like was never in England seene before for State and Magnificence and afterward were Royally entertained by the Lord Mayor of London with a stately Feast and Banquet 1634. The English Coast was much perplext with Pirates of severall Nations and the Kings Dominion in the narrow Seas evidently usurped by the Dutch and defended by Grotius in his book Entituled Mare Liberum which was exactly Answered by the Learned Selden in his Book Entituled Mare Clausum The Exchequer at that time was very much drained The King having tyed himselfe up by granting the Petition of Right could not tax or levy money without consent of Parliament and how to expect it from them with whom he had parted so fouly he could not imagine He declares his Intentions to his Attorney Noy together with the Necessity of raysing money but desires it to be done Legally who after much study and paines finds out an ancient president of raising a Tax for setting forth a Navy in case of danger without a Parliament The King was very glad of it Writs were Instantly Issued out to the Sea-port Townes to raise money for a certaine number of Ships well provided for the safety of the Nation they complained that it equally concern'd the whole Nation upon which a Tax was laid throughout the whole Kingdome every one endeavoured to excuse it and some alledged it was against the Petition of Right it being done out of Parliament which begat a great quarrell Great Contest happened in Ireland this yeare between the Protestants and Papists which occasioned the Lord Strafford then Lord Deputy to summon a Parliament for the raysing of moneys for the payment of the Army and the Kings Revenue which was managed with so much wisdome and prudence by the Lord Deputy that he obtained his desire There was likewise a Synod called wherein the Articles of 1615 were repealed and the 39 Articles of the Church of England established in their room they did likewise unanimously declare their consent and agreement with the Church of England in the profession of the same Christian faith The Scots were now Hatching mischievous designes against the King which they colour'd with specious pretences as The Kings endeavouring to Intrench on their Liberties and after some time were so Insolent as to charge the King with favouring of Papists in a desperate Libell which by the care and diligence of the Lords of the Councell was supprest the Author was discovered to be one Hagge and the principall abettor the Lord Bellamore who being found Guilty received the sentence of death but upon his application to the Kings mercy was pardoned The 29 of September by the procurement of the Earle of Arundell one Robert Parr aged 160 was brought to London one of the wonders of this last age In November following the Prince Elector came to London to tender his respect to his Uncle and to solicite touching his restitution and not long after came his second Brother Prince Robert On the 28 of December 1635. was borne the Kings second Daughter and was the second of January baptized Elizabeth March the sixth William Juxson Lord Bishop of London was made Lord Treasurer a man of great Piety and Integrity At this time if ever might England be said to be in a happy condition the Church the most Glorious and splendid that ever was since the Apostles times the Civill Government managed by a King who for piety and morality was not Inferiour to any in the Christian world Incompassed about with peace on all sides what mortall would ever have imagined that this bright Sun-shine of Felicity should be so soone Eclipsed William Land Lord Archbishop of Canterbury taking notice of the carelesse observance of the Ecclesiasticall Canons which he strictly put in practice in his solemne Visitation and in his zeale gave order for the Removing of the Communion Table to the East end of the Church upon an ascent and to be rayled In to prevent profanation which gave great distast to the puritan party who charg'd him with Innovation 1636. In July set forth the Kings Royall Fleete to scowre the Seas of Pirates and to prevent the Intrenching of the Hollander in Fishing upon our Coasts which was effected but by their humble Request the King Indulgently Granted them Liberty In September the Earle of Arundell was sent Extraordinary Ambassadour attended by a Noble Traine to the Emperour to solicite in behalfe of the Prince Elector who being wearied with delayes return'd in a discontent The unhappy Controversie of Ship-money began now to be disputed The Writs for raysing Ship-money having been formerly Issued out divers refused to pay among the rest Mr. Hamden of Buckingham-shire by wilfull default refused and desired it might be argued in Law which occasioned the King to write a Letter to Sir John Brampston Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench Sir John Finsh Lord Chiefe Justice of the Court of Common Pleas Sir Humphry Davenport Baron of the Exchequer and to the rest of The Judges of the severall Courts to know their opinion who joyntly and severally gave their opinion that it was Lawfull upon which Processe is immediately Issued out against Mr. Hamden who demurr'd and desired the Judges opinion which was argued in the Exchequer the Major part was for the King onely Judge Crooke and Judge Hutton seemed to favour the other party but Judgement was past by the Barons against Hamden On the 17 of March 1636. was borne Anne the Kings third Daughter In June following Mr. Prin Dr Bastwick and Mr. Burton three violent and restlesse spirited men were sentenc'd in the High Commission Court for seditious and scandalous Libells by them made and disperst against the Bishops and their Ecclesiastical Government which sentence was by some accounted harsh and severe The King knowing the necessity of a mutuall Compliance in matters of Religion and understanding his Fathers Intention in composing a Liturgy for the Church of Scotland Orders the Bishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Ely together with diverse other Bishops of both Nations to revise and correct as they should think meete the Service Compiled in his Fathers life time which very little differ'd from that of England orders it to be sent to the Councell in Scotland to be made use of When on the 23 of July 1637 the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in St Giles Church a suddain uproar began by the women and baser sort of people The Bishop appointed to preach goes into the Pulpit hoping to convince them of their Irreverend Carriage which nothing prevailed for they were the more Insolent flinging stones stooles and what ever else came next to hand so that he hardly escaped with life Diverse other Churches were likewise Infested with the like fury and madnesse but by the Industry of the Archbishop of St Andrews Lord Chancelour and other Magistrates the tumult was appeased some were afterward apprehended and endeavours made to finde out the first beginner But it rested
