was found with his Sword run through him under colour to make it suspected he murthered himself Lawrence Hill Henry Bury and Robert Green were on the 10th of February tryed for the Murther at the Kings-Bench Bar where they were found Guilty upon the Evidence of Captain William Bedlow and the positive Oath of Miles Prance who swore himself to be immediately concerned in the Murther though since the popish Priests have prevailed upon him to recant as will appear hereafter and one Samuel Atkins was likewise Indicted as an Accessary to the Murther but acquitted and according to Sentence Green Bury and Hill were Executed at Tyburn where they denyed the Fact And this month Sir Joseph Williamson giving place the Earl of Sunderland was appointed Principal Secretary of State And now the time being come for the Judges to go the Lenten Circuit they had a strict Charge to recommend to the Justices of Peace and other Magistrates the putting the Laws in execution against popish Recusants and to see it done themselves as much as in them lay And upon the Kings Command the Duke and Dutchess of York departed for Holland and there went Ashoar at Masland-sluyce and so to the Hague and were received at the Court. On the 28th of March another Proclamation was issued out for a publick Fast to implore the further Protection of Almighty God in preserving us from our Enemies and commanded to be strictly kept and it was accordingly observed with more than ordinary Devotion and Solemnity And thus passed over the memorable Transactions of the latter part of the year 1678. In April 1679. The Knights Citizens and Burgeâ—ses in Parliament assembled having in the Name of themselves and all the Commons of England impeach'd William Earl of Powis William Viscount Stafford William Lord Petre Henry Lord Arundel of Wardour and John Lord Bellasis Prisoners in the Tower upon divers Articles of High Treason and other high Crimes and Offences at the Bar of the House of Lords c. The said Prisoners were on the Ninth of April except the Lord Bellasis by reason of his illness of the Gout brought to the Bar of the Lords-House where kneeling and afterwards standing the Articles of their Impeachment were Read upon which they made several Petitions to the House that they might have Copies of their Charge and time to Answer thereto that they might be allowed Council and that their Witnesses might be summoned and have Liberty to come and Return And that that they might have the use of such Records as they should have occasion for which were granted them but with limitation that their Council should only assist them in matters of Law And the Lord Bellasis was allowed though absent a Copy of his Charge After this those that were present were remanded to the Tower and being brought again the 16th they delivered their Answers to the Articles of Charge and were reconducted to the Tower and on the 20th of April the King dissolved his Privy Council and called another putting forth a Declaration to shew his reasons for so doing appointing his new Council to consist of Thirty Persons Fifteen whereof were to be certain and the rest to be Elective at his pleasure Ten out of the Nobility and Five Commoners besides a Lord President a Secretary of Scotland and such of the Princes of the Blood as should be at Court the King acquainting his Parliament that next his great Council he would be advised by that Council and on the 30th of April being seated on the Throne and the Commons attending he made a Speech to both Houses recommending to them three particulars viz. The Prosecution of the Plot the Disbanding of the Army and the setting out a Fleet. And after that the Lord Chancellour opened to them the Kings Mind concerning the securing the Religion and Liberty in future Reigns And another Proclamation was published for Banishing Papists ten miles from London As also another for the Discovery and Apprehending several Persons suspected to have contrived and acted in fellonous Burning Houses in and about the City of London as Morice Gifford a popish Priest Roger Clinton Derby Molrain alias Fowler and several others of the Romish Religion On the 13th of May a Villanous and Barbarous Murther was committed upon the Person of the Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews Primate of Scotland by several desperate Ruffians on Horse-back who Seizing him in his Coach on the Road dragged him out and not giving him as he earnestly requested so much time as to say his Prayers beat out his Brains for which several of them were afterwards deservedly Hanged being ridged Sectaries And now the Parliament of England considering the Kings urgent Occasions granted him a supply of Two Hundred and Six thousand Four Hundred and Sixty Two Pounds Seventeen Shillings and Three pence for paying off and disbanding the Forces raised since the 29th of September 1677. And accordingly Commissioners were appointed to disband those Forces And the same Month he gave the Royal Assent to a Bill for the better securing the Liberty of the Subject and for Prevention of Imprisonment beyond the Seas As likewise a Bill for the Engrossing the Records of Fines burnt in the Fire that a little before had consumed the greatest part of the Temple The latter end of this Month a great number of discontented People armed in Scotland proclaiming the Covenant and putting out a Declaration of Grievances burning publickly several Acts of Parliament which they seemed to be disgusted at and many Hostilities ensued their number dayly encreasing but the Duke of Monmouth passing into that Kingdom with an Army utterly defeated and scattered them in the Fight of Bothwell Bridge and several of the Ring-Leaders were taken and Executed On the 13 th of June Thomas White alias Whitebread Provincial of the Jesuits in England William Harcourt pretended Rector of London John Fenwick Procurator for the Jesuits in England John Gaven and Anthony Turner all Jesuits and Priests were Tried at the Old-Bayly where they were found Guilty of High-Treason in Conspiring the Death of the King c. And the next Day Richard Langhorn a Councellor at Law was Tryed and found Guilty upon the like Account and they were all Executed soon after at Tyburn In the begining of July a dreadful Fire happened at East Deerham and burnt down the greatest part of the Town destroying Six or Seaven People and almost all the Substance of the Inhabitants On the 12 th the King Published a Proclamation for dissolving the Parliament declaring his Purpose was to meet his People in frequent Parliaments giving Directions thereupon to the Lord Chancellour to Issue out Writs for the Calling of another Parliament to Sit at Westminster the 7 th of October following On the 18 th Sir George Wakeman the Queen's Physitian William Marshal William Rumley and James Corker were tryed at the Old-Bayly upon Indictments of High-Treason in Conspiring the Death of the King c. But contrary to the Expectation of
Elizabeth Gaunt for Succouring and Assisting the said Burton with Money and helping him to a Passage in order to his escape beyond the Seas and were all Three found Guilty and received Sentence of Death as in case of High Treason And on the 23 d. of October Mr. Cornish was taken out of Newgate and Drawn in a Sledg to Kings-Street-end by Guild-Hall and there Executed on a Gibbet erected for that purpose his Head set upon Guild-Hall and his Quarters upon the Gates though since taken down and his Attainder reversed in Parliament Elizabeth Gaunt was conveyed to Tyburn and there Burnt to Ashes the other two got their Pardons and a Soldier for running from his Colours was Hanged on Tower Hill On the 27 th of October Richard Nelthrop and John Ayloff were carried from Newgate to the Kings Bench Bar and there received Sentence upon their being Outlawed for High Treason and a rule was made for their Execution on the 30 th when accordingly they were executed the first before Grays Inn Gate and the last before the Temple Gate and Quartered as in Case of High Treason On the 29 th of October Sir Robert Jefferys Lord Mayor of London was Sworn for the Year ensuing before the Barons of the Exchequer and the City received him with the usual Pomp c. and about the latter end of this Month a great Scuffle happened at Wiggan in the County Palatine of Lancaster between the Towns-Men and 4 Companys of Soldiers belonging to Sir William Clifton's Regiment in which many People were hurt however the inquiry as to the Agressors being submitted to a Court Marshal the Soldiers were excused and only obliged to remit out of their Pay so much Mony as their Quarters came to it being alledged That the Crouds of People pressed upon their Artillery and Carriages and their endeavouring to keep them off began the Fray On the 6 th of November an Order of Council was Published against making Bone-fires or Fire-works at or upon any Festival Days or Times whatsoever without particular leave first had from the King or Council-Board or signified to them by the Lord Mayor of London or by the Justices of Peace of the