dispatched that businesses will goe faster on then formerly and that amongst them my Vnckles will have its turne What course will be taken in it I cannot judge but I doubt not if they make a charge such things wil be contained in it as cannot be foreseen and I fear if sombody be not there present to make a defence or disprove them they may be taken por confesso which may be a ruine to us all I know no body is able to answer but my â—nckle and my â—â—â—selfe For 〈◊〉 NOTE there is no thought of his going thither for my selfe I know no reason why I should not be there if his Majesty please to avow my â—nckle I thinke there will be no need of other answer but if he shall please to say he will first see the charge there will be â—nâ—cessity of somebodie 's being there to bring to his Majesties remembrance the grounds and reasons upon which divers things were done which must be needs slipt cut of his Majesties memory and besides there are divers papers and warranâ—s to be searcht out for my Unckles justification if his Majesty please to cause the charge to be sent hither then there will be no need of me till the answer goe backe which will be the best way of all I beseech you consider seriously of it and as soone as the businesse shall be spoken of it would not be amisse to know his Majesties pleasure in all these particulars and in the meane time be pleased to let me know your ownâ— opinion of them c. Sir Your c. R. Read Paris 31. May 1641. TOm c. my letters were sent from hence under my Lord Ambassadours cover directed to master Secretary Vane which I have hitherto sound the surest way c. I remember well I then sent you a letter for the Queen in acknowledgement of the graciâ—us remembrance her Majesty vouchsafed me by Master Mountague NOTE c. The last weeke I sent by the same way a letter to his Majesty with a Duplicate of it to you concerâ—ing the businesse wherein you had signified his Majesties pleasure to me I hope if that have fallen into other lands they will not dare to keep backe that which was directed to his Majesty whatsoever became of the rest and I rather wish you to make your addresse to my Lady of Arundell and humbly desire her Ladiship to mediate for me to my Lord. Your c. Francis Windebanke Paris 3. May 1641. TOM c. You must not faile to attend my Lord of Leicesâ—er as soone as you may and to acknowledge his great honours and favours to me you shall doe well likewise to be an humble suter to the Queen in my name NOTE that she will be pleased to take notice to my Lord of the faire and noble treatment I have received from his Lordship for her Majesties sake and upon her recommendation and this you may doe at some time when my Lord may be present and that you may be sure it may not be forgotten c. Your c. FRAN. WINDEBANKE Paris 6 May 1642. TOM c. You are now to receive a letter from Robert Read concerning a businesse which hath been lately examined in Parliament you shall doe well to acquaint his Maâ—esty with it and most humbly to crave his direction in case it shall come to a stricter inquisition as I have reason to conceive it will considering what I have formerly written to you upon this subject to be represented to his Majesty and under what malice and danger I lye for that businesse None understands mine innocency herein better thâ—â— his Majesty nor can better cleere me to whose Princely wisdome I 〈…〉 it and shall governe my selfe both in this and any thing else concerning his service wholly according to his pleasure Youâ—s c. FRAN. WINDEBANKE 〈…〉 1641. 〈…〉 upon the particular place you writ of you may easily procure upon these grounds or at least know by either of these to whom you are addressed how farre her Majesty stande engaged Sir Yours c. Robert Read Paris 28 Iune 1641. About this time Secretary Windebankes Lady and Family resolved to goe over to him into France whereupon he writ this letter to his Sonne TOM c. You must procure a Passe from his Majesty for them all and if I may know the time of her comming I will meet her at Dâ—epe If his Majesty shall make difficulty at the Passe NOTE you must beseech the Queens interposition to let them know that the little appearance of the end of my businesse hath 〈◊〉 both upon this resolution you will be her guide and I beseech God to blesse you and let and bring us happily together Your c. Francis Windebanke Paris 5. Iuly 1641. To August following Secretary Windebanke had a mind to Petition the House whose royall advice and assistance he craved had in it these ensuing letters manifest TOm c. With them I sent you a Petition to the House of Commons in my name but referred the proceeding in it to his Majesties pleasure NOTE and to such advice as you might take from some trusty friend I wish some care be taken that the Secretariet place being disposed of which if his Majesty be not good to me must be mine utter raine I may not be excluded from the generall pardon which it is likely will be granted at the end of this Session I hope you will put both their Majesties in mind hereof NOTE with some earnestnesse Your c. Francis Windâ—banke Paris 16. Aug. 1641. TOm c. I now send you a Petition which I have framed to be presented to the lower House in my name if his Majesty shall thinke fit to whose wisdome I doe most humbly submit it NOTE either to be suppressed altered or disposed of as his Majesty shall please That which hath moved me to fall upon this way is the apprehension that the House will adjourne without comming to any resolution concerning me which would be a greater punishment then otherwise in reason I can expect considering my sufferings already Howsoever by this I may perhaps make a discovery of the inclinations of the House and what ply my businesse is likely to take I wish you could communicate this to some discreet trusty secret friend before his Majesty be acquaâ—hnted with it and take deliberate advice upon it In Casâ—his Majesty approve this course you shall then beseech him to deliver the Petition to master Treasurer Master Comptroller to give them order to recommend it to the House from him with further intimation that his Majesty will take it will if the House shall grant it You are likewise to beseech the Queen to second his Majesty herein and to recommend it to Master Treasurer and Master Comptroller NOTE and any other in the House in whom her Majesty hath interest I doe not conceive that such a Petition can doe harme
the time of the Princes being in Spaine as aforesaid the Prince consulting and advising with the said Earle and others about a new offer made by the King of Spaine touching the Palatinate which was that the eldest Son of the Prince Palatine should marry with the Emperours Daughter but must be bread up in the Emperors Court The said Earle delivered his opinion that the Proposition was reasonable whereat when Sir Walter Ashton then present falling into some passion said that he durst not for his head consent unto it The Earle of Bristoll replyed that hee saw no such great inconvenience in it for that he might be there bred up in the Emperors Court in our Religion But when the extreame danger and in a manner the impossibility thereof was pressed unto the said Earle he said againe That without some such great action the peace of Christendome would never be had Which was so dangerous and desperate a councell that one so neare to the Crowne of England should be poysoned in his Religion and put into the power of a Foraigne Prince Enemy to our Religion and an unfreind to our state that the consequence thereof both for the present and future times were infinitly dangerous and yet hereunto did his disaffection to our Religion the blindnesse in his judgment caused by sinister respects and the too much regard he had to the House of Austria lead him c. Ro. Heath These Articles were exhibited against the Earle by the Kings owne speciall direction and perused corrected by him before they were put in as appeares by the Lords Iournall the Kings Atturny averring it openly in the House of Peers It seems therefore a great Wonder to many observing men that he who was thus impeached by his Majesties speciall command as the worst of Councellors and a strong perswader of him to become a professed Roman Catholik an advancer of Popery and Papists then should become his principle Cabinet Councellor to advise him to side with the Popish party in England Ireland Scotland against his Parliament and Protestant subjects now But to pretermit his present Councells which seeme to justifie the former Articles the Earle of Bristoll himselfe in his answere * In the Lords Parchment Iournall P. 249. c. to the 7th Article confesseth that there was a generall received opinion in the Spanish Court that his Majesties comming thither was with intention to become a Roman Catholike and that the Conde Gundimar that very morning pressed the Earle not to hinder so pious a worke for so he tearmed it of his Majesties conversion seemed to be assured of the Duke of Buckinghams assistance therein whereupon he told his Majesty That the Generall opinion in that Court was that his Majestyes comming thither was WITH INTENTION TO BE A ROMAN CATHOLIKE AND THERE TO DECLARE IT c. Whereupon he intreated him not to suffer his businesse to be overthrowne by permitting that conceit of his conversion any longer to remaine with the Spaniards not to do any thing that might give them hope therein alleaging that it was impossible the Mariage could be without a dispensation And so long as the Spaniard who were to procure the dispensation should have hope of his Majesties conversion they would rather clogge the Dispensation then hasten it for whiles they should have hope of all by his convertion they would never content themselves with a part to which they were tyed by the Articles agreed upon At which time his Majesty was pleased to aprove of his opinion and said he would expect the dispensatory and did thereupon afterward send Master Andrews to Rome to hasten it By all these Articles and passages it is most perspicuous that there was a professed designe in the Duke of Buckingham the Earle of Bristoll Secretary Calvert Cottington Porter Gage and other instruments who contrived the Princes dangerous Journey into Spaine to pervert the Prince in his Religion to make him and all his Children professed Roman Catholikes and the Prince Palatine too and by this meanes to set up Popery in their Dominions to suppresse the Protestant Religion and Professors of it in all places that so the Pope might become Lord Paramount over them and all their Subjects and they his sworne Vassalls How far the Archbishop was privy and assistant to this designe you may partly read in the Breviat of his life P. 3. 14. and shall heare more heareafter in its proper place What the aymes of the Pope and Spaniard were in contriving the Princes progresse into Spaine appeares First by the forementioned common report in the Spanish Court that it was to become a professed Roman Catholike c. Secondly by this notable Letter of the Pope to the Bishop of Conchen one Coppy whereof I found in the Archbishop of Canterburies Study indorsed with his owne hand and another among Secretary Windebankes and the Lord Cottingtons sequestred Papers exhorting him to take this happy opportunity to convert subject and reconcile the Prince and his Dominious to the Sea of Rome Greg. P p 15 us Venerabili Fratri Episcopo Conchen in Hispaniarum Regnis Inquisitori generali VEnerabile Frater salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem Orthodoxae Religionis tutelam faeâ—citer existimamus in amplissimis Hispaniae Regâ—â—s commendatam esse Fraternitati tuae scimus enim quà m vigilanter excubant in illustri ista statione Caveas ne ulla impiorum Dâ—gmatum monstra in ecclesiasticae vineae sepes irrepant Verum occasio tibi hoc tempore divinitus oblata est per quam pictatis tuae beneficia è regnorum istorum sinibus educere et ad exteras Nationes proferre possiâ— Accepimus istuc nuper appulisse Walliae principem Brittaniae Râ—gis silium spe ductum Catholici Matrimonij Cupimus eum non frustra commorari in illorum Regum aedibus quibus illustre Catholici Cognomentum Pontiâ—icae Authoritatis defensio et Religionis proferendae studium peperit Quare NOTE Apostolicis litteris horramur Catholicam Majstâ—tem ut eum Principem redigere suaviter coneâ—ur sub Romanae Ecclesiae ditionem cui veteres magnae Brittaniae Domini Coronatum Caput et Imperij fasces Caelo plaudente submiâ—erunt Ad hanc autem victoriam comparandam quae victis aeternos caelestis beatitudinis pollicetur triumphos atque principatus non Regalis Aeâ—arij visâ—era exhauriendâ— non saevientium militum legiones conscribendae sunt sed Arma lucis è Caelo petenda quae divini luminis splendore ejus Principis oculos alliciant atque ex illius animo errores omnes mansuetudine prostigent In ijs vero tractandis quae sit vis et ars Fraternitatis tuae jampridem accepimus NOTE Quareâ—e monemus ut ad Catholicum Regem Religiosus consiliarius accedas easque rationes dispicias quibus insigne aliquod beneficium Brittaniae Regnis et Romanae Ecclesiae in presenti rerum opportunitate comparetur Reâ— ipsa magna atque gravissima est quare eam
Members of that Nation and Kingdome and enemies unto that Religion And also that the Goods and Lands of those who would not joyne with them should be given unto him or tâ—â—m of that House or Family who would accept thereof aud joyne with them And also that untill his comming and untill they were better furnished with Armes they should not give the Kings Army and meâ—ting in the day time but should set upon them in their Quarters by night when they were wearied by marchiâ—g abroad in the Country or upon other occasions And another of this Examinants Instructions was to perswade them by all meanes that they should not mistrust or doubt of his comming for he would be with them ere long and that he had taken a great Oath that if he could not obtaine leave Note Munition and Armes from the Generall yet if all failed he would adventure him and his whole estate in that service and that if he lived he would assuredly be with them within ten weekes and would bring with him Miners Canons and Cannoneers and such other instruments as should be necessary for them And that he did wonder although there were no Miners there that his Country-men did not imploy and set on worke such persons as digged for Iron Mine or Coales And further that the Lords and Commanders of the Catholique League in Ireland should send one Patrick Heggartie a Fryer Note who had spent much time in Scotland to solicite for them there And to put the Scots in mind that they were for the most part discended from the Irish and that the Irish never drew any of their bloud And therefore that they should not offer the Irish any injury But keepe themselves quiet in their owne Country not helping the one part or the other Another of this Examinants Instructions was to perswade the Lords and great Commanders of the League that they should hold firme Note and not be deceived by the faire promises of the English or of the State in Ireland as Tirone and Tircunnell were who after they had submitted were forced to fly the Kingdome and many others beheaded and others restrained in the Tower of London untill they there dyed and lost their Lands and that they should not doubt of succour And further saith that he was directed by his said Colonel to impart these Instructions and Message unto such Lords Commanders and Gentlemen in Ireland as the said Sir Phelim O Neale Conn O Neale Brian O Neale and Hugh Birnâ— should direct and advise him unto And that at his departure from his said Colonell he the said Col. called for a Glasse of Wine and dranke the health of the said Captaine Hugh Mac Phelim Birne who he said was desigred Governour of the Fort of Duncannon in the County of Wexford And this Examinant further saith that he being directed with a Letter in December last from his Col. unto one Brian Birfield a Fryer and resident at Dunkirke for the helping of him this Examinant that he the said Fryer would make a Iourney forthwith unto Col. Owen O Neale and from him unto Col. Preston to labour the joyning together of the said Colonells to goe into Ireland to further with all the force and aide they could make the prosecution of the present warre there And further saith that in his this Examinants Voyage from Ireland he with a Fryer in his company was landed at Dover before Christmas last Note where they the said parties remained for three weekes no examination or notice being taken of them there And from thence the ship being bound for the Port of Waterford the same landed him this Examinant and the Fryer at the Port of Youghall about the beginning of Ianuary last where they were brought before the Earl of Cork and by his Lordship sent by sea unto the City of Dublin And further this Examinant saith he conceived that the said Col. Owen may be easily surprised in his passage for Ireland if he be laid for with good advisement The said Owen purposing to come with his Men Munition and Armes unto Bergam within a mile of Dunkirke which place he intends to gaine for his Garrison and to carry in Lighters the said Armes Munition and Men as secretly as he may by night unto the Ship at Dunkirke without shewing himselfe there And his pretence will be that he is imployed into Spaine And the said Col. purposeth to bring with him all the Irish Mariners which may be had about Dunkirke Note where there are store and in speciall one Captaine Donnell a sea Captaine and so to come for Ireland either by Dover or if he see cause by the North of Scotland And this Examinant further saith that he this Examinant durst not refuse to go into Ireland with the said message and instructions for fear of his said Mr. Collonell Owen O Neale well knowing of his severity But this Examinant intended to discover the same when he thought he safely might And he saith that he doth not know or hath heard of any other that was sent from his Collonell into Ireland of this message besides himself but beleeveth that some Messenger might be sent from Col Preston unto the Lords of the Pale and other Commanders in the Province of Lemster as well as he was sent by his Col unto Sir Phelim ô Neale and those of Vlster he also saith that the principall Commanders and Captaines of the Irish in Flanders are these whose Names are under written viz. Owen ô Neale Col Patrick Dovelle Serjeant Major Conn ô Neale Captain Bryan ô Neale Captain which Conn and Bryan are now in Ireland Commanders with the Rebells the rest of the Captains that are now in the Low Countries of the said Col Owen ô Neales Regiment are these viz. Melaghlin ô Moore Griffin Cavanagh Donnogh Laler Iames Dillon Stephen Delahord Nicholas Dalton George Hoverden Richard Bourke Gerrald Fitz-Gerrald Dermot Consedeu Neale ô Neale Iohn ô Neale Henry ô Neale Conn mack Neale ô Neale Bryan Roe ô Neale Iohn Donnelle adjutant Maurice ô Hean adjutant Henry Neale son to the said Col Owen Captain of a Troop of Horse David Brown Col to the said Captain Edmund Loughram Auditor in the the same Regiment Captaines of particular Companies not of any Regiment viz. Col Prestâ—â— William Butler Maurice mac Donnell Iames Geffry and one Captain Taylor Henry mac Carton Gerrald Lowther Robert Meredith BY this examination it is clear that ô Neales Regiment in Flanders consisting for the most part of Irish Papists was purposely raised to train up the Irish in armes there without any noise or suspition to surprise the Forts in that Realm and make a generall Massacre of the Protestants there when they should finde â— sitting opportunity and that Owen ô Neale in Flanders and Daniell ô Neale his Brother in England who was in extraordinary favour with His Majesty and the Queen at Court and one in Mr. Iermyns conspiracy were two of
doe and to that end Sir Phelims brother Terlagh O Neale should be sent to them and the Nuâ—ie which should be undertaken by Sir Conne Kenish and his Brothers for whom Sir Phelim in regard they were his Brothers in Law his deceased Lady being their Sister did undertake Moreover it was agreed that Sir Phelim Mr. Relly Mr. Collâ— Mac Mahone and my Brother should with all the speed they could after that day raise all the forces they could and follow us to Dublin but to arme the men and succour us and defend and Garrison the Towne and Castle and likewise Master Moore should appoint Leinster Gentry to send like supply of men Then there was feare of the Scots conceived that they should presently oppose themselves and that that would make the matter more difficult and to avoyd which danger it was resolved on not to meddle with them or any thing belonging to them and to demeane themselves towards them as if they were of themselves which they thought would pacifie them from any opposition Note and if the Scots would not accept of that offer of Amity but would oppose them they were in good hope to cause a stir in Scotland that might divert them from them and I beleeve the ground for that hope was that two yeares before in or about the beginning of the Scoâ—s troubles my Lord of Tirone sent one Torilagh O Neale a Priest out of Spaine and that this I take it was the time that he was in Treaty with Cardinall Richelieu to my Lord of Argile to treat with him for helpe from my Lord for him to come into Ireland as was said for Marriage between the said Earle and my Lord of Argiles Daughter or Sister I know not which and this Messenger was in Ireland with whom Mr. Torilagh O Neale Sir Phelims Brother had conference from whom this relation was had that said Messenger went into Scotland as I did heare from the said Mr. Neale or from Emer Mac Mahone afore named I know not from which of them but what he did there I couâ—d never heare by reason that my Lord of Tyrone was presently after killed They were the more confirmed therein hearing that my Lord of Argile did say neare on the same time as I ghesse and when the Army was raised in Ireland as I thinke to a great Lady in Scotland I know not her name but did heare that she was much imbarked in the troubles of that Kingdome Note then she questioning how they could subsist against the two Kingdomes of England and Ireland that if the King did endeavour to stir Ireland against them he would kindle such a fire in Ireland as would hardly or never be quenched And moreover they knew my Lord to be powerfull with the Ilanders Red-shankes in Scotland whom they thought would be prone and ready to such Actions they for the most parâ— disceâ—ded out of Ireland holding the Irish Language manners still and so we parted The next day being Wednesday from Lough Rosse every man went about his own task and so when I came home I acquainted my Brother with al that was done and what they had appointed him to doe and did like according as they appointed me send to Mr. Relly to let him know as much and the 18. of the same moneth I began my Iourney to Dublin and when I came to Dublin being the day before the appointed day of putting that resolution in execution there I met with Captaine Conn O Neale sent out of the Low Countries by Colonell O Neale who was sent after the Messenger sent by us formerly to the said Colonell was by him dispatched with his Answer to encourage us in our resolution Note and to speedy performance with assurance of succour which he said would not â—aile of the Colonells behalfe and for the more certainty of help from him and to assure us that the Colonell had good hopes to procure ayde from others he said that it was he himselfe that was imployed from him to Cardinall Richelieu twice that some men who gave very faire promises to assure the Colonells expectation Note with which he said that the said Colonell was really with himselâ—e assured of the Cardinalls ayde and that he was likewise commanded by the Colonell upon our Resolution of the day to give notice thereof to him and that he would be within fourteen daies over with them with ayde but he landed nine or ten daies before and meeting with Captaine Brian O Neale who made him acquainted with what was resolved he did write all the matter to Col. O Neale so as he was sure of his speedy comming and so that Evening he and I came to meet the other Gentry and there were met Mr. Moore Col. Burne Col. Pluncket Captaine Fox and other Leinster Gentry a Captaine I thinke of the Burnes but I am not sure whether a Burne or Toole and Captaine Bryan O Neale and taking an accompt of those that should have been there it was found that Sir Phelim O Neale Mr. Col. Mac Mahone did faile of sending their men and Col. Burne did misse Sir Morgan Kennanaugh that had promised him to be there but he said he was sure he would not faile to be that night or the next morning in Town and of the two hundred men that was appointed there was only eighty present yet notwithstanding they were resolved to goe on in their resolution and all the difference was at what time of the day they would set on the Castle and after some debate it was resolved in the after-noone and the rather hoping to meete the Col. there then for they said if they should take the Castle and be enforced by any extreamity for not receiving timely succour out of the Country having them they could not want and so parred that night but to meete in the morning to see further what wrs â—o be done and immediatly thereon I came to my Chamber and about nine of the clocke Mr. Moore and Captaine Fox came to me and told me all was discovered and that the City was in Armes and the Gates were shut up and so departed from me and what became of them or of the rest I know not nor thinke that they escaped but how and at what time I doe not know because I my selfe was taken that morning To this I shall adde his Examinations taken before the Lords Iustices of Ireland and since in England The Examination of Connor Lord Magwire Baron of Eniskillin taken before us Charles Lord Lambart and Sir Robert Meredith Knight Chancellâ—r of his Majesties Court of Exchequer the 26. day of March 1642. by Direction of the Right Honorable the Lords Iustices and Councell VVHo being Examined saith That about the time when Mr. Iohn Bellew came out of England with â—he Commission for the continuance of the present Parliament Koger Moore in the said Moores Chamber in the house of one Peter de Costres of this City acquainted him
Examinations I did write and did see and hear the several examinants depose the same And I did see the said Castles on fire about the times aforesaid And further I say that I have heard sundry credible persons in Ireland relate that the Roman Catholiques in that Kingdome Note did brag and report that they did destroy 152000. Protestants in the province of Ulster in the beginning of this late Rebellion and the Examinations of sundry English and Scotch men protestants taken upon Oath at severall times by Sir William Cole a Iustice of Peace in the County of Fermanagh in Ireland doth particularly shew the number of 764 Protestants hanged kild burned and drowned in that County by the Rebells there in that Rebellion besides many that were cut off touching whom no evidence could appeare And it was averred upon the Oaths of Flartagh mac Hugh Iohn Oge mac Hugh and Terlagh Oge Mac Hugh before the said Sir William Cole that 150. men were appointed to surprise the Castle of Eniskillin under the leading of Don Magwire and Bryan Mac Rory Mac Gwire Note who were to murther the said Sir William Cole and his wiâ—e children and servants and throw them over the wall into the River and then to doe the like unto the Protestants in the Town and Corporation of Eniskillin for which service they were not only to have the spoyle and riches of the said Castle and Town but to have also the Barony of Clanawley granted and confirmed in Fee to them and their Heires from the said Lord Mac Gwire and his Heires And the said Don Mac Gwire was for the same taken in February or March last or there abouts by the said Sir William Cole to whom he confessed upon his Examination that he was to have surprised and taken the Castle and Town of Eniskillin the 23. of Octo. 1641. but denyed that he had any intent to kill the said Sir William or his wife or children wherefore the said Sir William did commit him to prison in his Majesties goal at Eniskillin about February or March 1643. where he remained the 18. of May 1644. when the said sir William and my self came on his Iourney hither into England and where I beleeve he yet continueth in safe custody and so will until he be brought to Iustice. Iohn Carmick The like was then attested by Sir William Cole Sir William Hamilton Sir Arthur Loftus Sir Charls Coâ—t and others upon oath at this Triall and that the Irish Rebels did rip up divers Irish womâ—ns bellies great with childe and tosse their Infants upon their pikes and throw them to their dogs to eat ravished some to death buried others alive drowned others after quarter and used unheard of cruelties of sundry kindes without provocation And yet now they must be reputed the Kings good subjects and sent for over into England to commit the like cruelties on us here which should cause all English mens hearts and bloods to rise up for vengeance against such blood-sucking Villains The manner of the discovery of that Conspiracy and apprehension of some of the Conspirators who were to surprise Dublin last is thus expressed by the Lords Iustices of Ireland in a Letter to the Earl of Leicester then Lord Deputy extracted out of the Originall The Lords Iustices of Irelands Letters to the Earl of Leicester c. Octob. 1641. MAy it please your Lordship On Friday the 22. of this Moneth after nine of the clock at night this bearer Owen Connelly servant to Sir Iohn Clotworthy Kt came to me the Lord Iustice Parsons to my house and in great secrecy as indeed the case did require discovered unto me a most wicked damnable Conspiracy plotted and contrived and intended to be also acted by some evill-affected Irish Papists here The Plot was on the next morning Saturday the 23. of Octob. being Ignatius day about nine of the clock to surprise his Majesties Castle of Dublin his Majesties chiefe strength of this Kingdom wherein also is the principall Magazine of his Majesties Armes and Ammunition and it was agreed it seemes amongst them that the same houre all other his Majesties Forts and Magazins of Armes and Ammunition in this Kingdome should be surprised by others of those Conspirators and further Note that all the Protestants and English throughour the whole Kingdom that would not joyn with them should be cut off and so those Papists should then become possessed of the government and Kingdom at thesame instant As soone as I had that Intelligence I then immediatly repaired to the Lord Iustices Palace and thereupon we instantly Assembled the Councell and having sate in Councell all that night as also all the next day the 23. of October in regard of the short time left us for the consultation of so great and waighty a matter although it was not possible for us upon so few houres warning to prevent those other great mischiefes which were to be acted even at that same houre and at so great a distance as in all the other parts of the Kingdome yet such was our industry therein having that night caused the Castle to be that night strengthned with armed men and the City guarded as the united councells of those evill persons by the great mercy of God to us became defeated so as they were not able to Act that part of their Treachery which indeed was principall and which if they could have effected would have ended the rest of their purposes the more easie Having so secured the Castle we forth-with laid about for the apprehension of as many of the offenders as we could many of them having come to this City but that night intending it seemes the next morning to Act their parts in those treacherous and bloudy crimes The first man apprehended was one Hugh Mac Mahone Esquire Grand-soâ—n to the Traytor Tirone a Gentleman of a good fortune in the County of Monoghan who with others was taken that morning in Dublin having at the time of their apprehension offered a little resistance with their swords drawn but finding those we imployed against them more in number and better armed yeilded He upon his Examination before us at first denyed all but in the end when he saw we laid it home to him he confessed enough to destroy himself and impeach some others as by a Copy of his Examination herewith sent may appeare to your Lordship We then committed him untill we might have further time to examine him againe our time being become more needfull to be imployed in Action for securing this place then in examining This Mac Mahon had been abroad and served the King of Spaine as a Lieutenant Colonell Upon conference with him and others and calling to mind a Letter we received the weeke before from sir William Cole a Copy whereof we send your Lordship here inclosed we gathered that the Lord Magwire was to be an Actor in surprising the Castle of Dublin wherefore we held it necessary to
which I answer Answer that the Discovery of all Plots Dangers is then most seasonable most advantagious when we are by speciall Lawes or Treaties to establish future Remedies against them It is over bâ—st searching festred wounds to the very bottome and letting out all their corruption when we are ready to incarne or glutinate them else if we citatrize before we sound them to the bottome they will soone fester or break out againe with greater paine and danger then before As for the pretended wounding of his Majesties honour or his former proceedings by this Discovery as it was most remote from my loyall heart and intentions in its Collection and Publication so I hope his gracious Majesty and all faithfull Councellours about him who bear any reall affection to his Highnesse Religion our bleeding Kingdoms or really intend to close up their wounds by the approaching Treaty will be so far from resenting these Detections to be any reall eclipse of his Majesties honour purposely compiled to discover bona fide to his Highnesse and others by what Romish Stratagems Pollicies Councels Instruments they have been for sundry by-past yeers seduced circumvented abused miscounselled to the Kingdomes Churches Religions almost utter desolation and ingulâ—ed in those bloody Civill Wars Massacres which have turned most of our pleasant Fields into Acheldama's and Golgotha's that they will interpret these timely Discoveries of them of which perchance they have bin hitherto ignorant or unobservant the d See here p. 91. highest expression both of my Duty Loyalty to his Majesty and my dearest Country or at least a faithfull impartiall discharge of that solemn Covenant Protestation We all have taken by your Honours Injunctions which oblige me in poynt of Conscience of Fidelity to bring them unto publike knowledge yea I should in truth have violated both my Alleagiance and Covenant had I concealed them at such a time as this when Gods admirable Providence had unexpectedly brought them to my hands Since therefore the wisest King that ever reigned yea the King of Kings himselfe hath assured me e Pro. 16. 13. That righteous lips are the delight of Kings and they love him that speaketh right I doubt not but his Majesty and all true-hearted Protestants about him together with your Honours will deem this Publication a speciall Act of my Loyallest Sincerest Service to his Majesty and all his Realmes which through Gods effectuall bssileng on them may much conduce to their future Tranquility Felicity the things here principally aimed at I shall therefore become an humble Suitor to your Honours to accept of these Collections which I have with no small labour extracted digested into method whiles others have been taking their naturall rests as a pledge of my reallest Affection to my Country his Majesty Religion Parliaments yea as a seasonable Preparative not to be slightly read over as matter of meere Newes but seriously perused as a Discovery of highest consequence to your intended much efflagitated Treaty of Peace and as a necessary Introduction to the History of your Patient upright unparalelled Tryall of and righteous Judgement against that Arch-Incendiary and Enemy of our Peace Religion Lawes Parliaments some of whose Seditious Popish practises are here lightly glanced at others more fully detected the rest reserved for their proper Place who hath received with much Mercy and Moderation the due reward of his treasonable violent bloody Romish Councels and Actions I shall daily supplicate the God of Recompence that the effusion of his most Nocent blood by the AXE of Justice may put a speedy period to the spilling of any more Protestant blood by that sword of civill War which his Councels Innovations Oppressions first unsheathed and his seconds the Romanists have since kept drawne and brandished among us almost to the depopulation of our whole three Kingdomes f Heb. 13 20 21. Now the God of Peace that brought againe from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepheard of the Sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good work to doe his will working in you that which is wel-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ and g Luk. 1. 79. guide all your feet aright in the way of Peace you are now entring into that the end of it may be Peace indeed and h Isa. 32. 17 18. the effect of it quietnesse and assurance for ever that so we may henceforth dwell in sure dwellings and rest in quiet and peaceable Habitations which is and shall be the Prayer Of your Honours daily Orator and Servant WILLIAM PRYNNE To the READER CURTEOUS READER I here present thee with a new Discovery of sundry Plots and Workes of Darknesse as a necessary Introduction to the Relation of the Arch-bishop of Canterburies Tryall collected out of severall Instructions Articles Letters Petitions Intelliâ—ences and many thousand scattered Papers which Gods Providence brought unto my view most of which never saw the publike Light before and will give thee true information of many Passages Policie Negotiations with Rome to Vsher Popery into all our Dominions by inperceptible steps undermine our Protestant Religion ingulfe 〈◊〉 in those Wars Miseries under which our whole three Kingdoms now smart and languish almost unto death I preseâ—ted thee formerly with some Collections and Discoverieâ— of this nature in my Romes Master-piece and Royall Popish Favourite which will adde some light and lustre unto these but these farre more illustration unto them and will give a satisfactory Answer to that namelesse Answerer of my Royall Popish Favourite who in his Loyall Vindication confesseth all the matters of Fact Letters Warrants discharges of Priests Jesuites suspensions of Lawes against Recusants therein comprized not â—inding me tardy so much as in one of them the recitall whereof is the farre greatest part of his Booke but onely shifting them off with poore slight Evasions not worth the answering which are here refuted by reall undeniable Evidenceâ— out of Originall Letters Records Warrants or faithfull Transcripts belonging to such Counsellours or Secretaries of State as were imployed in or privy to the Negotiations herein recorded so as none can justly question suspect their Reality or Verity For my selfe I can with good conscience protest I have neither feigned nor alâ—ered ought in any the Papers herein published but presented the full and naked truth of all things to thee as I found them without the least Sophistication If the Republike Church Religion or thou Curteous Reader shall reap any advantage usefull Information or God any glory by these Publications as I trust they will I have all I ayme at If any thing be not so methodically digested connected or so polite as thou couldest desire I hope my daily publike Avocations interloping occasions distractions in the contexture of them collected for the most part when I should have been taking my naturall rest will be a sufficient Apology to gaine thy Pardon As for the particular Articles
