Commissioners of the Great Seal for the time being shall have power to hear and determine such corruption and miscarriage and to award and inflict punishment as the nature of the Offence shall deserve which punishment shall not be pardoned or remitted by the Lord Protector And in the interval of Parliaments the major part of the Council with the consent of the Lord Protector may for Corruption or other Miscarriage as aforesaid suspend any of their number from the exercise of their Trust if they shall find it just until the matter shall be heard and examined as aforesaid XXVI That the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council aforesaid may at any time before the meeting of the next Parliament add to the Council such persons as they shall think fit provided the number of the Council be not made thereby to exceed One and twenty and the Quorum to be proportioned accordingly by the Lord Protector and the major part of the Council XXVII That a constant yearly Revenue shall be raised setled and establisht for maintaining of Ten thousand Horse and Dragoons and twenty thousand Foot in England Scotland and Ireland for the Defence and Security thereof and also for the convenient number of Ships for guarding of the Seas besides Two hundred thousand pounds per annum for defraying the other necessary Charges for administration of Justice and other Expences of the Government Which Revenue shall be raised by the Customs and such other ways and means as shall be agreed upon by the Lord Protector and Council and shall not be taken away or diminishe nor the way agreed upon for raising the same altered but by the consent of the Lord Protector and the Parliament XXVIII That the said yearly Revenue shall be paid into the Publick Treasury and shall be issued out for the Vses aforesaid XXIX That in case there shall not be cause hereafter to keep up so great a Defence at Land or Sea but that there be an abatement made thereof the Money which will be saved thereby shall remain in Bank for the Publick Service and not be employed to any other use but by consent of Parliament or in the intervals of Parliament by the Lord Protector and major part of the Council XXX That the raising of Money for defraying the Charge of present extraordinary Forces both at Land and Sea in respect of the present Wars shall be by consent in Parliament and not otherwise save only that the Lord Protector with the consent of the major part of the Council for preventing the Disorders and Dangers which may otherwise fall out both at Sea and Land shall have power until the meeting of the first Parliament to raise Money for the purposes aforesaid and also to make Laws and Ordinances for the Peace and Welfare of these Nations where it shall be necessary which shall be binding and in force until Order shall be taken in Parliament concerning the same XXXI That the Lands Tenements Rents Royalties Jurisdictions and Hereditaments which remain yet unsold or undisposed of by Act or Ordinance of Parliament belonging to the Common-wealth Except the Forests and Chases and the Honours and Manors belonging to the same the Lands of the Rebels in Ireland lying in the four Counties of Dublin Cork Kildare and Katerlaugh the Lands forfeited by the People of Scotland in the late Wars and also the Lands of Papists and Delinquents in England who have not yet compounded shall be vested in the Lord Protector To hold to him and his Successors Lord Protectors of these Nations and shall not be aliened but by consent in Parliament And all Debts Fines Issues Amerciaments Penalties and Profits certain and casual due to the Keepers of the Liberties of England by Authority of Parliament shall be due to the Lord Protector and be payable into his Publick Receipt and shall be recovered and prosecuted in his Name XXXII That the Office of the Lord Protector over these Nations shall be Elective and not Hereditary and upon the Death of the Lord Protector another fit Person shall be forthwith Elected to Succeed him in the Government which Election shall be by the Council who immediatly upon the death of the Lord Protector shall assemble in the Chamber where they usually sit in Council and having given notice to all their number of the cause of their Assembling shall being Thirteen at least present proceed to the Election and before they depart out of the said Chamber shall Elect a fit person to succeed in the Government and forthwith cause Proclamation thereof to be made in all the three Nations as shall be requisite And the Person that they or the major part of them shall Elect as aforesaid shall be and shall be taken to be Lord Protector over these Nations of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging 〈◊〉 Provided that none of the Children of the late King nor any of his Line or Family be Elected to be Lord Protector or other chief Magistrate over these Nations or any the Dominions thereto belonging And until the aforesaid Election be past the Council shall take care of the Government and administer in all things us fully as the Lord Protector or the Lord Protector and Council are enabled to do XXXIII That Oliver Cromwel Captain General of the Forces of England Scotland and Ireland shall be and is hereby declared to be Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging for his life XXXIV That the Chancellor Keeper or Commissioners of the Great Seal the Treasurer Admiral Chief Governors of Ireland and Scotland and the Chief Justices of both the Benches shall be chosen by the approbation of Parliament and in the intervals of Parliament by the approbation of the major part of the Council to be afterwards approved by the Parliament XXXV That the Christian Religion contained in the Scriptures be held forth and recommended as the publick Profession of these Nations and that as soon as may be a Provision less subject to scruple and contention and more certain than the present be made for the Encouragement and Maintenance of able and painful Teachers for instructing the People and for discovery and confutation of Error Heresie and whatever is contrary to sound Doctrine And that until such Provision be made the present Maintenance shall not be taken away nor impeached XXXVI That to the publick Profession held forth none shall be compelled by penalties or otherwise but that endeavours be used to win them by sound Doctrine and the Example of a good Conversation XXXVII That such as profess Faith in God by Jesus Christ though differing in judgment from the Doctrine Worship or Discipline publickly held forth shall not be restrained from but shall be protected in the profession of the Faith and exercise of their Religion so as they abuse not this liberty to the civil Injury of others and to the actual disturbance of the Publick Peace on
personal under or lyable to Sequestrations according to Ordinance of Parliament and shall desire to compound for them except persons by name excepted by Ordinance of Parliament from pardon shall at any time within six months after rendring the Garrison of Oxford be admitted to compound for their Estates which Composition shall not exceed two years Revenue for Estates of Inheritance and for Estates for Lives Years and other real and Personal Estates shall not exceed the proportion aforesaid for Inheritances according to the value of them And that all persons aforesaid whose dwelling houses are Sequestred except before excepted may after the Rendring of the Garrison repair to them and there abide convenient time being allowed to such as are placed there under the Sequestrations for their removal And it is agreed that all the profits and Revenues arising out of their Estates after the day of entring their names as Compounders shall remain in the hands of the Tenants or Occupiers to be answered to the Compounders when they have perfected their agreements for their Compositions And that they shall have liberty and the General Pass and Protection for their peaceable repair to and abode at their several Houses or Friends and to go to London to attend their Compositions or elsewhere upon their necessary occasions with freedom of their persons from Oaths Engagements and Molestations during the space of six Months And after so long as they prosecute their Compositions without wilfull default or neglect on their part except an engagement by promise not to bear Arms against the Parliament nor wilfully to do any Act prejudicial to their Affairs so long as they remain in their Quarters And it is further agreed that from and after their Compositions made they shall be forthwith restored to and enjoy their Estates and all other Immunities as other Subjects together with the Rents and Profits from the time of entring their names discharged of Sequestrations and from Fifths and Twentieth parts and other payments and Impositions except such as shall be general and common to them with others 12. That no Lords Gentlemen Clergy-men Scholars Officers Soldiers Citizens nor any other persons included in this Capitulation except the persons mentioned before to be excepted from pardon shall be molested or questioned for any thing said or done in or concerning this War or relating to the unhappy differences between his Majesty and the Parliament they submitting to Composition as in the precedent Article and that the Persons before-mentioned to be excepted from Pardon shall have the benefit of this Article during the space of six Months from the rendring of the Garrison and after if they be admitted to and agree for their Compositions 13. That the persons mentioned before to be excepted from Pardon shall have liberty and the Generals Pass and Protection for themselves Families Horses Goods and all things that properly belong unto them now in Oxford to go unto and abide at their own Houses or their Friends for the space of six Months after the rendring of the Garrison and within that time to repair unto London to endeavour Compositions for their Estates and Indemnity of their Persons and to make their Peace and if they cannot obtain it shall have Passes to go beyond the Seas at any time within the said six Months and that no other Engagement shall be put upon them save by promise not to bear Arms against the Parliament nor wilfully do any act prejudicial to their Affairs so long as they remain in their Quarters 14. That the Chancellor Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford and the Governors and Students of Christs Church of King Henry the eighth his Foundation and all other Heads and Governors Masters Fellows and Scholars of the Colledges Halls and Bodies Corporate and Societies of the same University and the publick professors and Readers and the Orators thereof and all other persons belonging to the said University or to any Colledges or Halls therein shall and may according to their Statutes Charters and Customs enjoy their antient form of Government subordinate to the immediate Authority and Power of Parliament and that all the Rights Priviledges Franchises Lands Tenements Houses Possessions Rents Revenues Hereditaments Libraries Debts Goods and Chattles belonging to the said University or to Christs Church or to any Colledges or Halls in the said University except such Rents and Revenues as have been already taken and received by Ordinance of Parliament shall be enjoyed by them respectively as aforesaid free from Sequestrations Fines Taxes and all other molestations whatsoever for or under colour of any thing whatsoever relating to this present War or to the unhappy differences between his Majesty and the Parliament And that all Churches Chappels Colledges Halls Libraries Schools and publick Buildings within or belonging to the City or University or to Christs Church or the several Colledges or Halls thereof shall be preserved from defacing and Spoyl And if any removal shall be made by the Parliament of any Head or other Members of the University Christs Church Colledges or Halls that those so removed shall enjoy their profits during the space of six Months after the rendring of Oxford and shall have convenient time allowed them for the removal of themselves and their Goods from their Lodgings Provided that this shall not extend to retard any Reformation there intended by the Parliament nor give them any liberty to intermeddle in the Government 15. That the Mayor Bayliffs and Commonalty and all Corporations within the City shall enjoy their antient Government and their Charters Customs Franchises Liberties Lands Goods and Debts and all things else whatsoever which belong to them as Corporations subordinate to the immediate authority and power of Parliament and shall not be molested or questioned by colour of any thing before the rendring of this Garrison done or ordered by them in the capacity of Corporations relating to the differences between his Majesty and the Parliament 16. That the Citizens and Inhabitants of the City shall not be charged with free Quarter or Billet of Soldiers other than for lodging except in urgent time of necessity and that to be ordered and disposed by the advice of the Mayor or his Deputy and that in all publick Taxes they shall be charged proportionably with the County and that no Scholar Citizen or Inhabitant in the University and City of Oxford shall be troubled or questioned for taking up Arms in the Garrison by express Command during the time it was a Garrison for the defence thereof And that the Scholars Citizens and Inhabitants shall have the benefit of this Capitulation in all things that may concern them 17. That no Officer Soldier or other Person who by the Aricles are to march out of the City or Suburbs or to march in shall plunder spoyl or injure any Scholar Citizen or Inhabitant or other person in Oxford in their Persons Goods or Estates or
