not appointing any time for their next meeting The Commons House Vote him Guilty of high Treason upon the evidence of Sir Henry Vanes notes which Bill of Attainder was sent up to the Lords which in their House was much opposed Some few dayes after Mr. St John The Kings Soliciter was sent by the Commons to the Lords to Justifie the Bill by Law which accordingly was by him performed in Westminster-Hall The Earle being present and The King in his accustomed place The Peeres in their House proceed to Condemnation The King having notice of it on the first of May Calls both Houses together where he declares that he had been present at the whole Triall and that in Conscience he could not condemne him of high Treason He likewise in Vindication of the Earle declares 1. That he never had any Intention to bring over the Irish Army nor ever was advised by any body so to doe 2. That there never was any debate before him either in publick Councell or private Committee of the disloyalty of his English subjects And that though he could not in Conscience condemne him of high Treason yet he could not cleare him of misdemeanours He desired them to consider what a tender Conscience was and that to satisfie his people he would doe much but in this of Conscience neither fear nor any other respect should make him goe against it He desired them to find out some middle way and was of opinion that for misdemeanours he thought him not fit to serve him or the Common-wealth in any place of trust no not a Constable This speech gave much discontent to both Houses Sunday May the second The Prince of Orange was married to the Lady Mary at White Hall with Great solemnity and triumph The next day diverse seditious persons had stirred up the multitude to the number of 5000 or 6000. who in a Tumultuous manner came arm'd to Westminster crying out for Justice to be executed on the Earle committed outrages on divers Lords but by faire promises of my Lord Chamberlain they were appeased They likewise posted at Westminster Hall Gate and the Exchange a Catalogue of those that opposed the Bill of Attainder under the title of Strafordians The fift of May a Motion was made in the House for a loan of 650000 l. to be Lent till it was Levied by Subsidy provided the King would pass a Bill not to adjourne prorogue or dissolve this Parliament without the consent of both Houses upon which Motion a Bill was order'd to be drawne up The Lords by advice of the Judges Vote the Earle Guilty of the 15 and 19 Articles And at a Conference of both Houses it was ordred That some Lords be sent to the King with the two Bills one for executing the Earle The other for continuance of this Parliament which accordingly was done on Saturday and The King promised his answer on Monday All the Sabbath day he was much perplext within himselfe The Clamours of the multitude were great he sends for the Judges to advise summons the Privy Councell and with them spends much time in arguing the Case sends for five Bishops viz. London Lincolne Carlile Durham and Bishop Vsher who for Law wholly remit him to the Judges and for Conscience he having heard the whole proceedings if he conceiv'd him Guiltlesse he ought not to condemne him The Judges in part satisfie the King by declaring that he was Guilty of high Treason The Earle himselfe that day writ a Letter with his own hand To set his Majesties Conscience at Liberty humbly requesting him to prevent such mischiefes as might ensue upon his refusall to pass the Bill and That his consent herein should acquit him to God more then all the world beside Munday the 10th of May his Majesty being wearied with complaints granted a Commission to the Earle of Arundell Lord Privy Seale Lord Chamberlain and others to pass the two Bills The next day being much afflicted in his spirit he wrote to the Lords and sent it by the Prince wherein he requests That although he had past the Bill of Attainder against The Earle yet desir'd to shew mercy by letting that unfortunate man to end his life in Close Imprisonment but if no lesse then life can satisfie my people I must say Fiat Justicia The Postscript was If he must die it were Charity to reprieve him till Saturday The House returnd answer that his request could not possibly be admitted without apparent danger to Him his Wife and Children On Wednesday the 12 of May he was brought from the Tower to the scaffold on Tower-hill attended by Bishop Vsher where he made his last Speech to the people Protesting his Innocency in
that for which he was condemned acquitting all the world and desired God to forgive them wishing presperity and happinesse to the Kingdome and desired they would seriously consider whether the Reformation of a Kingdome should be written in Letters of blood much fearing they were in the wrong way professing he died a true sonne of the Church of England wherein he was borne and in which he was bred addressing himselfe to his brother Sir George Wentworth desired to be remembred to his Wife and Children willing him to Charge his Son never to meddle with the patrimony of the Church for it would prove a Canker to his estate and after a short time spent in prayer he submitted his neck to the Block which was struck off by the Executioner at one low There was at that time a discovery made of diverse persons that had endeavour'd the Earles escape out of the Tower diverse Gentlemen of worth were engaged in it but the timely discovery prevented its execution Upon which the House oderd some Lords to be assistant to the Lievtenant of the Tower for the safety of the City Severall Great persons were displaced as The Earle of Essex made Lord Chamberlain in the roome of Pembroke The Marquesse of Hartford Governour of the Prince in the roome of the Earle of Newcastle Dr Juxon Lord Treasurer resigned his Office to five Commissioners The Lord Cottington Master of the Wards was displaced and the Office conferd on the Lord Say In May last the Parliament to engage the people to stick close to them framed an Oath or Protestation which was by them taken and sent through England to be taken by the people The Parliament being secured for their everlasting sitting began to consider of the raising of moneys for the payment and disbanding of the two Armies much Plate was melted downe and the Earle of Holland was by joynt consent of King and Parliament order'd to goe downe as Generall to disband the English Army The House in February following Voted 300000 l. for the Scots and dayes of payment to be appointed For the Levying of this money a Bill was brought into the House for Pole-money Viz. a Duke 100 l. a Marquesse 80 l. Earles 60 l. Vicounts and Baronets 40 l. Knights of the Bath 30 l. Knights Bachelours 20. l. Esquires 10 l. every Gentleman able to expend 100 l per annum 5 l. and so every one according to their degree no person exempted every Head paid six pence which Bill with two other were offerd to the King one for putting downe the Star-Chamber another for putting downe the high Commission at which the King was a little startled The House Voted he should signe all or none which notwithstanding he past that for Pole-money and tooke time for the other two and not long after with much Importunity he past them also Sir Thomas Roe was sent in the quality of an Ambassadour to the Emperour to solicite the restoration of the Prince Elector which after much stay and nothing effected he returnes The Parliament considering the heavy burdens of the Northern Counties Order 100000 l. part of the 300000 l. to be paid to the Scots and in August following both Armies were quietly disbanded and departed to their own homes Bishop Wren is committed to the Tower for misdemeanors amounting to treason The Judges that gave their opinion for Ship-money are questioned and severall Charges drawne up against them The King having Inform'd the House of his resolutions to take a Journey to Scotland on the tenth of August set forward out of London towards Scotland but that very Morning came to the House and past diverse Bills and likewise sign'd a Commission for the passing of Bills in his absence the Commissioners appointed were the Lord Keeper the Lord Privy Seale Marquesse of Hartford Earle of Lindsey Earle of Essex Earle of Dorcet Earle of Bath He likewise signed another Bill constituting the Earle of Essex Generall of all the Forces on this side Trent by which he had power in case of necessity to Levy an Army The Parliament adjourned from the eight of September till the 20 of October and appointed a standing Committee of fifty Members to act in the Intervall The Parliament being adjourn'd and the King gone to Scotland every one tooke advantage to vent the humour of his own braine many using Irreverend behaviour during the time of divine service many outrages and riots were committed against Clergy-men and the Prelaticall party as they cald them strange and unheard-of practices