Respective Limmits upon Pain of Displeasure and being Prosecuted with the utmost Severity of the Law and some were taken up and Imprisoned on this occasion but upon submission and acknowledgment most of them Released And on the 20 th of November the King by the Lord Chancellour Prorogued the Parliament to the 19 th of February On the 4 th of December Robert Earl of Sunderland Principal Secretary of State was declared Lord President of the Council and took his place And divers new Charters about this time were Granted to sundry Corporations On the 10 th of December One Charles Bateman a Chirurgion was Tryed upon an Indictment of High-Treason for Conspiring the Death of King Charles the Second and to raise Rebellion within the Kingdom c. of which the Jury found him Guilty and he the next day received Sentance of Death as in Case of Treason and upon the 18 th was Executed at Tyburn where he made a very Pious End and his Head and Quarters afterwards set up in divers places And the King Appointed the Lord Viscount Tiveot Coll. Robert Phillips and John Evelyn do in the Absence of his Excellence the Earl of Clarendon who was made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and on his way theither being Attended to the utmost Limits of this Kingdom with a Numerous and Gallant Train and received at Dublin with all the Demonstrations of Joy usual on that Occasion and the Earl of Huntingdon was appointed Lord Cheif Justice and Justice in Eyre of all the King's Forrests Chaces Parks and Warrens on the South side of Trent And on the 29 th the Bishop of Durham was Sworn Dean of the Chaple Royal and the Bishop of Rochester Clerk of the Closet to the King On the 30 th of December John Hambden Esq was Arraigned at the Old-Baily upon an Indictment of High-Treason but was afterwards Pardoned And a Proclamation was published for the further Prorogation of the Parliament viz. to the 10 th of May 1689. On the 8 th of February Thomas Saxton was brought to his Tryal at the Kings Bench-Bar upon an Indictment of Perjury in wilfully Forswearing himself at the Tryal of Henry Lord Delamere and the Jury found him Guilty without going from the Bar and afterward received Sentence to stand in the Pillory before VVestminsterx-Hall gate Temple Bar and the Royal Exchange and to be Whiped from New-gate to Tyburn and to pay 500 Marks as a Fine and he did stand in the Pillory and was Whiped Phlibert Vernatti who had been Attainted by Outlawry for Murthering Sr. Edmunbury Godfry appeared likewise at the Kings-Bench and being admitted to Reverse the Outlawry by Writ of Error tookâ— a kind of a pretended Tryal as knowingâ— doubtless no Witness would appear for that Miles Prance and others being called and not coming into Court the Jury was necessiated to Aâ—quit him and the Parliament Meeting on the 10 th of February was Prorogued by Commission to the 10 th of May. On the 13 th of February Sr. Thomas Jenner was Appointed one of the Baroâ—â— of the Exchequer in the place of Sr. VVilliam Gregory and Sr. Henry Bedingfield was Appointed a Justice of the Common-Pleas in the stead of Sr. Creswel Levens and Sr. John Holt was Constituted Recorder of London On the 10 th of March 1685. The King-Signed a Proclamation of General Pardon yet full of Exceptions in Sundry matters and cases Excluding from the benefit of it a great number by Name especially the most considerable Persons that had Escaped the Battle of Sedgmore or were concerned in the business of the VVest however divers Addresses followed it and sundry clusters were granted or restored and thus ended the most Remarkable Transactions of the year 1685. The year 1686. began with Storms in which a great many Ships were cast away and the shoars in many places were strew'd with Wrecks c. And on the 21 st of April Sr. Thomas Jones Lord Cheif Justice of the Common-Pleas VVilliam Montague Esq Lord Cheif Baron of the Exchequer Sr. Job Charleton one of the Justices of the Common-pleas and Sir Edward Nevil one of the Barons of the Exchequer had their Quietus and others appointed in in the stead however Sir Job Charleton was made Cheif Justice of Checter and a Call of Serjeants was made by Writ and they took their Oaths accordingly at the Chancery-Bar the first day of Easter Term and performed the Ceremonies usual on that occasion Presenting Rings with this Motto viz. Deus Rex Lex And an Order about this time was Published by the King and Council strictly Commanding any one to Betrary or Seduce any Person to the Forreign Plantations in America c. without their Consent and being lawfully bound before a Majestrate or such as should be thereunto Appointed which for a
best men On the 16 th of December the King went to the House of Lords at Westminster attended with the usual Solemnity and gave the Royal Assent to An Act granting to their Majesties an Aid of two Shillings in the Pound for one Year An Act for Declaring the rights of the Subject and settling the Succession of the Crown And some other Acts for Naturalizing Persons c. On the 23 th of December the King passed an Act to prevent Doubts and Questions concerning the Collection of the Publick Revenue An Act to punish Officers and Soldiers who shall mutiny or desert their Majesties Service and for punishing false Musters And a private Act for settling a Joynture c. On the first of January a Chapter being held by the Soveraign and Knights Companions of the most Noble Order of the Garter Frederick Elector of Brandenburgh was chosen a Knight Companion of the Order into the Stall of the Late Elector of Brandenburgh his Father The King of Denmark having sent about 6000 Horse and Foot to assist their Majesties of Great Britain Shipp'd in a very considerable Fleet they notwithstanding the projects of the French to disappoint it arrived safe in England and Scotland and were kindly received and care taken for passing them into Ireland to which Service they were chiefly designed being all well Disciplin'd and well Accourtred Men. On the 16 th the King came to the House of Lords and being Seated on the Throne the Commons attending gave the Royal Assent to An Act for a Grant to Their Majesties of an additional Aid of 12 d. in the Pound for one Year An Act for the Charging and Collecting the Duties upon Coffee Tea and Chocolate at the Custom-House and a private Act. And for the firmer settlement of the Kingdom of Scotland by putting the places of greatest Trust in confiding Hands His Majesty has been pleased to Constitute Lords Commissioners For the Great Seal The Duke of Hamilton the Earl of Argyle and the Earl of Southerland For the Privy Seal The Earl of Forfar the Earl of Kintore and the Lord of Carmichael For the Treasury The Earl of Crawford the Earl of Cassels the Earl of Tweddale the Lord Ruthuen and Mr. Melvil For the Clerk Register's Office The Lord Betheaven the Master of Burleigh Sir Duncan Campbell of Auclimbreak Sir Thomas Burnet of Lays and John Hay of Park Sir George Campbell of Cesnock Lord Justice Clerk On the 27 th of January His Majesty being seated on the Throne in the House of Lords sent for the Commons and gave the Royal Assent to An Act for the renewing of the Poll Bill and for an additional Poll. An Act to prevent Vexations Suits against such as acted in order to the bringing in their Majesties and Four private Acts. And then proceeded to make the following Gracious Speech My Lords and Gentlemen I Am very sensible of the readiness you have shewed to supply me with Money for the carrying on the Wars I am engaged in That I am glad of this occasion to give you Thanks for your careful dispatch of that matter which was absolutely necessary for the common safety The best return I can make your Kindness is to assure you that as far as it will goe it shall be imploy'd to the purposes it was given It is a very sensible Affliction to me to see my good People Burthened with heavy Taxes but since the speedy recovering of Ireland is in my Opinion the only means to ease them and to preserve the Peace and Honour of the Nation I am resolved to go thither in Person and with the Blessing of God Almighty endeavour to reduce that Kingdom that it may â—o longer be a Charge to this And as I have already ventured my Life for the Preservation of the Religion Laws and Liberties of this Nation so I am willing again to expose it to secure you the quiet enjoyment of them The Spring draws on and it being Requisite I should be early in the Field I must immediately apply my Thoughts to give Orders for the necessary Preparations which that I may have the more leisure to do I have thought convenient to put an End to this Sessions Then Mr. Speaker by His Majesty's Command said My Lords and Gentlemen IT is His Majesties Pleasure that this Parliament be Prorogued to the second Day of April next And this Parliament is Prorogued to the second Day of April next And thereupon His Majesty returned to his Palace FINIS