their parts Provided this liberty be not extended to Popery or Prelacy nor to such as under the profession of Christ hold forth and practise Licentiousness XXXVIII That all Laws Statutes Ordinances and Clauses in any Law Statute and Ordinance to the contrary of the aforesaid Liberty shall be esteemed as null and void XXXIX That the Acts and Ordinances of Parliament made for the Sale or other Disposition of the Lands Rents and Hereditaments of the late King Queen and Prince of Arch-bishops and Bishops c. Deans and Chapters the Lands of Delinquents and Forest Lands or any of them or of any other Lands Tenements Rents and Hereditaments belonging to the Commonwealth shall no way be impeached or made invalid but shall remain good and firm And that the securities given by Act and Ordinance of Parliament for any sum or sums of money by any of the said Lands the Excise or by any other Publick Revenue and also the Securities given by the Publick Faith of the Nation and the engagement of the Publick Faith for satisfaction of Debts and Damages shall remain firm and good and not be made void and invalid upon any pretence whatsoever XL. That the Articles given to or made with the Enemy and afterwards confirmed by Parliament shall be performed and made good to the persons concerned therein And that such Appeals as were depending in the last Parliament for relief concerning Bills of Sale of Delinquents Estates may be heard and determined the next Parliament Any thing in this Writing or otherwise to the contrary notwithstanding XLI That every successive Lord Protector over these Nations shall take and subscribe a solemn Oath in the presence of the Council and such others as they shall call to them That he will seek the Peace Quiet and Welfare of these Nations cause Law and Justice to be equally Administred and that he will not violate or infringe the matters and things contained in this Writing and in all other things will to his Power and to the best of his understanding govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs XLII That each person of the Council shall before they enter upon their Trust take and subscribe an Oath That they will be true and faithful in their Trust according to the best of their knowledge And that in the Election of every Successive Lord Protector they shall proceed therein impartially and do nothing therein for any promise fear favor or reward The Oath taken by His Highness Oliver Cromwel Lord Protector WHereas the Major part of the last Parliament judging that their sitting any longer as then constituted would not be for the good of this Common-wealth did Dissolve the same and by a Writing under their hands dated the Twelfth day of this instant December resigned unto Me their Powers and Authorities And whereas it was necessary thereupon That some speedy course should be taken for the settlement of these Nations upon such a Basis and Foundation as by the Blessing of God might be lasting secure Property and answer those great ends of Religion and Liberty so long contended for And upon full and mature Consideration had of the Form of Government hereunto annexed being satisfied that the same through Divine Assistance may answer the Ends afore-mentioned And having also been desired and advised aswell by several Persons of Interest and Fidelity in this Commonwealth as the Officers of the Army to take upon Me the Protection and Government of these Nations in the manner expressed in the said Form of Government I have accepted thereof and do hereby declare My acceptance accordingly And do promise in the presence of God That I will not violate or infringe the matters and things contained therein but to My power observe the same and cause them to be observed and shall in all other things to the best of My understanding Govern these Nations according to the Laws Statutes and Customs seeking their Peace and causing Justice and Law to be equally administred O. Cromwel Oliver Cromwell Captain General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth and now declared Lord Protector thereof did this Sixteenth day of December One thousand six hundred fifty three Sign this Writing and solemnly promise as is therein contained in presence of the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal of England who Administred the same Oath and of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the City of London divers of the Judges of the Land the Officers of State and Army and many other persons of Quality The Writing mentioned in the Oath was in these Words December 12. 1653. UPon a Motion this day made in the House that the sitting of this Parliament any longer as now Constituted will not be for the good of the Commonwealth And that therefore it was requisite to deliver up unto the Lord General Cromwel the Powers which they received from him These Members whose Names are underwritten have and do hereby resign their said Powers to his Excellency The same Day the Council did set forth this Proclamation BY THE COUNCIL WHereas the late Parliament Dissolving themselves and resigning their Powers and Authorities The Government of the Commonwealth of England Scotland and Ireland by a Lord Protector and Successive Trienial Parliaments is now Established And whereas Oliver Cromwell Captain-General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth is declared Lord Protector of the said Nations and hath accepted thereof We have therefore thought it necessary as we hereby do to make Publication of the Premises and strictly to Charge and Command all and every person and persons of what quality and condition soever in any of the said three Nations to take notice thereof and to conform and submit them selves to the Government so established And all Sheriffs Majors Bayliffs and other Publick Ministers and Officers whom this may concern are required to cause this Proclamation to be forthwith Published in their respective Counties Cities Corporations and Market Towns To the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behalf Given at White-Hall this sixteenth day of December 1653. 17 The new Lord Protector observed new and great State and all Ceremonies and respects were paid to him by all sorts of Men as to their Prince 19 Letters that the Highlanders dispersed themselves for their Levys and intended to force unreasonable Contributions That some of them near Durham robbed the Post Boy took away his Letters Horse Coat and Twenty pence in money That Major Murryhead was taken Prisoner by a Party of the English he being on his Journey to the Highlanders That Captain Lisle with a Party of the English Army fell into the Enemies Quarters and took Two Captains one Cornet one Quarter-Master a Corporal and twenty private Souldiers and about forty Horse and some Armes fired the House and killed three Men and lost not one Man and but one wounded in the Thigh That by Order Captain Lisle met with Collonel Morgan and they marched seven Miles into the Highlands
the Shires and Borroughs of Scotland by their Deputies convened at Dalkeith and again at Edenburgh did accept of the said Vnion and assent thereunto For the compleating and perfecting of which Vnion Be it Ordained And it is Ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector of the Common-wealth of England Scotland and Ireland and the Dominions thereto belonging by and with the advice and consent of his Council That all the People of Scotland and of the Isles of Orkney and Zethland and of all the Dominions and Territories belonging unto Scotland are and shall be and are hereby Incorporated into Constituted Established Declared and Confirmed one Commonwealth with England And in every Parliament to be held Successively for the said Common-wealth thirty persons shall be called from and serve for Scotland And for the more effectual preservation of this Vnion and the freedom and safety of the People of this Common-wealth so united Be it Ordained And it is Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That all the people of Scotland and of the Isles of Orkney and Zethland and of all the Dominions and Territories belonging unto Scotland of what Degree or Condition soever be discharged of all Fealty Homage Service and Allegiance which is or shall be pretended Due unto any of the Issue and Posterity of Charles Stewart late King of England and Scotland or any Claiming under him or that Charles Stuart Eldest Son and James called Duke of York second Son and all other the Issue and Posterity of the said late King and all and every person and persons pretending Title from by or under him are and be disabled to hold or enjoy the Crown of Scotland and other the Dominions thereunto belonging or any of them or to have the Name Title Stile or Dignity of King or Queen of Scotland or to have and enjoy the Power and Dominion of the said Kingdom and Dominions or any of them or the Honours Mannors Lands Tenements Possessions and Hereditaments belonging or appertaining to the said Crown of Scotland or other the Dominions aforesaid or to any of them any Law Statute Vsage Ordinance or Custom in Scotland to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstanding And it is further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That the said Office Stile Dignity Power and Authority of King of Scotland and all right of the Three Estates of Scotland to Convocate or Assemble in any General Convocation or Parliament and all Conventional and Parliamentary Authority in Scotland as formerly Established and all Laws Vsages and Customs Ordaining Constituting or Confirming the same shall be and are hereby and from henceforth abolished and utterly taken away and made null and void And that this Vnion may take its more full Effect and intent Be it further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That the Arms of Scotland viz. a Cross commonly called Saint Andrews Cross be received into and born from henceforth in the Arms of this Common-wealth as a Badge of this Vnion and that all the Publick Seals Seals of Office and Seals of Bodies Civil or Corporate in Scotland which heretofore carried the Arms of the Kings of Scotland shall from henceforth instead thereof carry the Arms of this Commonwealth And be it further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That all Customes Excise and other Imposts for Goods transported from England to Scotland and from Scotland to England by Sea or Land are and shall be so far taken off and discharged as that all Goods for the future shall pass as free and with like Priviledges and with the like Charges and Burdens from England to Scotland and from Scotland to England as goods passing from port to port or place to place in England and that all Goods shall and may pass between Scotland and any other part of this Commonwealth or the Dominions thereof with the like Privileges Freedom Charges and Burdens as such Goods do or shall pass between England and the said parts and Dominions any Law Statute Vsage or Custom to the contrary thereof in any wise notwitstanding And that all goods prohibited by any Law now in force in England to be transported out of England to any Foreign parts or imported shall be and hereby are prohibited to be transported or imported by the same Law and upon the same penalties out of Scotland to any Foreign parts aforesaid or from any Forein parts into Scotland And be it further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That all Sesses publick Impositions and Taxations whatsoever be imposed taxed and levyed from henceforth proportionably from the whole people of this Commonwealth so united And further to the end that all Dominion of Tenures and Superiorities importing Servitude and Vassalage may likewise be abolished in Scotland Be it further Declared and Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That all Heritors Proprietors and Possessors of Lands in Scotland or the Dominions thereunto belonging and their Heirs shall from and after the twelfth day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred fifty and four hold their respective Lands of the respective Lord and Lords by Deed Charter Patent or Enfeoffment to be renewed upon the death of every Heritor Proprietor Possessor as now they do to his Heir or Heirs by and under such yearly Rents Boons and Annual Services as are mentioned or due by any Deeds Patents Charters or Enfeofments now in being of the respective Lands therein expressed or by vertue thereof enjoyed without rendring doing or performing any other Duty Service Vassalage or Demand whatsoever by reason or occasion of the said Lands or any the Clauses or Covenants in the said Deeds Charters Patents or Enfeoffments contained saving what is hereafter herein and hereby particularly expressed and declared that is to say Heriots where the same are due Fines certain where the same is already certain and where the Fine is uncertain reasonable Fines upon the Death of the Lord and upon the Death or alienation of the Tenant or any of them where the same have usually been paid which said Fine not being already certain shall not at any time exceed one years value of the Lands and also doing suit and service to such Court and Courts Baron as shall be constituted in Scotland in such manner as is Ordained by one other Ordinance Entituled An Ordinance for Erecting Courts Baron in Scotland And be it Ordained by the Authority aforesaid That all and every the Heritors Proprietors and Possessors aforesaid and their Heirs are and shall he from henceforth for ever discharged of all Fealty Homage Vassallage and Servitude which is or shall be pretended due from them or any of them unto any their Lords or Superiors whatsoever claiming Dominion or Jurisdiction over them by vertue of the said Patents Charters Deeds or Enfeoffments and other rights thereof or of any Clauses or Conditions therein contained other than as is before Declared and Ordained And that all the said Superiorities Lordships and Jurisdictions other than as aforesaid shall be and are hereby
Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the Revealed Will and Word of God and shall in other things differ in Doctrine Worship or Discipline from the Publique Profession held forth Endeavours shall be used to Convince them by sound Doctrine and the Example of a good Conversation But that they may not be compelled thereto by Penalties nor restrained from their Profession but protected from all Injury and Molestation in the profession of the Faith and exercise of their Religion whilest they abuse not this Liberty to the Civil Injury of others or the Disturbance of the publique Peace So that this Liberty be not extended to Popery or Prelacy or to the Countenancing such who publish horrible Blasphemies or practise or hold forth Licentiousness or Prophaness under the profession of Christ And that those Ministers or Publique Preachers who shall agree with the publique Profession aforesaid in matters of Faith although in their Judgment and Practice they differ in matters of Worship and Discipline shall not onely have protection in the way of their Churches and Worship respectively but be esteemed fit and capable notwithstanding such difference being otherwise duly Qualified and duly Approved of any Trust Promotion or Imployment what soever in these Nations that any Ministers who agree in Doctrine Worship and Discipline with the Publique Profession aforesaid are capable of And all others who agree with the publique Profession in matters of Faith although they differ in matters of Worship and Discipline as aforesaid shall not onely have protection as aforesaid but be esteemed fit and capable notwithstanding such difference being otherwise duly Qualified of any Civil Trust Imployment or Promotion in these Nations But for such persons who agree not in matters of Faith with the publique Profession aforesaid they shall not be capable of receiving the publique Maintenance appointed for the Ministery Provided That this Clause shall not be construed to extend to enable such Ministers or publique Preachers or Pastors of Congregations But that they be Dis-enabled and they are hereby Dis-enabled to hold any Civil Imployment which those in Orders were or are Dis-enabled to hold by an Act Entituled An Act for Disenabling all persons in Holy Orders to Exercise any Temporal Jurisdiction or Authority And that Your Highness will give Your consent That all Laws Statutes Ordinances and Clauses in any Law Statute or Ordinance So far as they are contrary to the aforesaid Liberty be Repealed XII That all Acts and Ordinances of Parliament made for the abolishing of Arch-Bishops and Bishops and for the abolishing of Deans Deans and Chapters Cannons Prebends and other Offices and Titles of or belonging to any Cathedral or Collegiate Church or Chappel and for the sale or other disposition of the Lands Rents and Hereditaments unto any or either of them belonging or for the sale or other disposition of the Lands Rents and Hereditaments of the late King Queen or Prince or of the Lands of Delinquents Fee-Farm or other Rents forest-Forest-Lands or any of them or any other Lands Tenements Rents or Hereditaments lately belonging to the Commonwealth shall no way be impeached but that they do remain good and firm And that the security given by Act and Ordinance of Parliament for any Summe or Summes of monies by any of the said Lands the Excise or by any other Publick Revenue and also the Securities given by the Publick Faith of the Nation and the Engagement of the Publick Faith for satisfaction of debts may remain firm and good and not be made void by any pretence whatsoever XIII That all and every person and persons who have Ayded Abetted Advised or Assisted in any War against the Parliament since the first day of January 1641. unless he or they have since born Armes for the Parliamint or your Highness or otherwise given signal testimony of his or their good affection to the Commonwealth and continued faithful to the same and all such as have been actually engaged in any Plot Conspiracy or Design against the Person of your Highness or in any Insurrection or Rebellion in England or Wales since the sixteenth of December 1653. And for Scotland that all and every person and persons who have been in Armes against the Parliament of England or against the Parliament in Scotland before the first day of April 1648. except such as have since born Arms in the service of the Parliament of England or your Highness or given other signal testimony of their good affection and every person or persons that since the said first day of April 1648. have been in Armes or otherwise Aided Abetted Advised or Assisted in any War against the Parliament of England or your Highness except such persons who having been in Armes or otherwise Abetted Advised or Assisted in any War against the Parliament of England or your Highness since the first day of April 1648. and were not in Armes against the Parliament of England or against the Parliament of Scotland before the first day of April 1648. and have since the first day of March 1651 Old stile lived peaceably and thereby given testimony of their good affection to the Parliament and your Highness be made uncapable for ever of holding or enjoyning of any Office or Place of Publick Trust in these three nations or any of them Provided that nothing in this Article contained shall extend to put any incapacity in this Article mentioned upon any English or Scotish Protestants in Ireland who before the first day of March 1647. have born Armes for the Parliament or your Highness or otherwise given signal testimony of their good affection to this Common-wealth and continued faithful to the same XIV And that your Highness will be pleased to consent that nothing in this Petition and Advice conteyned nor your Highness assent thereto shall be construed to extend to the dissolving of this present Parliament but that the same shall continue and remain until such time as your Highness shall think fit to dissolve the same XVI And that nothing conteyned in this Petition and Advice nor your Highness consent thereunto shall be construed to extend to the repealing or making void of any Act or Ordinance which is not contrary hereunto or to the matters herein conteyned but that the said Acts and Ordinances not contrary hereunto shall continue and remain in force in such manner as if this present Petition and Advice had not at all been had or made or your Highness consent thereunto given XVII And that all Writs issued out of the Chancery and all Writs and Patents of the Justices of the one Bench and of the other Barons of the Exchequer Commissions of Oyer and Terminer Goal-delivery and Justices of the Peace And all other Commissions Patents and Grants made and passed under the great Seal of England Scotland or Ireland shall stand good and effectual in the Law notwithstanding this Petition and Advice or your Highness assent thereunto or any Law Statute or Custome to