that the limitation of the time for the education of the Children be for six or seven yeers and in other poynts as you will find in this answer Of all which we require you to give speciall notice to that King that he may thereupon take into his Consideration the sincerity of of Our affection who have so roundly and really proceeded in this businesse so as in all reason We may and doe justly expect the like dealing from him which cannot better appeare then in the speedy dispatch thereof These resolutions he sent post into Spaine to the Lord Digby by Gresly inclosing in this Letter the Copy whereof with other ensuing papers were seized on by the sequestrators of the Lord Cottingtons goods and writings RIght trusty c. Your dispatch of the ninth of August gave us so much contentment and so great hopes of satisfaction in all those businesses which you have there to treat with that King as we could not expect any further difficulties Notwithstanding by that which hath come unto Our hands immediately after NOTE aswell by George Gage from Rome as from Our Ambassadour Sir Richard Weston at Bruxelles and our Ministers in the Palatinate We find that neither the Dispensation is granted for the march nor the treaty of Cessation so neer a Conclusion as we conceived it would have been now that the Auxiliaries and all other Obstacles are removed But on the contrary side that new delayes and excuses are invented our Garrisons in the Palatinate in the meane time blocked up and Heidelberg it selfe actually besieged Which proceeding though our Ambassadour hath expostulated with the Infanta and the Commissioners as injurious to Vs and ill-beseeming their professions hitherto yet is there not that readinesse shewed to give Us such contentment therein as we might justly expect but answers still protracted and put off for advantage whilest our Forces there remaine in great distresse and the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg likely in a few dayes to be lost for it cannot hold out longer as we are informed This dealing seems the more strange unto Vs for that the late dispatch of the King of Spaine was before the newes of this siege and that our Embassadour had propounded any thing concerning it come unto the Infanta But because you shall be particularly informed of the â—hole carriage of the businesse We have given order that Copies shall be sent you 〈◊〉 all the dispatch and then you shall see how these proceedings agree with the hopes and promises which are given Us from thence Hereupon therefore Our pleasure is that you shall immediatly and with as much speed as you may crave audience of that King and represent unto him the merit which We may justly challenge unto Our Selfe for Our sincere proceedings with the Emperour and Him in all the course of this businesse notwithstanding the many invitations and temptations which We have had to engage Our Selfe on Our Sonne in lawes part That We have had both from the Emperour and Him hopes given us from time to time of extraordinary respect howsoever Our Sonne-in-law had deserved which We have attended and expected even to the very last with much patience and in despight as it were of all the opposition that hath beene made to shake Our resolution in that behalfe If now when all impediments are removed and that the way is so prepared as that the Emperour may give an end unto the Warre and make some present demonstration of his respects towards Us in leaving Us the honour of holding those poore places which yet remaine quietly and peaceably untill the generall accommodation the same shall neverthelesse be violently taken from Vs what can we looke for when the whole shall be in his hands and possession Who amâ—sing Vs with a treaty of cessation and protracting it industriously as We have reason to beleeve doth in the meane time seize himselfe of the whole Country which being done Our Ambassadour shall returne with scorne and we remaine with dishonour I shall not need to furnish you with Arguments for the unfolding and laying open this unfriendly dealing more plainly unto them your owne reason and observation will find enough out of the dispatches whereof Copies are sent unto you as namely the withdrawing of the Spanish Forces and leaving the businesse wholly in the hands of the Emperour and the Duke of Bavaâ—ia the stile of the Inâ—anta in answering Our Ambassadour with recriminations which was not her manner heretofore the slight and frivolous answer given by the Marquesse of Bedmar unto Our Ambassadour when he acquainted him with the siege of Heidelberg The quarrellous occasion taken by the Emperour for calling the diet at Ratisbone contrary to his owne promise which in his Dispatch to Vs he confesseth to have broken as you will see by the Copy All which and many more which your owne judgement in the perusall of the dispatches will suggest unto you doe minister unto Vs cause sufficient of jealousie on the Emperours part as you shall plainly tell that King although We will not doe him that wrong as to mistrust that he gives the least consent unto it In this confidence with must earnestnesse We shall still solicite Him that for the affection He beares Us and the desire which We suppose he hath that there may continue for ever a perfect Amity betwixt Us and the whole House of Austria he will not cease to doe all good office herein letting him know directly that in these termes We cannot stand with the Emperour but that if Heidelberg be wonne and the siege continue or the Cessation be longer unnecessarily delayed We must recall Our Ambassadour from Bruxelles and treat no more as We have already given order hoping that whatsoever unkindnesse We shall conceive against the Emperour upon these occasions it shall not be interpreted to reâ—lect in any sort upon the entire affection that is at this present and as VVee hope shall alwaies continue betwixt Us and the Crowne of Spaine And therefore as We have sundry times heretofore promised in testimony of the sincerity of Our proceedings and of Our great desire to preserve the Amity inviolable between Us and the whole house of Austria NOTE that in case our Sonne-in-law would not be governed by Vs that then We would not onely forsake him but take part and joyne Our Forces with the Emperours against him so you may fairly represent unto that King that in like manner We have reason to expect the same measuâ—e from him that upon the Emperours aversnesse to a cessation and accommodation He will likewise actually assist Vs for the recovery of the Palatmate and Electorall dignity unto Our Sonne-in-law as it hath beene oftentimes intimated from Spaine To conclude We shall not need to say any more unto you touching this point but to let you see that Our meaning is to carry all things faâ—re with that King and not to give him any cause of distrust or jealousie if you
perceive that they intend to goe really and roundly on with the Match Wherein neverthelesse We must tell you that We have no great cause to be well pleased with the diligences used on that part when We observe that after so long an expectance of the Dispensation upon which the whole businesse as they will have it depends there is nothing yet returned but Queres and Objections Yet because We will not give over Our patience a while longer untill We understand more certainly what the effect thereof is like to be wherein VVe require you to be very wary and watchfull considering how Our honour is therein engaged VVe have thought â—it to let you know how farre VVe are pleased to enlarge Our Selfe concerning those points demanded by the Pope and set downe by way of Postill unto the Articles agreed upon betwixt Spaine and Vs as you will see by the power which Gage brought Vs from Rome whereof VVe have sent you a Copy and Our Resolutions thereupon signed with Our owne hand for your warrant and instruction And further then that since VVe cannot goe without much prejudice inconvenience and dishonour to Our Selfe and Our Sonne VVe hope and expect the King of Spaine will bring it instantly to an issue without further delay which you are to presse with all diligence and earnestnesle that you may presently know Their finall resolution and what VVe may expect thereupon But if any respit of time be earnestly demanded and that you perceive it not possible for them to resolve untill an answer come from Rome VVe then thinke it fit that you give them two moneths time after your audience that VVe may understand that King 's finall resolution before Christmas next at the furthest September 9. 1622. from VVansted By this letter the whole world may discerne how grosly King Iames was abused and how much the Palsgrave and other Protestant Princes suffered in forâ—eigne parts without any assistance from England under pretext of this Nuptiall Treaty Vpon these Letters the Lord Digby presented this ensuing Memoriall to the King of Spaine the 3. of October 1622. truly translated out of the Spanish Copy SIR the Baron Digby Ambassadour Extraordinary of the King of great Brittaine saith that it is neere six moneths since they had treated to make a Marriage between the Prince of Wales and the Infanta Donna Maria sister to your Majesty That it is five moneths since they setled in Spaine the Articles in matter of Religion His Majesty now in glory having first asked the opinions of many learned men which were joyned to consult upon this businesse That the King of great Brittaine dealt clearly in all the Articles and therein hath complyed in all things and hath promised by his word and in a letter written the sixth of Aprill 1620. particularly declared what he would doe in favour of the Catholiques That it appeared the businesse was then well founded to aske the Popes Dispensation and thereupon they dispatched Father Diego de Fuente for to solicit it in Rome but now at the end very neere of two yeeres his Holinesse without reply hither hath sent directly for England NOTE propounding to the King not onely many alterations in the said Capitulations but something new which the King would by no meanes yeeld unto NOTE That this to the King his Master seemed much different from that which he expected First for that having Capitulâ—ted the Dispensation should onely move from this place and the King having not treated at all with the Pope therefore he expected what the Pope would reply should be sent unto your Majesty from whence came the demand of the Dispensation Secondly for that he thought that with the Agreement and the rest perused all things concerning Religion had beene setled and that the learned men did think that upon these conditions they might and that his Holinesse ought to consent to the Dispensation and now they demand new things and impossible which seemes very strange Wherefore the King his Master desiring that in this businesse he make short expedition for that it imports Him and His Kingdom very much that they marry the Prince His onely Sonne presently going upon 23. yeeres having foâ—borne to marry for six yeeres past onely in respect of this Treaty He is commanded to declare plainly to your Majesty how farre he may condiscend in matter of Religion and if with this your Majesty be content to proceed to a conclusion of the Marriage without more delayes and if this be not enough to give satisfaction to your Majesty as he hopes it will seeing he hath yeelded to much more then what was capitulated in the time of the King Father to your Majesty now in glory your Majesty also would be pleased to declare on the part of your Majesty that without losse of more time his Majesty may dispose of the Prince his sonne and your Majesty of the Infanta as you best please The same day Octob. 3. 1622. King Iames discerning the Emperours and Spaniards strange proceedings in the Palatinate to gaine the totall possession of 〈◊〉 under colour of this Teaty dspaâ—ched this ensuing Letter into Spaine to the Lord Digby and the next day after this Minute of second Instructions sent by Master Porter RIght Trusty c. There is none knowes better then your selfe how We have laboured ever since the beginâ—g of these unfortunate troubles of the Empire notwithstanding all opposition to the contrary to merit well of Our good Brother the King of Spaine and the whole house of Austria by a long and lingring patience grounded still upon his friendship and promises that Care should be had of Our Honour and of Our Childrens Patrimony and Inheritance We have acquainted you also from time to time since the beginning of the Treaty at Bruxelles how crosly all things have there proceeded notwithstanding all the faire professions made unto Us both by the King of Spaine and the Infanta and all his Ministers and the Letters written by him unto the Emperour and them effectually at the least as they endeavoured to make Us beleeve But what fruits have We of all these other then dishonour and scorne Whilest We are treating the Towne and Castle of Heidelberg are taken by force Our Garrison put to the sword Manheim besieged and all the hostility used that is within the power of an enemy as you will see by the Relation which VVe have commanded Our Secretary to send you Our pleasure therefore is that you immediately as soone as you can get audience let that King understand how sensible We are of these proceedings of the Emperours towards Vs and withall are not a little troubled to see that the Infanta having an absolute Commission to conclude a Cessation and suspension of Armes should now at last when all Objections were answered and the former solely pretended Obstacles removed not onely delay the conclusion of the Treaty but refuse to lay her command upon the Emperours Generals for abstaining from
and by conforming himselfe to please the Spaniard to divers rites of their Religion even so farre as to kneele and adore their Sacrament from time to time gave the Spaniard hope of the Princes conversion NOTE the which conversion he endeavored to procured by all meanes possible and thereby caused the Spanish Ministers to propound farre worse conditions for Religion then had been formerly by the Earle of Bristoll and Sir Walter Ashton setled and signed under his Majesties hand with a clause in the King of Spaines answer of the 12. of December 1622. that they held the Articles agreed upon sufficient and such as ought to induce the Pope to the granting of the Dispensation That the Duke having severall times in the presence of the Earle of Bristoll moved his late Majesty at the instance of the Conde Gondomar to write a Letter to the Pope and to that purpose having once brought a Letter ready drawne wherewith the Earle of Bristoll being by his Majesty made acquainted did so strongly oppose the writing of any such Letter that during the abode of the said Earle of Bristoll in England the said Duke could not obtaine it Yet not long after the said Earle was gone he procured such a Letter to be written from his late Majesty unto the Pope NOTE and have him stiled therein Sanctissime Pater That the Pope being informed of the Duke of Buckinham his inclination and intention in point of Religion NOTE sent unto the said Duke a particular Bull in Parchment for to perswade and encourage him in the pervertion of his Majesty then Prince c. NOTE That the Earle of Bristoll did reveale unto his Majesty both by word and Letter in what sort the Duke had deceived him and abused his trust and that the King by severall wayes sent him word that he should rest assured that he would heare him but that he shovld leave it to him to take his owne time and thereupon few dayes before his sicknesse the sent the Earle word that he would heare him against the Duke as well as he had heard the Duke against him which the Duke himselfe heard and not long after his blessed Majesty sickned and dyed having in the interim been much vexed and pressed by the said Duke All these Articles with six others of like nature the Earle of Bristoll preferred to make good against the Duke by Letters and Witnesses but the Duke by his overswaying potency and instruments whereof Bishop Laud was chiefe dissolved the Parliament before any answer given to them The Articles exhibited to the House of Peeres against the Earle through the Dukes procurement by way of recrimination were many I shall onely recite the most pertinent to the present businesse of Religion b In the Lords Parchment Journall May 6. 1626. pag. 150 151 152 c. Articles of severall High-treasons other great and enormious Crimes Offences and Contempts committed by Iohn Earle of Bristoll against Our late Sovereigne Lord King Iames of blessed memory decreased and Our Sovereigne Lord the Kings Majesty which now is wherewith the said Earle is charged by his Majesties Attourney generall on his Majesties behalfe in the most high and honourable Court of Parliament before the King and his Lords THat the said Earle from the beginning of his Negotiation and the whole mannaging thereof by him during his ambassage into Spaine he the said Earle contrary to his faith and duty to God the true Religion professed by the Church of England and the peace of this Church and State did intend and resolve that if the said marriage so treated of as aforesaid should by his ministry be effected that thereby the Romish Religion and the professors thereof should be advanced within this Realme NOTE and other his Majesties Realmes and Dominions and the true Religion and the professors thereof discouraged and discountenanced And to that end and purpose the said Earle during the time aforesaid by Letters unto his late Majesty and otherwise often counselled and perswaded the said late Kings Majesty to set at liberty the Jesuits and Priests of the Roman Religion which according to the good religions and politicke Lawes of this Realme were imprisoned or restrained and to grant and allow unto the Papists and professors of the Romish Religion a free toleration and silencing of the lawes made and standing in force against them That at the Princes comming into Spain during the time aforesaid the said Earle of Bristoll cunningly falsly and traiterously moved and perswaded the Prince being then in the power of a forreigne King of the Romish Religion to change his Religion NOTE which was done in this manner At the Princes first comming to the said Earle he asked the Prince for what he came thither The Prince at first not conceiving the Earles meaning answered you know as well as I the Earle replied Sir servants can never serve their Master industriously although they may doe it faithfully unlesse they know their meanings fully give me leave therefore to tell you what they say in the Towne is the cause of your comming THAT YOU MEANE TO CHANGE YOUR RELIGION AND TO DECLARE IT HERE and yet cunningly to disguise it the Earle added further Sir I doe not speake this that I will perswade you to doe it or that I will promise you that I will follow your example though you will doe it but as your faithfull servant if you will trust me with so great a secret I will endeavour to carry it the discreetest way I can The Prince being moved with this unexpected motion againe said unto him I wonder what you have ever found in me that you should conceive I would be so base or unworthy as for a Wife to change my Religion The said Earle replying desired the Prince to pardon him if he had offended him it was but out of his desire to serve him which perswasion of the said Earle was the more dangerous because the more subtill Whereas it had beene the duty of a faithfull servant to God and his Master if he had found the Prince staggering in his Religion to have prevented so great an Error and to have perswaded against it so to have avoyded the dangerous consequences thereof to the true Religion and to this state if such a thing should have happened 8. That afterward during the Princes being in Spaine the said Earle having conference with the said Prince about the Romish Religion he endeavoured falsely and traiterously to perswade the Prince to change his Religion as aforesaid AND BECOME A ROMISH CATHOLIKE NOTE and to Become OBEDIENT TO THE VSVRPED AVTHORITY OF THE POPE OF ROME And to that end and purpose the said Earle traiterously used these words unto the said Prince That the State of England did never any great thing but when they were under the obedience of the Pope of Rome and that it was impossible they could doe any thing of note otherwise 9. That during
Britain for the defence of Kingdomes and for a devine Oracle the which will easiely arrive and that without difficulty if you open your heart to the Lord that knocks upon which depends all thâ— happines of that Kingdome It is from this our great Charity that we cherish the praises of the Royall Name NOTE and that which makes us desire that you and your Royall Father might be stiled with the names of Deliverers and Restorers of the ancient paternall Religion of Great Britain This is it we hope for trusting in the goodnesse of God in whose hands are the hearts of Kings and who causeth the people of the Earth to receive healing to whom we will alwayes labout with all our power to render you gracious and favourable In the interim take notice by these Letters of the care of our Charity which is none other then to procure your happinesse and it will never grieve us to have written them if the reading of them stirre but the least sparke of the Catholique Faith in the heart of so great a Prince whom we wish to be â—illed with long countinuance of joy and flourishing in the glory of all vertues Given 〈◊〉 Rome in the Pallace of S. Peter the 20. of Aprill 1623. in the Third yeare of oâ—r Popedome The Prince of Wales having received this Letter made this following answer which was after published in print MOst Holy Father I received the dispatch from your Holinesse with great content and with that respect which the pietie and care wherewith your Holinesse writes doth require It was an unspeakeable pleasure to me to read the generous exploits of the Kings my Predecessours to whose memory posterity hath not given those pâ—aises and Elogies of honour as were due to them I do 〈◊〉 that your Holines hath set their examples before my eyes to the end that I might imitate them in all my actions for in truth they have often exposed their estates and lives for the exaltation of the holy Chaire And the courage with which they have assaulted the enemies of the Crosse of Jesus Christ hath not beene lesse than the care and thought which I have to the end that the peace and Intelligence which hath hitherto been wanting in Christendome might be bound with the bond of a true concord for like as the common Enemy of peace watcheth alwayes to put hatred and dissention betweene the Christian Princesâ— so I believe that the glory of God requires that we should indeavour to unite them NOTE And I doe not esteeme it a greater honour to be discended from so great Princes than to imitate them in the zeale of their piety In which it helps me very much to have knowne the mind and will of our thrice honoured Lord and Father the holy intentions of his Catholike Majestie to give a happie corcurrence to so laudablâ— a designe For it grieves him extreamely to see the great evill that grows from the division of Christian Princes which the wisdome of Your Holinesse foresaw when it judged the Marriage which you pleased to designe betweene the Infanta of Spainâ— and my selfe to be necessary to procure so great a good for 't is very certaine that I shall never be so extreamely affectionate to any thiâ—g in the world as to endeavour allyance with a Prince that hath the same apprehension of the true Religion with my selfe Therefore I intreate Your â—olinesse to beleeve that I have been alwayes very far* NOTE from incouraging Novelties or to be a partisan of any Faction against the Catholick Apostolike Roman Religion But on the contrary I havâ—â—ought all occasioâ—s to take away the suspition that might rest upon me and that I will imploy my selfe for the time to come to have but one* Religion and one Faith seeing that we all beleeve in one Iesus Christ. Having resolved in my selfe to spare notâ—ing that I have in the world and to suffer all manner of discommodities even to the hazarding of my estate and life for a thing so pleasing unto God It rests only that I thank Your Holinesse for the permission which you have been pleased to afford me that I pray God to give you a blessed health and his glory after so much travell which Your Holinesse takes within his Church Signed CHARLES STEWARD Fiftly by dedicating and writing Bookes unto his Highnesse to seduce him to the Romish Religion by inviting him to behold their * Mercure Francois Tom. 9. Anno 1623. p. to 539. 535 to 539. 562. solmne Processions to induce him to reverence and adore their ambularitie Hostia or Breaden God carying him to their most religious places persons famous for pretended miracles especially to the holy Nunne of Carion to whom the Popes Nuncio sent a speciall dispensation to entertaine the Prince and to discourse with him as a thing necessary for the good of the Catholike Church Sixtly by presenting him with Popish Pictures as * Ibid. p. 556 with the beautifull Pictures of our Lady of Saint Ioseph and of sweet Iesus to omit all other Artifices Some Months after the Princes arivall in Spaine the long expected dispensation for the mariage came from Pope Gregory the 15. to the Spanish Court before which time the Prince was not admitted to speake with the Infanta in quality of a Suiter but of a Prince * The Vocall Forrest p. 125. 126. 127. Mercurâ— Francois but it came clogged with an unhappie unexpected clause thrust in of purpose to retard the proceedings Namely That whereas there were certaine Articles condiscended to by King Iames in favour of the Roman Catholikes in England and other his Majesties dominions the Pope demanded caution from the King and Prince for performance of them before the Marriage consummate To which the King answered That he could give no other caution but his owne and the Princes Royall words and Oaths confirmed by his Councell of State and exemplified under the great Seale of England which security was tendered but this would not satisfie unlesse some Soveraigne Catholique Prince would ingage himselfe for them Thereupon all matters were like to goe off the hinges and a bruite went abroad that the Prince intended to get away covertly At last Conde Olivares propounded three wayes of accommodation The first was that Prince Charles should become a Papist The second that thâ— Infanta should be delivered to him upon the former security without further condition The third was to binde him as fast as they could and not trust him with any thing Whiles matters were thus canvasing and gathering ill bloud the King of Spaine profered to engage himselfe by Oath for the Kings and Princes performance of the Articles to satisfie the Pope provided he must first consult with his Ghostly Fathers whether he might doe it with safe Conscience or no. Whereupon the businesse was referred to a Committee of Learned Divines Whether the King of Spaine might with safety of Conseience take an Oath in the
foure large Diamonds cut in fancets and twelve small triangle Diamonds and a table Diamonds for the middle stone supplyed out of the broken Coller To the Kings Confessor the old Crosse with four Diamonds cut in faucets and three Pearles pendant To Don Farnando Giron A Crosse with seaven large table Diamonds two of them were taken out of out round Iewell and five of them were the Dukes with a Pendelock of a faucet Diamond furnisht by our Jeweller To the Bishop of Segovia the Crosse of five large Diamonds cut in saucets with a pendant Pearle newly added to it To Don Augustin Mexia a faire Brooche of Gould set full of Diamonds of severall siezes and bought of Sir Peter Van Lore in the midest whereof is a large table Diamond that was the Dukes To the Marquesse De Flores A great thin table Diamond set in a Collet heretofore belonging to the Duke To the Conde de la Puebla the chaine of Gold of eight and fortie peeces whereof foure and twenty are great and foure and twenty are small Garnished with Diamonds and a picture Case furnisht by our Jeweller garnisht with Diamonds having our picture and a Cypher of our name And these our letters shall be your sufficient Warrant for the same Signed with our owne hand and given under our Signet at Madrid the six and twentieth day of August In the one and twentieth yeare of the Raigne of our deare Lord and Father Iames by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland Defendor of the Faith c. And of Scotland the seaven and fiftieth 1623. To Our Right trustie and welbeloved Spencer Lord Compton Mr. of our Wardrobe and Robes Charles P. VVEE will and Command you That you deliver to our use and service unto the hands and Custody of the Right honourable Iohn Earle of Bristoll Lord Ambassador extraordinaâ—ie for his Majesty of great Brittaine our deare Father to the King of Spaine such Jewells and precious stones as are mentioned in this our Warrant That is to say A Coller of Gold containing thirteene great Ballaces and thirteene peeces of Gold with thirteene Cinque of Pearle betwixt them A long Chaine of two large Ropes of faire round Pearles weighing ten ounces and an halfe and two penny weight containing in number seaven hundred three score and five A looking Glasse set in Gold the backside richly garnisht with faire Diamonds and six peeces of Chaine to hang at garnisht with Diamonds on both sides One and twenty Buttons of gold each one having a faire Table Diamond The Remainder of a neck-lace of Queene Annes having in the midst thereof a large Triangle Diamond with a small Diamond pendant at the same also thirteene small pendent Diamonds and seaventeene great round Pearles A Coller of Gold containing thirtie peeces whereof fifteene are Roses in each was a great pointed Diamond and fifteene Crownes Ciphers of the King and Queenes names having in each a Table Diamond heretofore out of which was taken for our use foure of the pointed and six of the Table Diamonds So there are to be delivered to the said Earle of Bristall eleaven pointed and nine Table Diamonds with the Coller five great Emeraldes and five round Pearles that were taken out of a head attire And this our letters shall be your sufficient warrant for the same Signed with our hand and given under our Signet at Madrid the eight and twentieth day of August In the one and twentieth yeare of the Raigne of our Deare Lord and Father Iames by the Grace of God King of England France and Ireland defender of the Faith c. And of Scotland the seaven and fiftieth 1623. To our right Trusty and welbeloved Spencer Lord Compton Mr. of our Wardrobe and Robes THe Mâ—rcure Franc. p. 560. to 571. 12. of September 1623. After dinner the Prince tooke his solemno leave of the King and Court of Spaine and departed from Madrid towards Saint Andrews where the 24. of September he feasted all the Spanish Dons who accompanied him aboard his ship and then â—et sail for England where he arrived at Portsmouth Octo. 5. and came thence into London Octo. 6. to the great rejoycing of all socts of people signified by their bonefires ringing of bels with other externall expressions of joy Vpon his return thence Doctor Andrewes made these Latin verses ANglus connubium connubia tractat Iberus Sic Mora producit quod properavit Amor. Pro nupta nebula est sponsam responsa retardant Pro taedis Caroliis taedia longa tulit Rumpe Moras Princeps nebulam dispelle serenus Sitque serena tuis te redeunte dies Vel quoniam Angligenis nupsit Caterina duobus Tu Carole Austriacas dum mora sume duas AVâ—â—riacam Carolus desict at amare puellam Vâ— qui operam terrâ luserit atque marâ— Gausa est quod tantos serus tentaverît ignes Debuit Infantem sollicitasse Puer Sunt in amore morae longum est percurrere gentis Conjugii merâ—ic religionis opus At Carole exultes peperit Regina Madriti Iam nova foelicis concipe vota proci I propera fidis defer mandata ministris Expedias naves ingere calcar equis Infante iun oâ—nis agiâ—a ut potiaris adultâ Matâ—ram sivîs poscere nubet aâ—us The Prince upon his departure commanded the Earle of Bristoll not to deliver the Procuration left in his custody untill he received further order from him And upon his arrivall in England the Duke of Buckingham and Lords of the Councell testifying their dislike of the match endeavoured to engage King Iames to breake it off by degrees to which end they perswaded him to demand restitution of the Palatinate and Electorship to the Palâ—grave from the King of Spaine to write to this purpose to the Earle of Bristoll to that end and likewise to delay the Disposorios till Christmas To which Leettters the Earl returned this answer to Mr. Secretary Calvert GOOD Mr. Secretary Calvert I have not presumed in my present letter unto his Majesty to write any thing in answer to his letters of the thirtieth of December but only in that point which toucheth my obedience to his Commandement for my present returne for the rest I intreat you to present unto his Majesty this my humble Answer Whereas his Majesty is pleased to say that having seene the Answer to our third Memoriall he doth not a little wonder that I then tooke his affaires to have been in so good a condition that I would have proceeded to the disposories of the Prince contrary to his order given It is true his Majesty hath just cause to wonder if he looke upon that Memoriall without the letter that accompanied it or if he consider the estate of the affaires as they stood when the letter bore Date which was the sixt of December for then they stood by the infringing of the capitulation as they heere do understand it all disordered and imbroyled in such sort as I had foreseene and