were used as tub-preaching and that openly in the streets which gave occasion to many sober minded men to thinke evill of the Parliament as though it was their contrivance During the Kings being in Scotland a Letter was sent from the English-Committee in Scotland to the standing Committee at Westminster discovering a plot against the lives of Marquesse Hamilton and others the greatest Peeres in Scotland the Earle of Craford and others being the Conspirators which occasioned the standing Committee to prevent the like here to appoint strong guards in severall parts of the City and so to continue till the next meeting of both Houses Before the King return'd from Scotland about the end of October 1641. brake out the most barbarous and inhumane Rebellion in Ireland that ever was heard of in any age of the world The Innocent Protestants turn'd out of their estates and above two hundred thousand persons men women and children most barbarously and cruelly murdered But we will leave Ireland weltring in her blood and look home Where in November 1641. we find the King return'd from Scotland and was by the City of London feasted and in Great State conducted to Hampton Court with much seeming expressions of Joy some few dayes after the King Invites the Aldermen and principall Citizens to Hampton Court where they were sumptuously feasted and diverse Aldermen were Knighted During the Kings residing at Hampton Court the Commons present the King a Remonstrance of the state of the Kingdome with a large recitall of all the Grievances and oppressions that the people had groaned under since the beginning of his Raigne Upon which within few dayes the King published a Declaration in answer to their Remonstrance And now began visibly to appeare the sad breach betwixt the King and his Parliament which did daily increase untill the Kingdome was involved in a sad war Great endeavours are used to stir up the Common people with a dislike of the Kings actions to which purpose freedome was given to every party without contradiction to write and publish many bitter and Invective Pamphlets against the Bishops and their Government and all the ill actions of the Kings Ministers were laid upon him and not content with that they came downe in Great multitudes to Westminster and by the way gave uncivill and threatning Language to diverse Gentlemen at Whitehall-Gate Which caused the King to send to the Lord Major to summon a Common Councell to receive his
pleasure which by the Chancelour of the Dutchy he declares his utter dislike of the numerous multitude coming in that rude manner and desires care may be taken to prevent the like for the future assuring them of his care and protection And the same day the King sent to the City the Commons Petition for a Guard to defend them from a malignant party now prevalent which Petition the King denied promising them in the word of a King That his care for their security should be as great as for his wife and children and if that wauld not serve their turne he would appoint a Guard of such as he would be answerable to God for Proclamation was made against the Irish Rebells and the King desires the two Houses to enter into Debate concerning reliefe and proposes that 10000 Volunteers be raised and sent over if the Commons will pay them The King being inform'd of a designe carried on by diverse Members of the House of Commons which held Intelligence with the Scots endeavouring to subvert his Authority and the better to carry on their designes countenanced the Tumults in the City causes Sir William Killigrew and Sir William Fleming to goe to the Chambers and Studies of diverse Members of the House of Commons to seale up their Trunkes and to seize on their papers as the Lord Kimbolton Mr Pim Mr Hamden Mr Deuzill Hollis Sir Arthur Haselrig and Mr Stroud but none of their persons could be met with they presently make report to the House who immediatly Vote it a breach of the priviledge of Parliament and that it shall be lawfull to make resistance and to require the ayde of a Constable to keepe such persons endeavouring to seize on any member till the further pleasure of the House On the third of June the King sent his Atturney Sir Edward Herbert to demand the five Members and sent a Sergeant at Armes to charge them with Articles of high treason and with them the Lord Mandevill the Earle of Manchesters second son which Articles were these 1. They endeavoured to subvort the Government to deprive the King of his Legall power to place on the subjects an Arbitrary and tyrannicall Power 2. They had endeavoured by foule aspersions upon his Majesties Government to alienate the affections of his people from him 3. That they endeavoured to draw his Army from his obedience to side with them in traiterous designes 4. That they traiterously invited and encouraged a forraine Power to invade his Majesties Kingdome of England 5. That they had traiterously endeavoured to subvert the very rights and beings of Parliaments 6. That they had endeavoured by force and terrour to compell the Parliament to joyne with them in their traiterous designes and to that end have actually raysed and countenanced tumults against the King and Parliament 7. That they traiterously conspir'd to Levy and actually have Levied war against the King The 4th of January 1641. The King attended with diverse Gentlemen came to the House-door he onely enter'd the House of Commons seating himselfe in the Speakers Chaire demands five Members of that House to be delivered to him Their names were Sir Arthur Haselrig Mr. Denzill Hollis Mr. Pim Mr. Hamden Mr. Stroud The King finding they were not there for they were absent by appointment of the House rises from the Speakers Chaire and tells them he was very sorry for that occasion and that no King ever was nor should be more carefull to preserve the priviledges of Parliament then he should be that those five Members were dangerous men he protested in the word of a King that he never intended any force but to proceed against them in a Legall way he expected they would send them so soone as they came into the House The King is no sooner gone out of the House but they are in a great confusion crying out Priviledge priviledge and the next day Voted the Kings coming to the House a breach of the priviledge of Parliament The King made Proclamation the next day for their apprehension which the day following the Commons Voted illegall and scandalous The day after he had been at the House be went in his Coach to London being inform'd they were fled thiher where all the way as he went the Citizens and others flock'd about his Coach desiring him not to Infringe the priviledge of Parliament Upon his returne one Walker flung into the Kings Coach a seditious pamphlet entituled To your Tents O Israel for which he was apprehended The Gentlemen of the Inns of Court offered their service to the King as a Guard a smal Court of Guard is built at White-Hall-Gate and some Gentlemen entertained Within two dayes after a great multitude came out of London in their accustomed manner to Petition against Bishops and in their passage by White-Hall using menacing tearmes which the Gentlemen not brooking some small mischiefe was done At Westminster they offered violence to diverse Bishops which caus'd 14 of them to draw up a Protest against the proceedings of the House The Commons resent it ill and Vote them Guilty of High Treason The City Petition the King concerning the putting of persons of Honour out of the Tower and placing others in their roomes and of the Great preparations in the Tower of the fortifying White-Hall and withall desire that the five Members may not be restrain'd nor proceeded against but by consent of the House to all which his Majesty gave an answer Two thousand Petitioners came out of Buckingham-shire to Petition the King in the behalfe of Mr. Hamden their Country-man desiring that he and the rest of the five Members may injoy the Priviledges of Parliament which moved the King to send to the Parliament that for the present he would wave his proceedings against the five Members The multitude not being content with the destruction of Bishops they openly demand the Liturgy of the Church to be abolished condemning the use of all set-formes of prayer The Pulpits every where sounded aloud that now was the time that the Israelites should plunder the Egyptians and that the Just should wash their footsteps in the blood of the ungodly and publickly exhorted the people to take up armes against the Kings Evill Councell as they calld it and to destroy all such as joyned with them and to this effect these following Texts of Scripture were pressed by the zealous Ministers Luke 19.27 Those mine enemies that would not that I should Raigne over them bring hither and slay before me Judges 5.23 Curse ye Meroz Curse ye bitterly the Inhabitants thereof because they came not to help the Lord against the Mighty Jer. 48.10 Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood Thus there was no way for Reformation in these mens accounts but to pluck up and to destroy and all for the Love of God and for the advancement of the Kingdome of Jesus Christ The great multitudes still