their Forces The Governour of Poole set upon the Queens Regiment of horse marching that way near Blandford slew sixteen of them took about forty prisoners a hundred brave horse two Colours and much Popish trumpery and lost but one man and a few hurt Colonel Lambert fell upon a party of the King's horse near Plumpton in Yorkshire took about a hundred and forty Horse the Commander in chief an Irish Rebel three Captains and many prisoners The King faced the Parliaments Armies with his horse and in the mean time drew away his Foot towards Newbury whither he followed with the horse Captain Fincher waiting on their march surprised sixty of their horse Orders were sent to the several Counties to be in a posture of defence and the Chirurgeons were sent down with Medicaments to the Army and Mr. Bell to provide them An Ordinance passed that no quarter should be given to any of the Irish Rebels taken either at Sea or Land By a Letter from Pembroke was certified that some of Prince Rupert's Forces particularly of the Irish Rebels drove away their Cattel risled their Houses eat and destroyed all their Provisions burnt their Villages and standing Corn destroyed all Sexes and Degrees Aged and unarmed persons were stripped naked by them â—and some they inhumanely murthered in cold blood others they half hanged and afterwards stigmatized and burnt their flesh off from their bodies to the bare bones and yet suffered them to live in great torture The Commons ordered that all the Judges and King's Council should meet to consider of the Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon An Ordinance passed to free the Heir of Sir William Fairfax who was slain in the Parliaments Service from Wardship An Order past to admit the Prince Elector to come when he pleased to the Assembly of Divines to hear their Debates according to his Highnesse's desire Newcastle Town not agreeing to Propositions of a Treaty the Scots stormed and entred part of the Town and became Masters of it that Sir John Merlay and others for the King fled to the Castle and offered to render it upon quarter which was denied but that they should render at mercy Some of the Scots Officers were slain as Major Hepburne and others but more of the Enemy Publick thanks to God were ordered to be given for the mercy in gaining Newcastle Sergeant Whitfield had the thanks of the House for his pains in preparing the Evidence for the Tryal of Macquire and Macmahon and the former Lord chief Justice Bramston was ordered to be advised with in that Business An Ordinance passed for the sale of some Delinquents Lands in Essex By Letters from the Commissioners in the Army it was certified that the Armies were near engagement that the King's horse faced the Parliaments Forces within a mile their Foot and Artillery marched up and were drawn into Bartalia at Bucklebury and nothing more done that day but they resolved the next day to charge the King's Forces if they would stand to it and they desired provisions might be sent to the Army Two Barges loaded with Bisket and Cheese were sent to Reading to be conveyed to the Army The Houses being informed that the Lord General was not well and stayed behind the Army they sent a Committee of Lords and Commons to visit him and to express the affections of both Houses to him This was not as was given out a piece of Courtship but I think real and there was cause enough that it should be so the General having so highly deserved from them Yet there were some had Designs against him and were desirous to remove him from his Command because they were jealous that he was too much inclined to peace and favouring of the King and his party I think I knew as much of his mind as others did and always observed him to wish for peace yet not upon any dishonourable or unjust terms he was a Lover of Monarchy and Nobility which he suspected some designed to destroy together with Gentry Ministry and Magistracy which humour began then to boyl up but he resolved to support them and wanted not advice to that end But the Jealousies upon him who was a most faithful and gallant man and servant to the publick gave him great trouble in his thoughts and they did work so high with his Enemies that some gave out he was by private intimation to forbear engaging in this Service and for certain he was not in it A party of the King 's coming to relieve Banbury were repulsed by Captain Fiennes their Bag and Baggage taken divers of them killed and some of them taken prisoners The City Propositions to be sent with the general Propositions for peace were voted and approved Divers Citizens petitioned That Justice might be done against Delinquents especially the two grand Incendiaries the Bishop of Canterbury and Wren and that the Commons House might be recruited with new Members Sir John Hotham petitioned That he might not be tryed by the Commissioners for the Court-Marshal and demanded the Judgment of the House thereupon and offered his Reasons but they would not hear them The Commons being informed that in probability the Armies were now engaged they sent to the Assembly of Divines to spend some time in Prayer for the good success of the Parliaments Forces which was done accordingly In the Evening the same day news came to the Parliament of a considerable Victory obtained by their Forces against the King's Army near Newbury That the Fight began on Sunday October 27th about Three a Clock in the Afternoon That before Seven they had nine pieces of Ordnance from the Enemy took the Earl of Cleveland and three hundred prisoners killed Charles Goring Son to the Lord Goring Sir Humphrey Mildmayâ—s eldest Son and divers others of quality and that the King about Twelve at Night marched with a party towards Wallingford Another party of the Kings under the Earl of Northampton came to relieve Banbury and taking the Besiegers at unawares made their way into the Castle and relieved it and made good their Retreat Scout-master General Bedford came to the house with Letters from the Commissioners in the Army of the particulars of the Battel at Newbury to this effect That after a Weeks tedious but speedy march of the Lord General 's Infantry and one nights refreshment at Reading in two days further progress they drew up before Newbury as near the Town as the Enemies Cannon would suffer this was upon Friday Oct. 25. The King kept within the Town guarded by his Artillery but his Body of Horse and Foot drew out into Speen-field the midway between the Town and Castle both to make his Army seem more numerous and to imbattel them in a place of extraordinary advantage that day afforded nothing but an Interview the interposing River hindred the desire to fight On the King's part appeared rather a declining to be engag'd either that their numbers
gratifying the Lord General and the Earls of Manchester and Denbigh for their faithfull Services and hazarding their lives and fortunes for the publick Some of Essex his Friends were against his laying down of his Commission but others told him that mischiefs and contests might arise if he kept it whereof himself was sensible and as he had great stoutness of spirit so he had great goodness of nature and love to the publick which perswaded him to lay down his Commission And here ended the first scene of our Tragick Civil Wars in the Exit of this brave person Essex who being set aside and many gallant men his Officers with him the King's party looked upon the new Army and new Officers with much contempt and the new Model was by them in scorn called the New Noddle An Ordinance ordered to be drawn to discharge from Wardships such Heirs whose Ancestours died in the Parliaments Service Ordered that the former Officers of the Army who are not now employed shall have their Arrears audited and signed and moneys allowed for their present maintenance The wants of Members of the House referred to be considered A Letter from Captain Legge that the Mayor Aldermen and others of York may have the benefit of the Propositions upon the surrender of York to which the Lord General was desired to write an Answer The Custome of the Parish of Tuitnam being that on Easter day two great Cakes should be broken in the Church and given to the young people was ordered to be forborn and instead thereof Bread to be given to the poor 3000 l. for Major General Langhern again ordered to be paid Debate again about the persons to be admitted to the Sacrament 500 l. ordered for the Assembly of whom many had their Livings sequestred by the King The Governour of Hereford promised the Club-men redress of their grievances and they went home shortly after the Governour having additional Forces sent out and plundered and killed divers of those Countreymen 3. Upon a Petition of the Mayor and Common Council of York an Ordinance was brought in for augmentation of the Ministers means in Yorkshire and the Northern Counties out of the Bishopricks of York Durham and the Deans and Chapters lands there A Declaration reciting P. Rupert's putting to death many Prisoners taken from the Parliaments Forces because they had served before in Ireland That if the like were done hereafter so many of his men taken Prisoners by the Parliament should answer the lives of the other The Committee of Accounts presented some accounts to the House and informed that their Sub-Committees in Rutlandshire and other Counties were discouraged by the County Committees which was referred to be examined and the Committee of Accounts had thanks given them An Ordinance passed for 1000 l. for Sir John Meldrum and for other monies Sir Thomas Fairfax went to Windsor where he appointed the general Rendezvous of his Army and caused Proclamation to be made in London that all his Officers and Souldiers should repair thither The Ordinance past both Houses for discharge of their Members from all Offices Military and Civil Waller's party was 8000 and Goring fell upon his quarters who forced him to retreat and pursued him 4. Mr. Gerrard readmitted into the House of Commons Huntingtonshire petitioned for a new Election of a Knight of the Shire in the place of Sir Sidney Mountague and a day was appointed for this and all other of the like nature Order about buying Horses for the Army whereby the State was couzened 2000 l. for the mutinous Horse that returned to obedience The Scots Commissioners desired to write into Scotland for the speedy advance of the Scots Army Southwards Orders for Money Mortarpieces and Fireworks for Abington and for Money for the Lancashire Forces 5. A Pass from both Houses for two Sons of the Lord Grey of Warke to travel beyond Seas The pay of 12 d. per diem more than ordinary allowed to 100 Troupers under Captain Knight who offered to find themselves Horses and Arms and to serve under Sir Tho. Fairfax Order for Captain Cannon to deliver the States Arms in his custody and if he refuse the Committee may imprison him Ordinance to put Hampshire into a posture of defence A party under Major Smithson fell on the King's Forces at Ridmore in Yorkshire killed four and took Captain Bainbrigge and forty seven Prisoners 7. Letters from Sir Thomas Fairfax gave an account of his Army drawn together at Windsor and desires that Colonel Fleetwood's Regiment in Lincolnshire may be ordered to come to him and care taken of those parts this was referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms a Letter of thanks and encouragement was returned to Sir Tho. Fairfax At Reading five Regiments of the Earl of Essex his Army and five Companies of the Lord Roberts were drawn out into the Field and Major General Skippon in the head of each Regiment told them That it was the pleasure of the Parliament for the good of the Kingdom to have all their Armies reduced into one and that all ought to submit thereunto That such Officers who were left out should have a fortnights pay in hand and security for all their Arrears and the Parliament acknowledged their good service done and would be ready to shew them favour hereafter but at present had no occasion to employ them as formerly That such as were now taken on the service under that gallant person Sir Thomas Fairfax should be taken care of for all accommodations and that he as he had done would still adventure his life with them to the last drop of his blood All gave general Acclamations That they would live and die with Fairfax and Skippon and serve the Parliament and they were listed into several Regiments Many expected a great Mutiny upon this regulating of the old Army but it came off better than was expected and much therein was attributed to the prudence and gallantry of the Major General to whom the Commons sent a Letter of Thanks for this and his other good services Order for exchange of Sir John Harcourt a Member of the House for the Lord Brereton a Prisoner ofwar 2000 l. Ordinance for the discontented Horsesouldiers passed Another for associating the four Northern Counties with Yorkshire Debate touching some Officers of the Chancery and of the King's Revenue Captain Blundel with a party from Abington seised six Butts of good Canary carrying to Oxford and brought them to Abington After that within half a mile from Oxford he took several Horse-loads of Linnen-cloth and a Cart loaden with Sugar and Spicery-ware going to Oxford and brought them all to Abington A great affection was between the Horse and Foot of that Garrison that they would run out to assist one another The prizes of victuals grew dear at Oxford that the King intended to goe from thence Colonel Washburn with a party from Abington beat up the quarters of