Warranto against the City of London concerning the duty of Water-ballage and caused a Nolle prosequi to be entered the Lord Mayor Court of Aldermen Recorder and Committee of Common Council went in a Body to pay their dutiful acknowledgment to the King and afterwards many of them did the like to his Royal Highness the Duke About this time James Baker alias Hesketh and John Naylor were Tryed at the Old Baily for being Priests yet only the former was found Guilty And now some Heats arising amongst great Ones to prevent the danger the King published a Proclamation wherein he declared that he would not Pardon any Person that should Kill another in a Duel And thus ended the noted Affairs of this Year In May 1680. A prodigious Storm of Hail fell the Stones being of a vast weight and 8 or 9 Inches in Circumference did great damage to Houses Cattle Fowl Herbs Corn c. And soon after Mrs. Celier getting herself Tryed before the Lord Chief Justice Scroggs was acquitted by the said Judges disapproving of Dangerfield as a good Evidence But not content with this narrow escape she undertook to publish a Book for shamming the Popish Plot and particularly Prance's Evidence as to the Murther of Sir Edmond Bury Godfrey for which She was Tryed at the Old Baily Fin'd and Pilloryed And the Parliament sitting according to prorogation and the popish Lords in the Tower having been obliged to give in sufficient Answers they proceeded to Try William Viscount Stafford who had the whole House of Peers for his Judges a place being erected in Westminster-Hall for that purpose where after a Tryal which held 4 or 5 days he was by the majority of Voices cast and attainted of high Treason for which he lost his Head on Tower-Hill And soon after his Death a prodigious beam of Light streamed in the Night-time from the West and soon after the Star from whence it darted appeared above the Horizon and grew nightly higher till it had compassed East and West and was admired by many who made different Judgments as their Minds lead them And the Parliament after a considerable Sitting was prorogued to a further time but before the time of their appointed Meeting they were dissolved and a Parliament called to meet at Oxford on the 21 th of March though the Earl of Essex and divers Lords petition'd the King to have it sit at Westminster however they did not prevail for the Parliament accordingly met at Oxford where the King in his Speech amongst other things put them in mind of the râ—lief of Tangier then pressed by the Mâ—â—rs But they had not sat many days before they were Dissolved and the King came in great haste for London One Edward Fitz-Harris having been discovered by Mr. Everard and Sir William Waller to have contrived a treasonable and dangerous Pamphlet since called Treason in Grain and having other projects against the Government he had been Impeached by the Commons but in fine was Tryed before the Lord Chief Justice Pemberton and being found guilty of High Treason was Executed at Tyburn with one Oliver Plunket condemned at the Kings Bench Bar for attempting to betray Ireland to the French Plunket was a Romish Bishop and termed the titular Primate of Ireland and the Wife and Maid of Fitz-Harris accused some persons of Honour but it came to nothing but upon Information of several Irish Evidence and others soon after the Earl of Shaftsbury was committed to the Tower as were several other persons having continued there a considerable time a Bill of High Treason was drawn up against him as likewise Bills against Stephen Colledge and others and preferred to the Grand Jury of the City of London and the Evidence heard in open Court at the Old Baily but after a long Examination the Bills were found Ignoramus but Colledge was soon after carried by Water to Oxford and there being Tryed for treasonable words spoke in that City during the siting of the Parliament there was found Guilty and Executed and the following Michaelmass Term the Earl of Shaftsbury and divers others were set at Liberty A Parliament being called in Scotland the King sent his Brother to preside as his High Commissioner and there amonst other things they passed an Act for asserting the right of Succession to the Crown making it Treason for any to question or object it and the Earl of Argyle for only making some Queries c. was committed to the Castle and in danger of his Life but he escaped thence by changing Habit with a Ladies Page that came to visit him and fled into Holland where he remained till his unfortunate invading Scotland Anno 1685 of which more hereafter The Duke being returned for England upon the concluding of the Parliament and leaving his Dutchess in Scotland whilst he was on his way again by Sea in the Gloucester Frigat attended with several Yatchs to fetch her home the Frigat under full Sail stood in upon the Lemmon and Orrey two dangerous Sands off the Humber Mouth where she beat along the Sands till she foundered and falling off the Sands fell into deep Water where she was swallowed up and about One hundred Persons lost besides the Dukes Plate and a great deal of Treasure Amongst the Drowned was the Lord Obrian the Duke however with as many as his Barge which was hoisted Over-board could hold got safe to the Yatchts and landed in Scotland and the Pilot being suspected of Treatchery suffered a long Imprisonment in the Marshaseas on this occasion and soon after this Disaster the Duke and Dutches returned for England Sir John Moore after the Mayorality of Sir Patience Ward being Elected Lord Mayor of London and received with the usual Splendor at the time of Election of Sheriffs great Heats and Contests arise among the Citizens about the Electing two Persons to serve as Sheriffs for the year ensuing and it was deferred from time to time however in the end Sir Peter Rich and Sir Dudly North were sworn Mr. Box who had been declared Elected declining it and paying his Fine and Siâ— William Pritehard was chosen Lord Mayor and upon the occasion of these Contendings several Citizens as Sir Thomas Player and others had Informations in the Crown Exhibited against them as Rioters and haviug a Verdict found against them before the Lord Chief Justice Saunders at Guild-hall were the following Term Fined at the Kings-Bench Bar very considerably And this year died the Illustrious Prince Rupert a Prince whose great Services have all along been very considerable to these Kingdoms And a thing not known before two Ambassadors arrived one from the Emperor of Fess and Morocco and the other from the King of Bantam with rich Presents and were splendidly Entertained and much admired by the crouding People for their strange Habits The first came to treat of Peace and free Traffick Tangier an English Garison standing in his Masters Countries and the other to crave Succour for the King
his Master against his Son who had risen in Rebellion against him and soon after outed him of his Kingdom by the help of the Dutch and our East-India Company of their Trade in that part of the Country As for the Emperor of Morocco he kept not the Truce or Treaty his Ambassador had made whereupon the King finding one Town very chargeable to keep against a populous Country and that it turn'd to no great advantage by reason the Mould could not be finished as had been proposed he sent the Lord Dartmoueh to fetch off the Garrison the Inhabitants and their Effects and then fired the Town and blew up the Works which had cost a Million of Mony And now the Court being disgusted at the proceedings of the City of London a Quo Warranto was brought against their Famous and Ancient Charter and the Controversie admitted of many long Arguments and Debates at the Kings Bench Bar between the Kings Council and the Council for the City but it being over-ruled in the end it was declared by the Judges that the Liberties and Franchises should be Seized into the King's hands however Judgment was not entered up but the King appointed the Lord Mayor Sheriffs c. to Act by Commission reserving to himself the Nomination of the Chief Magistrates and the Common Council was laid aside and so it continued 'till the Charter was restored Anno 1688. of which hereafter for the City finding it in vain to contend when the Opinions of the Judges were against them found themselves constrained to acquiesce in what was done as did afterwards most of the Corporations of England likewise the Companies or Bodys Corporate of London c. whose Charters and Franchises were either Seized or Surrendered About this time the Nation was allarmed by the appearing of Keeling West and others who Deposed there was a Design against the Life of the King c. whereupon the Earl of Eslex the Lord Russel Captain VValcot VVilliam Hone John Rouse were Imprisoned and Proclamation published for the apprehending the Duke of Monmouth and others that fled many of which upon their not rendring themselves were attainted by Out-lawry but the Duke a considerable time after came in and was received into Favour the proceedings upon Out-lawry having been stopped by the Kings special Command but the Duke out of Discontent soon after went for Holland and from thence after his Fathers Death Invaded England of which