resorting to Westminster every day caused the King for his own safety to repaire to Hampton Court with the Queen and Prince for which by many good men he was much blamed The next day after the King went to Hampton Court many Citizens with a great company of boats with Guns and flags Guard the five Members in Triumph to Westminster which gave occasion to the King to dislike the City The House of Commons Petition the King for the Militia To which he gives a speedy answer though not satisfying to them They likewise Petition that the five Members may be estated and cleared of that Imputation of Treason To which he answered That he had ground and proofe enough to accuse them but he is willing to forbeare prosecution if that will not doe to satisfie the people he will pass a free and Generall pardon as they shall think fit The King after he had been at Hampton Court some small time sends for the Earle of Essex then Lord Chamberlain and the Earle of Holland Groom of the Stoole to attend him but they refused rather choosing to obey his Writ upon which he sends a Messenger for the Staffe and Key the Ensignes of their Office which they willingly resign'd The Queen having receiv'd a Message from both Houses by the Earle of Newport and the Lord Seamor that they intended to charge her with Treason She answered she never saw any Articles in writing and therefore gave little credit and she hop'd they would lay no aspersions upon her that never mistrusted the actions of one single person much lesse the whole House and that she ever wisht a happy and right understanding betwixt the King and his people In February the King and Queen went to Canterbury and so to Dover with the Princess Mary wife to the Prince of Orange The Queen went along with her into Holland and some affirme carried the choicest Jewells of the Crown with her to pawn During the Kings stay at Canterbury he signed the Bill to take away Bishops Votes in Parliament The King came back to Greenwich and sends for the Duke of York to attend him in his going to York where he intended to reside From Greenwich he removes to Theobalds where he is presented with a Petition for the Militia and likewise to reside neer London and not to take his Son with him The King refused to give any other answer to the Militia then what he had already done and that he should take such care of his Son as should justifie him to God as a Father and to his Dominions as a King and that he conceiv'd himselfe not safe neer London The House immediatly Vote That his Majesties answer was a flat deniall and likewise Order The Earle of Northumberland Lord High Admirall to take care for the providing and rigging of the Royall Navy for the service of the Kingdome The House seeing they could not prevaile with the King for the Militia past an Order for setling the Militia throughout England and Wales in confiding persons hands From Huntingdon the King sent a Message to both Houses shewing the Grounds and Reasons of his removall to York desiring them to expedite the necessary supplyes for Ireland and forbids them by any pretence of Order or Ordinance to meddle with the Militia or to doe or execute any thing against Law he being tyed up by the Law as well as his subjects and must obey Upon which the House drew up a Declaration of their utter dislike of his proceedings The King at Stamford puts forth a Proclamation for putting in execution the Laws against Papists And being at York puts forth a Proclamation for Tunage and Poundage The eight of Aprill 1642. the King sends a message to both Houses declaring his Intentions to goe himselfe in person to chastize the bloody rebells and that he intended to raise forthwith by Commission a Guard for his own person consisting of 2000 foote and 200 horse and to arme them from his Magazine at Hull Upon which the Houses Petition to remove the Magazine from Hull The Gentry Ministers and Freeholders of the County of York Petition the King to which his Majesty gives a speedy and gracious answer The House again Petitions that the Magazine at the Tower of London being much drained that from Hull may be brought up to which his Majesty answered That for the Charge of Locking to the Magazine at Hull as it was by them at first voluntarily undertaken though unnecessarily yet you may free our good people of that Charge and leave it to Vs to look to who are the proper owners of it The Parliament though they could not prevaile by Intreaty resolve to doe it by possicy for they had sent to keep out the Earle of Newcastle and committed the Towne and Fort to a faithfull Friend of theirs Sir John Hotham The County of York petition the King that the Magazine may remaine there for the security of the Northern Countyes and during the Contests the Parliament went on might and maine setling the Militia in many Countyes and by Reason the Earle of Northumberland was indisposed in health and could not attend the Sea-service they petition that the Earle of Warwick may be Admirall The King utterly refuses the Earle of Warwick yet notwithstanding the Earle of Warwick being Encouraged by some Votes of the House though with some opposition got possession of most part of the Navy The King attended by many of the Nobility a great number of Gentlemen and some Souldiers came before the walls of Hull but found the Gates shut and the Bridges drawne up by the Command of Sir John Hotham a Member of the Commons House Sir John Hotham appeared on the wall Kneelling downe Intreating his Majesty not to command that which he must be inforc't at that time to deny and that he could not admit him in without breach of trust to the Parliament craving leave that he might have time of acquaint the Parliament The King being very wrath desired to know if he had any Order in writing expressly to deny his entrance And after some houres stay Proclaimed Sir John Hotham a Traytor after he had received The Duke of York and the Prince Elector out of the Town who had been there one day The King forthwith sends a Message to the Parliament accusing Hotham for a traytor and likewise sent a Letter to the Mayor of Hull to take care that no part of the Magazine should be conveyd away without his consent there were Scouts appointed to Intercept all Letters between London and Hull and a Letter accordingly was Intercepted going from the Parliament to Hull giving encouragement to Sir John to continue firme nothing doubting but they would stick by him The House being Informed of the Intercepting of their Letter Voted it a high breach of the priviledge of Parliament and that what Sir John had done was in obedience to that House and that the proclaiming him a traytor without due process of Law
just cause to free my selfe from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition and who are not asham'd openly to Intend the destruction of Nobility by taking away their negative voyce and with whom the Levellers Doctrine is rather countenanc't then punisht and for their Intentions to my person their charging and putting more strict Guards upon me with the discharging most of all those servants of mine who formerly they willingly admitted to waite on me doe sufficiently declare nor would I have this my retirement mis-interpreted for I shall earnestly and uncessantly endeavour these things for a safe well-grounded peace where ever I am or shall be and that as much as may be without the effusion of more Christian blood for which how many times have I desired yea prest to be heard yet no ear given me and can any reasonable man thinke that according to the ordinary course of affaires there can be a setled peace without it or that God will blesse those who refuse to heare their own King surely no. Nay I must further add that besides what concernes my selfe unlesse all other chiefe Interests have not onely a hearing but likewise just satisfaction given unto them to wit the Presbyterians Independents Army those who have adhered to me and even the Scots I say there cannot I speake not of miracles it being in my opinion a simple perswasion in such cases to expect or trust to them be a safe and lasting peace Now I cannot deny but that as my personall security is the urgent cause of my retirement so I call God to witnesse that the publique peace is no lesse before my eyes and I can finde no better way to expresse this my profession I know not what a wiser man can do then by desiring and urging that all chiefe Interests may be heard to the end each may have satisfaction as for example the Army for the rest though necessary yet I suppose are not difficult to content ought in