with the Emperor as we doe the other parts disaffection to have him bred at the Hagh which we cannot wonder at our own care considered for his breeding in Religion which cannot well bee provided for there NOTE we shall be ready to proceed to the conclusion of that Treaty And so soone as the Infanta shall be arrived in our Court to bring our Grand-child to be bred with our Sonne and her and in her presence And for the temporall articles which are so meanely presented in those heads you sent us we forheare to tell you what we thinke of the offers And concerning the portion we absolutely reject both Jewells or yearely revenue as contrary to the first agreement and expect the totall summe in Specie according to such reasonable times as shall be agreed upon So as we likewise require you punctually to conclude the Temporall Articles before you deliver the power At Westminster 13. Novem. 1623. Edw. Conwey To this Letter the Earle of Bristoll returnes this answer May it please your most Excellent Majestie I Have received Your Majesties Letters of the 8. of October on the 21 of the same month some houres within night and have thought fit to dispath backe un-Your Majestie with all possible speed referring the answer to what Your Majestie hath by Letters commanded mee to a Post that I shall purposely dispatch when I shall have negotiated the particulers with this King and his Ministers wherein God willing all possible diligence shall be used But for as much as I finde both by Your Majesties said Letters as likewise by Letters which I have received from the Prince His Highâ—esse that you continue your desires of having the match proceeded in I held it my duty that Your Majestie should be informed that although I am set free in as much as concerneth the doubt of the Infantaes entring into Religion for the delivering of the powers left with mee by his Highnesse yet by this new direction I now receive from your Majestie that the Desposorios should be deferred untill Christmasse the said powers are made thereby altogether uselesse and invalid it being a clause in the body of the said powers that they shall onely remaine in force untill Christmas and no longer as Your Majestie will see by the Copie of them which I send here inclosed Your Majestie I conceive will be of opinion that the suspending of the execution of the powers untill the force and validity of them be expired is a direct and effectuall revoking of them which not to doe how faâ—re his Highnesse is in Honour engaged Your Majestie will be best able to judge by viewing the powers themselves Further if the Date of these Powers do expire besides the breach of the Capitulations although the Match it selfe should not by jealousies and mistrusts be hazarded yet the Princesses comming at the spring into England will be almost impossible for by that time new Commissions and Powers shall be after Christmas granted to the Prince which must be to the satisfaction of both parties I conceive so much of the year will be spent that it will be impossible for the Fleets and other preparations to be in a readinesse against the Spring for it is not to be imagined that they will here proceed effectually with their preparations untill they shall be assured of the Desposorios especially when they shall have seen them severall times deferred on the Princes part and that upon pretexts that are not new nor grown since the granting of the Powers but were before in being and often under debate and yet were never insisted upon to make stay of the businesse So that it will seem that they might better have hindred the granting of them then then the execution of them now if there were no staggering in former Resolutions which although really there is not yet cannot it but be suspected and the cleating of it between Spain and England will cost much time I most humbly crave your Majesties pardon if I write unto you with the plainesse of a true-hearted and faithfull servant who ever have co-operated honestly unto your Majesties ends if I knew them I know your Majesty hath long been of opinion that the greatest assurance you could get that the King of Spaine would effectually labour the entire restitution of the Prince Palatine was that he really proceeded to the effecting of the March and my Instructions under your Majesties hand were to insist upon the restoring of the Prince Palatine but not so to annex it to the treaty of the Match as that thereby the Match should bee hazarded for that your Majesty seemed confident they here would never grow to a perfect conclusion of the Match without a setled resolution to give your Majesty satisfaction in the businesse of the Palatinate the same course I observed in the carriage of busines by his Highnes and my L. Duke at their being here who though they insisted upon the businesse of the Palatinate yet they held it fit to treat of them distinctly and that the Marriage should preceed as a good pawne for the other Since-their departure my Lord Ambassador Sir Walter Aston and my selfe have much pressed to have this Kings resolution in writing concerning the Palatinate and the dispatches which your Majesty will receive herewith concerning that businesse were written before the receipt of these your Majesties Letters and doubtlesse it is now a great part of their care that that businesse may bee well ended before the Infantaes comming into England And his Highnesse will well remember that the Conde de Olivares often protested the necessity of having this businesse compounded and setled before the Marriage saying otherwise they might give a Daughter and have a War within three moneths after if this ground and subject of Quarrell should be still left on foot The same language he hath ever since held with Sir Walter Aston and my selfe and that it was a firm peace and amity as much as an allyance which they sought with his Majesty so that it is not to be doubted but that this King concluding the Match resolveth to employ his utmost power for the satisfaction in the restitution of the Prince Palatine The question now will be whether the Prince Palatine having Relation to many great Princes that are interessed therein living at a great distance and being indeed for the condition and nature of the businesse it selfe impossible to be ended but by a formall Treaty which of necessity will require great length whether the conclusion of the Match shall any way depend upon the issue of this businesse which I conceive to be lat from your Majesties Intention for so the Prince might be long kept unbestowed by any aversnesse of those that might have particular Interest in the Princes remaining unmarried or dislike of his Matching with Spaine But that which I understand to be your Majesties ayme is only to have the conclusion of this Match accompanied with as strong
forthwith to depart out of this Realme and all other Your Highnesse Dominions and neither they nor any other to returne or come hither againe upon perrill of the severest penaltie of the Lawes now in force against them And that all your Majesties Subjects may hereby also be admonished not to receive entertaine comfort or conceale any of that viperous brood upon the penalties and forfeitures which by the Lawes may be imposed upon them 2. That your Majesty would be pleased to give streight and speedy charge to the Justices of Peace in all parts of this Kingdome that according to the Lawes in that behalfe made and the orders taken by Your Majesties Privie Councell heretofore for policie of State they doe take from all Popish Recusants legally convicted or justly suspected All such Armor Gunpowder and Munition of any kinde as any of them have either in their owne hands or in the hands of any other for them and to see the same safely kept and disposed according to the Law leaving for the necessary defence of their House and persons so much as by the Law is prescribed 3. That Your Majestie will please to command all popish Recusants and all others who by any Law or Statute are prohibited to come to the Kings Court forthwith under paine of your heavie displeasure and severe execution of your Lawes against them to retire themselves their wives and families from or about London to their severall dwellings or places by your Lawes appointed and there to remaine confined within five myles of their dwelling places according to the Lawes of this your Realme And for that purpose to discharge all by-past Lycences granted unto them for their repaire hither And that they presume not any time hereafter to repaire to London or within tenne myles of London or to the Kings Court or to the Princes Court wheresoever 4. That Your Majesty would forbid and restraine the great resort and concourse of your owne Subjects for the hearing of Masse or other exercise of the Romish Religion to the houses of Forreigne Ambassadors or Agents residing here for the service of their severall Princes or States 5. That where of late in severall Counties in this Realme some have bin trusted in the places of Lord Leiutenants deputies Leiutenants Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer Justices of Peace and Captaines in their Countries which are either popish Recusants or non-Communicants by the space of a yeare now last past or which do not usually resort to the Church to Divine service and can bring no good certificat thereof that your Majesty would be pleased to discharge them from those places of trust by which they have that power in the Country where they live as is not fit to be put into the hands of persons so affected 6. That your Majesty would be pleased generally to put the Lawes in due execution which are made and stand in force against Popish Recusants and that all your Judges Iustices and Miniisters of Iustice to whose care these things are Committed may by your Majestyes Proclamation be Commanded to doe their duty therein 7. That seeing we are thus happily delivered from that danger which those Treaties now dissolved and that use which your ast; ast; NOTE ill affected Subjects made thereof would certainly have drawne upon us and cannot but foresee and feare least the like may heareafter happen which would unevitably bring such perill to your Majesties Kingdomes We are most humble suiters to your Gracious Majesty to secure the hearts of your good Subjects by the engagement of your Royall word unto them that upon no occasion of Marriage or Treaty or other request in that behalfe from any foraign Prince or state whatsoever you will take off or slacken the execution of your Lawes against the Popish Recusants To which our humble Perions proceeding from our most Loyall and dutifull affections towards your Majesty our care of our Countries good and our confident perswation that this will much advance the Glory of Almighty God the everlasting honour of your Majesty the safety of your Kingdome and the encouragment of all your good Subjects We do most humbly beseech your Majesty to vouchsafe a gratious Answer This Petition of the Commons after some debate and Conference between both Houses was reduced to this ensuing forme and so presented to King â— Iames. * See the Lords parchment Iournall on this day Die Sabbathi viz decimo die Aprilis 1624. May it please your most excellent Majesty IT having pleased you upon our humble suit and advise to dissolve both the Treaties to our great joy and comfort We your Majesties most faithfull and Loyall Subjects the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament doe in all humblenesse offer unto your sacred Majesty these two Petitions following 1. That for the more safety of your Realmes and better keeping your Subjects in their due obedience and other important reasons of state your Majesty would be pleased by some such course as your Majesty shall thinke fit to give present order that all the Lawes be put in due execution which have beene made and do stand in force against Iesuits Semenary Priests and all others having taken orders by Authority derived from the Sea of Rome and generally against all Popish Recusants And as for disarming that it may be according to the Lawes and according to former Acts and directions of state in that Case and yet that it may appeare to all the world the favour and clemency your Majesty useth towards all your Subjects of what condition whatsoever And to the intent the Jesuits and Priests now in the Realme may not pretend to be surprised That a speedy and certaine day may be perfixed by your Majesties Proclamation before which day they shall depart out of this Realme and all other your highnesse Dominions and neither they nor any other to returne or come hither againe upon perill of the severest penalties of the lawes now in force against them And that all your Majesties Subjects may thereby also be admonished not to receive entertaine comfort conceale any of them upon the penalties and forfeitures which by the lawes may be imposed on them Secondly seeing we are thus happily delivered from that danger which those Treaties now dissolved and that use which your ill affected Subjects made thereof would certainly have drawne upon us and yet cannot but foresee and feare least the like may hereafter happen which would inevitably bring such perill upon your Majesties Kingdomes We are most humble Sutors to your gracious Majesty to secure the hearts of your good Subjects by the engagement of your royall word unto them that upon no occasion of marriage or treaty or other request in that behalfe from any forreigne Prince or State whatsoever you will take away or slacken the execution of your lawes against Jesuits Priests and popish Recusants To which our humble Petitions proceeding from our most loyall and dutifull affections towards your Majesty our care of
our Countries good and our owne confident perswasion that these will much advance the glory of Almighty God the everlasting honour of your Majesty the safety of your Kingdomes and the encouragement of all your good Subjects we doe most humbly beseech your Majesty to vouchsafe a gracious answer This Petition being presented to the King by a Committee of both Houses the King after some deliberation gave this Answer to it That the lawes against Iesuits and popish Recusants should be put inâ—due execution from thenceforth c. Whereupon the Commons soone after sent another Petition to the Lords desiring their concurrence with them in presenting it to his Majesty for removing popish Recusants and those whose Wives were Papists from offices of trust which by law they were disabled to execute which the Lords taking into consideration It was after reported to the Lords and entred in their Journall in this manner Die Iovis viz vicessimo die Maij 1624. The Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury reported that at the meeting this day with the Commons they presented an humble Petition to the King desiring this House to joyne with them therein as heretofore The which Petition was read in haec verba viz. WE your Majesties loyall and faithfull Subjects the Commons by your royall Authority and commandement called to and Assembled in this present Parliament out of all the parts of your Kingdome of England and Dominion of Wales doe in all humility give your Majesty most humble thanks that you have so religiously and openly published that your lawes and acts of State against popish Recusants shall be put in due execution and now we hold it our bounden duty amongst other important affaires of your Realme to informe your Majesty of the growth of this dangerous sort of people in this your Kingdome and of their insolency and boldnesse in all the parts thereof insomuch as many of them unknowne to your Majesty have crept into offices and places of government and authority under you to the disheartning of you good Subjects and contrary to your Majesties lawes and acts of State whose names in discharge of our allegiance and duty without respect of persons we in all humblenesse present to your Majesty c. Now in consideration of the great countenance hereby given unto popery the greaâ— griefe and offence to all your best affected and true and loving subjects the apparant danger of the whole Kingdom by putting the power of Arms into such mens hands as by former acts of your Majesties counsell are adjudged persons justly to be suspectedâ— and fit themselves to be disarmed your sayd royall and faithfull subjects doe most humbly beseech your Majesty graciously to vouchsafe that the sayd Lords and Gentlemen hereunder named for this important reason and for the greater safety of your Majesty and of this your Realme and dominion may be removed from all your Majesties commissions of great charge and trust commissions of Lieutenancy Oyer and Terminer and of the peace and from all other offices and places of trust The names of all such persons as are certified to have places of charge or trust in their severall Counties and are themselves Popish Recusants or Non-communicants that have given over suspicion of their ill affection in Religion or that are reported or suspected so to be THe right Honourable Francis Earle of Rutland is certified to be Lord Lieutenant in the County of Lincolne and a Commissioneâ— of the peace and Custos Rotulorum in the County of Northampton and a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in Yorkeshire and in other counties and that he and his wife are suspected to be popish recusants The right honourable the Earle of Castlehaven is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in Wiltshire and to be suspected to be ill affected in religion and that some of his family either are or lately were recusauts Sir Thomas Compton Knight is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in Warwickeshire and he and the Countesse his wife are certified by same to be suspected to be popish recusants The right honourable Henry Lord Herbert is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace in Monmouthshire and to favour the popish religion and to forbeare the Church The right honourable the Lord Viscount Colchester is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace in Essex and by report that he commeth not to the Church nor receiveth the communion The right honourable the Lord Peter is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Essex and by report that he commeth not to the church nor receiveth the communion and that his wife and family are generally suspected to be popish recusants The right honourable Henry Lord Morlay is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Lancashire and to be suspected to be a popish recusant The right honourable the Lord Windsor is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Buckinghamshire and by common fame to be a popish recusant The right honourable William Lord Evre is certified to be a Justice of the peace in the county of Durham and to be a popish recusant convicted The right honourable the Lord Wooten is certified to be in place of authority in Kent and that he and his wife doe forbeare the church and are justly suspected to affect the Roman religion The right honourable the Lord Teynhani is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Kent and by common report to be a popish recusant The right honourable the Lord Scroope is certified to be a Lord Lieutenant of the Counties of Yorke of the City of Yorke and of Kingston upon Hull and to be a Commissioner of the peace and of Oyer and Terminer in the said Counties and in sundry other Counties and that his Lordship hath not received the Communion once every yeere in the last three or foure yeeres and that his Lordship hath given overt suspicion of his ill affection in Religion by his departure from the Communion on sundry dayes when his Majesties Counsell there resident and others of the Congregation staid behind to receive the same sometimes on Easter-day and sometimes on the fifth day of November and it is testified by witnesse that the Lord Archbishops grace of Yorke and others of his Majesties Counsell there resident were present did receive the Communion once when his Lordship went away and that his Lordship doth rarely repaire to the Church on Sundayes and Holy-dayes in the forenoon and not above twice to the afternoone Sermons whereunto former Lord Presidents with his Majesties Counsell there residing have frequently repaired and whereunto the Counsell now there resident doe ordinarily repaire since he was made Lord President whereof notice is taken by all his Majesties Subjects in those parts to the great griefe of such as are truly affected in Religion Sir VVilliam Courtney Knight is certified to be a Commissioner of the peace and
recusants Thomas Oatly Esquire is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Shropshire and Richard Gibbins Gent. to be crowner there and that their wives be recusants Rice Williams esquire is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Carwarthenshire and that his wife is a popish recusant convicted Sir Thomas Penrodduck â—night is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Middlesex and that his wife is a recusant Valentine Sanders esquire is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Middlesex and that his eldest sonne is a recusant Thomas Rookell esquire is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Saint Edmunds Berry in Suffolke and that his eldest sonne is reported to be a popish recusant Anthony Thorold Esquire is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Lincolnshire and that he hath a sonne that is suspected to be a popish recusant Sir Nicholas Sanders Knight is certified to be a commissioner of the peace in Surrey and his wife is suspected to be a popish recusant Which Petition being read the House did defere the debate thereof at this time for that the day was farre spent And answer was given to the commons who attended for the same in the paynted chamber that the Lords will send them an answer of this Petition hereafter when they are resolved thereof Whether any of these were displaced upon this Petition I find not in any Memorials it being certain some of them were not but continued still in these offices of trust And thus I have given the World a full account of the unhappy tedious Spanish Treaty of the advantages the Pope and Papists made thereof and its finall rupture in and by the Parliament I shall now proceed to the French which was short and more succesfull THe Spanish match being thus at last dissoved after so long a treaty in discontent and warre the popish party here and beyond the seas endeavouring to make good the ground liberty and immunities they had gotten by the former treaty of Marriage and to carry on their forementioned designe by the same prevailing meanes engaged the King and Prince in a new marriage-parley with France to the Lady Henrette Maria Sister to the French King a Princesse of the Roman Religion To what end this Marriage was propounded by the Roman party is evident by this observable passage of le Maistre a French Author Sotâ—on Priest in his Instauratio antiqui Episcoporum Principatus printed at Paris Cum Privilegio Anno 1633. dedicated to Cardinal Richelltus l. 2. c. 15. p. 273 274. where thus he writes with reference to the English Roman affaires anno 1624. What then forbids the same things and others which are of greater pompo in England especially where the heat of persecutions hath ceased through the dignity of a Magnanimous King and most invincible Prince NOTE Rol. Tractationis Ratifiâ—atiâ—nis Matrimonii inter Dom. Carolum Regum Dâ—m Henret Marium Sororem Regis Franc. 1. Carâ— by the Borbonian Starre which hangs over these countries in a most deare Wife by which Starres as by the Dioscury peradventure the tempest of persecution will in time be appeased and the generous Prince may acknowlege the same Christ under whom his Ancestors have so gloriously triumphed c. This Match was soone concluded in the life of King Iames the Articles concerning Religion being the same almost verbatim with those formerly agreed on in the Spanish treaty and so easily condescended to without much debate I shall give you the principle of them relating onely to Religion out of the Record it selfe the printed c 〈…〉 French Mercury and Manuscript Copies as they were subscribed and signed by the Earles of Carlile and Holland extraordinary Ambassadours and Commissioners for the King and Prince on the one side and by the French Commissioners on the other side and after that signed sealed and sworne to by King Iames Prince Charles and the French King the 10. of Novemb. 1624. and upon King Iames his death re-signed resealed and re-swore to by King Charles and the French King the 8. of May 162â— after the French account 1 That the above named the Lords Ambassadours have promised and doe promise for and on the behalf of his Majesty of great Brittain now reigning 〈◊〉 he shall takâ— to Marriage for his deare Consort and Wise the Lady Henretta Maria Daughter of France and sister to his foresaid most Excellent Majesty in person or otherwise by Proxy so soone as conveniently the same may be done and that also the foresaid Lady at the good pleasure and consent of his foresaid Christian Majesty and of the Queene her Mother after his FORESAID MAJESTY HATH OBTAINED A d 〈…〉 DISPENSATION FROM THE POPE dâ—th promise to take for her deare Consort and Husband Charles the first King of great Brittaine and according to the foresaid reciprocall promise he shall be assianced and contracted after the manner accustomed in the CATHOLIKE AND ROMISH CHURCH â—7 It is likewise agreed upon that the said Lady and all her Followers as also the Children which shall be borne to her Officers shall have free exercise of the Catholike Apostolicall and Roman Religion and to that end the foresaid Lady shall have a Chappell in each of the Kings Palaces or Houses or in any other place of his Majesty of great Brittaine where he shall chance to come and continue and that the foresaid Chappell shall be adorned and decked as it is sitting and that the keeping thereof shall be committed to whom it shall please the said Lady to appoint in which the preaching of Gods Word and the Administration of the Sacraments the MASSE and all other Offices shall be freely and solemnly done according to the use of the Romish Church yea all Indulgences and Jubilees which the said Lady shall obtaine or get from THE POPE may be done and executed there There shall be also one Church-yard in the City of London given and appointed to interre and bury such of her said Ladyships followers as shall chance to depart this life according to the manner and form of the Church of Rome and that shall be modestly done the whiâ—h Church-yard shall be in such sort inclosed or walled about that no person shall come therein to prophane the same 8. It is also agreed upon that the sayd LADY SHALL HAVE A BISHOP FOR HER GREAT ALMONER who shall have all Iurisdiction and necessary authority for all matters and causes concerning Religion and who shall proceed against the Ecclesiasticall persons which shall be under his charge according to the Canons constituted and appointed 9. And if it shall at any time happen that any secular Court shall take any of the foresaid Priests into their power by reason of any crime or offence against the State by him commiited or done and doe find him to be guilty thereof yet shall the said Court send him back to the said Bishop with the Informations
of the present estate the causes and remedies of this encreasing disease of Popery humbly offering the same to your Princely care and wisedome The answer of your Majesties Father our late Soveraigne of famous memory upon the like Petition did give us great comfort of Reformation but your Majesties most gracious promises made in that kind doe give us confidence and assurance of the continuall performance thereof in which comfort and confidence reposing our selves we most humbly pray for your Majesties long continuance in all Princely felicity This Petition as I find by the Commons Iournall was ordered to be drawne up by a speciall Committee upon a complaint made in that House of the liberty of Priests and Iesuits 21. Iunâ—â— 1. Car. On the 7. of Iuly following it was voted in the House answered by the King the 7. of August and the Answer thereunto reported Aug. 8. But this Parliament being unhappily dissolved in discontent the twelfth of that August these plausible answers vanished into smoake and notwithstanding them the execution of Priests and Jesuits apprehended during and after the Parliament and the proceedings against Recusants by well affected Justices and people were stayed in some places by warrants under the privy Signet and other under-hand meanes Yet in December following the King being necessitated to summon a new Parliament to prevent clamours and complaints in not making good his Answers to the foresaid Petition caused a Commission to be awarded under the great Seale for executing the lawes against Recusants which was read in all the Courts of Iustice at Redding and withall sent this Letter to the then Arch-bishop of Canterbury Abbot to be by him conveyed to all the Bishops of his Province to present and excoâ—municate all Recusants within their Duresse as will appear by this Letter of the said Archbishop to Doctor Land then Bishop of Saint Davids and his Letters to his Officials in pursuance of it the Originall whereof is in my custody AFter my hearty commendations c. It will appeare by the severall Copies under written from his royall Majesty to the Lords Grace of Canterbury and from my Lords Grace to me what care his Majesty hath for the preservation of true Religion setled and established in this Kingdome the tenour of these Letters are as followeth Right Reverend Father in God my very good Lord I have received from the Kings Majesty a Letter the Tenour whereof here followeth MOst Reverend Father in God Right trusty and Right Well beloved Counsellour We greet you well Whereas upon sundry weighty considerations Vs especially moving We lately awarded Our Commission under Our great Seale of England for the due and effectuall putting in execution of the severall laweâ— and statuteâ— remaining in force against popish Recusants and did cause Our said Commission to be publikely read in Our severall Courts holden the last terme at Redding That all Our loving Subjects might take notice of Our princely care and speciall charge for the advancement of true Religion and suppression of Suâ—erstition and Popery We have now thought fit out of the same care to adde a further charge to you and all others having Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction under Us that no good meanes be neglected on Our part for discovering finding out and apprehending of Iesuits Seminary-priests and other Seducers of Our people to the Romish Religion or for repressing popish Recusants and Delinquents of that sort against whom you are to proceed by Excommunication and other censures of the Church not omitting any other lawfull meanes to bring them forth to publike justice And as Our pleasure is that due and strict proceeding be used against such as are open and professed Papists of whom Ouâ— temporall lawes will more easily take hold So We doe recommend to the vigilanâ— care of you and the rest of Our Clergy for the repressing of those who being ill affected to the true Religion here established doe keep more close and secret their ill and dongerous affections that way and as well by their example as by secret and underhand slights and meanes doe much encourage and encrease the growth of popery and Superstition in sundry parts of this Kingdome And therefore We doe not onely require that none of them may have any manner of cover protection countenance or connivance from you or any of the rest as you tender Our royall commandement in that behalfe but that all possible diligence be used as well to unâ—â—ske the false shadowes and pretences of those who may possibly be wonne to conformity letting all men know that We cannot think well of any that having place and authority in the Church doe permit such persons to passe with impunity much lesse if they give them any countenance to the imboldning of them or their Adherents and because We understand that the number of Recusants is much more encreased in some Dioâ—esses then in others We shall impute the same to the negligence of those Bishops who have the same meanes and power of restraint unlesse they can shew Us some particular reason by which that contagion is become greater under them then others and not by their defaults and We doe hereby require you to send transcripts of these Our Letters to all the Bishops and Ordinaries within your province for the present execution of thisâ— Our generall direction and also to transmit the same our Letters to the Lord Archbishop of Yorke that he may take the like course within his Charge and Jurisdiction Given under Our Signet at Our Castle of Windsor the fifteenth day of December in the first yeere of Our Reigne By this you see the Royall and Christian care which his Majesty hath for the advancement of true Religion within this Kingdome and the suppressing of the contrary I doubt not but your Lordship will take it into serious consideration and by your Officers and Ministers give execution thereunto so that presentments be duly made and excommunication against the obstinate be issued forth as some few yeers past was accustomed and his Majesty doth expect that to shew your diligence and zeale therein yout Lordship soone after Easter returne unto me the list and number of all Recusant Papists within your Diocesse which without faile I doe expect and so I leave you to the Almighty and remaine Your Lordships loving brother G. Cant. Croydon the 21. of Decemb. 1625. These are therefore to will and require you and every of you through the severall Arch-deaconries within my Diocesses that there be all possible care taken of such as are any way backward in points of Religion and more especially of known and professed Recusants that they may be carefully presented and proceedings had against them to excommunication according to forme and order of Law and that there be a true List and Catalogue after every Easter yeerly sent unto me that according to the order of these Letters I may be able to have it ready and deliver it up to my Lord of Canterbury and for the
drawne to such an unworthy action resolving rather to sinke then stirre therein Whereupon Captaine Pennington acquainted his Majesty and the Duke of Buckingham by Letters with this their peremptory resolution and desires their direction herein the King I know not by whose ill advice returns him this answer both by word of mouth and this ensuing Warrant the copy whereof was found among Windebankes and the Lord Cottingtons Papers CHARLES R. Pennington THese are to charge and require you immediately upon sight hereof that without all difficulty and delay you put Our former commandement in execution for the consigning of the Ship under your charge called the Vaunt-guard into the hands of the Marquesse de Effort with all her Equipage Artillery and Ammunition assuring the Officers of the said Ship whom it may concerne that we will provide for their indemnity and We further charge and command you that you also require the seven Merchants Ships in Our name to put themselves into the service of Our deare Brother the French King according to the promise made unto him and in case of backwardnesse or refusall We command you to use all forcible meanes in your power to compell them thereunto even to their sinking NOTE and in these severall charges see you faile not as you will answer the contrary at your utmost perill and this shall be your sufficient Warrant Given as Our Court at Richmond the 28. of Iuly 1625. To Our Trusty and welbeloved John Pennington Captaine of Our Ship called the Vaunt-guard Upon receit of this Warrant Captaine Pennington as I have been certainly informed from very credible persons of note privy to the transactions of this businesse threatned to shoot and sinke the Ships and hang up the Mariners that refused to yeeld obedience and serve against Rochell but they all unanimously declined the service bidding him doe his pleasure with them for goe against the Rochelers they would never but if they were commanded upon any other service not against the Protestants they would obey Whereupon those who refused to serve in this expedition were commanded to quit the Ships and returne into England which all did but two who soone after came to desperate ends the one being blowne up with Gun-powder the the other drowned or slaine Upon this the English Ships were according to this direction delivered to the French manned with French-men and other Forreigners and joyning with some more Vessels of the French King destroyed the Rochell Fleet blocked up their Haven ruined that famous Protestant City with most of the Protestants in it which after a long and sharp siege by sea and land was through famine surrendred into the Papist hands the losse whereof was generally if not justly imputed to our ill Counsellers who after they had been instruments to destroy their Ships the principall meanes of their safety support and preservation by an unfortunate voyage of the Duke of Buckingham to the Isle of Ree to what end but to ruine Rochell and the Protestant party in France or to revenge the disappointment of his lust as many muttered is yet unknowne to the world exhausted their Ammunition Victuals provisions men to supply our necessities at Ree and after our departure thence left our sick and maiâ—ed souldiers there to help devoure the residue of their emptied stores and then suffered them to be totally blocked up at sea when we had thus engaged them on our behalfe neglecting to send them timely supplies of Victuall Ammunition shipping men which was strangely delaid from time to time contrary to promise and when our ships went at last they gave over the designe of relieving is as desperate before ever they assayed whether it was feasible 〈◊〉 Master Henry now Lord Iermin and some others in that unfortunate expedition informed me and then making onely a Bravado towards the Barracado as if they meant to force it with their fireships and engines made with great stones brought to London to repaire Pauls so unlikely to do any good service for Rochell they discharged their Ordnance very valiantly above a league or two from the Workes they were to force and without adventuring neerer or attempting to force the Barre returned presently with infinite dishonour for England leaving all their fireships and Engines in them to the French in a most unwarlike manner but in their returne homewards many of these Ships were wrecked drowned in a tempest who would not adventure sinking in a fight and the whole Navy shattered Soon after which poor Rochell thus deferred and betraid was surrendred into the French Kings Cardinals possession and all the Protestant Towns in France surprized yeeded pillaged dismantled so as they have since no Town or Fort of strength to retire unto to preserve themselves from the force or massacres of their bloody Adversaries to whose mercilesse cruelties they are now wholly exposed upon all occasions by our means I pray God this 〈◊〉 against them and the blood of those many thousand Protestants then shed in France by our occasion be not one principall cause why God by way of retaliation hath permitted the Papists in Ireland and England to shed so much Protestant blood in these Realmes as they have done of late lot our refusing or neglecting to avenge their blood upon those romanized Conspirators who were the occasion of this their irreperable losse and bloodshed But to returne home againe from this deplorable action the second Parliament in King Charles his Reigne being dissolved sodainly in disgusts as you have heard there was a desperate plot laid to blow up our Religion Liberties Properties all at once by the Jesuiâ—â—call Arminian and Prelatical Faction To effect this they set on foot an enforced Loane or Benevolence to the King to which every man must be summoned and compelled to lend mony according to his ability to which end there were Commissions and Instructions together with speciall Commissioners senc into every County to summon all Free-holders and men of estate to lend what the Commissioners should asseâ—â—e them and to prepare the people the better to contribute Doctor Manwaing preached two Sermons before the King and his Court at White-hall and Doctor Sibthorpe another Sermon at the Assisâ—â—at Northampton by the now Arch-bishop of Canterbury his instigation who perused and caused these Sermons to be printed by the Kings speciall Command with some additions and purgations of his owne to preach the people out of their just rights in point of Conscience and the Judges were likewise enjoyed in their charges and circuits to declare the legallity of them and so inthrall the Subjects to this and all other arbitrary taxes in poynt of Law And that this malevolent enforced Benevolence might passe more currently and plausibly among the people the aiding of our Protestant Allies in Germany Denmarke France and particularly the reliefe of Rochell then besieged against the Papists and their potent enemies was made the principall end thereof and a Parliament was promised to be