and took notice how they had taken the Government all in pieces how that a skilfull Watch-maker to clense his Watch will take it asunder and when it is put together it will goe better provided no pin be omitted Now I have done this on my part you know what to doe on yours reposing Great Trust and confidence in your affection The passing of this Bill was by wise men thought to be none of the least of his failings Judge Barkly was by the Usher of the black Rod arrested as he sat on the Kings Bench for high treason Thomas Earle of Strafford was next brought upon the stage the Articles exhibited against him were from 14 made 28. and on the 22 of March 1640. his Triall began The place appointed was Westminster-Hall where scaffolds were raised on both sides nine degrees in height The two uppermost for the Scotch Commissioners and the Irish Lords In the midst in a lower ascent sat the Peeres of the Realme a Throne also was erected for the King but he never appear'd publiquely but was every day of the Triall in a Close Gallery to heare and observe the whole proceedings and took notes The Earle of Arundell was Lord High Steward and the Earle of Linsey Lord High Constable The Charge was principally managed by Mr. Glin and Mr. Maynard both Members of the Commons House fifteene dayes together was the Earle arraigned and gave in his answer to every particular Charge The Commons Charge him afresh by Mr. Pim concerning some Notes taken by Secretary Vane which were discover'd by his son of his telling the King be had an Army in Ireland which his Majesty might Imploy to reduce this Kingdome to obedience He is againe call'd to the Barre and Mr. Glin and Mr. Pim endeavour to prove him Guilty by Law They extend his Crimes and make him as Odious as possible they can The Earle moves for Councell which the Peeres could not in reason deny The Commons oppose but after three dayes contest the Peeres prevaile Councell is assign'd him viz. M. Lane The Princes Atturney Mr. Gardner Recorder of London Mr. Loe and Mr. Lightfoote and Saturday the 17 of Aprill was appointed for him and his Councell to appeare where his Councell argued his case in Law that day they adjourn not appointing any time for their next meeting The Commons House Vote him Guilty of high Treason upon the evidence of Sir Henry Vanes notes which Bill of Attainder was sent up to the Lords which in their House was much opposed Some few dayes after Mr. St John The Kings Soliciter was sent by the Commons to the Lords to Justifie the Bill by Law which accordingly was by him performed in Westminster-Hall The Earle being present and The King in his accustomed place The Peeres in their House proceed to Condemnation The King having notice of it on the first of May Calls both Houses together where he declares that he had been present at the whole Triall and that in Conscience he could not condemne him of high Treason He likewise in Vindication of the Earle declares 1. That he never had any Intention to bring over the Irish Army nor ever was advised by any body so to doe 2. That there never was any debate before him either in publick Councell or private Committee of the disloyalty of his English subjects And that though he could not in Conscience condemne him of high Treason yet he could not cleare him of misdemeanours He desired them to consider what a tender Conscience was and that to satisfie his people he would doe much but in this of Conscience neither fear nor any other respect should make him goe against it He desired them to find out some middle way and was of opinion that for misdemeanours he thought him not fit to serve him or the Common-wealth in any place of trust no not a Constable This speech gave much discontent to both Houses Sunday May the second The Prince of Orange was married to the Lady Mary at White Hall with Great solemnity and triumph The next day diverse seditious persons had stirred up the multitude to the number of 5000 or 6000. who in a Tumultuous manner came arm'd to Westminster crying out for Justice to be executed on the Earle committed outrages on divers Lords but by faire promises of my Lord Chamberlain they were appeased They likewise posted at Westminster Hall Gate and the Exchange a Catalogue of those that opposed the Bill of Attainder under the title of Strafordians The fift of May a Motion was made in the House for a loan of 650000 l. to be Lent till it was Levied by Subsidy provided the King would pass a Bill not to adjourne prorogue or dissolve this Parliament without the consent of both Houses upon which Motion a Bill was order'd to be drawne up The Lords by advice of the Judges Vote the Earle Guilty of the 15 and 19 Articles And at a Conference of both Houses it was ordred That some Lords be sent to the King with the two Bills one for executing the Earle The other for continuance of this Parliament which accordingly was done on Saturday and The King promised his answer on Monday All the Sabbath day he was much perplext within himselfe The Clamours of the multitude were great he sends for the Judges to advise summons the Privy Councell and with them spends much time in arguing the Case sends for five Bishops viz. London Lincolne Carlile Durham and Bishop Vsher who for Law wholly remit him to the Judges and for Conscience he having heard the whole proceedings if he conceiv'd him Guiltlesse he ought not to condemne him The Judges in part satisfie the King by declaring that he was Guilty of high Treason The Earle himselfe that day writ a Letter with his own hand To set his Majesties Conscience at Liberty humbly requesting him to prevent such mischiefes as might ensue upon his refusall to pass the Bill and That his consent herein should acquit him to God more then all the world beside Munday the 10th of May his Majesty being wearied with complaints granted a Commission to the Earle of Arundell Lord Privy Seale Lord Chamberlain and others to pass the two Bills The next day being much afflicted in his spirit he wrote to the Lords and sent it by the Prince wherein he requests That although he had past the Bill of Attainder against The Earle yet desir'd to shew mercy by letting that unfortunate man to end his life in Close Imprisonment but if no lesse then life can satisfie my people I must say Fiat Justicia The Postscript was If he must die it were Charity to reprieve him till Saturday The House returnd answer that his request could not possibly be admitted without apparent danger to Him his Wife and Children On Wednesday the 12 of May he was brought from the Tower to the scaffold on Tower-hill attended by Bishop Vsher where he made his last Speech to the people Protesting his Innocency in
was largely contributed by the Gentry and offers the Crowne Lands in Morgage to ease the Country of the burthen of taxes and free Quarter The Earle of Lindsey is chosen Generall for the King and the Generall Rendevouz of his Forces was appointed at York The Earle of Essex Generall for the Parliament appointed a Rendevouz of all the Parliament Forces at Northampton being about 20000 Horse and foote who gave stirct Charge to restraine all prophaness and disorders in their Army He divided his Army into severall bodyes to prevent the Roving of Prince Rupert and to find out the King from Northampton he marches to Coventry thence to Warwick Worcester was possest by Sir John Byron a skirmish happened betwixt Prince Rupert and Mr. Fines Collonell Sands Captain Hales and others Thus the Prince came out of Worcester into a greene Meadow resolv'd to fight those he could first meete withall The passage to the Meadow was narrow Collonell Sands being over-valiant Charg'd with his Regiment before the rest could come up both sides being equall in number fought with Great resolution but the prince fearing the Generalls approach retired into Worcester though with some loss in the Reare being pursued through the Towne by the Parliaments Forces Collonell Sands and Sergeant Major Duglaas were slaine at the first Charge There was found dead in all thirteen person The Prince marcht immediately to Ludlow and the King with some horse marcheth into Wales and made a Speech full of protestations to the Gentry of Denbighshire and Flintshire and returnes to Shrewsbury where his strength much increased being 16000 foote and 5000 Horse and Dragoones Both Armies think of providing winter Quarters Collonell Essex with