my judgement to injoy the Liberty of their consciences and to have an act of oblivion and Indempnity which shall extend to all the rest of my Subjects and that all their arreares shall be speedily and duly payd this I will undertake to doe so I may be heard and that I may not be hindred from using such lawfull and honest meanes as I shall choose To conclude Let me be heard with freedome Honour and safety and I shall instantly breake through this cloud of retirement and shall shew my felfe ready-to be Pater Patriae Charles R. His absence struck all into amazement The Parliament order his neere attendance to be under restraint untill examination all the Sea-ports to be layd to prevent his Majesties Transportation They likewise Voted that whosoever shall conceale his Majesty shall forfeit Life and estate Every one was big with Expectation to know what was become of his Majesty On the 15 of October 1647. Information was brought to the House that his Majesty was safe at the Isle of Wight and had put himselfe into the protection of Colonell Hamond then Governour of the Island His Majesty told the Governour that there was a designe against his person which moved him to fly thither for safety The Lords and Commons were well satisfied with his Majesties being there and Order those servants that attended him at Hampton Court to attend him there On the 18 of November his Majesty sent a Letter to the Parliament and another to the Scotch Commissioners giving them to understand of his being as he apprehended in more safety there then at Hampton Court and doth professe his readinesse as to an agreement and though he cannot consent to alter the Government by Archbishops and Bishops neither as a Christian because Apostolicall nor as a King because at his Coronation he swore to maintaine this order yet he is willing to consent that their power be so limited that they be not grievous to tender Consciences For the sale of Church Lands he accounts it sacriledge that it subverts the Intent of the Donors discourages learning He is willing Presbytery be continued for three yeares provided those that cannot concur be not oblig'd and that a free debate be had with the Divines at Westminster and twenty that he shall appoint to resolve how Church Government hereafter shall be setled with full Liberty to all that differ yet without toleration of Popery Atheisme or blasphemy He is willing to put the Militia both by Sea and Land to be disposed of by his two Houses or who they shall appoint for his Reigne provided it returne to his Successors that it be limited to suppresse disturbance in this Kingdome and against forraine Invasion and that the power goe from his Majesty by Grant of Patent to those that act He is willing and consenting to the payment of the arreares of the Army and that he will undertake to raise 400000 l. in eightteen moneths and if that will not doe he is willing to give way for the sale of Forrest Lands and for payment of other debts his Majesty is willing to passe such an Act as both Houses shall consent to He is willing the Parliament doe choose privie Councellers during his Reigne provided they have their Pattent from him He is willing the Court of Wards be taken away provided there be a valuable consideration allow'd and that care may be had of his Children who were by that Court cared for And that the memory of these late sad distractions may be quite wiped away he is willing to Null all Oaths Declarations Proclamations against both or either Houses of Parliament or any Inditement against any for adhering to them And his Majesty offers as the best expedient an Act of oblivion to all his subjects And although his Majesty cannot in Honour and Justice make voyd all his Acts and Grants under his Seale since the 22 of May 1642. yet he doubts not but upon perusall to give full satisfaction to his two Houses in that And thus he conceives he hath satisfied all Interests for other things that may be propos'd to him from both Houses of Parliament on his part he moves earnestly for a personall Treaty at London all which being done he believes the Houses will thinke it reasonable to thinke of such Proposalls as were made by the Army touching the succession of Parliaments and their due Election For the Kingdome of Scotland he is ready to give satisfaction to what shall be propounded Not long after the Scots sent a Letter to the Parliament that they Regret that no answer is given to their Letter and that they are inform'd that Propositions are to be sent without allowing any competent time to consider They take notice of his Majesties being carried from Holmbey and his just cause of going from Hampton Court And in regard the Kingdome of Scotland are highly concern'd in the safety of his Majesties person and in duty bound to doe their best to
Earle of Warwick Earle of Manchester Vicount Say and Seale Lord Wharton and Lord Roberts For the Commons Mr Perepoint Mr Nathaniell Fines Sir Henry Vane senior Sir Arthur Haslerig Sir Gilbert Gerard Sir William Ermine Sir John Evelin Sir Henry Vane junior Sir William Waller Mr Crew Mr Soliciter St John Mr Wallop Mr Samuel Browne Lieutenant Generall Cromwell A Generall Councell of the Army being met at Windsor they were very Joyfull and unanimously approv'd of the Votes of the House touching his Majesty and ordred two Declarations to be drawne up one to shew their good liking of the Houses proceedings with promise to ayd and assist them in setling the Kingdome yea without the King or against the King the second for the maintenance of the Peerage of England with Resolution to stand by Lords and Commons to the last man On the 17 of January the Votes for non-addresses past the Lords House They Ordred Colonel Barksteds Regiment to quarter in White Hall Colonel Rich his Regiment of Horse to quarter in the Mews His Majesty having heard of the Resolves of both Houses continues very chearfull and is much retired The Scots Commissioners desire leave to Returne The House of Lords added four of their order to the Committee of Darby-House Viz. the Earle of Salsbury the Lord Mograve Earle of Denbigh and Lord Howard The Earle of Pembrooke was Voted Chancellor of Oxford Both Houses Vote that the Committee of Darby-House have plenipotence to order the dispose of the Army Commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax as they shall thinke fit The Commons consider'd of Commissioners to goe to Scotland to acquaint the Parliament of Scotland with the miscarriages of their Commissioners here And Order Mr Goodwin Mr Ashurst Mr Brian Stapleton and Colonel Birch to receive their Instructions from the Committee of Darby-House The Lords joyne the Earle of Nottingham and the Earle of Stamford to goe with them The second of February the Commons past an Order that all the servants lately made by the Commissioners attending his Majesty be removed and that the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax place such about his Majesty as he should thinke fit provided they exceed not thirty They likewise order'd a Declaration to be drawne up to satisfie the Kingdome of the Grounds and Reasons of their passing the Votes for non-addresses The 21 of February Judge Jenkins was brought to the Bar of the House where he refused to kneele a Charge was read against him That he had condemn'd or pasT sentence upon men to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd for not assisting against the Parliament That he tooke up Armes himselfe that he stir'd up others to levy war and assist against the Parliament that he accused the Parliament and charg'd them with counterfeiting the Great Seale and bein requir'd to speak what he had to say for himselfe he answer'd that they had no power to try him he assur'd with confidence the Militia was in the King alone he said Kings did not formerly covenant to maintaine the Law but onely to be mercifull to the people He endeavoured to terrifie the Parliament with his Majesties numerous Issue in Geniollogy he pray'd the Laws might be protected he saith there can be no Laws without a King and that there is none in Venice nor the Vnited Provinces for his ill deportment and words which were indeed a breach of the priviledge of the House he was fined 1000 l. and the House Voted a Charge to be brought in against him His Majesty at Caresbrooke Castle is very much dejected and discontented at his confinement and the removall of his old servants he will not permit his haire nor beard to be medled withall but by a Barbar of his own choosing by which meanes he is growne very hairy The Scots Commissioners Report to their Parliament much to the prejudice of the Parliament of England touching their proceedings with the King The Lords and Commons Concur that no forces be raised in London nor ten miles round but by speciall warrant from the Committee of Darby-House The House being Inform'd that one Colonell Poyer