hereafter However this Business proved very Bloody for the Earl of Essex was found with his Throat cut in the Tower Rouse Hene and VValâ—ot were Executed at Tyburn the Lord Russel was Beheaded in Lincoln-Inn-Field Collonel Sidney on Tower-Hill and Sir Thomas Armstrong being surprized and brought from Holland and James Holloway from Nevis were executed upon their Out-lawrys by a rule of Court made for their Execution all of them making very penitent ends and upon this score divers were Executed afterwards as will appear in the Reign of K. James The Earl of Shaftsbury a little before this matter broke out Dyed in Holland whither he was retired and his Body was brought over and Buried in England This Storm being a little over the happy Marriage was Consummated between the Lady Anne and his Royal Highness Prince George Brother to the King of Denmark the Ceremony being performed by the Bishop of London in the presence of the King Queen Duke Dutchess and most of the great Persons of the Court and followed with great demonstrations of Joy and Satisfaction throughout the Kingdom and a great Muster of the Land Forces was soon after held on Putney-Heath where the King and most of the Court went to take a view of them And such a Frost happened that the like had never been known in England before all the Rivers were Frozen over and the Harbours and Havens were stopped up so that Carts and Coaches might move on the Waters but neither Boats nor Shipping could stir for the space of six Weeks People keeping Fairs upon the River of Thames with all manner of Disports as likewise upon other great Waters and divers Fowle and Cattle were starved to Death many of the Elder sort of People despairing to out-live so sharp a Season but the Wind turning it Thawed of a suddain without much harm The King having appointed Sir William Goslin and Sir Peter Vandeput by Commission under the Great Seal to be Sheriffs of London and Middlesex on the 28 th of September 1684. they were Sworn at Guild-Hall before the Lord Mayor anâ— Court of Aldermen and on the 30 th at Westminster in the Exchequer Chamber taking upon them the charge of Sherâ—ffs 〈◊〉 the ensuing Year On the 2 d. of October the City of Oxford had a New Charter sent and thereupon according to what was nominated therein Mr. Walker was sworn Mayor and Mr. Baker Town-Clerk the latter making a large Speech upon the occasion and afterward great Feasting ensued to Treat and Wellcome the Earl of Abindon who brought the Charter And about this time many other Charters were sent down to divers Cities Corporations c. in lieu of those that had been surrendered or were taken away by proceedings in the Courts of Westmincter and a new Engine was Invented by sundry Undertakers to make Sea-water fresh which was tryed and approved by many persons of Quality of divers Nations and experienc'd Sea-Commanders as well as Foreign Ministers of State and His Grace the Duke of Grafton being appointed Recorder of Bury St. Edmonds by the new Charter he was received there with many demonstrations of Joy and sworn the 20 th of October And Justice Windham Dying in this Month Mr. Baron Street was removed to the Common-Pleas and in his stead Sir Robert Wright was Constituted and Sir James Smith being Commissionated by the King to be Lord Mayor for the ensuing Year was Sworn before the Barons of the Exchequer on the 29 th and the Entertainment was performed with the usual Solemnities Great Storms about this time happened at Sea and Land which did considerable damage breaking many Ships in pieces and over-setting some Houses And Dr. Turner being removed to the Bishoprick of Ely Dr. Sprat Dean of Westminster was Consecrated Bishop of Rochester at the Chapple at Lambeth by the Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury aâ—â—isted by several other Bishops and two Addresses were presented to the King the one from the Lieutenant and Governour General of the Collony and Dominion of Virginia together with the Council of the same and the other fromt the Burgesses and General Assembly of the said Dominion in the Name of themselves and the Commons to congratulate his happy continuance in the Throne and the sensibility they had of their own Tranquility under his Reign c. On the 6 th of November the Tryal commenced at Guild-Hall between Sir William Pritchard formerly Lord Mayor of London and Mr. Papillion c. before the Lord Chief Justice Jefferies where the Jury gave Sir William 10000 l.
and of the Laws Rights and Priviledges of England from the Iâ—vasion made upon them c. and immediately after viz. the 16 th the following Promise of Reward was published by the King viz. Whereas an Humble Address has been made unto us by our Commons Assembled in Parliament that we by our Proclamation would be pleased to promise a Reward of 5000. pounds to such Person or Persons who shall bring in the Person of James Duke of Monmouth alive or dead and whereas the said Duke of Monmouth stands attainted of High Treason by Act of Parliament We do hereby by the Advice of our Privy Council Publish and Declare our Royal Promise And our Will and Pleasure is that whoever shall bring in the Body of the said James Duke of Monmouth either dead or alive shall receive and have the reward of 5000. l. to be forthwith payed by our High-Treasurer of England for such his or theâ— Service During these proceedings at Westminster the Duke left Lime with about 60 Horse and a 120 Foot a party of which came to Bridport and surprised divers Volunteer Gentlemen in an Inn between whom there happened a smart Skirmish in which Mr. Wadham Strangways and Mr. Coaker were killed but some Forces coming in the Dukes Party was beaten off and obliged to retreat with some loss about 7 being killed and 23 taken Prisoners and soon after there happened a small Skirmish between a detach'd Party of the Kings and some of the Dukes Men near Taunton where Lieutenant Monaux who commanded the former was mortally wounded by a Shot in the Head of which he dyed and divers others were killed and wounded on both sides so that more of the Dukes Party coming in the Kings Forces were obliged to retire Whilst these things were transacted in England the Forces on both sides encreased in Scotland and a hot Skirmish happened between a Party of 300 Men under the Command of the Marquiss of Athol for the King and about 400 Foot and 80 Horse of the Earl of Argyles in which several were killed and the latter in the end retired and marched back to Elengreg a Castle fortified by the Earl but upon the Kings Ships of War coming before the Castle they marched off and abandoned it so that upon fiâ—ing the first Gun two Men put off with a White Flag to give notice of what had happened whereupon the Commanders on Board sent their Men on Shore and took possession of the Castle Ammunition and what they found there which was very considerable On the 17th of June the Earls Men passed the River Clyde in the night time and the Earl of Dumbarton Commander in Chief for the King passed the River Leuin and marched from Glasgow very early the next morning and overtook them in the Parish of Killerne the Kings Horse and Dragoons kept up with the Earls men till the Foot arrived but they being Posted in a strong ground and it being late in the evening they stood in battle all night but before day the Earls men had passed the Clyde swiming over their Horse and passing over their Foot in Boats whereupon the Kings Forces marched to Glasgow where after they had rested two hours the Earl of Dumbarton with the Horse and Dragoons marched after them leaving the Foot to follow with all convenient speed Upon this Retreat part of Argyle's Forces took Guides to conduct them to Galloway but mistaking the way were led into a Bog and thereupon obliged to disperse into small Parties as did the King's Forces to pursue them which caused great Consternation and Disorder and the Earl of Argyle returning towards the Clyde was set upon by Two of Greynocks Servants but stoutly defended himself till he received a Wound in his Head upon which not longer trusting his Horse he alighted and betook himself to the Water into which a Country Fellow entered after him upon whom the Earl Fired but his Pistol missed and he was beaten down when in his Fall He cryed out Unfortunate Argyle and thereupon was made Prisoner and carryed to a commanded Party and a Party of 40. Horse commanded by the Lord Ross with as many Dragoons commanded by Captain Cleland fell upon a Patty of the Stoutest that yet remained in a Body commanded by Sir John Cochran who had taken the way to the Sea They had fortefied themselves in a small Inclosure in which they had posted themselves covered Breast-high Notwithstanding which the Lord Ross Charged them but the Ground being too strong for the Horse and the Captain of the Dragoons being killed in the coming up the Lord Ross slightly wounded Sir Adam Blair shot in the Neck and Sir William VVallock in the Side before the Dragoons had time to come up on Foot the Earles Men had got into a Wood behind the Inclosure which