passing their grants and other discharges is such that without your Majesty be further pleased to extend your mercy towards them your poore Petitioners although they have used the uttermost of their mean endeavours can reape no benefit of your Majesties gracious favour vouchsafed unto them They therefore most humbly beseech your Majesty to be pleased to referre the settlement and establishing of the said Fees to the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Cottington who calling unto them your Majesties Vice-Presidents of the North may direct such moderate fees and meanes to passe the said grants and other discharges as your Petitioners meane ability may be able to undergoe And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray for your Majesties long and prosperous reigne over us But this Proclamation rather displeasing then satisfying it was thus seconded with the ensuing ogive more content By the KING A Proclamation declaring His Majesties Royall Pleasure and Command for putting the Lawes and Statutes made against Jesuits Priests and Popish Recusants in due execution WHereas We have found by experience that notwithstanding the strict and severe Lawes made and standing in force against Iesuits Priests and others having taken Orders by authority derived or pretended to be derived from the Sea of Rome and notwithstanding Our former restraints and prohibition by Proclamation and otherwise many of them have presumed to resort and remaine within this Our Realme and other parts of Our Dominions and there doe daily endeavour to withdraw and seduce Our Subjects from the true Religion of Almighty God and from there due Allegiance and Obedience towards Us their Liege Lord and that many of Our Subjects missed by them have adventured to receive harbour and maintaine them and thereby have incurred the danger of Our Lawes And therefore not finding that good effect which We did and might justly expect of any former course taken in that behalfe We have thought fit NOTE and doe hereby publish Our royall pleasure and Command that carefull and diligent search be made by all Our Officers and Ministers and by all others to whom it may appertaine for all Iesuits Priests and others having taken Orders by authority derived or pretended to be derived from the Sea of Rome and that wheresoever and whensoever they shall be found they be apprehended and committed to the common Goale of that County where they shall be found there to remaine without Baile or Mainprize untill by due course of Law they be tryed Quâ—re whether it were so doneâ— and proceeded with according to Law which We will shall be done with all convenient expedition And if upon their tryall and Conviction there shall be cause to respire the execution of any of them yet We are resolved not to let them lye in those common Goales much lesse to wander about at large but according to the example of former times to send them to the Cattle of Westbich or some other safe Prison where they shall remaine under strait and close custody and be wholly restrained from exercising their Functions or spreading their superstitious and dangerous Doctrine And We are also resolved whereof We doe hereby give notice to all whom it may concerne at their utmost perils That the Harbourers Receivers and Maintainers of Iesuits Priests and all such others as haue received or shall receive Orders as aforesaid shall be left to the due and ordinary course of Law And We doe further will and command that all Our Judges Justices and Ministers of Justice in their severall places not onely doe observe Our will and pleasure before expressed in all and every the premises but also doe put all other Out Lawes in due execution against Popish Recusants and that Our Judges of Assise at their returne out of their Circuits doe from time to time hereafter give a strict accompt of their proceedings therein unto Our Lord Keeper of the great Seale and Our Lord Keeper doe present the same unto Vs. And whereas We heretofore granted severall Commissions for Leasing and demising of the Lands of Recusants liable to their forfeitures with Instructions for the direction of Our Commissioners in that service NOTE We minding a due reformation of the manifold neglects and abuses of our inferiour officers and others whereby that part of our Revenue hath been extreamly lessened and those who were backward in Religion have been encouraged to persist in their obstinacy and blindnesse have caused those Commissions and Instructions to be revived and many parts altered for our better service and profit And We doe hereby declare the same to the intent that such as shall be willing to contract with Us or to further our service or advance our profit in that behalfe may attend our said Commissioners And whereas We are informed that divers have contracted for Leases of Recusants Lands who doe not sue out their Leases to our great hinderance our will and pleasure is That all such as have already contracted with our Commissioners for Leases of Recusants Lands shall passe them under our Seales before the end of Michaelmâ—â— Terme next and such as shall hereafter contract for any such Leases shall passe therâ— under our Seales before the end of the Terme then next following after such contracts made or else their Contracts to be utterly voyd And We doe straitly charge all our said Commissioners that they be carefull to advance our profit herein according to the true intent of our Commissions and Instructions and that they use all diligence to discover and avoid all abuses which may tend to the diminution of our profit or to the encrease of Popery and back-sliding from the true Religion established in the Church of England Given at Our Court at Southwicke the third day of August in the fourth yeere of Our reigne of Great Britaine France and Ireland A little before the next Session of Parliament and during the Session it selfe the King likewise issued out these successive Proclamations following against Doctor Smith Bishop of Calcedon By the KING A Proclamation for the apprehension of Richard Smith a Popish Priest stiled and calling himselfe the Bishop of Calcedon FOrasmuch as We certainly understand that Richard Smith an English man borne by profession a Popish Priest now is and for some yeeres past hath been in this Realme and here not onely 〈◊〉 our Subjects in their Religion but both also both by his writings in print and otherwise and by his 〈◊〉 practice perswade those our Subjects to whom he hath accesse from their Allegiance to Us their Liege Lord and usurpeth to himselfe Episcopall Jurisdiction from the Sea of Rome and exerciseth the same within this Kingdome and holdeth continuall Intelligence with our Enemies whereby according to the just Lawes of this Realme he hath committed the offence of high treason And yet neverthelesse divers of our Subjects seduced by him doe receive harbour and entertaine him contrary to our Lawes and have thereby incurred and doe incurre the penalty of those
London one of his Majesties most honoâ—rable privy Counsell My very good Lord SInce I wroâ—e unto your Lordship concerning the businesse of Sir Iohn Wishart and Master Elpheâ—sion all the Bishops Chaâ—cellours is â—he Kingdome were sent for to Dublin by the Lords Justices to answer such things as are objected against the exercise of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in a Petition exhibited unto them by the Recusaâ—t Lords of the Country Which being a matter of no small importance I thought it my duty to impart unto your Lordship the true Copiâ—s both of the Petition of the one and of the Answer of the other that you may be the better prepared to speake therein if the matter shall be brought over into England and give us direction here how we are to follow the businesse for I feare all the Bishops are to appeare about the beginning of Easter Tearme to declare their resolutions touching the same propositions I â—end likewise unto your Lordship a short Letter which I received even now from the Bishop oâ— Kilfâ—nora The Bishoprick of Killalow is contigâ—ous unto his and both being conjoyned together by a perpetuall union would make an indifferent good competency for one Bishop for that of Kâ—lfenora is otherwise in it selfe so poore and so farre from any good Benefice that might be annexed unto it that there is little hope it will ever be made fit for any man of worth I humbly thank your Lordship for the tender regard you had of my reputation in stopping the publishing of my book there before the faults committed in the reprinting thereof should be corrected for which and those other high favours which I doe daily receive at your hands I must alwayes professe my selfe to rest Drogheda February 10. 1630. Your Lordships faithfull Servant in all duty ready to be commanded Ja. Armachanus What answer was given to this Petition of the Recusants by the Bishops and their Chancellours will appeare by this ensuing paper thus 〈◊〉 by Bishop Laud The Answer of the Lords Bishops and Chancellours to such Articles of the Recusants Peâ—ition as concerne the Church An Abstract of those things which concerne the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction in the Petition exhibited to the Lords Justices 1. THat your Lordships may direct a course that the Clergy doe not proceed with the great burden and charge they doe lay upon the poore people for clandestine Marriages Christnings and Burials c. 2. That the the Bishops Courts should hold no longer then one day at a sitting 3. That the lâ—xâ—uisitors comming to doe service to the â—aid Court shall not pay for their entrance 4. The Subsidy of the Bishops and Clergy if they have paid the same no ease done to the Country therâ—by 5. That School masters shall not be disturbed from teaching so they teach nothing concerning Religion The Answers of the Lords Bishops and Chancellours that are now present to the Articles of grievance lately by your Lordships imparted to them Right honourable our good Lords AS to the imputation cast upon us to burthen and charge the poore people for clandestine Marriages Christnings c. We humbly propose to your Lordships consideration 1. That the cognizance of these causes doth by the Lawes of this Realme belong to the Judicature Ecclesiasticall with a very severe charge in Gods name to see to the due execution thereof as in the Statute of 2. Eliz. cap. 2. may appeare 2. That the resâ—actâ—rines of the people in not resorting to Church and being conformable to divine service and administration of Sacraments and other Rites according to the forme of the book of Common-prayer is no way to be cherished or fomented especially in the apparant endeavours which is now used by the popish faction NOTE to draw them away from the obedience of his Majesty to that of the Pope 3. That if it be permitted to them to marry and baptize without controle all other Sâ—ismaticks as Aâ—abaptists Brownists c. may claime the like 4. That they are in no worse condition then those of our owne and his Majesty in those very graces which their very Agents obtained and to which they have reference in their Petition did referre the Delinquents in these particulars to be proceeded against according to the ordinary course of Law Art 49. 5. That if this proceeding he stopt these inconveniences will arise The Bishops and Ordinaries are not able to answer the Kings writs which are by the common Law to be directed unto them as in cause of Bastardy and Certificate of marriage and the like as also the whole Common-wealth will swarme with Incest Adultery Whoredome c. if it be lawfull for popish Vicars to dispence and divorce at pleasure and voyd new marriages upon pretext they were not solemnized by the parish Priest according to the Trent Reformation and other like frivolous pretexts contrary to the law of God 6. As to the burthen of the poore people we doe humbly desire that the Delinquents may be informed against and upon conviction severely punished 7. And if it seeme to your Lordships that the fees of the Ecclesiasticall Courts be over-burthenous that the Commission for regulating them may be speedily executed 2. Touching the continuance of the Courts longer then one day at a sitting We conceive the same to be for the ease of the people and expediting of causes and the hindring of chamber-justice but if it shall appeare otherwise to your Lordships we desire your Lordships to set downe what order you shall think most fit for the ease of the people and due performance of that service 3. Concerning Inquisitors fees for their entrance We doe deny that ever any such thing was done and if any can be justly charged therewith let him be punished 4. Touching our Subsidy We doe think it is not unknowne to your Lordships how cheerfully we have strained our selves for the safety of the Country some of us having besides contributed to the Souldiers as deeply as they even of our mensall lands which we hold in our owne hands 5. Touching School-Masters We humbly desire your Lordships to consider 1. How much it concerneth the Reformation of the manners of the people that School-Masters be well-affected to Religion and to the present Government 2. That popish School-Masters doe breed up and prepare the youth of this Realme to be Priests and contrary to the Priviledges of his Majesties Progenitors to the University of Dublin doe teach them Logick and Philosophy 3. That under the name of School-Masters divers dangerous and seditious persons may be nourished in private Families to the corrupting and seducing the youth of this Realme and withdrawing them from his Majesties alleagiance 4. That whereaâ— if such be put downe the parents would out of necessity send their Children to the Ministers and Curates or Free-schools in every County and the Colledges at Dublin by the allowing them they will be still nouzeled in Superstition and Barbarisme Lastly whereas your Lordships lately desire us to certifie
may be this our protestation and appeale unto the See Apostolik and the God of peace and love long preserve your Reverend Lordships in safety Dated at Dublin May 3. in the yeere of our Lord 1632. Peter Caddell Doctor of Divinity Paul Harris pr. a a Dâ—â—e Deacon of the University of Dublin From which Protestation I shall observe these considerable particulars 1. First that the papists in Ireland had their own popish Arch-bishops Bishops and a Viâ—at Apostolicall residing then amongst them as the Title and body of this Protestation manifest Secondly that their Arch-bishop Flemming had a popish Clergy under him in his Province and did exceedingly tyrannize over them usurping jurisdiction even in temporall caâ—ses and over the Kings owne Courts among the Catholikes of Ireland Thirdly that the popish Bishops in Ireland did usually conferre orders and exercise all Episcopall jurisdiction there Fourthly NOTE that they had a speciall Cardinall at Rome Ludovisius given by the Pope unto the Irish as the onely patron and protector of the Irish Nation Fiftly That the secular Priests were exceedingly jealous least the Monks and regulars in Ireland should overtop Lord it and usurpe a Monarchy over them and thereupon appealed to the Pope against them and their Franciscan Arch-bishop Sixtly that they were growne extraordinary bold and insolemthere so as they openly published this their protestation and appeale in print both in Latin and English to all the world and avowed it under their hands subscribed to it Seventhly That they had then erected a popish University in Dublin it selfe of which Paul Harris professeth himselfe Deacon or Deane as Bishop Bedle stiles him even in print of which more hereafter in the Bishop of Kilmores letters This very yeere 1632 the Papists in Ireland upon a false suggession procured a discharge for paying 12. d. for their absence from Church every Sunday towards the maintainance of the army and put the greatest charge of it upon the Protestants to their great grievance as appeares by this passage of the Primate of Armagh his letter to Bishop Laâ—d who thus indorsed it March 1. 1632 Lord Primate of Armagh The generall grievance of the protestant party in Ireland My very good Lord IF you shall think it expedient that I may meet your Lordship this summer in Scotland to doe my service there unto his Majesty I shall have opportunity God willing more freely to deliver my mind unto you both touching this particular and the general grievance which the Protestant â—arty here hath taken upon the unhappy stop of the execution of the statuâ—e of 12. d. against Recusants grounded upon a most untrue suggestion made unto his Majesty that Writs were issued out for the levying of those monies before the time of the contribution granted by the Country for the maintainance of the army was expired after which the next newes here expected is that the Earle of Westmeath should bring over directions for the abridging of our Episcopall Iurisdiction that so the popish Bishops may keep their Courts more freely then we shall be permitted to doe quod dirum omen overâ—at a nobis Deâ—â— c. Your Lordships in all observance Ja. Aramachanus Dublin March 1. 1632 Hereupon the Protestants within the county of Cavan both Clergy and Laity being oppressed by laying the charge of the Souldiers upon them in ease of the papists and exceedingly injured by a popish Sheriffe a great enemy to the English Protestants by unequall assessements on them drew up this ensuing Petition and presented it to the Lords Justices and Counsell of Ireland whereby the power of and favoâ—rs shewed to the Papists there to the great grievance of the Protestants is fully laid open To the right Honourable the Lords Justices and Counsell The humble Petition of the Protestant Inhabitants both Clergy and Lâ—ity within the county of Cavan In all humble manner sheweth unto your Lordships WHereas your Lordships were pleased to send directions unto the Sheriffe of this Country bearing date the 12. of February last 1632. stilo Anglia c. for the levying of certaine summes of money towards the maintainance of the Army or contribution for the last three months ending the last day of March last and that your Lordships directions were grounded upon the signification of his Majesties pleasure which summes were plotted and collected by the Collectors without the consent of the Protestants in this County and partly by force by laying of souldiers upon the County by the Sub-Sheriffs warrant being a Recusant without any warrant from your Honours to that effect NOTE We doe humbly pray your Lordships that this money so collected and now paid in according to your Lordships directions it may not be prejudiciall unto us and our posterity and successors in time to come and that your Lordships will be pleased favourably to forbeare any further imposition of any such burden upon us untill your Lordships shall represent these humble Remonstrances unto his Majesty at whose hands we have full confidence out of his accustomed elemency to find reliefe 1. That whereas about foure yeers last past Sir Andrew Steward and Sir Arthur Tâ—rbosse deceased Knights and Baroneâ—s were appointed Agents to treat with his Majesty for the easing of this Province of Ulster of the burden of the Army which was then imposed the said Agents exceeding their authority did condescend with the Recusant Agents to the imposition of six score thousand pounds sterling upon this Kingdome to be paid within this Kingdome 2. That the said summe though heavily pressing the conformable Subjects especially the Plantators and poore Clergy was by them satisfied and payed according to his Majesties directions with hope that thereupon they should not be further charged with the like impositions 3. That since that time the undertakers and plantators have renewed their Patents paid great fines and doubled their rents to his Majesty to their great chargâ— especially in the deare yeeres that have been by the murren of Cattell and unseasonablenesse of the times 4. That the Country hath been and aâ—e still at excessive charges in building of Castles and Bawenes Goale-houses Shire-houses Bridges and High-wayes and now are called upon to re-edifie their Churches which are for the most part altogether râ—ined 5. That where the Plantators are lately by direction from his Majesty to be trained in Bands under Captaines and other Officers by Sir William Grahayme twice a yeer for which be receiveth due entertainment from them they conceive that not only they shall be able to serve his Majesty in his and their owne defence but to approve their â—idelities against any other if occasion of trouble should be 6. That if any be feared it seems hard that others no way doubted of NOTE should be in worse condition by reason of their dangerousnesse 7. That whereas your Lordships doe intimate a proffer made by a great number of Noble-men of this Kingdome to continue their contributions We humbly desire that it
and to strike off the Debts of your Crowne that for the enacting of all such profitable and wholsome Laws as a moderate and good people may expect from a Wise and Gracious King That this being the order of Nature Reason and Civility your Majesty expects it should be intirely observed and your selfe wholly intrusted by them which they are not onely to grant to bee fit in the generall case of King and Subjects but ought indeed to acknowledge it with thankfulnesse due to your Majesty in particular when they look back and call to mind how for their ease you were content to take six score thousand pounds which their Agents gave to bee paid in three in six yeeres and not barely so neither but to double your Graces towards them the whil'st which they'have injoyed accordingly much to their advantage and greatly to the losse of the Crown And that considering the Army hath been represented over to your Majesty from this Counsell and in a manner from the body of this whole Kingdome to bee of absolute necessity to give comfort to the quiet minds in their honest labours to containe the licentious Spirits within the modest bounds of sobriety it consists not with your Majesties Wisdome to give unto the World no not the apparence of so much improvidence in your owne Counsels of so much forgetfulnesse in a case of their safety as to leave that Pillar of your Auctority and their Peace unseâ— for continuance at least one six moneths before the wearing forth of their Contribution Therefore your Maiesty was well assured in conformity to the rules of Reason and Judgement they would presently grant three Subsidies to bee paid in three yeeres to disengage the Crowne of fourscore thousand pounds debt and continue their Quarterly payments towards the Army foure yeeres longer in which time it was hopefull suitable to your Gracious intentions some other expedient might bee found out to maintaine the Army without further charge to them at all VVhich Law passed they should have as much leisure to inact for themselves at after as they could desire either now or in winter Nay your Majesty 〈◊〉 be graciously pleased with the assistance of your Counsell to advise seriously with them that nothing might remaine either unthought of or denyed conducing to the publike good of this Kingdome But if they made difficulty to proceed with your Majesty in this manner other Counsels must be thought of and little to bee relyed or expected for from them I am not to flatter your Majesty so farre as to raise any hope on that side that all this should be granted but by pressing both and especially the continuance of the quarterly payments to the Army which they dread above any earthly thing I conceive it probable that to determine lay asleep as they think the contribution and in acknowledgement of your Majesties happy accesse to the Crown they may be drawn to a present Gift of three Subsidies payable in three yeares which alone would keep the Army on foot during that time and if my calculation hold almost discharge the debt of the Crowne besides For thus I make my Estimate the contribution from the Country is now but twenty thousand pounds sterling by the yeere whereas I have good reason to trust each Subsidy will raise thirty thousand pounds sterling And so there will bee ten thousand pounds for three yeeres over and above the establishment which thirty thousand pounds sterling well and profitably issued will I trust with Honour to your Majesty and moderate satisfaction to the parties strike off the whole fourscore thousand pounds Irish which in present presseth so sore upon this Crown And then Sir after that in Michaelmas Terme all beneficiall Acts for the Subject be thought of as many no fewer nor no more inacted then were fit in honour and wisdome to be granted If for a conclusion to this Parliament we could gain from them other two Subsidies to buy in Rents and Pensions to ten thousand pounds yearly value a thing they are inclinable unto as is mentioned in my dispatch to the Lord Treasurer I judge there were a happy issue of this Meeting and that it should through Gods blessing appeare to the world in a few yeeres Note you had without charge made a more absolute Conquest of this Nation by your wisdome then all your Royall Progenitors have been able to accomplish by theiâ— Armies and vast expence of Treasure and Blood These being the ends in my poore Opinion which are to bee desired and attained the best meanes to dispose fit all concurring causes thereunto are not to be forgotten and therefore as preparatives I make bold to offer these insuing particulars It seemes to mee very convenient a Committee bee forthwith appointed of some few of us here to take into consideration all the Bils intended when there was a Parliament to have been called in the time of my Lord Falkland such as shall be judged beneficiall to make them ready such as may be of too much prejudice to the Crown to lay them aside and to draw up others which may chance to have been then omitted this worke may bee by the Committees either quickned or fore-slowen as the Parliament proceeds warmer or cooler in your Majesties Supplies Next that your Majesties Acts of Grace directed to my Lord Falkland the foure and twentyeth of May 1628 may bee considered by such of your Counsell in England as shall please your Majesty to appoint there being many matters therein contained which in a Law would not futurely so well sort with the Power requisite to bee upheld in this Kingdome nor yet with your Majesties present proâ—â—t which hath perswaded me to except against such as I hold best to be silently passed over and to transmit a Paper thereof to my Lord Treasurer It is to be feared the meaneâ— sort of Subjects here live under the pressures of the great 〈◊〉 and there is a generall complaint that Officers exact much larger Fees then oâ— right they ought to doe To help the formeâ— if it bee possible I will find out two or three to make examples of And to remedy the latter grant out a Commission for examining regulating and setting downe Tables of Fees in all your Courts so aâ— they shall find your Majesties goodnesse and justice watching and caring for their protection and ease both in private and publike respects I shall indeavour the lower House may bee so composed Note as that neither the Recusants nor yet the Protestants shall appeare considerably more one then the other holding them as much as may bee upon an equall Ballance for they will prove thus easier to governe Note then if either party were absolute Then would I in private discourse shew the Recusant that the contribution ending in December next if your Majesties Army were not supplyed some other way before the twelve pence a Sunday must of necessity bee exacted upon them Shew the Protestant that
your Majesty must not let goe the twenty thousand pounds contribution nor yet discontent the other in matter of Religion till the Army were some way else certainly provided for and convince them both that the present quarterly payments are not so burthensome as they pretended them to bee And that by the graces they have had already more benefit then their money came to thus poysing one by the other which single might perchance prove more unhappy to deale with I will labour to make as many Captaines and Officers Burgesses Note as possibly I can who having immediate dependance upon the Crowne may almost sway the businesse betwixt the two parties which way they please In the higher House Note your Majesty will have I trust the Bishops wholly for you The titular Lords rather then come over themselves will put their Proxies into such safe hands as may bee thought of on this side and in the rest your Majesty hath such interest what out of duty to the Crown and obnoxiousnesse in themselves as I do not apprehend much any difficulty amongst them To these or to any thing else directed by your Majesty I will with all possible diligence apply my selfe so soon as I shall understand your pleasure therein Most humbly besâ—â—ching you will take it into your gracious Memory how much your Majesties speedy resolution in this great businesse imports the prosperity of your affaires in this place and in that respect vouchsafe to hasten it as much as conveniently may be Upon these Reasons a Parliament was accordingly summoned in Ireland the yeere following the Lord Deputy recommending by his Letters Burgesses of his owne nomination to most Townes who had little or no courage to deny any Burgesses of his recommendation Among others hee recommended one of Secretary Windebancks Sonneâ— then waiting on him in Ireland to bee a Burgesse there as is evident by this Copie of his Letters of recommendation found among Windebancks papers who as appeares by * Secretary Windebancks to his Son from Hampton Couâ—t 27 October 1634. Wherein thus hee writes Now you are become a Parliament men I hope you will in acknowledgement of the great Honour my Lord Deputy hath done you endevour â—o doe his Majesty the best service you can other Letters was accordingly elected AFter our heartie commendations Whereas by order of the Commons House of Parliament that corporation of Iâ—â—ishe by reason of a double election of the person chosen there is now to proceed to a new election of a Burgesse to serve at the next Session of Parliament to commence the fourth of November next And for as much as Francis Windebanke Esquire is one well knowne unto us to bee able to serve you therein as a person well affected to his Majesties service and the welfare of his people wee have thought fit to recommend him to you to bee elected by you for one of the Burgesses upon this occasion wherein as you shall gaine advantage and benefit to your Corporation in such a choyce hee being one that will serve you therein without expecting any recompence towards his charges so wee for our part will take it in good part at your hands as a testimony of the due regard you have to one recommended unto you from us which we shall take an opportunitie in fit time to let you know for your advantage And so expecting your due performance hereof wee bid you farewell From his Majesties Castle of Dublin this 26 of September 1634. Copia vero exâ—m Your loving Friend 〈…〉 That this Parliament was equally ballanced with Protestants and Papists how farre the said Deputie pursued obtained his forementioned designes thereby to inslave that Realm is so well known to most that I shall not insist upon it onely I shall observe that this connivence and underhand fomenting of that faction made them grow so insolent that they raised a strong mutinie even in Dublin it selfe against the Archbishop the Mayor and Justices and rescued two Priests from them which they had taken in a religious house saying open Masse and were like to stone them to death so as they were enforced to retire to the Castle for Sanctuary as appeares by this extract out of Sir Thomas Duttens Letter among Windebanks papers I presume you will heare at large the relation of our battill of stones at Dublin where the Archbishop of that towne and the Major and Captaine Cary and the Sergeant at Armes and the two pursevants escaped narrowly to have beene stoned to death on Saint Stephens day last for the two Justices sent them in a peaceable manner to surprise certaine Priests at Masse in a Religious house in Cock street Note where they tooke away their habits and pictures in peaceable manner and then laid hold of two of the Priests to bring them to the Justices to answer their exercising of Popery in so publique a manner contrary to the Kings Proclamation they were no sooner come out into the street but all the multitude of mechanicks common people fell upon them and tooke away the two Priests from them by force and followed the Mayor and the Archbiship and the rest so fast with stones all along the high street as they were forced to house themselves in Skinners Row till the Justices and wee all came from Church and rescued them and so orderly wee all went through the multitude to the Castle and in our passage there was but one stone call out of a window which lighted betweene the two Justices Wee presently made Proclamation for all people to keepe the Kings peace and their owne Houses and since have committed to prison some of the Aldermen and their Deputies and Constables for not doing their duties and many other ordinary persons whom we found to bee Actors in this Ryot wherein many were hurt but God bee thanked none were slaine But to leave Ireland for a time and returne to England you have seene before in the Articles of the marriage that the Queene was to have a Bishop and 28. Priests in her house as her Chaplaines and that this Bishop should have and exercise all Episâ—â—pall jurisdiction in matters of Religion After those Priests and the Bishop were accordingly come over and setled here Father Philips the Queenes Confessor and others of them grew so insolent that they began to practise and â—each Note That the Pope upon the Treaty of marriage resumed to his owne or his Delegates jurisdiction the Queens whole Family especially the institution and destitution of the Ecclesiasticks That the King of England â—ad no power to intermeddle therein for that hee was an heretick the Pope threatning to declare all Apostates who should seeke their establishment from the King They likewise maintained the lawfulnesse of deposing Kings that were hereticks concluded to excommunicate all such aâ— should oppose this doctrine or take the oath of allegiance in which action one Muskeâ— a Priest and Trollop the Popish Viear