Governour of Pembroke Castle had refused to deliver it up being required thereunto by Letters from the Generall Order that if the said Colonell Poyer shall not within twelve houres after notice hereof surrender the Castle with all the Armes and Ammunition therein that then the said Colonell Poyer and all that shall adhere to him are hereby declared Traytors and Rebells and the Generall is hereby required to reduce the said Castle and to bring the said Colonell Poyer and his adherents to Justice and the Generall was requir'd to send this Order that the Colonell might not plead excuse Colonell Langhurne likewise raised a body of men and came to the assistance of Colonell Poyer and had gathered together a considerable body of men neere 2000 Horse and foote They publish a Declaration of their Resolutions to establish his Majesty in his full power and dignity The Generall Order'd thirty Companyes of Horse and foote to suppresse them under the Command of Colonel Horton The King though set aside and confin'd to the Isle of Wight was more formidable this Summer then ever he was since the beginning of the late troubles for the very name of a King was now grown into great credit with the people throughout the Kingdome and by it not onely tumults but Armyes were raised A mutiny hapned at Bury about a Maypole some discontented persons declare for the King the House order the Generall to send some forces who besieged it and after some time was delivered up to mercy Chepstow was likewise surprized for the King On the 22 of Aprill the Earle of Northumberland Inform'd the House of the escape of the Duke of Yorke from St James's The manner thus The Earle went as his custome was to attend the Duke at eight a clock at night after some stay the Duke came from his brothers Chamber when the Earle was gone the Duke went out againe as his manner was in way of play to obscure himselfe that his Gentlemen might seeke him which accordingly they did but could not find him upon search they Informe the Earle who upon enquiry dilcovers that he had borrowed the Key of the Garden doore the day before of the Gardner as also there was discovery made of his footsteps The Parliament in Scotland order a Committee for safety who advise that an Army of 40000 men be forthwith Levied for the preservation of his Majesty and Kingdome of Scotland notwithstanding diverse Lords Knights and Gentlemen Members of the Parliament Remonstrate of their utter dislike of it Immediately the Parliament of England Order the fortifying of Newcastle and Hull to prevent the Scots Invasion The Parliament men being summon'd to attend the House were cald over and found to be neere 320 men A Petition was presented to the Parliament from the City Requiring the Armyes removall from the City and that the Posts and Chaines may be put up for the
it The Complaint of the Country every where was very Great by reason of free quarter which the Officers of the Army upon serious Inspection discover a designe to stop their pay to make them more odious to the people At a Councell of War held at the Bull in St Albanes where were present sixteen Colonels besides other Officers a Declaration was read of all their Grivances and desires containing 26 sheets of Paper which was orderd to be presented to the House Nemine contradicente The Commons order the drawing of severall Acts to be sign'd by his Majesty As 1. An Act for Justifying the War made by Parliament 2. An Act for Nulling all Honours since the carrying away of the Great Seale 3. An Act for explanation and preventing future Interpretations of the Statute 25 Ed. the 3d and all other Acts of Treason and that of the 11 of Henry the 7th concerning the subjects aiding the King in his Wars for the better securing the Kingdomes peace and subjects lives and estates which being sent to the Commissioners together with the Votes of the House concerning the Bishops their Lands were by them presented to his Majesty who seemed very much dissatisfied The Commissioners againe press upon the King to which he replies that he had given his answer already and could not with a safe conscience consent to the abolishing of Bishops nor approve of the alienating of their Lands because he is perswaded the first is Apostolicall the second sacrilegious He further tould them that if his two Houses will not recede from their former Votes and content themselves satisfied in order to peace He can be content with Christ to suffer any thing that can befall him rather then deprive himselfe of the tranquility of Conscience still hoping that the Parliament will consent To which the Commissioners answer that the Parliament conceive it necessary that his Majesty grant their request for the peace and welfare of the Kingdom assuring that it is not the Apostolicall Bishop which they require but the Bishop establisht by Law growne up to that height of pride and state Insulting over all power and burthensome to the persons and estates of the subjects And for alienating Bishops Lands they answer they were settled by Law and by Law may be alienated and that it was an ordinary practice of his Majesties Predecessors in the Case of Abby Lands On the 26 of November was presented a Declaration of the Army to the Commons House which was the day before subscribed by the Generall it contained 26 sheets of paper shewing the misgoings of King Parliament severally also in all Treaties betwixt them especially that they are now in They conceive the Parliament hath abundant cause to lay aside any further proceedings in this Treaty and to returne to their Votes of non-addresses and settle with or against the King that he was Governe no more by rejecting those demands of the King especially concerning his restitution and coming to London with freedome Honour and safety and that they proceed against the King in way of Justice and that a peremptory day be set for the Prince of Wales and Duke of York to come in if not to be declared uncapable of any Government and stand Exiled for ever as traytors The Governour of the Isle of Wight sends a Letter to the Lords that he may be discharged of his Imployment which they would by no meanes consent to but ordered him to continue his Imployment The Generall Orders Collonell Euers Governour of the Island and sent for Colonell Hamond to the head quarters at Windsor whither being come He was for some time detained The Generall sent a Letter to both Houses of the Grounds and reasons of his advance with his Army toward the City in pursuance of their former Declaration And on the second of December accordingly the Generall and Army enter the Lines of Communication The Generall quarterd at White Hall with a Regiment of foote the Horse and the rest of the Army quarter in the Mews St James's York House and diverse other places about the City The King from Newport was by the new Governour convey'd to Hurst Castle a very noysome and unwholsome place where during his restraint he composed his book entituled The portraiture of his sacred Majesty in his solitude and sufferings a Royall Monument which he left to posterity The House sat all day and night till eight of the Clock next morning many Speeches were made by divers Members of the Kings Concessions among the rest Mr Prin made a long Speech proving the Kings Concessions to be a Ground for a setled peace which was afterwards Voted in the House 129 being for it and 84 against it Wednesday December the sixt some part of the Army having a List of those Members that were to be taken into custody according they did it not permitting them to enter the House the number seazed was thirty-four two whereof viz. Sir Benjamine Ruddier and Mr Nathaniel Fines were by the Generall discharged the rest were carried to the Kings head in the Strand and divers other places of Westminster having Guards upon them Presently after was publisht the Reasons why the Army had secluded divers Members which were First That very many had turn'd Malignants and had brought such into the House and kept them in notwithstanding Votes to the contrary secondly They endeavouring to bring the King in upon his own tearmes thirdly Their protecting the 11 Members from Justice fourthly Their abetting and pertaking with the Cities violence on the House and tumults fifthly Encouraging the City and others to Petition for a personall Treaty sixthly Encouraging the late Insurrections and calling in the 11 Members The remaining Members continue sitting on the seventh of December Lieutenant Generall Cromwell came to the House and had their thankes for his faithfull service both in England and Scotland The same day the Lords Voted his Majesties Concessions a Ground for peace and forthwith adjourne Severall Regiments of Horse and foote were quarterd in Black Fryers St Pauls Church and all the Houses adjacent On the ninth of December a Petition was presented to the Councell of War at White Hall by the Officers and Souldiers of divers Regiments That the Grand and Capitall Enemies of the Common-wealth may be speedily brought to Justice The Committee fitting in White Hall order a Representative of 400 persons to be chosen throughout the Nation for the settlement of the Kingdome December 13. the Remaining part of the Commons House Nuld and Vote for his Majesties Concessions and order the Generall to take care of the King The Councell of War were orderd to sit to draw up a Charge against the King and accordingly orders were Issued out for his removall December the 10th his Majesty came from Hurst Castle dined at a Ladyes and that night came on Hors-back to Winchester where he lay all night The next night to Farnham attended by Colonel Harison and a Guard of 2000