two Regiments of foote is appointed Governour of Glocester but not long after was order'd to Bristoll The towne being divided and hearing of his coming began to mutiny but he had a party which opened the gates to him in the night and surpriz'd the Mutiners Upon Essex Removall from Glocester Collonell Massey was appointed Governour The Earle of Essex sends horse and soote to the Lord Wharton to make a body to prevent the Cavaliers going to Wollverhampton The King being at Shrewsbury summons the County to bring horse and carts for his removall who marches neer Coventry and that night lay at Southam The King so exceedingly increased in strength that he caused feare in those at London who order all the trained bands of London and the adjacent Counties to be in readiness and to set up Posts and Chaines in all the passages into the City and order twelve Companies out of London for the security of Windsor Castle The Parliament Vote that it was and should be lawfull for all Counties in England to enter into a mutuall association for the defence each of other The danger that the Parliament apprehended was reall for the King had gotten between the Earle of Essex and London and they conjectur'd it more fesable forhim to attempt London then fight the Army Yorkshire at that time abounded with Cavaliers commanded by the Earle of Cumberland Sir Francis Wortley Sir Marmaduke Langdale and Sir Thomas Glenham In Cornwall there was a considerable strength for the King who were commanded by Sir Ralph Hopton In Wales they began to body besides the Army the King Commanded and a great body of horse commanded by Prince Rupert The King with an Army of 14000 foote and 4000 Horse and Dragoones came on Saturday the 22 of October within six miles of Keynton and quarter'd his Army at Crepeda and Edghill The Earle of Essex quarter'd at Keinton with his Army On Sunday the 28. both Armies draw up in a body The King having the advantage of a high hill called Edg Hill at the foote of which was a vale call'd the Vale of the red horse where Essex his Army was drawne up upon a Rising Ground in Battalia three Regiments of horse on the right wing commanded by Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Belford and the Lord Fielding Sir John Meldram commanded the Van the Generall Collonell Hollis and the Lord Brooks in the Reare on the left wing twenty Troops of Horse commanded by Sir James Ramsey The Earle of Lindsey was Generall for the King but the Battaile was order'd by the Lord Ruthen Earle of Forth The Generall on foote led on the maine body of the Army with a pike in his hand The Earle of Essex shewed personall Valour till he was disswaded not to expose himselfe to danger and so retir'd to the body The Forlorn on the Kings side was commanded by Major Backstake and Captain Hamond who being come downe to the bottom of the hill charg'd the Parliaments Forlorn which was no sooner done but the Kings Canons began to play Prince Rupert Generall of the Horse Commanded the Right wing Charg'd furiously the Left wing of Essex his Army and Routed them pursuing them to Keinton Towne tooke the Carriages the Earles Waggons and Cloak-bag being too Eager of the plunder The Earle of Lindsey being too adventurous was kil'd and by reason of the absence of Prince Rupert the maine body of the Kings was assaulted with great fury and his Standard taken Sir Edmund Varney the Standard-bearer being kil'd which was afterwards retaken by an unknown person and convey'd away The foote on both sides Charge with equall Valour untill the night came on which parted the fight Both Armies continue in the field all night and the next day the King made Proclamation of pardon to such as would lay down their armes and submit The Victory was much disputed both sides returning thanks to God for Victory Indeed there was reall signes of Victory on both sides by the taking of Colours and Canons of equall number And although the Parliament lost more men yet the King lost more men of quality The number of the slaine was computed to be between five and six thousand The Kings Army drew off toward Keinton and the Earle of Essex withdrew toward Warwick In Examining the Earle of Essex his Cabinet they discover'd one Blake that attended the King to be Treacherous by holding a Correspondency who was immediatly condemn'd by a Councell of War and hang'd in the high way On the Parliaments side were slain of note the Lord St John Collonell Ch. Essex Lieutenant Collonell Ramsey The Parliament take care to recruite their Army by giving Liberty to apprentices to serve their time in the war which occasion'd very many to leave their trades and repaire thither They likewise solicite the Scots to raise and Army for their own defence The King on the other side sends a Declaration to his Councell in Scotland Stating the quarrell betwixt him and his Parliament requiring their assistance The King and Prince Rupert repaire neer London with a flying Army which occasioned the Parliament to provide for their own safety The Earle of Essex likewise drew neer to the City quartering his men at Acton and the places adjoyning The Kings Artiffery with some Troopes of Horse
Bar and likewise the Lord Fairfax 1000 l. per Annum The Scots being encouraged by the Votes of the House pretend that Scotland was much exhausted by the late war and that his Majesties presence in Scotland might endanger the peace of that Nation so that it may truly be said of him as the Scripture expresseth of our Lord and Saviour He came to his own and his own received him not At last it was concluded 100000 l. to be told at York sealed and put in boxes The Scots to give Hostages to deliver up Newcastle Tinmouth and all other Garrisons thereabout the other 100000 l when they shall goe on the other side of Tine The other 200000 l. to be secured to be paid out of Delinquents estates They to deliver up the King and depart home and quit all their Garrisons The Assemblyes Confession of Faith was Voted by the House to be printed And likewise an Ordinance past for continuing the Army under Sir Thomas Fairfax for six moneths and the disbanding Major Generall Masseys Brigade The Common Enemy being quite beaten out of the field there hapned sad divisions in the Parliament and Army at home They were distinguished into two severall parties under the title of Presbyterian and Independent the Independent being the most subtill and close Insinuated into the most part of the Army and carried on their designes with greater Vigor and Resolution then the other as the sequell will manifest The King from Newcastle on the 20 of December 1646. sends a Message to both Houses of Parliament at Westminster and to the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland for a personall Treaty Charles R. His Majesties thoughts have been alwayes sincerely bent to the peace of his Kingdomes was and will be ever desirous to take all wayes that might most clearely make appeare the candor of his Intentions to his people and to this end could find no better way then to propose a personall and free debate with his two Houses of Parliament upon all the present differences yet finding very much contrary to his expectation that this offer was laid aside His Majesty beat all his thoughts to make his Intentions fully knowne by a particular answer to the Propositions deliver'd to him in the name of both Kingdomes the 24 of July last and that his Majesty plainly saw that whatsoever answer he could give was subject to mis-informations and mis-constructions which upon his own explanation he is confident will give good satisfaction for the setling of a lasting peace to which purpose his Majesty