the King's Forces beset and Five of the Earl of Arran's Men took Richard Rumbald the Maltster who â—â—ghting desperately killed one of them upon the Place and was himself wounded Collonel Ayloff was likewise taken and 200. more sent to Glasgow Prisoners Aylofff during his Imprisonment in a desperate Mood ripped up his Belly with a Pen-Knife but the Wound proved not Mortal Notwithstanding this Defeat given in Scotland the Duke of Monmouth held out in England his Forces being very much increased which created for a time no small fear at Court all the Militia of the Country were raised and divers eminent Persons secured in most Parts of England especially in London where all the Halls were filled with Citizens on whom Guards were set and it was but branding 〈◊〉 Man with the Epethite of a disaffected Person and a File of Musqueteers were sent to take him up the Roads were every where stopped and no Letters were sent but such as were unsealed and sent open On the 20 th of June Capt. Trevanion Commander of the Suadadoes a Man of War coming into the Cob at Lime found there a Pink and a Dogger left by the Duke which he seized and 40 Barrels of Powder there was likewise found in the Town Back Breast and Head-peices for between 4 or 5000 Men he Released likewise those that had been made Prisoners for not takeing Arms under the Duke On the 25 th of June a hot Skirmish happened between a Party of a 100 Horse Commanded by Collonel Oglethorp for the King and a Party of the Dukes Men in which about 80 of the latter were kill'd and the Earl of Newbury was Wounded in the Belly this happened near Canisham-Bridge between Bristol and Bath and the next day in the Evening all the Kings Forces Joyned near Bath upon which the Dukes Men drew up on the other side the Town and Marched away yet the Comâ—â—ns got together at Froom Assembled from divers parts Headed by a Constable and set up the Dukes Declaration in the Market-place upon Notice of which the Earl of Pembroke Lord Liutenant of the County of Wilts Marched theither with 160 Horse and mounted behind
time together with some Examples made of Kidnappers detered those Leud People from puting so great a Wickedness in Practice The Earl of Murray being Appointed the Kings High-Commissioner in Scotland the Parliament of that Kingdom according to Adjournment met the 29 th of April where the High Commissioner let them know the Kings Esteem of their Loyalty and what was further to be done and Expected c. And now the French Protestants coming over in great Numbers a Book was Published of the Cruelties acted by the French King and his Ministers towards his Subjects of the Reformed Religion at which the French Ambassador Residing at the English Court found himself much Agrieved pretending it Reflected upon his Master whereupon an Oâ—der was put out to Supress it and to Discover the Translator and Printer that they might be Prosecuted and that a Printed Copy in French and another in English should be Burnt by the Hands of Common Hang-man which was accordingly done before the Royal Exchange On the 10 th of May the Parliament meeting at Westminster and some Debates Arising about Papists and other unqualified Persons who had got into Offices of great Trust without taking the Oaths Test or Sacrament according as the Law Required under a Penalty of 5000 l. They were further Prorogued to the 22 d. of November and a Proclamation was published forbiding all Persons from using the Trade of a Pedler or Petty Chapman unless such as should be Licensed or Authorized and Offices were appointed for that purpose but the Countries as well as a great number of poor people finding the In-convenience of it it soon fell and came to nothing On Wednesday May the 13 th Her Royal Highness the Princess Ann of Denmark was Delivered of a Daughter at Windsor which was Christened by the Lord Bishop of Duersem being Named Ann Sophia On the 14 th of May Miles Prance commonly called the Brass Siver-smith a person who had been Instrumental in the Discovery of the Death of Sir Edâ—mund Bury Gâ—dfry was brought to the Kings-Bench-Bar and an Information there Exhibited against him for Wilful and Malicious Perjury as to the Evidence he gave at the Tryal of Green Bury and Hill who were Executed at Tyburn for the aforesaid Murther where upon the Information being Read after some preamble he Pleaded Guilty and declared his Sorrow for what he had done Aledging he had falsly Sworn against those persons though but a very few believed but that fear of Punishment and hopes of Reward made him go backâ— and deny what not only in Courts but other places he had so frequently Avered and being brought up the last day of the Term he was Fined 100 l. and ordered to Appear before the Courts of Westminster with a Paper on his Head Declaring his Offence and that he should stand in the Pillory before Westminster-Hall the Royal Exchange and at Charing Cross and moreover be Whiped fron New-gate to Tyburn yet the Fine and Whiping were afterwards Remitted On the 21 th of June Mr. Samuel Johnson was Tryed at the Kings-Benchâ—Bar upon an Information of High-Misdemeanour for Writing and Publishing a Paper Advising the Protestant Soldiers and Seamen not to joyn with the Papist to ruin the Protestant Religion for which a Verdict was given against him and he received a very severe Sentence which was executed with great Rigour for about this time the Council of the Priests began openly to prevail and they gloried to exert the Influence they had over some Magistrates to Rigour and Cruelty against such especially as had opposed their Practices and proceeded to set up and build Chapples and places for publickly Celebrating Mass and divers were troubled for opposing them though the Law was expresly against their proceedings A great Robbery having in the Kentish Road been committed on the Holland Mail and as much Dust Gold taken out as came to about 3000 l. Richard Alborough Oliver Haly John Conde who were concerned in the Robbery were brought to the Kings Bench Bar where the first confessed the Fact and the two others were found Guilty and received Sentence as in case of Fellony and Robbery c. The Charter of New-England about this time was proceeded against and Judgment obtained upon Scire Faciâ—s whereupon followed many Alterations in that Collony Sir Edmond Andrews being appointed Governour and divers that had formerly held places were dismissed On the 22 th of August the King Named Dr. Cartwrite Dean of Rippon to be Bishop of Chester and Dr. Samuel Parker Arch-Deacon of Canterbury to be Bishop of Oxford those Sees being Vacant by the Death of Dr. John Pearson and Dr. John Fell And the King began his Progress into the VVest where he Conferred the Honour of Knight-hood on divers Persons and laboured to settle the Minds of the People which were disturbed by the bold attempts of the Popish Clergy and the continuing many in Office that were no ways Favourers of the Protestant Religion and Visited Marleborough Badminster Bristol Bridgwater VVillton Southampton Portsmouth c. and was very splendidly entertained On the 8 th of October the Earl of Tyrconnel was Sworn of the King 's Privy Council and took his Place at the Council-Board at VVhite-Hall accordingly and the Parliament was Prorogued to the 15 day of February by Proclamation and the 14 th of October the King's Birth-Day by an express Command was kept with great strictness in London VVestminster c. and on the 17 th Dr. John Lloyd Bishop of St. Davids Dr. Samuel Parker Bishop of Oxford and Dr. Thomas Cartwrite Bishop of Chester were Consecrated at Lambeth c. On the 29 th of October Sir John Peak was sworn Lord Mayor of the City of Loâ—don before the Barons of the Exchequer at VVestminster and the City received him with the usual splendour and magnificence and on the 22 th of November the Parliament meeting was further Prorogued as specified by Proclamation to the 15 th of February And in the beginning of January the King appointed the Lord John Bellasis Sidney Lord Godâ—lphin Henry Lord Dover Sir John Earnly and Sir Stephen Fox Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Treasurers of England and the Parliament by Proclamation was further Prorogued to the 28 th day of April 1687. On the 2 d. of February the Lady Anne Sophia youngest Daughter to their R. Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Denmark dyed after about a Fort-nights Illness and on the 4 th privatelyâ—Interâ—ed in the Vault of the Royal Families in K. â—Henry the VII Chapple and unhappily to second this misfortune the Lady Mary Daughter to their Royal Highnesses dyed the 8 th of February in the Evening after an Illness of 3 Weeks and was privately Interred as the former on the â—0 th And about this time the Right Honourable the Earl of Clarendon being re-called the Earl of Tyrconnel to the little satisfaction of the Proteâ—â—ants was appointed Lord Deputy of the Kingdom of Ireland where after