present all Causes in Chancery Order that the Judges in Serjeants Inne the Benchers of the Innes of Court and Principles of the Innes of Chancery shall permit no Lawyers that have born Arms against the Parliament to be in any of those Societies Referred to a Committee to examine the entry of Mr. White into a Lodge belonging to Sir Tho. Walsingham Order for six thousand pound to be paid to the Committee of Berks for Abbington Garrison and that the Committee of the three Counties do consider what Forces of that Garrison and in those Counties are fit to be disbanded Upon Petition of the Stationer and Printer of the Lord Louden's Speeches they are discharged The Grand Committee sate in the afternoon about Bishops Lands 24. Progress about Bishops Lands Complaints from the North of their burthens Vote that the Chancery shall not proceed in any Cause determinable at Law High Sheriffs nominated Ordinance pass'd for the two Speakers to be Commissioners of the Seal 26. Progress about the Sale of Bishops Lands The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons for the quartering of Sir Tho. Fairfax his Army more Northerly Orders for supplys of Forces Both Houses voted Captain Swanley to be Admiral of the Irish Seas Order to audite the Arrears of Col. Fleet-wood Debate about the Scots Papers touching the disposal of the Kings Person and it was referred back to the Committee Indictment in Bucks for not reading the Common Prayer complained of Ordered that an Ordinance be brought in to take away the Statute that injoyns it and to disable Malignant Ministers from Preaching Progress about the Assessments for the Army A Petition and Leters from the North informed that the Scots Army Quartering in those parts tax them seven times more than their Revenue rob beat and kill the Inhabitants who are more slaves to them than any are in Turkey That the Plague was begun amongst them 27. Orders for Compositions and for the Committee of Goldsmiths Hall to put in Execution the Ordinances for Sequestrations Order for a Collection for the poor The City of Chester chose Mr. Recorder Glyn to be an Alderman of that City instead of the Earl of Derby Sir Tho. Wharton Sir Robert King Sir John Clot-worthy Sir Robert Meredeth and M. Salwey appointed Commissioners for Ireland 28. The Monthly Fast kept Care for the ten thousand pound for Widows and Wives of Soldiers and others Three Ministers sent to Preach in Wales Mr. Sympson formerly silenced from Preaching because he differed in Judgment from the Assembly in some points was restored to his liberty 29. Progress in the grand Committee upon the sale of Bishops Lands The Lord Monson a Member of the House of Commons desired to wave his Priviledge and to have a Sute against him proceed the House appointed an Ordinance to be brought in to take away the Priviledge as to Title and Debts the Person only to be priviledged and not his lands or Goods Both Houses agreed to the Ordinance to make void all Titles and Honours granted under the Great Seal after it was carried away from the Parliament Letters from Major General Pointz and others informed that the Scots laid intolerable assesses upon the Country and kept Centinels and Guards as if they had enemies near them and examined all Passengers The House ordered that Sir Tho. Fairfax should give command to Major General Pointz and Col. Rossiter to keep Guards and examine all passing that way Northward 30. The grand Committee sate about the Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands Order for drawing off all the great Guns from the Works for the ease of London and Westminster and a Regiment of twelve hundred to be compleated for the Guards An Ordinance committed for sale of the Estates of the Earl of Worcester c. An Ordinance read to constitute the two Speakers fully Commissioners of the Seal 31. Progress upon the Bishops Ordinance A Letter of the Scots Commissioners complaining of the necessities of their Army and of some scandalous Papers Printed of the sufferings of the Northern parts by their Army referred to the Committee Complaints Letters informed that Lieutenant General Lesley gave a Protection to one Metcalfe in the North a great Papist to free him from Assessments Team Horses free quarter c. Order that the Scots Commissioners be acquainted with it The Ordinance past and the great Seal was delivered to the two Speakers as Commissioners of it in the presence of both Houses November 1646. November 2. The third Ordinance for sale of Bishops Lands ordered to be sent up to the Lords A Committee appointed to consider what allowances are fit to be to the Bishops The Commissioners of the Great Seal began the business of the Seal and one Judge and a Master of the Chancery sate by turns to hear the Causes there Denbigh Castle was surrendred upon Articles to Major General Mitton Letters informed That Sir James Lesley had demanded the Fee Farm Rents in the North for the King and forbids the payment of them to any other That on the Fast day they were at play at the Court. That Marquess Huntley and the Gourdons refuse to submit That the Earl of Antrim is strengthned from Ireland and by Montrosses men That the French Ambassador was constantly with the King 3. Votes for due observation of the Articles of Oxford and touching Compositions and for keeping other Articles inviolably The Lords desired a Committee might be appointed to consider of the disposal of the Great Seal after the time that the two Speakers expired The grand Committee ordered to sit in the afternoon touching the Assessments Men and Supplys hastned for Ireland 4. Order for fifteen hundred pound Arrears to be paid to Col. Pure-foy An Ordinance touching the approbation of Gifted men to Preach laid aside Debate upon an Ordinance for repairing Churches and Chappels ruinated in the War and another for payment of Church duties 5. The Gun-powder-Treason day kept Information touching Passes granted by the King to Ship-Masters The papers of the Lord Chancellor of Scotlands Speeches c. touching the disposal of the Kings Person said to be printed first at Edingburgh and afterwards reprinted at London notwithstanding the Prohibition of the Parliament to the contrary 6. Progress upon the whole days debate touching the sale of Bishops Lands The Rebels were in a great body within eight miles of Dublin 7. A Committee named to inquire out the Printers of the Lord Lowdens Papers Order for five thousand pound for the Treasurers for advancing Plate c. A Message to the Lords to name a Committee to be of both Houses to consider of the disposal of the great Seal Debate upon the Ordinance for sale of Delinquents Estates Letters of sad complaints from the Northerne parts of the sufferings by the Scots Army referred to a Committee and power given to them to hear complaints of the like Nature from the Countrey 9. A Committee named of both Houses to consider of the
consent 5. The King not to call Parliaments in the Intervals without consent of the Councel of State 6. Elections to be free to Free-men 7. Patents and Monopolies to be removed 8. Their power to extend to Declaration of Laws and final Judgments without further Appeal than to the Representative 9. No Law to be against a Commoner but with the House of Commons Concurrence 10. No Commoner or great Officer to be exempt from Judgment of the House of Commons 11. The King to give no power to Protect or Pardon those so condemned 12. The Priviledg to be in the people in Election of Officers about Church Discipline Raising of Souldiers Freedom for what hath been done these Wars 13. Elections to be distributed equally 3. Debate of an Ordinance for setting poor people to work and for punishing of Vagrants and about the Ordinance for Tunnage and Poundage Confirmation of Truro Articles The Ordinance past for Guernsey c. The General Council of the Army agreed upon these further Heads 1. That the Proposals concerning Elections be publickly Read in each Division at their first proceeding to the Election 2. That by the Indentures of Election the persons Elected be limited to serve as Deputies for the time set 3. That a more equal course be taken and a rate if it may be on every mans Land not exceeding two shillings in the Pound in lieu of Tithes They also debated touching the Propositions to be sent to His Majesty 4. Orders for Disbanding of the disjoynted and supernumerary Forces Discharge of the Sequestration of Col. Brandling's Estate Confirmation of Exeter Articles Order for five hundred pounds for the Lord Ormond The General Councel of the Army desired some alterations and additions might be made to the Propositions to be sent to His Majesty 1. For security of the Souldiers Arrears by Deans and Chapters Lands and Compositions 2. These alterations about the Militia 1. That the Lords and Commons in future Parliaments may have the power of the Militia as well as the present 2. That where the safety of the Kingdom is concerned the Commons may exercise the Militia without the Lords they not concurring and that to bind the Commons 3. That London may have no other priviledg of the Militia than other Corporations Divers resolutions in favour of Delinquents That the Faith of the Army be kept upon Articles of Surrender That there be a General Act of Oblivion 5. Information of new designs against the Parliament and Army Debate touching the Kings Negative voice in Parliament 6. A Letter from the Scots Commissioners here mentioning the Kings being taken away from Holmeby by a party of the Army and they desiring to know from him his present condition His Majesty referred them therein to the Parliament and Army That they held it needless to apply to the Army in this matter whom they suppose are or ought to be under the Command of the Parliament That the Kingdom of Scotland finding their stability and happiness so much to depend upon the safety and preservation of the Kings person and they resolving to continue in all Loyalty under his Government have endeavoured the Composure of the unhappy differences They desire that the business of the Propositions may proceed with the mutual Councels of both Kingdoms and in the name of the Kingdom of Scotland they desire that there may be a personal Treaty with His Majesty and for that effect that the King may be invited to come to London with honour freedom and safety due to him and not to be under the power and restraint of Souldiers 8. Debate touching Provision for a constant Pay of the Army Both Houses agreed to the conference for speedy dispatch of the Propositions The General Councel of the Army desired his Excellency That for a time the Officers and Agitators should resort to the several Commands and Regiments till the General Rendezvous be over and the General shall see cause to call them together again and the same was done accordingly Collonel Jones took in divers Castles and Forts from the Rebels in Lemster 9. Letters from the General mentioning the long expectation of the Army of somewhat to have been done by the Parliament in Order to the satisfaction of the desires and Proposals of the Army that somesatisfactory answers therein would enable him and his Officers to serve the Parliament the more and to have more credit with the Army to keep them in better Order That he had appointed a General Rendezvous by the advice of the General Officers of the Army and General Councel who offered to repair to their several Charges and Regiments to improve their endeavours for quieting of them and recovering the antient Discipline of the Army He desires the House to grant the inclosed Particulars 1. Six weeks Pay if possible if not a months Pay to be presently sent to the Army 2. The Arrears to be paid out of the remainder of Bishops Lands Deans c. 3. Provision for constant Pay of the Army 4. That there be one hundred thousand pound a month for the Forces in England and Ireland and those of the supernumeraries to be disbanded 5. That Free Quarter or taking any thing from any man be punisht with death Orders for mony for the Army A Paper from some of the Agitators called The Case of the Army Voted by the House Destructive to the Priviledges of Parliament and the Fundamental Government of this Kingdom and referred to the General to find out the Authors Liberty granted to Lieutenant Collonel Lilburne to go abroad without his Keeper Order for restitution of monies seised from Mrs. Curriton The Lords appointed a Committee to draw an answer to the Letter of the Scots Commissioners about a personal Treaty They fined their absent Members an hundred pound a Man The Commons desired the Lords concurrence to several Ordinances for Moneys for the Lord Ormond for allowance for Soldiers Wives for Trade for confirming Truro Articles A Committee of the General Councel of the Army appointed to collect a summary of the Engagements Declarations and Papers of the Army of matters concerning the good of the Kingdom the Liberties of the People and the interest of the Army and to consider the case of the Army stated and a Paper called the agreement of the People to be presented to the General for his order to communicate it to the several Regiments before their Rendezvous They also made a Declaration That by their Letter to the Parliament November 5. it was no part of their intentions to hinder the sending of the Propositions to the King but only to assert the freedom of Parliament 10. A grand Committee sat about the future Pay of the Army and to prevent free Quarter Order that the Members of every County do present three names out of which the House to choose one to be High Sheriff for that County Debate of Ordinances for Money for Ireland one by sale of Rebels Lands
and to stand with a Paper in the Market-place and to be whipped Another shot to death for killing a man 14. The Lords finished the four Bills to be sent to his Majesty and named the Earl of Northumberland Kent Rutland Pembroke and Salisbury to be their Commissioners to present them The Commons concurred and named for their Commissioners Mr. Bulkley Mr. L'Isle Mr. Robert Goodwyn and Mr. Kemp for their Commissioners or any three of both Houses Order for Money for Ireland Divers Compositions passed 15. Ordinance for Sallaries for the Officers of the Committee of Accounts Another pass'd for addition of Members to the Committee of the Navy The Scots Commissioners desired time to consider of the four Bills to be presented to his Majesty Vote of both Houses for the Country Committees to certifie the full value of all Sequestred Estates The House in the afternoon passed an Answer to the Scots Commissioners That Bills pass'd both Houses are not to be altered by any other and that they are resolved to send their Commissioners by Tuesday next and desire that the Scots Commissioners would send their Propositions at the same time 16. Report from Col. Lilburne's Committee An Ordinance for repairing Churches and Chappels Ordinances sent to the Commons for turning Delinquents out of the Lines Another about chusing Common-Council-men Malignants and such as abetted the late Force against the Parliament to be uncapable to be chosen Order for five thousand pound to be paid to Mr. Hampden's Executors An Ordinance pass'd for setting poor people to work A Letter with an inclosed Declaration from the Scots Commissioners Order about the Guards of the House Ordinance pass'd for Captain Ed. Harley to be Vice-Admiral of the North c. Reference to the Committee of the Navy about the Isle of Providence Letters from Windsor of a good agreement between the Parliaments Commissioners and the G. Councel of the Army about the particulars before-mentioned and for the Armies being drawn into Garrisons and all free Quarter to be taken off so as they may have constant Pay Deans and Chapters Lands desired for security A Petition of the Farmers in Surrey to the General about free Quarter and their Landlords refusing to deduct of their Rents for the free Quarter they desired the General to move the Parliament for their Relief herein who recommended it to the Houses 18. Mr. Marshall and Mr. Nye appointed to go Chaplains to the Commissioners to the Isle of Wight Divers Compositions passed Order for Col. Nedham's Arrears to be audited One of Col. Lilburn's Regiment condemned to dye by the Councel of War for raising the Mutiny at Ware and others to run the Gantelope Captain Grey and Major Cobbet tryed 20. The Commissioners ordered two hundred pound for their Charge to go to the Isle of Wight The Primate of Armagh continued Preacher at Lincolns Inne Referred to a