one of our principall Secretaries of state is to make his repaire into forraigne parts We doe hereby licence him to passe and straitly charge and command you and every of you to suffer him to goe quietly by you and to embarque himselfe at any of Our ports most convenient for his passage and to take with him his Nephew Robert Read and two other in his company together with his and their carriages without any manner of search stay or other interruption whatsoever and this shall be as well to the said Sir Francis VVindebanke Robert Read and the rest for passing as to you and every of you for suffering them to passe as aforesaid sufficient warrant and discharge Given at Our Court at White-hall the second day of December 1640. To all Admirals Vice-admirals Captaines of Our Forces Castles and Ships and to all Justices of peace Mayors Sheriffs Bayliffs Constables Customers Comptrollers and Searcheâ—s and to all other Our Officers and Ministers whom it doth or may concerne and to every of them This counterseiâ—ed anti-dated passe was sent to Master Thomas VVindebanke into England out of France to procure his Majesties hand and Signet to it and if any difficulty or scruple were made by the King to signe it the Queens omnipotent mediation must he used to obtainits Signature as this letter of Mr. Reads to Mr. Thomas Windebanke wherein it was inclosed will sufficiently manifest and likewise discover to the world how grosly his Majesty hath been abused by this Secretary the Arch-bishop and others of his Ministers by procuring his hand to such forged anti-dated warrants to excuse themselves and lay all the blame of their Actions upon him which should cause his Majesty to look better to them hereafter in this kind Sir MY Uncle has acquainted me with a letter he has written to my 〈◊〉 of Arundell and with the directions he has given you about it I put him in mind of some addition fit to be made to it which he likes very well and has commanded me to write to you That if her Ladiship or any other with whom shee shall please to advise can think upon any way to prevent any proclamation against him or at least to sweeten any rigorous course that may be intended against him as probably such meanes may be found now that their M. M. Majesties and the Parliament seeme to be upon better termes her Ladiship will be pleased to advance it with all her power And really I am of opinion if the King did know how much dishonour he haâ— abroad by this question of the Secretary and had a true sense of master Secretaries condition both his Majesty and the Queen would be hearty in his businesse which could not but produce good effects Sir I have considered that when they fall upon our businesse they will goe neere to comfort in mine absence for which God will blesse you and move the Kings heart to take you into his princely consideration which I shall be as well contented with as if I had continued in my prosperity The being deprived of the light of my Soveraigne Lord and Masters countenance is the greatest and most bitter of my afflictions to which God will returne me if he finds it fit if otherwise I hope he will arme me with patience You will present my most humble service to my Lord Duke of Lenox the Lord Marquesse Hamilton the Earle of Manchester and his Lady with the Lord Chamberlaine Lord Goring and Lord Cottington the like to the LORD ARCHBISHOP and Lord TREASURER and any other that shall enquire of me God blesse you and send us a happy meeting so I rest YOURS c. FRAN. VVINDEBANKE Calis 6. December 1640. TOM I writ to you this afternoon already immediately upon my arrivall here and gave you account of my passage into these parts and this was by the Master of the boat that brought me hither since understanding that the Pacquet-boat is to part away from hence to morrow I thought fit to take that occasion to communicate some thoughts of mine concerning my unfortunate businesse in Parliament It is not unlikely but that the House of Commons will notwithstanding mine absence or the rather for it as taking my retreat for a confession of the charge proceed to present me to the Upper House for a Delinquent of so high a nature as never came so much as into my thoughts to be guilty of In this case you shall doe well to consider whether it will not be fit for you most humbly to move his Majesty in favour of me to deale with some of the Lords best inclined to me namely the Lord Duke of Lenox the Lord Marquesse Hamilton the Earle Marshall Lord Goring Lord Cottington and others not leaving out the Lord Chamberlaine that my charge may be set downe in writing and that I may be permitted to make my answer to it if this may be granted the next particular that will fall into consideration will be how farre his Majesty will please to advow me in the two great parts of the charge namely the enlarging of Priests and the procuring of bils of grace from his Majesty for stay of the conviction of Recusants and likewise for such letters as my selfe have written upon his Majesties commandement for stay of such indiâ—ements For the first of these there are 27. or 28. Bonds taken of such Priests as I have set at liberty which Bonds you shall doe well to shew his Majesty being all taken by his speciall direction and I doe not remember that any have been delivered out of prison but such as are so bound unlesse perhaps some may have been taken out of the hands of those two Hell-hounds Gray and Newton that were disabled by the Lords from prosecuting Recusants and this at the instance of the Queen to his Majesty NOTE For the second namely the stay of convictions by Bils of grace and otherwise they were all entirely moved and procured by the Queens Majesty and some of her servants and likewise of those neere his Majesty who had no small benefit by them and I had nothing at all to doe with them but in the dispatch of some of those Bils which belonged to me as Secretary and his Majesty may please to remember that before those Bils passed my hands some of them were made during life which upon my motion to his Majesty and the representation I made of that inconveniency was altered and they were granted but during pleasure so became revokable whâ—â—soever his Majesty should command His Majesty may likewise further please to remember that of late I did humbly represent to him the prejudice to his revenue by these bils of grace and besought him there might be a stop of them and I doe not remember that any have been granted these two or three yeers howsoever I doe religiously professe I never moved in them NOTE nor any other businesse of Recusants originally nor without his Majesties
speciall commandement and therefore if I should not be advowed in all my condition must be very hard Neverthelesse rather that his Majesty or his affaires shall suffer I desire the whole burden may be laid upon me and though I have his Majesties hand for most of them and commandement for all yet I will rather perish then produce either to his prejudice without his permission if his Majesty shall please to appeare to the Lords aboveâ— mentioned in my behalfe you are not to leave them unsolicited and you must specially wait upon my brother Secretary and present my humble service to him Since my arrivall here I have presented my selfe to the Governour 〈…〉 who hath offered me great civilities inviting me to sup with him and desiring me to make use of his Coach to Paris but I have thought sit to excuse my selfe as handsomely as I could of both you shall doe well to present my most humble thankes and services to the Queen for these honours NOTE which I have reason to acknowâ—edge are done me in contemplation of her Majesties favour to me so as though in mine owne Country it be accounted a crime to me to be her Majesties servant yet here I shall have reputation and receive much honour by it At my first dis-embarquing here in my red surred cap. I was taken for my Lords Grace of Canterbury and the noyse was generally spread through the Towne that it was he by which it apppeares this people can judge well of colours unlesse they had thought him a Cardinall Comfort your poore afflicted Mother in mine absence who if shee should fall into any distemper of sicknesse for this disaster upon me and my Family there could be nothing added to my misery in this world God blesse you and make you more happy in your owne person then you are in that of Your most distressed but affectionate Father Francis VVindebanke 〈◊〉 â—6 December 1640. A POSTâ—SRIPT Coâ—â—mâ—nd my dearest loue to your Mother and let your brother and sisters know I send them my blessing You shall doe well to acquaint the Queens Majesty with the particulars of my travels NOTE and most humbly to unplore the continuance of her favour to me and my poore â—uined Family and withall â—orget not to represent to her Majesty the singular favour shee vouchâ—aâ—ed me in the company of Monseiur 〈◊〉 who hath been a most 〈◊〉 and tâ—nder friend to me NOTE NOTE 〈…〉 NOTE of those that have the charge of the letters and that they are all sent For mine owne most unfortunate businesse in Parliament I long to heare what effect my comming from England hath produced though I expect little good but to be kept from extremities Concerning mine owne domestique affaires the chiefest that I shall recommend to you is the care of your poore mother upon whose living and comfort depends mine next I wish you to procure me a bill of credit to which purpose Robin hath writ to master Burlamachi for I find my charge here will be very high and if his Majesty shall not relieve me I shall not be able by mine owne revenue to subsist This I have represented to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Cottington and desired them to give order for payment of such monies as are due to me in the Exchequer which are at Michael was last 800. l. you shall doe well likewise to solicit these Lords for the payment of the monies for which I stand engaged to master Richaut for the King and not to forget my boord wages nor the monies in the hands of the Earle of New-castle The lâ—tters that goe herewith you will deliver with the remembrance of my humble services to these Lords to whom I have written to assist you as occasion shall be presented That to my Lord Chamberlaine is more large and particular then the rest and I have left it open purposely NOTE to the end you may shew it to his Majesty and if his Majesty like it to deliver it otherwise not I shall want linnen and apparell at Paris and Aâ—bert tels me I may have a Trunk conveyed by the pacquet-boat hither and from hence to Paris with a small charge and therefore I wish there were two suits put up one of plaine Velvet and I never yet wore and another of the little wrought Vâ—lvet diamond worke and linnâ—n of all sorts but â—ands with three or foure paire of warme wollen stockings and two paâ—re of blacke silke ones The Ship in which we should have passed and was bound for Roven was within 24. houres after we left it pillaged by the Dunkerks but rescued from them after by the French and brought in hither as lawfull prize where shee now is so that it was happy we forsooke her and passed in a Shallop and though our passages were full of hazard yet we avoyded a greater danger by it God blesse you and put a happy end to all our sufferings which I wish might all fall upon my selfe so your mother and you who are most innocent were free in all conditions I shall be Your most affectiâ—oate Father FRAN. VVINDEBANKE Calis 13. December 1640. TOM NOTE Your letter of the 17. of December came fitly to welcome me hither to Paris and gave me infinite comfort in the expressions you make of their Majesties favourâ— to me and mine in our present distressed condition the like I understand by master Treasurer and you are herewith to receive letters to them all in acknowledgement of their goodnesse You writ nothing concerning the 〈◊〉 Bonds which I desired you to shew to his Majesty I desire you to let me know by your next what you have done therein Your most affectionate Father FRAN. WINDEBANKE Paris 4. January 1641. Master Read his Secretary by a letter of the same date to master Thomas Windebank then a Gentleman of the privy Chamber to his Majesty in Ordinary writeâ— thus Sir I Am of opinion with you that our businesse in Parliament will not sleep yet I like it never the worse that it goes on no faster for in all probability if they may have their will of the great ones NOTE as I beleeve they will we may escape the better especially since they cannot chuse but know that the King continues his favour to master Secretary which I hope will somewhat take off from their siercenesse against him Your most affectionate cozen and humble servant RO. READ Paris 4. Jan. 1641. TOm I writ to yoâ—r mother and your selfe the last weeke by the ordinary but this extraordinary occasion of Sir Iohn Fortesâ—ues returne into England presenting it selfe I could not but make use of it that you may understand the state of my health as often as may be which continuing good I am confident will be some comfort to you all in the midst of your afflictions I have not been able to put my selfe in order to goe out of my lodging untill this day but now my first appearing
abroad hath been to present my selfe to my Lord of Leâ—â—cester who hath received me with great respects and professions which honour his Lordship having vouchsafed me for her Majesties sake NOTE and in vertue of her gracious letters of recommendation in favour of me you are with all humility to acknowledge it to her Majesty in my name and to present unto her my most humble thanks In my letters of the last weeke to his Majesty I presumed to represent the necessity as I conceived of my attending the ministers here first Monseiur de Chavigâ—y and then the Cardinall as well in acknowledgement of the honour they did to you when you were imployed here NOTE as for the order they gave to the Governour of Calis to treat me with all respect as soone as they had notice of my arrivall there Your very loving Father Francis Windebanke Paris 7. January 1641. TOm If you understand any thing of the disposall of the Secretaries place I wish some considerable summe might be thought upon to be given to me by him that shall succeed which would be of more advantage and give me better satisfaction then any pension that his Majesty shall conferre upon me and will be of lesse charge to his Majesty NOTE you shall doe well to be attentive upon this and immediately after the first notice of to make earnest meanes to the Queen to procure this for me My Lord Ambassadour hâ—th done me the nonour to give me a visit at my lodging Your very loving Father Francis Windebanke Paris 11. January 1641. TOm your letters of the 31. of December that came this week were brought too late and so long after the delivery of all others that I was in great paine and apprehension I should not have been made happy with the knowledge of the estate of my poore Family this weeke which would have added much to my sad thoughts I have now I thanke God received full satisfaction in that which I so much longed for and hope whatsoever my other afflictions may be that I shall receive no other newes of your healths during my absence from you There is little in your letters that requires answer that onely concerning my charge when it shall be made is of consideration which will require little answer if his Majesty shall please to avow me in the businesse of Recusants as I doubt not but in honour and justice he will what else can be objected to me of moment I doe noâ— apprehend neverthelesse NOTE if his Majesty think fit that you shall petition the Lords for permission to me to make my answer you may doe it though I could be contented you should first see the particulars of the charge whether there be any thing in it besides that of the Reâ—â—sants and howsoever you must acquaint his Majesty with your petition before you exhibite it I was upon Sunday last at Service and Sermon at my Lord Ambassadours house where my Lord did me very much honour otherwise I have kept my lodging Your most affectionate Father Francis Windebanke Paris 18. January 1641. TOM I shall be glad that the Trunk of secret papers may fall into so good a hand as that of my Lord Cottington I am very sorry to heare that his Majesties intentions of an anâ—ity or yeerly allowance to me begins already to coole considering the charge I must lye at while I am in these parts or any other and the uncertainties of the benefit of the Post-Office and of the boord-wages for the Secretaries dyet which you shall doe well to take some time to represent at large to the Queene NOTE and to implore her favour for the continuance of that his Majesties gracious purpose to me without which I and mine are in danger to be exposed to want and misery Your very loving Father Francis Windebanke Paris 25. Ian. 1641. Your c. Fran Windebanke Paris 7 Feb. 1641. Your c. Fran Windebank Paris 7 Feb. 1641. TOM c. I have thought fit to let you know the particulars that you way represent them to their M. M. Majesties for whose service meerly I am thus persecuted NOTE and to whose wisdome next after my 〈◊〉 in God I most intirely submit my selfe my fortune and whatsoever else is 〈◊〉 all which is now in extreame perill for my faithfulnesse and obedience to their Commandements The rest of this letter being three folio Pages is writ in Caracters and containes some mysteries locked up in these unknowne Cyphers not yet discovered Your c. Fran Windebank Paris 1 March 1640. TOm c. I have beene this afternoone with the Cardmall by the introduction of 〈…〉 and received very great 〈◊〉 and professions from him he brought me out of his chamber into the next giving 〈◊〉 the upper hand and holding me by the hands There follow three lines of â—â—aracters Your c. Fran Windebanke Paris March 12. 1640. Master Read Secretary to Windebanke march 29. 1611. writ a letter for the most part in Characters to master Thomas Windebanke wherein there are these passages at large SIR Yours of the fourth and eleventh currant have brought me double comfort this weeke which was no more then I needed after such a vaâ—â—ation I perceive my feares of the miscarriage of the first were not altogether vaine since they were so neere a danger their redemption from which I assure you was a great worke and shewes a great deale of goodnesse in those friends which you 〈◊〉 and I am willing to take it for a signe that the Parliament owes us not soâ—ll 〈◊〉 as was feared The Answer of their Majesties is very gracious NOTE and I thanke God has much revived Master Secretary c. I cannot but wonder that the House should be scandalized at the stile you gave my 〈…〉 I am sure it is not in the power of any to take thâ—â— Title from 〈◊〉 but the King and 〈◊〉 Majesty having 〈◊〉 yet done it I know not but why he should enjoy it till his Majestie shall please otherwise to dispose of the place Master 〈◊〉 and Master Withering have sufficiently shewed their malicious 〈◊〉 God reward them for it c. Your c. Robert Reade Paris Goodfriday 29 march 1641. After this followed these ensuing letters from 〈◊〉 and his Secretary Read to his Sonne Thomas 〈◊〉 all writ from Paris My Lord Ambassadour continues still his favoures to me and hath been this weeke with me at my lodging which is a very great honour to me Your c. 〈…〉 Paris 19 Aprill 1641 〈…〉 〈…〉 NOTE the heavier for some expressions delivered him from their Majesties by Master Mountague NOTE who arrived here on Saturday last He comforts himselfe that he shall have all the favour his Maâ—esty and the Queen are able to doe him c. Sir your most affectionate Couzin and obliged Servant Ro. Read Paris 16. Aprill 1641. SIR c. IT is likely now my Lord of Strafford is
him thankes for his Resolution about ordering the Kings Chappell and wearing his Whites c. and promising to speake to my Lord Traquair about Edward Helly Another Febr. 28. 1634. Containing Thankes from the King for the solemnitie of the late Communion and expressing his hopes that the other Bishops were in their Whites as well as he that the envy of the uulgar might not fall only on him That he had shewed His Majesty the paper of those of the Session as did not conforme at the Communion That he had done what he could for the Gentlemen of the Chappell but the times required patience c. On the 28. of Septemb. 1634. The Arch-Bishop caused the King to signe a common prayer Booke for the use of the Church of Scotland and gave order to the Bishops of Scotland to compile certaine Canons for the Government of the Church of Scotland which Lyturgie and Canons were to be imposed on that Church by Regall and Episcopall Authority without consent of Parliament or of a generall Assembly the Bishops of Scotland not long after gave him a particular account of their proceedings herein with thanks for his many favours to them and assistance of them in this ensuing Letter thus endorsed with his owne hand Recep Aprill 12. 1635. From my Lord of Saint Andrewes and other Bishops about the Scottish Liturgie and CANONS May it please Your Grace VVE have put our Brother the Bishop of Rosse to the paines of a wet journey for ayding the Lyturgie and Canons of the Church and as we have found Your Graces favour both to our Church in Generall and our selves in divers particulars for which we are Your Graces debters so we are to entreate the continuance thereof in this and our common affaires We all wish a full conformity in the Churches but Your Grace knoweth that this must be the worke of time We have made blessed bee God a further progresse then all have here expected in many yeares by His Majesties favour and Your Graces helpe and hope still to goe further if it shall please God to continue Your Grace in health and life for which we pray continually And so remitting all things to our Brothers relation we take Our leave Your Graces affectionate Brothers and Servants Saint Andrew Glasgow 10 B. of Moray Ad B. of Dublane Tho Brochine Dated 2. Aprill 1635. On May 19. 1635. The Archbishop writ a Letter of thankes to Bishop Balentine for his forwardnesse in this service informing him That the King was well pleased with the conformity at the last reception of the Sacrament That he was glad the Church businesse there was in so faire a way c. That His Majesty had given him the Bishopricke of Aberdeen and expected his Residence there and care of that University August 7. 1635. He writ to him that the King is well pleased with the solemnity of the Sacrament and that the Bishops were in forme That he expects that all that receive there doe it kneeling and in forme and that every one of the Session doe it once a yeare at least and that therefore he and his Successor make a list of the names which performe or not c. After this he writ a Letter into Scotland to the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes dated November 10th 1635. which I find thus indorsed with his owne hand A Copie of my Letters sent by the Kings command into Scotland concerning Church-businesse there to be agitated betweene my Lord of Saint Andrewes and the Earle of TRAQUARE My very good Lord S. in Christo. FOr the particulars entrusted by the Church to the Lord Bishop of Brehen and namely about the Abbacy of Lindores you must expect them from the Lord Bishop himselfe and from such relations as you will receive by my Lord and the Earle of Traquâ—re Note now at this time you shall receive nothing but that which is commanded me by the King and must be my part to act in the present and future businesse for the Church of Scotland My Lord for the present the King is resolved upon some great reasons of State which have prevailed with him not to meddle with the Abbacy of Lindores of any other of that nature as yet but to leave them in that State in which they now are till such time as he may consider the decrees and the Act or Acts of Parliament which concerne them And till he can finde a way to Order them better both for his owne profit and the contentment of his people there Assuring you in the meane time that both in this and all other businesse hee will be very carefull both of the credit and of the maintenance of the Church whereof if your selfe or any other Bishop or Clergie Men shall make doubt I am commanded to tell you that therein you will not onely doe His Majestie wrong but hurt your selves and the Church which you seeke to benefit And in this very particular you are to know and make knowne to others that it is not the dislike of any person or persons or of the thing it selfe that causes this present stay but reason of State only and the care which the King hath all proceedings may goe on according to Law As for the Bishopricks his Majestie will take their wants into as provident care as he can and hath setled Arbroth upon the Bishopricke of Brehen but in what forme I am not able to tell you as not being so well acquainted with the customes and constitutions of that Kingdome and therefore lest I should mistake in any circumstance I leave that wholly to the Bishops owne relation For all the businesse of that Church in future which must come to the Exchequer or any other publique audience or any other businesse that may reflect upon the Church or any thing that belongs to the Kings service in which Churchmen are trusted you are immutably to hould this Rule and that by his Majesties strict and most speciall Command Namely that your selfe or the Lord Rosse or both of you together doe privatly acquaint the Earle of Traquare with it before it be proposed in publike either at the Councell Table Note or the Exchequor or else where and the Earle hath assumed to the King in my presence that he will strictly observe and hold the same corespendency and course with you and further that he will very redily and faithfully doe all good Offices for the Church that come within his power according to all such Commands as he shall receive either immediatly from the King or otherwise by direction of his Majesty from my selfe Note and if at any time your Lordships and my L. Traquare shall upon any of the aforenamed businesse so differ in judgment that you cannot accord it among yourselves you are to let it rest and write up either to his Majesty or to my selfe to move his Majesty for further direction w ch once received you are all to obey That so this little unhapy
remembrances which I last put into your hands may stay for times of more leisure The sicknes increases sorely yet I cannot get out of London God blesse you with health in those parts in which prayers I â—est Your Lordships loving poore Friend to serve You Will. Cant. Lamb. Iuly 4. 1637. After this on the 23. of Iuly the Service Book was to bee read in all Churches of Edenborough the chiefe City of that Kingdom as a president for all the rest where it found such publike generall opposition by the people that the designe of reading it was prevented and the Bishops and others who were to put it in execution were inforced to give the people good words promises nor to bring in the book among them NOTE till further order for feare of being torn in peeces The particulars whereof being at large related by otherâ— I shal pretermit Vpon tydings of this tumultuous opposition the Arch-bishop writ this letter to the Earl of Traquarer Lord Treasurer of Scotland August 7. 1637. concerning Tithes and it August 7th 1637. FOr the Commission of Tithes I was ever against it in my own Judgment and there in I agreed with my Lords of St. Andrews and Rosse since neither of them hath given me sufficient reason why J should change my minde yeâ— if the Commission â—ye a sleepe a while to see what may be said further for it J thinke t is not amisse And then if nothing can be said that shall make it appeare more beneficiall to that Church then yet it doth to me it may be with the better deliberation quite extinguished The truth is at least as it appeares to me in the present use of it it is made a publicke pretence to privat ends My Lord J thinke you know my opinion how J would have Church-businesse caried were I as great a Master of Men as I thanke God I am of things T is true the Church as well there as else where hath beene overborne by violence both in matter of maintenance and jurisdiction Note But if the Church will recover in either of these she her Governours must proceed not as shee was proceeded against but by a constant temper shâ— must make the world see she had the wrong but offer none And since Law hath followed in that King dome perhaps to make good that which was ill done yet since a Law it is such a reformation or restitution would be sought for as might stand with the Law and some expedient be found out how the Law may be by some just Exposition helped till the state shall see Cause to abolish it His Majesty takes it very ill that the businesse concerning the stablishment of the Service booke hath beene so weakly caried and hath great reason to thinke himselfe and his Government dishonoured by the late tumult in Edenborow Iuly 23. and therefore expects that your Lordship and the rest of the honourable Councell set your selves to it that the Liturgy may be established orderly and with Peace to repaire what hath beene done amisse Note For his Majesty well knowes the Clergy alone have not power enough to goe through with a businesse of this nature and therefore is not very well satisfied with them either for the Omission in that kind to advise for assistance of his Lords Councell or for the preparation or way they tooke For certainly the publication a weeke before that on the next Sunday the prayers according to the Liturgy should be read in all the Churches of Edenborow was upon the matter to give those that were ill affected to the service time to communicate their thoughts and to premeditate and provide against it as it is most apparent they did Nor is his Majesty well satisfied wâ—th the Clergy that they which are in authority were not advertised that they might attend the countenancing of such a service so much tending to the honour of God and the King And I am verily perswaded if that accident of the marriage of your Kinsman had not carryed your Lordship out of the City that day some things would not have beene altogether so bad and my Lord privy seale would have had the better assistance Neither was this the best Act that ever they did to send away their letters apart without acquainting the Councell that their advertisements might have come by the same Messenger together with their joynt advise which way was best to punish the Offendors at least the prime and chiefe of them and which to prevent the like disorders And after so long time of preparation to be to seeke who should read the service is more then strange to me unlesse they think such a businesse can do it selfe but his Majesty out of his piety and wisedome gave by the Messenger which the Bishops sent such full directions both to the Lords of the Councell and the Lords of the Clergy as I hope will settle the businesse from further trouble But the Proclamation which you have now sent up to the King I have not yet seene Of all the rest the weakest part was the interdicting of all Divine service till his Majestyes pleasure was further known And this as also the giving warning of the publishing his Majesty at the first reading of the letters and report of the Fact checked at Note and commanded me to write so much to my Lord of Saint Andrews which I did And your Lordship at the Councell Iuly 24. spake very worthily against the inâ—eâ—dicting of the service For that were in effect as much as to disclaime the work or to give way to the insolency of the baser multitude and his Majesty hath commanded me to thankyou for it in his name But the disclayming the Book as any act of theirs but as it was his Majestes command was most unworthy T is most true the King commanded a Liturgy it was time they had one They did not like to admit of outs but thought it more reputation for them as indeed it was to compile one of their own yet as neere as might be and they have done it well will they now cast downe the milke they have given because a few Milke-maids have scolded at them I hope they will be better advised Note certainly they were very ill advised when they spake thus at the Councell boord But my Lord of this there was not one word in the letter So I hope they have done with that W. Cant. Vpon this Letter the designe of imposing the Service-Booke was more strenuously prosecuted then before and divers Ministers were enjoyned to read it by a certain day in their Churches under paine of Horning and the Bayliffes of Edinborow were so terrified and wroâ—e upon by the Lord Treasurer and Councell that they writ this submissive Letter to the Archbishop thus superscribed To the most Reverend Father in God and our very honourable good Lord the Archbishop of Canterbury his Grace Primate and Metropolitan of all England these
stick close to Gods and the Kings service in it it will certainly suffer more then is fit it should His Majesty likewise takes it exceeding well from your Lordship that you have dealt with the City of Edenborow for maintenance for such as shall take upon them to read the Lyturgy And takes it as well from the City it selfe from whom I have received a very faire and discreet Letter which I have shewed his Majesty and writ the City an Answer by this Returne and given them His Majesties thanks which indeed hee commanded mee to doe very heartily And in truth they deserve it especially as the times stand As for the Ministers of Edenborow I know the refusall of Mr Ramsay and Mr Rollock But that any other of them stuck at it or that any Bishops seeme not to be forward is more then I heard till now But for that of Mr Ramsey or any of the Bishops that would have somewhat amended if that should be yeelded unto now unlesse they should be able to give such reason against it Note as I know they cannot it would mightily dishonour the King who to my knowledge hath carefully lookt over and approved every word in this Lyturgy And I doubt it would utterly destroy the service it selfe For whilâ— one man out of a humour dislikes one thing and another another by that time every mans dislike were satisfied I doubt there would be but little left to serve God with Besides it is not improbable but that some men would bee as earnest to have the selfe same thing kept in which others would so fâ—ine thrust out what ere it bee And that may make it grow up into a formall contestation upon some particulars and quite distemper the service But whereas you write that some Bishops speake plainely that if their Opinions had been craved they would have advised the amending of some thing Truly for that and in that way I would withall my heart they had seene it And why my Lord of St Andrews and they which were trusted by the King did not discreetly acquaint every Bishop with it considering that every Bishop must be used in their severall Diocesses I know no reason and sure I am there was no prohibition upon them And since I heare from others that some exception is taken because there is more in that Lyturgy insome few particulars then is in the Lyturgy in England why did they not then admit the Lyturgy of England without more adoe But by their refusall of that and the dislike of this 't is more then manifest they would have neither perhaps none at all were they left to themselves But my Lord to your selfe only and in your eare a great favour you should doe mee if you will get my Lord of Galloway to set me down in briefe Propositions without any further discourse all the exceptions that are taken against the Lyturgy by Ramsey Rollock or any other and I could be content to know which the Bishops are which would have amended something had they been advised with and what that is which they would have so amended c. Will. Cant. Sept. 11. 1637. After this divers Treatises written against the Service-Book in Scotland were sent thence to the Arch-bishop foure whereof he received thence October 12. 1637. as appeares by their Indorsements with his own hand with which I shall not trouble the Reader the substance of all of them being long since printed From this time till about Iune 1638. the businesse of the Service-Book was carried on and pressed by the Arch-bishops meanes with sundry rigid and terrifying Proclamations which not prevailing what desperate counsels and resolutions were thereupon taken up and by whose advise these ensuing passages in some Iesuites Letters written from hence in French to their Superior and other Iesuits at Paris which Iesuits were more privie to our Counsels and designes then most of the Privie-Councell themselves as their Letters intimate will best informe us These Letters by some meanes or other came to Secretary Windebanks hands among whose papers I found the Originals themselves out of which I have translated these ensuing clauses One of the Letters was thus superscribed in French Au R. Pere P. Gasper Segnisâ—n SVPERIOR de la Maison professe de la COM. DE IESVS A PARIS it beares date the 28. of Iune 1638. wherein he writes thus in French out of which I have faithfully translated it My Reverend Father I have not been at London five dayes in all since I came from France else I had not failed to salute your Reverence c. I have treated with Father Provinciall touching a succession but he saith there is some body who hinders the Father Generall that he cannot at all resolve himselfe as yet to send one but as soon as he shall have resolved he hath one which he will design for this place but he speakes not one syllable who it is and I have not at all demanded it For my selfe I continue the design for Italy as soon as the time and season shall be proper but I know not whether I shall passe by Paris as I go c. I know not what to say of Mortimer the Superior of Scotland as knowing not whether he hath leave to goe or not nor yet their Procurer who resides in this Court for the Generall hath given no answer to the reply which Mortimer hath made The Country there is in a very ill posture and in evident danger to sever it selfe from this Crown Your most humble and obliged servant G. T. Iune 28. This Iesuite sent another Letter with this form writ in French without any superscription containing a full relation of the Scottish troubles and proceedings to another Iesuite as I suppose in which there is this memorable clause containing a resolution here taken to subdue the Scots by force the Counsellors names who gave this advice and the instruments to be used in this service to wit the Irish because they durst not trust the English Sir c. BY all these proceedings the King evidently seeth that they the Scots wil not submit themselvs to reason by fairnes or sweetnes and therefore he hath taken a resolution to tame them by force and to this purpose goeth about to raise an Army in Ireland not daring to trust himselfe with the English Note who already are much irritated against him by reason of the monies which he pretends to raise to maintain his Fleet the which they refuse down right to pay This Councell of raising an Army hath been suggested unto him by the Bishop of Canterb. and the President of Ireland Nota. the which are they alone that govern him for he hath never yet opened his mouth or spoken one soleword of it to his Councell of State but seeks very much to keep * * 〈◊〉 this Iesuite knowes all the plot and secrets of it though the Coâ—nsell 〈◊〉 not all close from them The which highly displeaseth all
