February 1647. they were carried to his Majesty by Major Generall Browne and the Scotch Commissioners who were to bring an answer in six dayes upon the Receit of the Propositions he desired to know whether they were the same with those he received at Newcastle it was answered there was onely some little alterations as to persons that served him in the late war then he desired to know of the Scotch Commissioners if they concur'd they answer'd they did His Majesty said they were matters of Great concernment and requir'd serious consideration but he would take care that they should have an answer within the time limited The Committee and Commissioners order 6000 foote 2400 Horse and 500 Dragoones to be sent into Ireland and care was taken to provide all necessary provisions The Commons likewise Order a moneths Gratuity to be given to the Army They likewise Vote a standing Army of 18000 foote 7200 Horse and a 1000 Dragoones be kept up as a standing Army for England An answer came from his Majesty which was by the House Voted not satisfactory The Commons took into consideration the Actions of diverse Eminent Citizens in London tending to a new war Vote a Charge of high nature be brought in and the Lord Mayor Alderman Adams Alderman Langham Alderman Bunce and Sheriffe Cullam with diverse other active Citizens were taken into Custody diverse Lords were committed to the Black Rod as the Earle of Lincolne Earle of Suffolke Lord Barkley Lord Willowby Lord Maynard Lord Hunsden September the 28. 1647. The Commons once more Vote to send to his Majesty and to that purpose they considered of severall Propositions That about Religion being the maine thing They also Vote his Majesty be desired to give his consent to such Act or Acts of Parliament as shal be presented to him for setling of Presbyterian Government according to the matter of severall Ordinances of Parliament for the Directory or Church Government to continue for the space of three yeares from the time that the King shall give his consent to such Act or Acts. They likewise Voted the Common-prayer-booke shall not be used in private The Souldiers about his Majesty are very civill permitting his Majesty to Hunt with the Duke of Richmond Marquesse of Hartford Marquesse of Ormond Earle of Southampton and diverse others of the Nobility without any Interruption His Majesty sent a Letter to the Generall desiring his Children to stay with him a night or two it being too great a Journey to goe and come to St James's in a day which he communicates to the Parliament They Order the Earle of Northumberland to satisfie his Majesty about his Children The Heads of the Propositions agreed upon by both Houses to be presented to his Majesty were these 1. The Militia for twenty yeares in the hands of Parliament or Committee of Parliament in Intervalls 2. Money be raised to pay the publique debts of the Kingdome 3. All Honours bestowed by his Majesty since the 22 of May 1642. to be Null and Voyd 4. Nulling his Majesties Great Seale and confirming that of the Parliament 5. Totally to abolish Bishops and their Hierarchy roote and branch 6. All their Lands to be sould for the payment of publique debts and other necessary Charges of the Kingdome 7. Make voyd the cessation of Ireland 8. The Election of all the Chiefe Officers of trust as Treasurer Admirall be by Parliament and they to hold during their good behaviour The Deputy of Ireland to be appointed by Parliament and to hold during pleasure 9. The Presbyterian Government to be settled as to the Religious service of God 10. The Treaties betwixt England and Scotland be confirm'd as it is now agreed 11. Justices of peace and Sheriffs to be Chosen by Grand Jury men 12. That his Majesty restore all such servants to their places as have been put out for adhering to the Parliament 13. That his Majesty passe an Act for the sale of Deane and Chapters Lands and the money to be dispos'd of as both Houses of Parliament shall think fit 14. That his Majesty shall not give pardon of Life to seven excepted persons 15. That his Majesty passe an Act for the dis-forresting all the Forrests and Chases in England 16. That his Majesty passe an Act for securing the arreares of the Souldiers of the Army and all other Souldiers that have serv'd the Parliament and those arreares to be payd out of the Remainder of Bishops Lands 17. That the Count of Wards be null and that his Majesty have 50000 l. per Annum in lieu of it 18. A period may be set to this Parliament All which being Granted His Majesty the Queene and Prince to Enjoy their revenues and the King to Governe The Commons order diverse of his Majesties old servants be discharg'd and that there be a stricter Guard then usuall The Scotch Commissioners sent a Letter to the House of the deep sense of his Majesties Imprisonment withall desiring his Majesty may come to London to treat with Honour Freedome and Safety and advise that it would withall be the most profitable and effectuall meanes for attaining of a happy peace and setling Religion the Restoring of his Majesty to his just Rights and continuing and strengthning a good understanding with both Nations Which Letter was layd aside News was brought to the House that his Majesty had made an escape out of his restraint from Hampton Court The manner thus November 11. 1647. He according to his custome withdrew himselfe to be private a little before Evening prayer staying somewhat longer then was usuall it was taken notice of yet at first without suspition but he not coming forth suddenly there were feares which increased by the Crying of a Grayhound severall times within in the room and upon search it was found that the King was gone and by the way of Paradice a place so call'd in the garden much about the close of the Evening He left on the Table three Papers one to the Parliament one to the Commissioners and a third to Colonell Whaly one of them was as followeth Liberty being that which in all times hath been but especially now is the condition the aym and desire of all men common reason shews that Kings lesse then any should endure captivity yet I call God to witnesse with what patience I have endur'd a tedious restraint which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of my Kingdomes or the hindring of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergoe but now finding by too certaine proofes that this my continued patience must not onely turne to my personall ruine but likewise be of more prejudice then furtherance to the publique good I thought I was bound as well by naturall as politicall obligations to seeke my safety by retiring my selfe sometime from the publique view both of my friends and enemies and I appeale to all indifferent men to judge if I have not
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
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
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