Committee to examine what Delinquent Ministers did Preach or Read the Book of Common Prayer and to silence them which was much opposed by divers as contrary to that liberty of Consciences which they themselves pretended to insist upon as due to every Christian It was carried in the Negative upon the question that Deans and Chapters Lands should not be security for the Arrears of the Soldiers but that it should be out of the remainder of Bishops Lands and out of Forrest Lands and the Excise Several Compositions were passed Debate upon the Declaration from the Scots Commissioners claiming in language a joynt interest with the Parliament of England in the setling of Peace in both the Kingdoms and protesting against the four Bills and they press for a personal Treaty at London They inforce Let that be given to God which is God's and to Caesar that which is Caesar ' s and puts them in mind of their professed Loyalty An Answer was agreed upon in like high termes to their Declaration 21. Order for an Ordinance for further Indemnity for the Soliders and for another to draw the Forces into Garrisons and for a Declaration of the necessity that hath been to keep up an Army and to take free Quarter and that if the Kingdom will pay in six Months Arrears of the sixty thousand pound per Mens that then the other three Months Arrears will be remitted and no Officer shall come into any mans House without his leave nor no Soldier except in Innes Ale-houses Taverns and Victualling-houses The Printer Committed for Printing the Scots Declaration without leave of the House Orders for preserving the Arms of such as shall be disbanded from being imbezeled that the Forces to be disbanded shall have two month pay and divers Compositions were passed Major Cobbet sentenced by the Court-Martial to be Cashiered 22. Debate of an Ordinance for reimbursing the Commissioners of the Customs and they to be removable at the pleasure of both Houses their Money being paid An Ordinance passed for the maimed Soldiers another committed for securing the Soliders Arrears Another past for stating the Accounts of the Army Another pass'd to make a Committee in Kent to hear Differences about Military Affairs and to give indemnity Order for the Members to go into their several Counties for collecting the Arrears of the Assesment 23. The Trustees for Bishops Lands were made Trustees for Delinquents Lands and Forrest Lands for security of the Arrears of the Soldiers Vote That 15 January next the Army shall be drawn into Garrisons and free Quarter taken off and that the remainder of Bishops Lands should be security also to the Soliders Orders about collecting the Assessment of sixty thousand pound a Month. 24. Letters from the General to the House with a Paper of the result of the Councel of War at Windsor concerning Quartering of the Soliders in Innes Ale houses c. referred to the Committee of the Army to confer and consider with the General and his Officers about it A Petition of Divers Citizens who were abused the last year for opening their Shops on Christ-mas day though an Ordinance of Parliament did warrant it Order that the Committee of the Militia of London and Westminster should take care to prevent the like inconveniences and to put out of the Lines all Delinquent Ministers Order upon the General 's Letter for Col. Rainsborough to go forthwith to his Charge at Sea as Vice-Admiral At a Councel of War some Officers acknowledged their Errors upon former passages and desired to be re-admitted into the favour of the General and his Councel which was approved and the Officers kept a Fast where Cromwell Ireton Col. Tichburne and other Officers Prayed and from Scripture exhorted to Unity and Obedience to Commands 25. Christ-mas day the shops were all shut up in London notwithstanding the Ordinance to the contrary The Houses sat and upon complaint that some Delinquent Ministers Preached on this day in London and that the Common-Prayer-Book was used in several places power was given to the Committee of Plundered Ministers
up to be examined Debate upon the Scots Declaration of the grounds of their Armies coming into England The Lords desired the concurrence of the Commons to Indemnify the Duke of Buckingam for his late Ingagement if he came in within fourteen days Scots Letters intercepted by Major General Lambert communicated to the Lords and a Vote passed that all who have invited the Scots Army into England or shall assist them are Traitors and recalled their Commissioners from Scotland they having proclaimed War against England 21. A Vote that all who have served the Parliament and afterwards revolted to the Enemy shall be tried for their lives being Prisoners by a Council of War and that the General do give Commissions to persons in the several Counties for Tryal of such revolted persons by Martial Law Captain Yarrington informed the House of a design of Sir Henry Lingen and other Deliquents to surprise Doily Castle Hereford and other places which the Captain by his indeavours prevented and the House ordered him five hundred pounds out of Lingens Estate and the rest Instructions transmitted to the Lords for Mr. Bence and Mr. Strickland to go to the Lord Admiral and to advise him and be assistant to him upon all occasions 22. Upon a Petition from the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Council of London concerning the listing of Souldiers under Major General Skippon the House insisted upon their former Ordinances touching this business and approved what was done therein Referred to the Militia of the out-parts and of the several Counties to receive all Complaints touching miscarriages in listing of Souldiers without authority of Parliament Letters from Colchester Leaguer that those in the Town have begun to eat Horse-flesh and have provided store of Pitch and Tar to fire and throw upon the Besiegers and sithes to cut them off in case they attempt a storm 24. Power given to the Lord Admiral to grant indempnity to such revolted Mariners as shall come in An Ordinance past the Commons for forty thousand pounds for the Northern Forces out of the Excise and another for the revenues of the King Queen and Prince in those parts for those Forces and an Order for a train of Artillery for Major General Lamberts Army Captain Clarks action approved in hindring the transporting of some Scots out of Ireland into England and ordered that those Scots who shall refuse to be so transported and shall not desert the Parliaments service shall be equally provided for with the rest of the English Souldiers of that Kingdom Debate upon the large Catechism Letters from the North that upon the advance of the Enemy with their whole body the Parliaments Forces by directions from their Council of War did retreat being fewer in number and expecting additional Forces and being not forward to ingage before they understood the pleasure of the Parliament concerning the Scots Army coming into England That the Enemy followed them but Colonel Harrison gave some check to them and was wounded and Captain Cromwel slain that the Enemy attempted to enter Appleby where the Parliaments Foot were who repulsed them and Colonel Hatfield charged a great body of the Enemy and forced them to retreat that about forty of them were slain and not above three or four of the Parliaments Forces 25. At a Conference the Commons gave reasons to the Lords why the three propositions should be sent to the King to pass before the Treaty 1. Because the disaffected party in and near London where the Treaty is likely to be is such that if the King grant not the Militia before he comes there will be no safety nor likelihood of the Treaty to proceed for many will indeavour to bring in the King without any agreement and to the destruction of the Parliament 2. If the Presbyterian government be not setled all things in the Church will be in great confusion and the Ministers great sufferers and in high distaste with the Parliament 3. If the Declarations be not recalled the Parliament is not in a Capacity to treat having been declared Rebels and Traytors and no Parliament but a pretended one which was never done by any of the Kings Predecessors The Lords answered that they could not imagine nor was it probable that the parts about London who had petitioned for a Treaty would put it on for the disadvantage of the Parliament 2. They did not apprehend any prejudice to the Parliaments party during the Treaty 3. His Majesty had declared he would consent to all together and not to any before all was agreed and that in case there were no agreement they were all in state as before and that these particulars would require Debate To these the Commons replied that his Majesty was not ignorant of the full demand of those particulars having been often presented to him and to the two first he had declared a willingness and was not obliged to pass them as Bills unless all other things were agreed upon and if no agreement he being at liberty a new War was like to insue That there was no doubt but those about London who had petitioned for a Treaty would put it on to the disadvantage of the Parliament being such who have not only Petitioned the re-establishment of his Majesty without conditions but have taken up Arms and were now in Arms to cudgel the Parliament as those of Colchester said into a Treaty That if these three propositions be not past before the Treaty which is supposed will be in or near London nothing will be determined how his Majesty shall be who shall be with him or how the disaffected to the Parliament shall be ordered and things not setled by Law may be received Episcopacy may be set on foot again Ministers put out Ordinances for money be denied and his Majesty and the Parliament be in War again as formerly Intercepted Letters from the Scots referred to a committee to find out the Key of the Characters with power to send for and secure persons concerned Letters from Major General Lambert of his retreat and referred to the Committee of Derby House to command Forces from Gloucester or any other Garrisons to joyn with Lambert in the North. Order for the Ships at Munster to joyn with Captain Clerk to hinder the transport of Scots out of Ireland into England Order for collecting the arrears of the assessments in the City and Counties Power given to the Lord Admiral to dismiss such Ships as he shall find not fit for the Parliaments service Order for addition to the Forces at Southampton Several Ordinances past both Houses for removing obstructions in sale of Bishops Lands and for the Militia in Dorset and Huntington-shires Orders for money for Hurst Castle and for Carisbrook Castle and for two thousand pounds out of the Estates of the Duke of Bucks and Earl of Holland for pay of a Troop of Horse in the Isle of Wight And for five hundred pounds for another Garrison
answer for the Life of Dr. Dorislaus The Parliaments Ships brought in Provisions to Dublin The Mutineers taken at Burford were by a Councel of War sentenced to die 19 Divers Delinquents complained of the greatness of their Fines and referred to the Committee of Goldsmiths-Hall Divers of the Mutineers at Burford were shot to death Tomsons Brother was penitent others dyed desperately Upon the penitence of them craving Mercy and acknowledging their Fault Cromwel brought them word from the General that only every 10th man should die Their chief Leader Tomson got Possession of Northampton and of the Ordnance Ammunition Provisions and Mony there with 2. Troops of Horse and some Levellers out of the Country came in to him 21 Letters from the General that Thomson being gone from Northampton to a Town near Wellingborow M. Butler was sent with a select Party of Horse to pursue him who fell into his Quarters and took his Men and Thompson himself escaped to a Wood Butler pursued beset the Wood and sent a Party into it where they found Thomson He was well mounted and though alone yet he desperately rode up to Butlers Party shot a Cornet and wounded another and then retreated to a Bush having received two Shots himself When the Party began again to draw near to him he charged again with his Pistol and received another Shot and retreated the third time he came up saying he scorned to take Quarter and then a Corporal with a Carabine charged with seven Bullets gave him his Deaths Wound that the Lieutenant of an Oxfordshire Troop was likewise slain Order for the Commissioners of the Seal to issue out Commissions of Oyer and Terminer to fit Persons in Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire for Tryal of the Persons taken in the late Rebellion Order that the Councel of State the Lord Major and the Justices of Peace and Officers of the Militia in London and Westminster do take care for appreh ending such as were in the late Rebellion and that the Attorney General prepare a Proclamation for the apprehending of them in the several Counties The Pension of 500 l. per annum to the Earl of Nottingham ordered to be continued and by the means of Sir Arthur Haselrigge and Whitelock the Countess his Wife had the other 500 l. per annum ordered for her An Act past for draining the great Level of the Fennes Salary of 4000 l. per annum to Dr. Gourdon as Master of the Mint A Declaration published of the Parliaments ill Resentment of the horrid Murder perpetrated on the Body of Isaac Dorislaus Dr. of the Laws their Resident at the Hague An Act published declaring and constituting the People of England to be a Commonwealth and Free State Letters from Scotland that Lieutenant General David Lesley defeated those in the North of Scotland for which a day of thanksgiving was appointed and for the General Deliverances and Successes expressed in a Declaration That a Plot of a new Rebellion and to kill the Marquess of Argyle and the L. Burlegh in St. Johns Town was discovered by one of their own Party and divers of the Conspirators taken and executed Letters from Portsmouth that the Levellers began to appear in those Parts and in Devonshire but the Army Soldiers whom they expected to joyn with them were readier to fight against them 22 Order for a Letter to be sent from this Parliament to the Parliament of Scotland for a right understanding and firm League and Amity between the two Nations and that Commissioners of both Parts may meet and treat for that purpose Referred to the Committee of the Army to prepare Copies of the Act touching free Quarter to be sent to every Regiment of the Army with a Letter to the General to cause it to be observed Order for the Committee of Haberdashers-Hall to have power to give Oaths to Witnesses and for an Act to impower all Committees to do the like Upon Mr. Mabbols Desire and Reasons against licencing of Books to be printed he was dicharged of that Imployment The General and Lieutenant General and other Officers of the Army were solemnly welcomed and highly feasted at Oxford and the Proctor Zanchey presented the General and Lieutenant General Drs. of Laws and other Officers Masters of Arts and divers learned and congratulatory Speeches were made to them by the Vice-Chancellor the Proctors and other Heads and Officers of the University 23 Several Votes of the Committee at Goldsmiths-Hall touching Delinquents and their Compositions confirmed by the House and ordered to be Printed Upon a Letter from the General for a Lecture to be set up in Oxford and for Dr. Renolds Mr. Carrol and Mr. Thomas Goodwyn to be Lecturers there referred to the Committtee of Oxford to have it done Visitors added for the University of Oxford Upon a Report from the Councel of State referred to them to take care for repairing the Castles of Sandown Deal and Wymere Some Mariners that revolted and since were taken by the Parliaments Ships were tryed by a Councel of Sea Officers and executed Letters from the Hague of great Preparations for the new King of Scotland to go to Sea that Montross is to go for Scotland and to have such Forces as Germany Sweden and Denmark afford 24 Upon the Desire of the Towns of Sarum Pool and the County of Devon who had advanced considerable Summs for the Parliament Order that they might double those Sums in the purchase of Deans and Chapters Lands Order for the D. of Glocester and the Lady Elizabeth the late Kings Children to be under the tuition of the Countess of Carlisle and 3000 l. per annum allowed for their Maintainance Order for Repayment of Mony lent by the City for carrying on the Treaty Order for 3 pence per pound Salary for the Trustees for sale of Bishops Lands Order that the Speaker writing to Forraign States should stile himself William Lental Speaker of the Parliament of England A Committee named to peruse the Orders of the House after they should be drawn up and to see that they should be rightly entred A Provost Marshal appointed with power to seize upon Malignants and disaffected Persons 26 The Act touching Debts debated and recommitted Order for Mony for poor Widdows and Wives of Soldiers Report by Lieutenant General Cromwel of the suppressing of the Levellers the House gave him their hearty thanks for that great Service and ordered one of thir Members to attend the General with the hearty thanks of the House for his great Service in that Business and ordered a general day of thanksgiving for that great Mercy 28 An Act passed for auditing the Accounts of the Soldiery and securing of their Arrears particular Care being had of those who shall go for Ireland The Act for giving Power to all Committees to give Oaths reported from the Committee and upon the Question rejected and an Act for continuance of the making of Salt-peter as formerly was rejected