God that you doe take those courses that are best for the good of the Kingdom and your own Salvations Bishop of London Will your Majesty though it be very well known what your Majesties affections are to Religion yet because it may be expected that You should say somewhat declare your self for the Worlds satisfaction in that point KING I thank you very heartily my Lord for that I had almost forgotten it In troth Sirs My Conscience in Religion I think is very well known to all the World and therefore I declare before you all That I die a Christian according to the profession of the Church of England as I found it left to Me by My Father and this honest * Pointing to the Bishop man I think will witnesse it Then turning to the Officers He said Sirs excuse Me for this same I have a good cause and I have a gracious God I will say no more Bishop of London There is but one Stage more This Stage is turbulent and troublesome it is a short one But You may consider it will soon carry You from Earth to Heaven and there You shall finde a great deal of cordial joy and comfort KING I goe from a corruptible to an incorruptible Crown where no disturbance can be no disturbance in the World The Bishop You are exchanged from a temporal to an eternal Crown a good exchange Then the King after some short and servent ejaculations in private with hands and eyes lift up to Heaven immediately stooping down laid His neck upon the Block And then the Executioner appointed to give the fatal blow putting His hair under His Cap the King said Stay for the signe And after a very little pause stretching forth His hands the Executioner at one blow severed His Head from His Body and he changed a troublesome life for a quiet death His body was put in a Coffin covered with black Velvet and from thence carried to his House at St. James's where it was put in a Coffin of Lead laid there to be seen by the people On Wednesday the 7th of Feb. his Corpses was delivered to two of his servants to be buried at Windsor whether the next day The Duke of Richmond the Marquess of Hartford the Earls of Lindsey and Southampton together with Dr. Juxon and divers others repaired where with much difficulty they finde a Vault in St. Georges Chappell where King Henry the Eighth was formerly buried which being prepared a small piece of Lead some two foote long and two inches broad was provided on which was inscribed King CHARLES 1648. which was sawdred to the brest of the Corpse all things being in readinesse the Corpse was brought to the Vault by the Souldiers of the Garrison over which was a black Velvet Hearse-Cloth which was supported by foure Lords the Bishop of London stood weeping by then was it deposited in silence and sorrow the Hearse-Cloth being cast in after it FINIS A Table of the principall things contained in this BOOK A. BIsnop Andrews death 15 Sir Robert Anstruther sent Ambassadour into Germany 25 Lord Audly Arraigned and condemn'd 26 Bishop Abbots death 27 Articles of the Church consented to in ireland 30 Articles betwixt the Scots and English 38 Armes atrive from Holland for the King 69 Armyes Declaration 133 Their second Declaration 167. Their reasons for secluding the Members 169 Petition for Justice on the Capitall offenders ibid B. Buckingham accus'd of Treasen by Gondamore 4. Sent into Holland 10. accuses Digly 12. His Voyage for Reliefe of Rochell 16. 1s stabd by Felton 19. Interd at Westminster 20 Judge Barkleys aresting in the Kings Bench. 47 Bucking ham shire Petition for Mr. Hamden 60 Blake executed for treachery 79 Bransord fight 80 Browns successes at Abbington 97 Brereton Victorious 105 Barwick surprized 142. C. King Charles borne 1. Created Duke of York ib. Goes into Spaine 2. Arrives safe home 3. Proclaimed King of Great Brittaine 6. Espousd to Henneretta Maria. 7. Summons a Parliament ibid. His Speech 8. Adjournes the Parliament to Oxford 9. In want ibid. And dessolves them 10. His Coronation 11. Calls a second Parliament ibid. His Speech in the House 12. Dissolves the Parliament 13. Assists the French 14. His speech to the Queens attendants ibid. Summons a third Parliament 17. Grants the Petition of Right 19. Speech in the Lords House 23. Dissolves the Parliament 24. Visited with the small Pox 27. Goes into Scotland ibid. His care for the service of God in Scotland 28. Sends an Army to suppresse the Scots 36. Summons a fourth Parliament 39. He addresses himself to the City for money 41. Rayses a second Army against the Scots ibid Speech to the long Parliament 44. Speech in the Banqueting House 46. He breaks the Dutch match to them 47. Passeth the Bill for Trieniall Parliaments ibid. Vindicates the Earl of Strafford 49. Goes into Scotland 54. Appoints Essex Generall ib. Returnes from Scotland 55. Charges the five Members with high treason 57. Goes to the House to demand them 59. Goes to Hampton Court 61. Thence to Dover 62. Comes back to Greenwich thence to Theobalds 62. Sends to the House of his Intentions for Ireland 64. Demands Hull 65. Speech to the Gentry of Yorkshire ibid. Sends out Commissions of Array 69. His speech to the Nobility and Gentry at York 70. Besieges Hull ib. Hepublishes his Grand Declaration at York 72. Sets up his Standard 73. Sends a Message from Nottingham ibid. Sets up a Mint at Shrewsbury 75. Summons Glocester 86. Summons a Parliament at Oxford 90. Receives the Sacrament at Oxford 91. Sends a Message for peace 93. Dissolves the Parliament at Oxford 94. Flies to Leicester 104. Sends Propositions for peace 109. Flies disguisd to the Scots Army 110. Sends a Message from Newcastle 114. Comes to Holmbey 116. Desires to come to London 118. comes to Newmarket 119. Removd to Causum 120. Thence to Woborne 121. Removd to Hampton Court 122. Flies to the Isle of Wight 126. his Letter to the House 150. Sent a Letter to the Generall 133. Letter to the Lords 134. He earnestly presses a personall Treaty 135. is discontented 139. sends an answer to the Parliaments Message 150. sends a Message to the House 157 conveyd to Hurst Castle 168 brought to Windsor 170. brought to St. James's 171 His first dayes Triall 172 second dayes Triall 179 third dayes Triall 181. last dayes Triall 183. sentence 188. his reasons against the Court 189. Committee appointed to consider of Execution 191. Jan. 30. 1648. appointed for his execution 193. His speech on the scaffold 194. He 's executed 198. Inter'd at Windsor 199 Cades Voyage 10 Mr. Cooks Insolent speech in the House 11 Mr. Crew sent to the Tower 40 County of York petition the King 64 City of London set up Chaines and Posts 76. Petition the Parliament 141 Cirencester for the Parliam 81 Covenant Taken throughout the Kingdome 87 Countesse of Darby holds out Latham House 91 Coruish Hugg 92 Lieutenant
General Cromwell continued 97. is Victorious at Ipslcy bridge 98. Takes Blechingdon house ib. Routs the Club-men 107. Takes the Devises 108. Takes Langford House ibid. Takes Winchester ibid. Orderd to suppress Poyer Lang borne 144. Takes Pomfret Castle 148. Goes against Hambleton 148. Enters Scotland 164. Takes Carlile and Barwick 165. Returns from Scotland ibid Cornet Joice seazes the King 118 Committee of Darby House 137 Chepstow Castle surprized for the King 140. retaken 145 Colchester surrendred 158 Commissioners goe to the Isle of Wight 160 City in danger 165 Countryes Complaint of free quarter ibid Charge against the King 173 D. Dutch Ambassadour arrives in England 10 Digby accuses Buckingham 12 Sir Dudly Digs sent to the Tower 13 Divers Members of the Commons House Committed 24 Dispute about Ship-money 31 Dutch Ambassadour Treats of a Match betwixt the Kings Eldest Daughter and the Prince of Orange 47 Drums beaten up in London 71 Dutch Ambassadour mediates for a peace 94 Sir Lewis Dives took Waymouth for the King 96 Drums beaten up in Colchester for the King 142 E. Englands Coasts Infested by Pirates 28 England happy if ever 31 Episcopacy turnd out of Scotland Earle of Haddington blowne up 42 English Nobility petition the King ibid. Earle of Strafford sequestred the House 45. Triall in Westminster Hall 48. His speech at his Execution 52 Earle of Warwick