desireth to come to London or any of his Houses thereabouts upon the publick faith and security of his two Houses where by his personall presence he may not onely raise a mutuall confidence betwixt him and his people but also have those doubts cleared and those difficulties explained to him assuring them that he will make no other demands but such as he believes confidently to be just and such as will tend much to the tranquility of the people for except King and people have reciprocall care each of other neither can be happy To conclude it is your King that desires to be heard the which if refused to a subject by a King he would be thought a tyrant for it wherefore his Majesty requests you to accept this offer and that it will be the readiest way to make these Kingdomes a Comfort to their Friends and a Terror to their Enemies The Lords and Commons after some time sent a Letter by Sir Peter Killigrew in answer to the Kings Message Both Houses Voted his Majesty to come to his House at Holmbey in Northampton-shire a House not Inferior to any in the Kingdome They likewise Vote that the Earle of Pembrooke the Earle of Denbigh and the Lord Mountague Sir Walter Earle Sir John Holland Sir James Harrington Sir John Cooks Mr. Crue and Major Generall Browne with Mr Marshall and Mr Caryl to attend them be sent as Commissioners to receive the King at Newcastle and to conduct him to Holmbey They likewise orderd diverse servants to attend him The sixt of February 1646. The Scots according to agreement quit Newcastle and the English possest it they likewise deliver'd up his Majesty to the Commissioners sent by the Parliament his Majesty seemed somewhat unwilling at first to goe to Holmbey rather choosing to goe to Newmarket but after a short time he was satisfied but by no meanes he could be drawne to heare Mr. Marshall or Mr. Caryl preach hoping they will allow him his Conscience Munday the 8 of February his Majesty with a sad and sorrowfull Countenance set forward with the Commissioners attended with 900 Horse and that night came to Durham on thursday to Aukland fryday to Richmond saturday to Rippon and there rested the Sabbath day Munday to Leeds tuesday to Wakefeild wednesday to Rotheram so to Mansfeild thence to Leicester where he stays the next Lords day on Munday He sets forward for Holmbey whither being no sooner come but Proclamation is made that none that had deserted the Parliament and assisted the King should presume to come neare his Majesty Sir Thomas Fairfax came to Leicester with a considerable part of the Army where he was met with the Mayor and Aldermen in state His Majesty sent a Letter to the House to request his Chaplains to be sent to him he named twelve viz. Bishop of London Bishop of Salisbury Bishop of Peterborough Dr Shelden Dr March Dr Sanderson Dr Bayly Dr Hamond Dr Beà le Dr Haywood Dr Fuller Dr Taylor but desired any two hearing no answer he sent a second Letter but still they delayed sending an answer The 25 of February his Majesty at the Commissioners request kept the fast ordred by the Commons it hapning on the same day that he had appointed for the Calamities of Ireland February the 28 his Majesty was pleased to bestow a visit on the Earle of Pembrooke who was at that time dangerously sick His Majesty made a Resolution to keep every fryday a day of solemne fasting and humiliation The Commons Vote and Order what Garrisons shall be slighted and which continued The Parliament Vote likewise the remainder of the Army to disband all but those that were appointed for Ireland and the severall Garrisons Upon which diverse Petitions came in from severall Counties to the Generall not to disband till such time as he had fully settled the Kingdome whereupon immediately the Army had a Randevouz and draw up a Petition to be presented to the Parliament That their arreares might be payd An act of Indempnity passe to secure them that the foote might not be compeld to serve out of the Kingdome that the widdowes and children of such as had lost their lives in the service might be provided for which Petition was presented by Colonell Hamond Colonell Rich and Colonell Ireton The Parliament shewed their dislike of the Petition and Vote that those that shall continue in this disturbing condition shall be proceeded against as
Earle of Warwick Earle of Manchester Vicount Say and Seale Lord Wharton and Lord Roberts For the Commons Mr Perepoint Mr Nathaniell Fines Sir Henry Vane senior Sir Arthur Haslerig Sir Gilbert Gerard Sir William Ermine Sir John Evelin Sir Henry Vane junior Sir William Waller Mr Crew Mr Soliciter St John Mr Wallop Mr Samuel Browne Lieutenant Generall Cromwell A Generall Councell of the Army being met at Windsor they were very Joyfull and unanimously approv'd of the Votes of the House touching his Majesty and ordred two Declarations to be drawne up one to shew their good liking of the Houses proceedings with promise to ayd and assist them in setling the Kingdome yea without the King or against the King the second for the maintenance of the Peerage of England with Resolution to stand by Lords and Commons to the last man On the 17 of January the Votes for non-addresses past the Lords House They Ordred Colonel Barksteds Regiment to quarter in White Hall Colonel Rich his Regiment of Horse to quarter in the Mews His Majesty having heard of the Resolves of both Houses continues very chearfull and is much retired The Scots Commissioners desire leave to Returne The House of Lords added four of their order to the Committee of Darby-House Viz. the Earle of Salsbury the Lord Mograve Earle of Denbigh and Lord Howard The Earle of Pembrooke was Voted Chancellor of Oxford Both Houses Vote that the Committee of Darby-House have plenipotence to order the dispose of the Army Commanded by Sir Thomas Fairfax as they shall thinke fit The Commons consider'd of Commissioners to goe to Scotland to acquaint the Parliament of Scotland with the miscarriages of their Commissioners here And Order Mr Goodwin Mr Ashurst Mr Brian Stapleton and Colonel Birch to receive their Instructions from the Committee of Darby-House The Lords joyne the Earle of Nottingham and the Earle of Stamford to goe with them The second of February the Commons past an Order that all the servants lately made by the Commissioners attending his Majesty be removed and that the Generall Sir Thomas Fairfax place such about his Majesty as he should thinke fit provided they exceed not thirty They likewise order'd a Declaration to be drawne up to satisfie the Kingdome of the Grounds and Reasons of their passing the Votes for non-addresses The 21 of February Judge Jenkins was brought to the Bar of the House where he refused to kneele a Charge was read against him That he had condemn'd or pasT sentence upon men to be hang'd drawne and quarter'd for not assisting against the Parliament That he tooke up Armes himselfe that he stir'd up others to levy war and assist against the Parliament that he accused the Parliament and charg'd them with counterfeiting the Great Seale and bein requir'd to speak what he had to say for himselfe he answer'd that they had no power to try him he assur'd with confidence the Militia was in the King alone he said Kings did not formerly covenant to maintaine the Law but onely to be mercifull to the people He endeavoured to terrifie the Parliament with his Majesties numerous Issue in Geniollogy he pray'd the Laws might be protected he saith there can be no Laws without a King and that there is none in Venice nor the Vnited Provinces for his ill deportment and words which were indeed a breach of the priviledge of the House he was fined 1000 l. and the House