and should be Recommended by the Lord Lieutenants On the 30 th of September divers of the Bishops were sent for to White-Hall and received into Favour and the King let them know that he would signifie his pleasure for taking off the Suspension of the Lord Bishop of London which was done accordingly and a Proclamation was Published giving notice of the suddain Invasion expected from Holâ—and and the Writs that had been Issued out for Election of Members to sit in Parliament were by this Proclamation re-called and discharged and all People Commanded to be in a readness foâ— Defence and charged on pain of High Treasâ—â— noâ— to be Corresponding Aiding 〈◊〉 or Countenancing any of the Inâ—aders 〈◊〉 And hereupon the Dukâ—â— of 〈…〉 â—erwick were Elected Knight◠〈◊〉 of the Order and 〈…〉 the â—arter and George having 〈◊〉 first Knighted by the Soveraign and 〈◊〉 â—ew Commissions were given out to raise Men in divers Counties whâ—lst some â—oble Men came in to offer their Service And now the Church of England came again into the Thoughts of the Court the King being pleased to declare in Council on the 5 th of October That in pursuance to his Intention and Resolution to Protect the Church of England and that all Suspitions and Jealousies to the contrary might be removed He thought fit to dissolve the Commission for Causes Ecclesiastical c. And accordingly gave Directions to the Lord Chancellour that it might be forth-with done And his Grace the Duke of Newcastle was appointed Lord Lieutenant of the Three Ridings of the County of York On the 6 th the City of London had re-restored to her all her Ancient Franchises and Priviledges as fully as she injoyed them before the Judgment upon the Quo Warranto and the Lord Chancellour Jefferys brought an Instrument of Restitution and Confirmation under the great Seal of England and Sir John Eyles who by appointment succeeded Sir John Shorter he Dying before the expiration of his Mayoralty had his Quietus Sir Iohn Chapman being by this Instrument appointed Lord Mayor until the Feast of Simon and Jude and was Sworn in the Guild-Hall with the usual Solemnity and the Aldermen that were in being at the time of the said Judgment were restored to their places and the Vacancies left to be supplyed by Election according to the Ancient Custom And from this Message no doubt the Chancellor took a presage of his falling Greatness for instead of being received with Shouts and Acclamations he was affronted in his return by several Inferiour Persons and took it very patiently contrary to his wonted fiery Humour yet the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Sheriffs Addressed the King upon this occasion as likewise did the Lieutenancy of the City And the Lords of the Privy Council of Scotland sent a Letter signed by many of them to let the King know into what a Postuâ—â— they had put that Kingdom for Defence On the 10th of October the King was pleased to signifie That having received several Complaints of great Abuses and Irregularities committed in the late Regulations of Corporations He thought fit to Authorize and Require the Lords Lieutenants of the several Counties to inform themselves of all such Abuses and Irregularities within their Lieutenancies and to make forthwith Report thereof to himself together with what they conceived fit to be done for redressing the same and that then be would give such further Orders as should be requisite And hereupon some few Addresses followed and the Lord Bishop of Winchester was impowered as Visitor of St. Mary Magdelens Colledge in Oxford to settle the Society regularly and statutably whereupon the Popish Tribe was turned out and those worthy Persons who had been causelesly dismissed restored to their fellowships c. and had power to chuse themselves a President On the 13 th of October Sir John Chapman was Elected Lord Mayor for the enâ—suing Year and Sir Humphry Edwin and Mr. John Fleet afterwards Knighted by the King were Elected Sheriffs and Siâ— Peter Rich Chamberlain And a Proclamation bearing Date the 〈◊〉 was puâ—lished for restoring Corporatione to theâ— ancient Charters Liberties Râ—ghts and Franchises and to displace many of those who bore Offices or haâ— plâ—ces of Truff unduly obtained by the taking away such Charters or put in by the Regulators and leave for 〈◊〉 aâ— had been wrongfully 〈…〉 though late this 〈…〉 he had been abâ—â—ed and Imposed on by such as sought their own advantage and revenge before his â—rue Interest and the well-fare of the Kingdoms And now the Infant having before been privately Christened was Solemnly named at the Chapple of St. James's amidst the Ceremonies and Rites of Baptism as used in the Church of Rome viz. James Francis Edward the Pope by his Nuncio standing for God-Father and the Queen Dowager as God-mother and divers new Lord Lientenants were appointed in the Countys c. And a Proclamation bearing date the 20 th of October was published for driving all Cattle of Draught Oxen c. 20 Miles from the Shoar and that the Coasts should be diligently Guarded which was given in charge to those that were in power in the respective Counties as well Civil as Miâ—itary And although a considerable Army was on Foot under the Command of the Earl of Feversham as also a Fleet at Sea under the Command of the Earl of Dartâ—outh yet such parâ—â—ck â—ear had seized the Priests and such Ministers of State as wore 〈◊〉 of evil Practices that they were prâ—parâ—â— to be on the Wing and made it a great part of theâ—â— Business to gaze upon the Weather-Cocks and observe which way the Wind stood and to that end a Vane was placed on the highest part of the Banquetting-House where it yet remains and Sutlers were Incouraged more than ordinary to follow the Army with Provisions and other Necessaries And now the Legality of the Birth of the Infant being much discoursed of abroad an Extraordinary Council was called on the 22 th of October where by the King's desire and appointment the Queen Dowager and divers of the Peers as well Spiritual as Temporal that were about the Town as also the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London and the Judges with several of the Kings Council at Law the Ladies Lords and others that were present at the time the Queen was held to be in Labour did likewise appear and Declare upon Oath what they knew concerning or relating to the Biâ—th c. which was afterward published at large and soon after Theirs and other Deâ—ositions were by the Kings Order Inrolled in Chancery and about this time the Eaâ—l of Sunderland was removed from being principal Secrecary of State and the Lord Viscount Preston appointed to take that Office upon him and the Wind for the most part continued at S. W. and by S. so that though all things were in a readiness and the Dutch Fleet labouring to get to Sea it was for a time obstructed which made the Priests Insinuate into the
Mass of Money he timely â—â—bbed off with it and never staid till he had Earthed himself beyond the Seas The Queen and the Infant â—ant were likewise sent privately away for France where they arrived and were received by Order of the French King and King James not thinking himself safe in White-Hall on the 〈◊〉 of December about Three in the Morning privately left 〈◊〉 Pallace and wenâ— by Water â—â—lenderly â—ttended to kent and â—o Overland to â—â—e Shoar in Expectation of Shipping himâ—â—lf for France but a great search being â—ade by the Country People for Father 〈◊〉 and others the King and Sir Edward 〈◊〉 were â—aken in 〈◊〉 near Peversham and there plundered by the Mobily they keeping themselves a considerable time concealed Whilst these things happened most People were exâ—â—earâ—ly surpriz'd at thâ— King's Departure whereupon the Lords that were in and about Town both 〈◊〉 â—nd Temporal assembled 〈…〉 to â—â—nsult what was best to be done iâ— so 〈…〉 and from thence adjourned to the Guild Hall London where the Lord Mayor had summoned a Common-Council and thither sent for Mr. Skelleton Lieutenant of the Tower and caused him to deliver up the Keys to the Lord Lucas constituting him as Governour and drew up a Declaration of their good meaning to the Settlement of the Peace and Tranquility of the Kingdom which was signed by 29. of them and thereupon they sent some of their Body to wait upon the Prince with it as their good meaning and affection towards him for having ventured his Person c. for rescuing the Kingdoms from Popery c. The Lord Mayor Court of Aldermen and Common Council Addressed likewise to the same Purpose and the Multitude got together and pulled down the Chapples and Mass-Houses in Lime-Street Bucklers-Berry St. Johns Wild-Street Lincolns Inn-Fields c. committing many Disorders upon the Houses of Ambassadours especially that of the Spanish and Florentine Ambassadour and Envoy which could not in that juncture of hurry and confusion be remedied though the Trained-Bands and Watches were up On the 12 th of December the Lord Jefferys was taken in Hope and Anchor-Alley in Wapping Disguised in the Habit of a Seaman going for Coals to New-Castle and brought before the Lord Mayor of London attended by a numerous Rabble and by him at his own