gets possessiof the Navy 65 Earle of Bedford Generall of the Horse for the Parliament 71 Essex Chiefe Randevouz at Northampton 75. Befieges Reading 81. Relieves Glocester 87. Surprizes Cirencester 88. Laid aside 97. His death and buriall 112 Edg-Hill Battell 77 Earl of Northumber land made Governour of the Kings Children 97 Essex men Petition for a personall Treaty 143. Secure the Committee men 146 Ewers made Governour of the Isle of Wight 167 F. French King requires Ayd 13 The French require satisfaction 15 Felton stabs Buckingham 19 He is araign'd and Executed 20 The Fleete sets forth from Porchmouth ibid. A Fleete set out to scoure the Seas 31 Five Members Impeacht 45 Lord Fairfax and his Sonne takes York 94 Sir Thomas Fairfax made Generall 97. Relieves Taunton 99. Takes Bostoll house 101. and Gaunt house ibid. Takes Leicester 104. Relieves Taunton 105. Takes Bridgewater 106. Takes Bath ibid. Takes Sherburne Castle by Storme 107. Takes Bristoll ibid. Takes Exeter 108. and Dartmouth ibid. Takes Tiverton ibid. Receiv'd in state at Leicester 116. Enters the City of London 123. Goes into Kent 146. into Essex 153. Sends a Letter concerning Colchester 159. Comes to London 168 Lord Francis kild 147 G. Gundamore Ambassadour for England 2 Pope Gregory dies 3 Gentlemen of the Innes of Court their maske 28 Sir Richard Gurney sent to the Tower 72 Goring Lands at Newcastle 86 Great seale broken 112 Glenham secures Carlile for the King 148 H. Mr. Hollis his Insolency in the House 22 Mr. Hollis Accuseth the Earle of Strafford 45 Sir John Hotham denies the Kings entrance into Hull 65 Sir John Hotham his son declares for the King 83. both seazed prisoners 84. beheaded 96 Hopton in the West for the King 77. is Victorious in the West 100 Horton Routs the Welsh 144 Hambleton made Generall of the Scots Army 144 Enters England 148. is beaten 154 Holland Routed and fled 147 Major Huntington leaves the Army 150 I. King James Inclind to peace 2. His speech to the Parliament 3. His death and Character 5. Buriall 6 James Duke of York born 28 Dr. Juxon Bishop of London made Lord Treasurer 30 Irish Rebellion brake out 55 Innes of Court Gentlemen tender their service to the King 60 Judge Jenkins sentence at the Bar of the House 138 Insurrections in Cornwall 14◠Judges displac't 171 Bishop Juxon order'd to attend the King ibid. K. The Kingdome big with Expectation of Parliament 44 King and Queen meet at Edghill 84 Kentish Insurrection 145 Muster on Black heath 146 L. LONDON visited with the plague 7 Dr. Layton sentenc't 26 Bishop Laud made Archbishop of Canterbury 28. He gave order to Romove the Communion Table 31 Revives the Ancient Ceremonies of the Church 39 is assaulted by the multitude 40. Accas'd by the Commons 46. Condemn'd and Executed 95 Lessly defeats the English 41 Lords House complaine of breach of priviledge 45 Their Votes concerning the King 170 Lord Keeper Littleton goes after the Seale to the King 68 Lindsey General for the King 75 Loves unadvised Expression 96 Langdale Routs the Lincolashire Horse 96. He is defeated 109. Rayses forces in the North. 145 Lawhorne declares for the King 140 Sir Charles Lucas for the King 147. is shot to death 158 and Sir George Lisle ibid. M. Montrosse discernes the deceit of the Scots 44 Members of the Commons House made long speeches 45 Members goe to the King at York 67 Massey made Governour of Glocester 76. Summons Malborough 92 Prince Maurice besieges Exeter 85. Takes Evisham by storme 100 Marston More fight 94 Members of the Commons House Impeacht 120. They discharge themselves 121 Massey flies into Holland 123 Mayor and Aldermen of London Impeacht of high trea son 123 Mutiny at Bury 140 Maidston Retaken 146 Members secluded the House 168 N. Northerne Counties suffer by the Scots 46 Earle of Newcastle in the North. 80 Newbery Battell 88 Earle of Northampton Routs the Northampton Horse 97 Naseby Battell 103 Newcastle and Hull sortified 141 O. Overtures of a Match with France 4 Ormond sends over forces for the King 88 Oxford besieged 101. more streightned 109. Surrendred 111 Sir John Owen Rayses forces for the King 147 P. Parliament require an account of the Princes journey into Spaine 4. Break off the Match ibid. Parliament petition concerning Religion and Grievances 9. They Article against Buckingham 13. The third Parliament supply the Kings wants 18. Remonstrate against Buckingham 19. They dissolve themselves 23. Parliament in Aprill 1640. 29. dissolved 40. Another Parliament in November 1640. 43. Long Parliament began 44 Relieve distressed Ministers 45. discharge Burton Prin and Bastwick ibid. Petition for a Guard 56. Petition for the Militia 61. Send a Message to the Queen 62. Order the Rigging of the Navy 63. setling the Militia ib. Petition the Magazine at Hull be brought to London 64. Issue out Commissions for the Militia 67. Petition the King 68. Order bringing in money and plate 69. Vote an Army to be raised 70. declare against the Commission of Aray 72. Vote the Counties to associate 76. solicite the Scots 79. Vote an Assembly of Divines 83. a new great Seale ibid. Articles of high treason against the Queen 84. detaine the King and Queens Revenue ibid. Require the assistance of Scotland 87. Vote it Treason for any Member to desert the House 92. make proclamation concerning the King 110. Vote the King to Warwick Castle ibid. send Commissioners to Newcastle 111 Vote Presbytery to be set led 112. Vote 400000 l. for the Scots ibid. Vote the Confession of Faith 113. Vote the King to come to Holmbey 114. Vote the disbanding of the Army 117. Vote the City be put in a posture of defence 121 Vote Propositions be sent to the King 124. Votes cōcerning the Kings flight 139. Vote a personall Treaty 132. send Commissioners to Scotland 134. Votes for non-addresses 136. Lords consent to non addresses 137. Null the Votes for non-addresses 142. Vote the Scots entring England Enemies 149. Vote the King to come within twenty miles of London ibid. Nominate the Isle of Wight for a Treaty ibid. Null the Votes for non addresses 151. Appoint Commissioners to Treat 159. sit all day and night 168. The remainder of the House continue sitting 169. Null the Vote for Concessions 170. Vote a Charge against the King ibid. The Priests Impose a penance on the Queen 14 Petition of Right 18 Proclamation against Papists 27 Prince Charles borne and dieth 24 Prince Charles his birth 25 Goes for Scille 109 Peace betwixt England and Spaine 26 Princess Mary borne 27 St. Pauls Church began to be Repaired ibid Old Par brought to London 30 Prince Elector comes to London ibid Princess Elizabeth borne ibid Princess Anne borne 32 Prin Bastwick and Burton sentenc't Prince Henry borne 41 Alderman Penington petitions against Episcopacy 46 Princess Mary married to the Prince of Orange 50 Prince Rupert Prince Maurice arrives 74 Plot for betraying London 82 Plot for betraying Bristoll ib. Proclamation against the Covenant 88 Pomfret Castle taken 106 Prince Maurice for the Hague 112 Pendennis Castle surrendred ibid Poyer and Powell declare for the King 140 Pomfret Castle surpris'd 147 Surrender Pembrooke Castle 148 Proclamation for witnesses against the King 171 Q. Queen arrives in England 7 Queen-Mother comes for England 36 Queen arrives from Holland 81 Queen goes for France 91 R. Rumors of a plaister applyed to King James his wrist 5 Rotchell besieg'd 17 Prince Rupert arrives in England 74. Summons Glocester 82. Besieges Litchfield 83. Routs the Buckingham forces 84. Besieges Bristoll 85. takes Leicester by storme 100. goes for France 112 Ragland Castle surrendred 112 Representative orderd 169 S. The Treaty of the Spanish Mateh dissolvd 4 Statutes against Recusants 11 Ship-money 29 The Scots hatch mischiefe 30 Scotch Service-book revisd 32 Scots petition against the Common prayer-book 34. They Arme 35. Their Propositions 43. a cessation 44 Their deceir 45. Scots Army enter England 90. Besiege Newwark 107. Carry the King to Newcastle 111 desire the King to take the Covenant 192. Scots unreasonable demands 112. Their threatning 113. quit Newcastle 116. are sensible of the Kings imprisonment 126. Letter to the Parliament 132. raise an Army for the King 141. Scots Declaration 143 Star-Chamber Voted down 53 Scarborough Castle taken 106 Sherburne Castle taken 107 Surrey petition for a personall Treaty 144 Sea-men Revolt from Warwick 146 Scarborough Castle for the King 150 T. Tearme at Reading 11 Tunnage and poundage complain'd of 21 Tumults at Westminster 50 Tumult in the Isle of Wight 135 Tinmouth Castle revolts and retaken 150 Treaty in the Isle of Wight 161 V. An Uproare in Edenborough at the Reading of the Common-prayer-book 33 Uxbridge Treaty 96 W. Bishop Wren accus'd by the Commons 26 Secretary Windebank flies ibid Worcester secur'd for the King 75 Winchester for the Parliament 81 Lord Wilmot defeats Waller in the West 85 Waller takes A undell Castle 89.