Voted a Charge to be brought in against him His Majesty at Caresbrooke Castle is very much dejected and discontented at his confinement and the removall of his old servants he will not permit his haire nor beard to be medled withall but by a Barbar of his own choosing by which meanes he is growne very hairy The Scots Commissioners Report to their Parliament much to the prejudice of the Parliament of England touching their proceedings with the King The Lords and Commons Concur that no forces be raised in London nor ten miles round but by speciall warrant from the Committee of Darby-House The House being Inform'd that one Colonell Poyer Governour of Pembroke Castle had refused to deliver it up being required thereunto by Letters from the Generall Order that if the said Colonell Poyer shall not within twelve houres after notice hereof surrender the Castle with all the Armes and Ammunition therein that then the said Colonell Poyer and all that shall adhere to him are hereby declared Traytors and Rebells and the Generall is hereby required to reduce the said Castle and to bring the said Colonell Poyer and his adherents to Justice and the Generall was requir'd to send this Order that the Colonell might not plead excuse Colonell Langhurne likewise raised a body of men and came to the assistance of Colonell Poyer and had gathered together a considerable body of men neere 2000 Horse and foote They publish a Declaration of their Resolutions to establish his Majesty in his full power and dignity The Generall Order'd thirty Companyes of Horse and foote to suppresse them under the Command of Colonel Horton The King though set aside and confin'd to the Isle of Wight was more formidable this Summer then ever he was since the beginning of the late troubles for the very name of a King was now grown into great credit with the people throughout the Kingdome and by it not onely tumults but Armyes were raised A mutiny hapned at Bury about a Maypole some discontented persons declare for the King the House order the Generall to send some forces who besieged it and after some time was delivered up to mercy Chepstow was likewise surprized for the King On the 22 of Aprill the Earle of Northumberland Inform'd the House of the escape of the Duke of Yorke from St James's The manner thus The Earle went as his custome was to attend the Duke at eight a clock at night after some stay the Duke came from his brothers Chamber when the Earle was gone the Duke went out againe as his manner was in way of play to obscure himselfe that his Gentlemen might seeke him which accordingly they did but could not find him upon search they Informe the Earle who upon enquiry dilcovers that he had borrowed the Key of the Garden doore the day before of the Gardner as also there was discovery made of his footsteps The Parliament in Scotland order a Committee for safety who advise that an Army of 40000 men be forthwith Levied for the preservation of his Majesty and Kingdome of Scotland notwithstanding diverse Lords Knights and Gentlemen Members of the Parliament Remonstrate of their utter dislike of it Immediately the Parliament of England Order the fortifying of Newcastle and Hull to prevent the Scots Invasion The Parliament men being summon'd to attend the House were cald over and found to be neere 320 men A Petition was presented to the Parliament from the City Requiring the Armyes removall from the City and that the Posts and Chaines may be put up for the
the Country people in Armes on their own defence seaze on diverse straglers many expecting no good leave him at last he moves toward Staffordshire Severall parties of Horse were sent after them one meets with Middleton who commanded 400 Horse falls on him disperst his company and took him prisoner Sir Marmaduke Langdale is appareheded in an Inne The Duke sent to the Lord Gray for a Cessation and to render himselfe prisoner to him which accordingly he did Immediately Commissioners are appointed by the Parliament to examine him Colonell George Monroe being newly come into England with a considerable body for a reserve understanding the totall defeat of Hamilton returnes back into Scotland and not long after came the Marquesse of Argile Lord Louden Leaven and other of the Nobility to Lieutenant Generall Cromwell to manifest their utter dislike of Hamiltons coming with an Army and Monroes endeavours to Levy Forces for the prosecution of the War and to desire his assistance against him To which the Lieutenant Generall return'd answer of his wiilingnesse to assist them and to joyne with them to subdue Monro and that he did really believe that God gave the Dukes Army into the hands of those under his Command to make way for the reliefe of the faithfull in Scotland he forthwith communicates it to the House who accordingly Vote that they approve of his Entring Scotland for the assistance of those that endeavour'd to oppose Hamiltons Levies The Parliament Orders so many of the Scots prisoners being in all 15000 that were forc't away be sent home in regard of the dearnesse of provissions The rest to be sent to severall parts abroad The King from Caresbrooke August 28. 1648. sent a Letter to the Speakers of both Houses thus My Lord and Mr Speaker I have receiv'd your Letter of the 25 of this moneth with the Votes that you sent me and though they are not so full as I could have wisht to the perfecting of a Treaty yet because I conceive by what you hav done that I am in some measure fit to begin on such is my uncessant and earnest desire to give a peace to these my now distressed Kingdomes as I now accept the Treaty therefore desire that such five Lords and ten Commons as my two Houses shall appoint be speedily sent fully Anthorized and Instructed to treat with me not doubting but what is now wanting will at our meeting upon debate be fully supplied not onely to the furtherance of this Treaty but also to the Consummating of a safe and well-grounded peace So I rest your good Friend Charles R. Indorsed For the Earle of Manchester Speaker of the House of Peeres pro tempore and William Lenthall He likewise Inclosed the Names of those persons which he desir'd might attend him most whereof were Granted him The Towne of Colchester having held out the longest siege of any Towne in England since the first beginning of the troubles in Expectation of Relief from the North but the Scots Colours being brought before the Towne totally disappointed them of their Expectation and being by famine the sorest of Calamities compeld to deliver the Towne up to mercy they having sed neere ten dayes together on Hors-flesh The Great ones endeavouring to escape were turn'd back by their own men The Towne was deliver'd up on these Conditions The Generall permitting the Common Souldiers to depart with life and the Officers to remaine at his disposall he to exempt from mercy whom he pleased the remainder to be remitted to the mercy of the Parliament The Towne to Rayse 14000 l. to preserve it from plunder And accordingly August 27. they marcht out on the Conditions above exprest The miseries of the Towne were great there being hardly so much as Hors-bread lest to have preserv'd them alive one day On the 28 of August at a Councell of War it was resolv'd that Sir Charles Lucas Sir George Lisle and Sir Barnard Jaskin a Papist be shot to death And accordingly Sir Charles Lucas was brought out into the Castle yard where he insisted upon an appeale but being deni'd he took Courage and looking death in the face with an undaunted resolution submitted himselfe Sir George Lisle was next brought forth who Kist Sir Charles being dead and after private prayer desir d a speedy death