Request sent to the Tower where he soon after was charged with a Warrant from the Lords at Whiteâ— Hall and there through Grief and â—ear fell into a Mallady that swept him from the Stage of the World where he had Acted with too much Cruelty Notice being given to the Lords at White-Hall that the King was at Feversham they dispatched a Messenger to intreat his return and accordingly on the 16 th in the Evening he came to his Palace and sent the Earl of Foversham to the Prince who was then at Windsor to invite him to St. James's and put out an Order for suppressing Tumults and disorderly Outrages committed by the Rabble but the 18 th the King removed to Rochester upon request and the Prince came to Town attended with a numerous Train through the shouts and Acclamations of the People and the Bells-Ringing Bonefires likewise made the Streets shine in the Evening and the King's Army at his Command being disbanded by the Earl of Feversham being ordered by the Prince to repair to their Colours Quarters were appointed at several Cities Towns and Villages for the English Scotch and Irish Forces and all People to whom any of them had embezled their Arms c. were commanded to restore them and on the 20 th of December the Lord Mayor being indisposed the Aldermen and their Deputies waited upon his Highness being accompanied with some of the Common Council of each Ward to Congratulate him upon his Happy Arrival at St. James's which was performed by Sir George Trebie their Recorder in a very Learned and Eloquent Speech and was very favourably received And the Sheriff Nobility and Gentry of the County of Norfolk presented an Address to the same purpose carrying with it a deep Sense of their Acknowledgment of so great a Blessing And now by reason of this great Revolution the Nation being unsettled and the King having with-drawn himself from Rochester beyond the Seas it was highly thought convenient that a way should be found out to create a calmness in the minds of the people whereupon the Lords Spiritual and Temporal were appointed to give their attendance as likewise such Members as had served in the late Parliaments in the Reign of King Charles the Second and Court of Aldermen together with the Members of the Common Council of the City of London the Lords assembled in the Lords House at Westminster on the 25 th of December and unanimously concluded to Intreat His Highness to take upon Him the administration of Affairs and dispose of the publick Revenues c. and take into his Princely care the conâ—ition of Ireland which by Tyrconnel's means had mostly revolted They likewise â—mplored him to Issue out His Summons for the Lords Spiritual and Temporal being Protestants as also his Circular Letters to the Counties Cities Boroughs to order the Elections of such a number of Persons to represent them as are of right to be sent to Parliament and on the the 26 th the Commons and Aldermen c. waited upon his Highness at St. James's to whom he made the following Speech viz. YOU Gentlemen that have been Members of the late Parliaments I have desired you to meet me bere to advise the best manner how to pursue the ends of my Declaration in calling a Free Parliament for the preservation of the Protestant Religion and restoring of the Rights and Liberties of the Kingdom and settling the same that they may not be in danger of being again subverted And you the Aldermen and Members of the Common Council of the City of London I desire the same of you and in regard your Numbers are like to be great you may if you think fit divide your selves and sit in several places Upon this they agreed to go to the House of Commons at Westminster where they chose Henry Powle Esq for their Chairman and resolved upon an Address which was drawn up to the same purpose as that of the Lords and Graciously received on the 27 th and the day following occasioned the like favourable Answer And now the Election coming on for their Sitting the 22 th of January least any disturbance should happen by the Soldiers Quartering in Boroughs and Corporations an Order was Published That they should March out of those places a day before the Election Garisons excepted and not return til the Election was over A Declaration was likewise Published for the due ordering the Collection of the Publick Revenue and Mony being wanting the Citizens of London very liberally upon His Highness's Letter Lent between 2 and 300000 l. to be repayed at Interest at six Months and thence as cheerfully continued it for a longer time
his Consent That the Act should be made null and void for which they returned him an Address of Thanks and upon the same occasion the Lord Mayor Aldermen and Common Council made and Presented their Address On the 16 th of March the King passed Two Acts one for Impowering His Majesty to apprehend and detain such Persons as he shall find just Cause to suspect are Conspiring against the Government and an Act for anulling and making void the Attainder of William Russel Esq commonly called Lord Russel and then made a very Gracious Speech requiring them to settle the Oaths that Papists might be excluded and Protestants that were willing and able to serve might be admitted to places of Trust About this time we had News That a great part of the Regiment of Foot once Commanded by the Lord Dumbarton had revolted and seized on the Money designed for their Pay and Marching away with some Field Pieces had Proclaimed K. James commiting several Disorders and Outrages in the County of Suffolk and other places whereupon the Parliament besought his Majesty to Issue out a Proclamation for apprehending and surpressing them which was accordingly done and more Forces sent to quell them however at first they prepared to make resistance but the King's Horse being ready to attack them they threw down their Arms and surrendred upon Discretion and were most of them the Officers especially brought up to London the greatest part of the Soldiers were sent to the English Army assisting the States General against France and several of the principal Officers were tryed at the Assizes holden for the County of Suffolk and being found Guilty cast themselves upon the King's Mercy expressing a hearty Sorrow for what they had done and were thereupon Reprieved The Coronation Day being appointed on the 11 th of April 1689. A Proclamation was published to give Notice thereof to such as had Claims by Tenure of Land Service Dignity Places Honour Offices or Trust that they might timely make their Claims in order to have things done regular upon so great and solemn Occasions And the Lord Lieutenants of the respective Countys were perfected So that all things tended to good order and settlement in England but the Affairs of Ireland admitted of no such Happiness for the late King being Landed there with French Forces and drawn to him a considerable Army of Irish Papists For a time we had but a Melancholly account of Affairs in that Kingdom however several places held out and put a stop to the Torrent of the Enemy and such as were uncapable of Resisting were obliged to take such Conditions as they could get On the 22 th of March Thomas Pilkington Esq since Knighted Elected to be Lord Mayor for the City of London for the remaining part of the Year in the room of Sir John Chapman who Dyed in his Mayoralty was presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal and afterwards Sworn at the Hustings in Guild-Hall according to the ancient Custom and at Five in the Afternoon he was Sworn without the Tower-Gate by the Lord Lucas Chief Governour of the Tower in pursuance of their Majesties Writ directed to him and of the ancient usuage at such time as the Exchequer Court is not holden at Westminster And the Day before an Act passed the Royal Assent for a present Supply for their Majesties The Convention of the Estates of Scotland met at Edenburgh to consult the settlement of the Affairs of that Kingdom as it had been appointed the 16 th of March they chose his Grace the Duke of Hamilton their President and settled their Committee of Five out of every Estate for Examining the Elections and then took the matter of the Castle of Edenburgh into their Consideration and sent to the Duke of Gourdon who yet held it out requiring him to put it into their hands whereupon he required an Indemnity for all that had passed and a Security for the future which the Convention condescending to in so far as he had acted as a Papist they sent the Earls of Tweedale and Lothain with an Indemnity in Writing for himself and all that were with him upon which he desired 24 Hours to consider it but though this was granted it appeared in the end that he only delayed to gain time when after several Messages sent to and fro the Convention sent up the Heralds at Arms in their Formalities to charge him in the Name and Authority of the Convention Immediately to deliver up the Castle upon pain of Treason and upon refusal he was Proclaimed at the Mercat Cross and all Persons forbid upon pain of Treason to Converse Correspond or Treat with