Chaloner John Aldred William Say Dennis Bond. Henry Smith Gregory Clement Humphry Edwards Henry Smith James Chaloner John Fry Abraham Burrell William Cowley Nicholas Love John Lisle Vincent Potter John Corbet Thomas Blunt Thomas Boone John Lawnes Augustine Caranell John Downe John Dexwell Silence being Commanded at the Kings coming into the Court there was a great Cry made in the Hall for Execution Execution The King desir'd to speake and hopes he shall give no occasion of Interruption President You may but you must heare the Court first the King presses to be heard before Judgement to which the President promised he should Then the President began his Speech addressing himselfe to the Court how that the Prisoner at the Bar hath been severall times Charg'd with Treason in the name of the people of England and requir'd to answer That he hath been so far from obeying the Court by submitting to their Justice that he began to offer reasoning and debate unto the Authority of the Court and being requir'd to answer he was pleased to be contumacious and refused to answer whereupon the Court have thought fit to take the matter into their consideration and have considerd of the Notoriousnesse of the fact Charg'd upon the Prisoner and upon the whole are agreed and resolv'd of a sentence to be pronounced on this Prisoner but in respect he desires to be heard before sentence the Court are resolv'd to heare him provided he meddle not with the Jurisdiction of the Court but if he have any thing to say in his own defence the Court is willing to heare him The King tells them a hasty sentence once past may sooner be Repented then recald desiring he might be heard in the Painted Chamber before the Lords and Commons I cannot be Judge of that I have to say but if it be reason and really for the welfare of the Kingdome and Liberty of the subject I am sure it will be well worth the hearing before my sentence be past therefore I doe conjure you as you love that you pretend I hope its reall the Liberty of the subject and the peace of the Kingdome that you will grant me a hearing before you passe sentence to which the President Reply'd that it was a further declining of the Jurisdiction of the Court. The King craving pardon for his Interruption endeavour'd to cleere it that it was not a declining of the Court although he could not own it The President tould him they had with much patience waited his leasure as to an answer and that what he had offerd tended to a delay and such delayes neither the Kingdome nor Justice could admit of but the Court is content to withdraw for a time and you shall know their further pleasure The Sarjeant at Arms declares from the Court that the Prisoner was to be withdrawne untill such time as they should send for him After halfe an houres space the Court being set The President Commands the Sarjeant at Armes to send for the Prisoner who being brought The President tould the King that the Court had withdrawne pro forma Tantum that they had considerd of what was offerd and of their own Authority which was founded by the supreame Authority of the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England and that they had acted according to their Concession but the returne that you are to expect from them is that they have been too much delay'd by you already and Judges are no more to delay then to deny and notwithstanding what you have offerd they are resolv'd to proceed to punishment and Judgement and this is their unanimous resolution The King Sir It is in vaine for me to dispute I know you have power enough but it would have been for the Kingdomes peace if you would have shewn the lawfulnesse of your power it is not my own good I look at but the Kingdomes peace and welfare I doe put at your doores all the Inconveniences of a hasty sentence I confesse I have been here eight dayes it s but a little delay of a day or two more that may give the Kingdome peace whereas a hasty Judgement may bring on that trouble and perpetuall Inconveniency to the Kingdome that the child unborne may repent it therefore once againe I desire to be heard by the Lords and Commons in the painted Chamber President You have already received the Resolutions and Judgement of the Court in it they desire to know if you have any thing more to say before sentence The King If you will grant me this delay I doubt not but to give some reasonable satisfaction therefore I require you as you will answer it at the dreadfull day of Judgement that you will consider it To which the President replyed If you have nothing more to say we must proceed to sentence The King I have nothing more to say President The Court hath something to say to you though it will not be acceptable to you dilating upon the Charge and the severall particulars whereof the Prisoner was Guilty Illustrating his speech with divers examples sacred and prophane that the people have deposed nay executed their Kings for mis-government In the Close of which the King desired to be heard before sentence concerning those Imputations Charg'd upon him The President Replyed that his time was now past and he was not far from sentence The King againe moves to be heard concerning those Imputations but the President tould him that he not acknowledging them to be a Court they could not admit of what he had to say and further Insisting upon his guilt minding him what the Scripture saith For to acquit the Guilty is of equall abomination as to condemne the Innocent We may not acquit the Guilty what sentence the Law denounceth to a Traytor a Murtherer and a Publique Enemy to the Country that sentence you are now to have read unto you and that is the sense of the Court. O yes and filence Commanded the President appoints the Clarke to read the sentence which was That whereas the Commons of England in Parliament assembled have appointed them a High Court of Justice for the trying of Charles Stuart King of England before whom he had been three times Convented and at the first time a Charge of High Treason and other Crimes and misdemeanours was read in behalfe of the Kingdome of England c. Reading the Charge To which Charge he the said Charles Stuart refused severall times to answer For all which Treasons and Crimes this Court doth adjudge that the said Charles Stuart as a Tyrant Traytor Murtherer and a publique Enemy shall be put to death by severing his head from his body The sentence being read the President tould him The sentence read and published is the Act Sentence Judgement and resolution of the whole Court Upon which the Court stood up assenting to what the President had said The King would have been heard but the President tould him he was not to be heard after sentence and