more desperate then many of the ancient Romanes on Record It s Credibly reported by Eye-witnesses that upon the very place where they were executed there groweth no grasse notwithstanding all the ground thereabout is very fertill Sir Barnard Jaskin was reprieved The Generall sent immediately a Letter to the Commons giving them an account of the whole proceedings as to Colchester as likewise certified the names of those Officers prisoners which were neere two hundred and to know their pleasure withall Telling them that to satisfie the Souldiery and to take vengeance he had caused to be shot to death Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle the first having contrary to promise falsified his word with him the second directed the shooting of poysoned bullets both being against the Law of Armes August the 31. the Commons took into Consideration the Kings Letter and those persons that he had nominated And by reason that some of them were exempted persons others prisoners or under bail they were not all allowed The rest that his Majesty had nam'd had freedom to goe The next day the Lords and Commons nominated their Commissioners to treat with his Majesty viz. The Earle of Northumberland the Earle of Pembrooke Lord of Salsbury Lord of Middlesex Lord Say and Seale for the Commons Mr Hollis the Lord Wainman Mr Perepoint Sir Harbottle Grinastone Sir Henry Vane Junior Sir John Corbet Mr Crew Mr Samuel Browne Mr Glin and Mr Bulkley The Commons order a Letter to be sent to his Majesty with the names of the Commissioners withall letting him know how far they had proceeded in the Treaty They further considered of Instructions for the Treaty and require money of the City to defray the Charge The Prince Riding in the Downs with the Revolted ships sent a summons to the Earle of Warwick to tender and submit himselfe to the Kings Majesty for the better security and settlement of the Kingdome The Lord Admirall returnes answer that God-willing he will performe the trust reposed in him and for setling the Kingdome he leaves that to the Parliament September 11. a Petition was presented to the Commons entituled The humble Petition of thousands well affected in the City of London giving diverse Reasons why they assisted them in the war with their lives and fortunes giving them to understand that they expected other meanes for a settlement then a personall Treaty as likewise taking particular notice of the severall wants and necessities of the Nation concluding that they had laid to heart the blood and losse of the people and wisht them seriously to consider whether an act of oblivion will satisfie Gods Justice and appease his wrath Which Petition
attempt it by Land Captain Burroughs an experienced Commander with a Regiment of foote was ordered for that service who managed it with so much care that a parley was immediately granted the Sea-forces being permitted to goe on shore took such liking to the Spanish wines that they grew disorderd which occasioned the Admirall to prevent further mischiefe to hasten home The Contagion raging in London Michaelmas Terme was ordered at Redding and speciall Instructions were given to the Judges to put in execution the Statutes against Recusants February the 2d 1625. was the day appointed for the Kings Coronation which was performed with all usuall and accustomed solemnity except his passage through London which saved some money the Exchequer being low A Parliament was called and met the 6 of Feb. the Commons began where they left concerning Religion the Lords present the King with a Petion concerning Grievances of their order The King promised speedy redresse Mr Pim of the Commons discovers to the House a Letter and signed to the Lord Mayor of York for reprieving some Priests and Jesuits a Committee is ordered to examine it The King being sensible of the necessities of the Kingdome demands supply and by Sir Richard Weston tells them That the Fleete was returned victualls spent and the men in great necessity for want of pay for which they were ready to mutiny which would be of dangerous consequence and that there were 40 sale ready to goe out which want a present supply that the Army on the Sea-coast wants victualls and clothes with other pressing wants and necessities In stead of a supply Mr Clement Coke a Member of the House of Commons Insolently delivers this It is better to die by a forraine Enemy then to be destroy'd at home The King being advised of it was sensibly troubled at it sends Sir Richard Weston to require satisfaction but they made very slow hast in it which occasion'd him to summon both Houses together and by the Lord Keeper delivers his mind in part to them in a large Speech much in vindication of the Duke which being ended the King spake as followeth I must withall put you in mind of times past you may remember my Father mov'd by your councel and woune by your perswasion brake the Treaties In these perswasions I was your Instrument towards him and I was glad to be Instrumentall in any thing which might please the whole body of the Realme nor was there any one then in greater favour then this man whom you now traduce and now when you find me so far intangled in war that I have no honourable nor safe retreate you make my necessity your priviledge and set what rate you please upon your supplyes a practice not very obliging toward Kings Mr Coke told you it was better to die by a forraine Enemy then to be destroy'd at home Indeed I thinke it is more honourable for a King to be invaded and almost destroy'd by a fortaine Enemy then to be dispised at home The Commons nothing startled at this made a quick reply concerning the Remonstrance the King would have them to dispatch businesse of greater concernment and there would be time enough for that But the Houses thought nothing of more concernment then proceeding against the Duke which gave occasion to the Lord Digby who long'd for nothing more then to exhibit 12 Articles against the Duke The Duke being wary and vigilant had long before provided Articles against Digby though wanting one of the others number which the next day were exhibited in Parliament Many rejoyced at it that by their quarrelling truth was discovered and they were so equally matcht that it was hard to discover which had the better of it But it rested not here for within few dayes the Commons drew up 13 Articles against the Duke presented them to the Lords and sent a message desiring he might be committed Sir Dudly Digs and Sir John Eliot two principall Actors in the Charge were serit to the Tower The House Remonstrate to the King upon which they were discharg'd the Duke having made his defence deliver'd it to the Lords who sequestred him from sitting till the tryall was over The defence was exprest with a great deale of humility and modesty But the Commons having gon so far were resolved to bring it to an upshot drew up a Declaration to back it before the subsidyes at which the King being much Incenst the next day June 15. 