Marshall made a Roll and entred the appearance of all such as came and tendred their service If any failed to come or to make Fine their Lands Tenements Goods and Chattels were distrayned by the Sheriffe upon summons out of the Exchequer If any pleaded that he had attended he was discharged upon certificate out of the Marshals Roll testifying that he had done his service If any being come did depart before the warre ended their Lands Tenements Goods and Chattles were seized untill they had made Fine or the King had pardoned their offence Commissions went out for levying of men in every County and bringing them to the Kings Army Like Commissions were made for mustering and arraying the Clergy throughout England Commissions were likewise issued to enquire and punish all Bayliffs and other Officers that for reward had suffered Souldiers to depart before they came to the Kings Army The King appointed certaine Captaines in such Counties as bordered upon Scotland to levie able men in those Counties and to bring them with their Horse and Armes to the Kings Army Those of the bordering shires were commanded to be ready at eight dayes warning to come unto the Kings Army well armed and Commissions were made for punishing such as refused Writs were sent into severall Counties for certifying the King what number of Horse and Foot every County could afford him in his warres of Scotland The Clergy of England furnished the King with a proportion of armed men The Ports were summoned to attend with their service of shipping The Constable of Dover Castle was commanded to guard the Ports lest any by comming in or going out there should bring danger to the Kingdome The Sheriffs of Counties were commanded by writ to make provisions of corne and victuals for the Kings Army and to cause them to be carried to the place appointed Writs also were sent to divers Townes of England and Ireland commanding all Merchants to bring provisions to the Kings Army Ships of the Subject were taken up for transporting those provisions to a place assigned Inhibitions were made that no victuals or other munition should be transported beyond the Seas during the warre Divers Subsidies and Fifteens granted to the King by the Subject towards the war Merchants strangers gave the King ayde of money towards the warres of Scotland and lent him divers summes Those of Wales furnished the King with a proportion of money toward the war The Lords and Clergy of Ireland were required to contribute toward the war The King suspended the paiment of his debts for a certaine time in regard of the great occasions he had to use money in the warres of Scotland Note that no particular Records were cited or produced to warrant the Premises In Ianuary he received another Paper from him which he thus indorseth with his owne hand Rece Ian. 29. what was fit to be done in point of danger from the Scots Sir Io. Burrowes When Warre was intended against Scotland three things were heretofore taken into speciall care First how to raise Horse and Foot Victuals Ammunition Money and other necessaries for that service Secondly how to secure the Seas and Sea coasts of the Kingdome from danger of forraigne attempts while the Kings forces were employed in those Northern parts Thirdly how to provide for the preservation of the peace of the kingdome within it selfe against riots mutinies and rebellions whereunto ill conditioned and desperate persons at such times are easily moved The first of these hath already in some speciall points been expressed For the second touching the guard of the Seas sufficient provision is made by the late course taken And for securing the Sea coasts 1. The Forts neare the Sea were fortified and furnished with men and munition 2. All persons that had possessions and estates in mariâ—ine Counties were commanded by Proclamation to reside there with their families and retinues 3. Beacons were erected in all fitting places 4. Certaine light Horse were appointed by the Country to watch along the Sea coasts to give advertisement if danger appeared 5. All able men of those Counties were commanded to be sufficiently armed and trained and put into Companies and Bands under certaine Leaders who were to be commanded by some one Generall appointed by the King Concerning the peace of the Kingdome 1. All conventicles and secret meetings were straightly forbidden by Proclamation and parties offending severely punished 2. All spreaders of Rumours and tale-bearers were by Proclamation commanded to be taken and imprisoned 3. All able men between 16 and 60 yeares of age in every shire were commanded to be sufficiently armed and trained and to obey such Generals as the King appointed 4. Such as were not able in body to beare Arms but had Estates were to maintaine at their charges such able men as were appointed in their roomes The very same day the Archbishop procures this ensuing warrant from the Councell Table to himselfe and the Archbishop of York to write letters to all the Bishops within their severall Diocesse to summon their Clergy before them to excite them to a liberall contribution against the Scots At White Hall the 29. of Ianuary 1638. IT was this day ordered by his Majesty sitting in Councell That the Lords Archbishops of Canterbury and York their Graces should be hereby required and commanded to write their letters to all the Lords Bishops in their severall Provinces respectively forthwith to convene before them all the Clergy of ability in their Diocesses and to incite them by such wayes and meanes as shall be thought best by their Lordships to ayd and assist his Majesty with their speedy and liberall contributions or otherwise for the defence of his Royall Person and of this Kingdome against the seditious attempts of some in Scotland And that the same bee sent to the Lord Treasurer of England with all diligence Tho. Coventry C. S. Guilliel London H. Manchester I. Lenox Lindâ—ey Arundel Surrey Dorset Pembroke Mongomery Holland Fra. Cottington H. Vane I. Coke Fran. Windebanke But doubting of the validity of this warrant for such a contribution he of late procured this warrant written with his owne hand antedated two dayes before the Councell Table Order to be signed by his Majesty to help him at a pinch Charles Rex CAnterbury I require you to write your Letters to your Brethren the Bishops 〈◊〉 for a contribution of the Clergie towards my affaires with my Scottish Subjects as was done in my Fathers time for the Palatinate And for your so doing this shall be your warrant Jan. 27. 1638. That this Warrant was since forged by him to which he procured the Kings hand is apparant not only by the freshnesse of the inke but by the very Letter he writ to the Bishops of his Province to set on this Contribution dated the last of Ianuary which mentions only the Lords Order but not one syllable of this Warrant of the King which if reall he would have recited in the
first place His Letters were all of this forme two whereof I have signed with his own hand and thus endorsed A Copy of those Letters which by Warrant from the Lords I wrote to the severall Bishops within my Province c. in the businesse of Scotland My very good Lord. I Have received an Order from the Lords of his Majesties most Honorable Privie-Councell giving me notice of the great preparations made by some in Scotland both of Armes and all other necessaries for Warre And that this can have no other end then to invade or annoy this his Majesties Kingdome of England For his Majesty having a good while since most graciously yeelded to their demands for securing the Religion by Law established amongst them hath made it appeare to the World That it is not Religion Note but Sedition that stirres in them and fills them with this most irreligious disobedience which at last breaks forth into a high degree of Treason against their Lawfull Soveraign In this case of so great danger both to the State and Church of England your Lordship I doubt not and your Clergy under you will not only be vigilant against the close workings of any Pretenders in that kinde but very free also to your power and proportion of meanes left to the Church to contribute towards the raising of such an Army as Note by Gods blessing and his Majesties care may secure this Church and Kingdome from all intended violence And according to the Order sent unto me by the Lords a Copy whereof you shall herewith receive these are to pray your Lordship to give a good example in your own person And withall convenient speed to call your Clergy and the abler Schoole-Masters as well those which are in peculiars as others and excite them by your self or such Commissioners as you will answer for to contribute to this great and necessary service in which if they give not a good example they will be much to blame But you are to call no poore Curats nor Stipendaries but such as in other legall wayes of payment have been and are by Order of Law bound to pay The proportion I know not well how to prescribe to you but I hope they of your Clergy whom God hath blessed with better Estates then ordinary will give freely and thereby help the want of meanes in others And I hope also your Lordship will so order it as that every man will at the least give after the proportion of three shillings tenne pence in the pound of the valuation of his living Note or other preferment in the Kings Books And this I thought fit to let you further know That if any men have double Benefices or a Benefice and a Prebende or the like in divers Diocesses yet your Lordship must call upon them onely for such preferments as they have within your Diocesse and leave them to pay for any other which they hold to that Bishop in whose Diocesse their other preferments are As for the time your Lordship must use all the diligence you can and send up the moneys if it be possible by the first of May next And for your Indemnity the Lord Treasurer is commanded to give you such discharge by striking a Talley or Talleys upon your severall payments into the Exchequer as shall be fit to secure you without your charge And of this service you must not faile So to Gods blessed protection I leave you and rest Your Lordships very loving Friend and Brother W. Cant. Lambeth Ianuar. ult 1638. Your Lordships must further be pleased to send up a List of the names of Note such as refuse this service within your Diocesse but I hope none will put you to that trouble It is expected that your Lordship and every other Bishop expresse by it selfe and not in the generall sum of his Clergy that which himselfe gives On the eleventh of February 1638. he wrot this Letter to Sir Iohn Lamb his creture Deane of the Arches for a Contribution among the Doctors of the Law at Doctors Commons and elsewhere without Warrant the Originall whereof I found among Sir Iohn Lambes sequestred writings together with the first draught of it with the Archbishops owne hand-writing After my hearty Commendations c. I Have received a Warrant from the Lords of His Majesties most honourable Privie-Councell which requires me to write to all the Bishops in my Province to call their Clergy together and put them in minde of the great danger which this Kingdome is in by the Trayterous Conspiracies of some ill-affected in Scotland These seditious persons have begun and continued hitherto their foule Disloyalty under the pretence of Religion which by factious spirits in all times is made the cloak to cover and hide if it might be their designes But now it appeares clearely to the State that they daily strengthen themselves by Armes and Munition and other preparations for Warre And though his Majesty hath graciously condescended to more then they could justly aske in all things concerning their Religion and their Lawes yet they goe on still and are satisfied with nothing but their Rebellious Disobedience and have no lesse ayme then to invade or annoy England The Letters to the severall Bishops I have sent as I was commanded and I doubt not but they and the Clergy in generall will give very freely towards this great and necessary defence of the Kingdome And because this great and common danger cannot be kept off but by a common defence and for that the Reverend Judges and others of the Common-Law have bountifully expressed themselves already I am required to write to you also that you calling to you the rest of the Doctors of the Commons propose to them now while most of them are together this great and waighty businesse belonging as much to their defence as to other mens and let every man set downe what hee will give to this service When this is done I will acquaint his Majestie with it and yours and their forwardnesse herein And it is expected that you hasten this with all convenient speed So to Gods blessed protection I leave you and rest Your very loving friend W. Cant. Lambeth Feb. 11. 1638. You must send to such Chancellours and Officialls as are not at the Commons but at their severall Residencies And if you give them a good example here I doubt not but they will follow it You shall not need to call Sir H. Martin for his Majesty will send to him himselfe and looks for a greater summe then in an ordinary way Upon these Letters of the Archbishop the Bishops in each Diocesse summoned their Clergie before them exhorted them by publique speeches to a liberall contribution against the Scotish Rebels as they stiled them and Dr. Pierce Bishop of Bath and Wells among other Motives used this as a very effectuall one to excite his Clergy to an extraordinary liberality towards the maintenance of this War because it was
and if courage be added to wisdom a Prince is able to overcome any opposition what things did the Duke of Savoy do with that small and inconsiderable Country in respect of Spain and France with one of which he was in continuall opposition what things did King Henry the seventh Governing well what King Henry the eight Governing ill and what doth not the Cardinall of Richelieu bring to passe if he have a desire to effect it and all this is done onely by considering how things should be done and by causing them to be done and all commands of what kind soever will be executed if he that commands hath power to reward and punish I do most Humbly thank your Grace for your favour to Mr. Neville and if the cause were my own I would not desire that any man should do more for me then what were very reasonable if you think it not seasonable to move any thing that may offend my Lord of Holland I do beleeve that Captain Neville is a man of so much reason as that he will think himself obliged to you for your good will but I assure my self that there is not any lesse your friend then my Lord of Holland and I beleeve that at all times you ought to take heed to your self with him And I think that at any time there is not any great danger in him if the King be well with you my Lord of Warwick is the Temporall Head of the Puritans and my Lord of Holland is their Spirituall Head or rather the one is their Visible Head the other their Invisible Head peradventure not because he means to do either good or hurt but because he thinks it is a Gallantry to be the principall Pillar on which a whole Caballe must relye I am extreamly sorry for my Lord Lieutenant that he is again fallen ill I wish his health as I do my own and I have reason so to do for I have received more favours from him then ever I did from any man If the times do grow Tempestuous I do beleeve that you will find many a Sir Henry but I will not for fear be made to be other then Your Graces most humble and most faithfull Servant Conway and Kilulta Newcstale Iune 8. 1640. The second is thus endorsed by him Rece Iunii 16. 1640 The Lo Conway concerning the fortifying of Newcastle May it please your Grace THe King hath been pleased to call me into his service and I shall not faile to serve him faithfully and in all things whereiâ— I may advance the Kings service I will doe it with my best endeavour and if I should not doe so I should use the King worse then I doe other men for to tell you truth under the seale of Confession the faults that I commit are against my selfe not against other men This Towne of Newcastle I beleeve may be fortified in such manner as that an enemy may be kept off untill an Army might be brought to relieve it the profit that will be to the King is that the Country will be better assured if they have a place whither they may retire if there be danger and the Country will be pleased that the King doth take care of them this inclosed paper will tell you the meanes whereby Money may be raised to effect this and from the doing of it this benefit will arise to the King that he may make this a constant Revenue to himselfe they will I beleeve be brought to doe this willingly for their owne safety which they will never know how to put off from themselves and it will be a faire example for others to follow if you will get it resolved on while the power that I have here doth continue which will not now that the Army is comming hither be long I will doe my best to get it effected If you think this to be out of your way I desire your pardon for giving you the trouble but knowing you to be faithfull to the Kings service and not knowing very many that would be sincere in a Proposition for the King to lay any imposition I did thinke it a necessity I doe not heare yet so good newes of my Lord Lieutenants health as I do desire his losse would be irreparable to the King and to all his friends but I hope he will recover which God grant I have not any way abilities in me to serve you as he may but such as I am I shall not faile to be Your Graces most humble and most faithfull servant Conway and Kilulta Newcastle Iune 13. 1640. Whereas it is conceived to be needfull that some Fortifications be presently made without the Walls for the safety of the Town of Newcastle which will require a great charge both for the erecting and keeping the same For the raising of Moneys to that purpose these four Propositions are to be considered of IMprimis Whereas this new Corporation of Masters of Ships have imposed of every severall Master who shall carry Coales from either Newcastle or Sunderland the payment of 2. d. per. Cha. of Coals so carried which doth amount unto 1300. l. per annum at least which they say is for the maintenance of their Corporation Now forasmuch as the moneys thus paid doth arise forth of the purses of those which are owners of Ships according to their severall parts of which number aboundance of them are no members of that Corporation therefore ought not to be Assessed for this purpose It is therefore desired that this 2. d. per. Cha. henceforth may be paid for two or three years or as long as need shall be for the use above mentioned and then quite to â—urcease it being both reasonable and just that moneys thus raised should be imployed for the publique good and not for any particular society And in case it be alledged that they have spent much moneys in procuring their Pattent to be a Corporation It may be answered they have received these moneys two years already which is more then they can have expended and besides they have and do still receive a Mark at least of every one they make free which doth arise to a great sum of Moneys for they make many free every yeer 2. That as much be paid upon every Chaldron of Coalâ— for the same use by those who sell the same for the same time and no longer 3. That there be as much paid upon every Chaldron of Coals which is laden from Sunderland both by the seller and buyer as is paid at Newcastle and during the same time for otherwise all the small Ships will go from that place which will hurt Newcastle very much and be distastefull 4. That all common Brewers and all others who brew strong Ale or Beere to sell shall pay so much of every Tun as shall be thought fitting And likewise all those who sell Tobacco The third is thus endorsed Lo. Conway Rece Iulii 11. 1644. The consideration about execution of Martiall Law
received a worthy token and likewise of this Bishops and Princes curteous respects Mr. Taylor who about three months agoe on his way to England in transitu comming hither can give evident testimony both to his Majesty and to your Honour which according to your promise made to me I doubt not but he has already done Last of all my Lord Craven has reason to renound this Princes singular favours toward him by whose meanes he has not only obtained freedome but likewise being heere at Wurtzburg has received particular curtisies and favours of his highnesse which I doubt not but at occasion his Lordship will declare at length to your Honour At divets occasions being called to the company and Counsell of the principalls heere as the best meanes to obtaine to peace I use severall inductions arguments and reasons for to advance and promoove the restitution of our Prince Palatihat against the which albeit there be strong adversaries yet further considerations may hapily move their hearts to condiscend thereunto The Catholique Bishops and Princes thirst mightily for Peace but higher powers and some Generalls and Commanders of Warrs on both sides for their privat ends by practicall inventions and factious collâ—tions labour to the contrary in the which they are like to continue so long Germanie can afford them maintinance of the which in most parts here there be greater scarsity and that at an extraordinary rate Of the particular miseries and desolation of the most parts in Germanie as likewise of other occurrences if I did not perswade with my selfe that your Honour had every fortnight certaine â—nformation I would write at length but unwilling to impesh your Honours more serious businesse I abstaine from superfluous discourse My Lord Craven desired me in this my letter to salute your Honour with all respect as his singular good friend and Patrons Patron he went â—tom hence much of eight dayes agoe after expedition of some busines in Holland soon thereafter Godwilling he thinkes to see his wished Country and honourable friends amongst the which he esteemes your Honour most trusty of which before mentioned curtesies done to his subjects if your Honour thinke that his Majesty will be pleased to take notice by writing a kind letter to the Bishop after advertisement I shall send the aforesaid letters to your Honour I heare for certaine that matters betwixt our Kings Majesty and Scotland are God be glorified composed and agreed whereupon for conclusion of some Articles there is a Parliament Convocat at Edinborough where the Kings Majesty is said to be for the present In this accident I hope his Majesty has had a sufficient tryall of the fidelity of his Catholike Subjects who in this or any other occasion NOTE I am confident by their true service will endeavour to deserve his Majesties love and affection towards them For my owne part while as I live I will professe my fidelity to his Majesty as my dread Soveraigne obeying and honouring him above all Kings and temporall Princes on the earth Praying God to multiply upon his Majesty heavenly and temporall blessings NOTE with my best wishes for your Honours good health and prosperity I rest In the Scots Abbacie at Wortzburg Your honours most humble servant and beadsman Audomarus Ioannes Abbas This 13. of August 1639. A Postscript P. S. I humbly beseech your Honour to give order that these inclosed safely be delivered in the like or any occasion I shall be alwaies most ready to serve your Hnour These contributions and this Assembly of the Papists 1639 with the Popes Nuncioes residence among us were so publikely known the Papists grew so insolently bold thereupon that the Apprentices and common people tooke notice of it whereupon they scattered these two insuingpapers in the streets of London and pasted up some of them in publike places from whence they were taken and carried to Secretary Windebanke among whose papers they remained The first was this Reasons that Ship and Conduct-money ought to be had and also Money by the City of London FIrst for the setting up of Masse and maintaining of Idolatry as it is begun but not brought yet as was intended to perfection praise be to God and the Scots whom he hath made an instrument to prevent the same That the Popes Nuncio taketh and hath these five yeers taken great pains in perverting His Majesties simple Subjects who herein is weekly at very great charges in sending to Rome for a cart-load of the Wood of the holy-Crosse and many old horses and dogs teeth and bones with Indulgences and Pardons which he selleth dear enough but that cannot defray him and his great Train for hee sendeth every weeke a Packet or two of all the affaires here to Rome he must be well rewarded out of ship and conduct money and of that which is expected to be lent by the City The Fryers of Somersethouse who do labour in distributing those reliques and for many privat Masses and for keeping of Bastards foure in Dunhill Alley â—enne in Druty Lane besides twentie in Saint Giles in the Fields must have money to keepe them and pay the Nurse or else all is undone with them Sir Iohn Winter whose kindred were some of the chiefe projectors of the Gunpouder treason and is now not better then his kindred and my Lords Grace of Canterbury now her Majesties Bishop is and are great instruments and specially the said Sir Iohn who with the Popes Nuntio doth keepe divers Bawdes for Fryers Sir Thobias Mathâ—w doth blow the Coales of dissention with Sir Killam Digby and Mr. Indimion Porter all birds of a Feather therefore we must needs goe against the Scotch for being not Idolatrous and will have no Masse amongst them yet Condâ—ct and Ship-money must be had to go against them to reduce them to some obedience The Queene Mother wheresoever shee hath beene there could be no peace or tranquility yet ship and conduct mony must be had to keepe her and her Shaâ—â—aggâ— who are now well clothed and must have new suits if the City lendeth money But it was not before now permitted talke of a Parliament to redresse these abuses nor to heare the Scotchs greavances but ship and conduct money with that of the City which is the sinewe wherewith we must go to War against them and the Papists in the meane time do make a laughing stocke of us and indeed the Captaines and Leiutenants must be all Papists for none other will goe but them and therefore they have the command of all the forces Sir Iohn Winter by his letter 30. August last to the Pope desireth that his Holynesse Note would be pleased to make hast for Indulgences and pardons for that God was somewhat favourable to the Catholike Religion which did daily increase in the Kingdome and without doubt with his Holinesse helpe by prayers would be planted here to maturity within two yeares All her Majesties servants who doe suck the marrow of our estate
c. intimates MAy it please your Grace c. I humbly beseech your Grace to pardon these my presumptions and this other Information which I shall assure your Grace They have printed at Rome a Book of Fastidius a Britain Bishop De Vitâ Christianà which THE CARDINALL FRANCISCO BARBARINO INTENDS TO DEDICATE TO HIS SACRED MAJESTY Note A Book of singular Devotion and Piety and of great Antiquity the Author being a Bishop in England about 300. yeers after 〈◊〉 Saviour Lucas Holstenius a very learned man hath the care of the Edition but hath not I thinke as yet finished his Annorations upon it For the Text he and I compared the Manuscript which is also very ancient with the printed Copy and I finde it exactly to agree c. Your Graces most obliged servant Iohn Greaves Ligorn March 3. Nay this War and the other designes of the Popish party notwithstanding the second Treaty with the Scots and the present Parliaments summons and meeting did so elevate the Papists hopes in England that Mr. Brudnell and Mr. Somerset went purposely over into Italy in November 1640. Note to sue for Cardinalls Caps upon an expectation of a new creation of Cardinals as the passages of these ensuing Letters writ to Secretary Windebancke from Rome found among his Papers and indorsed with his own hand abundantly evidence RIght Honorable Sir c. Mr. Thomas Sommerset is safely arrived at Ligorn upon his journey to Rome I conceive to prosecute his own intentions Your honors most affectionat and humble Servant Iohn Wilford The 3. of November 1640. SIr Mr. Thomas Sommerset is at Florence where Mr. Brudnell is also arrived There are some hopes of a Creation before Christmas the Pope being troubled with a Catarre which argues a multiplicity of humors Yours Iohn W. Novemb. 10. 1640. Right Honourable Sir THe Pope his Catarre arguing a multiplicity of humors dangerous in 74. yeers of age gave occasion to his Physition to suggest so much to Cardinall Barbarino and to him to make serious instance with the Pope for a Creation lest some sudden sicknesse portended by those Catarres prevent him This makes the pretendants expect the complements of their desires about Christmasse and indeed there would not be much improbability in it the creation importing the Pope and Nephew so much if the dispute about the nominated by the Crownes were ended But as yet nor France nor Spaine hath had promise of having Abbot Peretti or Mon Seigniâ—ur Massarini created Mr. Sommerset is come to Florence upon his arrivall here and his Negotiation we shall see what hopes either he or any others WHO AYME AT OUR ENGLISH CARDINALS CAP MAY PROMISE THEMSELVES Note c. Your Honors most affectionate and humble servant Iohn Wilford Novemb. 10. 1640. About this very time it seemes Mr. George Fortescue had some speciall Commission and imployment at Rome from hence it may be to succeed Sir William Hamilton in his negotiation there or to sollicite a Cardinalls Cap as this Letter of his to Secretary Windebanke found among his papers imports Right Honourable Vnderstanding by my Kinsman that your Honour desired light in two points concerning my selfe I was glad of the occasion to present with these lines my humble service and to assure your Honour though unknown I have ever upon all occasions proâ—essed my selfe a passionate servant of yours and shall be ever most ready to doe your Honour all service To those points I affirmed not that I had leave of his Majesty to follow that particular businesse for I my selfe knew it not Note till I came to the City where I met with my Commission and Instructions not seen before Immediatly at my arrivall here I addressed my selfe to Sir William and carried my selfe with that obedience to his intimation as in that passage I rather referre my selfe to Sir Williams report then to my owne relation which so much would tend to my commendation Upon his intimation I moved my Master to imploy some subject of his owne in that businesse which very graciously upon my letter he hath done So that a primo ad ultimum I never medled in that businesse For my comming to Rome I might very well conceive no place forbidden me his Majesty giving me so faire a leave to serve his Highnesse Neither hath the License which his Majesty gave me to travell any restriction at all In these I presume your Honour will discover with what resignation I have carried my selfe all along and with what obedience to his Majesties pleasures though so suddenly made knowne unto me and without any command at all As in these so desire I in all to give your Honour a true accompt of my actions which God willing shall be ever most suitable to an obedient Subject to his Majesty a most zealous Patriot to his Country and to your Honour a servant most ambitious of your command And shall I understand that my Letters shall be agreeable to your Honour I shall make bold to present them sometimes with the respect of Your Honours most humble and most obedient Servant Geo Fortescue Rome this 11. Oct. 1640. A Postscript The Phisitians having given notice to the Cardinall of the increase of the Popes Catarrs Note the Cardinall thinkes seriously of the new creation of Cardinalls in which it is thought the Kings shall have the Caps they desire This Letter needs no great Commentary but clearely shewes that this Gentleman met both with a Commission and Instructions from hence at Rome and was to doe some speciall service there About May 1640. Con the Popes second English Nuncio returning from England to Rome to be Cardinal the Pope sent a Nephew of his Count Rosetâ— to succeed him who being but yong and unexperienced the Pope commended him by this speciall Bull Note to the old active English lesuit Sir Toby Matthew very intimate with the Archbishop Windebank Wentworth Lord Deputy of Ireland the Earl of Arundel and most great Lords and Ladies about the Court or city as to his Angle Gardian the copy whereof I found among Windebanks papers written with his own hand which intimates that the Pope had very great hopes of reducing England to its ancient vassallage to him in a very short space by the help of those female active Amazons and instruments who laboured day and night to effect this designe of his Dilecto filio Tobiae Matheo Societat Iesu sacerdoti Urbanus Papa 8. DIlecte sili salutem Apostolicam benedictionem Note Ardens animarâ—m zelus quo jaâ— a tot annis in vinea Domini laborando strenuum te militem exhibuisti promeretur ut tuae virtuâ—i debitam laudem reddamus Sane magnâ cum exultatione audivimus * * See Romes Master-peece p. 19 20. 21. labores quos sustines ut sedis Apostolicae amplitudinem augeas quo caritatis zelo omnibus omnia fias ut omnes lucri facias Decet certè te virum Apostolicum
the Pope to send so many fulminate Breeves to these Kingdomes to hinder the Oath of Allegiance and lawfull obedience to their temporall Prince that they might still fish in troubled waters Their damnable doctrine to destroy and depose Kings hath been the cause of the Civil Wars likely to befall these Kingdoms if God in his mercy do not stop it They have been the cause of the Monopolies projected in this Kingdome especially concerning Soape the Forrest of Dean and marking of * Granted to Captain Read chief Agent for the Iesuits See Romes Master-piece pag. 20 21 2â— Butter Caske where all the Parties were Partners and Confederates of the Iesuits as Sir Bazill Brookes sir Iohn Winter and a brother in Law of the said sir Iohns that lived in Worcestershire and Mr. Ployden whose servant called Baldwyn in my presence about a yeare since did deliver to Captaine Read a substitute of the Iesuits a hundred pounds to be given to a Iesuite who lived in his house They have their Lay Brethren which collect duely their Annuities and Rents and play the Merchants transporting Cloth other Merchandizes of great value I doe know one Brother in Law to Captaine Read who continually Trades in Merchandizes who is a Novice of theirs and one Cuâ—bert of Lancaâ—hire who collects their Rents and one Grey of Barwicke they are protected by the Spanish Embassadour and live at his house They have their Merchants in London namely one Evans worth fifty thousand pounds who meanes to make them his Heires and dis-inherit his Kindred Doctor Moore also is their Agent and puts out this money to Interest This Evans who was appointed to be Sheriffe of London last yeare by their perswasion did goe out of London and refused to accept of it and by them was sent into the Country and lived retired till Michaelmas was past and escaped to be Sheriffe of Middlesex and paid no Fine for refusing the said Office being till the time was past in obscurity * See Romes Master-peece p. 2â— to 25. Captaine Read a Scotish man now Lieutenant Colonel in Ireland under Col. Henry Bruce is also one of their Agents and lets their buildings in Long Acre and other parts of London for their use especially the faire buildings in Lincolnssnne-fields inhabited sometimes by George Gage and at his death left to my Lady Gardner where the Iesuits ordinarily resorted It is thought that Mr. Newton who built all those faire houses in Queenes-street is their Agent for of himselfe he was never so able as to build the hundreth part of them It is strange to see the straâ—agems which they use with their Penitents concerning to Oath of Allegiance If they be poor they tell them flatly when they are demanded to take the Oath that it is damnable and no wayes to be allowed by the Church If they be of the richer sort they say they may do as their Conscience will inspire them And there be some of them that make no Conscience at all to have it taken so oft as they are demanded It is no lesse strange to see Note what great Treasures they have heaped up and made four Colledges in Flanders onely of Annuities of their moneys and such houses as are now appertaining unto them From Mr. Sackvile they got ten thousand pounds and afterwards most miserably dismist him Note so that he was constreined to begge And after great threatning they allowed him of all his meanes only a hundred pound per annum during life The like deceâ—t they did use to the whole Regiment of my Lord Vaux in Flanders which for the most part were composed of younger Brothers who at their perswasions sold their Lands and Annuities and gave them their moneys assuring them that they should lose nothing and get all again But when they came in their great necessities and demanded it they absolutely refused them and so they saw the most part of those younger Gentlemen perish for want in Hospitals The like they did with above two hundred Gentlewomen of good extraction whom they seduced and got from them their portions the least having a thousand pounds for lesse they would not take and when they came to Flanders Note they were committed to the charge of Mistresse Mary Ward who forced them to labour with their hands and live in great misery with bread and water And at last like gallopping Nuns made thirty of them to take their Iourney to Rome and Naples and there to teach young Children When it came to the Popes knowledge he made a thundring Bull against them either to enter into a Monastry or else within fifteen dayes to depart the Territorirs of Rome and within forty dayes all Italy but afterwards this Bull was retracted The Colledge of Saint Omers is no lesse memorable which was erected by Pope Gregory the thirteenth and partly indowed by the King of Spain with great meanes The Iesuits neverthelesse insatiable cormorants have by their allurements got great wealth from England under pretence to nourish some Students which in time might labour in this Vineyard some by Testament others by Donation have left meanes to bring up some two some three and payd twenty five and thirty pounds per annum But since they are not willing to undergo the toil to take it yeerly but have enticed the Donators to give them some three some four and some five hundred pounds and in my knowledge they got in this manner for nourishing above two hundred so that they have extorted and got great sums of money from this Kingdome to the great prejudice of the State The wise State of Venice foreseeing their ambition to creep into the knowledge of their Government Note and to Conquer high Territories by tricks unlawfull means and sleights By Order of their great Councell they were adjudged to be banished for ever their Dominions and never to return thither till they had the consent of the whole Senate which is impossible to be obtained although the French King and the Pope have laboured sundry times yet in vain And also the said State did declare That whosoever should speake in their favour for their re-establishing should be degraded of his Honor and his Posterity after him and loose all his goods and the like should befall to them that send their children to their colledges Would to God such Lawes were made in these Dominions severely to punish the Parents for sending their Children to Iesuits Colledges And to conclude they should be expelled from all humane society as unsit to be dealt with for their equivocation and mentall reservation never telling the truth being mortall enemies to all charity and the true fore-runners of Antichrist oppugning all verity and taking all for themselves without Communication of good to others And as for those that are beyond Seas in their Colledges it were more then necessary to make a Decree that within a short time prefixed they should return to their Native soil under