had a Colonel a Captain and about 14 of the Parliaments Souldiers Prisoners with them whom they kept in a Cellar and as he understood they intended to starve them That there are 25 Men of War belonging to Jersey Scilly the Isle of Man and Galloway 18 Letters That the Scots have chosen a Committee of Sixty to mannage the Affairs of the War with the consent of the Kirk Of Recruits come to the English Army and of four or five Prizes taken by the Parliaments Ships and brought into Leith and one worth 10000 l. with Commanders in her and one small Vessel taken by the Enemy 19 Letters That the Scots Parliament House raised the value of Coins as a 12 d. to 13 d c. That their Army was come up to 20000 l. That Money was come from the Parliament of England to their Army and flat-bottom'd Boats 11 Letters That a Party of Horse of the Enemy entred Lithgow but were beaten back the Governour was dangerously wounded and two of his Souldiers killed That the General had ordered a Rendezvous of all his Horse at Muscleborough That the English Ambassadors at the Hague were freer from Affronts than formerly since a Placart published by the States against them and punishing two or three Offenders That a Servant to C. Butler of the King's Party was apprehended for being one in the late Tumult at the Ambassadors House and confest his Master set him on The States ordered six of their Guards to watch every night at the Ambassador's Gate That the E. of Oxford and C. Sidney were gone into Flanders to fight a Duel with Seconds An Act passed for pressing 10000 Men as there should be occasion within one year An Act passed for continuing the Committee of the Army and Treasurers at War Another for continuing the Jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty Letters from the Lord Deputy of the D. of Lorraines Undertakings with the Earl of Clenrickard for Assistance of the Rebels in Ireland That Van Trump lay before Scilley and declared That he would assist the English against it Of more Prizes taken by the Jersey Pyrates and of Captain Bennet's fighting with two of them four hours and came off with the Ships to whom he was Convoy Of a Prize brought in by Capt. Pen. That Lieutenant General Fleetwood by Command of the Councel of State published a Proclamation for all Officers and Souldiers by a Day to repair to their several Charges 23 Letters of Ships going out from Plimouth towards Jersey Of Recruits going for Ireland 24 Letters of the Fleets Arrival at Scilley and of the Guns heard from thence That the Governour of Weymouth set out a Boat full of Souldiers to couvoy some Vessels which a Jersey Pyrate espying came up to them and the Boat with Souldiers suffered the Pyrate to lay them on Board the Souldiers lying unseen but when the Pyrates men were on Board the Souldiers appeared and gave them such a Welcom that they hasted away and hardly escaped leaving the Captain and 12 of his Men dead 25 Letters of the General and his Army Marching out towards Fife That Captain Howard was made Captain of the Life-Guard and Captain Beak Lieutenant That the General contributed 50 l. and the Officers of the Army contributed freely to the Relief of the Necessities of the Godly People in Scotland 26 Letters That the General quartered at Hamilton and the Army about him That his March Allarm'd the Enemy that way and the Parliaments Ships allarm'd and kept them in Action at Brunt Island and that way where they made shew to attempt the Island to amuse them 28 Letters of the Armies March to Glascow where the Scotch Ministers railed in their Sermons against the English Army of Sectaries unjustly invading their Countrey and throwing down all Power both in Kirk and State That the General sent for those Ministers and moderately debated those Matters with them and shewed them wherein they were mistaken and thus sought to win them by fair means rather than to punish them That the Parliaments Commissioners in Ireland set forth an Order That the Lands of some of the Chief Rebels should not be under the Protection of the Parliaments Forces as the King's County c. And that all Persons Friends to the Parliament should by a Day remove themselves Goods and Families from those Places and the Commissioners are to assign them Lands in other Places 29 Orders touching Maimed Souldiers for their Relief Letters That 2000 of the Parliaments Souldiers and Seamen were Landed in the little Isles on the West of Scilly and That the Ordnance were heard thundring there many hours together 30 Letters That the English Ambassadors at the Hague received from the Councel of State the Votes of Parliament for their Return home which was sudden and unexpected both to the Ambassadors and to the States The Truth was That the Lord Ambassador St. John was irritated against the States by the Affronts offered to them at the Hague and not punished and he had little hopes of dispatching the Treaty with them according to his Mind especially as to his Proposal of Coalition He therefore sent his Judgment to his private Friends in Parliament who sway'd the House and as unexpectedly there as elsewhere the House passed their Vote for Recalling their Ambassadors from Holland Upon this News the States sent presently to the Ambassadors to know the Certainty thereof and expressed much trouble and sorrow That the Ambassadors would return before the Treaty were brought to a Conclusion and earnestly at several times by one of their own Number sent to them and pressed the Ambassadors to stay They answered That they must obey the Order of Parliament But at length they sent Mr. Thirloe the Lord St. John's Secretary back with the Messenger to England to know the further Pleasure of the Parliament concerning their Stay or Return That in the mean time the States proceeded in the Business of the Treaty with England and laid aside all other Affairs and professed great Desire of a near Amity with England and said that Time must perfect all things That six of the Ambassadors Gentlemen going up into Germany to see those Parts were taken Prisoners by some Lorain Troopers and pillaged and were to pay 1200 l. for their Ransom May 1651. 1. Letters that Major-General Harrison and Collonel Rich were come with their Forces in Lancashire and an account of Recruits going willingly for Ireland 2. That the General was at Glascow that the Enemies Levyes went on slowly and the factions of Hamilton and Argile were very high Letters That the Parliaments Fleet at Scilly had taken Grinsby after 3 times being beaten off and that they had taken 2 Irish Frigats of 30 and an other of 24 Gunns 3. Letters of a boat Loaden with Oats taken by the Scots That the Parliaments Soldiers at Scilly had taken all the Islands except St. Maries and had taken 3 of their Frigats killed 14 of
of 90000 l. a Month for six Months for pay of the Armies Order touching the reception of the publick Minister from the Queen of Sweden Letters from Bristol That upon notice of the Ships coming into that Road with the Corps of the late Lord-Deputy Ireton the Major sent out a Boat with a Tilt covered with Black in which they brought the Corps unto the City where a Hearse of Velvet was provided to put over the Coffin The Major Aldermen and Councel in their Formalities and the Governour and his Officers with a multitude of Inhabitants attended the Body to the Castle and the great Guns were fired from the Castle and the Fort. That many of the chief Rebels in Ireland have made offers to treat about their coming in to the Parliament and that Galloway hath done so 25. The House sate this day A Letter of Advice to the Parliament in these words That if they would but grant an Act for all the profits of the Tithes in all Counties in England and Wales to be gathered into a Treasury and the one half thereof may be paid to a competent number of Godly Ministers to preach the Gospel in each County And all those drunken malignant scandalous delinquent ignorant whoring and profane ones that go under the Name of Ministers put to work for their livings That the Gospel would be better propagated than now it is and the Lord would be more glorified in the Land and this present Government better established 26. Letters That Elizabeth Castle was upon a Treaty but broken off again That this Castle is so seared in the Sea that they can relieve or send away at pleasure and when they can keep it no longer they can leave only the bare Walls That since the Siege they have made no Salley out of the Castle though they took in with them 400 Foot and 100 Horse That they have sent divers Vessels with Women and Children and Rich Goods over to St. Mallows and are daily sending more and cannot be prevented by reason of the Rocks though the Parliaments Frigots lie there That six hours the Tide floats round the Castle and six hours the Sand is bare when three Prisoners stole away by Boat and came to the Parliament Forces and informed them That Carteret had sent his best Horses to St. Mallows and the poorer Horses he had knocked on the head and had hanged a Man for endeavouring to come from them That few of the Inhabitants speak any English and most of their drink is Syder 27. Letters of Recruits come to Scotland from England Letters That the Two Major-Generals were gone their Progress which they intended throughout Scotland and Commissioners were appointed to settle Assessments for the English Army That Elizabeth Castle was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles and in it 17 Brass Pieces 36 Iron Pieces 450 Musquets 40 Swords 100 Bandeliers 64 Barrels of Powder Match 5000 great Shot 1000 Musquet-shot 100 weight Lead four Tun Iron two Tun. Of Victuals 60 Hogsheads of Biskets six quarter of Wheat four quarter of Barley 20 quarter of Mault 36 bushel of Pease 50 sides of Pork 60000 of Poor John three Hogsheads of French Barley four Pipes of Spanish Wine ten Hogsheads of French Wine four Tun of Beer 60 quarter of Salt six Hogsheads of Beef with great store of other Provisions 29. Letters That Cornet Castle in Guernsey Island was surrendred to the Parliament upon Articles That in Elizabeth Castle were French Germans Danes Switzers Scotch Dutch Irish English and the Islanders 340 That it is the strongest Castle in the Parliaments possession 30. Letters That some Officers of the Army by Commission from Major-General Lambert did hear and determine Controversies between Party and Party wherewith the People were much satisfied for the quick dispatch they received with full hearing That a Soldier for Whoredom was sentenced by a Court-Marshal to be duck'd thrice at High-water and to be whipped and turned out of the Town the Woman had the like Sentence That Captain Henry Green by Letters of Marque from the Parliament surprized a Ship bound for St. Mallows loaden with Merchandise of the growth of France and upon French-mens account and with it steered for Guernsey to secure his prize which he went on Board in great storms That a Man of War of the States of Holland meeting with Captain Green boarded his Prize and sent all the Guernsey Men in her on drift in the Boat where they must have perished had not another English Ship by accident met them and taken them up That the Holland Man of War did cruelly beat Captain Green and his Company and said he would throw them all over board as he had Commission to do to all English Ships sent out with Letters of Marque and what is since become of Captain Green and the rest of the English with him is not yet known The Parliament Voted That it be referred to Persons out of the House to take into consideration what inconveniences there are in the Law and how the mischiefs that grow from the delays the chargeableness and the irregularities in the proceedings of Law may be prevented and the speediest way to reform the same and to present their Opinions to such Committee as the Parliament shall appoint That a Committee be appointed to consider and present to the House the Names of fit Persons to be employed in this Work and to receive from them such things as shall be prepared by them in pursuance of the former Vote Several Petitions of Merchants of London and of other Parts read and referred to the Council of State 31. A Petition presented to the Parliament from Collonel Philip Carteret and the rest of the late Officers of Mount Orgyle Castle in the Isle of Jersey That according to the Articles upon surrender thereof an Act of Oblivion may be passed for the Petitioners which the Parliament ordered accordingly and approved of the said Articles The House sate constantly all the time of Christmas January 1651. 1. Letters That Sir George Ascue had reduced the Barbadoes Island to the obedience of the Parliament of England but the Particulars thereof were not yet come A Copy of an Act of the Lord Willoughby and the Assembly in the Barbadoes for sequestring divers Delinquents Estates there was sent over to the Council of State 2. Letters That 60 Sail of Hollanders lay at Anchor before South-Sea Castle and might have landed Men there and that the Works about Portsmouth were in much decay An account of Recruits gone for Ireland 3. Letters That the Marquess of Argyle had sent for another Passe to come in to Major-General Lambert who had summoned Dunbarton Castle and the Governour answering him with delays he caused his Estate to be sequestred That Collonel Lilburnes and Collonel Overtons Men took a Ship in the Harbour of the North. That the Major-Generals were returned from the West and had given great contentment in