1626. he dissolved the House some interceding for some time he replyed No not a minute That very day was the Earle of Bristoll committed to the Tower and Proclamation for burning all Copyes of the Commons Declaration before their dissolution The breaking up of the Parliament was by some charg'd upon the Kings Indulgence toward the Duke The King of France pretending a martiall designe against Italy and the Vatoline craved of King James his ayd at whose request the King promised to lend the Vantgard a gallant Ship of the Navy Royall the Merchants on satisfaction to lend 6 more The Rotchellers being most Hugonets on pretence that the King had not slighted For Lewis according to agreement and taking the advantage of the Advance of the French Army for Italy surprized the Isle of Rhe together with many Ships that were in the Harbour King Lewis understanding of it makes what warlike preparation possibly he could requires ayd of the Dutch King Charles to performe his Fathers promise lends the Ships to King Lewis who together with the French and Dutch Ships fall on Subize the Stasiarch the chiefe Rebell retaketh his strong Holds and chaseth him to the Isle of Oleron King Charles being sensible of his Brothers mis-implying his Ships sent to demand the restitution of them who answered that his subjects detained them contrary to his mind and that he might get them as he could The King not being satisfied with this demand and wifely foreseeing it might occasion a further breach looks home and finds the French who attended the Queene very insolent who Imposed on the Queene a strange kinde of penance viz. That she should goe barefoot from Somerset-House to Tyburn Gallowes to offer up her prayers for Priests and Jesuits there executed for treason For which the King was very much discontented and on the first of January 1626. he came to Somerset-House attended by the Duke and diverse Officers of State all the Queens servants and attendants being the day before summoned to attend he spake as followeth Gentlemen and Ladyes I am driven to that Extremity as that I am personally come to acqucint you that I desire your returne for France true it is the deportment of some amongst you hath been very inoffensive to me but others againe have so dallied with my patience and so highly affronted me that I cannot I will no longer endure it Divers endeavoured to excuse themselves but the King replyed I name none the Queen endeavoured to pacifie the King but it would not
prevent his ruine they therefore desire his Majesty may come to London to treate with Honour freedome and safety and that neither he nor his Parliament be Inviron'd with Souldiers that so their consultations being free all differences may be ended by a personall Treaty the best way to settle a sure and lasting peace See the uncertainty of men in the world that those very Scots that had not long before declared that it was altogether Inconvenient for the Parliament to admit his Majesty to come to London untill he had given satisfaction to their just and reasonable desires should now desire the King to come to London which at that time swarm'd with Malignants apt for any tumult nay the Parliament it selfe at that time could not sit with safety without an Army to guard them On the 23 of November 1647. both Houses Voted not to have any personall Treaty with his Majesty Yet after three dayes debate in the House they conclude that foure Propositions be drawne up in forme of Acts to be sent to his Majesty to signe which when he had signed they would admit a personall Treaty at London The Propositions were as followeth 1. That a Bill may be past into an Act by his Majesty for setling the Militia of the Kingdome 2. A Bill be past by his Majesty calling in all his Declarations Oathes Proclamations against the Parliament and those that have adhered to them 3. To passe an Act that those Lords who were made after the Great Seale was carried to Oxford may be made uncapable of sitting in the House of Peeres thereby 4. That power may be given to the two Houses to adjurne as the two Houses of Parliament shall thinke fit On the 30 of November the King sent a Letter to the Generall and Army by Sir John Barkley desiring their furtherance of a personall treaty with a promise of Recompence when all should be setled To which answer was return'd that they had wholly left it to the Parliament and that they would be passive The Army sent a large Declaration to both Houses taxing them with neglect contrary to promise and laying forth the wants of the Army by reason they had not expedited their pay which must necessitate them to take free quarter and be burthensome to the subjects if not by them timely prevented His Majesty sent another Letter to the Lords wherein he expresseth himselfe that if any thing had been of more concernment then the peace of this Kingdome he would with patience have expected an answer to his former Letter but his tender affection to his subjects welfare hath prevalency with him to presse a personall Treaty and Intimates that if the Houses please that he come among them it will no doubt speed a good end The Lords and Commons according to their former order Vote the Lord Qenbigh and the Lord Mountague for the Upper House Mr Lisle Mr Goodwin Mr Kemp and Mr Bulncley for the Commons to carry the four Propositions to his Majesty which if he signe they will admit of a personall Treaty The Scots Commissioners likewise went to his Majesty and after some conference with him declare against the four Bills to this effect That they had endeavour'd by all wayes and meanes with the Parliament of England for the furthering of a happy peace but having seene the Propositions now brought to his Majesty they apprehend them to be prejudiciall to Religion the Crowne and the Vnion betwixt both Kingdomes and therefore in the name of the Kingdome of Scotland declare their dissent Colonell Hamond wrote a Letter to the Parliament that he could not secure his Majesty unlesse they would allow him more strength there being so great a concourse into the Isleland upon which the Commons order that his Majesties person be secured and more Forces be sent for the security of the Island The Commissioners return'd with a large Message from his Majesty shewing the Grounds and reasons why he cannot passe any thing till the whole Treaty be concluded on professing he is willing to give any reasonable satisfaction to whatsoever shall be requir'd He now againe earnestly presses for a personall Treaty of which he will not despaire there being no visible way left for the Kingdomes peace but by it However his Majesty is at peace and quietnesse within himselfe in having fulfild the offices both of a Christian and a King and will patiently waite the good pleasure of Almightie God to incline the hearts of his two Houses to consider their King and compassionate their fellow subjects miseries It s very observable that his Majesty received the Parliaments Commissioners very gratefully desiring them all to be assistants to him in promoting a wel = grounded peace the expression he said was theirs but it was a very good one he tould them there were many Interests to be considered of Viz. the Parliament Army and Scots he desir'd all might be considered but when he was inform'd of a dissenting Declaration of the Scots he tould them he was very sorry for it and he hoped they might agree in the maine though they might differ in circumstances His Majesty deliver'd his Message to the Commissioners open with Injunction to keep it secret till they had deliver'd it to the Parliament There hapned a tumult at Newport in the Isle of Wight diverse declaring for the King and one Captain Burleigh caused a drum to be beaten up for the service of his Majesty the Mayor and others that came to his assistance fell upon them disperst them took the Captain who was afterwards executed This tumult caused the Governour of the Island immediately to discharge all such as had ayded and assisted his Majesty in the late War against the Parliament Munday the third of January 1657. The Commons tok into consideration his Majesties Message and finding the same as it appeares to them not satisfactory nor that he hath any Inclination to a composure it was put to the Question Whether any addresses should be made hereafter after many houres debate it was Resolv'd That 1. No addresses shall hereafter be made to him by the Parliament of England 2. That none shall on paine of Treason make any addresse without leave from the Parliament 3. That no written Paper Message or Declaration be received from his Majesty on penalty of Treason They likewise Vote that Colonel Hamond and Sir William Constable shall have power to displace any man from his Majesty whom they shall thinke fit Immediately they take care for the managing of the affaires of the Kingdome by compleating the Committee of Darby-House who were to transact the whole businesse of the Kingdome they Vote the Earle of Kent in the roome of the Earle of Essex who was dead Mr Nathaniell Fines and Mr John Evelin in the roomes of Sir Philip Stapleton dead and Mr Glin who was sequestred the House Sir William Waller was continued The Committee being compleated were 21 in number Viz. the Lord of Northumberland Earle of Kent