up with pride following the Archbishops footsteps began to erect a High-Commission Court in their Diocesses and called to it the Gentry and Nobles punishing them for trifling things and sining and confining them to the farthest part of the Kingdom from Galloway to Cathnes neare three hundred myles A cruelty never practised in Scotland before in any Age. Nay the became so insolent being made Privy Councellours by the Archbishops sollicitation of His Majesty Note And the Archbishop of Saint Andrews being made great Chancellor of that Kingdom never practised this three hundred years that in open Councell Table they gave the lye to the Peers of the Land Namely to the Earle of Argile which affront was done by one Sedeserfe now Bishop of Galloway and resident at this present in London where began the fire to appeare which before this was but smoake The Nobles Gentry and Commons made a league which they called a Covenant and combined together for the rooting out of Bishops and Conservation of their ancient Liberties upon which is ensued a million of miseries putting both the Kingdomes to excessive charges exhausting the Kings Coffers and oppressing the people I believe If my Lord Archbishop were meerly questioned it would be found he stirred up His Majesty to make up his Army two severall times Note which hath bin the occasion of the utter ruine of two Shires Northumberland and the Bishopricke of Duresme which losse will not be repaired in an hundred years These firebrands Bishops of Galloway and Rosse who are Clyents to Canterbury and altogether guided by him it is more than expedient that they and other Incendiaties were given to the Scotts Commissioners to betryed by their Parliament But I believe Rosse will flye to Ireland where His Majesty hath given him a Bishopricke And Galloway will be forced to hide himself in some Island and shake off his Robes or become a Pedler in Poland as his Father was before him One Sandall a Clerke of the Rolls told me he saw my Lord Sterling Secretary of Scotland Agent at Court for the Bishops viewing very narrowly the Rolls to see the originall Institutions of the High Commission which he would not have done had he not bin informed by my Lords Grace I may not omit to let you know how of his large liberality he hath given to those fire-brand ministers refuges in this Kingdome at sundry times large and prosuse charity which he would never have bestowed on the poore Clergy of his Diocesse I come to his Government wherein he hath bin like to a Camâ—lion of divers colours now punishing of Roman Priests but poore ones for the fattest he protected and cherished without all measure As Father * His ancient chamberfellow in St. Iohns in Oxford Leander Superior of the Benedictines Master Flanders and Master Price after Leanders death and Master Gascoyne and the whole Order of the Iesuits as hereafter shall be related The poore Recusants for going to heate Masse or only upon suspition were cruelly used by him but the chiefe he tenderly loved and feasted as Sir Kâ—nelme Digbie and others to what end you may conjecture Afterwards he tooke a fit to punish severely Anabaptists Familists and Brownists sometimes one sometimes another He followed the steps of Cardinall Wolsey and intended because he could not be Poâ—e at Rome to be a Patriarcke in these Kingdoms To which end 't is well known he did so credit and grace Father Leander aforesaid cherishing him above the rest giving him his eare at all times remaining here at London publikely till his death and after him Price NOTE and Gascoyne aforementioned At the comming of Father * His old Chamber-fellow in Oxford Leander he began to looke chearfully upon Recusantâ— then began he to erect Altars to take away the Communion Table to make all kneel when they tooke the Sacrament to be all uncovered at Divine service to stand up at the reading of the Gospell bow at the name of Iesus and to consecrate an ould Church a new as that of Saint Gylses with many other Arch-trikeâ— that he might be in the Popes and the Queenes favour and so continue in his Majesties good liking Then began he to use rigout against Puritan Ministers calling them into his high Commission some for Symony as Mr. Iohn Ward and others of Suffolk some for contradicting the Bishop of Norwich others for Heresy as one Doctor Everd Chaplin to the Earle of Holland Then began he to practise his Excommunications and aggravations against Sir Robert Willoughby Sonne in Law to the Bishop of Worcester and Mr. Hope a Scottish man Cup-bearer to his Majesty for contemning his Citations In the end such were his Actions that he is an Admiration to the whole world for Inconstancy At the last he became soe outragious as were never any of his Predecessors conventing before him the Bishop of Lincolne whose heavy hand and Dragon-like wrath hee felt many yeeres being in Prison in the Tower of London Soe was Bishop Goodman soundly whipt for refusing to subscribe to his Canons being laid in the Gate-house so that he became the wonder of this Age. Noe lesse wonderfull hath he beene in his Vatican at Lambith sitting in his Gracefull Throne compassed with Bishops Deanes Archdeacons Doctors Proctors Notaries and Registers guarded with a multitude of Tipstaves from all Prisons in and about London besides a hellish Guard of Promoters In his Tribunall sitting in his Corner-Cap Lawnè sleeves and Râ—tchet No Pope is so glorious on most festivall dayes as his Grace is on Thursdayes in tearme time T is a petious thing worthy of consideration to see what Injustice is don in that Court by his owne knowledge and what extortion and exaction is used by his Officers There is not a more corrupt Court in the world wherein Innocency is punished publique sinnes countenanced the greatnes of the extortions of that Court cannot be expressed some are a whole yeare before they can be heard at the last for a fatherly Benediction are remitted to Sir Iohn Lambe and Doctor Ducke I will instance in two parties The Lady Willoughby spent in suit in lesse then two yeares as shee related to me five hundred poundâ— and above and all tended that her Husband should weare a white sheete at the Church doore When God knowes her selfe deserved no lesse For Doctor Ryves assured me she was declared innocent by Bribery The other was Mr. Stapleton Nephew to the Earle of King stone who claimed a certaine Lady to be his Wife having married her before two witnesses and used the formall words of Matrimony And seene by the said witnesses lye together in naked bed yet by force of money he was divorced from her having spent in the suit in Charges only three hundred pounds In like sort Francis Conne brother to Signiour Georgio Conne now Cup-bearer extraordinary to her Majesty was convented at the high Commission for having maried one Mistresse Steward his Country
Signior Georgio's here carrying clothed in mans apparell thorough England Scotland France and Italy his sweet heart Engenius Bonny a daughter of the Yeoman of His Majesties Wine Celler After Signior Georgio he sent hither a new Nuntio Count Rossetti Note a Noble man of Ferrara but of better carriage then his other deceased whom hee intended to make Cardinall in leiu of the other defunct As soone as Walter Mountague heard of Signior Georgio's death he sent his Chaplaine Post to Rome Note with Letters from Her Majesty intreating his Holynesse to make him Cardinall The Popes answer was he would gladly condiscend to that motion If she would oblige her selfe to make an estate to him for his maintenance conformable to a Cardinall So was it dasht And so will all correspondency bee hereafter with that Court by the wise and grave Councell of the Parliament So that Master Penricke Agent in that Court for the Queene be called backe And a certaine Knight of the Order of Saint Iohn of Ierusalem whom Count Rosetti intends to send hither to keepe correspondency be likewise dismist from hence which done all that Project will end in smoake Alwayes provided that Master Mountague Sir Toby Matthew Sir Kenelme Digby Sir Iohn Winter be removed and barr'd from going to Rome or to any of his Holinesse Territories Not yet to Italy for feare of sedition and keeping correspondency with their associates I heard a French Gentleman of good worth say that hee had seene a Breve from Rome with this Inscription Tobiae Mattheo Sacerdoti sociâ—tatis Iesu which is To Toby Matthew Priest of the Order of Iesus wherein inter alia was Confirma Amazonas illas quae strenue laborant in vinea pro Christo. Note First Confirme those Amazonian Court Ladyes that is those brave Catholike Catamountaines of the Popish faction that labour â—ustily for the advancement of Popery Touching the fifth point in my Iudgement Roman Catholikes especially those that have lands and goods should bee stopt from going over Sea In respect by the selling and Mortgazing of their Lands the money is transported to forreigne parts and there spent whereby the Kingdome is depauperated His Majestie looses his yearely pay for their Recusancy the Shites where they remained are disabled to pay so much subsedies as formerly in time of their Residence And finally the poore looseth much by their absence This voluntary Relation of this ancient Intelligent Popish-Priest which I finde to bee generally true and reall by orher Letters and Intelligence and concurring with the Plot discovered to the Archbishop and King Himselfe in my Romes Master-peece in most particulars touching the Jesuites Scottish troubles Popes Nuncioes and other Instruments of his here nominated gives much luster and confirmation to many of the premises and some ensuing passages therefore I could not well omit it though it be somewhat tedious But to proceed the 2d intended Civill War against the Scots ceasing contrary to the Prelates expectations through the overruling providence of God both in the rude Common Souldiers who refused to serve under their Popish Commanders some of whom they murthered declayming against the Bishops breakiwg down their New-Rayles Altars Crucifixes in diverse places and in sundry of our Nobles who Petitioned His Majestie for a Parliament and New Treaty with the Scotts together with the Generall opposition of Ministers and people against the new Canons and c. Oath which put a period to this Warre without bloud-shed hereupon there were sundry New desperate Plots Conspiracies Councells entred into by the Popish and Prelaticall party to undermine this Parliament soone after it was first Assembled and imbroyle all our Kingdomes in New Civill Warres and distractions more dangerous then the former of which I shall give you a short hiâ— out of the Commons Journall and some other papers letters examinations which have come unto my hands February 10. 1640. There were foure Genâ—lemen of the House of Commons went up to the Lords * Diurnall Occurrences p. 36. to discover a great designe on foote among the Papists in England Ireland and Wales That there were in Lancashire one thousand five hundred NOTE in Ireland eight thousand Papists in Armes and many thousands in South-Wales and North-Wales well payd and provided for by the Earle of Strafford Earle of Worcester and others and did use frequently to goe to Masse at the sound of the drum There was also a great Nobleman in Wales that bought up all the Provisions hee could kept Corne enough for three yeares and got all the Arms he could and had a strong Commission to furnish whom hee would And there was also a Letter brought to the house as from Secretary Windebanke in the Queenes name to have all the Papists fast every Saturday for the good successe of that designe Whereupon there was also this day an order made that all Iudges in the next Circuits at the Assizes should put the Law in execution against Iesuites and Priests and make returne of the proceedings herein to the Parliament Upon this occasion * The Diurnall Occurrences p. 42. February 22. There was a Message from the Lords for a Conference with both Houses for the disbanding of the Irish Army and the removing of Papists from the Court and the English Papists in the Queenes house-hold * The Diurnal Occurrences pag. 93. 94. May 5. 1641. There was discovered to the House of Commons a strange conspiration in agitation against the whole body of the Kingdom for the landing and bringing in of a French Army to which our English Army should be joyned which were all to meete by the 22. of this Moneth whereupon the House sent out diverse warrants for Master Henry Perry Colonell Goring Sir Iohn Suckling Master Henry Jermyn and others as conspirators therein to appeare before the House of Commons the next day There was also intelligence given to the House of Commons of 1400. barrells of Powder that were prepared in readinesse and loaden by stealth to bee carried away by the appointment of the Conspirators upon which the Commons appointed some of the House to make further enquiry thereof Hereupon most of the parties upon this discovery fled into France and had passes to transport them without search from the King May 14. * The Diurnal Occurrences pag. 102 There was a Report in the Commons House of a Iesuite That should say it being noised the Parliament House was on fire the time was not yet come but it would bee so ere long and of another that should say there would bee many fatherlesse Children in London very shortly upon which there were more warrants sent out for the attaching of those Iesuites May 19. Ibid. pag. 106 There was one Newton a Priest an English man which belonged to the Spanish Ambassadour committed to the Gate-House also a Message was sent to the Lords desiring that the French Letters might bee stopt this weeke as they were the last and viewed
lose our lives and we can expect no worse then death if we goe unto our owne Country and succour it And the said Hugh leaving the said Colonell in his journey towards Ayre went unto Dunkirk and from thence into England and soone after at the Campe of Ayre there came unto the said Owen an Irish Fryer one of the O Neales disguised who after much private conference with the said Colonell for about six dayes the said Fryer departed thence for England together with Captaine Edward Birne and Captaine Bryan O Neale a kinsmans of the said Colonells and a Captaine of his Regiment and now in Ireland amongst the Rebells And at the said Captaines departure from the Collonell he the said Col. presented him with a case of Pistolls and shortly after the afore-mentioned Cap. Conn O Neale was againe sent into England and from thence he the said Captain Conn wrote into Flanders unto the said Col. Owen that Hugh Mac Phelim Birne Captaine Brian O Neale and the aforesaid Fryer were gone to Ireland And that he the said Conn had received a Letter out of Ireland from President Rosse by which name in their Table of Characters is understood Sir Phelim O Neale and that the said President Rosse went very well on in his businesse by reason that Brabant and Valous were fully satisfied to joyne together by which Brabant and Valous are understood in the aforesaid Table of Characters Vlster and Leinster And did further write at the same time that he the said Conn expected Lewis Lanois his comming into England by which Lewis Lanois in their Table aforesaid is understood Daniel O Neale brother to the said Conn now in restraint in England and for whom he had stayed and was in feare of staying over-long least he should be entrapped And desired his Vncle the said Col. Owen O Neale to send some one from him unto the said President Rosse into Ireland with his resolution and instructions what to doe which the said President daily expected which Letters were sent from the said Conn unto him the said Owen into Flanders by a speciall Messenger At which time one Byron Mac Phelim Birne came out of England unto the said Colonell Owen and stayed with him a few daies and had conference with him and so returned back for England and after in October last the said Col. Owen O Neale sent one Art Mac Ginnis a Fryer being his Nephew into England who at Dunkirk met with a Iesuit who as this examinant was told was a sonne of the Lord Viscount Netterfield which came thether with him into England and so for Ireland And this examitant further saith that in November last newes came unto the said Colonell Owen O Neale that there was an enterprise to be made on the Castle of Dublin for the taking of the said Castle by the Lord Mac Guire Mac Mahone one of the O Neales and others which Plot being discovered the said Lord Mac Guire Mac Mahone O Neale and others were imprisoned And that neverthelesse the Irish had raised a great company of men and possessed themselves of the Newrie Dundalke Ardmagh Monaghan and severall other Country Townes And that they had taken prisoners the Lord Calfield the Lady Blaine and her Children and that their numbers did daily encrease And being demanded how they could have the said Newes so soone in Flanders answered Note that they had that and most of the Newes of Ireland out of England and that it was notable to observe with what speed and certainty the Irish in Flanders received the Newes of Ireland out of England upon receipt of which News the said Col. was in a great rage against the discoverer and said he wondered how or where that villaine should live for if he were in Ireland sure they would pull him to peeces there And if he lived in England there were footmen and other Irish men enough to kill him And he further saith that the said Col. Owen acquainted the generall Francisco de Melloe with the said News who told the said Colonell that he had understood as much before And thereupon the said Col. desired License to depart for Ireland And likewise that he might have Armes and Ammunition to carry thither with him whereunto the said Generall Answered That the said Col. should not want either Armes or Ammunition or any thing else that he could furnish him withall Note if he the said Colonell were sure of any Port where they might be safely landed in Ireland And thereupon the said Generall advised the said Colonell to send one of trust into Ireland without Letters to be informed there which were the safest and best way Ports in Ireland where Armes and Ammunition might be landed and to direct that some Fryer or Priest might for that purpose be sent back into Flanders to certifie them of those Ports and likewise that some person of speciall trust should be sent into France Rome and to the Emperour to negotiate with them Note and to desire their assistance for the Irish in defence of their Religion Hereupon the said Col. designed for that negotiation one Ever Roe Tituler Bishop of Downe And by reason that he this Examinant and the speciall imployments which he had under the said Col. and the trust reposed in him by the said Colonell were knowne unto the said Conn O Neale and divers other of the Rebells now in Irelands He the said Col. chose this Examinant to send into Ireland with the said Message and these instructions That he this Examinant should repaire unto Sir Phelim O Neale Conn O Neale Brian O Neale and Hugh O Birne and to acquaint them that he the said Col. was purposed to come from Dunkirke for Ireland with all expedition and to bring with him three Ships wherein should be three or foure hundred Commanders and Officers Note with Munition and Armes for Horse and Foot for the supply of such companies of Souldiers as were or could be raised in Ireland by those of the Catholike League for the prosecution of the warre there next that he the said Col. expected to be forthwith advertised and advised from them in Ireland by some Fryer or Priest to be sent from thence for that purpose what Port in that Kingdome he should land in And directed the sending of the aforenamed Ever Roe Titular Bishop of Downe into France unto Rome Note and the Emperour to solicite their Aydes for the defence of the Religion in Ireland And likewise further advised that the Lords and great Commanders of the Catholique League in that Kingdome should by all meanes avoyd to fight any battaile with the English or Kings Army untill the said Colonells arrivall in Ireland and they were better furnished with Armes and Munition And that in the meane time and untill his comming Note if there were any Noblemen and Gentlemen in Ireland who would not joyne with them in this warre they should Proclaime the said parties unnaturall
the principall contrivers and abbetters of this conspiracy in which all the Irish Popish Bishops Priests Friars Iesuits and scattered like Frogs in severall Popish Kingdoms and Seminaries were very active I shall onely adde to this That William O Conner an Irish Priest servant to the Queen-Mother who lodged at one Mistris Scarlets house in Coven-Garden and shifted his habit very often to disguise himself coming to one Anne Hussey an Irish Gentlewoman a little after Easter 1640. with another Irish man in his company having a long gray coat a sword girt close to his side to her lodging and going with her thence to Mistris Prinocks house in the Strand she demanded of O Conner who his companion was who answered he was one of the number of 7000. that were in privat pay AND IN READINES TO AYD THE CATHOLICKS Note AND TO OUT THE PROTESTANTS THROATS THAT SHOULD RESIST THEM and that he was one who played on the Flute to the Drum After which about the end of July 1640. he came to her foresaid lodging and said He came upon great occasion and in great haste and he must immediatly return back for he had three Letters from the Queen-Mother to deliver to three Ambassadors the Spanish the Venetian the French Note TO SEND TO THE POPE FROM WHOM OR FROM HIS LEGATE WE MUST KNOW WHEN TO BEGIN THE SUBDUING OF THE PROTESTANTS That they must first BEGIN TO CONQUER ENGLAND BEFORE IRELAND Being demanded by him How or in what manner will they begin with England And when will it be He replyed When the King goes to Scotland To which she answering There was no hopes of the Kings going to Scotland He replyed He warrant you he doth He further added That he had long been imployed by the Queen-Mother in her businesse with all the Princes of Christendom That they had some designe to cut off and kill the King adding That they would kill an Heretick at any time for the advancement of the Mother-Church of Rome and swore by Saint Francis and Saint Dominick that he would do it He further said He was bound to keep the Queen-Mothers secrets and that he would be burnt in fire before he would reveal them All this she discovered soon after to the Lords of the Councell by whom and by severall Iustices of Peace she was examined upon Oath and produced Letters of this Priest written to her with his own hand whereupon he was Committed close Prisoner to the Gate-house where he yet remaines unprocâ—eded against After this she attested it in the Parliament House upon Oath before the Rebellion brake forth and witnessed it since upon Oath at the Archbishops Tryall who said she was mad when she attested it at the Councell Table demanding of her how she durst speak any thing of this Nature of the Queen-Mother and telling her she was set on and hired by the City of London to do this Note and Commanded her to be Committed But she producing the Priests own Letter and he confessing it to be his own hand before the Lords she was sent only to one of the Sheriffs of Londons house and there secured till released by the Parliament About the time of this discourse the Earl of Worcester a great Papist and very powerfull in Southwales bordering next to Ireland procured a Commission from His Majesty for to be Lord Lieutenant and Commander in chief of all Southwales as the Lord Herbert his Son an Arch-Papist hath been since the Rebellion brake forth as appears by this Minute an Originall draught of a Letter under Secretary Windebanks own hand to the then Lord Chamberlain signifying as much HIS Majesty being well inclined to employ the Earl of Worcester in some particular service best known to himself in South-Wales Note being most confident of his Loyalty Duty and good affection to His Person and Service hath thought fit to acquaint Your Lordship therewith considering the great Power and Interest Your Lordship hath in those parts and hath commanded me in his Name to signifie his pleasure to Your Lordship that you give speedy and effectuall order to all Your Principall Officers Note Tenants and Dependents and such others as have relation to you that as soon as the said Earl shall produce any Commission or Authority from His Majesty for the performance of any service in those parts they fail not to obey His Lordship in all such thinges as by vertue of such Power given by him and His Majesty he shall require and Command This His Majesty expects Your Lordship shall do with expedition to the end Your Officers there may be the better prepared whensoever the said Earl shall exercise any such Commission from His Majesty that so His Majesties service may not suffer His Majesty hath already signified His pleasure to the Lord President of the Marches to this effect who hath yielded all obedience and conformity thereunto and His Majesty is confident that in that Your Lordship and those who have Relation to you will give place to none This coÌ„mission was ordred to be brought into the Commons house as dangerous But the happy unexpected Treaty and assembling of this Parliament frustrating the intended Massacre and Designe of subduing the Protestants in England for the present the Plot in Ireland still proceeding and was to be put in execution on the 23. of October 1641. on which day all the Forts and Towns in Ireland should have been surprised at an instant by the Popish Rebells and most of the Protestants destroyed and accordingly that very night Charlemont Fort was on the 23. of October at night surprised by Sir Phelim O Neale a principall actor and conspirator in the Rebellion who there took the Lady Calfield prisoner and murthered the young Lord Calfield her Son And at that time Sir Phelim ô Neale himself and other of his companions told her That Dublin castle and city Note and most other Forts of Ireland were surprised by their confederates the Papists that the Tower of London was taken by their party and the Archbishop of Canterbury released thence a good signe he was their friend that ENGLAND and the Protestants there were then or would be very shortly in the same or as bad a condition as Ireland and Protestants there were and some of them said that their party had taken Edenbrough castle All which was attested upon Oath by the Lady Calfield and her Gentlewoman Mistris Mary Woodrose at the Triall of Mac Mohon in the Kings * Attested on Oath at Mac â—Mohones triall by Sir William Steuart Sir William Colc Sir Williâ—m Hamilton Sir Charles Coot Sir Arthur Lofiâ—s and others Bench in Michaelmas Term last where this was likewise attested upon Oath That ALL THE PAPISTS IN ENGLAND WERE PRIVY TO THE PLOT IN IRELAND and intended the like in England which we have since experimentally found to be true Divers other Forts were the same day and soon after surprised by the Irish Rebels and
Artillery would master all the Towne untill they were releeved by men from the Country and because there was a doubt made how all this could be done in so short a time they did appoint that all that were there present should not fail to meet again there the 20. of September to give an accompt of all things aswell hopes as impediments and if on that interview all things should happen to be well that they go forward or if otherwise to prolong the Execution of it to more convenient time and so we parted every man into the Country about his own taske and I in my way home came to Mr. Rellyes house and there I received a Letter from Sir Phelim ô Neale that his Lady was dead and to be buried on the Sunday following this being on the Satterday and desiring mein all kindnesse to come to the buriâ—ll and Mr. Relly having received another Letter to the same effect would needs have me go thither whereunto I was very unwilling being weary withall not provided to go to such a meeting aswell said he to prevent any iealousy from the Ladies friends as also to confer with Sir Phelim touching all these proceeedings for neither he nor I did ever speak with Sir Phellim concerning those matters before but to his Brother Tirolagh ô Neale and coming thither we found Captain Bryan ô Neale lately come out of the Low-Countries sent over by Col ô Neale to speak to and provoke those of Vlster to rise out into Armes and that he would be with them on notice of their day the same day or soon after it and it was asked of the said Captain what aide he could send or procure being but a private Collonell or where he could get any he replyed that the said Col told him that he had sent to severall places that Summer to demand aide Note and in particular to Cardinall Richelieu into France to whom he had sent twice that year and had comfortable and very hopefull promises from them and especially from that Cardinall on whom he thought the Collonell did most depend so that there was no doubt to be made of succour from him and especially when they had risen out that would be a meanes to the Cardinall to give aide Note We did the more credit him in regard of the former Treaty between the said Cardinall and the Earl of Tyrone as formerly is said for my own part I did and do beleeve that the Col doth depend on France for aide more then on any other place aswell for these reasons as also that Ever Macmahone formerly mentioned told me that presently after the Isle of Rees enterprize he being then in the Low-Country did hear for certain that the Earl of Tyrone together with the Collonell did send into France to the Marshall of France that was generall of the French Forces at the Isle of Ree to deale with him for Note procuring of aide to come then for Ireland and that he received an answer from the said Marshall that he was most willing and ready to contribute his endeavors for his furtherance therein but that for the present he could not answer my Lords expectation by reason that the King had warres in Italy which he thought would be at an end within half a year or little more and then my Lord should not doubt of any thing that he could do for his assistance but those continued a great deal longer so for that time that enterprize faild So after the Buriall was done I gave these Gentlemen knowledge of what I had done at Dublin and how I was to retire thither and then they began to think how to surprise London-Derry they being near it but could not then agree in the manner and so Sir Phelim desired me to take his hoâ—se in my way going to Dublin and that I should have a resolution to carry with me touching London-Derry and thereon I parted home but soon after came to Dublin to the afore appointed meeting with those Collonells But first I took in my way Sir Phellim ô Neales house to be certain what he had done and his answer was that he knew that matters could not be put in execution by the 5. of October as was appointed and that they would make another longer day for it and that he would provide for the taking of London-Derry by that day and so I came to Dublin to give an accompt of that was done and also know what further should be done I was not two houres in my lodging when Mr. Moore came to me who knew of what was done by those Colonells formerly from Col. Burne and told me that the Messenger sent to Colonell Neale was come with answer desiring us not to delay any time in rising out and to let him know of that day before-hand and that he would not faile to be with us within fourteen daies of that day with good ayde also desiring us by any meanes to seaze the Castle of Dublin if we could Note for he heard that there was great provision in it for Warre and Mr. Moore moreover said that time was not to be over-slipped and desired me to be very pressing with the Col. to goe on in their resolution but on meeting the Col. with them they were fallen from their resolution because those of the Pale would doe nothing therein first but when it was done they would not faile to assist us Col. Pluncket did affirme and so by severall meetings it was resolved on by them to desist from that enterprize for that time and to expect a more convenient time but before that their resolution Sir Phelim O Neale and the afore-said Capt Brion O Neale followed me to Dublin as they said to assist and advise me how to proceed with that Colonell but neither they nor Mr. Moore would be seene therein themselves to those Gent. but would meet me privately and know what was done at every meeting alleadging for excuse that I being first imployed in that matter it would not be expedient that they should be seene in it And moreover they would not know to be in the Towne but by a few of their friends untill they were in a manner ready to depart the Towne at least as long as I was in Towne for I left them there But when I made them acquainted with their determination of desisting from that enterprise they thought it convenient that we should meet with Mr. Moore and Col. Burne to see what was further to be done concerning the former intention of their owne and accordingly we did send to them that they should meet us and on that meeting it was where was only Sir Phelim Mr. Moore Colonell Burne Captain Neale and my selfe after long debate it was resolved Note that we with all those that were of our Faction should goe on with that determination that was formerly made concluded to to rise out moreover to seize on the Castle as the Collonells were