him or to Aid Abet or Succour him and so they proceeded to Forfeit him And the King of England's Letter was read with great applause and a Committee appointed to draw up an Answer in the most thankful and dutiful manner but there being a Letter likewise sent by the late King James brought by one Mr. Crane before they would suffer it to be read they passed an Act by the unanimous consent of the House asserting the Lawfulness of the Convention notwithstanding any thing that might be alledged in the said Letter to the contrary and the Person that brought it was committed to the Custody of a Serjeant at Arms but upon his humble Petition he in a few Days was set at Liberty and obtained a Pasport to return to his Master And the Convention approved proved of all that the Noblemen and Gentlemen at London had done in praying His Majesty to take upon him the Administration of the Government The Viscount Dundee being Discovered to have a secret Conference with the Duke of Gourdon and upon being Summoned Flying with between 30 and 40 Horse stronger Forces were raised and 3 Regiments were sent from England under the Command of Major General Mackay and thus passed over the Material Transactions of the Year 1688. just a hundred Years since the Spanish Invasion was defeated and brought to nothing In the beginning of the Year 1689. the Lord Ross arrived with a Letter from the Convention of Scotland which he presented to his Majesty viz. May it please Your Majesty AS Religion Liberty and Law are the dearest concerns of Mankind so the deepest sence of the extream hazard they were exposed to must produce suitable Returns from the Kingdom of Scotland to Your Majesty whom in all Sincerity and Gratitude we Acknowledge to be under God our great and seasonable Deliverer and we heartily Congratulate that as God has Honoured Your Majesty to be an Eminent Instrument of the Preservation of his Truth so he has rewarded Your Undertaking with Success in the considerable Progrese you have made in Delivering us and in preserving to us the Protestant Religion We return our most Dutiful Thanks to Your Majesty for the accepting the Administration of Publick Affairs and convening the Estates of this Kingdom and we shall with all convenient Dilligence take Your
its Enemies and as I do not doubt of such an Assistance from you as shall be suitable to your Advice to me to declare War against a powerful Enemy so you may relye upon me that no part of that which you shall give for the carrying it on with success shall be diverted by me to any other use And that the Protestants who had Fled from Ireland might not suffer want in England great care was taken to provide for them and most People wherever they came contributed liberally to their relief and assistance and the King was pleased to put forth a Declaration to encourage the French Protestants that should Transport themselves their Families and Estates into this Kingdom and a Proclamation Prohibiting the Importation of all sorts of Manufactures and Commodities whatsoever of the Growth Production and Manufacture of France in way of Trade c. On the 1st of May His Majesty was pleased to give the Royal Assent to an Act for raising Money by Pole and otherwise towards the Reducing of Ireland an Act for preventing Doubts and Questions concerning the Collecting the Publick Revenues and a private Act to Sell Lands for Paying of Debts c. For the better Supply and Support of Their Majesties Navies Two Proclamations were Issued out one to Prohibit Seamen from Serving Foreign Princes and the other for Prohibiting them from Deserting Their Majesties Navies and His Majesty having been pleased to call by His Writ divers worthy Persons to take upon them the State and Degree of Serjeants at Law they performed the Ceremony with all the Decency and Grandure that usually attends it and gave Rings with this Motto viz Veniendo Restituit Rem and the King was further pleased to Constitute Sir John Holt Lord Chief Justice of the King 's Bench. Sir William Dolbin Sir VVilliam Gregory Giles Eyers Esq Justices of the same Sir Henry Pollexfen Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas Sir John Powel Thomas Rokeby Esq Peyton Ventris Esq Justices of the same Sir Robert Atkins Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Sir Edward Nevill Nicholas Lechmer Esq John Turton Esq Barons of the same John Trenchard Esq Chief Justice of Chester Sir George Treby His Majesty's Attorney General John Summers Esq His Majesties Solicitor General During these things the French Fleet attempting to Land Forces in Ireland Admiral Herbert with a Squadron of the English Ships stood over to Kingsale on the 24 th of April in hopes to meet them and on the 29 th his Scouts made a Signal that they discovered a Fleet keeping their Wind which caused the Admiral to keep His all Night to hinder them getting into Kinsale and the next Morning had notice they were gone into Baltimore being 44 Sail whereupon he stood away towards the place but not finding them there the Scouts however got sight of them again in the Evening to the Westward of Cape clear whereupon steering after them it was sound they had got into Bantry so that the English Ships lay off the Bay all Night and by break of Day stood in where they found them at Anchor who presently got under Sail and bore down upon the English in a Line of 28 Men of War and five Fireships and when they came within Musquet-shot of the Defiance being the head-most of the English the French Admiral put out the Signal of Battle which they began with small and great Shot and the English made several Boards to gain the Wind or engage them close but that way of working not being advantageous the English Admiral stood off to Sea as well to have got his Ships into a Line as to have gained the Wind of the Enemy but the French were so cautious in bearing down that this advantage and opportunity could not be obtained so that our Admiral continued Battering upon the Stretch 'till Five in the Afternoon at what time the French tacked and stood further into the Bay and the English Admiral 's Ship and some of the rest being disabled in their Rigging could not follow them but continued some time before the Bay and gave them a Gun at parting In this Action Capt. George Aylmer of the Portland with 1 Lieutenant and 9 Seamen were Killed and about 250 Wounded and of the French without doubt a greater number and not without good Supposition one of their great Ships sunk although they had double the number of Ships and the advantage of the Wind. Upon this further Invasion of the French King made upon the Kingdom of Ireland Their Majesties of Great Brittain delayâ—ed no longer to Publish Their Declaration of War against him Given at Hampton-Court the 7 th of May 1689. Seting forth Reasons that moved Their Majesties to denounce War and the Unjust and Perfideous Dealings of the French King c. as well against Their Majesties Subjects in Europe as in America c. And to prevent upon this Rupture any Disturbance from Papist's an Act Intituled an Act for the better Securing the Government by Disarming Papist's and Reputed Papist's passed And now the Case of Algernoon Sidney Esq who lost his Head on Tower-Hill being before the Parliament amongst other Acts one was passed for Anulling and making Void his Attainder Collonel Lundy who had been Appointed Governour of London Derry in Ireland forsaking that place as supposing it not Tenable upon the Approach of the Irish Army and it being likewise left by Coll Richards and Collonel Coningham who brought back the Regiments under their Commands the Inhabitants and such as came in Arms from other Parts to Assist them Resolving however upon their Defence Choose that Brave Gentleman Mr. George Walker a Minister of their Governour and Major Baker his Assistant who although the Irish took Kilmore a Fort that lies advantageous to it defended they it almost to a Miracle against above 30000 Men till it was Relieved by Major General Kirk with Provision by Water the Inhabitants and Garison having Eat all manner of unclean things as Dogs Cats Rats Mice c. And thereupon the Enemy having lost a great number of Men and some of their best Commanders found themselves constrained to raise the Siege after they had lain before it Battering with their Cannon and Casting in Bombs from the 19 th of April to the end of August and a great party of the Protestants Fortifying themselves in the Isle of Inch and other Places made a Resolute defence beating off such as were sent to Attacque them and frequently taking great Booties by which means they Subsisted and held out till they were Succour'd and Recruted from England About this time the Papist's were commanded by Proclamation to leave London and Ten Miles about it unless such as were Excepted in an Act for this purpose and we had the happy News of the taking two French Men of War by the Nonsuch Frigate as likewise a Privatier and several of their Merchants by other English Frigates and Vessels On the 11 th of May â—he Commissioners Appointed to