which if he refuse the Charge to be taken pro Confesso and the Court proceed to Justice President Requires the King to give a positive answer and either confesse or deny it is offerd in behalfe of the Kingdome to be made good against you for the Authority of the Court they avow it and the whole Kingdome are to rest satisfied with it I therefore require your positive answer The King persisted in his former protest against the Jurisdiction of the Court and that a King could not be tryed by any superior Jurisdiction on Earth and tould them that pretend what they would be stood for their Liberties for if Power without Law may alter the fundamentall Laws of the Kingdome what subject is he that can be secure of his Life or Estate and going to shew reasons why he could not allow them a Court he was Interrupted by the President who tould him they would not allow him to dispute the Authority of the Court desiring a punctuall and direct answer The King I understand Law and reason and therefore under favour I doe plead for the Liberty of the people more then you doe and therefore if I should Impose a beliefe upon any man without reasons given for it it were unreasonable The President againe Interrupted him telling him he might not be permitted to speake of Law and reason there The Vote of the Commons of England assembled in Parliament are the reason of the Kingdome Sir you are not to dispute our Authority and it will be taken notice of that you stand in contempt of the Court and your contempt will be recorded King I doe not know how a King can be a Delinquent by any Law I ever heard of I demand to be heard my reasons if you deny that you deny reason President Sir Neither you nor any man shall be permitted to dispute the Authority of the Court further telling him that if he demurr'd to the Jurisdiction of the Court they sitting there by the Authority of the Commons of England he and all his Predecessors are responsible to them The King I deny it President You ought to disturbe or Interrupt the Court in speaking They have considerd of their own Jurisdiction King I say Sir The Commons of England were never allow'd a Court of Judicature President Sir you are not to be permitted to goe on in these discourses Then the Clarke Read as was Ordered in the painted Chamber requiring the King to answer Upon which the King promised to answer so soone as he knew the Authority of the Court. President If that be all you have to say then take away the Prisoner To which the King reply'd I require to give in my Reasons which the President would not permit The King urges againe to give in his Reasons but the President tould him his Reasons were not to be heard against the highest Jurisdiction To which the King answered shew me the Court where Reason is not to be heard The President againe commands the Prisoner to be taken away who was accordingly convey'd back to S James's The President ordered to record the default On the 23 of January 1648. The Court met againe according to the usuall manner and the Prisoner was brought with his Guard and seated in his Chaire Soliciter Cooke made a formall Speech addressing himselfe to the President and in the Close craved Judgement to be pronounced against the Prisoner The President addresses himselfe to the King and tells him That it was not for him to dispute the Jurisdiction of the supreame and highest Authority of England from whom there is no appeale and further to let him know that the Court was sensible of his delays and that they ought not to be thus trifled with and that they might in Justice take advantage of those delays and proceed to Judgement against him yet neverthelesse by direction of the Court I require a positive answer whether you are Guilty or not Guilty of the Treasons laid to your Charge To which the King reply'd when I was here last I did desire to speake for the Liberties of the people of England but was Interrupted I desire to know whether I may speake freely or not President Sir I must let you know from the Court that you are not to be permitted to run out into any discourses untill such time as you have given a positive answer to the matter that hath been Charg'd upon you The King For the Charge I value it not a rush it s the Liberty of the people I stand for I that am your King and sworne to maintaine the Laws for me to acknowledge a new Court that I never heard of here he was Interrupted Sir you ought not to Interrupt me How I came here I know not there is no Law for it to make your King your Prisoner President Sir you must know the pleasure of the Court. The King By your favour Sir President Nay Sir by your favour you may not be permitted to fall into these discourses The Court once more demands your positive answer Here the Clarke Read the same as before To which the King replyed To give satisfaction to the people of the Clearenesse of my proceedings not by way of answer but to satisfie them that I have done nothing against the trust that hath been committed to me but to acknowledge a new Court against their priviledge or to alter the fundamentall Laws of the Kingdome you must excuse me President Sir This is the third time you have disownd the Court and put an affront upon it how far you have preserv'd the priviledge of the people your actions have spoke it mens Intentions are knowne by their actions you have written your meaning in bloody Characters but Sir The pleasure of the Court is that the Clarke Record your default and you Gentlemen that take Charge of the Prisoner take him away Who was Immediately convey'd back to St James's as accustomd On the 27 of January 1648. The Court met againe in Westminster Hall being in all seventy eight Whose Names were John Bradshaw Sarjeant at Law President Oliver Cromwell Lieutenant Generall Commissary Generall Ireton Major Gen Skippon Lords Thomas Lord Gray of Groby Philip Lord Lisle Colonells Edward Whaly Thomas Harrison Isaac Ewer Thomas Pride Rowland Wilson Richard Ingolshy William Purofoy Henry Martin Hewson Edward Ludlow Robert Titchburne John Huchinson Owen Row Adrian Scroope Robert Lilburne John Harrison Richard Deane John Okey John More William Goffe John Desborough Edmond Harvey Francis Lasseley John Venne John Downes Anthony Stapeley George Fleetwood James Temple Thomas Hamond Thomas Wait. John Barkstead Godfry Boswell Mathew Tomlins Herbottle Morley Knights Sir Henry Mildmay Sir John Danvers Sir William Brereton Sir Miles Livesey Francis Thorpe Sargeant Aldermen of London Isack Pennington Thomas Atkins John Fowkes Thomas Scott Thomas Andrews Esquires Gilbert Millington John Blackstone William Heinington Cornelius Holland Miles Corbet Francis Allin John Carme John Jones Peregrine Pelham John Gowden Thomas