on the behalf of Lilburn presented to the Councel of State Several of the English Frigots plyed before the Texel and the Fly as near as they could to the Harbours mouth A Dutch Prize brought into the Fleet two more escaped and some Frigots were sent after them more Men of War came into the Fleet with supplies of Provisions and Ammunition 21. An Order and Declaration of the Councel of State concerning the determination of several claims depending before the Commissioners for removing of Obstruction The Commissioners from Holland came over with a white Flag to Treat for Peace and were saluted by the English Ships as they passed by them The English were used uncivilly in Holland the Dutch prepared for War Trading with them was dead Corn dear their fishing prevented and the people very unquiet they compute their loss in the late Fight to be 5000 Men. Three Dutch Prizes taken by the English Frigots Three English Ships taken by five Pickeroons near the Coast of Sussex 22. Judges nominated by Cromwell and the Councel of State for the Summer Circuit Draughts brought to the Commissioners of the Great-Seal for passing Commissions touching the Lands in Ireland for the Adventurers Soldiers sent to the Fleet. 23. Cromwell and the Councel of State kept this a day of thanksgiving for the Victory at Sea against the Dutch and it was generally kept throughout the City 24. The Funeral of General Dean was solemnized his Corps was carried in a Barge from Greenwich to Westminster attended with many Barges and Boats in mourning Equipage and many great Shot discharged as he passed by from Ships and the Tower and Guns placed in the way and he was Interred in the Abbey Mr. Thurloe sent to many persons Notes by direction from the Councel to desire them to be present at the Funeral where they were accordingly and a very great Company of Soldiers and others and Cromwell himself was there The sickness increased at Dublin Some small Vessels upon the North of Ireland were taken by French Pyrates Some great Lords met in the Highlands upon a new design which they kept secret and pretended a Commission from their King A Prize brought into St. Maloes not admitted by the Town being resolved to maintain a free Trade with England 25. The Dutch Ambassadors pressed for a speedy Treaty of Peace The English Fleet were still plying before the Dutch Harbours 27. An Address from the Forces of Jersey to Cromwell and his Councel of Officers that they will stand and fall live and dye with them That a small party of the English Horse in Ireland routed a party of the Rebels 4 times more than themselves in the County of Kerry killed 60 of them and took divers Prisoners The English were but 30 Horse and 2 Files of Musketiers the Rebels were about 400. The States of Holland strengthened their Garrisons armed the Boors by the Sea Coast and marched some Land Forces into the Towns near the Sea being allarmed by the English Fleet and their People were very unquiet and apt to Tumults and Sedition The Fleet before the Texel took a Vessel going with Instructions to their Fleet coming in with young Van Trump that they and their East-India Fleet and other Merchants should go to Norway and the Sound Three Merchants Ships taken by the English Fleet. A rising of some People in Holland for the Prince of Orange 28. A Petition of many Thousand Prisoners to Cromwell and his Officers for Liberty That Magna Charta may be in force and no arrests for Debt c. Printe Rupert going to Swim in the River of Seine was in danger of drowning but saved by the Company 29. Cromwell and the Councel of State passed an Order forbidding all riotous Assemblies in the great level of the Fenns and the throwing down of Fences and Inclosures there Hamborough sent Supplies of Ammunition Guns c. to Holland 30. Prince Rupert in mean Condition with a few Men in France July 1653. 1. An Address to Cromwell and his Councel of Officers from the Commission-Officers of Lymericke and Clare in Ireland of Joyning with him Some prizes taken upon the Scotch Coast by Captain Rudlee 2. Some 50 Dutch Merchants from the Sâ—uâ—d Convoyed by 12 Danish Men of War for Holland William of Nassan coming to Amsterdam upon a design to suprise that Town hardly escaped with his life from thence Letters That the English Fleet had taken 5 Ships loaden with Masts Pitch and Tar two from Stockholm which besides other rich goods had 200 Copper Guns in their hold 3 Ships loaden with Corn 2 others from Denmark and 2 from the Streights one loaden with Oyl and the other with Silkes 4. The persons Summoned by Cromwel to take the Supream authority appeared in the Councel Chamber at Whitehal about 120 of them and being set round the Table Cromwel and the Officers of the Army standing about the middle of the Table Cromwell made a Speech to them Shewing the cause of their Summons and that they had a clear call to take upon them the Supream Authority of the Common-wealth and he urged divers Scriptures to admonish and incourage them to do their duties Then Cromwel produced an Instrument in writing under his own hand and Seal whereby he did with the advice of his Officers devolve and intrust the Supream Authority and Government of this Common-wealth into the hands of the Persons then met And that they or any 40 of them are to be held and acknowledged the Supream authority of the Nation unto whom all persons within the same are to yeild obedience and Subjection That they should not sit longer than the 3d. of November 1654. and 3 moneths before their Dissolution to make choice of other persons to Succeed them who are not to sit longer than a year and to be left to them to take care for a Succession in government Then Cromwel and his Officers withdrew and the persons met did adjourn themselves to the next day in the Parliament-house and appointed to keep a Fast there to seek God for his Direction and Blessing It was much wondered by some that these Gentlemen many of them being Persons of Fortune and Knowledge would at this Summons and from these hands take upon them the Supream Authority of this Nation considering how little Authority Cromwell and his Officers had to give it or these Gentlemen to take it but it was accepted by them An Address to Cromwell from many well affected in Lincolnshire to stand by him c. 5. The Summoned Gentlemen met in the House and kept the Day in Humiliation and Prayer After which ended they resolved that Mr. Rouse should sit in the chair for a Moneth and that Cromwel Lambert Harrison Desborough and Tomlinson do sit in the house as Members and that Mr. Scobel should be their Clark A list of 20 Dutch prizes brought into Lee Road by Captain
them to have Fire-Arms or Ammunition 4. Letters that Argyle finding his Country men would not follow him by reason his Son the Lord Lorn was with the other party he left the Highlands That De Wit convoyed home to the Texel from the Sound the East-India Ships with 375 other Merchantmen and that about thirty Sail from Norwey were come home That young Trump was got home with his Merchantmen through the Channel That the English East-India Ships and other Merchantmen were safely arrived with their Convoy two Men of War and came in sight of young Trump who had Eight men of War yet did not exchange one Shot with them that a great Fleet of Colliers were come into the Thames 5. An Act passed for Repealing part of a former Act that enjoyns the subscribing the Engagement before one shall have the benefit of the Law A Bill committed for the taking away the High Court of Chancery and Constituting Judges and Commissioners for hearing Causes now depending in Chancery and future matters of Equity and for Reforming Abuses in the Common Law 7. Letters of the Cruelty and Insolency of the Highlanders under Kinmore That a Garison of the Parliaments took divers of them Prisoners and many Horses and Arms. Of the preparations in Holland for one hundred Sayl of Men of War 8. Debate of the Bill of the Assesments and the House Ordered the Rates to continue as before An Act passed concerning the Determination of certain Claims depending before the Commissioners of Obstructions 9. A Committee sate upon the Petition of Alderman Fowk late Lord Mayor of London 11. Of a Synode in Scotland among whom was great differences of Opinion with long and sharp Debates Of two French Prizes brought into Plymouth and an other pretending to be an Hamburgher Of a Frigot sent to Jersey for twenty Brass Guns and for two Companies of Soldiers Of two Dutch Prizes more brought into Alborough Sheriffs Nominated for the Counties of England and Wales 12. Letters of two Dutch Prizes brought into Burlington Bay That by great storms at Sea the Dutch lost twenty of their Ships driven a shore most of them Men of War And that De Wit was not returned That in the late storm two thousand Dutch Men were lost and four hundred and seventy Pieces of Cannon That in the storm fifteen breaches were made in the Banks of that Country and some Castles and whole Villages drowned 14. Letters of the French Capers doing much mischief to the English Merchants and cruelly using their Men and that they make Brest another Algiers That the great loss of the Dutch by the late storm at Sea hindred their Admiral Opdam from going forth with the Fleet. Order of Parliament touching the Redemption of the Captives of Algier Letters from the States of Lubeck and Hamburgh to the Parliament of England read in the House 15. The House Nominated some Sheriffs and Debated the Bill of Assesments Letters of a Party of the Highlanders falling upon a small Party of the English of whom they killed one and wounded three of them That Captain Watson fell upon a Party of the Highlanders and did them much damage Of thirteen Dutch and French Prizes brought into Plymouth most of them pretending to be Hamburghers 16. Orders touching claims for Moneys due upon Publick Faith and touching some Sheriffs of Counties 17. The Council of State published an Order Reciting the Trust reposed in them by the Parliament for this purpose they declare that the Council will protect all the good People of these Nations That no disturbance shall be offered to any such in their peaceable Assemblies for the Worship of God It is expected and required of all Ministers of Justice to proceed against the offenders therein as disturbers of the publick peace and all other persons to take notice thereof Order for a Lottery for Provinces and Counties in Ireland as to claims of land there 18. Letters that Kenmores party increased and took many Horses from the Lowlands who were generally their Friends That they plundered the Country and took some Prisoners that they received a Letter from their King that he could not assist them which discouraged them That by the late Inundation in Holland Amsterdam was damaged one hundred thousand l. That their Fleet being seventy two Men of War riding in the Texel were much shattered by the late violent winds sixteen of them lost and fourteen driven on shoar not above six left that were serviceable That the Seamen there are discontented that General Monk was gone down to the Parliaments Fleet. 19. Debate of the power of Patrons in Presenting Ministers and the inconveniencies thereof and Orders for an Act to take away Presentations An Act passed for setling Lands of the late Earl of Darby upon the present Earl his Son Order for a Bill touching the Excise and debate upon the Bill of Assesments That the Pickaroons of Bulloign took an English Merchant Man 21. That the Highlanders Garisoned several Houses that a Party of them took two Captains of Collonel Overtons Regiment going with their Wives to Glascow and took two Soldiers of Colonel Tomlinsons Regiment and that they plundered the Lord Warestons House An Act published for Establishing of a High Court of Justice A great Insurrection and Tumult was at the New Exchange between the Portugal Ambassadors Brother and some of his Company and Collonel Gerrard an English Gentlman who hearing the Portugueses discoursing in French of the Affairs of England told them in French That they did not represent those passages aright Whereupon one of the Portugueses gave him the lye and they all three fell upon Collonel Gerrard stabbing him in the shoulder with a Dagger but being rescued out of their hands by one Mr. Anthuser they retired home and within one hour returned with twenty more Armed with Breast-Plates and Head-pieces but after two or three turns not finding Mr. Anthuser they returned home that night 22. Letters that two thousand Dutch Prisoners of War in England were discharged and come home into Holland That young Trump was come home safe and so was the Dutch Ships from Bergen in Norwey The Portugal Ambassadors Brother returned again to the New Exchange with his Company and walking there they met with Colonel Mayo whom they supposed to have been Mr. Anthuser and shooting off a Pistol as a warning Fifty Portugueses came in with drawn Swords and leaving some to keep the Stayers the rest went up with the Ambassadors Brother and fell upon Colonel Mayo who gallantly defending himself received seven dangerous wounds and lies in a dying condition And then they fell upon Mr. Greenway of Lincolns-Inn who was walking with his Sister in one hand and his Mistriss in the other and Pistol'd him in the head whereof he dyed immediatly they brought with them several Jars filled with Gunpowder in their Coaches stopped with Wax and filled with Matches intending as it seemed to have done some
the Fleet Rid in Stoakes Bay May 1654. May 1. Letters that Captain Rogers who was Agent with Glencarn from the King was Executed at Edenburgh upon sentence of the Court Martial for a Spye That General Monck was Arrived at Lieth That a Scotch Gentleman with six of his Men defended a little Tower against the Highlanders and killed four of them A Letter Signed by all the Officers of the Army in Ireland acknowledging the Lord Protector 2 A Proclamation by the Lord Protector for a Cessation of all Acts of Hostility between the Commonwealth of England and that of the Vnited Provinces and for Restitution of Ships and Goods taken after the time mentioned in the Articles of Peace An Address from the Justices of the Peace Magistracy Officers and Grand Jury of Shropshire to the Lord Protector acknowledging his Government 3 Ships sent out from the Texel to call in the Dutch Freebooters That the Lord Ambassador Whitelock pressed for a Conclusion in his business in Sweden and that the Queen had discharged most of her Servants in order to her Resignation 4 That the Lord Protector and his Council did not sit so frequently as formerly and all things went according unto their desire 5 Letters that Collonel Morgan saw the Enemy but could not Engage them for want of Boats to pass the Water and therefore retreated to his Quarters That General Monck was making preparations to visit the Enemy 6 Letters that Middletons numbers did decrease and sometimes increase Of Five French Ships taken by a Frigot and of an English Ship taken by a Private Brest Man of War 8 Letters that General Monk had meetings with the Officers of the Army and they resolved to go to Collonel Morgan That the Peace with England was Proclaimed in Holland and a Day of Thanksgiving appointed for it 9 An Address to the Lord Protector from the Town and County of Pool to the same Effect as others were Letters that the Lord Ambassador Whitelock made a firm Alliance with Sweden and was expected at Hamburgh in few days An Ordinance Published touching the further Sale of Deans and Chapters Lands 10 A Declaration of the Lord Protector for a Day of Thanksgiving for the Peace with Holland and for the late seasonable Rain 11 Of a Discovery made by an Indian to an English Ship of a Plot against them Of a Council of Officers about the dividing the Lands in Ireland A Congratulatory Letter sent from the Army in Ireland to the Lord Protector Of the Solemn Reception of General Monck at Edenburgh and the Proclaiming the Lord Protector there the Feasting of General Monk and the Fire-works That the Highlanders expected the King amongst them and received Supplies of Men Armes and Money by Two Ships from Dunkirk 12 Letters that in Ireland there wanted men to Till the Land That few Tories were left there That Two Brest Men of War came near to Leverpool Letters that in Holland there sticks one particular which hath occasioned some trouble at the Hague to witt his Highness and the Two Ambassadors here who serve for the Province of Holland viz. Beveningk and Newport the other knowing nothing of it agreed a Secret Article That the Province of Holland should not of themselves ever consent That the States General should make the Prince of Orange or any of his Line Stadtholder or Captain General of their Forces by Sea or Land After the Generality had Ratified the Treaty this was propounded in the Assembly of the States every one before having sworn secrecy upon the propounding of it great dissatisfaction arose amongst them but at last they past it being Dissenters Four Noblemen and four Soveraign Towns of the Nobles that agreed to it were Bredrode General of their Forces Opdam Admiral of their Fleet Notwithstanding the Secrecy it came the next day to the States General The other six Provinces have protested against it and Accuse the Two Ambassadors as having done not only beside but against their Instructions But Holland will carry it through all though I verily believe they have great difficulties to contest with the Animosities and Jealousies which are occasioned by