Doore of his Lodging in the Tower and with a bed-cord let himselfe downe and having gotten over two walles waded through the ditch and so escaped Lawr Whitaker Isaaâ—k Pennington The Examination of Hugh Mac Mahone taken the 20. day of Octob. 1644. I. HE saith that the Warrant which Philip O Neale told him of was for the seazing of some strong Holds in his Country Note which was the County of Cavan remembreth not whose hand or hands were subscribed to it besides Sir Maur Eustaces and that the intention of that Warrant was that the strong Holds of that County should be seized upon untill they of that County had satisfaction unto their demands and grievances which were to be presented to the Parliament He remembreth not the date of that Warrant nor how long it did beare date before the discovery of the Plot remembreth not who wâ—re acquainted with the Warrant besides Orelly and himselfe saving only one Hugh Orelâ—y who was then present when Philip Orelly shewed it to this Examinant and Philip Orelly told him that the like Warrant was to goe into all Shieres of that Kingdom and that it was to be accompanied with a Commission from the King or with other Copies of it which he saith he hath * * That is by some Oxford cavalliers sinâ—e his escape out of the Tower Sâ— he twice confessed it herâ—tâ—fore p. 238 239. since heard to be false II. He confesseth he was at Philip Orellyes house five nights before the discovery of the Rebellion and that he told him this except that the designe thereof was resolved upon in the May before and that the matter touching the seazing of the Castles of the Kingdome was referred to a Committee of Parliament to be considered of and saith that the Lord Magwire met him that night at Orellyes house with his wife and children but denyeth that the Lord Magwire heard any of the conference which this Examinant had with Philip Orelly but only at this Examinants departure from thence in the morning he said he should meere this Examinant in Dublin but upon better advertisement this Examinant saith that at his taking leave of the Lord Magwire this Examinant said to him What if the matter be as Orelly said and that we seaze upon the Castle at Dublin how if the City stir The L. Magwire answered What should they stir for when we * * This he feined since his appâ—ehension after his escape the carriage of the Rebels in all other parts and the Testimonies p. 241 242 24â— contradicting it wil do no body no hurt perhaps we may shoot off a warning-piece when we have taken the Castle in some voyd place or some Chimnies to make a noise III. He knoweth not any thing IV. V. He saith he did discourse about that Plot with one Rory Mac Mahone and Kedman Mac Mahone but did not consult with them about it otherwise then by telling them what Philip Orelly had told him and that he was the first and last that ever told him of it and he thinketh Rory Mac Mahone and Redman are still living but where he knoweth not VI. He saith that one Art Mac Mahone and two Boyes did accompany him to Dublin the 22. of October of which boyes one was 24. or 25. yeares old and the other 16. or 17. which Art was also taken there and put in prison and for the two boyes he knoweth not what became of them and saith that 8. persons came up after him out of the County of Monaghan which were part of the twenty that were to be sent up out of that County but remembreth not the names of any of those eight persons and he spake not with any of them VII He saith that Ockonelly as he remembreth told him of the taking of Charlemonâ— or of some stir about it but by whom it was taken or seazed upon he knoweth not if it were taken nor knowes who was at the taking of it VIII He knoweth the L. Blanyes house in the County of Monaghan but knoweth nothing of the Fort of Mont-Ioy nor whether there be such a place or no. IX He knoweth not what Forts or places were taken in this rebellion X. He knoweth most of the parties named in this Inter but denyeth that ever he had any discourse with any of them about the rebellion more then that he told two or three of them what Philip Orelly had told him XI He had speech with Con Mac Bryan Mac Mahone so far as to tell him what Orelly had told him but with the other man no speech at all XII No speech with any of them XIII He knoweth of no other encouragement given to him but that Orelly told him that the King did say to Pluncket sticke you to me and I will sticke to you and the Commission formerly mentioned which the Lord * * Since his escape here but confesseth it here before p. 231. Magwire said was not true XIV Knoweth no more then he hath said but that Mackennay should come up from the County of Monaghan with twenty men to be of the number of those that should seaze the Castle Isaack Penington Lawrence Whitaker To these Examinations I shall adde this ensuing Testimony which will more fully discover the bloody intentions of those Conspirators against the Protestants and English in Ireland Iohn Carmicks Testimony upon Oath to the Iury in Court at the Kings Bench in Westminster Hall upon the triall of Hugh Oge Mac Mahon Esquire the 18. of November 1644. THat upon the 21. of October 1641. Fergus O Howen one of the followers or servants of Bryan Mac Gwire Esquire came to my Chamber in the Castle of Eniskillin in the County of Fermanagh in Ireland and after he indeavoured to bind me to keepe secret a matter of great concernment which he said he had to disclose unto me and particularly to conceale it from Sir William Cole and all other English-men He discovered unto me that the Lord Magwire and the above named Hugh Oge Mac Mahon accompanied with sundry Irish-men of the Counties of Fermanagh and Monaghan did take their Iournies out of the said Counties upon the nineteenth and twentieth daies of October 164â— to the City of Dublin with resolution and intent to surprise and seaze upon his Majesties Castle of Dublin and to murther * * Note and kill his Highnesse Lords Justices and Councell of the Kingdome of Ireland and the rest of the Protestants there and also to possesse themselves of the City of Dublin and to put all the Protestants there likewise to the Sword and that to that effect there were other great men and others of the Papists of that Kingdom to repaire unto and meet them in Dublin on Saturday 23. Octob. 1641. or there abouts And that all the Castles Forts Seaâ—ports and Holds that were in the possession of the Protestants in the severall Counties and Provinces in the Kingdome of Ireland were then also designed and
the 24 we met again in Councell and sent to all parts of the Kingdome the inclosed Proclamation and issued Pattents to draw hither seven horse Troopes as a further strength to this place and to be with us in case the Rebels shall make head and march hitherward so as we may be necessitated to give them Battell we also then sent away our Letters to the Presidents of both the Provinces of Munster and Conaught and we likewise then sent Letters to the Sheriffes of the five Counties of the Pale to consult of the best way and meanes of their own preservation That day the Lord Viscount Fitzwilliam and the Lord of Houth and since the Earle of Kildare Trigall and the Lords of Dunsany and Slane all Noble men of the English Pale came unto uâ— declaring that they then and not before heard of the matter and professed all Loyalty to his Majesty and concurrence with the State but said they wanted Armes whereof they desired to bee supplyed by us which wee told them we would willingly doe as relying much on their faithfulnesse to the Crown but wee were not yet certaine whether or no we had enough to Arme our strength for the Guard of the City and Castle yet we supplyed such of them as lay in most danger with a small proportion of Arms and Ammunition for their Houses lest they should conceive we apprehended any jealousie of them And wee commanded them to be very diligent in sending out Watches and making all the discoveries they could and thereof to advertise us which they readily promised to doe And if it fall out that the Irish generally rise which we have cause to suspect then we must of necessity put Armes into the hands of the English Pale in present and to others as fast as wee can to fight for defence of the State and themselves Your Lordship now sees the condition wherein we stand and how necessary it is first that we enjoy your presence speedily for the better guiding of these and other the publike affaires of the King and Kingdome and secondly that the Parliament there be moved immediately to advance to us a good sum of money which being now speedily sent hither may prevent the expence of very much Treasure and blood in a long continued warre and if your Lordship shall happen to stay on that side any long time we must then desire your Lordship to appoint a Lievtenant Generall to discharge the great and weighty burthen of commanding the Forces here Amidst these confusions and disorders fallen upon us we bethought us of the Parliament which was formerly adjourned to November next and the Terme now also at hand which will draw such a concourse of people hither and give opportunity under the pretence of assembling and taking new councells seeing the former seemes to bee in some part disappointed and of contriving further danger to this State and people wee have therefore found it of unavoydable necessity to prorogue the Parliament to the 24 day of February next and therefore we doe by Proclamation prorogue it accordingly and to direct the Term to be adjourned to the first of Hillary Terme excepting only the Court of Exchequer for hasting in the Kings money if it be possible We desire that upon this occasion your Lordship will be pleased to view our letters concerning the Plantation of Conaught dated the 24 of April last directed to Mr Secretary Vane in that part thereof which concernes the County of Monaghan where now these fires do first break out In the last place we must make known to your Lordship that the Army we have consisting but of 2000 foot and a 1000 horse are so dispersed in Garrisons in severall parts of the foure Provinces for the security of those parts as they continually have been since they were so reduced as if they be all sent for to be drawn together not only the places whence they are to bee drawne and for whose safety they lie there must be by their absence distressed but also the Companies themselves comming in so small numbers may bee in danger to be cut off in their March nor indeed have we any money to pay the Souldiers to enable them to March. And so we take leave anâ— remaine Your Lordships to be commanded From his Majesties Castle of Dublin 25. Octob. 1641. Poscript THe said Owen Connelly who revealed this Conspiracy is worthy of very great consideration to recompence that faith and loyalty which hee hath so extreamly to his own danger expressed in this businesse whereby under God there is yet hope left us of deliverance of this State and Kingdom from the wicked purposes of those Conspirators And therefore we beseâ—â—â— your Lordship that it be taken into consideration there so as hee may have a marke of his Majesties most Royall bounty which may largely extend to him and his Posterity we not now being able to doe it for him As wee were making up these our Letters the Sheriffe of the County of Monoghan and Dr Teats having fled came unto us and informe us of much more spoyle committed by the Rebels in the Counties of Monoghan and Caven And that the Sheriffe of the County of Caven joynes with the Rebels being a Papist and prime man of the Irish. What encouragment these Conspiratours had from Rome to proceed on in this design after it was in part prevented will evidently appeare by these three Letters written from thence to the Lord Mac Guire and Sir Phelym Oneale in Irish intercepted by the Lords Iustices in Ireland and sent over thus truly translated into England together with a Letter May 11. 1642. In which we may clearely discover that Cardinall Barbarino who was so intimate with Windebanke and held correspondency with him and the English Papists had a great hand in plotting this long intended Rebellion and was privy to it ere it brake forth A Copy of a Letter from Francis Mac Guire from Rome to the Lord Mac Guire The superscription Deliver me to Connor Mac Guire Lord of Eniskilin or in his absence to his brother Rowry Mac Guire in Ireland My honoured Lord THousand commendations unto you to Bryan Rowry and the rest I have heard of yours and Hugh Oge his imprisonment truly I never heard worse newes in all my life who esteeme that it is rather much good then any hurt which will redownd to you and the whole Nation from these your troubles Truly my Lord if you bee dead through that attempt the â—which God forbid it is a most glorious and everlasting name Note which you have added to your selfe The Pope and the two Cardinals his two Nephewes are acquainted with your case and heard likewise how valorously Phelym and Rowry and the rest of the Gentlemen their assistants have behaved themselves and rejoyced greatly thereat so that I make no question he will help you if you demand his side as becomes you therefore Bonaventura O Câ—nny brother to Eneas O Conâ—y who
is Lecturer here thought fit to write unto the Generall Phelym touching this matter and I advise you to see wisely unto the reasons which hee writ and unto the good which will arise from them in time and that you and Phelym be guided and directed by them and the rather for that Bonaventura is a wise prudent and learned man and as loving and faithfull unto you as I am if you be not present Rowry will supply your place I beseech you above all things and for the love of Iesus Christ let true love bee established among you all and let not the temptation of the Divell or man divert your minde from cherishing all possible love and amity between your selfe and Bryan Mac Coghonaght and his children as I doubt not you will endeaver to draw unto you not only your own kindred but also the ancientest roote of the Irish Note wheresover dispersed or distant and all to the glory of God and the defence of your Religion and I will be bound God will be your help If you beare out your year believe me the Pope and all the Catholique Kings will be glad that you crave their assistance Note the mercifull God grant it and defend you from the out-rage of your enemies So will hee pray night and day who is Your poore Kinsman Francis Mac Guire â—rom Isitdors Colledge Rome 4 Ian. 1642. after the Roman account Were it not that I have not finished my Studies there is nothing in the world I had rather then to live with you to doe for you any service even to my death though I want nothing where I am and seeing I am not present with you let none be your Councell but such as be wise and conscionable men and acquainted with the Customs of other Nations I commit you to Gods protection and behave your selfe nobly for your Religion commend mee to Hugh Maâ— Mahoâ—n and his children seeing the way is very long I will be so bold as to send unto you no more paper at this time Malachias is a Lecturer in the Countrey an excellent Italian as you think best either send for him to goe over or else let him tarry here A Copy of a Letter from one in Rome to Sir Phelym O-Neale Right Honourable YOur Honour and worth doth embolden me though unacquainted to present unto your honour herewith my humble duty and service which shall be alwayes at your Lordships command if in ought your Lordships may be pleased to make use thereof I have received of late some Letters out of London wherein they write that your Lordship hath taken Armes in Ireland against the King of England of this I have informed our old Father Note who received much comfort thereby and promised to give his helping hand to all your exploits which our Munster men here underhand doe offer to make his Holinesse believe that if any such businesse or alteration be in Ireland it is rather begun by my Lord Roch or Wormouth then by you or any in your Province being very poore and wanting the ability or meanes to maintaine or make up any such Army this with other sinister informations doth this Munster Agent whom in Gods name Mr Reily nominated for Vlster offer to diminish the â—ame and credit of those who venture their life and health for the common good of their Countrey and Church Note It is most necessary that your Honour doe write with all speed and by severall wayes both to this old man with his Nephew Cardinall Francisco and also to our Protector Cardinall Anthony or send some naturall Prelate that may informe them at large of all your proceedings and minde In the meane time what I or Father Bonaventura Conneâ— can doe shall not be wanting observe alwayes good correspondency with the Ancient Catholike houses of both England and Scotland Note as your Predecessor the defunct did and also with those here and elsewhere Father Francis Fâ—rrall is in Vienna to serve us and Father Magnesius in Madrid so as nothing may be wanting if due correspondency be observed trust and make use of old Rosse de Cruce who knowes how to see your letters directed unto me See that you live all in a generall union and not have any contradiction among you otherwise you can hardly arive to what we desire you If any service I can doe you either here or elsewhere be sure to command me as your own in the meane time my daily prayers shall not be wanting for your happy and prosperous successe in all your pâ—oceedings desiring the mighty Majesty to lend you his helping handâ— and so will I take leave wishing your honour a most happy new yeare Your Lordships humble servant and cousin to commad G. F. Rome 4 Ianu. 1642. Here I send you a letter from Father Bonaventura Conneo a most good and discreet friend of yours This is Gerrald Farrall as appeares by other Letters This man did write severall other Letters to this purpose to severall other Priests and Titulary Bishops in this Kindome A Copy of a Letter from Bonaventura O-Conny to Sir Phelym Roe O-Neale from Rome To my Honoured friend Phelym Roe O-Neale with my well wishes in Ireland My honoured Lord THe great God help you I would have often written unto you since I received St Francis his habit and especially during these seven years I lived in Rome had not the Lord which lately dyed and Hugh Roe my brother charged me to keep no correspondency with you or with any other friend there to avoid all suspition and damage which might happen unto you thereby now if that which is written unto us and which we hear from all parts be true to wit That the thing which * * Note we long desired whereof our hope was in God and you heretofore become to passe the time of writing and keeping correspondency with you touching such matters as are best and most needfull unto you in the present opportunity is now at hand therefore I could not chuse but write above all things these few lines unto you in my mother tongue as being most safe and lesse suspitious in these times The holy Father and his two Nephewes Cardinall Anthony Barbarino Protector of Ireland Note and Cardinall Francis Barbarino who hath all the power here in such matters as concern the Pope have heard of the Warre and Confederation which you make for your Religion and Liberty And truly I cannot expresse the greatnesse of the joy no wonder which they receive thence in such manner that if they had received Letters Note or if you had sent an Agent unto them to expresse your will or designes you should want no helpe for your better proceedings Wherefore I would have you to send some able man with a Declaration of your grievances in form of Law my Brother Owen Roe O Conny the Priest is in Spaine except he begon into Ireland before this he hath finished very well his studdy
Iesuites sundry yeares how the very Popish Irish Rebels themselves have been in great numbers imporâ—ed and entertained in his Majesties Armies with much respect yea some of the chiefest of them highly honoured and favoured at Court to the very envy of the Protestant party there notwithstanding all their bloody massacres in Ireland and England too and their base Irish coyne made currant in England by speciall Proclamation how they have gained Letters of Mart from the King to spoyle and rob his Protestant Subjects Ships Goods Persons by sea and what hopes they have that the City of Bristoll it selfe shall be shortly put into their power notwithstanding their Generall Assemby held at Kilkenny in nature of a Parliament where they have erected severall Courts of Iustice civill and military created sundry Iudges See the Actâ— thereof printed 1642. Officers of all sorts imposed arbitrary Taxes enacted Lawes usurped to themselves both a transcendent Regall and Parliamentary Power which yet they execute in their own names as a SVPREAM COVNCELL hath been already so fully related in Dr. Iones his book of Examinations The Rise and Progresse of the Irish Rebellion The Mystery of Iniquity The Acts of the Generall Assembly of the Rebels at Kilkenny An. 1642. with sundry other late printed Relations and Declarations of both Houses concerning Ireland yea in sundry Oxford Aulicusses and are so experimentally known to most that I shall totally pretermit them And conclude only with the Testimony of Sir Arthur Lofâ—us delivered upon oath in the Kings Bench in Mac-Mohuns triall concerning the Popes Bull lately sent from Rome to the Irish Rebels portending more massacres and warres both there and here to this effect Note That his Holinesse did give them his fatherly Benediction and a plenary indulgence for all their sinnes for the extraordinary service they had done for the Catholique Cause and Church in invading extirpating the Hereticks in Ireland exhorting them to proceed on in that acceptable service till they had fully compleated that work A true copy of which Bull sent to the Lords Justices in Ireland he both saw and read How the English Papists all privy to that Designe as was then attested on oath at the same triall to divert all assistance of the Irish Protestants from hence have raised up a bloody civill warre in England to the ruine of many thousand gallant men on either part and almost utter desolation of our Kingdome how contrary to his Majesties first Orders Proclamations they have all had free accesse to his Court Armies Forts and received very gracious entertainment if not great commands in both and how both English Irish Dutch French Italian Spanish and German Papists have combined all their Purses Forces Armes Pollicies and Power together to assist the King who yet adheres unto their party Councels against his Parliament and Protestant Subjects is so experimentally known to all of all sorts especially to the Protestants in his Majesties Court Armies Quarters that it would be a meere unnecessary expence of time and paper to make any particular relation of them Should I here insert all other papers concerning Papists and their proceedings which have come unto my hands I might tire both the Reader and my selfe and make my Gate farre larger then my City I shall therefore close up this introduction with three late Letters from beyond the Seas discovering fully to the world how vigorously the Popish Faction still carry on their designes of reconciling us speedily unto Rome and are now in agitation to procure a Cardinals Cap from the New Pope for the Lord Aubeny Brother to the Duke of Lenox one of the late Commissioners sent from Oxford to the Parliament about the Treaty of Peace to which our present Negotiations with the Pope for a Cardinalship for so great a Person at this nick of time is a very sad inauspicious Prologue â—ngaging all who have any sparks of reall love to God Religion his Majesty their Countrey or Posterity to look about them with greatest care for feare of Circumventions The first Letter was written out of Flanders by some Priest or Iesuite of the Spanish Faction to Mr Henry Howard relating the manner of the New Popes election with the Queens sending Sir Kenelm Digby to Rome to him for a Cardinals Cap for the Lord Aubeny since made an Abbot in France and intimating that there is some designe to make the Lord Herbert a professed Papist Governour of Bristoll ere long and to put that City and Castle into the Papists hands where thousands of them at this present reside and some overtures of putting this designe in speedy execution if our late intelligence thence deceive us not have been lately made and much feared by the Inhabitants This Letter was intercepted in its passage towards Oxford and brought to the Committee of Examinations where the Originall remaines out of which I copied it YOu heare ere this that Cardinall Pamâ—ilio a Roman borne a great Lawyer and a very wise man Note is made Pope with the name of Innocentius Decimus he was made by the Spanish Faction who having excluded Cardinall Sachetti though a gallant man but desired above all by the French and Barbarinoes and after that excluded also another a Dominican whom Barbarino desired to advance by these exclusions our Faction of which the Cardinall of Florence was the Capo constrained Barbarino to joyne with them in favour of Pamfilio as being also a Creature of the last Pope but the French Faction opposed all they could though in vaine He hath been Nuntio in Spaine eight yeares that it is conceived he is well affected to that Crowne but I wish he may carry himselfe indifferently and like an Vniversall Father and only favour that party which shall most apply it selfe to reason He is 70 yeares old and a halfe but of a very strong Constitution His Nephew being but one is not above 18 yeares old and so he is not sit for Businesses hee hath therefore made choyce of three or foure Cardinalls to assist him in the Government and Cardinall Pancirellio being one of them is to lodge in S. Peters as his chiefe Confident He will certainly set instantly upon the businesse of the Generall Peace part of his Armes is a Pigion which is a good Augury Tell me whether the Archbishop of York be at Oxford Note he is a gallant man and of good intentions be acquainted with him Where is my Lord Herbert all this while is he Governour of Bristoll It is writ from Paris lately that Sir Kenelm Digby is going to Rome sent by the Queen and among other things he must sollicite a Cap for the Duke of Lenox his Brother In my conscience betweene you and me I think Mr Thomas Courtney deserves it infinitely better and would make good use Thus I end Yours c. The 22 of Octob. 1644. Burne this Letter I pray you and tell me you have done it To my very good Friend Mr Hen Howard
recommend to Mr Francis Howard his Brother The second Letter was writ by Sir Kenelm Digby and sent to Mr Walter Montague in the Tower and fortiâ—ies the former though in more obscure termes I Hope you have your book ere this time Mr Gibson my Lord of Pembrooks Dwarfe took charge of it at his going hâ—nce and I am confident he will be most carefull to deliver it into your owne hands if it may be if not he will give it to of the house as you direct I sent it open that it may give no ombrage but as for the note under Standreâ—s hands assuredly there is none at a a It seems Mr Montagues Cabinet of secret Papers are kept at Pontoise a Nunnery in France â—y the Abbesse there Pontoise La Mere and I have looked over every paper in the Cabinets she giving me them one by one through the grate she had emptied all together when she sent your Indian ones to be sold which caused some confusion We finde a copy of that note under Filbricks hand attested by him and Tho. Cook to be a true copy and mentioning that Filbrick being then to goe into England was to take the Originall note with him to demand thereupon the money of Standrets brother Oliver I understand that Filbrick will be here shortly with my Lord Iermyn and then I will know of him what he did with the Originall note In the meane time I have desired La Mere to send this attested copy to Mr Foster to doe with it as you shall hereafter direct I have given your fine Cane to * * The Lady Abbesse La Mere to keep carefully for you I feare I shall not be so happy as to have much conversation with the Paradice of Pontoise before my going into Italy Note for the Queen presseth much my departure yet I hope so much time will slide away before that I may heare of your enlargement from your close habitation and obey your command of not going out of your call till you give me my dismissory La Mere and I have had much conference of what is fit to be done in your behalfe and of what advantage the present resolution of your enlargement thence may be to you in the maine of the businesse Note And after much debate both she and b b Late Agent for the secular Priests at Rome at whose house Mr Montague lodged for a time in Rome Mr Fiâ—ton are come to my sentiment That you should accept of your freedome though clogged with the condition of not coming over hither Me thinks your comming into France might as well be accorded unto so that both you and this Queene give your words of not comming to the Court nor negotiating any businesse however that will be relished I wish you and all your friends might lay your strength upon permission for you to goe into Italy At the worst settle your abode in Monsieur Sabrans house for time may enlarge their enlargement with more ease then from the strictnesse you now are under Still the burden of my song is get out upon any termes for take my word if in any reasonable time you gaine so much liberty as to be capable of it your a a That is hee shall bee made a Cardinall there Italian businesse will be done which otherwise the necessity of affaires or at least the conceived necessity will cast it upon the b b The Lord Aubeny Lord you know who hath very powerfull advancers by his friends in this Court by his being much liked in a manner accepted of in Italy and by his own much pressing and publike declaring himselfe for it and thereupon taking the sentane The Queen is firm to you Note if you may be capable of it in any reasonable time and accordingly hath declared to that Lord. But if it cannot be in your behalfe then she hath promised him her powerfull assistance I pray you write me as soone as you can all your Sentiments and Orders upon this as also upon what you may reflect upon concerning my journey for I shall saile by your compasse and lose no time in doing so for I shall not be able to delay much I have desired La Mere to send Mr Foster the severall notes I have given for money received of you that I may take them in and give one formall one for the whole summe in case I pay it not before I goe deducting the 100. l. you had of mine I have had in all 480 pistols out of which deducting 140 for that 100. l. for that is the lowest and ordinary rate of exchange I have had though some more diligent persons have had 48 of advantage there remaineth due to you 340 pistols which in English money at the same rate of 40 per cent is 243. l. sterling which by the Grace of God shall ere long be reimbursed you either here or in England and peradventure before I goe hence La Mere telleth me there is no hope of getting above 200 pistols for the hanging though she have employed Madam le Cant. and other friends and severall Tapistiers about them If you will let them goe now I pray you let me have them to carry with me into Italy That is if I have money to pay for them when I receive them for otherwise I will not have them knowing how much you stand in need of present money Farewell deare Sir I have interrupted your meditations too long The 21 Octob. This Letter written with Sir Keâ—elm Digbies own hand and sent by him to Mr Montague a man best acquainâ—ed of any living with all the secret Negotiations and Treaties between Rome and us and best able to discover them having had a great share in the plotting and acting of them was intercepted and brought to the Committee of Examinations where the Originall remains out of which I have transcribed this extract The third is the Clause of a Letter lately written by a Noble English Lady now residing in Paris to a Member of the house of Commons wherein she writes thus to him for Newes in confirmation of the two preceding Letters touching the intended English Cardinall and Sir Kenelm Digbies Embassie from the Queene to Rome Paris Decemb. 8. 1644. My Lord Aubeny is now made an Abbot The Queene of France hath given him one worth 1500 Pistols a yeare Note There is a speech HE SHALL BE A CARDINALL Sir Kenelm Digby GOES EMBASSADOVR TO ROME TO THE NEW POPE FROM THE QVEENE c. What little hopes we can then have of a firme or reall Peace whiles the Popish Party are so prevalent active audacious as even in this very nick of time to send a speciall Embassadour to Rome from our Queen to the New Pope to sollicite a Cardinals Cap for the Lord Aubeny brother to the Duke of Lenox a man so nearly allied to his Majesty and many great Personages in this Realme I shall humbly referre to the consideration
with their alterations and ratifications p 3 to 8. 14 15 25 40 to 46. Arminianisme planted here by the Iesuites their chiefe engin and bridge to Popery â—ountenanced by Bishop Laud and Arminians to p 92 93 94 146 147. Articles of the French Match p 70 71. Articles and Favours condescended to by King Iames and King Charles in behalf of Romish Priests and Catholikes upon the Spanish and French Marriage treaties p 44. to 49 71. The Lord Aubeny brother to the Duke of Lenox newly made an Abbot in France and to be forthwith made a Cardinal at the Queens sollicitation by the new pope p 252 to 255. Monsieur Aubert sent along with Secretary Windebank by the Queen when he fled to assist him p 126 128. B. Cardinall Barbarino the lates Popes Nephew made Protector Generall of the English and Scottish Nations and Superintendent of the Society of Iesuites erected in London p 141 144 145 146 210 211 214. His armes set above the Kings p 145. A great friend of Secretary Windebanks entertaining his sonne at Rome who brought â—ver in his Trunk divers things to Con the Nuncio from him p 141. 144 145 146 He sent over statues into England p 146. He had a hand in the Irish Rebellion and much rejoyced at it p. 247 to 251. Barnwell an Irish Popish Bishop a great stickler in the Reâ—ellion there p 220 229 231 Bishop Beadles Letters concerning the increase and insolencie of the Papists in Ireland p 99 100 111 112 113. The Bishops of Scotlands Letters to Archbishop Laud concerning their Liturgy and Canons p 149 150. Their insolencie towards the Peers through Canterburies advancing of them p 206. They deemed themselves the representative Church of Scotland and above a generall Assembly p 167 168. Fr. Boetius the Popish Bishop of Elphin in Ireland his certificate p 113. The Lord Digby Earle of Bristoll his Negotiations in and Letters from Spain touching the Spanish Matâ—h and the Palatinate p 2 to 69. Impeached of High treason by Sir Robert Heath the Kings Attorney by the Kings speciall command for perswading him to become a Papist and alter his Religion in Spain and other miscarriages in the Lords House in Parliament p. 32 33 34. Major Bret sent agent to Rome from the Queen with the Archbishops privity as was there conceived An. 1635. p 143. Iohn Brown a popish Priest his notable discovery of sundry plots of the Iesuites Queens Priest Agents Popes Nuncioes c. to this Parliament p. 207 to 215. The Duke of Buckingham accused by the Earle of Bristoll of high treason in Parliament for labouring to seduce the King to become a Papist and other miscarriages in Spain p 30 31 32. His voyage into France to bring over the Queen p 73 c. His voyage to Ree and betraying of Rochel p 84 85 86. Burlemachi the chief Conveyer of Secretary Windebanks Letters since his slight p 138. Sir Iohn Burrows papers writ to the Archb concerning the war with Scotland p 172 to 175. Bonnyragge his exactions p 212 C. The Bishop of Calcedon Smith sent from the Pope into England where he ordained Priâ— sts and seduced his Majesties subjects Proclamations for his apprehension procured by the secular and regular Priests who persecuted and caused him to â—ly into France p. 98 99 100. The Oath the English Priests were to take to him p 82 83. Windebanks correspondencie with him to make him his intelâ—igencer in France concerning the Scots p 199. The Lady Calfields testimony concerning the Irish Rebellion that the Rebels gave out England was in the same condition with Ireland the Tower of London surprized by their Party and the Archbishop of Canterbury rescued thence p 226. Secretary Calverts Letters to the Earle of Bristoll Gage and others touching the Spanish Match p 21 25 28 29. Cardinals at Rome writ to by King Iames during the Spanish treaty and their respects to him p 26. Cardinalls Caps sought after expected by or promised to Mr. Walter Montague Mr. Sommerset Mr. Brudnell and the L. Aubeny p 143 199. 200 211 252 253 254. A Cardinalship seriously offered twice one after another to Archbishop Laud p 149 Iohn Carmick his testimony concerning the late Irish Rebellion p 241 242 243. King CHARLES his voyage into Spaine whiles Prince of Wales by whom and for what end designed to wit to make him a professed Papist the Palsgâ—aves eldest sonne being at the same time intended to be sent to the Emperours Court to be there trained up in Popery p 30 to 38. The arts and perswasions there used to make him a Papist ibid. The Popes Letter to him there and his answer to it sent to the Pope p 36 to 39. His Oath and Articles in favour of Papists there sworn and subscribed p 40 to 49 His Letters of procuration and delayes there put on him by the Spaniard p 48 to 52. His return from Spain and the jewels he there gave away at his departure p 49 to 56. His Match with France and the articles concerning it p 69 70 71. His pardon of 20 Priests and Iesuites within three dayes after it p 71 72 73. His Answer to the Petition of both Houses against Recusants at Oxford Anno 1625. and his Proclamations against Recusants and Priests with the ill execution of both and the discharging priests protecting Recusants notwithstanding p 74 to 148 His Warrant to Captain Pennington An. 1625 to sinke the English shippes who refused to serve the Papists against the Protestants in Rochel c p 84 85 86 His setting the Lone on foot and Letters concerning it An. 1626. p 86 87 88. The Parliaments Remonstrance to him called in by proclamation and answered by Bishop Laud by his command An. 1627. p 90 to 95. His proclamations against the Bishop of Calcedon procured by the secular priests p 98 99 100. Advices to him concerning the Queenes Priests p 119 to 103. His Passe to Secretary Windebank when he fled into France and the continuance of his Royall favours to him there though he professeth in sundry Letters he did release no Priests c. but by his Majesties specall direction and command p 123 to 140. Windebank sends his petition to the Parliament to him to correct and further it in the Houses p 134 135. The received Copy of his Letter to the Pope in 〈◊〉 behalfe of the Duke of Loraign p 142. Pope Urban the 8 his affection to his Majesty p 142. What opinion they held of him at Rome An. 1635. p 14 〈◊〉 43. His Articles and Letter concerning his Chappell in Scotland and 〈…〉 Archbishop Laud to hold correspondency with the Deane of it the Bishop of Dunblane â— 148 149. His Command to the Archbishop of S. Andrewes to hold correspondencie with the Lord Traquaire p. 151. His Warrant concerning the Scottish Canons without date p. 152. His Instructions to the Archbishops and Bishops of Scotland and a pretendant Warrant to archbishop Laud concerning the Scottish Liturgie p. 156. His