this will not easily be Extinguished His Highness hath not yet received the Ratification of this Article from Holland but expects it daily although all endeavours will be used to perswade his Highness to go from it There is included in this Peace besides Denmark the Suissers Hans Townes Count of Oldenburgh the Duke of Holstein and Alliance with Sweden being made there will be a good understanding between most of the Protestant States and opportunities may through Gods Blessing arise from thence to promote that Interest All the question is what is to be done with the Two Crowns of France and Spain They both seek our Friendship and Alliance but nothing is yet done with either of them I trust God will lead to such an Interest as will be for his Glory and the good of this State The Denmark Agent Rosenwing had his Publick Audience since which he hath offered nothing so that the Advertisement concerning him in reference to the Isles of Orcades came in very good time The Treaty with Portugal is not yet come to any Agreement the business of his Brother yet sticks his Highness hath now ordered his Tryal by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer The Commissioners are my Lord Rolles Justice Atkins Serjeant Steel Doctor Zouch Doctor Clerk Doctor Turner Sir Henry Blunt Mr. Lucy and Alderman Tichburn 13 Letters that the French Pickaroons did much trouble the Fishermen about Rye 15 That the Enemy will not come near to Collonel Morgan A Proclamation by the Commander in Chief in Scotland for Pardon of those in Rebellion who shall come in by a Day And for their Parents and Relations if they shall come in And Imposing a Fine upon every Parish and Presbytery whereof any one continueth in Rebellion if they do not discover him and rewards to those that shall Apprehend any of the Rebels and their Principal Commanders or kill them Order of the Justices of Peace of Wales against Licences to Drovers c. 16 The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London Dined with His Highness the Lord Protector 17 An Ordinance for suspending the Proceedings of the Judges touching relief of poor Prisoners and Creditors 18 Mounsieur Burdeaux the French Ambassadour had Audience by the Lord Protector 19 An Ordinance Published concerning the better repairing of the Highways and another for relief of Debtors in Scotland in some Cases of Extremity That the Lord Ambassador Whitclock having happily Concluded his business with the Crown of Sweden was upon his Journey homewards That Preparations were made for the Queens Resignation and for Crowning the King Charles 20 That Ireland was setled in as much Peace as it was before the Rebellion That General Monk was Marching Northward and Middleton and his Party were raising new Forces That Middletons Brother
for the several Burgs in Scotland 23 Divers Noblemen and others of Scotland who had Fines imposed on them by an Ordinance of the Protector and his Council came into the English Commissioners to offer what they could for Remission of those Mulcts 25 Debate about the Ordinance for ejecting Scandalous and Ignorant Ministers and ordered that the Members for the several Counties do bring in the names of fit persons to be Commissioners in this Act in the respective Counties 26 An Ordinance of the Protector and his Councel made a little before the Parliament sat was now Published appointing Commissioners to survey Forests Mannors Lands c. of the late King Another for the taking an Act of moneys upon the Act for Propagation of the Gospel in Wales Another for bringing in several branches of the revenue under the management of the Commissioners of the Treasury and Exchequer Three small Prizes brought in 27 The Lord Louden late Chancellor of Scotland was seized upon by some of his own Party intending to make their Peace by him but he got off from them receiving a shot in his Neck Collonel Morgan came out of Scotland for England and Collonel Overton was sent into the north of Scotland to Command in his place Bremen sent Commissioners to the States of Holland to desire their assistance to repel the Swede Count William of Nassau went from one good Town to another in Holland feasting the Magistrates and people to gain their affections tâ— the Prince of Orange M. Howard Son to the Earl of Arundel slew one Mr. Holland in the passage going to the Star-Chamber where a Committee sat 28 The Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Councel of London Published their Order in pursuance of an Ordinance of the Lord Protector and his Councel for restraint of Hackney Coaches 29 A new Lord Mayor of London chosen Alderman Pack The new Sheriffs of London were Sworn in the Exchequer 30 The Grand Committee of Parliament debated the Articles of Government and came to some further Results and Votes upon several parts of them which they ordered to be Reported to the House forthwith October 1654. Oct. 2 The Marquess of Montross and his party in Scotland came in upon the like Articles as the Earl of Athol had done Those of Bremen were much put to it by the Swede 3 The business betwen England and the States of Holland in relation to their East-India Company was concluded by Commissioners on both parts to their Contentment Commissioners met to reconcile the differences betwixt the Sweeds and Bremen 4 A French Prize was brought in and seven more French Prizes Bankers sent in 5 Much Endeavour in Holland for setting up the Orange Party 6 The Parliament being resolved into a Grand Committee sat every day upon the Articles of Government Three Hundred Members of the House had subscribed the Recognition Letters of the Death of the Old Chancellor of Sweden Oxensterne and that his Son Grave Erit Oxensterne was to succeed him 7 Middleton ranged up and down in Argile Countrey in Scotland with about 40 Horse and some Foot but few came in to him to add to his Numbers 9 Twelve French ships taken by Captain Gethings and four more of the English Fleet. Some more Parliament men were chosen in Scotland 10 Divers Members returned for several places where they were Elected made their Elections in the House for which of those places they would serve and new Writs issued for Electing Members in the Places waved by them Questions about some of the Elections of Parliament men for Scotland were heard at the Committee of Priviledges In regard of the Plenty of Corn butter and Cheese which God gave us this year It was referred to a Committee to consider how some incouragement may be had for the transportation thereof and the Statutes in force against Ingrossers A Committee appointed to consider of the Ordinances made by the Protector and his Councel 11 The Solemn Fast kept 12 The House sat in a Grand Committee about the Government 13 The Highlanders in Scotland having stollen 100 Cattle from the Low-lands a Party of the English Army routed them killed a Lieutenant Collonel and one or two others and routed the rest 14 Lawson defeated the French in Caneda and took their Forts from them 16 Sir Mungo Murray taken Prisoner in the Highlands by Captain Elsemore and his Party routed 17 The Inhabitants of Ireland being very sensible of the mischiefs done to them by the Tories made head against them slew divers and brought their heads into Kilkenny The business of transplanting distasted the Irish more than any other thing At Delfe in Holland a Magazine of 700 barrels of Powder was casually set on Fire burnt about 300 Houses and a great Number of People and in the Hague 3 miles distant their glass windows were beaten down with the blow Four French Vessels sent in Prizes 18 Working in the Netherlands for advancement of the Party of the Prince of Orange 19 The House sat this day and the three former days in a Grand Committee about the Government and had much debate whether it should be Elective or Hereditary as to the single person the Protector of the Common-wealth 20 The Inhabitants of Edenburgh were very cross to the Parliaments Souldiers quartered among them 21 The Parliament continued sitting in a Grand Committee upon the Articles of Government 23 Four more French Prizes brought into Plimouth 24 Hammond one of the Parliaments Commissioners died at Dublin Two English Souldiers brought to the Gallows in Edenburgh for Robery one was hanged and the other saved by Lot and more Souldiers were then Scourged at the Gallows Foot for the same offence The Clergy in Scotland refused to observe the Fast-day ordered by the Protector it being their Principle Not to receive any directions for the keeping Fasts from the Civil Magistrate A Party of the Scots taken and killed in the Highlands by a small party of the English Forces 25 A Committee appointed to bring in a Bill for the relief of Creditors and poor prisoners The Committee for Religion sat and the Committee for regulating of the Chancery The Parliament approved and Confirmed the present Lord Deputy of Ireland the present Lords Commissioners of the great Seal of England the Commissioners of the Treasury and the two Chief Justices 26 The Parliament continued the consideration of the Government 27 Don Antonio Piementelle appointed to go Ambassador extraordinary from the King of Spain to the King of Sweden At Delph in Holland by the late fire 500 persons were Killed 250 wounded and 500 houses burnt to Ashes 28 Brest Pirates took four English Ships and Barques 30 The new Lord Maior of London Alderman Packe took his Oath before then Baronsof the Exchequer In a great Fire in Edenburgh the English Souldiers were so active to stop it that thereby they gained much upon the affections of
of Summons without the Protectors Warrant if he issue not his Warrant for it by a time limited in the Vote and how the Elections shall be made Order for a Bill against drinking of Healths and the same penalties to be imposed on Drunkards as are by the Act upon Swearers and for a Bill to supply the defects in the Acts against Swearing and Gaming The Ordinance for Regulating the Chancery suspended for a time No private business to be taken into Consideration for a Moneth That the publick Accounts be taken A Committee made to inquire of forged Debenters 28 The Lord Ambassador Bourdeaux from the King of France had audience of the Protector A Committee made to confer with His Highness about Retrenching the Forces of the Common-wealth 29 The House sat in a Grand Committee upon the Bill of Assessment Don Antonio Piementelli arrived at Bruxells with some Presents from the King of Spain to the Queen of Sweden 30 Count William of Nassaw carried on his design with all the interrest he could make for setting up the Prince of Orange but it was fruitless The Parliament sat every day Forenoon and Afternoon about the Government Much debate was had and time spent at the Committee for the Lord Cravens business December 1654. Decemb. 1. Seven or Eight English Vessels taken by the Brest Pyrates A Ship came from Guinnee with much Gold in her 2 A Ship laden with rich Goods from Smyrna was the day after her Arrival in the Thames Fired by Accident and the Ship and Goods burned 4 That a Party under Captain Lisle and Lieutenant Heylin routed a greater Party under the Lord Kenoull and the Lord Oudop and took both the Lords Prisoners and 82 Officers and Souldiers and all their Arms. 5 Votes of the Parliament for choosing succeeding Protectors and their Councel and the form of an Oath to be taken by the Councel The Act past for the Assessment That the Assesment for Scotland shall be for 8000 l. per Mensem and the like Sum upon Ireland 6 The Parliament voted that the Protector for the time being should not have power to pardon Murder or Treason Letters from Major Sedgwicks of the taking of divers Forts from the French in the West-Indies 7 Major General Overton was careful in supplying the Garrisons in the Highlands in Scotland 8 The Parliament had a long debate upon a Clause of Liberty of tender Consciences The City of Bremen could not come to an agreement with the King of Sweden by reason of the Divisions of the Citizens the Lutherans against the Calvinists 9 General Blake with his Fleet was come up into the Streights 11 The Parliament Voted That the true Reformed Protestant Christian Religion shall be Publickly Professed and Maintained A Committee named to Consider of a way for a Compleat allowance for Ministers out of Impropriations or otherwise where it was wanting That to Bills touching Liberty of Conscience the Protector shall have a Negative But not to Bills for suppressing Heresies That Damnable Heresies in the Bill shall be enuâ—erated A Petition from Poor Publick Faith lenders At the Marriage of the King of Swedland with the Princess of Holstein by the Arch-Bishop of Vpsale Grave Erit Oxenstierne Chancellor made an Oration in Commendation of the Queen and the Alliance all the great Guns and small shot in Stockholme were discharged and the Ships gave 5000 shot and there were great Triumphs and Solemnities 12 The Parliament Voted two Books Printed under the name of John Biddle to Contain many Impious and Blasphemous Opinions against the Deity of the Holy Ghost and that the Books shall be burnt by the Hand of the Hangman and named a Committee to Examine and find out the Authors Printers and Publishers of these Books General Blake before Cadiz Road received great respect and Civility from the Spaniards and from the English and Dutch Ships in the Road in their Saluting him and a Dutch Admiral there would not wear his Flagg whilst General Blake was in the Harbour In the Streights Mouth one of his Victualling Ships was separated from the Fleet by Storms and taken by the French Admiral with seven men of War who Examined the Captain of the Victualler where General Blake was and drank to him with five Guns and discharged the Captain and his Ship De Wit and other Dutch Ships struck Sayl to him in the Streights The Governour of Gibraltar Feasted some of his Company who went on shore there and shewed great Honour and Civility to them The Argiers men when they meet with any Sally men of War that have any English in them cause them to surrender and brought the Captives to General Blake and were very kind to his Fleet. 13 Mr. Biddle brought to the Bar of the houseâ— owned his books and was Comitted to the Gate-House The Lord Lorn went into a little Island not having above Four or Five men with him 14 The Prince of Conde went to Antwerp to to Visit the Queen of Sweden The Parliament had long debates upon the point of Liberty of tender Consciences But came to no Result Divers Fundamentals in Religion were proposed by Ministers to be established by them 15 Divers Merchants Ships richly laden from several Foreign parts arrived safely in the Port of London 16 The House sat on the Government 18 The Parliament Voted That without the Consent of the Lord Protector and Parliament no Laws shall be made for the Restrayning of such tender Consciences as shall differ in Doctrine worship and Discipline from the Publick Profession and shall not abuse this Liberty to the Civil Injury of others or the Disturbance of the Publick Peace And that the present establishment as to the standing Forces of the Nation shall be 20000 Foot and 10000 Horse and Dragooners and the Assesment of 6000 l. per Mensem for their Maintenance A Committee Named to Consider how a standing Court of Judicature may be setled at York for the five Northern Counties And how the probate of Wills granting Administrations and Recovery of Legacies may be setled throughout England and Wales and Ireland A Petition of the Owners of fen-Fen-Lands referred to a Committee 19 Divers Commanders of the Highlanders came in to Major General Overton and Middleton had left with him but Forty men A Revenue of 200000 l per Annum Voted to be setled upon the Lord Protector and His Successors for defraying Publick Charges and to maintain the Dignity of his place 20 The Parliament agreed that all Sales of the Kings Lands and of Bishops Deans and Chapters Lands should stand good and vallid and that all Securities for Moneys should stand good and Debts upon Publick Faith should be satisfied And that Articles given to the enemy should be Confirmed They passed on Oath to be taken by the Lord Protector and His Successors for the due calling of Parliaments